Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Shaylen, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Eden Gerlock for Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has signed rising singer-songwriter Shaylen. She joins the Big Machine Label Group imprint’s roster of artists including Riley Green, Chris Janson, Brett Young, Lady A, Greylan James and Noah Hicks.

“Shaylen has all the right stuff… great voice, great songs, quite a bit of life experience to draw on, amazing confidence and incredible determination. She’s ready NOW,” says BMLG’s Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta of the signing.

Shaylen, who was born in Chattanooga and raised in Dallas, grew up on music from Elvis Presley to Ella Fitzgerald and Willie Nelson to Janis Joplin. She spent a decade making pop music in Los Angeles before returning to her southern roots and moving back to Tennessee a few years ago. Since then, she has impressed with her debut single “What If I Don’t,” a viral hit that has garnered over 28 million steams on Spotify, as well as subsequent releases “Roots,” “Cowboys Never Cry,” “Do It Right The First Time,” “Closest Thing to Closure,” “Been There Before” and latest track “Let Me Let You.”

“Shaylen is writing and recording some of the most powerful songs that speak to a generation that I’ve heard in a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s President Jimmy Harnen. “From Stagecoach to CMA Fest, she wows everyone from backstage interviews to her onstage performances!”

“Signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment feels like a dream,” shares Shaylen. “I’ve looked up to Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen and Julian Raymond for years and it feels surreal to be joining a roster alongside some of my favorite artists. It’s not every day you get the best of the best in this industry to hear your music and truly believe in it enough to build something bigger with you. I’m forever honored and grateful.”

Shaylen is managed by Two Hats Music Group in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Dale Dodson (consultant), Tim Medlin (Porchlight), Sam Banks, Jenny Hall (Porchlight) and Mary Ann Keen (BMI). Photo: Austyn Jablonski

Singer-songwriter Sam Banks has signed a publishing deal with Porchlight Music.

“I am so excited to be joining the Porchlight team,” says Banks. “As an independent songwriter for many years, I found myself in and out of Porchlight writing with many of their writers. After meeting with their team, I quickly felt at home and knew that Tim [Medlin], Jenny [Hall] and Dale [Dodson] were great people that I wanted to associate myself with. Having the opportunity to work alongside them makes me very excited to see what the future has in store and what we will achieve. I’m proud to be a part of the great team of people at Porchlight Music!”

The Kansas City native was immersed in country music from the start by driving with his dad to gigs across the midwest. His songwriting was influenced by the likes of Dean Dillon and Tony Lane, and his artistry and music took inspiration from Merle Haggard.

After moving to Nashville, Banks landed a gig selling merchandise for Craig Morgan. He also played the Grand Ole Opry stage with Morgan. Since then, he has shared the stage with Gary Levox, Jimmy Fortune, John Rich, Trace Adkins and more. He has also co-written with Lane, Ray Fulcher, Bobby Tomberlin, Brice Long, Rob Williford and Clint Daniels, among others.

Banks received his first major label cut in 2020 with Morgan’s “Going Out Like This.” He has had several cuts from Morgan since then along with William Michael Morgan and Josh Ward. He released his first single “Who’s Teachin’ Who” this month.

“When I first started talking to Sam it was evident how passionate and dedicated he is to his craft. Sam is not only unbelievably talented on the stage and in the writing room, but he is one of the most humble and genuine people I’ve met which makes it a no-brainer signing for a publisher,” shares Hall, Senior Creative Director, Porchlight Music. “We are so excited to have him join the Porchlight team.”

Pictured (L-R, top row): Dave Alvin and The Rev. Gary Davis; (L-R, middle row): Don Was, Shelby Lynne and Dwight Yoakam; (L-R, bottom row): The Blind Boys of Alabama

At the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards show on Sept. 18 at the Ryman Auditorium, the Americana Music Association will present Dave Alvin, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Rev. Gary Davis, Shelby Lynne, Don Was and Dwight Yoakam with their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent multiple facets of American roots music. It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the incredible careers of these artists. We look forward to another exceptional night at the Ryman Auditorium,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement awards, the AMA will honor members of the music community with six member-voted awards. The Americana Honors & Awards ceremony serves as the hallmark event of the association’s annual AmericanaFest, taking place Sept. 17-21 in Nashville.

Lifetime Achievement honoree Dave Alvin was part of The Blasters with his brother Phil before embarking on his decades-long solo career. As a songwriter, poet and producer, Alvin was an integral part of the west coast roots and country music scene of the ’80s and ’90s. So much so that his leather jacket and famous red neck bandana are included in the Western Edge exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Downey, California, native won a Grammy for his 2000 traditional folk album, Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land.

The Blind Boys of Alabama revolutionized Black gospel music in the 1940s and 1950s with their infusion of a nontraditional, grooving rhythm section. Established in Talladega, Alabama, the group has included several generations of singers and leaders inspired and preserved by their approach, chiefly Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Sam Butler and Jimmy Carter. The five-time Grammy winners were signed by Peter Gabriel, produced by Booker T. Jones, toured with Tom Petty and recorded with Lou Reed, highlighting their versatile acclaim.

Rev. Gary Davis was a pioneer of the Piedmont blues tradition, impacting the world with both sacred and secular music before he died in 1972. He left his South Carolina home to entertain working people in the tobacco markets of Durham, North Carolina. In the ’60s, Davis became a fixture of the folk revival in New York, later influencing the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, John Sebastian, Jorma Kaukonen and plenty more. Davis is the recipient of the AMA’s Legacy Award presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).

With her version of country soul music, Shelby Lynne has inspired legions with her fiercely independent path to acclaim. At just 21, she was working with producer Billy Sherrill and recording for Epic Records. The Alabama native breakthrough with her album I Am Shelby Lynne, which helped secure her a Best New Artist Grammy in 2001. Lynne’s Dusty Springfield homage “Just A Little Lovin’” is regarded as a classic. Her many collaborations have included timeless recordings and performances with her younger sister, Allison Moorer.

Don Was’ career stretches the bounds of eclectic into new territory. The Detroit native grew up on blues, rock and jazz, and established the pop/rock band Was (Not Was) in the ’80s. As a producer, he has collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Brian Wilson and more. Since 2012 he’s been president of the historic jazz label Blue Note Records, and he has earned five Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year. Was has been the longstanding bass player in the Americana Honors and Awards house band.

One of the most influential country recording artists of all time, Dwight Yoakam’s music is rooted in eastern Kentucky bluegrass and old-time music. After moving to Los Angeles in the early ’70s, he released a string of historic albums in the ’80s and ’90s that revitalized and expanded the Bakersfield and honky-tonk country traditions, earning him multiple Grammy Awards. Yoakam’s broad appeal transcended the core country audience, paving the way for the alt-country movement that would later evolve into Americana.

Steve Gilreath.

The Gospel Music Association has named Steve Gilreath as the first Executive Director of the Christian & Gospel Music Museum at the Dove Center, opening in 2025.

In this role, Gilreath will drive leadership, strategic direction and overall museum management. He will guide preserving, promoting and celebrating the history and cultural significance of all Christian and Gospel music genres and will report directly to Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association.

Rendering of the Christian & Gospel Music Museum at the Dove Center

“I’m thrilled to announce Steve Gilreath as the first Executive Director of the Dove Center’s Christian & Gospel Music Museum. His creativity, shared vision, and passion for our industry make him the right person to lead this kingdom project,” shares Patillo.

Over the past three decades, Gilreath has worked as a producer, director, marketing VP and network executive across various organizations. He has worked with many artists, managers and labels in Christian and Gospel music. Gilreath’s producing credits include a decade as the Producer of the Dove Awards, as well as a White House special presented by the GMA hosted by President George W. Bush featuring CeCe Winans, Bill Gaither, Michael W. Smith, Blind Boys of Alabama, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.

Most recently, he has served as Executive Director of on-demand platforms for K-LOVE. Gilreath founded the K-LOVE On Demand Network, creating hundreds of new shows that feature music in unique settings, including a chance to direct four different shows from Red Rocks Amphitheater. The 2023 event with 10 artists premiered in theaters nationwide as a Fathom Event.

Gilreath also volunteered for 10 years at the Inner City Chicago Young Life Clubs before moving to Nashville. In Music City, he helped create the first online music curriculum, QuaverMusic, which is now used by millions of students. The program helped him understand emerging technologies and education challenges facing teachers and students with the arts, which will be a critical constituency for the museum.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to reveal plans for using this space to honor God through recognizing the work of those who came before and will carry on after us,” Gilreath says of the new opportunity.

“I’ve worked with Steve Gilreath for many years on many different projects. His love for Christian music, his creativity, and his passion for our industry make him the perfect person for this role,” adds Bill Reeves, CEO of David C Cook & Integrity Music.