Pictured (L-R, top row): Lori Badgett, Pam Russell, Kay West, Gina Keltner and Mary Self; (L-R, bottom row): Co-Host Kelly Sutton, Cheryl Harris and Co-Host Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments by Moser
SOURCE Nashville hosted its annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards last night at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inside Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium, gathering industry insiders, songwriters, artists, producers, family and friends for the beloved event.
Six “women behind the music” were inducted into the prestigious hall: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West. They were honored throughout the sold-out evening, hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and radio/TV personality Kelly Sutton.
This year’s ceremony carried a reverent tone following the recent passing of longtime host and past inductee Jeannie Seely. Seely, along with co-host Brenda Lee—unable to attend this year—had long been a cornerstone of the event. Their warmth, humor and enduring friendship were remembered fondly, with Barnett and Sutton stepping in to lead the night with grace.
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is Nashville’s longest-running organization for women in the music industry, dedicated to fostering relationships, education, networking and community service. The SOURCE Awards, created by Kay Smith in 2003, honor the “women behind the music” who have shaped Nashville’s music business.
Each August, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the women whose work built and continues to sustain Music Row—and this year was no exception.
After welcoming remarks from SOURCE Awards chair Erica Rosa and dinner, SOURCE President Kari Barnhart introduced the hosts, who thanked sponsors and guests before beginning the presentations—starting with Cheryl Harris.
Harris, a fixture at Music Row business management firm O’Neil Hagaman, was celebrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The superstar couple praised her steadiness and kindness through pivotal career and personal moments. Harris spoke about her deep relationships in the business, and told stories about building O-Neil Hagaman with Kerry O’Neil and Al Hagaman.
“For someone who loves being behind the scenes, I’m overwhelmed standing here in front of you,” Harris said. “God has truly guided me through my entire life, bringing so many special people and unexpected opportunities my way.”
Next up was longtime publicist and journalist Kay West. West was honored with a video message from George Strait, who she worked with for a long time. He thanked her for her hard work, saying she had the tricky task of coming up with a lot of ways to say no to the media.
West reflected on her journey from a New York editor to Nashville publicist to writer once again. She shared humorous stories from her career but also spoke earnestly about mentorship from industry legends like Frances Preston.
“Frances, from our very first meeting, started putting me on committees and boards and things like that that really shaped my life. I emulated everything she did. I tried to be like her,” West said. “It is our privilege to pay that forward to other women. SOURCE has been doing that now since it was founded.”
Grand Ole Opry booker Gina Keltner followed, honored by a video from Opry executive Dan Rogers and the Opry staff decked out in Elvis costumes. Rogers spoke about her commitment to both the Opry and her family.
“One of my very first memories as a child was sitting in the back of my family car and watching my dad turn the radio dial. His ears perked up when music came through the speakers, and I can still hear him saying, ‘that’s the Grand Ole Opry coming all the way from Nashville, Tennessee,’” Keltner shared. “That little girl has been blessed to work at the Opry for 26 years.”
Pam Russell, a celebrated sales executive, received a video tribute from Reba McEntire, who congratulated her and the other honorees. Russell recalled years of working with artists and buyers, from backstage at George Strait shows to industry gatherings at Reba’s home during Fan Fair.
“My job over the years took me to a lot of places. Amarillo, Texas, Bentonville, Arkansas and Minneapolis—in the dead of winter,” Russell said. “Countless concerts and endless in-stores. It gave me moments I will never forget.”
ASCAP’s Mary Self was honored next, with ASCAP President Paul Williams praising her decades of dedication to songwriters and her generosity of spirit. Self will mark 40 years with the PRO in January.
“I’ve been fortunate to work at ASCAP for four decades. I’ve worked in three different buildings and have had five bosses, all of which I’ve learned something from,” Self said. “An essential part of my journey have been the friendships I’ve made along the way. I’ve worked with some incredible people who have become much more than co-workers.”
The evening concluded with City National Bank’s Lori Badgett, honored by country legend Gene Watson, who has known her since childhood through her late father, Ed Stone.
Badgett reflected on her path in entertainment banking and expressed gratitude to her partner Diane Pearson, the CNB team and her family.
“There’s so much love and history in this room. I hope you feel the love and support from City National Bank. We want to take good care of you,” she said. “Thank you for my SOURCE Award. I’m so honored.”
Graham Barham To Release New EP ‘Whiskey Rain’ In September
/by Lauryn SinkGraham Barham is set to release his new EP, WHISKEY RAIN, on Sept. 5.
Barham co-wrote every track alongside Jessi Alexander, Lydia Vaughan and Summer Overstreet, among others. Infused with his signature “club country” sound, the project was produced by Sam Bergeson with additional production collaborators including Sam Martinez, Gabe Foust, Seth Mosley, Mark Holman, 6AM and Zach Abend. The title track features Tyler Hubbard.
Barham’s “Oil Money” headlining tour kicks off Sept. 11 in Covington, KY and runs through November.
WHISKEY RAIN Track List:
1. “WHISKEY RAIN (feat. Tyler Hubbard)” (Graham Barham / Jessi Alexander / Sam Martinez / Cole Miracle)
2. “WRITE IT IN RED” (Graham Barham / Gabe Foust / Cole Miracle)
3. “BREAK OUT THE BOTTLE” (Graham Barham / Seth Mosley / Cole Taylor)
4. “BAD NIGHT (KARMA)” (Graham Barham / Mark Holman / Cole Miracle / Summer Overstreet)
5. “WTH JUST HAPPENED?” (Graham Barham / Beau Bailey / Sam Bergeson / Gabe Foust / Cole Miracle)
6. “CAMO” (Graham Barham / Beau Bailey / Sam Bergeson / Lydia Vaughan)
7. “EASY ON ME” (Graham Barham / Sam Bergeson / Summer Overstreet / Andrew Stoelzing / Emil de Witt / Yoel Embaie / Hampus Ström / Jonatan Jakobsson)
8. “EVERYBODY DIES IN HOLLYWOOD” (Graham Barham / Zach Abend / Smith Ahnquist / Beau Bailey)
BREAKING: Katie Studley Joins Spotify As Head Of Nashville Editorial
/by LB CantrellKatie Studley
Spotify has hired Katie Studley as its new Head of Nashville Editorial.
Studley joins Spotify from her most recent role as Nashville VP at distribution leader The Orchard, where she led a team that delivered release campaigns for artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Max McNown and Russell Dickerson.
Prior to The Orchard, Studley spent 10 years at Jack White’s Third Man Records, serving as VP of Operations and Marketing Director. There, she built a record-breaking label team, spearheaded the diversification of Third Man’s business and oversaw major releases for Jack White, The Raconteurs, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Margo Price, Coldplay, and others—earning three No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200.
Studley began her career in artist development and marketing at Thirty Tigers, where she contributed to the rapid rise of artists like the Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell and more. She earned a degree in Musicology in 2005.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Signs Aniston Pate
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Emily Carignan, Aniston Pate and Tom Luteran. Photo: Savannah Spencer
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed rising singer-songwriter Aniston Pate to a global publishing agreement.
Hailing from Texas, Pate is a recent Belmont University grad, where she ended her college experience with a win at the university’s iconic Country Showcase. She has recently earned success with releases including “Honky Tonk Without a Woman,” and is working on a new project alongside acclaimed producers Rob Williford and Aaron Raitiere.
Pate shares, “I want to say thank you to everyone in the Sony team for believing in my songs. Thank you to Emily Carignan for sticking by my side. Thank you to my friends that make even the hardest of times fun. Thank you to Mom and Ian for helping me believe I could do this. And thank you to the Lord for every time He heard me pray.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran adds, “Aniston is a true unicorn as an artist. When Emily Carignan first played me her music I was intrigued, and when I met her, I was hooked – we both can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear this budding superstar.”
615 Indie Live Event Returns In February
/by Lorie Hollabaugh615 Indie Live, a celebration of Nashville’s independent music venues and local artists, will return for its second year on Feb. 7.
Building on the success of the inaugural event earlier this year, the one-day music event will shine a spotlight on Nashville’s vibrant local music scene, while raising money to support its treasured independent venues.
“Independent music venues are where much of Nashville’s creative energy comes to life,” says Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “These spaces give emerging artists across all genres a chance to be heard and celebrated. With the return of 615 Indie Live, we’re inviting locals and visitors alike to discover new sounds, support neighborhood venues, and experience the depth of talent that makes Music City so unique. Hosting the event in winter is also a meaningful way to support these stages during a typically quieter time of year.”
The inaugural event in 2025 featured a lineup of more than 60 local artists performing across 14 independent venues throughout Music City. More than 2,200 tickets were sold for the 2025 event, and the event raised $35,000 for the Music Venue Alliance, including the organization’s Emergency Relief Fund, which helps the city’s independent venues keep their doors open during times of financial crisis.
“Nashville truly showed up for 615 Indie Live earlier this year,” says Chris Cobb, Director of MVAN. “Venues were packed, the music was incredible, and the positive feedback overwhelming. We really felt that night we had the makings of a new community tradition.”
Event passes are discounted and priced affordably to make the event accessible to all. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $15. Prices will increase to $20 once the lineup is announced in late fall and to $25 on the day of show. Tickets will grant fans access to all participating venues and performances throughout the day, subject to venue capacity at the time.
SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame Inducts Six More ‘Women Behind The Music’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Lori Badgett, Pam Russell, Kay West, Gina Keltner and Mary Self; (L-R, bottom row): Co-Host Kelly Sutton, Cheryl Harris and Co-Host Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments by Moser
SOURCE Nashville hosted its annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards last night at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inside Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium, gathering industry insiders, songwriters, artists, producers, family and friends for the beloved event.
Six “women behind the music” were inducted into the prestigious hall: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West. They were honored throughout the sold-out evening, hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and radio/TV personality Kelly Sutton.
This year’s ceremony carried a reverent tone following the recent passing of longtime host and past inductee Jeannie Seely. Seely, along with co-host Brenda Lee—unable to attend this year—had long been a cornerstone of the event. Their warmth, humor and enduring friendship were remembered fondly, with Barnett and Sutton stepping in to lead the night with grace.
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is Nashville’s longest-running organization for women in the music industry, dedicated to fostering relationships, education, networking and community service. The SOURCE Awards, created by Kay Smith in 2003, honor the “women behind the music” who have shaped Nashville’s music business.
Each August, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the women whose work built and continues to sustain Music Row—and this year was no exception.
After welcoming remarks from SOURCE Awards chair Erica Rosa and dinner, SOURCE President Kari Barnhart introduced the hosts, who thanked sponsors and guests before beginning the presentations—starting with Cheryl Harris.
Harris, a fixture at Music Row business management firm O’Neil Hagaman, was celebrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The superstar couple praised her steadiness and kindness through pivotal career and personal moments. Harris spoke about her deep relationships in the business, and told stories about building O-Neil Hagaman with Kerry O’Neil and Al Hagaman.
“For someone who loves being behind the scenes, I’m overwhelmed standing here in front of you,” Harris said. “God has truly guided me through my entire life, bringing so many special people and unexpected opportunities my way.”
Next up was longtime publicist and journalist Kay West. West was honored with a video message from George Strait, who she worked with for a long time. He thanked her for her hard work, saying she had the tricky task of coming up with a lot of ways to say no to the media.
West reflected on her journey from a New York editor to Nashville publicist to writer once again. She shared humorous stories from her career but also spoke earnestly about mentorship from industry legends like Frances Preston.
“Frances, from our very first meeting, started putting me on committees and boards and things like that that really shaped my life. I emulated everything she did. I tried to be like her,” West said. “It is our privilege to pay that forward to other women. SOURCE has been doing that now since it was founded.”
Grand Ole Opry booker Gina Keltner followed, honored by a video from Opry executive Dan Rogers and the Opry staff decked out in Elvis costumes. Rogers spoke about her commitment to both the Opry and her family.
“One of my very first memories as a child was sitting in the back of my family car and watching my dad turn the radio dial. His ears perked up when music came through the speakers, and I can still hear him saying, ‘that’s the Grand Ole Opry coming all the way from Nashville, Tennessee,’” Keltner shared. “That little girl has been blessed to work at the Opry for 26 years.”
Pam Russell, a celebrated sales executive, received a video tribute from Reba McEntire, who congratulated her and the other honorees. Russell recalled years of working with artists and buyers, from backstage at George Strait shows to industry gatherings at Reba’s home during Fan Fair.
“My job over the years took me to a lot of places. Amarillo, Texas, Bentonville, Arkansas and Minneapolis—in the dead of winter,” Russell said. “Countless concerts and endless in-stores. It gave me moments I will never forget.”
ASCAP’s Mary Self was honored next, with ASCAP President Paul Williams praising her decades of dedication to songwriters and her generosity of spirit. Self will mark 40 years with the PRO in January.
“I’ve been fortunate to work at ASCAP for four decades. I’ve worked in three different buildings and have had five bosses, all of which I’ve learned something from,” Self said. “An essential part of my journey have been the friendships I’ve made along the way. I’ve worked with some incredible people who have become much more than co-workers.”
The evening concluded with City National Bank’s Lori Badgett, honored by country legend Gene Watson, who has known her since childhood through her late father, Ed Stone.
Badgett reflected on her path in entertainment banking and expressed gratitude to her partner Diane Pearson, the CNB team and her family.
“There’s so much love and history in this room. I hope you feel the love and support from City National Bank. We want to take good care of you,” she said. “Thank you for my SOURCE Award. I’m so honored.”
AIMP Nashville To Host ‘State of the Music Publishing Industry’
/by Lauryn SinkDavid Israelite.
The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) is set to host “State of the Music Publishing Industry: An Update from David Israelite,” taking place Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. at The Listening Room Café in Nashville.
Israelite is the President and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA). Since taking the helm of the NMPA in 2005, he has overseen groundbreaking victories on behalf of publishers and songwriters, including the largest Copyright Royalty Board rate increase in history, landmark royalty agreements with streaming platforms, and the passage of the Music Modernization Act, which created the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC). Named multiple times to Billboard’s Power 100, Israelite also serves on the boards of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Special Olympics DC, and previously served on the board of the Country Music Association (CMA). In addition, he is President of the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation, which supports emerging songwriters through scholarships and direct services.
“David’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping the legal and business framework that underpins our entire industry,” says AIMP Nashville President, John Ozier. “We’re thrilled to host him in Nashville for what promises to be an invaluable session for publishers, songwriters and industry professionals navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape.”
Registration information is available here.
GMA Dove Awards Unveils Second Round Of Performers & Presenters
/by Lorie HollabaughPerformers include CeCe Winans, Elevation Rhythm, Elevation Worship, Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound, and Lecrae. Presenters include Jason Crabb, Milo Ventimiglia, Naomi Raines, Natalie Grant, and Pastor Mike Jr. Additional performers and presenters will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Previously announced performers set to appear on the show include Lauren Daigle, Fred Hammond featuring The Choir Room, Gaither Vocal Band, and Josiah Queen. Presenters include John Crist, Sadie Robertson Huff, David & Tamela Mann, and Chris Tomlin.
Tickets for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards are on sale now. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app October 10 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. An encore presentation will air on TBN and the TBN+ app October 17 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
MaRynn Taylor Embraces Vulnerability On Debut Project [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkMaRynn Taylor’s self-titled debut project, released on Friday (Aug. 22), is built to offer fans an authentic glimpse into her life. Across its 12 tracks, she captures emotions that many listeners know all too well — the trials, heartbreaks and joys of navigating your 20s.
“I wanted to name it MaRynn because it feels like a first name basis kind of album. It shows all the different sides of me,” Taylor tells MusicRow.
This kind of honest artistry is something Taylor says she discovered while on the road with Kelsea Ballerini earlier this year.
MaRynn Taylor performing at Bridgestone Arena during “Kelsea Ballerini: Live On Tour”
“I really found myself on stage and as an artist through that tour. I’m just so thankful for it,” she shares.
That experience also shaped several of the record’s key tracks. “free ain’t free” tackles the personal costs and lasting impact of a challenging situation, making it one of the album’s most vulnerable moments. On the lighter side, “dirty blonde,” which Taylor calls “a very sassy blonde anthem,” showcases her playful, confident side.
Taylor’s storytelling comes through in a range of perspectives on the record. On the standout track “pretty much,” which Taylor wrote alongside Josh Kerr and Dan Wilson, she leans into honesty about the pressures of womanhood. “I was really just feeling the weight of the world and what it puts on women — whether it comes to how we’re acting or how we look — it can all feel really pretty impossible,” she explains. “I went into the write with two guys and basically trauma dumped on them. They are girl dads, so they kind of understood what I was going through in the sense that they don’t want their daughter to grow up in the same mentality. The approach to this song is really special.”
With “she broke up with the boy,” Taylor pays tribute to her love of ’90s country while adding her own spin. A twist on Trisha Yearwood’s “She’s In Love With The Boy,” Taylor reworked the iconic song to relate to her story. “I grew up loving ’90s country and I really wanted a song that sounded like that. It’s a celebratory breakup song. Not all breakups are sad, and mine wasn’t,” she says.
The last track on the record is the only outside cut on MaRynn, written entirely by Anna Vaus. “longer than me” reflects on the kind of legacy Taylor says she hopes to leave in the world. “The goal of my career, and in my life, is I want to be a good person. I want to do this career right, I want to be kind to people, I want to make friends. I just want to be a good person and leave a good legacy.”
As for what she hopes people take from this chapter, her goal is clear. “I just hope they find their story in my story. I write for therapy. I write when I’m going through something and don’t understand it. Somehow writing about it makes me understand. When I’m writing it, I’m writing for myself. When I put it out, I’m putting it out for other people in hopes that it maybe helps them too.”
Taylor, who just wrapped her time as direct support for Jake Scott, will join Chris Young this fall on his “It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young Tour.”
Industry Ink: CMHOFM, MaRynn Taylor, Colton Dixon, Coyle Girelli, Girls Write Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkCMHOFM Hosts Chris Hillman & Dwight Yoakam
Pictured (L-R): Dwight Yoakam, Chris Hillman, museum writer-editor Erin Osmon and museum CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted Chris Hillman and Dwight Yoakam for an in-depth interview in the museum’s Ford Theater.
The program was hosted by museum writer-editor Erin Osmon and offered in support of the museum’s exhibition Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock, presented by City National Bank. The exhibit, which will conclude its nearly three-year run on Sept. 16, traces the L.A.-based communities of visionary singers, songwriters and musicians who, from the 1960s through the 1980s, created and shaped the musical fusion “country-rock.”
The program was filmed and will be available to stream on the museum’s website later this year.
MaRynn Taylor Performs On ‘CBS Mornings’ & ‘Fox & Friends’
MaRynn Taylor, who released her debut self-titled project via Black River Entertainment on Friday (Aug. 22), recently made her national TV debut on CBS Mornings last week (Aug. 19). She also visited Fox & Friends on Sunday (Sug. 24) with a special performance of “she broke up with the boy.”
Taylor recently wrapped touring across the US as direct support for Jake Scott’s Live In ‘25 tour and will join Chris Young this fall for his “It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young Tour.”
Colton Dixon’s ‘Miracles’ Goes Gold
Colton Dixon & Family.
Colton Dixon’s track “Miracles” has been certified Gold.
His new single “The Love I Have For You” is impacting radio now. His first children’s book, Build A Boat, just completed its third printing. Dixon also recently announced his fall tour plans and will be joining Danny Gokey, Mac Powell and Ryan Ellis on the IGNITE tour.
BMI Hosts Album Listening Event For Coyle Girelli
Pictured (L-R): Sun Records’ Chase Gregory, Lisë Davis, Coyle Girelli (BMI), BMI’s Mason Hunter; Photo Credit Emma Jane Sharp
BMI welcomed music industry friends to the lobby of its Nashville office to celebrate the upcoming release of Sun Records’ artist Coyle Girelli’s upcoming album Out Of This Town.
Hosted by BMI’s Mason Hunter, the event opened with stories from BMI songwriter Chuck Cannon and Lisë Davis, championing the legacy of the late songwriter Mac Davis, who wrote on some of the tracks. The event concluded with a conversation about the record and special performance by Girelli to debut the new songs.
Girls Write Nashville Receives Grant To Expand Youth Songwriting And Music Production Programs
Girls Write Nashville has received the 2025 AEG Community Foundation Grant. The $15,000 award will directly support the organization’s after-school songwriting and music production programs for middle and high school students in Metro Nashville Public Schools, with a focus on serving girls and gender-expansive youth navigating systemic barriers.
“AEG Community Foundation’s support is helping us radically expand access to music-making for young people who are too often left out of traditional arts education,” says Jen Starsinic, Executive Artistic Director of Girls Write Nashville. “With this grant, our students—especially girls and gender-expansive youth—can write, record, and share their own songs in safe, affirming spaces. AEG’s belief in their voices is a powerful act of recognition, restoration, and hope.”
Founded in 2016, Girls Write Nashville has served hundreds of students through trauma-informed, community-based music programming.
Apple Music Partners With TuneIn To Expand Access To Apple Music Radio
/by Lauryn SinkApple Music has partnered with TuneIn to expand access to six of its radio stations. This marks the first time Apple’s 24/7 global radio stations are available outside of its own native platform.
The six featured stations include Apple Music Country, Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club and Apple Music Chill.
“Apple choosing TuneIn as the first platform to stream its radio stations reinforces our position as the go-to distribution partner for global audio,” said Rich Stern, CEO of TuneIn. “With deep integrations across connected devices and cars, TuneIn is uniquely positioned to deliver premium content to listeners everywhere. Our mission is simple: to be the world’s leading live audio platform, bringing nonstop, audio experiences to audiences 24/7.”
Beginning today, listeners can stream Apple Music Radio on the TuneIn app and website.