MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major industry announcements, career milestones and heartfelt remembrances that continue to shape Nashville and the country music community. Click here to see the full edition.

The Academy of Country Music made headlines this week by announcing that the 62nd Annual ACM Awards will return to Las Vegas on May 16, 2027.

The ACM also revealed the recipients for this year’s 19th Annual ACM Honors, set for Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Carly Pearce returns as host for the sixth consecutive year, joined for the first time by Parker McCollum. This year’s honorees represent an impressive cross-section of the industry, with Brett James and The Carter Family receiving the ACM Poet’s Award posthumously, while Bill Anderson and Mike Curb will each receive the ACM Icon Award. Kacey Musgraves has been selected for the ACM Spirit Award, Eric Church will receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award, and Leslie Fram will be honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. Additional honors include Scott Zolke receiving the ACM Service Award and C2C: Country to Country earning the ACM International Award. They join previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year Ella Langley and Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon as part of this year’s celebrated class.

Celebrating another significant career achievement, Thomas Rhett is set to receive his own star on the Music City Walk of Fame during a ceremony on July 8. Rhett will become the 113th inductee honored along Nashville’s iconic walkway.

The music industry also paused this week to remember two influential figures. Legendary music executive Clive Davis passed away on June 22 at his Manhattan home at the age of 94. The Nashville community was also saddened by the passing of Grammy-nominated producer and DRUMATIZED f=Founder Tay Keith, who died June 18 at his Nashville home at 29 years old.

Several notable executive moves also made news. Gibson President and CEO Cesar Gueikian announced he will transition into a strategic advisor role with the company’s Board effective July 31. Anne Rohosy, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will step in as Interim President and CEO while the search for a permanent successor gets underway. Meanwhile, Make Wake Artists continues its expansion, naming Matt Shay as its first-ever General Manager while also adding hitmaker Jon Bellion to its artist management roster.

Spirit Music strengthened its executive team this week with the additions of Elizabeth Lombardi as Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs and Taylor Perez as Senior Director of Digital Marketing.

The publishing and label landscape remained active with a number of new signings. Cary Barlowe signed a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music. Andrew Baylis and Jake Hess each signed with Prescription Songs, with Hess joining through a joint venture with 7Hills Music and producer David “Messy” Mescon. Lauren Mascitti signed with North Chapel Music, while Lilly Moss joined Music City Power Company. On the label side, Pia Toscano signed an exclusive deal with Melody Place, Caldwell joined EMPIRE Nashville, and Kirbi inked a recording agreement with Curb Records (Curb/Word).

Artist development also continued at a steady pace with Hannah Harper signing with WME for global representation and Ana Cristina Cash entering into a new management agreement with Rebecca Warfield.

Finally, two rising artists reached one of country music’s most cherished milestones with their Grand Ole Opry debuts. Adrien Nunez made his first appearance on the historic stage on June 17, while Mack Geiger followed with his own Opry debut earlier this week on June 23.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” 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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