Scott Borchetta Honored With Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award

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Pictured (L-R): Maurice Miner (Event Producer), Sandi Spika Borchetta, Scott Borchetta, Heather McBee (Event Producer), Marcel Pariseau (Event Producer), John Zarling (Event Producer) and Nan Kingsley.

Founder, Chairman & CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta was presented with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award last night (March 10) at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Under his leadership, Big Machine has experienced extraordinary success for nearly two decades, earning numerous awards and accolades while selling over 226 million albums. Borchetta has been at the forefront of this achievement, driving more than 260 No. 1 singles across the country, pop and rock charts.

The evening, benefiting the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, featured performances, appearances and recorded messages from a variety of artists and special guests, including Wynonna, Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Randy Travis, Marty Stuart, Brett Young, Justin Moore, Tracy Lawrence, The Band Perry, Jackson Dean, Preston Cooper, Terri Clark, Jack Ingram, Jimmy Wayne, Jessica Andrews, TK Kimbrell, Erik Logan, Brian Phillips, Ray Pronto and the Riverdale High School Marching Band from Rutherford County.

The Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award was created ten years ago to honor the exceptional career of veteran country radio broadcaster Bob Kingsley. Last night’s event raised three and a half times more than any other in its ten-year history.

Previous honorees include Joe Galante (2015), Jim Ed Norman (2016), Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase (2017), Clarence Spalding (2018), Lon Helton (2019), Bart Herbison & Erika Wollam Nichols (2023) and Sarah Trahern (2024).

Jelly Roll’s ‘Liar’ Becomes His Seventh Chart-Topper

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Jelly Roll has landed his seventh single at the top of the country charts with “Liar,” which has dominated the Billboard Country Airplay Chart for the fourth straight week.

The fiery single is also his ninth career No. 1 overall, and marks Jelly Roll’s second time to dominate both charts with a track from his sophomore country album, Beautifully Broken. The track was written by Jelly with Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Taylor Phillips, and was produced by Zach Crowell.

Most recently, he was one of the performers on Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary concert,  SNL50, live from Radio City. Honoring the great Johnny Cash, Jelly performed a medley of his hits as well as collaborated with Snoop Dogg. In addition to his announcement as an upcoming Artist in Residence mentor on American Idol and headlining run during 2025’s Stagecoach Festival, Jelly is also set to be a part of NBC’s Opry 100 special, airing live from the Grand Ole Opry on March 19.

Muscadine Bloodline Adds Dates To ‘Coastal Plain Tour’

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Muscadine Bloodline has extended their “The Coastal Plain Tour” through the summer.

Newly-confirmed stops on the trek includes shows in Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Boise, Charleston, Greensboro, Richmond, Atlanta and more. Tickets for the new dates go on sale this Friday, (March 14) at 10 a.m. local time.

In addition to the headline shows, the duo will also join fellow Alabamians The Red Clay Strays for select dates this year and serve as direct support on Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind World Tour” this fall.

The duo is also gearing up for the release of their fifth studio album, … And What Was Left Behind, on April 11 on Stancaster Music via Thirty Tigers. Ahead of the release, the duo unveiled two album tracks: “Ain’t For Sale” feat. Josh Meloy and “Chickasaw Church of Christ.”

BMI Unveils Spark A New Program To Support Music Creators

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BMI has unveiled Spark, a new program designed to help music creators throughout every stage of their career. Spark features exclusive discounts on music creation tools, career insights, educational content and health and wellness resources for BMI songwriters, producers and composers. Affiliates can access Spark through the company’s online services portal for more information on each offer available to them, with more partners and offerings to be made available in the future.

“We developed BMI Spark after hearing from our songwriters and composers about the services and resources they wanted to best support them throughout their careers,” explains Mike Steinberg, BMI’s EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer. “Our curated program of exclusive discounts, special offers and invaluable resources is designed to help our affiliates elevate their craft, spark their creativity, and enhance their well-being as they navigate the music industry. We look forward to growing Spark by continuing to add new partners and providing new benefits to support our incredible creative community.”

Inspired by the steps that music creators take along their creative journeys, Spark focuses on three main categories:

Career Development: Affiliates can get access to discounts on music creation tools, services to distribute and manage their music, as well as resources to expand their reach. Partners include BandLab, Cosynd, DISCO for Artists, Disc Makers, FedEx, LANDR, Manny’s, Output and Rise.

Learn & Connect: BMI’s music creators will have special access to educational resources and content that will help them learn about the music industry and refine their craft with expert advice from Berklee Online, School of DISCO, Rise and more.

Lifestyle and Well-being: Spark also offers health and wellness services tailored for music creators and industry professionals. Featured inaugural partners include Music Health Alliance, Porter’s Call, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and discounts on Nashville’s Hutton Hotel and its famed Writers Studio.

BMI will no longer be charging the application fee for new writers or composers seeking to join BMI. To learn more, go to https://www.bmi.com/creators/spark.

Chase Rice Extends ‘Go Down Singin’ International Tour’ Into Fall

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Chase Rice. Photo: Evan DeStefano

Chase Rice has announced 24 new dates on his “Go Down Singin’ International Tour 2025” through the fall.

He’ll be joined on the tour by Cory Asbury, Wade Bowen, Pony Bradshaw, Tyler Halverson, Bella Mackenzie, Lori McKenna, Drake White, Scott Wolverton and Charlie Worsham across various dates.

The added dates on the tour include Charleston, Grand Rapids, Calgary, Birmingham, Oklahoma City and more through Nov. 21, and tickets to new dates available March 14 at via ChaseRice.com.

Last Friday, (March 7) Rice surprised fans with the release of his brand-new Live From Chief’s EP, which includes his takes on two songs from his heroes – Eric Church’s “Carolina” and George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” – as well as the previously unreleased original, “Cowboy Goodbye.”

“Go Down Singin’ International Tour 2025” Dates:
* denotes newly added dates
March 11 || Marrickville, NSW || Factory Theater (with Bella Mackenzie)
March 14 || St. Kilda, VIC || Prince Ballroom (with Bella Mackenzie)
March 15 || North Bendigo, VIC || Meatstock 2025 (Festival)
April 3 || New York, NY || Irving Plaza (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 4 || Boston, MA || MGM Music Hall (with Pony Bradshaw & Lori McKenna)
April 5 || Pittsburgh, PA || Stage AE (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 11 || Gonzales, TX || Cattle Country (Festival)
April 17 || Fayetteville, AR || JJ’s Live (with Tyler Halverson)
April 18 || Fort Worth, TX || Billy Bob’s Texas
April 24 || Anderson, SC || Wendell’s Outdoors (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 25 || Cocoa, FL || Cocoa Beach Amp (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 26 || Pompano Beach, FL || Pompano Beach Amp (with Pony Bradshaw)
May 9 || LaGrange, GA || Sweatband Amphitheater (with Charlie Worsham)*
May 10 || Pelham, TN || The Caverns (with Charlie Worsham)
May 17 || Gulf Shores, AL || Sand In My Boots 2025 (Festival)
May 30 || Chelsea, MI || Chelsea Community Fair*
June 5 || Elizabeth, CO || Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo (Festival)*
June 7 || Myrtle Beach, SC || Carolina Country Music Festival (Festival)
June 12 || North Lawrence, OH || The Country Fest 2025 (Festival)
June 13 || Huber Heights, OH || Rose Music Center at The Heights (with Drake White)*
June 14 || Fishers, IN || Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (with Drake White)*
June 20 || Grand Rapids, MI || The Intersection (with Tyler Halverson)*
June 21 || Chicago, IL || The Salt Shed (with Tyler Halverson)*
June 28 || Charleston, SC || The Refinery (with Cory Asbury)*
July 9 || Calgary, AB || Calgary Stampede (Festival)*
July 11 || Great Falls, MT || The Newberry*
July 12 || Thermopolis, WY || Wyoming Discovery Days*
July 17 || Eau Claire, WI || Country Jam USA 2025 (Festival)
July 18 || Hastings, NE || Cedar County Fair (with Scott Wolverton)*
July 19 || Hartington, NE || Cedar County Fair (Festival)
July 25 || Redmond, OR || General Duffy’s Waterhole*
August 2 || Cowichan, BC || Sunfest Country (Festival)
August 5 || Post Falls, ID || Stateline Speedway*
August 8 || Sunbury, PA || Spyglass Ridge Winery (with Wade Bowen)*
August 9 || Oro-Medonte, ON || Boots & Hearts (Festival)
August 14 || Deerfield, MA || Summer Stage at Treehouse Brewing Company (with Wade Bowen)*
August 15 || Hyannis, MA || Cape Cod Melody Tent (with Wade Bowen)*
August 16 || Wantagh, NY || Mulcahy’s (with Wade Bowen)*
August 21 || Saint-Agapit, QC || Festival Country Lotbiniere (Festival)
August 22 || Dieppe, NB || YQM Country Fest (Festival)
August 30 || Doswell, VA || Atlantic Union Bank After Hours at SERVPRO Pavilion (with Drake White)*
August 31 || Roanoke, VA || Dr Pepper Park (with Drake White)*
October 12 || Birmingham, AL || Iron Hills Country (Festival)*
October 16 || Oklahoma City, OK || The Jones Assembly*
November 15 || Chesterfield, MO || The Factory*
November 21 || United Central, FL || St. Pete Country Fest (Festival)*

The Listening Room Celebrates 19th Anniversary March 15 With Full Day Of Shows

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The Listening Room is celebrating its 19th anniversary on March 15 with a full day of shows featuring 17 songwriters in five different shows throughout the day.

The festivities will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and writers participating in the special birthday celebration brunch shows include Keesy Timmer and Jason Duke, and Adam Craig and Adam James. The venue is also hosting a happy hour show with Eric Van Houten, and the evening shows will feature Marc Beeson, Jenn Schott and Mark Irwin, and Ben Williams, the Warren Brothers and JT Harding. 

In 2024, the Listening Room supported Nashville songwriters by selling over 130,000 tickets to fans from 40 countries across the country and 48 states. The venue has hosted over 800 shows featuring 1000 songwriters on its stages.

21st Annual ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids’ Raises Funds For The Charley Foundation

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Anna Dietz & Ava Angeli. Photo: Nathan Chapman

The Charley Foundation’s 21st Annual “Ringside: A Fight For Kids” was held on Friday (March 7) at the Liberty Hall in Franklin, in front of a sold-out crowd.

Sponsored by SMACKsongs and produced by Executive Director of The Charley Foundation, Carolyn Miller, the fundraiser showcased gourmet dining, live music, a silent auction and four “Rumble on the Row” boxing matches. Sanctioned by USA Boxing, Nashville’s music industry and business professionals went head-to-head in the ring for three rounds.

The evening began with an emotional tribute from ring announcer Ryan Beuschel, General Manager of The Neal Agency, to his mentor and the music industry’s cherished Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, who passed away on January 30. A long-time supporter of Ringside, Vaughn was then honored with a 10-bell salute.

Alexander Shelley & Paul Place. Photo: Nathan Chapman

In the first match, amateur boxer and Nashville local Paul Place stepped in at the last minute for the injured Josh Windt (GLÜ/Numbers Don’t Lie/The 13th, Partner) and triumphed over Alexander Shelley (United Talent Agency, Agent Assistant). In the second match, Anna Dietz (AEG Presents, Coordinator, Global Touring) secured a win against Ava Angeli (Wiles & Taylor, Accountant/Business Management).

The third match saw Shelby Weimer (Vaden Group|Elliott Davis, Business Management) defeat Marissa Turk (SMACKsongs, Artist Manager). Finally, in the final match, R.J. Romeo (Romeo Entertainment Group, President & CEO) emerged victorious over Daryl Dixon (Kane Brown, Tour Manager).

The “Rumble on the Row” matches were lives treamed with commentary from Ty Bentli (Apple Music), Chris Kirkpatrick (*NSYNC) and radio veteran Jackie Stevens.

The Charley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in need. Through donations, sponsorships and fundraising events, the foundation allocates funds to qualified organizations that align with its mission to support disabled and underprivileged children through medical, recreational and care services.

Shelby Weimer & Marissa Turk. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Daryl Dixon & R.J. Rome0. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Jessie Jo Dillon Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jessie Jo Dillon

Jessie Jo Dillon has hit the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Am I Okay?,” “Baggage,” “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” “Happen To Me” and “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” worked to put the songwriter at No. 12 this week.

Riley Green remains in the No. 1 spot with solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and Taylor Phillips (N0. 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.

‘Stephan Hogan Podcast’ Continues Successful Rise

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Renowned guitarist and vocalist Stephan Hogan has launched a podcast, The Stephan Hogan Podcast, which ranked in the top 10% of video podcasts for Spotify Wrapped 2024.

Hogan’s guest lineup on the podcast has included Vince Gill, Joe Bonamassa, Brian Koppelman, Dan Tyminski, Brittney Spencer, Canaan Smith and more.

“For me, this podcast isn’t about pushing an agenda or running through talking points—people don’t connect with that. It’s about real, honest conversations,” says Hogan. “Vulnerability is the common thread because that’s where we truly connect as humans. In a way, it’s almost like therapy—not just for the guests, but for me too. It’s a space where people can be seen and understood in a way they rarely are.”

“In the age of podcast over saturation and everyone and their dog having one these days, I can’t emphasize enough that Stephan Hogan is not just another guy with a music podcast,” says hit songwriter/producer Tofer Brown of the podcast. “I’ve been on several podcasts and talking with Stephan truly feels like a conversation with a friend. A lot of interviewers have a way of making you feel like they’re anticipating what they’re going to ask or say next but when you’re talking with Stephan the conversation flows like you’re talking to a lifelong friend. He is someone who cares more about the heart of us creatives rather than the nitty gritty business details and he’s offering a deeper look into our world and showing a side that I’ve not seen in any other podcasts.”

Industry Ink: Megan Moroney, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Megan Piphus

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Megan Moroney Pulls Up A Seat At NPR’s Tiny Desk

Megan Marony performs at the Tiny Desk at NPR’s HQ in Washington, DC on Dec. 10, 2024. (Catie Dull/NPR)

Megan Moroney performed on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series on March 7. Recorded live at NPR Music headquarters, the multi-Platinum artist’s Tiny Desk debut served up a selection of greatest hits from her debut album Lucky and its follow-up, Am I Okay?

 

Kip Moore Becomes Pandora Billionaire

Bekah Digby (SiriusXM), Kip Moore and Ashley Till (SiriusXM)

Kip Moore just surpassed one billion streams on Pandora, entering the elite category of Pandora Billionaires. Moore, Pandora and Virgin Music Group celebrated the accomplishment on Feb. 27 at SiriusXM and Pandora’s studios in Nashville, along with a performance that aired live on SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry. Moore and his band played tracks from his expansive new album Solitary Tracks, which was released last week.

 

Craig Morgan Performs ‘American Soundtrack’ On ‘Fox & Friends’

Craig Morgan performed the title track to his newly released EP, American Soundtrack, on Friday (March 7) on Fox & Friends. The new music comes as Morgan joins his buddy Blake Shelton on his “Friends & Heroes 2025 Tour.”

Morgan has amassed nearly 2.5 billion career streams and charted over 25 songs on Billboard, including signature hits including “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Almost Home,” “International Harvester” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

 

Megan Piphus Inks With Platoon, Slates Cinderella Sweep Album For July

Megan Piphus

Emmy Award-winning puppeteer, ventriloquist and musician Megan Piphus has signed with the Platoon label.

Piphus, who is based in Nashville, has performed on America’s Got Talent, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and more. Since 2020, she has brought life to Gabrielle, a six-year-old black girl Muppet on Sesame Street, making history as the show’s first full-time Black woman puppeteer.

Piphus is set to release her debut album, Cinderella Sweep, in July. The album features 53 girls from the nonprofit Saving Our Daughters, which supports adolescent girls of color in overcoming social challenges like bullying, digital harassment, and low self-esteem and provides mentorship opportunities in the arts. With over 50,000 girls impacted by the initiative, participants—referred to as “Cinderellas”—are at the heart of this project.