JUST IN: Dan + Shay Sign New Management Deal

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Simon Tikhman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Core Entertainment; Dan + Shay; Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, CEO and Co-Founder, The Core Entertainment

Three-time Grammy-winning, multi-Platinum duo Dan + Shay have signed with The Core Entertainment for management. The duo will be represented by The Core Entertainment co-founders and CEOs Simon Tikhman and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk.

Dan + Shay have built a career defined by powerful performances and enduring, emotionally resonant songs. Their catalog includes landmark hits such as “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “10,000 Hours” (with Justin Bieber), “Glad You Exist” and “Save Me The Trouble,” contributing to billions of streams, multiple No. 1 singles and numerous Platinum and Gold certifications worldwide.

In joining The Core Entertainment, Dan + Shay join an acclaimed, multi-genre roster that includes Bailey Zimmerman, Cameron Whitcomb, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Nickelback and more.

“We’ve always admired The Core’s ‘music-first’ mentality, and from our first conversations with Simon, Chief, and the entire team, we knew that it was the perfect home for us,” Dan + Shay share. “They have built something truly special, and we are proud to be a part of the story they are writing. We believe in their passion and vision for our music, and can’t wait to launch the next chapter of our career together. The best is yet to come.”

Tikhman and Zaruk note, “Dan + Shay are rare talents—world-class vocalists, songwriters, and performers whose music continues to connect on a global level. We’re honored to join their team and look forward to building on everything they’ve created while opening new doors across music, touring, and partnerships.”

JUST IN: MCA Elevates Tatiana Angulo & Taylor Viegut

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Taylor Viegut & Tatiana Angulo.

MCA has promoted Tatiana Angulo and Taylor Viegut, both taking on Vice President roles within the label.

Angulo will serve as the Vice President, Streaming. Since joining MCA, she has overseen campaigns for artists such as Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Dierks Bentley and Keith Urban by using data-driven strategy to grow engagement and audiences. She has also developed partnerships for artists across the label, including Peloton’s first live in-studio performance featuring Keith Urban and the MCA x Peloton CMA Fest Activation. She is a Belmont University graduate and a Texas native. Angulo has also worked as an adjunct professor at Belmont.

Viegut will serve as the first-ever Vice President, E-commerce & Business Development. In her new role, she will spearhead the label’s e-commerce initiatives. Viegut first joined MCA five years ago, and has since created successful commercial partnership initiatives across streaming. Prior to MCA, Viegut worked at CMA where she led DSP relationships and expanded mobile growth to amplify country music’s digital impact.

Additionally, Vipin Reddy, also serving as Vice President, Streaming, will handle the MCA roster, which includes Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Carter Faith, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and others.

“I am excited to see both Tatiana and Taylor take on these new, expanded roles,” shares Mike Harris, MCA CEO. “Tatiana’s ability to drive successful streaming strategies and Taylor’s keen focus on the growing importance of e-commerce demonstrate their forward-thinking approach. Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and support our artists in the evolving music landscape.”

Angulo can be reached at: Tatiana.Angulo@umusic.com and Viegut can be reached at: Taylor.Viegut@umusic.com.

BREAKING: Cris Lacy Named Chair & President Of Newly-Rebranded Warner Records Nashville

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Cris Lacy

Warner Music Nashville is rebranding to Warner Records Nashville, and Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the renamed label. She reports to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson.

Former Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Gregg Nadel will be taking on a new leadership role within Warner Music Group, with details to be revealed shortly.

Lacy’s appointment comes as the company continues to build a unified global structure that crosses genres and geographies. With the establishment of Warner Records Nashville, the label’s activities will be more closely aligned with the Warner Records Group team to support and ignite country music’s cultural resonance and global potential. Widely admired across the industry, Lacy is a 20-year veteran of Warner Music Nashville’s operations, having climbed the A&R ranks before being named co-head of the division three years ago.

Bay-Schuck and Corson share, “This rebrand marks an exciting new era for our flagship Nashville label—one that builds on everything that already makes it so special, guided by Cris’ extraordinary leadership. Her passion, vision, and unwavering respect for artistry define the label’s spirit and have earned the trust of the Nashville community. Together, we’re collaborating closer, and expanding the reach and opportunities for artists in a genre where the future feels limitless. This is an exciting next step as we continue to forge a global ecosystem that amplifies our competitive edge and impact for our artists.”

Lacy notes, “Nashville has always been synonymous with exceptional storytelling, expertly crafted lyrics, and incomparable musicianship. Its growing influence is permeating other genres, and is increasingly found front and center on the world’s stage. This move formalizes the cross-pollination that we’ve been developing over the years with our Los Angeles colleagues across areas such as A&R, marketing strategy, data/research, business affairs, and radio promotion. Warner Records is a powerful brand, and we know that we’re stronger when we work together to propel our artists and their life’s work to new heights.”

The Warner Records Group encompasses Warner Records US, Warner Records UK and Warner Records Nashville. The company’s Nashville roster includes artists inked jointly by Warner Records and Warner Nashville, such as Gavin Adcock, Adrien Nunez, Slater Nalley, The Bends, The Castellows and The Creekers. The combined roster now includes notable artists such as Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Dasha, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress, Randy Travis, Warren Zeiders and many others.

Jessie Jo Dillon Re-Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jessie Jo Dillon. Photo: Meri Grey

Jessie Jo Dillon has jumped back into the Top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Kelsea Ballerini’s “Baggage,” Megan Moroney’s “Beautiful Things,” HARDY’s “Bottomland,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me” and Vincent Mason’s “Wish You Well” all push the songwriter to No. 9 this week.

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

Chase McGill (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan 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.

Tyler Hubbard & Crew Celebrate Two No. 1 Hits

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Pictured: MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, David Garcia, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Geoff Warburton, MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge; Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI brought Tyler Hubbard and his team together on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 6) to celebrate two chart-toppers, “Back Then Right Now” and “Park,” the latter marking Hubbard’s fourth No. 1 as a solo artist.

Excited chatter and the smell of fresh pizza filled Moto Moda, a new Nashville pizza joint and motorcycle club, as industry members, friends and family gathered among motorcycles and face paint stations to celebrate the chart-toppers. BMI’s MaryAnn Keen took the mic to welcome the crowd and invite “Park” songwriters Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Canaan Smith, and producer Jordan Schmidt to the stage.

ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston kicked off the round of speeches, with Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe, and Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn following suit to praise the song and its creators.

(Back Row L-R): Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston, Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn, MCA’s Damon Moberly, HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe; Front Row L-R: Jesse Frasure (BMI), Canaan Smith (ASCAP), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/Producer), Jordan Schmidt (Producer), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP); Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

Frasure was the first of the songwriters to speak, reminiscing about writing the track at a beach writers’ retreat and reflecting on how he continues to learn from Gorley, saying, “He and I have 12 hits together now. It is kind of like being friends with Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan—no matter what you do it is triple the success.”

Smith thanked everyone for sticking with the song and giving it a shot, joking, “Jesse and I were texting after it had been out for a while and I was like ‘I think this thing is dead in the water’ and then, all of a sudden, it took on a whole new life and here we are.”

Gorley was up next, catching a playful “boo” from Schmidt and laughing as he stepped to the mic, joking, “When I produced this… No, but seriously, I am most thankful to God for all of this, my family and these friendships. I am proud to be a part of this, and thank you again to everyone for coming out.”

Saving Hubbard and Schmidt’s speeches for last, Keen invited “Back Then Right Now” songwriters Geoff Warburton and David Garcia to the stage, lamenting that Jessie Jo Dillon could not make it.

ASCAP’s Johnston again took the mic first, followed by Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Spirit Music Nashville’s Kennedy Murphy, MCA’s Damon Moberly, and Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, who made a donation on behalf of the writers.

“In honor of your two number ones, we will be making a donation to For Others, and their mission is to raise awareness and empower best-in-class organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America,” Barnhart said.

(Back Row L-R): Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Spirit Music’s Kennedy Murphy, MCA’s Damon Moberly; Front Row L-R: David Garcia (ASCAP), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/Producer), Jordan Schmidt (Producer), Geoff Warburton (BMI); Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

Garcia was the first to speak, praising his fellow songwriters before singling out Hubbard, “Tyler, everyone has said everything about you and it is all great, but the one thing that has been amazing to me over the years is that you always take a chance on people. Seven years ago you invited me over—I had no business being there—but we wrote a song and the rest is history. Thank you.”

Warburton spoke briefly, thanking everyone and saying, “This is a wonderful opportunity and I am just grateful to be in this room. Thank you Tyler, and to everyone here tonight.”

Schmidt followed suit, giving a quick word and teasing, “Geoff stole my speech, so I am going to be even quicker!” He continued, thanking the writers for the song and Hubbard for taking a chance on him.

Finally, Hubbard stepped up to close the night out. “I just want to say I love this town. Thank you for everything you have done for me and allowing me to be a part of the songwriting community and the community as a whole. Y’all have taken a chance on me as well and I am so grateful for that. Thank you for everyone that helped make this happen.”

JUST IN: Michael Young Appointed Sony Music Publishing Chief Information Officer

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Michael Young

Michael Young has joined Sony Music Publishing as Chief Information Officer. Young is based in Nashville and will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.

In his role, Young will spearhead the company’s technology strategy and its transformation initiatives to provide growth, scalability and efficiency on behalf of songwriters and catalogs globally. He will also collaborate across departments to manage workflows, expand data-driven insights, and refine and implement best practices across software development, security, compliance and data governance.

Young most recently serves as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Chatham Financial. Over his 25 year’s of experience, he has held roles as Reuters, Paycase Financial and Afilias.

“I am extremely excited to join Sony Music Publishing,” says Young. “As a career technologist and a lifelong amateur musician, it’s thrilling to be a part of SMP’s mission-driven culture.  I look forward to working with the team to advance support for SMP songwriters throughout their creative journeys.”

“Michael is an experienced leader who understands how to innovate,” shares Kelly. “We look forward to advancing our capabilities and delivering further growth on behalf of our songwriters around the world.”

“We are committed to investing in technology that grows with our business and adapts to the evolving needs of songwriters,” adds Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing. “With Michael on board, we are well-positioned to bring greater value to Sony Music Publishing songwriters and catalogs today and in the future.”

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a wave of change and celebration across Nashville’s music industry, from long-running television farewells and leadership transitions to label signings, new ventures, and industry innovations. Click here to see the full edition.

After 17 years as host of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, Cody Alan will sign off for the final time at the end of December. His departure also the conclusion of the show itself, which first premiered in 2013. The change comes amid broader shifts at Paramount Global, following its merger with Skydance Media. As part of the restructuring, three additional employees—Ali Marszalkowski (Sr. Director, Communications), Justin Permenter (Manager, Communications), and Mark Thomas (Sr. Director, Marketing and Creative Production)—are also exiting the company. Longtime CMT Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events, Margaret Comeaux, will depart at the end of the year, closing out a 25-year tenure with the organization.

In other industry news, BBR Music Group/BMG announced several key moves within its A&R department. Camille Kenny has been promoted to VP, A&R, while Tahsin Rakib Himi steps up to Director, A&R Research. Kennedy Nickerson has been elevated to Manager, A&R, with two new additions to the team: Jacee Badeaux joins as Sr. Director, A&R, and Talia Heimanson comes aboard as A&R Coordinator.

Belmont University is taking major steps toward supporting wellness in the entertainment community with the creation of its new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant from the Country Music Association, which allocates $1 million toward programming and $2 million to endow the CMA Chair & Executive Director position, to be held by longtime industry leader Debbie Carroll. That endowment will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge—a program established by Belmont Board Chair Milton Johnson and his wife Denice—as part of a university effort to create up to 20 endowed professorships.

CTK Enterprises has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new department heads, forming new divisions to better serve its growing client roster. Patrick Kells has been named Head of Retail Merchandising, Robert Kelley takes on the role of GM, Dolly Parton’s Life Of Many Colors Museum, and Adam Davis joins as Director, Content Development & Archiving.

Sam Williams has parted ways with Mercury Nashville after four years, while 49 Winchester has inked a new deal with MCA, releasing future projects through their Lucille Records imprint. Danny Gokey has joined the Red Street Records roster, Kaitlin Butts has signed with Republic Records, and Kellie Besch has entered into a publishing agreement with Integrity Music. Meanwhile, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music, and Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.

Veteran business manager Mallory Mason Pascal has launched her own firm, Oak Haus Business Management, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the new venture. Elsewhere, acclaimed banjoist Alison Brown has debuted her new weekly radio show, Pick Like A Girl, airing on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (ch. 77). And in media, respected country music journalist Cindy Watts has been named Editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Rounding out the week’s milestones, rising artist Elizabeth Nichols celebrated her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Nov. 1), marking a defining moment in her blossoming career.

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.

BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 68th Annual Grammy Awards

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The nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 7) across all categories.

Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, was joined by David Foster, Sabrina Carpenter, The Osbournes, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Nicole Scherzinger, Little Big Town, Sam Smith, CeCe Winans, KAROL G, Angélique Kidjo, Jon Batiste, Lizzo and Mumford & Sons to unveil the nominees via livestream.

Tyler Childers, Sierra Hull, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Jelly Roll, Zach Top, Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson and more are among the nominees.

“The Grammy Awards are our opportunity to honor the people who make this community so vibrant and this year’s nominees remind us of the incredible talent that is driving music forward,” shares Mason jr. “From emerging talent to influential icons, these nominees reflect today’s broad and diverse musical landscape, and I am excited to celebrate them in the coming weeks ahead and on Music’s Biggest Night®.”

This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025. The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine Grammy winners, will take place Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026.

The Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun., Feb. 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the Telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony® will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

The major field and some Nashville-related categories are below. For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.

Record Of The Year
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny
“Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety” – Doechii
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar With SZA
“The Subway” – Chappell Roan
“APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – Bad Bunny
SWAG – Justin Bieber
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
MUTT – Leon Thomas
CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

Song Of The Year
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
“Anxiety” – Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)
“APT.” – Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter, songwriters (ROSÉ, Bruno Mars)
“DtMF” – Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Hugo René Sención Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, songwriters (Bad Bunny)
“Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]” – EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)
“luther” – Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar With SZA)
“Manchild” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist
Olivia Dean
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Dan Auerbach
Cirkut
Dijon
Blake Mills
Sounwave

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Laura Veltz

Best Country Solo Performance
“Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers
“Good News” – Shaboozey
“Bad As I Used To Be [From “F1® The Movie”]” – Chris Stapleton
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
“Love Me Like You Used To Do” – Margo Price & Tyler Childers
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
“Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” – George Strait, Chris Stapleton

Best Country Song
“Bitin’ List” – Tyler Childers, songwriter (Tyler Childers)
“Good News” – Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman & Jacob Torrey, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols & Zach Top, songwriters (Zach Top)
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson & Lainey Wilson, songwriters (Lainey Wilson)
“A Song To Sing” – Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton)

Best Traditional Country Album
Dollar A Day – Charley Crockett
American Romance – Lukas Nelson
Oh What A Beautiful World – Willie Nelson
Hard Headed Woman – Margo Price
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top

Best Contemporary Country Album
Patterns – Kelsea Ballerini
Snipe Hunter – Tyler Childers
Evangeline Vs. The Machine – Eric Church
Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Postcards From Texas – Miranda Lambert

Best American Roots Performance
LONELY AVENUE – Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman
Ancient Light – I’m With Her
Crimson And Clay – Jason Isbell
Richmond On The James – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Beautiful Strangers – Mavis Staples

Best Americana Performance
“Boom” – Sierra Hull
“Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose & Grace Potter
“Godspeed” – Mavis Staples
“That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle
“Horses” – Jesse Welles

Best American Roots Song
“Ancient Light” – Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her)
“BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo & Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Foxes In The Snow” – Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell)
“Middle” – Jesse Welles, songwriter (Jesse Welles)
“Spitfire” – Sierra Hull, songwriter (Sierra Hull)

Best Americana Album
BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste
Bloom – Larkin Poe
Last Leaf On The Tree – Willie Nelson
So Long Little Miss Sunshine – Molly Tuttle
Middle – Jesse Welles

Best Bluegrass Album
Carter & Cleveland – Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter
A Tip Toe High Wire – Sierra Hull
Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Outrun – The Steeldrivers
Highway Prayers – Billy Strings

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ain’t Done With The Blues – Buddy Guy
Room On The Porch – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey – Maria Muldaur
Look Out Highway – Charlie Musselwhite
Young Fashioned Ways – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Breakthrough – Joe Bonamassa
Paper Doll – Samantha Fish
A Tribute To LJK – Eric Gales
Preacher Kids – Robert Randolph
Family – Southern Avenue

Best Folk Album
What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow – Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson
Crown Of Roses – Patty Griffin
Wild And Clear And Blue – I’m With Her
Foxes In The Snow – Jason Isbell
Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24) – Jesse Welles

Best Regional Roots Music Album
Live At Vaughan’s – Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet
For Fat Man – Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Church Of New Orleans – Kyle Roussel
Second Line Sunday – Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band
A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco – (Various Artists)

Best Gospel Performance/Song
“Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters
“Still (Live)” – Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing III, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters
“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters
“Come Jesus Come” – Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters
“YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & PERA, songwriters
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Jason Bradley Deford & Brandon Lake, songwriters
“Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Tyshane Thompson, Bongo ByTheWay, Michael Render, Lecrae Moore, William Roderick Miller & Clifford Harris, songwriters
“Amazing” – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls, songwriters

Best Gospel Album
Sunny Days – Yolanda Adams
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett
Heart Of Mine – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
CHILD OF GOD II – Forrest Frank
Coritos Vol. 1 – Israel & New Breed
King Of Hearts – Brandon Lake
Reconstruction – Lecrae
Let The Church Sing – Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band
Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs
Good Answers – Karen Peck & New River
Back To My Roots – Candi Staton

HARDY Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart

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HARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith

HARDY claims the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track, “Favorite Country Song.”

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

HARDY recently unveiled a deluxe edition the album titled Country! Country! Country! which released Sept. 29.

“Favorite Country Song” currently sits at No. 14 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.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ella Langley ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Pop influences permeate this week’s country outings in DISClaimer.

The Jonas Brothers are here. So is Jimmy Webb. And the tunes by Charles Kelley, Slater Nalley and Graham Barham sound more related to pop artists than they do to anyone named Hank.

The hillbilly bright spots here include new music from Ashland Craft, Rissi Palmer, Luke Combs and Dylan Gossett, not to mention our Disc of the Day winner, Ella Langley.

The DISCovery Award goes to Sammy Arriaga. He sure can sing.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Pipe Dream”
Writers: Brendan Walter/Grady Smith; Producer: Grady Smith; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Jangly and plaintive, with a driving acoustic guitar and rumbling rhythm track underpinning his aching vocal. In the lyric, he has a yen to make it in music, no matter the cost.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & JIMMY WEBB / “Wichita Lineman”
Writer: Jimmy Webb; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– LBT has delighted fans for years with its live covers of pop hits. It has collected several of these in an EP titled Scattered, Smothered and Covered. This echoey, lovely, harmony-drenched interpretation of the Glen Campbell classic features its composer setting the ethereal tone with his rippling piano accompaniment.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Kick Rocks Cowboy”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Jonathan Singleton/Shane Minor; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Love the snappy attitude in this kiss-off country rocker. Her personality and sass shine in every drawled note. I remain a big fan of this lady.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Christopher LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Adding the pop superstars to his joyous, rocking hit country tune sounds like a good move, since this mix simply soars with positive energy.

SLATER NALLEY / “Foolish Pride”
Writer: Slater Nalley; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– This teen was a finalist on American Idol earlier this year. His gripping delivery of this anguished ballad was a big factor. Now it’s an electrifying country disc debut. The production is admirably spare, which throws the spotlight on his rasping, soulful voice.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Whiskey River”
Writer: Johnny Bush; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: W&T
– Michael and Tanya alternately swap lead vocal lines and bring their gospel-influenced style to Willie’s perennial show-opening song. The result is audio excitement.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Buckshot”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Graham Barham/Ryan Hurd/Sam Bergeson; Producer: Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is country music? Electronic loops and processed, compressed vocals. A heartbreak drinking song in a busy-sounding pop production.

CHARLES KELLEY / “Steal Your Heart”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Josh Kear/Lindsay Rimes/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Southern Accent Entertainment
– Soaring and scintillating, this has an ‘80s pop-music vibe. Kelley reaches into his upper vocal register on the choruses, which gives the performance a very different tone than his work in Lady A.

RISSI PALMER / “Old Black Southern Woman”
Writers: Kyshona Armstrong/Rissi Palmer; Producer: Shannon Sanders; Label: RP
– Reflective and emotionally honest, Palmer imagines life as a senior citizen while a fiddle saws along and guitars strum in sympathy. Gently warm and comforting.

LUKE COMBS / “Days Like These”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Brent Cobb/Luke Combs; Producer: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The ballad extols the simple joy of a pretty day lived with love. As usual, Luke’s singing is a beacon of emotional beauty. The enduring country truth triumphs again: Money can’t buy happiness.

SAMMY ARRIAGA / “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”
Writers: Ben Peters/Vivian Keith; Producer: Adam Mitchell; Label: Walk Off Entertainment
– Arriaga is a vocal soulman who issued a collection titled Heart In Texas that is billed as “the industry’s first fully bilingual country Latino album.” Seven tracks are in English, and six track are in Spanish. Plus, it contains this lovely, acoustic, Spanglish revival of Freddy Fender’s 1975 classic. The plucking guitar work and sweet fiddle notes plus Arriaga’s heart-in-throat vocal give this an audio eloquence that can’t be beat.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Choosin’ Texas”
Writers: Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Ben West, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– She loses her Tennessee lover to a temptress from the Lone Star State. Langley’s singing has never sounded better than it does on this delightful two stepper. Park this on your playlist right next to Strait.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “Windy City”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: DG
– Wistful and tender. He’s far from home, up north in Chicago. But he hopes his songs will resonate with unfamiliar audiences and carry him along. Written and performed with the panache of a true troubadour.