MusicRow Weekly (InCharge, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a moment of both momentum and reflection across the country and broader music industry, with major announcements, career milestones and the remembrance of influential figures shaping the headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine has unveiled the 2026 edition of its flagship print directory, InCharge. Long regarded as an essential resource within Nashville’s music business ecosystem, the annual guide continues to spotlight the executives steering the industry forward. This year’s volume features 384 profiles, offering not only contact information but also in-depth career biographies and detailed affiliations across boards and organizations.

Award season is also beginning to take shape. The Country Music Association has confirmed that the 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18, broadcasting on ABC with streaming availability on Hulu the following day. Alongside the date announcement, CMA released its full ballot schedule and key timelines for its Broadcast Awards, Touring Awards, International Awards and Industry Honors.

On the executive front, Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has appointed Allison Jones as Executive Vice President of A&R. Elsewhere in media, Joseph Hudak has been promoted to Deputy Editor and Head of Country at Rolling Stone.

The artist community saw a mix of celebration and new beginnings this week. Avery Anna has been named ACM New Female Artist of the Year. Owen Riegling stepped into one of country music’s most revered circles with his Grand Ole Opry debut, while Naomi Carman and Sam Drysdale each marked new chapters by signing with Big Machine Records and ONErpm Nashville, respectively.

The industry also gathered to honor excellence at the Musicians Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held April 28 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The sold-out event recognized a diverse and accomplished class, including Dann Huff, Dolly Parton—who received the Industry Icon Award—George Thorogood & The Destroyers, John Boylan (Producer Award), Keith Urban, Leland Sklar, Michael McDonald and the late Nicky Hopkins.

Amid these forward-looking moments, the week also brought somber news with the passing of two respected figures. Country music outlaw David Allan Coe died at age 86, leaving behind a legacy defined by his distinctive voice and songwriting. Known for hits such as “The Ride” and “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” Coe also penned songs recorded by icons including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Tammy Wynette. His songwriting contributions also include “Take This Job and Shove It” and “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)”. Additionally, industry veteran Cliff Downs passed away at 72 following a battle with cancer. His multifaceted career as an artist, composer, producer and publisher earned him deep respect across the business.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with FlyteVu’s Laura Hutfless.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Industry Ink: Willie Nelson, ERNEST, Chris Janson, Horses For Mental Health, TALK

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Willie’s Remedy+ Celebrates Nelson’s 93rd Birthday & ‘Red Headed Stranger’ Anniversary

Willie Nelson.

Willie’s Remedy+, the THC-infused social tonic inspired by Willie Nelson, is celebrating Nelson’s 93rd birthday and the 40th anniversary of his 1986 film, Red Headed Stranger, with two exclusive product bundles.

The “Red Headed Stranger 40th Anniversary Bundle” collects two high dose 750ml bottles of Willie’s Remedy+ alongside an exclusive lowball whiskey glass and custom bandana. An additional bundle includes all of the above as well as the 50th Anniversary edition of Nelson’s landmark concept album that inspired the film.

 

ERNEST Performs On NBC’s ‘TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle’

ERNEST recently performed “Boat Named After You” on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. The performance celebrated his new album Deep Blue, out today (May 1) via Big Loud Records.

 

Chris Janson Performs On The ‘TODAY Show’

Chris Janson recently performed his Top 10 single “Me & A Beer” on the TODAY Show.

Janson also took some time to speak with FOX & Friends host, Steve Doocy, who was reporting live from Missouri.

 

Horses For Mental Health Kicks Off Campaign With Louie TheSinger, Kylie Frey, More


Horses For Mental Health has kicked off its fifth annual campaign with Louie TheSinger, Kylie Frey, Antonio Sabato Jr, Eric Paslay and more. Since 2022, HMH celebrity ambassadors have collectively helped raise over $2 million dollars for local programs.

More information about participating in the campaign is available here.

 

TALK Signs With Big Loud Rock

TALK. Photo: Dmitri Whitehead

TALK has signed with Big Loud Rock, marking his label debut with the release of “Time Machine.”

“We’re excited to welcome TALK into the Big Loud Rock family,” shares Big Loud Partner and Big Loud Rock President Joey Moi. “His powerhouse vocals and eccentric creative concepts really blew us away. He brings such a fresh, infectious energy to the alternative rock space that we couldn’t help but immerse ourselves in it.”

“Big Loud Rock quickly emerged as the most exciting partner to work with on my second album,” says TALK. “Their belief in pure artistry, drive, and heart above all else has renewed my belief in this unpredictable industry. I’m more than proud to call them my home.”

Ryman To Host Annual Community Day, Celebrates 134th Birthday This May

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The Ryman Auditorium will celebrate its 134th birthday this month and host its annual Ryman Community Day.

On May 4, the venue will ring in 134 years with special offerings including 134 hours of exclusive discounts, a free Ryman Hatch Show print with purchase of a daytime tour ticket (The museum will close at 2 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 1:15 p.m.); a free reusable Opry 100 bag when you spend $25 in the Ryman gift shop; and free birthday cupcakes.

Ryman Community Day returns on May 24 with free daytime tours for Tennessee residents from 9-4 p.m. This year’s event will also feature family-friendly offerings both inside the venue and outside on PNC Plaza, including on-site printmaking from Hatch Show Print, food trucks, games and activities, and live music on the PNC Plaza and Ryman stage. Tickets can be reserved here.

Keith Urban Previews New Album During Pop-Up Show In Nashville

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Keith Urban. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Keith Urban previewed some tracks from his upcoming new album Flow State during a sold-out pop-up show Wednesday night (April 29) at The Mil at Cannery Hall in Nashville.

Fans packed the room shoulder to shoulder as Urban hit the stage to perform covers of the timeless tracks featured on Flow State such as “Magnet and Steel,” “Just the Two of Us,” “Baby Come Back,” and just-released tracks, “Summer Breeze,” and “We Go Back” (feat. Michael McDonald).

Urban will be headlining ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash as part of the 61st ACM Awards Week on May 16 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The event will feature performances by Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith and Tucker Wetmore.

Keith Urban. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Keith Urban. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Graham Barham Readies Debut Album For June

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Graham Barham will release his debut album, CLUB COUNTRY, on June 12 via Sony Music Nashville.

“I have been working on this album for two years. I’ve worked hard to make everything incredibly intentional and taken as a whole, this album makes a statement about who I am and what I stand for,” Barham shares.

The Oak Ridge, Louisiana native has amassed nearly 600 million global career streams and two RIAA Gold-certified tracks. He was named to the Opry NextStage and MusicRow Next Big Things classes of 2026. He earned his first No. 1 as a songwriter with Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’.”

Barham wrote the 16-track project alongside Beau Bailey, Heath Warren, Dallas Wilson, Sam Bergeson, Joybeth Taylor and Autumn Buysse, among others.

In celebration of the announcement, he unveiled “I’M THE ONE,” out today (May 1).

CLUB COUNTRY Track List:
1. “COUNTRY MUSIC” (Graham Barham/Cole Miracle/Michael Lotten/Matt McVaney)
2. “SIPPIN'” (Graham Barham/Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Sam Martinez/Gabe Foust)
3. “SPEAKIN’ MY MIND” (Graham Barham/Beau Bailey/Heath Warren/Sam Martinez)
4. “SO LONG SATURDAY NIGHT” (Graham Barham, Cole Miracle, Dallas Wilson, Sam Martinez)
5. “BREAKUP (DOWN)” (Graham Barham/Lydia Vaughan/Cole Miracle/Sam Bergeson/Jay Sean/Jared Cotter/ Jeremy Skaller/Robert Larow)
6. “SHOOT YOU STRAIGHT” (Graham Barham/Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Sam Ellis)
7. “COUNTRY BOY KRYPTONITE” (Graham Barham/Brett James/Jim Beavers/Sam Bergeson)
8. “BAD AND SHE KNOWS IT” (Graham Barham/Travis Wood/Cole Miracle/Sam Bergeson/King Henry)
9. “MATTER OF TIME” (Graham Barham/Cole Miracle/Beau Bailey/Sam Bergeson)
10. “I’M THE ONE” (Graham Barham/Lindsay Rimes/Joybeth Taylor/Travis Wood)
11. “MARLBORO STYLE (ASHTRAY)” (Graham Barham/Beau Bailey/Gabe Foust/Sam Bergeson)
12. “OIL MONEY” (Graham Barham, Cole Miracle, Beau Bailey, Sam Bergeson)
13. “WHISKEY RAIN (feat. Tyler Hubbard)” (Graham Barham/Cole Miracle/Jessi Alexander/Sam Martinez)
14. “MCCONAUGHEY” (Graham Barham/Chase McGill/John Pierce/Gabe Foust)
15. “DIXIE CHICKS” (Graham Barham/Beau Bailey/Dallas Wilson/Gabe Foust/Sam Martinez/Sam Bergeson/Cole Miracle)
16. “MEAN STREAK”(Graham Barham/Cole Miracle/Autumn Buysse/Gabe Foust)

The Marcus King Band Releases ‘Darling Blue / No Room For Blue’

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The Marcus King Band has released their latest project, Darling Blue / No Room For Blue, the second half of their acclaimed album Darling Blue, today (May 1).

Originally released last fall exclusively for Record Store Day, the 12-track collection recorded by the band at Capricorn Studios is available now on all streaming platforms. The album traces the peaks and valleys of King’s mind, reflecting his love for the Blue Ridge Mountains and his state of mind before and after meeting his wife, Briley. Diving deeper into the world of Darling Blue, King continues to tell his story from the other side of addiction, temptation and heartbreak with No Room For Blue.

The album blends elements of heavy rock, bluegrass, country, blues and Americana. The extended collection includes three reimagined tracks: a revamped version of fan-favorite “Delilah,” a duet with Billy Strings on “Dirt – Macon version” and a cover of The Allman Brothers‘ “Ramblin’ Man,” a staple in King’s live shows. The remaining nine tracks explore walking the line between letting go of old love and addiction.

The band will embark on a 39-city run on the upcoming “Darling Blue Pt. 2 Tour” beginning May 16, visiting New York City, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, and more, highlighted by “Marcus King Band and Friends”, a hometown show at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium on May 27.

Darling Blue/ No Room For Blue Track List:
1. “On & On” (Marcus King)
2. “Here Today” (feat. Jamey Johnson & Kaitlin Butts) (Marcus King, Lainey Wilson, Meg McRee)
3. “Honky Tonk Hell” (Marcus King)
4. “Heartlands” (Marcus King, Jonathan Singleton)
5. “Die Alone” (Marcus King)
6. “Somebody Else” (feat. Jesse Welles) (Marcus King, Jesse Welles)
7. “Levi’s & Goodbyes” (Marcus King, Meg McRee, Hillary Lindsay)
8. “Carolina Honey” (Marcus King)
9. “No Room For Blue” (Marcus King, Angelo Petraglia)
10. “Blue Ridge Mountain Moon” (Marcus King, Ronnie Bowman, Ben Chapman)
11. “Dirt (Nashville version)” (feat. Billy Strings) (Marcus King, Jamie Hartman, Nick Monson)
12. “The Shadows” (feat. Noah Cyrus) (Marcus King, Madison Yanofsky, Nick Monson)
13. “Pretty Petty” (Marcus King, Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy)
14. “Carry Me Home” (Marcus King)
15. “Shiver” (Marcus King, Christopher Turpin)
16. “Dirt – Macon version” (Marcus King, Jamie Hartman, Nick Monson)
17. “Falling For The Devil” (Marcus King, Konrad Snyder, Ian Fitchuk)
18. “Your Favorite Band” (Marcus King, Mike Runyon, Charles Hedgepath)
19. “Ramblin’ Man” (Dickey Betts)
20. “Good Run” (Marcus King)
21. “Delilah – Nashville version” (Marcus King, Gabe Lee)
22. “Lilac Wine” (Marcus King, David Ray Stevens)
23. “Dirty Blow” (Marcus King, Mike Runyon, Charles Hedgepath)
24. “Angel” (Marcus King, Mike Runyon, Charles Hedgepath)
25. “Roses” (Marcus King, Sierra Ferrell)
26. “Red Door” (Marcus King, Christopher Turpin, Stephanie Ward)

Blake Whiten Unveils Debut Album Due In July

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Blake Whiten will unveil his debut album, Something to Say, on July 3 via Enchntmnt/Warner Records.

“The first songs I put out were just me as a kid with a dream, figuring it out, and those songs are what got me here,” shares Whiten. “There’s a side of me people haven’t really heard yet, and for my first record, I wanted to make sure every song felt like something I could stand behind. I’m really proud of how much of myself is in this album, and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”

Whiten wrote the 12-track project alongside Erik Dylan, Ben Johnson, Wyatt McCubbin, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Bailey Zimmerman and more. Produced by Austin Shawn, Something to Say follows Whiten’s self-written 2025 debut EP Six Mile.

In celebration of the announcement, Whiten released “Bet On That” today (May 1).

The South Carolina native is currently on Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Different Night Same Rodeo Tour,” with two stops in Nashville this weekend. After a run of fairs and festivals this summer, he will join select dates of Morgan Wallen‘s Still The Problem stadium tour.

Something to Say Tracklist:
1. “This Bar is My Friend” (Blake Whiten, Micah Wilshire, Wyatt McCubbin)
2. “Barely Gettin’ By” (Blake Whiten, JKash, Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn)
3. “Mess You Made of Me” (Blake Whiten, Austin Shawn)
4. “Bet On That” (Blake Whiten, Joe London, Grant Averill, Hoskins)
5. “Whiskey Wish” (Blake Whiten, Erik Dylan, Nick Bailey, Sam Ellis)
6. “Boots By The Wrong Bed” (Blake Whiten, Taylor Phillips, Ben Johnson)
7. “Number 7’s Gone” (Blake Whiten, Geoff Warburton, Peter Fenn)
8. “Ghost House” (Blake Whiten, Jacob Hackworth, Zach Abend)
9. “Break Me” (Blake Whiten, Hunter Phelps, Ben Stennis)
10. “Night N’ Day” (Blake Whiten, Gabe Foust, Jaxson Free, Jacob Hackworth)
11. “Made for Goodbyes” (Blake Whiten, Benny Negrin, Nick Bailey)
12. “Time” (Blake Whiten, Erik Dylan, Brock Berryhill)

Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, More Join Lineup For Upcoming ACM Awards

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Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett and more are among the growing list of artists who will perform at the upcoming 61st Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17.

Also among the new group of performers are Carter Faith, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, and Zach Top, along with 2026 ACM Award Artists of the Year recipients Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore, with more performances set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

They join previously announced performers Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, and Miranda Lambert, who will perform live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Hosted by Shania Twain, the 61st ACM Awards will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video at 7 p.m. CT.  Fans will also be able to watch the broadcast on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, as well as in the Amazon Music app.

Matt Maher Signs With Music Services

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Pictured (L-R): Rose Cook, Chief Operating Officer, Music Services; Matt Maher; and Lynn Lowe, President, Label & Publishing Administration, Music Services.

Dove award-winning artist Matt Maher has signed with the Music Services Division of SESAC Music Group for independent label services, including digital distribution through AudioSalad, and label administration through Music Services Inc.

To align with this new chapter, Maher has also released a new single, “Gonna Be Alright.”

“Matt Maher is an artist whose music has shaped worship culture around the world, and we’re honored to partner with him in the next stage of his career,” says Rose Cook, Chief Operating Officer, Music Services Division. “With our extensive suite of services across the division we’re able to support Matt’s independent spirit and artistry while ensuring his music reaches listeners globally.”

Over the past two decades, Maher has helped shape the sound of modern worship, writing songs that have become global anthems for churches and listeners. His catalog includes “Lord, I Need You,” “Because He Lives (Amen),” and “Alive & Breathing.”

Beyond the stage and studio, Maher is also an accomplished writer, storyteller, and respected thought leader.

Riser House Adds Leighanna Martin As Manager, A&R + Publishing

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Leighanna Martin.

Riser House has added Leighanna Martin as Manager, A&R + Publishing.

In this role, Martin will work closely alongside Brandon Perdue, SVP of A&R + Publishing, supporting the label and publishing rosters, which include Mitchell Tenpenny and Jake Mitchell.

The Nashville native joins the company from Anthem Entertainment. She previously worked in merchandising for Richards and Southern.

“Within five minutes of talking to Leighanna, I could tell she was the right fit for our team,” shares Perdue. “She’s bold, has a sharp song sensibility, and she’s passionate about her writers. She also has a stellar reputation within our community and is already making an impact across our rosters. I look forward to watching her grow into a true superstar in this town.”

“I’m so excited to be working with the team at Riser House,” says Martin. “The opportunity to champion great songs, support talented writers, and help shape creative direction is exactly what I’m passionate about. I’m looking forward to contributing to a team that values both artistry and strategy, and to playing a role in bringing impactful music to a wider audience.”