Jessie Jo Dillon Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Jessie Jo Dillon. Photo: Noah Needleman

Grammy-nominated songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon rises to No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Dillon’s tracks on this week’s chart include “Back Then Right Now,” “No Caller ID,” “Halfway To Hell” and “Messed Up As Me.” 

Ashley Gorley remains in the No. 1 spot this week with “World On Fire,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Last Night,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Truck Bed,” “Bulletproof” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” No. 2 this week belongs to Chayce Beckham with solo-written “23.”

Hunter Phelps (No. 3) and Tracy Chapman (No. 4) 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.

Grand Ole Opry House Celebrates Golden Anniversary

Pictured (L-R, back row): Steve Gatlin, Don Schlitz, Del McCoury, Douglas B. Green, Woody Paul, Joey Miskulin, Fred LaBour, Mark Wills, Jamie Dailey, T Graham Brown, Gary Mule Deer and Clint Black; (L-R, front row): Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Mandy Barnett and Crystal Gayle. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry House celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary over the weekend on March 16, 50 years to the day since the venue first opened with a star-packed show attended by President and Mrs. Richard Nixon.

The special anniversary show opened with the night’s cast on stage performing Roy Acuff’s “Wabash Cannonball” followed by Opry member Mark Wills kicking things off with an all-cast performance of “Country Roads, Take Me Home,” saying, “Here’s to all those city streets and country roads that week after week, year after year lead us back to our musical home, the Grand Ole Opry House.”

Throughout the evening, the Opry honored members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith, all of whom who were among those performing during opening night at the Opry House in 1974. Wills and those Opry honorees were joined on stage by Opry members Mandy Barnett, Clint Black, Jamie Dailey (of Dailey & Vincent), The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Del McCoury, Gary Mule Deer, Don Schlitz and Riders In The Sky. T Graham Brown, who was invited to become an official Opry member in February and will be inducted this spring, also joined the all-member cast. Black closed out the celebratory night with his “This Old House,” with fellow Opry members joining in as iconic photos from the Opry House’s five decades rolled on the Opry set behind them.

Opry cast March 16, 1974 with President Nixon. Photo: Les Levertt

The Opry House is the current ACM Theater of the Year, and was just named the South’s Best Music Venue in Tennessee in Southern Living’s reader-voted 2024 South’s Best Awards (April 2024 issue). It’s also included on this list of The Best Local Treasures in Every Southern State. In recognition of its effect on popular culture, entertainment and the communications industry, the Opry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

On March 16, 1974, Acuff opened the first show in the brand new 4,400 seat Grand Ole Opry House in front of a standing-room-only audience attended by President and Mrs. Richard Nixon and other VIP guests. The evening marked the first time a U.S. president had ever attended the Opry, and Nixon still stands as the only president ever to have performed on the Opry stage, playing “My Wild Irish Rose” and “God Bless America” on the upright piano in addition to “Happy Birthday” in honor of First Lady Pat Nixon, who was celebrating her birthday that night.

The Grand Ole Opry House is the Opry’s sixth home. It is also the only home built specifically for the Opry and the residence the Opry has called home the longest. Since that first night on March 16, 1974, the Opry House has been witness to the Opry’s first live television broadcast and its first internet stream; its 5000th Saturday night broadcast; and countless “Opry moments” including debut performances, surprise superstar appearances, once-in-a-lifetime artist collaborations, and Opry member inductions. The Opry House’s 50th anniversary comes just one year before a celebration of the Opry’s milestone 100th year on the air.

Maggie Antone Plots ‘The Lonestars & Lovers Tour’ With Kat Hasty

Maggie Antone. Photo: Luke Hutcherson

Rising star Maggie Antone will team up with Kat Hasty for their co-headlining “The Lonestars & Lovers Tour.”

The new tour dates come on the heels of an already busy 2024 for Antone, who released her newest track with Brendan Walter, “I Don’t Wanna Hear About It,” in February. The track was co-written and co-produced by Antone and Carrie K, and was released on Antone’s own label Love Big in collaboration with Thirty Tigers.

Antone is also scheduled to perform at Bonnaroo and Bourbon & Beyond, as well as open for The Red Clay Strings.

Tickets for “The Lonestars & Lovers Tour” will go on sale beginning March 22 at 10 a.m. local time.

“The Lonestars & Lovers” Tour Dates:
June 6—Lexington, KY—The Burl
June 8—Decatur, GA—Eddie’s Attic
June 9—Charlotte, NC—Amos’ Southend
June 11—Indianapolis, IN—HI-FI Indy
June 12—Newport, KY—The Southgate House Revival-Sanctuary

Alison Nichols Inks With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Manager Sherrie’ Austin, Alison Nichols and BMG’s Jon Loba

Rising artist Alison Nichols has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Go Long Entertainment’s Jeff Davis, BMG’s Quinn Bauducco, Producer Will Rambeaux and BMG Nashville’s Peter Strickland; (L-R, front row): BMG’s Katie Kerkhover, Jon Loba, Alison Nichols, Manager Sherrie’ Austin and BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr

The Georgia native is a cousin of the late Joe Diffie, and blends aspects of her upbringing with influences from her time spent on the Texas country scene. As one of the first Asian-American singers in the country format, Nichols embraces her roots, proclaiming herself as “half Korean, half redneck and 100 percent American.” Her first release on TikTok, “Is It Just Me?,” garnered more than 4.6 million views, and her latest song, “Hoops,” has also racked up over a million views.

“Alison’s life brings a unique perspective to her music that we look forward to sharing with the world,” says Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, BMG North America. “It’s compelling, different, yet familiar and adds to the rich tapestry that is country music.”

“My parents say I came into the world singing, and I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl,” says Nichols. “I’m so thrilled and excited to be a part of the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville family and I look forward to making great music together!”

Chayce Beckham To Drop Debut Album ‘Bad For Me’ In April

Photo: Robby Klein

Chayce Beckham plans to drop his debut album, Bad For Me, on April 5 via 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG Nashville.

The singer-songwriter gave fans a new taste of the project today (March 15) with the release of “Waylon in ’75.” The 13-track collection also features Beckham’s solo-written, Platinum single “23,” which recently scored a CMT Music Awards nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year.

Bad For Me touches on themes like substance abuse, guilt and romantic remorse, joined by the inner struggle of a man wishing he was more. With the album, Beckham aims to depict an appreciation for life itself and a promise to keep up the fight. Apart from “23,” the collection was produced by Bart Butler, and includes more Beckham-penned pieces such as “Mama,” which he performed on American Idol, and “Drink You Off My Mind.”

The artist is currently on his headlining “Bad For Me Tour,” and will join Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer.

Bad For Me Track Listing:
1. “Devil I’ve Been” (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
2. “Addicted And Clean” (Chayce Beckham, Emily Landis, Justin Morgan)
3. “Waylon In ‘75” (Jon Randall, Brett James, Parker McCollum, Lee Thomas Miller)
4. “Bad For Me” (Joe Fox, Randy Montana, Tyler Chambers)
5. “Drink You Off My Mind” (Chayce Beckham)
6. “Everything I Need” (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
7. “Whiskey Country” (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “Glitter” (Joey Hendricks, Mark Trussell, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Smokin’ Weed and Drinkin’ Whiskey” (Chayce Beckham, Andy Albert, Mark Trussell)
10. “Something Worth Holding On To” (John Pierce, Brandon Kinney, Micah Wilshire)
11. “Mama” (Chayce Beckham)
12. “If I Had A Week” (Chayce Beckham, Scooter Carusoe)
13. “23” (Chayce Beckham)

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Acquires The British Archive Of Country Music

Photo of a 78-rpm record by Big Bill Campbell and His Rocky Mountain Rhythm, released in 1947 and included in the British Archive of Country Music collection. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has expanded its collection with the addition of the British Archive of Country Music, comprising over 50,000 recordings alongside books, periodicals, videotapes, photographs and more.

The collection, established in 1987, was assembled over a span of seven decades by late British collector Dave Barnes. This treasure-trove of country music history contains extensive recordings and files regarding artists from the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and the US. After Barnes’ death in 2020, his family began working with the museum to facilitate the acquisition and transport of the collection from Dover, England with support from the Tyson Family Foundation.

“My father Don Tyson was a huge, lifelong fan of country music,” says John H. Tyson, Chairman of the Board of Tyson Foods, Inc. “He passed that love of music on to his children and grandchildren as well. When we learned of the British Archive of Country Music, we immediately knew it was a treasure that should be located in posterity at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We are pleased to have been able to work with Mr. Barnes’ son, Alan, and the team at the museum to make this a reality. My son, John Randal and daughter Olivia and I are delighted to have made this collection available so that future generations of country music fans can continue to enjoy this music as Mr. Barnes did years ago as he was putting the archive together.”

With the addition of the BACM collection, the museum now ranks among the world’s largest collections of country music recordings, boasting over 250,000 sound recordings ranging from phonograph cylinders to digital files.

CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kyle Young, expresses his gratitude to the Barnes family and the Tyson Family Foundation for their pivotal role in bringing the BACM collection to the museum. “The British Archive of Country Music speaks to the international influence of country music. We’re honored to preserve the collection and continue BACM’s legacy of making this music available to researchers and scholars across the world,” he says.

Kameron Marlowe Is ‘Keepin’ The Lights On’ This May

Kameron Marlowe is gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Keepin’ The Lights On, set for May 31, and shared the title track and visualizer with fans today (March 15).

The 16-track collection features previously released singles “Quit You,” “Strangers (with Ella Langley)” and “Tennessee Don’t Mind.” Writers contributing to Keepin’ The Lights On include Kendell Marvel, Michael Hardy, Wyatt McCubbin, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi and Charles Kelley, among others.

“I feel like I discovered a lot about myself while making this record,” shares Marlowe. “I got to reflect on a lot of life from when I was a kid to life today. This album explores everything from loss to love, depression to joy, and overcoming the voices in your head telling you you’re not good enough. I found myself looking at life through a different lens throughout the process.

“The namesake of the album, ‘Keepin’ The Lights On’ came from a conversation with my dad over the holidays about how he’s always thanking the man upstairs for keeping it all together, especially when times get tough,” he continues. “For me, this record is a reminder of hard work, dedication and keeping the promises that we make. It’s still crazy to me that people are listening to a small town boy from Kannapolis, North Carolina, but here I am releasing my second album. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”

Marlowe will head down under with Lainey Wilson for her international tour next week, and share his new music on his headlining “Strangers Tour” in April.

Keepin’ The Lights On Track Listing:
1. “911” (Wyatt McCubbin/John Pierce/Micah Wilshire)
2. “Nothin’ Slowin’ Us Down” (Kameron Marlowe/Mitchell Tenpenny/Rob Williford/Dallas Wilson)
3. “On My Way Out” (Michael Hardy/Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Taylor Phillips/Bobby Pinson)
4. “Never Really Know” (Kameron Marlowe/James McNair)
5. “Tennessee Don’t Mind” (Charles Kelley/Daniel Tashian)
6. “Leaning On You” (Kameron Marlowe/Erik Dylan/Wyatt McCubbin/Taylor Phillips)
7. “I Can Run” (Tucker Beathard/Oscar Charles Gnaedig/Ben Roberts)
8. “High Hopes” (Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi)
9. “One That I Don’t Call” (Wyatt McCubbin/James McNair/John Pierce)
10. “Lock Me Up” (Ben Johnson/Jordan Minton/Hunter Phelps/Taylor Phillips)
11.  “Will It Be There in the Morning” (Kameron Marlowe/Mitchell Tenpenny/Dallas Wilson)
12. “Quit You” (Kameron Marlowe/James McNair/John Pierce)
13. “Smaller” (Erik Dylan/Wyatt McCubbin)
14. “Strangers (with Ella Langley)” (Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill)
15. “Broke Down in a Truck” (Taylor Baynum/Nathan Justis/Dave Michael/Colby Williford)
16. “Keepin’ The Lights On” (Kameron Marlowe/Kendell Marvel/Phil O’Donnell)

Carys Selvey Inks With Edgehill Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R, back row): Josh Joseph and Tara Joseph. (L-R, front row): Carys Selvey and Julia Keefe

London-based songwriter Carys Selvey has signed a global publishing deal with Edgehill Music Publishing.

Selvey first signed with Sony/ATV London at 14 years old and has since made her own distinctive voice in songwriting. Her partnership with Edgehill is in collaboration with her management team, Joel Reyes at Moko Management and Declan McAlister at 31 Management.

“When I first heard Carys’ work, I was immediately drawn to the rawness of her writing,” shares Julia Keefe, Head of A&R, Edgehill. “In addition to her writing, the energy she brings into every room paired with her ability to connect with creatives on a deeper level, truly sets her apart. We are so excited to have Carys apart of the Edgehill family.”

“I am unbelievably excited to be part of the Edgehill family!” Selvey shares. “Josh [Joseph], Tara [Joseph] and Julia have created an environment unlike any music company I have known beforeand I feel so honoured to be a part of it and get to work with all of their incredibly talented writers and producers.”

Industry Ink: Kylie Morgan, Alison Abbey Hudak, Sawyer Brown & Mac McAnally, CMA

Kylie Morgan Receives RIAA Gold Certification

Kylie Morgan and UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. Photo: Courtesy of UMG Nashville

EMI Records Nashville artist Kylie Morgan has been awarded her first ever RIAA Gold certification for her hit single “If He Wanted To He Would.” UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe shared the news with the singer and presented her with a plaque.

“I have been writing songs as a form of therapy since I was twelve,” says Morgan. “I have always dreamed of one of those therapy sessions turning into thousands singing my words back to me and a plaque on my wall. Over 14 years later, that dream has come true. This song has allowed me to connect with millions of strangers, and has become a constant reminder of why I started writing songs. I am feeling eternally grateful, humbled, and so excited to put even more therapy sessions out for the world, so we can heal together.”

 

Alison Abbey Hudak Exits Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

Alison Abbey Hudak. Photo: Robby Klein

Alison Abbey Hudak has exited Nashville Lifestyles after her five year post as Editor-in-Chief to pursue new opportunities. During her time at the magazine, Hudak featured Hayley Williams, Dolly Parton, Yola, Bobby Bones and Wynonna Judd. She also produced live events with Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Young, Mallory Ervin, John Drake and Dee Pate. On Nashville Lifestyles: The Podcast, she interviewed superstar Morgan Wallen, which remains the most downloaded episode.

Hudak can be reached at alisonabbey@gmail.com.

 

Sawyer Brown & Mac McAnally Perform At Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Pictured (L-R): Mac McAnally, Mark Miller, Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Mark Miller and Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard from legendary country group Sawyer Brown performed alongside dynamic songwriter Mac McAnally during a songwriter session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event was in celebration of the band’s Desperado Troubadours album release and the 40th anniversary of winning Star-Search. 

During the event, they sang some of the bands most well known songs such as “Some Girls Do,” “Thank God For You,” “The Walk” and more, which McAnally co-penned. Miller also shared stories from the band’s time in the industry, and even spotlighted MLB all-star Adam Wainwright, who was in attendance.

 

CMA Hosts Country Music Consumption Membersips Event

Pictured: Michael Farris (CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights) and John Murphy (Luminate Vice President, Music Publishing and Financial Solutions) lead a discussion during a MemberSIPS event focused on Country Music consumption on Tuesday, March 12 at CMA HQ in Nashville. Photo: Emily April Allen

The Country Music Association (CMA) hosted a MemberSIPS event on March 12 at their headquarters for CMA members. The event focused on country music consumption across the U.S. as well as internationally in 2023. Members from across the industry participated in a collaborative conversation and looked into the future of country music.

CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights Michael Farris and Luminate Vice President, Music Publishing and Financial Solutions John Murphy shared the data around consumption and led discussions what the data shows and what trends can be identified.

Abbey Cone Signs With Downtown Artist & Label Services For Distribution

Abbey Cone at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Erika Rock

Singer-songwriter Abbey Cone has signed with Downtown Artist & Label Services for distribution.

She has also released her first song with the company, a cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah,” which was recorded live when Cone opened for LeAnn Rimes Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

“My first year as an independent artist was surprising in so many ways,” she says. “One of the biggest surprises was being asked to open up for LeAnn Rimes at the Ryman in December. I’ve always loved this song because of how powerful it is, and how much it moves people. It’s representative of the kind of music I want to create and the way I want to move people with my music, too.”

Cone is contining to build an independent team, which currently includes Amanda Quinton of Quinton Digital for management services, Wasserman Group for booking and Warner Chappell Music/T.R.U.T.H. for publishing.

“One of the many lessons I’ve learned in my almost 10 years in the music industry is how important it is to have a team of people that will actually get in the trenches with you and figure out how to build a sustainable and authentic career,” she shares. “Small wins feel bigger when you’re an independent artist. It’s an accumulation of small victories that feel really rewarding when you’re doing it for yourself instead of to impress a label or a gatekeeper. For the first time, I’ve actually been able to make money from my music because I own my masters. It’s empowering to be able to choose how to reinvest that money and also be able to choose who I work with. I feel free. I feel like I finally work for myself instead of working to impress someone else that ‘holds the keys’ to my success.”