AirPlay Direct, the leading secure digital file transfer system for the music industry, is honoring Sam Passamano II of Rural Rhythm Records with the second annual "Iconic Innovators" Award.
Presented each year, the award honors a member of AirPlay Direct who has openly embraced the vision and opportunities that digital innovation has and continues to create within the industry.
As part of the award, Mr. Passamano will receive a $50,000 AirPlay Direct “Marketing & Awareness” Campaign for his legendary and award winning Bluegrass/Gospel label.
“This year proved to have a very strong field of candidates for this award. However, the AirPlay Direct Selection Committee were all in agreement that Sam Passamano II, President of Rural Rhythm Records was the perfect executive to be honored. His professional track record and that of his label Rural Rhythm Records clearly demonstrates that this award was earned by a true ‘Iconic Innovator’ in his prime.” -Lynda Weingartz, CEO – AirPlay Direct
“I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the “Iconic Innovators Award” from AirPlay Direct. After 37 years in the music business and being a second generation record guy, I have learned that success follows hard work, clearly defined goals, well thought out marketing strategies and last but not least, a constant eye on new and innovative ways to get our artists music to the right people in efficient and effective ways.
Several years back, Robert at AirPlay Direct and Sammy III (the third generation record guy in our family) at Rural Rhythm set up a new way for D.J.’s to receive new music in a digital format from our Rural Rhythm artists. Many years later, the service that AirPlay Direct provides artists and record labels has now become the industry standard that is used by major and independent artists and record labels.
Rural Rhythm recognizes and appreciates the foresight and importance of AirPlay Direct and we are extremely grateful to Robert, Lynda and their staff for all their contributions and hard work helping Rural Rhythm get its artists music into the right hands and ears over the years.” -Sam Passamano II – President, Rural Rhythm Records
ABOUT SAM PASSAMANO II: Sam Passamano II has been associated with an abundance of music business family history and veteran experience through the years that surrounds his career in the music business. Sam Sr. passed on to his son the knowledge, hard work ethics, music industry knowledge and credibility that followed him throughout his 37 year career as a distribution executive with DECCA, UNI and MCA Records. Also, Mr. Passamano II has passed on the tradition to the next generation. His oldest daughter and oldest son both have key positions in the Rural Rhythm Records’ family business.
As Director of Marketing at MCA Records, Mr. Passamano II acquired many areas of responsibility including management of all marketing activities overseeing In-house and Field Product Managers, Advertising, Merchandising, Publicity, development of all marketing campaigns and was involved in the development and execution of many successful titles released by Elton John, Olivia Newton John, Steely Dan, Tom Petty, The Who, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Bill Monroe, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Conway Twitty, Oak Ridge Boys, etc.
In 1987, Mr. Passamano II purchased Rural Rhythm Records which included a treasure trove of recorded masters by many legends and pioneers in old-time Country and traditional Bluegrass and Gospel genres including Mac Wiseman, Reno & Harrell, Red Smiley, Hylo Brown, J.E. Mainer, Curly Fox, Lee Moore, Vassar Clements, Dale Potter and many more. For more information, please visit www.ruralrhythm.com.
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