MusicRow Weekly (Don Schlitz, News, Charts, More…)

/by

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly arrives with a mix of reflection, celebration and forward momentum across music landscapes. Click here to see the full edition.

The industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential storytellers, Don Schlitz, who passed away on April 16 at the age of 73 following a sudden illness. Schlitz’s catalog helped define generations of country music, with songs that blended emotional depth and narrative clarity in ways that resonated far beyond Nashville.

Anticipation is building for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, set for May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, as Shania Twain will take the reins as host for the first time.

Miranda Lambert has entered a new chapter with her signing to MCA.

On the publishing side, Jessi Alexander has inked a worldwide deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative. The agreement positions Alexander as the flagship signing for Perfect Game Creative, the venture launched last year by industry veteran Jessi Vaughn Stevenson.

mtheory has elevated Ed Rivadavia to EVP of Marketing & Operations and Kaitlyn Moore to General Manager.

Michael Bryan, former Global Head of Country Music at Apple Music, has launched Southern Drift, a Nashville-based management and media company. The venture begins with a roster that includes Charlie Worsham and podcast God’s Country, hosted by songwriters Reid Isbell and Dan Isbell. The company’s leadership team features Taryn Anderson as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager and Jordon Isbell as Vice President of Marketing and Executive Producer of the podcast.

Gator Harrison has joined K-LOVE, Inc. as Chief Media Officer. At Jody Williams Songs, Tenasie Courtright has been promoted to Director, Creative & A&R, while Jonah Gordon steps in as Manager, Sync & A&R.

Jonathan Gamble and Jordan Sapp have both extended their deals with Capitol Christian Music Group.

Rounding out the week, rising artist Benny G celebrated a major career milestone with his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry on April 18.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” 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
Latest posts by Madison Hahnen (see all)