Maverick Nashville Signs Jenna LaMaster

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Pictured (L-R): Marne McLyman, Jenna LaMaster and Clarence Spalding

Maverick Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Jenna LaMaster to a management deal.

LaMaster joins the company’s roster of Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Elvie Shane, Hootie & the Blowfish, Jason Aldean, Lauren Alaina, Rachel Wammack, Rascal Flatts, Shane Profitt and Terri Clark.

The barrel-racing, western songstress moved from the mountains of California to Texas to compete on the professional rodeo circuit. She then made her way to Nashville to pursue her country music dream and signed a publishing deal with Sheltered Music. LaMaster has scored cuts with Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall and Dylan Marlowe, among others, and recently released her debut single “Drunk Thoughts.”

Marne McLyman will oversee LaMaster along with clients Brooks & Dunn and Clark.

“From the moment I heard Jenna’s music I knew I wanted to work with her. Her authenticity, sound and lyrics are what I love about country music. I’m excited to bring Jenna’s talent as an artist and a songwriter to the masses,” says McLyman.

“This is a dream come true. I am beyond excited to partner with Maverick Nashville and take the next step in my artist career,” shares LaMaster. “I could not imagine a better team than Marne McLyman and Clarence Spalding! I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.”

Stagecoach 2024 Palomino Stage To Feature Dwight Yoakam, Leon Bridges & The Beach Boys

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Iconic country music festival Stagecoach has released their Palomino Stage lineup for the 2024 festival, taking place April 26-28 in Indio, California.

Performers on this year’s Palomino stage lineup include Dwight Yoakam, Carin Léon, Paul Cauthen, Leon Bridges, Charley Crockett, Luke Grimes, The Beach Boys, Clint Black, Pam Tillis and more.

Festival attendees often pack the Palomino stage to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists giving a once-in-a-lifetime intimate performance. Past performers who have graced the same stage include Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones, John Prine, Jerry Lee Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell and many more.

The Palomino stage is just another highlight of this year’s sold-out festival, which will see Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen headline the Mane Stage during the three-day weekend.

Industry Ink: Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, Morgan Wade, Auburn McCormick

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Cody Johnson Celebrates RIAA Certifications

Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Cody Johnson, Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio, Warner Music Nashville)

Country star Cody Johnson performed in front of a sold-out crowd on Feb. 2 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The headline show marked a record for the singer, as it became the most tickets sold by a male country artist in their Bridgestone debut.

Before taking the stage, Warner Music Nashville helped present Johnson with 46 new RIAA certifications. These certifications combined total more than 17 million in sales and streams. He also received a Gold certification for current single “The Painter,” which debuted at country radio with the singer’s largest add date so far.

 

Bailey Zimmerman Kicks Off Headline Tour In Los Angeles

Pictured (L-R): Patrick Sabatini (SVP Legal & Business Affairs, Warner Music Nashville), Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Bailey Zimmerman, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Eric Wong (President & Chief Marketing Officer, Warner Recorded Music)

Fast-rising country star Bailey Zimmerman kicked off his “Religiously: The Tour” on Feb. 1 at The Novo in Los Angeles, California. The sold-out crowd started lining up hours before the show, eager to see Zimmerman. He captivated the audience with performances of hits “Religiously,” “Rock And A Hard Place,” “Where It Ends” and many more.

The tour will continue this week in California before hitting more than 30 stops including New York City, Indianapolis, San Antonio and more.

 

Country Music Hall Of Fame Hosts Concert & Conversation With Morgan Wade

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Senior Public Programs Manager Kayleigh Shoemaker and Morgan Wade at the museum Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted singer-songwriter Morgan Wade for a concert and conversation over the weekend. Wade is featured in the museum’s exhibition “American Currents: State of the Music,” in the “Unbroken Circle” portion.

The event was offered in support of the exhibition, and was filmed. The program will be part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital program series, premiering at a later date.

 

Auburn McCormick Signs With Rose & Thorn Records

Pictured: (Back Row, L-R): Jared Scott (R&T Records), Falon Simmons (R&T Records), Connor Rankin (R&T Records). Front Row: Auburn McCormick

Emerging country singer-songwriter Auburn McCormick has signed a record deal with Nashville-based independent label Rose & Thorn Records. The label was founded by Connor Rankin and has added Jared Scott as Director of Operations and Falon Simmons as Head of A&R.

“Signing a record deal has always been a goal of mine. From a young age, I knew music was what I was supposed to do with my life,” shares McCormick. “Once I saw how passionate they were about me and my music, and their belief that we could and would be better than the industry ‘standard,’ I knew this was my team.”

Anne Wilson Embraces Her ‘Rebel’ Side On New Country & Christian Hybrid Project

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Anne Wilson is gearing up to release a genre-blending new album Rebel on April 19 via UMG Nashville and Capitol Christian Music Group. To offer fans a taste of the forthcoming album, Wilson has released the new song, “God & Country.”

The new single, which was co-penned with Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson, showcases both sides of Wilson as an artist and the faith-infused country music that defines Rebel. She revisits the Kentucky roots that shaped her identity in the track, from church pews and Sunday morning choirs to mud tires and Friday night lights, and offers a glimpse of what it’s like to grow up in the heart of the heartland.

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A co-writer on each of the album’s 16 tracks, Wilson teamed up with some of Music Row’s most in-demand songwriters for the project firmly rooted in both country and Christian music. The album was produced by Pardo and Jonathan Smith.

“I can’t wait for everyone to hear these brand new songs on April 19,” shares Wilson. “I’ve been working so hard over the past 15 months to write these songs, record them and get them into the world! I was raised on two things: the love of God and the love of all things country. That’s what fuels the music I make and that’s what you’ll hear more of on Rebel. I’m just so excited we are this close to releasing the record!”

In addition to “God & Country,” Wilson has been making waves with her current country single, “Rain In The Rearview,” co-written with West, Jaren Johnston and Zach Kale. Meanwhile, her single “Strong” continues to stand firm at Christian radio, reaching the Top 15 on the Billboard Christian Airplay and Mediabase Audience charts and climbing.’

Wilson will celebrate the release of Rebel with a special one-night-only event in Lexington, Kentucky, taking place on Sunday, April 21 at 7 p.m. ET at the Lexington Opera House. Tickets will go one sale this Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. ET.

Andy Flick Elevated To National Director, Radio At Warner Music Nashville

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Andy Flick. Photo: Michael Tedesco

Warner Music Nashville has promoted Andy Flick to National Director, Radio for Team WMN. Effective immediately, he will continue reporting to VP Radio Anna Cage.

Flick joined WMN in April 2021 as Regional Manager, Radio (North) for Team WAR after more than 20 years at Sony. Over the past three years he has played an instrumental role in radio campaigns for Chase Matthew, Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Tyler Braden, Zac Brown Band and Zach Bryan. Flick and Team WAR started 2024 by celebrating Dan + Shay‘s 10th No. 1 song at country radio.

“Andy is the ultimate professional, a natural leader and a chart ninja,” Cage shares. “We are thrilled to have him leading the charge for Team WMN.”

“I am beyond thankful to Kristen Williams, Tom Martens and Anna Cage for the opportunity to join Team WMN,” Flick says. “This is a dynamic radio team, and I admire their unwavering passion and extraordinary work on behalf of our world-class artist roster. I’m excited for this new role, and I look forward to working with our radio partners to connect listeners with some of the most inspiring artists and music in the format.”

Curb Records Promo Veteran Mike Rogers To Retire

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Mike Rogers

Curb Records National Director, Promotion Mike Rogers has announced his retirement, effective March 1.

The 35-year radio promotion veteran has been National Director, Promotion at Curb since 2002 and, prior to that, worked on the promotion team at CBS/Sony.

“Thank you, Mike, for the incredible 21 years you’ve given Curb Records,” says Curb Records Chairman, Mike Curb. “We are very sad to see you retire but we are grateful for every second you’ve spent with our team. We look forward to seeing what your next chapter brings.”

“Mike Curb’s belief in me these last 21 years was unparalleled,” says Rogers. “I was and always will be proudest of all we have accomplished in my time at Curb. You entrusted me to give your music its best shot and I hope I made you proud. To have actually learned from a legend will always be a crowning achievement in my career. Now, it’s time to ‘do some life’ with my wife, Laura, and our two daughters, all of whom sacrificed a ton as I lived out that road life as a radio promotion rep.”

SOURCE Hall Of Fame 2024 Inductees Announced

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SOURCE Nashville has announced the 2024 SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees.

The nonprofit was founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe to support accomplished women professionals in all facets of the Nashville music industry. This year marks the 21st annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards, which were were established in 2003 by Kay Smith to honor the “Women Behind The Music.”

2024 Inductees:
– Teena Camp (Charisma Talent Agency, Sound Pit Recording Studios, GRC Records, David Allan Coe, Colleen Peterson, Teena Shirts, TSC Marketing)
– Marty Craighead (MCA Music Publishing, Capitol Records/Capitol Nashville, Javelina Recording Studios, Arista Records, EMI GMG, Universal Records South, ASCAP, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, FBMM)
– Leslie Fram (CMT/Paramount, CMT Next Women of Country/CMT Equal Play/Equal Access, Change the Conversation)
– Kathy Harris (The Oak Ridge Boys, McClintock Harris Management, Writer & Literary Agent)
– Judy Seale (George Lindsey Celebrity Weekend, Roy Clark Celebrity Golf Classic, Jim Halsey Company, Refugee Management, Judy Seale International, Inc., Stars for Stripes, Inc.)
– Sheree Spoltore (Merle Kilgore Enterprises, Faverette Music Group Publishing, U.S. Bank, Orbison Enterprises, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Global Songwriters Connection)

The 2024 class will be inducted during the 21st annual ceremony on Aug. 27 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium. As previously announced, Jeannie Seely will be honored with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award during the event in recognition of her career achievements and significant contributions to the music industry.

Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

Chris Tomlin Announces Eighth Annual ‘Good Friday Nashville’ Concert

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Chris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein

Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Tomlin has announced the details for his annual “Good Friday Nashville” event, now returning for the eighth consecutive year. This year the event will take place on March 29 at Bridgestone Arena.

This year’s lineup includes Tomlin as well as Christian singer-songwriter Kari Jobe, and a special Easter message delivered by Willie Robertson, who is known for starring in and producing Duck Dynasty. Tomlin will also continue his tradition of welcoming surprise guests. In the past, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, Hillsong United and many others have surprised the arena-sized crowd.

“For the last seven years I have had the humbling opportunity to watch what God can do in a community when we gather together to look upwards towards Him and outward towards Others. From people’s faith being reignited to innocent children finding forever families, ‘Good Friday Nashville’ has had a powerful and lasting impact on our community and year eight will be no exception,” shares Tomlin. “And of course, we can’t forget all the incredible guests that will join us… Kari Jobe and Willie Robertson are just the start! We have more exciting announcements coming soon… and you are not going to believe the surprises we have lined up for the night! I hope you grab tickets and join us for this incredible moment—I have high expectations for what God will do.”

Since 2017, “Good Friday Nashville” has been a night to benefit the foster care and adoption crisis. For Others, a non-profit organization started by Tomlin and his wife Lauren, aims to be a voice for the vulnerable by living out their mission of raising awareness and empowering organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America.

Each year, the event continues to sell out and set attendance records. “Good Friday Nashville” currently holds the Bridgestone Arena records for the longest-running charity concert and the largest-ticketed Christian concert.

“Good Friday Nashville” is promoted and produced by Awakening Events and presented by K-Love, Air1, The Fish and WayFM.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

Morgan Wallen Signs With Warner Chappell Music

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Country sensation Morgan Wallen has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. As a part of this deal, he will have the ability to sign songwriters in partnership with Warner Chappell Music.

Honored as Songwriter of the Year at the 2023 BMI Country Awards, Wallen has penned his chart-toppers such as the multi-Platinum “Chasin’ You,” “7 Summers,” “You Proof” and “Thought You Should Know” as well as outside cuts recorded by Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Corey Kent and Kane Brown, among others.

His third studio album, One Thing At A Time, has spent the most weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart for a country album and was named Luminate’s Top Album of 2023 in the United States. The project’s six-time Platinum, Grammy-nominated single “Last Night” notched over 1.5 billion streams worldwide, becoming the most-streamed song of any genre in the nation across Apple Music and Spotify, and the longest running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history with 16 weeks total.

“When you listen to the craftsmanship of songs that Morgan is writing, such as the modern-day classics ‘7 Summers’ and ‘Thought You Should Know,’ and the impactful songs he’s written for other artists like ‘You Make It Easy’ (Jason Aldean) and ‘Wild as Her’ (Corey Kent), you start to understand that the man from East Tennessee is quickly becoming one of the most important songwriters of this generation,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “Our entire Warner Chappell team is so proud of the opportunity to represent his songs.”

“Morgan’s songwriting style has been original and distinct from the beginning and it is so exciting to get to work with someone who has seen massive commercial success built on authenticity,” adds Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Sr. Director, A&R and Digital, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

“I look forward to working with Warner Chappell as my new music publishing partner and would like to thank them for also offering support in signing songwriters I believe in,” shares Wallen. “In many ways, I feel like I’ve always been a songwriter first, and because of that, the publishing community is especially close to my heart. I’m honored to use this partnership as an opportunity to give other songwriters a helping hand. Thanks to Ben, Phil [May], Jessi and their great team.”

Chris Stapleton Cracks Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

Chris Stapleton has moved to the No. 5 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week with his tracks “Think I’m In Love With You” and “White Horse,” which took home two Grammy Awards last night for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 with eight songs on the chart, including “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Last Night,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “World on Fire,” “Truck Bed,” “Save Me The Trouble,” “All I Need Is You” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Zach Bryan holds onto the No. 2 spot this week with his three tracks “I Remember Everything,” “Hey Driver” and “Sarah’s Place.” The “I Remember Everything” collaboration with Kacey Musgraves also took home a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Randy Montana and Chayce Beckham take the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively.

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.