MusicRow Weekly (MusicRow Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week, Nashville remains as vibrant as ever, with major announcements, heartfelt tributes and industry shifts making headlines this week in the MusicRow Weekly. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine unveiled the nominees for the 2025 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. The annual honors, which celebrate excellence across all facets of Nashville’s music industry, are voted on by MusicRow subscribers. Voting opened on Wednesday (Aug. 6) with ballots sent to all active subscribers. The voting period remains open through Friday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. CT. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 3 across all MusicRow online platforms. Readers who wish to participate in the voting process can still sign up for a subscription to become eligible.

This week also brought a profound loss to the country music community with the passing of Jeannie Seely. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely died on last Friday (Aug. 1) at the age of 85, following complications from an intestinal infection. A revered member of the Grand Ole Opry, Seely’s legacy spans seven decades of trailblazing work as an artist, songwriter, host, and producer. She made history as the first woman to regularly host segments of the Opry and broke cultural ground by being the first artist to wear a miniskirt on its stage. At the time of her death, Seely had performed on the Opry stage more than any other artist—5,397 times—cementing her place in country music history.

In celebratory news, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2025 inductees during a press conference on Music Row. The upcoming inductees include a mix of legendary performers and behind-the-scenes hitmakers: Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Jim Lauderdale, Don Cook, Steve Bogard and Tony Martin. The formal induction ceremony is set for October.

Sad news also came with the passing of Brandon Blackstock, a longtime talent manager and industry figure. He died at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer. Blackstock, the son of veteran manager Narvel Blackstock and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, was known for his deep ties to the music and entertainment world.

Several executive moves made headlines this week. At MCA, Sarah D’Hilly has been named Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing and Strategy, while Brad Krause joins as Senior Director of Digital Strategy. Hannah Galluzzi steps into the role of Vice President, A&R. Over at Big Machine Label Group, Nicole Flammia has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Creative Photo-Video Production.

Artist development also saw notable action this week. Parker McCollum has extended his exclusive recording deal with MCA, with the label acquiring his full catalog, including The Limestone Kid and Probably Wrong. Meanwhile, Capitol Music Group and The Core Records have signed rising artist Brandon Wisham, and Big Loud Records has inked a deal with Timmy McKeever. Songwriter-producer Jake Mitchell has also entered into an exclusive songwriting agreement with Riser House.

In more publishing news, songwriter Ben Goldsmith has extended his deal with Kobalt Music, and rising singer-songwriter RYMAN has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing.

Leadership changes at The Neal Agency included the promotion of Kelly Littlefield to President of Operations for both TNA and Sticks Management. Clark Wilson has been promoted to Agent, Fairs & Festivals, Simone Chretien has been named Agent for the Southeast Territory, and Juliette Edwards is now Agent for the West Coast Territory.

The CMA has announced its newest class of participants for the Women’s Leadership Academy, a 12-week program designed to empower and support women across the music industry.

And finally, a true icon will be celebrated this year: John Fogerty, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and legendary songwriter, will receive the 2025 BMI Troubadour Award. The award honors songwriters who have profoundly impacted the creative community and continue to influence generations of music makers.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Jordan Davis takes the No. 1 spot with “Bar None.” 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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