Since 2002, The MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart has crowned No. 1 songs in the country radio marketplace. This 2017 marked 49 celebrations of chart-topping songs. MusicRow congratulates each artist, songwriter and label for its accomplishments this year.
Thomas Rhett and Blake Shelton earned the most No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart in 2017, with each artist earning three songs hitting the pinnacle this year. Thomas Rhett’s chart-toppers include “Star of the Show,” “Craving You,” and the two-week No. 1 “Unforgettable.” Shelton’s chart-topping singles include “A Guy With A Girl,” “Every Time I Hear That Song,” and “I’ll Name The Dogs.”
Thomas Rhett is also a co-writer on another MusicRow chart-topper this year, Michael Ray’s “Think A Little Less.”
The 16th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart Awards, based on radio airplay reported by stations on MusicRow’s radio panel, will be held on Monday, Feb. 5 with an invitation only ceremony.
2017 MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart No. 1’s
Jan. 5, 2017: “Star of the Show,” Thomas Rhett
Jan. 12, 2017: “A Guy With a Girl,” Blake Shelton
Jan. 19, 2017: “Better Man,” Little Big Town
Jan. 26, 2017: “Today,” Brad Paisley
Feb. 2, 2017: “Dirt On My Boots,” Jon Pardi
Feb. 9, 2017: “Road Less Traveled,” Lauren Alaina
Feb. 16, 2017: “Fast,” Luke Bryan
Feb. 23, 2017: “Think A Little Less,” Michael Ray
March 2, 2017: “Yeah Boy,” Kelsea Ballerini
March 9, 2017: “Any Ol’ Barstool” Jason Aldean
March 16, 2017: “Hometown Girl,” Josh Turner
March 23, 2017: “Bar at the End of the World,” Kenny Chesney
March 30, 2017: “Black,” Dierks Bentley
April 6, 2017: “The Weekend,” Brantley Gilbert
April 13, 2017: “Hurricane,” Luke Combs
April 20, 2017: “Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt
April 27: 2017: “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Brett Young
May 4, 2017: “Yours If You Want It,” Rascal Flatts
May 11, 2017: “You Look Good,” Lady Antbellum
May 18, 2017: “The Fighter,” Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood
May 25, 2017: “God, Your Mama, and Me,” Florida Georgia Line. ft. The Backstreet Boys
June 1, 2017: “Every Time I Hear That Song,” Blake Shelton
June 8, 2017: “Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
June 15, 2017: “Craving You,” Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris
June 22, 2017: “It Ain’t My Fault,” Brothers Osborne
June 29, 2017: “Somebody Else Will,” Justin Moore
July 6, 2017: “Do I Make You Wanna,” Billy Currington
July 13, 2017: “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” Old Dominion
July 20, 2017: “More Girls Like You,” Kip Moore
July 27, 2017: “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” Jon Pardi
Aug. 3, 2017: “Small Town Boy,” Dustin Lynch
Aug. 10, 2017: “They Don’t Know,” Jason Aldean
Aug. 17, 2017: “All The Pretty Girls,” Kenny Chesney
Aug. 24, 2017: “Every Little Thing,” Carly Pearce
Aug. 31, 2017: “Round Here Buzz,” Eric Church
Sept. 7, 2017: “What Ifs,” Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina
Sept. 14, 2017: “When It Rains It Pours,” Luke Combs
Sept. 21, 2017: “I Could Use A Love Song,” Maren Morris
Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2017: “Unforgettable,” Thomas Rhett
Oct. 12, 2017: “Fix A Drink,” Chris Janson
Oct. 19, 2017: “Light It Up,” Luke Bryan
Oct. 26, 2017: “Greatest Love Story,” LANCO
Nov. 2, 2017: “I’ll Name The Dogs,” Blake Shelton
Nov. 9, 2017: “Smooth,” Florida Georgia Line
Nov. 16, 2017: “Like I Loved You,” Brett Young
Nov. 22, 2017: “Legends,” Kelsea Ballerini
Nov. 30, 2017: “Losing Sleep,” Chris Young
Dec. 7, 2017: “Yours,” Russell Dickerson
Dec. 14, 2017: “Make A Little,” Midland
Penske Media Acquires Controlling Interest In Wenner Media
/by Jessica NicholsonPenske Media Corporation (PMC) and Wenner Media have struck a deal, announcing Penske Media’s strategic investment in Wenner Media, majority owner of Rolling Stone.
Under the deal, Rolling Stone founder Jan Wenner will become Editorial Director, while Gus Wenner will remain President & COO and also join Penske Media’s advisory board. Wenner Media will maintain the majority control and editorial oversight for Rolling Stone. Financial terms for the investment were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, Singapore-based music start-up BandLab Technologies, which purchased a 49 percent stake in Rolling Stone in September 2016 for an undisclosed sum, continues as Wenner Media’s partner in Rolling Stone.
Rolling Stone joins Penske’s media portfolio, which includes Variety, Deadline.com, and IndieWire.
“Our interest in Rolling Stone is driven by its people, its cultural significance, and the globally-recognized brand that has no peer in its areas of influence,” said Penske Media chairman and CEO Jay Penske. “We believe that Penske Media is uniquely qualified to partner with the Wenners to ensure the brand continues to ascend for decades across multiple media platforms—we’re eager to get started.”
“I am so proud of our accomplishments over the past 50 years and know Penske Media is the ideal match for us to thrive in today’s media landscape,” said Jan Wenner.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Jay and Penske Media to invest in our company’s future success. They understand the importance and impact of Rolling Stone, and we are thrilled for this opportunity to grow our business together,” said Gus Wenner.
Rewind: 2017 CountryBreakout Chart No. 1s
/by Jessica NicholsonThomas Rhett and Blake Shelton earned the most No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart in 2017, with each artist earning three songs hitting the pinnacle this year. Thomas Rhett’s chart-toppers include “Star of the Show,” “Craving You,” and the two-week No. 1 “Unforgettable.” Shelton’s chart-topping singles include “A Guy With A Girl,” “Every Time I Hear That Song,” and “I’ll Name The Dogs.”
Thomas Rhett is also a co-writer on another MusicRow chart-topper this year, Michael Ray’s “Think A Little Less.”
The 16th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart Awards, based on radio airplay reported by stations on MusicRow’s radio panel, will be held on Monday, Feb. 5 with an invitation only ceremony.
2017 MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart No. 1’s
Jan. 5, 2017: “Star of the Show,” Thomas Rhett
Jan. 12, 2017: “A Guy With a Girl,” Blake Shelton
Jan. 19, 2017: “Better Man,” Little Big Town
Jan. 26, 2017: “Today,” Brad Paisley
Feb. 2, 2017: “Dirt On My Boots,” Jon Pardi
Feb. 9, 2017: “Road Less Traveled,” Lauren Alaina
Feb. 16, 2017: “Fast,” Luke Bryan
Feb. 23, 2017: “Think A Little Less,” Michael Ray
March 2, 2017: “Yeah Boy,” Kelsea Ballerini
March 9, 2017: “Any Ol’ Barstool” Jason Aldean
March 16, 2017: “Hometown Girl,” Josh Turner
March 23, 2017: “Bar at the End of the World,” Kenny Chesney
March 30, 2017: “Black,” Dierks Bentley
April 6, 2017: “The Weekend,” Brantley Gilbert
April 13, 2017: “Hurricane,” Luke Combs
April 20, 2017: “Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt
April 27: 2017: “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Brett Young
May 4, 2017: “Yours If You Want It,” Rascal Flatts
May 11, 2017: “You Look Good,” Lady Antbellum
May 18, 2017: “The Fighter,” Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood
May 25, 2017: “God, Your Mama, and Me,” Florida Georgia Line. ft. The Backstreet Boys
June 1, 2017: “Every Time I Hear That Song,” Blake Shelton
June 8, 2017: “Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
June 15, 2017: “Craving You,” Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris
June 22, 2017: “It Ain’t My Fault,” Brothers Osborne
June 29, 2017: “Somebody Else Will,” Justin Moore
July 6, 2017: “Do I Make You Wanna,” Billy Currington
July 13, 2017: “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” Old Dominion
July 20, 2017: “More Girls Like You,” Kip Moore
July 27, 2017: “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” Jon Pardi
Aug. 3, 2017: “Small Town Boy,” Dustin Lynch
Aug. 10, 2017: “They Don’t Know,” Jason Aldean
Aug. 17, 2017: “All The Pretty Girls,” Kenny Chesney
Aug. 24, 2017: “Every Little Thing,” Carly Pearce
Aug. 31, 2017: “Round Here Buzz,” Eric Church
Sept. 7, 2017: “What Ifs,” Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina
Sept. 14, 2017: “When It Rains It Pours,” Luke Combs
Sept. 21, 2017: “I Could Use A Love Song,” Maren Morris
Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2017: “Unforgettable,” Thomas Rhett
Oct. 12, 2017: “Fix A Drink,” Chris Janson
Oct. 19, 2017: “Light It Up,” Luke Bryan
Oct. 26, 2017: “Greatest Love Story,” LANCO
Nov. 2, 2017: “I’ll Name The Dogs,” Blake Shelton
Nov. 9, 2017: “Smooth,” Florida Georgia Line
Nov. 16, 2017: “Like I Loved You,” Brett Young
Nov. 22, 2017: “Legends,” Kelsea Ballerini
Nov. 30, 2017: “Losing Sleep,” Chris Young
Dec. 7, 2017: “Yours,” Russell Dickerson
Dec. 14, 2017: “Make A Little,” Midland
Blake Shelton Re-Ups “For Many Years” With Warner Bros./WMN
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John Esposito and Platinum-selling Recording Artist Blake Shelton
Country music superstar and multimedia entertainer Blake Shelton has inked a deal, extending his 17-year partnership with Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville record label.
Together, Shelton has gone on to achieve 25 No. 1 singles, 10 Gold and Platinum-selling albums, seven Grammy nominations and five CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award wins. One of the most visible and constant ambassadors of country music, Shelton has reinforced the genre’s value in front of more than 12 million viewers two nights a week for 13 consecutive seasons and counting as a coach on NBC’s The Voice. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Shelton served as co-host of the ACM Awards for five years.
“I remember my first trip to Nashville in 1994,” said Shelton. “I drove down Music Row and don’t know why, but when I passed the Warner Bros. building I said, ‘That’s the label I want to be on!’ Now, all these years later, I’m proud to have spent my entire recording career with such a great company. I look forward to more incredible years with my Warner family.”
The acclaimed recording artist celebrated his re-signing Wednesday night (Dec. 20) alongside WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito, who added: “Blake Shelton is a cornerstone artist for Warner Music Nashville. Blake, Narvel Blackstock [management] and the whole label team put a stake in the ground years ago to prove that Blake was going to do unprecedented things in this business and be the artist to help us bring Warner back to greatness. Blake indeed has and will continue to break new ground. I am thrilled beyond words, and there is no better Christmas present than Blake committing to Warner for many years to come. He is a brother, and I love him and his humanity!” To that point, Esposito emphasized exclulsively to Billboard, “[Shelton] re-signed with us to basically end his career here. That’s a long time.”
Shelton last re-upped with the label eight years ago and most recently released his 10th studio album (not including a holiday or greatest hits), Texoma Shore in 2017, which became his sixth record to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and 11th all-genre Top 10. With his third No. 1 single in 2017 (in addition to “A Guy With A Girl” and “Every Time I Hear That Song”), Shelton’s “I’ll Name The Dogs” made him the first artist in Country Aircheck / Mediabase history to have six songs chart simultaneously. Shelton continued traction at radio this week by being named the No.1 most-played artist of 2017, reigning on both the Billboard and Aircheck year-end airplay charts. The songs previously went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
Shelton will headline his 2018 Country Music Freaks Tour alongside Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce and special guest Trace Adkins. He will again team with CID Entertainment for VIP Experiences with 2018 packages offering new perks including an autographed ‘Country Music Freaks’ Tour plaque and an exclusive BS’ers Lounge baseball cap. VIPs will also get access to the BS’ers Lounge where Blake will perform an acoustic set and answer fan questions.
COUNTRY MUSIC FREAKS TOUR DATES
Date City Venue
2/15/18 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
2/16/18 Lubbock, TX United Supermarkets Arena
2/17/18 Las Cruces, NM Pan American Center
2/22/18 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
2/23/18 Moline, IL TaxSlayer Center
2/24/18 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
3/2/18 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
3/3/18 Bossier City, LA CenturyLink Center
3/8/18 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
3/9/18 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena
3/10/18 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
3/15/18 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
3/16/18 Baltimore, MD Royal Farms Arena
3/17/18 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
In Pictures: Lee Roy Parnell, Heidi Raye, Bailey James
/by Jessica NicholsonLee Roy Parnell
Lee Roy Parnell recently visited the MusicRow offices to perform songs from his latest album, Midnight Believer, which was released earlier this year on Vector Recordings/BFD. Parnell recently signed with New Frontier Touring.
Among his acoustic renditions of songs from Midnight Believer was a take on “Sunny Days,” which features harmonies from Fairfield Four.
Lee Roy Parnell performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Lee Roy Parnell with MusicRow staffers.
Bailey James
Teenager Bailey James stopped by the MusicRow offices to perform songs including her latest single, “Run Girl.”
Bailey James performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Heidi Raye
Vocalist and songwriter Heidi Raye performed new music for MusicRow staffers, including the single “Junkyard,” which was recently added to Spotify’s New Boots playlist. Raye also performed the playfully defiant “I’m Gonna Wish You Merry Christmas.”
Heidi Raye performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Heidi Raye with MusicRow staffers.
Blue Sky Group Promotes Chris King To Partner
/by Jessica NicholsonChris King
Entertainment business and financial management firm Blue Sky Group (BSG) has promoted Chris King to partner. King joined the firm in 2015 as the co-head of their business management division.
The Memphis, Tennessee native is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin. He began his career as an account assistance with Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy. Since pairing with Harlan Hallett in February 2015, Blue Sky Group has begun to build a roster including Grammy winners, Platinum record selling songwriters and producers and international touring artists.
“Chris’s hard work and enthusiasm, along with a commitment to our company, clients, and the entertainment industry made this choice a no brainer,” said Hallett, the president of BSG.
Blue Sky Group is located at 54 Music Sq. E. in Nashville.
Lee Thomas Miller Ends Congressional Campaign
/by Jessica NicholsonLee Thomas Miller
Conservative Republican congressional candidate Lee Thomas Miller has ended his campaign for Congress in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, approximately one month after announcing his candidacy.
Miller issued the following statement:
The son of Kentucky tobacco farmer and a small town librarian, Miller is an award-winning songwriter who lives in Williamson County in Tennessee with his wife Jana and their four kids.
He has penned seven No. 1 songs, 12 top 10 songs and earned three Grammy nominations with artists including Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Jamey Johnson and Chris Stapleton. Miller recently stepped down from his former post as president of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in order to run for the seat.
Nashville’s Chloe Kohanski Named ‘The Voice’ Winner
/by Jessica NicholsonNashvillian Chloe Kohanski was named the winner for the 13th season of The Voice on Tuesday evening (Dec. 19). The 23-year-old Kohanski, who was part of Team Blake, made an impression on both viewers and the coaches by belting out classic ’80s and ’90s rock songs each week, including Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse Of The Heart,” Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is,” and Blondie’s “Call Me,” and her blind audition song, Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.”
During last night’s live finale, she teamed with Billy Idol to perform “White Wedding.” After being named the winner, she earned a recording contract with Universal Music Group, as well as a $100,000 grand prize.
Kohanski graduated from Donelson Christian Academy in 2012. After initially attending Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, with intentions of becoming a teacher, Kohanski dropped out and began working as a Starbucks barista in Nashville while pursuing a music career.
Kohanski’s win marks Blake Shelton’s sixth victory as a coach on the show. Kohanski beat fellow Team Shelton member Red Marlow, Team Adam Levine’s Addison Agen, and Team Miley Cyrus’ Brooke Simpson.
Charles Kelley To Headline ASCAP’s Inaugural Snowmass Celebrity Ski Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP and sEVENTeen Event Management will welcome Charles Kelley as headliner for the inaugural Snowmass Celebrity Ski Fest charity event, to be held in the Colorado Rockies on Feb. 21-22, 2018.
The Snowmass Celebrity Ski Fest will offer participants the opportunity to ski with some of the country’s top songwriters and attend a concert by Kelley. The concert will take place at a private lodge in the mountains and will open with a hit songwriters round that will include Edwin McCain, Chris DeStefano, Charles Esten, Jon Nite, and more to be announced.
Singers, songwriters and celebrities will come together for the annual event to raise money for LadyAID, a philanthropic effort founded by the members of Lady Antebellum. Created in 2012, the multi-level organization garners awareness and support for children in need locally, nationally and globally, as it is a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“We have a wonderful group of talented musicians who will converge in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado. Combine that talent, the majestic backdrop of the mountains, a cozy lodge, as well as the competition and camaraderie on the ski slope, and everyone is in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Michael Martin, ASCAP Vice President of Membership, Nashville.
To donate, participate, or become a sponsor, please visit snowmasscelebskifest.com. Purchases and donations are tax-deductible.
Ashlee McDonald To Oversee CMT Radio, Programming Partnerships
/by Jessica NicholsonAshlee McDonald
CMT has tapped Ashlee McDonald to oversee CMT Radio and Programming Partnerships, where she will manage operations and business development for the network’s nationally-syndicated radio business. In her new role as Executive Producer/Content, Programming Partnerships and Operations, McDonald will spearhead the strategic vision of CMT’s broad-reaching radio business, oversee day-to-day operations, and lead the development and implementation of new business opportunities and partnerships across CMT’s radio business.
McDonald will be based in Nashville and reports to Suzanne Norman, SVP of Programming and Business Operations, CMT.
Most recently, McDonald served as Senior Director of Brand Management at Warner Music Nashville. Additionally, she spent nearly six years on the national programming team at iHeartRadio as the lead producer of artist partnership initiatives.
Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment Promotes Darren Elrod To EVP/COO
/by Eric T. ParkerDarren Elrod
Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment has announced the promotion of Darren Elrod to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. Elrod was formerly Sr. Vice President, Finance & Operations.
“Darren is a trusted advisor who provides an important voice in our strategic development and planning,” states Terry Hemmings, President & CEO, Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment. “He is an integral part of our team, and I am pleased to announce this promotion.”
Elrod began his career in the music industry in 1999 as the Controller and Vice President of Finance at Provident Music Group (PMG), where he served until 2006. After leaving the company for a three-year stint as Controller and Treasurer of the National Federation of Independent Business, he returned to Provident in 2009 as Vice President of Finance and Operations. He was promoted to SVP/ Finance & Operations in September of 2011 and continued his responsibilities for financial reporting, adding responsibilities for business affairs, information technology, the Provident Distribution Center, and Provident Distribution sales and marketing. Later Elrod added operational oversight for merchandise and tour vending (Essential Artist Services).
Elrod serves as a key member of Provident’s executive team, impacting not only the success of the core record label, but also the functioning and profitability of all of Provident’s diverse segments, including Provident Films, Essential Worship, Essential Music Publishing, Provident Distribution, and Essential Artist Services.