Jessie Jo Dillon Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jessie Jo Dillon

Jessie Jo Dillon has hit the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Am I Okay?,” “Baggage,” “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” “Happen To Me” and “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” worked to put the songwriter at No. 12 this week.

Riley Green remains in the No. 1 spot with solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and Taylor Phillips (N0. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

‘Stephan Hogan Podcast’ Continues Successful Rise

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Renowned guitarist and vocalist Stephan Hogan has launched a podcast, The Stephan Hogan Podcast, which ranked in the top 10% of video podcasts for Spotify Wrapped 2024.

Hogan’s guest lineup on the podcast has included Vince Gill, Joe Bonamassa, Brian Koppelman, Dan Tyminski, Brittney Spencer, Canaan Smith and more.

“For me, this podcast isn’t about pushing an agenda or running through talking points—people don’t connect with that. It’s about real, honest conversations,” says Hogan. “Vulnerability is the common thread because that’s where we truly connect as humans. In a way, it’s almost like therapy—not just for the guests, but for me too. It’s a space where people can be seen and understood in a way they rarely are.”

“In the age of podcast over saturation and everyone and their dog having one these days, I can’t emphasize enough that Stephan Hogan is not just another guy with a music podcast,” says hit songwriter/producer Tofer Brown of the podcast. “I’ve been on several podcasts and talking with Stephan truly feels like a conversation with a friend. A lot of interviewers have a way of making you feel like they’re anticipating what they’re going to ask or say next but when you’re talking with Stephan the conversation flows like you’re talking to a lifelong friend. He is someone who cares more about the heart of us creatives rather than the nitty gritty business details and he’s offering a deeper look into our world and showing a side that I’ve not seen in any other podcasts.”

Industry Ink: Megan Moroney, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Megan Piphus

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Megan Moroney Pulls Up A Seat At NPR’s Tiny Desk

Megan Marony performs at the Tiny Desk at NPR’s HQ in Washington, DC on Dec. 10, 2024. (Catie Dull/NPR)

Megan Moroney performed on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series on March 7. Recorded live at NPR Music headquarters, the multi-Platinum artist’s Tiny Desk debut served up a selection of greatest hits from her debut album Lucky and its follow-up, Am I Okay?

 

Kip Moore Becomes Pandora Billionaire

Bekah Digby (SiriusXM), Kip Moore and Ashley Till (SiriusXM)

Kip Moore just surpassed one billion streams on Pandora, entering the elite category of Pandora Billionaires. Moore, Pandora and Virgin Music Group celebrated the accomplishment on Feb. 27 at SiriusXM and Pandora’s studios in Nashville, along with a performance that aired live on SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry. Moore and his band played tracks from his expansive new album Solitary Tracks, which was released last week.

 

Craig Morgan Performs ‘American Soundtrack’ On ‘Fox & Friends’

Craig Morgan performed the title track to his newly released EP, American Soundtrack, on Friday (March 7) on Fox & Friends. The new music comes as Morgan joins his buddy Blake Shelton on his “Friends & Heroes 2025 Tour.”

Morgan has amassed nearly 2.5 billion career streams and charted over 25 songs on Billboard, including signature hits including “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Almost Home,” “International Harvester” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

 

Megan Piphus Inks With Platoon, Slates Cinderella Sweep Album For July

Megan Piphus

Emmy Award-winning puppeteer, ventriloquist and musician Megan Piphus has signed with the Platoon label.

Piphus, who is based in Nashville, has performed on America’s Got Talent, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and more. Since 2020, she has brought life to Gabrielle, a six-year-old black girl Muppet on Sesame Street, making history as the show’s first full-time Black woman puppeteer.

Piphus is set to release her debut album, Cinderella Sweep, in July. The album features 53 girls from the nonprofit Saving Our Daughters, which supports adolescent girls of color in overcoming social challenges like bullying, digital harassment, and low self-esteem and provides mentorship opportunities in the arts. With over 50,000 girls impacted by the initiative, participants—referred to as “Cinderellas”—are at the heart of this project.

Sacks & Co. Grows Nashville Team

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Catherine Snead, Jessica Vandergriff

Award-winning PR firm Sacks & Co. has expanded its Nashville team, promoting Catherine Snead to Senior Director and hiring Jessica Vandergriff as Associate. The news comes on the heels of the company’s Carla Sacks being named Publicist of the Year at the 2025 CMA Touring Awards.

Sacks shares, “I’m incredibly thankful and inspired to work with this best in class team. For us, Nashville has been a 15 year town and I wouldn’t change a single minute. Our artists are legends and we’re so proud and grateful to stand side stage.”

Executive VP Asha Goodman adds, “Catherine has been an absolute force in our Nashville office since 2017. It’s been a joy working beside her and watching her continued growth and success.” She continues, “We are so lucky to have Jessica join our team⎯she’s already made such a positive impact and is a wonderful addition to our office here.”

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Snead moved to Nashville in 2017 after graduating from the University of Virginia to pursue a career in the music industry. She started working as a publicist at Sacks & Co. shortly after arriving in Nashville and has since spent her entire professional career to date with the company, working with artists across genres.

Vandergriff earned a degree in Public Relations from Western Kentucky University and moved to Nashville in 2020 to pursue a career in music publicity. She started at Post Hill Press, managing PR efforts for authors across various genres. In 2021, she joined 117 Entertainment, where she spent three years refining her skills and building industry relationships. In the summer of 2024, she joined Sacks & Co. as a publicist.

2nd Annual Boots On The Water Cruise To Set Sail In February 2026

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The second sailing of Boots on the Water is set for February 13-18, 2026 aboard the Norwegian Jewel.

Presented by Sixman and Vibee, the cruise will leave from Tampa and travel to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, with performances and more from Clint Black, Terri Clark, Diamond Rio, Chris Cagle, David Lee Murphy, Deana Carter, Sarah Gayle Meech, Boot Scoot USA and Shut Up & Dance.

Presale Signups will conclude this Wednesday (March 12). Public on-sale will begin this Friday (March 14) here.

2025’s debut voyage of Boots on the Water featured 10 artists and 11 country songwriters performing for nearly 2,000 guests. Moments include performances by Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson, Craig Morgan, Lonestar, Pam Tillis and Montgomery Gentry with Eddie Montgomery. The event also featured an “Acoustic Morning” session with Little Texas’ Dwayne O’Brien, along with a heartfelt tribute to the late Toby Keith, featuring Suzie Boggus, Little Texas, Sarah Gayle Meech, and Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights.

Wynonna Judd Slates New ‘Greatest Hits Tour’ For June

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Wynonna Judd. Photo: Jim Wright

Wynonna Judd has announced her new “Wynonna Judd: The Greatest Hits Tour,” celebrating four decades of chart-topping hits.

Kicking off June 13 in LaGrange, Georgia, Judd’s first-ever greatest hits tour will honor her career, spotlighting unforgettable songs from her time as one-half of the legendary duo The Judds, along with her powerhouse solo career. She will visit Wilmington, Virginia Beach, Boise, Albuquerque and more on the new trek, which will feature Judds chart-toppers like “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days),” as well as solo anthems “No One Else On Earth” and “Tell Me Why” and more, offering fans a night of nostalgia, soul, and the raw energy that only Wynonna can deliver.

“I continue to marvel at the fact that I still get to do what I love, after all these years. I feel incredibly blessed to have experienced so many chapters of my career, which is constantly evolving,” Wynonna shares. “I’ve been pouring my heart into new music, and I cannot wait to share it with you! And right now, it’s time to celebrate my musical journey, and honor the songs that shaped who I am.”

“Wynonna Judd: The Greatest Hits Tour” Dates:
June 13 – LaGrange, GA @ Sweetland Amphitheatre *
June 14 – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee
June 15 – Wilmington, NC @ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
June 18 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center
June 20 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome
June 23 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
June 25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Venue TBA ^
June 26 – Interlochen, MI @ Interlochen Center for the Arts – Kresge Auditorium
July 11 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah’s Stir Cove
July 12 – Mankato, MN @ Vetter Stone Amphitheatre
July 15 – Saskatoon, SK @ TCU Place
July 16 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
July 18 – Fort St John, BC @ Energetic County Fair *
July 23 – Rapid City, SD @ The Monument
July 24 – Waukee, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall
July 25 – Rockford, IL @ Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Casino Rockford
July 26 – Gary, IN @ Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
August 7 – Sedalia, MO @ Missouri State Fair ^
August 21 – Kennewick, WA @ Benton Franklin County Fair
August 22 – Boise, ID @ Western Idaho State Fair ^
August 23 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion ^
August 25 – Monroe, WA @ Evergreen State Fair ^
September 5 – Albuquerque, NM @ New Mexico State Fair *

* On sale now
^ On sale date varies per market

Dead Rose Records & Walk Off Entertainment Establish Partnership

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Pictured: (L-R, front row): Day-To-Day Manager Sydney Hannon and Founder/Manager Carrie Lelwica, Soar Entertainment; Artist/CEO Sammy Arriaga; Walk Off Entertainment CEO Chris Ruediger; Senior Director Regional Promotion (Virgin Music) John Mayer. (L-R, back row): Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart; Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP Attorney Matt Cottingham; Walk Off Entertainment Publicist Anna Scott; Walk Off Entertainment Project Manager Kyra Manager; Walk Off Entertainment Coordinator Gianluca Maffei. Photo: Courtesy of Walk Off Entertainment and Dead Rose Records.

Sammy Arriaga‘s Dead Rose Records has established a partnership with Chris Ruediger‘s Walk Off Entertainment.

“I have known Sammy for quite some time and have always been impressed by his voice,” shares Ruediger. “His ability to blend his Latin roots with his love for country music is really exciting. We know there is a growing need for the intersection of these genres and have full confidence that Sammy can lead with his artistry.”

“Every artist dreams of a moment like this one,” says Arriaga. “I wish I could tell my younger, stubborn self to slow down, be more patient, and trust the process. This team proves that great things take time and shouldn’t be rushed. We work incredibly together and align perfectly on the same vision. God is so good!”

Since February 2024, Arriaga has gained over 182k followers on Instagram, 200k on TikTok and 168k on Facebook, showcasing his talent for connecting with fans in a way that truly reflects his authenticity as an artist. He has consistently captivated listeners with his tenor voice, storytelling and Latin-infused country sound, carving out a unique space for himself. His first single under the new partnership, “Left My Heart In Texas,” will release Friday (March 14).

“I’ve always wanted to merge my background with the country genre,” adds Arriaga. “I’m an artist that can wear that Hispanic-American crown proudly, because I was raised that way. It’s who I am. I speak it, I live it, I am it. So much of what I do celebrates that – many of my songs are also done in Spanish, and some Spanglish.”

Shenandoah Launches ‘The Extra Mile Tour’

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Shenandoah. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Shenandoah embarked on their new “The Extra Mile Tour 2025” over the weekend (March 7). The 50-city tour pays homage to the band’s 1990 album and runs through early November.

The first part of the tour features Rock The Country and Rock The South with Nickelback and Kid Rock, Country Thunder with Jelly Roll, along with Cattle Country 2025, Country Stampede and more. Additional stops will include Savannah, Fort Worth, Little Rock, Sioux Falls and more, with additional dates will be announced in the coming months.

“Big goings on in the Shenandoah camp,” says Shenandoah frontman Marty Raybon. “Looking forward to getting into the New Year and playing the big stages with our friends. It’s never a bad thing taking the ‘Extra Mile’ and getting to see fans and friends alike across the country. It’s going to be a blast and a great year.”

Shenandoah recently made waves with a newly recorded version of “Sunday in the South” featuring Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. The song’s video, released in December, quickly climbed to the top of both the iTunes All Genres and Country charts, earning Shenandoah its 16th No. 1 single. Within just 48 hours of its release, the video garnered over eight million views across social media and became the No.9 trending music video on YouTube.

“The Extra Mile Tour” Dates:
Mar. 21 – Newkirk, OK
Mar. 22 – Refugio, TX
Mar. 23 – Opp, AL
Mar. 28 –  Salado, TX
Mar. 29 –  Montgomery, TX
Apr. 4 – Livingston, LA
Apr. 5 – Mineral Point, MO
Apr. 10 – Gonzales, TX
Apr. 12 – New Castle, TX
Apr. 17 – Savannah, GA
Apr. 18 – Fayetteville, NC
Apr. 25 – Knoxville, TN
Apr. 26 – Marietta, OH
May 2 – Highfill, AR
May 3 – Tilden, TX
May 10 – Dalton, GA
May 11 – Ft. Myers, FL
May 16 – Hamler, OH
May 17 – Osceola, AR
May 23 – Wytheville, VA
May 24 – Burlington, NC
May 31 – Ft. Worth, TX
June 5 – Nashville, TN
June 7 – Higbee, MO
June 20 – Little Rock, AR
June 21 – Cullman, AL
June 27 – Franklin, OH
June 28 – Bonner Springs, KS
July 11 – Ashland, KY
July 12 – Mt. Vernon, KY
July 18 – Sioux Falls, SD
July 19 – Twin Lakes, WI
July 25 – Anderson, SC
July 26 – Owensville, MO
Aug. 2 – Thackerville, OK
Aug. 16 – Worthington, IA
Aug. 31 – Orkney Springs, VA
Sept. 4 – Unionville, MO
Sept. 6 – Montgomery, IN
Sept. 13 – Corinth, MS
Oct. 2 – Perry, GA
Oct. 4 – Powderly, TX
Oct. 17 – Magnolia, TX
Nov. 1 – Franklin, GA
Nov. 8 – Pharr, TX

ACM Reveals 60th Radio Award Nominees

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The Academy of Country Music has announced the Radio Awards nominees for the upcoming 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8 in Frisco, Texas.

Double nominees included KCLR-FM in Columbia, Missouri; WHKO-FM in Dayton, Ohio; WIVK-FM in Knoxville; WQDR-FM in Raleigh, North Carolina; WSIX-FM in Nashville; WUSN-FM in Chicago; WUSY-FM in Chattanooga and WYCT-FM in Pensacola, Florida. There were ties in the Large Market and Medium Market Radio Station of the Year categories, resulting in six and seven nominees in those categories, respectively.

Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be announced ahead of the 60th ACM Awards and celebrated during ACM Awards week, with more information to follow. The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will take place at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and will stream live exclusively on Prime Video around the globe. Tickets are available to purchase now at ACMawards.com, and ACM Members and those who work in the country industry can email ticketing@acmcountry.com for direct access to ACM Awards tickets.

The full list of nominations will be announced in the coming weeks, as will performers, presenters and detailed plans for ACM Awards week events taking place around the Dallas area, including opportunities for fans to take part in ticketed as well as free and open-to-the-public programming.

The 60th ACM Radio Awards nominees are:

NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Ashley Till – Y2Kountry with Ashley Till
Big D, Bubba – Big D & Bubba
Buzz Brainard, Nick Ultra – The Music Row Happy Hour with Buzz Brainard
Cody Alan – Highway Mornings with Cody Alan
Patrick Thomas – PickleJar Up All Night

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Kelleigh Bannen – Today’s Country Radio
Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase – Crook & Chase Countdown
Steve Harmon – Country Gold with Steve Harmon
Wayne D, Tay Hamilton – iHeartCountry House Party
Whitney Allen – The Big Time Saturday Night

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
The Lo Show – Lo Sessions – KKBQ-FM Houston
The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister – Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer, “Captain Ron” Koons – KKWF-FM
Seattle
John and Tammy: San Diego’s Morning Show –John Flint, Tammy Lee – KSON-FM.  San Diego
The Scotty Kay Show – Scotty Kay – WUSN-FM – Chicago
Josh, Rachael and Grunwald In The Morning – Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter, Steve Grunwald – WYCD-FM. Detroit

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Heather Froglear – Heather Froglear – KFRG-FM – Riverside, CA
Deb & Matt in the Morning – Deborah Honeycutt, Matt Malone – WFMS-FM – Indianapolis, IN
Wayne D and Tay – Wayne D, Tay Hamilton – WSIX-FM – Nashville
The Big Dave Show – Big Dave, Stattman – WUBE-FM – Cincinnati, OH
The Q Morning Crew with Mike and Amanda – Amanda Daughtry, Mike Wheless – WQDR-FM – Raleigh, NC

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
The Bee Morning Coffee Club – TJ Sharp, Bo Jaxon, Hope Breen – WBEE-FM – Rochester, NY
New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody – Nancy Wilson, Aaron Woods – WHKO-FM – Dayton, OH
Joey & Nancy – Joey Tack, Nancy Barger – WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
Julie and DJ in the Morning – Julie Kansy, Dale Sellers – WPCV-FM – Lakeland, FL
Mo & StyckMan – Mo, StyckMan – WUSY-FM – Chattanooga, TN

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
Hilley & Hart – Kevin Hilley, Erin Hart – KATI-FM – Jefferson City, MO
Liz & Scotty in the Morning – Liz DelGrosso, Scotty Cox – KCLR-FM – Columbia, MO
Ben & Arnie – Ben Butler, Arnie Andrews – WCOW-FM – Sparta, WI
The Dr. Shane and Tess Show – Dr. Shane, Tess – WPAP-FM – Panama City, FL
The Cat Pak Morning Show – Brent Lane, Mel McCrae – WYCT-FM -Pensacola, FL

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
KSCS-FM – Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
KYGO-FM – Denver
WMZQ-FM – Washington, D.C.
WPOC-FM – Baltimore
WUSN-FM – Chicago

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
KNCI-FM – Sacramento
WDSY-FM – Pittsburgh
WGH-FM – Virginia Beach
WQDR-FM – Raleigh
WSIX-FM – Nashville
WWKA-FM – Orlando

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
KUZZ-FM – Bakersfield
KXKT-FM – Omaha
WHKO-FM – Dayton
WIRK-FM – West Palm Beach
WIVK-FM – Knoxville
WLFP-FM – Memphis
WUSY-FM – Chattanooga

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
KCLR-FM – Columbia, MO
KFGE-FM – Lincoln, NE
WKML-FM – Fayetteville, NC
WXBQ-FM -Bristol, VA
WYCT-FM -Pensacola, FL

Nashville To Celebrate Bobby Bare’s 90th Birthday With Bobby Bare Week In April

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Bobby Bare

Nashville will celebrate the 90th birthday of Country Music Hall of Fame legend Bobby Bare the week of April 7 with a series of special music events throughout the city.

Country music pinnacles the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the 2012 and 2018 inductee, respectively, in special programming focused on Bare’s contributions to country music. The Opry will salute Bare on April 10, while the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host a “Writers Round: The Songs of Bobby Bare” featuring Buddy Cannon, Todd Snider and Bobby Bare Jr. on April 12.

“An Americana Salute to Bobby Bare” will be held at the Basement East on April 7 hosted by Bare Jr. with family and friends, and the Bluebird Cafe will host a “For The Love of The Songwriter Round” featuring Mary Gauthier, Max T. Barnes and Bobby Bare Jr.on April 9. 

Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Bare is one of the most legendary country artists of our time with genre-shaping songs like “Detroit City,” “500 Miles,” “Marie Laveau” and more. From country legends like Little Jimmy Dickens and Hank Williams to big band acts like Phil Harris and the Dominoes, Bare’s style was molded and led him to nearly five dozen top 40 hits from 1962-1983.

An original “outlaw” of country music, Bare has been honored with multiple Grammy nominations and wins. Throughout his career, Bare championed the works of legendary songwriters like Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein, whose collaboration with him resulted in the landmark album Bobby Bare Sings Lullabys, Legends and Lies. 2018 marked his 60th anniversary in the music business and the release of his studio album, Things Change. 

Monday, April 7: 
An Americana Salute to Bobby Bare: Hosted by Bobby Bare Jr. with Family & Friends
Proceeds Benefiting MusiCares®
The Basement East
Tickets: ticketweb.com/event/an-americana-salute-to-bobby-the-basement-east-tickets/14274223?pl=basementeast
On sale March 7

Wednesday, April 9:
The Bluebird Cafe
For The Love of The Songwriter: Bobby Bare
Featuring Mary Gauthier, Max T. Barnes, and Bobby Bare Jr.
Tickets Here: ticketweb.com/event/for-the-love-of-the-the-bluebird-cafe-tickets/14267963?pl=bluebird&REFID=clientsitewp
On-sale April 2

Thursday, April 10:
Grand Ole Opry House
Opry Country Classics
Tickets Here: opry.com/show/2025-04-10-opry-country-classics-at-the-opry-house-at-7-pm

Saturday, April 12:
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Writers Round: The Songs of Bobby Bare
Featuring Buddy Cannon, Todd Snider, and Bobby Bare Jr.
Tickets Here: countrymusichalloffame.org/calendar/writers-round-the-songs-of-bobby-bare