Luke Combs Notches Four-Week No. 1 On MusicRow Chart With ‘Where The Wild Things Are’

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Luke Combs At Nissan Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of David Bergman.

Luke Combs‘ “Where The Wild Things Are” has notched its fourth week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, making it Combs’ longest consecutive run at No. 1 on the MusicRow chart. His hit “The Kind Of Love We Make” spent four non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 in 2022.

“Where The Wild Things Are” is also Combs’ 20th MusicRow No. 1 as an artist, including collaborations. It was written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull and appears on Combs’ Gettin’ Old album.

Combs will perform on the annual Grammy Awards telecast on Feb. 4, where he is also up for an award for Best Country Solo Performance with “Fast Car.”

“Where The Wild Things Are” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.

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

Lisa Harless Retires After More Than 38 Years With Regions Bank [Exclusive]

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Lisa Harless

Music Row veteran Lisa Harless has retired from her position as Sr. VP/Wealth Advisor, Entertainment and Sports Division of Regions Bank. She was with the company for more than 38 years.

“When I reflect on the past three and half decades, I am incredibly blessed to have known and worked with the legendary and incredibly talented individuals I have worked with—and how fulfilling to have been involved in helping them achieve their financial and career goals,” Harless tells MusicRow. “How fortunate I have been to work with a company like Regions which gives back to our community in countless ways, is an annual corporate sponsor of key music industry organizations, and is the title sponsor of the NSAI’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.”

Harless, a graduate of Lipscomb University, joined Regions in 1985 following time at Aetna Casualty and Surety. In her executive post at the bank, she assisted clients with a wide range of financial services including deposit and credit needs, investments and estate and financial planning.

Private Wealth Advisor Chase Chapman and Music Row Branch Manager Melodie Zack will now head Regions’ Music Row leadership team.

“I have tremendous confidence in our Regions Music Row leadership team,” Harless says. “Chapman and Zack share my passion for meeting the financial needs of those in the entertainment industry, and this is the ideal time to turn the banking leadership reins over to them to carry on our tradition of outstanding client service!”

In retirement, Harless will enthusiastically continue her involvement with music and songwriter events, supporting the non-profits close to her heart and serving on Boards and Advisory Councils of key organizations. She also plans to travel with her husband and spend time with her family.

In recognition of her retirement, the Regions Foundation of TN has honored Harless with a $10,000 donation to W.O. Smith Music School in her honor, an organization she holds dear.

Harless describes this transitional season as “reFIREment,” as she is “fired up” about her future plans and all she wants to accomplish in this next chapter.

BMG Promotes Jon Loba To President Frontline Recordings, North America

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Pictured (L-R): Jon Loba, Thomas Coesfeld and Thomas Scherer. Photo: Courtesy of BMG

BMG is now increasing investment in its U.S. record labels as it “doubles down” on its North America operation, which already accounts for more than 50 percent of its revenue. As part of the plan, BMG Nashville President Jon Loba will become President Frontline Recordings, North America, taking charge of BMG’s entire North American frontline records business across Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and Canada. His other responsibilities include the Rise (Spiritbox, Sum 41) and RBC (Chief Keef, Run The Jewels) imprints as well as the main BMG label.

Additionally, Thomas Scherer, who oversaw publishing and recordings in Los Angeles and New York, will become President Global Catalog Recordings, while retaining his responsibilities as President, Music Publishing, North America. Alongside CFO North America Joe Gillen, they will comprise BMG’s U.S.-based leadership.

BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld says, “We are making good on our promise to double down on our U.S. operation with a distinctive new approach: an integrated frontline operation spanning the whole of North America plus a Global Catalog business steered from Los Angeles. BMG is stepping up. This is an integral part of our new strategy to deliver for artists and songwriters and go for growth.”

Loba joined BMG in 2017 when the company acquired Nashville-based BBR Music Group. He has since grown a roster that already included country superstars Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch to breakout artists such as Blanco Brown, Parmalee and 2024 Grammy nominees Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. In 2023, Loba played a key role in BMG receiving its first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town,” and Jelly Roll and Wilson accounted for six of the 12 awards presented at the CMA Awards.

“Under Jon Loba, BMG Nashville has exceeded our expectations year after year. Jon is not only one of the most accomplished record executives in Nashville, the multi-genre success he has achieved with Jelly Roll makes him the ideal person to take additional responsibility for our Los Angeles, New York and Canada recordings business as we further pursue our objective of making BMG the most effective and artist-friendly destination for artists, both established and new,” says Coesfeld. “Jon is a true entrepreneur and combines music savvy with an instinctive and well-rounded managerial style. I am delighted he is stepping up to take on this challenge.”

“We have created something special with our artists in Nashville. I am excited at the opportunity to apply the timeless formula we have employed there–genuine partnership with authentic new artists–to BMG’s broader North American recorded business,” shares Loba. “I am grateful to Thomas Coesfeld for his constant inspiration and trust and to the broader BMG team. It’s been an exciting six months since Thomas was named CEO. His energetic and strategic approach to the business has been very inspirational for all of us, because that’s the way our Nashville team runs. I’m looking so forward to working even closer with our staff throughout North America and as important, helping bring the visions of our amazing artists to life.”

Dean Dillon Signs Publishing Deal With River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing

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River House’s Zebb Luster, Dean Dillon and River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline

Iconic country songwriter Dean Dillon has signed a worldwide publishing deal with River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

Dillon is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Having penned many iconic hits for chart-topping artists including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith and many more, Dillon was named the BMI Country Icon in 2013 and has amassed a combined total of 31 BMI Country and Pop Awards.

His association with Strait over the years has brought him to an icon status in country music with over 76 hits together, including the Grammy-nominated “Breath You Take” as well as “The Chair,” “I’ve Come to Expect it From You,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “She Let Herself Go,” “The Best Day” and endless more.

“We are thrilled to have Dean Dillon join our River House roster. His songwriting is unparalleled, and this is such an exciting time for us,” says Zebb Luster, VP/GM of River House Artists. “I have been a true fan of his songwriting for years and how it has forged a path in country music history. We are honored that he trusts us to continue to further his incredible songwriting legacy.”

Dillon adds, “I’m so excited to be part of the River House family. The team has an excellent track record and are such thoughtful stewards of great songs. I’m looking forward to working with them to further my lasting legacy as a songwriter.”

Dillon moved to Nashville in 1973, and his career has been one that most Music City songwriters aspire to have. His first No. 1 was “Lying Here in Love With You,” recorded by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius and co-written with Gary Harrison.

Dillon’s latest hits have included George Strait’s “Here for a Good Time” and “Livin’ For the Night” as well as “It’s a Little Too Late” performed by Keith and “I’m Alive” by Chesney and Dave Matthews. In addition to his songbook of hits for other artists, he has charted eight of his songs as a recording artist, with “I’m Into the Bottle (To Get You Out of My Mind)” breaking into the Top 30.

Chris Young’s Attorney Releases Statement

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Chris Young. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Chris Young‘s attorney Bill Ramsey has issued a statement denouncing the singer’s arrest earlier this week, when he was charged with disorderly conduct, assaulting an officer and resisting arrest after an altercation at a bar in Nashville.

After his arrest on Monday night (Jan. 22), Young’s mugshot was shared across social media and national media outlets. Reports shared that he had allegedly assaulted a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agent who was checking IDs at a downtown bar in Nashville.

Video evidence that surfaced on Wednesday (Jan. 24) seemed to show that the agent initiated the physical altercation with Young.

Though the singer has been unable to comment directly on the incident, his attorney has spoken out.

“What happened to my client Chris Young at a bar in Nashville on Monday night was wrong and he never should have been arrested and charged in the first place,” Ramsey says. “In light of the video evidence, Tennessee ABC needs to drop the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional and professional harm done towards my client.”

CMT Reveals Next Women Of Country Class Of 2024

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Anne Wilson, Denitia, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey. (L-R, bottom row): Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold, Twinnie

CMT has revealed the Next Women of Country Class of 2024. For 11 years, the Next Women of Country program has worked to promote female country artists and fight systemic gender disparity within the country music.

The Class of 2024 includes Anne Wilson, Denitia, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey, Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold and Twinnie.

In a ceremony hosted in Nashville today (Jan. 23), CMT SVP of Music & Talent Leslie Fram revealed the new artist class alongside Kimberly Perry and Colbie Caillat. Perry and Caillat will serve as mentors to this year’s class.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to welcome this latest group of artists to CMT’s Next Women of Country,” says Fram. “For the past 10 years, this franchise has represented the best and brightest new talent in all of country music and this year is no exception. From the UK and Canada to California and the deep South, these women all have their own unique stories to tell and we can’t wait to introduce them to CMT audiences in creative and meaningful ways.”

Additionally for 2024, CMT will start a year-long partnership with Song Suffragettes, an all female singer-songwriter collective. The announcement was made on stage by Fram and Song Suffragettes leader Todd Cassetty. The partnership will aim to pursue industry education opportunities together to continue advancing and supporting women country music artists. To celebrate the partnership, CMT and Song Suffragettes will host a showcase on Feb. 27 at City Winery Nashville.

CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown will also air a three-hour special episode that honors the 2024 class. The special will air on CMT on Feb. 10.

With the addition of the 2024 class, the program now has a total of 125 artists. Many alumni of the program have made a big impact in the country music scene, including Ashley McBryde, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Mickey Guyton, Tenille Arts and many more.

Beville Dunkerley Joins Maverick As VP, Marketing

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Beville Dunkerley

Beville Dunkerley has joined management company Maverick as VP of Marketing.

In the newly created role, Dunkerley will lead the marketing and creative efforts for Maverick’s roster that includes Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Hootie & the Blowfish and more.

“Clarence Spalding and Chris Parr have assembled a top-notch team of not only innovative thinkers but also salt-of-the-earth, kindhearted people,” she says. “I am incredibly excited to join this team, collaborating on a roster of artists who’ve adorned my personal playlists for decades. (Let’s be honest, they had me at Hootie & the Blowfish!)”

Dunkerley started her music career at WSM Radio, and previously served as Head of Country Music Talent & Industry Relations at SiriusXM/Pandora. She exited the position in March of last year. Dunkerley is also the Co-Founder of both Rolling Stone Country and The Boot.

Zach Bryan Leads First MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Of 2024

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

After topping MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2023 list, Zach Bryan sits at No. 1 on the first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2024.

Bryan currently has seven songs on the country charts, with most being solo writes. His charting songs include “I Remember Everything,” “Hey Driver,” “Tourniquet,” “Spotless,” “Sarah’s Place,” “East Side of Sorrow” and “El Dorado.”

Ashley Gorley starts 2024 at No. 2 on the chart, with charting hits by Morgan Wallen, Chris Young, Nate Smith, Hardy, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson and Dylan Scott.

Chayce Beckham (No. 3), Randy Montana (No. 4) and Jelly Roll (No. 5) round out the top five.

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.

‘World On Fire’ Scores Sixth Week At No. 1 On Country Radio

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Nate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Nate Smith has earned a sixth consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his smash hit “World On Fire.”

Following Carrie Underwood and Bailey Zimmerman, Smith is only the third artist ever to have a six-week No. 1 with their first two singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He is also the first artist to have back-to-back, multi-week No. 1s on the chart with their first two singles since Luke Combs.

“World On Fire” is off of the singer’s self-titled album, released in 2023. The album hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country albums chart and Top 30 on the Billboard Top 200. The song has amassed over 150 million global streams.

Last week, Smith was nominated for Best New Artist (Country) for the 2024 iHeart Radio awards. He also recently shared a clip on TikTok of new music in the works, which has been viewed over four million times.

Smith is currently on his “World On Fire” tour, and will hit the road with Morgan Wallen later in the year. He will also be returning to Stagecoach, after making his debut at the festival last year.

Luke Combs & More To Perform At 66th Annual Grammy Awards

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Luke Combs has been added to the lineup of performers for the 66th annual Grammy Awards along with Burna Boy and Travis Scott.

They join previously announced acts Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo, and more will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Combs, Burna Boy and Scott are all up for awards this year. Combs’ “Fast Car” cover is up for Best Country Solo Performance. Burna Boy’s I Told Them… is nominated Best Global Music Album along with “City Boys” for Best African Music Performance, “Alone” for Best Global Music Performance and “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” for Best Melodic Rap Performance. Scott’s Utopia has scored a nomination for Best Rap Album.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.