DISClaimer Single Reviews: Vince Gill & Carly Pearce Share Disc Of The Day

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Vince Gill & Carly Pearce

Fall is in the air, and so is a gust of new country sounds.

Vince Gill and Carly Pearce lead the way with ballads that share this week’s Disc of the Day award. Cali Tucker is our DISCovery Award winner.

But be sure and also check out this week’s offerings from Randy Houser, Ne-Yo, Priscilla Block and Emily Ann Roberts. They also have something to say that you’ll want to hear.

CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Come Home To You”
Writers: Jim McCormick/Makayla Parry/Michael Wayne Wilkes; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. Sad country music is always in fashion, and this is a pluperfect example of just how aching it can be. This woman is gem.

RANDY HOUSER / “Back In The Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Blake Chancey, Randy Houser; Label: Magnolia Music Group
– This mighty voice stopped the show at this week’s BMI Awards. Houser’s ferocious vocal attack lights a fire under this propulsive drinking song as his new single. Play and become a believer—he’s one of country’s true treasures.

NE-YO / “Simple Things”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Motown
– If you are wondering what this Grammy-winning, Platinum-selling R&B star was doing at the CMA Awards, here’s your answer. Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith) applies his lustrous, fluttery tenor voice to a super catchy romance tune with a terrific acoustic track. He totally crushes it. Country? You bet.

LUKE COMBS & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Pray Hard”
Writers: Bandplay/Dave Cohen/Jon Robert Hall/Krishon Gaines/Luke Combs/Mark Nilan Jr/Nick Monson/Tony Coles/Xavier Landum; Producers: Bandplay, Dave Cohen, Mark Nilan Jr, Nick Monson, Tony Coles; Label: UnitedMasters
– It’s about faith and perseverance. Like most country-rap collaborations, it’s quite repetitive.

PAUL KENNERLEY / “Born to Run”
Writer: Paul Kennerley; Producer: Paul Kennerley; Label: PK
– Songwriting legend Kennerley has released a 30-track compilation of his demos. This tune was a hit for Emmylou in 1982, and it’s fascinating to hear the acoustic, strummy, raw, rootsy version that she would have learned it from. On this album, you’ll listen to “Hillbilly Rock,” “Have Mercy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep,” “Heaven Only Knows,” “Give a Little Love” and other hit tunes with fresh ears. This whole project is a keeper.

NICKELBACK & SHENANDOAH / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob Di Piero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This rocks. The two bands merge nicely, thanks largely to Nickelback’s genuine commitment to a country sound. As unlikely as it seems, this collab works splendidly.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Brunette”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA
– His “3,2,1” single continues to climb, and now he’s issuing a cowboy-themed video to promote this new bopper. He’s through with Southern blonde heartbreakers and is out to find a brunette from north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Castle in the Sky”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Gigi Rich/Hallie Hertrick/Paul Wrock; Producer: Hallie Hertrick; Label: Neon Holler
– Shaky fiddling and snappy handclaps underscore this uptempo reflection on the afterlife. They’ve done better.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Perfect Man”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Hummel/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Drowsy musing in search of a hook.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Things You Didn’t See”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Priscilla Block; Producer: Dave Cohen, David Garcia; Label: MCA
– “Everybody’s got a hurting heart they’re hiding underneath.” I have come to expect nothing but emotional Truth from this talented artist, and she has never let me down. This tuneful, insightful, autobiographical single is one more reason to love her.

LACOSTA TUCKER / “Woman Behind the Wheel”
Writers: Cathy Majeski/Stephony E. Smith/Sunny Russ; Producer: Roger Ball; Label: LT
– Women make the world go ‘round, says LaCosta in this midtempo ditty. Twangy retro guitars back the stacked vocal harmonies. Tanya’s sister is best known for a string of charters back in the ‘70s, including “Get on My Love Train.”

CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– LaCosta’s daughter and Tanya’s niece also has a new single. It’s a languidly paced pop-leaning tune of reclaiming her independence. Like her better-known family members, she’s a strong and assured vocalist.

VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.

New Voices, Big Moments Define The 59th CMA Awards

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Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The 59th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 19), celebrating a standout year in country music with a mix of new winners, heartfelt tributes and dynamic performances. Energy in the room was high from the start as host Lainey Wilson kicked things off with a high-voltage medley that paid homage to several of the night’s nominees. She surprised artists around the arena with nods to their hits—including Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, Lady A, Miranda Lambert and Shaboozey—before teaming up with Little Big Town and Keith Urban for spirited collaborations.

Zach Top accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Early in the broadcast, Zach Top claimed his first New Artist of the Year award, proudly carrying a Coors Banquet to the podium. “I’m so thankful to be included with a bunch of great artists who had a great year,” he said, marking a breakout moment for the rising performer.

Performances continued throughout the night from a stacked lineup, including Luke Combs with “Back In The Saddle,” Riley Green with “Worst Way,” Megan Moroney with “Six Months Later” and The Red Clay Strays, who delivered a gripping version of “People Hatin’” before picking up a major win of their own.

The Strays’ first-ever CMA victory—Vocal Group of the Year—sparked one of the evening’s most emotional speeches. Frontman Brandon Coleman told the crowd, “We never would have dreamed about winning something like this… Always believe you can do it. Work hard and trust God.” The band then dedicated the win to Jacob Hall, a close musician to the band and brother of the band’s drummer, John Hall, who passed away in 2020.

Later in the show, Cody Johnson added his name to the winner’s circle with his first Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, using the moment to thank a familiar powerhouse: “To get this award and be in a vocalist category with Chris Stapleton, who is one of the greatest vocalists of all time in any genre—thank you Chris for paving the way.”

Ella Langley performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Elsewhere, Ella Langley and Riley Green continued their standout year with multiple wins for their smash duet “You Look Like You Love Me.” Accepting Single of the Year, Langley told the audience, “This is the song that has kept on giving.”

The pair’s momentum was mirrored by the legendary Brooks & Dunn, who added yet another Vocal Duo of the Year trophy to their record-setting total, marking their 20th career CMA win.

The performance moments kept building, from Stapleton’s crackling “Bad As I Used To Be” to Top’s “Guitar” and Tucker Wetmore’s crowd-pleasing “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Stephen Wilson Jr. brought a hush over the arena with a stirring “Stand By Me,” followed later by Kelsea Ballerini’s intimate “I Sit In Parks.” Old Dominion delivered one of the night’s biggest singalongs with a medley of “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snap Back.”

The night’s collaborations stretched across genres and generations: Wilson Jr. joined Shaboozey for “Took A Walk,” Lambert and Stapleton paired for “A Song To Sing,” and Combs surprised the audience by performing “Pray Hard” alongside hip-hop breakout BigXthaPlug.

Two standout Hall of Fame moments anchored the show’s emotional core. Newly-inducted member Kenny Chesney performed “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” closing with a touching screen tribute to the late Brett James, a Music Row titan and close friend. Later, Vince Gill received the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award following powerful performances from Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless. In one of the ceremony’s biggest surprises, George Strait appeared to personally present Gill with the honor, earning a roaring standing ovation.

Near the end of the broadcast, the spotlight finally turned back to the night’s host. Lainey Wilson capped her monumental year by taking home Entertainer of the Year, closing the show with gratitude: “I could not do this without my village. Thank you for loving and supporting me.”

Vince Gill accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Cody Johnson accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Chesney performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

BREAKING: 2025 CMA Award Winners Revealed [Full List]

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Country music creators and industry members came together for the 59th annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Nov. 19).

Lainey Wilson was awarded the night’s big honor of Entertainer of the Year, as well as Female Vocalist of the Year, while Cody Johnson was named Male Vocalist of the Year. The Red Clay Strays scored the win for Vocal Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo of the Year. Ella Langley and Riley Green obtained Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors for “you look like you love me,” and Wilson’s Whirlwind won Album of the Year.

The full list of winners is below:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
– Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
– Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Producer: Will Bundy
– Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
– Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
“4x4xU”
– Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?”
– Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie”
– Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas”
– Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” – WINNER
– Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson – WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays – WINNER

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn – WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
– Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
– Producer: Micah Nichols
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Producer: Trent Willmon
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) – WINNER
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
– Producer: Kristian Bush

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar – WINNER
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells – Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Director: Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
– Director: TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
– Director: Running Bear
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top – WINNER
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.

2025 BMI Country Awards Honors Clint Black, Top Songwriters & Publishers

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Mike O’Neill, President/CEO, BMI, Clint Black and Clay Bradley, Vice President, Creative, Nashville, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

The 2025 BMI Country Awards took over Music Row last night (Nov. 18), honoring the prolific career of BMI Icon Award recipient Clint Black, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.

Taking place once again at BMI’s Nashville headquarters, the 73rd annual event also celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music. BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the evening alongside Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, and Nashville’s VP, Creative, Clay Bradley.

Throngs of guests mixed and mingled at the last PRO award show of the season, and dined on a platted dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, asparagus and a chocolate fudge dessert. After much merry-making, the evening began with some words from O’Neill about the work BMI has been doing for songwriters.

Pictured (L-R): Shannon Sanders, Austen Adams, Charlie Handsome, Katie Welle, ERNEST, Chandler Walters, Seth England and Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Throughout the evening, BMI recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year, calling up songwriters and publishers to take a photo on stage while the crowd cheered them on.

Between the awards being given out, Black was honored with several performances and video tributes.

Since his affiliation with BMI in 1993, Black has achieved 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he either wrote or co-wrote himself. He has received 20 BMI Country Awards throughout his career, and at this year’s awards ceremony, he joined an elite group of songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations, including Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Randy Owen, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, Jr.

To honor Black, Midland opened the ceremony with his debut chart-topper “Better Man.” Later in the evening, Jamey Johnson performed “Untanglin’ My Mind,” Wynonna Judd and Randy Houser brought the house down on “A Bad Goodbye,” and Riley Green closed the tribute with “Killin’ Time.”

The Warner Chappell Nashville team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

When Black accepted the honor, he spoke about his love for songwriting and the Nashville community, and the hard work of his team.

“You don’t get up here and do what we do without a long train of people behind you, pushing you up the hill,” he said. “There’s been a lot of people in my life who are as much responsible for this moment as I am.”

After visiting the stage multiple times to collect awards for many of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, Charlie Handsome was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Handsome co-wrote five of BMI’s most-performed songs in country music including Post Malone featuring Luke Combs’ “Guy For That,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Post Malone featuring Wallen on, “I Had Some Help,” and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton on “Pour Me A Drink.”

Charlie Handsome speaks onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Handsome thanked his wife, friends, publishers at Sony, friends at Big Loud and frequent collaborators.

“I Had Some Help” performed by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen was named the 2025 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and written by Handsome, Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.

The 2025 BMI Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., which published 32 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year.

Marking a record-breaking year, 38 first-time award winners were recognized including Seth Ennis’ for Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott’s “Boys Back Home,” Thomas Eriksen for Kane Brown’s “Miles On It,” Mackenzie Carpenter for Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” Travis Heidelman for Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’), Carrie Karpinen for Koe Wetzel’s “High Road,” Chase Matthew for his hit “Love You Again,” Nevin Sastry for Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Zach Top for his hit “I Never Lie” and Tucker Wetmore for his hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.”

For a complete list of the 2025 BMI Country Awards winners, click here.

CMA Crowns Early Winners

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CMA has revealed two early winners ahead of tonight’s award ceremony. Post Malone and Blake Shelton have earned the title of CMA Musical Event of the Year for “Pour Me A Drink” (produced by Louis Bell and Charlie Handsome). Ella Langley and Riley Green are crowned the winners for CMA Music Video of the Year with “you look like you love me,” directed by Langley, John Park and Wales Toney.

The news was shared on ABC’s Good Morning America by Lara Spencer at downtown Nashville’s Honky Tonk Central. Alongside the winners reveal, Lainey Wilson gave viewers an exclusive tour inside Bridgestone Arena where final preparations for the big night are underway.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air tonight (Nov. 19) at 7 p.m. CST on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu. Scheduled performers include Kelsea Ballerini, BigXthaPlug, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Presenters and special guests throughout the evening will include Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Lady A, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.

ASCAP’s Assistant VP Strategic Services Kele Currier Retires

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Kele Currier

Kele Currier, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services at ASCAP, is retiring effective Nov. 19 after 33 years in the music industry and 13 in ASCAP Nashville’s Membership Department.

“I have truly enjoyed my time in the music industry,” says Currier of the move. “I count myself fortunate to have worked with each of you in some way. I have been blessed to experience many ‘pinch-me moments’ and celebrate many industry victories with many of you. I have immense respect and admiration for this music community and the collaboration we all have grown to know so well. It is truly unique and special!  I am grateful to my many mentors who have given me a chance to prove myself when there was no reason to believe in me. I only hope I can continue to pay it forward in my next chapter.”

Currier’s 30+ years in the music business began at SESAC in the broadcast administration department, followed by administration and licensing positions with publishers, Maypop Music Group, Alabama Band’s publishing company, Opryland Music Group (Acuff Rose) and a stint as audit manager at music publishing administration company, Integrated Copyright Group (ICG). While at ICG, Currier met songwriter, Craig Wiseman, who recruited her to assist in opening Big Loud Bucks Administration. As Executive Vice President, she co-managed Wiseman’s catalogs along with the catalogs of Big Tractor Publishing, Extreme Writer’s Group and the hit catalogs of Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Jim Collins and other independent publishers.

In 2010, Currier joined ole Music Publishing (now Anthem Entertainment) as Director of Administration and led the U.S administration presence for their Toronto-based offices. While at ole, she negotiated all synchronization licensing deals for ole and their clients. In 2013, Currier was recruited by ASCAP to serve as Director of Strategic Services before being elevated to Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services.

Kele has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music Business from of Berklee College of Music and was part of the Leadership Music (class of 2014) and recipient of 2015 Music Row’s Rising Women on The Row. She has served on the GMA Board, is a member of The Copyright Society of the South, AIMP, Source, CMA, RIAA and ACM.

Currier reports future plans include dedicating time to retirement projects around the house, volunteering for CASA as a child advocate, traveling, and spending more time with family and her Australian Shepherd, Bandit. She can be reached at KeleCurrier@gmail.com.

ASCAP Honors Top Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Nashville Celebration

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ASCAP winners Shaboozey, Ashley Gorley and Brandon Lake. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP

ASCAP celebrated the songwriters and publishers behind country and Christian music’s most-performed songs of the past year at the 2025 ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration last night (Nov. 17).

Held once again at The Twelve Thirty Club, invited guests mingled under warm, ambient lighting while sipping cocktails and enjoying an abundant spread that included a sushi bar, chicken cutlets, prime rib, hummus and crudité, onion dip, house-made kettle chips and more.

ASCAP Publisher of the Year Sony Music Publishing. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP

When the ceremony began, ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad took the podium. He recognized Emmylou Harris and Brad Paisley on their inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with Ashley Gorley, who joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.

Sistad then welcomed ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, who reflected on the strength of the Nashville community and acknowledged three tremendous losses for ASCAP and the songwriting world: John Titta, Ben Vaughn and Brett James.

From there, awards were presented throughout the evening by Sistad, Matthews, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and EVP and Head of Creative Membership Nicole George-Middleton.

Shaboozey was named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year. At the podium, he spoke about overcoming self-doubt and the gift of songwriting, sharing, “I learned very early on it was a gift to be able to write a song. Thank God for that gift… It took a lot of people to gain my confidence as a songwriter,” before thanking his team and collaborators.

Sony Music Publishing earned ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year. The company’s Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston, recognized his team and the Sony songwriters who made an impact this year.

“This has been a remarkably tragic year for our community, but what we’re all reminded of is the power of songs,” Gaston said. “The songs you wrote every day this year helped all of us get through this.”

ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, Ashley Gorley, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews and ASCAP EVP and Head of Creative Membership Nicole George-Middleton. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP

ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year winner Ashley Gorley notched his record-extending 12th win—more than any other songwriter across any genre. He thanked God, his family, friends and teams before reading a list of all the first-time ASCAP winners of the evening, noting that his own first win made him feel like a legitimate professional songwriter.

This year’s celebration also spotlighted the most-performed Christian music songs of the past year and recognized the previously announced winners. Essential Music Publishing was named Christian Publisher of the Year, while Brandon Lake and Pat Barrett earned ASCAP Christian Song of the Year honors for “Praise.” Lake also took home his second ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year award.

“My biggest dream came true years and years ago—God has been so kind—this is just the overflow,” Lake shared. “We’re heading into 2026 with the collision of Christian and country music on my mind.”

For the last big honor of the evening, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was awarded ASCAP Country Music Song of the Year. Co-written by Sean Cook, Jerrell “J-Kwon” Jones, Joe Capo Kent and Mark “Tarboy” Williams, the hit topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks, tying the record for the longest-running No. 1 song ever.

Click here to see the full list of winners.

FBMM’s Betty Sanders To Retire

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Betty Sanders

Betty Sanders, FBMM’s Chief People Officer and first-ever employee, will retire at the end of the year.

Sanders initially joined Chuck Flood & Associates in 1986 (started by the late FBMM co-founder Chuck Flood) before transitioning to FBMM when it was established in 1990. She has held numerous positions and risen through the ranks over the years, from Receptionist to Office Manager to Vice President/General Manager, before stepping into her role as Chief People Officer.

“Betty has often been called the ‘heart and soul’ of FBMM, and it’s so true,” says Julie Boos, Owner and Chairman. “FBMM has been shaped by her kindness, dedication and the way she has always cared so deeply for both our people and our company. Words can’t adequately express the impact she’s had over the last four decades on our company and the people we are today.”

Prior to joining FBMM, Sanders worked in music publishing and publicity, handling everything from accompanying clients on promotional tours to filing song copyrights and more. She also spent time at Pride Music Group and as a production assistant for a record producer in a joint venture with Warner Bros. Music.

Sanders was inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame in 2022 for her contributions to the music industry.

“From the early days working out of Chuck Flood’s home to watching FBMM and its people grow over the years, I’m thankful to have had a front-row seat to that growth, energy and the brilliant people I’ve supported over the last 40 years,” shares Sanders. “From helping coach teams through challenges to aligning staff resources with our growing client base, I have enjoyed every minute of it. Now I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and embarking on a brand-new chapter.”

FBMM has hired Tiffany Coursey as the firm’s Senior Vice President of HR. With more than 25 years of experience, Coursey will oversee all HR functions and play a critical role in defining and driving employee-focused initiatives across FBMM’s offices in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles.

Sanders can be reached through the end of the year at Betty_Sanders@fbmm.com.

JUST IN: Nashville’s KBFM Joins Citrin Cooperman

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Chris King (KBFM founder and Managing Partner).

Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC has joined with Nashville-based business management and tax firm KBFM. The transaction establishes Citrin Cooperman’s first physical office in Music City.

“Nashville embodies a spirit of innovation, resilience, and relationship-driven success aligned with Citrin Cooperman’s values and vision,” says Alan Badey, CEO of Citrin Cooperman. “KBFM built a trusted reputation through deep local roots and unwavering client dedication, and we’re proud to welcome these partners and staff to Citrin Cooperman. With our combination and the opening of our Nashville office, we’re also positioned to invest into the great Nashville community.”

“KBFM was built on relationships, trust, and deep Nashville connections,” shares Chris King, KBFM founder and Managing Partner. “By joining Citrin Cooperman, we’re able to keep those roots firmly in place while giving our clients access to broader expertise and a national platform. Nashville is a city built on growth and grit, and this partnership gives us the ability to grow with our clients while staying true to who we are.”

The transaction is expected to close in January 2026.

Josh Miller Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Josh Miller

Josh Miller has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Morgan Wallen‘s “20 Cigarettes” and Tucker Wetmore’s “3, 2, 1” push the songwriter to No. 10 this week.

Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the sixth consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass remains at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Chase McGill (No. 4) and Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s 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.