The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2024, including George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
To end Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024, five breakout artists added their names to the history of the New Faces of Country Music showcase.
The annual showcase features five emerging artists who have achieved notable country radio success during the qualification period, which spanned from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The event has served as a pivotal moment in the careers of established country hitmakers since its inception in 1970. On Friday (March 1), Corey Kent, George Birge, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Megan Moroney added their names to the list.
Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
RCA Nashville’s Kent was the first artist to take the stage. Before he performed, an introductory video played detailing his journey from Oklahoma to Music City to chase his musical dreams, but it also showed the detour that led him and his young family to Texas, where Kent took a job pouring concrete for a while.
Now, a few years after his music took off and he and his family moved back to Nashville, Kent has celebrated a Platinum-certified No. 1 hit with “Wild As Her,” which he gratefully played to the country radio industry members in the audience. Kent’s set also included his 2020 single “Gold.”
“I believe that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and what you’re doing today matters,” Kent said when introducing his Gold-certified hit “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” “You’re either getting busy living or getting busy dying.” Before he left the stage, Kent played his brand new radio single “This Heart,” and the radio tastemakers in the room ate it up.
George Birge. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Next up was RECORDS Nashville’s Birge. His introductory video also shared a bit about his journey working as a songwriter until breaking through as an artist in recent years. He also took the opportunity to share his gratitude for country radio, thanking them for changing his life and sharing photos with programmers.
Birge kicked off his set with a new song, “Hard on the Bottle.” The Texan also played a few more new songs, including “Damn Right I Do” and his next radio single, “Cowboy Songs.”
“I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time and damn, it’s good to be here tonight,” Birge said before launching into his first No. 1, “Mind On You,” which topped country radio charts as 2024 began, while also cracking the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
Conner Smith. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
The Valory Music Co.’s Smith was the next artist to take the stage. His video included footage of the Nashville native singing country covers while growing up, using a broom as a mic stand and yelling out the words to Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Chesney songs.
Smith kicked off his set with the title track of his recently released new album, “Smoky Mountains,” as well as two new songs “Heatin’ Up” and “Roulette On The Heart,” a duet with Hailey Whitters that is set to be his next single.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this stage. It means more than y’all know,” Smith said before playing his top-10-and-rising single “Creek Will Rise,” which brought radio tastemakers to their feet.
Dillon Carmichael. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Riser House Records’ Carmichael was next up. His video was the best, showcasing the humor he’s become known for. In an episode of “CRS Cribs,” Carmichael took the audience on a tour of his bus—but come to find out, it was actually his tour-mate Justin Moore‘s bus. The video ends with Carmichael welcoming viewers to “CRS Cribs” of his truck.
He kicked off his set with “Raised Up Wrong,” before making everyone laugh again with “Tiny Little Fiddle.” After performing his top 25 single “Son Of A,” Carmichael brought some radio programmers to their feet with “Drinkin’ Problems.”
“What an opportunity this is,” Carmichael said. “Thank y’all so much for giving us a chance. I do understand the gravity of this.”
Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Moroney was the last artist to perform, but it didn’t matter—everyone was eagerly awaiting the breakout star’s time in the spotlight. After a video of her reading mean Tweets about herself, Moroney hit the stage singing the title track of her 2023 album “Lucky.”
She lured audience members in with her climbing radio single “I’m Not Pretty,” and impressed them with her well written new release “No Caller ID.”
“Thank y’all so much for the support of me and my songs,” Moroney said before playing “Girl In The Mirror.” She ended her set and the 2024 CRS New Faces showcase with her two-times Platinum No. 1 breakout hit “Tennessee Orange,” leaving the crowd on their feet.
Winners Revealed For 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards
/by LB CantrellThe winners of the 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced on Friday night (March 1) at the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner.
Broken Bow was awarded with the Platinum Label of the Year honor, and the label group’s Chris Loss was named Label Streaming Specialist and Stoney Creek’s Mary Forest Campbell took home the Regional Promotion award. Big Machine received the honor of Gold Label of the Year.
Triple Tigers also received a few awards, with the company’s Raffaella Braun winning SVP-VP/National Promotion and Mackenzie Cooper taking home New Face of Country (Professional).
Nashville station WSIX took home several awards, including Medium Market Station of the Year.
GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick won this year’s Independent Promotion Executive award.
2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners:
Station
KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market)
Platinum Label: Broken Bow
Gold Label: Big Machine
OM/PD
Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
Gator Harrison, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Nikki Thomas, WXBQ/Johnson City, TN (Small Market)
APD/MD
Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
Ryan McKiddy, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Brook Stephens, KZPK/St. Cloud, MN (Small Market)
SVP-VP/National Promotion: Raffaella Braun, Triple Tigers
Label Streaming Specialist: Chris Loss, BMG/BBRMG
Director/National Promotion: Donna Hughes, UMGN
Market Manager/GM: Dan Endom, WSIX/Nashville
Personality/Show
Lauren “Lo” Sessions, KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
Brooke Taylor, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Bill Black & Shelby Mitchell, Bill & Shelby, WKSJ/Mobile, AL (Small Market)
National Personality/Show
Storme Warren, The Storme Warren Show, The Big 615 (Daily)
Amy Brown, Women of iHeartCountry, iHeartMedia (Weekly)
National Programmer/Curator: Monta Vaden, The Big 615, TuneIn
Regional Promotion: Mary Forest Campbell, Stoney Creek
Independent Promotion Executive: Nancy Tunick, GrassRoots Promotion
New Face of Country (Professional): Mackenzie Cooper, Triple Tigers
CRS New Faces 2024 Showcase Highlights Five Talented Artists
/by LB CantrellThe New Faces of Country Music Class of 2024, including George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
To end Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024, five breakout artists added their names to the history of the New Faces of Country Music showcase.
The annual showcase features five emerging artists who have achieved notable country radio success during the qualification period, which spanned from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The event has served as a pivotal moment in the careers of established country hitmakers since its inception in 1970. On Friday (March 1), Corey Kent, George Birge, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Megan Moroney added their names to the list.
Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
RCA Nashville’s Kent was the first artist to take the stage. Before he performed, an introductory video played detailing his journey from Oklahoma to Music City to chase his musical dreams, but it also showed the detour that led him and his young family to Texas, where Kent took a job pouring concrete for a while.
Now, a few years after his music took off and he and his family moved back to Nashville, Kent has celebrated a Platinum-certified No. 1 hit with “Wild As Her,” which he gratefully played to the country radio industry members in the audience. Kent’s set also included his 2020 single “Gold.”
“I believe that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and what you’re doing today matters,” Kent said when introducing his Gold-certified hit “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” “You’re either getting busy living or getting busy dying.” Before he left the stage, Kent played his brand new radio single “This Heart,” and the radio tastemakers in the room ate it up.
George Birge. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Next up was RECORDS Nashville’s Birge. His introductory video also shared a bit about his journey working as a songwriter until breaking through as an artist in recent years. He also took the opportunity to share his gratitude for country radio, thanking them for changing his life and sharing photos with programmers.
Birge kicked off his set with a new song, “Hard on the Bottle.” The Texan also played a few more new songs, including “Damn Right I Do” and his next radio single, “Cowboy Songs.”
“I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time and damn, it’s good to be here tonight,” Birge said before launching into his first No. 1, “Mind On You,” which topped country radio charts as 2024 began, while also cracking the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
Conner Smith. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
The Valory Music Co.’s Smith was the next artist to take the stage. His video included footage of the Nashville native singing country covers while growing up, using a broom as a mic stand and yelling out the words to Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Chesney songs.
Smith kicked off his set with the title track of his recently released new album, “Smoky Mountains,” as well as two new songs “Heatin’ Up” and “Roulette On The Heart,” a duet with Hailey Whitters that is set to be his next single.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this stage. It means more than y’all know,” Smith said before playing his top-10-and-rising single “Creek Will Rise,” which brought radio tastemakers to their feet.
Dillon Carmichael. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Riser House Records’ Carmichael was next up. His video was the best, showcasing the humor he’s become known for. In an episode of “CRS Cribs,” Carmichael took the audience on a tour of his bus—but come to find out, it was actually his tour-mate Justin Moore‘s bus. The video ends with Carmichael welcoming viewers to “CRS Cribs” of his truck.
He kicked off his set with “Raised Up Wrong,” before making everyone laugh again with “Tiny Little Fiddle.” After performing his top 25 single “Son Of A,” Carmichael brought some radio programmers to their feet with “Drinkin’ Problems.”
“What an opportunity this is,” Carmichael said. “Thank y’all so much for giving us a chance. I do understand the gravity of this.”
Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Moroney was the last artist to perform, but it didn’t matter—everyone was eagerly awaiting the breakout star’s time in the spotlight. After a video of her reading mean Tweets about herself, Moroney hit the stage singing the title track of her 2023 album “Lucky.”
She lured audience members in with her climbing radio single “I’m Not Pretty,” and impressed them with her well written new release “No Caller ID.”
“Thank y’all so much for the support of me and my songs,” Moroney said before playing “Girl In The Mirror.” She ended her set and the 2024 CRS New Faces showcase with her two-times Platinum No. 1 breakout hit “Tennessee Orange,” leaving the crowd on their feet.
CMA Announces Return Of Women’s Leadership Academy
/by Madison HahnenThe Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the return of its Women’s Leadership Academy. The highly sought-out professional development program is an interactive coaching experience for high-performing, high-potential women leaders within country music.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Women’s Leadership Academy in 2024,” shares Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “With a commitment to delivering tailored, top-tier professional development, we are amazed by the evolution of this program since its inception in 2022. It’s been truly rewarding to witness the growth of a supportive community within the country music industry, empowering women to thrive together and fostering a robust alumni network. We are eager to welcome a new class this year!”
The CMA Women’s Leadership Academy is designed to offer professional development to rising female leaders, and gives participants leadership skills while promoting a culture of community among women. Participants are offered educational sessions, bi-monthly group coaching and more.
Those selected for this year’s program will form their individual goals before heading into group sessions. The program will be led by Executive Coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. Gamble and Provonchee share decades of coaching experience as well as a passion for supporting women leaders throughout their journeys. Topics explored during coaching sessions will include personal branding, career mobility, DEI, conflict navigation, self-advocacy and negotiation in addition to self-promotion and influence.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Cody Johnson’s ‘The Painter’ Lands At No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson has the No. 1 song at country radio this week with “The Painter.” The Gold-certified track was written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and has become the biggest streaming single of Johnson’s career, with 200 million global streams to date.
“The Painter” was the first single from Johnson’s new 12-track studio album Leather, released last fall. Johnson chose the song for the record because its story mirrors his relationship with his wife Brandi and her belief and support of his dreams and career. Since the release of Leather, many of the songs on the album have struck a chord with fans, including “Dirt Cheap,” which is Johnson’s latest single and has nearly 55 million global streams with an average of 3.4 million streams per week.
Johnson continues his headline “The Leather Tour” on March 15 in Indianapolis at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Black Crowes Sign With Spirit Music Group
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson. Photo: Ross Halfin
Legendary rock band The Black Crowes, led by Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson, has signed a publishing administration agreement with Spirit Music Group. This deal encompasses the band’s acclaimed albums Warpaint and Before The Frost…Until the Freeze, along with their highly anticipated upcoming release, Happiness Bastards, set for launch on March 15.
“The Black Crowes have stood as one of rock music’s best bands in the past 30 years. With this new album and their upcoming tour, they prove to be even stronger than ever. Anyone who does not see their upcoming live shows is depriving themselves. I have a been a fan of their music from the beginning and couldn’t be more psyched to be part of the ride today,” shares Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group, of the partnership.
Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group, adds, “We could not be more excited to welcome Chris and Rich Robinson to the Spirit Music family. The Black Crowes are the epitome of rock and roll—kick-ass songs, records, attitudes and performances. It is an honor to partner with them and we can’t wait to help introduce the world to the next chapter in their already legendary career.”
The Black Crowes’ upcoming tenth studio album, Happiness Bastards, is a humble nod to their past and celebration of their future. Set for worldwide release on March 15, the album marks the Black Crowes’ first original music in 15 years and is produced by Grammy award-winning producer Jay Joyce. The project includes 10 new tracks, including the attitude-driven lead single “Wanting and Waiting,” and a special feature from Grammy-winning superstar Lainey Wilson.
Announced in tandem with their album, The Black Crowes unveiled their 2024 headline tour which sees them visit major markets in both North America and Europe. “The Happiness Bastards Tour” is set to kick off at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 2 before wrapping up at the Mérida’s STONE & MUSIC Festival on June 9.
Celebrating 40 years since their inception, 30 million albums sold and accolades such as VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, The Black Crowes are primed to claim 2024 as their own.
Luke Grimes Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Range Media’s Matt Graham, Cameron Lutz, Warner Chappell’s Alexa Morris and Jessi Vaughn Stevenson; (L-R, front row): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Luke Grimes. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music
Singer-songwriter Luke Grimes has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in collaboration with Range Media Partners.
The Yellowstone star’s debut song “No Horse To Ride” was featured in the mid-season series finale last year, and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. Grimes grew up in Ohio and learned how to play music in church. After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and landed a role in the film American Sniper. In 2022, he signed with UMG Nashville and released his eight-song EP, Pain Pills or Pews, which has amassed 105 million total global streams to date, last year.
Grimes has collaborated with writers including Liz Rose, Nicolle Galyon, Jessi Alexander, Rodney Clawson, Brent Cobb and Randy Montana, among others, and will be releasing his self-titled debut album, produced by Dave Cobb, this Friday (March 8) via Capitol Records Nashville.
“When you meet Luke you quickly realize his deep love for creating music,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “We’ve been so impressed with how he has formed strong creative relationships with other amazing writers and his commitment to country music. Everyone at Warner Chappell is beyond honored that he has chosen us to represent his songs.”
“Writing songs has become one of the most fulfilling things in my life,” says Grimes. “To now be able to do it in Nashville with some of the greatest to ever do it is a beyond a dream come true. Warner Chappell has been incredibly helpful getting me started on this journey, and I’m honored to officially become a part of their family. Big thanks to Ben and Jessi [Vaughn Stevenson] and the rest of the team. It means the world.”
Morgan Wallen Drops New ‘Abbey Road Sessions’ Collection For Fans
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen recording Abbey Road Sessions in London, U.K. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen surprise-released a new collection, Abbey Road Sessions, on Sunday (March 3).
The project was dropped to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Wallen’s One Thing At A Time album, which topped the Billboard Top 200 chart for 18 non-consecutive weeks, tying Garth Brooks‘ 1991 Ropin’ the Wind record with the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album and becoming the most-streamed album of the year across all genres on Spotify.
The project’s songs were recorded in London in the iconic Studio Two at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios on Dec. 5, 2023. The digital series includes five live recordings from One Thing At A Time, an unreleased fan favorite, “Lies Lies Lies” and a never-before-recorded cover of Nothing But Thieves‘ “Graveyard Whistling.”
“Playing the O2 in London last fall and getting to record at Abbey Road, where so much iconic music has been made, was legendary for me and my band. We will never forget it,” shares Wallen of his trip overseas. “I’m so excited to release these Abbey Road Sessions for my fans on the one-year anniversary of One Thing At A Time. They make all this possible.”
Playing to over one million fans in 2023, Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour” was named Pollstar‘s Country Tour of the Year, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops. Resuming this April in Indianapolis, the 2024 extension of the “One Night At A Time World Tour” takes Wallen to 29 additional stadium shows.
Abbey Road Sessions Track List:
1. “Thinkin’ Bout Me”
2. “Lies Lies Lies”
3. “Sunrise”
4. “Everything I Love”
5. “I Wrote The Book”
6. “I Deserve A Drink”
7. “Graveyard Whistling”
BREAKING: Date & Ticket Information Announced For The 59th Annual ACM Awards
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music (ACM) has announced that the 59th ACM Awards will take place on Thursday, May 16. The ACM has shared information regarding tickets for the ceremony as well.
The annual event will stream live across the globe from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, exclusively on Prime Video as part of a multi-year deal that will take the awards through its milestone 60th anniversary next year.
“Frisco, Texas and The Star District proved to be the perfect new home for the evolution of this Emmy-nominated ‘party,’ bringing music’s biggest global superstars to the passionate and loyal Texas country music fans! We’re thrilled to bring ACM Awards week to life again at the home of America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, along with our best-in-class partners at Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Dick Clark Productions and our Executive Producer, Raj Kapoor, to make this year’s show even bigger and better,” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. Fans will certainly want to be there in person to experience all the incredible moments we have in store, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Texas!”
“We all experienced first-hand last year what a perfect fit the Academy of Country Music Awards are with Ford Center at The Star, not only inside for the show, but out and around The Star District and Frisco as well,” says Dallas Cowboys Owner, President & General Manager Jerry Jones. “The stars of country music shine very brightly here in Texas, and we’re honored to be the home of this amazing celebration once again. We can’t wait to host all of the great artists and fans at ‘Country Music’s Party of the Year!'”
Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. this Friday (March 8) on SeatGeek.com. Prices range from $330-$1,200 before taxes and fees. Presale tickets will be available for ACM A-List subscribers starting this Wednesday (March 6). Those who sign up for the ACM A-List free email newsletter will be sent a presale code that will allow them to purchase tickets in advance of the public on-sale. For more information, click here.
CRS 2024 Day Three: Women’s Networking Breakfast, BMLG Lunch, New Faces
/by Madison HahnenCountry Radio Seminar (CRS) wrapped up Friday (March 1) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from the last day of programming. Next year, Country Radio Seminar will take place Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Women’s Networking Breakfast
Women’s networking breakfast during CRS 2024.
Sponsored by Nuvoodoo Media Services, CRS day three kicked off with the Women’s Networking Breakfast. The event offered a place for women to network with other women in an array of industry positions.
Those at the breakfast included Abby Leigh (WQDR/Raleigh), Athena Puharic (The Valory Music Co.), Blake Carter (SEVENS Radio Network), Brooke Diaz (Big Machine Label Group), Charlene Bryant (UMG Nashville), Jessica “Carsen” Humphreville (Silverfish Media), Karina Farias-Day (Edison Research), Katie Dean (Leo33), Katie McCartney (Monument Records), Krista Hayes (Cumulus Nashville), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers Records), Melissa Quinones (WWKA), Mia McNeal (CMA), Nikki Thomas (WXBQ), Sarah Kay (WQMX) and Zena Burns (Futuri).
Big Machine Label Group Hosts Luncheon & Performance
Pictured: Back Row (L-R): RJ Curtis (CRB), Greylan James, Kris Lamb (Big Machine Records), George Briner (The Valory Music Co.), Kurt Johnson (CRB); Middle Row (L-R): Jimmy Harnen (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Chris Janson, Brian Kelley, Riley Green, Charles Kelley, Allison Jones (Big Machine Label Group); Front Row (L-R): Dierks Bentley, Jackson Dean, Carly Pearce, Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group), Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, Mackenzie Carpenter, Sandi Spika Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group)
Big Machine Label Group hosted the final label luncheon and performance of the week. The label’s showcase included newcomers and superstars from their diverse artist roster.
Lady A kicked off the event with a performance of “Love You Back.” Dierks Bentley then came out and surprised the crowd with his Tom Petty cover of “American Girl.” Chris Janson performed his most recent No. 1 “All I Need Is You.” Mackenzie Carpenter rocked the crowd with unreleased track “Sound Of A Heartbreak.” Greylan James then performed his BMLG debut track “Young Man.” Jackson Dean showed off his top 15 track “Fearless.”
Brian Kelley gave a preview of his forthcoming debut album with “Acres.” Carly Pearce invited Lady A’s Charles Kelley back on stage to perform her top 20 hit “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Riley Green performed his next radio single “Damn Good Day To Leave.” To close out the event, country superstars Garth Brooks and Ronnie Dunn surprised the crowd with a performance of their song “Rodeo Man.”
New Faces Of Country Closes Out The Week
Pictured (L-R): George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael, Corey Kent
CRS 2024 wrapped up with the annual New Faces Of Country show. This year’s new faces were George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Corey Kent.
The New Faces of Country Music Show stars five emerging artists who have achieved notable country radio success during the qualification period, which spanned from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The event has served as a pivotal moment in the careers of established country hitmakers since its inception in 1970.
MusicRow Taps Kerri Edwards As Featured Speaker For 2024 Rising Women On The Row
/by LB CantrellMusic industry veteran and President of KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards, will be the featured speaker at MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row breakfast on Tuesday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Attendees will be treated to insights from Edwards during an on-stage interview with MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson.
The 11th annual celebration will honor the 2024 class of Rising Women on the Row honorees, which include Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman and Candice Watkins. Read about the honorees here.
City National Bank, CMT Next Women of Country and Loeb & Loeb are Presenting Sponsors for the 2024 Rising Women on the Row.
Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith will be the special performer at the event.
Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. Tickets will not be sold at the door, as the event is sold out.
As the founder and president of management firm KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards is a key figure in the careers of country stars Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott and Chayce Beckham. She’s a perennial presence on Billboard’s Country Music Power Players (2015-2023) list of the most influential executives on Music Row and its Women in Music rankings (2017-2023) of the most powerful female executives in the entire business.
A decade since she first became a manager, Edwards is the ultimate insider, involved in the touring, publishing, branding and business decisions for some of the genre’s most-sought-after performers. Bryan fills football stadiums with his high-energy shows, has sold over 21.2 billion global streams, placed 30 singles at No. 1 and has won Entertainer of the Year two times from the Country Music Association and three times from the Academy of Country Music. During his career, Luke has amassed a total of 21.2 billion global streams, 11.5 million global album sales and 55.3 million track sales worldwide. He is the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time with 84 million digital single units and 15.5 million album certified units for a total of 99.5 million. This past year Bryan hosted the CMA’s for the third year in a row and returned to American Idol for his seventh season as a judge.
Swindell, a four-time ACM Award winner, has risen to become a headlining, multi-Platinum-selling superstar, racking up 12 No. singles (13 as a songwriter), winning numerous awards including most recently the 2023 iHeart Music Award for Country Song of the Year as well as the 2023 ACM Single and Song of the Year (as a songwriter and artist) for his three-time Platinum hit “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” Swindell has won prestigious songwriting awards in addition to the 2023 ACM Song of the Year. including his massive, Grammy-nominated hit “Break Up In The End” being named the 2019 NSAI Song of the Year.
The ACM-nominated, multi-Platinum singer Scott has notched four No. 1 singles at radio (“My Girl,” “Nobody,” “New Truck” and “Can’t Have Mine”), as well as top five hit “Hooked.” Following his first career nomination for Best New Country Artist at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Awards and a coveted spot among Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, his Platinum-certified ode to his wife, “Nobody,” earned him a 2021 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. With career streams exceeding 2.6 billion, the Louisiana native has provided tour support for Swindell, Bryan and Chris Young, among others, cementing him as an in-demand live act. Livin’ My Best Life, the latest album from Scott, features fiery, No. 1 single “New Truck,” along with viral TikTok ballad, RIAA-Certified Platinum, No. 1 radio single, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).”
American Idol winner and Amazon Music 2024 Breakthrough Artist to Watch Beckham is a force to be reckoned with. Beckham’s debut EP Doin’ It Right skyrocketed to No. 1 on iTunes All Genre and Country charts and received critical acclaim from E! News!, Billboard, People, CMT, PopCulture, American Songwriter and more. The first to ever win the competition show with an original song, “23” instantly shot to the top of numerous viral charts. Currently top 10 at country radio, Beckham’s “23” resonated so deeply with fans that it has continuously banked over 1 million on-demand streams per week since its release, amassing over 386 million thus far. Beckham is set to release his debut record, Bad For Me, on April 5, 2024. This summer, Beckham is joining Bryan on tour for a second year in a row.
Edwards and Bryan created a publishing co- venture with Sony Music Publishing ran by Aubrey Daniels, which includes hits for Bryan, Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line and more. Additionally, Edwards oversees several other burgeoning acts including EMI Records Nashville singer-songwriter Jon Langston, Buena Vista Records’ emerging sibling duo CB30, concert spinmeister DJ Rock and independent artist Whitney Duncan.
Though Edwards had a hand in these artists’ success, you won’t detect a sense of entitlement from her. She continues to prove daily that she belongs in the position, the role of a lifetime she was unexpectedly led to master.