Weekly Register: Zach Top, Sam Barber & Avery Anna Debut On Country Charts

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Pictured (L-R): Zach Top, Sam Barber, Avery Anna

Morgan Wallen maintains the top position on the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His 2023 album One Thing At A Time accrued 42K in total consumption (1.1K album only and 53 million song streams) and his latest song “I’m The Problem,” remains in the No. 1 position on the songs chart with 13 million streams.

Further down the albums chart, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album stays in the No. 2 spot earning 30K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion at No. 3 with 24K in total consumption, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken at No. 4 with 19K and, new on the chart this week, Zach Top‘s Cold Beer & Country Music with 18K.

On the songs chart, Shaboozey remains at No. 2 with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earning 12 million streams adding to one billion, Wallen’s “Love Somebody” at No. 3 with 12 million streams, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” at No. 4 with 11 million streams and Sam Barber and Avery Anna eclipse Wallen at No. 5 with “Indigo” accruing 9 million streams.

‘An Acoustic Evening For Autism’ Benefit Moves To Nashville Palace

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The Country Music Autism Awareness Foundation is moving their 2nd Annual fundraising event “An Acoustic Evening For Autism” to the Nashville Palace on April 1 due to increased demand.

Established last year by Christian country singer-songwriter Doug Mathis, the 2025 event will showcase acoustic performances by Darryl Worley, T. Graham Brown, John Berry, Jamie O’Neal, Minnie Murphy, Mathis and several surprise guests, with evening hosted by Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame personality Devon O’Day.

All proceeds will benefit Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD) in Nashville. General admission tickets are available now.

“Given last year’s successful launch we have decided to move our largest fundraiser event to a larger venue, to accommodate a larger crowd,” says Mathis. “Beyond that, the Nashville Palace is a legendary country music venue that also will increase our production capabilities as we plan to grow this into an annual event.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Mickey Guyton Delivers A ‘Stunning Listening Experience’

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Mickey Guyton

This sure sounds like a good weekend for music.

Four of our DISClaimer candidates are performing in Music City over the next several days—Russell Dickerson, Onoleigh, Jet Black Roses and Gary Nicholson. I recommend them all.

This is also a good week for solid, meat-and-potatoes country music. I refer you to the new sounds from Zach Top & Billy Strings, Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Willie Nelson & Rodney Crowell, William Beckmann and Tucker Wetmore. This makes my heart feel so good.

William Beckmann, by the way, is our DisCovery Award winner.

The Disc of the Day is claimed by the spectacular vocal delivery of Mickey Guyton.

TUCKER WETMORE / “3, 2, 1”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Josh Miller/Summer Overstreet; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: EMI Nashville/Back Blocks Music
– Twangin’ dobro, thumping propulsion, joyous mood, cool country singer… What’s not to love? Wetmore drops his debut album next month. Based on what I’ve heard so far, it’s bound to be a winner.

MICKEY GUYTON / “You Don’t Know Me at All”
Writer: Dave Jordan; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Guyton drew a standing ovation for her performance of this power ballad on Monday’s Ringo & Friends at the Ryman TV special. As a single, it’s a stunning listening experience, with goosebumps popping up all over when she rolls into that chorus. This lady can SING. Listen and believe.

GARY NICHOLSON / “What a Little Love Can Do”
Writers: Gary Nicholson/Stephen Bruton; Producers: Gary Nicholson, Kevin McKendree; Label: Qualified Records
– This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is also a performer of warmth and personality. You’ll hear it for yourself on this jangly country rocker. It’s the lead-off track of his groovy album Common Sense. Nicholson will be celebrating it with his pals on Saturday evening (March 15) at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. Showtime is 9:00 p.m.

WILLIE NELSON & RODNEY CROWELL / “Oh What a Beautiful World”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Pure poetry, to the accompaniment of sighing harmonica, rippling guitars and a gently rolling rhythm. This is the title tune of an album devoted to Crowell’s songs that Willie will issue as his 154th collection. It’s due next month, but while you wait, immerse yourself in this dreamy, bittersweet meditation on the passage of time. A lovely, lovely record.

BRAD PAISLEY & DAWES / “Raining Inside”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller/Taylor Goldsmith; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: EMI Nashville
– The country star and the rock band create a stately bluesy mood on this downbeat ballad. Stay tuned for the guitar fireworks at the finale.

TIM McGRAW & PARKER McCOLLUM / “Paper Umbrellas”
Writers: Drake Milligan/Monty Criswell; Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
– Advice and barroom sympathy from one broken heart to another. The rolling track is terrific, and the well-crafted lyric is even better. Absolutely play this.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Christopher LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Tap your foot. This one’s a good-time banger with energy that doesn’t let up. Perfect for a springtime playlist. Born showman Dickerson plays at the new venue The Pinnacle tomorrow evening (March 14).

DOLLY PARTON / “If You Hadn’t Been There”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Gregg Perry, Kent Wells; Label: Butterfly Records
– Our hearts are heavy for our beloved Dolly, who has lost her life’s companion. She pours her heart out in this tender eulogy for Carl. I choked up. There is love behind every tear-stained note of this performance.

ONOLEIGH / “Bottomless Tears”
Writers: Ally Sou/Emile Ghantous/Josh Goode/Onoleigh Pommier/Sam SZND; Producer: Emile Ghantous; Label: Onoleigh
– Raising a glass to a busted love affair. She sings this with remarkable force and confidence, crushing the message with clarity and emotional directness. She sounds like a total pro. The lady performs this evening (March 13) at 6:00 p.m. at The Analog. It’s a release party for her EP First Rodeo. I am told that she puts on a great show.

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION / “Granite Mills”
Writer: Timothy Eriksen; Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station; Label: Down The Road Records
– Esteemed bluegrass star Russell Moore has joined Union Station, and he takes the gripping lead vocal on this tragic, factory-fire story saga. This is a traditional tune, based on the 1874 burning of a textile mill in New York State. Heart and soul in every note of this thrilling tenor’s singing. This will be on the group’s comeback album, Arcadia, which drops on March 28.

WILLIAM BECKMANN / “Honky Tonk Blue”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/William Brice Long; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The title says it all. Magnificently country. This is the real stuff, folks. Can I get a loud, “Amen!”

ZACH TOP & BILLY STRINGS / “Don’t Cheat in Our Hometown”
Writers: Ray Pennington/Roy Eugene Marcum; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Hillbilly nirvana. These two one-up each other in awesome honky-tonk vocal slides and dazzling guitar-string tickling as they navigate this Stanley Brothers bluegrass classic made famous by Ricky Skaggs in 1984. Music to warm your country heart.

JET BLACK ROSES / “Psychoboogie Hoochiecoo”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Greg Archilla; Label: JBR
– Funky, horn-punctuated Southern rock with some built-in grease. Other tracks show that the group is equally at home in country settings. This outfit will be jamming at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Lower Broadway tonight (March 13) at 8:00 p.m.

Chris Stapleton & Jelly Roll To Headline NCAA March Madness Music Festival

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Chris Stapleton & Jelly Roll

Chris Stapleton and Jelly Roll will headline the 2025 NCAA March Madness Music Festival in San Antonio on April 4-6.

Held in conjunction with the 2025 Division I Men’s Final Four, the free, three-day festival is set to take place at Tower Park at Hemisfair in San Antonio, and will also feature headliner Pitbull as well.

On Friday, April 4, Pitbull will headline the AT&T Block Party, and Doechii will bring the heat to AT&T’s Block Party. R&B artist Ravyn Lenae opens the evening, ensuring fans a night to remember. AT&T customers attending can connect to expedited entry through the AT&T Fast Lane. To get in, just show the AT&T icon on your phone screen.

On Saturday, April 5, Coca-Cola LIVE! brings an unforgettable lineup of talent to the stage, topped by Jelly Roll headlining a day of breakout performances. T-Pain will also perform, bringing incredible vibes and fan-favorite tunes to the stage. Kicking off the afternoon, rising singer-songwriter Willow Avalon will perform on the Coca-Cola LIVE! Stage. This year, concertgoers can check out the Coca-Cola Chill House – a perfect spot to enjoy music and stay refreshed between sets.

On Sunday, April 6, Capital One JamFest will be headlined by Stapleton. The night of music under the stars continues with Benson Boone, and fresh off their first arena tour, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will take the stage with their blend of rhythm and blues. Brothers Osborne will perform their 2024 hit “Break Mine,” at this year’s Capital One JamFest as well.

Fans can learn more about each day’s events, times, and more at ncaa.com/marchmadness/musicfest. CBS Sports and TNT Sports will provide live coverage of all 67 games from the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV – and NCAA March Madness Live. Games airing on CBS will also stream live on Paramount+, and games airing on TBS, TNT and truTV will also stream live on Max. CBS will televise the Final Four, beginning with the National Semifinals on April 5, and then the National Championship on April 7.

Zac Brown Band, Ernest & Nate Smith To Headline First-Ever Busch Light Summer Music Series

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Ernest, Nate Smith and Zac Brown Band

As the official beer sponsor of NASCAR, Busch Light has tapped Ernest, Nate Smith and the Zac Brown Band to headline the first three Busch Light Summer Music Series events of the year.

Ernest will play at Texas Motor Speedway May 2-4, Smith will headline at the Michigan International Speedway, and the Zac Brown Band will perform at the Chicago Street Race on July 5. Headliners for two other events at the Iowa Speedway on Aug. 2-3, and The Worldwide Technology Raceway in St. Louis Sept. 6-7, will be announced soon.

Busch Light has long been committed to bringing unforgettable experiences for sports and country music fans – from intimate one-night-only performances with top country music artists like Riley Green and Jordan Davis, to exhilarating moments on the NASCAR track, such as the 10-second Pit Stop Wedding.

Jordan Davis Partners With Wolverine

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Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis has established a partnership with Wolverine, an 142 year old boot and clothing company. Rooted in their common values, the partnership honors the blue-collar spirit, the resilience and dedication of individuals who work hard and pursue their passions, whether on a job site, farm or stage.

Davis’ journey from blue-collar beginnings to country music embodies the Wolverine spirit. Raised in a family of skilled trades workers, he grew up witnessing his dad and grandpa putting in long hours in their Wolverine boots. Now, Davis brings that same work ethic to his Tennessee farm, his family and the global stage, representing craftsmanship and community in all that he does.

“My partnership with Wolverine is a special one,” shares Davis. “Growing up, I watched my dad, and his dad do what they love – whether it was fishing or refurbishing furniture at the shop – all with their trusted Wolverine boots on. I learned a lot about life from them, and I take pride in living out the lessons and skills they taught me both while I’m performing on stage and working at my farm. Partnering with Wolverine allows me to honor this legacy and inspire others to do what they love.”

The “Jordan Davis Picks” collection on Wolverine.com and in select retailers across the country is now available, featuring Davis’ favorite Wolverine boots, apparel and accessories. In addition, Davis will release a Wolverine custom collection launching this fall, accompanied by events designed to give back to the skilled trades community.

“Our work with Jordan Davis perfectly reflects our values at Wolverine. His embodiment of hard work on and off the jobsite and reaping its rewards resonates deeply with our purpose and consumer,” says Lauren King, Sr. Director of Marketing at Wolverine Boots and Apparel. “As a celebrated musician, Jordan shares our commitment and passion for inspiring others to pursue their crafts, giving them the confidence to do what they love and call it work.”

Melody Federer Signs With Melody Place

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Pictured (L-R): Melody Place’s Sanborn McGraw, Melody Federer, Melody Place’s Tony Gottlieb and Leigh Shockey

Singer-songwriter Melody Federer has signed a publishing deal with Melody Place.

A Texas native, Federer is a nomadic soul who has honed her craft in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Seattle and now Nashville, where she continues to gain recognition in the alt, indie, country and pop worlds. She has worked with a vast range of talents from Pink, Michael Bublé, Kelly Rowland and Burt Bacharach to up-and-coming country acts Ashley Walls and Jacob Whitesides.

She has also been releasing her own solo material including songs like the smoldering alt-rock track,”This Town,” the Americana twinged ballad (featured on Elton John’s The Rocket Hour) “The Wonder Years,” confessional indie-pop track “Knocked Up,” and the honest and edgy break-up song and her latest release, “Find Jesus.” Federer will also play a big part in the artist development of the entire Melody Place artist roster and has recently been working and writing with Melody Place recording artist Katharine McPhee.

“The first day I met Melody, nearly four years ago, I knew I wanted to sign her,” says Melody Place President/General Manager Sanborn “Sandy” McGraw. “Her innovative lyrics and songwriting talent is so memorable. She continues to blow me away and I couldn’t be happier to have her join the family and write with our incredible roster.”

Radio Hall of Fame Opens Nominee Suggestions For 2025 Induction Class

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The Museum of Broadcast Communication has announced that the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee will be accepting suggestions for 2025 nominees through Mar. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST. To submit suggestions, visit their website here.

The committee will select 24 nominees to be voted upon by industry professionals later this year to determine the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class. The induction ceremony will be held in Chicago on Oct. 30, 2025.

Founded in 1988 by the Emerson Radio Corporation, the Radio Hall of Fame has been operated by the Museum of Broadcast Communications since 1991.

David Fanning Launches Off Road Records [Exclusive]

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David Fanning, Dylan Davidson and Jamie Graves. Photo: Sam Aldrich

Hit songwriter, producer and music industry executive David Fanning has launched Off Road Records, in partnership with Reservoir Media, Inc.

Dedicated to empowering the creators behind the music and nurturing the development of artists into sustainable careers, Off Road Records finds Fanning as President. Industry veteran Jamie Graves will serve as SVP of Marketing and Promotion and report directly to Fanning. Both are partners in the company.

“Since I decided to pursue a music career, starting a label that changes the economics for the stakeholders has been a dream of mine,” Fanning says. “Everything I have accomplished up to this point has given me the confidence to build an artist and songwriter-focused label that compensates the creators.

“Reservoir is led by visionaries like President and COO Rell Lafargue and John Ozier (EVP, Creative), and this would not be possible without their partnership,” Fanning continues. “I couldn’t be more excited to start this alongside my longtime and talented friend Jamie Graves and the support and belief of the Reservoir team.”

Off Road Records will distribute and market releases via Reservoir’s label platform, Reservoir Recordings, which will also provide other label services.

“As David’s publisher for the last three years, we have seen his ability to identify and support rising talent and drive it straight to the top. We are excited about his vision for Off Road Records and look forward to helping bring it to life,” Reservoir’s Lafargue adds. “This investment is also a great opportunity to continue growing Reservoir’s recorded music business together with creators we believe in.”

The first artist signed to Off Road Records is singer-songwriter Dylan Davidson. Raised in Tennessee with a deep love for the arts, Davidson blends vivid storytelling with soaring melodies, using music to process life’s complexities and inspire others. He will release his debut single, “Wine Night,” on Friday, March 14.

Koe Wetzel Becomes Stakeholder In Outlaw Light Beer

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Hardy, Ari Opsahl and Koe Wetzel. Photo: Outlaw Light Beer

Koe Wetzel has struck a partnership with Colorado-based Outlaw Light Beer, taking an equity stake in the brand that has seen explosive growth in Texas and has collaborated with artists like Hardy.

As part of the new affiliation, Wetzel will play an active role in the beer brand’s marketing initiatives, including exclusive fan experiences, co-branded merchandise and brand activations at his live shows across the U.S. The partnership also includes an equity component, ensuring that Wetzel is not just a face for the brand but a true stakeholder in its future success.

“This was a no-brainer. Koe Wetzel embodies the Outlaw spirit in every way—fearless, unapologetic and deeply connected to his fans,” says Ari Opsahl, CEO of Outlaw & Tivoli Brewing Co. “This partnership isn’t just about sponsorship; it’s about brand integration. By aligning with one of the most electrifying artists in country music today, we’re reinforcing our brand’s identity and reaching a wider audience that values quality, independence and a damn good time. Wetzel isn’t just a musician—he’s a movement. His fans are as loyal and rowdy as they come, and we want to meet them where they are—at his shows, on the road and in their hands with an ice-cold Outlaw Light.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with Outlaw Beer and we have a lot to look forward to,” says Wetzel. “There’s a lot of options when it comes to beer, and Outlaw is the one for us. Here’s to all the Outlaws out there!”