MusicRow Weekly (Ben Vaughn Tragically Passes, News, Charts, More…)

This week’s MusicRow Weekly covers key moments in the industry. Click here to see the full edition.

This week’s newsletter includes the heartbreaking loss of Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. Vaughn passed away Thursday morning (Jan. 30) at the age of 49, leaving the Nashville music community in shock. Over his decade-long tenure, he made a lasting impact by overseeing all creative and commercial activities at Warner Chappell Nashville, while also being a dedicated advocate for songwriters and their rights.

Dolly Parton announced that her Dolly: An Original Musical will premiere at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville this summer before heading to Broadway in 2026. She also revealed Dolly U, an immersive educational experience tied to the musical’s world premiere.

Morgan Wallen unveiled plans for his highly-anticipated fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, along with a 10-city, 19-date stadium tour that has fans buzzing.

After nearly 40 years with BMI, Alison Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Distribution & Publisher Relations Officer, will retire at the end of March. Additionally, Audacy’s David Field announced he is stepping down from his role as President/CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Big Machine Label Group has appointed Tim Reynolds as Vice President of Digital Marketing. ShopKeeper Management promoted Crystal Dishmon to Co-Manager of Miranda Lambert, while Laura Spinelli was elevated to Day-to-Day Manager for Lambert.

Several new signings were announced this week. Braedon Barnhill inked a record deal with The Valory Music Co. Country band Clay Street Unit signed with Monument Records in partnership with Sony Music. Hudson Westbrook joined River House Artists in a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Universal Music Publishing Nashville signed Dalton Davis to an exclusive global publishing agreement, while Ed Williams entered an exclusive publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music. Lenny Pey secured a joint global publishing deal with Endurance Music Group and hit songwriter-producer Jordan Schmidt.

This week’s My Music Row Story featured Red Light Management’s Zach Sutton, who guides the careers of award-winning, multi-Platinum artists Jordan Davis and Riley Green, along with rising stars Preston Cooper, Georgia Webster, Scott Wolverton and Bizzy.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included, with Jelly Roll earning the No. 1 spot with “Liar.” Explore more chart data here.

MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.