Skyville Records continues to expand its staff as former Sony Music Nashville executive Paul Williams joins the label as the newly appointed Vice-President of Promotion and Marketing. In his new role at Skyville Records, Williams will oversee the development and execution of all radio promotions and marketing plans for Skyville Records.

Williams was most recently Senior Director, Strategic Marketing for Sony Music Nashville. His prior stops include PD for KPLX/Dallas, where the station was awarded CMA, ACM, NAB Marconi and R&R Station of the Year trophies, and Strategic Marketing Manager for Universal Studios and City Walk, Orlando.

Music Executive Brian Nelson, who spends time in New York and Nashville has been named GM of the newly formed Stone’d Records. Nelson has worked as a manger for artists such as James Otto, Chuck Wicks and Monty Powell. The new label, based in Bristol, United Kingdom, was recently launched by Grammy winner Joss Stone with a mission to develop unique artists regardless of genre.

Music Row reports that Regina Stuve, most recently senior director of artist and media relations, is exiting the company — the latest in a series of departures following a change in department leadership last year.

Billboard has compiled its annual list of the music industry's top earners, with Lady Gaga leading the way. Right behind Justin Bieber at No. 6 is Taylor Swift, who pulled in more than $20 million in 2010. Four other country acts also made the top 20.

HT: MusicRow

Nashville's rise is even more impressive when you look at its ratio of musicians to total population. In 1970, Nashville wasn't even one of the top five regions by this measure. By 2004, it was the national leader, with nearly four times the U.S. average. Today, it is home to over 180 recording studios, 130 music publishers, 100 live music clubs, and 80 record labels.

"Our artists are continuously looking for new ways to connect with their fans and get the word out about their latest activities," said Evan Cooper, Red Light Management. "By using AT&T's mobile barcode program, we can effectively promote our artists and give fans the opportunity to keep up with their favorite musicians on-the-go."

Music Row boutique law firm Crownover/Tisinger has a new look and a new name. Joel Tisinger, who helped launch the firm four years ago with Derek Crownover, has left for an in-house position at a Georgia IT company. Taking his place is Allen Blevins, pictured here, who until recently managed Blevins Kizer & Gammeltoft in Knoxville. With his arrival, the firm is now called Crownover Blevins PC.