Blake To Retire:
Columbia Dir./Northeast Regional Cliff Blake is retiring after 47 years in the radio and records industries. "I've been so fortunate to have led successful radio stations, and then helped launch or further the careers of some incredible artists," he says. "It's been an honor to be a part of this dedicated Columbia promotion team and incredible leaders like Steve Hodges and Shane Allen at Sony/Nashville. I'm also grateful for the friendship of my long-standing radio relationships. Jobs come and go, but those friendships endure!" Blake joined Columbia for a second time three years ago (CAT 9/11/15) after label stops at Warner Bros., Republic Nashville and Arista. His radio stops include WZZK/Birmingham, WMZQ/Washington, KFKF/Kansas City and WOKQ/Portsmouth, NE. Blake's last day is Dec. 17; reach him here. Search openings at Sony/Nashville here.
The CRS 2026
Print Special
featuring: Hey-Hi, AI: Emerging Uses
Best CRS Takeaways Ever
Label Contacts • New Faces
Travis Daily: The Interview
Inside This Issue:
Real Talk Opens CRS
“New” Faces Sound Off
What’s Most Important?
The Week Ahead
The 2026 Grammy
Voter's Guide
A quick reference guide to the 2026 Grammy Nominees