MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a season of transition, celebration and forward momentum across the country music industry, with major leadership changes, Hall of Fame honors, publishing deals and career milestones shaping the headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

Scott Borchetta is exiting HYBE AMERICA. Borchetta will continue to use the Big Machine Records brand for his future ventures. HYBE AMERICA will retain assets, the distribution deal, the publishing company Big Machine Music and a number of talent currently on the label’s roster including Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes. The HYBE-run company will operate under a new label name, and an announcement on the label’s new leadership will be made in the upcoming days.

George Briner has announced his retirement from The Valory Music Co. after more than 18 years with the company and more than four decades in country music.

Celebrating the women who have helped build that landscape, SOURCE Nashville has revealed the six inductees for this year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame. Debbie Cheek Carroll, Paige Conners, Cris Lacy, Margie McGahey, Sherry Oakley and Carla Wallace will be honored for their lasting contributions to the industry.

The spirit of recognition continues with the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum’s 2026 Class of Inductees. This year’s honorees represent an expansive cross-section of musical excellence: Dann Huff, Dolly Parton, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, John Boylan, Keith Urban, Leland Sklar, Michael McDonald and Nicky Hopkins (posthumously).

Publishing and creative partnerships are also front and center this week. Liz Rose has renewed her global partnership with Warner Chappell Music, reaffirming a relationship that has supported one of Nashville’s most respected songwriting careers. Riley Green’s Duckman Publishing has partnered with Lady Luck Publishing to sign hit songwriter Bobby Pinson to a global deal. Songwriter and producer Cole Phillips has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Eclipse Music Publishing, while Julia Keefe joins Edgehill Music Publishing, part of Big Plan Holdings, as Partner. Group Projects Publishing has added Josh Kerr as Partner, and Jonas Group Publishing has tapped Amanda Hruska as Global Head of Administration. Kirby Mathews has also joined Back Blocks Music as VP of Publishing.

ONErpm has appointed Mike Easterlin as Managing Director of its Nashville division, strengthening its presence in the market. ERN’s Cadillac Music has expanded its team with the addition of Dane Schmidt as Senior Director of A&R, Jordan Marcus as Creative Coordinator/Executive Assistant, and Jude Warren as A&R/Executive Assistant. Freedom Music Group is also marking a milestone, establishing its Nashville headquarters after just two years in business and now representing a roster of more than 100 producers, songwriters and artists.

Management and agency moves are shaping artist trajectories as well. Chase Matthew has signed with CAA, positioning the rising artist for expanded touring and career opportunities. Singer/songwriter Tyler Booth has entered into a joint venture agreement with Jamey Johnson’s Big Gassed Records and Average Joes Entertainment, while also signing with The Erv Woolsey Company for management.

The week also brings important developments within the nonprofit sector. Music Health Alliance has appointed Lindsay Hayes as Vice President of Development and announced several key promotions: Britton Barnette to Senior Advocate Coordinator; Erin Lancaster to Director of Group Health; Sophie Badgett to Senior Manager of Advocacy & Insurance, Dental Coordination; Steven Crowder to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Business Management Relations; Suzanne Berg to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Artist Management Relations; and Zacquia McKinley to Director of Advocacy & Insurance.

Finally, The Jack Wharff Band made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday night (Feb. 10).

This week’s edition also features a conversation with UTA’s Elisa Vazzana.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis take the No. 1 spot with “Ain’t A Bad Life.” 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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