Morgan Wade Shines On Ryman Auditorium Stage

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Morgan Wade. Photo: Erika Rock

Morgan Wade returned to the Ryman Auditorium stage on Friday night (Feb. 7) for a thrilling performance as part of her “Obsessed Tour.”

Amy Ray Band kicked off the evening with tunes such as “Sure Feels Good Anyway,” “Joy Train” and “Oyster And Pearl.” The nine-piece band also made a tribute to Duane Allman with their song of the same name, getting the crowd to sing along. They also set up the vibe of the night with “Cowboys And Pirates,” “Muscadine” and “Didn’t Know A Damn Thing.”

The anticipation was high as the lights dimmed and Wade stormed the stage to a classic rock n’ roll beat. Right from the start, her powerful energy and presence set the tone for an unforgettable night. She was singing with striking teal microphone stand, and the crowd went wild as she opened with the raw and gripping “Total Control.” The night only got better from there as she transitioned into “Time to Love, Time to Kill,” showcasing her emotional depth and rock prowess.

Morgan Wade. Photo: Erika Rock

The audience was swept up in every note, especially as Wade delivered “Last Cigarette,” sending waves of nostalgia through the crowd. The setlist was stacked with fan favorites as “Reckless” had everyone singing along, while “Losers Look Like Me” and “Matches and Metaphors” proved that Wade’s songwriting resonates deeply with her fans. The hauntingly beautiful “Juliet” brought a moment of reflection before diving into “When the Dirt All Settles.”

A special moment came with the slower, heart-wrenching “Don’t Cry,” allowing the crowd to catch their breath before Wade picked up the pace with the heavy rock beat of “Roses.” The energy was palpable as she surged into “Carry Me Home,” leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. But it was the trumpet solo by one of her band members in “Mend” that got the crowd going and made the night feel uniquely special, offering a rare moment of instrumental flair in a rock-heavy set.

Wade continued to impress with “Take Me Away.” During a guitar solo, she stood on an amp, turning the performance into an interactive moment as the crowd took over, singing along to the powerful track. The rawness continued as Wade’s band stepped off stage for “Obsessed,” “Department Store” and “Moth To A Flame” for a stark moment of vulnerability. Then, the band returned for a slower, reflective performance of “2AM in London,” creating a poignant contrast to the high-energy songs earlier in the set.

Morgan Wade. Photo: Erika Rock

The night culminated with “Met You” and “The Night,” which boasted a big musical intro that had the crowd on the edge of their seats before Morgan disappeared offstage. The encore was nothing short of spectacular, as she returned to cover The Outfield’s “Your Love” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” energizing the crowd for a final burst of adrenaline. The closer, “Wilder Days,” brought the night to an epic end, leaving everyone with a sense of exhilaration and fulfillment.

Wade’s “Obsessed Tour” will head to the west coast this weekend for stops in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and more.

BREAKING: Dennis Reese Returns To Sony Music Nashville

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Dennis Reese. Photo: Courtesy of Dennis Reese

Sony Music Nashville (SMN) has appointed Dennis Reese as Senior Vice President of Radio Marketing & Promotion. In this role, Reese will lead the development and execution of strategic radio promotional campaigns for both the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville labels. He will report directly to Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, as well as President and COO Ken Robold, and will start this Friday (Feb. 14).

“We are thrilled to welcome back Dennis to the company,” shares Lindsey. “His experience at both the country and pop formats, excellent leadership skills and dedication to the artists he’s worked is unmatched and we are fortunate enough to have him this time at the helm of our promotion team. SMN remains committed to promoting our artists at radio and we know Dennis will continue to bring the No. 1s and advocate for our artists every day.”

Reese spent the past year at Neon Coast, where he supported the label’s roster, including Kane Brown, Restless Road, Nightly, Dylan Schneider and Kat Luna. Before that, he spent seven years leading the RCA Nashville imprint, where he helped secure 24 No. 1 records. Reese’s career began with a successful tenure in pop music, working with Epic Records, Capitol Music Group, Elektra Records and Columbia Records.

Lauren Thomas & More Exit Sony Music Nashville

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Lauren Thomas

Lauren “LT” Thomas (SVP, Promotion), Lauren Bartlett (Columbia Sr. Dir., Promotion), Paige Elliott (Columbia Dir., Promotion), Lisa Owen (Columbia Dirs., Promotion) and Paul Grosser (SMN Mgr., Promotion & Artist Development) have all left Sony Music Nashville as part of organizational restructuring.

“Our focus is always on being the best partners for our artists and the creative community, especially in this rapidly evolving marketplace,” the label shared in a statement obtained by MusicRow. “Today we made changes to our team structure to streamline our resources and be more successfully connected to our valuable radio partners across RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville.”

Thomas was promoted to her most recent position of Senior Vice President, Promotion last June. She joined Sony Music Nashville in October 2009, and throughout her time there, has taken on various roles within the Promotion team, contributing to nearly 80 No. 1 records. For the past three years, Thomas has been leading the promotional efforts for the Columbia Nashville roster and staff. She has guided chart-topping successes for Old Dominion, Megan Moroney and Mitchell Tenpenny, along with multiple hits from Luke Combs.

Bartlett joined the organization in 2018 as Director, Southeast Promotion, following her time at Big Machine Label Group, and was elevated to Columbia Sr. Dir., Promotion in 2022. She also served as an Account Executive at Steel City Media prior to BMLG.

Elliott started her time at Sony Music Nashville in 2017. Before joining, Elliott served as Director of Regional Promotion, West Coast for Capitol Records Nashville from 2010 to 2017. Prior to that, she held the role of Director of Regional Promotion, Northwest at Capitol Music Group from 2007 to 2010.

Owen joined Sony Music Nashville as Arista’s Mgr., Regional Promotion in 2016. Prior, Owen had been with Show Dog Nashville Records since 2005. Before joining Show Dog, she served as the Director of Promotion & Marketing for the West Coast at DreamWorks Records and as the Manager of Promotion, West Coast, for Giant-Reprise Records Nashville.

Grosser started as an intern at Sony Music Nashville. In 2021, he joined the team full time as Specialist, Promotion and Artist Development before being promoted to Manager.

Zach Bryan Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

Zach Bryan has re-entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. Solo-penned “Blue Jean Baby” and “High Road” push the singer-songwriter to No. 4 this week.

Ashley Gorley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Chris Stapleton stays at No. 2 with solo written “Think I’m In Love With You.”

Taylor Phillips (No. 3) and Charlie Handsome (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.

Paramount ‘Pauses’ CMT Music Awards

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Jelly Roll poses with his awards during the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for CMT

Paramount Global has put a hold on several major events, including the 2025 CMT Music Awards, as it reassesses the production’s future. The news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, comes from an internal memo issued by Bruce Gillmer, Paramount’s President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Media Networks, and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. It was confirmed by MusicRow.

Other affected events include the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico and the MTV MIAW.

“Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount’s music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture. We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life,” Gillmer wrote in the memo.

The decision follows a series of organizational changes at Paramount, including layoffs that impacted CMT, notably affecting then-Senior Vice President of Music Strategy & Talent, Leslie Fram.

Old Dominion Gives Back During ‘7 For 7’ Finale

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Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

Last night (Feb. 6) at the Ryman Auditorium, Old Dominion took the stage for their final “7 for 7” residency show, an evening of music and philanthropy aimed at raising funds for various charities, while the band was also celebrating seven consecutive CMA Awards for Vocal Group of the Year. The energy in the venue was palpable, as fans of all ages packed in, eager to experience the band’s unique blend of country charm and rock-infused tunes that are normally played at arenas inside the intimate setting.

The band’s current radio single “Coming Home” kicked things off with frontman Matthew Ramsey setting the tone, playing a smooth harmonica solo that had the crowd swaying to the rhythm. The band quickly transitioned into “No Hard Feelings,” with Ramsey teasing the audience with a xylophone solo. The crowd loved it, and the playful sound added a flair to the already memorable track.

“This is the last show, show No. 7 baby,” Ramsey exclaimed during a roaring crowd applause. “And there’s only one show tonight, so that means we can do whatever we wanna do.” With that, the night turned into a “request line,” where fans were able to request songs via signs they brought in. The night kept rolling with “Make It Sweet,” followed by “Different About You,” both crowd favorites that got everyone singing along, their voices filling the venue. With the set list spanning all the fan-loved songs, “Be With Me” and “Beer Can In A Truck Bed” were instant highlights, and you could feel the crowd’s connection.

The War And Treaty and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen

The evening’s surprises didn’t stop there. As the band dove into Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me”, the room erupted in excitement when The War & Treaty joined them on stage for a powerhouse collaboration. Their harmonies filled the venue, adding an extra layer of soul to the classic anthem.

The excitement reached new heights as Ernest joined the band for “Flower Shops,” bringing a little more magic to the moment with his signature smoothness. The crowd soaked in every second, swaying in perfect harmony with the music.

The tempo picked up with “How Good Is That,” followed by the slowed down rock of “Some Horses,” two songs that had the crowd on their feet, hands in the air, and dancing lending to the band’s unstoppable momentum. As the night moved into “Snapback,” the vibe was pure fun, a shout-out to simpler times, with fans screaming every word.

Ernest and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen

During “Hotel Key,” the band passed around different hotel keys from the crowd, creating an intimate and spontaneous moment that tied everyone together.

The crowd roared with excitement as Ramsey invited a fan on stage during “All I Know About Girls.” The girl, attending her very first concert, was welcomed like an old friend, her wide-eyed excitement as palpable as the energy in the room. She took in the moment, singing along with the band and her family, her joy contagious to everyone around her.

After “Memory Lane,” Ramsey took a moment to address the crowd.

Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

“Today we took a tour of part of this building that’s not really open to the public. We went up into the attic, and it’s pretty impressive and empty up there. But you can tell that’s where all the music that is played here, the songs make their way up there and they hang out there forever.” Ramsey then challenged the crowd to sing “One Man Band” as loud as possible to cement the song into the building’s history. Before the band played “Say You Do”, Ramsey shared the story of how it marked his first-ever No. 1 hit as a songwriter, and fellow band member Trevor Rosen’s second No. 1.

With “Song For Another Time” and “I Was On A Boat That Day,” the audience was singing along to every word, a massive sea of voices echoing throughout the Ryman.

“The fact that we officially formed this band in 2007 and spent years playing to no one,” frontman Ramsey reflected during “I Was On A Boat That Day.” “We had a blast doing it the whole time, knowing that we had something special. We have traveled the world and seen all different countries and we have so much to be proud of, but this right now is topping the list.”

Fans requesting songs during Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

A truly incredible moment came with the final song “Goodnight Music City,” a brand new song they’d written just two weeks ago. The vulnerability in the performance, combined with the intimate feel of the Ryman (which gets a shoutout in the song), gave the song an emotional weight that resonated with the entire room. As the band wrapped up the night, there was no denying the sense of community and celebration. 

During the show, the band announced that throughout their seven nights, they were able to raise $1.25M for various charities. The band also celebrated their seven night run by releasing a brand new song today (Feb. 7), “Making Good Time.”

Jelly Roll Remains Atop MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Liar’

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Jelly Roll remains at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the second week with his track “Liar.”

The song is part of his tenth studio album Beautifully Broken and was written by Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips.

Jelly Roll is set to join ABC’s American Idol as the series’ first-ever “artist in residence.” Previously serving as a guest mentor during the previous season’s Hawaii round, he’ll debut during “Hollywood Week” and make recurring appearances throughout the season.

“Liar” currently sits at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.

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

BREAKING: UMG Nashville Reorganizes, Appoints Mike Harris & Dave Cobb As Leaders

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Mike Harris, Dave Cobb

Universal Music Group has announced a reorganization of its Nashville-based operations, appointing Mike Harris to CEO and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb to Chief Creative Officer.

“We see an incredible opportunity to expand our presence in Nashville and build upon our industry leading track record,” shares Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG. “The worldwide success of our country artists demonstrate that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.”

As revealed earlier today, Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of UMG Nashville, is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.

Grainge adds, “I want to thank Cindy Mabe for all her contributions to our Nashville company. She leaves UMG with our gratitude and respect.”

Harris formerly served as COO, EVP of UMG Nashville before announcing his departure last year. He held that role since joining the company in 2016. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at EMI, where he held various positions including, most recently, EVP GM for Caroline, a division of the Capitol Music Group/EMI.

“I am humbled to have been asked by Sir Lucian to lead UMG Nashville at such an important and exciting time in country music. I also look forward to work closely with Dave Cobb, the amazing roster of artists and my friends at UMG Nashville,” Harris shares.

Cobb adds, “I am incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris, I’m here to honor the past, and look to the future.”

Cobb is one of Music City’s most in-demand collaborators, regardless of genre, and has worked with and produced countless acclaimed artists and albums including Chris Stapleton’s six times-Platinum Traveller, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern and Brandi Carlile’s By The Way I Forgive You. His recent works include albums for Mumford & Sons, Red Clay Strays, Zayn, Greta Van Fleet, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire and music for Deliver Me From Nowhere, the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, adding to his illustrious and diverse discography featuring Barry Gibb, The Highwomen, Slash, Marcus King, Teddy Swims, Stevie Nicks, Whiskey Myers, Zach Bryan, Colter Wall and many more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rascal Flatts & The Jonas Brothers Collab On Disc Of The Day

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The country-music wing of Americana flexes its muscles in this week’s DISClaimer.

Frankly, it’s a little nuts that such solidly country folks as Charley Crockett, Willow Avalon and Sierra Ferrell are called “Americana” while pop acts rule the so-called “country” charts. In any case, Willow Avalon wins the DISCovery Award. Make a beeline for The Exit/In tomorrow to catch her in person.

Despite strong competition from Brett Young, Old Dominion and Kane Brown, Rascal Flatts wins the Disc of the Day award, with an assist from the mighty Jonas Brothers.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “You Don’t Deserve A Country Song (Live From The Ryman)”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Geoff Warburton/Michael Whitworth/Mitchell Tenpenny/Will Weatherly; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Pulse-quickening percussion leads you into searing vocal of accusation and defiance. Recorded live at the Ryman, this performance brims with confidence and style. Blazing guitars add fuel to the fire.

RASCAL FLATTS & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “I Dare You”
Writers: Dewain Whitmore/Nick Jonas/Shay Mooney/Tommy English; Producers: Dann Huff, Jay DeMarcus, Jeremy Hatcher, Tommy English; Label: Big Machine Records
– This snazzy little country rocker has a built-in spring breeze. Lyrics fly by like highway scenery as the band kicks up dust. Gary carries the lead with the Jonas boys adding vocal embellishments, holding back until the bridge. After that, everybody sings to the sky. A winner, even though one yearns for more Jonas.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Lonesome Drifter”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– Nervous, moody, restless rhythm and stuttering guitar back this dark meditation of a solitary wanderer. The ever-prolific Crockett marks new label and producer affiliations here, but he’s still his own, individualistic country-music man.

KANE BROWN / “Says I Can”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Kane Brown/Matt Roy; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Dasha, Ashley Cooke, Mitchell Tenpenny and Scotty McCreery drop by for some chorus harmonizing, verse swapping and vocal interjections. The rousing, slow- stomper song is made for hearty barroom drinking with pals. Somebody yell, “Yee haw.”

SIERRA FERRELL / “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”
Writers: Gladys Stacey Flatt/Jerry Organ/Louise Certain/Wayne Walker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– This country evergreen was originated by Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers in 1925. Ferrell gives it a drawling, bluesy, vivacious delivery. Snappy fiddle, mandolin and guitar picking scamper along. Sierra Ferrell deservedly swept this week’s Grammy Awards in the Americana field. No right-thinking country fan should be without this woman’s music.

MORGAN WALLEN / “I’m the Problem”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Grady Block/Jamie McLaughlin/Morgan Wallen; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– With five writers, you’d think somebody would have come up with a melody.

WILLOW AVALON / “Homewrecker”
Writers: JR Atkins/Tofer Brown/Willow Avalon; Producers: JR Atkins, Tofer Brown, Willow Avalon; Label: Assemble Sound/Atlantic Records
– Any woman named Willow Avalon with an album titled Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell has my attention. She bops along brightly on this sassy, double-time, country rocker. The track boasts echo chamber and band-member shouts supporting her pert, tart soprano delivery. Avalon has racked up 15 million streams in the past two months. She plays The Exit/In tomorrow night (Feb. 7). Sounds good to me.

OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– As tuneful and listenable as ever. This is a band that knows how to really write and really sing. The single chugs along with irresistible energy.

HUESTON / “Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston/Joshua Kimbowa; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings Records
– I hear hip-hop and electro pop, with boring audio loops and generic sampled beats.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Star Spangled Banner”
Writer: Francis Scott Key; Producer: none listed; Label: UMG Nashville
– Guyton lit the Internet on fire with her performance of the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl. Since then, she has made the song her own by singing it at the World Series, the NBA Cup, the women’s U.S. Open and other high-profile events. If you ever had any doubts about her power and range as a vocalist, this will erase them forever. As of this week, it’s now available on all streaming platforms.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Mine Tomorrow”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Ryan Beaver; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists
– Gently persuasive. Acoustic picking and a laid-back vocal create a relaxed mood as a hopeful lyric unspools. Engaging and promising.

BRETT YOUNG / “Tastes Like You”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Noah Needleman/Jon Nite; Producer: Justin Ebach; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Young turns up the tempo for this splendidly rocking, steaming-hot ode to lust. Get up and shake it.

VINNY TOVAR & AUBRY RODRIGUEZ / “Pass Me By”
Writer: Hillman Hill; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Aubry is the daughter of Johnny Rodriguez, who immortalized this country classic in 1972. Vinny is a golden-voiced, Mexican-American leading light of the Latin country community. They swap lines on the twin-fiddled two stepper with aplomb. Azteca Ranch is a San Antonio label devoted to this kind of Texican excellence.

BREAKING: Cindy Mabe Exits Post At UMG Nashville

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Cindy Mabe. Photo: Kevin Wimpy

Cindy Mabe has exited her position as Chair & CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville after two years in the role and more than 18 with the company, according to reports by Country Aircheck and Billboard. UMG Nashville representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

During her tenure at UMG, Mabe has helped guide and grow the careers of some of country music’s biggest stars, including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Alan Jackson, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Kacey Musgraves, Jon Pardi, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne and Little Big Town, among countless others. She has earned multiple honors, including the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum Award and the SOURCE Hall of Fame Award.

Mabe succeeded Mike Dungan, who retired from the company after more than a decade in the role in 2023.

A North Carolina native, Mabe attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with a B.S. in Business Administration. She bagan her career as promotions coordinator at RCA Nashville, before shifting to sales and then artist marketing and development. She later served as Senior Director of Marketing and Artist Development at Arista Records Nashville from 1999-2007 before joining Capitol Records.

Mabe spent five years at Capitol Records Nashville, where she held the position of SVP of Marketing and played an integral role in the long-term creative and commercial success of the label. She joined UMG Nashville in 2012 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, where she was responsible for leading marketing across UMG’s expanded suite of country labels following its acquisition of EMI.

Mabe is one of Music Row’s most esteemed executives. She became Nashville’s highest-ranking woman label executive in 2014 when she was appointed as UMG Nashville President, and she made history again by becoming the first woman to serve as Chair and CEO of a Nashville-based major label group.