Miranda Lambert Moves Back Into Top 5 On MusicRow Songwriter Chart

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Angelina Castillo

Miranda Lambert makes her way to No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The singer is a co-writer on her own “If I Was A Cowboy,” as well as Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know.”

Ernest K. Smith moves into the top position this week, with co-writer credit on Wallen’s “Wasted On You” and “You Proof,” Jelly Roll’s “Son Of A Sinner” and his own “Flower Shops.”

Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Ben Johnson (No. 3), and Morgan Wallen (No. 4) make up the rest of the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

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.

MusicRow’s Artist Roster Issue Looks At Nashville’s Growing Sports Scene, Investment In Rock Music

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Nashville’s leading music industry publication MusicRow Magazine has released its 2022 Artist Roster Issue, with BBR’s Lainey Wilson gracing its cover.

Inside the issue, MusicRow takes a look at the intersection of sports and music in Nashville with help from Nashville Superspeedway’s President Erik Moses, Bridgestone Arena’s Executive VP of Entertainment and Venues David Kells, Nashville SC CEO Ian Ayre, and Tennessee Titans VP/Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Gil Beverly. With the opening of Music City’s new soccer stadium GEODIS Park, the return of motorsports, and discussions of a new and improved Nissan Stadium, the city is gearing up to become one of the top sports cities in the country.

“[Nashville] is exploding. It’s quickly becoming—one could say it already is—a tier one sports town,” Moses shares with MusicRow‘s sister publication The Sports Credential.

The Artist Roster issue also highlights Nashville’s recent investments into rock music, as labels such as Big Machine and Big Loud create rock imprints and begin signing artists to their rosters. Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta and Big Loud’s Greg Thompson and Lloyd Norman lend their expertise on this phenomenon.

Girlilla Marketing’s CEO Jennie Smythe and Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Alexander share their updated social media best practices as the social media landscape continues to shift. The two speak on everything from TikTok dances to getting canceled online in an enlightening Q&A.

WHY&HOW’s CEO and Founder, Bruce Kalmick, looks back on his career as well as looks forward to the future of his newest management endeavor, which already boasts a roster of successful artists such as Breland, Whiskey Myers, Brian Kelley, Chase Rice, Seaforth, and more.

“Family was priority one for me with WHY&HOW. WHY&HOW is my kids—Wyatt and Hazel—so it’s a dual meaning,” Kalmick explains. “It’s family, faith and philanthropy, and then everything else that we’re lucky enough to be a part of in this business.”

Finally, this issue also gives a preview of MusicRow‘s newest weekly column “My Music Row Story,” which features notable members of the Nashville music industry. From esteemed managers, leaders in music publishing, label executives and everything in between, those featured in “My Music Row Story” keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

Additionally, Artist Roster contains five company directories complete with client rosters: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, and Artist Services (Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion, and Organizations). This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in each category.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Justin Moore Earns MusicRow No. 1

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Justin Moore takes “With A Woman You Love” to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.

Moore co-wrote the tune alongside Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill and Jeremy Stover, who also produced the track with Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “With A Woman You Love” serves as the first track off Moore’s forthcoming studio album—expected in 2022. The song’s cover art features the Arkansas native and his wife of 13 years, Kate.

Moore is currently on the road for his “Country On It Tour,” and recently took on a new role as a regular co-host on 103.7 The Buzz’s morning drive-time sports talk show Morning Mayhem.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Toby Keith Shows Off His Mighty Vocals On ‘Oklahoma Breakdown’

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Sunday is Father’s Day, and the country acts are making sure you don’t forget it.

Greg Freeman, Tyler Booth, Porter Howell, Sarantos and Gary Quinn all have timely “dad” tunes this week, of which Porter’s and Tyler’s are the best.

That said, the Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to Toby Keith. He’s battling the Big C this summer, but is still keeping us company with his excellent “Oklahoma Breakdown.”

Warner newcomer Bailey Zimmerman takes home this week’s DISCovery Award.

PORTER HOWELL / “I Thought About You Today”
Writer: Porter Howell; Producer: Ian Steward; Label: PHM
–Have a box of tissues handy for this one. The heart-tugging ballad is for all of us whose fathers are no longer with us. Howell sings it with a touch of lump-in-throat hoarseness, adding to its emotional impact.

TYLER BOOTH / “Hey Dad”
Writers: Tyler Booth/Dave Turnbull/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Sony/Villa 40
–His resonant baritone and a lustrous production propel this reflection on the life lessons his father imparted. Booth muses on how he pursues his career without letting go of the values dad raised him with. The chorus is a dandy.

GARY QUINN / “He’s My Dad”
Writer: Gary Quinn; Producer: Richard Alex; Label: GQM
–His father isn’t a superhero in a cape, but Quinn aspires to be like him nonetheless. Sung in a plaintive tenor, this is a gentle, lightweight, somewhat forgettable meditation. The singer is a pretty big star in the U.K. country scene.

SARANTOS / “Father’s Day”
Writer: Sam Speron; Producer: none listed; Label: Sarantos
–Where to begin? He wobbles off pitch in every line. The production is a big, sour cheeseball. The lyric seems to be in an alien dialect. It’s a wonder his father didn’t disown him.

THOMAS RHETT & RILEY GREEN / “Half of Me”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/William Bundy/Josh Thompson; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–Now here’s a real Father’s Day gift, an artist who co-writes hit songs with his daddy. This time, Rhett and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Akins have collaborated on a super fun summertime anthem, “Half of me wants a cold beer…and the other half wants two.” In this heat, I say, “Amen” to that.

LILY ROSE / “I’d Be You”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Mark Holman/Morgan Wallen/Michael Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Republic
–Things go along okay with this pop track until you get to the chorus, which is completely muddy, cluttered and barely intelligible.

CHRIS LANE & LAUREN ALAINA / “Dancin’ in the Moonlight”
Writers: Jesse Frasure/Sherman Kelly/Brett Tyler; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Songwriter Sherman Kelly is the author of the uber catchy 1972 King Harvest pop/rock hit with this title. This tuneful track amends it into a country delight.

TOBY KEITH / “Oklahoma Breakdown”
Writer: Michael Hosty; Producers: Toby Keith/Kenny Greenberg; Label: Show Dog
–So soulful and so cool. The thumping track makes your rump shake, Toby’s mighty vocal is a listening delight and the whole bluesy thang cooks with gas. Get well, buddy, we’ll spin this turned up extra loud while we pull for your recovery.

HANK WILLIAMS JR. / “Fireman Ring the Bell”
Writer: R.L. Burnside; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye
–The legendary Mississippian Burnside is one of many great bluesmen whose songs infuse the new Bocephus collection Rich White Honky Blues, which drops tomorrow (June 17). Auerbach’s production keeps things simple, focussing on the repeated blazing guitar licks and Hank’s always expressive voice. The album also features the superstar taking on raw, rootsy tunes by Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner and himself (”Call Me Thunderhead” refers to his survival after falling off a mountain in 1975). File this one under “Honest.”

BILL ANDERSON & DOLLY PARTON / “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Bobby Tomberlin/Ryan Larkins; Producers: Bill Anderson/Thom Jutz; Label: MCA Nashville
–An instant classic. Produced with crystalline acoustic perfection, the ballad is a country-gospel jewel and the two legends harmonize exquisitely. We are so blessed to have these gifted living legends among us.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Fall in Love”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Zimmerman/Gavin Lucas; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner/Elektra
–His passionate tenor singing has a raspy urgency that is quite winning. The power ballad is somewhat wordy, but gets the heartbreak job done. Send more.

GREG FREEMAN / “When Dad and I Went Fishin’”
Writer: Greg Freeman; Producer: Art Bain; Label: Diving In Entertainment
–Sincere, but shakey. His vocal has a mite too much vibrato and the ballad is rather simplistic. But he means well, and it shows.

My Music Row Story: Truth Management’s Missi Gallimore

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Missi Gallimore

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.

Nashville music executive Missi Gallimore is a triple threat in the country music scene. Over the past 20 years, she has built a reputation as a highly-respected publisher and A&R executive responsible for pairing Tim McGraw with over 29 No. 1 hits, including “I Like It, I Love It” and “Live Like You Were Dying.” She was behind Faith Hill recording “This Kiss” and “Breathe,” and she introduced Keith Urban to the 5x Platinum-selling “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

Now, her newly-launched Truth Management is shepherding the careers of hot newcomers Sam Williams, grandson of Hank Williams Sr. and son of Hank Jr., in addition to Shy Carter, noted singer-songwriter Abbey Cone, and sibling trio Track45. Gallimore is the sole owner of two publishing companies, Amped Entertainment and Truth or Dare, both of which are joint ventures with Kobalt Music Publishing and Warner Chappell, respectively.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I actually grew up in Nashville. I moved here when I was 10 years old, so Nashville is home for me.

Charley Pride, Missi Gallimore

Did you always want to work in the music business? How did you get into it?

Heavens no. When I started the business, I knew nothing about country music. Never even listened to country music. I had just graduated college at MTSU and was looking for a job, still living with my parents. I had applied for a receptionist position at a law firm. I didn’t get the job, but they liked me enough to pass on my resume to a record producer in town at the time by the name of Billy Sherrill. I had no idea who Billy Sherrill was, but I got a call from his assistant one day and they wanted me to come interview with him.

I go to the interview around six o’clock at night on 16th Avenue in an old house. I walk in and I’m thinking, “Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?” I walk up the steps of this old house where Billy’s studio was and he offers me champagne. He plays me a song that he had just cut—I think it might have been David Allan Coe—and he’s like, “What do you think about this song?” I say, “Well, I don’t really like it. I’ve never really listened to country music, so I can’t relate to it.” He was like, “You’re hired!” (Laughs) I guess he liked that I was honest and truthful.

I [ended up being] his face at CBS Records at the time, because he never came in but he wanted somebody there to take calls and represent Billy at the label. So I was at the label representing him for a couple of years, and then he left CBS and went and did his own thing. Then he retired and completely quit doing records. I learned so much from Billy.

What was next for you?

I left there and started working for Charley Pride, just as a catchall for anything at his publishing company. I started out doing administrative type stuff and then worked my way up to pitching songs. That’s where I met my husband, Byron Gallimore, who was producing but didn’t have any big acts at the time. He started producing Tim McGraw and then he got very, very busy. One day Byron was like, “I’m too busy to go look for songs. Can you start looking for songs for Tim?” That was my intro into the A&R world.

Missi Gallimore (second from right) backstage at the CMA Awards

You found some really big songs for Tim McGraw, as well as other artists. Tell me about finding some of those songs.

For “Live Like You Were Dying,” Tim was pretty much done with his album. I can remember exactly where I was when I got the call from Chris Oglesby from BMG. He said, “Hey, I just heard this song at the studio. Craig Wiseman is at the studio now they just recorded it. You really need to get over here and listen to this song. It’s a great song.” I was getting on the interstate at Demonbreun, and Craig Wiseman was recording at County Q—a studio in Berry Hill. I turned my car around and got my booty over to County Q. I walked in, heard the song, and put it on hold for Tim immediately. Back in the day, it was very competitive for whoever got the first hold on the song. It was always a battle. I left the studio with the song, sent the song to Tim, he called me immediately and said “I’m cutting this.” We go in, we cut it, and there it is… A big, huge song.

I’ve worked with Keith Urban on his last three or four albums. I came in late in the process [when he was working on his Ripcord album]. He had pretty much already finished the album. He brought me on and I’m thinking, “Oh goodness, how am I going to find songs for him now? He’s pretty much done.” It was a snow day and Nate Lowery from Brett James‘ company, Cornman Music, pitched me a link. “Blue Ain’t Your Color” was on the link. I remember sitting at my computer on this snow day, kids running around everywhere, listening to the link of songs and that one just stuck out. I put it on hold, pitched to Keith and it did what it did.

Byron Gallimore, Missi Gallimore, Keith Urban

What got you into management?

I’ve been doing A&R for so long. It’s still a passion for me—I still get excited when I hear a great song. I still wanted to do that, but I just felt like I needed to do something different. I has been working with Shy Carter for a long time. Shy had been coming to town and pitching me songs. I knew he was an artist and I knew he was somebody that I really, really believed in as an artist. I loved his songs, I had gotten so many of his songs cut. So I went to Shy one day and said, “Hey, you need to move to Nashville. You need to plant roots here. You’re having all your success in the country market as a songwriter. You’re an artist. Let’s focus on you writing for you as an artist. Let me manage you.” That’s how all that started

Now I have four acts that all got record deals at the same time, during COVID. Sam Williams came to me four years ago. He was writing poems but he wanted to be a songwriter. There was something in those poems that was so raw and so real, and I loved his voice. There’s something that I really love about taking an artist like Sam, Shy, Track45 or Abbey Cone and developing them and seeing it through all the way to them getting a record deal.

You also operate two publishing companies.

I have Truth or Dare Publishing, which is co-venture with Warner Chappell. Sam Williams signed to that, as well as Ben Roberts of Carolina Story and Mary Gauthier. I have another company called Amped Entertainment with writers Tommy Cecil and KK Johnson, the lead singer of Track45.

Who have been some of your mentors?

Charley Pride. I will get teary-eyed talking about him. He and Rozene were the most humble and encouraging people. They let you be you as far as work and freedom. They taught me the publishing ropes; they were very influential in my coming up in the music industry. They were just amazing people.

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

Stay passionate with what you do. Never lose that spark. Never lose that passion. It’s hard to sometimes because you work in the industry for so long that you get jaded, but never lose your passion.

On The Cover: Lainey Wilson Graces Cover Of MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 Artist Roster Issue

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, is proud to announce the 2022 release of its Artist Roster print issue with breakout singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson gracing its cover.

Reigning ACM New Female of the Year, Wilson has had a whirlwind year, earning her first No. 1 with the Platinum-certified ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know,” as well as being named to a variety of Artist to Watch lists and Billboard‘s Top New Country Artist of 2021. The Louisiana native was also awarded MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award in 2021, and recently returned to the top of the country radio charts with her two-week No. 1 hit “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell.

Bringing her electric live show to stages around the world, Wilson has performed for sold-out crowds with Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser, and more.

In May of 2022, Wilson released her newest single “Heart Like A Truck,” which gives fans a taste of new music slated to come later this year.

This year’s Artist Roster print edition looks at the intersection of sports and live entertainment in Nashville as the city sees the opening of its new soccer stadium GEODIS Park, the return of motorsports, and discussions of a new and improved Nissan Stadium. This issue also highlights Nashville’s recent investments into rock music, profiles WHY&HOW’s CEO and Founder Bruce Kalmick, and dives into some social media best practices in 2022 from Girlilla Marketing’s CEO Jennie Smythe and Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Alexander.

The Artist Roster issue also gives a preview of MusicRow‘s newest weekly column “My Music Row Story,” which features notable members of the Nashville music industry. From esteemed managers, leaders in music publishing, label executives and everything in between, those featured keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

MusicRow‘s Artist Roster contains five company directories complete with client rosters: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, and Artist Services (Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion, and Organizations). This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in each category.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

In Pictures: CMA Fest 2022 Takes Over Nashville, Showcases More Than 260 Acts Over Four Days

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Hailey Whitters performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage in Ascend Park on Saturday, June 11. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

CMA Fest 2022 made its triumphant return to the streets of Music City through this past weekend, bringing with it a handful of surprises, special guests, and plenty of music along the way. Ringing in the 49th edition of the festival, Nashville saw more than 80,000 estimated attendees from all 50 states and 39 foreign countries to see more than 260 acts take part in the festivities.

Morgan Evans performs at the Riverfront Stage on Friday, June 10. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Among some of the highlights from across the weekend were sets at the Chevy Riverfront Stage from rising stars, such as Priscilla Block, Callista Clark, Ernest, Breland and Niko Moon, as well as some more familiar faces like Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Morgan Evans, Scotty McCreery, Michael Ray, and Tenille Townes.

Elsewhere in the city, the Chevy Vibes Stage in the heart of the party saw a wide variety of artists take the stage, including Uncle Kracker, Frankie Ballard, Alana Springsteen, Cooper Alan, Josh Gracin, Nate Smith, Ty Herndon and Chrissy Metz, to name a few.

A slew of some of Nashville’s rising artists also took over the Dr Pepper Amp and Maui Jim Reverb Stages, such as Kidd G, Conner Smith, Spencer Crandall, Allie Colleen, Bexar, Abby Anderson, Jackson Dean, Andrew Jannakos, Trea Landon, Temecula Road, MacKenzie Porter, Ashley Cooke, Filmore, Brittney Spencer, and Adam Doleac.

Kelsea Ballerini on the Close Up Stage at Fan Fair X on Friday, June 10. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Fans were also able to enjoy more than 173,000 square feet of air-conditioned fun at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center where artists participated in meet-and-greets and programming on two indoor stages, including the CMA Close Up Stage, which hosted the popular Artist of the Day sessions featuring Russell Dickerson, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan and Chris Tomlin on Sunday.

Other programming highlights included a She Is the Music songwriters round led by Hillary Scott with Catie Offerman, Sacha, and Caitlyn Smith; a round of acoustic performances curated by the Black Opry featuring Tylar Bryant, Roberta Lea, The Kentucky Gentlemen and Julie Williams; a fashion show featuring Jessie James Decker’s Kittenish line; and a discussion hosted by Black Music Month co-founder Dyana Williams, featuring Breland, Blanco Brown, Shy Carter and Frankie Staton highlighting Amazon Music’s For Love & Country.

Pictured (L-R): Nelly, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Tyler Hubbard and Hayley Hubbard visit Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 10, 2022. Photo: Ed Rode/Getty Images for Spotify

At Spotify House at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, a range of artists including Nelly, Kelsea Ballerini, Tyler Hubbard, Russell Dickerson, Jessie James Decker, Bailey Zimmerman, Madeline Edwards, Corey Kent, Carter Faith, Georgia Webster, Hailey Whitters, Dylan Scott, and more took the stage.

Hubbard revealed to fans that Spotify House was his first time performing as a solo artist. Celebrity friends Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson jammed out to Hubbard’s new single “5 Foot 9” and were later seen hanging out backstage with Nelly.

Next year’s CMA Fest marks the festival’s 50th anniversary and will take place from June 8 – June 11, 2023. CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime television special hosted by Dierks Bentley and Elle King, will air Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

Pictured (L-R): Willie Jones, Breland, Frankie Staton, Mike Floss, and Shy Carter. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Amazon Music

Brett Eldredge Songs About You Album Premiere Event at Skydeck. Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy (Co-President, WMN); Brett Eldredge; John Peets (Q Prime); Sarah Sholar (Q Prime)

The Riverfront stage during CMA Fest 2022 on Saturday, June 11. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Spencer Crandall performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage in Ascend Park on Saturday, June 11. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Ernest meets fans at Fan Fair X on Friday, June 10. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Niko Moon performs at the Riverfront Stage on Friday, June 10. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Chris Tomlin Performs on Close Up Stage during CMA Fest 2022 as Artist of The Day. Photo: Makayla Symmonds

Ben Johnson Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ben Johnson

With four currently charting songs, songwriter Ben Johnson moves into the top five this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Now at No. 4, Johnson is a co-writer on Michael Ray’s “Holy Water,” Parmalee’s “Take My Name,” Dylan Scott’s “New Truck” and Jake Owen’s “Best Thing Since Backroads.”

Ashley Gorley returns to No. 1 this week as a co-writer on seven charting songs. Ernest Keith Smith (No. 2), Jesse Frasure (No. 3), and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) complete 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.

Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Lady A Shine In Weekend CMA Fest Shows At Nissan Stadium

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Carrie Underwood performs at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2022 in downtown Nashville.

Talent showed up in spades this Saturday (June 11) and Sunday (June 12) for the final CMA Fest shows at Nissan Stadium.

On Saturday, fans were treated to a wide array of music from Randy Houser, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and more.

“This is a dream come true to get to play this stage tonight,” Houser said when he took the stage. He played some of his hits, such as “How Country Feels,” “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Like A Cowboy,” as well as his newest single, “Note To Self.”

Brothers Osborne came out rocking with a high energy set. They thrilled fans with many guitar solos, giant dancing skeletons, and their fun sing-alongs, such as “Stay A Little Longer,” “I’m Not For Everyone,” and “It Ain’t My Fault.”

Luke Combs performs at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2022 in downtown Nashville.

When Combs appeared on stage, it seemed like every fan in the stadium was there to see him. He had the loudest crowd response of all of the artists who took the Nissan Stadium stage during CMA Fest as he performed hit after hit, barely missing a beat. Between performances of Combs’ multitude of No. 1s, such as “When It Rains It Pours,” “Cold As You,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Lovin On You,” and more, the young star continuously commented on his gratitude.

“This will be the last concert I play before I’m a dad,” he said. “I still honestly can’t believe I get to stand here and do this.”

In addition to his well-know radio hits, Combs played his next single from his upcoming album. Titled “The Kind Of Love We Make,” Combs leans into his romantic side for the tune. He closed with a rowdy “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”

Bryan was also on the bill Saturday night, and brought his arsenal of hits to his fun set. The entertainer thrilled fans with “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “Kick The Dust Up,” “Drink A Beer,” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”

After performing “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” Bryan let the crowd know he had just caught his personal best large mouth bass. The country crowd cheered with admiration.

Underwood was no less than stellar when she closed Saturday night’s show. The ultimate storyteller brought the drama with her theatrical “Church Bells,” “Blown Away,” and “Ghost Story,” and she brought the heat with “Good Girl” and “Undo It.”

During “Jesus Take The Wheel,” the star vocalist went into a chill-inducing verse of “How Great Thou Art.” She closed Saturday night’s show with a one-two punch, “Last Name” and “Before He Cheats.”

On Sunday night, fans heard from Sara Evans, Lady A, Elle King, Parker McCollum, Russell Dickerson, Old Dominion, Dierks Bentley and more to cap off their CMA Fest 2022.

Kylie Morgan, Angie K, and Everette opened the show. Evans treated early attendees to “Suds In The Bucket,” “A Little Bit Stronger” and “Born To Fly.”

Lady A and BRELAND perform at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 12 during CMA Fest 2022 in downtown Nashville…

Lady A showed off their harmonies and sing-along anthems during their set. From their uptempo dance hits such as “Bartender,” “Downtown,” and “You Look Good,” to their meaningful “What A Song Can Do,” the group had the crowd in the palm of their hands.

“How good does it feel to here,” Lady A’s Hillary Scott said. “It’s so great to be back together in this incredible stadium in Music City.”

In a standout moment of the night, Lady A invited Breland out to join them on “Need You Now.” Nissan Stadium ate it up.

Breland was the first surprise guest of the night, but not the last. Elle King invited Ashley McBryde to join her for her hit “Ex’s & Oh’s,” and Russell Dickerson had Jake Scott join him for “She Likes It.”

McCollum played a two-song set on the main stage for his CMA Fest debut. “Country music is alive and well,” he said between performances of “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You.” In a sweet moment, the young entertainer looked up to the sky in disbelief and the huge crowd.

Old Dominion brought all the good vibes when they took the stage. The reigning CMA Group of the Year encouraged concert-goers with their “Make It Sweet,” “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” and “No Hard Feelings.” They brought the romance with “Written In The Stars” and “Snapback.”

“This is what country music was made for baby!” said Old Dominion front-man Matt Ramsey.

Billy Ray Cyrus and Dierks Bentley perform at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 12 during CMA Fest 2022 in downtown Nashville.

Bentley closed out CMA Fest 2022 with a bang. In addition to performing some of his beloved hits, Bentley brought out King for their new duet, “Worth A Shot.” In the greatest surprise of the night, Bentley invited Billy Ray Cyrus out for a thrilling “Achy Breaky Heart” sing-along.

Like Thursday and Friday’s show, the weekend Nissan shows highlighted rising artists on the Platform Stage.

On Saturday, Frank Ray took the Platform Stage to perform “Country’d Look Good On You” and Mitchell Tenpenny played “Truth About You” and “Drunk Me.” On Sunday, Madeline Edwards performed “The Road” and “Hold Your Horses,” while Dylan Scott played “My Girl” and “New Truck.”

Next year’s CMA Fest is scheduled to take place June 8 – 11, 2023.

 

 

Parmalee Hits No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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“Take My Name” by Parmalee earns a No. 1 Challenge Coin this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. This is the group’s first MusicRow No. 1.

“Take My Name” appears on the group’s third album, For You, which was released in July of 2021 via Stoney Creek Records. The single was written by Ashley Gorely, David Fanning, Ben Johnson, and the band’s vocalist Matt Thomas.

“From the jump, the fans have really latched onto this song in such an amazing, life-changing way. Our fans have been the reason for so many of our own major milestones, so it means that much more to us that folks are our song for their proposals and weddings and allowing us to be a part of those major moments in their lives,” says Thomas.

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