Luke Combs Jumps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Luke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey

Luke Combs jumps from No. 15 to No. 6 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The country hitmaker is a co-writer on three of his charting songs, including “Forever After All,” “Cold as You,” and “South On Ya.”

Combs’ “Cold As You” and “South On Ya” co-writer Jonathan Singleton rises one spot to No. 2. In addition to his Combs co-writes, Singleton is credited on Lainey Wilson’s “Things A Man Oughta Know” and Zac Brown Band’s “Same Boat.”

Ashley Gorley maintains his position at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the ninth consecutive week.

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.

Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Celebrate Back-To-Back No. 1 Hits

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Pictured (L-R): “Nobody But You” co-writers and artists Ross Copperman (BMI), Tommy Lee James (BMI), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Josh Osborne. (Not pictured: co-writer Shane McAnally). Photo: Steve Lowry

Blake Shelton recently celebrated his 27th and 28th Country Airplay No. 1 singles, “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere,” with his wife and featured artist, Gwen Stefani.

Both Platinum-certified singles have racked up over 200 million streams a piece and mark Stefani’s first and second No. 1 country singles.

“Nobody But You” was co-written by Ross Copperman (BMI), Tommy Lee James (BMI), Josh Osborne (ASCAP), and Shane McAnally (ASCAP/GMR). Osborne, Copperman and Matt Jenkins (ASCAP) co-wrote “Happy Anywhere.” All songwriters were honored by the songs’ performing artists and their respective publishers on the BMI Creative Patio in one of the first celebrations of its kind since the start of the pandemic.

“Happy Anywhere” co-writers and artists Ross Copperman (BMI), Matt Jenkins (ASCAP), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Josh Osborne (ASCAP. Photo: Steve Lowry

The outdoor party featured presentations from BMI’s Clay Bradley, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, and executives from Combustion Music, SMACKSongs, Sony Music Publishing, Still Working Music Group, Tape Room Music, and Warner Chappell Music.

Later that evening, The Voice coach performed for a packed house at Bridgestone Arena for his “Friends and Heroes 2021” Tour.

Weekly Register: Lauren Alaina Is ‘Sitting Pretty’ With Top Country Song & Album Debut

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Lauren Alaina

Mercury Records’ Lauren Alaina nabs the top country song and album streaming debut this week. Her third full-length album, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World, debuts at No. 21 on the country charts, earning 7,200 first-week streams (3,400 album only, 4.4 million song streams). Her single “Getting Over Him,” featuring Jon Pardi, is the top country songs debut at No. 84 with 2.1 million first-week streams, according to Nielsen.

The multi-Platinum artist recently spoke with MusicRow about the album as well as her busy upcoming fall season. To read the interview, click here.

Walker Hayes keeps his spot at the top of the country streaming songs chart with “Fancy Like,” which gained another 12 million streams for a total of 123 million RTD. Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris rise to second as “Chasing After You” adds 7.3 million streams, while Nelly & Florida Georgia Line fall to third with “Lil Bit” earning 6.9 million streams this week. Luke Combs‘ “Forever After All” stays at No. 4 with 6.3 million streams.

Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood seal the top five on the country streaming songs chart with “If I Didn’t Love You” adding 5.9 million streams. For two consecutive weeks, the superstar duet has topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album continues its reign at No. 1 on the country streaming albums chart, earning 40,000 streams this week. Wallen’s 2016 album, If I Know Me, also re-enters the top five at the No. 5 spot with 14,000 streams. Combs remains in second with What You See Is What You Get and third with This One’s For You earning 24,000 and 16,000 streams, respectively. Hayes’ keeps his spot at forth with Country Stuff garnering 14,000 streams.

Tune In: ‘Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising’ Benefit Airs Tonight

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In response to the Humphreys County and Middle Tennessee flood relief, Loretta Lynn‘s ‘Friends: Hometown Rising’ benefit is set to air live from the sold-out Grand Ole Opry tonight (Sept. 13).

Fellow artists and friends Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Chris Janson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Breland, Brittney Spencer and Keith Urban are set to perform from the famed venue. The live concert, hosted by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and Apple Music’s Nada, will air on Circle Network at 7 p.m. CT and will be live streamed on Circle All Access.

“It’s so heartwarming to see everyone in our hometown to step up to help those in need,” shares Lynn. “I’m honored that some of my best friends in Nashville have been so eager to help, too, and I can’t wait to watch the great show they put on. I hope you’ll tune in with me!”

All proceeds from the show will benefit United Way of Humphreys County. Those wanting to help can click here or text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321.

Kelly Sutton Joins WSM Radio ‘Coffee, Country & Cody’ Show

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Kelly Sutton. Photo: Cameron Powell

Kelly Sutton will join WSM’s radio and television show Coffee, Country & Cody alongside Bill Cody and Charlie Mattos. Sutton is set to join the team as the show’s Co-Host and Entertainment Reporter beginning Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 7 to 10 a.m.

Sutton is an Emmy-winning TV anchor with two decades of experience, interviewing a myriad of country artists for outlets including ABC.com, TuneIn Radio, and OneCountry.com. She has also co-anchored local television programs Today in Nashville (WSMV) and Tennessee Mornings (WZTV).

“I am over the moon to be joining my friends Bill, Charlie and Eric on Coffee, Country & Cody,” shares Sutton. “Bill and I have known each other for years and this feels like such a natural fit. I get to wake up and drink coffee and talk about country music with my friends!”

In 2021 Sutton launched Connected with Kelly, a weekly YouTube series with guests that have included Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Kane Brown and more. Sutton also hosts Y’all Access With Kelly Sutton on radio and is the voice of Country Heat on Amazon Music.

“Not only am I excited about the talent that Kelly brings to Coffee, Country & Cody, I am thrilled that we are adding someone so ingrained in the country music community and recognizable to country music fans,” says WSM Radio Director of Content and Programming, J. Patrick Tinnell. “I know Kelly to be warm, fun and entertaining; and I’m certain the WSM Radio and Circle TV audience will love her as much as the WSM family already does.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Named NASBE’s 2021 Friend of Education

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is being honored as the 2021 Friend of Education by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). The award is given annually to an individual or organization for their contributions to preK-12 education.

Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly’s nonprofit based in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Originally launched in 1995, the program quickly became the preeminent, global, early childhood book-gifting program.

Inspired by Dolly’s father’s inability to read or write, Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books free of charge to families, through funding from Dolly and local community partnerships. Evaluations of the program have documented children’s increased readiness for kindergarten and better phonological awareness, as well as increased frequency of being read to by parents and caregivers.

“Because of the Imagination Library’s commitment to early literacy and to children and their families, parents read aloud more to their children and are more comfortable reading,” says Byron Ernest, chair of the NASBE Board of Directors. “We are so proud to award NASBE’s Friend of Education award to this exemplary organization. They epitomize everything NASBE stands for.”

In 2018, the Imagination Library reached an incredible milestone of 100 million books gifted since its inception, and in 2020 it surpassed 150 million books. As of August 2021, the Imagination Library gifts over 1.8 million specially-selected, high quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland.

“The Imagination Library exemplifies what NASBE values: equity and excellence in the education of all children,” comments Robert Hull, NASBE President and CEO. “The Library has inspired the love of reading in our youngest children, making it possible for children in all circumstances to thrive in school and support lifelong learning.”

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NASBE for the work of the Imagination Library,” adds Jeff Conyers, President of the Dollywood Foundation. “We believe, as NASBE does, that every child, regardless of income, should have access to books from the very beginning, and we are committed to making Dolly’s vision a reality for children across America and around the world.”

RIAA Mid-Year Music Industry Revenue Report Shows Growth For Recorded Music

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In its mid-year streaming report for 2021, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is reporting growth for recorded music revenues in the U.S. According to the RIAA, revenue for recorded music grew 27% in the first half of 2021 versus the prior year, from $5.6 to $7.1 billion at retail value.

The strongest contributor to recorded music revenue growth has continued to be paid subscriptions, which comprises nearly two-thirds of total revenue, averaging more than 80 million paid subscriptions for the first time.

The effects of COVID-19 are still evident on revenue accrued by the music industry, with year-over-year comparisons significantly impacted by store closures, tour cancellations, and other disruptions from both 2020 and 2021.

To read commentary about the report from RIAA Chairman and CEO, Mitch Glazier, click here.

Click here for the full report.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! Lineup Announced

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Organizers of the 2021 IBMA World of Bluegrass have revealed the daily schedule for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. Taking place at Red Hat Amphitheater as well as four additional stages in downtown Raleigh, NC, performances will run on Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2.

The full lineup for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC has been announced and will include Main Stage sets from Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton, The Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer & Odessa Settles, among others. For a full lineup and daily schedule, click here.

“We are overjoyed to be bringing the bluegrass festival back to Raleigh as an in-person event this year,” says David Brower, festival producer and executive director of PineCone, a Raleigh-based non-profit. “There’s a magic that happens when our streets are filled with music that’s played from the heart. For folks who’ve never experienced this event, it’s a joyous sight to see when it all comes together. After this past year, we all could use a little bit of that festival magic.”

As previously announced, proof of vaccination will be required for attendance at any IBMA World of Bluegrass activity requiring registration and ticketing. Masks will also be required at all indoor activities and are strongly recommended for outdoor shows.

“We are excited to announce the full performance schedule for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC,” shares Pat Morris, executive director of IBMA. “It will be great to gather again to celebrate live music! Music fans will be able to enjoy artists ranging from Hall of Famers to award-winning rising stars to special collaborations with amazing guests. We’ve taken specific measures to safeguard the health and safety of attendees, so it’s our hope that these protocols will allow everyone to join us in downtown Raleigh this year.”

For those not able to attend in person, IBMA will be streaming select content throughout the week. Virtual attendees will have access to the virtual exhibit hall, conference sessions, music performances, and more. Details for virtual tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.

Grayscale Marketing, Mtheory, More Among Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s NEXT Awards Finalists

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The Nashville Entrepreneur Center has announced the finalists for its 2021 NEXT Awards.

The annual ceremony recognizes entrepreneurs who are transforming industries and strengthening the Middle Tennessee community. In the Music, Sports, and Entertainment category this year’s nominees include Bauer Entertainment Marketing, Gild Creative Group, Grayscale Marketing, mtheory Nashville, Single Music, and Songfluencer.

The 2021 NEXT Awards winners will be announced on Oct. 25 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Two winners in each category will be recognized in the Products, Services and Retail; Healthcare; Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction; Music, Sports and Entertainment; and Technology categories. For a full list of nominees, click here.

To learn more about the award show or to purchase tickets, click here.

Chris Tomlin To Release Fifth Project In ‘Christmas Songs Of Worship’ Series

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Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin will celebrate this holiday season with a brand new Christmas album, Emmanuel: Christmas Songs Of Worship, which will be available in stores and digitally on Sept. 24 and on vinyl beginning Nov. 19.

Produced by Ed Cash, the 12-song project will include the title track, “Emmanuel God With Us,” which is available now. The collection also features several collaborations, including CeCe Winans, We The Kingdom, Blessing Offor, and Matt Redman.

The album is the fifth release in Tomlin’s Christmas Songs of Worship series which included Miracle Of Love: Christmas Songs of Worship released in 2020, Christmas Day: Christmas Songs of Worship from 2019, 2015’s highly regarded Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship, and his Gold-selling Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship from 2009. Collectively his Christmas projects have tallied more than 111,000,000 streams.

Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship Track List:
1. Emmanuel God With Us
2. Christmas Day (with We The Kingdom)
3. All The World Awaits (Hosanna)
4. Hallelujah (with Blessing Offor)
5. I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
6. His Name is Wonderful
7. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
8. Hope of Israel
9. O Holy Night (with CeCe Winans)
10. Crown Him (Christmas) (with Matt Redman)
11. O Little Town of Bethlehem
12. Crown Him (reprise) (with Matt Redman)