This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps several notable developments across the country music and live entertainment industries, including a major loss for the country music community, Country Music Hall of Fame inductions, publishing signings, leadership changes and career milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
The country music community is mourning the loss of John Anderson, the Country Music Hall of Fame member who passed away at 71. Known for his unmistakable drawl and blend of traditional country and rock, Anderson scored hits including “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’” and “Money in the Bank.” His 1991 single “Straight Tequila Night” sparked a career resurgence, followed by “Seminole Wind,” which became one of his signature songs. Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
The Country Music Hall of Fame also welcomed three new members during its annual Medallion Ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 18). Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers were inducted as the 159th, 160th and 161st members of the institution. The evening featured performances honoring each inductee, with artists including Parker McCollum, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, Billy Strings and Vince Gill celebrating their contributions to country music.
The Country Music Association has also celebrated the legacy of Dolly Parton with the ABC special CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The tribute featured performances from Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Kristin Chenoweth, Reba, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown, Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull, among others. Following the special, CMA announced a combined $1 million donation to Dolly’s Imagination Library in partnership with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Several notable moves are taking place across the publishing and executive landscape. Pete Robinson has been named General Manager, Creative Nashville at Position Music, bringing more than three decades of music industry experience to the role. Meanwhile, Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols, whose breakout single “I Got a New One” has amassed more than 60 million global streams. Jared Conrad has also signed with Sony Music Publishing and TAYCAN Entertainment, while Brent Rupard has inked a deal with Creative Nation in partnership with EMPIRE.
On the artist front, Lauren Alaina has earned her fourth No. 1 at country radio with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. Franklin Jonas and The Byzantines, also recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Lauren Alaina takes the No. 1 spot with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. 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.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Lauryn SinkThis week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps several notable developments across the country music and live entertainment industries, including a major loss for the country music community, Country Music Hall of Fame inductions, publishing signings, leadership changes and career milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
The country music community is mourning the loss of John Anderson, the Country Music Hall of Fame member who passed away at 71. Known for his unmistakable drawl and blend of traditional country and rock, Anderson scored hits including “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’” and “Money in the Bank.” His 1991 single “Straight Tequila Night” sparked a career resurgence, followed by “Seminole Wind,” which became one of his signature songs. Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
The Country Music Hall of Fame also welcomed three new members during its annual Medallion Ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 18). Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers were inducted as the 159th, 160th and 161st members of the institution. The evening featured performances honoring each inductee, with artists including Parker McCollum, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, Billy Strings and Vince Gill celebrating their contributions to country music.
The Country Music Association has also celebrated the legacy of Dolly Parton with the ABC special CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The tribute featured performances from Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Kristin Chenoweth, Reba, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown, Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull, among others. Following the special, CMA announced a combined $1 million donation to Dolly’s Imagination Library in partnership with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Several notable moves are taking place across the publishing and executive landscape. Pete Robinson has been named General Manager, Creative Nashville at Position Music, bringing more than three decades of music industry experience to the role. Meanwhile, Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols, whose breakout single “I Got a New One” has amassed more than 60 million global streams. Jared Conrad has also signed with Sony Music Publishing and TAYCAN Entertainment, while Brent Rupard has inked a deal with Creative Nation in partnership with EMPIRE.
On the artist front, Lauren Alaina has earned her fourth No. 1 at country radio with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. Franklin Jonas and The Byzantines, also recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Lauren Alaina takes the No. 1 spot with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. 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.
NMPA Honors Songwriters At Annual Gold & Platinum Nashville Gala
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of NMPA
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) held its 8th annual Gold & Platinum Gala at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville last night (Oct. 22).
The event honored over 150 Nashville songwriters whose hits have achieved RIAA Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certifications in the country genre within the July 2025 – June 2026 eligibility period.
Laci Kaye Booth opened the show with an acoustic performance of her 2025 single, “Daddy’s Mugshot.”
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
NMPA President and CEO, David Israelite, presented the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon award to Vince Gill. The award celebrates songwriters whose work has spanned generations and whose songs are still achieving Gold & Platinum certifications decades later. Gill has received new certifications in the past year for his “Go Rest High on That Mountain” and “One More Last Chance.”
“His awards are countless,” Israelite shared. “His talent is extraordinary. His humility is legendary. But perhaps his greatest achievement is that, after all these years, his songs aren’t just standing the test of time. They’re making history.”
Charlie Handsome took home the Top Songwriter of the Year award for his 35 new certifications for songs including “Wasted On You,” “Last Night,” “You Proof” and “Heartless.”
The Platinum Anthem award, which honors the highest certified song of the year, was accepted by Rob Williford, who co-wrote Luke Combs’ 2018 hit “Beautiful Crazy” alongside Combs and Wyatt Durrette. The track was certified 15-times Platinum in December 2025. Brett Young honored the writers with a rendition of the track.
In addition to these honors, songwriting plaques were presented on stage to over 80 Multi-Platinum hitmakers.
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
Billy Strings Takes Home Fifth IBMA Entertainer of the Year Title
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings accepts his fifth IBMA Entertainer of the Year honor. Photo: Dan Schram
Bluegrass phenom Billy Strings was named Entertainer of the Year for the fifth time at last night’s 37th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.
Strings also previously received the honor in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. East Nash Grass also picked up two awards, Album of the Year for All God’s Children, and Instrumental Group of the Year, after being named New Artist of the Year just two years ago. Song of the Year honors went to Trey Hensley for “Can’t Outrun the Blues.” Sierra Hull picked up her eighth Mandolin Player of the Year honor, and Authentic Unlimited was named Vocal Group of the Year at the annual awards ceremony.
The 2026 IBMA Momentum Award winners were also honored this week during the IBMA Business Conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The awards recognize emerging bluegrass trailblazers in five categories: Band of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and Industry Involvement. Hosted by Grammy-winning artist Bronwyn, the awards included live performances by Remedy Tree, Shadowgrass, The Cody Sisters, The Creekers, and Under the Rocks.
The 2026 IBMA Momentum Awards Winners included The Creekers (Band of the Year); Lydia Hamby (Vocalist of the Year); Luciya Sullivan (Instrumentalist of the Year); Jean-Baptiste Cardineau) Instrumentalist of the Year); Pammy Davis Lassiter (Mentor of the Year); and Helen Ludé (Industry Involvement).
IBMA’s Industry Award winners and Distinguished Achievement Award honorees were also celebrated at a special luncheon during the IBMA Business Conference. The Industry Awards recognize the outstanding work happening behind the scenes in non-performing categories in the Bluegrass community and the Distinguished Achievement Awards honor individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the genre.
Hosted by 12-time IBMA Bluegrass Music Award winner Chris Jones, the event featured performances by Tonewood String Band (Denver) and Veranda (Montreal).
IBMA Industry Award Winners:
Songwriter of the Year: Tim Stafford
Event of the Year: CBA 50th Anniversary Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, Grass Valley, CA
Writer of the Year: Gary Reid
Broadcaster of the Year: Michelle Lee, Michelle Lee On Air
Photographer of the Year: Scott Simontacchi
Graphic Designer of the Year: Grace van’t Hof
Sound Engineer of the Year: Key Chang
Liner Notes of the Year: Safe Sensible and Sane, Alison Brown and Steve Martin; Liner notes by Alison Brown and Steve Martin
IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award Honorees:
Gary Reid
Gallagher Guitar Co
Derek Halsey
Matt Glaser
The Marshall Family
Kacey Musgraves Returns To The ‘Middle Of Nowhere’ With ‘Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes’
/by Lorie HollabaughKacey Musgraves is continuing the musical journey she started earlier this year with the release of Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes, due out Jan. 15.
She’s giving fans a first taste of the new collection with the release of two new tracks today: “Weekend In Texas,” and her rendition of the Norteño classic, “Mi Tesoro.”
Across 16 songs, Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes explores the deep-rooted connection between Texas and Mexico, two places close to Musgraves’ heart, bound by generations of shared music, culture and tradition. The album features four tracks sung entirely in Spanish, including the newly-recorded Spanish version of Uncertain, TX featuring Intocable. The song originally reached No. 1 at Texas Radio with Willie Nelson.
Released in May and produced by Musgraves along with longtime collaborators, Middle of Nowhere debuted at No. 1 on the Top Album chart. She is currently on her “Middle of Nowhere Tour,” which continues tonight at the Oakland Arena before finishing up with two sold-out nights at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena October 26-27.
Musgraves is heading into this year’s CMA Awards with five nominations, including Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Dry Spell”, and Musical Event of the Year for “Horses and Divorces” with Miranda Lambert.
Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes Track List:
1. “Pretty Horses”
2. “Weekend In Texas”
3. “Hard Conversations”
4. “Denim On Denim”
5. “Figure Out My Life”
6. “Caballero”
7. “The Vacation Song”
8. “(Hey Baby) Qué Pasó?”
9. “Uncertain, TX (feat. Intocable) (Spanish version)”
10. “Mi Tesoro”
11. “Rodeo”
12. “Tú Solo Tú (feat. Mariachi Oro De América) [Live in Mexico City]”
13. “All My Exes (Kacey’s Version)”
14. “Desert Eyes”
15. “Pity Party”
16″Before The Next Teardrop Falls”
ECCHO Live Reveals Speakers & Panel Details For 15th Annual Workshop
/by Lorie HollabaughECCHO Live has announced the speakers and panels for its upcoming 15th Annual Workshop on Nov. 10 at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville.
Built around this year’s theme, EVOLVE, the workshop will feature 14 breakout sessions offering practical guidance on building a lasting career and a healthy life in live events. Speakers include touring and production professionals, industry leaders, business owners and financial experts exploring everything from leading a crew through a crisis and using AI in touring workflows to managing freelance income, strengthening professional relationships, and getting meaningful rest on the road.
Keynote speaker Chuck Hull will lead a conversation about his more than five decades of experience in live music. The veteran tour manager and audio engineer began his career with Clair Brothers in the early 1970s and spent 20 years as Keith Urban’s tour manager before retiring from touring in 2024.
Among the additional panels and speakers are:
“Building Your Dream Team” – Jason Aldean’s production manager Earl Neal, stage manager Josh “Dude” Marcus and audio crew chief Loren Zimmer join moderator Ryan Smith to discuss building connections across departments, setting expectations and maintaining strong working relationships.
“Leading Through Crisis” – C3 Presents’ Tim “Tuba” Smith, director of festivals and strategic initiatives; Jake Perry, director of operations and sustainability; and Brandon Sossamon, director of production, join moderator Brad Parker to share firsthand lessons in guiding teams through on-site crises.
“The Freelancers Playbook” – Director, designer and producer Jesse Blevins, lighting designer and director Taylor Price and Dory Reyes join moderator Jake Tickle to discuss building a reputation, finding consistent work, setting rates and navigating the business of freelancing.
“Load In to Load Out” – Mental wellness and performance coach Stephanie Hajjar, performer and live-production professional Tony James and RockForce’s Jeremy Young discuss investing in yourself, cultivating relationships and building a sustainable life in live events.
“The Tour That Changed My Life” – Lighting designer and director Andy Knighton, Matt Geasey and Premier Global Production labor coordinator Sydney Taylor join moderator Jake Tickle to reflect on the career-defining opportunities, difficult lessons and lasting relationships that followed them home from the road.
Registration is free and required, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click here.
Music Champion Lorenzo Washington Passes
/by Lauryn SinkLorenzo Washington. Photo: Courtesy of family
Music champion and Jefferson Street Sound Museum founder Lorenzo Washington has died at age 83 after a short bout with cancer.
Born in 1943, Washington grew up in East Nashville during a time of segregation and racial tension in the city. At the same time, he was surrounded by the rich culture of Nashville’s Black community and a thriving music scene that would leave a lasting impact on him.
Washington chased his passion for music in the early 1970s by founding Soul Shack Records and Boutique, giving him an opportunity to become involved in the industry despite not being a musician himself. His work eventually led him to connect with Moses Dillard and Jesse Boyce of Dillard & Boyce Productions. In 1976, the three partnered to release “Come On Dance” by the Saturday Night Band. The single went on to reach No. 2 on the charts.
In 2011, Washington founded the Jefferson Street Sound Museum to preserve the legacy of Nashville’s African American music pioneers and the community that had shaped his own love of music. For decades, Jefferson Street served as a hub for Nashville’s Black music scene, with its clubs and venues welcoming artists including Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald and Tina Turner, among many others. The area also provided a stage for generations of local and upcoming musicians, becoming integral to Nashville’s rich musical history.
Through the Museum, Washington worked to preserve that history and ensure the artists who came through Jefferson Street remained part of Nashville’s music story. The collection he curated includes photographs, instruments and other memorabilia documenting the musicians, venues and community that once flourished on Jefferson Street.
Washington’s dedication to preserving Nashville’s Black music history earned recognition across the city. In 2023, Mayor Freddie O’Connell proclaimed April 3 Lorenzo Washington Day, with an annual fundraising gala held in his honor to support the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. The following year, the National Museum of African American Music celebrated his work with its “Living Legends: Lorenzo Washington” exhibit, which featured a curated selection of objects from the Jefferson Street Sound Museum’s collection. Earlier this year, the Museum was added to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, further recognizing the history Washington spent years working to preserve.
Washington is survived by his wife Karen Coffee and children Dwayne, Patricia, Ryan and Tracey.
Bailey Zimmerman Headlines Wags & Walks Nashville’s 3rd Annual Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughBailey Zimmerman; Photo: Catherine Powell
Bailey Zimmerman headlined Wags & Walks Nashville’s 3rd Annual Benefit Concert Oct. 21 at Skydeck at 5th & Broadway.
Now in its third year, the event brought together Nashville’s music, sports and animal rescue communities for a night of live music and philanthropy, raising critical funds to support the organization’s lifesaving work. Artists, athletes and supporters celebrated the thousands of dogs whose lives have been changed through the organization.
Additional performers included Lanie Gardner, Dylan Conrique, Fancy Hagood, Just Jayne, and Jesse Solomon, and the evening also featured a lineup of special presenters who helped spotlight the impact of Wags & Walks Nashville, including Kate Pettersen, Tom Davis and Dr. Nicole Fein, Casey Johnson and Shay Sullivan, Jake Martin, Courtney Dlugos, Jason Tartick, and Abby Smyers.
The benefit concert has become a signature event for Wags & Walks Nashville, with proceeds from the evening supporting the rescue, medical care, foster placement and adoption of dogs, as well as Wags for Good, the organization’s community care initiative.
“Nashville showed up for Wags & Walks in such an incredible way, and we’re so grateful for the support,” says Kathryn Hurley, Wags & Walks Nashville Founder. “Seeing this community come together to champion our mission is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish for dogs in need. Every dollar raised allows us to say yes to more dogs, provide lifesaving medical care and expand our resources for families throughout Middle Tennessee. We’re incredibly grateful to the artists, presenters, partners and supporters who helped make this evening such a success and continue to support our lifesaving mission.”
Ryan and Rory’s Debut Project ‘The Whole 9 Yards’ Due In February
/by Lorie HollabaughBBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Ryan and Rory will release their debut album, The Whole 9 Yards, on Feb. 19.
They are sharing a taste of the project with new track “Rock In The River,” out now. The track was written by Ryan and Rory’s Ryan Follesé with Frank Legeay, Autumn Buysse and Andrew Bloom.
“’Rock In The River’ is the most personal song on the album for me,” says Follesé. “I was going through a tough time and honestly didn’t even want to write a song that day. But I started thinking about how blessed I am to have people who lift me up and encourage me to use the gifts I’ve been given. Thank God I showed up.”
Produced by Kevin Bard, the 12-track project ranges from rowdy Friday-night tracks to heartbreak tunes and love songs. Writing credits across the album include Trannie Anderson, Andy Albert, Abbey Rowe, Greylan James, John Morgan and more.
“Ryan and I have our own stories to tell, but over the last few years, we’ve been writing one together,” says the duo’s Rory John Zak. “This album captures everything we’ve lived, felt and experienced along the way. From start to finish, The Whole 9 Yards is exactly who we are, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it.”
“The Whole 9 Yards is the whole dang shebang,” adds Follesé. “It’s everything we grew up loving mixed with the music that feels right to us. Songs about love, faith, loss, drinking and everything in between. We wanted to make an album that makes people feel something and, in the same breath, want to shotgun a beer. It’s a soundtrack to all of it.”
The Whole 9 Yards Track List:
1. “Beer Wants Me” (Ryan Follesé, Autumn Buysse, Lenny Pey)
2. “Lawn Chair In The Living Room” (Ryan Follesé, Rory John Zak, Trannie Anderson, Kevin Bard, Andy Albert)
3. “Rock In The River” (Ryan Follesé, Frank Legeay, Autumn Buysse, Andrew Bloom)
4. “Drink With Anyone” (Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Brock Berryhill, Kyle Clark, Greylan James)
5. “Missing You Everywhere” (Bryan Simpson, Brandon Ratcliff, Jimi Bell)
6. “Can’t Stay Away” – Ryan and Rory & Jax (Ryan Follesé, Jake Saghi, Abbey Rowe)
7. “Damn Right I Do” (Ryan Follesé, Jack Hummel, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “9 Yards” (Ryan Follesé, Trannie Anderson, Andy Albert, Kevin Bard, Rory John Zak)
9. “WWJD” (Ryan Follesé, Jake Saghi, Abbey Rowe)
10. “Wasn’t Thinkin’” (Ryan Follesé, Emma-Lee, Joey Hyde)
11. “Eyes Closed” (Ryan Follesé, Chris DeStefano, John Morgan)
12. “Whatever You’re Selling” (Ryan Follesé, Ryan Zak, Kevin Bard, Andy Albert)
Lauren Alaina & Chase Matthew Reach The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeLauren Alaina and Chase Matthew. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Lauren Alaina has reached the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Radio Chart alongside Chase Matthew with “All My Exes.”
The track comes off of her recent album Stages and was written by Alaina, Jimmie Gutch, Ben Johnson, and Whitney Phillips.
Alaina has become one of five female country artists to reach the top of the charts in 2026, joining Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Stella Lefty and Taylor Swift. Alaina is also one of eight women to have earned multiple Country Airplay No.1 hits this decade.
“All My Exes” currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay and the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Bella McCormick Inks With Sony Music Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Top Row, L-R): Margaret Tomlin (VP A&R, SMN), Jason McColl (Sr. Director A&R, SMN), Eliza Turnage (Make Wake Artists), Matt Shay (Make Wake Artists) and Chris Kappy (Make Wake Artists). (Bottom Row, L-R): Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Bella McCormick and Ken Robold (President & COO, SMN).
Bella McCormick has signed with Sony Music Nashville.
The Nashville native has written with Grammy Award winners Liz Rose, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, and Steph Jones, as well as No. 1 songwriter Ben West. She has shared stages with Sierra Hull and Drake White, and recently performed headline sets at Proud Larry’s in Oxford, Mississippi and Nashville’s The Basement. McCormick was first inspired to pursue music after performing during a charity show at the Ryman Auditorium when she was 14.
“To say that Sony Nashville has been a blessing in my life would be an understatement. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I had found a team of people I could trust with something I hold so close to my heart: my music,” shares McCormick. “Every single person at Sony believes in me not only as an artist and songwriter, but as a human being, and that means more to me than words can express. I don’t take this journey lightly, and I truly believe I was put on this earth to make music. To have a team that shares that belief in me is something I’m incredibly grateful for. This milestone also wouldn’t have been possible without my incredible team at Make Wake — Matt Shay, Kappy and Eliza Turnage — and my amazing attorney, Kent Marcus, whose support and belief in me have meant so much along the way. I’m over the moon to begin this next chapter with Sony and couldn’t feel more confident that my music is in the best hands.”
In celebration of the news, McCormick released her first single, “Dandy,” today.
“I wrote ‘Dandy’ with Ben Stoll and Brandon Day, and it was truly one of the most fun days I’ve ever had in a writing room,” McCormick shared. “I think that energy really shines through in the song. My hope is that when people hear it, they find something they can relate to while also getting to know a little more about me as an artist and as a person.”