MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)
This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps the announcement of the 2027 Rising Women on the Row breakfast, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s newest inductees, and the latest news from across Nashville’s music industry, including executive appointments, new signings, company expansions and artist milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow has announced that its 14th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast will return to the Omni Nashville Hotel on Wednesday, March 10, 2027. The annual event honors female executives making an impact across Nashville’s music industry.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed six new members during its 56th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 26. The Class of 2026 includes Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category, Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category, Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category, Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category and the late J.I. Allison in the Legacy category.
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) also celebrated Nashville’s songwriting community at its eighth annual Gold & Platinum Gala, held Oct. 22 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event recognized more than 150 songwriters whose country hits earned RIAA Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications during the July 2025 through June 2026 eligibility period. NMPA President and CEO David Israelite presented Vince Gill with the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon award, while Charlie Handsome received Top Songwriter of the Year for his 35 new certifications. Rob Williford accepted the Platinum Anthem award for the year’s highest-certified song. More than 80 multi-Platinum hitmakers also received songwriting plaques on stage.
Several companies announced leadership changes and expansions this week. Neon Coast named Nikki Boon Chief Creative Officer, while SMACK promoted Marissa Loar to Vice President of Management. Back Row Music, the Nashville company behind Back Row Publishing, launched artist management and record label divisions. Chris Koegen will serve as President of Artist Services, and Alexa Fasulo joins as Vice President of Artist Development and Marketing. Co-Founder and artist manager Michael Kozelj will serve as President, with Adam Skuse as CEO.
Amanda Quinton has partnered with mtheory, bringing her management roster of Ashley Monroe, Tenille Townes, Fancy Hagood, Smithfield, Abbey Cone and Corrina to the artist management and development company. RESULTS GLOBAL also expanded its team with three hires. Raegan Meguiar joins as Digital Marketing Coordinator, Sean Worth as Graphic Designer & Content Specialist, and Austin Spero takes on a New York-based social media role supporting DOLLY: A True Original Musical on Broadway.
New signings and representation deals also made headlines. UTA signed Chris Young for global representation across all areas. Boyz II Men signed with Warner Records Nashville to launch a country project slated for release in 2027. Stella Lefty signed with Make Wake Artists, where she will be managed by Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone. Cledus T. Judd signed with Warner Chappell Music, while Bella McCormick signed with Sony Music Nashville.
On the artist front, Greylan James made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 24, followed by Brendan Walter, who also made his Opry debut last week.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Koe Wetzel takes the No. 1 spot with “Jaded,” featuring Ella Langley. 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.
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