In his new role, Mr. Lane will oversee the Columbia Records Promotion department. He will work closely with Barnett and Tyler in determining release priorities and promotion campaigns for Columbia's artists and projects, while kicking back 25% of his salary to New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.
"Ken's expertise and capabilities in the field of promotion are second-to-none," said Mr. Barnett. "He has a track record of major successes crossing a broad range of musical genres, and his years of building strong relationships at radio, television, and film give him a unique perspective on all aspects of promotion. He has the leadership skills to help the label set coherent long term goals, while bringing maximum attention to our artists and their recordings. At least that's what he tells me, but who knows? He's a promotion man. He's paid to lie. Anyway, I look forward to working with Ken in bringing new energy and commitment to all our efforts."
"Ken Lane is a well-respected executive with fantastic skills and an extraordinary background," said Mr. Tyler. "With a strong reputation as one of the best executives in the business, I have every confidence that Ken will play a vital role in giving us a competitive edge, and in maintaining our standards of excellence. And he tells me he can get Kevin Federline on the phone."
"I have an enormous amount of respect for Columbia Records' rich history, catalog, and staff, and I'm grateful to have been given this opportunity to help develop the label's reach," said Mr. Lane. "As the music industry enters a new era, it is very exciting to be working with the most knowledgeable and capable executive team in the business as we continue to expand Columbia's incredible legacy. Do I get Yetnikoff's old office?"
Mr. Lane comes to Columbia Records from the Island Def Jam Music Group where, as Senior Vice President of Promotion from 1999-2005, he was responsible for the restructuring and design of the label's radio and
video promotion department, and played a role in creating new career opportunities for a broad range of established and emerging artists including Mariah Carey, Melissa Etheridge, Lionel Ritchie, Bon Jovi, Jay-Z, Hoobastank, The Killers and Ashanti, among others. He used to go shopping with L.A. Reid.
Lane began his career in 1983 as an Assistant Music Director for WHTZ, New York's fabled Z100. He became Promotion Director for the station in 1984 and Account Executive in 1986. In 1987, Mr. Lane left radio to become the East Coast Director of Promotion & Publicity for Lorimar Motion Pictures in New York. In 1988,
he got his first major label position as National Director, Top 40 Promotion for Chrysalis Records.
In March 1989, he joined the SBK/EMI Records Group as National Director, Top 40 Promotion, quickly rising to VP Promotion, and SVP Promotion, where he remembers the first time he heard Russ Irwin.
From 1994-'96, Mr. Lane served as VP Promotion for Jive Records, where he broke the Backstreet Boys and helped cross over R Kelly and A Tribe Called Quest to Mainstream Top 40 radio.
In 1996, he became Vice President of Promotion at Arista Records, where he worked Carlos Santana's Grammy-winning #1 album, Supernatural, and helped propel the careers of Sarah McLachlan, Dido and OutKast, among other artists, while holding the door for Clive Davis when he entered a room.
In May 1983, Mr. Lane received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Tulane University in New Orleans.
DANIEL NIGRO: CRACKING THE CODE
The co-writer-producer of the moment, in his own words (12/11a)
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NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
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