Rewind: 2021 MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No 1s

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Since 2002, the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart has crowned No. 1 songs in the secondary country radio marketplace, celebrating 42 songs in 2021. MusicRow congratulates each artist, songwriter and label for its accomplishments this year.

Luke Combs earned 3 No. 1s this year. “Forever After All” and “Cold As You” each spent 2 weeks occupying No. 1. He also received a credit for his duet with Jameson Rodgers, “Cold Beer Calling My Name.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood‘s duet, “If I Didn’t Love You,” spent an incredible 3 weeks at the top of the chart in September. Thomas Rhett earned two 2-week No. 1s for “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again.”

The most spun song of 2021 was Jon Pardi‘s “Tequila Little Time,” which went No. 1 in July and received a total of 53,458 cumulative spins.

Four artists received their first CountryBreakout No. 1s this year: Lainey Wilson, “Things A Man Oughta Know;” Priscilla Block, “Just About Over You;” Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like;” and MacKenzie Porter, “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Niko Moon earned his first No. 1 credit as an artist for “Good Time,” as did Ryan Hurd for his duet with Maren Morris, “Chasing After You.”

The winners of the 20th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards, which are based on radio airplay reported by stations on MusicRow’s radio panel, will be revealed on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022.

2021 MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1s:
Jan. 8: Jordan Davis, “Almost Maybes”
Jan. 15 & Jan, 22: Thomas Rhett, “What’s Your Country Song”
Jan. 29: Morgan Wallen, “7 Summers”
Feb. 5: Brett Young, “Lady”
Feb. 12: Eric Church, “Hell Of A View”
Feb. 19: Dierks Bentley, “Gone”
Feb. 26: Niko Moon, “Good Time”
March 5: Jake Owen, “Made For You”
March 12: Keith Urban, P!nk, “One Too Many”
March 19: Gabby Barrett, “The Good Ones”
March 26: Tim McGraw, Tyler Hubbard, “Undivided”
April 2: Miranda Lambert, “Settling Down”
April 9: Blake Shelton, “Minimum Wage”
April 16: Sam Hunt, “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
April 23 & April 30: Luke Combs, “Forever After All”
May 7: Chris Young, Kane Brown, “Famous Friends”
May 14: Carly Pearce, “Next Girl”
May 21: Jason Aldean, “Blame It On You”
May 28: Justin Moore, “We Didn’t Have Much”
June 4 & June 11: Thomas Rhett, “Country Again”
June 18 & June 25: Luke Bryan, “Waves”
July 2: Lee Brice, “Memory I Don’t Mess With”
July 9: Lady A, “Like A Lady”
July 16: Chase Rice, Florida Georgia Line, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”
July 23: Jon Pardi, “Tequila Little Time”
July 30: Old Dominion, “I Was On A Boat That Day”
Aug. 6: Jameson Rodgers, Luke Combs, “Cold Beer Calling My Name”
Aug. 13: Lainey Wilson, “Things A Man Oughta Know”
Aug. 20: Priscilla Block, “Just About Over You”
Aug. 27 & Oct. 22: Luke Combs, “Cold As You”
Sept. 3, Sept. 10 & Sept. 24: Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You”
Sept. 17: Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”
Oct. 1: Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, “Chasing After You”
Oct. 8: Zac Brown Band, “Same Boat”
Oct. 15: Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”
Oct. 29: Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt”
Nov. 5: Eric Church, “Heart On Fire”
Nov. 12: Morgan Wallen, “Sand In My Boots”
Nov. 19 & Nov. 24: Dustin Lynch, MacKenzie Porter, “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Dec. 3: Kane Brown, “One Mississippi”
Dec. 10: Parker McCollum, “To Be Loved By You”
Dec. 17: Blake Shelton, “Come Back As A Country Boy”

MusicRow Marks 40 Years Of Connecting The Nashville Music Industry

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What were you doing in April of 1981?

David M. Ross, founder of this publication, was walking up and down 16th and 17th Avenues handing out the very first issue of this magazine—a one sheet, double sided directory of the key companies in the Nashville music industry. From music stores to recording studios, the listings were peppered with a handful of advertisements and that one-sheet of paper grew into the respected trade publication known today as MusicRow.

The first issue of MusicRow, printed in 1981.

Meanwhile during that same time in 1981, a young honors student in Mobile, Alabama named Sherod Robertson was getting ready to graduate from high school with nothing but dreams and aspirations ahead. His successful and varied career path eventually led him to cross paths with Ross and take the reins of the magazine in 2010. Robertson considers his role at the publication more of stewardship than ownership.

For 40 years, MusicRow has been Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication. Readers include all facets of the music industry including label executives, managers, publishers, songwriters, artists, booking agents, producers, radio, and more. Whether it’s current or breaking news, timely interviews or being early adopters of new talent, industry experts respect the articles written by our experienced staff of professional industry observers, reporters and critics.

Connecting everyone in the Nashville music industry, Music Row Enterprises has become home to other industry-related products and events, including the song pitch-sheet RowFax, MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, the MusicRow Weekly newsletter, Rising Women on the Row honors, the annual MusicRow Awards and much more.

1981: MusicRow is established in April 1981. “In March 1981, I asked my small circle of industry friends if starting some kind of music publication was a good idea. They all said, ‘It will never work in Nashville. People have already tried it.’ But perhaps it was a higher power that made me believe. And so in April 1981 this publication was born as a little one page directory. I looked around for a name. MusicRow seemed ideal and no one had claimed it.” – David M. Ross, Founder.

1981: First artist featured on the cover was Cristy Lane in Aug. 1981. Eleanor Johnston, known professionally as Cristy Lane, achieves success with her first Gold record in New Zealand for “One Day At A Time,” written by Kris Kristofferson and Marijohn Wilkin.

MusicRow’s InCharge debuts in 1987

1983: Founder David M. Ross publishes an article called, The Computer Is Coming. MusicRow quickly establishes its reputation for being at the forefront of industry news and technology. In the same year, MetroGnome’s Mark Augelli tells MusicRow, “I see a scenario of these little hand held computers… a time when somebody will walk into a producer to pitch songs and either will have their entire database inside that small unit or communicate with a central database and then using digital, instantly deliver a recording of whatever song is desired.” 15 years later, the first handheld portable MP3 player is released in 1998.

1987: MusicRow’s InCharge debuts as a stand-alone product in Jan. 1987. InCharge, often referred to as the “bible” of the Nashville music industry, is a much sought-after publication highlighting the top decision makers in the industry. It becomes part of the annual MusicRow subscribed membership in 1990 and continues to be a badge of honor for those included in each year’s new edition.

1991: Created by Grammy award-winning art director Bill Johnson, the current MusicRow logo debuts on Jan. 23, 1991. As the art director at CBS Records in the 1980s and 1990s, Johnson left his visual imprint on an entire generation of country record makers and was noted for the vibrancy and saturated colors of his album-jacket designs, posters and advertisements. He also designed the iconic logo for Rolling Stone.

1992: RowFax, the industry song pitch list, launches. RowFax provides up to date information about which artists are working on recording projects and currently searching for new material. It is used by publishers, songwriters, producers, artists, A&R executives and others interested in the process of finding and recording songs.

MusicRow.com launches in 1996

1996: The first MusicRow website (www.musicrow.com) launches. Popular search engines at the time on the web are WebCrawler, Yahoo, and YeeHaw–a Nashville oriented search site. Always an early adopter, MusicRow’s first website goes live only 3 years after the very first website in history, info.cern.ch, is launched by the European Organization for Nuclear Research and made public on the world wide web. At the beginning of 2021, MusicRow’s latest upgrade to its website offers an easy-to-read and streamlined experience that includes larger photos, larger fonts, an enhanced search engine, and improved mobile experience among other upgrades. The site contains over 30,000 articles.

2000: Robert K. Oermann’s single reviews have captured the industry’s attention for all of MusicRow’s 40 year history. For example in 2000, the historian and renowned music critic said of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”: “There are scarcely words in my vocabulary to describe how I feel about this. I have played it daily, as if it were a balm to ease the pain of the world. Lee Ann’s voice is a thing of crystal beauty. The contrapuntal ‘Greek chorus’ of haunting harmony come courtesy of Sons of the Desert. The song and its message are Nashville at its most poetic and profound.” Oermann is woven throughout the many pages of MusicRow’s history since the very beginning, including his much lauded ‘Bobby Karl Works The Room’ features.

Keith Urban appears on the cover of MusicRow‘s October 2002 edition

2002: At the beginning of 2002, MusicRow makes the decision to enter the world of radio and charts. The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart launches on April 12, 2002 and ranks songs based on radio airplay from MusicRow’s panel of reporting stations.

2002: Keith Urban is featured on the cover of the October 2002 MusicRow print issue. His current single, “Somebody Like You” from his album Golden Road will go on to become his second No. 1 radio single. A look through the print covers of MusicRow is like flipping through the history of country music. From the superstars to the up-and-comers, the MusicRow print issues offer a visual representation of the many artists whose backs our industry rests upon.

2004: The first CountryBreakout Airplay Award ceremony is held. These awards will become part of MusicRow’s annual ‘Meet & Greet’ reception and party held right before the annual Country Radio Seminar begins. Attendees of the convention anticipate this annual gathering as they reconnect with their peers in the radio industry and congratulate the MusicRow award winners.

Taylor Swift visits MusicRow offices in 2006

2006: Taylor Swift stops by for an artist visit. She goes on to become one of the most successful musical artists in the world, reaching sales of over 200 million records worldwide with numerous accolades including 11 Grammy Awards. MusicRow is often a designated media stop for artists for a visit with the team and to share new music. Artist visits at the MusicRow office have included Swift, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Ashley McBryde, John Schneider, Ingrid Andress, Kiefer Sutherland, Gabby Barrett, Jo Dee Messina, Old Dominion, Martina McBride, and countless others.

2008: As an early adopter, MusicRow shares its first Tweet on a new social media platform called Twitter on Sept. 3, 2008. The following year on July 9, 2009, MusicRow made its first post on Facebook and eventually adds Instagram to its social media platforms. Google+ was also used for a short period of time, but despite being released by the Google behemoth, its engagement as a social media platform never materialized.

Sherod Robertson purchases MusicRow in 2010

2010: On Nov. 19, 2010, Sherod Robertson purchases MusicRow magazine. Robertson, who spent years in the music business at Arista Records and Reunion Records during the ’90s, adds “MusicRow owner” to his repertoire. SouthComm, the then parent company of Music Row Communications, discovered a perfect opportunity to capitalize on MusicRow’s growth by selling the industry trade to Robertson, who at the time was SouthComm’s CFO.

2012: MusicRow holds its first annual Rising Women on the Row honors and breakfast at Maggiano’s Little Italy on Friday, March 16, 2012. The event sells out before the honorees are announced. It is created to recognize women who are becoming visionary leaders in Nashville’s music industry through their dedication, innovation, and contributions. Kay West is the featured speaker and honorees include Mary Hilliard Harrington, Shannan Hatch, Denise Stevens, Heather McBee, and Carla Wallace.

2014: MusicRow publishes its inaugural Next Big Thing issue featuring artists who range from established hitmakers prepping their next moves, to newcomers ready to claim their turns in the spotlight. In 2019, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is added and becomes the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies, and who are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

Cole Swindell receives the first-ever MusicRow Challenge Coin for his No. 1, “Chillin’ It”

2014: MusicRow presents its first Challenge Coin to Cole Swindell for “Chillin’ It.” Each uniquely numbered coin is given to artists and songwriters who earn a No. 1 song on MusicRow‘s Country Breakout Radio Chart. Challenge coins are believed to date back to WWI, when they were initially given to American soldiers. It has been reported that after receiving a challenge coin, organization members carried it with them at all times. When ‘challenged’ to prove membership, they would produce it to verify their membership status. MusicRow has awarded over 1,300 coins to date.

2018: The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart launches in Oct. 2018, and Chase McGill is the No. 1 songwriter on the very first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The weekly chart uses data from song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive asset to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Alecia Davis, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Sherod Robertson toast at the 31st annual MusicRow Awards. Photo: Steve Lowry

2019: The MusicRow Awards expands to War Memorial Auditorium for its 31st year. The annual event is an invitation-only gala where the Nashville music industry enjoys top camaraderie, gourmet food, and expanded award presentation. The first MusicRow Awards was launched in 1982 to honor a producer of the year. In 1989 it expanded to include Top 10 Album All-Stars—an award MusicRow still presents to studio musicians today. Over the years, additional categories are added for a total of 19 annual awards presented at the event today.

MusicRow‘s most recent print issue, the 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue

2020: The MusicRow Weekly launches in November of 2020 delivering a free online newsletter published on the company’s website and emailed each Friday to recipients. The newsletter features the current week’s top Nashville music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and top songwriter charts, and much more.

2021: MusicRow marks 40 years of connecting the Nashville music industry, which has proven even more essential from the industry being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. From starting out as a one-page directory in 1981 to a multi-format media presence in 2021, the publication continues to deliver essential news and resources to those who work in the music industry and will continue to evolve and grow in the future.

Lee Greenwood & Paula Deen To Host ‘Helping A Hero Telethon’

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Lee Greenwood and Paula Deen are set to host the Helping A Hero Telethon, which will air on Monday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. CT on RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and One America Network.

The Texas-based nonprofit, Helping A Hero, has already awarded over 150 homes to veterans across 24 states. Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, recently issued the 100 Homes Challenge to help fund the next 100 homes.

The upcoming telethon will aim to raise awareness and money to fund the remaining 75% of the 100 Homes Challenge, with Morris funding the initial 25% of the total cost of the homes.

The one-hour program will include performances by Crystal Gayle, Debby Boone, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen, John Conlee, The Gatlin Brothers, Home Free, Darryl Worley, and a finale with Sam Moore and T. Graham Brown with special guests Janie Fricke, Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Tim Rushlow, and Darryl Worley.

“I am thankful for the friendships that I have nurtured over the years with so many fellow artists that when I simply asked for their help in performing for this telethon event, so many quickly agreed,” says Greenwood. “This program is going to be something fans of country music will enjoy and I am hopeful that we raise lots of money to help fund these homes for our veterans.”

Helping A Hero is one of the largest home-building organizations in the nation for wounded veterans. Home recipients include veterans from 23 states whose permanent injuries have left them paraplegics, quadriplegics, amputees, with a severe TBI, blind, and with severe burns.

Veteran Nashville Journalist Marissa R. Moss To Release New Book On Women In Country Music

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Marissa R. Moss. Photo: Catherine Powell

A new book about the resiliency of the women in country music, Her Country: How the Women of Country Music Became the Success They Were Never Supposed to Be, written by veteran Nashville journalist Marissa R. Moss is on tap for release next spring.

Her Country is Moss’ story of how country music’s female artists have fought back over the past two decades against industry systems designed to keep them down.

In the book, she explores how artists, such as Kacey Musgraves, Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris, The Chicks, Miranda Lambert, Rissi Palmer, Brandy Clark, LeAnn Rimes, Brandi Carlile, Margo Price and more, have reinvented the rules to find their place in an industry stacked against them and maximized and conquered when it came to artistic output.

The book chronicles their paths to stardom and their battles against a deeply embedded boys’ club, as well as their efforts to transform the genre into a more inclusive place for all.

“I wrote Her Country after a decade in Nashville following women like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Mickey Guyton and so many more that were breaking rules, making high art, and setting the standards for the genre and beyond–with or without the support of radio,” Moss tells MusicRow of the new book. “Her Country is about how in the past two decades, country’s women fought back against systems designed to keep them down, armed with their art and never willing to just shut up and sing, and how they are building a better future. I hope readers will leave feeling inspired and with a deeper understand of the genre and the women who revolutionized it–and a little fired up, honestly! “

Industry Ink: Justin Moore, For King & Country, Craig Morgan, Jessica Rosenworcel

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Justin Moore Joins Arkansas’ 103.7 The Buzz As Morning Sports Show Co-Host

Justin Moore. Photo: Cody Villalobos

Multi-Platinum country artist Justin Moore has added radio personality to his growing list of titles. Moore will join Arkansas’ 103.7 The Buzz as co-host of the station’s morning drive-time program, “Morning Mayhem,” which will air weekdays from 6-10 a.m. CT.

Debuting on Dec. 30, he joins longtime Buzz personalities David Bazzel, Roger Scott and R.J. Hawk. “Morning Mayhem” will launch with Moore as co-host at a remote broadcast from Tampa, Florida, before the Arkansas Razorbacks’ 2022 Outback Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on New Year’s Day.

“Long before my success in country music, I was a die-hard fan of all Arkansas Razorback sports,” Moore shares. “Growing up in Arkansas, you learn to love the Razorbacks early. No matter what part of the state you’re from, you’re born calling the Hogs. Now I have an outlet for talking about my team.” He continues, “I’m thrilled to be part of a show that is dedicated to just talking about life in Arkansas–whether that be spirited debates about Razorback sports or other topics of interest to listeners.”

“Justin has a dynamic personality, which is essential when you’re helping wake up listeners at 6 a.m.,” adds Bazzel. “His knowledge of the Razorbacks is encyclopedic, and his love for the state of Arkansas is as genuine as it is infectious. And, while Justin is a country superstar, he is also a husband and father who loves his family and state. I can’t wait for our listeners to get to know him on a more personal level.”

 

For King & Country Notch Their Seventh Chart-Topper

Grammy award-winning duo For King & Country have extended their record for consecutive No. 1 singles as “Relate” notches their seventh trip to the top of Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart.

The lead single from the Platinum-selling acts upcoming March release, What Are We Waiting For?, also sat atop Mediabase’s Christian AC Airplay chart and marks the duo’s 10th career No. 1.

For King & Country have also re-entered the mainstream charts with their rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” coming in at No. 13 on Mediabase’s Holiday chart, and No. 21 on their AC chart. The track also re-enters Billboard’s AC chart at No. 18, becoming the duo’s fourth Top 20 mainstream AC hit.

 

Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation Provides Christmas Gifts For Over 120 Foster Children

Craig Morgan, Dickson County Firefighters, and volunteers provide Christmas gifts for children in foster care in Dickson County.

The Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation (DCCMF) is spreading holiday cheer throughout Dickson County, Tennessee.

The foundation recently purchased presents for more than 120 children in foster care in Dickson County, including bicycles and power wheels assembled by local firefighters. Students from Creek Wood and Dickson County High Schools wrapped the gifts prior to them being delivered to the families.

“I’m thrilled that everyone came together to make Christmas brighter for children in foster care in Dickson County-from the firefighters to high school students, so many people gave of their time to contribute to this special cause,” shares Dickson County resident, country music entertainer, and Army veteran Craig Morgan.

“It starts with a single wish list from each child, then the community, DCS and the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation work side by side to ensure the foster children have their wishes fulfilled,” adds Department of Children’s Services’ Jackie (Hopkins) Poteet. “For some of these children, these gifts under a tree on Christmas morning is a first–first real Nike shoes, first bicycle, first Barbie house or first necklace. Those items mean so much to these children who have never had it before. Craig Morgan has found a way to spread some happiness to over 120 foster care children and how amazing is that!”

 

U.S. Senate Confirms Jessica Rosenworcel To Lead Federal Communications Commission

Jessica Rosenworcel. Photo: Courtesy of the FCC

On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel as chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With this vote, which came in at 68-to-31, she has become the first woman to lead in the commission’s 87-year history.

Rosenworcel’s new five-year term will see her leading the FCC since last January when President Biden elevated her to Acting Chair. She originally joined the Commission in 2001, working as an attorney and advisor to former Commissioner Michael Copps. Rosenworcel has spent time on Capitol Hill and was nominated to fill a Democratic seat in 2011 by President Obama. After a stint away from the FCC after her term ran out, she was renominated by President Trump in 2017.

Throughout her over two decades-long career, Rosenworcel has focused on issues such as broadband access and “the homework gap”–the inability of poor children to access the web away from school. She has also backed most proposals to remove outdated rules for broadcasters.

Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Abby Anderson To Perform At All-American Holiday Concert

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Picture (L-R): Craig Morgan, Natalie Stovall, Michael Ray, Abby Anderson, and Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Music Consultants

Country recording artists Michael Ray, Craig Morgan, and Abby Anderson will perform holiday favorites alongside the 82nd Airborne Division Band & Chorus for an All-American Holiday Concert in tribute to active service members, veterans, and their families.

“We are beyond thrilled that some of Nashville’s best artists, to include 82nd Airborne veteran Craig Morgan, came to town to ring in the holidays,” shares Fort Bragg Commanding General Christopher Donahue. “This was a very special evening and a perfect way for us to say thank you for everything our Paratroopers and families have done for the Division and the nation over the past year.”

Prior to the show, Ray, Morgan and Anderson visited with the 82nd paratroopers and commanding officers at Fort Bragg to participate in various training activities and offer their personal thanks to the paratroopers for their service in Afghanistan.

“I’m very proud to have performed with the 82nd Airborne Division Band for our servicemen and women at Fort Bragg,” adds Ray. “The opportunity to show appreciation for those who serve our country is always an honor, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”

The show, hosted by Natalie Stovall and produced by Orpheus Live in collaboration with Nashville Music Consultants, will air Dec. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. CT on Circle TV; Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. CT on RFD TV; and Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. overseas on AFN Prime.

Chris Stapleton & Yola Finish Atop Americana Music Association’s Year-End Radio Charts

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Chris Stapleton & Yola

Chris Stapleton and Yola both finished on top of the Americana Music Association’s year-end Top 100 Americana Radio Airplay Charts for 2021.

Stapleton’s award-winning album, Starting Over, secured the No. 1 spot on the Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart with the most spins for the year.

Meanwhile, Yola’s single, “Diamond Studded Shoes,” landed at the top of the Americana Radio Airplay Singles Chart. Yola’s album, Stand For Myself, also finished No. 4 on the American Radio Airplay Albums Chart.

The data reflects records reported to the Americana Radio Airplay Albums and Singles Charts during the period of Jan. 11, 2021 through Dec. 14, 2021.

Top 10 Americana Radio Airplay Albums of 2021:
Starting Over, Chris Stapleton
Different Kinds of Light, Jade Bird
The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, Valerie June
Stand for Myself, Yola
Obviously, Lake Street Dive
Quietly Blowing It, Hiss Golden Messenger
A Few Stars Apart, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Rea
Be Here Instead, Parker Millsap
Exit Wounds, The Wallflowers
The Next Waltz Volume 3, Various Artists

View the complete Top 100 albums list here.

Top 10 Americana Radio Airplay Singles of 2021:
“Diamond Studded Shoes,” Yola
“The Real Thing,” Parker Millsap
“Sanctuary,” Hiss Golden Messenger
“Roots and Wings,” The Wallflowers
“Can’t Let Go,” Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
“Call Me a Fool (feat. Carla Thomas),” Valerie June
“Headstart,” Jade Bird
“Dried Up River,” The Lone Bellow
“Perennial Bloom (Back To You),” Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
“Redemption,” Nathaniel Rateliff

View the complete Top 100 singles list here.

WMBA Announces 2022 Officers, Committee Chairs, Class Of 2022

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The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) has announced the members of its Class of 2022.

The organization also recently elected new officers Melissa Flaxman (President), Virginia Brick (Vice President), Dixie Hydrick (Secretary), and Lizzy Stone (Treasurer).

Committee Chairwomen for 2022 include Aura Guadagno and Aimee Graham (Events & Education Co-Chairs), and Erin Fligel, and Amy Gellick (Marketing & Membership Co-Chairs).

The nonprofit organization serves to foster opportunities for women within the music industry through education, networking, industry involvement, and community service. WMBA 2022 events will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 18 with Global Songwriters Connection President Sheree Spoltore.

WMBA is led by Chairwomen Brandi Simms (MooTV, Moo Creative & The Steel Mill), Lindsey Clark (DeatonFlanigen Productions), Amery Fridenstine (Above Board Consulting), Cameo Carlson (Mtheory Nashville), Mary Catherine Kinney (Spotify), and Legal Counsel Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, & Norton LLP).

WMBA Class of 2022:
Kate Malone (Producer & Songwriter)
Teea Goans (Singer/Songwriter)
Rachel Buchanan (The AMG)
Abby Schneider (Sayles Egan)
Leah Hudson Binkerd (Banner Music)
Ashley Negrillo (Maverick)
Alyssa Hoffman (PLA Media)
Haley Montgomery (ACM)
Hana Kahn (Musician, Marketing & Branding Consultant)
Madeline Nugent (Singer/Songwriter)
Taylor Day (Red Street Records)
Lauren Davis (Concord)
Stephanie Eatherly (Sony Music Nashville)
Salina Viktoria Solomon (Artist, songwriter, social media consultant)
Sarah Bertrand (Universal Music Group Nashville)
Lauren Conklin Johnson (TurnTable Music)
Stephanie Orr Buttrey (CountryWired Inc.)
Kris Daniels (Audacy)
Nicole Sherwood (Big Machine Label Group)
Elizabeth Gardner (ACM)
Haley Webster (The Orchard)
Rhonda Forlaw Adkins (Rhonda & Company)
Josie Bisto (Global Songwriters Connection)
Mackenzie Adkins (Rhonda & Company)
Emilee Grissom (Transparent Productions)
Haylie Americh (Wiles + Taylor & Co.)

Kidd G To Release Deluxe Version Of ‘Down Home Boy’ On Christmas Eve

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Kidd G. Photo: Phototea

Rebel Music/Geffen Records artist Kidd G is giving fans a special Christmas present this year as he drops an expanded version of his debut album, Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October (Deluxe) on Dec. 24.

He re-energizes the original with four new tracks just in time for the holidays, including the forthcoming “I Don’t Wanna,” which highlights his knack for blending and blurring genres. He co-wrote each song on the now 18-track collection, collaborating with writers Rhett Akins, Chris DeStefano, Jesse Frasure, and more.

In addition to his debut single, “Summer In A Small Town,” and the recently-released “Paper Hearts (F-150),” and “Whiskey & Wine,” the album also features “If Heaven Had A Phone,” which became a fan favorite on his first headlining first tour which wrapped this fall.

Named one of the Best Albums of 2021 by the New York Times, Down Home Boy generated over 15 million streams on Spotify. Kidd G recently surpassed 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners.

Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “I Don’t Wanna” | Morgan O’Connor, William Keating, Michael Robinson, Jake Saghi, Blake Redferrin, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
2. “Last October” | Mike Woods, Kevin White, Marc Scibilia, Jake Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
3. “Use A Drink” | Juan Guerrieri-Maril, Nicole Spooner, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
4. “Only 16” | Nicholas Thompson, Jake Mark Sordelet, Joseph Boyden, Jacob Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
5. “Down Home Boy” | Chris Destefano, Rhett Atkins, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
6. “Paper Hearts (F-150)” | Jesse Frasure, Ernest Smith, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
7. “What It’s Like” | Kyle Fishman, Ben Hayslip, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
8. “If Heaven Had A Phone” | Bonnie Dymond, Jake Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
9. “2000 & IDK” | Johann Elliot, Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
10. “Break Up Song” | Simon Jonasson, Nicole Spooner, Juan Guerrieri-Maril, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
11. “Whiskey & Wine” | Bonnie Dymond, Christopher Luc Nyhus, Dantavius Walker, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
12. “I Think I Love Her” | John Charles Reno Prentice, Jake Rose, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
13. “Summer In A Small Town” | John Thomas “J.T.” Harding, Rhett Atkins, Jacob Rice, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
14. “Ordinary Girl” | Morgan O’Connor, William Keating, Blake Hubbard, Jarrod Ingram, Jacob Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
15. “UNKNWN Number” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
16. “You Could Use Me” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
17. “Folks Back Home” | Bonnie Dymond, Lawrence Stoll, Ryan Jeffrey Anderson, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
18. “Last Call” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne

Industry Ink: Pickers Vodka & Music Health Alliance, The Gatlin Brothers, Love From Music City

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Pennington Distilling Company Donates $10,000 To Music Health Alliance

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Pennington, Tatum Allsep and Jenny Pennington

Pennington Distilling Company, an award-winning spirits distillery, has donated $10,000 to Music Health Alliance (MHA) in support of the non-profit’s work to provide free healthcare advocacy and support to those in the music industry.

Pennington has also pledged that $1 of every bottle of Pickers Original Vodka sold in their Nashville accounts that support live music will be donated to MHA in 2022.

“Music Health Alliance is so incredibly grateful for the continued commitment and support of Pennington Distilling Co. This generous gift will provide immediate healthcare access to the music industry during this critical season.” shares Tatum Allsep, Music Health Alliance founder & CEO.

Jeff and Jenny Pennington, co-founders of Pickers Vodka, add: “We are thankful to be able to continue our support of Music Health Alliance and the amazing work that they do for the all the musicians across the U.S.”

 

 

The Gatlin Brothers To Celebrate 45 Years Of Grand Ole Opry Membership This Christmas

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Steve Gatlin, Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Gina Keltner (Grand Ole Opry). Photo: Chris Hollo

This Saturday (Dec. 25), award-winning country group, The Gatlin Brothers, will celebrate their 45th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry. The brothers–Larry, Steve, and Rudy–were officially inducted into the Opry family on Dec. 25, 1976.

“One of the very happiest days of our lives was 45 years ago, Christmas Day, when the folks at the Grand Ole Opry asked us to be members of their family,” explains Larry. “We are grateful and honored every time we walk on that stage. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!”

The group recently celebrated the occasion while performing on a special Christmas edition of the Opry’s broadcast. Backstage, the Gatlins were presented with special Hatch Show Prints to commemorate their upcoming anniversary.

 

 

Love From Music City Hosts Christmas Party For Over 150 Middle TN Foster Children

Love From Music City’s ” .” Photo: Tanya Long /Reflections By Tanya

Nashville-based organization Love From Music City recently hosted their 10th Annual event. “A Very Merry Music City Christmas” welcomed over 150 Sumner County foster children. This year’s event included live entertainment from country music artists Shane Owens and JD Shelburne, as well as carnival games and a visit from Santa.

The entire second floor of the building was transformed into a huge toy store where each child, ages 0-18, was able to choose five items of their choice. They also received eleven essential items, such as a new pillow, pillowcase, blanket, gloves, a coat, shoes, backpack, socks, toiletries, and a stuffed animal.

“Unfortunately, this December has brought some devastating life events. However, I can still say it is more blessed to give than receive,” shares CFO Shanda Tripp. “I found myself still filled with joy as I witnessed the children enjoying their amazing Christmas. Then knowing this was our 10th year made it even more special. Thank you to our community of donors and superstar volunteers, you are truly the best!”

“A Very Merry Music City Christmas” was made possible through funds received throughout the year and the Love From Music City’s annual gala which raised over $35,000 in donations.