Industry Has Twice The Fun At Tyler Hubbard’s Double No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Mike Harris (UMGN), Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Leslie DiPiero (Tree Vibez Music), Troy Tomlinson (UMPG), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jaren Johnston (ASCAP), Chase McGill (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/UMG), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Industry members rallied to celebrate Tyler Hubbard‘s first two No. 1 songs as a solo artist, “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” Hubbard co-wrote the former with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, and the latter with Keith Urban, Jon Nite and Ross Copperman. Jordan Schmidt produced both tracks.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Jimmy Rector (EMI), Mike Harris (UMGN), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Cindy Mabe, (UMGN), Chelsea Blythe (UMGN), Lori Christian (UMGN); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC, the celebration was held at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. There supporting their artists and writers included Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, Jonas Group Publishing’s Leslie DiPiero, UMG Nashville head Cindy Mabe, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and more. BMI’s MaryAnn Keen presided.

Sponsors for the celebration were First Horizon and Studio Bank. Studio Bank made a special donation to the non-proft For Others on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters. A donation presentation was also made by Tomlinson from Universal Music Publishing Group on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters to MusiCares.

The RIAA Platinum-certified “5 Foot 9” released on May 20, 2022 was Hubbard’s debut solo single and his 20th career No. 1. Its rise to the top marks the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo act. “5 Foot 9” is one of 18 songs from his self-titled album, which was released January 27, 2023.

At the celebration, Hubbard thanked the team of songwriters and creatives who helped create the tune.

“I feel like I have a really strong foundation with a great team now. I feel more supported than ever so it enables me to be a better artist, better songwriter, take more risks and trust the people around me, which is amazing,” Hubbard shared.

The songwriters celebrated this win by chasing another one. Hubbard shared, “Honestly, we got back together and said “that was fun let’s do it again,” We’ve probably written five songs together since then. That’s what we love doing together and that’s how we celebrated.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Leslie DiPiero (Jonas Group Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

“Dancin’ In The Country” marked Hubbard’s second No. 1—a year to date after his first single. The track now has over 192 million global streams. It was Hubbard and Urban’s first collaboration. Their goal was to create something fun and upbeat heading into the summer months.

Urban said, “Four on the floor, windows down, summer anthem is right up my alley.” The country superstar also noted that he knew from the jump that Hubbard would be singing this one. “I came with an idea and I suggested it to Tyler. He already had a vision for this 4/4 driving thing. It was good because he had such a strong vision.”

Hubbard recalled that Urban joked after the write about how much fun they had writing Hubbard’s next single. “He was just about right,” Hubbard said. “With everything matching up the way it should and everyone bringing their strengths to the table, by the end of the day, it was really something special.”

With each success, Hubbard shares the celebrations with his family and team.

He shared, “I love being a songwriter. As I started this journey as a solo artist, I was surrounded by people who showed up for me. These writers were put into my life, and my new label and team showed up for me. I felt supported, loved and empowered and I felt creativity overtake me. I wanted to write songs that represent who I am—I felt doors were opening as other doors were closing and I want to thank everyone here today for being those people that were put into my life.

“I’m quickly reminded that my name might be the one on the charts, but this is what it is all about—this whole crew who’s right here—everybody puts in the work and the sacrifice. This is bigger than a No. 1—thank you for allowing me to have an individual voice. Thank you for believing in me and the possibility to do something that’s not commonly done and thank you for inspiring me. I’m more inspired than ever and you all have given me a new energy that I haven’t had in years. and it’s a culmination of all the blessings in my life.”

Caela Griffin
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