Nashville, Tenn. (March 16, 2021) — Today Cleveland International Records (CIR) announced it has entered into a global distribution deal with BFD / Audium Nashville. CIR and BFD / Audium Nashville will work in tandem to distribute new music to fans across the globe. Future projects include recordings from country great John Anderson, outlaw country legend David Allan Coe, and more.
CIR was launched in 1977 by industry mogul and executive, Steve Popovich, Sr. Over its span, the label is known for having released music from various artists from different genres including GRAMMY®-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated albums.
“The pandemic has definitely made us rethink how we conduct business on some levels but it has also forced us to shift our focus elsewhere for the better, too,” says CIR President Steve Popovich, Jr.
Through the partnership with BFD / Audium Nashville, CIR will be unveiling several albums later this year, including a 20th Anniversary Edition and first-time on vinyl release from the “King of Outlaw Country” and Akron, Ohio native, David Allan Coe and the album, Biketoberfest 01′: Live From the Iron Horse Saloon, originally executive produced by Popovich, Jr. The album is set to release on May 21. Pre-order now here.
Another project planned for 2021 is from “America’s Polka King” Frank Yankovic. FrankYankovic: Songs of the Polka King – The Ultimate Collection will be re-released on vinyl later this year— originally GRAMMY®-nominated recordings and featured guest artists Drew Carey, Weird Al Yankovic, Don Everly, Riders In the Sky,Chet Atkins, KinkyFriedman, David Allan Coe, and more.
Additionally, there will be a reissue from Pittsburgh’s own, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with the album American Babylon, originally released in 1995 and produced by Bruce Springsteen. The deluxe reissue will include a live LP from the Houserockers’ legendary October Assault Tour, recorded at an enthusiastic hometown show that same year. The label will also be releasing several past live shows recorded in Cleveland, Ohio. The first installment of these iconic shows will be live recordings from Ellen Foley,Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes featuring Ronnie Spector and Stevie Van Zandt, and CIR’s The Boyzz featuring special guests Meat Loaf, Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson. Popovich Jr. also has plans to release material from country music icon John Anderson, whose last album, Years, received critical acclaim. The album was co-produced by another Akron, Ohio native, Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys fame.
“BFD / Audium Nashville’s Bob Frank has had a lot of success over the years in the business and it’s comforting to me that he not only knew my father but worked with him as well,” adds Popovich, Jr. “Cleveland International is my father’s creation and it’s nice to work along with someone who understands our vision and where we see ourselves down the road.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Steve and look forward to working with him on the strong releases he has planned for 2021,” notes BFD / Audium Nashville CEO Bob Frank.
Popovich, Jr. also plans to honor his late father and his legacy through a documentary. “In addition to the label side of things we are also working on his documentary,” he explains. “He was an extraordinary person. This is a guy who was responsible for signing some of the biggest names in the history of the music business. You can start with signing Michael Jackson and The Jacksons to CBS/Epic Records. Had that not been done, would there have been a ‘Thriller’? I don’t know, but can you imagine what void that what have left in music period? It’s incredible to think about.”
Steve Popovich, Jr. (L), Steve Popovich, Sr. (R) Photo Credit: Steve Popovich, Jr.
About Cleveland Records International (CIR)
Cleveland International Records (CIR) was founded in 1977 by industry mogul and executive, Steve Popovich, Sr. The label is known for having released various artists from all genres over its span including GRAMMY®-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated albums. CIR is most notable for the signing and launching the career of Meat Loaf and the album, Bat Out of Hell, which went on to become one of the top selling albums in music history, worldwide selling over 50 million copies. The label relaunched in 2019 with Steve Popovich Jr. at the helm, bringing both new and generational music back to the forefront.
For more information visit, clevelandinternational.com.
About Bob Frank Distribution (BFD)
Bob Frank Distribution (BFD) was formed in 2013 as a boutique independent music distributor with a global sub-distribution arrangement with the Orchard. BFD currently represents over 50 labels and artists with thousands of masters including earMUSIC, Charly, Absolute, Righteous Babe, BlueHat, DPTV, Astor Place Recordings, Big Deal Records, Once Upon A Time Music, Node Records, Cleveland International Records, Peak Records, Woodward Avenue Records, The Atlantic Screen Group (Filmtrax), REMT, PRA/Bad Dog, and UFO, as well as artist owned labels and catalogs including Crystal Gayle, Dale Watson, Dave Davies, Anthony Gomes, Mark Collie, Darryl Worley, Lee Roy Parnell, Trini Lopez and many others.
Visit more information, visit bobfrankent.com.
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