MusicRow Weekly (Mason Hunter, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly covers several notable developments across Nashville’s music industry, from leadership changes and new publishing deals to major honors and upcoming television events. Click here to see the full edition.

BMI has promoted Mason Hunter to Vice President, Creative, Partnerships & Events. BMG is also seeing several changes within its promotion team. Lee Adams, Adrian Michaels and Ken Tucker will leave their respective roles at the end of September. Adams served as Vice President of Promotion at Broken Bow Records, while Michaels held the same title at Stoney Creek Records and Tucker served as Vice President of Promotion at Wheelhouse Records.

The Country Music Association is preparing a two-hour television special celebrating Dolly Parton. CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will air live on ABC and internationally on Disney+ on Oct. 21 from 8-10 p.m. CST.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has also announced the sixth and final member of its Class of 2026. The late Jerry Ivan (J.I.) Allison will join Taylor Swift, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Channel, Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in this year’s class.

The Americana Music Association celebrated its community of artists, songwriters and musicians Sept. 16 at the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium. Molly Tuttle took home Artist of the Year for the first time, while Tyler Childers earned Album of the Year for Snipe Hunter, produced by Rick Rubin and Nick Sanborn. Brandi Carlile received Song of the Year for “Returning to Myself,” which she wrote herself. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings were named Duo/Group of the Year for the second consecutive year, while Ken Pomeroy earned Emerging Act of the Year. Mandy Fer, known for her work as an electric guitarist and touring musician with Allison Russell, was named Instrumentalist of the Year. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Plant and Dolly Parton were also recognized with Americana Lifetime Achievement honors.

On the publishing front, Midland has renewed its global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, while Johnny Clawson has renewed his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs. Jared Scott has signed with Back Row Publishing, and Jeremy Lister has inked a global publishing deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.

Apple Music and United Record Pressing have partnered on a new mural titled “This is Country Music.” Located outside United Record Pressing, a historic Nashville pressing plant that served as a refuge for Black artists during segregation, the mural recognizes the important role Black artists have played in shaping country music.

Ava Liv Mabry has also signed with Blue Highway Records.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Been By Now.” 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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