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Personnel changes have taken place regarding the leadership and staff of
Benson Records and efforts are currently being made to move staff members
to similar positions within the Provident system. This fine-tuning includes folding the Benson Record label into the group of
labels, managed by Co-Senior Vice Presidents Dean Diehl and George King,
comprised of Reunion, Diadem and Brentwood Records.
Following recent news reflecting Provident Music Group’s
best year in history, Chairman/CEO Jim Van Hook announced plans for
realignment to ensure growth throughout 2001. “We had a phenomenal year
last year and look forward to continuing on this track. In order to do so
however, it is necessary to fine-tune our system,” states Van Hook.
“Our industry is constantly changing and in order to reach people with our
artists’ music and ministry, we have to adapt to change while reflecting a
heart of good stewardship. It is in this spirit that we are making
adjustments within our system” adds Van Hook.
The folding of the Benson label will not impact the Cedarmont Kids division
or Verity Records as it relates to the Christian marketplace.
The following is a quote from George King, Co-Senior Vice President of
Reunion Records, Diadem Music Group, Brentwood Records and Benson Records
reflecting the folding of Benson Records into the group of labels.
“Dean and I are happy to welcome the Benson roster to our family of labels.
It’s our goal that ongoing promotion for the Benson acts will continue
uninterrupted. We’re excited about the possibilities for the future.” King manages Reunion Records, Diadem Music Group, Brentwood
Records and Benson Records with Co -Senior Vice President, Dean Diehl
“These are really encouraging times,” says Chairman/CEO Jim Van Hook.
“Without a ‘Butterfly Kisses’ and without a new breaking song, like Jars
of Clay had with ‘Flood’, we still had a year stronger than ever – at the
top and bottom line. This holds true both for the record company and the
publishing company.” (Provident grew by 17 % overall and by 3 % in market
share in 2000.)
Strong releases of artists such as Third Day, Caedmon’s Call, Michael W.
Smith (instrumental), and numerous others that are doing well now and show
terrific promise for the future, all contributed to a great year.
Of particular interest was the huge mainstream radio success of NewSong’s
“The Christmas Shoes”. During December, “The Christmas Shoes” garnered the
most AC Radio adds of any new release by any company, secular or Christian.
“This is simply another example,” states Jim Van Hook, “of the incredible
working relationship Provident has with its parent company, Zomba. I
really don’t think it could be any better” states Van Hook.
Provident concluded the year with the purchase of the sound-track company,
Praise Hymn. Provident Distribution has, over the last few years, played a
significant role in the growth of Praise Hymn, taking it to become the
largest sound track business in the industry.
The gospel label Verity had another year of strong growth. Verity has a
powerful line-up for 2001 and now a new gospel label is being launched
called Lighthouse Records.
Van Hook states, “This sort of year is good for everybody . . . the
industry at large, our writers, our artists, producers, managers, and
company employees. A solid, well-positioned and well-run business is good
for everyone and in our case, contributed directly to our sense of calling
and our mission.”
Provident Music Group was formed June 1997 by its parent company, Zomba
Music Group. Provident Music Group is the Christian music and publishing
entity of the parent company and also includes Provident Music
Distribution, Brentwood Records, Diadem Music Group, Reunion Records,
Essential Records, Verity Records (CBA Market), Cedarmont Kids and
Brentwood-Benson Publishing.
Provident Music Group was formed June 1997 by its parent company, Zomba
Music Group. Provident Music Group is the Christian music and publishing
entity of the parent company and also includes Provident Music
Distribution, Brentwood Records, Diadem Music Group, Reunion Records,
Essential Records, Verity Records (CBA Market), Cedarmont Kids and
Brentwood-Benson Publishing.
In a related story, Sound Scan reports a banner year for Christin music.
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