Music Row Remembers Ben Vaughn

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Warner Chappell Nashville office

All week, banners have been appearing across Music Row in tribute to Ben Vaughn, the beloved President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, who tragically passed away on Jan. 30.

Lining 16th and 17th Avenue and beyond, the banners feature Vaughn’s image—some bearing the simple yet profound message: “Thank You, Ben.” The tribute reflects the deep impact he made on the music industry and the many lives he touched throughout his career.

For more than a decade, Vaughn led Warner Chappell Music Nashville with vision and dedication, overseeing all facets of the company, from A&R and business development to songwriter advocacy and rights protection. He was not only a respected executive but also a champion for songwriters and a guiding force in the industry.

Read his full obituary here.

Vaughn was preceded in death by his wife, Carlee Ann Vaughn, who passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He is survived by their three children: Ruby, Griffin and Zeke.

In honor of Vaughn’s legacy, donations can be made to the Brain Tumor Research Fund, which was established following Carlee’s passing.

Money can be sent to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
P.O. Box 290369
525 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN 37229

Donations can also be made online at VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.”

Blake Shelton Begins Residency At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace

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Blake Shelton. Photo: Jamie Wendt

Last night (Feb. 5), Blake Shelton kicked off his first ever Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, performing for a sold-out audience.

“This is a big deal for me,” shared Shelton, sporting a custom-made black corduroy shirt, BSxLE jeans, and Tony Lama grand caiman boots. “This is the opening night of my first residency ever. I’ve been coming to Las Vegas for a long time, so I know what my job is here tonight. We’re here to make memories.”

Fans at the opening night were treated to a setlist of over 20 songs, showcasing some of Shelton’s biggest hits like “Sangria,” “Honey Bee,” “Ol’ Red,” “God’s Country” and “Boys ‘Round Here.” Shelton began the show with his latest No. 1 single, “Pour Me A Drink.”

Blake Shelton. Photo: Jamie Wendt

“I am excited to finally be in Vegas, bringing the honky tonk to Sin City,” he added. “We have a lot of fun ahead of us here at The Colosseum the next two weeks.”

Shelton also debuted his new single “Texas,” which is already in the Top 10 and pays tribute to George Strait. In a fitting tribute, he followed it up with Strait’s classic hit, “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.”

He continued the classic country vibes with Alabama’s No. 1 hit, “Mountain Music.” Recently, Shelton paid tribute to the legendary group with a performance for CMT Giants: Alabama and again on stage at the BMI Awards in Nashville last November.

Shelton wrapped up the night with his hit, “God Gave Me You.” “Blake Shelton: Live in Las Vegas” will continue on Feb. 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15.

The SteelDrivers Sign With Sun Records

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Modern bluegrass masters The SteelDrivers have signed with Sun Records.

The announcement comes as the band celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. Their first new self-produced album for the label, Outrun, is set to be released May 23.

“The founder of Sun Records, Sam Phillips, and his successor, Shelby Singleton, both had a knack for recording and releasing great music across a diverse array of genres. While the sounds vary from artist to artist, one thing ties it all together: ingenuity. Now under its third owner, Primary Wave, Sun has risen and is releasing great new music again for the first time in decades,” says Sun Records Senior Director of A&R/Sync, Chase Gregory. “We are thrilled to welcome The Steeldrivers to the Sun Records family! They are emblematic of Sun’s Americana roots, and we are honored to help them celebrate 20 years as a group.”

“As The SteelDrivers celebrate the 20th year of their musical odyssey, I cannot imagine a finer coupling for our new recording than the iconic Sun Records,” says SteelDrivers bassist Mike Fleming.

Fiddler Tammy Rogers adds, “We’re excited to partner with a true icon. Sun Records definitely has the ‘cool’ factor!”

A group of seasoned veterans each distinguished in his or her own right, the SteelDrivers have become one of the biggest names in progressive bluegrass after making their debut in 2005. They braid their bluegrass roots with new threads of their own design from country, soul, blues and other contemporary influences to create an unapologetic hybrid. They have been nominated for four Grammys, the Americana Music Association’s New Artist of the Year, and were awarded IBMA’s 2009 Emerging Artist of The Year. In 2015, their album The Muscle Shoals Recordings won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Recording.

Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating artists like Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell and many others.

Old Dominion Gives Back During ‘7 For 7’ Finale

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Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

Last night (Feb. 6) at the Ryman Auditorium, Old Dominion took the stage for their final “7 for 7” residency show, an evening of music and philanthropy aimed at raising funds for various charities, while the band was also celebrating seven consecutive CMA Awards for Vocal Group of the Year. The energy in the venue was palpable, as fans of all ages packed in, eager to experience the band’s unique blend of country charm and rock-infused tunes that are normally played at arenas inside the intimate setting.

The band’s current radio single “Coming Home” kicked things off with frontman Matthew Ramsey setting the tone, playing a smooth harmonica solo that had the crowd swaying to the rhythm. The band quickly transitioned into “No Hard Feelings,” with Ramsey teasing the audience with a xylophone solo. The crowd loved it, and the playful sound added a flair to the already memorable track.

“This is the last show, show No. 7 baby,” Ramsey exclaimed during a roaring crowd applause. “And there’s only one show tonight, so that means we can do whatever we wanna do.” With that, the night turned into a “request line,” where fans were able to request songs via signs they brought in. The night kept rolling with “Make It Sweet,” followed by “Different About You,” both crowd favorites that got everyone singing along, their voices filling the venue. With the set list spanning all the fan-loved songs, “Be With Me” and “Beer Can In A Truck Bed” were instant highlights, and you could feel the crowd’s connection.

The War And Treaty and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen

The evening’s surprises didn’t stop there. As the band dove into Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me”, the room erupted in excitement when The War & Treaty joined them on stage for a powerhouse collaboration. Their harmonies filled the venue, adding an extra layer of soul to the classic anthem.

The excitement reached new heights as Ernest joined the band for “Flower Shops,” bringing a little more magic to the moment with his signature smoothness. The crowd soaked in every second, swaying in perfect harmony with the music.

The tempo picked up with “How Good Is That,” followed by the slowed down rock of “Some Horses,” two songs that had the crowd on their feet, hands in the air, and dancing lending to the band’s unstoppable momentum. As the night moved into “Snapback,” the vibe was pure fun, a shout-out to simpler times, with fans screaming every word.

Ernest and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen

During “Hotel Key,” the band passed around different hotel keys from the crowd, creating an intimate and spontaneous moment that tied everyone together.

The crowd roared with excitement as Ramsey invited a fan on stage during “All I Know About Girls.” The girl, attending her very first concert, was welcomed like an old friend, her wide-eyed excitement as palpable as the energy in the room. She took in the moment, singing along with the band and her family, her joy contagious to everyone around her.

After “Memory Lane,” Ramsey took a moment to address the crowd.

Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

“Today we took a tour of part of this building that’s not really open to the public. We went up into the attic, and it’s pretty impressive and empty up there. But you can tell that’s where all the music that is played here, the songs make their way up there and they hang out there forever.” Ramsey then challenged the crowd to sing “One Man Band” as loud as possible to cement the song into the building’s history. Before the band played “Say You Do”, Ramsey shared the story of how it marked his first-ever No. 1 hit as a songwriter, and fellow band member Trevor Rosen’s second No. 1.

With “Song For Another Time” and “I Was On A Boat That Day,” the audience was singing along to every word, a massive sea of voices echoing throughout the Ryman.

“The fact that we officially formed this band in 2007 and spent years playing to no one,” frontman Ramsey reflected during “I Was On A Boat That Day.” “We had a blast doing it the whole time, knowing that we had something special. We have traveled the world and seen all different countries and we have so much to be proud of, but this right now is topping the list.”

Fans requesting songs during Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

A truly incredible moment came with the final song “Goodnight Music City,” a brand new song they’d written just two weeks ago. The vulnerability in the performance, combined with the intimate feel of the Ryman (which gets a shoutout in the song), gave the song an emotional weight that resonated with the entire room. As the band wrapped up the night, there was no denying the sense of community and celebration. 

During the show, the band announced that throughout their seven nights, they were able to raise $1.25M for various charities. The band also celebrated their seven night run by releasing a brand new song today (Feb. 7), “Making Good Time.”

MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s MusicRow Weekly covers key moments in the industry. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow revealed the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025, recognizing six female executives who will be honored at the 12th annual breakfast event on March 20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant.

Universal Music Group announced a reorganization of its Nashville-based operations, naming Mike Harris as CEO and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb as Chief Creative Officer. With these changes, Cindy Mabe has exited her role as Chair & CEO after two years in the position and more than 18 with the company.

Big Machine Label Group’s Clay Hunnicutt has departed his role as EVP/Label Operations after five years with the label.

SOURCE Nashville announced this year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame Award inductees: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West.

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday, with a milestone moment as Beyoncé won her first-ever Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter. Other notable winners included Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Sierra Ferrell and Billy Strings.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included, with Jelly Roll maintaining the No. 1 spot with “Liar” for a second week. Explore more chart data here.

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.

Ryan Hurd Gives A Nod To The Heartland Dreamers On New Album, ‘Midwest Rock & Roll’

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Ryan Hurd mines some memories from days gone by on his new sophomore album, Midwest Rock & Roll, out March 21 via Big Machine Records.

A new track from the collection, “Die For It,” out today, finds Hurd leaving no stone unturned in his exploration of what it means to truly love someone. Written by Hurd alongside Mark Holman and Randy Montana, “Die For It” explores how, in giving your entire self to someone, you’re giving them the good, the bad and the ugly. As time goes on and the honeymoon phase subsides, a relationship becomes about more than just feeling love—it becomes about the active choice to love someone every day for every part of themself.

Midwest Rock & Roll is Hurd’s first full-length release since his 2021 debut album Pelago. He co-penned all 12 tracks on the new project, which provides listeners with a cinematic snapshot of heartland dreamers, paying homage to his midwestern roots and exploring the aftermath of leaving his home behind in chase of a dream.

“Midwest Rock & Roll is my second full length album, and I am really proud of how it sounds, what it says, and how it ended up being released,” shares Hurd. “It’s a coming-of-age album that feels like playing in your first band.”

Ryan has accumulated more than one billion on-demand career streams, received numerous award nominations including two Grammy nominations, and has penned multiple Platinum No. 1s for other artists including Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Lady A and Diplo/Morgan Wallen.

Midwest Rock & Roll Track List:
1. “Midwest Rock & Roll” (Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
2. “Single In The Same Town” (Ryan Hurd, Brinley Addington, Aaron Eshuis)
3. “Die For It” (Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
4. “Lighthouse” (Ryan Hurd, Aaron Eshuis, Mark Holman)
5. “This Party Sucks” (Ryan Hurd, Brinley Addington, Ryan Beaver, David Garcia)
6. “Youth” (Ryan Hurd, Aaron Eshuis, Joey Hyde, Matt McGinn)
7. “All Night Long Days” (Ryan Hurd, Aaron Eshuis, Joey Hyde, Matt McGinn)
8. “Funerals” (Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
9. “California 1972” (Ryan Hurd, Ryan Beaver, Joe Clemmons, Aaron Eshuis)
10. “Go To Bed Sober (featuring Sasha Alex Sloan)” (Ryan Hurd, Sasha Alex Sloan, King Henry)
11. “Paul.” (Ryan Hurd, Summer Overstreet, Jordan Reynolds)
12. “The Last Song I’ll Ever Write” (Ryan Hurd, Joe Clemmons, Dave Cohen, Aaron Eshuis)

Jordan Davis To Headline ‘Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat’ At CRS 2025

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Jordan Davis will headline the annual “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” at this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) on Feb. 19. Additional performers also include Graham Barham, Lanie Gardner, Noeline Hofmann and Vincent Mason.

“Every year I look forward to CRS. It brings together some of the best and brightest artists, tastemakers, and industry leaders from around country music. Amazon Music worked hard to curate a lineup for our CRS showcase that matches that excellence, and with the incredible artists we’ve brought together, I’m confident this concert will hit the mark,” shares Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Head of Country Music for Amazon Music.

The Country Heat playlist on Amazon Music is the ultimate destination for country music fans around the globe. Featuring a blend of the latest chart-topping hits and emerging singles, it showcases the finest in country music from both well-known and rising stars.

The event will be held on Feb. 19, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Broadway Performance Hall in the Omni Nashville Hotel, serving as the conclusion to the first day of CRS 2025.

ACM Launches Donation Drive To Assist L.A. Wildfire Victims

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The Academy of Country Music has launched a three-week donation drive to help the people of Los Angeles impacted by the deadly wildfires.

During this time of unprecedented destruction in Southern California, the Academy is asking those in the country music industry to donate clothing, toiletries and additional supplies at locations throughout Nashville. Drop-off locations include the ACM Headquarters, Moo TV, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Music Nashville and WME.

In addition to physical donations, ACM Lifting Lives is helping those who work in country music who were impacted by the wildfires and need financial assistance. Those needing assistance can reach out to liftinglives@acmcountry.com. Monetary contributions to support ACM Lifting Lives’ emergency response efforts can be made here to the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund.

The Academy’s roots are deeply connected to Los Angeles, with the founding of the Academy in 1964 in Southern California, the first 37 ACM Awards shows taking place in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles serving as the headquarters for the Academy for more than 50 years. With the Academy’s ties to the city, it is committed to assisting those affected by this tragedy.

Donation items desired for men, women, and children:

  • Shirts
  • Hoodies
  • Pants
  • New or gently worn shoes
  • New undergarments

Donations will also be accepted for new/unused toiletries and additional supplies including:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Soap
  • Body wipes
  • Mouthwash
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Deodorant
  • Women’s feminine products
  • Comfort toys for children
  • New or gently used blankets
  • Diapers

Trent Dabbs Inks With Prescription Songs

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Trent Dabbs

Trent Dabbs has signed a publishing deal with Prescription Songs.

Dabbs’ songwriting credits include “High Horse” with Kacey Musgraves, “Girls Chase Boys” with Ingrid Michaelson, and the Stephen Sanchez singles “Evangeline” and “Emotional Vacation” from his Mercury Records debut album.

He has also had cuts with Coin, Valley, Noah Cyrus, Anderson East, Needtobreathe, Joseph and Matt Kearny. In 2024 alone he landed cuts with Maggie Antone, Max McNown, Valley, Allen Stone, Ty Myers, Michigander, Wild Rivers, Marc Scibilia, Ingrid Andress, Astrid S, Mokita, Old Sea Brigade and more.

“I moved to Nashville almost 10 years ago,” says Prescription Songs A&R’s Chris Martignago. “Anyone who has been here for any amount of time will tell you that you learn a lot about songs and the people that have respect for the craft. One of those people that I met early on is Trent Dabbs who I immediately was a massive fan of. It’s rare to meet someone with such a deep relationship to songwriting for so many years that is somehow more excited about music than they were when they first started out. I am so excited that we are officially in business together.”

“I’m a firm believer in the phrase ‘timing is everything’ and I guess in this case it took 20 years of independent writing in Nashville for me to find the right team, during the right time, for me in my career,” adds Dabbs. “I’ve needed a team that fits like family and challenges each other to get better songs by the day. I’m excited to see where this collaborative road will take us.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rascal Flatts & The Jonas Brothers Collab On Disc Of The Day

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The country-music wing of Americana flexes its muscles in this week’s DISClaimer.

Frankly, it’s a little nuts that such solidly country folks as Charley Crockett, Willow Avalon and Sierra Ferrell are called “Americana” while pop acts rule the so-called “country” charts. In any case, Willow Avalon wins the DISCovery Award. Make a beeline for The Exit/In tomorrow to catch her in person.

Despite strong competition from Brett Young, Old Dominion and Kane Brown, Rascal Flatts wins the Disc of the Day award, with an assist from the mighty Jonas Brothers.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “You Don’t Deserve A Country Song (Live From The Ryman)”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Geoff Warburton/Michael Whitworth/Mitchell Tenpenny/Will Weatherly; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Pulse-quickening percussion leads you into searing vocal of accusation and defiance. Recorded live at the Ryman, this performance brims with confidence and style. Blazing guitars add fuel to the fire.

RASCAL FLATTS & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “I Dare You”
Writers: Dewain Whitmore/Nick Jonas/Shay Mooney/Tommy English; Producers: Dann Huff, Jay DeMarcus, Jeremy Hatcher, Tommy English; Label: Big Machine Records
– This snazzy little country rocker has a built-in spring breeze. Lyrics fly by like highway scenery as the band kicks up dust. Gary carries the lead with the Jonas boys adding vocal embellishments, holding back until the bridge. After that, everybody sings to the sky. A winner, even though one yearns for more Jonas.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Lonesome Drifter”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– Nervous, moody, restless rhythm and stuttering guitar back this dark meditation of a solitary wanderer. The ever-prolific Crockett marks new label and producer affiliations here, but he’s still his own, individualistic country-music man.

KANE BROWN / “Says I Can”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Kane Brown/Matt Roy; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Dasha, Ashley Cooke, Mitchell Tenpenny and Scotty McCreery drop by for some chorus harmonizing, verse swapping and vocal interjections. The rousing, slow- stomper song is made for hearty barroom drinking with pals. Somebody yell, “Yee haw.”

SIERRA FERRELL / “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”
Writers: Gladys Stacey Flatt/Jerry Organ/Louise Certain/Wayne Walker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– This country evergreen was originated by Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers in 1925. Ferrell gives it a drawling, bluesy, vivacious delivery. Snappy fiddle, mandolin and guitar picking scamper along. Sierra Ferrell deservedly swept this week’s Grammy Awards in the Americana field. No right-thinking country fan should be without this woman’s music.

MORGAN WALLEN / “I’m the Problem”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Grady Block/Jamie McLaughlin/Morgan Wallen; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– With five writers, you’d think somebody would have come up with a melody.

WILLOW AVALON / “Homewrecker”
Writers: JR Atkins/Tofer Brown/Willow Avalon; Producers: JR Atkins, Tofer Brown, Willow Avalon; Label: Assemble Sound/Atlantic Records
– Any woman named Willow Avalon with an album titled Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell has my attention. She bops along brightly on this sassy, double-time, country rocker. The track boasts echo chamber and band-member shouts supporting her pert, tart soprano delivery. Avalon has racked up 15 million streams in the past two months. She plays The Exit/In tomorrow night (Feb. 7). Sounds good to me.

OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– As tuneful and listenable as ever. This is a band that knows how to really write and really sing. The single chugs along with irresistible energy.

HUESTON / “Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston/Joshua Kimbowa; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings Records
– I hear hip-hop and electro pop, with boring audio loops and generic sampled beats.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Star Spangled Banner”
Writer: Francis Scott Key; Producer: none listed; Label: UMG Nashville
– Guyton lit the Internet on fire with her performance of the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl. Since then, she has made the song her own by singing it at the World Series, the NBA Cup, the women’s U.S. Open and other high-profile events. If you ever had any doubts about her power and range as a vocalist, this will erase them forever. As of this week, it’s now available on all streaming platforms.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Mine Tomorrow”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Ryan Beaver; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists
– Gently persuasive. Acoustic picking and a laid-back vocal create a relaxed mood as a hopeful lyric unspools. Engaging and promising.

BRETT YOUNG / “Tastes Like You”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Noah Needleman/Jon Nite; Producer: Justin Ebach; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Young turns up the tempo for this splendidly rocking, steaming-hot ode to lust. Get up and shake it.

VINNY TOVAR & AUBRY RODRIGUEZ / “Pass Me By”
Writer: Hillman Hill; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Aubry is the daughter of Johnny Rodriguez, who immortalized this country classic in 1972. Vinny is a golden-voiced, Mexican-American leading light of the Latin country community. They swap lines on the twin-fiddled two stepper with aplomb. Azteca Ranch is a San Antonio label devoted to this kind of Texican excellence.