Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Last night (Feb. 6) at the Ryman Auditorium, Old Dominion took the stage for their final “7 for 7” residency show, an evening of music and philanthropy aimed at raising funds for various charities, while the band was also celebrating seven consecutive CMA Awards for Vocal Group of the Year. The energy in the venue was palpable, as fans of all ages packed in, eager to experience the band’s unique blend of country charm and rock-infused tunes that are normally played at arenas inside the intimate setting.
The band’s current radio single “Coming Home” kicked things off with frontman Matthew Ramsey setting the tone, playing a smooth harmonica solo that had the crowd swaying to the rhythm. The band quickly transitioned into “No Hard Feelings,” with Ramsey teasing the audience with a xylophone solo. The crowd loved it, and the playful sound added a flair to the already memorable track.
“This is the last show, show No. 7 baby,” Ramsey exclaimed during a roaring crowd applause. “And there’s only one show tonight, so that means we can do whatever we wanna do.” With that, the night turned into a “request line,” where fans were able to request songs via signs they brought in. The night kept rolling with “Make It Sweet,” followed by “Different About You,” both crowd favorites that got everyone singing along, their voices filling the venue. With the set list spanning all the fan-loved songs, “Be With Me” and “Beer Can In A Truck Bed” were instant highlights, and you could feel the crowd’s connection.
The War And Treaty and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen
The evening’s surprises didn’t stop there. As the band dove into Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me”, the room erupted in excitement when The War & Treaty joined them on stage for a powerhouse collaboration. Their harmonies filled the venue, adding an extra layer of soul to the classic anthem.
The excitement reached new heights as Ernest joined the band for “Flower Shops,” bringing a little more magic to the moment with his signature smoothness. The crowd soaked in every second, swaying in perfect harmony with the music.
The tempo picked up with “How Good Is That,” followed by the slowed down rock of “Some Horses,” two songs that had the crowd on their feet, hands in the air, and dancing lending to the band’s unstoppable momentum. As the night moved into “Snapback,” the vibe was pure fun, a shout-out to simpler times, with fans screaming every word.
Ernest and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen
During “Hotel Key,” the band passed around different hotel keys from the crowd, creating an intimate and spontaneous moment that tied everyone together.
The crowd roared with excitement as Ramsey invited a fan on stage during “All I Know About Girls.” The girl, attending her very first concert, was welcomed like an old friend, her wide-eyed excitement as palpable as the energy in the room. She took in the moment, singing along with the band and her family, her joy contagious to everyone around her.
After “Memory Lane,” Ramsey took a moment to address the crowd.
Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
“Today we took a tour of part of this building that’s not really open to the public. We went up into the attic, and it’s pretty impressive and empty up there. But you can tell that’s where all the music that is played here, the songs make their way up there and they hang out there forever.” Ramsey then challenged the crowd to sing “One Man Band” as loud as possible to cement the song into the building’s history. Before the band played “Say You Do”, Ramsey shared the story of how it marked his first-ever No. 1 hit as a songwriter, and fellow band member Trevor Rosen’s second No. 1.
With “Song For Another Time” and “I Was On A Boat That Day,” the audience was singing along to every word, a massive sea of voices echoing throughout the Ryman.
“The fact that we officially formed this band in 2007 and spent years playing to no one,” frontman Ramsey reflected during “I Was On A Boat That Day.” “We had a blast doing it the whole time, knowing that we had something special. We have traveled the world and seen all different countries and we have so much to be proud of, but this right now is topping the list.”
Fans requesting songs during Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
A truly incredible moment came with the final song “Goodnight Music City,” a brand new song they’d written just two weeks ago. The vulnerability in the performance, combined with the intimate feel of the Ryman (which gets a shoutout in the song), gave the song an emotional weight that resonated with the entire room. As the band wrapped up the night, there was no denying the sense of community and celebration.
During the show, the band announced that throughout their seven nights, they were able to raise $1.25M for various charities. The band also celebrated their seven night run by releasing a brand new song today (Feb. 7), “Making Good Time.”
K-Love Fan Awards Return To Opry House May 25
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Bart Millard, Mac Powell, Jeremy Camp and Matthew West
Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Mac Powell and Bart Millard have been announced as hosts of the upcoming 12th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 25 at The Opry House in Nashville.
Tickets and travel packages for the 12th annual fan-voted awards show, that concludes the biggest weekend in Christian music, are available here.
Additional details for weekend events including the Friday night kickoff concert, Emerging Artist Showcase, Songwriter’s showcase, Sunday morning worship service and more will be announced at a later date.
Katherine Godwin Joins Tape Room Music As Manager/A&R
/by Lorie HollabaughKatherine Godwin. Photo: Sean O’Halloran
Katherine Godwin has joined Tape Room Music as Manager, A&R.
Godwin first interned in the publishing arm of Big Machine Label Group while completing her undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University. The Georgia native then worked as a publishing assistant before serving as creative coordinator, managing a catalog of over 14,000 songs in the span of three years. Her leadership across branding efforts for writers, project management oversight and acute focus on consumption data analysis contributed to the overall success of the roster and team, celebrating 10 No. 1s while at Big Machine Music.
“We are thrilled to welcome Katherine to Tape Room,” shares President Blain Rhodes. “Her abilities and work ethic, combined with her passion for songwriters, make her the perfect addition to our team. Her dedication and expertise will be a tremendous asset to our roster and company as a whole.”
Founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley, Tape Room Music writers have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including Nate Smith’s 10-week smash “World On Fire,” Hardy’s boundary-defying “Truck Bed,” Morgan Wallen’s six-week chart topper “Thinkin’ Bout Me” and more. Tape Room topped both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Most-Heard Songs of 2024 chart.
“I am incredibly fortunate to be part of the team that Ashley, Blain and Caroline have built,” shares Godwin. “In the short time I’ve been with them, it’s clear that the talent, drive and integrity of this team is unparalleled. I’m excited to grow alongside such a dedicated roster and look forward to advocating for these exceptional writers as they continue to build their careers.”
IBMA Adds Two To Team, Elevates One
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Rebecca Bauer, Elizabeth Dewey and Haley Grimm.
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has added Rebecca Bauer as Marketing Director and Haley Grimm as Administrative Manager. Additionally, Elizabeth Dewey has been promoted to Communications Director.
Bauer, originally from Maryland, has called Tennessee home for more than two decades. She holds a master’s degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins University and has extensive experience in leadership and strategic marketing within the arts, entertainment and non-profit sectors. Throughout her career, Bauer has worked with organizations like the Franklin Theatre, Nashville Symphony, City Winery and Pepsi Bottling Group. In her role as Marketing Director, she will lead strategic planning, partnerships and digital marketing initiatives to increase the visibility of the IBMA and IBMA World of Bluegrass.
Dewey first joined IBMA in April 2024 as Administrative Manager and now serves as Communications Director. In this role, she will manage brand strategy, content creation, email communications and media relations. A 2023 graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music, Dewey has been involved with the IBMA since 2021, when she began as an intern and developed a deep passion for the bluegrass music industry.
Grimm is currently in her final semester at Belmont University, where she is working towards a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music, with plans to graduate in May 2025. Originally from Westmont, Illinois, Grimm interned at IBMA from May to October 2024, gaining valuable experience with the organization’s operations. In her role as Administrative Manager, Grimm will support the IBMA staff and assist with various programs, including IBMA Leadership Bluegrass and the IBMA International Band Performance Grant.
“These staff changes mark an exciting new chapter for the IBMA as we strengthen our team to support the global bluegrass music community and prepare for the monumental year ahead,” shares IBMA Executive Director Ken White. “With relocating IBMA World of Bluegrass to Chattanooga, Tennessee and the celebration of our 40th anniversary, I’m confident that welcoming fresh perspectives will help drive our mission forward while fostering growth and visibility for bluegrass music worldwide.”
Paramount ‘Pauses’ CMT Music Awards
/by LB CantrellJelly Roll poses with his awards during the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for CMT
Paramount Global has put a hold on several major events, including the 2025 CMT Music Awards, as it reassesses the production’s future. The news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, comes from an internal memo issued by Bruce Gillmer, Paramount’s President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Media Networks, and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. It was confirmed by MusicRow.
Other affected events include the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico and the MTV MIAW.
“Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount’s music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture. We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life,” Gillmer wrote in the memo.
The decision follows a series of organizational changes at Paramount, including layoffs that impacted CMT, notably affecting then-Senior Vice President of Music Strategy & Talent, Leslie Fram.
Music Row Remembers Ben Vaughn
/by LB CantrellWarner Chappell Nashville office
All week, banners have been appearing across Music Row in tribute to Ben Vaughn, the beloved President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, who tragically passed away on Jan. 30.
Lining 16th and 17th Avenue and beyond, the banners feature Vaughn’s image—some bearing the simple yet profound message: “Thank You, Ben.” The tribute reflects the deep impact he made on the music industry and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
For more than a decade, Vaughn led Warner Chappell Music Nashville with vision and dedication, overseeing all facets of the company, from A&R and business development to songwriter advocacy and rights protection. He was not only a respected executive but also a champion for songwriters and a guiding force in the industry.
Read his full obituary here.
Vaughn was preceded in death by his wife, Carlee Ann Vaughn, who passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He is survived by their three children: Ruby, Griffin and Zeke.
In honor of Vaughn’s legacy, donations can be made to the Brain Tumor Research Fund, which was established following Carlee’s passing.
Money can be sent to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
P.O. Box 290369
525 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN 37229
Donations can also be made online at VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.”
Blake Shelton Begins Residency At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace
/by Madison HahnenBlake Shelton. Photo: Jamie Wendt
Last night (Feb. 5), Blake Shelton kicked off his first ever Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, performing for a sold-out audience.
“This is a big deal for me,” shared Shelton, sporting a custom-made black corduroy shirt, BSxLE jeans, and Tony Lama grand caiman boots. “This is the opening night of my first residency ever. I’ve been coming to Las Vegas for a long time, so I know what my job is here tonight. We’re here to make memories.”
Fans at the opening night were treated to a setlist of over 20 songs, showcasing some of Shelton’s biggest hits like “Sangria,” “Honey Bee,” “Ol’ Red,” “God’s Country” and “Boys ‘Round Here.” Shelton began the show with his latest No. 1 single, “Pour Me A Drink.”
Blake Shelton. Photo: Jamie Wendt
“I am excited to finally be in Vegas, bringing the honky tonk to Sin City,” he added. “We have a lot of fun ahead of us here at The Colosseum the next two weeks.”
Shelton also debuted his new single “Texas,” which is already in the Top 10 and pays tribute to George Strait. In a fitting tribute, he followed it up with Strait’s classic hit, “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.”
He continued the classic country vibes with Alabama’s No. 1 hit, “Mountain Music.” Recently, Shelton paid tribute to the legendary group with a performance for CMT Giants: Alabama and again on stage at the BMI Awards in Nashville last November.
Shelton wrapped up the night with his hit, “God Gave Me You.” “Blake Shelton: Live in Las Vegas” will continue on Feb. 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15.
The SteelDrivers Sign With Sun Records
/by Lorie HollabaughModern bluegrass masters The SteelDrivers have signed with Sun Records.
The announcement comes as the band celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. Their first new self-produced album for the label, Outrun, is set to be released May 23.
“The founder of Sun Records, Sam Phillips, and his successor, Shelby Singleton, both had a knack for recording and releasing great music across a diverse array of genres. While the sounds vary from artist to artist, one thing ties it all together: ingenuity. Now under its third owner, Primary Wave, Sun has risen and is releasing great new music again for the first time in decades,” says Sun Records Senior Director of A&R/Sync, Chase Gregory. “We are thrilled to welcome The Steeldrivers to the Sun Records family! They are emblematic of Sun’s Americana roots, and we are honored to help them celebrate 20 years as a group.”
“As The SteelDrivers celebrate the 20th year of their musical odyssey, I cannot imagine a finer coupling for our new recording than the iconic Sun Records,” says SteelDrivers bassist Mike Fleming.
Fiddler Tammy Rogers adds, “We’re excited to partner with a true icon. Sun Records definitely has the ‘cool’ factor!”
A group of seasoned veterans each distinguished in his or her own right, the SteelDrivers have become one of the biggest names in progressive bluegrass after making their debut in 2005. They braid their bluegrass roots with new threads of their own design from country, soul, blues and other contemporary influences to create an unapologetic hybrid. They have been nominated for four Grammys, the Americana Music Association’s New Artist of the Year, and were awarded IBMA’s 2009 Emerging Artist of The Year. In 2015, their album The Muscle Shoals Recordings won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Recording.
Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating artists like Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell and many others.
Old Dominion Gives Back During ‘7 For 7’ Finale
/by Madison HahnenOld Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Last night (Feb. 6) at the Ryman Auditorium, Old Dominion took the stage for their final “7 for 7” residency show, an evening of music and philanthropy aimed at raising funds for various charities, while the band was also celebrating seven consecutive CMA Awards for Vocal Group of the Year. The energy in the venue was palpable, as fans of all ages packed in, eager to experience the band’s unique blend of country charm and rock-infused tunes that are normally played at arenas inside the intimate setting.
The band’s current radio single “Coming Home” kicked things off with frontman Matthew Ramsey setting the tone, playing a smooth harmonica solo that had the crowd swaying to the rhythm. The band quickly transitioned into “No Hard Feelings,” with Ramsey teasing the audience with a xylophone solo. The crowd loved it, and the playful sound added a flair to the already memorable track.
“This is the last show, show No. 7 baby,” Ramsey exclaimed during a roaring crowd applause. “And there’s only one show tonight, so that means we can do whatever we wanna do.” With that, the night turned into a “request line,” where fans were able to request songs via signs they brought in. The night kept rolling with “Make It Sweet,” followed by “Different About You,” both crowd favorites that got everyone singing along, their voices filling the venue. With the set list spanning all the fan-loved songs, “Be With Me” and “Beer Can In A Truck Bed” were instant highlights, and you could feel the crowd’s connection.
The War And Treaty and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen
The evening’s surprises didn’t stop there. As the band dove into Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me”, the room erupted in excitement when The War & Treaty joined them on stage for a powerhouse collaboration. Their harmonies filled the venue, adding an extra layer of soul to the classic anthem.
The excitement reached new heights as Ernest joined the band for “Flower Shops,” bringing a little more magic to the moment with his signature smoothness. The crowd soaked in every second, swaying in perfect harmony with the music.
The tempo picked up with “How Good Is That,” followed by the slowed down rock of “Some Horses,” two songs that had the crowd on their feet, hands in the air, and dancing lending to the band’s unstoppable momentum. As the night moved into “Snapback,” the vibe was pure fun, a shout-out to simpler times, with fans screaming every word.
Ernest and Matthew Ramsey. Photo: Mason Allen
During “Hotel Key,” the band passed around different hotel keys from the crowd, creating an intimate and spontaneous moment that tied everyone together.
The crowd roared with excitement as Ramsey invited a fan on stage during “All I Know About Girls.” The girl, attending her very first concert, was welcomed like an old friend, her wide-eyed excitement as palpable as the energy in the room. She took in the moment, singing along with the band and her family, her joy contagious to everyone around her.
After “Memory Lane,” Ramsey took a moment to address the crowd.
Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
“Today we took a tour of part of this building that’s not really open to the public. We went up into the attic, and it’s pretty impressive and empty up there. But you can tell that’s where all the music that is played here, the songs make their way up there and they hang out there forever.” Ramsey then challenged the crowd to sing “One Man Band” as loud as possible to cement the song into the building’s history. Before the band played “Say You Do”, Ramsey shared the story of how it marked his first-ever No. 1 hit as a songwriter, and fellow band member Trevor Rosen’s second No. 1.
With “Song For Another Time” and “I Was On A Boat That Day,” the audience was singing along to every word, a massive sea of voices echoing throughout the Ryman.
“The fact that we officially formed this band in 2007 and spent years playing to no one,” frontman Ramsey reflected during “I Was On A Boat That Day.” “We had a blast doing it the whole time, knowing that we had something special. We have traveled the world and seen all different countries and we have so much to be proud of, but this right now is topping the list.”
Fans requesting songs during Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
A truly incredible moment came with the final song “Goodnight Music City,” a brand new song they’d written just two weeks ago. The vulnerability in the performance, combined with the intimate feel of the Ryman (which gets a shoutout in the song), gave the song an emotional weight that resonated with the entire room. As the band wrapped up the night, there was no denying the sense of community and celebration.
During the show, the band announced that throughout their seven nights, they were able to raise $1.25M for various charities. The band also celebrated their seven night run by releasing a brand new song today (Feb. 7), “Making Good Time.”
MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)
/by MusicRow StaffThis week’s MusicRow Weekly covers key moments in the industry. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow revealed the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025, recognizing six female executives who will be honored at the 12th annual breakfast event on March 20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant.
Universal Music Group announced a reorganization of its Nashville-based operations, naming Mike Harris as CEO and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb as Chief Creative Officer. With these changes, Cindy Mabe has exited her role as Chair & CEO after two years in the position and more than 18 with the company.
Big Machine Label Group’s Clay Hunnicutt has departed his role as EVP/Label Operations after five years with the label.
SOURCE Nashville announced this year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame Award inductees: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday, with a milestone moment as Beyoncé won her first-ever Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter. Other notable winners included Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Sierra Ferrell and Billy Strings.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included, with Jelly Roll maintaining the No. 1 spot with “Liar” for a second week. Explore more chart data here.
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.
Ryan Hurd Gives A Nod To The Heartland Dreamers On New Album, ‘Midwest Rock & Roll’
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Hurd mines some memories from days gone by on his new sophomore album, Midwest Rock & Roll, out March 21 via Big Machine Records.
A new track from the collection, “Die For It,” out today, finds Hurd leaving no stone unturned in his exploration of what it means to truly love someone. Written by Hurd alongside Mark Holman and Randy Montana, “Die For It” explores how, in giving your entire self to someone, you’re giving them the good, the bad and the ugly. As time goes on and the honeymoon phase subsides, a relationship becomes about more than just feeling love—it becomes about the active choice to love someone every day for every part of themself.
Midwest Rock & Roll is Hurd’s first full-length release since his 2021 debut album Pelago. He co-penned all 12 tracks on the new project, which provides listeners with a cinematic snapshot of heartland dreamers, paying homage to his midwestern roots and exploring the aftermath of leaving his home behind in chase of a dream.
“Midwest Rock & Roll is my second full length album, and I am really proud of how it sounds, what it says, and how it ended up being released,” shares Hurd. “It’s a coming-of-age album that feels like playing in your first band.”
Ryan has accumulated more than one billion on-demand career streams, received numerous award nominations including two Grammy nominations, and has penned multiple Platinum No. 1s for other artists including Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Lady A and Diplo/Morgan Wallen.
Midwest Rock & Roll Track List:
1. “Midwest Rock & Roll” (Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
2. “Single In The Same Town” (Ryan Hurd, Brinley Addington, Aaron Eshuis)
3. “Die For It” (Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
4. “Lighthouse” (Ryan Hurd, Aaron Eshuis, Mark Holman)
5. “This Party Sucks” (Ryan Hurd, Brinley Addington, Ryan Beaver, David Garcia)
6. “Youth” (Ryan Hurd, Aaron Eshuis, Joey Hyde, Matt McGinn)
7. “All Night Long Days” (Ryan Hurd, Aaron Eshuis, Joey Hyde, Matt McGinn)
8. “Funerals” (Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
9. “California 1972” (Ryan Hurd, Ryan Beaver, Joe Clemmons, Aaron Eshuis)
10. “Go To Bed Sober (featuring Sasha Alex Sloan)” (Ryan Hurd, Sasha Alex Sloan, King Henry)
11. “Paul.” (Ryan Hurd, Summer Overstreet, Jordan Reynolds)
12. “The Last Song I’ll Ever Write” (Ryan Hurd, Joe Clemmons, Dave Cohen, Aaron Eshuis)