Pictured (L-R): Otter Creek Entertainment’s JT Pratt, Haley McLemore, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, RIAA’s Erin D. D. Burr, Otter Creek Entertainment’s Van Haze, RIAA’s Morna Willens, Brett Young, RIAA’s Jackie Jones and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) celebrated Brett Young‘s Diamond-certified hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” at Nashville’s Adventure Science Center on Tuesday night (March 19).

The milestone marks 10 million certified units in the United States, and makes “In Case You Didn’t Know” the ninth country single to achieve the feat in RIAA history.

“This has truly been the song that keeps on giving. As grateful as I am to this song, and what it is meant to my career, I’m even more grateful to all the people behind the scenes that works so hard to make sure it would be the successful,” expressed Young. “I think we all had high hopes, but never imagined this song earning an RIAA Diamond certification. Thank you to everybody that came out, and everybody that had a hand in all of the success.”

He performed the tune, which marks his 11th RIAA certification, as well as Platinum-certified “Lady” and current single “Dance With You” before accepting the Diamond honor in front of music industry friends, media, his wife Taylor and daughters Rowan and Presley.

“I will always remember the first time I heard this song–it was around two in the morning. Brett was in Mexico and sent me a rough demo. I must have listened to it about 40 times before I could finally fall back to sleep,” recalled Jimmy Harnen, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President & CEO. “It just felt like a massive hit from the very first listen!”

“‘In Case You Didn’t Know’ is truly one of those rare and extraordinary evergreen songs—it’s been seven years since its release and it continues to play and play, and reach new audiences for Brett,” shared Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO. “It’s a testament to Brett’s songwriting ability and a shining jewel in his very robust and ever-expanding catalog.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): David Crow (Attorney, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music Nashville), Matt Cottingham (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Justin Halpin, Derek Wells (VP of A&R and Production, Spirit Music Nashville) and Mike Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville); (L-R, front row): Leisl Eschbach (Attorney, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Kennedy Murphy (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville), Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Office, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville), AJ Burton (VP of Fluid Music Revolution) and Andy Hodges (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville).

Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution has signed songwriter and producer Justin Halpin to a worldwide publishing deal.

Halpin has written or collaborated on work that has been used in over 350 film, television, advertising and trailer placements. His music has been featured on streaming and network television outlets such as Showtime and HBO as well as projects for the NFL, NHL and MLB in addition to national ad campaigns for Chevrolet, among others.

Creating under the monikers Unions, First Time Thieves, Track Team Dropouts, Wilder Banks and UpUpUp, Halpin has also had songs recorded by major label artists in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

“Justin’s knack for writing and performing songs for television/film/advertising is second to none,” says AJ Burton, Vice President, Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution. “His knowledge and relationships within the music industry are a welcomed asset here at Spirit/Fluid. Artists, songwriters, music supervisors and everyone in between all love working with him. It’s going to be an exciting next couple years as we level up his profile in mainstream country and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Spirit/Fluid family and this incredible roster of talented artists and writers,” says Halpin. “Frank [Rogers] and AJ have built a talented and creative team that feels like the perfect partner for the next chapter of my career.”

BMI has set the return of the “Rooftop On The Row” series, marking its sixth year. George Dickel returns as the event’s presenting sponsor.

This year the series will kick off on April 16 with Grammy award-winner Colbie Caillat with support from singer-songwriter Ryan Larkins. Additional performers include Jackson Dean, Mae Estes, Ella Langley, Redferrin, Josh Ross, Lauren Watkins and more to be announced.

“As BMI’s ‘Rooftop On The Row’ enters its sixth season, it has been gratifying to witness how unique and important it is to provide this opportunity to our affiliates,” shares BMI’s AVP Creative Nashville, Mason Hunter. “I’ve seen firsthand how this event fosters connections within the industry and serves as a useful platform for artists. Since its launch in 2017, George Dickel has been our presenting sponsor and has helped us amplify ‘Rooftop On The Row’ into what it is today.”

For the series, BMI transforms its rooftop, overlooking Music City’s skyline, into a three-hour entertainment hub. Attendees enjoy live music, handcrafted cocktails, food and sponsorship activations.

“We’re thrilled to continue supporting songwriters and musicians through our long-standing partnership with the BMI’s ‘Rooftop On The Row’ series,” says Joe Clarkson, George Dickel Senior Brand Manager. “As a brand, we support the spirit of exploration and innovation inherent in music. Crafting something special, whether it’s a fine bourbon or a great song, is always something worth celebrating.”

Past performers of BMI’s “Rooftop On the Row” series include Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, The War And Treaty, Hardy, K. Michelle, Riley Green, Maddie & Tae, Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Marlowe. Delta Air Lines, Topo Chico, White Claw, Texas Roadhouse, ONErpm and Gallagher Insurance are listed as additional sponsors for this year.

“Rooftop On The Row” Dates:
April 16 – Colbie Caillat and Ryan Larkins
May 14 – Jackson Dean and Mae Estes
July 16 – Ella Langley and Redferrin
August 13 – Josh Ross and Lauren Watkins
September 17 – TBD

The lineup has been unveiled for this year’s Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Set for Sept. 28-29 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, the 2024 event will mark the festival’s 10th anniversary.

Dave Matthews Band and Hozier are slated to headline the first day, which will include performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lukas Nelson, The Brook & The Bluff, Allison Russell, Chance Peña, Celisse, Illiterate Light, Lamont Landers, The Band of Heathens, HeavyDrunk, Willi Carlisle, People on the Porch, Owensboro Bluegrass and Wyatt Ellis.

The second day will feature headliners Noah Kahan and NeedToBreathe as well as Coin, Stephen Sanchez, Better Than Ezra, Myles Smith, The Cadillac Three, Sierra Hull, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, The Brevet, Charlie Worsham, Hippies & Cowboys, Theo Lawrence, Landers, Cassandra Lewis and Gospel Church.

“We are beyond proud to present this amazing lineup of talented musicians for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival’s 10th anniversary. 2024 promises to deliver so much of what has made this late-September festival weekend special over the last nine years. We look forward to sharing another memorable event with everyone who ‘makes the Pilgrimage’ to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm,” state the festival’s producers Kevin Griffin, W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (March 21) at 10 a.m. CT. In honor of the milestone anniversary, payment plans are being offered for $10 down plus fees. Additionally, travel packages are available now for those planning to come in from out of town. For more information, click here.

Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) is holding a special memorial auction commemorating what would have been the 85th birthday of the late national radio personality Bob Kingsley.

The auction features plaques gifted to Kingsley by various artists over the years, with bidding starting at $85. Additionally, vintage American Country Countdown apparel is available for purchase. All proceeds from the auction and merchandise sales will benefit the Country Radio Hall of Fame.

“CRS continues to celebrate the life and career of the legendary Bob Kingsley by teaming up with Nan Kingsley for this unique auction generously benefiting the Country Radio Hall of Fame,” says RJ Curtis, Executive Director of CRB/Country Radio Seminar (CRS). “What a fitting way to commemorate his 85th birthday and remember his 1998 CRHOF induction.”

The auction is live now through April 2. For more information, click here.