BREAKING: Warner Chappell Music Promotes BJ Hill To Sr. VP, A&R

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BJ Hill

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted longtime A&R executive BJ Hill to Senior Vice President, A&R.

Throughout his career, Hill has worked with the industry’s most prominent songwriters, including Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady A and Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay. He also currently supports a host of up-and-coming talent, such as the720, Zack Dyer and Sophia Scott.

“It’s an honor to work for a company that strives to do as much as possible for its songwriters. Ben Vaughn has brought us to the top, and our team is truly the best. Thank you to Guy [Moot] and Carianne [Marshall] for supporting us, and I look forward to continuing to work with the most talented songwriters in the world,” Hill shares.

Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville, says, “I’ve been lucky enough to work with BJ for over a decade, and he’s always been an unwavering supporter, resource, and friend to our songwriters and the whole Warner Chappell team. He has some of the best ears in the business, he’s a master of puns, and he can mix a drink with the best of them. It’s a true honor to announce his well-deserved promotion today.”

Hill started his tenure with Warner Chappell in 2002 as an Associate Catalog Manager. He then moved to the A&R department in 2005 where he has worked his way up the ranks over the past 18 years. Throughout his career, Hill has played a part in some of the biggest songs of our generation, including the eight-time RIAA-certified Platinum record “Tequila” by Dan + Shay and the 11-time RIAA-certified Platinum song “Need You Now” by Lady A. Other talented songwriters that Hill has worked closely with include Wendell Mobley, Matthew Ramsey and more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Mickey Guyton Gives ‘A Thrilling Take’ On Tina Turner Hit

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Mickey Guyton performs Tina Turner’s “The Best” during CMT Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT

Country music’s men dominate this edition of DISClaimer.

Batting a thousand are Corey Kent, Randall King, Chris Stapleton, Levi Hummon and Walker Hayes, Kristian Bush, Travis Denning and Neal McCoy. 

But wait, stepping up to the plate is Mickey Guyton, and she hits an out-of-the-park home run with a thrilling take on Tina Turner’s 1989 rock hit “The Best.” Turner has left us, but this performance lights up her memory like a fireworks display. Disc of the Day.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Best”
Writers: Mike Chapman/Holly Knight; Producer: none listed; Label: MG
– Guyton tore the house down when she paid homage to Tina Turner during yesterday (Nov. 15)’s CMT Smashing Glass female special. Honorees Tanya Tucker and Patti LaBelle rocked along joyously in the audience while she strutted through this commanding performance. If you didn’t catch it, go to YouTube right now and check it out. Star-making stuff.

NEAL MCCOY / “First Time For Everything”
Writers: Porter Howell/Dwayne O’Brien; Producers: Brandyn Steen/Duane Propes; Label: NM
– McCoy’s cover of this 1992 Little Texas oldie is pristinely produced and perfectly executed. He takes it at a slow waltz pace while guitars twang all around him. Sounding good. 

MUSTANGS OF THE WEST / “Down at the Palomino”
Writer: John Beland; Producers: Kirk Pasich/Colin Devlin; Label: Blue Élan Records
– The all-female quintet salutes the legendary California country nightclub with this sprightly bopper. Sunny and bright. 

TRAVIS DENNING / “Going Places”
Writers: Travis Denning/Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover/Matt Mulhare; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
– His gal leaves town to make a name for herself. In his unhappiness, he boasts that he’s going places too. Except his “places” are the neighborhood bar. Denning’s delivery is country, country, country. 

HANNAH ELLIS / “Too Much And Not Enough”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Emily Weisband/Tofer Brown; Producers: Tofer Brown/Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
– This closes Ellis’ new That Girl album. It’s a ballad that muses about the line a woman has to walk to balance others’ expectations and her sense of self. “Wine Country” is still the single, but this certainly adds another texture to her promising career.  

CHRIS STAPLETON / “White Horse”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Daniel Dodd Wilson; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Morgane Stapleton/Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Southern rock lives! Stapleton conjures the memory of The Allman Brothers Band on this blazing barn burner. His electrifying voice is married to sizzling guitar work and a pounding rhythm track. Sit up and take notice. 

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Bigger Than The Song”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Jennifer Anne Wayne/Tofer Brown; Producer: Marcus Lomax; Label: Elektra
– Spencer’s current single gets a stripped-down piano-vocal treatment in this new release. I’m down with it, because it showcases the cool lyric that name checks Reba, Aretha, Johnny & June, Janis, Dolly, Beyonce, Whitney and Alannis. 

RANDALL KING / “Hang of Hangin’ On “
Writers: Brett Sheroky/Brice Long; Producers: Randall King/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– His country baritone is wonderfully resonant and warm, and this heartbreak ballad is a terrific showcase for it. This is a simply dreamy performance. 

KRISTIAN BUSH / “House on a Beach”
Writers: Kristian Bush/Canaan Smith; Producer: none listed; Label: KB
– The Sugarland veteran has been mighty busy lately. He’s written and staged three musicals in Atlanta, produces new hitmaker Megan Moroney, is issuing a Christmas EP and dropped a 52-song set of four albums. This lovely acoustic track is a smooth, soothing float on gentle waves. Recommended.

KASSI ASHTON / “Genie In A Bottle”
Writers: David Frank/Pam Sheyne/Steve Kipner; Producers: Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles; Label: MCA Nashville
– Moody and soulful, but this is definitely a pop artist.

LEVI HUMMON & WALKER HAYES / “Paying For It”
Writers: Levi Hummon/Walker Hayes/Eric Arjes; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Red Van Records
– She’s gone, but he’s still just as broke as when they were dating. “I’m still paying for it…’cause I’m drinking for two.”  Totally clever and totally cute. Essential listening. Also, I believe this is the first country lyric containing the word “wazoo.”

COREY KENT / “You Know”
Writers: Corey Kent/Austin Goodloe; Producer: Corey Kent; Label: RCA Nashville
– Kent is super charismatic here as he chronicles the chapters of a romance. I dig this guy’s simple eloquence in this acoustic gem. Get on board.

Nominees Revealed For 2024 CRS New Faces

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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the nominees for this year’s New Faces of Country Music Show, which will take place at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 (Feb. 28 – March 1).

The artists nominated for consideration are George Birge (Records Nashville), Chayce Beckham (BMG Nashville), Dillon Carmichael (Riser House), Corey Kent (Sony Music Nashville/RCA), Megan Moroney (Sony Music Nashville/Columbia), Conner Smith (The Valory Music Co.) and Warren Zeiders (Warner Music Nashville).

Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the New Faces of Country Music Show has been a hallmark event at CRS for over five decades. It showcases five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at country radio during the qualification period. For 2024, the qualification period spans from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023.

“Even as other formats become more transient, the country community’s commitment to developing artists for the long term remains. All these artists are prime examples, and the five who will be voted in as New Faces join a storied lineage to that effect,” shares Chuck Aly, CRS New Faces Committee Chairman.

Voting for the Class of 2024 will be open from Monday, Nov. 27, to Friday, Dec. 1, at countryradioseminar.com. The final lineup for the New Faces Show will be determined based on the five acts with the most votes.

Eligible voters must be full-time employees primarily involved in the programming, promotion and distribution of country music. This includes professionals from broadcast radio, satellite radio, television outlets and digital service providers while excluding those with vested interests in individual artists or musical works, such as labels, managers, agents and publishers.

My Music Row Story: CMT’s Margaret Comeaux

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Margaret Comeaux

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

As Senior Vice President of Music and Events Production for CMT, Margaret Comeaux oversees the creation, development and production of music and live event specials for the network. She serves as Executive Producer in charge of such hits as the annual CMT Music Awards, the critically-acclaimed CMT Crossroads series, CMT Giants and the exciting new event CMT Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music.

Since its 2002 inception, Comeaux has worked on more than 80 episodes of CMT Crossroads, working with some of the biggest names in music across genres. Comeaux has also worked on the CMT Music Awards, which is the highest-rated show on the network annually and stands apart from other awards shows for its water-cooler moments and diverse mix of musical talent and Hollywood celebrities.

Her credits include other CMT series and specials, such as CMT Presents The Judds: Love Is Alive – The Final Concert, Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Loretta Lynn, CMT Giants, CMT Campfire Sessions, CMT Summer Camp: Little Big Town, CMT Ultimate Kickoff Party Live From the College Football Playoff National Championship, CMT Artists of the Year, CMT Cross Country, Jimmy Buffett and Friends Live from the Gulf Coast, Music Builds and CMT Outlaws, to name a few.

Prior to joining CMT in 2000, Comeaux served as a video editor and Associate Producer at High Five Entertainment/Music City Digital in Nashville. She received her Bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and is a member of the CMA, ACM, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and Producers Guild of America. Her honors include BANFF 2013 Best Music & Variety Program for the 2013 CMT Music Awards, and she is a MTSU College of Media and Entertainment Wall Of Fame Inductee (2014) and Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Award recipient (2019).

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana in the heart of cajun country. I was there until I moved here to Tennessee when I was about 21.

Music City Digital’s Jeff Cronenberg, Andreas Kouris, Kathryn Russ, Brian McNamara and Margaret Comeaux. Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Comeaux

What brought you here?

School did. I spent my first two years of college at LSU and then took a little bit of a break. During that break, I had gone to New York to be a nanny for the summer. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, it was like my world just opened up. I always loved movies and television growing up—it was a passion—but I don’t think I ever really realized that there was a job in that for me and that was going to be my future.

I ended up going back to school. I took an Introduction to Mass Communications class in Louisiana, and the professor I had at the time said, “If this is really something you want to do, you should go to MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.” My dad and my stepmother had already moved here my senior year of high school, so I went ahead and came here. I started in school and found what I loved.

What was your time at MTSU like?

One of my really great mentors that I found when I got to MTSU was Mary Nichols. She was my advisor and she did a lot of things in the Nashville community. Once I connected with her, I got to [be a production assistant (PA)] and everything for a bunch of different shows. We would be talent escorts at the CMA Awards, PAs on music videos and all of those different things. I actually never did an internship because I was really lucky enough to be able to find production assistant work. When I graduated from there, I was able to pick up where I had started during college. It was great.

Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Comeaux

What was your next step after graduation?

I went to work for High Five Entertainment. Eventually they started a post-production facility called Music City Digital, so I was an assistant editor there and then started editing. I learned from some really fantastic editors, producers and directors. It was the basis for what I do today. I’m lucky enough to work with all of those guys occasionally, so that’s nice.

[During that time] we did a series for TNN called Monday Night Concert at the Ryman. It had various names throughout the years, but Ricky Skaggs was the host. It was incredible. There were so many artists, both out-of-genre and in country. They did CBS Christmas specials and all kinds of things. I really was exposed to a lot of incredible content and content creators at the time.

Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Comeaux

How did you get to CMT?

I was at Music City Digital for a while. I started doing post-production supervising for some of the award shows, like the Music City News Awards and the Dove Awards. I started learning a lot about that process, and that was really fun. I loved it. I guess we all come from a base in the creative world. You could start in the script department or many different places. For me, post-production and editing is my home. It’s where I learned my storytelling skills and honed my craft.

When I left there, I did freelance for a little while and then I had a former boss call me to come into CMT to work on the very first Crossroads as the Post Supervisor. I came in and I worked on that show. I was a freelancer at CMT for probably a year and 21 years later, here I am.

Everyone obviously has their own path, but for me, I’m really proud of the longevity that I’ve been able to have in my career, from starting out as a post-production supervisor to now be SVP of Music and Events. [I’m proud to be] doing what I’m doing and trying to lead here with Leslie Fram. My time at at CMT has been incredible.

Margaret Comeaux, Patti LaBelle, Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker and Leslie Fram. Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Comeaux

What do you love about your job?

I would consider myself a serial collaborator. I love collaboration. There’s nothing more enjoyable to me than watching the teams that we’ve assembled over the years come together and create some really magical moments, from the Crossroads that we do each year to bringing back Storytellers, a brand that was on VH1 that we brought to CMT [as well as] the CMT Music Awards and then obviously creating this new tentpole event with CMT Smashing Glass—it’s a dream come true. It’s really exciting to do these things and create new events, and obviously celebrating the females in music is incredibly exciting and rewarding.

Smashing Glass premieres tonight (Nov. 15) at 8 p.m. CT. What can you tell me about that special?

Leslie and I set out with a mission to make 2023 a year of celebrating women in music on CMT. We were thoughtful in the things that we were booking and the directions that we wanted to take with some of the shows. We started talking to Patrizia DiMaria, Michelle Mahoney and Lauren Quinn about Smashing Glass. We spent our time developing that over the year and it just came to life.

To walk around that building [during taping] and feel the energy—and seeing the pride on everyone’s face in this thing we had all joined together to create—there’s just nothing like it. It was incredible to stand there with Tanya Tucker, Patti LaBelle and Billie Jean King—these are moments you can’t even begin to imagine in your career. All of those ladies were just so incredible.

Margaret Comeaux & Leslie Fram. Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Comeaux

Who have been some of your mentors through the years?

My parents were my first and greatest mentors. They taught me to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to. To this day they are the first people I go to when I need advice and they are the first texts I receive after any show I work on airs. I would not and could not be the person I am today without their love and support.

I mentioned her early on, but Mary Nichols. She means the world to me. One of the first things I did when I got to MTSU was PA at The Judds‘ final concert. Mary got us on that. So, when we went back and did the concert with Wynonna last year, I was able to reach out to Mary—who had since retired—and she came and worked on the show. That was a full circle moment.

Beyond that, I’ve had some great bosses and have been really been lucky to work with people in the industry here, like Martin Fischer, who was my first boss at High Five Entertainment. Sarah Brock was the person that brought me in at CMT. Obviously working side by side with someone like Leslie Fram is wonderful. It’s been an honor in my career to stand next to her at CMT and try to make the channel what it is right now.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Follow your gut. It’s also about staying current with the things that are there and never being afraid to ask about something and learn something new. I’ve been at CMT for 21 years, but I have more to learn. I think [it’s about] knowing that you always have more to learn and that you never reach a saturation point for that. You continue to learn new things, and it’s my job to grow with the industry. Just because it’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean that that’s where we should continue. I think you have to ask the questions.

What’s a moment that you’ve had that your kid self would think is so cool?

There were so many of them. We were doing the documentary portion of Crossroads with Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers. It was back at Cafe 123, which isn’t there anymore. We walked in and there was piano in the corner, and Lionel Richie was sitting at the piano playing “Sail On.” I thought I was going to pass out. [Laughs] I’ve always been a Lionel Richie fan—he was one of my first concerts that I ever went to. It was a dream come true, and I was like, “Wow, this is what I get to do. I’m in.”

Honestly, it still happens. Standing on a stage talking to Billie Jean King—someone who’s changed the trajectory for females in so many different formats. That’s a pinch-me moment. They continue to happen. They happened in the beginning and they still happen today.

MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Features CMA Winners

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Jelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Some recently-crowned CMA Awards winners appear on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

Tracy Chapman, who wrote the titanic hit “Fast Car,” sits at No. 3. Luke Combs‘ cover of Chapman’s enduring song won both Song and Single of the Year at last week’s CMA Awards.

Chris Stapleton, who took home the Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, is at No. 11 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for his charting single “White Horse.”

New Artist of the Year Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) maintains his position at No. 4 this week on the chart, as his songs “Need A Favor,” “Save Me” and “Wild Ones” continue to rise up the charts.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, More Represent Music City In 2024 Grammy Nominees List

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Pictured (clockwise): Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Brandy Clark and Chris Stapleton

When the nominees for the 66th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 10), many Nashville artists, songwriters, producers and engineers appeared on the list. Taking place on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the 2024 Grammy Awards will invite plenty of Music City record-makers to vie for trophies.

Brandy Clark was one of the top nominees this year with six nods. She is joined by SZA (nine), Phoebe Bridgers (seven), Serban Ghenea (seven), Victoria Monét (seven), Jack Antonoff (six), Jon Batiste (six), Boygenius (six), Miley Cyrus (six), Billie Eilish (six), Olivia Rodrigo (six) and Taylor Swift (six) in the top nominees.

Despite country music having a huge moment during the 66th Grammy’s eligibility period of Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 15, 2023, the genre is not represented in three of the big four categories, including Song, Record and Album of the Year.

Jelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at the 57th annual CMA Awards.

However, in the all-genre New Artist of the Year category, Jelly Roll and The War And Treaty are present alongside Gracie Abrams, Fred Again, Ice Spice, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan and Victoria Monét.

Jelly Roll is also nominated alongside the newly-crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration “Save Me,” while The War And Treaty also nabbed a second nomination for Best American Roots Song with “Blank Page.”

Wilson earned one more nomination in her first-ever Grammy recognition for Best Country Album (Bell Bottom Country).

Tyler Childers was nominated for Best Country Album (Rustin’ In The Rain); Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Music Video (“In Your Love”) and Best Americana Performance (“Help Me Make It Through The Night”) bringing his total to five. Zach Bryan garnered three nods, including Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“I Remember Everything”) and Best Country Album (Zach Bryan).

Chris Stapleton accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at the 57th annual CMA Awards.

Chris Stapleton nabbed nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance (“White Horse”) as well as a nomination alongside Carly Pearce for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Brothers Osborne was nominated for Best Country Album (Brothers Osborne) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Nobody’s Nobody.”)

Kelsea Ballerini was nominated for Best Country Album with Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, while Luke Combs garnered a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance for his CMA-winning “Fast Car.” Dolly Parton nabbed one for Best Country Solo Performance (“The Last Thing On My Mind”).

In the Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin were recognized for “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)” and Dierks Bentley and Billy Strings were included for “High Note.”

Morgan Wallen‘s mega-hit “Last Night” was nominated for Best Country Song, which goes to the songwriters John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Ryan Vojtesak. Surprisingly, the country hitmaker was not represented anywhere else in the Grammy nominations list.

Shucked writers Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Top nominee Brandy Clark is up for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance (“Buried”), Best Americana Album (Brandy Clark), Best American Roots Song (“Dear Insecurity”) and Best Musical Theater Album (Shucked), alongside her co-writer Shane McAnally.

McAnally and Jessie Jo Dillon represent Nashville in the all-genre Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical category.

Click here to see more Grammy nominations with Nashville ties.

The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine winners, take places Dec. 14, 2023 – Jan. 4, 2024.

The 66th Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun, Feb. 4, 2024, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 7-10:30 p.m. CT. Prior to the telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at Peacock Theater at 2:30 p.m. central and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

Nominees Revealed For 66th Annual Grammy Awards

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The nominees for The 66th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 10) across all categories.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. was joined by Grammy winners Arooj Aftab, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jimmy Jam, Jon Bon Jovi, Samara Joy, Muni Long, Cheryl Pawelski, Kim Petras, Judith Sherman, St. Vincent, Jeff Tweedy and “Weird Al” Yankovic, along with CBS Mornings Co-Hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil to reveal the nominees.

This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 15, 2023. The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine winners, will run from Dec. 14, 2023 through Jan. 4, 2024.

The show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

“We are thrilled to kick off Grammy season with this year’s diverse and genre-bending slate of nominees, representing the best of their craft and an incredible year of music,” shares Mason jr. “From breakthrough acts to legacy artists, we are amazed by all the musicians recognized for their outstanding contributions to music today. We can’t wait to spotlight these remarkable creators and celebrate another amazing year in music on Feb. 4.”

For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.

Select Grammy Nominees:

Record Of The Year
“Worship” — Jon Batiste
“Not Strong Enough” — Boygenius
“Flowers” — Miley Cyrus
“What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture Barbie] — Billie Eilish
“On My Mama” — Victoria Monét
“Vampire” — Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero” — Taylor Swift
“Kill Bill” — SZA

Album Of The Year
World Music Radio — Jon Batiste
The Record — Boygenius
Endless Summer Vacation — Miley Cyrus
Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd — Lana Del Rey
The Age of Pleasure — Janelle Monáe
Guts — Olivia Rodrigo
Midnights — Taylor Swift
SOS — SZA

Song Of The Year
“A&W” — Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey & Sam Dew, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)
“Anti-Hero” — Jack Antonoff & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
“Butterfly” — Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Dance The Night” (From Barbie The Album) — Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
“Flowers” — Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein & Michael Pollack, songwriters (Miley Cyrus)
“Kill Bill” — Rob Bisel, Carter Lang & Solána Rowe, songwriters (SZA)
“Vampire” ­— Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Oliva Rodrigo)
“What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture Barbie] — Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist
Gracie Abrams
Fred Again
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Coco Jones
Noah Kahan
Victoria Monét
The War and Treaty

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Jack Antonoff
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Hit-Boy
Metro Boomin
Daniel Nigro

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Shane McAnally
Theron Thomas
Justin Tranter

Best Country Album
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat — Kelsea Ballerini
Brothers Osborne — Brothers Osborne
Zach Bryan — Zach Bryan
Rustin’ In The Rain — Tyler Childers
Bell Bottom Country — Lainey Wilson

Best Country Song
“Buried” – Brandy Clark & Jessie Jo Dillon, songwriters (Brandy Clark)
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves)
“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers & Geno Seale, songwriters (Tyler Childers)
“Last Night” – John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin & Ryan Vojtesak, songwriters (Morgan Wallen)
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Solo Performance
“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers
“Buried” – Brandy Clark
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs
“The Last Thing On My Mind” – Dolly Parton
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“High Note” – Dierks Bentley Featuring Billy Strings
“Nobody’s Nobody” – Brothers Osborne
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves
“Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)” – Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
“Save Me” – Jelly Roll With Lainey Wilson
“We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce Featuring Chris Stapleton

Best Americana Album
Brandy Clark — Brandy Clark
The Chicago Sessions — Rodney Crowell
You’re the One — Rhiannon Giddens
Weathervanes — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
The Returner — Allison Russell

Best Americana Performance
“Friendship” – The Blind Boys Of Alabama
“Help Me Make It Through The Night” – Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity” – Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile
“King Of Oklahoma” – Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
“The Returner” – Allison Russell

Best American Roots Song
“Blank Page” – Michael Trotter Jr. & Tanya Trotter, songwriters (The War And Treaty)
“California Sober” – Aaron Allen, William Apostol & Jon Weisberger, songwriters (Billy Strings Featuring Willie Nelson)
“Cast Iron Skillet” – Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit)
“Dear Insecurity” – Brandy Clark & Michael Pollack, songwriters (Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile)
“The Returner” – Drew Lindsay, JT Nero & Allison Russell, songwriters (Allison Russell)

Best American Roots Performance
“Butterfly” – Jon Batiste
“Heaven Help Us All” – The Blind Boys Of Alabama
“Inventing The Wheel” – Madison Cunningham
“You Louisiana Man” – Rhiannon Giddens
“Eve Was Black” – Allison Russell

Best Bluegrass Album
Radio John: Songs of John Hartford – Sam Bush
Lovin’ Of The Game – Michael Cleveland
Mighty Poplar – Mighty Poplar
Bluegrass – Willie Nelson
Me/And/Dad – Billy Strings
City Of Gold – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Best Folk Album
Traveling Wildfire – Dom Flemons
I Only See The Moon – The Milk Carton Kids
Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live] – Joni Mitchell
Celebrants – Nickel Creek
Jubilee – Old Crow Medicine Show
Seven Psalms – Paul Simon
Folkocracy – Rufus Wainwright

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ridin’ – Eric Bibb
The Soul Side Of Sipp – Mr. Sipp
Life Don’t Miss Nobody – Tracy Nelson
Teardrops For Magic Slim Live At Rosa’s Lounge – John Primer
All My Love For You – Bobby Rush

Best Gospel Album
I Love You – Erica Campbell
Hymns (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
The Maverick Way – Maverick City Music
My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds
All Things New: Live In Orlando – Tye Tribbett

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
My Tribe – Blessing Offor
Emanuel – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle
Church Clothes 4 – Lecrae
I Believe – Phil Wickham

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus
“Paint The Town Red” – Doja Cat
“What Was I Made For? [from the motion picture Barbie]” – Billie Eilish
“Vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Thousand Miles” – Miley Cyrus Featuring Brandi Carlile
“Candy Necklace” – Lana Del Rey Featuring Jon Batiste
“Never Felt So Alone” – Labrinth Featuring Billie Eilish
“Karma” – Taylor Swift Featuring Ice Spice
“Ghost In The Machine” – SZA Featuring Phoebe Bridgers

Best Pop Vocal Album
Chemistry – Kelly Clarkson
Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus
GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo
– (Subtract) – Ed Sheeran
Midnights – Taylor Swift

Best Music Video
“I’m Only Sleeping” – Em Cooper, video director; Jonathan Clyde, Sophie Hilton, Sue Loughlin & Laura Thomas, video producers (The Beatles)
“In Your Love” – Bryan Schlam, video director; Kacie Barton, Silas House, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton & Whitney Wolanin, video producers (Tyler Childers)
“What Was I Made For” – Billie Eilish, video director; Michelle An, Chelsea Dodson & David Moore, video producers (Billie Eilish)
“Count Me Out” – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jason Baum & Jamie Rabineau, video producers (Kendrick Lamar)
“Rush” – Gordon Von Steiner, video director; Kelly McGee, video producer (Troye Sivan)

Best Musical Theater Album
Kimberly Akimbo – John Clancy, David Stone & Jeanine Tesori, producers; Jeanine Tesori, composer; David Lindsay-Abaire, lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Parade – Micaela Diamond, Alex Joseph Grayson, Jake Pedersen & Ben Platt, principal vocalists; Jason Robert Brown & Jeffrey Lesser, producers; Jason Robert Brown, composer & lyricist (2023 Broadway Cast)
Shucked – Brandy Clark, Jason Howland, Shane McAnally & Billy Jay Stein, producers; Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)
Some Like It Hot – Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee, Adrianna Hicks & NaTasha Yvette Williams, principal vocalists; Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Bryan Carter, Scott M. Riesett, Charlie Rosen & Marc Shaiman, producers; Scott Wittman, lyricist; Marc Shaiman, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street – Annaleigh Ashford & Josh Groban, principal vocalists; Thomas Kail & Alex Lacamoire, producers (Stephen Sondheim, composer & lyricist) (2023 Broadway Cast)

Chris Stapleton Rides His ‘White Horse’ To The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart

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After raising the roof with his performance of it on the 57th Annual CMA Awards this week, Chris Stapleton tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “White Horse.”

Co-written by Stapleton and Dan Wilson, “White Horse” appears on his new album Higher, which released today (Nov. 10). The album also includes previously-released tracks “Think I’m In Love With You” and “It Takes A Woman.”

YouTube video

Stapleton, a 16-time CMA Award-winner, took home the trophy for Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time this week, breaking his own record for most wins ever in the category.

“White Horse” currently sits at No. 16 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 15 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs ‘Keeps You On The Edge Of Your Seat’ With New Single

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

I have never been prouder to be a country fan than I was when experiencing this week’s CMA Awards telecast.

The special brought out the best and brightest talents in the genre, delivering at the peak of their powers. Kelsea Ballerini, The War And Treaty, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen with Eric Church, Dan + Shay, K. Michelle with Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker and Carly Pearce as well as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band—these were performances for the ages. If you weren’t a country fan going into the show, surely these moments would make you one. My chest was bursting.

Several songs in today’s column were in the spotlight that night. The Disc of the Day is one of them—mega-talent Combs owns it.

The DISCovery Award goes to HunterGirl, whom I met at the ASCAP party. She is an American Idol alumnus, but she needs no TV set to help her on the triumphant “Ain’t About You.”

RVSHVD / “Small Town Talk”
Writers: Clintarius Johnson/Jason Afable/Josh Logan Tangney/Matty Gibbons; Producers: Jason Afable/Dream Addix; Label: Penthouse South/Sumerian Records
– In a word, wow. Stirring and anthemic, this heart-in-throat performance celebrates everyday life in tiny-town America. He sings with marvelous sincerity, and the song could not be more authentically country. I’m in. His name, by the way, is pronounced “Ra-shad” (just turn those V’s upside down.)

TYLER HUBBARD / “A Lot With A Little”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s warm delivery continues to enchant. Here, he praises the simple joys of poor-folks romance. Guitars blaze brightly and the beats keep a-comin.

HUNTERGIRL / “Ain’t About You”
Writer: Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Empowering and loaded with character and charisma. The ballad swells with positive vibes, and her vocal delivery has immense depth. This is a major, major new talent.

LAINEY WILSON / “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– If you had any doubts about this woman, her performance of this burning country rocker on the CMA Awards telecast erased them. And I do mean “country.” A delicious listening experience. “I’m barefoot and bareback and born tough as nails/I’m four fifths of reckless and one fifth of Jack.” You said it, sister.

ALEX MILLER / “Puttin’ Up Hay”
Writers: Alex Miller/Larry Cordle/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– This snappy hillbilly rocker sizzles with hot fiddle and electric guitar. Loved his low vocal dip at the finale. 

JESSIE MURPH & JELLY ROLL / “Wild Ones”
Writers: Jessie Murph/Jason DeFord/Feli Ferraro/Gregory “Aldae” Hein/Jeff Gitelman; Producer: Jeff Gitelman; Label: Columbia
– Murph’s saucy delivery leads the way as she sings about the dark side of Saturday night. Jelly Roll keeps pace with some strategically placed hillbilly hip-hop. The track loops back on itself throughout. Is there such a thing as “alternative outlaw” music?

TRACK 45 / “When I Grow Up”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Jaida Dreyer/Jonny Price; Producers: Track45/Jason Hall; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The angst of youth aches from every note. Their trio family harmonies on the choruses are awesome. I remain a fan.

LUKE COMBS / “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Randy Montana; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– What a voice. This is a mighty, mighty country-music man. And perhaps never more so than on this punchy rocker about a man who follows his big brother to Hollywood. Right up to the death scene, his gripping delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat. A simply brilliant performance of a titanically well-written song. He justifiably stopped the show with this at the CMA Awards.

KEITH ANDERSON / “Pickup Truck”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Thomas Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
– This enduringly good fellow has plenty of gas in his tank as he takes this high-octane rocker out for a spin. “You don’t need a pickup line if you’ve got a pickup truck.” Rock on, bro. 

MORGAN WALLEN & ERIC CHURCH / “Man Made A Bar”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Larry Fleet/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/UMG Nashville
– Charisma on the hoof. Individually, they are two of the finest singers we have. Together on this splendidly written ode, they are undeniable. This, my friends, is real country music.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavy Metal”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/KK Johnson/Sam Backoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her ear-catching, piercing, resonant voice is set in an echoey, stripped-down track. This gives extra punch to the lyric of a gal trapped in a dead-end marriage.

LUKE GRIMES / “Burn”
Writers: Luke Grimes/Randy Montana/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville/Range Music
– If romance with her means pain, bring it on, says Grimes. As always, he sings with great conviction. The track has a faintly western-cowboy vibe.

The 57th CMA Awards Brings Great Music & Deserved Wins [Recap]

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Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Country music stars and industry members assembled at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 8) for the 57th CMA Awards.

Lainey Wilson was the night’s biggest winner, receiving her first Entertainer of the Year award along with four more. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and Jelly Roll were other top winners from the night.

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning host The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Jelly Roll opened the show a cappella with “Need A Favor,” complete with a gospel choir and a surprise guest appearance from Wynonna Judd.

Hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning officially opened the show with some banter, recognizing some of the night’s top nominees. The hosts kept it lighthearted, focusing on self-deprecating humor and soft jokes.

Combs took home the first televised win of the night with “Fast Car” winning Single of the Year.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” Combs said. “I recorded it because I love this song. It’s meant so much to me my entire life. It was my first favorite song that I ever had, from the time I was four years old.” Producers Jonathan Singleton and Chip Matthews joined Combs onstage for the moment.

Following quickly behind were Bill Anderson and Sara Evans to present Song of the Year. The honor also went to Combs’ cover of “Fast Car.” Chapman was not in attendance, but sent in an acceptance message.

Luke Combs performs “Where the Wild Things Are” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

“It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut,” she wrote.

Craig Morgan, who was recognized for recently reenlisting in the military, introduced host Bryan’s performance of a medley of hits, including “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “One Margarita,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”

Ashley McBryde, lit from antique lighting fixtures hanging above her head, sang her “Light On In The Kitchen.”

Cody Johnson performs “The Painter” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Cody Johnson kept the musical bar high with his rising single “The Painter,” while a black and white photo of Johnson’s wife came to vibrant life as colors filled her picture. When the camera turned on her at the end of the song, she was teary-eyed beaming up at her husband.

The next award to be presented was Duo of the Year, and it went to Brothers Osborne for the sixth time. The duo shared that they were fans of all of the other duos in the category, and that it shocks them every time they win.

“We are absolutely living out our dream. Thanks for letting us do that,” TJ Osborne said. “I was a nerd growing up,” John Osborne added. “I was a nerd growing up. I had a few friends, but not a lot of friends. I spent my whole life learning how to play music and write songs. Y’all make me feel like a cool kid every year. That means more to me than you could ever imagine.”

Brothers Osborne accept the award for Vocal Duo of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Morgan Wallen was the next to perform. Eric Church was his surprise special guest. The two sang “Man Made A Bar” from Wallen’s blockbuster One Thing At A Time album, which will be Wallen’s new single.

Combs took the stage next to perform his exceptional new single, “Where The Wild Things Are.” Stapleton kept the energy high with a hair-raising performance of “White Horse.” Jordan Davis was the next to perform his hit “Next Thing You Know” while cell phone lighters lit up the arena.

The next CMA Award went to Old Dominion for Vocal Group of the Year. Like Brothers Osborne, it was the group’s sixth win in the category.

Kelsea Ballerini performs “Leave Me Again” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

“This night has been an amazing reminder of the talent pool we have somehow waded into,” shared Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey. “We got there by surrounding ourselves with the absolute best people.”

The night’s top nominee Wilson was next up to perform her new single, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”

Dan + Shay sang their butts off on “Save Me The Trouble.” Kelsea Ballerini followed with an awesome acoustic performance of her tender “Leave Me Again.” The War And Treaty treated everyone to “That’s How Love Is Made.”

Jelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

The next trophy went to Jelly Roll for New Artist of the Year. He took audience members straight to the “Whitsitt Chapel” in his acceptance speech.

“There is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning New Artist of the Year. I don’t know where you’re at in your life, or what you’re going through, but I want to tell you to keep going, baby,” he said.

In a tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally embodied his free spirit on “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson picked off where they left off, singing an “adios” to Buffett before transitioning into “Margaritaville.”

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney perform “Can’t Break Up Now” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney performed their new duet, “Can’t Break Up Now.”

The CMA Award for Album of the Year went to Wilson for Bell Bottom Country. She thanked her entire team. “My love for storytelling truly came from being from Baskin—a town of 200 people where there’s really not a whole lot to do. You sit around the kitchen table and tell the same old stories you’ve been hearing for years. The kind of stories that get better every single time you hear them,” she said. “That’s what we wanted to do with this record.”

Stapleton returned to the stage to sing with Carly Pearce on “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”

Martina McBride presented Wilson with Female Vocalist of the Year. “Us girls have been having to blaze trails from the beginning,” Wilson said. Thank you for letting me be a part of that.”

Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Post Malone perform at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Wallen and Hardy paid tribute to the late Joe Diffie with a fun performance of “John Deere Green.” Hip-hop sensation Post Malone joined the country brothers for “Pickup Man.”

Newly-inducted Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker performed her evergreen “Delta Dawn,” with support from Little Big Town.

Comedian Nate Bargatze presented Stapleton with the Male Vocalist of the Year honor. “Every one of these guys in this category deserves this award,” Stapleton said. “I’ve won a couple of these and I’m always shocked when I win one.” He dedicated the award to his late collaborators Mike Henderson and Eric Burrows.

Chris Stapleton accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at The 57th Annual CMA Awards.

When it came time to reveal the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, the arena erupted when Wilson’s name was called. With the title, she became the first woman in over a decade to clinch the title. Clearly shocked and emotional, Wilson tearfully shared her appreciation and love for country music.

“We’ve worked our butts off this year and so many years in between,” Wilson said. “I’ve been in this town for 12 and a half years and it finally feels like country music is starting to love me back.”

Once all awards had been handed out, Jelly Roll returned to close the show alongside first-time performer and multi-genre powerhouse K. Michelle, singing The Judds‘ “Love Can Build A Bridge.”

The 57th CMA Awards is available to watch now on Hulu.