MusicRow Marks 40 Years Of Connecting The Nashville Music Industry

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What were you doing in April of 1981?

David M. Ross, founder of this publication, was walking up and down 16th and 17th Avenues handing out the very first issue of this magazine—a one sheet, double sided directory of the key companies in the Nashville music industry. From music stores to recording studios, the listings were peppered with a handful of advertisements and that one-sheet of paper grew into the respected trade publication known today as MusicRow.

The first issue of MusicRow, printed in 1981.

Meanwhile during that same time in 1981, a young honors student in Mobile, Alabama named Sherod Robertson was getting ready to graduate from high school with nothing but dreams and aspirations ahead. His successful and varied career path eventually led him to cross paths with Ross and take the reins of the magazine in 2010. Robertson considers his role at the publication more of stewardship than ownership.

For 40 years, MusicRow has been Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication. Readers include all facets of the music industry including label executives, managers, publishers, songwriters, artists, booking agents, producers, radio, and more. Whether it’s current or breaking news, timely interviews or being early adopters of new talent, industry experts respect the articles written by our experienced staff of professional industry observers, reporters and critics.

Connecting everyone in the Nashville music industry, Music Row Enterprises has become home to other industry-related products and events, including the song pitch-sheet RowFax, MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, the MusicRow Weekly newsletter, Rising Women on the Row honors, the annual MusicRow Awards and much more.

1981: MusicRow is established in April 1981. “In March 1981, I asked my small circle of industry friends if starting some kind of music publication was a good idea. They all said, ‘It will never work in Nashville. People have already tried it.’ But perhaps it was a higher power that made me believe. And so in April 1981 this publication was born as a little one page directory. I looked around for a name. MusicRow seemed ideal and no one had claimed it.” – David M. Ross, Founder.

1981: First artist featured on the cover was Cristy Lane in Aug. 1981. Eleanor Johnston, known professionally as Cristy Lane, achieves success with her first Gold record in New Zealand for “One Day At A Time,” written by Kris Kristofferson and Marijohn Wilkin.

MusicRow’s InCharge debuts in 1987

1983: Founder David M. Ross publishes an article called, The Computer Is Coming. MusicRow quickly establishes its reputation for being at the forefront of industry news and technology. In the same year, MetroGnome’s Mark Augelli tells MusicRow, “I see a scenario of these little hand held computers… a time when somebody will walk into a producer to pitch songs and either will have their entire database inside that small unit or communicate with a central database and then using digital, instantly deliver a recording of whatever song is desired.” 15 years later, the first handheld portable MP3 player is released in 1998.

1987: MusicRow’s InCharge debuts as a stand-alone product in Jan. 1987. InCharge, often referred to as the “bible” of the Nashville music industry, is a much sought-after publication highlighting the top decision makers in the industry. It becomes part of the annual MusicRow subscribed membership in 1990 and continues to be a badge of honor for those included in each year’s new edition.

1991: Created by Grammy award-winning art director Bill Johnson, the current MusicRow logo debuts on Jan. 23, 1991. As the art director at CBS Records in the 1980s and 1990s, Johnson left his visual imprint on an entire generation of country record makers and was noted for the vibrancy and saturated colors of his album-jacket designs, posters and advertisements. He also designed the iconic logo for Rolling Stone.

1992: RowFax, the industry song pitch list, launches. RowFax provides up to date information about which artists are working on recording projects and currently searching for new material. It is used by publishers, songwriters, producers, artists, A&R executives and others interested in the process of finding and recording songs.

MusicRow.com launches in 1996

1996: The first MusicRow website (www.musicrow.com) launches. Popular search engines at the time on the web are WebCrawler, Yahoo, and YeeHaw–a Nashville oriented search site. Always an early adopter, MusicRow’s first website goes live only 3 years after the very first website in history, info.cern.ch, is launched by the European Organization for Nuclear Research and made public on the world wide web. At the beginning of 2021, MusicRow’s latest upgrade to its website offers an easy-to-read and streamlined experience that includes larger photos, larger fonts, an enhanced search engine, and improved mobile experience among other upgrades. The site contains over 30,000 articles.

2000: Robert K. Oermann’s single reviews have captured the industry’s attention for all of MusicRow’s 40 year history. For example in 2000, the historian and renowned music critic said of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”: “There are scarcely words in my vocabulary to describe how I feel about this. I have played it daily, as if it were a balm to ease the pain of the world. Lee Ann’s voice is a thing of crystal beauty. The contrapuntal ‘Greek chorus’ of haunting harmony come courtesy of Sons of the Desert. The song and its message are Nashville at its most poetic and profound.” Oermann is woven throughout the many pages of MusicRow’s history since the very beginning, including his much lauded ‘Bobby Karl Works The Room’ features.

Keith Urban appears on the cover of MusicRow‘s October 2002 edition

2002: At the beginning of 2002, MusicRow makes the decision to enter the world of radio and charts. The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart launches on April 12, 2002 and ranks songs based on radio airplay from MusicRow’s panel of reporting stations.

2002: Keith Urban is featured on the cover of the October 2002 MusicRow print issue. His current single, “Somebody Like You” from his album Golden Road will go on to become his second No. 1 radio single. A look through the print covers of MusicRow is like flipping through the history of country music. From the superstars to the up-and-comers, the MusicRow print issues offer a visual representation of the many artists whose backs our industry rests upon.

2004: The first CountryBreakout Airplay Award ceremony is held. These awards will become part of MusicRow’s annual ‘Meet & Greet’ reception and party held right before the annual Country Radio Seminar begins. Attendees of the convention anticipate this annual gathering as they reconnect with their peers in the radio industry and congratulate the MusicRow award winners.

Taylor Swift visits MusicRow offices in 2006

2006: Taylor Swift stops by for an artist visit. She goes on to become one of the most successful musical artists in the world, reaching sales of over 200 million records worldwide with numerous accolades including 11 Grammy Awards. MusicRow is often a designated media stop for artists for a visit with the team and to share new music. Artist visits at the MusicRow office have included Swift, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Ashley McBryde, John Schneider, Ingrid Andress, Kiefer Sutherland, Gabby Barrett, Jo Dee Messina, Old Dominion, Martina McBride, and countless others.

2008: As an early adopter, MusicRow shares its first Tweet on a new social media platform called Twitter on Sept. 3, 2008. The following year on July 9, 2009, MusicRow made its first post on Facebook and eventually adds Instagram to its social media platforms. Google+ was also used for a short period of time, but despite being released by the Google behemoth, its engagement as a social media platform never materialized.

Sherod Robertson purchases MusicRow in 2010

2010: On Nov. 19, 2010, Sherod Robertson purchases MusicRow magazine. Robertson, who spent years in the music business at Arista Records and Reunion Records during the ’90s, adds “MusicRow owner” to his repertoire. SouthComm, the then parent company of Music Row Communications, discovered a perfect opportunity to capitalize on MusicRow’s growth by selling the industry trade to Robertson, who at the time was SouthComm’s CFO.

2012: MusicRow holds its first annual Rising Women on the Row honors and breakfast at Maggiano’s Little Italy on Friday, March 16, 2012. The event sells out before the honorees are announced. It is created to recognize women who are becoming visionary leaders in Nashville’s music industry through their dedication, innovation, and contributions. Kay West is the featured speaker and honorees include Mary Hilliard Harrington, Shannan Hatch, Denise Stevens, Heather McBee, and Carla Wallace.

2014: MusicRow publishes its inaugural Next Big Thing issue featuring artists who range from established hitmakers prepping their next moves, to newcomers ready to claim their turns in the spotlight. In 2019, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is added and becomes the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies, and who are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

Cole Swindell receives the first-ever MusicRow Challenge Coin for his No. 1, “Chillin’ It”

2014: MusicRow presents its first Challenge Coin to Cole Swindell for “Chillin’ It.” Each uniquely numbered coin is given to artists and songwriters who earn a No. 1 song on MusicRow‘s Country Breakout Radio Chart. Challenge coins are believed to date back to WWI, when they were initially given to American soldiers. It has been reported that after receiving a challenge coin, organization members carried it with them at all times. When ‘challenged’ to prove membership, they would produce it to verify their membership status. MusicRow has awarded over 1,300 coins to date.

2018: The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart launches in Oct. 2018, and Chase McGill is the No. 1 songwriter on the very first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The weekly chart uses data from song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive asset to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Alecia Davis, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Sherod Robertson toast at the 31st annual MusicRow Awards. Photo: Steve Lowry

2019: The MusicRow Awards expands to War Memorial Auditorium for its 31st year. The annual event is an invitation-only gala where the Nashville music industry enjoys top camaraderie, gourmet food, and expanded award presentation. The first MusicRow Awards was launched in 1982 to honor a producer of the year. In 1989 it expanded to include Top 10 Album All-Stars—an award MusicRow still presents to studio musicians today. Over the years, additional categories are added for a total of 19 annual awards presented at the event today.

MusicRow‘s most recent print issue, the 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue

2020: The MusicRow Weekly launches in November of 2020 delivering a free online newsletter published on the company’s website and emailed each Friday to recipients. The newsletter features the current week’s top Nashville music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and top songwriter charts, and much more.

2021: MusicRow marks 40 years of connecting the Nashville music industry, which has proven even more essential from the industry being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. From starting out as a one-page directory in 1981 to a multi-format media presence in 2021, the publication continues to deliver essential news and resources to those who work in the music industry and will continue to evolve and grow in the future.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Nashvillains, Megan Barker, Rich & Rowe

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The Nashvillains. Photo: Annie Noelker

Our emphasis today is on original holiday songs from Nashville. No standards. No sing-alongs. No familiar tunes. But the listening will still bring the season to your door.

Head and shoulders above all else here is “Christmas In a Bottle” by The Nashvillains. It’s a stunning reminder that seasonal tunes can be just as powerful as songs from any other time of the year. The band wishes to raise awareness about mental-health issues that accompany the holidays. Needless to add, it is the Disc of the Day.

The runners up belong to Jamie O’Neal, Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand, Keith & Kristyn Getty with Ricky Skaggs and Timmy Brown. Check ‘em all out.

The DISCovery Award goes to Megan Barker.

DANIELLE CORMIER / “Merrier With You”
Writers: Danielle Cormier/Karlie Bartholomew; Producer: Karlie Bartholomew; Label: DC
–The vibe here is Christmas noodling with everyone involved seeming to wander around in the studio. Her breathy, folk/Americana soprano keeps the performance from wafting up and disappearing into the clouds.

RICH & ROWE / “Santa’s Got a Dirty Job”
Writers: John Rich/Mike Rowe; Producer: none listed; Label: Oswald Entertainment
–Country music’s John Rich teams up with TV’s Mike Rowe (host of the series Dirty Jobs) on this lively rocker. They aren’t billed, but The Oak Ridge Boys steal the show from both of them.

TIMMY BROWN / “Rudolph Drank All the Rumple”
Writers: Minze Timmy Brown/Joshua Gleave/Alex MacGillivray; Producer: Joshua Gleave; Label: TB
–This light-hearted ditty, complete with whistling, tells the tale of Christmas occurring one day late because the lead reindeer got trashed. Brown is a country-music New Englander with a warm, jaunty, earnest, enormously likable delivery.

JAMIE O’NEAL / “Christmas You”
Writers: Jamie O’Neal/Corey Lee Barker; Producer: Jamie O’Neal & Rodney Good; Label: BFD/The Orchard
–Noted for her country classic “There Is No Arizona,” O’Neal takes a side journey on a jazzy road for her original Yule tune. Tinkling keyboard, brushed snare and tight harmony vocals accompany her confident, swinging lead. Very cool.

RYAN SHUPE & THE RUBBER BAND / “In Bethlehem”
Writers: Ryan Shupe; Producer: Ryan Shupe; Label: RS
–This band has been going strong for 25 years and nine albums. Shupe is a fiddler, guitarist and mandolin player, but the emphasis here is on the fantastic. flawless, acappella quartet vocals the group lays down on this live track. It’s the title tune of a Christmas EP. A highly original audio delight. Essential listening.

JAMIE KYLE / “Night of Nights”
Writers: Jamie Kyle; Producer: Jamie Kyle; Label: Radio Rocket
–Nashville rocker Kyle has written songs for Heart, Rita Coolidge, Air Supply, Faith Hill (”Wild One”), Lee Greenwood, Ian Matthews and others, all the while maintaining her solo career. Her original Christmas tune is a sweet little ditty with a kiddie chorus. The song originally appeared on the soundtrack of an Amazon Prime movie called The Least of These: A Christmas Story.

KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY AND RICKY SKAGGS / “Brightest and Best”
Writers: Reginald Heber; Producer: Ben Shive, Keith & Kristyn Getty; Label: Getty Music
–Keith & Kristyn Getty are prolific Irish hymn writers noted for “In Christ Alone” and other favorites. Their take on the Christmas story is loaded with flowery, highly poetic language (“Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid,” etc.). Both of them sing well, but the track truly comes alive when Skaggs adds his distinctive harmony voice. The minor-key melody is haunting and highly recommended. The duo’s “Sing! An Irish Christmas Tour” happens at 7:30 this evening (Dec. 23) at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center downtown.

MARA LEVINE / “Straw Against the Chill”
Writers: Bob Franke; Producer: Mara Levine, Joe Jencks & Bob Harris; Label: Bell Buckle
–Very pure, pristine and folkie. Taken at a gentle, deliberate pace with low-key acoustic accompaniment, which allows Levine’s clear, bell-like lead to shimmer. The trio harmonies are lovely.

MEGAN BARKER / “Missin’ Mistletoe”
Writers: Bill Diluigi/Megan Barker; Producer: none listed; Label: MB
–Her sweet, light country soprano is accompanied by a small jazz combo of piano/brushed snare/electric guitar on this gently wistful outing. The mood is utterly dreamy.

INTERSTATE COWBOY / “Christmas Cafe”
Writers: Tim Champlin; Producer: none listed; Label: Raanch Ruckus
–Country bandleader Tim Champlin is a Colorado firefighter. His original holiday composition has been described as a “Hallmark Movie Love Song” because it tells the story of a long-haul driver who fell for a truck-stop waitress on Christmas Day. His singing voice is a somewhat shaky baritone, but he is on firm ground when he talks the lyrics in the verses.

THE NASHVILLAINS / “Christmas In a Bottle”
Writers: Brett Boyett/Troy Johnson/Scott Lindsey; Producer: Brett Boyett; Label: Fate Entertainment
–Collectively, this band’s members have written for The Chicks, Keith Urban, James Taylor, Lauren Alaina and Cassadee Pope, among others. Their downbeat seasonal ballad is for all the lonely souls at Christmastime. The earthy, slightly raspy baritone lead vocalist is joined by aching harmony vocals from his bandmates while mandolin, guitar, cello and piano notes drop sadly around them. An awesome performance of a deeply moving song. A vivid reminder that not everyone feels merry and bright at this time of the year.

SARAH MAE CHILTON / “Merry Happy Everything”
Writers: Jan Buckingham/Thom Gimbel; Producer: John Willis; Label: SMC
–Chilton makes her living singing at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway, where she also hosts weekly open-mic nights. Her toe-tapping holiday offering is a simple bouncy ditty with a childlike innocence. Cute and cuddly.

Veteran Nashville Journalist Marissa R. Moss To Release New Book On Women In Country Music

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Marissa R. Moss. Photo: Catherine Powell

A new book about the resiliency of the women in country music, Her Country: How the Women of Country Music Became the Success They Were Never Supposed to Be, written by veteran Nashville journalist Marissa R. Moss is on tap for release next spring.

Her Country is Moss’ story of how country music’s female artists have fought back over the past two decades against industry systems designed to keep them down.

In the book, she explores how artists, such as Kacey Musgraves, Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris, The Chicks, Miranda Lambert, Rissi Palmer, Brandy Clark, LeAnn Rimes, Brandi Carlile, Margo Price and more, have reinvented the rules to find their place in an industry stacked against them and maximized and conquered when it came to artistic output.

The book chronicles their paths to stardom and their battles against a deeply embedded boys’ club, as well as their efforts to transform the genre into a more inclusive place for all.

“I wrote Her Country after a decade in Nashville following women like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Mickey Guyton and so many more that were breaking rules, making high art, and setting the standards for the genre and beyond–with or without the support of radio,” Moss tells MusicRow of the new book. “Her Country is about how in the past two decades, country’s women fought back against systems designed to keep them down, armed with their art and never willing to just shut up and sing, and how they are building a better future. I hope readers will leave feeling inspired and with a deeper understand of the genre and the women who revolutionized it–and a little fired up, honestly! “

Chris Stapleton & Yola Finish Atop Americana Music Association’s Year-End Radio Charts

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Chris Stapleton & Yola

Chris Stapleton and Yola both finished on top of the Americana Music Association’s year-end Top 100 Americana Radio Airplay Charts for 2021.

Stapleton’s award-winning album, Starting Over, secured the No. 1 spot on the Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart with the most spins for the year.

Meanwhile, Yola’s single, “Diamond Studded Shoes,” landed at the top of the Americana Radio Airplay Singles Chart. Yola’s album, Stand For Myself, also finished No. 4 on the American Radio Airplay Albums Chart.

The data reflects records reported to the Americana Radio Airplay Albums and Singles Charts during the period of Jan. 11, 2021 through Dec. 14, 2021.

Top 10 Americana Radio Airplay Albums of 2021:
Starting Over, Chris Stapleton
Different Kinds of Light, Jade Bird
The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, Valerie June
Stand for Myself, Yola
Obviously, Lake Street Dive
Quietly Blowing It, Hiss Golden Messenger
A Few Stars Apart, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Rea
Be Here Instead, Parker Millsap
Exit Wounds, The Wallflowers
The Next Waltz Volume 3, Various Artists

View the complete Top 100 albums list here.

Top 10 Americana Radio Airplay Singles of 2021:
“Diamond Studded Shoes,” Yola
“The Real Thing,” Parker Millsap
“Sanctuary,” Hiss Golden Messenger
“Roots and Wings,” The Wallflowers
“Can’t Let Go,” Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
“Call Me a Fool (feat. Carla Thomas),” Valerie June
“Headstart,” Jade Bird
“Dried Up River,” The Lone Bellow
“Perennial Bloom (Back To You),” Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
“Redemption,” Nathaniel Rateliff

View the complete Top 100 singles list here.

Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, More Join Musicians On Call Virtual Holiday Concert

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For its second consecutive year, Musicians On Call (MOC) will host “Hope for the Holidays Presented by Citi,” a virtual concert exclusively for hospital patients, their families, and frontline caregivers. The concert will be available on-demand for patients and caregivers to view throughout the month of December.

The event, hosted by Cassadee Pope, will feature performances by country artists Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Brett Eldredge, and Maddie & Tae, among others.  There will also be holiday greetings in video messages from Amanda Shires, Caitlyn Smith, King Calaway, Sofia Carson, Lester Holt, Katy Perry, Billy Porter, Olivia Rodrigo, Bryce Vine, and X Ambassadors.

The concert event will also feature award-winning, multi-Platinum artists, such as Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, Grace Gaustad, Norah Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Leslie Odom Jr., Teddy Swims, Switchfoot and more.

“Hospitals are a tough place to be this time of year, but we know a dose of holiday music is exactly what’s needed to help lift spirits. Musicians On Call is honored to be joined by such incredible artists to put smiles on the faces of adult and pediatric patients, Veterans and caregivers everywhere,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Thanks to sponsors like Citi and the American Hospital Association, who believe so strongly in the healing power of music, we are proud to host the largest virtual holiday concert exclusively for hospitals.”

MOC will share the concert with its extensive network of hospitals around the country and has once again teamed up with the American Hospital Association (AHA) to provide access to more than 5,000 AHA member hospitals and health systems nationwide.

“We are honored to continue our support for Musicians On Call and this important cause, ‘Hope for the Holidays.’ The pandemic continues to impact all of us, but it has disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups, including our country’s hospitalized patients and their caregivers. Citi is deeply proud to help spread the healing power of music this holiday season to all those who tune in to this special virtual concert,” says Citi Interim CMO Tina Davis.

Ashley Gorley Finishes 2021 Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley. Photo: Josh Ulmer

For the last MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2021, Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 for the second consecutive week.

The charting songs cementing Gorley’s place at the top are “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy) and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett).

Jesse Frasure moves up to No. 2 with “Whiskey And Rain” (Michael Ray), “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), and “If I Was A Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert). Taylor Swift moves down one to No. 3 on the MusicRow chart, as her songs “All Too Well,” “I Bet You Think About Me,” “Nothing New,” “Red,” “The Very First Night,” “Better Man,” and “Treacherous” continue to chart on the country 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.

Lauren Alaina Wraps Dream Defining Year With Invitation To Join Grand Ole Opry

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Lauren Alaina & Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Chris Hollo

Lauren Alaina was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend by Opry member and friend/mentor Trisha Yearwood, who surprised Alaina onstage with the invitation.

The Opry was the first major stage Alaina played just a week after she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol, making her Opry debut on June 10, 2011. Earlier this fall she marked her 50th appearance on the Opry stage.

Throughout the evening, the Opry played video greetings from artists sharing their 2021 Christmas wishes. When Yearwood appeared to share her wish via video during a break in Alaina’s set, she ended with, “Hey… is that Lauren Alaina?” Yearwood then made her way on stage.

Lauren Alaina & Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Chris Hollo

“Junior [her nickname for Alaina], I have a present for you. And I have some surprises for you too. I know your Mom is here and I know your Dad is as well. He’s super proud of you right now because I have the honor of asking you on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry if you will please accept our invitation of becoming our newest member.” She continued, “You are the real deal. You’ve played over 50 times. It’s obvious what this means to you. This is a very special club to be in so you have to understand what the Opry means to be asked. It’s such an honor. Country music is in good hands with you. Soak up every second!”

An overcome Alaina dropped to her knees and accepted, saying, “I did not expect this. You are my hero. I could not have picked a more perfect person to ask me. She calls me Junior–y’all I’m in her phone as Junior which is the coolest thing to have happened to me besides this!”

Yearwood duets with Alaina on her Gold-certified song “Getting Good” from her recent album, Sitting Pretty On Top of the World, and also wrote the foreword to her just-released inspirational book Getting Good At Being You.

Alaina will be formally inducted into the Opry family in early 2022.

Other 2021 career highlights for Alaina include announcing her second career headlining tour, “On Top Of The World Tour Presented By Maurices,” which will kick off in February 2022, starring in her first Hallmark Channel movie Roadhouse Romance, (which became the No. 1 most-watched entertainment cable program of the day and week), performing the National Anthem at Game 5 of the World Series, becoming a CMA Artist Ambassador, and more.

Blake Shelton Closes The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart For 2021

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Blake Shelton ends 2021 on a high note as his single, “Come Back As A Country Boy,” tops the final CountryBreakout Radio Chart of the year. The song was written by Michael Hardy, Josh Thompson, and Jordan Schmidt and appears on his deluxe album, Body Language. 

Shelton will be the featured artist for The Artist Interview, sponsored by BMI, at CRS 2022 in February. He will sit down with Country Aircheck Publisher/CEO and host of Westwood One’s Country Countdown USA, Lon Helton, and will speak candidly on his career, artistic process, and what’s on the horizon.

Shelton also plans to expand his chain of music venues, Ole Red in the coming years with plans to open a location in Nashville International Airport (BNA) for 2022 and the Las Vegas Strip for 2023.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brett Eldredge, Raleigh Keegan, Mickey Guyton

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Brett Eldredge. Photo: Andrew Eccles

As usual at this time of year, the country stars are out in full force with holiday music.

This genre has created a bountiful harvest of enduring Christmas standards in the past–”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Blue Christmas,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Tennessee Christmas,” “Christmas Time’s A-Comin,’” “Mary Did You Know,” “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” “There’s a New Kid in Town” and the Gene Autry classics “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman,” to name just a few. If there’s a song here that could join that hit parade, it might be “New Star Shining” by Orleans.

The Disc of the Day in this second installment of our holiday-music overview belongs to Brett Eldredge, “Mr. Christmas,” himself.

Give a DISCovery Award to Raleigh Keegan. Happy Holidays.

KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS / “Let’s All Get Together and Fight”
Writers: Richard O. Young/Greg Martin/Doug Phelps/Fred K. Young; Producer: none listed; Label: Practice House
–Sung in a woozie, boozie drawl, this has built-in humor. The jazzy phrasing bends blue notes and lags behind the beat, creating a stoned atmosphere that makes it sound all the merrier. In case you’re wondering, Grandma throws the first punch at the holiday family reunion.

CODY JOHNSON / “Pretty Paper”
Writers: Willie Nelson; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Warner Music Nashville/CoJo
–Cody has this year’s stone-country Yuletide collection, A Cody Johnson Christmas. On it, you’ll find the Texan’s honky-tonk takes on “Away in a Manger” and other traditional favorites, as well as this holiday weeper originally popularized by Roy Orbison in 1963. I love the sad Christmas songs. This one, penned by Willie, tells the tale of the down-and-out pencil salesman who weeps while everyone else celebrates. Cody’s country phrasing on it is superb.

ORLEANS / “New Star Shining”
Writers: John & Johanna Hall; Producer: Lance Hoppen/Michael Malfesi/John Hall/Fly Amero; Label: Sunset Blvd.
–The group’s John Hall has settled back in Nashville, and the durable pop/rock band is working again. The title track of its first Christmas album became an instant classic when it was recorded by James Taylor and Ricky Skaggs 35 years ago. The Orleans version is drenched in beautiful stacked vocal harmonies and accompanied by delicate acoustic guitar plucking. Get this fine record via the band’s website.

THE HOBBS SISTERS / “Please Come Home for Christmas”
Writers: Charles Brown/Gene Redd; Producer: none listed; Label: HS
–This Nashville country duo dusts off this classic Charles Brown blues tune from 1960. It’s a somewhat white-bread outing, compared to the original. But it goes down smoothly.

JOSH TURNER / “Soldier’s Gift”
Writers: Tom Douglas/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
–Catch Turner on Monday (Dec. 20) starring in A Belmont Christmas on PBS. This is also a chance to see inside the school’s gorgeous new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The country baritone’s holiday album King Sized Manger contains this heart-tugging salute to those who serve our country. The beautifully produced track is guaranteed to bring a lump to your throat, and the rest of the album is just as dandy.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Mr. Christmas”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Brett Eldredge; Producer: Jay Newland/Rob Mounsey; Label: Warner Music Nashville
–This is the title tune of Brett’s second holiday album (following 2016’s Glow). Like its predecessor, it is a pop tuxedo-crooner collection. At first, I was put off by his ditching the twang, but I have gradually come around to his stylistic shift for Christmas recordings. “Call me Mr. Christmas, I’ll make your spirits bright,” he sings while a brass section blazes and the finger-popping tempo carries you along. You know what? This country Sinatra does make your spirits feel bright. Play and smile.

RALEIGH KEEGAN / “Blue Christmas”
Writers: Billy Hayes/Jay Johnson; Producer: Raaleigh Keegan/ Chad Judd; Label: RK
–He sings so well. The pace is excruciatingly slow, but be patient with it. His phrasing and the production’s tastefulness will eventually win you over. “Blue Christmas” was introduced by country stars Doye O’Dell (1948) and Ernest Tubb (1950), then immortalized by a rather sloppy Elvis rendition in 1957. Raleigh makes the holiday standard his own.

STEVE WARINER / “Feels Like Christmas Time”
Writers: Rick Carnes/Steve Wariner; Producer: none listed; Label: Selectone
–Steve’s middle name is Noel, because his birthday is Christmas Day. Who better to have a holiday album? It’s a festive mix of classics, new tunes and guitar instrumentals. The title tune is a delightfully jazzy ditty, sung with lilting sincerity and embellished with wafting woodwinds and his dazzling string dexterity. Get it on vinyl at the Opry gift shop.

ALEX HALL / “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Writers: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane; Producer: Alex Hall/Pete Good; Label: Monument
–Alex turns in the best vocal performance of his career to date on his reading of this wistful evergreen. Song was originally introduced by Judy Garland in the excellent 1944 family film Meet Me in St. Louis.

MICKEY GUYTON / “O Holy Night”
Writers: Public Domain; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol
–I usually associate this classic with power-voiced divas who can send shivers up your spine with the finale octave leap. Mickey isn’t a leather-lunged belter, but she brings exciting soul shadings and terrific vocal inventiveness to her version of the song. Well done.

STEVE HOLY / “A Christmas to Remember”
Writers: Joe H. Hunter/Sam Hunter; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb
–The title tune of Holy’s Christmas album is an original song that twinkles with good will. His gentle vocal is framed by a soft orchestral arrangement. An easy-listening outing.

CLARE DUNN / “Wanna Go Home for Christmas”
Writers: Clare Dunn; Producer: Clare Dunn; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–I remain a fan. She’s a sensational singer, and she rocks out splendidly on this original holiday tune.

Jimmie Allen Talks His Banner Year, Building His Business, & Fostering Talent Early [Interview]

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Jimmie Allen. Photo: Shea Flynn

2021 was good to country star Jimmie Allen.

This year the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter released his latest star-studded collaboration album, Bettie James Gold Edition, and currently has a top 10 single with Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was A Highway.” He joined both Paisley and Nelly on their respective tours, and recently announced he will hit the road on his own headlining tour, the “Down Home Tour 2022,” in February.

Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley on the set of the “Freedom Is A Highway” music video. Photo: JT Colston

The “Make Me Want To” singer also took home several big trophies this year, including the ACM New Male Artist of the Year award and the CMA New Artist of the Year honor. He also received the only country nomination in an all-genre category for the upcoming Grammy Awards, and will be competing for Best New Artist at the January ceremony.

While Allen was visibly honored by the wins at both the ACM and CMA Awards, he says it wasn’t something he was focused on at the top of the year. “I never start a year saying ‘I want to win this award and that award.’ My goal every year is to make an impact and widen my platform to where I can help other artists.”

Helping other artists has been a big part of Allen’s work over the last few years. At only 36-years-old, Allen has launched multiple businesses and regularly shines a spotlight on rising artists. He believes it’s better for him to bring up his peers and protégés now while he’s on the rise, as opposed to starting entertainment companies when he’s hit the crest of the career. It’s a strategy he’s observed from hip-hop culture.

“I love the way that hip-hop culture did it, especially Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne signed Drake and Nicki Minaj. Drake signed The Weeknd and took him out. It’s all about using your platform to break your artists,” Allen says. “If you sign someone, you’re investing. The more successful they become, the more successful your business becomes. I’m trying to take that same approach and do it in the country world.”

Earlier this year, Allen established Bettie James Music Publishing, a publishing venture with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, and signed his frequent collaborator and bass player Tate Howell.

Pictured (L-R): Leo Brooks (of Neon Union), Aaron Benward, Jimmie Allen, Andrew Millsaps (of Neon Union). Photo: Courtesy of JAB Entertainment

A few weeks back Allen announced JAB Entertainment, a full-service management and production company he launched alongside partners John Marks and Aaron Benward. The company’s first signing for the company is Neon Union, a duo comprised of Leo Brooks and Andrew Millsaps that was featured on the track “Livin’ Man” on Bettie James Gold Edition. Neon Union will join Allen on the “Down Home Tour 2022.”

“When I was first getting started I had other artists and songwriters reaching out, but I wasn’t in a position to help,” Allen says. “You can only help others after you help yourself. You can’t pull somebody up if you’re not up. But I eventually got to the point where I could help.”

In addition to his music and business ventures, the multi-hyphenate entertainer also found time to publish his first children’s book My Voice Is a Trumpet this year, as well as collaborate with Elton John on The Lockdown Sessions, launch his own Bettie James Fest music festival, and serve as Executive Music Producer for the Netflix series Titletown High.

Allen also competed on the 30th season of Dancing With The Stars, and even reached the quarterfinals. He says the gig was an opportunity to expose more people not only to his music, but to country music in general.

“For me, it’s all about expanding and reaching people that don’t listen to country radio. I tell people all the time: my music is never going to change. I’m always going to be a country artist, I’m always going to have songs on country radio, I’m always going to be at country award shows and country festivals. But how do we get people that only listen to pop to know who Jimmie Allen is?

Jimmie Allen celebrates Platinum success on “Make Me Want To” and multi-Platinum success on “Best Shot.” Photo: ABC/Paula Lobo

“How do we get, not just for my music, but [the music of all] country artists to new markets? You have to place yourself there. They have to see you,” Allen says. “You have to come in first as a person—because that’s what they got to see on Dancing With The Stars. They saw Jimmie Allen, the person. Jimmie Allen the person warms them up to check out my music.”

When it comes to Allen’s Grammy nomination, he sees it as another chance to represent country music on a global stage.

“I didn’t even realize it until my publicist told me that it was an all-genre category. For me it says a lot about country music and about where we are,” Allen shares. “This Grammy nomination isn’t about winning. It’s about being the face of country music. If people can see that country music has accepted me, other people will feel comfortable getting in this business, whether it’s on the artist side or the business side.”

As for 2022, the sky is the limit for Allen.

When asked about his goals, he lists securing a record deal for Neon Union, executing a successful headlining tour, pushing “Freedom Is A Highway” as far as it will go on the charts, and continuing to build his brand and businesses.

“My biggest goal, though, is continuing to motivate people. That’s my goal for every show. I want people to leave a Jimmie Allen concert becoming better people than they were when they walked in, More inspired to love themselves, to make sacrifices, and take risks to achieve their goals,” he says.

Although he’s humble about his Grammy nomination, Allen wants to bring a win home in January. “Let’s bring this Grammy back to Nashville!” the entertainer says with a laugh.

To watch Allen compete in the Best New Artist category, as well as other Nashville acts vie for Grammy wins, tune in to the Grammy Awards on on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+ at 8 – 11:30 p.m. ET.