BMI has promoted music exec Shannon Sanders to avp, creative, Nashville. In the new role, Sanders will continue supporting Nashville’s creative community through signing and developing new talent and supporting songwriters through showcase events, educational programs and industry networking opportunities. Sanders reports to BMI vp, creative, Nashville Clay Bradley.
Sanders joined BMI in 2020 as executive director, creative, Nashville. He has led creative initiatives including the Annapolis Songwriters Festival in 2022, produced the BMI Presents: A Conversation With series that has featured artists including Sheryl Crow, Sting and more, and hosted BMI’s monthly Acoustic Lounge at the Bluebird Cafe, which has featured artists including Lauren Daigle, The War & Treaty and K. Michelle.
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Prior to joining BMI, Sanders founded and served as program director at Nashville’s 102.1 The Ville and worked as co-musical director for the Fisk Jubilee Singers and India.Arie. Sanders has earned three Grammy Awards, three Emmys, a GMA Dove Award and was honored with the Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives Award in 2024. The National Museum of African American Music honored him as a Living Legend in 2025, and he was inducted into Tennessee State University’s Hall of Fame for Distinguished Alumni. He continues to be active in industry organizations including the Recording Academy and Leadership Music, and serves on the boards of the ACM, Americana Music Association, Country Music Association, International Bluegrass Music Association and more.
“Shannon’s extensive industry experience and unwavering commitment to songwriters make him an invaluable member of BMI’s Creative team,” Bradley said in a statement. “He’s been a constant champion of Nashville’s diverse music community, honoring its rich heritage while creating new opportunities for writers across all genres. Shannon has also helped to expand and strengthen BMI’s programs and relationships, and I look forward to working with him to build on that success.”
