Music Industry Moves: Eagles Founding Member Bernie Leadon Signs With Warner Chappell Music

Bernie Leadon, a founding member of the legendary rock band the Eagles, has renewed his long-standing global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music, the publishing division of Warner Music Group. This renewal strengthens a partnership that began for Leadon over five decades ago, in 1971. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am delighted to renew my connections with them now at this point in the 21st Century. Warner Chappell and Warner Music have always been at the pinnacle of support for songwriters and other music creators, and that reality is still very evident in the current leadership and staff."

This announcement coincides with the upcoming release of "Too Late to Be Cool," Leadon's first solo album in more than twenty years, scheduled for October 10. Warner Chappell Co-Chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall praised his foundational influence, noting that much of the contemporary Americana genre owes a debt to his genre-blending work with The Flying Burrito Brothers—a seminal country-rock act—and his era-defining contributions to the Eagles. The Eagles' "Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)" remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with U.S. sales estimated at over 38 million copies. An industry expert noted, "Leadon's early integration of country, bluegrass, and rock created a template that countless artists still follow today."

In a separate executive appointment, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has named Ian Harrison as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1. Harrison brings more than two decades of leadership from the independent sector, most recently serving as Executive Vice President at Hopeless Records, where he helped transform the label into an international powerhouse. His philanthropic efforts through the Hopeless Foundation have raised over $3.5 million for music and mental health initiatives. An active A2IM member since 2012, Harrison has contributed significantly through committee work and mentorship. He will take over from Dr. Richard James Burgess, whose departure is set for the end of the year.

Meanwhile, veteran executive Carlos “Charly” Pérez has launched Studio VII, a new firm specializing in communications, public relations, and event production for the entertainment industry. With operational hubs in the United States and Puerto Rico, and an extended network throughout Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, the company has formed a strategic, non-exclusive alliance with Warner Music Latina. This collaboration will focus on developing emerging talent and strengthening the label's artist roster. Pérez emphasized that this model offers the agility of an independent venture while maintaining vital connections to a major label. Such hybrid arrangements are increasingly popular as experienced professionals use their industry relationships to build flexible, project-driven enterprises.

Finally, at its "All in For Kids" fundraising breakfast, Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) honored Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and the Scarlett Family Foundation for their philanthropic contributions. CAA—a leading global agency in entertainment and sports—received the "All in For Kids Award" for its ongoing support of the nonprofit's mission to help students succeed. The award was accepted by John Huie, a founding partner of CAA Nashville. The Scarlett Family Foundation was presented with the Alice Chapman Advocacy Award, named for a founding task force member and former CISTN board chair. Tara Scarlett, the immediate past chair of CISTN's board, accepted the honor on behalf of her family, underscoring a shared dedication to promoting educational equity.