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

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly looks back at a busy week across Nashville’s music industry, from the announcement of the 38th annual MusicRow Awards winners to leadership changes, new business ventures, label signings and a Grand Ole Opry debut. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 38th annual MusicRow Awards on Wednesday (Sept. 2), recognizing a wide range of artists, songwriters, executives and music industry companies. This year’s winners include Ben West, Blackbird Studio, Big Loud Records, WME, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Dan Alley, Hudson Westbrook, Ashley Gorley, Jessie Jo Dillon, “Choosin’ Texas,” Emily Ann Roberts, Carter Faith, Ella Langley, Riley Green and The Red Clay Strays.

The 2026 MusicRow Awards also recognized the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians, honoring the studio players who performed on the most albums that reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period. This year’s honorees are Jimmie Lee Sloas, Jerry Roe, Jim Cooley, Joey Moi, Jenee Fleenor, Lucas Ruge-Jones, Bryan Sutton, Dave Cohen, Justin Schipper and Wes Hightower.

Leadership Music also announced a major leadership transition, with Executive Director Debbie Linn set to retire after 15 years with the organization. Linn will remain in the role through 2027, giving Leadership Music time to plan for a smooth transition.

In the business world, BMG and Concord have completed their previously announced partnership, creating a new global music company. The transaction, first announced in April, has received all required regulatory approvals. The company will be headquartered globally in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters.

There were also several notable personnel moves across the industry. Brittani Johnson has joined MCA as VP, Streaming, while Chris Schuler, VP, Audience Development, has exited the company. At Mogul, Jeff Tobias has been named Vice President of Sales, and SESAC has promoted Abbey Watson to Manager, Creative Services.

Nashville also welcomed a new financial management firm as Breanne Miller, formerly of Martin, Allbee, Miller, Bryan & Associates LLC, launched Wayfinders, Inc. The Nashville-based company serves recording artists, songwriters, performers, producers and entertainers throughout their careers. Miller is joined by longtime colleague and Belmont University alum Kyle Malone.

On the label and publishing front, Muscadine Bloodline has partnered with Trenches Records/Republic Records, while Maggie Antone has signed with Island Records. Anna Rae has signed a management deal with Joan Of Arc Music, and Bridey Costello has joined Blue Harbor Music through a global publishing and strategic artist partnership deal.

The week also brought a milestone for Slater Nalley, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut Tuesday night (Sept. 1).

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. STELLA LEFTY takes the No. 1 spot with “Boston.” 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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