Blake Pendergrass

Blake Pendergrass has moved into the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The songwriter sits at No. 3 this week with Warren Zeiders’ “Relapse,” Jelly Roll’s “Heart Of Stone,” as well as 15 credits on Morgan Wallen’s new I’m The Problem album including “20 Cigarettes,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “I Got Better,” “Interlude,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Missing,” “Number 3 And Number 7,” “Superman,” “The Dealer,” “Where’d That Girl Go” and “Working Man’s Song.”

Charlie Handsome claims the No. 1 slot this week with “Come Back As A Redneck,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Interlude,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Missing,” “Smile,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Whiskey In Reverse” and “Working Man’s Song,” all off Wallen’s project. Wallen himself sits at No. 2 with “Come Back As A Redneck,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Interlude,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Missing,” “Smile,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Whiskey In Reverse” and “Working Man’s Song.”

John Byron (No. 4) and Riley Green (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.

Lauren “LT” Thomas. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Radio veteran Lauren “LT” Thomas has joined Big Loud Records as SVP, Radio Promotion. She will work alongside newly promoted SVP, Radio Promotion Tyler Waugh and report to EVP, Radio Promotion Stacy Blythe.

“LT’s stellar reputation speaks for itself. The moment she began exploring her next opportunity, leadership at Big Loud unanimously agreed—she was a natural fit for our team,” shares Blythe. “We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard and look forward to the expertise and passion she brings with her.”

“I’ve long admired the vibrant culture cultivated by Seth, Stacy and the Big Loud team,” adds Thomas. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside such a talented group with a powerful track record of success and innovation.”

Thomas most recently served as SVP of Promotion at Sony Music Nashville, where she helped the roster achieve nearly 100 No. 1 radio hits. She also led efforts for Columbia and RCA Nashville. Prior to that, she spent five years at KMLE-FM Phoenix.

She has been recognized for her efforts across the industry, being named to Billboard‘s Executive of the Week list in 2024, Variety‘s Hitmakers in 2023, CRS/Country Aircheck Awards SVP/VP of the Year and National of the Year, Country Aircheck Power 31 and Billboard‘s 40 Under 40. She also serves as co-chair of the St. Jude Country Cares Label Advisory Board.

This week’s MusicRow Weekly shines a spotlight on several major developments across Nashville’s music landscape, showcasing both industry evolution and a strong commitment to community care. Click here to see the full edition.

Singer-songwriter Matt Stell has deepened his relationship with Endurance Music Group, entering into a new joint venture label deal that builds on his already successful publishing alliance with the company.

Dierks Bentley has announced the launch of the Broken Branches Fund, a multi-year commitment to bolstering mental health support for the creative and touring communities. Administered in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA), the fund will provide mental health grants covering outpatient counseling and structured follow-up care for qualified individuals and their families. Bentley’s move underscores a growing awareness and responsibility within the industry to address mental well-being.

Big Machine Records has promoted Rachel Burleson to Senior Director of Streaming. Spirit Music Nashville has welcomed Nick Autry to its roster through a global publishing agreement.

Marketing agency RESULTS GLOBAL revealed formation of a new Digital & Social Media division. Spearheaded by Katrina Maddox as Head of Digital & Social, the team also includes Lindsey Parrish and Tess Schoonhoven as Social Media Managers, and Conner McEuen as Paid Media Manager.

The music business sees the debut of Gutt Law, PLLC,  founded by entertainment attorney Rachel Guttmann. The Nashville-based practice is joined by attorney Victoria Powell and Morgan Brasfield, who will serve as Head of Operations.

Kenny Chesney kicked off his much-anticipated Las Vegas residency at The Sphere with star-studded surprises. The opening night featured Kelsea Ballerini, who joined Chesney for emotional renditions of their chart-topping duet “Half Of My Hometown,” the fan-favorite “You & Tequila,” and an impromptu performance of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Grace Potter also took the stage during the weekend, reuniting with Chesney for another powerful delivery of “You & Tequila.”

Eric Church delivered back-to-back performances at The Pinnacle on May 23 and 24, offering a celebration of his latest project, Evangeline Vs. The Machine.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “Worst Way.” 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.

Pictured (L-R): EMG Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg, Rich MGMT’s Brendan Rich, EMG Co-President and Chief Creative Officer Michael Martin, Stell, EMG Co-President and General Manager Mark Ahlberg, EMG Vice President of Creative Lauren Funk and Rich MGMT’s Chase Miller

Matt Stell has expanded his long-standing publishing alliance with Endurance Music Group, signing a joint venture label deal with the company.

The first release through EMG, “Heaven & Back,” will be available everywhere on May 30.

“Matt is a truly dynamic talent and we’re excited to grow our relationship with him as he enters the next phase of his career,” says Jeremy Tucker, Chairman, Endurance Music Group. “Our mission has always been to support our artists and writers and create great music. Working alongside Matt, Brendan, and the team at Rich MGMT is a privilege and we look forward to building something exceptional together.”

“Getting to work with Endurance Music Group in this new capacity is a dream come true,” says Stell. “They believe in what I’m making as much as I do. We’ve already done amazing things together, and this is truly the next step in our journey. I couldn’t be more excited about it and what’s to come.”

With 600+ million streams and back-to-back No. 1 singles “Prayed for You” and “Everywhere But On,” Arkansas-born Stell merges candid storytelling with arena-sized hooks. His 2024 debut album Born Lonely opened at No. 2 on Apple Music Country, and his single “Breakin’ in Boots” reached country radio’s Top 15 in 2025.