Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton Top The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton land at the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with their song, “A Song To Sing.”

The track was written by Stapleton and Lambert along with Jenee Fleenor and Jesse Frasure.

Both artists are currently on the road, with Lambert headlining her “Postcards from Texas Tour” through August and Stapleton continuing his “All-American Road Show” through October.

“A Song To Sing” currently sits at No. 19 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce & Riley Green Share Disc Of The Day

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Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Riley Green & Carly Pearce

DISClaimer has a bonanza of fine new country sounds this week.

More than half of the tracks in this listening session could be a Disc of the Day. With such an abundance of riches, we’re compelled to dole the prizes out by category. So this week, we have three Disc of the Day awards.

In the Female Vocalist category, Kacey Musgraves’s clever catalog of horniness wins a Disc of the Day. Among the Male Vocalist contenders, ebullient Kane Brown has another Disc of the Day. In a day notable for vocal collaborations, the Carly Pearce/Riley Green duet is our “group” Disc of the Day honoree.

Madden Metcalf looks and sounds young at heart, and the first-timer earns a DISCovery Award for his debut.

ANNE WILSON & COLE SWINDELL / “Still Do”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Jeff Pardo/Matthew West/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Jeff Pardo, Ross Copperman; Label: Sparrow
– Prodigal children find their way back to God, but neither of them sings a harmony vocal.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Painted You Pretty”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Scott; Producer: Lukas Scott; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– The Lone Star State up-and-comer is gentle and romantic on this lilting outing. He sings that she’s “picture perfect,” and “I bet you’ve got a heart of gold.” Awww.

LOLA KIRKE / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Lola Kirke; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: One Riot Records
– The Academy Awards ceremony is Sunday (March 15). Best Picture nominee Sinners is the most nominated film in Oscar history. In it, Nashville’s Lola Kirke portrays a roving vampire in a folk-singing trio. The title tune of her current album urges you to pave your own way and stand up for yourself when you feel like you don’t fit in. A densely muffled production backs her wistful soprano vocal. While on the film’s set, she also wrote a wonderfully wry and witty memoir titled Wild West Village. Both the album and the book are well worth your time.

KANE BROWN / “Woman”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His buddies want him to go out and chase girls with them. He turns them down, because instead of girls, he has a real woman. A churning, bopping production and Brown’s charisma make this an undeniable, instant favorite.

DAVID NAIL / “The Crown”
Writers: Anderson East/David Nail; Producer: Anderson East; Label: One Five Sound
– Nail offers a short-story in a wafting ballad about a teenager who loses her way, but can always find peace back in her home town. This performer remains a gripping, gifted singer-songwriter.

CARLY PEARCE & RILEY GREEN / “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Blue Highway Records
– These two have stunning vocal chemistry. Green’s twin-like harmony singing is a revelation, and they both bring simmering heat to this portrait of passion. Essential listening.

TENILLE TOWNES & LORI McKENNA / “the acrobat”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Tenille Townes; Producer: Tenille Townes; Label: TT
– I’m a big fan of Canadian star Townes. On this aching ballad, she’s accompanied solely by an acoustic guitar and the alto harmonies of McKenna. The result is starkly compelling artistry where you hang on every line.

CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60/Warner Records Nashville
– This is pretty much what the title says it is. Rollicking and rambunctious. A big grin.

BELLAH MAE / “Love Me Less”
Writers: Bellah Mae/Brett Truitt/Brigetta Truitt; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her breathy vocal is surrounded by twinkling guitar notes and a simple percussive thump in this soft pop production. Very pretty, if not exactly “country.”

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Dry Spell”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird; Label: Lost Highway
– Delightful. She’s wry and witty on this bopping lament of being horny. The sexy double entendres are super cute, and some twanging guitars skip along merrily.

LUKE GRIMES / “Haunted”
Writers: Dave Cobb/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– Already widely known for his role on Yellowstone, Grimes is in a new CBS drama series titled Marshals. On its soundtrack, this slow, brooding track depicts resilience and letting go of the past. His baritone voice conveys a certain world-weary wisdom. Love the drawn-out, echoey, instrumental fade.

MADDEN METCALF / “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore”
Writers: Elliah Heifetz/Freddy Wexler/Madden Metcalf; Producers: Freddy Wexler, Paul Sikes; Label: Wexler Records/MCA Nashville
– Heartbreak with a little skip in its step. Metcalf’s rapid-fire delivery and jaunty attitude contrast nicely with his boyish, lost-love ditty. Extremely promising.

PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– A moody meditation punctuated by tenor shouts that pleads for brotherhood and understanding. Love your neighbor, exhorts Pynk Beard.

Jelly Roll Becomes Newest Member Of Opry Family

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Jelly Roll joins the Grand Ole Opry family. Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry

Jelly Roll officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry family last night (March 10), inducted by his close friend and fellow Opry member Lainey Wilson during an emotion-packed evening. 

Also on hand for the induction celebration were Jelly Roll’s friend and mentor, Opry member Craig Morgan, as well as friends Leanne Morgan and Ernest. In a full circle moment, Sheriff Daron Hall and Davidson County Juvenile Correctional Professional Yolanda Hockett were also in attendance and were thanked from the stage by Jelly for their belief and guidance since he encountered both during his time serving at the juvenile center, as well as members from the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, who Jelly currently works with to support and empower underserved youth. He also thanked his family including his mom, who was sitting in the front row, marking the first time she had seen him perform at the Opry.

Lainey Wilson inducts Jelly Roll Into the Grand Ole Opry family. Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry

Jelly Roll’s Opry history with Morgan predates back to a moment years ago when freshly released from prison, Jelly was in the Opry audience as Morgan performed “Almost Home,” a moment the star references as “life changing” for him. Years later, Jelly was surprised on stage by Morgan, where they performed “Almost Home” together on the Opry stage. Marking the full-circle moment, Morgan presented handwritten, autographed framed lyrics of “Almost Home” to Jelly to commemorate the occasion.

Wearing a cross that belonged to Johnny Cash that was given to him by Cash’s son John Carter Cash, Jelly Roll kicked off his induction night with high-powered performances of his hits “Liar,” “Need A Favor,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “Son Of A Sinner,” joined by his friend Ernest. Following a video of his history with the Opry, Wilson walked to the circle with him to officially welcome him into the family.

“There are some people in this business who are great singers, some people who are great songwriters and storytellers, and every once in a while somebody comes along who is something even bigger than that,” said Wilson. “They are a voice for people who feel like they don’t have one. And that’s exactly who Jelly Roll is. Your love for Jesus Christ radiates from you, and I’m so proud of you.

Pictured (L-R): Opry’s Dan Rogers, Opry host Kelly Sutton, Lily Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Leanne Morgan, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Craig Morgan, ERNEST, Sonya Isaacs and Opry’s Jenn Tressler. Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry

“Country music has always been about telling stories, the good, the bad, the messy; it’s about redemption, and tonight we are welcoming a man who has never been afraid to tell the truth about his life,” she continued. “He turned pain into purpose, mistakes into music, and somehow managed to make millions of people feel like they are a little less alone. I’m so proud to call you my friend. Jelly Roll, because of your heart, your story, and the way you have used your voice to lift everybody else up, it is my honor to welcome you into the Grand Ole Opry family.”

An emotional Jelly Roll received his Opry member award saying, “To take a convicted felon from Music City who found country music because I’m from Nashville, and you take that kid who’s been in the local juvenile and local county jail, and you bring him here and give him Grammys, awards, and platinum plaques, and then you make him a member of the most prestigious group of the Grand Ole Opry. Every word of that sounded like I’m telling you a lot about myself, but that is a story only God could be the author of. Some stories only God can write. This is truly a God story. I talk a lot more about him now because I’m getting a lot closer to him and  I recognize that. I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve the grace God gave me, but I think that’s the best part, right? And yet he gives it all the time.”

The two friends closed the show with a performance of their duet “Save Me.”

Bill Simmons, Kendal Marcy, Chris DuBois & Domain Capital Group Form Management Firm

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Pictured (clockwise from top left): Bill Simmons, Chris DuBois, Pete Chiappetta and Kendal Marcy

Veteran artist manager Bill Simmons, management partner Kendal Marcy and award-winning songwriter and publisher Chris DuBois have formed Domain Artist Management, a joint venture created in partnership with Domain Capital Group, LLC. Three-time Grammy award winner Brad Paisley has signed as the company’s flagship client.

“The formation of Domain Artist Management brings together experienced and successful artist representation and long-term capital into one platform,” says Pete Chiappetta, Managing Director of Media & Entertainment at Domain Capital Group. “By aligning our resources and strategic capabilities with the decades of experience that Bill, Kendal, and Chris bring to the table, we are building a management company designed to serve artists thoughtfully and capitalize on today’s entertainment landscape for our investors.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Pete and the entire Domain team to add more talented artists to our roster,” shares Marcy. “As Nashville and the country genre continue to expand, we are eager to support and develop our artists’ successes through our expertise in management, touring, music, and film.”

Domain Artist Management brings together a leadership team with decades of experience in artist development, production and business strategy.

A pillar of the Nashville management community, Simmons formerly served as a partner at The Fitzgerald Hartley Co. and as Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. He currently serves as a board member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Simmons has managed Paisley’s career since 2003.

Marcy is a multi-instrumentalist and award-winning producer, and has been a vital part of Paisley’s team since 1999. He has been executive producer on many of Paisley’s TV and musical endeavors over the years and became a management partner in 2014.

DuBois, an award-winning songwriter and executive, co-founded Sea Gayle Music with Paisley in 1999. With 18 No. 1 hits as a songwriter and multiple Songwriter of the Year accolades (NSAI, ASCAP), DuBois brings an extensive track record in publishing and intellectual property management.

The launch of Domain Artist Management marks a significant evolution for Domain Capital Group’s entertainment division, which has been investing in the entertainment sector since 2011.

The firm will be headquartered in Nashville with an office on Music Row at 1221 17th Avenue South. Reach the team at Kendal@domainartistmgmt.com, Bill@domainartistmgmt.com and Chris@domainartistmgmt.com.

Megan Moroney Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Megan Moroney. Photo: Amber Asaly

Megan Moroney has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Beautiful Things,” “Bells & Whistles,” “Change Of Heart,” “Cloud 9,” “Convincing,” “I Only Miss You,” “Liars & Tigers & Bears,” “Medicine,” “Stupid,” “Table For Two,” “Waiting One The Rain,” “Wedding Dress,” “Who Hurt You?” and “Wish I Didn’t” all off her newly released Cloud 9 album helped Moroney to the top this week. This also marks Moroney’s first time at No. 1 in chart history.

Jessie Jo Dillon moves to No. 2 with “Baggage,” “Beautiful Things,” “Cloud 9,” “Convincing,” “Liars & Tigers & Bears,” “Medicine,” “Waiting On The Rain,” “Who Hurt You?” and “Wish You Well.” Randy Montana sits at No. 3 with “Change My Mind,” “Make A Liar,” “Sleepless In A Hotel Room” and “Time’s Ticking.”

Chase McGill (No. 4) and Blake Pendergrass (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.

Kashus Culpepper Lights Up Nashville With Grit & Heart

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Kashus Culpepper. Photo: Jessie Addleman

A sold-out crowd gathered Thursday night (March 5) at The Basement East for an intimate and soulful performance from rising singer-songwriter Kashus Culpepper. Blending Southern storytelling with blues, soul, and classic rock influences, Culpepper delivered a dynamic set that highlighted both his musical versatility and his growing command of the stage.

After an opening set from Aubory Bugg, Culpepper opened the show with the energetic “Southern Man,” before moving into “I Believe,” where Culpepper’s vocal delivery drew in the audience.

One of the early highlights came during “Jenni,” when Culpepper demonstrated impressive musicianship by playing harmonica and guitar simultaneously. The middle of the set leaned heavily into Culpepper’s storytelling with songs like “Stay,” “Is It True?” and “Break Me.” Afterward, “Pour Me Out” and “Mean to Me” had the audience dancing and clapping along.

Kashus Culpepper. Photo: Jessie Addleman

“This is such an amazing experience, thank y’all for showing up,” Culpepper said from stage. “I love Nashville this is amazing. I released my debut album January 23, thank you for all the support on it, it’s mind boggling.”

In a case of artistry, “Alabama Beauty Queen” flowed effortlessly into “Just the Two of Us,” combining Culpepper’s style with the classic hit. As the night progressed, he continued building momentum with “Who Hurt You,” “Broken Wing Bird,” and “Better Weather.” “Man of His Word” and “Talk With Me” kept the energy steady as the set moved toward its closing stretch.

Culpepper also paid tribute to some of his influences along the way. His rendition of “One of These Nights” by the Eagles brought a Southern grit to the classic rock staple, while a striking medley of “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers flowing into “Out of My Mind” became one of the evening’s favorite moments.

After closing the main set with “After Me?,” Culpepper returned to the stage for an encore that began with “Cherry Rose.” He then closed the night with a spirited cover of “Whipping Post” by the The Allman Brothers Band, sending the packed room out on a high-energy Southern rock finish.

MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly highlights a powerful moment for Nashville’s music community, as well as major industry developments across publishing, management, touring and artist signings. At the center of the week’s news is the continued celebration of the women helping shape Music City’s present and future. Click here to see the full edition.

The 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast once again demonstrated the extraordinary spirit of Nashville’s music industry. Hosted by MusicRow Magazine, the event welcomed its largest crowd yet, more than 750 attendees, while maintaining the intimate, supportive atmosphere that has made it a hallmark gathering each year. The celebration took place at JW Marriott Nashville, where the industry gathered to honor six standout female executives: Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana. Keynote speaker Ebie McFarland delivered remarks reflecting on her two decades guiding some of country music’s most enduring careers, underscoring the impact of leadership, mentorship and resilience within the industry.

The celebration of female leadership continues in the pages of MusicRow Magazine’s newly released Women of Music Row Issue, the publication’s second edition dedicated entirely to the women influencing Nashville’s music ecosystem. This year’s cover star is BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist Alexandra Kay. Inside the issue, a number of artists and executives offer insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry today. Kay joins Emily Ann Roberts, Kassi Ashton, Lauren Watkins and MacKenzie Carpenter for a candid roundtable discussion on navigating the modern music business. The issue also features industry veteran Lou Taylor discussing the recently appointed all-female C-suite at Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, while Sound Emporium’s Juanita Copeland reflects on her 30-year tenure leading one of Nashville’s most iconic recording facilities. Tucker Wetmore also shares perspective alongside his female-led team about the key role women have played in his rapid ascent. The issue additionally includes insights from McFarland and recognizes the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026.

Elsewhere in industry leadership news, Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside has announced he will step down after six and a half years leading the organization. Whiteside will remain CEO through June 30, 2026, before transitioning into the role of CEO Emeritus for the remainder of the year.

The Country Music Association also revealed the recipients of its 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards, set for April 13 in Nashville. Hosted by songwriter Jim Beavers, the ceremony will recognize 16 songwriters who achieved the feat of writing three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period. This year’s honorees include Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. In addition to the Triple Play honorees, CMA will celebrate more than 40 songwriters who have earned their first No. 1 country single since the last ceremony. Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, will also be honored with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.

The week also brought several notable industry signings. Mary Kutter has joined WME for global representation. Rising country artist Walker Montgomery has signed a new label deal with Red Street Records. Nathan Wallace has signed with Concord Music Publishing, while Ella Gibson has joined G Major Management.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Dylan Scott takes the No. 1 spot with “What He’ll Never Have.” 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.

Dylan Scott Tops the MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘What He’ll Never Have’

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Dylan Scott. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Dylan Scott notches the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song, “What He’ll Never Have.”

The track, featured on his third studio album Easy Does It, was written by Scott along with Logan Robinson, Ricky Rowton and Robbie Gatlin.

Scott kicks off his 18-date “Till I Can’t I Will Tour” next week on March 12 in Syracuse, New York.

“What He’ll Never Have” currently sits at No. 9 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: Warren Zeiders’ New Track Burns With ‘Romantic Intensity’

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Warren Zeiders. Photo: Austin Screws

Country music is easing us into spring this week.

Riding warm winds are Tucker Wetmore, Devon Gilfillian, Carter Faith, Kameron Marlowe and Kip Moore.

The grooviest Daylight Savings Time sounds belong to our Disc of the Day winner, Warren Zeiders and the marvelously creative effort by DISCovery Award winner Leah Blevins.

Happy listening.

KIP MOORE / “Levee”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts, Kip Moore; Label: KM
– Swampy, steaming, and rocking, with shades of Creedence and a lot of menacing attitude. Love the ad-libbed yelps.

BOB MINNER, TIM McGRAW & LORI McKENNA / “Kentucky Bluebird”
Writers: Don Cook/Wally Wilson; Producer: Bob Minner; Label: Billy Blue Records
– Pining for a long-distance lover, accompanied by gently plucked mandolin, dobro, and guitar, as well as a softly sighing fiddle. Acoustic nirvana.

LEAH BLEVINS / “All Dressed Up”
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Daniel Tashian/Leah Blevins; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
– Her mountain soprano is wedded to an echoey, dramatic track in this stately ballad of unrequited love. Innovative and ethereal, it’s a sound that will haunt you. It is also the title tune of an ear-opening, singer-songwriter album that’s due on March 20

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Born to Be Yours”
Writers: Ali Tamposi/Blake Pendergrass/Griff Clawson/Jake Hindlin/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Records
– A rumbling, rhythmic, stirring track lifts a song of eternal devotion heavenward. Zeiders’ vocal is loaded with dynamics, from hushed whisper to soaring celebration. The whole thing seems infused with burning romantic intensity. I’m in.

LILY MEOLA & WILLIE NELSON / “Tumbleweeds and Chewing Gum”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LM
– Hawaii native Meola floats over a spare, loping, “prairie” sounding track while Nelson adds his own special sauce with a mid-song verse. Dreamy atmosphere rules here. Meola showcases her upcoming album at Skinny Dennis on Sunday (March 8) at 7 p.m. The event also celebrates the one-year anniversary of the East Nashville nightspot.

RODNEY CROWELL & EMMYLOU HARRIS / “Go Light a Candle”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Sam Baker; Producers: Dan Knobler, Rodney Crowell; Label: New West Records
– With a tender touch, Crowell offers a song of hope and resilience in the face of political oppression. He and Harris assure us that things will get better, and Lera Lynn adds soft harmony support. It sounds like a kitchen-table conversation with old and trusted friends.

TREY PENDLEY / “Like a River”
Writers: Ben Chapman/Meg McRee/Trey Pendley; Producers: Jacob Bryant, John Davidson; Label: Leo33
– Heart warming. He relaxes into the love ballad with an easy-going drawl. The nicely arranged track gives the tune its meaty sonic core. Gently persuasive.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Sunburn”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA/Back Blocks Music
– A breezy beach romance with a lilting, bobbing, bubbling vibe. Wetmore continues to impress.

ANGEL WHITE / “LONESTAR GIRL”
Writers: Angel White/Jeffrey East; Producers: Angel White, Joseph Holguin; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Authentic Texas cowboy White goes in an urban, blues-rock direction on this strutting stomper. It’s the theme song of a new Wrangler ad campaign that features him dancing while sporting the company’s western shirts.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “No Need for Leavin’”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
– Steeped in a neo-soul groove, Marlowe gets into a wailing bluesy, plea that urges her to stay. Some deep-indigo guitar licks and a searing organ underscore his supremely confident vocal performance. Extremely well done.

TYLER BRADEN / “Dry County”
Writers: Allison Veltz Cruz/Lalo Guzman/Laura Veltz/Tyler Braden; Producers: Lalo Guzman, Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Dobro and steel notes ache along with his heartbreak vocal delivery in this mid-tempo, lonesome outing. There’s something intimate and hearty about his voice that is quite appealing.

CARTER FAITH / “If I Had Never Lost My Mind”
Writers: Carter Faith/Jen Stegall/Jordan Lehning/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– Her plaintive delivery has hooky vocal breaks as well as volume oomph. The power ballad has cool, thumpy, backbeat percussion and soaring strings. The lyric laments the fact that she drove him away because she is deranged and crazed. This song’s parent album, Cherry Valley, is one of country music’s finest debut collections. Catch Carter Faith at the Exit/In on Saturday (March 14) and Sunday (March 15). 

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Hold On (Hourglass)”
Writers: Dana Mary Williams/Devon Gilfillian/Paul Duncan/Ran Jackson; Producers: Devon Gilfillian, Jonathan Smalt, Ran Jackson; Label: Fantasy
– Gilfillian is the finest R&B talent in Nashville today. He previews his third album with this twang-embellished, urgent, country-soul rocker that rumbles along righteously while he wails in heartache.

Rising Women ‘Rises’ To New Heights

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The 2026 Rising Women on the Row breakfast. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills

The 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast demonstrated the extraordinary power of the Nashville music community by hosting more attendees than ever before while retaining its down-home warmth.

This year, the event moved to the JW Marriott Hotel’s ballroom, where 750+ guests celebrated the accomplishments of six female business persons — Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana — plus keynote speaker Ebie McFarland. Presented by MusicRow magazine, the largest-ever such event illustrated that its burgeoning size has not overshadowed the “heart” in this annual gathering.

“One of the great things about this industry is that we show up for each other,” said host Sherod Robertson in his welcoming speech. “Thank you for showing up for these honorees,” added awards presenter LB Cantrell. During her remarks, keynote McFarland added that the keys to success are recognizing “the team and the community” in this uniquely collaborative industry. Each honoree had a video introduction narrated by Robertson. Acceptance speeches brimmed with gratitude and affection.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell; Rising Women on the Row honorees Victoria Mason, Courtney Allen, Sophia Sansone, Elisa Vazzana, Sara Knabe and Jackie Augustus; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills

Concord publishing executive Courtney Allen was overwhelmed with emotion as she received her honor. She wept openly as she recalled her battle with breast cancer and the emotional support she received on Music Row. “The Nashville music business isn’t just competitive,” she shared. “It’s compassionate….The people in this industry have always had my back….Trust God; trust your intuition; show up. That’s how we rise, together.”

Spotify’s Jackie Augustus told the capacity crowd, “You can be friends with the people you work with.” To the women in the room, she advised, “Never say never….As of this week, women have the No. 1 single and the No. 1 album.” She also stressed the importance of remembering music’s consumers: “The biggest artists in the world are who they are because of the fans….I was a fan, and, honestly, I still am.”

Next up was Big Loud Records executive Sara Knabe. “Through this journey, I have known so many different people,” she said. “Through all of it, I’ve learned that it’s okay for your goals to shift. It’s hard, but it’s possible.” Knabe spoke without a script, and shared her fertility issues and child adoption. Like all of the other honorees, she noted the industry figures who mentored her.

“The feeling I have in this moment is immense gratitude,” said Victoria Mason of Warner Records. “Work and fun can and should co-exist,” she advised. “We all deserve to be calm, heard, understood, and seen.” As rewarding as her career is, she said her daughters are her “proudest achievement.”

Rising Women featured speaker Ebie McFarland with MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills

Sophia Sansone of the management company Make Wake Artists has been attending MusicRow’s Rising Women events for the past eight years and said she always dreamed of being on its stage. “You girls are amazing,” she remarked. “There have been so many people who have been there for me and have been mentors….This industry has given me an incredible career.” She advised everyone, “Do not let others define you….Surround yourself with the right people. Love your family.”

“You can’t wait for the room to decide who you are: You make that decision,” echoed UTA’s Elisa Vazzana. “Know who you are. Mean what you say….Honesty is the ultimate form of respect. Trust gets built when yes means yes and no means no….Being real isn’t a risk.”

40+ top Music City firms sponsored tables, including Back Blocks, Big Loud, Concord, G Major, Live Nation Women, Make Wake, MCA, Spotify, UTA, Warner Records Nashville and more. The presenting sponsor remains City National Bank, which has supported this event since its first incarnation in a dining room at Maggiano’s Restaurant 13 years ago. AEG Presents served as the coffee sponsor for the breakfast.

McFarland suggested a simple approach to this ever more complex industry: “Talk to people….Get to know them.” Which is also the key to enjoying this annual community-building celebration.

Robertson summed up the event’s tone by saluting Rising Women on the Row, as “one of my favorite mornings of the entire year.”