The Entertainment Biography of
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LESLIE FRAM
Senior Vice President of Music Strategy
Country Music Television (CMT) – Nashville, TN
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Daring music industry trend-setter, with a flair for launching careers and building brands
“Leslie Fram is beloved throughout the entire industry. Everyone knows of her hard-driving passion for
music, her unyielding integrity and her relentless work ethic. I have always believed that Leslie, in her
soul, ‘belonged’ at MTV Networks, and she’s finally here!”
–Brian Philips, President, CMT
August 16, 2011 - Nashville, TN
Until recently the name Leslie Fram would have most likely been associated with her numerous and
cutting edge contributions to radio. However, in 2011 Fram decided to make a fearless jump from radio
to television, assuming the position of Senior Vice President at Country Music Television (CMT). After
two decades of pioneering the radio waves and establishing herself as one of the most influential and
successful female broadcasters in the music industry, Fram was eager to take on the role of
programming the most successful television station in country music. Speaking of her transition to
CMT Fram states, “This move just feels right for me on so many levels. CMT is on a hot creative streak,
and I’m honored to join Brian Philips and his all-star team at the network…I am excited about the
creative freedom I’ve been given to invent and innovate with music across all CMT’s platforms.” Under
her new role as Senior Vice President, Fram leads the music strategy division at the channel, overseeing
all music integration within the CMT brand. As an expert brand builder and true innovator in the music
industry, Fram accepted the position without hesitation, trading New York City and alternative rock
radio programming and broadcasting, for Nashville, a career in country music television, and maybe
even a pair of cowboy boots. In this new position she has continued her passion for breaking artists by
overseeing new music franchises and the spearheading CMT’s ‘Next Women Of Country’ initiative to
support female artists. Fram is also the point person at CMT for Viacom cross-brand music initiatives/
events.
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Prior to her transition to television with CMT, Leslie Fram’s career included being one of the original
architects for WNNX (99X)-Atlanta, when the radio station launched in 1992, to later leading New York
rocker 1019RXP (New York's Rock Experience) as Program Director and Morning Show co-Host (with
Matt Pinfield). As Program Director at RXP Fram was responsible for booking all talent for the
numerous RXP shows and major concert events, including the annual Halloween, Christmas, and
Anniversary concerts. Talent includes Weezer, Broken Bells, Florence and the Machine, Cake, Julian
Casablancas, Gaslight Anthem and many more. During her time as co-Host of RXP’s morning show,
Fram worked alongside Matt Pinfield to conduct exclusive interviews with rock the world’s biggest acts
as well as emerging artists, all sourced via Fram’s extensive network. The range covered Mumford &
Sons, Foster The People, Bon Iver, up to Chris Cornell, Liam Gallagher, Iggy Pop and many more. It
was during this timeframe that Fram also began cultivating her relationships in the country world,
bringing mainstream country to alternative radio and New York City. While at RXP Fram was
responsible for initiating and conducting unprecedented interviews with several of country music’s most
influential and emergent artists, including Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and many more,
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successfully expanding RXP’s format to incorporate the then-nonexistent country radio market in New
York.
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After working at WABF during and after high school in Alabama, Fram landed a gig at WABB-FM in
Mobile, Alabama, where she moved up the ladder at a rapid pace. Fram moved to Atlanta in 1990, after
a decade in Mobile. Offered the morning co-host spot at Power 99, Fram also worked as the Assistant
Program Director in order to keep feeding her hunger for programming. As music and radio changed,
Fram and Power 99 saw the opportunity to fill an empty niche in Atlanta’s market, and a few short years
after her arrival transformed Power 99 into 99X, one of the first profitable commercial alternative
stations in the country.
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Many people do not realize the extent of Fram's endless contributions to radio, countless artists' careers,
and the music industry in general. Largely responsible for 99X’s cutting edge format and innovative
programming, Fram helped establish the station as an industry leader. She is known as a hit-maker,
trendsetter and trailblazer. For over ten years Leslie was responsible for booking all of the talent for the
annual 99X concert series Big Day Out, featuring the Foo Fighters, Green Day, STP, Incubus, and
hundreds more. Among many awards and honors, Leslie is the first woman to receive the TJ Martell
Award in recognition of outstanding performance in the music industry in 2000. In 2003 she was
presented with the NARAS-Atlanta Chapter Heroes Award for her outstanding contributions to music
and the music community, and in 2009 Fram was honored as a Life Time Achievement Inductee in the
Georgia Radio Hall of Fame. During her time in Atlanta, Fram was also an Associate Member and on
the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Chapter of NARAS.
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Countless gold and platinum albums line the walls in the Fram household, most inscribed with 'Thank
You' and similar praises from the artists whose careers she has helped launch and maintain. Showing off
her diverse taste in music and the span of her influence, everyone from Collective Soul, Shawn Mullins
and Elton John to Radiohead, Coldplay, The White Stripes, The Foo Fighters, Live and The Strokes have
felt her support throughout the years. Fram’s profound influence is also felt in the community; An avid
philanthropist and spokesperson, Fram uses her voice and power to help numerous non-profits.
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While in Atlanta Fram was actively involved in several local non-profits including The Foundation for
Medically Fragile Children, Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Samaritan House of Atlanta, Angel
Flight of Georgia, Habitat for Humanity, Grady Pediatric AIDS program, RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest
National Network), Noah's Ark, Camp Sunshine, Atlanta Community Food Bank, GCAPP (Georgia
Council For Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention), Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Fund, Breast Cancer
Awareness-For the Young Survival Coalition, AID Atlanta and The Elton John Aids Foundation.
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Industry and Community Recognition listed below
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Following please find a selection of Leslie Fram's Industry and Community awards.
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2014
Leadership Music Class 2014
Advisor to Board of Governors - Nashville Chapter NARAS
Board of Governors - Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)
Board of Directors - Academy of Country Music (ACM)
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2013
Advisor to Board of Governors - Nashville Chapter NARAS
Board of Directors - Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)
Board of Directors - Academy of Country Music (ACM)
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2012
Board of Directors - Academy of Country Music (ACM)
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2011
Board of Governors - New York Chapter NARAS
Hired September 2011 by CMT as Senior Vice President of Music Strategy
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2010
Nominee - 2010 National Radio Hall of Fame
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2009
Life Time Achievement Inductee - Georgia Radio Hall of Fame
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2008
Vice President - Board of Governors Atlanta Chapter NARAS
Co-Emcee - Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
Co-Chair - LUXE Atlanta 2nd Annual Keep-A-Breast Fundraiser
Co-Emcee - Autism Fundraiser
Participant - Doggies on the Catwalk Charity for P.A.L.S.
Board of Directors - Atlanta Chapter NARAS
Board of Directors - SCOUT Magazine
Participant - Taste of Atlanta
Nominee - FMQB PD Hall of Fame
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2007
Life Time Achievement Award - A.I.R. Awards
Co-Emcee - Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
Co-Chair - LUXE Atlanta 1st Annual Keep-A-Breast Fundraiser
Emcee - New Leash On Life Fundraiser for Animal Adoption
Host Committee - Urban Chic for AID Atlanta
Co-Emcee - Annual AIDs Walk
Board of Directors - Atlanta Chapter NARAS
Board of Directors - SCOUT Magazine
Participant - Taste of Atlanta
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2006
Achievement in Radio - A.I.R. Awards
Co-Emcee - Grammy Honor Awards
Co-Emcee - Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
Board of Directors - Atlanta Chapter NARAS
2005
Co-Emcee - Grammy Honor Awards
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2004
Co-Emcee - Grammy Honor Awards
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2003
Hero's Award - NARAS, Atlanta Chapter
Visionary Award - Georgia Music Industry Association
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2001
Program Director of the Year - Virtually Alternative "Best of 2000 Awards"
WNNX - Large Market Station of the Year - Virtually Alternative "Best of 2000 Awards"
Major Market Program Director of the Year - Gavin Awards
Diva Award – Business-to-Business Magazine
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2000
2000 T.J. Martell Honoree
"Women Making A Mark" Award - Atlanta Magazine
Major Market Modern Rock Program Director of the Year - Billboard Monitor Award
WNNX: Major Market Modern Rock Station of the Year - Billboard Monitor Award
#3 Modern Rock Power Player for the New Millennium - FMQB/Modern Quarterback
Major Market Alternative Program Director of the Year - Radio & Records
WNNX: Major Market Alternative Station of the Year - Radio & Records
Audience Winner Best Radio Morning Show - Atlanta.CitySearch.com
Editors Winner Best Radio Morning Show - Atlanta.CitySearch.com
Program Director of the Year - Gavin Report
WNNX: Station of the Year - Gavin Report
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1999
WNNX: Best Pop Station - Creative Loafing
WNNX: Best Rock Station - Creative Loafing
Major Market Station of the Year - Radio & Records
Major Market Air Talent of the Year - Radio & Records
Atlanta Magazine Feature “Music’s Midas Touch” (June Issue)
The Morning X: Best Drive-Time Morning Show - Creative Loafing
Morning X: Air Personalities of the Year - Radio & Records
Major Market Modern Rock Program Director of the Year - Billboard Monitor Award
WNNX: Major Market Modern Rock Station of the Year - Billboard Monitor Award
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1998
Atlanta’s Best Radio DJ - Creative Loafing
Runner Up for Program Director of the Year - FMQB
Major Market Station of the Year - Radio & Records
National Program Director of the Year - Radio & Records
Best Radio Voice (Reader's Choice) - Creative Loafing Awards
Alternative PD of the Year - R&R Industry Achievement Nominee
WNNX: Major Market Alternative Station of the Year - Gavin Report
WNNX: Alternative Station of the Year - Radio & Records
Modern Rock Program/Operations Director of the Year - Billboard Monitor Award
Morning X - Alternative Personalities of the Year - R&R Industry Achievement Nominee
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1997
Atlanta’s Best Radio DJ - Creative Loafing
Best Radio D.J. - Creative Loafing Awards
Best Rock Station - Creative Loafing Awards
Radio Station of the Year (Nominee) - Billboard Magazine
Critic's Choice - WNNX - 99.7 FM - Creative Loafing Awards
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