Leadership Music has unveiled 48 new members for its class of 2027.
The eight-month program begins in October and offers an immersive exploration of the music business. Since its founding in 1989, Leadership Music has graduated over 1,500 industry executives.
“Our selection committee works hard to identify outstanding professionals who bring both excellence and a true cross-section of the music industry’s diversity to the table. The Class of 2027 embodies exactly that, and we are proud and excited to welcome them into the Leadership Music community this fall,” says Scott Gerow, Leadership Music Past President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee.
“The selection process is never taken lightly — every candidate is thoughtfully considered for their professional achievements, their capacity to lead, and the difference they’re making beyond their careers. And just as important is ensuring the class we build truly mirrors the breadth and diversity of this industry,” shares Neal Spielberg, Leadership Music Board President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “We are so proud of the remarkable people who make up our 37th class and cannot wait to watch the Leadership Music Class of 2027 find their rhythm together and leave their mark.”
Leadership Music Class Of 2027:
1. Scott Appleton, VP, Rock Nashville
2. Sean David Ardoin, Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Kreole Rock and Soul (Lake Charles, LA)
3. Mitch Ballard, Executive Director – Creative, BMI (Austin, TX)
4. Jon Blass, Mixer
5. Raffaella Braun, VP, Promotion, Triple Tigers Records
6. Nina Burghard, EVP, Finances and Operations, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
7. Erin D.D. Burr, SVP, Media Relations + Gold & Platinum Program, RIAA (Washington, DC)
8. Sarah Buxton, Songwriter, Smack Songs
9. Chad Carlson, Music Producer/Engineer, Carlson Audio
10. ArinMichelle Casey, Entertainment Consulting, Lead, SeatGeek (Brooklyn, NY)
11. Chase Chapman, Wealth Advisor, Vice President of Entertainment, Regions Bank
12. Mark Claassen, Partner, WME
13. Erin Collins, SVP, Film & TV, SESAC (West Hills, CA)
14. Casey Conway, SVP, Artist and Client Relations, CMS Nashville
15. Joyce Dollinger, Partner, Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP (New York, NY)
16. Mike DuCharme, Regional Vice President, AEG Presents
17. Leo Ferrante, Head of Music, Creative Audio, Meta (Cranbury, NJ)
18. Nicole Flammia, SVP, Creative, Blue Highway Records
19. K. Chuck Fletcher, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology – The Robert Ossoff Endowed Director of Music Engagement
20. Catherine Frizzell, VP, Marketing, CMA
21. Katie Germano, Agent, CAA
22. Sarah Hamner, SVP, Wiatr & Associates
23. Ryan Henry, COO, Marathon Live
24. Jewly Hight, Senior Music Writer, Nashville Public Radio
25. Alexia Kauffman, Associate Director of Support, Customer Services, SoundExchange (Arlington, VA)
26. Justin Luffman, VP, Marketing, Warner Records Nashville
27. Sarah Madalinski, Sr. Marketing Director, NS2
28. Lindsey Major, Chief Member Experience Officer, The MLC
29. Jalyce E. Mangum, Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Copyright Office (Arlington, VA)
30. Jaime Marconette, VP, Music Insights & Industry Relations, Luminate
31. Eric Marcum, WSM General Manager, WSM – Opry Entertainment Group
32. Chamie McCurry, GM/CMO, Danny Wimmer Presents (Leawood, KS)
33. Miranda McDonald, SVP, Promotion and Regional Marketing, MCA Nashville
34. Gemma McInturff, Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify
35. Ali Miller, CEO, Furnace Record Pressing (Falls Church, VA)
36. Morgan Mills, CMO, CmdShft
37. Rissi Palmer, Artist/Host, Color Me Country Foundation/Color Me Country Radio (Durham, NC)
38. Kelley Purcell, SVP, Membership & Industry Relations, Recording Academy (Sherman Oaks, CA)
39. Beth Rasnick, Chief of Staff, Gibson, Inc.
40. Phil Shay, Senior Director of Development, Belmont University, Curb College
41. Melissa Spillman, VP, A&R, Concord
42. Laura Spinelli, Digital Marketing/Day-to-Day Manager, ShopKeeper Management
43. Stephanie Li Sullivan, VP, Membership & Partnerships, National Music Publishers’ Association (Washington, DC)
44. Eric Tobin, EVP, A&R and Business Development, Hopeless Records (Encino, CA)
45. Jeff Tuerff, SVP, Marketing & Creative, Curb Records
46. Elisa Vazzana, Partner/Agent, United Talent Agency
47. Trey Wilson, Founder, The Gray Slate
48. Taylor Wolf, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives
Leadership Music Reveals Class Of 2027
/by Lauryn SinkLeadership Music has unveiled 48 new members for its class of 2027.
The eight-month program begins in October and offers an immersive exploration of the music business. Since its founding in 1989, Leadership Music has graduated over 1,500 industry executives.
“Our selection committee works hard to identify outstanding professionals who bring both excellence and a true cross-section of the music industry’s diversity to the table. The Class of 2027 embodies exactly that, and we are proud and excited to welcome them into the Leadership Music community this fall,” says Scott Gerow, Leadership Music Past President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee.
“The selection process is never taken lightly — every candidate is thoughtfully considered for their professional achievements, their capacity to lead, and the difference they’re making beyond their careers. And just as important is ensuring the class we build truly mirrors the breadth and diversity of this industry,” shares Neal Spielberg, Leadership Music Board President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “We are so proud of the remarkable people who make up our 37th class and cannot wait to watch the Leadership Music Class of 2027 find their rhythm together and leave their mark.”
Leadership Music Class Of 2027:
1. Scott Appleton, VP, Rock Nashville
2. Sean David Ardoin, Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Kreole Rock and Soul (Lake Charles, LA)
3. Mitch Ballard, Executive Director – Creative, BMI (Austin, TX)
4. Jon Blass, Mixer
5. Raffaella Braun, VP, Promotion, Triple Tigers Records
6. Nina Burghard, EVP, Finances and Operations, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
7. Erin D.D. Burr, SVP, Media Relations + Gold & Platinum Program, RIAA (Washington, DC)
8. Sarah Buxton, Songwriter, Smack Songs
9. Chad Carlson, Music Producer/Engineer, Carlson Audio
10. ArinMichelle Casey, Entertainment Consulting, Lead, SeatGeek (Brooklyn, NY)
11. Chase Chapman, Wealth Advisor, Vice President of Entertainment, Regions Bank
12. Mark Claassen, Partner, WME
13. Erin Collins, SVP, Film & TV, SESAC (West Hills, CA)
14. Casey Conway, SVP, Artist and Client Relations, CMS Nashville
15. Joyce Dollinger, Partner, Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP (New York, NY)
16. Mike DuCharme, Regional Vice President, AEG Presents
17. Leo Ferrante, Head of Music, Creative Audio, Meta (Cranbury, NJ)
18. Nicole Flammia, SVP, Creative, Blue Highway Records
19. K. Chuck Fletcher, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology – The Robert Ossoff Endowed Director of Music Engagement
20. Catherine Frizzell, VP, Marketing, CMA
21. Katie Germano, Agent, CAA
22. Sarah Hamner, SVP, Wiatr & Associates
23. Ryan Henry, COO, Marathon Live
24. Jewly Hight, Senior Music Writer, Nashville Public Radio
25. Alexia Kauffman, Associate Director of Support, Customer Services, SoundExchange (Arlington, VA)
26. Justin Luffman, VP, Marketing, Warner Records Nashville
27. Sarah Madalinski, Sr. Marketing Director, NS2
28. Lindsey Major, Chief Member Experience Officer, The MLC
29. Jalyce E. Mangum, Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Copyright Office (Arlington, VA)
30. Jaime Marconette, VP, Music Insights & Industry Relations, Luminate
31. Eric Marcum, WSM General Manager, WSM – Opry Entertainment Group
32. Chamie McCurry, GM/CMO, Danny Wimmer Presents (Leawood, KS)
33. Miranda McDonald, SVP, Promotion and Regional Marketing, MCA Nashville
34. Gemma McInturff, Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify
35. Ali Miller, CEO, Furnace Record Pressing (Falls Church, VA)
36. Morgan Mills, CMO, CmdShft
37. Rissi Palmer, Artist/Host, Color Me Country Foundation/Color Me Country Radio (Durham, NC)
38. Kelley Purcell, SVP, Membership & Industry Relations, Recording Academy (Sherman Oaks, CA)
39. Beth Rasnick, Chief of Staff, Gibson, Inc.
40. Phil Shay, Senior Director of Development, Belmont University, Curb College
41. Melissa Spillman, VP, A&R, Concord
42. Laura Spinelli, Digital Marketing/Day-to-Day Manager, ShopKeeper Management
43. Stephanie Li Sullivan, VP, Membership & Partnerships, National Music Publishers’ Association (Washington, DC)
44. Eric Tobin, EVP, A&R and Business Development, Hopeless Records (Encino, CA)
45. Jeff Tuerff, SVP, Marketing & Creative, Curb Records
46. Elisa Vazzana, Partner/Agent, United Talent Agency
47. Trey Wilson, Founder, The Gray Slate
48. Taylor Wolf, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives
Riley Green & Lara Spencer To Host ‘CMA Fest Presented By SoFi’
/by Lauryn SinkRiley Green & Lara Spencer.
Riley Green and Good Morning America host Lara Spencer will make their debut as hosts of the CMA Fest Presented By SoFi television special, which will air June 25 on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.
CMA Fest presented by SoFi is a production of the Country Music Association, executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter. With the 2026 airing, CMA celebrates 23 straight years of producing a summer concert TV special.
Additionally, Lainey Wilson has joined the CMA Fest lineup. She is set to perform at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, June 6. She joins performers including Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis and more.
Zach John King Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Madison HahnenZach John King. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
Zach John King made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday (May 23).
During the debut, he performed his current radio single “Get To Drinkin’” as well the unreleased “Beneath The Pines,” which will release this Friday (May 29).
“As somebody who’s versed in the history of country music and being a country musician myself, this is a top moment for me,” shared King from the stage. “The legacy of this place is something I grew up with. There’s this whole lineage of performers who came out of the Opry, and I’ve had so much respect for it my whole life. To be able to stand in that circle with the people who came before me is just insane. My whole family was also there. We had about 90 friends and family make the trip up from Georgia, so it was just an incredibly special night.”
Pictured (L-R): Audrey McGrady (Grand Ole Opry), Lexi Lampkin (Grand Ole Opry), Fred Rubenstein (Sony Music Nashville, Lauren Kilgore (Sony Music Nashville), Lauren Taylor (Sony Music Nashville), Kayla Hoffman (Hyphen Media Group), Zach John King, Matt Reed (Hyphen Media Group), Drake Kennedy (Hyphen Media Group), Liz Cost (Sony Music Nashville), Nathan Thomas (Sony Music Nashville) and Christy Garbinski, (Sony Music Nashville)
Jimmy Robbins Inks Worldwide Administration Deal With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, front row): BJ Hill (WCM), Jimmy Robbins and Bethany Mako (WCM). (L-R, back row): Matt Cottingham (Hunter Cottingham PLLC), Sarah Robbins (Mailbox Money Music), Austen Adams (WCM), Sophie Moll Ziegler (Mailbox Money Music), Julie Hess (WCM), Katy Wolaver (WCM) and Austin Wells (Hunter Cottingham PLLC). Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Jimmy Robbins has signed a worldwide administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Across his career, Robbins has earned 14 top 10 hits, including 10 No. 1 singles as a songwriter, four No. 1 singles as a producer, and a Billboard No. 1 album as a producer.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Warner Chappell. They are an amazing team that I am lucky to be a part of,” shares Robbins.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this next chapter with Jimmy,” says Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill. “He is a mainstay in country music and beyond. We are honored to continue championing his songs around the world and can’t wait to hear what he writes next.”
Among Robbins’ most celebrated works is Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” which earned ACM Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year and AIMP Song of the Year honors, as well as being nominated for Song of the Year at The Grammys. The track topped multiple radio formats and spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. In May 2025, Billboard recognized the song on its Top Hot Country Songs of the 21st Century list.
Robbins also co-produced Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney’s “half of my hometown,” which earned CMA Musical Event of the Year honors and a CMA Single of the Year nomination.
Managed by Mailbox Money Music, he has also contributed to projects from artists including Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Cooke, Maddie & Tae, Colbie Caillat, Eli Young Band, Jason Aldean, Brett Young and LANY, among many others.
Halie Ridge Signs With Eclipse Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Halie Ridge and Anna Thiel (Creative Manager, Eclipse Records).
Singer-songwriter Halie Ridge has signed an exclusive label and artist development deal with Eclipse Records.
The 25 year old grew up in Thayer, Missouri, in a family that loved music. Inspired by country, pop and soul, she found her voice and style at a young age. She is best known for writing “Girls Like Me,” which was recorded by Martina McBride after Ridge won Season 2 of Songland.
“We are thrilled to welcome Halie Ridge to the Eclipse Music Group family and are excited for the world to hear what she’s been creating,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “When Anna [Thiel] first brought her to us, it was a no-brainer—she and Halie have already formed an incredible creative partnership. Halie’s work ethic is unmatched, and paired with her talent and vision, she’s unstoppable.”
“After eight years of being independent, it means everything to finally find a family in Nashville,” adds Ridge. “I’m proud of the road that got me here, but I know the real work is just beginning. I truly trust Penny, Anna, and Courtney with my music, my vision, and the brand we’re building together. It hasn’t always been easy to find people who understand what I’m trying to do, but I know they see me and believe in me.”
Ridge’s debut single “All That” will be released this Friday (May 29).
Todd Stepp Returns To Provident Entertainment As Senior Vice President
/by Lorie HollabaughTodd Stepp
Todd Stepp has returned to Provident Entertainment as Senior Vice President, where he will oversee all marketing, digital marketing, creative and label services activities for the company.
Stepp previously served as Vice President of Marketing for Provident Entertainment before joining TPR., where he most recently held the role of Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. At TPR., Stepp joined the leadership team that launched the company in September 2024. He unified marketing and ticketing teams from three companies, led leadership development and team growth, helped build TPR.’s global brand through industry campaigns, and oversaw tour marketing for artists including Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans.
“We are excited to welcome Todd Stepp back to the Provident family,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “Todd is a proven leader who has earned the respect of this industry over the course of 19 years of exceptional work and genuine relationships. His understanding of the Christian music landscape, creatively, commercially, and culturally, runs deep. Todd was an integral part of building what Provident is today, and we are incredibly excited to have him back to help lead what comes next.”
“I’m honored to return to Provident Entertainment and step into this new role during such an exciting season,” says Stepp. “Provident has been foundational to my career and my family, and the opportunity to serve alongside a team and roster I believe in so deeply is incredibly meaningful. This company has a remarkable legacy of championing artists and songs that make a real impact around the world, and I’m thrilled to help lead and shape what’s ahead alongside this exceptional team.”
The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers Deliver Southern Rock Revival At Bridgestone Arena [Recap]
/by Madison HahnenThe Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Southern rock thundered through downtown Nashville last Thursday night (May 21) as The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers brought their headlining “Southern Hospitality Tour” to Bridgestone Arena. Both bands delivered career-spanning sets filled with gritty riffs, blues-soaked jams and crowd-favorite singalongs.
Whiskey Myers opened the night with “Midnight Woman,” showing off band’s signature blend of outlaw country and Southern rock. Frontman Cody Cannon led the Texas six-piece through a muscular early run of “John Wayne,” “Time Bomb” and “Tailspin,” before shifting gears with the emotional “Bury My Bones.”
The band leaned into its roots throughout the set, including a spirited rendition of Brent Cobb’s “Bar, Guitar, and a Honky Tonk Crowd.” Fan favorites “Broken Window Serenade” and “Stone” drew some of the loudest audience reactions of the night, while “Ramblin’ Jones,” “Frogman,” “Gasoline,” “Bitch,” “Feets” and set closer “The Wolf” showcased the group’s versatility between country storytelling and arena-ready rock energy.
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Following a brief intermission, The Black Crowes took the stage and wasted little time igniting the crowd with “Jealous Again” and “Sting Me.” Chris Robinson’s unmistakable vocals and Rich Robinson’s blues-heavy guitar work powered the band through a setlist that balanced classic hits with newer material, including “It’s Like That,” “Movin’ On Down the Line” and “Wanting and Waiting.”
The group’s Nashville stop also highlighted the band’s deep reverence for rock and soul history. Their version of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” turned Bridgestone Arena into a full-scale singalong, while a performance of The Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” added a jam-driven moment to the evening.
Mid-set performances of “Girl From a Pawnshop,” “God’s Got It,” “Wiser Time,” “Soul Singing,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Thorn in My Pride” reminded the audience why The Black Crowes remain one of rock’s most enduring live acts more than three decades into their career. The band closed the main set with “No Speak No Slave,” “Twice as Hard” and “Remedy” before returning for an encore performance of Matthew Moore’s “Space Captain.”
The “Southern Hospitality Tour” continues tonight (May 26) in Brandon, Mississippi, with stops including Charlotte, Indianapolis, Denver and more through August.
The Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
The Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Chrissy Nix Launches The Interlude
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Top Row): Chrissy Nix. (L-R, bottom row): JB Somers, Amy Peters, and Remy Garrison.
Chrissy Nix has launched The Interlude, a creative artist development company. The company’s roster includes Remy Garrison, JB Somers and Amy Peters.
Nix first built her career through behind-the-scenes work with artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Britt Nicole, Caitlyn Smith, Priscilla Block and Emily West. She also previously worked alongside artists including American Blonde, Mary Sarah, Tatum Scott, Kailey Nicole, Macy Martin and Peyton Gilliland.
“The Interlude exists because artists deserve teams that care about who they are just as much as what they create,” says Nix. “So much of this industry pushes artists to move faster, be louder, and fit into boxes. I wanted to build something that creates space for artists to actually develop — creatively, emotionally, and sustainably.”
Jessi Alexander Jumps Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJessi Alexander
Jessi Alexander has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Megan Moroney’s “Beautiful Things” and “Medicine,” as well as Kenny Chesney’s “Carry On” put the songwriter at No. 12 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “You & Me Time.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Austin Goodloe (No. 4) and Randy Montana (No. 5) 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.
Tucker Wetmore Notches Third Career No. 1 Hit
/by Madison HahnenTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore has earned his third career No. 1 single with “Brunette.” The tune is currently sitting on top of both the Mediabase Country and Billboard Country Airplay charts this week.
“Brunette” was co-penned by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller and Blake Pendergrass, and produced by LaCorte. The song is Wetmore’s fastest rising radio single to date, and has amassed over 300 million global streams. “Brunette” follows his previous No. 1 hits “Wine Up Missin’ You” and “3, 2, 1.”
Wetmore was recently named ACM New Male Artist of the Year. He is currently on the road supporting HARDY before he kicks off his “The Brunette World Tour” on June 21, with dates in Indianapolis, San Diego, Knoxville and more through October. He will also make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Summerfest, Hoofbeat and more throughout the summer.