Jordan Davis Celebrates Eighth Chart-Topper & New Album With Industry Party

/by

Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP Vice President Nashville Membership Mike Sistad; MCA President and CEO Mike Harris; Vice President, Promotion, MCA Miranda McDonald; Senior Vice President, Promotion, MCA Damon Moberly; BMI Associate Director, Creative Jackson Kiger. (L-R, front row): Producer Paul DiGiovanni; songwriters Emily Reid and Mark Holman, Jordan Davis, and songwriters Travis Wood and Steve Moakler. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Jordan Davis celebrated his eighth No. 1 single, “I Ain’t Sayin’,” earlier this week at One Garage in Nashville. The party was hosted by ASCAP, in partnership with BMI.

“I Ain’t Sayin’” is the lead single from Davis’ forthcoming album Learn the Hard Way, due out Aug. 15 on MCA. The track was penned by Emily Reid, Travis Wood, Steve Moakler and Mark Holman, and produced by longtime collaborator Paul DiGiovanni.

Producer Paul DiGiovanni and Jordan Davis. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

During the celebration, representatives from the publishing and label communities recognized the songwriters for their achievement. Among those who spoke were ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, BMI Associate Director, Creative Jackson Kiger, MCA Vice President of Promotion Miranda McDonald, Big Loud Vice President of A&R Mike Giangreco, Creative Nation Co-founder and CEO Beth Laird, Creative Nation Senior Director of Creative Emily Furman, Warner Chappell Senior Director of A&R Christina Wiltshire and Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier.

Davis was praised for his willingness to cut outside songs—a rarity among artists with his chart history.

Emily Reid, celebrating her first No. 1, shared that the success of “I Ain’t Sayin’” allowed her the flexibility to stay home with her newborn, calling it “a gift.”

Steve Moakler, also celebrating his first No. 1, was honored by multiple speakers for his artistry and songwriting legacy. He reflected on the long journey to this moment, and the people who helped him get there.

Jordan Davis with MCA staff. Photo: Evan Harney

Travis Wood and Mark Holman recounted the Montana writing retreat where the song was created. All four writers expressed gratitude to their families and teams.

“I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter of No. 1 songs, and I’ve been super blessed to be able to do that,” Davis shared. “This one feels the most special because it shows that it still happens [whether it’s an outside song or not.]”

Following the No. 1 celebration, Davis welcomed friends, family, media, and industry guests for a special preview event for Learn the Hard Way. He was joined on stage by moderator Kelleigh Bannen for a conversation about the new album, sharing stories behind the songs before performing several of the upcoming tracks.

Davis treated the crowd to performances of “Bar None,” “Learn the Hard Way,” “Turn This Truck Around” and “Son of a Gun.” He was also joined by special guests Marcus King for their duet “Louisiana Stick” and Carly Pearce for “Mess With Missing You.”

The heartfelt evening concluded with Davis thanking all the songwriters involved in the project and gifting each one a commemorative keepsake to mark the release of his third full-length album.

LB Cantrell
Latest posts by LB Cantrell (see all)