MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly reflects both the vibrant evolution and heartfelt traditions of Nashville’s music industry. Click here to see the full edition.

EMPIRE has made a major leadership move, appointing Jennifer Way as Executive Vice President – Nashville. The company continues to expand its presence across genres and markets. Way brings a wealth of experience to the role and is expected to strengthen EMPIRE’s growing Nashville footprint.

The industry also paused this week to honor the life and legacy of Frank Bumstead, Co-Founder of FBMM, who passed away on Sunday, July 20 at the age of 83. A visionary business leader, Bumstead helped shape the financial and strategic side of the music business. Prior to FBMM, he led JMR Investments and the Bumstead Company, and was instrumental in major deals such as the sale of the CMT network to Opryland in 1991 and the merger of MusicRow Magazine with SouthComm in 2008. Under his leadership, FBMM became the first business management firm to integrate seasoned economic expertise into its artist services.

Monday evening (July 21) brought a celebratory moment with the 2025 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville. Hosted by the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., the 50th anniversary event paid tribute to decades of contributions in country radio. This year’s inductees included on-air personalities Big D & Bubba, Mary McCoy and Rowdy Yates, along with radio executives Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt and Gregg Swedberg. Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings for BMG Americas, received the 2025 CRB President’s Award for his outstanding contributions to the country format.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed emerging country artist Adrien Nunez to a global publishing administration deal, while Sony Music Nashville has added pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison to its roster.

RESULTS GLOBAL is growing, with the addition of four new hires: Molly Fisher (Special Projects), Jessica Vitou (Digital & Social Content Specialist), Samantha Parrish (Digital Marketing Coordinator) and Cami Cradock (Marketing Assistant). Meanwhile, Christian Conant has been promoted to Senior Director, A&R at Prescription Songs.

Netflix is turning its lens on the creative engine of the music industry with its new docu-series Hitmakers. The six-episode series explores the intense and collaborative songwriting camps where hits for artists like John Legend, Shaboozey and Lisa of Blackpink are born. Featuring a star-studded lineup of songwriters including Ben Johnson, Jenna Andrews, Tommy Brown, Trey Campbell and Nova Wav, the show travels from Nashville to the Bahamas and Cabo, offering a rare inside look at the creative process behind today’s biggest chart-toppers.

Wierok Entertainment has named Holly Salazar as Head of Publishing and Rights Management. Salazar will oversee the company’s catalog across its various imprints, leading the centralized administration of music rights as the company brings those operations fully in-house.

Spencer Hatcher of Quartz Hill Music Group/Stone Country Records has signed with WME for global representation. The Choir Room, a musical group known for their uplifting sound, has joined the roster at Centricity Music. Additionally, songwriter Aaron Armstrong has inked a publishing deal with Riser House, The Song Factory, and acclaimed producer Jake Mitchell.

This week’s edition also features an interview with fast rising country artist Hudson Westbrook.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish take the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” 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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