MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly delivers a wide-ranging snapshot of the current country music landscape, from chart-topping songwriters and emerging artists to significant industry moves and heartfelt remembrances. Click here to see the full edition.

Leading the headlines is MusicRow’s unveiling of its Top 100 Songwriters of 2025, a list that ultimately includes 119 names due to tied scores. At the pinnacle of this year’s rankings is Charlie Handsome, who amassed the highest number of points on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart to claim the No. 1 position. Riley Green follows at No. 2, while Morgan Wallen secures the No. 3 spot. Rounding out the top five are Ashley Gorley at No. 4 and Blake Pendergrass at No. 5. While the list highlights an impressive breadth of hitmaking talent, it also underscores an ongoing imbalance, with just 12 female songwriters represented among the top 100 this year.

Looking ahead to the future of the format, Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music Show at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026. The highly anticipated showcase will feature performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.

On the digital front, SoundExchange released its annual lists of Top Tracks and Breakout Creators of 2025, drawing from a full year of non-interactive streaming data spanning December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025. Among the notable country-related placements, Shaboozey landed at No. 7 on the top tracks list with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” while Kane Brown claimed the No. 19 spot with his Marshmello collaboration, “Miles On It.” The breakout creators list also featured a strong showing from emerging country and Americana talent, including Zach Top, Hudson Westbrook, Ty Myers, Max McNown, Lanie Gardner and Graham Barham.

The industry also paused to remember a revered songwriter this week. Jim McBride, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame passed away Tuesday morning (Jan. 6) at the age of 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy of influential songwriting and mentorship within the Nashville community.

In business news, Kimberly Holcombe has joined CTM Outlander as Vice President, Copyright & Administration. Publishing deals were also announced, with Josh Weathers signing with Sea Gayle Music, and Emma Lynn White inking a new publishing agreement with Ten Ten Music.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Wrensong Entertainment’s Ree Guyer.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Choosin’ Texas.” 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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