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

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This week, Nashville remains as vibrant as ever, with major announcements, heartfelt tributes and industry shifts making headlines this week in the MusicRow Weekly. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine unveiled the nominees for the 2025 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. The annual honors, which celebrate excellence across all facets of Nashville’s music industry, are voted on by MusicRow subscribers. Voting opened on Wednesday (Aug. 6) with ballots sent to all active subscribers. The voting period remains open through Friday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. CT. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 3 across all MusicRow online platforms. Readers who wish to participate in the voting process can still sign up for a subscription to become eligible.

This week also brought a profound loss to the country music community with the passing of Jeannie Seely. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely died on last Friday (Aug. 1) at the age of 85, following complications from an intestinal infection. A revered member of the Grand Ole Opry, Seely’s legacy spans seven decades of trailblazing work as an artist, songwriter, host, and producer. She made history as the first woman to regularly host segments of the Opry and broke cultural ground by being the first artist to wear a miniskirt on its stage. At the time of her death, Seely had performed on the Opry stage more than any other artist—5,397 times—cementing her place in country music history.

In celebratory news, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2025 inductees during a press conference on Music Row. The upcoming inductees include a mix of legendary performers and behind-the-scenes hitmakers: Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Jim Lauderdale, Don Cook, Steve Bogard and Tony Martin. The formal induction ceremony is set for October.

Sad news also came with the passing of Brandon Blackstock, a longtime talent manager and industry figure. He died at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer. Blackstock, the son of veteran manager Narvel Blackstock and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, was known for his deep ties to the music and entertainment world.

Several executive moves made headlines this week. At MCA, Sarah D’Hilly has been named Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing and Strategy, while Brad Krause joins as Senior Director of Digital Strategy. Hannah Galluzzi steps into the role of Vice President, A&R. Over at Big Machine Label Group, Nicole Flammia has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Creative Photo-Video Production.

Artist development also saw notable action this week. Parker McCollum has extended his exclusive recording deal with MCA, with the label acquiring his full catalog, including The Limestone Kid and Probably Wrong. Meanwhile, Capitol Music Group and The Core Records have signed rising artist Brandon Wisham, and Big Loud Records has inked a deal with Timmy McKeever. Songwriter-producer Jake Mitchell has also entered into an exclusive songwriting agreement with Riser House.

In more publishing news, songwriter Ben Goldsmith has extended his deal with Kobalt Music, and rising singer-songwriter RYMAN has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing.

Leadership changes at The Neal Agency included the promotion of Kelly Littlefield to President of Operations for both TNA and Sticks Management. Clark Wilson has been promoted to Agent, Fairs & Festivals, Simone Chretien has been named Agent for the Southeast Territory, and Juliette Edwards is now Agent for the West Coast Territory.

The CMA has announced its newest class of participants for the Women’s Leadership Academy, a 12-week program designed to empower and support women across the music industry.

And finally, a true icon will be celebrated this year: John Fogerty, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and legendary songwriter, will receive the 2025 BMI Troubadour Award. The award honors songwriters who have profoundly impacted the creative community and continue to influence generations of music makers.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Jordan Davis takes the No. 1 spot with “Bar None.” 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.

Lanie Gardner Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Lanie Gardner. Photo: Jessica Hood

Lanie Gardner made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday (Aug. 6), performing “Hills Have Eyes” and “Faded Polaroids,” the title track from her upcoming sophomore album, out Sept. 5. Gardner carried a Polaroid photo of her late grandfather to the center of the circle, dedicating the moment to him, fulfilling a dream he’d held before passing away.

The Burnsville, North Carolina native also released “Faded Polaroids” today (Aug. 8), which she wrote alongside Oscar Charles, Lori McKenna and Barry Dean.

“‘Faded Polaroids’ is the heart of the album,” Gardner shares. “The idea came from going through a box of old photos. How I experience life today is because of those moments,” she explains. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to remember. The simple things make you happy, and to understand that, you have to search for yourself.”

Gardner will hit the road to join Gavin Adcock for select dates this fall.

Industry Ink: Randy Travis, Charles Kelley, BMI, Koe Wetzel, More

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Randy Travis Visits Grammy Museum Mississippi For Sold-Out Members Only Event

Pictured (L to R): GRAMMY Museum MS Board Member and Co-Host Zach Farnum, James Dupré, Randy Travis, Mary Travis, Board Director Emeritus and Co-Host Tricia Walker

Randy Travis recently visited the Grammy Museum Mississippi for the An Evening With series. The exclusive members-only event, held in the Museum’s 140-seat Sanders Soundstage, sold out in less than 24 hours.

Attendees were treated to an intimate evening featuring Travis, his wife Mary Travis, and special guest vocalist James Dupré, who performed some of his greatest hits, including “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Three Wooden Crosses” and more.

“We were thrilled to welcome Randy Travis, whose contributions to country music are immeasurable, for a truly unforgettable evening,” said Emily Havens, Executive Director of Grammy Museum Mississippi. “The overwhelming response from our members and the generosity shown during the auction speak to the deep connection our community feels to Randy’s legacy and to the power of music education.”

 

Charles Kelley Appears On ‘CBS Mornings’


Charles Kelley recently appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss his newest solo project, Songs For A New Moon.

Sitting down with Gayle King, Nate Burleson and Vladimir Duthiers, Kelley dished on his inspiration behind the album, drawing from his relationship with his wife Cassie for songs like “Can’t Lose You” and his experiences over the last three years of his sobriety.

The Lady A member will host his “Songs For A New Moon: One Night Only” concert in celebration of the new record at Exit/In in Nashville on Aug. 27

 

BMI Reveals Lineup For Stage At 2025 Austin City Limits Festival


The BMI Stage will return to Zilker Park for its 22nd year at the 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival, held Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 10–12.

Over the course of the festival spanning back-to-back weekends BMI will showcase 22 acts, including Aaron Page, Alex Amen, Ally Salort, Chuwi, Clover County, Dizzy Fae, Eric Slick, Fancy Hagood, GoldFord, INOHA, LVVRS, Maggie Antone, Moody Joody, Nicky Youre, S.L. Houser, Skrilla, South Arcade, Southall, Supertaste, The Bends, Tyler Ballgame and Zinadelphia.

“Since 2003, the BMI stage at ACL Fest has supported the careers of hundreds of artists through our longtime partnership with C3 Presents,” says Mason Hunter AVP, Creative Nashville. “We’re thrilled to be able to give our BMI family of songwriters a platform to showcase their music and connect with fans year after year, and this year we’ve got an incredible line-up of talent to highlight on the BMI stage.”

 

‘Koe Wetzel & Friends: Stronger Together’ Raises Over $774k For Kerr County Flood Relief

Koe Wetzel. Photo: Mike Brooks

The recent “Koe Wetzel & Friends: Stronger Together” fundraiser has raised $774,870 so far.

The event featured performances from Wetzel, Kolby Cooper, Casey Donahew, Ray Wylie and Lucas Hubbard, Pecos Hurley of Pecos & The Rooftops, Mike Ryan, Shane Smith of Shane Smith & The Saints and Dylan Wheeler.

“To see how packed the fans had the Pavilion on a Monday night – that love and support for this cause meant everything,” reflects Wetzel. “I can’t say thank you enough to my buddies who came out and donated their time, too. Seeing them all get up there and play with the band I’m blessed to stand on stage with every night is something I won’t forget for a long time!”

 

She Is The Music, FEMco & Anzie Blue Unveil August Showcase Lineup


She Is The Music, FEMco and Anzie Blue have teamed up to host an all-women showcase on Aug. 27. The multi-genre line-up includes Amanda Shires, Brittney Spencer, Cecilia Castleman, Haven Madison, M’Lynn and Queen Anne.

Hosted by FEMco’s Leslie Fram and Anzie Blue’s Marcie Allen, each artist will engage in a brief discussion and perform one song, followed by a post-show mixer. Admission to the show is free, but tickets are required.

 

Jeremy McComb Raises $213,138 At “A Community Rises” Benefit


Jeremy McComb recently hosted “A Community Rises” benefit in honor of the late firefighters Frank Harwood and John Morrison as well as wounded firefighter Dave Tysdal. The event included performances by Kelly Hughes Band, Steve Starkey, Sammy Eubanks, The Copper Mountain Band, Chance Long, The Hankers, Payton Rae, Jordan Paddock, Tanner Laws, Tamarack Ridge Band and comedian PJ Walsh. Idaho weatherman Mark Peterson of KXLY served as the emcee.

The Post Falls, Idaho native raised $213,138, which has been directly donated to the affected families via the Red & Blue Foundation.

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Hires Two, Promotes Two

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Marie Bradshaw, Crystal Mann, Erin Osmon & Heather Reed. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has promoted two internal team members, as well as hiring staff additions.

Erin Osmon joins the staff as Writer-Editor in the museum services department. As Writer-Editor, Osmon will contribute to exhibitions, museum publications, public programs, online offerings, social media channels and other educational initiatives that explore the narratives of country music history and its contributions to culture.

Osmon is a music journalist, critic and author of books on John Prine and Jason Molina. A native of Evansville, Indiana, and a veteran of Chicago newsrooms, her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, No Depression, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, SPIN, The Guardian, Washington Post and other publications. Before joining the museum, she was faculty at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism. Her album notes for the box set Blondie: Against the Odds 1974-1982 won the ASCAP Foundation’s Deems Taylor/Virgil Thompson Award in 2023. Her new book about heartland rock in the 1980s will be published in 2026. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from DePaul University.

Heather Reed joins as Director of Facilities. In her new role, Reed oversees the team maintaining critical building systems across all museum spaces including galleries, collection storage, retail and restaurant establishments and event and office facilities, while leading infrastructure management, capital improvement projects and long-range building planning. With 23 years of experience in operations and facilities management, Reed most recently served as the Director of Manufacturing at Aero Build in Nashville. Prior to that position, she spent 20 years in Chicago with McMaster-Carr on leadership teams. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant and tourism management from New Mexico State University.

The museum also promoted Marie Bradshaw to Director of Institutional giving and Crystal Mann to Associate Director of Revenue Marketing.

In her new role Bradshaw oversees the nonprofit museum’s corporate, foundation and government fundraising efforts and provides leadership and coordination across both grant-seeking and corporate sponsorship initiatives. Bradshaw joined the museum in August 2021 and most recently served as Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Framingham State University.

As Associate Director of Revenue Marketing, Mann oversees marketing initiatives that support the museum’s nonprofit mission, including admissions, membership, retail, dining and events, as well as the CMA Theater, Haley Gallery and Hatch Show Print. Mann joined the museum in 2024 as Marketing Manager, where she played a key role in advancing strategic campaigns and strengthening performance across key revenue channels. Her prior experience includes marketing and audience development roles at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Kansas City Symphony.

MaRynn Taylor Readies Debut Album Due This Month

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MaRynn Taylor is set to release her self-titled debut album MaRynn on Aug. 22 via Black River Entertainment.

Taylor co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on the record, alongside writers including McCall Chapin, Olivia DePonte and Joybeth Taylor among others, with Josh Kerr producing the project. The album features previously released singles “same girl same” and “season 2 of friends,” as well as recent releases “pretty much” and “dirty blonde.”

The Michigan native wrapped a tour with Kelsea Ballerini earlier this year and recently hit the road with Jake Scott.

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MaRynn Track List:
1. “dirty blonde” (MaRynn Taylor, McCall Chapin, Clara Park)
2. “we could be in love right now” (MaRynn Taylor, Jason Earley, Josh Kerr)
3. “look at you go” (MaRynn Taylor, McCall Chapin, Clara Park)
4. “pretty much” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr, Dan Wilson)
5. “she broke up with the boy” (MaRynn Taylor, Olivia DaPonte, Jon Ims, Josh Kerr)
6. “same girl same” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr, Jason Saenz)
7. “denim” (MaRynn Taylor, Gabe Foust, Joybeth Taylor)
8. “get to know me” (MaRynn McCall Chapin, Robyn Dell’Unto)
9. “season 2 of friends” (MaRynn Taylor, Benjy Davis, Josh Kerr)
10. “you think of me” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr)
11. “free ain’t free” (MaRynn Taylor, McCall Chapin, Clara Park)
12. “longer than me” (Anna Vaus)

2025 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Female Songwriter Of The Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Female Songwriter of the Year category.

Female Songwriter of the Year nominees are honored for notable activity on high-performing country songs during the eligibility period, as determined by data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.

Below are a selection of songs that entered the MusicRow Songwriter Chart for the Female Songwriter of the Year nominees:

Jessi Alexander
“Chevrolet” by Dustin Lynch feat. Jelly Roll
“No Caller ID” by Megan Moroney
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” by Luke Combs
“Remember Him That Way” by Luke Combs

Kelly Archer
“I’m Gonna Love You” by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood

Jessie Jo Dillon
“No Caller ID” by Megan Moroney
“Messed Up As Me” by Keith Urban
“Lies Lies Lies” by Morgan Wallen
“Am I Okay?” by Megan Moroney
“Friday Night Heartbreaker” by Jon Pardi
“Baggage” by Kelsea Ballerini
“Happen To Me” by Russell Dickerson
“Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” by Nate Smith and HARDY
“Dreams Don’t Die” by Jelly Roll
“Crazy Eyes” by Morgan Wallen
“If You Were Mine” by Morgan Wallen

Joybeth Taylor
“Weren’t For The Wind” by Ella Langley
“Need To” by Gavin Adcock

Lydia Vaughan
“Friends Like That” by John Morgan feat. Jason Aldean
“Bar None” by Jordan Davis

Laura Veltz
“High Road” by Koe Wetzel feat. Jessie Murph

Jordan Davis Returns To Europe For Headlining Tour In February

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Jordan Davis will return to the UK and Europe in February 2026 for his biggest international headline tour to date, “The Ain’t Enough Road Tour,” with special guests Avery Anna and Solon Holt.

Kicking off Feb. 20, the run includes shows in Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Zurich, and a London date at OVO Arena, with two additional dates to be revealed soon. To celebrate the tour announcement and album release, Davis will also be playing three intimate sold-out shows in Kingston with Banquet Records on August 19.

The news comes ahead of Davis’ anticipated new 17-track album Learn The Hard Way, set for release on August 15, featuring the record-breaking 8-week No. 1 at UK country radio and Gold-certified “I Ain’t Sayin’’ and current single “Bar None.” He’ll hit the road on his “Ain’t Enough Road Tour” this fall, with the nationwide tour kicking off Sept. 11 in Greater Palm Springs. 

UK/EU 2026 Tour Dates:
20th February – Belfast, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena
22nd February – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
25th February – Manchester, England – O2 Apollo Manchester
26th February – Manchester, England – O2 Apollo Manchester
28th February – London, England – OVO Wembley Arena
1st March – Birmingham, England – O2 Academy Birmingham
4th March – Zurich, Switzerland – Volkshaus

Kip Moore Releases Deluxe Record ‘Solitary Tracks’

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Kip Moore has released a deluxe edition of his newest project, Solitary Tracks, via Virgin Music Group. The record features 26 songs, including a brand-new track “American Heartbreak” as well as live, stripped-down spins on two fan-favorite tracks from the LP, “Solitary Tracks” and “Rivers Don’t Run.”

The new track was penned by Moore and Jaren Johnston. Alongside the record, Moore released a music video for the track, which was filmed on his tour bus after a recent show.

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Moore will continue his “Solitary Tracks World Tour” this fall, with his next run of shows kicking off in October in Colorado. McCoy Moore, Leon Macjen and Caylee Hammack will join as support across dates.

Solitary Tracks Track List:
1. “High Hopes” (Kip Moore/Dave Nassie/Zach Ziemer)
2. “Solitary Tracks” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Brett James)
3. “Pretty Horses” (Kip Moore/Nathan Chapman/Blair Daily)
4. “Livin’ Side” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Kristian Bush)
5. “Around You” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
6. “Half Full Cup” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
7. “Bad Spot” (Casey Beathard)
8. “Straight Line Boots” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
9. “Rivers Don’t Run” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
10. “Burn” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
11. “Like Ya Stole It” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
12. “Southern Son” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Will Lynde/Morgan Evans)
13. “Learning As I Go” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles)
14. “Alley Cat” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch)
15. “Live Here to Work” (Kip Moore)
16. “Love And War” (Kip Moore/Erich Wigdahl/Manny Medina/Dave Nassie)
17. “Flowers In December” (Kip Moore/Erich Wigdahl)
18. “Forever is a Lie” (Kip Moore/Will Lynde/Erich Wigdahl)
19. “Wildfire” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Oscar Charles/Hank Born)
20. “Tough Enough” (Kip Moore/Brett James)
21. “Good Things Never Last” (Kip Moore/Casey Beathard)
22. “Take What You Can Get” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles)
23. “Only Me” (Kip Moore/Oscar Charles/Luke Preston/Dan Couch)
24. “American Heartbreak””* (Kip Moore, Jared Johnston)
25. “Solitary Tracks” LIVE* (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Brett James)
26. “Rivers Don’t Run” LIVE* (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
*Deluxe Tracks

The Castellows Mix It Up On New ‘Acoustic Live Sessions’ Project

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Sister trio The Castellows have released a new six-song project, Acoustic Live Sessions via Warner Music Nashville.

The six-song release features reimagined versions of fan favorites from their debut EP Homecoming, early career tracks, and some brand-new acoustic recordings. The project includes stripped-back cuts of standouts like “Old Way,” “Sheltered,” and their version of Patty Loveless’s “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am,” as well as a new acoustic spin on the previously released “Alabama Stone.” It also features the heartfelt focus track “Red Dirt Girl” and the Dan Seals hit “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold).” Each song was captured live.

The Castellows are currently on the road with Thomas Rhett for his “Better in Boots Tour” and will kick off their headline “The Homecoming Tour” this fall.

Acoustic Live Sessions Track List:
1. “Alabama Stone” (Caroline Watkins, Josh Dorr, Eleanor Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Lily Balkcom)
2. “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” (Dan Seals, Bob McDill)
3. “Sheltered” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom and Daniel Tashian)
4. “Old Way” (Ellie Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Casey Beathard, and Jimi Bell)
5. “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” (Gretchen Peters)
6. “Red Dirt Girl” (Rodney Crowell)

Chase Rice Sparks Creative Reset On Upcoming New Album ‘ELDORA’

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Chase Rice will deliver his new album ELDORA to fans on Sept. 19, and he’s offering a taste of the new project with “Circa 1943,” out today (Aug. 8), a bittersweet love story set against the backdrop of World War II.

Written by Rice alongside Wyatt McCubbin and producer Oscar Charles, the new track pays tribute to the courage and heart of the Greatest Generation.

“Harold and Berniece were my mom’s parents,” shares Rice about the new single. “They didn’t meet around 1943, he never took a bullet to the leg to my knowledge, she had brown eyes, not blue, he was not a Marine (he was very proudly Air Force), and she was not a nurse in our military. However, he did make her laugh and loved her with every ounce of his being. Their names are the only true parts about this story – nevertheless, I hope it honors them and anybody from the Greatest Generation who fought and/or died for our amazing country.”

Written primarily in the quiet solitude of Eldora, Colorado alongside Charles, McCubbin, Foy Vance and Cleto Cordero in the days following his recent performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the 12-song Eldora reflects a creative reset for the artist, one chasing moments that matter and songs that leave a mark. “Circa 1943,” joins “Two Tone Trippin’” in previewing the forthcoming project, with the guitar-filled joyride capturing the heart of summer. He also has some special guests join him on the new album, including Kashus Culpepper and Elvie Shane on “Tall Grass,” McCubbin on “Two Tone Trippin,’” and Madeline Edwards on “Country & Western.”

“This is the kind of music I’ve always loved and the kind of stories I’ve always wanted to tell,” says Rice. “I hope the past few years have helped fans see that this is the real me, not the person who was chasing trends or afraid to do something different. ELDORA isn’t about proving anything – it’s about making something that’s real and letting it speak for itself.”

Rice is currently in the midst of his “Go Down Singin’ International Tour.”

ELDORA Track List:
1. “Cowboy Goodbye” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Foy Vance)
2. “Tall Grass” (feat. Kashus Culpepper and Elvie Shane) (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Foy Vance)
3. “Namin’ Horses” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
4. “ELDORA” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
5. “Two Tone Trippin’” (feat. Wyatt McCubbin) (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
6. “Mr. Coors” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
7. “Circa 1943” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
8. “Country & Western” (feat. Madeline Edwards) (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
9. “Cottonmouth” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
10. “Good Side of Gettin’ Older” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
11. “One Drink Long” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Wyatt McCubbin)
12. “Sunsettin’” (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Cleto Cordero)