PICS: BMI Showcase at Havana Club

Last night, BMI Atlanta held it’s 13th annual BMI Unsigned Urban Showcase at the Havana Club with rapper Drake performing with a live band. Industry types and celebrities flew in from around the country to pack the former car dealership.

Local talent Nicoya (above) won Unsigned Artist of the Year Award. And Travis Porter and Big Boi also took home awards. I have no beef with BMI staff, just with Catherine Brewton, the woman who runs the Atlanta office. In my opinion, she’s not nice. In fact, Ms. Brewton looks down her nose at people when she feels you’re not worthy of her time.

Obviously no one ever told her “a smile goes a long way” or to be kind to everyone on your way to the top because you will meet those same people on your way back down.

Even though Ms. Brewton and I have never had words, I tend to remember people like her — not by name — but by her stank attitude.

True leaders get to the top not by being ruthless or disrespectful to others, but by treating everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their status in life. Back in the day when I was just a lowly photographer, I was hired to take pictures at the palatial mansion of Ted Turner and Jane Fonda.

At the party, Mr. Turner approached me several times and engaged me in conversation as if he had known me for years. He even playfully pretended to jump off his balcony so I could get a good shot of him. That’s how you make a lasting impression on others so people remember your name.

Treat everyone with respect and people will feel ashamed to talk bad about you.

Drake and Baby performed with a live band