CRS 2026 Day Three: Women’s Networking Breakfast, Jelly Roll, Big Machine Luncheon, More

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Country Radio Seminar closed out its 2026 programming Friday (March 20) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from the final day of programming. CRS will return March 17-19, 2027.

Women’s Networking Breakfast

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

The final day kicked off with the Women’s Networking Breakfast. Attendees got to chat and learn from female industry leaders including Michelle Buckles, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Heather Froglear, Katie Neal, Jen Morgan, Tay Hamilton, Stephanie Wagner, Lauren “LT” Thomas, Jamice Jennings, Rakiyah Marshall, Kathleen St. Clair, Jess Tomlins, Amber Anderson, Ashley Wilson, Patti Diaz, Bryce Gravitt and Tracy Martin.

Embracing The Change

Emily Cohen Belote, Steve Knopper, Alissa Pollack and Heather Vassar. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Billboard‘s Steve Knopper, Casual Media Partners’ Heather Vassar, Amazon Music’s Emily Cohen Belote and iHeartMedia’s Alissa Pollack hosted “Embracing the Change: Country is Cross-Pollinating (and That’s Okay),” where they spoke about real-world examples of how cross-genre collaborations benefit all stakeholders in country music.

 

Jelly Roll Receives Humanitarian Award

Jelly Roll. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Jelly Roll was presented with this year’s Artist Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic efforts and the impact they have made.

 

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Luncheon

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Friday’s lunch and performance was hosted by Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Performers during the two hour block included Mackenzie Carpenter, Cole Goodwin, Naomi Carman, Greylan James, Caroline Jones, The Band Perry, The Jack Wharff Band and Shaylen.

 

Creative Talent

Phil Becker, Greg Beharrell, Katie Neal and Woody. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Creativity took the spotlight during “Creative Talent: Why ‘Playing It Safe’ is the Death of Your Radio Career.” Hosted by Phil Becker, panelists Katie Neal, Woody of the Woody Show, and Greg Beharrell explored how original creators, bold ideas and fearless decisions will help radio hosts stand out.

 

New Faces of Country Music

Kelsey Hart, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick, Ella Langley, Josh Ross and Chase Matthew. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS closed out with its annual New Faces of Country Music dinner and show, with performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.

HITS HOME Opening Segment To Feature Charlene Bryant, Martha Earls & Cris Lacy [Exclusive]

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Charlene Bryant, Martha Earls & Cris Lacy. Photo: HITS HOME

HITS HOME has unveiled details for its opening segment, “Nashville Welcomes the World.” The panel will feature Cris Lacy, Chair and President of Warner Records Nashville, and Martha Earls, Owner of Neon Coast, in conversation with Charlene Bryant, Founder of Riveter Management. The new global music conference is set for April 19 through April 21 at Virgin Hotels Nashville.

Kicking off the conference on Monday, April 20 at 9 a.m., the session will explore how Nashville continues to impact the global music ecosystem. The segment will also feature a live performance by Latina country artist Kat Luna.

“HITS HOME was built to create music moments that feel just as meaningful as they are impactful for business,” says Nick Maiale, Founder of jump.global, the Nashville-based company behind HITS HOME. “We have neighbors joining us from Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, the UK, Canada, Germany, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Iceland, Singapore, and beyond. Opening with leaders who represent the heart of Nashville’s music community—alongside a performance that captures its spirit—is our way of welcoming the world into this city and into the conversations that matter most right now in the music business.”

The announcement marks the one of the first programming reveals for the inaugural event. Additional event details will be available here as they are released.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly reflects a dynamic stretch across Nashville’s music industry, with major leadership moves, new ventures, and artist signings signaling continued momentum in both the label and management sectors. Click here to see the full edition.

Scott Borchetta has officially launched a management division under Borchetta Entertainment Group. Carly Pearce has been named the division’s first client, and Mike Blong joins as Manager.

Clint Higham, John Esposito, and Kris Lamb have unveiled a new label venture, HEY NOW Records. The imprint launches with major star power, signing Kenny Chesney as its flagship artist. Lamb will serve as Co-Founder and President.

MCA has elevated Miranda McDonald and Jimmy Rector to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing, while Triple 8 Management has promoted Aaron Sawyer to Partner.

The industry also celebrated excellence at CRS 2026, where the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was unveiled during the annual CRS Honors ceremony. Previously inducted figures Mike Moore and Trish Biondo revealed this year’s honorees. In the On-Air Personality category, Chris Carr, Michael J, and Rick Jackson will be recognized, while the Radio category includes Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan, and John Marks.

At Curb Records, Todd Thomas has been promoted to National Director, Promotion, where he will work alongside Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to co-lead the label’s country radio department. At the same time, longtime executive RJ Meacham will depart at the end of March after a decade with the company.

Sony Music Nashville and global superstar Kane Brown have renewed their relationship with a new multi-album, worldwide deal.

The independent publishing community is also preparing to take center stage, as the Association of Independent Music Publishers has announced the final nominees for the 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards. Set for April 14 at Analog at the Hutton Hotel, the ceremony will be hosted by Storme Warren and will spotlight songs driven by Nashville’s independent publishing sector. Songwriters Johnny Clawson and Jessie Jo Dillon lead this year’s nominations.

Jeanette Porcello has joined Concord Label Group as Senior Director of A&R. Rising talent continues to secure key representation and deals, with Cori Kennedy signing with WME for worldwide representation, and Ethan Garner inking a label deal with RECORDS Nashville in partnership with RCA Records.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Jordan Davis takes the No. 1 spot with “Turn This Truck Around.” Explore more chart data here.

The 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.

CRS 2026 Day Two: Team MCA At The Ryman, The Conversation, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, More

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Country Radio Seminar continued yesterday (March 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

The Disruptors: What If You Took A Risk

Courtesy of CRS

Panelists Chuck Aly, Travis Daily, Jon Loba, Gregg Swedberg and Brian Michel discussed the current state of radio relevance and its power moving forward.

 

Team MCA At The Ryman

Photo: Peyton Hoge/Courtesy of MCA

49 Winchester, Kassi Ashton, Brothers Osborne, Dalton Davis, Carter Faith, Wyatt Flores, Vince Gill, Jacob Hackworth, Tyler Hubbard, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, Madden Metcalf, NEEDTOBREATHE, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban and Kenny Whitmire took the stage for the “Team MCA at the Ryman” luncheon.

 

The Conversation: Featuring Ella Langley & Jo Dee Messina

Courtesy of CRS

Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina joined together for a keynote session dubbed “The Conversation,” sharing their respective journeys to success.

 

Cycle Of A Song: Chase Matthew’s “Darlin'”

Courtesy of CRS

The daily “Cycle Of A Song” series focused on Chase Matthew‘s “Darlin’” on Thursday afternoon. Those on in the panel included Matthew, Tim Foisset, Rod Phillips, Michael Chase, Loyd Potts III and Ken Madson.

 

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Courtesy of CRS

Attendees were treated to drinks and tunes during the annual “Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley,” hosted by Country Top 40’s Fitz. Performers included Rhett Akins, The Warren Brothers, Jim Beavers, Clint Black, Steve Wariner and Paul Overstreet. Radio Ink also unveiled its annual Top 30 Country PDs list.

 

BBR Music Group Closes Out The Night

Courtesy of CRS

BBR Music Group closed out day two of CRS with a celebration of Jason Aldean‘s 31 chart-toppers featuring performances from Florida Georgia Line, Alabama and Travis Tritt. 

Flatland Cavalry Debuts New Era At Intimate Nashville Pop-Up

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Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Louie Nice

The room filled up quickly Wednesday night (March 18) at Nashville’s 6th & Peabody for an intimate pop-up performance from Flatland Cavalry, where the Texas-born group delivered a high energy set that blended fan favorites with a preview of what’s to come.

Opening with “I’ve Been Gone,” the band quickly settled into a rhythm with the audience. They followed with “On And On,” a track from their upcoming album Work of Heart, offering one of several glimpses into new material that shaped the evening. “One I Want” and the unreleased “Birds Eye View” continued to build momentum, each song highlighting the band’s signature storytelling and understated musicianship.

Midway through the set, “Mountain Song” and another unreleased track, “Nightshine,” carried a reflective tone, giving the audience a sense of the sonic direction of the forthcoming project. Before continuing, the band paused for a moment of sincerity, telling the crowd, “I don’t know if this song is technically ‘country,’ but country is what country means to you. Thank you for showing up and listening to us tonight.”

They leaned further into new territory with “Unglued,” another unreleased song, before returning to familiar ground with “A Life Where We Work Out,” which drew a particularly strong response from the crowd. “Never Comin’ Back,” currently making its way through country radio, kept the crowd rocking.

Closing with “Stompin’ Grounds,” the band gathered around a single front microphone, creating a front-porch feel that perfectly matched the spirit of the evening.

The band’s new album Work Of Heart will release on March 27 via Lost Highway. They are currently amidst their “Work Of Heart Tour,” and will make festival appearances at Troubadour Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, WE Fest and more throughout the year.

Chandra LaPlume Exits Sandbox Entertainment

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Chandra LaPlume

Chandra LaPlume has departed Sandbox Entertainment after five years with the company.

During her tenure with Sandbox LaPlume worked across television and film development as well as artist management, and executive produced films and television specials, most notably the Grammy-nominated JUNE: The June Carter Cash Story. Prior to joining Sandbox, LaPlume was partner at Taillight TV from 2003-2020.

“After an incredible chapter at Sandbox Entertainment, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead as I explore new opportunities in creative development and artist relations,” says LaPlume.

She can be reached at claplume27@gmail.com.

On The Row: Madden Metcalf Shares Signature Saltwater Southern Sound

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Madden Metcalf. Photo: Brandon Espeleta

Madden Metcalf recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a preview of his debut project, Saltwater Southern, out today via Wexler Records/MCA.

First discovered by his manager Olivia Zaro, the Panacea, Florida native connected to veteran songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler in 2024 while pursuing a construction management degree. He signed to MCA earlier this year.

Metcalf was inspired to learn guitar after a Riley Green concert and began performing for tips at his uncle’s restaurant where he worked. A fourth generation commercial fisherman and inspired by the sounds of Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, Metcalf describes his sound now as “Saltwater Southern.”

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Madden Metcalf; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

He shared a taste of his new project with the team, previewing “Young Loretta” and “Kinda Paradise.”

The project explores love, heartbreak and more across the five tracks, which Metcalf wrote alongside Wexler and Elliah Heifetz. Saltwater Southern was produced by Wexler and Paul Sikes.

“I’m really excited for the EP,” Metcalf shared with the team. “Its truly every aspect of the lifestyle that I live, that I was born and raised to live. This record really encapsulates everything that we’d listen to [as I grew up]. I’m truly excited for it to be out there.”

Saltwater Southern Track List:
1. “Kinda Paradise” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
2. “Young Loretta” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
3. “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
4. “Long John Silver” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
5. “Like My Hometown” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)

 

@musicrowmag @maddenmetcalf went Off The Record with MusicRow to celebrate his new EP Saltwater Southern! #country #countrymusic #offtherecord ♬ Kinda Paradise – Madden Metcalf

 

 

Julianna Rankin Signs With Big Loud Texas Publishing & Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Allie Sisoian (Manager, Red Light Management), Lizzy Rector (Publishing Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing), Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, Julianna Rankin, Anna Weisband (SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Natalie Rhea

Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing.

Alongside the announcement, Rankin is releasing her second song via Big Loud Texas, “Little Miss Behavin,’” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. “Little Miss Behavin’” follows Rankin’s label debut “Bad Habits and Good Horses,” which was featured in the season finale of Landman via Paramount+.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas,” says Anna Weisband, SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She’s the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can’t wait to help share that with the world!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” shares Lizzy Rector, Publishing Director, Big Loud Publishing. “She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s ahead.”

Beginning in April, Rankin will support label-mate Jake Worthington on his “Intent To Tonk Tour” with stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston and New York.

Tyler Nance Celebrates ‘Midwest Memoir’ At Nashville Palace

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Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Tyler Nance celebrated his debut album Midwest Memoir with a release show at the Nashville Palace last night (March 19), delivering a confident, crowd-pleasing set that showcased both his songwriting depth and growing stage presence.

He opened with “Ain’t Getting Paid” and quickly settled into a groove, moving into “Hell If I Know,” where he balanced guitar work with harmonica. “Don’t Care At All” drew strong audience engagement, with the crowd clapping along and feeding off the band’s energy. From there, Nance leaned into the emotional core of the record with “Shovel,” “Under the Weather,” and “Bad News,” before delivering standout performances of “I’m Not Him” and “Whiskey Me or the Pain.”

Nance kept the momentum high with “Too Good to Be True,” before bringing out Karley Scott Collins for “Leave Me Alone.”

Karley Scott Collins & Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Midway through the performance, the band temporarily exited, leaving Nance in a stripped-down setting with just a guitar player. This quieter segment, featuring “Beer Tabs,” “Liza Ann,” and “Sorrows,” highlighted his songwriting and vocal delivery, offering a more intimate connection with the audience.

When the full band returned, so did the energy. “Nothing’s What It Seems” with another guest appearance from Jackson Dean. Nance then introduced “Whitney Wants a Song,” performing it live for the first time.

Closing out the night, “Same Song and Dance” and “Here’s to Tomorrow” set the stage for the album’s title track, “Midwest Memoir,” before the final run of “Ways Away” and “Keeps Me Sane.” The latter, already a viral hit, brought the evening to a peak as the crowd sang along loudly, turning the performance into a shared moment of celebration.

Midwest Memoir dropped today (March 20) via Santa Anna Nashville. Nance will support Ian Munsick and Gavin Adcock on select dates this year, as well as make festival appearances at Cattle Country, Windy City Smokeout, Country Thunder Wisconsin, and more.

Jackson Dean & Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, Manhead Merch, ‘La Cara De La Música’

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Kane Brown Appears On Bobby Bones’ ‘The Bobbycast’

Bobby Bones and Kane Brown

Kane Brown was a guest on Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast yesterday, which is now airing on Netflix. During his visit he and Bones talked about not knowing he was bi-racial until he got called a racial slur in school, how he lost $10 million in a bad music deal, his new bar in Nashville and its Miami feel, his Top 5 songs to perform live for fans, and more.

 

Gabby Barrett Celebrates Platinum Milestones At CRS

Gabby Barrett and Cris Lacy, Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Gabby Barrett took the stage at the annual Warner Records Nashville luncheon, where she delivered a powerful performance of “The Easy Part,” and  also debuted a brand-new, unreleased song, setting the tone for what’s to come. Following the performance, Barrett’s team surprised her with news that two of her hits have reached Platinum status, as three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones” reached 5X Platinum and her record-breaking debut “I Hope” achieved 9X Platinum.

 

Jennifer Pirch Joins Manhead Merch

Jennifer Pirch

Jennifer Pirch has been named Vice President of Retail & Licensing at Manhead Merch. In her role, Pirch will lead global retail expansion and licensing strategy, with a focus on scaling distribution, entering new categories, and developing partnerships that extend artist IP into new consumer touchpoints. Pirch brings over 15 years of experience across music, entertainment, and consumer products, and previously held leadership roles at Apex Global Brands and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management division. Having started her career as a designer, she brings an end-to-end perspective across product development and dealmaking, with experience spanning toys, apparel, and multi-category licensing partnerships.

 

Univision Series ‘La Cara De La Música’ Hosts Private Nashville Media Screening

Rick Rodriguez, Founder of Cara Productions. Photo: Jake Blount

Media members and industry guests gathered recently at InDo Nashville for a private screening of the upcoming TV series La Cara De La Música, hosted by La Cara Productions. The bilingual series focused on Latin music, culture, and entertainment will premiere soon on Univision Nashville. Hosted by producer and creator Rick Rodriguez, La Cara De La Música (translated as “The Face of Music”) shines a spotlight on the artists, executives, and cultural leaders representing Nashville’s Latino community within the music industry. The show aims to celebrate the growing influence of Latin music and culture while highlighting the important role the Latino community plays in the broader entertainment landscape.