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.

SESAC Celebrates Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Nashville Music Awards

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Michael Tyler wins SESAC 2025 Songwriter of the Year. Photo: Katie Kauss

SESAC kicked off 2025 CMA Awards week in Nashville last night (Nov. 16) with its annual SESAC Nashville Awards. Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the star-studded event honored the songwriters and publishers behind this year’s most-performed country and Americana songs. More than 500 songwriters, publishers and industry professionals attended the celebration, which was sponsored in part by Hatef Aesthetics.

Guests enjoyed charcuterie snacks, sliders, a salad station, the yearly favorite mac & cheese bar, and passed appetizers while socializing during cocktail hour. When the program began, SESAC’s Scott Jungmichel and Sam Kling welcomed attendees before introducing affiliate Stephen Wilson Jr. to open the evening’s performances.

Stephen Wilson Jr. performs onstage for the 2025 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Wilson Jr. captivated the room with a performance of his brand-new single, “Gary,” quickly drawing focus from the socializing crowd with his grunge-country stylings.

SVP, Head of Nashville Creative, Shannan Hatch then took the stage to host the evening alongside Senior Directors of Creative Services, ET Brown and Lydia Cahill. They first recognized Americana stalwarts Mumford & Sons, Hayes Carll, Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive), Margo Price and Jeremy Ivey, followed by affiliates Steve Bogard and Jim Lauderdale, who were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this fall. Singer-songwriter Emily Ann Roberts paid tribute with performances of Bogard’s “Carried Away” and Lauderdale’s “Hole in My Head.”

Then came the country awards. Among the many SESAC songwriters behind this year’s top-performed country hits, several received special presentations.

Kelsea Ballerini was on hand to present her longtime collaborator Alysa Vanderheym with her award for “Baggage.” Megan Moroney took the stage next to perform her latest release, “Beautiful Things,” building excitement for her upcoming third studio album, Cloud 9, due in February.

Megan Moroney and Jessie Jo Dillon onstage for the 2025 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

Frequent co-writer Jessie Jo Dillon surprised Moroney by presenting her with SESAC’s Song of the Year award for her No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” An emotional Moroney accepted the honor, sharing, “Songwriting is so therapeutic. I wouldn’t get through life and situations without it… thank you SESAC, my amazing team and country music.”

Warner Chappell Music earned the title of Publisher of the Year after taking home multiple awards throughout the night. The team joined SESAC executives onstage for a celebratory photo.

Michael Tyler was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year on the strength of hits including “Cowboy Songs” (recorded by George Birge), “Holy Smokes” (recorded by Bailey Zimmerman) and “This Heart” (recorded by Corey Kent). To mark the achievement, Gibson created a custom guitar and Jostens provided a one-of-a-kind ring.

Tyler was surprised with a video montage featuring his family as well as congratulatory messages from Birge and Kent. When he took the stage, he was stunned again to see his family in the audience—a surprise coordinated by SESAC. He grew emotional as he thanked Jesus, his family, and his team for their support.

See the full list of honorees below.

“AM I OKAY?”
Written by: Megan Moroney
Published by: Megan Moroney
Recorded by: Megan Moroney

“BOYS BACK HOME”
Written by: Joe Fox
Published by: Real Bad Songs, Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott

“COWBOY SONGS”
Written by: Lalo Guzman, Matt McGinn, Michael Tyler
Published by: MT Room, Boom Town Songs, Young Guns Tunes, SMACKWORKS Music, Warner Chappell Music, Melodies of CTM Outlander, Cinq Songs
Recorded by: George Birge

“I AM NOT OKAY”
Written by: Casey Brown
Published by: Track & Feels, Tape Room Tunes, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Jelly Roll

“HOLY SMOKES”
Written by: Michael Tyler
Published by: MT Room, Young Gunes Tunes, Melodies of CTM Outlander
Recorded by: Bailey Zimmerman

“RELAPSE”
Written by: Justin Ebach
Published by: El Chapo Music
Recorded by: Warren Zeiders

“SINGLE AGAIN”
Written by: Joe Fox
Published by: Real Bad Songs, Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Josh Ross

“TEXAS”
Written by: Lalo Guzman
Published by: SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by: Blake Shelton

“THIS HEART”
Written by: Blake Bollinger, Michael Tyler
Published by: MT Room, I Like Big Cuts Publishing, Young Guns Tunes, Melodies of CTM Outlander, Combuster Bluth
Recorded by: Corey Kent

“TRUCK ON FIRE”
Written by: Justin Ebach
Published by: Phat Racoon, Universal Tunes
Recorded by: Carly Pearce

“WIND UP MISSIN’ YOU”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by: Tucker Wetmore

“BAGGAGE”
Written by: Alysa Vanderheym
Published by: Vandeezy Songs, Warner Chappell Music, Songs of Rhythm House Black
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini

“BREAK IT RIGHT BACK”
Written by: Rob Hatch, Megan Moroney
Published by: Shannanigans Publishing, Georgiamo, Eclipse Three Music
Recorded by: Megan Moroney

“HAPPEN TO ME”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by: Russell Dickerson

“CAROLINE”
Written by: Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett
Published by: Universal Polygram International Tunes Inc
Recorded by: Mumford & Sons

“RUSHMERE”
Written by: Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett
Published by: Universal Polygram International Tunes Inc
Recorded by: Mumford & Sons

“PROGRESS OF MAN (BITCOIN & CATTLE)”
Written by: Hayes Carll
Published by: Highway 87 Publishing
Recorded by: Hayes Carll

“ANY OTHER WAY”
Written by: Hayes Carll
Published by: Highway 87 Publishing
Recorded by: Hayes & The Heathens

“DANCE WITH A STRANGER”
Written by: Rachael Price
Published by: 17 Lake Street Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Lake Street Dive

“DON’T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN”
Written by: Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey
Published by: Peach Pit, Fisheye, Good Songs We Love, RMM 416 Publishing
Recorded by: Margo Price

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a surge of industry activity across Nashville, with major award nominations, executive appointments, management updates and much more. Click here to read the full edition.

The nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards have been revealed, marking the beginning of another high-profile awards season. Artists and creators across genres will be celebrated when the ceremony returns to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, 2026.

Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the newly-rebranded Warner Records Nashville, ushering in a new chapter for the label as it aligns more closely with the global Warner Records structure. Additionally, Warner Records Group has elevated longtime leader Gregg Nadel to President of A&R.

At Sony Music Publishing, Michael Young has been appointed Chief Information Officer and the company has elevated Dee Hale to SVP, Film & TV Administration.

MCA Nashville has announced key promotions, elevating Tatiana Angulo and Taylor Viegut as the label continues to strengthen its internal ranks.

On the management front, multi-Platinum duo Dan + Shay have signed a new management deal with Core Entertainment, marking an exciting new phase in their career and touring strategy.

A major honor has been announced for one of country music’s most respected figures as Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional artistry, influence and enduring impact on the genre.

In publishing and creative news, BMI has promoted three members of its Nashville creative team, while Warner Chappell Music Nashville has renewed Tyler Hubbard’s global administration deal, further extending a long-standing partnership. By Design has revealed a new global publishing partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

ASCAP has unveiled the winners of the 2025 Christian Music Awards, honoring the genre’s top songwriters and publishers.

Several artists celebrated career milestones this week as well. Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor made his Grand Ole Opry debut, while rising artist Hannah McFarland also stepped into the Opry circle for the first time, marking a pair of unforgettable nights at the historic venue.

Publishing signings continued with Brendan Walter, who has officially inked with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. EMPIRE has expanded its Nashville presence by adding two new team members. Meanwhile, Big Machine Label Group has confirmed a new round of hires and promotions across departments, reinforcing its growing footprint.

Rounding out the week’s moves, Cole Brown has joined Creative Nation as Publishing, Management & Records A&R, and Ashley Nite has joined Kobalt.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with G Major Mgmt’s Virginia Bunetta

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY takes the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

HARDY’s ‘Favorite Country Song’ Stays At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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HARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith

HARDY remains at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “Favorite Country Song.”

The song is the lead single from his recent, fourth studio album Country! Country! and was written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Nate Smith.

HARDY returned to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (Nov. 13) for his third appearance, performing “Bottomland” for an audience of veterans and active-duty service members in honor of Veterans Day.

“Favorite Country Song” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.

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

JUST IN: Nate Lowery Appointed President Of Cornman Music

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Nate Lowery. Photo: Courtesy of Cornman Music

Longtime executive Nate Lowery has been appointed President of the late Brett James‘ Cornman Music. He will join James’ children—Preston, Sam, Clare and David Cornelius—to carry forward their father’s legacy, ushering in the next chapter of the company.

Lowery says, “Since 2007 I’ve been honored and blessed to work with one of the greatest men and best songwriters that I’ve known, Brett James. I look forward to continuing with what Brett started and keep his legacy going along with his children. Signing amazing talent and making Cornman feel like a family is what we will continue to strive and do each day.”

Lowery previously held the role of General Manager and VP of Creative. He worked alongside James driving key partnerships and forging strong connections across the industry.

Preston, Sam, Clare and David share, “We couldn’t be happier to have Nate Lowery continue his work with Cornman Music as our new President. Nate has been instrumental in building Cornman and sustaining its success since the early days and became a dear friend to our father and us alike in the process. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service as Cornman’s General Manager and look forward to continuing to build on that success with him at the helm. We could think of no better person to carry on our father’s publishing legacy.”

Before joining Cornman, Lowery was recruited by Chris Oglesby to help establish Oglesby Writer Management, a division of 19 Entertainment, producers of American Idol. Earlier in his career, he gained foundational experience at Windswept Publishing, starting in the time-honored tradition of the Tape Copy Room and learning the craft from the ground up. With deep roots in songwriting—his father, Donny Lowery, penned hits such as “Old Flames” (Alabama) and “Why Does It Have To Be Wrong or Right” (Restless Heart)—Lowery brings a profound understanding of the creative process and an unwavering commitment to nurture creative talent.