BMI Executive Action: Shannon Sanders
• BMI has promoted Shannon Sanders to AVP, Creative, Nashville. Sanders will continue supporting Nashville’s creative community by signing and developing new talent and fostering emerging and established songwriters through educational programs, showcase events and industry networking opportunities. Since joining BMI in 2020 as Executive Director, Creative, Nashville, Sanders has been integral in spearheading numerous creative initiatives for the company.
Sanders reports to BMI VP, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley, who remarked, “Shannon’s extensive industry experience and unwavering commitment to songwriters make him an invaluable member of BMI’s Creative team. 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.”
Sanders has more than 30 years’ experience as a songwriter, producer and musical director, earning three GRAMMY Awards, three Emmys, a Dove Award, and the ACM’s Lifting Voices Award in 2024. Black Enterprise named him one of its 100 Modern Men of Distinction in 2016, and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) recognized him as a “Living Legend” in 2025. Sanders is also an inductee into Tennessee State University’s Hall of Fame for Distinguished Alumni
Prior to joining BMI, Sanders founded and served as Program Director of 102.1 The VILLE (WPRT-HD2)/Nashville, dedicated to Classic Soul, R&B, and local artists. He also served as co-musical director for the Fisk Jubilee Singers and India.Arie for many years.
