Amid calls and emails from angry firefighters, police officers and their families, BLEVE Records has decided to go forward with the release and promotion of "My First Ride." This song, by BLEVE recording artist Ronnie Milsap features Trace Adkins and is the lead single from a multi artist compilation CD due out Nov. 1.Independent American owned BLEVE Records stopped promotion of the single after German/UK owned conglomerate Capitol Records issued a cease and desist order claiming they had no knowledge of the song and ordering the immediate halt of further promotion or sales of "My First Ride." In a legal document sent to BLEVE via email on Sept. 15, 2009, Capitol charged BLEVE with the "unauthorized use and exploitation of Trace Adkin's performance and name and dilution of the value of Capitol's valuable property."
Mickey Milam, retired Metro Nashville police officer and BLEVE President and CEO, states that this song was green lighted through Trace's management company and Capitol Records had full knowledge of the project. "There didn't seem to be a problem," states Milam, "until this single started climbing the charts and garnering radio attention. "
Milam, a retired Metro Nashville police officer, started BLEVE Records to benefit the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the International Association of Firefighters' (IAFF) disaster relief funds. These funds, which aid firefighters and police officers and their families after a disaster or in times of need due to injury or death in the line of duty, were severely depleted by 9/11 and recent devastating hurricanes. The proceeds from the sale of "My First Ride" and the compilation CD were slated to help replenish these funds.
BLEVE has offered all along to pay standard royalty rate to Capitol Records for Trace's performance. All artists/labels on the forthcoming compilation CD are being compensated for their performances.
"My First Ride" was originally planned as a solo song by legendary entertainer Ronnie Milsap. However, Ronnie's long time friend Trace Adkins volunteered to lend his deep baritone voice to the project.
"Trace was gracious enough to sing on this song, not only as a favor to his good friend Ronnie Milsap, but also because he believes in our cause," says Milam.
"This is an important project on many levels," Milam says. "This is the first major national fund raising effort that benefits firefighters and police officers. These two organizations are renowned for their ability to raise money for other causes, but now there is an immediate need to help their own." Milam cites the IAFF's recent contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The IAFF contributed over 28 million of the 60 million dollars raised for Jerry's Kids during the MDA Labor Day telethon event.
Milam states that there has been on outcry of support from firefighters, police officers and their families as well as members of the music community and fans of Ronnie and Trace. From words of encouragement to offers of organized protest, the phone calls and emails haven't stopped pouring in. Milam says, "I think when the general public hears about this, the roar will be even louder. "
Ronnie Milsap has never wavered in his belief that BLEVE should continue to fight this fight. With Capitol's threats of legal action, Milsap counters, "Make me a sign, I will lead the picket line!"
This is just tragic. Country music would be better off with more independent labels, especially when they have a good cause like this one does. I can't believe Capitol doesn't want to help the firefighters and police officers.
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