Zach Bryan Continues To Hold No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

Zach Bryan stays atop the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the third consecutive week. New releases “High Road” and “This World’s A Giant” alongside “28” and “Pink Skies” help him hold the No. 1 spot.

Chris Stapleton moves to No. 2 this week with “Think I’m In Love With You.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 3 this week with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey.”

Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 4) 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.

BREAKING: Big Loud Records Elevates Stefanie Carter

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Stefanie Carter. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Records has elevated Stefanie Carter to SVP, Finance, effective immediately.

Carter joined the team as VP in 2023, bringing two decades of experience. In addition to more than five years spent with Nissan Motor Corporation, her previous stops include Mars Petcare, PICA Group, Evergreen Copyrights, Nashville Predators and Live Nation. Carter is a CPA and holds a degree in accounting from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

“Stefanie’s leadership is felt throughout the company as she continues to spearhead our in-house Finance department that she was foundational to building two years ago,” says Austen Adams, Big Loud COO. “Her expertise has been invaluable to our team, and we are privileged to honor this well-deserved promotion.”

“Since joining Big Loud, I have been in awe of the integrity, creativity and passion exhibited by the partners, leadership team and staff,” Carter shares. “Big Loud is truly best in class. I’m so proud to be part of such an incredible, growth minded company, and look forward to the opportunity to take on new adventures with the team.”

BREAKING: Rhett Akins Signs With Jonas Group Publishing

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Pictured (L–R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music), Matthew Beckett (Partner, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Emily Peacock (Sr. Creative Dir., JGP), Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman Jonas Group Entertainment), Rhett Akins, George Kreis (Pres., JGE), Leslie T. DiPiero (Pres., JGP), Jess Rosen (Co-Chair, Greenberg, Traurig), Ben Vaughn (Pres. & CEO Warner Chappell Music) and Bryce Sherlow (Warner Chappell Music). Photo: Cole Barnhill

Award-winning songwriter Rhett Akins has signed with Jonas Group Publishing (JGP). The company has also acquired songs from his extensive catalog. Warner Chappell Music will continue its long relationship with Akins and administer the copyrights. The hit songwriter is represented by his longtime attorney, Jess Rosen.

A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Akins is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, an eight-time CMA Triple Play Award winner and was named the ACM Songwriter of the Decade. He has notched 36 No. 1 hits, with songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Young and others.

“Rhett is an extraordinary songwriter,” shares JGP President Leslie T. DiPiero. “Personally, I have admired his work since I first came to town. He is a master of everything that is great about country music. It is an honor to represent his catalog of excellence, and our entire team is looking forward to contributing to his continued growth and success.”

“I’ve seen Leslie’s dedication to songwriters for many years,” says Akins. “She is a friend of and advocate for creators. The impact the Jonas family has made on the music world is remarkable, and it is obvious their love for music and family is their driving force. You put all that together, and I think you have a pretty unstoppable squad that leads with their values. I am very excited to join Kevin [Jonas Sr.], Leslie, and the whole Jonas Group Publishing team.”

Within the catalog acquisition are fan-favorite hits, like the recent No. 1 “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” (Luke Bryan), the double-Platinum “What’s Your Country Song” (Thomas Rhett), the Platinum-certified “To Be Loved By You” (Parker McCollum), the Platinum-certified “Half Of Me” (Thomas Rhett and Riley Green), the Gold-certified “It Matters To Her” (Scotty McCreery) and the Gold-certified “Red” (Hardy and Morgan Wallen).

“We are honored to welcome Rhett to our roster, along with his incredible catalog,” shares Jonas Sr., Jonas Group Entertainment Founder & Chairman. “Rhett is an immensely talented songwriter whose contributions have shaped the landscape of country music and beyond. His catalog reflects not only his incredible talent but also his ability to create songs that resonate with audiences around the world.

“We are thrilled to bring Rhett’s body of work into the Jonas Group Publishing family, which would not have been possible without the support and expertise of our trusted financial partner, Corrum Capital Management,” he adds. “We must also thank Access Media Advisory and Teresa Miles Walsh, Dave and Ruscell Pavlin, Matthew Beckett, and Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC for providing valuable assistance throughout the purchase of the catalog. All of us at JGP look forward to celebrating and amplifying Rhett’s extraordinary artistry.”

Kix Brooks To Step Down As American Country Countdown Host

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Kix Brooks. Photo: Matthew Berinato

After nearly two decades, Kix Brooks is stepping down as Host of American Country Countdown.

Since January 2006, Brooks has taken listeners through the week’s top hits, upholding tradition while championing up-and-coming artists and bridging the gap between classic sounds and modern influences. His candid, intimate interviews sought to provide unfiltered insights into both the past and future of country music.

Praised for his broadcast contributions, Brooks was honored as CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2009, 2011 and 2013—making him the first person to receive a CMA Award in both the artist and broadcast categories. He also took home the ACM National Personality honor in 2021.

Brooks’ final broadcast will air the weekend of Dec. 28–29. The news follows Brooks & Dunn’s recent CMA Award win for Vocal Duo of the Year and the release of their Reboot II collection.

“I never dreamed I would be asked to host a legendary international radio show like American Country Countdown,” Brooks expresses. “The fact that I have been supported by hundreds of affiliates and an amazing team of radio professionals for 18 years has made this one of the greatest experiences of my professional life. It’s time to turn my primary focus back to writing, recording and touring with Brooks & Dunn. It’s been an honor, to say the least, that I was trusted with a microphone that had such an iconic history. Special thanks to all the fans who listened and participated, to ensure that I was being the best that I could be. Keep counting ‘em down!”

Kix Brooks Details Latest ‘Reboot’ Of Brooks & Dunn Classics & Reaching New Audiences [Interview]

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Brooks & Dunn. Photo: Matthew Berinato

The celebrated work of Brooks & Dunn has sparked inspiration in country creators for decades. Their tunes have transcended generations and continue to reach new audiences, as they were crowned Vocal Duo of the Year at the 58th CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 20).

The honor, which led the pair and Chris Stapleton to tie for the most CMA Award wins of all time with 19 total each, came just after the release of their Reboot II collection, the sequel to 2019’s Reboot album, via Sony Music Nashville.

Reboot II follows the same format as the first project, but features collaborations with a new, genre-spanning group of acts, including Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Marcus King Band, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, The Cadillac Three, Halestorm, The Earls of Leicester, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Hardy, A Thousand Horses and more. The Country Music Hall of Famers let each artist choose the Brooks & Dunn number they’d like to lead on the 18-track collection, and gave them the space to put their own spin on it. Kix Brooks recently took some time to discuss the development of Reboot II with MusicRow.

He recalls their manager, Clarence Spalding, coming to them with the idea for the original Reboot project when artists like Luke Combs and Kacey Musgraves began covering their hits during their live shows. After reaching out to various teams, Spalding returned with an extensive list of interested acts.

“It was one of the most enjoyable experiences we ever had in the studio. Dann Huff is a great traffic cop and a brilliant producer,” states Brooks. “All o these acts are really good, and some of them tell us that they’re fans and have been listening to our music for long time, which makes you feel good. But there’s never any real fanboy/fangirl stuff going on, just professionals that are really good at what they do.”

After seeing the success of the initial album, Spalding and the duo decided to curate a sequel, this time expanding to other genres and allowing the collaborators to bring their own producers and bands. Brooks describes the selections that surprised him and how impressed he was with everyone.

“This was a really different experience. Some of these songs are deep cuts, and it’s really fun doing stuff we play live and rock out hard to with our Brooks & Dunn band like ‘She Like to Get Out of Town,'” he notes.

“I wanted Jaren [Johnston] on this record because I just love The Cadillac Three, and sure enough, they showed up and picked that song,” Brooks says. “I was looking forward to seeing how they were going to sling it and man, he kicked off this deep swamp groove. I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding. I freaking love this,’ and grabbed a harp and jumped all over it with him. We had a lot of fun doing that one.”

A reimagined “Play Something Country” with Lainey Wilson opens the new body of work. As a fellow Louisiana native, Brooks says he’s been hearing about the CMA Female Vocal of the Year for a decade now and truly enjoyed working with her.

“She made a pair of bell bottoms out of that flame shirt that I wore on the Hardworking Man album cover, which was just hysterical,” he reflects. “She came in with so much energy and lit it up.”

When it comes to uniquely different takes, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” with rock group Halestorm comes to mind.

“Halestorm is a badass, headbanging rock band. Once they tuned their stuff up and hit the downbeat, it was on. That control room just exploded,” Brooks shares with a laugh. “Engineers were grabbing nobs with both hands trying to get a handle on what was going on. I’m really proud of Ronnie [Dunn]. He stepped up and went toe to toe with [Lizzy Hale]. Singing backgrounds was easy compared to what he was up to.”

Brooks shares that he could talk for hours about how fun each collaboration was, as well as what they learned from the creation process.

“We don’t feel like we’re the old guys on the block, we’re all doing the same thing. We’ve been doing it a few years longer, but that doesn’t change anything,” says Brooks. “Some of these acts that are really hot on this record aren’t posturing because they’re the hottest thing out there right now. The bottom line is we’re all just trying to make good music, and there’s a reason that these acts are popular. It does make you step up because you want to be your best and show them that you’ve still got it, and they want to do their best and show you they do have it.”

He continues, “I didn’t feel any ego ever, and you’d expect me to say that, but that’s the truth. Everybody just came in and said, ‘Let’s make a record, let’s do this.’ It gets fun pretty quick. It’s our job to make people feel comfortable in a situation like this, and there’s no reason that they shouldn’t feel comfortable because we really respect all the acts that are on this record.”

Through these collaborations and their storied career, Brooks & Dunn have amassed new fans, who are sure to come see them perform live when the pair embarks on their “Neon Moon Tour” this spring.

“One night last year, I was just looking at the crowd and it just looked so young, so I asked, ‘How many of y’all are at your first Brooks & Dunn show?’ Almost 70% of that crowd put their hands in the air,” Brooks recalls. “I said, ‘Wow, welcome to the party,’ and ask that every night now.

“It’s fun to think that there’s an audience out there that’s just now getting familiar with our music and hearing us play for the first time.”

Reboot II Track Listing:
1. “Play Something Country” with Lainey Wilson
2. “Neon Moon” with Morgan Wallen
3. “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” with Marcus King Band
4. “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You” with Megan Moroney
5. “Brand New Man” with Warren Zeiders
6. “Believe” with Jelly Roll
7. “She Used to Be Mine” with Riley Green
8. “She Likes to Get Out of Town” with The Cadillac Three
9. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” with Halestorm
10. “Ain’t No Way To Go” with Mitchell Tenpenny
11. “How Long Gone” with The Earls of Leicester
12. “I’ll Never Forgive My Heart” with Jake Worthington
13. “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind” with Hailey Whitters
14. “Hard Workin’ Man” with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
15. “Hillbilly Deluxe” with Hardy
16. “Indian Summer” with Ernest
17. “Drop in the Bucket” with A Thousand Horses
18. “Only In America” with Corey Kent

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton Share Disc Of The Day

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Kacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton.

Country music is nothing if not diverse.

The take-away from this year’s CMA Awards show was how different our artists are from one another. Not to mention the fact that we have the best singers.

This week’s DISClaimer echoes that sonic diversity. We have folkies, rockers, hip-hoppers, honky-tonkers and crooners in today’s sampling of current country sounds. The King and Queen of this colorful parade are Kacey Musgraves and Blake Shelton, who share this week’s Disc of the Day honor.

KIP MOORE / “Learning As I Go”
Writers: Dan Couch/Kip Moore/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles; Producers: Kip Moore, Oscar Charles; Label: Virgin
– Thanks to the more than 100,000 tickets he sold in Australia, South Africa and other overseas destinations last year, Moore is this year’s CMA International Award winner. He rocks out splendidly on this Boss-like, blue-collar romp. Furious beats back his hoarse, urgent delivery of his finest lyric to date. Rock on, bro.

ADRIEN NUNEZ / “Apology Song”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Jacob Bryant/John Davidson; Producer: John Davidson; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– Nunez is former college basketball star who set his athletic career aside in favor of music. His sound is a catchy, crunchy pop pastiche of sing-along woah-ohs and bouncy boyish folk simplicity. Double tracked vocals, toe-tapping beats, echoey production. In the Shaboozey neighborhood of country music.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “The Architect”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Nominated for a Grammy as Best Country Song, this was a standout on Wednesday’s CMA Awards telecast. Musgraves delivers it in a folk-angel soprano as she muses about our Higher Power. Melodic, thoughtful, lilting, deep and utterly captivating. Also: Gorgeously produced, as is her entire Deeper Well collection. She hits Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 6 & 7 with Nickel Creek and Lord Huron in support.

DASHA / “Heartbreaker From Tennessee”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Jules Paymer/Oren Yoel; Producers: Bardo, Oren Yoel; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance queen is back with a hooky rumbler that lays down a relentless mid-tempo groove while she reflects on her youthful tumble for a Volunteer State dude. “Austin” was a monster jam and this one demonstrates that zillion-seller was no fluke.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Texas”
Writers: Johnny Clawson/Josh Dorr/Kyle Sturrock/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– He’s such a superb country singer. With a song this cool, he’s unstoppable. Shelton’s debut on his new label turns some interesting rhythmic corners and sports super clever lyrics. Plus, you get a “Greek chorus” talking to him. “If she ain’t with me in Tennessee…she’s probably in Texas,” because that’s where ex’s go. This deserves to be a massive hit.

TANNER ADELL / “Religion”
Writers: Akil King/Anthony White/Parker Wellington/Stephen McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producer: Stephen McGregor; Label: ColorxStudios
– “Buckle Bunny” Adell does a change of pace and unveils her talent for ballad singing here. The gentle, soothing tune posits that it is faith that keeps us all going forward. Nicely done.

RODNEY ATKINS / “True South”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb Records
– This one’s a fist-pumping redneck anthem with shout-outs to guns, whiskey, backwoods living, religion, hunting, tractors, U.S.A., girls in cut-off jeans, barbecue……Did I miss anything?

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “Empty Trainload Of Sky”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– This drowsy, haunting, minor-key, pristine outing is nominated for a Grammy as Americana Song of the Year. Its parent album, Woodland, snared a Folk nomination as well. These two performers make acoustic music soar and shine. Guitars ripple, brushed drums keep time and an organ sighs.

KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Body Talk”
Writers: Amanda Renee Ibanez/Jonathan Capeci/Kane Brown/Nicholas Sainato/Nick Long; Producers: Jonathan Capeci, Nicholas Sainato; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Intimate, sexy and breathy. A ballad with a burbling undertow of percolating rhythm. Sensuous listening. Add this.

ZACH TOP / “I Never Lie”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Tim Nichols/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Everything is peachy-keen in his world. He’s never been better. Things are going his way. Don’t you believe any of this. It’s all a false front for the One Who Got Away. As usual, he is a beacon of true country music. His guitar licks are answered by loads of steel, and his vocal is honky-tonk perfection. Bless him.

SHABOOZEY / “Good News”
Writers: Chibueze Collins Obinna/Jake Torrey/Michael Pollack/Nevin Sastry/Sam Roman/Sean Cook; Producers: Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– He maintains his strummy, hand-clappy, sing-along vibe, but this time around he has something serious on his mind. The man is going through rough times, bearing the blues, being lonely, feeling the weight of the world and struggling in life. What he needs and what this song hopes for is some good news. Honesty and country authenticity married to bounding beats. Celebrate him: Thanks to “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey is up for six Grammys this year.

MARCUS HUMMON & MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER / “I Dwell In Possibility”
Writer: Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 Records
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hummon’s new EP is titled Songs for Emily because it is a collection of compositions he wrote based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). On this languid meditation, his singing is joined by the jewel-like tones of Chapin. The crystal-clear acoustic production is outstanding. Very arty, yet very cool.

RINGO STARR & ALISON KRAUSS / “Thankful”
Writers: Bruce Sugar/Richard Starkey; Producers: Bruce Sugar, Ringo Starr, T Bone Burnett; Label: Roccabella
– Saturated with steel, this is a loping ride to redemption. Alison’s harmony vocal is very, very softly mixed.

2024 CMA Awards Crowns New Winners, Showcases Fun Collaborations [Recap]

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Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson host The 58th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The 58th annual CMA Awards took over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 20) and included performances of some of the past year’s biggest hits and record-breaking wins.

Chris Stapleton accepts the award for Single of the Year at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Morgan Wallen won his first ever Entertainer of the Year trophy, while Megan Moroney was crowned New Artist of the Year. Brooks & Dunn and Chris Stapleton tied for winning the most CMA Awards of all time, each with 19 total wins.

The night’s program kicked off with a rowdy bang, as Post Malone and Stapleton traded snarling verses of “California Sober” from Post’s blockbuster country album released this summer.

Post Malone performs “Yours” at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Co-hosts Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning then appeared to get the show started. The shared banter about each of their roles as co-host, pointed out a guest of honor George Strait and shared that there were 31 first-time nominees.

Soon it was time to present the first award, Single of the Year. The trophy went to Stapleton, Dave Cobb and Vance Powell for “White Horse.”

“There are so many great and very popular songs in this category. I’m very humbled,” Stapleton said, marking the first of many acceptances speech he would go on to give last night.

Shaboozey performs a medley of “Highway” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Moroney turned Bridgestone Arena blue for her performance of new single “Am I Okay?” before the hosts returned. They shared a red-solo-cup toast to the late Toby Keith and then introduced Shaboozey to the CMA stage. The hitmaker played a bit of his new single “Highway” before thrilling the room with his record-breaking “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

The next award, Song of the Year, was presented to Stapleton and Dan Wilson for “White Horse.” Stapleton kept it brief, thanking his family and the voters, and then passed it on to Wilson.

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims perform “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman” and “Lose Control” at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

“Nashville, thank you for letting me come visit and write songs,” Wilson said. “Thanks to Dave, Chris and Morgane Stapleton for producing such a rocking version of the song.”

Ella Langley started her Musical Event-winning breakout hit “You Look Like You Love Me” seated in the audience next to its co-writer Aaron Raitiere. She strutted up to the stage with the ease of a veteran. When Riley Green joined her for his part, it was already a highlight of the evening.

Megan Moroney accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Another duo, Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims, joined voices for “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman.” They sounded great together as the tune morphed into Swims’ “Lose Control.” Luke Combs brought the house down with his Grammy-nominated “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” from the Twisters movie.

The New Artist prize went to Moroney. She was emotional as she looked around the arena. “This means so much to me. I have an incredible team,” she shared, recognizing her team members. “I’m freaking out! Thank you!”

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan took the stage for a beautiful rendition of their “Cowboys Cry Too.” Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood brought the power for “I’m Gonna Love You.” The Stapletons blended their voices in perfect harmony on “What Am I Gonna Do.”

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan perform “Cowboys Cry Too” at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Kacey Musgraves performed her Grammy-nominated “The Architect,” before The Oak Ridge Boys appeared onstage to tribute their lost member Joe Bonsall. They then presented Vocal Group of the Year to Old Dominion. It was their seventh time clinching the trophy, the longest consecutive stretch of Group of the Year wins in CMA history.

“We just made history, that’s crazy,” Old Dominion frontman Matthew Ramsey said. “If you are an artist of any type or a creator or a musician, this is when the world needs you the most, when it’s weird like it is right now. Get out there and get together and create.”

Cody Johnson accepts the award for Album of the Year at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Jelly Roll joined Brooks & Dunn for a moving performance of “I Believe,” complete with a choir and string section, leading many artists in the audience to wine tears from their eyes. Post Malone then touched hearts with “She’s Yours.”

Album of the Year went to Cody Johnson for Leather. “There’s no way I could have created an album like this without great songwriters, without people that pour their heart and soul out every day on Music Row,” Johnson said before introducing producers Trent Willmon and Jack Clark to speak.

Wilson took a break from her hosting duties to perform “4x4xU” with a string section backing her. Bailey Zimmerman brought the WWE energy for his performance of “New To Country,” dropping onto his stage from the ceiling.

Brooks & Dunn accepts the award for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The next award, Vocal Duo of the Year, went to Brooks & Dunn for the 15th time. They were clearly shocked, smiling as the crowd cheered them up to the podium.

“Time is undefeated. Not yet I guess,” Kix Brooks said.

The Strait tribute started with Wilson singing a bit of “Amarillo By Morning,” with Jenee Fleenor and Charlie Worsham backing her. Jamey Johnson shared his version of “Give It Away,” a song he and Bill Anderson co-wrote for “The King of Country Music.” Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum joined Johnson on stage for “Troubadour.”

Strait then hit the stage with Stapleton for “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame.” All the artists joined together for Stapleton to present the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to “true country music royalty.”

George Strait performs “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

When the crowd gave Straight time to talk, he thanked God, his team, band and crew and his family. He spoke about the longtime team members he’s lost over the past year, including manager Erv Woolsey, road manager Tom Foote and band member Gene Elders.

“I want to thank the CMAs for adding my name to the incredible artists on this small list of recipients carrying the name of the icon, Willie Nelson,” Strait said. “I want to thank these great artists who performed some of the songs I’ve recorded over the years. It’s amazing to hear y’all do them—I’m so glad I got them before you.”

Ashley McBryde sang Kris Krisofferson‘s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” in tribute of the late legend.

Male Vocalist of the Year went to Stapleton, his eighth time claiming the honor.

“I’m out of things to say. I love all of y’all so much. Thank you CMAs for giving this award and all of y’all for voting for me,” the entertainer said.

Eric Church performs “Darkest Hour” at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Host Bryan took to the stage for a performance of “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” before Combs appeared on stage to introduce the next performer, Eric Church. He shared that the two North Carolinians raised $24 million for hurricane relief with their benefit concert, and praised Church for donating royalties for his next song in perpetuity for the cause. Church then performed the philanthropic song, “Darkest Hour.”

Olympian Simone Biles presented Female Vocalist of the Year to Wilson, her third time winning the honor.

“Man, this community has wrapped its arms around me and lifted me up from the get-go,” Wilson said. “I’ve always been told if you feel like you’ve got a gift, you’re supposed to share it, and I think that means whether you drive a tractor or pour coffee, make people smile or laugh, whatever that is I think you’re supposed to share that gift.”

Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Jelly Roll and Keith Urban came together for a fiery performance of “Liar.” Bluegrass virtuosos Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes appeared alongside Dierks Bentley for his cover of Tom Petty‘s “American Girl.”

The night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, went to Morgan Wallen. It was his first time receiving the honor, but he was not in attendance.

The 58th CMA Awards will be available to watch on Hulu today (Nov. 21).

BREAKING: 2024 CMA Award Winners Revealed [Full List]

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Country music creators and industry members came together for the 58th annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday night (Nov. 20).

Morgan Wallen was awarded the night’s big honor of Entertainer of the Year. Co-host Lainey Wilson was crowned Female Vocalist of the Year, and Chris Stapleton was named Male Vocalist of the Year once again. Old Dominion scored their seventh win for Vocal Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo of the Year. Stapleton’s “White Horse” rode off with the Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors, and Cody Johnson‘s Leather won Album of the Year.

Read MusicRow‘s recap of the show here.

The full list of winners is below:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
– Luke Combs
– Jelly Roll
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen – WINNER
– Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry
Mix Engineer: Raul Lopez
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– “Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
– “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian
Mix Engineers: Shawn Everett, Konrad Snyder
– Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
– Higher – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
– Leather – Cody Johnson – WINNER
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
– Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll
Producers: Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, David Garcia, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Austin Nivarel, David Ray Stevens
Mix Engineers: Jeff Braun, Jim Cooley

SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
– “Burn It Down”
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
– “Dirt Cheap”
Songwriter: Josh Phillips
– “I Had Some Help”
Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
– “The Painter”
Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
– “White Horse” – WINNER
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
– Kelsea Ballerini
– Ashley McBryde
– Megan Moroney
– Kacey Musgraves
– Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
– Luke Combs
– Jelly Roll
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton – WINNER
– Morgan Wallen

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
– Lady A
– Little Big Town
– Old Dominion – WINNER
– The Red Clay Strays
– Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
– Brooks & Dunn – WINNER
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– Maddie & Tae
– The War And Treaty

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
– “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini (with Noah Kahan)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
Producer: Zach Bryan
– “Man Made A Bar” – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)
Producer: Joey Moi
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green) – WINNER
Producer: Will Bundy

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
– Tom Bukovac – Guitar
– Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
– Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
– Rob McNelley – Guitar
– Charlie Worsham – Guitar – WINNER

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
Director: Chris Villa
– “I’m Not Pretty” – Megan Moroney
Directors: Jeff Johnson, Megan Moroney
– “The Painter” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
– “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Director: Patrick Tracy

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
– Megan Moroney – WINNER
– Shaboozey
– Nate Smith
– Mitchell Tenpenny
– Zach Top
– Bailey Zimmerman

BMI Celebrates 2024 Country Award Winners, Honors Randy Owen With Icon Award

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Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Riley Green, BMI Icon Award winner Randy Owen, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and BMI’s Mike O’Neill. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Hundreds of industry members gathered at BMI’s Nashville headquarters last night (Nov. 19) for the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards.

Transforming the building’s parking garage into an extravagant ballroom, the evening was full of special celebrations and music for what BMI Nashville’s VP of Creative, Clay Bradley, called the “greatest parking lot party in country music.”

Songwriters, publishers and other industry executives swarmed the elegant room and caught up over crafted cocktails. Once guests found their seats, they were greeted with a beautiful table display of flowers, candle light and a yummy chocolate cake topped with the BMI logo.

A dinner of steak, a cheesy potato soufflé cake and sautéed vegetables was served. Wine bottles on the table were passed around, and the night was off.

Pictured (L–R): Aaron Raitiere, Ella Langley and Lukas Nelson perform onstage during the 2024 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill started the program by welcoming everyone and highlighting all the work that the country music community has done for others in need over the past year. He introduced Ella Langley, Lukas Nelson and Aaron Raitiere for the night’s first bit of music, who gave an electrifying performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” as headlines of the community’s charitable efforts flashed on the screens.

O’Neill then welcomed Bradley, and the two started handing out the awards for the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. Songwriters and publishers came from all directions to the stage in the middle of the room to collect their prizes and grab a group picture as the rest of the room cheered them on.

After presenting half of their most-performed song awards, O’Neill and Bradley changed gears to begin honoring the iconic Alabama frontman Randy Owen with the BMI Icon Award, an honor bestowed on songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations.

O’Neill detailed Owen’s lasting mark on country music with the Alabama band, as well as his philanthropic impact, most notably with St. Jude. A video featuring Troy Tomlinson, Tony Conway, Kenny Chesney and Dolly Parton was played with remarks about Owen.

Warner Chappell Music accepts the Publisher of the Year award onstage during the 2024 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Fellow Alabama native Riley Green soon appeared on stage to honor the BMI Icon with a performance of “My Home’s in Alabama.” Owen wiped tears from his eyes as Green sang.

Luke Bryan performed his own rendition of “Feels So Right” and then Blake Shelton led the whole room in a sing-along of the Alabama classic, “Mountain Music,” a jam so fun that Bryan had to join him onstage.

Before BMI presented the award to Owen, they invited up his wife Kelly up to speak. She shared about the first song he played her, “Feels So Right,” and about his love of the music.

“Thank you for honoring Randy while he is living,” Kelly said. “So that his children and grandchildren can see his legacy.”

When Owen took the microphone, he first invited up bandmate Teddy Gentry and the two embraced.

“BMI, thank y’all for the call. When you said, ‘the Icon Award,’ I cried. It’s so special,” Owen shared. “Thank y’all for this night. It’s a highlight.”

Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Chase McGill and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

More BMI executives took the stage to continue giving out awards for the most-performed songs of the year until it was time to present the big honors.

The Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner Chappell Music, which published 34 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including megahits like Parker McCollum’s “Burn It Down,” Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancin’ in the Country,” Riley Green’s “Different ‘Round Here,” Warren Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Religiously.”

BMI Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Chase McGill and Zach Bryan, who was not present. Bryan serves as a writer of “Burn, Burn, Burn,” “Dawns,” “Hey Driver,” “I Remember Everything,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Sun to Me.” McGill co-wrote Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Luke Bryan’s “But I Got a Beer in My Hand,” Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know” and Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen’s “Mamaw’s House.”

McGill spoke about the people who have supported him in his songwriting career, calling special attention to UMPG’s Terry Wakefield, who is battling health struggles but was in the room to celebrate.

Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, BMI’s Mike Steinberg, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Katie Welle, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, songwriter John Byron, Big Loud’s Seth England and Stacey Blythe, BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Clay Bradley onstage with the 2024 BMI Country Award for Song of the Year. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

“Terry came to my house the day we started working together, about four years ago. We hung out a bit, and he asked me what my goals were as a songwriter,” McGill said. “I said, ‘I have one goal. I want to be the BMI Songwriter of the Year.’ He helped me lay out a plan and here we are.”

Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” was named 2024 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, John Byron Music, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. The tune was written by John Byron and Charlie Handsome, and was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 nonconsecutive weeks—the most ever for a solo song.

The evening wore on with snacks, drinks and coffee in the BMI lobby. With all three PRO awards done for the year, the publishing community has a new legion of winners, and will go into the 58th CMA Awards tonight (Nov. 20) proud of the songs they’ve been a part of.

62nd ASCAP Country Music Awards Honors Talented Songwriters & Publishers

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chris Stapleton and ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Country music stars, songwriters and publishers ascended the steps of The Twelve Thirty Club on Monday night (Nov. 18) for the ASCAP Celebrates Nashville event, awarding the top performing ASCAP members of the past year.

ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

The upscale club featured multiple spaces for party-goers to mingle, with intimate seating areas thoughtfully placed beneath the soft, dim lighting. The drinks were flowing with multiple bar locations, and attendees noshed on The Twelve Thirty Club’s yummy sushi and sashimi, shrimp cocktail, hummus and crudités, pimento cheese and pita bread and more.

In addition to the red carpet, songwriters and publishers took photos in front of a large ASCAP step and repeat that listed the top performing songs.

Country duo Everette kicked off the evening’s program with a performance. ASCAP’s VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad then appeared to welcome everyone to the event, and shed light on some members’ recent success. He saluted Hillary Lindsey on her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, as well as David Bellamy into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and John Anderson into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Sistad then welcomed up ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews to the podium. Matthews shared meaningful words about former EVP and and Chief Creative Officer, John Titta, who passed away a few weeks ago.

Sony Music Publishing CEO Nashville Rusty Gaston (front row, third from left) with the staff of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

For the first award of the night, Matthews shared that 80-time chart-topper Ashley Gorley was the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year for an 11th time, extending his record as the winningest ASCAP songwriter in the country format.

“It’s a privilege to be a country music fan in the era of Ashley Gorley,” Matthews said of the hitmaker who was recently nominated for induction to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Thank you ASCAP for all that you do for songwriters, ” Gorley said, highlighting Titta’s legacy. “It’s been really cool to see country music and country songs have a bright spotlight this past year, and to see songs move up some different charts. It’s not a secret anymore that the Nashville is special and one of a king. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Pictured (L-R): Co-writer of the Country Music Song of the Year Ashley Gorley, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and Country Music Song of the Year co-writer JKash. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Next it was time for the Publisher of the Year honor, which went to Sony Music Publishing. The company won for an 11th time with 24 of this year’s most-performed songs.

“At Sony Music Publishing in Nashville, we believe that every song has the power to change the world. They all take amazing songwriters,” shared Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “It is our greatest honor to get to walk alongside and champion the songwriters that we get to work with.”

Matthews welcomed up ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams to present the next awards. He also shared special words about the late Titta, speaking about his legacy as a friend to songwriters.

Chris Stapleton accepts the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Williams announced that Chris Stapleton was the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year, with his “White Horse” (co-written by ASCAP member Dan Wilson) and “Think I’m in Love with You” are among ASCAP’s most-performed country songs of the year.

“I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. That was my dream and my whole plan,” Stapleton said. “I have so many friends and people who have encouraged me [in the room tonight]…I’m honored to be a songwriter tonight.

“Congratulations to all the winners tonight,” he continued. “If you’re in this room tonight, you should feel honored. If you’re wearing one of those things around your neck tonight, that’s what we all move to town to do. If you’re a songwriter, you’re always going to be a songwriter.”

The ASCAP Country Song of the Year went to “Last Night,” performed by Morgan Wallen. ASCAP members Gorley and JKash accepted the honor, giving Gorley his fourth ASCAP Country Song of the Year win. Sony Music Publishing, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Domain Capital Group, Poppy’s Picks, Prescription Songs and Rap Kingpin Music celebrated with them.

After the big awards had been presented, the ASCAP executives continued to honor the most-performed songs of the year, calling up ASCAP songwriters and playing their awarded hits over the speakers. The room cheered each recipient on, making for a joyous celebration.

Click here for a complete list of ASCAP Country Music Award winners.