Kane Brown & Co-Writers Toast To Another Chart-Topper, ‘Like I Love Country Music’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Evyn Johnston (ASCAP), Dennis Reese (RCA Nashville), Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell Nashville), Kevin Lane (Kobalt Music), Lydia Schultz Cahill (SESAC), Michael Martin (Endurance Music Group), Shannon Sanders (BMI); (L-R, front row): Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Matt McGinn (SESAC), Robin Palmer (SMACK). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Kane Brown has had a great month. A few weeks ago, he played to a sold-out crowd during his headlining debut at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Last week he received his first nomination for ACM Entertainer of the Year, on top of four other nominations for Male Artist Of The Year and Single, Music Event and Visual Media Of The Year for his duet with wife Katelyn, “Thank God.”

This week he celebrated his eighth No. 1 hit, “Like I Love Country Music,” which he co-wrote with Jordan Schmidt, Taylor Phillips and Matt McGinn. BMI held the celebration in their lobby. Executive Director Shannon Sanders presided.

“At BMI, we’re passionate about songwriters. We always enjoy seeing their efforts recognized and celebrating them,” Sanders said. “Today’s event is a testament that great music is a collaborative effort.”

Speaking on collaboration, the four songwriters had BMI, ASCAP and SESAC representatives on hand to support. BMI represents Brown and Phillips, ASCAP works with Schmidt and SESAC reps McGinn.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Clay Bradley (BMI), April Britt (Studio Bank), Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Aaron Dorn (Studio Bank), Shannon Sanders (BMI), Leslie Roberts (BMI); (L-R, front row): Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Matt McGinn (SESAC), Ron Cox (Studio Bank). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

“Kane, it’s amazing to watch your star rise and to watch it burn brighter and brighter,” Sanders said. “We’re also super proud to represent another super talented, hit songwriter on this stage: Taylor Phillips,” Sanders added. “‘Like I Love Country Music’ is Taylor’s fourth No. 1 and his third with Kane.”

ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston was on hand to celebrate with Schmidt. “I can always pinpoint a Jordan track. They have a vibe and sound amazing,” she shared. “Congrats on your sixth No. 1.”

SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill spoke about affiliate McGinn. “Congrats on your sixth No. 1,” she said. “We’re very proud of you and we love you.”

Next up it was time to hear from the publishers, starting with UMPG’s Cyndi Forman. She kept it short and sweet. “You guys wrote a fun, uptempo song that says something. Don’t we ask that of you every day?” she said. Phillips quipped, “Every day!”

Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn was up next to speak on Phillips, who he referred to as “Captain Hook.” “I’ve been told that writing with Taylor is like sitting across from a verbal machine gun,” Vaughn said. “Everyone should be aware that Taylor Phillips is on fire in country music.”

Endurance’s Michael Martin was on hand to talk about Schmidt. “We just started working with Jordan a few months ago, but we’ve seen first hand how hard he works. Being around his talent has been an absolute joy and a blast for our team.”

Robin Palmer from SMACK Songs joined the stage to give kudos to McGinn. “We’ve worked together for 10 years, which is kind of a record in publishing,” she said to him. “I absolutely love Matt. He always puts in 100%.”

Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, who also works with McGinn, shared, “I haven’t worked with Matt as long as Robin has, but I don’t know that I’ve ever worked with someone who works as hard and cares as much as Matt does.”

Now partnered with BMI, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox was on hand for a presentation. The bank made a contribution to a charity close to Brown’s heart, the Boys & Girls Club, in honor of the song.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Jordan Schmidt, Kane Brown, Taylor Phillips and Matt McGinn with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

To represent Brown’s label, RCA Nashville’s Dennis Reese spoke about his relationship Brown. Reese recognized the entire Sony team, Martha Earls and her team at Neon Coast and the songwriters.

“This is our eighth No. 1 song together, KB,” he said. “We celebrate these eight together with so much excitement at what is still to come.”

By the time the men of the hour spoke, it was clear which roles they each take in a co-write. Brown sets the intentions for the song, Schmidt brings all the tracks and vibes, Phillips supplies the hook and McGinn polishes the tune until it shines.

When he spoke, Schmidt thanked Brown, his family and publishers. “I want to thank Kane for cutting this song and bringing it life,” he said. “I would like thank Taylor Phillips for always having ideas and always throwing them at you—almost violently. I would like to thank Matt McGinn for setting the bar so high that it normally takes two or three sessions to finish a song.”

McGinn echoed Schmidt’s thanks for the team. He also thanked his publishers and friends, and he also made sure to recognize producer Dann Huff for his work. “I find it serendipitous that the records that made me love country music were made by him, and now most of the records that have changed my life and kept me in country music are made by him.”

Phillips spoke about his journey to becoming a hit songwriter, thanking gatekeepers for both the “yes’s” and the “no’s.” “I’ve been told ‘no’ in this town way more than I’ll ever be told ‘yes,’ but these moments, sitting up here on this stage when you do get a ‘yes’, is enough to keep going.”

When the man of the hour spoke, he talked about his friendships with Schmidt, McGinn and Phillips. “These guys are my boys. We started out together,” he said. “Thank you to everyone that’s here.”

John Esposito Ends Chairman Emeritus & Embraces Retirement, Happily

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John Esposito. Photo: Eric Brown

John “Espo” Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman Emeritus, steps down from his role at the label effective today (April 19) to happily embrace retirement.

Esposito sent out an email to the Warner team letting everyone know he was stepping down as Chairman Emeritus, a role he assumed at the beginning of 2023.

The email reads:

Dear Warner Music Nashville Family,

It’s that time of year when I head off to Nantucket to relax and reflect.

This summer though, it will be reflecting on my next adventures, as I am stepping down as the Chairman Emeritus of Warner Music Nashville today.

I’m so proud of what you’re all achieving as a team. I will always be the biggest champion of this team and the artists we signed and developed together.

Keep rocking!

See you in the fall.

Espo

When Esposito’s move to Chairman Emeritus was announced, Warner Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada said, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community.”

Last month, Esposito was named the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research.

In June of 2022, music industry veterans Ben Kline and Cris Lacy were announced as successors to the beloved Esposito, who remained Chairman & CEO through the end of the year.

Leslie DiPiero Named President Of Jonas Group Publishing

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Leslie DiPiero. Photo: Gene Reed

After joining the Nashville creative community in 2020, full service entertainment company Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE) has announced the appointment of Music Row veteran Leslie DiPiero as President of Jonas Group Publishing.

In her new role, DiPiero will sign and develop songwriters and producers, while nurturing the current writers and catalog. Reporting to JGE CEO Phil Guerini, DiPiero and the team plan to expand their overall Nashville footprint with catalog acquisitions, recordings and sync opportunities.

Current JGP songwriters include Franklin Jonas, who recently released his debut single, “Cocaine,” and Terri Jo Box whose recent cuts include “Hillbilly Hippie” (Lainey Wilson) and “God Bless The Boy” (Cody Johnson).

“Working with Phil Guerini and Kevin Jonas Sr. is an honor and privilege for me,” says DiPiero. “These two individuals have a longstanding friendship based on honesty and integrity. What brought us together is a shared passion and inspired direction towards helping creators reach their goals and dreams.”

DiPiero will launch this new chapter of her career on May 31, while simultaneously exiting her position at Tree Vibez Music, where she led the building of a powerhouse publishing company. In her six years as General Manager, Tree Vibez Music produced more than 500 cuts, 50 singles, of which 23 reached No. 1.

“I am so grateful to Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley and the Tree Vibez Music family for giving me the opportunity to serve them and their teams over the past six years,” adds DiPiero. She will continue to work with Hubbard whose songs are currently administered by Warner Chappell Music.

“Leslie has earned the respect of this community which is built on years of unflinching integrity and passion for songwriters and artists,” says Guerini. “Her relationships, creative and business acumen is unparalleled, and we are thrilled to have her lead Jonas Group Publishing.”

Music Row Sings Praises For Mitchell Tenpenny’s ‘Truth About You’ At No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, Curb’s Colt Murski, Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas, Matt Alderman, Jordan Schmidt, Mitchell Tenpenny, Thomas Archer, Riser House’s Jennifer Johnson, MV2 Entertainment’s Tony Harrell, Red Light Managment’s Kristen Ashley and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Photo: Steve Lowry

Under a shining sun and clear blue sky, members of the Nashville music community congregated on the BMI rooftop Friday afternoon (April 14) to recognize the hard work behind Mitchell Tenpenny‘s No. 1 hit “Truth About You,” which he wrote alongside Matt Alderman and Thomas Archer.

The warmth of the weather combined with the warmth and smiles brought by attendees was rejuvenating and exuded a sense of relaxed excitement as everyone mingled while enjoying food and refreshments.

BMI’s Josh Tomlinson took the stage to welcome everyone before calling Tenpenny, Alderman, Archer and producer Jordan Schmidt up to join him and congratulating the group. He began by acknowledging the crucial part Schmidt played in the project.

“I would be totally remiss if I didn’t emphasize Jordan’s work on this song and the entire [This Is The Heavy] album.” Turning to Schmidt, he continued, “Literally, there is not a miss on this record and I think that’s due in part to your touch on it, so congrats on an awesome record on top of another No. 1.”

Tomlinson then moved on to salute BMI writers Tenpenny and Archer, complimenting their character as well as their work ethic. SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill was on deck to commend Alderman. She started by thanking BMI for hosting and welcoming Alderman’s family, who were present, to their first No. 1 party.

“On behalf of SESAC, I just want to say congratulations to you Matt. You are a joy to work with. You are so kind and truly a soft, thoughtful person,” she stated while adding “I realize you’re kind of a mystery because you don’t talk about yourself that much, but you don’t need to talk about yourself because your work speaks for itself. You’ve celebrated three No. 1s as a producer, two as a songwriter, and here we are today at your very first No. 1 party.”

Pictured: Columbia Nashville promotion team with Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Steve Lowry

Up next was MV2 Entertainment’s Tony Harrell, who took time to thank Clay Bradley and the rest of the BMI team for consistently supporting songwriters and for “ordering in the incredible weather.” He continued by addressing Tenpenny and Schmidt, noting that they “nailed this song.”

“‘Truth About You’ took a minute to get up there but kudos to Sony for standing behind it and taking it all the way to the top. Now it’s Platinum. I first met Mitchell at a studio called the Freeway with Dallas Wilson. It’s been a few years but we knew that night there was something special going on, and tonight you’re playing Nissan Stadium, opening up for Luke Combs, and you’re just getting started. So, congrats to you, congrats to Matt, and a special congrats to Thomas Archer.”

He continued, “Thomas, we at MV2 Entertainment are so grateful we’ve celebrated several No. 1s with you and we’ve got more coming. We’re so proud of you, it’s been great to see you grow as writer. Thomas is a guy who writes before he goes to the write. He shows up armed and ready to roll, and he comes out with a hit song.”

Riser House’s Jennifer Johnson took the mic “to share a few truths” about Tenpenny, inserting a few fun facts about his Nike shoe collection and affinity for Pokemon Go before she announced the truth of the single’s streaming stats.

“This song has streamed over 217 million times, and that’s a testament to all of these amazing songwriters. You guys have written songs that people want to consume and that people love,” she noted. “Thank you for believing in Mitchell as an artist. I know these songwriters create such a great community here. Mitchell also loves to support the songwriting community. He’s always been an advocate for helping songwriters get more pay. He’s always going to be the person who’s going to lead the charge in that, and I just want y’all to know that you couldn’t have a better champion for your community.”

Johnson went on to discuss the efforts and plans Riser House as a whole is making to advocate for songwriters, noting that we will be hearing some things soon from them. She then reminisced on the early days of the record label and acknowledged each team member. “We came together and we started Riser House Records. [Tenpenny] actually named it. He said, ‘You know what, if we come together and do something completely different than anyone else in town and are not afraid, are bold and take chances, we will rise above the noise and rise above all the rest.'” She concluded by explaining Tenpenny’s gratitude and support of the women in his life including his mother, industry veteran Debbie Tenpenny, and his predominantly female team.

Curb’s Colt Murski then congratulated everyone and walked the crowd through the “Truth About You” timeline.

“Feb. 13, 2019, these guys wrote this song. Then about a year later, in February 2020, Matt put a new mix on it and I think that just helped rejuvenate the song and get [everyone] back on the same page about it. In June of 2020, Sony put it on hold. In May of 2020, Mitchell teased it on TikTok and it had this viral moment, which was really cool. I think that’s what really got him back rolling and got Sony really interested in your new music. Y’all released it July 9, and in that first week, it had 3.4 million streams, which was an amazing feat. It went to radio in August of 2021 and went No. 1 in September of 2022.”

Murski moved on to salute his “little brother” Alderman, expressing that being a part of a writer’s firsts is the most special part of the business to him, before acknowledging the work of Tenpenny, Archer, Schmidt and all of the teams involved in the track.

In honor of the No. 1, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart announced that they plan to make a donation to the 10Penny Fund, which seeks to support cancer patients beyond traditional medical treatments, on behalf of the “Truth About You” writers.

Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas then stated that “Truth About You” hit No. 1 three weeks after Tenpenny found himself at No. 1 with ACM Award-nominated song “At The End Of The Bar” with Chris Young, which was the shortest span between No. 1s for an artist since May 1982. “We could not ask for a harder working person than you. Thank you for your trust and all of the effort you put in to this,” she said while facing Tenpenny before shouting out the Sony team individually.

Finally, the writers and producer took the floor.

Archer started, acknowledging all of the puzzle pieces it takes to put a song together and thanking his family and all of the tune’s contributors. Next, Alderman took the mic, his first time doing so at a No. 1 celebration, and thanked his family in the crowd as well as Murski and the Curb team, Sony, his cowriters and everyone who supported the song.

Schmidt began by thanking the writers, Sony, the contributors behind the success and his family—including his brother and pregnant wife who were present. Last was Tenpenny, he thanked everyone for being there and expressed his immense gratitude for his team at Sony—noting that they have been his family since he was little—as well as Riser House and his wife, fellow artist Meghan Patrick, among many others.

“It’s just fun to do this with your friends. It’s really cool that we get paid to sit in a room, pick up a guitar and write songs with our best friends. That’s what Nashville is about. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he shared.

BBR Music Group’s Rick Shedd & Renee Leymon Retiring

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BBR Music Group has announced the retirement of Rick Shedd, who served as the label group’s General Manager for more than 20 years, and Renee Leymon, who has been with the label group for almost a decade and rose to her most recent post of VP/Radio Syndication & Group Strategy in 2016.

Rick Shedd

“After an entire career making my living within the music business, it is time to step back to pursue some personal goals like traveling and reconnecting with friends,” says Shedd. “I am eternally grateful to have had a career that combined so many fun experiences and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships with people that I met along the way. So grateful to those who were supportive and loyal to me on this journey.”

“Rick has been with BBR from nearly the beginning and has played an important role in our growth and success all along the way,” says Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville. “His steady hand and demeanor were the perfect balance for a scrappy, upstart independent. He’s also been an amazing friend to me and the entire staff. We will miss having him in the office greatly, but so happy he gets to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.”

Congratulate Shedd on his retirement at Summerrick606@gmail.com

Renee Leymon

“It feels good going out riding on the wings of being the No. 1 airplay label in country music for 2022,” says Leymon. “I’ve been blessed way more than I deserve and am thankful for every second of my music business life. I would consider it my biggest professional accomplishment to leave a trail of successors that I might have influenced and that they are better for it. Most of all, thank you to the people that got me here and enabled me to realize a dream beyond my imagination…you know who you are.”

“Renee was always one of the most tenacious and accomplished promotion executives in the business. When she was given the VP of Syndication and Group Strategy stripes, she truly defined what the role was and played a significant part in Broken Bow becoming the No. 1 Radio Airplay Label last year,” continues Loba. “We will all miss her asking each of us, ‘Are you mad at me?’ but excited she gets to reinvent herself working with her son in a different industry.”

“Renee has been such an integral part of our team here for so many years,” says Carson James, SVP of Promotion. “I’m going to miss working with her every day. The passion she has for our artists and the music they create is like nothing else. Renee, we love you, we’ll miss you, and we hate to see you go.”

Congratulate Leymon at calebsmeme1@aol.com.

UMG Nashville Elevates Lori Christian & Rob Femia

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Lori Christian & Rob Femia

UMG Nashville has promoted Lori Christian and Rob Femia to executive positions. Christian will now serve as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Femia has been named Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for the label group consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.

In her new role, Christian will oversee the Artist Development, Brands & Sponsorship, Creative Services, International Marketing and Media Marketing departments for the label group’s artist roster. Christian rose to SVP of Marketing in 2020 after leading UMG Nashville’s Publicity department since the 2012 merger of EMI and Universal Music Group. During her time with the label group, Christian has played a key role in crafting overall messaging and defining narrative for UMG Nashville artists and their music. She has overseen the launches of multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning projects from Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan, among others as well as development of artists including Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis and Sam Hunt. Christian has also played an instrumental role in advancing the careers of Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Sam Williams, Tyler Hubbard and The War And Treaty. A Pittsburgh-native and Denison University graduate, her prior career stops include Capitol Records Nashville, where she oversaw the publicity department, and Sony Music, where she handled publicity for the RCA Records label roster.

“Lori’s understanding of storytelling and weaving our artists narratives into framing their stories has been a critical element of UMG Nashville’s success,” says Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO. “Artist development is such a defining feature that separates our artists, especially in a world where everyone is looking for immediate gratification. Having Lori in this leadership role to help drive the key tenants of artist development across all of UMG Nashville is going to change our artist growth strategy. I am so excited to see how Lori leads and guides a new era in artist marketing across UMG Nashville.”

Femia has over 15 years of experience practicing entertainment law, an extensive knowledge of the industry and has fostered relationships with artists and their management teams. He joined UMG Nashville in 2013 as Head of Business & Legal Affairs, and rose to to SVP in 2018, and has now earned the role of EVP as he leads the BA department. Femia is a graduate of Rutgers Law School with prior work history at Sony, BMG, Virgin Records/Capitol Music Group/EMI Music North America and Atlantic Records.

“It’s an honor to expand Rob’s leadership abilities beyond his vast business and legal knowledge,” expresses Mabe. “Rob has had a front seat in dealmaking for a while but as we expand the new goals of UMG Nashville, Rob is helping to write and build the next era of country music business. With the industry changing so rapidly, Rob is an essential partner to our future as Universal Music Group Nashville and his alignment and guidance of our staff and artists is critical to our success. It’s an honor to watch Rob shine and lead our company and I am thrilled to have him join our executive team.”

Luke Combs Sets The Bar For Shows This Summer After Two-Night Stint At Nissan Stadium

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Luke Combs At Nissan Stadium. Photo: David Bergman.

Luke Combs kicked off the summer concert season with two nights at Nissan Stadium this weekend, including a sold out Saturday-night (April 15), proving why he is one of the biggest names in country music.

Fans got warmed up with a stacked lineup of top-tier country talent with performances from Brent Cobb, Flatland Cavalry, Lainey Wilson and Riley Green. Wilson and Green are following in Comb’s footsteps as excellent performers, gaining immense popularity with their sing-along anthems. Fans packed in to see Wilson and Green perform, singing along to almost every song.

But nothing can be compared to Combs’ energy-filled performance, which had fans on their feet all night long. Combs gave it all on the stage playing songs from his whole repertoire including his massive hits like “Beer Never Broke My Heart.,” “Hurricane” and “1, 2 Many.” Combs also played a handful of songs from his new record, Gettin’ Old, which have already become fan favorites.

Photo: David Bergman.

The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year opened up the night in front of 55,000 fans with “Lovin’ On You” before going into “Hannah Ford Road” off his new record, though fans knew the words to the new songs just as well as any of his massive hits. He welcomed fans to the show before announcing that “Love You Anyway” will be his next radio single after letting fans vote on it last week.

“About a week or week and a half ago, I announced I was going to let you guys decide what my next single was going to be on country radio. We had a vote and you could vote for ‘Love You Anyway’ or ‘5 Leaf Clover’ to put out on the radio. It was real close, I think it was 51 percent to 49 percent, so it was neck and neck,” Combs said. “So this is my next single on country radio, it’s called ‘Love You Anyway.'”

Combs then played “Going, Going, Gone” followed by “Refrigerator Door.” He showed off how much he loves connecting with his fans by allowing them to choose his next song. Fans had the opportunity to scan a QR code before the show and vote on a song for him to play. He and his band didn’t know what they were going to play until the song was revealed in real time. Fans chose the deep and reflective “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old,” which was performed brilliantly and passionately by Combs and his band.

His band got to show off a bit in the middle of the show when Combs introduced them to the sold out crowd and let them play a medley of covers including David Lee Murphy‘s “Dust On The Bottle,” Diamond Rio‘s “Meet In The Middle” and Bruno Mars‘ “When I Was Your Man.”

Photo: David Bergman.

After the medley, Combs played hit song after hit song, once again showing off his fantastic catalog in such a short career. He played “Beautiful Crazy” and a new emotional future-hit “Where The Wild Things Are,” as well as Fast Car” and “5 Leaf Clover” from his new record. He brought Wilson back up on stage to sing Miranda Lambert‘s part of “Outrunnin’ Your Memory.”

Combs then dove into his massive hits like “She Got The Best Of Me,” Hurricane” and “1, 2 Many” before finishing his set with “When It Rains It Pours” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” which had every single fan on their feet, singing along as loud as they could.

It didn’t take long for Combs to jump back on stage for his encore where he performed a beautiful, acoustic version of “Better Together.” He played his mega-hit “The Kind Of Love We Make” before ending the show by covering Brooks & Dunn‘s “Brand New Man” with Cobb, Wilson, Green and Flatland Cavalry’s lead singer, Cleto Cordero joining him on stage for a grand ending to an amazing night in Nashville.

Old Dominion’s ‘Memory Lane’ Leaps To The Top Of MusicRow Chart

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Old Dominion jumps five slots to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Memory Lane.”

The track was written by Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen and Brad Tursi alongside Grammy-nominated songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon. It was part of a four-song project of the same name the band released in January.

Old Dominion received an ACM nomination for Group of the Year earlier this week, making this the eighth consecutive year the group has been nominated in the category. The group has taken home the title every year for the last five years.

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

Now Open: Applications For MusicRow’s 2023 Annual Artist Roster Issue

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Applications for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, April 21, 2023 with the official form below. Previously included companies will also be solicited separately.

This ultimate artist resource edition includes the Artist Roster company directory, featuring contact information and artist rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity and artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion, and organizations).

Applications for Artist Roster are now closed.

For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.

Eric Church, Butch Spyridon, Joe & Linda Chambers Headed To Music City Walk Of Fame

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Eric Church, Joe & Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon

The Music City Walk of Fame has announced its newest slate of inductees who will receive the 98th, 99th and 100th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. The honorees are Eric Church; Joe and Linda Chambers, Co-Founders of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum; and Butch Spyridon, who after 32 years is retiring from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Joe Chambers passed away on Sept. 28, 2022, and will be inducted posthumously.

The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at Music City Walk of Fame Park. Members of the public are invited to view the ceremony.

“This class of inductees represents what makes Music City special with country artist Eric Church who is at a highpoint of his career with his music and new Lower Broadway venue, along with the Chambers, who have made it their life’s work to recognize the hard work of Nashville’s musicians through the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum,” says Kevin Lavender, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Executive Vice President at 5/3 Bank. “Butch is the architect of the Music City brand that has made Nashville a top global destination. He has championed many major initiatives to showcase the Music City story, including the Walk of Fame attraction. His impact on the Nashville community is undeniable.”

Garth Brooks will be in attendance to induct Spyridon and the Chambers, and Church’s presenter will be announced in the weeks to come.

As the 2020 CMA Entertainer of the Year, Church is a 10-time Grammy nominee whose most recent chart-topping project was the Heart & Soul triple album. His 2011 album Chief is three- time Platinum-certified and includes the iconic “Springsteen.” In 2019, he set Nissan Stadium’s concert attendance record during his “Double Down Tour” with more than 56,000 fans and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. He plans to open a six-story bar, BBQ restaurant and music venue called Chief’s on Lower Broadway.

Joe and Linda Chambers’ non-profit museum honors musicians of all genres of music by preserving and showcasing the historical instruments played on recorded songs. The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium also includes the Grammy Museum Gallery.

Spyridon has led the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for 32 years, guiding Music City into a top global destination with record visitation, a global reputation and world-class amenities. He branded it as Music City, making it attractive to professional sports teams and corporate relocations and elevating the quality of life by drawing world-class events, restaurants, retail and hotels. As part of the Events Industry Council Global Awards, he is a 2022 Hall of Leaders inductee, and was named to the global Top 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry list in 2022 as well.