CLARENCE SPALDING RECEIVES CMA PRESIDENT'S AWARD

NASHVILLE - During today's CMA Board of Directors meetings (Oct. 7-8), the organization's president Steve Moore surprised CMA Board member and former President/Chairman Clarence Spalding by presenting him with the CMA President's Award, which is given annually at the discretion of the President of the Board. Moore praised the leadership, creative thinking and hours of dedication that Spalding has devoted to the Association during his years of volunteer service to the CMA Board of Directors.

"Clarence's contributions to CMA have been meaningful, long-lasting, and undeniable" said Moore. "But on a personal level, Clarence has been a treasured colleague, offering me valuable advice and insight into a very challenging job during a turbulent time for our industry."

Spalding joined the CMA Board of Directors in 2003, serving as President in 2007 and Chairman in 2008. A leading member of the Board, Spalding has chaired several committees including his current post as chairman of the Television Committee.

Spalding grew up in the small town of Lebanon, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky and majored in communications. Spalding's music business career began when he started a one-man agency, booking show bands into fraternities and sororities. After graduation, friends opened a 375-seat club in Lexington and Spalding was hired to book the venue and he found himself working with artists from Ray Charles to Lee Greenwood, Janie Fricke to Spyro Gyra.

Spalding hired local group Exile, who had already had a pop hit with "Kiss You All Over," as the house band. When the group signed to Epic Records, Spalding joined the band as road manager. Later he worked with manager Stan Moress and a roster that included Ronnie Milsap, Restless Heart, KT Oslin, Lorrie Morgan, Eddie Rabbitt, and Roger Miller, before joining Titley and Assoc. (later to become Titley Spalding). It was there that Spalding began working with a new act known as Brooks & Dunn.

Spalding started Spalding Entertainment in 2004. His current roster includes Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Pat Green, and Ashley Monroe.

CMA was the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. Since then, membership has grown to more than 6,000 companies and music industry professionals from around the globe. For information about CMA and the Association's initiatives and events, visit www.CMAworld.com.