MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with career moves, legislative advocacy and exciting new partnerships shaping the future of country music and its creators. Click here to see the full edition.

Big Loud Records promoted Tyler Waugh to Senior Vice President of Radio Promotion, recognizing his nearly decade-long impact on the label’s chart-topping success. Waugh has played an instrumental role in 30 No. 1 singles and recently made history with Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” which debuted with 167 first-week adds on country radio, a record-setting feat.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored Dolly Parton with the opening of its new exhibit, “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.” Monday’s event (May 19) featured performances from Alison Krauss & Union Station and an address by Parton herself, paying tribute to her remarkable journey and enduring influence.

On Capitol Hill, country icon Martina McBride lent her voice in support of the bipartisan NO FAKES Act during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on May 21. Introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Coons and Thom Tillis, the bill seeks to protect individuals from AI-generated deepfakes by establishing federal rights over voice and likeness. The legislation has received widespread support from nearly 400 artists and performers.

In touring news, Alan Jackson gave a bittersweet farewell to the road as he wrapped his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” on May 17. During the show, Jackson announced a final concert scheduled for summer 2026 in Nashville, a city integral to his storied career.

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is set to honor two songwriting powerhouses at its annual meeting on June 11. Kacey Musgraves will receive the prestigious Songwriter Icon Award, while Rhett Akins will be recognized with the Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award. The event will be held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.

Several major music companies announced key personnel moves and new signings this week. Warner Music Nashville welcomed Paige Elliott as National Director for the WEA Radio Promotion Team and promoted Kayla Burnett to Manager, Radio. At BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Allan Geiger and Haley Wirthele received promotions within the Content & Creative department. Meanwhile, Big Machine Music signed rising Island Records artist Will Linley to a publishing deal.

Peermusic Nashville expanded its leadership team with Jennifer Hall joining as Senior Creative Director. The company also promoted Matt Michiels to Vice President, Creative, and Cameron Stutts to Senior Creative Coordinator. Sheltered Music Publishing launched a new creative partnership with Roger Springer, Dena Weaver and Crystal Pony Publishing, signing Will Banister as the first artist under the joint venture.

In the songwriting and publishing world, Katie Cecil joined Electric Feel Entertainment’s Nashville roster, while singer-songwriter Jordyn Shellhart also signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt.

Finally, Country Radio Broadcasters announced the leadership team for the 2025-2026 Country Radio Seminar Agenda Committee. Shelley Hargis and Krista Hayes-Pruitt return as Chair and Co-Vice Chair respectively, joined by newcomer Kevin Callahan in a Co-Vice Chair role.

This week’s MusicRow Weekly also features a conversation with FBMM’s Dan Killian.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.

The 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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