BREAKING: Austen Adams Appointed President Of Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Austen Adams. Photo: Amy Allmand

Industry leader Austen Adams has been appointed President of Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. He will begin the role on Sept. 15, reporting to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall.

Adams joins WCM from Big Loud, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of its Publishing and Records divisions for six years, working with a wide array of talent, including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr., among many others. His two decades of experience also includes time in artist management and entertainment law.

Adam’s appointment at WCM fills the role left behind by Ben Vaughn, who passed away in January.

“Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial,” share Moot and Marshall. “Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us. We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities. With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”

Adams says, “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built. I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways. Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”

Adams has been honored on Billboard’s Country and Indie Power Players lists and named to Leadership Music (Class of 2019).

BREAKING: Kinkead Entertainment Agency Elevates Julie Devereux & Greg Scott

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Photo: Courtesy of The Kinkead Entertainment Agency

For the celebration of their 10th anniversary as a full-service booking agency, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency has promoted Julie Devereux to CEO and Greg Scott to President of the agency.

Devereux utilizes her advertising and management expertise at the agency, having lead campaigns for mega brands Pepsi and Taco Bell, as well as management clients Tracy Nelson and Sammy Kershaw. At Kinkead, she helms overall development of the agency including film and television opportunities for the roster. Her previous career stops include companies in Dallas, Los Angeles and Nashville.

Scott holds a dual degree in music business and production, and has over 20 years of live touring experience as an artist, as well as is Co-Owner of his own record label under the Sony umbrella. Scott has been with Kinkead since its 2015 inception, and has spearheaded the company’s growth. In his new role, he will lead all live performance bookings for the agency and oversee key signings and development.

Founded by Bob Kinkead in 2015, Kinkead Entertainment has booked more than 7500 concerts nationwide since its inception. The agency’s current roster includes Lorrie Morgan, T Graham Brown, Exile, Canaan Smith, Chevel Shepherd, Cowboy Troy, Craig Campbell, Emerson Drive, Jamie O’Neal, Jerrod Niemann, Josh Gracin, Love and Theft, Skip Ewing, Taylor Hicks, Ty Herndon, Bill Engvall, Cliff Cash, Frankie Moreno, Lance Burton, Broadways Rock of Ages Band, Ranch Hands Cowboylesque, Alli Walker, Bay Simpson, BoomTown Saints, Britnee Kellogg, Casey Chesnutt, CJ Solar, Flat River Band, Hannah Ellis, Jacquie Roar, Kaylee Rose, Levi Hummon, Lewis Brice, MAYCE, Presley & Taylor, William Michael Morgan, The Band Light, New Hollow and more.

“We are proud to represent country music icons, as well as brand new emerging talent who have joined our exclusive roster here at The Kinkead Entertainment Agency,” shares Bob Kinkead, Co-CEO of The Kinkead Entertainment Agency.

Chase McGill Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Chase McGill

Chase McGill has entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His current cuts on the chart include Morgan Wallen‘s “20 Cigarettes,” “I Got Better,” “Miami” and “TN,” Tucker Wetmore’s “Brunette,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me,” George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long,” Dierks Bentley’s “She Hates Me” and Keith Urban’s “Straight Line,” all placing him at the No. 3 spot this week.

Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the 11th consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.” Wallen himself stays at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Ashley Gorley (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.

Become A Subscriber To Vote In 2025 MusicRow Awards

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If you are not a MusicRow subscriber, now is a great time to join.

Only MusicRow subscribers are able to vote in the 2025 MusicRow Awards and the ballot period ends this Friday (Aug. 15). New subscribers will be sent a ballot shortly after joining.

The nominees for the 2025 MusicRow Awards can be viewed in the MusicRow Nominator.

A subscription can be purchased here and includes the following:
– Six Annual Print Issues (including the coveted annual InCharge print issue, as well as the annual Publisher, Artist Roster, MusicRow Awards, Women of Music Row and Touring/Next Big Thing issues.)
– News Emails (twice daily)
– Breaking News Alerts
– The MusicRow Weekly (containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart)
– Top Songwriter Chart (weekly)
– Voting Eligibility in the annual MusicRow Awards

Kathy Mattea Surprised During Set With Opry Member Invite

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Kathy Mattea is invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: © Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo

Kathy Mattea was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Aug. 9) by Opry member Charlie McCoy.

McCoy surprised his long-time friend and fellow West Virginian Mattea onstage by turning off her speaker during her performance of her award-winning hit “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses.” “I’m so sorry to interrupt,” McCoy said as he presented her with a dozen roses.  “I want to ask you a question. How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”

Pictured (L-R): Opry’s Gina Keltner, Nicole Judd, Opry member Charlie McCoy, Kathy Mattea and Opry’s Dan Rogers. Photo: © Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo

The four-time CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite and host of the Mountain Stage radio show gave an emotional and emphatic yes to the invitation, saying, “I just want to take this in and just remember this moment.”

“I’ve personally watched for nearly 30 years now as Kathy Mattea has brought such great songs, so much artistic integrity, and sheer joy to the Opry stage,” says Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “We all look forward to many more such performances in that circle she’ll call home.”

Mattea will officially join the Opry family on Oct. 11, and tickets are on sale now for the two-show Saturday night.

The Opry will celebrate two of its longtime members later this month on their milestone Opry anniversaries. On Aug. 20, the Opry will celebrate Connie Smith’s 60th Opry anniversary with performances by Smith, Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Old Crow Medicine Show and more. On Aug. 26, Pam Tillis will celebrate her 25th Opry anniversary alongside Suzy Bogguss, Russell Dickerson, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan, Emily Ann Roberts and more.

MusicRow Weekly (MusicRow Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week, Nashville remains as vibrant as ever, with major announcements, heartfelt tributes and industry shifts making headlines this week in the MusicRow Weekly. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine unveiled the nominees for the 2025 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. The annual honors, which celebrate excellence across all facets of Nashville’s music industry, are voted on by MusicRow subscribers. Voting opened on Wednesday (Aug. 6) with ballots sent to all active subscribers. The voting period remains open through Friday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. CT. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 3 across all MusicRow online platforms. Readers who wish to participate in the voting process can still sign up for a subscription to become eligible.

This week also brought a profound loss to the country music community with the passing of Jeannie Seely. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely died on last Friday (Aug. 1) at the age of 85, following complications from an intestinal infection. A revered member of the Grand Ole Opry, Seely’s legacy spans seven decades of trailblazing work as an artist, songwriter, host, and producer. She made history as the first woman to regularly host segments of the Opry and broke cultural ground by being the first artist to wear a miniskirt on its stage. At the time of her death, Seely had performed on the Opry stage more than any other artist—5,397 times—cementing her place in country music history.

In celebratory news, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2025 inductees during a press conference on Music Row. The upcoming inductees include a mix of legendary performers and behind-the-scenes hitmakers: Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Jim Lauderdale, Don Cook, Steve Bogard and Tony Martin. The formal induction ceremony is set for October.

Sad news also came with the passing of Brandon Blackstock, a longtime talent manager and industry figure. He died at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer. Blackstock, the son of veteran manager Narvel Blackstock and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, was known for his deep ties to the music and entertainment world.

Several executive moves made headlines this week. At MCA, Sarah D’Hilly has been named Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing and Strategy, while Brad Krause joins as Senior Director of Digital Strategy. Hannah Galluzzi steps into the role of Vice President, A&R. Over at Big Machine Label Group, Nicole Flammia has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Creative Photo-Video Production.

Artist development also saw notable action this week. Parker McCollum has extended his exclusive recording deal with MCA, with the label acquiring his full catalog, including The Limestone Kid and Probably Wrong. Meanwhile, Capitol Music Group and The Core Records have signed rising artist Brandon Wisham, and Big Loud Records has inked a deal with Timmy McKeever. Songwriter-producer Jake Mitchell has also entered into an exclusive songwriting agreement with Riser House.

In more publishing news, songwriter Ben Goldsmith has extended his deal with Kobalt Music, and rising singer-songwriter RYMAN has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing.

Leadership changes at The Neal Agency included the promotion of Kelly Littlefield to President of Operations for both TNA and Sticks Management. Clark Wilson has been promoted to Agent, Fairs & Festivals, Simone Chretien has been named Agent for the Southeast Territory, and Juliette Edwards is now Agent for the West Coast Territory.

The CMA has announced its newest class of participants for the Women’s Leadership Academy, a 12-week program designed to empower and support women across the music industry.

And finally, a true icon will be celebrated this year: John Fogerty, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and legendary songwriter, will receive the 2025 BMI Troubadour Award. The award honors songwriters who have profoundly impacted the creative community and continue to influence generations of music makers.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Jordan Davis takes the No. 1 spot with “Bar None.” 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.

Jordan Davis Hits No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Bar None’

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Jordan Davis tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song, “Bar None.”

The track is off of his upcoming third studio album Learn the Hard Way, and was written by Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps and Lydia Vaughan.

Davis will perform “Bar None” on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! Aug. 14, then appear on TODAY Aug. 21 to celebrate his new album and “Ain’t Enough Road Tour,” kicking off Sept. 11.

“Bar None” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dierks Bentley, Riley Green & John Anderson Team For Disc Of The Day

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Dierks Bentley, Riley Green & John Anderson

The hallmarks of this edition of DISClaimer are ballads and collaborations.

Tugging at the heartstrings are the sublime Tim McGraw, Austin Snell, Hudson Westbrook and Bailey Zimmerman. McGraw wins the battle of the ballads.

The collabs are a merrier lot. Colbie Caillat’s matches up with Maddie & Tae; the Zac Brown Band burns one down with Snoop Dogg; Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are pluperfect country with Jim Lauderdale. Dierks Bentley, Riley Green and John Anderson romp off with the Disc of the Day prize.

The DISCovery Award goes to Alexandra Kay.

DIERKS BENTLEY, RILEY GREEN & JOHN ANDERSON / “Broken Branches”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Graham Barham/Zach Abend; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A rollicking drinkin’ party with lotsa rhythm and plenty of smiles. The trailer-trash music video is creating a viral sensation.

AUSTIN SNELL / “Family Tree”
Writers: Austin Snell/Conor Matthews/Nicolette Hayford/Riley Thomas; Producer: Andrew Baylis; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– The echoey ballad contemplates generational trauma with a clear understanding and forthright honesty. Both the vocal performance and the production are gorgeous. Play this.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Chevy Silverado”
Writers: Bailey Zimmerman/Gavin Lucas/Heath WarrenIlsey Juber/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s lost her, but he still has his truck. Heartache with soaring electric guitars.

ALEXANDRA KAY / “Straight For The Heart”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Karley Scott Collins/Sasha Sloan; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records
– If you’re gonna break her heart, make her hate you first. The sound is big and oomphy, but she’s a strong enough singer to power through. Highly promising

COLBIE CAILLAT WITH MADDIE & TAE / “Live Without”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Liz Rose; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– “Goodbye ain’t the bullet that I thought it was,” they sing in wafting harmony. The jaunty bopper is about thriving and soaring after a breakup. The happy rhythm, the sparking production and the intertwined voices are all completely enchanting. A terrific pop-country outing.

CHRIS JONES, THE NIGHT DRIVERS & JIM LAUDERDALE / “How Small of Me”
Writers: Andrew McCutcheon/Chris Jones; Producer: Chris Jones; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– A dandy disc. Audio elegance. With honky-tonk vocals, an acoustic bluegrass arrangement and a two-step tempo, what’s not to love? Jones is celebrating his 30th anniversary with his band. Lauderdale was announced this week as an upcoming Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.

MAGGIE ROSE & GRACE POTTER / “Poison in My Well”
Writers: Davis Naish/Margaret Durante/Melissa Fuller; Producers: Ben Tanner, Davis Naish; Label: One Riot Records
– Bluesy and groove soaked, this slow-burn anthem addresses someone who can’t be happy for someone else’s good fortune. Both singers are accomplished pop practitioners.

MON ROVIA / “Heavy Foot”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Eric Cromartie/Grant Averill; Producer: Cooper Holzman; Label: Nettwerk Music Group
– This artist blends his Liberian heritage with Appalachian folk story telling. His new single has a lilting, strummy-guitar track that bops along happily. But the lyric protests the heavy foot of a government trying to “keep us all down.” Not to worry, the song assures us that love and solidarity will persevere. Mon Rovia staged his Opry debut on July 29.

TIM McGRAW / “King Rodeo”
Writers: Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Denny Hemingson, Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
– This will stop your heart. It’s a ballad of aging and loss, delivered with ache and stunning emotional power. McGraw introduced at his rodeo concert last month, and in this live track, you can feel/hear the massive crowd’s tearful acceptance. A country music master singing unvarnished truth.

ZAC BROWN BAND & SNOOP DOGG / “Let It Run”
Writers: Andy Frasco/Chris Gelbuda/John WidoMakr/Snoop Dogg/Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Master of None
– A celebration of smoking weed with the band’s usual flawless harmony work. Dogg’s rap drops in mid-song, but this is Zac’s record all the way. Programmers take note: There is a whole lot of cussing in this lyric.

Brandon Blackstock, Longtime Talent Manager, Passes [Updated]

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Brandon Blackstock

Longtime talent manager Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully on Aug. 7 following a three-year battle with cancer. He was 48.

Born in Ft. Worth, Texas, on Dec. 16, 1976, to Narvel and Elisa Blackstock, Brandon spent his early childhood in Burleson, Texas before moving to Big Piney, Wyoming for his high school years.

He moved to Nashville as a young adult to begin a career in the music business. He began working alongside his father Narvel at Starstruck Management Group in 2006. Together, the father-son team managed a roster of top country artists, including longtime client Blake Shelton. Narvel also notably managed and was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015.

Brandon’s reputation in the music business was that of a champion, who always had his hand out to pull others up the ladder, to open a door or to make a connection.

After more than 20 years in the music business, Brandon returned in recent years to the mountains of Butte, Montana, where he embraced the cowboy lifestyle. With his partner, Brittney Marie Jones, he built businesses and helped establish Headwaters Livestock Auction, along with what will stand as his legacy—the Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.

Brandon was preceded in death by his loving grandparents Gloria and Narvel Leroy Blackstock, Mary Helen Davis and Walter Ritter and Jacqueline and Clark McEntire. He is survived by his children Savannah Blackstock Lee, Seth Blackstock, River Rose Blackstock and Remington Blackstock; his son-in-law, Quentin Lee; grandchildren Lake Easton Lee, Julianna Rae Lee and the soon-to-arrive LouCasey Lee; parents Narvel Wayne Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter Gilbert; stepparents Reba Nell McEntire, Laura Putty Blackstock and Daniel Eugene Gilbert; grandparents Karen and Terry Beattie; siblings Shawna Blackstock Meyers and Jason Meyers, Chassidy Blackstock Standefer and Scott Standefer, Shelby McEntire Blackstock and Marissa Blackstock; and his other lifelong brother, Brian Pittman.

All of Brandon’s friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for his celebration of life on Sunday, Aug. 17. Please reach out to a family member for service details.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brandon Blackstock Memorial Fund at the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.

BREAKING: Sarah D’Hilly & Brad Krause Join MCA

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Sarah D’Hilly & Brad Krause

Sarah D’Hilly has joined MCA as Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing and Strategy.

D’Hilly joins MCA with 20 years of country music industry experience under her belt. Her most recent role was with Apple Music, where she led music business partnerships, content strategy and artist marketing initiatives. While at Apple, she oversaw the launch of the songwriter-driven Lost & Found series, Apple Music Sessions and bespoke projects like Beyonce Covered Sessions and Toby Keith Covered Sessions.

Before Apple Music, she was the Director of Commerce & Digital Strategy at Monument Records, and the Director of Digital Marketing at Borman Entertainment. Her previous work also includes serving on the Digital Committee of Country Radio Seminar and leading panels at Music Business Conference and SXSW. D’Hilly is a member of the 2026 Leadership Music class and a 2025 Billboard Country Power Players honoree.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most passionate people in music, and I’m incredibly excited to take everything I’ve learned into this new chapter with MCA,” says D’Hilly. “This label has a legacy of artist development and storytelling that I deeply respect, and I look forward to helping shape what that looks like in the digital era.”

In addition to D’Hilly, Brad Krause has also joined MCA as Senior Director of Digital Strategy. A University of Southern California graduate, Krause has held previous roles at Warner Records, Interscope and The Trenches. In his roles he has gained expertise in platform dynamics, digital storytelling and audience behavior by helming digital campaigns across a variety of artists and brands.

”I’ve enjoyed working with the MCA team and I’m excited to step into this role during such an exciting time,” adds Krause. “I’m passionate about building authentic, community-driven campaigns and can’t wait to collaborate with Sarah to create meaningful digital moments for our artists and their fans.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah and Brad to the MCA team,” shares Katie McCartney, EVP/GM of MCA. “Their creative vision, passion for artists, and forward-thinking digital expertise make them invaluable as we continue to evolve as a creative hub.”

D’Hilly can be reached at sarah.dhilly@umusic.com and Krause can be reached at brad.krause@umusic.com.