MusicRow Weekly (UMG Rebrands, News, Charts, More…)

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The latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major headlines that speak to both the legacy and evolution across Nashville’s music landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

The most high-profile news of the week is Universal Music Group’s rebranding of its Nashville operations under the name Music Corporation of America (MCA). Spearheaded by President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the relaunch of the MCA brand emphasizes Nashville’s crucial role in shaping the global music narrative.

The industry also mourned the loss of three legendary figures. Renowned entertainment attorney Joel Katz passed away at the age of 80. A towering figure in entertainment law, Katz was instrumental in guiding the careers of artists, producers and executives, and was the founding chairman of Greenberg Traurig’s global entertainment and media practice. Also lost this week was David Briggs, a musical titan whose work as a keyboardist and producer made him a staple of Nashville’s recording history. In another notable farewell, Lulu Roman, the iconic country-gospel singer and comedian best known for her role on Hee Haw, passed away at 78.

On the business front, longtime UMG Nashville executive Dawn Gates is stepping into a new chapter, launching her own firm, Seven Note Enterprises, after nearly two decades with the company. Meanwhile, LeAnn Bennett has joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President of Label Services and Dusty Miller brings his financial expertise to FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager.

Elsewhere, promotions took place across several organizations. Curb Records elevated Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives. AEG Presents named Trent Allison Senior Director of Sales and Special Events for Georgia and Tennessee venues. And Messina Touring Group has promoted six team members, including Nick Ayoub to Head of Digital Strategy and Operations and Kara Smoak to Director of Digital Marketing.

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) is gearing up for two powerful events during ACM Awards week. The 60th Anniversary Gala, “Play Something Country”, will pay tribute to Brooks & Dunn on May 7. The night before, the second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” will spotlight trailblazers like Mickey Guyton, Lionel Richie, Brittney Spencer, Opal Lee and more in a heartfelt evening hosted by Guyton herself.

John Morgan has landed his first No. 1 at country radio with “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean. Rising talent Caiden Wallace has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with hitmaker Marv Green. Ethan Escue inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Ignition Nashville, while Mitch Crego joined the songwriting family at Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

Veteran entertainment publicist Shelby Paul has unveiled her new firm, Evolvance PR. The agency will focus on strategic media relations, award campaigns and storytelling across entertainment platforms

Milk & Honey Music + Sports has launched a standalone Nashville publishing arm, kicking off with the signing of Gabriella Scotto. This marks the company’s formal entry into publishing after years of working through partnership models.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot this week with “Weren’t For The Wind.” 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.

Madison Hahnen
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