Hunter Phelps Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Hunter Phelps

Hunter Phelps has landed in the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Jordan Davis’ “Bar None” and HARDY’s “Bottomland” have put the songwriter at No. 10 this week.

Riley Green takes No. 1 with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill sits at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “Miami,” “Straight Line” and “TN.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (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.

Maggie Rose Releases New EP ‘Cocoon’

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Maggie Rose. Photo: Shervin Lainez

Maggie Rose has released her new EP Cocoon, out now on One Riot Records.

Co-produced by Ben Tanner with Davis Naish, the project features the smoldering Grace Potter collaboration “Poison In My Well,” along with new tracks including “Sting,” “Fly” and the title track. Cocoon embodies where Maggie finds herself as both an artist and new mother to son Graham, and sets the stage for 2026 to be her most exciting musical chapter yet.

Maggie recently played Tennessee’s Pilgrimage Festival and surprised the crowd, bringing out Potter to perform “Poison In My Well” for the first time live. The pair will also perform together on The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 30.

Earlier this year Maggie collaborated with Vince Gill for a reimagined version of the Bonnie Raitt classic, “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and along with touring hosts her own podcast, Salute The Songbird, where she engages in candid conversations with her female musical heroes.

Cocoon Track List:
1. “Relentless”
2. “Cocoon”
3. “Poison In My Well”
4. “Same Way”
5. “Sting”
6. “Fly”

Brandon Lake Among Top Winners At 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll. Photo: Terry Wyatt

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards were held last week (Oct. 7) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Brandon Lake was most awarded with five wins including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” honoring songwriters Lake, Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings.

Artist of the Year went to Forrest Frank and New Artist of the Year went to Leanna Crawford. CeCe Winans took home two awards including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar.

Hosted by Tauren Wells, for KING + COUNTRY with Taylor Hill opened the show with a performance of “World On Fire.” Ben Fuller surprised the crowd with Carrie Underwood to sing their nominated song, “If It Was Up To Me.” Newly minted Opry Member Steven Curtis Chapman was joined on stage for a special Opry 100 performance with fellow Opry members Lady A and Vince Gill. Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound welcomed friends Aaron Moses, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Alex Campos, Christine D’Clario, Josh and Waleska Morales, Ingrid Rosario, Janina Rosado, Lucia Parker, and Nate Diaz for a one-of-a-kind Latin performance. Tauren Wells with gio. performed “Let The Church Sing.” CeCe Winans led the arena in “Come Jesus Come,” and Lake and Jelly Roll, with special guest Jon Batiste, closed out the night with a rain-soaked version of “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

A full list of winners is available here.

Ben Fuller and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Blue Amber

Steven Curtis Chapman, Lady A, and Vince Gill perform a special tribute to Opry 100. Photo: Blue Amber

Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound with Aaron Moses, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Alex Campos, Christine D’Clario, Josh and Waleska Morales, Ingrid Rosario, Janina Rosado, Lucia Parker, and Nate Diaz performing “Coritos de Fuego.” Photo: Blue Amber

CeCe Winans. Photo: Tessa Voccola

Vince Gill Celebrates 50 Years In The Business With New Curated EP Series

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Vince Gill. Photo: David McClister

Vince Gill is celebrating 50 years as a hit-making artist, and to honor the major career milestone, he’s curating a series of EPs, 50 Years from Home, to be released over the course of a year.

The first EP of the series, I Gave You Everything I Had, will be released on Oct. 17 via MCA, Gill’s longtime label home where he recently signed a new a lifetime deal. I Gave You Everything I Had contains six brand new songs all penned by Gill as well as one from his catalog, “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” which includes a new third verse.

It’s been 50 years since Gill chose a path toward music and left his home in Oklahoma to launch his career—a journey that’s taken him to Kentucky then California and finally Nashville, and, as a touring artist, around the world. It has seen him find success as a member of bands such as Pure Prairie League, Rodney Crowell’s Notorious Cherry Bombs, The Time Jumpers and the Eagles, and as an iconic recording artist in his own right. Gill culled the new collections in the 50-year series from over 100 songs written either solo or with others over the past few years, and each of the 50 Years From Home volumes have been meticulously selected to reflect a particular theme, idea, or aspect of his life.

Nostalgia, sentimentality, and mourning are the hallmarks of I Gave You Everything I Had. The title track and “Made Me” examine Gill’s journey in music, gentle songs that reflect the joy and pride that came from the sweat equity of the past five decades. With “Her Heart” Gill honors wife Amy Grant‘s kindness and welcoming spirit toward everyone who crosses her path.

“I Hope Everybody Lives to Be 100” is a country flavored wish Gill wrote shortly after John Prine passed away, and the aching “Benny’s Song” is specifically about the morning Benny Garcia, Gill’s oldest friend and longtime guitar tech, passed away, “When a Soldier Dies,” is a tear-jerker from the viewpoint of the ones left behind, and “Go Rest High On That Mountain” the extended version, closes out the EP.

Gill has even taken part in the design of each EP cover in the series by thoughtfully choosing an instrument from his personal collection to be featured. On I Gave You Everything I Had, he uses a photo of his 1942 Martin D-28 Herringbone guitar purchased in 1975 by selling a Martin given to him by his parents, and using his entire life savings, an important investment in himself at the onset of his career.

“The more I’ve done it, the more I’ve learned how to do it better – how to be more patient, where not to waste my time, what to do and not to do, to be willing to edit myself and keep digging,” says Gill about his process. “Experience is experience; there is no shortcut. This is what comes from doing this for 50 years.”

I Gave You Everything I Had Track List:
1. “I Gave You Everything I Had” (Vince Gill)
2. “I Hope Everybody Lives To Be A Hundred” (Vince Gill)
3. “Her Heart” (Vince Gill)
4. “Made Me” (Vince Gill)
5. “Benny’s Song” (Vince Gill)
6. “When A Soldier Dies” (Vince Gill)
7. “Go Rest High On That Mountain” * extended version (Vince Gill)

Kathy Mattea Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry As Suzy Bogguss Invited To Join The Family

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Terri Clark and Kathy Mattea. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Kathy Mattea was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by fellow member Terri Clark on Saturday night (Oct. 11), and the evening held some special surprises.

A CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite and host of the Mountain Stage radio show, Mattea was introduced to the stage by Opry member/long-time friend Trisha Yearwood before performing for the audience.

“I’ve had so many great times on this stage and the thing about the Opry is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not, they make you feel like family,” said Mattea. “I’m happy to be welcomed into this family. Happy to stand on this stage, in this circle, in this moment of my life.”

Clark presented Mattea with her Opry member award saying, “I can’t believe my 18-year-old self gets to do this. Your blend of country, folk and bluegrass carved out a niche at mainstream country radio that continues to inspire and influence to this day. It sustained a fan base and career longevity that most can only dream of. Tonight, we add another milestone to that list.”

Terri Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Suzy Bogguss and Kathy Mattea. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Mattea was later joined by Yearwood, Clark and Suzy Bogguss, who had performed earlier in the show, to sing on her hit “18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses,” but stopped the song before the final chorus, stating she had already been given a task as the newest Opry member. “On behalf of my friends, and the entire Grand Ole Opry family, Suzy Bogguss has the voice of angel with a generous spirit who has a collection of work that is timeless. Well, I have one question for you my dear friend. Would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”

Bogguss who was completely astounded and at a loss for words, eventually expressed, “I was just so excited about all of us singing together tonight. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you, but I think I may wake up in a minute.”

The special evening marked a 100-year milestone with the first time an Opry induction and invitation occurred in the same night. Bogguss’ induction date will be announced soon.

JUST IN: Warner Chappell Music Nashville Elevates Christina Wiltshire

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Christina Wiltshire. Photo: Jessica Amerson

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Christina Wiltshire to VP, A&R. In her new role, she will grow Nashville’s presence by finding and developing talent, and fostering global collaborations and partnerships. She will report to Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville.

“Feeling incredibly grateful to Austen, Phil, Guy, and Carianne for believing in my growth and creative vision at WCM,” says Wiltshire. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented songwriters and artists – and I’m deeply passionate about championing their songs and finding them innovative opportunities.”

“It’s been great getting to know Christina and seeing firsthand all the incredible work she’s already accomplished at WCM,” adds Adams. “She’s an inspiring advocate for our songwriters and a true connector across the creative community. Christina will play a key role in further amplifying our songwriters in the US and on the global stage – opening up new opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing the rise of country music around the world.”

Wiltshire started at WCMN in 2019 as Director, A&R after holding previous roles as Creative Director at Sea Gayle Music, Creative Coordinator at Patrick Joseph Music/SONGS, and internships at Cornman Music and Warner Music Nashville. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

Morgan Evans To Visit ‘Steel Town’ On Sophomore Album

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Morgan Evans will release his sophomore album, Steel Town, on March 20, 2026 via Virgin Music Group. The first single from the new project. “Beer Back Home,” was released today (Oct. 10).

The lead track, co-produced by Evans and Todd Clark, is his first single in over two years. Evans spent a period of time in his hometown of Newcastle, Australia, where he unlocked a new side creatively. After that, he returned to Nashville to craft the record.

“I had to get out of this town. I needed something real. Old mates, familiar places, and salt water,” Evans shares. “I reconnected with where I came from, who I was, who I want to be. This record is a journey, and it all started with a beer back home.”

The album will feature two collaborations, “Two Broken Hearts” with Laci Kaye Booth and “Back To The Country” with William Barton. Evans has writing credits on all eleven tracks, including two solo writes. Evans’ co-writers on the project include Sam Ellis, KK Johnson, Geoff Warburton and more. Producers on the album include Evans, Clark, Chris Destefano and Lindsay Rimes.

Steel Town Track List:
1. “Steel Town” (Ava Supplessa, Sam Ellis, Morgan Evans)
2. “Beer Back Home” (Cole Miracle, KK Johnson, Morgan Evans)
3. “Two Broken Hearts” (feat. Laci Kaye Booth) (Fraser Churchill, Morgan Evans)
4. “Another Drink Coming” (Matt Roy, Geoff Warburton, Daniel Ross, Morgan Evans)
5. “Back To Country” (feat. William Barton) (William Barton, Morgan Evans)
6. “Land I Love” (Lindsay Rimes, Danielle Blakey, Morgan Evans)
7. “Forgiving You For Me” (Morgan Evans)
8. “Letting You Go” (Lindsay Rimes, Morgan Evans)
9. “She Talks About Texas” (Morgan Evans)
10. “The Farm” (Jon Green, Scooter Carusoe, Morgan Evans)
11. “Settle It Down” (Sam Ellis, Morgan Evans)

Project Healthy Minds Partners With Music Health Alliance

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Project Healthy Minds has partnered with Music Health Alliance to expand mental health access and support for music industry professionals nationwide.

The partnership’s initial phase includes launching a co-branded digital platform powered by Project Healthy Minds’ technology, which will be integrated on the Music Health Alliance website to serve as an additional resource for music professionals seeking mental health support. The organizations will also collaborate on research and reporting to identify barriers to care, develop targeted interventions, and create scalable solutions that address the unique mental health challenges facing music industry professionals.

“Music professionals give so much of themselves to the world, often at great personal cost,” says Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder & CEO, Music Health Alliance. “There are unique pressures being a touring artist or industry leader that make it so hard to ask for help. The first step in this groundbreaking partnership between Music Health Alliance and Project Healthy Minds is a solution ensuring that safe, confidential, and trusted mental health support is available quickly and easily to music industry professionals wherever and whenever there is a need.”

“The music industry faces mental health challenges at rates higher than the general public, yet traditional systems aren’t built for touring artists, studio musicians or crew members working irregular hours,” adds Phil Schermer, Founder & CEO of Project Healthy Minds. “This partnership with Music Health Alliance is about getting access to mental health support for those who power the music we love.”

Emily Rose Partners With Postpartum Care USA To Raise Awareness Through New Video

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YouTube video

Singer-songwriter Emily Rose is bringing attention to the issue of postpartum depression, which affects many new mothers, through her new partnership with Postpartum Care USA and a powerful new video for her single, “Don’t Talk About It,” out now.

“Don’t Talk About It” speaks directly to the postpartum journey, which impacts thousands of new moms and addresses urgent, largely preventable postpartum issues like nutrient depletion, mental health challenges and thyroid imbalance. One in eight U.S. women experience symptoms of postpartum depression, with rates nearly doubling since 2010, rising to almost 19% in 2021.

“I wrote this song in the depths of postpartum depression. I wasn’t getting the care I needed and was struggling in so many ways,” says Rose. “Writing has always been my outlet—a way to process emotions and begin to heal—so this song became a place where I could finally say out loud everything I was feeling. Looking back, if I had known about an organization like Postpartum Care USA, which is dedicated to supporting mothers’ health after birth, I might not have felt so alone. I probably could have learned healthier, less overwhelming ways to cope. I truly believe in their mission and the compassionate way they walk alongside moms during this vulnerable time.”

PPCUSA CEO/Founder, Stacia Scott, MSN, FNP-BC, explains, “When I opened Postpartum Care USA three years ago, I didn’t truly realize how little maternal mental and physical care and education there was for moms. We as postpartum women aren’t talking to our spouses, we aren’t talking to our friends, and we aren’t demanding answers from our medical providers. This partnership is giving struggling moms a voice, it’s giving them permission to demand that people listen to us, because what we have to say is very real and very important.”

“Don’t Talk About It” is featured on Rose’s debut album, Welcome to Motherhood, which was released earlier this year and chronicles Rose’s personal journey as a young working mother, filled with the wonderful and challenging moments young parents face. Rose’s songs about her experiences as a young mother have resonated widely with thousands of moms who are following her on Instagram and TikTok, with “Welcome to Motherhood” gaining over 165k streams organically since its release and single “Mouths to Feed” gaining over 40k streams in the past two months.

IEBA Unveils Three New Scholarships

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IEBA has revealed three new scholarships that total $125,000. The scholarships were revealed during the Honors & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 7.

$25,000 was presented to Middle Tennessee State University to establish the Jimmy Jay & Jann Blauw Family Scholarship. Industry veteran Jay presented the check alongside Aaron Green of Jayson Entertainment Group to Mark E. Clark, MTSU Executive Director of Development.

Belmont University accepted the other two endowments, each totaling $50,000. These were established to honor Buddy Lee and Erv Woolsey. Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont’s Senior Associate Dean, Sarita Stewart and Senior Development Director Phil Shay accepted the check given to them by donor representatives Joey Lee (Co-Head of WME Nashville and son of Buddy Lee), Tony Conway (Founder and CEO, Conway Entertainment Group), and Kevin Neal (Partner, WME Nashville).

“Supporting education has always been at the heart of IEBA’s mission,” said Todd Boltin, President of the IEBA Educational Outreach Fund Board. “These new endowments honor industry legends who not only built careers for artists but also paved the way for the next generation of live entertainment professionals. Their legacies of mentorship, leadership, and generosity will continue to inspire students for years to come.”

“The scholarships these endowments create will open doors for aspiring professionals and ensure that IEBA’s educational mission thrives for generations to come,” added IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner.