MusicRow Weekly (Publisher Issue, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s MusicRow Weekly headlines reflect a dynamic and evolving Nashville, where creative excellence, industry leadership, and historic moments continue to shape the city’s musical legacy. Click here to see the full edition.

This week, MusicRow celebrates one of its most anticipated releases of the year. The 2025 Publisher Issue is officially out, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover. As Nashville’s premier resource for the songwriting and publishing community, this annual edition includes the updated Publisher Directory, featuring the city’s top publishing companies and songwriter organizations, along with exclusive features that spotlight the heart of Nashville’s music-making engine. Single copies are available for $50 and are included with yearly subscriptions.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Christina Wiltshire to Vice President, A&R. Meanwhile, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group announced a groundbreaking leadership change as CEO and Founder Lou Taylor appointed an all-female C-suite. Peggy Stephens (Chief Operating Officer), Heather Kinder (Chief of Staff) and Deedra Carroll (Chief Deputy Director) now make up one of the only all-female executive teams in the financial and entertainment business management sectors.

BMI has revealed it will honor Clint Black with the BMI Icon Award during the 73rd annual BMI Country Awards, set for Nov. 18 at BMI’s Nashville office. The invitation-only celebration will be hosted by Mike O’Neill, Mike Steinberg, and Clay Bradley.

It was also a night to remember at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this week, where Kathy Mattea was officially inducted by fellow member Terri Clark on Oct. 11. In a heartfelt moment later in the evening, Mattea extended the honor forward, inviting her friend Suzy Bogguss to become the next Opry member. The occasion marked the first time in the institution’s history that both an induction and an invitation occurred in the same night.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville announced a global publishing administration partnership with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group, providing worldwide administration services to Sea Gayle’s roster and catalog.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment also expanded its team with three key hires: Bridget Herrmann as Senior Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards lit up Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7, honoring the year’s most impactful artists and songs in Christian and Gospel music. Brandon Lake emerged as the night’s top winner with five awards, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” alongside co-writers Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown and Benjamin William Hastings. Forrest Frank took home Artist of the Year, while Leanna Crawford earned New Artist of the Year honors. Gospel legend CeCe Winans also made a strong showing, winning two awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar. A full list of winners is available here.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Back In The Saddle.” 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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