BLEVE Records has stopped promotion of its debut single "My First Ride," following a cease and desist order from Capitol Records Nashville. The song by BLEVE artist Ronnie Milsap features Capitol Records Nashville artist Trace Adkins and was the lead single from a multi-artist compilation CD due out Nov. 1.
"Capitol Records has threatened legal action if BLEVE Records does not immediately halt any further publicity or sales of 'My First Ride'," states BLEVE Entertainment President and CEO Mickey Milam.
Milam, a retired Metro Nashville police officer, started the label to benefit the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Firefighters' 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.
"We are certainly disappointed," says Milam. "It was especially hard to get this news on the day firefighters were burying two of their own who lost their lives in the California wildfires. These funds are needed to help these and other families."
"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. "I just don't understand Capitol's reaction." Milam states that Capitol Records was made aware of the duet prior to the recording and release on the single.
"BLEVE is a small, American owned independent label," says Milam, "but we represent over 625,000 IAFF and FOP members that were looking forward to hearing this song on the radio. They were excited about the fund raising possibilities of this single and the forthcoming CD. They are not happy about this recent turn of events."
Capitol Records was unavable for comment.
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