Faith Hill makes a surprise appearance

NASHVILLE, TN. (www.n-a-t-d.com) - The Nashville Association of Talent Directors had their annual breakfast this morning at the Wildhorse Saloon. The breakfast, which honored the iebalive! 2004 conference, had a large turnout and included surprise guests, Faith Hill, Jamie O'Neal and John Carter Cash.

Ed Bazel, president of the NATD, served as the master of ceremonies and began the breakfast by welcoming everyone and giving a brief history of the NATD. The Board of Directors, which includes: Bonnie Sugarman, Rod Harris, Carrie Moore, Steve Thurman, Rod Essig, Tony Conway, Steve Tolman, Tobert Swope, Stan Barnett, Steve Lassiter, Joey Lee and Barry McCloud, were all brought to the stage to be recognized and receive awards.

Before the remaining awards were presented, legendary rock group Air Supply treated the crowd to a live performance, their first early morning concert in 30 years. Faith Hill presented the Talent Director of the Year Award to John Huie, agent for Creative Artists Agency. John has been Faith's agent for 12 years and has been with the company since 1991.
He also represents Alan Jackson, Deana Carter, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.

The Hubert Long Award was presented by Jamie O'Neal to CAA agent, Ron Baird. He is a 30-year booking veteran with the Jim Halsey Co. and William Morris Agency. Baird, who is retiring this year, has been with the Creative Artists Agency for 13 years and opened the Nashville office in 1991. He is an agent for Jamie Oneal, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Olivia Newton John, Joe Nichols, Julie Roberts, Jennifer Hanson, Steve Wariner, James Otto and others. During an emotional acceptance speech Baird mentioned that life has been good to him in terms of his music career and that he is truly blessed by God. He said, 'One of the best parts of receiving the award was hearing his grandson say, 'Congratulations, papa.''

After a brief video highlighting his career, Lou Robin received the Colonel Tom Parker Award, which was presented by John Carter Cash. Lou began his career in 1957 as a concert promoter and managed Johnny Cash for years. He has worked with the Beatles, Barbara Streisand, Bill Cosby and many other artists.
Scholarships were awarded to two deserving Belmont students; Kimberly Howell and Melissa Rau.
For more information about NATD contact Ed Bazel at 615.847.1104, Allison Crews at 615.327.0100 or visit www.n-a-t-d.com.