Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 35th annual MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribers to honor a Nashville artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 18 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Jackson Dean broke ground this past year with his old school, gritty, lyric-driven, outlaw style of country. His single, “Don’t Come Lookin’” was the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022 and cemented Dean as the youngest solo male country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut. The song landed spots on the Billboard Hot 100, the soundtrack for Netflix’s The Ice Road and a John Dutton scene in Yellowstone. The rugged music video for the track also earned a nomination at the 2023 CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year. His sophomore single, “Fearless (The Echo)” is currently climbing the country radio charts after being mostadded upon impact. Dean’s breakout landed him on a slew of artist to watch lists. Dean has joined bills with superstar acts like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Parker McCollum, Kane Brown, Jake Owen, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, Hardy and Brothers Osborne.
Megan Moroney is a country newcomer with massive staying power. She broke onto the scene with her breakout single “Tennessee Orange,” an immediate smash that soon led to her signing with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records, in addition to notching her first No. 1 at country radio and earning an RIAA Platinum certification. Named a 2023 Artist to Watch by the likes of Amazon Music, Pandora, and Spotify, as well as an iHeart On The Verge Artist and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2023, Moroney released her debut album Lucky in May. Her accolades also include winning Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards. She made her debut appearance on NBC’s Today and kicked off her first headline run with the sold-out “Pistol Made Of Roses Tour” and will embark on her sold-out “The Lucky Tour” this fall, bringing her magnetic live show to iconic venues across the U.S. — all while continuing a meteoric rise that now includes over 426 million total global streams to date.
Genre-bending singer-songwriter Jelly Roll has quietly been building a remarkable career, under the radar and on his own terms. Since his days selling his mix tapes out of his car, he has constantly been releasing new music, touring relentlessly, engaging a rabid fanbase and creating videos that have amassed more than four billion views on YouTube. His 2020 single “Save Me” set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights, with more than 160 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. His 2021 album Ballads of the Broken featured a multi-week No. 1 rock hit “Dead Man Walking” and his No. 1 country debut single “Son of a Sinner.” His newest album, Whitsitt Chapel, was released earlier this year and earned the biggest opening week for a first entry on the Top Country Albums charts since the list adopted a consumption-based methodology in 2017. The three-time CMT Award winner is currently on the road on his 44-city “Backroad Baptism Tour.”
Since Nate Smith made his way to Nashville, he has made a huge splash with songs such as his Platinum-certified multiweek No. 1 hit “Whiskey On You,” which he co-wrote. The tune amassed over 7.5 million total global on-demand streams in its first week, reaching No. 10 on the Country On-Demand Streaming Chart, and has racked up over 320 million total global on-demand streams to date. Smith released his debut, self-titled album along with the deluxe version earlier this year. The hefty 26-song project hit No. 6 on Billboard’s Country album charts and No. 30 on the Billboard Top 200. His latest single off the album, “World On Fire,” is impacting country radio now. The CMT Awards and ACM Awards nominee is currently on tour with Thomas Rhett and will hit the road with Cole Swindell this fall.
After working at it for over a decade, Hailey Whitters had a breakout year with her 2022 album Raised, which contained her infectious hit “Everything She Ain’t.” The Gold-certified tune has been played over 175 million times on TikTok, inspiring multiple trends on the platform, and has spent 64 weeks on their Country Airplay chart and marked her first appearance on the Hot 100 chart in May. Whitters won the ACM New Female Artist of the Year earlier this year and just released her followup EP, I’m In Love. Following her headlining “Raised” tour, she supported Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me Tour,” as well as select dates on Dierks Bentley’s tour. This September, she will hit the road with Eric Church followed by a run of dates supporting Luke Bryan. Whitters kicked off 2023 with her late night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, her morning TV debut on NBC’s Today and a performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
At light speed, Bailey Zimmerman has already surpassed 2 billion global streams to date and recently celebrated a sixweek No. 1 single with his multi-Platinum smash “Rock and a Hard Place.” His record-shattering 2022 debut EP, Leave The Light On, propelled the breakout superstar to close out 2022 as Billboard’s No. 2 Top New Country Artist. In addition, he received two Platinum certifications from the RIAA, beginning with his No. 1 debut single “Fall In Love,” the fastest debut single to reach No. 1 at country radio since 2015 and the first debut hit to make it all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2022. His recently released debut, Religiously. The Album., marked not only the biggest streaming debut album of the year across all genres, but also the biggest streaming country debut of all time. Zimmerman is currently out on the road on the Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour.”
Billy F. Gibbons To Receive BMI’s Troubadour Award
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly F. Gibbons
Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top will be presented with BMI’s coveted Troubadour Award during a private reception at BMI’s Nashville office on Monday, Sept. 18.
The prestigious accolade recognizes Gibbons as a songwriter who has made a profound impact on the creative community and set the pace for generations to follow. As the chief songwriter for ZZ Top, Gibbons’ credits include iconic hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “Cheap Sunglasses” and “La Grange,” the lead single from ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres album that catapulted the trio into mainstream success 50 years ago.
“With a career spanning several decades, Billy has penned an array of timeless hits that have left an indelible mark on the music industry,” says BMI’s VP of Creative Nashville Clay Bradley. “His ability to craft lyrics that resonate with audiences across generations is a testament to his songwriting prowess and he is the epitome of what the BMI Troubadour Award represents.”
The night will include unforgettable tribute performances and commemorative speeches by special guests during a cocktail reception and dinner. Gibbons joins the ranks of past Troubadour Award recipients including John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams. Falling on the eve of AmericanaFest, the night serves as a homecoming for BMI’s Americana family of artists.
Gibbons has been an essential part of the American musical landscape since ZZ Top formed back in 1969. Regarded as one of the world’s finest guitarist players, Gibbons’ distinct style helped form ZZ Top’s signature sound and has resonated throughout all genres. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band has released 15 studio albums, and sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
Courtney Gregg Launches Blue Sky Artist Management
/by Lorie HollabaughCourtney Gregg
Courtney Gregg has launched a new Nashville-based venture, Blue Sky Artist Management.
The new firm’s roster includes Gaelic Storm, David Cook, John Baumann, Joshua Hedley, Tyler Reese Tritt, Granville Automatic and The Gatlin Brothers.
Gregg previously served as President of Carnival Music, where she collaborated closely with acts including Eli Young Band, Hailey Whitters, Brent Cobb, Aubrie Sellers, Jedd Hughes and Adam Hood, as well as songwriters including Scooter Carusoe, Natalie Hemby, Mark Irwin, Bruce Robison, Gretchen Peters, Troy Jones and Don Schlitz. During her tenure, Carnival achieved 16 No. 1 songs. In her position she also handled A&R duties for producer Frank Liddell, contributing to projects by Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, David Nail, Kellie Pickler and more. She also directed Carnival’s sync efforts, securing placements in multiple films and TV shows.
Prior to Carnival, Gregg’s career stops included Zomba Music, Billboard Magazine and ASCAP. She also co-produced events such as the Americana Music Awards show at the Ryman Auditorium and the Nashville AIMP Awards. She currently serves as Chair of the Americana Music Association Board of Directors and is also active with the Recording Academy, the ACM and the CMA. She is an alumnus of the Young Leaders Council of Middle Tennessee and the Grammy Next program, and serves on the Board of Directors for Humanities Tennessee.
Beyond her industry involvement, Gregg is also an adjunct professor in the Music Business department at Belmont University, where she instructs on Music Publishing. She holds a BBA from Belmont University and an MS in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University.
Gregg can be reached at courtney@blueskyartistmgmt.com
2023 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Female Artist Of The Year
/by LB CantrellFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 35th annual MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the Female Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribers to honor outstanding achievements by a Nashville female artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 18 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Kelsea Ballerini broke new ground this past year with the released of her fourth album, Subject To Change. The first single “Heartfirst,” quickly took over airwaves as the most added song at country radio, was certified Gold by the RIAA and earned Ballerini a Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. Soon after releasing Subject To Change, Ballerini surprised fans with the release of her intimate sixsong EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat. The EP, along with an accompanying short film written and directed by Ballerini, became an instant hit with fans and debuted to universal acclaim from critics. On the heels of the EP’s success, Ballerini made her Saturday Night Live debut on March 4, 2023. After the Grand Ole Opry member wrapped a stint as special guest on Kenny Chesney’s “I Go Back 2023 Tour.” She sold-out three legs of her exclusive headlining “Heartfirst Tour.” Her tune “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down Too)” continues to climb at country radio.
Miranda Lambert is the most-awarded artist in ACM history and has notched 11 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 70 prestigious awards and countless sales certifications. Her eighth solo album, Palomino, arrived in 2022 as the largest female country album debut of the year and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. Lambert also became a New York Times best-selling author this year with her first book, Y’all Eat Yet. With her headlining “Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas” residency extended through late 2023 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Bakkt Theater, the top streaming female country artist of 2022 was also named to the TIME100 list honoring the world’s most influential people. She is also the first female artist to have her own venue on Broadway in Nashville with her Casa Rosa Tex-Mex cantina. An avid animal lover, Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has raised over $8 million since its inception in 2009.
Grammy, CMA and ACM award winner Ashley McBryde elevated her artistry this year with the release of her collaborative project Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville. The album earned McBryde a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, making her a six-time nominee. She will release her next studio album The Devil I Know in September, which features the chart-climbing lead single “Light On In The Kitchen.” The now Grand Ole Opry member hit the scene with her 2018 major label debut Girl Going Nowhere. Her follow-up, Never Will, was the only album nominated for Country Album of the Year by the ACMs, CMAs and the Recording Academy in the same award season. Her Grammy-winning duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce a CMA, ACM and Grammy award. McBryde is currently on the road with Jelly Roll and recently announced “The Devil I Know” tour.
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce raised the bar industry-wide with her critically acclaimed and commercially lauded third studio album 29: Written in Stone, which earned her third and fourth No. 1 hits with “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” featuring Ashley McBryde and “What He Didn’t Do.” Her duet with McBryde went on to win both the ACM and CMA Music Event of the Year, Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys and it became the third duet between two solo women to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The Grand Ole Opry and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member recently started her next musical chapter with “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” featuring Chris Stapleton, which earned her the biggest add date of her career thus far. Pearce will hit the road in October on her “Country Music Made Me Do It Tour.”
Carrie Underwood is a multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television and film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. She has sold more than 85 million records worldwide and recorded 28 No. 1 singles–14 of which she co-wrote. She is the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history and has seven albums that are certified multi-Platinum or Platinum by the RIAA, with over 72 million total RIAA certifications to date, all while continuing to sell out arena tours across North America and the UK. Underwood released her most recent album, Denim & Rhinestones, in 2022, and she also recently completed her 43-city U.S. arena tour, “The Denim & Rhinestones Tour.” In addition to becoming the first artist to perform at the new Resorts World Theatre with her ongoing “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency,” Underwood just launched her exclusive year-round SiriusXM channel, Carrie’s Country. Her deluxe edition of Denim & Rhinestones, featuring six new tracks, will be out on Sept. 22.
Breakout star Lainey Wilson was the leading female nominee and winner at the 2023 ACM awards with Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of The Year, Visual Media and Musical Event of the Year. She’s also the reigning CMA 2022 Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. After landing her first No. 1 with her Platinum-certified ACM Song of the Year, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” Wilson has revisited the top of the charts with the two-week No. 1 hit “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell, as well as her third and fourth No. 1 songs with “Heart Like a Truck” and collaboration with Hardy, “Wait In The Truck.” Her critically acclaimed album, Bell Bottom Country, reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart, quickly rose to No. 1 on iTunes charts and has amassed over 350 million streams to date. Most recently, she made her acting debut in Season 5 of the smash hit series Yellowstone as a musician character named Abby.
2023 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Breakthrough Artist Of The Year
/by LB CantrellFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 35th annual MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribers to honor a Nashville artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 18 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Jackson Dean broke ground this past year with his old school, gritty, lyric-driven, outlaw style of country. His single, “Don’t Come Lookin’” was the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022 and cemented Dean as the youngest solo male country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut. The song landed spots on the Billboard Hot 100, the soundtrack for Netflix’s The Ice Road and a John Dutton scene in Yellowstone. The rugged music video for the track also earned a nomination at the 2023 CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year. His sophomore single, “Fearless (The Echo)” is currently climbing the country radio charts after being mostadded upon impact. Dean’s breakout landed him on a slew of artist to watch lists. Dean has joined bills with superstar acts like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Parker McCollum, Kane Brown, Jake Owen, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, Hardy and Brothers Osborne.
Megan Moroney is a country newcomer with massive staying power. She broke onto the scene with her breakout single “Tennessee Orange,” an immediate smash that soon led to her signing with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records, in addition to notching her first No. 1 at country radio and earning an RIAA Platinum certification. Named a 2023 Artist to Watch by the likes of Amazon Music, Pandora, and Spotify, as well as an iHeart On The Verge Artist and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2023, Moroney released her debut album Lucky in May. Her accolades also include winning Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards. She made her debut appearance on NBC’s Today and kicked off her first headline run with the sold-out “Pistol Made Of Roses Tour” and will embark on her sold-out “The Lucky Tour” this fall, bringing her magnetic live show to iconic venues across the U.S. — all while continuing a meteoric rise that now includes over 426 million total global streams to date.
Genre-bending singer-songwriter Jelly Roll has quietly been building a remarkable career, under the radar and on his own terms. Since his days selling his mix tapes out of his car, he has constantly been releasing new music, touring relentlessly, engaging a rabid fanbase and creating videos that have amassed more than four billion views on YouTube. His 2020 single “Save Me” set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights, with more than 160 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. His 2021 album Ballads of the Broken featured a multi-week No. 1 rock hit “Dead Man Walking” and his No. 1 country debut single “Son of a Sinner.” His newest album, Whitsitt Chapel, was released earlier this year and earned the biggest opening week for a first entry on the Top Country Albums charts since the list adopted a consumption-based methodology in 2017. The three-time CMT Award winner is currently on the road on his 44-city “Backroad Baptism Tour.”
Since Nate Smith made his way to Nashville, he has made a huge splash with songs such as his Platinum-certified multiweek No. 1 hit “Whiskey On You,” which he co-wrote. The tune amassed over 7.5 million total global on-demand streams in its first week, reaching No. 10 on the Country On-Demand Streaming Chart, and has racked up over 320 million total global on-demand streams to date. Smith released his debut, self-titled album along with the deluxe version earlier this year. The hefty 26-song project hit No. 6 on Billboard’s Country album charts and No. 30 on the Billboard Top 200. His latest single off the album, “World On Fire,” is impacting country radio now. The CMT Awards and ACM Awards nominee is currently on tour with Thomas Rhett and will hit the road with Cole Swindell this fall.
After working at it for over a decade, Hailey Whitters had a breakout year with her 2022 album Raised, which contained her infectious hit “Everything She Ain’t.” The Gold-certified tune has been played over 175 million times on TikTok, inspiring multiple trends on the platform, and has spent 64 weeks on their Country Airplay chart and marked her first appearance on the Hot 100 chart in May. Whitters won the ACM New Female Artist of the Year earlier this year and just released her followup EP, I’m In Love. Following her headlining “Raised” tour, she supported Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me Tour,” as well as select dates on Dierks Bentley’s tour. This September, she will hit the road with Eric Church followed by a run of dates supporting Luke Bryan. Whitters kicked off 2023 with her late night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, her morning TV debut on NBC’s Today and a performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
At light speed, Bailey Zimmerman has already surpassed 2 billion global streams to date and recently celebrated a sixweek No. 1 single with his multi-Platinum smash “Rock and a Hard Place.” His record-shattering 2022 debut EP, Leave The Light On, propelled the breakout superstar to close out 2022 as Billboard’s No. 2 Top New Country Artist. In addition, he received two Platinum certifications from the RIAA, beginning with his No. 1 debut single “Fall In Love,” the fastest debut single to reach No. 1 at country radio since 2015 and the first debut hit to make it all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2022. His recently released debut, Religiously. The Album., marked not only the biggest streaming debut album of the year across all genres, but also the biggest streaming country debut of all time. Zimmerman is currently out on the road on the Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour.”
BMLG’s The Valory Music Co. Advances Brooke Nixon & Adds Chris Waters
/by Liza AndersonBrooke Nixon & Chris Waters
Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) imprint The Valory Music Co. has advanced Brooke Nixon to Director, Streaming and hired Chris Waters to succeed her as Southeast Director of Promotion & Marketing.
“It’s an honor to work with Brooke Nixon and see her growth over the years and I’m excited for her next chapter as she steps into the streaming world,” says George Briner, The Valory Music Co. President. “We’re also fortunate to have a veteran promo assassin like Chris Waters jump right in so we do not miss a step in delivering the hits to country radio.”
Nixon joined the label group in 2015 as the Dot Records Promotion Coordinator, and moved over to The Valory Music Co. in 2016. Over the course of her seven-year tenure, she has played key role in 25 BMLG No. 1 hits, including 14 of Thomas Rhett’s 20 career chart-toppers.
“The opportunity to grow and learn in this new role has my excitement at an all-time high,” shares Nixon. “Though saying goodbye to radio promotion is bittersweet, I will forever be grateful for the experience, memories and friendships I’ve created. Thank you to Scott Borchetta, George Briner and The Valory Music Co. and Big Machine Label Group teams for your continued confidence and support. I can’t wait to bring the fire and passion I have for music into the streaming world!”
A seasoned radio veteran, Waters most recently served as Director of Promotions at Pearl Records with Garth Brooks. He also brings radio and record promotions experience from his time with Show Dog Nashville, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Cumulus Nashville.
Waters adds, “I’m beyond excited and grateful to be part of this team and amplify the The Valory Music Co. roster. Let’s get it done!”
Gabby Barrett Honored At Pittsburgh’s PNC Park With Key To The City
/by Lorie HollabaughGabby Barrett with her key to the city at PNC Park. Photo: Marisa Taylor
Warner Music Nashville artist Gabby Barrett returned to her roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last week at PNC Park to receive a key to the city from Munhall Mayor Robert Falce.
During an on-field presentation ahead of Barrett’s headlining concert following the Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald also proclaimed Aug. 11 Gabby Barrett Day in Allegheny County.
“I am not sure where to start… last night, being in Pittsburgh (my hometown) and headlining a place I remember most of the time performing hardly to anyone, for years and years – there was now 31,000 people in attendance for the show. I cannot put into words the emotions I was balancing before walking on stage,” shared Barrett in an Instagram post. “Also, getting to receive the ‘Key to the City’ was nothing short of an honor. God is blessing and we’re here for the ride. Thank you to my fans that have been there and supported allllllll through these years. It was so wonderful to see familiar faces. Until we return back… thank you!!!!”
After visiting the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center with her husband Cade Foehner, Barrett took the stage that night in front of a stadium of over 30,000 people to perform her current single “Glory Days” and other new songs from her forthcoming sophomore album.
Additionally, she is one of the artists featured on the compilation album A Tribute To The Judds, out Oct. 27 in celebration of The Judds’ 40th anniversary. Barrett appears on the track “Girls Night Out,” alongside Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce and Jennifer Nettles.
Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman Rises On Country Streaming Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Spidey Smith
Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously” rises to No. 5 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 11.9 million new streams, adding to 148 million ATD according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 23 million streams, adding to 793 million ATD. Luke Combs‘ cover of “Fast Car” takes No. 2 once again with 17 million new streams, adding to 325 million ATD. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” moves back up to No. 3 with 15 million streams, adding to 874 million ATD, while Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town” slides to No. 4 with 12 million new streams, adding to 85 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time persists at No. 1 with 92K in total consumption (3.1K album only/113 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) stays at No. 2 with 60K (20K album only/52 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rests at No. 3 with 43K (759 album only/54 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak lands at No. 4 again with 35K (2.1K album only/42 million song streams), while Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) rises to No. 5 with 28K (5.9K album only/28 million song streams).
Recording Academy Expands Grammy U Membership Eligibility
/by Caela GriffinThe Recording Academy’s Grammy U is no longer requiring college enrollment in its application guidelines. The prominent gateway into the music industry is now expanding its eligibility to all individuals aged 18-29 who are actively taking paths towards a career in music.
“For many years, Grammy U has invested in the development of emerging young music creators and professionals by providing resources and a supportive ecosystem committed to helping them thrive in the music industry,” says CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr. “With this expansion, Grammy U is ensuring that membership will be more inclusive and accessible for the next generation of music creators and professionals, no matter their career path.”
A critical part of the Recording Academy’s mission is to empower rising music leaders. In 2006, as part of that mission, the Academy established Grammy U, a membership program that connects the emerging music community with some of the industry’s brightest minds. Their goal is to provide aspiring professionals with the tools and opportunities necessary to launch a career in the music industry.
The change in eligibility is part of the Academy’s effort to embrace and support the entire next generation of music creators and professionals, including those who are exploring nontraditional routes.
Grammy U has had more than 32,000 members over the course of its existence. There are 14 Grammy U representatives across the Recording Academy’s 12 Chapters located in many of the country’s music centers. The representatives co-produce all events and oversee membership within their Chapters, with the help of over 100 Grammy U Ambassadors who work with their representatives on local initiatives each year. In the 2022-2023 program year alone, the membership program hosted more than 80 events and programs locally and nationally.
Updated Eligibility Requirements
Option 1: Full-Time Student
Students must be currently enrolled in an accredited college, university or trade school full-time (nine credits) and pursuing Associate, Bachelors, Masters, or PhD degrees.
Option 2 (NEW): Professional / Creative, 18-29
Professionals or creatives between 18-29 years old pursuing a career in music.
Students between 18-29 years old studying at college part time or taking any certificate course or program.
For more information about Grammy U and how to apply, visit www.grammyu.com.
Celebration Of Life Set For Jerry Bradley
/by LB CantrellJerry Bradley. Photo: Melissa Core and Rick Caballo of Dead Horse Branding
A Celebration of Life has been set for music industry titan Jerry Bradley.
The celebration will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Creek Church By The Lake in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, located at 3581 Benders Ferry Road. In the event of rain, the celebration will move next door to the pavilion. Those wishing to attend the celebration of life are requested to RSVP here.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends of Bradley to donate to Music Health Alliance. Those interested in sending any photos of Bradley to be included in the memorial slideshow, or have inquiries about the celebration of life, email celebratejerrybradley@gmail.com.
Bradley, whose 40 years in the music business earned him a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away on July 17 at age 83. Bradley led RCA Nashville from 1973 to 1983, during which the label experienced its famed success with country hitmakers Alabama, Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride and many more. Following his time at RCA, Bradley led Opryland Music Group to become the first Nashville publishing company to win ASCAP and BMI Song of the Year honors. He retired from the music business in 2003 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.
Click here for Jerry Bradley’s complete obituary.
Cody Johnson Earns Biggest Add Date Of Career With ‘The Painter’
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson has the most-added song in the nation at country radio this week with his new song “The Painter,” as well as the biggest add date of his career with 73 stations adding it to rotation.
Written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and produced by Trent Willmon, the love song to his wife is the first single from Johnson’s new album that will be due out later this year. “The Painter” is the followup to Johnson’s double Platinum, Grammy-winning Country Song of The Year “’Til You Can’t,” which topped the charts at country radio for two weeks, as well as his Top 5 smash “Human,” both included on his Human: The Double Album.
Johnson is currently on tour with Luke Combs on his “World Tour” in New Zealand and Australia playing sold-out shows in Parnell, New Zealand and three shows in Brisbane, Australia last week. Up next are back-to-back shows in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as concerts in Adelaide and Perth where the tour will wrap on Aug. 26.