MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures major announcements, creative partnerships and milestone achievements that continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of Music City. Click here to see the full edition.

A&R leader Jessi Vaughn Stevenson has launched Perfect Game Creative, a new music publishing, management and A&R consulting company in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Over at Big Loud, notable executive changes were announced as H. Read Davis, formerly VP of Digital, and Lucy Bartozzi, VP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, both exited their positions.

The Music City Walk of Fame unveiled its newest inductees this week, honoring Old Dominion, the late Charley Pride and Liz Rose. The trio will be officially inducted on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., in a public ceremony celebrating their lasting contributions to Nashville’s musical legacy. They will become the 110th, 111th and 112th stars on the Walk of Fame, recognized for their roles in preserving and advancing the city’s rich heritage.

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) hosted its annual Gold & Platinum Gala on Oct. 23 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, drawing hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers and publishers to celebrate the year’s biggest hits. Over 150 songwriters were honored for earning certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum songs between July 2024 and June 2025. Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter for achieving five country certifications over the past year, while Ashley Gorley earned Top Male Songwriter honors for the third consecutive year.

In another record-setting milestone, Carrie Underwood has officially been named the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, with a staggering 95 million units sold in the U.S. alone, comprising 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles across her solo work and collaborations.

On the live music front, Live Nation announced plans for a new 4,400-capacity indoor venue called The Truth, slated to open in fall 2026 in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.

By Design has formed a strategic partnership with BMG, encompassing global distribution, label services and joint label signings. The deal also includes a co-investment strategy for catalog acquisitions through Archetype Music, signaling a strong commitment to long-term growth and collaboration.

Dave Barnes has inked an exclusive deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing, while Peter Daniel Newman signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux entered a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core. Additionally, Dalton Davis has signed a new record deal with MCA/Republic Records.

Braxton Keith, Preston Cooper and Sacha each made their Opry debuts over the past week, continuing the tradition of introducing rising voices to one of country music’s most hallowed stages.

Industry veteran Melissa Goldberg has joined Teton Ridge as Vice President of Digital + Social Content.

Finally, Randy Rogers and Elic Goicoechea have launched Dreamer Management, a new Austin-based firm representing a lineup of rising acts including Ashton Naylor, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Parker Ryan, Slade Coulter and Travis Roberts.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” feat. Ella Langley. 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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