Randy Travis To Be Honored During Annual ‘Grammys On The Hill’

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Randy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor

The Recording Academy is bringing back its “Grammys On The Hill” event to Washington D.C. April 8-10. The event brings congressional leaders and music creators to advocate for creators’ rights and recognize people who have advocated for music’s future.

The “Grammys On The Hill” Awards will begin the week on April 8, where Randy Travis, United States Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) will be recognized for their dedication to advocating for pro-music policies.

Travis will be honored for his advocating of fair compensation and protections for creators in the AI era. Last year, Travis showed his support for the American Music Fairness Act and his dedication for the fair use of AI as a tool to lift up and protect artist creativity.

“At this point in my life, I am fully focused on living and giving back,” says Travis. “I’ve been part of the music community my whole life, professionally for 40 years. I am passionate about advocating to keep music an honest pursuit of art and human expression. While I remain excited about new, cutting-edge technologies, we must protect, and fairly compensate, the creative minds that give us the music—and art—that feeds our souls.”

On April 9, the “Grammys On The Hill” Advocacy Day will welcome Grammy winners, nominees and industry leaders to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to look at critical music policy issues.

The event will end with the “Grammys On The Hill Future Forum” on April 10, where attendees will dive into issues impacting the music industry.

“Grammys on the Hill plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of music creators, and we’re thrilled to see it evolve into a full week of advocacy, celebration and learning,” shares Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “I’m excited to bring our music community and policymakers together in Washington—not just to celebrate the change makers fighting for creators’ rights, but to unite and take action to improve the livelihoods of music people across the country.”

Tennessee Songwriters Week Finalists Perform At Bluebird Cafe

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Tennessee Songwriters Week Finale. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists shared their original songs on stage at the Bluebird Cafe Sunday night (March 30) during a private event for their families and friends and music industry professionals.

Each finalist won during regional showcase events held at the end of February. Rodrick Duran (Memphis winner), Sarrenna Johnson (Knoxville winner), Claire Childress (Bristol winner), Kristina Stair and Jordan Foster (Gatlinburg winners), Caleb Lovely (Chattanooga winner), Jon Wayne Hatfield (Portland winner) and DEK of Hearts (Franklin winner) performed during the special show.

The seven finalists received a commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville at the Motif on Music Row, $100 gift card and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International. The Grand Ole Opry also gifted all seven finalists tickets to Saturday night’s Opry show. Songwriter J.T. Harding, who has penned hits for Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and more, hosted the finale. Esteemed guests included Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, songwriter Marc Beeson, representatives from the Academy of Country Music, American Songwriter, Country Music Hall of Fame and more.

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters in all genres of music, drive visitation, and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception more than 5,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on stages during the annual celebration each February, from listening rooms to cafes to distilleries to theatres and showcase venues.

Major Changes Hit Monument Records, Affecting Majority Of Staff

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Major changes, including the exit of most of its staff, have impacted Monument Records, MusicRow has confirmed. Select aspects of the company will be overseen by Sony Music Nashville moving forward.

Launched in 2017 by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally, in partnership with Sony Music, the label has guided the careers of Walker Hayes, Tigirlily Gold, Brandon Ratcliff, Alex Hall and Shelby Lynne, among others over the last eight years. Tigirlily Gold will move to Sony Music Nashville’s roster, but it is not yet clear where the other artists will go.

Through his Sandbox Entertainment, Owen will collaborate with Sony Music to help artists bring unique ideas and approaches to share their stories across various mediums including film and TV.

McAnally will work with artists on various creative aspects, including A&R, production, songwriting and more, while continuing to expand his work on broadway, film and TV.

General Manager Katie McCartney is departing for a new opportunity yet to be announced.

Avenue Bank Founder Van Tucker Passes

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Van Tucker

Music Row banking executive Van Tucker passed away on March 28. She was 67.

Tucker was the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Avenue Bank, and later served as CEO of Nashville Fashion Alliance and Launch Tennessee. She was a 1999 graduate (and later a board member) of Nashville’s Leadership Music program, and a founder and board member of the Americana Music Association, among many other board positions.

Tucker is survived by her husband of 17 years, Monty Holmes; sons Casey Spicer and Eamonn (Ami) Spicer; grandchildren Annalen Spicer, Oakley Spicer, Ripley Spicer, Alyse Spicer, Charlotte Gibson; bonus children Whitney (Andy) Gibson and Braden (Michelle Gay) Holmes; furry loves Mr. B and Beck; brother Melvin C. (Theresa) Tucker III; nieces Cate Tucker and Vivienne Tucker; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Williamson County Animal Shelter.

A Celebration of Life for Tucker will take place on May 18 at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Franklin Mercantile (100 4th Ave. N, Franklin, TN 37064). Billed as her “Farewell Tour,” attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite stories and memories of Tucker.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Names Galleries In Honor Of Judy & Steve Turner

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Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has named the galleries housing the museum’s permanent exhibit, “Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present,” in honor of Judy and Steve Turner.

“The Judy and Steve Turner Galleries” span two floors of the museum, and is made possible through a multi-year leadership gift from the James Stephen Turner Family Foundation. The naming recognizes the Turner family’s leadership support, including Steve Turner’s longtime commitment to the preservation and growth of the museum’s permanent collection. The gift supports the highest level of care and management of the museum’s growing collection as well as access for generations of researchers and learners from all over the world.

Steve Turner, who passed away in February of this year, was chairman emeritus and served as a longtime board chair for the museum. Judy Turner was a key supporter of the museum’s educational initiatives and passed away in June 2023

“Throughout Steve Turner’s leadership, he constantly urged staff and stakeholders alike to hold the museum’s collection in the highest regard,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “As he often reminded us, the collection should be cared for at the uppermost level and should continue to grow and expand. Its current growth and expansion have happened, in large part, due to Steve’s steady leadership and strong resolve. I can’t imagine more fitting names to have recognized in our core gallery spaces.”

In 2024, the museum’s unrivaled collection of country music treasures grew dramatically and with the Turner family’s leadership gift, the museum is launching a preservation fundraising campaign, which will continue to underwrite the intensive, multi-year work of processing and cataloging the museum’s archives, rehousing and shelving, digitizing rare manuscripts and correspondence and more. The campaign is the first fundraising initiative of its kind in the museum’s history and will offer permanent naming rights for limited spaces within the museum.

Dolly Parton & Good American Team For Limited Edition Jeans Collection

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Good American, shot by Inez and Vinoodh

Dolly Parton has teamed up with apparel maker Good American on a limited-edition new collection, Dolly’s Joleans.

The collaborative jeans features rhinestone-adorned denim, country glam-inspired details, sharp tailored shapes, opulent embellishments and fresh spins on classic fabrics like poplin and denim, each design reflecting Parton’s essence. They bring her genuine and radiant spirit to life.

Good American partnered with Parton on the collection, which is led by Dolly’s licensing agency IMG Licensing. With designs tailored to an array of style preferences and a vast size range, Dolly’s Joleans will be available for a limited time at Good American stores and online. The collection will also be available at Nordstrom on nordstrom.com and in select Nordstrom locations across the country, including at Nashville’s Green Hills.

“Dolly Parton is a true icon whose influence transcends generations, and partnering with her on this collection is an incredible honor,” says Emma Grede, CEO and Co-Founder of Good American. “Together, we created a collection that embodies self-expression and embracing what makes each of us unique.”

“I’ve always believed what you wear should make you feel as fabulous as you truly are, and this brand new line, Dolly’s Joleans, is all about celebrating individuality with a touch of sparkle,” adds Parton. “I’m inspired by Good American’s ability to create clothes that make women feel confident and ready to shine!”

Dom Martinez Signs With Concord Music Publishing

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Lily Bunta (Concord), Dom Martinez and Brad Kennard (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman

Producer Dom Martinez has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, including his full catalog and all future works.

Hailing from Denver and now based in Nashville, Martinez has lent his production talent to a wide array of genres including pop, rap, folk, singer-songwriter and R&B. He is recognized for designing unique and engaging soundscapes by blending genres and musical styles, while crafting an artists’ vision from the start. His works include collaborations with Myles Smith, Caleb Hearn, Braden Bales, Chesle, Asiris, Vwillz and Eli Wilson, among others.

“Dom’s unwavering passion for his craft resonates with everyone he collaborates with, and his enthusiasm for music is truly infectious,” shares Lily Bunta, A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing. “I am delighted to welcome Dom into the Concord family.”

“Joining the Concord Music Publishing family feels like the perfect next step in my journey as a producer,” adds Martinez. “I’m excited to work with such a creative team and take my music to the next level.”

Industry Ink: Riley Green, Megan Moroney, Ashley Gorley, More

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Riley Green Celebrates Platinum & Gold

Pictured (L-R): Chase Butler, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Andrew Thoen, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Fusion Music’s Daniel Miller and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Ryan Dokke. Photo: Nick Rau for Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

Riley Green was recently presented with a plaque commemorating “Worst Way” going Platinum and “Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley)” going Gold. Written solely by Green and tallying more than 300 million streams to date, “Worst Way” is the singer’s fastest-growing song and is currently in the top 20 and climbing. Both solo-written songs are featured on Green’s latest project, Don’t Mind If I Do, which was released this past October.

Green has five nominations at the upcoming 60th ACM Awards for his mega-hit collaboration “You Look Like You Love Me” with Langley, and continues to notch new accolades after garnering more than five billion global career streams.

 

Megan Moroney Launches “Am I Okay? Tour”

Pictured (L-R, top row): Ken Robold (President & COO, SMN), Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Ron Perry (Chairman & CEO, Columbia Records), Julian Swirsky (SVP, A&R, Columbia Records), Megan Moroney, Jen Mallory (President, Columbia Records), Joe Gallo (GM & EVP, Columbia Records) and Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, SMN); (L-R, bottom row): Juli Griffith & Hayley Corbett (Management, Punchbowl Entertainment) Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images

Megan Moroney recently kicked off her 50-date headlining “Am I Okay? Tour,” and stopped by CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on March 25 to deliver the first-ever TV performance of her streaming hit “Break It Right Back,” a fierce but tender ballad featured on Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine), the album’s expanded deluxe edition). During the start to her latest headline run, Moroney performed for a packed crowd at Montreal’s Mtelus followed by two nights at Toronto’s History, then delivered back-to-back shows at Radio City Music Hall March 26-27 in New York City.

 

AIMP Nashville Hosts Conversation With Master Songwriter Ashley Gorley

Pictured (L-R): Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), John Ozier (Reservoir), Ashley Gorley, Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Kendall Lettow (Blue Harbor Music), Courtney Crist (Eclipse Music Group) and Dave Pacula (Liz Rose Music)

The AIMP Nashville Chapter held its “Writing Hits and Cultivating Hit Songwriters: A Conversation with Ashley Gorley” event on March 28 at Live Oak. Moderator Megan Pekar of Loeb & Loeb LLP spoke to Gorley about his career writing hits with artists like Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and countless others. Gorley is ASCAP’s 2024 Country Songwriter of the Year and has been honored with the award 11 times, and will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York this June.

 

Charley Crockett Makes Tonight Show Debut

Charley Crockett. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC

Charley Crockett made his debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 27 performing “Easy Money,” from his new album Lonesome Drifter. The Texan tapes a new episode of Austin City Limits tonight in front of the iconic Austin skyline background at ACL Live at the Moody Theatre for the show’s 51st season.

 

SESAC Writers Perform At Analog During Tin Pan South

Pictured (L-R): Lydia Cahill, Scott Jungmichel, Shannan Hatch, Chris DeStefano, Kendell Marvel, Joe Fox, Andrew DeRoberts, ET Brown and Abbey Watson

SESAC affiliates Chris DeStefano, Kendell Marvel, Joe Fox and Andrew DeRoberts took the stage at Analog on the second night of Tin Pan South on March 26 performing a variety of their hits including recent No. 1 “Boys Back Home” recorded by Dylan Scott and Dylan Marlowe (Fox); “II MOST WANTED” recorded by Beyonce and Miley Cyrus (DeRoberts); “Good Girl” recorded by Carrie Underwood (DeStefano) and “Either Way” recorded by Chris Stapleton (Marvel). The show also featured special guests ELEY and Haven Madison, who each took a turn performing with DeRoberts.

 

AIMP U Offers A Peek Into the Business of Songwriting During Day-Long Event

Pictured (L-R): AIMP Nashville Chapter Board members Melissa Spillman (Concord Music Publishing), Treasurer Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), President John Ozier (Reservoir), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music) and Leslie DiPiero (The Jonas Group). Photo: Faith Boccarossa for Studio Bank

The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers held its first “AIMP U – A Holistic Peek Into the Business of Songwriting” event last week on March 26 at the BMI offices in Nashville. The event was designed to provide an in-depth look at music publishing and records, types of songwriting royalties, how to collect them as an independent creator, and other current topics impacting the songwriting community.

Among the panels was the “Record Deals + Royalties” panel, moderated by Autumn Tallant (A&R, Red Light Management) who spoke with panelists Daniel Lee (Head of A&R, Leo33 Records), Hannah Galluzzi (Director, A&R, EMPIRE) and Stephanie Davenport (Senior Director, A&R, Warner Music Nashville).

Matt Schuster Inks New Management Deal

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Matt Schuster. Photo: Joshua Erb

Rising country artist Matt Schuster has signed with new management, partnering with Dillon Goldberg of Nashville-based FNGRPRNT.

The Nashville-based management firm also represents Adrien Nunez (Warner Nashville/Warner Records), Graham Barham (Disruptor Records/Sony Nashville) and Steinza (Listen To The Kids/Santa Anna).

In the past year, Schuster has joined Bailey Zimmerman, Jessie Murph, Myles Smith and Walker Hayes as a supporting act on their headline tours. He is currently signed to Warner Music Nashville for records, Universal Music Publishing Group for publishing and WME for booking representation.

“Matt is an exceptional talent with the kind of voice and songwriting ability that cuts through,” says Goldberg. “I’m thrilled to partner with him and help realize the full scope of what he’s capable of.”

“Dillon brings a lot of experience to the table and really understands the landscape of breaking artists in 2025,” shares Schuster. “He gets how music, content, and culture all work together today, and I’m looking forward to building something strong together.”

The Crowe Boys’ Debut Album ‘Made To Wander’ On Deck For June

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The Crowe Boys are releasing their UMG Nashville debut, Made To Wander, on June 6.

The 10-track album of self-penned songs from brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe includes their latest single, “Bonfire In My Soul,” along with a new video for the song, the second of a three-video series, out now.

“I wrote this song for people in our circle who were like, ‘you should quit, or you should give up, or, you know, you’re not a man.’ This was me and my wife saying ‘No, this is us,'” says Ocie. “We care about you guys, and your opinions are valid, but this is what we believe for us.’ My hope is that people know it’s okay to ask questions that you’ve been told not to ask your whole life.”

YouTube video

The video for “Bonfire In My Soul” is the second in the duo’s video trilogy and opens to Ocie and Wes’s characters escaping from guards introduced in “Bootstraps.” The brothers begin unraveling a mystery involving new friends, a mysterious map with secret codes, and a time travel device. In the process, Ocie makes a special connection with a girl. As he takes her hand, the couple takes one last look back before running toward their next adventure. The video trilogy is made up of “Bootstraps,” “Bonfire In My Soul,” and “Debris,” out June 6 with the full album.

Made To Wander Track List:
1. Bootstraps (Ocie Crowe)
2. Let Me Feel Alone (Ocie Crowe)
3. Where Did I Go Wrong (Ocie Crowe)
4. Debris (Ocie Crowe)
5. Bonfire In My Soul (Ocie Crowe)
6. Made To Wander (Ocie Crowe)
7. Good Days (Ocie Crowe, Clara Crowe)
8. Brother Song (Ocie Crowe)
9. Lucky To Be Alive (Ocie Crowe)
10. Hello, I Know (Ocie Crowe, Alex Bachari)