Morgan Wallen Nabs MusicRow No. 1

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In just 9 weeks, “Wasted On You” by Morgan Wallen reaches the chart peak on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single adds +79 spins for a total of 1,777 spins this week. 

Wallen wrote “Wasted On You” with Big Loud label mate, Ernest, Josh Thompson, and Ryan Votjesak. He is currently on his nearly sold-out “Dangerous Tour” which consists of 54 dates that run through September. 

His latest single, “Don’t Think Jesus” is the top country streaming song and fifth all-genre song this week racking in 17 million first week streams, according to Luminate data. “Wasted On You” sits at No. 2 of the country streaming songs chart with 6.9 million streams.

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

Industry Ink: Brooke Meris, Jeff Carson, Tyler Rich, More

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Warner Music Nashville Rounds Out Radio Team With Brooke Meris

Brooke Meris

Warner Music Nashville has added Regional Manager Brooke Meris to its WEA radio team. Meris, covering the west, will join team members Ray Mariner (south) and Diane Monk (north). Reporting to National Director, Radio, Stephanie Hagerty, Meris will officially assume her new role on May 2.

“Brooke is highly respected by everyone in the industry, from radio to artists and managers,” shares VP Radio Anna Cage. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the Warner Music Nashville radio department.”

Meris joins Warner Music Nashville with more than 14 years of radio experience, including APD/MD of KILT in Houston. She most recently spent five years as Director of Southwest Promotions at Curb Records. Previous stops include Director of Radio Tour Marketing at Triple 8 Management and Manager of Regional Promotion at Columbia Nashville.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of an awesome team full of great people!” adds Meris. “I have always admired the team dynamic at WMN, so I’m really excited to now be a part of it and work with everyone… including the amazing roster of artists! I love music and working with passionate people who love what they do.”

 

Tracy Lawrence, John Berry, More Join Lineup For “A Musical Memorial For Jeff Carson”

Tracy Lawrence, John Berry, Halfway to Hazard, and War Hippies will join the lineup for “A Musical Memorial for Jeff Carson,” taking place on May 10 at The Nashville Palace.

Previously announced performers include Michael Ray, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Lee Greenwood, Ricochet, Craig Campbell, Rhett Akins, and more. General admission tickets are currently available for purchase.

“The 90s was such a different time for artists making it in country music. Many of us traveled on the bus together in package tours and really got to know each other and become close friends,” Berry shares. “Jeff was always a ray of sunshine to be around as he was always fun, positive, and ready to make us laugh. This night is going to be really fun as we sing our hits of the 90s and help raise money for Law Enforcement Assistance Partnership.”

An online auction has also been set and donations can be made in Carson’s honor by clicking here or texting “Carson” to 76278.

 

Tyler Rich & Friends Band Together For Writers For Rhinos

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Rich, Sara Barlow, Emily Falvey, Ashley Collier-Medley, Trent Tomlinson, Hannah Quintero, CJ Solar, Lauren Lott, Jason Fassler, and Andy Albert. Photo: Ashley Collier-Medley

Earlier this week, Tyler Rich led a sold out round called “Writers For Rhinos” alongside Andy Albert, CJ Solar, and AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series class of 2019 member Emily Falvey and Trent Tomlinson.

The annual event at The Listening Room in Nashville supports rhino conservation in partnership with the Nashville Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers, Rich Rescues and Nashville Zoo Roar Corps.

“Now in our third year, we could not be more thrilled to have such a talented group of musicians lend their voices to help save an endangered species. ‘Writers For Rhinos’ is such an important fundraising event for our mission to protect Rhinos for generations to come, and we want to express our sincere gratitude to Tyler, Andy, CJ, Emily, Trent and all who joined for this special event,” says Ashley Collier-Medley, Writers For Rhinos Founder.

“I’ve never tried to save a Rhino, but I’m happy to be a part of it. They are kind of like Pitbull unicorns,” Rich quipped. “In all seriousness, the need to protect animals whether it be at your local shelter or more exotic species across the globe is real and a big reason I started Rich Rescues to advocate out on tour. Any time I can support this cause, I’m all in.”

 

Tony Jackson Inks With BFR

Tony Jackson

Traditional country singer Tony Jackson has signed with BFR in Nashville, a division of Bob Frank Entertainment. BFR is distributed by BFD/Sony/Orchard and is helmed by Frank with Chuck Rhodes overseeing the Nashville label.

Jackson is best known for his viral hit rendition of George Jones’ “The Grand Tour,” which has surpassed 80 million Facebook and YouTube views to date. His upcoming new album is slated for release in August 2022 with singles and videos slated for release in the coming weeks.

“I am thrilled to join the BFR team and be heading back into the studio to give people what they have been asking me for. It’s been an interesting few years. I have a lot to share,” Jackson says.

“Tony is one of country’s pure traditional singers and we are extremely proud to represent him now at BFR,” adds Rhodes.

 

49th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational Slated For May 27-29

The 49th Anniversary of the Music City Tennis Invitational is set for May 27-29 at the Centennial Sportsplex. This year’s tournament will also feature a pickleball event in addition to the annual tennis tournament.

Registration for either the two-day tennis tournament or the pickleball event is $175 and open now. A portion of the entry fee is tax-deductible and includes a goodie bag, two days of tournament play, breakfast and lunch, and trophies for the winners.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition (TBCC), which aims to be a financial provider and advocate for Tennesseans facing breast cancer.

NSAI Holds The ‘World’s Largest No. 1 Party,’ Honors Jody Williams

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Pictured (L-R): Dustin Miller, Senior Vice President, and Chris Trokey, Managing Director (Truist Wealth, Sports and Entertainment Group), Jody Williams (2022 ‘NSAI Champion’ award recipient) and Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President). Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

On a hot and sunny Wednesday afternoon (April 27), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) gathered hundreds of songwriters, publishers, and industry friends to celebrate the songs that hit the top of the charts during the pandemic.

Along with event sponsors Truist Wealth and Ford, NSAI packed out the The Reserve at Fat Bottom Brewing Co. for an event they billed as the “World’s Largest No. 1 Party.”

NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison kicked off the celebration by letting the crowd know how hard the organization works for the benefit of songwriters.

Songwriters and industry members gather at the NSAI event. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

“When we shut the doors for COVID in March of 2020, we did what we do,” Herbison said, saying that NSAI immediately got to work on how to protect songwriters’ livelihoods from the impact of the pandemic. “In that first week when we were closed, we offered some language that got put in the first CARES Act that made every self-employed person in America, including songwriters, eligible for unemployment and paycheck protection.”

The crowd roared after hearing that. “We also handed out a quarter of a million dollars of grants during that time. I’m proud of the work we do,” Herbison shared.

Before celebrating the hits of the past two years, NSAI honored a true Music Row trailblazer, Jody Williams, with NSAI Champion award. This honor is given in recognition of generous support for—and dedication to—songwriters, the music industry and NSAI, and is chosen by the NSAI Executive Director.

Williams shared a few words to the room full of creatives and industry personnel. He thanked his family, his team at Jody Williams Songs, and his writers; and recognized four important people in his journey: Charlie Daniels, Kix Brooks, Layng Martine, and Liz Rose.

Williams recalled an observation he made a few years ago on a plane ride to Austin, Texas he shared with some hit songwriters, Rose, Jon Randall, and Lee Thomas Miller. He observed that although his friends had written award-winning hit songs, no one else on the plane knew who they were.

“They’re all blending in with humanity on the plane. They’re quiet, they’re reading or sleeping. No one knows they are here. They’re exactly like you and me, but they’re actually magicians. They have superpowers. They have abilities to transcend logical thinking,” Williams shared. “Like you and me, they’re insecure, doubtful at times, hopeful most of the time, hardworking, family-oriented people. When they wake up most mornings to approach their jobs, they have nothing.

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Robbins, JT Harding, and Jon Nite. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

“That’s when these Peter Parkers become Spider-Man,” he said. “They create a song that starts out having zero chance of making it through the myriad of gatekeepers to become a hit. Then against all odds, unbelievably, their hope becomes a hit.”

Williams summed with, “After a few decades of working with songwriters, I’m still in complete awe when I am in the presence of you all. Complete awe. I can’t receive this award without offering my thanks to all of you. You are all heroes to me.”

Herbison shared of Williams, “Jody Williams has spent his professional career in the music industry helping songwriters and others. I am one such individual, in my twenty-five years as NSAI Executive Director enlisting Jody’s help dozens of times. He’s always responded and his word is as good as gold.”

After presenting Williams with his award, Herbison read off a list of 99 songs that hit No. 1 on the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts during the period of September 2019 through December 2021. The songwriters in attendance hustled up to the stage with their peers cheering them on, took a quick photo, and joined their friends back in the crowd, perfectly exemplifying the strength and camaraderie in the Nashville music publishing community.

Pictured (L-R): Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President), Tyler Hubbard, Blake Redferrin, Chris Loocke. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Pictured (L-R): Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President), Tenille Arts, Alex Kline, Chris Trokey (Truist Wealth, Sports and Entertainment Group). Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI Chief Operating Officer), Jody Williams, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director). Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Pictured: Madeline Merlo with her NSAI Award. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Brandi Carlile Cancels Upcoming Stagecoach Appearance After Contracting COVID-19

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Brandi Carlile. Photo: Neil Krug

Brandi Carlile will no longer be performing at the 2022 Stagecoach Festival after contracting COVID-19, as she revealed on social media.

“Hey buddies, it finally happened: I have the COVID. I won’t be able to come to Stagecoach,” the Grammy-award winning entertainer shared. “It’s horrible.”

In her video, Carlile also shared her symptoms, explaining that she is suffering from a chest infection due to the virus. “I’m a few days in, and I have a chest infection, but I think I turned a corner today and I’m starting to feel a little bit better,” she adds. “I just want to let everybody know that I’m devastated to be missing you, and I hope that you have a wonderful time out there with all my freakin’ friends. See you on the other side of this trash.”

 

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Carlile was slated to headline the festival’s Palomino Stage on Friday (April 29). However, in light of these events, Tanya Tucker will now be taking over Carlile’s 7:40 performance slot. Amythyst Kiah, The Cactus Blossoms, Charley Crockett, Neal McCoy and the Marcus King Band will perform on the Palomino Stage earlier in the day.

Taking place this weekend in Indio, California, the T-Mobile Mane Stage will deliver a packed opening day with performances from Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Jordan Davis, Ryan Hurd and more. Carrie Underwood, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs and Cody Johnson will also be on hand for the weekend’s festivities.

Sherry Martin Signs With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Pictured L-R): Aaron Raitiere, Sherry Martin, and Jessi Vaughn Stevenson

Sherry Martin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Martin is the mother of WCM songwriter Aaron Raitiere, who she often collaborates with, most notably penning “Love, Light, and Healing” for The Oak Ridge Boys. With “Love, Light, and Healing,” Martin gave Raitiere her journal of prayers to pull from, and they came up with the song while spending time together at Martin’s lake house during the initial COVID-19 lockdown.

She also lent her songwriting talents to “I Ain’t No Zebra I’m a Bumblebee,” by Anderson East, which is featured on the children’s album At Home With Kids.

Born in Providence, Kentucky, Martin inherited her love of music from her mother, who, after spending a career working for GE, dedicated herself to playing piano at their Baptist church.

Jim Ed Norman Comes Full Circle On The Eagles’ ‘Hotel California Tour’ [Interview]

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Jim Ed Norman

When the Eagles take the stage on Thursday (April 28) and Friday (April 29) night in Nashville, they will be joined by not one, but two Music Row mavericks on stage.

Vince Gill has been touring with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members for a while. Most recently Gill has joined Eagles Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, on the “Hotel California 2022 Tour,” where the band plays the Hotel California album in its entirety from start to finish, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. After a short intermission, the Eagles perform a set of their greatest hits.

But Gill isn’t the only Nashvillian traveling around with the Eagles. The band also picked up an old friend for this special tour, renowned Nashville music business titan, Jim Ed Norman. He leads the 60-piece orchestra and choir for the band each night.

Norman established himself as a top producer and A&R executive before leading Warner Bros. Nashville for two decades. His leadership played a key role in the careers of Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, and Take 6, among many others. What some may not know about Norman is that his history with the Eagles goes back to his college days, when he met Henley at North Texas State University.

Norman grew up musical and decided to pursue a career as a music teacher. He was interested in big band music, and North Texas was the place to be for that kind of music. He met a young Henley on campus there in a chance encounter that would alter his future.

“While at North Texas, I was walking along the sidewalk that was connected to the apartment complex that I lived at. It was a beautiful day and there was a fellow that had his door open playing music,” Norman recalls to MusicRow. “He was playing his Led Zeppelin record. I walked in and handed him a Dillard‘s record, which was a progressive bluegrass group, and said ‘Hey, you need to check this out.’ That fellow was Don Henley.

“Through that meeting of walking in, sticking out my hand, and introducing myself, I got to know Don and we shared music.”

After a summer back in his home-state in Florida, Norman received a call from Henley asking if he’d like to be in his band.

“I had really come to understand that I really wasn’t cut out to be a music teacher, so I dropped out of school and I went to join Don’s band that already existed, Shiloh.

“We went to Los Angeles, but then the band did as they sometimes do: we broke up,” Norman recalls. “I had been afforded the opportunity to write a small string quartet part on the Shiloh record, so Don knew that I was interested in being an orchestral arranger. When the Eagles formed and on the second record, they decided they wanted to use orchestra. Don and Glenn [Frey] reached out and asked if I wanted to write the string arrangements on the record. That was one of the quickest times I’ve said ‘Yes’ in my life.”

Jim Ed Norman

The first professional orchestral arrangement Norman composed in his life was for the Eagles 1973 hit album, Desperado.

“With the credit on that record, I had the imprimatur that it took to give me an opportunity to then go on to arrange. Not only did I arrange all of the Eagles’ projects through Hotel California, but it brought me [an opportunity to arrange] Linda Ronstandt‘s version of ‘Desperado,’ [as well as projects for] Bob Segar, America, Kim Carnes, and a lot of other things.”

As Norman advanced in his career and eventually became a titan on Music Row, he kept in touch with the Eagles. He worked on Frey’s solo record, No Fun Aloud, and regularly spoke with Henley.

“Because of the relationship in particular that I had with Don, he reached out when [they decided to do] the ‘Hotel California Tour.’ It was stimulated by the album coming up on 50 years and all of these anniversary moments. He said, ‘We’re going to have an orchestra and you can be involved as much or as little as you want, because you did all those original arrangements.’ On the front end, I demurred because I didn’t know if wanted to be on the road to conduct.

“My fiancé said, ‘Are you crazy? You need to do this.’ The more I thought about it, the more I realized I’m not going get a chance to stand in front of an orchestra and conduct parts that I wrote when I was a kid.”

Norman sums, “My life as an arranger started with Desperado. Right now on the road with the guys, the last performance that’s done with orchestra each night is ‘Desperado.’ I get to essentially be swept off my own feet every night. At certain times I become separated from my hands waving and I’m just listening and absorbing.”

Norman’s full-circle moment is on display in Music City tonight (April 28) and tomorrow (April 29) at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are still available now.

 

Bobbi Boyce To Exit CMA After 30 Years Of Service

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Bobbie Boyce

The Country Music Association has announced the departure of long-time employee and current Director of International Relations, Bobbi Boyce. After nearly 30 years of service to CMA, she will be stepping away from the organization at the end of this month.

“I have always been proud to work at CMA and have loved being a part of the country music community, which is such a special family,” says Boyce. “I will cherish the memories I am taking with me. It’s time to concentrate on other projects in particular as the Trustee for Davy Jones’ Trust, but I look forward to watching the continued growth of country music internationally.”

Beginning her career with CMA in 1992 as the organization’s European Assistant, Boyce eventually took the helm as CMA’s Director of International Relations. Throughout her time with the organization, she supported all CMA international initiatives, including the worldwide distribution of CMA’s television properties such as the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas.

Working with CMA members, Board of Directors and staff, as well as the wider country music industry both internationally and domestically, Boyce has helped establish the organization’s international task forces as well as brought on key international broadcasters.

“For many years now, Bobbi has acted as a leading voice for CMA’s international efforts both to our international partners and to our local Nashville community,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA, Chief Executive Officer. “She has been instrumental in making sure that the bridge between Nashville and our partners across the globe was strong, secure and supportive of the genre overall. Thanks in no small part to her efforts, we have continued to see significant growth in country consumption internationally. I, and CMA as a whole, will miss working with Bobbi dearly, but am excited to see her able to focus more time on her other projects.”

“A publicist, networker, connector and facilitator, Bobbi’s presence has been a cornerstone to CMA’s international agenda for almost three decades,” adds Milly Olykan, CMA, Vice President, International Relations and Development. “From overseeing all our international awards and editing our CMA television properties for international audiences, to the countless relationships she has fostered, Bobbi has given so much of herself to keep the international flames burning for CMA. While we are sad to see her stepping away from her work with CMA, we are eternally grateful for her dedicated service to our organization and wish her all the best!”

To reach Boyce after April 30, contact bobbiboyce75@gmail.com.

Lorianne Crook To Be Honored At Women in Business Influencing Women Awards Gala

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Lorianne Crook

Lorianne Crook will receive the 2022 Jeannie Seely Standing Ovation Award from the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Women in Business during this year’s Women in Business Influencing Women Awards Gala. The event will be held at the Sonesta Nashville Airport on April 28.

The award was originally named for and presented in 2019 to Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely, who generously shares her time advocating for her community and various organizations.

Each year, the award recognizes a woman who has created influence and significance in the entertainment industry and has shown the advocacy of other women in her field by mentoring and supporting them in their professional success. Previous winners include Devon O’Day and Kellie Pickler.

Crook is recognized for being part of the elite list of the nation’s Most Influential Women in Radio. As a creator, producer, writer and host of an array of television and radio productions, she has received numerous career awards from the CMA, SESAC, Gospel Music Association and the New York & Television Festival.

She was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and received the Living Legend Award at the Grand Ole Opry in 2017, and presently holds the title of Vice President of Jim Owens Entertainment along with serving as the Executive Producer and host of the nationally syndicated Crook & Chase productions distributed in partnership with Premiere/iHeart Media.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Signs Madeline Edwards

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Pictured (L-R): Samantha Borenstein, Synnovea Halsel, Madeline Edwards, Mya Hansen, Rusty Gaston. Photo: DireImage

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed breakthrough singer-songwriter Madeline Edwards to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Edwards incorporates jazz, soul, gospel and country influences into her unique sound. She was listed as a Hot Country Spotify Artist to Watch 2022, a member of CMT Next Women of Country’s class of 2022, and was named a Top 20 Breaker artist on NPR.

Currently working on her debut album, she made her national radio debut on Sirius XM and released “Port City” as the follow up to her hit song “The Road,” which has garnered over 6 million streams to date. She has performed on Lady Gaga‘s Born This Way tribute record with The Highwomen, NPR‘s Tiny Desk Concert, and made her national television debut at the 2021 CMA Awards where she sang alongside Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer.

Edwards also recently embarked on the “All American Road Show Tour” alongside Chris Stapleton. Featuring Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson, the April 23 stop in Lexington, Kentucky marked Edwards’ first stadium show.

“True artists like Madeline don’t come along every day. It was obvious from our first meeting that she has a gift of revealing her heart in each song,” Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston, notes. “We can’t wait for the world to discover what we’ve already gotten to experience.”

Sony’s Senior Manager of Creative, Mya Hansen, and Creative Coordinator, Synnovea Halsel, add, “We knew from the moment we saw Madeline play that she is an extraordinary talent with limitless potential. We are thrilled to welcome her into the Sony Music Publishing family!”

“I knew SMP was the right family for me the moment we connected. I’m very excited for this new chapter and the music I’ll be creating with this team,” shares Edwards.

CMA EDU Leadership Program Announces Class Of 2022-2023 Participants

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The CMA EDU Leadership Program, the Country Music Association’s industry development pipeline, has selected its membership class of 2022-2023.

Established in 2011, the program was created to develop and support the next generation of music industry. While participating, students will engage in professional development and industry exposure opportunities throughout their year long CMA EDU experience. The members of the class of 2022-2023 were announced in the video below.

YouTube video

“My biggest congratulations to our CMA EDU Class of 2022-2023!” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “CMA EDU has always been about bridging the gap between our industry and the next generation of leaders by providing students with access and opportunities to experience our industry first-hand. With an impressive class this year, I am excited to usher in such a well-rounded, ambitious group of young leaders.”

Through educational resources, Q&As with professionals, informational interviews and more, students will be exposed to programming topics such as resume building, interview skills, general business and industry best practices, and networking skills. Students will be matched with a mentor from the CMA EDU alumni base to help them navigate the program and advise on what to expect post-graduation.

CMA will also host the full CMA EDU class this summer for the annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit. The virtual multi-day conference will include two days of professional development training, engaging industry education and networking opportunities.

“As our industry pipeline, CMA EDU exists to empower, equip and champion students to step into their careers with confidence,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We focus on college transition and job preparedness because it’s a basic barrier to accessing job opportunities. Because we do not assume all students have an inherent understanding of professional pathways in the music industry, we are committed to providing CMA EDU members with real-world opportunities and support from mentors and experts in the industry. By fostering meaningful connections and cultivating leadership qualities that can be utilized in the music business and beyond, we have positioned CMA EDU so that all students across all backgrounds are able to thrive within the program. We are thrilled to welcome this new class of talented and driven students to our CMA EDU family and we can’t wait to get started!”