MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps several notable moves across the country music and live entertainment industries, including leadership changes, new business ventures, management signings and career milestones. Click here to see the full edition.

Dusty Miller has joined Big Loud Records as President of Catalog Acquisitions. Elsewhere, the live entertainment industry gathered in Nashville as IEBA celebrated its 2026 Honors & Awards on Tuesday (Oct. 6) at The Pinnacle Nashville, closing out the organization’s sold-out 56th Annual Conference. Gene Simmons received IEBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for a touring career spanning more than five decades, while Chubby Checker and legendary promoter Gil Cunningham were inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame. The evening also featured the organization’s annual Industry Awards, which recognize outstanding work across venues, talent buying, agencies, promotion, festivals, fairs and other areas of the live business.

The Country Music Association has also announced several promotions across its teams and departments. Michelle Kirk has been promoted to Executive Director of the CMA Foundation, while Sydnie Hickey has been elevated to Director of Lifecycle Marketing and Reuben Schwartz to Director of Business Intelligence. Ansley Carlson has been promoted to Account Executive, Brand Partnerships and Katie Karl has moved up to Senior Manager, Ticketing.

In the management space, Halie Hampton Mosley has joined Breit Group as Chief Operating Officer. Meanwhile, Floating Leaf Entertainment, founded by Jeb Hurt, has joined Red Light Management, bringing its roster, which includes Koe Wetzel, Kolby Cooper, Fox & Vead and others, to the company. DEK Of Hearts has also signed with Red Light Management, while Ashley Cooke has inked a management deal with The Familie.

Several companies are continuing to expand their teams. River House Artists has announced additions and promotions across its publishing, records and recently launched The House management divisions. Alyssa Lawson joins as Manager of Digital Marketing & Artist Development, while TC Courtney has been named Director of A&R. Sydney Riley has been promoted to Manager, Creative Services, and Lyndsay Kash has moved to the publishing division as Publishing Coordinator. JJ Garcia joins as Digital & Artist Development Coordinator, with Ian Camaione coming aboard as Management and A&R Coordinator. Kyle Adams has moved into a full-time Graphic Designer role, while Taylor Robinson joins as Office Manager/Executive Assistant.

New ventures are also taking shape across the artist and label landscape. Thomas Rhett and Blue Highway Records have launched Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records, while HARDY has launched mockingbird RECORDS, a country sister label to his previously announced rock imprint, CROW RECORDS, under Big Loud Records. Triplet brother trio TRIPPP serves as the new label’s flagship signing. Lee Thomas Miller has also signed with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative.

The week also brings a notable retirement announcement, as longtime writer, editor and curator Michael McCall prepares to retire from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. On the artist front, Wade Forster recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Think As You Drunk.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Industry Ink: ASCAP, CRB/CRS, Jonas Group Publishing, W.O. Smith Music School

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ASCAP Hosts Bluebird Cafe Songwriters Round

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Deric Ruttan, Will Wright, Abigail Mae, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Remy Garrison and ASCAP’s Duane Hobson

ASCAP hosted a writers’ round on Wednesday night (Oct. 7) as part of its monthly showcase series. ASCAP members Abigail Mae, Deric Ruttan, Remy Garrison and Will Wright took the stage at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe for the special show.

 

CRB/CRS Accepting Applications For Lisa McKay Women In Radio Scholarship

Country Radio Broadcasters and Country Radio Seminar are now accepting applications for the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship, created to honor the legacy of Lisa McKay, an influential radio programmer whose career and leadership continue to inspire women pursuing careers in the industry.

Eligible applicants must be either a female college senior studying broadcast communications who is involved in radio programming or a female professional with one to three years of experience in the radio business as a Program Director, Assistant Program Director, or Music Director. Applicants must also be first-time CRS attendees. Applications are open now through Oct. 22. Three scholarship recipients will be recognized during CRS 2027, and each will receive a package that includes full registration to the event, round-trip airfare to Nashville, and hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Interested parties can apply here.

 

Jonas Group Publishing Celebrates Rhett Akins During Listening Room Writer Event

Pictured (L-R): Amy Stroup, Jonas Group Publishing; Bella Foley, Jonas Group Publishing; Amanda Hruska, Jonas Group Publishing; Austin Adams, President, Warner Chappell Music; Rhett Akins; Victoria Goodvin, Jonas Group Publishing; Bryce Sherlow Gravitt, A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Music; Leslie DiPiero, President, Jonas Group Publishing; Ashley White, Red Van Records; Kayce Russell, Creative Manager and A&R Operations, Warner Chappell Music; Lisa Boullt; RaeLynn; and Aaron Gillespie.

Jonas Group Publishing hosted a pre-Opry celebration for Rhett Akins at The Listening Room on Tuesday night (Oct. 6), honoring his upcoming Grand Ole Opry induction on Oct. 12. The evening featured a Jonas Group Publishing writers round, with fellow songwriters and industry friends gathering to celebrate the milestone.

 

W.O. Smith Music School Students Perform At The Truth Opening 

Students from W.O. Smith Music School were invited to be among the first to perform at the Sept. 29 opening of The Truth, the new 4,400-capacity venue in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Fifty-one W.O. Smith students took the stage during the venue’s soft opening, giving the young musicians the chance to be part of a milestone moment for the new Nashville destination. Representing the school, Cristal, Olivia and Temoc of the Carrillo family performed as part of a quartet, sisters Jaida and Ryleigh Hayes performed a duet and a combined choir accompanied by a small steel band ensemble entertained the crowd.

Julia Cole Releases Deluxe Edition Of ‘Love You To Death’

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Julia Cole has released a deluxe edition of her Love You To Death album with five new tracks.

The deluxe edition features a collaboration with Breland on “Loving Someone Like That,” and with Alli Walker on their cover of “Man! I Feel Like A Woman.” Additional new tracks include “Daddy Daughter Dance (Wedding Version),” “Pushing Daisies” and “Loved One.”

“This deluxe is an extension of the healing that started with this album,” shares Cole. “These new songs are about recognizing what love should and shouldn’t look like, leaning on your girls when you’re caught in the middle of a roller coaster relationship, and those late-night girls’ nights where you remind each other to keep the faith that the right person is still out there. It’s messy, emotional and hopeful.”

Cole continues her headlining “Love You To Death Tour” throughout the fall with support from Jordana Bryant.

Love You To Death (deluxe) Track List:
1. “Love You To Death” (Julia Cole, Andrew Bloom, Andrew Beason)
2. “Diamondback” (Julia Cole, Bonnie Dymond, Cole Miracle, Eddie Eberle)
3. “Day Late & A Buck Short” (Julia Cole, Andrew Bloom, Bonnie Dymond)
4. “At My Wedding” (Julia Cole, Cole Miracle, Austin Taylor Smith, Hallie Hertrick)
5. “Treat Me Like Dirt” (Julia Cole, Beau Bailey, Cole Miracle, Josh Ronen)
6. “Big Picture” (Julia Cole, Richie Brown, Andrew Bloom)
7. “Daddy Daughter Dance” (Julia Cole, Austin Taylor Smith, Rachel Purcell)
8. “What It Takes” (Julia Cole, Andrew Bloom, Bonnie Dymond)
9. “What Could Go Wrong” (Julia Cole, Danielle Blakey, Willie Morrison)*
10. “Hunting Boots” (Julia Cole, Andrew Bloom, Nicole Alexis Spooner)
11. “Give & Take” (Julia Cole, Trent Wayne, Canaan Smith)
12. “Gunshy” (Julia Cole, Noah West, Jared Griffin)
13. “Heaven On A Sunday” (Julia Cole, Stephony Smith, Josh Ronen)
14. “Spicy” (Julia Cole, Bryan Kennedy)
15. “Pushing Daisies” (Julia Cole, Autumn Buysse, Austin Nivarel, Andrew Bloom)
16. “Loving Someone Like That (with BRELAND)” (Julia Cole, BRELAND, Mason Stacks)
17. “Loved One” (Julia Cole, Andrew Bloom, Fred Wilhelm)
18. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman (with Alli Walker)” (Shania Twain, Mutt Lange)
19. “Daddy Daughter Dance (Wedding Version)” (Julia Cole, Rachel Purcell, Austin Taylor Smith)
Produced by Josh Ronen and Julia Cole
*Produced by David Fanning and Josh Ronen

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Birthday Weekend

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Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry, country music’s most famous show, celebrated its birthday last weekend.

Performers across the weekend included Bill Anderson, Suzy Bogguss, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Charlie McCoy, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Riders In the Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent, The Whites, Mark Wills, Charlie Worsham, Brandon Lake, Stephen Day, Lucas Leon and more. Rhett Akins, a soon-to-be Grand Ole Opry member, played an exclusive sold-out Opry Birthday Tailgate Party on Saturday.

The weekend also included daily Opry Plaza Parties sponsored by Durango Boots, Travel & Leisure and Chase Bank, and the sixth annual Opry Community Day on Sunday sponsored by Humana, Cracker Barrel, Mid-South Ford Dealers, Vanderbilt Health, Kroger, Lyft, Travel & Leisure, and Chase Bank.

Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry

Rhett Akins. Photo: Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry

Mandy Barnett. Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry

Brad Paisley and Lucas Leon. Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry.

Chris Tomlin Slates New Christmas Album For November

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Chris Tomlin is releasing his fourth Christmas album, Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship), on Nov. 6. The album’s lead single “It’s Christmas Time Again” is available now.

The 11-track album features new songs “It’s Christmas Time Again” and “The Manger To The Cross,” a reimagined “Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy),” and the Dove Award-nominated “Holy Forever (Christmas ).”

“The title of the record is Good News of Great Joy,” says Tomlin. “That was the great announcement to the Shepherds in the field that first Christmas night. I’ve always said that Christmas started with a song…the announcement of the angels to the Shepherds…praising God and saying “glory to God in the highest.” I can’t imagine what that must have sounded like.”

The album release will be followed by the release of Tomlin’s children’s book, Good News Of Great Joy, on Nov. 10 .Written by Tomlin, the book invites readers to experience the wonder and majesty of the first Christmas night through an inspiring story about a brave, young shepherd. Illustrated by Scott Ligertwood, the book offers families an opportunity to gather, read and reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth and will be available here.

The hitmaker will also kick off his “Christmas With Chris Tomlin: Good News Of Great Joy Tour” Nov. 30. The scheduled first night of the tour in Birmingham (Dec 1) has already sold out and a second night had to be added Nov. 30.

With 600M global career Christmas streams, Tomlin is CCMG’s highest-streaming male Christmas artist, continuing his tradition of creating songs of worship for the season.

Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship) Track List:
1. “Carol Of The Bells”
2. “Good News Of Great Joy”
3. “The Manger To The Cross”
4. “It’s Christmas Time Again”
5. “The Angels Sing”
6. “Day Of All Days” (with Terrian)
7. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Comfort And Joy)”
8. “Holy Forever (Christmas🎄)”
9. “Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)”
10. “No Name Higher”
11. “The Hope”

Brent Cobb Releases Vol. 2 Of Acoustic Songwriter Series

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Brent Cobb has released Live A Song, Write A Memory, Vol. 2, the second collection of his acoustic series.

A continuation of the project he began this summer, Live A Song, Write A Memory, Vol. 2 was self-produced by Cobb at Macon, Georgia’s legendary Capricorn Studios, where he recorded every song live and in a single take, just like Vol. 1. Vol. 2 highlights the songs that built Cobb’s reputation as a writer, and the seven-track collection features his top-streaming singles “Black Creek” and “Black Crow,” as well as “Don’t It,” recorded by Kenny Chesney on his 2014 album The Big Revival.

“It has been so special to revisit the songs that got me started in music, and then seeing y’alls reaction to ‘Vol. 1’ has made it mean so much more,” says Cobb. “I love these songs and I love putting them out in their most stripped down and honest form. Hearing the songs again alongside y’all, I feel just as proud as when I initially released them. Hope y’all listen and love ‘Live a Song, Write a Memory Vol. 2’ as much as I do.”

Cobb is currently on the road with The Red Clay Strays and Ty Myers at arenas and amphitheaters across the country, with upcoming stops including two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 22-23.

Live A Song, Write A Memory, Vol. 2 Track List:
1. “The Present (Story)”
2. “Don’t It”
3. “30-06”
4. “Travelin’ Poor Boy”
5. “Black Creek”
6. “Solving Problems”
7. “Black Crow”

Marc Scibilia Signs With Concord Records

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Marc Scibilia

Marc Scibilia has inked with Concord Records.

Scibilia has amassed more than 200 million streams worldwide and over 3 million social media followers. He sold out every show on his 2024 debut U.S. headline tour and his 2025 “More To This World Tour,” which included dates across Europe, the U.S. and Canada. His music has earned gold certification and topped charts across Europe.

Raised in Buffalo, New York, Scibilia draws inspiration from his hometown on recent singles “No One Knows My Name” and “By Your Side,” which reflect on the working-class community that shaped him. His next studio album, expected in 2027, will blend folk, country, alternative and pop influences with themes of nostalgia and personal experience.

His music has appeared in Shrinking, Peter Rabbit, Bones and About a Boy, as well as advertising campaigns for Jeep, Chrysler and Samsung. He has also worked as a songwriter and producer with artists including Teddy Swims, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Ian Munsick, Ingrid Andress, Seal, Ben Rector and Lennon Stella.

After supporting Teddy Swims this summer, Scibilia will return to the road this fall for three headline shows in Buffalo, Los Angeles and Nashville, where he will preview music from his upcoming album.

Alongside the singing, Scibilia has released his new single, “By Your Side” with Abigail Rose.

“Abigail and I met at a writing session and I immediately fell in love with her voice,” says Scibilia. “I happened to be looking for the right person to duet with me on ‘By Your Side,’ and the next day we were in the studio recording it together. She absolutely crushed it. Within 45 minutes we had the song, and it just felt like one of those things that was meant to happen.”

“When Marc called to ask if I’d sing on By Your Side with him I couldn’t say yes fast enough,” adds Rose. “I’ve been a fan of his for years as a writer, singer and producer. I’m so honored he wanted me to be a part of this special song.”

Shania Twain Adds Six New Tracks To ‘Little Miss Twain’ On New Deluxe Edition

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Shania Twain is releasing Little Miss Twain – The Places I’ll Go, a deluxe edition of her seventh studio album, Little Miss Twain, today.

The newly-expanded edition features six additional tracks – three brand new, never-before-heard songs, and three previously available only as retail exclusives, led by the new focus track “Who Do You Love” with folk duo The Milk Carton Kids.

Released in July, Little Miss Twain marked a significant and deeply personal chapter for Twain as she turned back to the beginning, revisiting the experiences, sounds and memories that shaped her before the world knew her name. Drawing from her childhood and teen years growing up in Canada, the project traces the roots of her sound across country, pop, rock, soul and bluegrass, offering a portrait of the influences that shaped her. With Little Miss Twain – The Places I’ll Go, she expands that story, offering an even deeper look at the formative experiences and musical influences behind both the artist and icon she would become.

The deluxe album arrives just days after the release of the new audiobook edition of Twain’s New York Times bestselling memoir, From This Moment On, through Simon & Schuster Audio. Narrated in full by Twain for the first time and featuring an exclusive new foreword, the audiobook sees her revisit her extraordinary journey in her own voice.

In 2027, Twain will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Come On Over and the 25th anniversary of Up!, two era-defining albums that transformed country and pop and cemented her status as a global icon, and a biopic chronicling her life and career is also currently in development.

Little Miss Twain – The Places I’ll Go Track List:
1. “Stranger Things”
2. “Right Time”
3. “Little Miss Twain” (feat. Tanya Tucker)
4. “Dirty Rosie”
5. “Quit My Life”
6. “Problematic”
7. “Scary Little Thing”
8. “I’d Be Loving Me”
9. “Faded Blue Jeans” (feat. Josh Homme)
10. “Northern Town”
11. “That’s The Money”
12. “Down The Middle”
13. “Take It To The River” (feat. The War and Treaty)
14. “New Love”
16. “Rockstars”
17. “Who Do You Love” (feat. The Milk Carton Kids)
18. “What’s Going On In There”
19. “Trippin’ On Good Luck”
20. “We Just Met”
21. “Hate That Way”
22. “The Places I’ll Go”

Artist Action: Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Donna Fargo

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Carly Pearce Celebrates ‘Honest Woman’ With Grammy Museum Visit

Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Mark Logsdon, Stoney Creek Records’ Matt Vieira, BMG’s Vanessa Sylvia and Amberly Crouse, Carly Pearce, BMG’s Liz Pennock, Monti Olson, Brian Meiler and David Ponze.

Carly Pearce recently stopped by the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles to perform in support of her new album, Honest Woman.

Pearce is currently on her “Honest Woman Up Close Tour” with upcoming dates in Boston and New York.

 

Ashley McBryde Chats With Norah O’Donnell On ‘CBS Mornings’

Youtube video

Ashley McBryde appeared on CBS Mornings yesterday (Oct. 8) to chat with host Norah O’Donnell about her fifth studio album, Wild, her current headline “Into The Wild Tour,” her journey to sobriety and more.

McBryde’s headline tour continues today (Oct. 9) Rochester, New York. She was also recently announced as a headliner for C2C Festival and CMC Rocks 2027.

 

Lauren Alaina Brings New Album To ‘Live With Kelly And Mark’

Lauren Alaina Performs on Live with Kelly and Mark.

Lauren Alaina brought her new album to Live with Kelly and Mark with a performance of “Never Been In Love.” The track has become Alaina’s highest streaming debut to date with 1.8M streams in its first week.

Last weekend, Alaina embarked on her headlining “The Stages Tour,” with upcoming stops in Norfolk, Virginia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida

 

Donna Fargo To Appear At Legends Of Country Music Museum

Donna Fargo.

Donna Fargo will appear at the Legends of Country Music Museum on Saturday (Oct. 10) for an autograph signing event in celebration of her exhibit. The event is free and open to the public.

“I’m so honored to have an exhibit at Legends of Country Music Museum. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there,” shares Fargo.

Kaitlin Butts Reveals ‘Hello, Honky Tonk’ Track Listing

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Kaitlin Butts has revealed the track listing for her fourth studio album, Hello, Honky Tonk, due Oct. 30 via Republic Records. To unveil the 14-song project, Butts teamed up with honky tonks and music venues around the world.

Starting Monday, a different venue revealed one new song from the album each day, taking fans from Nashville and Tulsa to Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Sydney and London.

Participating venues included Billy Bob’s Texas, Cain’s Ballroom, the Grand Ole Opry, Luckenbach Texas, John T. Floore’s Country Store, Skinny Dennis, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Sydney’s Jolene’s and London’s Duke’s of Highgate, among others.

“Hello, Honky Tonk is really a world of its own,” says Butts. “There are all these characters and stories and little moments happening inside of it, so I thought it would be fun to let the places that inspired that world introduce the songs. Honky tonks are where these stories live, so who better to tell you what’s coming?”

Butts wrote on all 14 tracks across the project, including two solo writes on “Introducing: Hello Honky Tonk” and “Still Got It.” Co-writers include Jessie Jo Dillon, Natalie Hemby, Tofer Brown and more.

Hello, Honky Tonk Track List:
1. “Introducing: Hello Honky Tonk” (Kaitlin Butts)
2. “I Wanna Be Bad” (Kaitlin Butts, Natalie Hemby)
3. “The Bartender” (Kaitlin Butts, Tofer Brown, Natalie Hemby)
4. “Never Really Mine” (Kaitlin Butts, Lola Kirke, Maggie Antone)
5. “I Make Cowboys Cry” (Kaitlin Butts, Shane McAnally)
6. “The Joker” (Kaitlin Butts, Jessie Jo Dillon, Sasha Alex Sloan)
7. “Everybody Wanna Sing a Country Song” (Kaitlin Butts, Tofer Brown, Luke White)
8. “What More Could You Want” (Kaitlin Butts, Tofer Brown, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Still Got It” (Kaitlin Butts)
10. “Crazy I Can Be” (Kaitlin Butts, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate)
11. “That Makes One Of Us” (Kaitlin Butts, Lori McKenna)
12. “Hell I Don’t Know” ( Kaitlin Butts, Natalie Hemby, Luke Dick)
13. “Bacon Naked” (Take It From Me) (Kaitlin Butts, Natalie Hemby)
14. “Midnight I’ll Always Be Yours” (Kaitlin Butts, Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall)