Date Set For 2025 Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

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MRLGT 2024 first place costume contest winners Team Regions Bank featuring Hannah Dasher and Elvie Shane.

The 38th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT) will take place on Monday, Aug. 11 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville.

With all proceeds again going to United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee, the tournament is one of Music Row’s longest-running charity events and United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee’s largest annual fundraiser. Throughout its 38-year history, the MRLGT has raised $2.5 million for the organization, supporting people with disabilities across Middle Tennessee by providing wheelchair ramps, home modifications and medical equipment donations.

The longtime tournament tradition of teams collaborating on themed costumes will continue this year.

“The MRLGT is a cherished Music Row tradition that we are honored to present year after year,” shares former Nashville music industry executive and MRLGT Founder Herky Williams. “Last year, the tournament generated roughly $84,000 for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The funds placed over 1,800 pieces of durable medical equipment, built 232 wheelchair ramps and financed eight home modifications.”

Registration opens in June, with more details to be announced soon. For information about becoming a sponsor or contributor, reach out to MRLGTnash@gmail.com.

Kane Brown Cements Superstar Status At Bridgestone Arena Weekend Run

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Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Kane Brown took the stage at Bridgestone Arena on Friday (April 11) and Saturday (April 12) as part of “The High Road Tour.” Both nights, the arena was packed with eager fans, sporting tour t-shirts and “KB” hats, ready for the entertainer to deliver his high-energy set.

Ashley Cooke kicked off Saturday night with fan favorites such as “I Almost Do,” “Never Til Now,” “It’s Been A Year,” her Joe Jonas collaboration “All I Forgot” and more. She surprised the crowd with the announcement of her newest single “The F Word,” releasing this Friday (April 18), before previewing the tune. She also got the crowd rocking to a medley of cover songs including Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and Rascal Flatts’ “Life Is A Highway,” before closing her set with her first No. 1 at country radio, “Your Place.”

Next up was Nashville native Mitchell Tenpenny, who was making his Bridgestone debut. Tenpenny soaked in every moment, playing hits including “We Got History,” “Bucket List,” “Alcohol You Later,” “Truth About You” and “Drunk Me,” among others. Tenpenny also showcased his newest radio single “Same Moon” off his The 3rd album. Energizing the crowd, he also delivered electric covers of 2Pac’s “California Love,” where his brother joined him for the rap portion, and ended his set with Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.”

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

As the lights went dim, the arena was ready for Brown’s genre-blending, emotionally-charged and energetic show. From the moment smoke filled the air and Brown emerged dramatically at the end of the circle stage outstretched to the center of the venue, it was clear the crowd was in for a fun night.

The explosive kickoff came with “I Am,” accompanied by a burst of fireworks that set the tone for a night where spectacle and soul collided. He kept the energy high with “Start a Fire” and “I Can Feel It,” making the massive arena feel like a packed-out party.

When “Fiddle In The Band” hit, the spotlight turned to the fiddle player for a jaw-dropping solo that had the crowd roaring, but it was “Like I Love Country Music” that turned Bridgestone into a giant singalong, with fans shouting every word right back at him.

Kane Brown & Lauren Alaina. Photo: Matthew Paskert

One of the night’s best surprises came during “What Ifs,” when Lauren Alaina joined Brown on stage, bringing the house down for their chart-topping duet. He kept the good vibes rolling with the dance-filled “Lose It,” with Brown utilizing every inch of the giant stage, and a moody, blue-lit “Be Like That,” which saw him striding up a ramp at the back of the stage, captivating the audience with every step. After the band briefly exited, Brown took a moment alone sitting at the top of the ramp, diving into a heartfelt “Homesick.”

“People sometimes forget that celebrities are humans, too, and we go through things. This song is about some of my own personal struggles, and a reminder to everyone that you are not alone,” Brown said before transitioning into the beautifully emotional “Haunted,” made even more intense by a red fog and the illusion of the video screen burning away behind him, creating a highlight of the night.

Photo: Matthew Paskert

Brown and his band then walked to the edge of the stage, creating a setup in the middle of the arena for their stripped-back acoustic section, which Brown wanted to have imitate his high school days of playing at bonfires. The band shared intimate takes on “Backseat Driver,” “Worship You” and “For My Daughter.” Then Brown remained there by himself for a powerful solo performance of “Heaven,” where he asked the crowd to get as loud as possible. The crowd roared and shined their cell phone lights, illuminating the venue.

Brown kicked the party back into gear with “One Mississippi” before inviting Tenpenny and Cooke back out for a stellar rendition of “Says I Can.” He followed that with fan-favorite “Good As You.”

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Then came a tender moment when he was joined on stage by his wife Katelyn, who also impressed the crowd vocally, on “Body Talk,” with laser beams lighting up the entire stage, before launching into their duet “Thank God,” with the fans swaying and singing along to every word.

The finale was figuratively and literally pure fire with “Bury Me In Georgia” and “One Thing Right” featuring pyrotechnics and red lasers lighting up the arena. To cap it all off, “Miles On It” turned into a full-circle moment as Brown brought out the team who helped bring the music video to life, and one final singalong rippled through the arena.

Brown will continue “The High Road Tour” on April 24 in Columbia, South Carolina, before heading to Grand Rapids, Albany, Atlantic City and more.

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Ben Johnson Jumps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ben Johnson. Photo: Dusty Barker

Ben Johnson has entered the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Jordan Davis’ “Bar None,” Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” Nate Smith’s “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” and Dasha’s “Not At This Party” all push the songwriter to No. 7 this week.

Ashley Gorley stays at No. 1 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Riley Green remains at No. 2 with solo-penned “Worst Way.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and Jordan Walker (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.

Tucker Wetmore Reveals Track List For Upcoming Debut Album ‘What Not To’

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Tucker Wetmore has unveiled the full track list for his debut album What Not To, set for release April 25 via EMI Records Nashville/Back Blocks Music.

Produced by Chris LaCorte, the expansive 19-song collection captures the highs, lows and lessons learned in Wetmore’s 25 years. He co-wrote 11 of the album’s tracks, including the long-requested fan-favorite “Drinkin’ Boots” and the current viral sensation “Brunette.” The record weaves together interconnected themes, and at its core is the title track, “What Not To,” a song about struggle, compassion and salvation. Writers contributing to the new album include Chris Tompkins, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Miller, Tucker Beathard and many more.

Wetmore has spent the spring playing for international audiences across Europe at Country 2 Country, including a sold-out headlining stop at London’s Electric Ballroom, and continues that momentum with his extended “Waves On A Sunset Tour 2025” through May before hitting the road as direct support for Thomas Rhett’s “Better In Boots T0ur 2025,” which visits 33 markets this summer.

What Not To Track List:
1. “Whatcha Think Is Gonna Happen?” (Matt Jenkins, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler)
2. “3,2,1” (Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet, Jordan Reynolds)
3. “Bad Luck Looks Good On Me” (Tucker Wetmore, Julian Bunetta, Jackson Foote, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones)
4. “Casino” (Josh Jenkins, Alex Palmer, John Pierce and Michael Tyler)
5. “Takes One To Break One” (Matt Jenkins, Josh Miller, Ben Stennis)
6. “Brunette” (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass)
7. “Wind Up Missin’ You” (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Chris LaCorte)
8. “Give Her The World” (Tucker Wetmore, Madison Kozak, Chase McDaniel)
9. “Goodbye Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Ross Copperman, Jacob Hackworth)
10. “When I Ain’t Lookin’” (Austin Goodloe, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Tucker Beathard)
11. “Drink Alone” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers)
12. “Bad Habit” (Tucker Wetmore, Corey Crowder, Chris LaCorte, Jameson Rodgers)
13. “What Not To” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers)
14. “Break First” (Michael Tyler, Matt Roy, Lauren Hungate, Matt Dragstrem)
15. “Drinkin’ Boots (Demo)” (Tucker Wetmore, Jared Keim, Michael Lotten)
16. “Drunk On Her” (Jaxson Free, Gabe Foust, Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins)
17. “Silverado Blue” (Tucker Wetmore, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)
18. “Wine Into Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Justin Ebach)
19. “Whiskey Again” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers)

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly dives deep into the heart of Nashville’s music industry, spotlighting major milestones, new leadership moves and exciting partnerships that continue to shape Music City’s ever-evolving landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

A highlight of the week was the 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, held Tuesday night (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event honored the independent voices behind many of country music’s biggest moments. Among this year’s standout honorees were Jon Decious, named Rising Songwriter of the Year, and breakout artist Zach Top, who received Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. Courtney Allen of Concord was recognized as Song Champion of the Year, while the Publisher Pick of the Year went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” penned by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel.

The prestigious Songwriter of the Year honor was awarded to Jessie Jo Dillon, while Jordan Davis was named Artist-Writer of the Year. Big Machine Music took home the title of Independent Publishing Company of the Year, and “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins, earned Song of the Year.

The community bid farewell to a longtime industry leader, Amy Smartt, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at CMA. She announced her retirement after nearly 20 years of service. Her last day was Wednesday (April 9).

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing to unveil a landmark exhibition: Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. Opening May 20, this immersive celebration of the icon’s life and legacy will run through September 2026.

Belmont University also recognized one of the industry’s top marketers, presenting the 2025 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence to Results Global’s Chief Marketing Officer John Zarling. The honor was bestowed during the university’s annual Best of the Best Showcase, hosted by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

On the business front, Big Machine Music announced the addition of Preston Berger as Senior Manager of Publishing. Meanwhile, Ernest made headlines with the launch of his own label, DeVille Records, in collaboration with Big Loud Records. The label’s first signings include Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden. Anotherland Agency has named Megan Wise as Vice President of New Business.

The Neal Agency brought on Michelle Bower as President of Strategic Partnerships. Electric Feel Entertainment also expanded its leadership, appointing Chandler Nicole Sherrill as Senior Director of Creative.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Warrior Poet Music formed a new alliance to sign rising singer-songwriter Chandler Brown to a global publishing deal. In agency news, Lanco has signed with UTA for representation in all areas.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) revealed its 2025 Board of Directors this week. Newly elected members include Deric Ruttan, Lydia Vaughan and Dan Wilson, with Jimmy Yeary returning to the board. Re-elected for two-year terms are Kelly Archer, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Hodges, Lee Thomas Miller, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Troy Verges and Parker Welling.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. John Morgan makes his debut in the No. 1 spot this week with “Friends Like That,” featuring Jason Aldean. Explore more chart data here.

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.

Megan Moroney Brings Emo Cowgirl Energy To Two Sold-Out Nashville Shows

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Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

Megan Moroney brought her “Am I Okay? Tour” to Nashville this week, playing two back-to-back sold-out shows at the city’s newest venue, The Pinnacle, on Wednesday (April 9) and Thursday (April 10).

Fans packed the venue dressed in Moroney-inspired looks—blue fits, white cowgirl boots and tour merch in tow—ready to sing along to every lyric. The audience was filled with young women and girls, though plenty of guys were spotted joining in the fun.

Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

Opening both nights was Nashville native Chase Matthew, who delivered a high-energy set featuring Platinum-certified hit “County Line,” Gold-certified “Darlin’” and his top 5 debut single “Love You Again,” along with a few well-received covers. He was clearly at home, telling the crowd how excited he was to play in his hometown.

After the crowd warmed up by singing along to Hannah Montana’s “Best of Both Worlds,” Moroney made her entrance with the fiery “Man on the Moon,” followed by fan-favorite “Indifferent.” She then leaned into her self-described “emo cowgirl” persona with the vulnerable “I Know You,” a moment that set the emotional tone for the rest of the evening.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing shows,” she told the crowd. “It’s so cool to play Nashville because I wrote a lot of these songs right down the road.”

Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

Moroney’s set pulled heavily from her sophomore LP Am I Okay?, including “Noah,” “Third Time’s the Charm” and her viral ballad “No Caller ID.” She wove in emotional fan-favorites like “Hair Salon” and “Girl in the Mirror,” the latter made even more poignant as the audience lit up the venue with phone flashlights covered in slips of blue paper handed out at the door.

She balanced that emotional intensity with her signature cheeky charm on “Sleep on My Side” and “Lucky.” From breakup anthems to love songs, the crowd stayed in lockstep, belting out every line.

For a slower, moody section, Moroney took a seat on a glowing heart-shaped riser for “28th of June,” a sultry Brooks & Dunn cover of “Ain’t Nothing ’Bout You” and the tender “Hope You’re Happy.” She closed the segment with “Mama I Lied,” sending love to her mom, who was in the crowd.

Megan Moroney, Chase Matthew and team gather before the show at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

The set’s most heartwarming moment came during “Miss Universe,” when Moroney invited a young girl on stage and presented her with flowers. Wearing a pageant sash that read “Miss ‘Am I Okay?’ Tour Nashville,” she continued a new tradition she’s bringing to each stop on the tour.

Moroney powered through the final stretch with “Break It Right Back,” “Bless Your Heart” and “The Girls,” and treated fans to a surprise performance of early track “Wonder,” chosen by audience vote.

Naturally, the crowd erupted during her three-times Platinum breakthrough “Tennessee Orange.” After “I’ll Be Fine,” she briefly left the stage before returning for an encore of the title track “Am I Okay?”—this time bringing Matthew back out to close the night.

Moroney continues her 50-date headlining tour tonight and tomorrow in Knoxville, Tennessee, with upcoming stops including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre and more iconic venues through October.

John Morgan & Jason Aldean Top The MusicRow Radio Chart

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John Morgan rises to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart alongside Jason Aldean with their track “Friends Like That.”

The song is the lead single for Morgan’s upcoming album Carolina Blue and was written by Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy and Lydia Vaughan.

Morgan is set release his debut album later this month on April 25, via Broken Bow Records. The project will feature 12 tracks, all co-written and co-produced by Morgan alongside Anderson.

“Friends Like That” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne ‘RAWK’ Disc Of The Day

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Brothers Osborne. Photo: Natalie Osborne

DISClaimer is rocking this week.

Putting on their dancing shoes are Ashland Craft, Don Louis, Ernest with Snoop Dogg, The Bellamy Brothers with The Isaacs and DISCovery Award winner Preston Cooper.

Best of all is the rocker by Brothers Osborne, which rolls along with the Disc of the Day award.

LUKAS NELSON / “Ain’t Done”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Lukas Nelson; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– This has a very cool, rootsy sound, a blend of shambling percussion, sawing fiddle, acoustic piano and steel guitar. Nelson sings strongly, driving the quasi-spiritual message of perseverance, faith and enduring wonder. This artist grows more powerful with each release.

JON PARDI / “She Drives Away”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jordan Minton/Seth Ennis/Zach Abend; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Dad watches his daughter go off on a date and get married, thinking back to when he brought her home as a newborn. Gently touching.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Lie a Little”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Kelly Archer/Mark Irwin; Producers: Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Jess Grommet; Label: Leo33
– Slinky, bluesy, gritty and sassy, this twang fest rolls with a steady groove. She has a soulful nonchalance that seethes with charisma. I bet she’s a blast in performance.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Finish This Drink”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/TJ Osborne; Producers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– This RAWKS. Lightning-bolt lead guitar and flamethrower fiddle electrify the instrumental passages. TJ’s tongue-in-cheek drawl spits a potent, rollicking, frothing tune of a wayward honky tonker while John’s audio stew heats up to boiling.

SCOOT TEASLEY / “Dirt Road Dropout”
Writers: Brett Truitt/Kelly Archer/Scoot Teasley; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Amigo Records
– This newcomer is one of my favorites among the 2024 group of Black country stylists. Teasley’s youthful sound is hale and hearty on this upbeat ode to his rural roots. Well worth your spins.

DYLAN SCOTT / “I Hate Whiskey”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jaxson Free/Jon Kraft/Michael Ray/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Jacob Durrett; Label: Curb Records
– The reason he hates hard liquor is that it burns, but it doesn’t burn away her memory. A clever twist on a honky-tonk trope, delivered by a solid country hit maker. I also like the soft, spoken-word interjections in the percussive production. Scott always delivers the goods.

DON LOUIS / “She Ain’t Crazy Yet”
Writers: Autumn Buysse/Danielle Blakey/Don Louis; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: Empire
– A steady, thumping percussion track underscores a splendid vocal performance that shifts between baritone growls and yearning tenor hooks. Louis has been batting a thousand with every release, and this lively tempo tune sounds like a star maker.

DAN SEALS / “Steal a Little Thunder”
Writers: Brian Whitcomb/James Seals; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Melody Place
– The late Dan Seals left behind some unissued music when he passed away from lymphoma in 2009. The creator of more than a dozen major country hits began his career as “yacht rock” performer England Dan. This tune recalls that pop heritage, which is not surprising since it was co-written by his late brother Jim of the pop duo Seals & Crofts. I’m a fan, no matter what style he’s performing.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “American Boy”
Writers: Alex Kline/Joybeth Taylor/Karley Scott Collins; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Sultry and sensuous. Collins has such a gripping voice that she doesn’t know how to deliver anything less than a masterful performance. Here’s she’s simmering with desire as she contemplates her bad-boy crush. Everything she has released has been terrific. What does this woman have to do to get your attention?

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & THE ISAACS / “Normal Ain’t Comin’ Back”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Randy Hiebert, The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Bellamy Brothers Records
– It’s a honky-tonk toe tapper with a jaunty tune and a witty lyric that tackles politics, the pandemic, the economy and more. “Normal ain’t coming back, but Jesus is,” they all sing in a waving prairie of vocal harmony. The Bellamys reality TV series Honky Tonk Ranch is now airing on the American Country Network (on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings). Their Old Hippie Stash brand of medical marijuana includes the blends Reggae Cowboy, Big Love, Afterglow, Rattler, Blue Rodeo and Bird Dog.

TIM O’BRIEN & JAN FABRICUS / “Lonesome Armadillo”
Writers: Jan Fabricius/Tim O’Brien/Tom Paxton; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Label: Howdy Skies Music
– Tim’s yodeled lead vocal is the focus of this folkie, acoustic bopper. The armadillo tries to make it in Music City, but strikes out because he hates hot chicken, can’t buy records at Ernest Tubb’s, doesn’t own a Manuel jacket and rejects the winter climate. The song, as well as most of the duo’s Paper Flowers album, is cowritten with folk legend Tom Paxton, who is now 87. Two-time Grammy winner and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame member O’Brien is also the subject of the recent biographical book, Traveler. He plays the Station Inn next Wednesday (April 16).

ERNEST & SNOOP DOGG / “Gettin’ Gone”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr./Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Rhett Akins; Producer: Jacob Durrett; Label: DeVille Records/Big Loud Records
– Rockabilly meets hip-hop in this merry, rollicking invitation to get stoned.

PRESTON COOPER / “One for the Road”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Preston Cooper; Producer: Brett Warren; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Dirty rock guitar work, pile-driving rhythm and a fiery, snarling lead vocal characterize this barn burner. Cooper’s debut album, Toledo Talkin, drops next month.

AIMP Honors Independent Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Awards

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Publishing Assistant Emily Peterson, President Mike Molinar, Sr. Vice President Alex Heddle and Sr. Consultant Hannah Babitt; (L-R, back row row): Vice President Tim Hunze, Vice President Grayson Stephens, Sr. Director Timmy Haehl, BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta, Sr. Manager Preston Berger and Sr. Director Michelle Attardi. Photo: Diana King

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) hosted its 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards on Tuesday evening (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the event spotlighted the independent songwriters and publishers who help make Nashville Music City.

After a lively social hour—complete with drinks and a taco truck—songwriters, publishers and other industry members filled the venue’s event hall. Following brief remarks from sponsor Humanable, the music officially began.

Jordan Davis accepts his award for Artist-Writer of the Year.

As is tradition at the AIMP Awards, the evening featured intimate and distinctive performances from past and present Rising Artist-Writer of the Year and Artist-Writer of the Year nominees and winners. In honor of the event’s milestone year, each performance paid tribute to a song that had previously won Song of the Year.

Hardy opened the set with the award-winning “Girl Crush,” followed by Jordan Davis performing “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

Storme Warren then took the stage to begin his hosting duties and present the night’s first award: Rising Songwriter of the Year. The honor went to Jon Decious, independently published by OneRiot Music and Reservoir Media. In his heartfelt speech, he thanked Jesus, his mom, “what the hell Dale,” Mandelyn Monchick, his publishers and “every artist that has let [him] bug them for an afternoon.”

With community spirit running high, Hailey Whitters stepped up to perform Song of the Year winner “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Next, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year was awarded to breakout country artist Zach Top (published by Major Bob Music). Though he couldn’t attend, he shared his gratitude in a video message.

AIMP Nashville Chapter President John Ozier then addressed the crowd, speaking about the tremendous loss the industry has faced with the passing of Warner Chappell President & CEO Ben Vaughn. A moving tribute video followed, featuring emotional words from Scott Hendricks, Tim Hunze, Jody Williams, Ross Copperman, Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, Mike Molinar, Abbey Adams, Shawn McSpadden and Jessi Alexander. In Vaughn’s honor, AIMP made a donation to Music Health Alliance.

Chase McDaniel and Vincent Mason accepting their Publisher Pick of the Year Award. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Carly Pearce took the stage next to perform “Rainbow,” offering a moment of comfort and reflection for the Nashville publishing community as they remembered Vaughn.

Song Champion of the Year was then presented to Concord’s Courtney Allen. The room gave her a standing ovation as she took the stage in tears, sharing that she had been going through a difficult week.

“So many people here have showed up for me,” she said. She thanked her champions and the songwriters and artists who trust her with their work.

Lee Brice followed with a performance of “The Bones,” and Jackson Dean performed his hit “One of Them Girls.”

The Publisher Pick of the Year award went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel and independently published by Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. The duo took the stage, with McDaniel expressing gratitude to his support system.

AIMP Nashville

“It was always my dream to be a songwriter,” Mason added. “To win an award picked by publishers means the world to me.” Mae Estes then performed the track.

Jordan Davis was later named Artist-Writer of the Year (published by Anthem Entertainment). He shared that “this room is the only thing [he’s] known since moving to Nashville,” and shouted out some of the writers of his current single, who were in attendance.

Old Dominion delivered “Sand In My Boots” before the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award was presented to Jessie Jo Dillon (Big Machine Music), sparking a round of enthusiastic applause.

“Everyone in this room is incredible,” Dillon said. “I love country music—let’s protect it.”

Ashley McBryde then performed “You Should Probably Leave,” followed by Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne with their rendition of “Next Thing You Know.”

Independent Publishing Company of the Year was awarded to Big Machine Music. The team took the stage with a cardboard cutout of Alex Heddle, who was away on his honeymoon.

“A lot has been said about community,” said BMM’s Mike Molinar. “We couldn’t do this without you publishers and songwriters.”

The final award of the night, Song of the Year, went to “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and published by Big Machine Music and Nashblonde Music. Davis and Larkins accepted the honor, thanking their teams, families and Cody Johnson for recording the track.

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum To Open Dolly Parton Exhibit

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will spotlight the life and legacy of one of country music’s most celebrated figures in its upcoming exhibition “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker,” opening May 20 and running through September 2026.

The exhibition will trace Parton’s extraordinary career across more than six decades, highlighting pivotal moments where she defied expectations, overcame setbacks and forged her own path to become a global icon. From her rural Tennessee upbringing to her trailblazing success as a singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist, the exhibit will explore how Parton’s resilience and creative vision helped shape her singular journey.

“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” shares Parton. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”

“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”

Artifacts on display will include handwritten lyrics, stagewear, instruments, awards, photographs and rare interview footage. Highlights include the first draft of her classic hit “Jolene,” a custom Gibson five-string banjo adorned with rhinestones and butterflies used during her 2002 “Halos & Horns Tour,” and the cowgirl outfit she wore in the 1980 film 9 to 5. Visitors will also see her Kennedy Center Honors medallion from 2006, among other personal and career-defining items.

The exhibit delves into formative stories from Parton’s life, including her determined Opry debut at age 13, when she secured a last-minute performance slot by persuading Jimmy C. Newman to give up his. It also explores her bold personal style, which she embraced despite pushback from early industry gatekeepers who feared her appearance might overshadow her talent.

Timed tickets for “Journey of a Seeker” are included with museum admission, and advance reservations are recommended due to anticipated demand. More information is available on the museum’s website.

In addition to the exhibit, the museum will host supporting programming throughout its run, including public events and family-oriented arts and crafts activities. A special display dedicated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and its global literacy mission will be featured in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center.

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Parton’s honors also include inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with receiving the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. Her influence continues to inspire generations through her music, philanthropy and unmistakable spirit.