Hardy, Lainey Wilson Notch Last MusicRow No. 1 Of 2022

Hardy and Lainey Wilson close out the final MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart of 2022 with “Wait In The Truck.” Hardy co-wrote the single with Renee Blair, Hunter Phelps, and Jordan Schmidt.

“Wait In The Truck” will appear on his second full-length release via Big Loud Records. The Mockingbird & The Crow will be a double album with the first half written in Hardy’s signature country style, while the latter will dive into his rock influences.

Hardy wraps his “Wall to Wall Tour” tonight (Dec. 16) in Columbia, South Carolina before returning to the road for “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour,” in February. He will also headline Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in June.

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

Cody Jinks Launches Late August Records In Partnership With The Orchard

Cody Jinks. Photo: Tyler Stubblefield

Cody Jinks has launched a new partnership between his label, Late August Records and The Orchard. The label’s first signing is singer, songwriter and guitarist Erin Viancourt. A Cleveland native, Viancourt is set to release her debut album in May 2023.

Late August Records will continue to be led by Jinks and his longtime manager, Arthur Penhallow, Jr., with the addition of Stephanie Hudacek leading the label’s new Nashville office. President of Soundly Music, Hudacek spent her career guiding and supporting artists across genres before joining Late August.

Erin Viancourt. Photo: Justin Cook

“I met Stephanie years ago and realized very quickly that she has no ceiling, and if the right opportunity came along to bring her in, I would,” said Penhallow, Jr. “The opportunity is this deal. It will require incredible talent to lead and Stephanie has that and then some.”

“This has been a long time in the making, as we needed to find the perfect partner to help us continue to ‘change the game,’ not only for myself, but for the many artists the label will sign in the years to come,” said Jinks. “The core of it all is about protecting the artist, making sure they own their music, copyrights, trademarks, image and likeness, and merchandise, along with educating the artist, while treating them like family.

“Erin is a badass with every possible skill one needs to make it in this business,” Jinks continues. “Beyond that, her independence dedication, kindness, confidence, coolness, determination and ‘it’ factor are just a few of the extras she brings to the table. The perfect debut artist for Late August Records.”

Additionally, Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard, shares, “The artist always comes first at The Orchard. As a home for independent creators, we share a deep understanding with Cody about the need for bespoke campaigns tailored to the artist’s needs. Our new partnership with Late August will provide artists with the tools and support to build, sustain and elevate their global reach.”

Throughout his ground-breaking career, Jinks has sold over 2 million equivalent units, garnered over 3 billion streams across platforms, has 2.4 million monthly Spotify listeners, and recently received Pandora Radio’s Billionaire Award after receiving 1 billion streams on the platform.

Industry Ink: Ray Stevens & Brenda Lee, George Strait, Ashley McBryde, Runaway June, BMI

Ray Stevens & Brenda Lee Receive Cecil Scaife Visionary Award

Brenda Lee and Ray Stevens. Photo: Eli Greiss

Ray Stevens and Brenda Lee were recently surprised with The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award at Nashville’s CabaRay Showroom. Stevens, who helped plan the event, thought he was giving the award to Lee and Lee thought she was giving it to Stevens.

The special sold-out evening opened with a 20-piece orchestra accompanying Mandy Barnett, who showcased Lee’s classic hit, “I’m Sorry.” Additional performances included Charlie McCoy, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs, and Lang Scott. The grand finale of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” was performed by The McCrary Sisters, who were accompanied by Lee.

Senator Marsha Blackburn, a past recipient of the award, presented each of the honorees with a Senate Statement for the Congressional Record. She thanked them for their contributions to Tennessee and beyond, as well as for helping lift others up throughout their own careers. In between each act, video greetings were presented from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner, Kyle Lehning, Mike Huckabee, and Mike Curb.

The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award is given to an individual whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry. In the ’70s, it was the late Cecil Scaife’s vision to create a music business program for musicians, artists, songwriters, and future music business executives to formally learn the industry he loved so dearly. His vision grew to become the world-renowned Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

 

George Strait Raises $2.4 Million At 12th Annual Vaqueros del Mar Event

Pictured (L-R): Kerry Fisher, Ed Garahan, Jamey Johnson, George Strait, and Tom Cusick. Photo: Terry Calogne

George Strait‘s 12th annual Vaqueros del Mar golf tournament and benefit concert raised a record-setting $2.4 million for the Feherty’s Troops First Foundation, bringing the all-time total to over $17 million.

Hosted at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort with longtime friend and Texas businessman Tom Cusick, the event featured a golf tournament as well as a concert with performances by Strait, Asleep at the Wheel, William Beckman, Wade Bowen, Dean Dillon, Keith Gattis, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, and Randy Rogers.

“After George and I acquired Tapatio, we had our Grand Re-Opening on 11-11-11, which was Veterans Day,” notes Cusick. “We decided holding an event for our military heroes was perfect and then we met David Feherty with Troops First, and the rest is history. I believe we both would agree that this has been one of the most fulfilling experiences we have been involved in, and have grown so close to so many that have sacrificed for our country and all of us!”

 

Ashley McBryde & Warner Music Nashville Celebrate Opry Induction

Pictured (L-R): Shane Tarleton (EVP Artist Development, WMN), Ashley McBryde, Ben Kline (Co-President, WMN), Tim Foisset (SVP Streaming, WMN), and Cris Lacy (Co-President, WMN). Photo: Chris Hollo

Warner Music Nashville’s Ashley McBryde recently became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Dec. 10).

She and fellow Opry member Terri Clark performed “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” which McBryde made her Opry debut with in 2017. She also performed “Sparrow” from her sophomore album Never Will and new song “Made For This.” Eric Church joined her for “Bible and a .44.”

 

Runaway June Performs At The CMHOF During Ford Community Day

Runaway June. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Gold-selling trio Runaway June, made up of Stevie Woodward, Natalie Stovall, and Jennifer Wayne, performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater on Dec. 11. The performance was part of the museum’s partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund for the museum’s 14th Ford Community Day.

In addition to touring the exhibit galleries, visitors were able to choose from a variety of programs and events, including a Songwriter Session with Parker Welling, a Musician Spotlight with Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grammy winner Charlie McCoy, and various family programs.

 

BMI Partners With JP Morgan Chase For Annual Meeting

Pictured (L-R): Region Manager JPM Chase’s Jeff Goodwin, Natalie Hemby, Luke Dick, CEO Gibson’s JC Curleigh, and BMI’s Mason Hunter

BMI once again partnered with JP Morgan Chase to provide entertainment at their annual meeting held at Gibson Garage in Nashville. Guests were treated to tours of the Gibson Showroom and a performance by hit songwriters Natalie Hemby and Luke Dick.

WME Nashville Partners With Safe Haven Shelter For Christmas Holiday

Pictured: Staff members from WME’s Nashville Office surround gifts purchased for sponsored families through partnering with Safe Haven Family Shelter. Photo: WME

WME’s Nashville Office has once again partnered with local non-profit Safe Haven Family Shelter this season to assist in providing families in need with a special holiday.

During November and December, Safe Haven works with over 150 families who are unable to provide gifts for their loved ones due to various circumstances. Each year they gather a wish list of items from each family.

“The holidays should be a special time for every family, no matter your circumstance,” shares WME agent Carrie Murphy, who spearheaded the agency’s holiday outreach effort. “When I shared I was looking to sponsor a few families, I was amazed at how many people wanted to help. I’m truly overwhelmed at the response of our WME family and friends wanting to ensure these parents will have something special to put under their tree for their kids.”

Over 20 families were sponsored through WME’s efforts with over 100 gifts purchased, ranging from bicycles and toys to clothes and daily essentials.WME client Lily Rose also sponsored a family.

“I’m a big believer in giving back to the community year-round, but there is something special about specifically getting kids gifts from Santa,” Rose notes. “I was so blessed to grow up in a household where my parents worked so hard and were able give us a dream Christmas year in and year out. Daira and I are so grateful to have the opportunity to give back and love this new tradition we’ve started. We cannot wait to get more people to hop on the Safe Haven train next year!”

Safe Haven Family Shelter is still accepting monetary donations, which can be made through visiting safehaven.org.

Centricity Music Adds Three Staffers, Celebrates Record-Breaking Year

Centricity Music is closing out a record-breaking year with unprecedented growth and success.

The Franklin, Tennessee based label has added three new staffers to its marketing and finance departments. Tyler Osswald has been named Digital Marketing Manager and Sarah Shinn joins as Marketing Manager, Radio. Meanwhile, Camy McArdle comes on board as Sr. Manager Finance / Business Affairs.

Additionally, Centricity has received RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications for Lauren Daigle and reached the top of the charts four times with songs from Brandon Heath, Jordan Feliz and Katy Nichole.

Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” went on to become the biggest song this decade on the Hot Christian Songs chart, holding 20-weeks at No. 1. Her second single, “God Is In This Story,” spent another three weeks atop that chart. She tops six categories in this week’s Billboard Year in Music, including Top Christian Female, Top Christian New Artist, Christian Airplay and Christian Digital Song Sales.

Nominated for an American Music Award and a Dove Award, plus winning a K-LOVE Fan Award and making her Grand Ole Opry debut, Nichole was also featured on the “K-LOVE Christmas Tour 2022” and wrapped up successful tours with Jeremy Camp, Matthew West and more.

Signed to Centricity Music in 2021, 5x Grammy-nominated, 8x Dove Award-winning Brandon Heath released his first full-length album on the label, Enough Already, in April. The album sparked the No. 1 Billboard Christian AC radio hit, “See Me Through It,” and features eight more tracks.

RIAA Gold-selling, Dove award-winning pop artist and songwriter Jordan Feliz reached radio’s top position on multiple Billboard charts with his celebratory “Jesus Is Coming Back.” The song is featured on the 18-track deluxe version of Feliz’s third full-length album, Say It.

2x Grammy-winner and multi-Platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle had her Grammy-winning crossover hit, “You Say,” the longest-running No. 1 song of any genre on the weekly Billboard Hot charts, certified 5x Platinum. Her second full-length album, Look Up Child, is also certified Platinum, while her latest radio single and sixth No. 1, “Hold On To Me,” also certified Gold.

Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Luke Bryan, More Join ‘Nashville’s Big Bash’ For New Year’s Eve

Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, and more have been added to the lineup to help Nashville ring in the New Year on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, airing live from Music City on Dec. 31 on CBS.

Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, King Calaway, Sheryl Crow, Flo-Rida, Riley Green, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Steve Miller, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and The War And Treaty have also been added to the star-studded lineup for the five-hour celebration. Featuring 50 back-to-back performances, the special will cross multiple time zones, live from the home of country music.

Previously announced superstars also performing on the special include Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, and Zac Brown Band. Artists will perform their biggest hits and perform covers of some of the most iconic country songs of all time, and collaborations will be stacked throughout the lineup. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Nashville will count down with the east coast at midnight and keep the party going through midnight CT with the city’s renowned Music Note Drop. The celebration will air live from 7- 9 p.m. CT and 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. CT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Americana Music Association Announces 2023 Board Of Directors

The Americana Music Association has announced its 2023 Board of Directors.

This year’s newly-appointed board member is Lenore Kinder (Wasserman Music). Tracy Gershon (Northern Lights Music Publishing) and Kim Buie (New West Records) were also elected for a first and second term, respectively.

The 2023 Executive Committee includes President Courtney Gregg (Blue Sky Artist Management), President-Elect Bruce Warren (WXPN, Philadelphia/NPR), Treasurer Kurt Vitolo (KV Financial Group) and Secretary Lynne Sheridan (Grammy Museum). The Executive Committee’s At-Large members are Kim Buie (New West Records), Shannon Sanders (BMI/Producer) and Jody Whelan (Oh Boy Records).

Americana Music Association 2023 Board of Directors:
Kim Buie, New West Records
Emily Cohen, Amazon Music
Tressie McMillan Cottom, Author/MacArthur “Genius Grant” Award Recipient
Gail Gellman, Gellman Management
Tracy Gershon, Northern Lights Music Publishing
Brian Greenbaum, CAA
Courtney Gregg, Blue Sky Artist Management
Lenore Kinder, Wasserman Music
Mike Kopp, Kopp Management/Arts Advocate/Political Consultant
Jackie Marushka, Marushka Media
Gina Miller, MNRK Music
Mark Moffatt, Producer
Allison Russell, Artist
Shannon Sanders, BMI/Producer
Lynne Sheridan, Grammy Museum
John Strohm, Frost Brown Todd Attorneys
Kurt Vitolo, KV Financial Group
Andrea von Foerster, Firestarter Music
Bruce Warren, WXPN, Philadelphia/NPR
Megan West, Meta, Inc.
Jody Whelan, Oh Boy Records
Rachel Whitney, Spotify

Combustion Music Adds Chris McKenna To Writer Roster

Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music President Chris Farren, Combustion Music VP Chris Van Belkom, Chris McKenna, Combustion Music GM Keithan Melton, Combustion Music Director of Operations Kelly Lyons, and Combustion Music Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan. Photo: Austin Goodloe

Combustion Music has signed songwriter Chris McKenna to an exclusive publishing deal.

McKenna moved to Nashville in 2019 and quickly built relationships with writers in town. He has garnered a number of cuts, including “Biggest T-Shirt” from Avery Anna, “After Me” released by Morgan Johnston, “Blue Eyes” from Pierre Alexander, and more.

“Chris has built a solid co-writing foundation over the first few years of his songwriting career,” notes Combustion’s Keithan Melton. “What he’s been able to accomplish on his own is highly impressive and we’re thrilled to be on board for the next chapter.”

“I’m so excited to be joining Combustion Music for my first publishing deal,” McKenna adds. “This team has put so much faith into me and quickly made me feel like a part of the family. I can’t wait to get to work and see where it goes from here!”

Keith Urban Donates $250K To Nashville-Based Charities Ahead Of The Holidays

Pictured (L-R): Carla Denham, Chief External Relations Officer; Rodney Crowell, recording artist; Urban; Tatum Allsep, Founder & Chief Executive Officer; and Shelia Shipley Biddy, COO & Certified Senior Advisor. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Before heading out on the Australian leg of “The Speed of Now Tour,” Keith Urban visited a handful of Nashville-based charities, presenting each with donations to recognize their work.

Urban poses with Nashville Food Project Staff and Volunteers. Photo: Brennon Williamson

The contributions included $50,000 to both The Nashville Food Project, which brings people together to provide food in order to alleviate hunger across the city, and Thistle Farms, which provides healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. The Music Health Alliance, who provides advocacy and access to life-saving healthcare resources for music professionals, received $100,000. An Urban family donation of $50,000 was also made to Vanderbilt Breast Cancer Research.

“Keith Urban’s contribution and passion for Music Health Alliance helps our organization, and the people who work tirelessly on our behalf, to provide funds for life-saving healthcare advocacy and resources that serve vulnerable music makers facing healthcare challenges,” says Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Alliance. “He’s always supported our community and for that we are so appreciative.”

Urban poses with Thistle Farms Staff. Photo: Brennon Williamson

“This gift from Keith Urban will help so many of our neighbors get the food they want and need,” The Nashville Food Project’s CEO C.J. Sentell adds. “With this generous donation, we can share more than 15,000 meals and provide seeds, tools, and supplies for 100 families to grow their own food in 2023. We are grateful to Keith Urban and others like him who make this work possible every day!”

“We are overcome with gratitude at this gift from Mr. Urban, which will help Thistle Farms light the way for even more women survivors of commercial sex trafficking and exploitation,” Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms, shares. “25 years ago, we pioneered a unique two-year residential program in Nashville which incorporates free, trauma-informed care and a supportive community while providing meaningful employment. This gift paves the way for the next woman on the streets who is searching for a way home to find the love and safety she deserves.”

“I have a deep-seated respect and feeling of gratitude for the work that all of these organizations do to make people’s lives more manageable,” Urban explains. “Their commitment to community, what they do for Nashville, and for others across the country, is not only inspiring, but it shows how much we can accomplish when working together.”

The donations are the result of Urban’s participation in this year’s Cantor Charity Day, during which he raised the monies donated by Cantor on his behalf. To date, Charity Day has raised over $192 million for charitable causes around the world, and since its inception the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund has raised and distributed over $369 million.

Final Voting For 65th Annual Grammy Awards Open Now

The final round of voting for the 65th Grammy Awards, which determines this year’s winners, is open now until Jan. 4. Recording Academy voting members can cast their ballots here.

A historic total of 16,741 eligible entries were submitted for Grammy consideration this year with music professionals across all genres and disciplines participating in the voting process. Among the nominees are a wide range of musical genres, including dance/electronic, R&B, rap, pop, American roots, Latin and rock. Additionally, nearly half of this year’s nominees are women and more than half are people of color.

For more information about the voting process, key dates, an overview of this year’s new categories and more, visit RecordingAcademy.com. For a complete list of nominees across all 91 categories at the 65th Grammy Awards, click here. To see a list of Nashville nominees, click here.

The 65th Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5 on CBS and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.