Ashley Gorley
Every week, MusicRow Magazine releases its Top Songwriter Chart. Using algorithms based on song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams, the chart ranks the week’s top 60 songwriters.
Using proprietary software, the points earned by each song are evenly split among each song’s co-writers, echoing how the publishing business works in Nashville with respect to revenues and ownership, while reflecting the overall success of active songs for each songwriter.
With this format, at any moment in time, the current MusicRow Songwriter Chart lists the most active and successful songwriters in Music City.
As we settle into 2023 and look back at the past year, Ashley Gorley earned the most points on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart throughout 2022 for a second consecutive year, putting him at the top of our year-end list.
Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Gorley saw 18 songs enter the top country charts throughout the year, including iconic hits such as “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley feat. Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett) and “You Proof” (Morgan Wallen). Other notable tracks that helped propel Gorley to the top spot included “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), “What He Didn’t Do” (Carly Pearce) and more.
In an impressive feat, the decorated wordsmith didn’t leave the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart at all throughout 2022. Gorley also had an eventful year fit with a wave of awards and honors, including ASCAP Pop Awards, the 2022 ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year and the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade honor.
At the No. 2 spot is Big Loud singer-songwriter Ernest Keith Smith, who was included every reporting week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart in 2022.
Among Smith’s cuts that found their way onto the chart were “You Proof,” “Wasted On You” and “One Thing At A Time,” recorded by Morgan Wallen; “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown); “Son Of A Sinner” (Jelly Roll); “Fill Them Boots” (Chris Lane) and his own “Flower Shops” featuring Morgan Wallen.
Zach Bryan comes in at No. 3 on MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2022 list.
The Oklahoma native took the country world by storm this year with the release of his 34-track project, American Heartbreak, in May of 2022. Bryan saw an astounding 17 songs enter the chart in 2022, all of which he serves as the sole writer on. Because of that, he receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Zach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
Among the tracks that found their way onto the chart this year were “From Austin,” “Highway Boys,” “Quittin’ Time,” “Summertime Blues,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “The Greatest Day Of My Life” and more. However, the song that undeniably paved the way for his songwriting success this year was the now Platinum-certified “Something In The Orange,” which first showed up on the charts on May 8.
Taking the fourth spot on the year-end list is Morgan Wallen.
The singer-songwriter benefited from seven charting songs this year, including his own “Wasted On You,” “Thought You Should Know,” the multi-week No. 1 “You Proof” and the late additions of “One Thing At A Time” and “Tennessee Fan” on the last chart of the year. He was also a co-writer on Corey Kent’s breakout track “Wild As Her” and Keith Urban’s current single “Brown Eyes Baby.”
Shane McAnally rounds out the top five songwriters of 2022 with eight co-writing credits. Among the songs that propelled the songwriter-producer into the top five were “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), “23” and “Water Under The Bridge” (Sam Hunt), “No Hard Feelings” (Old Dominion), “Everyone She Knows” (Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes), “Worth A Shot” (Elle King feat. Dierks Bentley) and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce feat. Ashley McBryde).
Miranda Lambert. Photo: Robert Ascroft
As the annual list continues to be male dominated, 15 female songwriters can be found in the top 100 this year—which is made up of 126 songwriters due to tied scores. This marks a decrease from last year’s 20 female songwriters within the top 100 and 2020’s 19.
Miranda Lambert serves as the highest ranking female songwriter on this year’s list at No. 20. She co-wrote her own “If I Was A Cowboy,” “Actin’ Up” and “Strange,” as well as “Thought You Should Know” by Morgan Wallen and her duet with Luke Combs, “Outrunnin’ Your Memory.”
MusicRow‘s Top Songwriters of 2022:
1. Ashley Gorley
2. Ernest Keith Smith
3. Zachary Lane Bryan
4. Morgan Wallen
5. Shane McAnally
6. Ben Johnson
7. Michael Hardy
8. Jesse Frasure
9. Chase McGill
10. Luke Combs
11. Josh Thompson
12. Hunter Phelps
13. Ross Copperman
14. Matt Rogers
15. Luke Dick
16. Ryan Vojtesak
17. Eric Church
18. John Fogerty
19. Rhett Akins
20. Miranda Lambert
21. Ben Stennis
22. Matt McGinn
23. Thomas Rhett
24. Josh Osborne
25. Mitchell Tenpenny
26.Ryan Hurd
27. Jordan Schmidt
28. Trent Tomlinson, Jim Collins
29. Jackson Dean
30. Jon Nite
31. Walker Hayes
32. Cole Swindell
33. Bailey Zimmerman
34. John Morgan, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison
35. Jimmy Robbins
36. Jordan Davis
37. Russell Dickerson
38. Austin Shawn, Gavin Lucas
39. Taylor Phillips
40. Kevin Kadish, Tony Ferrari
41. Josh Kear
42. Jason DeFord
43. David Ray Stevens
44. Parker McCollum
45. Gabby Barrett
46. Tyler Hubbard
47. David Fanning
48. Carly Pearce
49. Jessi Alexander
50. Mark Holman
51. Jaren Johnston
52. Nicolle Galyon
53. Kane Brown
54. Luke Laird
55. David Garcia
56. Matt Alderman
57. Jake Scott, Josh Kerr
58. Martin Johnson
59. Joe Fox, Dylan Marlowe, Jimi Bell
60. Josh Jenkins
61. Elle King
62. Thomas Archer
63. Matt Thomas
64. Hillary Lindsey
65. Ben Burgess
66. Nate Smith
67. Russell Sutton, Lindsay Rimes
68. Dan Isbell
69. Jimmie Allen
70. Jordan Minton
71. Drew Parker
72. Reid Isbell, Jamie Davis
73. Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott
74. Maren Morris
75. Robert Williford
76. Brad Tursi
77. Monty Criswell
78. Matt Dragstrem
79. Kelsea Ballerini
80. Julia Michaels
81. Will Bundy
82. Brett Beavers
83. Chris Young, Chris DeStefano
84. Sam Hunt, Chris LaCorte
85. Ingrid Andress, JP Saxe, Jonny Price, Lucky Daye, Rykeyz
86. Brett Tyler
87. David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby
88. Ashley McBryde
89. Paul DiGiovanni
90. Geoff Warburton
91. Kelly Archer
92. Tim Nichols, Mark D. Sanders
93. Mark Nesler, Styles Haury
94. Taylor Swift
95. Heath Warren, Jacob Hackworth, Jet Harvey
96. Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover
97. Andy Albert
98. Cameron Bedell, Rian Ball, Tate Howell
99. Jonathan Singleton
100. Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde & Friends Give Some ‘Sass & Salt’ On New Tune
/by Robert K OermannHappy New Year from the land of country music.
Today’s DISClaimer is a guidepost of what’s ahead for this genre, since it features three first-timers, Ryan Griffin, Channing Wilson and Myron Elkins. Also along for the ride this week are such promising young folks as Brittney Spencer and Brandon Ratcliff, both of whom are readying debut albums. The DISCovery Award goes to the mighty voiced Channing Wilson.
As for our established headliners, a tip of the hat to Old Dominion, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney, Charles Kelley and Parker McCollum. Not to mention the Disc of the Day winner, Ashley McBryde. Her Lindeville collection is a stunner, and her collaboration with Caylee Hammack and Pillbox Patti is a pure delight.
On behalf of all these talented folks, here’s a toast to a grand 2023.
BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Better As Friends”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Hailey Whitters; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
–Very cool. The song is a dandy piece of songwriting craftsmanship. The track boasts jaunty rhythm, acoustic instrumental accents and an admirably catchy groove. Then there’s her vocal, which is packed with personality and conversational asides. A winner.
OLD DOMINION / “Memory Lane”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producers: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally Label: Arista
–The onrushing energy is breathtaking. The vocal performances are stellar. The song is beyond hooky. The Group of the Year strikes again. Play this at once.
RYAN GRIFFIN / “Salt, Lime & Tequila”
Writers: Ava Suppelsa/Ryan Griffin/Jason Massey; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Red Street
–This fellow is the flagship artist on the new Jay DeMarcus label. He has country charm, boyish grins and good vibes to spare as he advises taking life with a grain of salt….. lime and you-know-what. An engaging summery smile for a winter’s day.
PARKER McCOLLUM / “Stoned”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Brett James/Mark Holman; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA Nashville
–“Handle On You” remains the single, but this gripping track is a keeper, too. As always, McCollum delivers the goods as a solidly country singer. The track crashes and pounds around him as he wails about staying blotto until he’s over her.
CHANNING WILSON / “Sunday Morning Blues”
Writers: Channing Wilson/Chris Canterbury; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Low Country Sound
–Wilson is an established Music Row writer, with cuts by The Oaks, Travis Tritt, Luke Combs (”She Got the Best of Me”), Robert Randolph & The Family, Jerry Jeff Walker and more. As an artist, he sings in a resonant baritone with a touch of tremelo and a whole lot of heart. While a steel sighs, he delivers a masterful performance of a classic country weeper. Somewhere a choir is singing “Just As I Am” and “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” but he’s cracking open another beer. I hung on every line. You will, too.
KENNY CHESNEY / “Da Ruba Girl”
Writer: Kenny Chesney; Producers: Kenny Chesney/Buddy Cannon; Label: Warner/Blue Chair
–Kenny busts out a ukulele to accompany himself on this ditty in praise of his doggies. Ya gotta love it.
ASHLEY McBRYDE, CAYLEE HAMMACK & PILLBOX PATTI / “Brenda Put Your Bra On”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Dvis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–Howlingly good. White-trash domestic upheaval depicted with wit, sass and salt. The storytelling talent, funny-bone tickling and vocal panache in this are all beyond great. McBryde rules!
SHANIA TWAIN / “Giddy Up!”
Writers: David Stewart/Jessica Agombar/Romans/Shania Twain; Producer: David Stewart; Label: Republic Nashville
–Shania heads out on the country dance floor, sliding to the left and sliding to the right as she unleashes this ridiculously catchy, bopping, punchy and delightful ditty. Get ready for her comeback album, titled Queen of Me, dropping next month.
MYRON ELKINS / “Factories, Farms & Amphetamines”
Writer: Myron Elkins; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Elektra/Low Country Sounds
–The title track of Elkins’ album (due Jan. 13), is a bruising country rocker delivered in an urgent, blue-eyed soul roar. It’s a gritty word portrait of folks in a dead-end town that’s kinda hair-raising. The mix is a little muddy for my taste, but this shows real promise. Looking forward to more.
CHARLES KELLEY / “As Far As You Could”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Dave Haywood/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Dave Haywood/Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Machine
–Deeply moving and nakedly confessional, this is Kelley’s farewell letter to alcohol. The track is guided by his bandmate Haywood’s piano while the Lady A singer stretches into his upper vocal range to convey the tale of something that led him at first to high times and then to darkest lows. Heart stopping. Powerful.
BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Drove Me Country”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good/AJ Babcock/Shane McAnally; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–One of my most anticipated albums of the new year drops tomorrow (Jan. 6). It’s Tale of Two Towns by Brandon Ratcliff, and this is its latest advance track. He’s a terrific singer, and this snappy, strummed ballad is a superb showcase of his skills. Big-city life has got him down, so he’s headed back to his Louisiana roots. I remain an enormous fan of this newcomer. He’s all heart and soul.
Songwriter Taylor Pie Stars In New Documentary Tracing The History Of The Pozo Seco Singers
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Taylor Pie (aka Susan Taylor) stars in Nobody Famous, a new documentary tracing the quick rise and ensuing success of the folk pop trio Pozo Seco Singers during the socially and politically volatile 1960s.
The film was named Best Documentary in the 2021 New Jersey Film Festival and Best Music Documentary in the Seattle Film Festival in 2022. The documentary will air on Middle Tennessee State University’s True Blue TV on Jan. 10 at 9 p.m. CT.
The Pozo Seco Singers. Pictured (L-R): Don Williams, Susan Taylor (Taylor Pie) and Ron Shaw
Pie, along with Don Williams and Lofton Kline, formed The Pozo Seco Singers in Corpus Christi, Texas. The band was a close harmony folk trio known for their recording of Michael Merchant’s “Time,” a 1966 hit on Columbia Records.
The Singers had some modest hits, breaking the top 40 twice, and had some “near” moments as well, including being offered the song “Angel of The Morning.” However, Pie rejected it because she didn’t agree with the sentiments of the lyrics. It later became a big hit for Merrilee Rush.
After the trio disbanded, Pie helped launch Williams’ acclaimed solo country career before embracing her own path.
She is a 2015 inductee into the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame, and has recorded solo albums and had cuts by John Conlee, The Forrester Sisters, Mickey Gilley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Williams, and more.
Pie is currently CEO and head of A&R for PuffBunny Records, a Texas/Tennessee-based indie folk legacy label where her music is now archived.
UMPG Nashville Signs Allison Veltz-Cruz
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Roxy King (UMPG Nashville), Allison Veltz-Cruz, Shannan Hatch (SESAC) and Troy Tomlinson (UMPG Nashville), Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Publishing Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed hit songwriter Allison Veltz-Cruz to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Veltz-Cruz, a talented writer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, co-wrote the No. 1 songs “Prayed For You” by Matt Stell and “Somebody Like That” by Tenille Arts. Other artists who have recorded her songs include Carly Pearce, Maddie & Tae, Michael Ray, High Valley, Drake White, Chris Bandi, The Reklaws, SACHA, and more.
“Allison brings a special energy into every room she enters. That energy, coupled with her songwriting ability and her undeniable work ethic, make her an unstoppable force. We are thrilled to welcome her to the UMPG family,” shares UMPG Nashville Director of A&R, Roxy King.
Veltz-Cruz adds, “UMPG is the dream team. I feel so blessed and beyond teed up. Let’s go!”
Travis Tritt & Wynonna Added To ‘Still Playin’ Possum’ Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Tritt and Wynonna have been added to the all-star lineup for the upcoming “Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones” concert event April 25 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
In honor of the country legend, Wynonna and Jamey Johnson will collaborate during the special evening on one of Jones’ and Tammy Wynette’s hits. Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Johnson, Justin Moore, Lorrie Morgan, Mark Chesnutt, Michael Ray, Sam Moore, Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Tracy Byrd and Tracy Lawrence are also slated to perform during the tribute evening.
“I cannot believe the love that everyone has shown me since making this announcement,” says Nancy Jones. “I have been reading comments on Facebook and the fans truly loved George. People are coming from Scotland, Canada, and all over the United States to hear these great artists and friends singing George’s songs as we honor him 10 years after his passing. So THANK YOU to the fans for showing up and showing Nashville and the world that George’s music will continue to live on.”
The event officially sold out within two weeks of its original announcement, but along with the concert event, there will be a VIP dinner the night before the event at the Von Braun Center Ballroom. Tickets include a sit-down meal, as well as a photo opp with Nancy.
Luke Combs Reveals New Album On Tap For March 24
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Luke Combs surprised fans on his socials Wednesday (Jan. 4) with news of a brand new album on the way this spring.
Slated for March 24, Combs revealed the project will feature 18 new songs. It will follow 2022’s Growin’ Up, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart last summer. The record featured twelve tracks including Combs’ current single, “Going, Going, Gone,” which is currently rising up the charts.
Combs has enjoyed a record-setting series of years since his meteoric rise on the country scene. His previous release, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, debuted atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as well as Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. It also reached No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s Top 200 Albums chart, Top 100 Songs chart and Artists 500 chart—the first country artist ever to lead all three charts in the same week and first to top the Artists 500.
He also made history as the first artist ever to have their first two studio albums spend 25 weeks or more at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, breaking Taylor Swift’s previously held record at 24 weeks.
Combs is nominated for three awards at next month’s Grammys, including Best Country Song, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Top Songwriter Chart: MusicRow’s Top 100 Songwriters Of 2022
/by Lydia FarthingAshley Gorley
Every week, MusicRow Magazine releases its Top Songwriter Chart. Using algorithms based on song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams, the chart ranks the week’s top 60 songwriters.
Using proprietary software, the points earned by each song are evenly split among each song’s co-writers, echoing how the publishing business works in Nashville with respect to revenues and ownership, while reflecting the overall success of active songs for each songwriter.
With this format, at any moment in time, the current MusicRow Songwriter Chart lists the most active and successful songwriters in Music City.
As we settle into 2023 and look back at the past year, Ashley Gorley earned the most points on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart throughout 2022 for a second consecutive year, putting him at the top of our year-end list.
Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Gorley saw 18 songs enter the top country charts throughout the year, including iconic hits such as “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley feat. Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett) and “You Proof” (Morgan Wallen). Other notable tracks that helped propel Gorley to the top spot included “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), “What He Didn’t Do” (Carly Pearce) and more.
In an impressive feat, the decorated wordsmith didn’t leave the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart at all throughout 2022. Gorley also had an eventful year fit with a wave of awards and honors, including ASCAP Pop Awards, the 2022 ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year and the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade honor.
At the No. 2 spot is Big Loud singer-songwriter Ernest Keith Smith, who was included every reporting week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart in 2022.
Among Smith’s cuts that found their way onto the chart were “You Proof,” “Wasted On You” and “One Thing At A Time,” recorded by Morgan Wallen; “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown); “Son Of A Sinner” (Jelly Roll); “Fill Them Boots” (Chris Lane) and his own “Flower Shops” featuring Morgan Wallen.
Zach Bryan comes in at No. 3 on MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2022 list.
The Oklahoma native took the country world by storm this year with the release of his 34-track project, American Heartbreak, in May of 2022. Bryan saw an astounding 17 songs enter the chart in 2022, all of which he serves as the sole writer on. Because of that, he receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Zach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
Among the tracks that found their way onto the chart this year were “From Austin,” “Highway Boys,” “Quittin’ Time,” “Summertime Blues,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “The Greatest Day Of My Life” and more. However, the song that undeniably paved the way for his songwriting success this year was the now Platinum-certified “Something In The Orange,” which first showed up on the charts on May 8.
Taking the fourth spot on the year-end list is Morgan Wallen.
The singer-songwriter benefited from seven charting songs this year, including his own “Wasted On You,” “Thought You Should Know,” the multi-week No. 1 “You Proof” and the late additions of “One Thing At A Time” and “Tennessee Fan” on the last chart of the year. He was also a co-writer on Corey Kent’s breakout track “Wild As Her” and Keith Urban’s current single “Brown Eyes Baby.”
Shane McAnally rounds out the top five songwriters of 2022 with eight co-writing credits. Among the songs that propelled the songwriter-producer into the top five were “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), “23” and “Water Under The Bridge” (Sam Hunt), “No Hard Feelings” (Old Dominion), “Everyone She Knows” (Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes), “Worth A Shot” (Elle King feat. Dierks Bentley) and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce feat. Ashley McBryde).
Miranda Lambert. Photo: Robert Ascroft
As the annual list continues to be male dominated, 15 female songwriters can be found in the top 100 this year—which is made up of 126 songwriters due to tied scores. This marks a decrease from last year’s 20 female songwriters within the top 100 and 2020’s 19.
Miranda Lambert serves as the highest ranking female songwriter on this year’s list at No. 20. She co-wrote her own “If I Was A Cowboy,” “Actin’ Up” and “Strange,” as well as “Thought You Should Know” by Morgan Wallen and her duet with Luke Combs, “Outrunnin’ Your Memory.”
MusicRow‘s Top Songwriters of 2022:
1. Ashley Gorley
2. Ernest Keith Smith
3. Zachary Lane Bryan
4. Morgan Wallen
5. Shane McAnally
6. Ben Johnson
7. Michael Hardy
8. Jesse Frasure
9. Chase McGill
10. Luke Combs
11. Josh Thompson
12. Hunter Phelps
13. Ross Copperman
14. Matt Rogers
15. Luke Dick
16. Ryan Vojtesak
17. Eric Church
18. John Fogerty
19. Rhett Akins
20. Miranda Lambert
21. Ben Stennis
22. Matt McGinn
23. Thomas Rhett
24. Josh Osborne
25. Mitchell Tenpenny
26.Ryan Hurd
27. Jordan Schmidt
28. Trent Tomlinson, Jim Collins
29. Jackson Dean
30. Jon Nite
31. Walker Hayes
32. Cole Swindell
33. Bailey Zimmerman
34. John Morgan, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison
35. Jimmy Robbins
36. Jordan Davis
37. Russell Dickerson
38. Austin Shawn, Gavin Lucas
39. Taylor Phillips
40. Kevin Kadish, Tony Ferrari
41. Josh Kear
42. Jason DeFord
43. David Ray Stevens
44. Parker McCollum
45. Gabby Barrett
46. Tyler Hubbard
47. David Fanning
48. Carly Pearce
49. Jessi Alexander
50. Mark Holman
51. Jaren Johnston
52. Nicolle Galyon
53. Kane Brown
54. Luke Laird
55. David Garcia
56. Matt Alderman
57. Jake Scott, Josh Kerr
58. Martin Johnson
59. Joe Fox, Dylan Marlowe, Jimi Bell
60. Josh Jenkins
61. Elle King
62. Thomas Archer
63. Matt Thomas
64. Hillary Lindsey
65. Ben Burgess
66. Nate Smith
67. Russell Sutton, Lindsay Rimes
68. Dan Isbell
69. Jimmie Allen
70. Jordan Minton
71. Drew Parker
72. Reid Isbell, Jamie Davis
73. Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott
74. Maren Morris
75. Robert Williford
76. Brad Tursi
77. Monty Criswell
78. Matt Dragstrem
79. Kelsea Ballerini
80. Julia Michaels
81. Will Bundy
82. Brett Beavers
83. Chris Young, Chris DeStefano
84. Sam Hunt, Chris LaCorte
85. Ingrid Andress, JP Saxe, Jonny Price, Lucky Daye, Rykeyz
86. Brett Tyler
87. David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby
88. Ashley McBryde
89. Paul DiGiovanni
90. Geoff Warburton
91. Kelly Archer
92. Tim Nichols, Mark D. Sanders
93. Mark Nesler, Styles Haury
94. Taylor Swift
95. Heath Warren, Jacob Hackworth, Jet Harvey
96. Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover
97. Andy Albert
98. Cameron Bedell, Rian Ball, Tate Howell
99. Jonathan Singleton
100. Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti
Bailey Zimmerman, Gayle, Nate Smith, More Represent Nashville In RIAA’s Class Of 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughThe RIAA has unveiled its Class Of 2022, consisting of 39 artists who are on the rise and whose first certifications were earned in 2022.
Forty-one singles from the Class of 2022 earned coveted Gold and Platinum awards, which include Bailey Zimmerman‘s Platinum singles “Fall In Love” and “Rock and A Hard Place.” With the two tracks, the rising singer-songwriter notched two of only seven Platinum certifications given to first-time certified artists in 2022.
Other impressive first-time honors across the country landscape include the Gold certifications of Avery Anna‘s “Narcissist,” Corey Kent‘s “Wild As Her,” Nate Smith‘s “Whiskey On You,” Chase Matthew‘s “County Line,” and Warren Zeider‘s Ride The Lightning – 717 Tapes.
Outside of country, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Gayle scored the highest certification for a first-time certified artist this year with the 3x Platinum single “abcdefu” on Atlantic Records.
“Whenever a Gold, Platinum or Diamond certification is earned, it represents massive engagement from an artist’s fans, and a remarkable achievement by the artist, their creative teams, and their record label,” says RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne. “When it is your very first RIAA award, it’s even more special. We are so encouraged by the success of this #RIAAClassOf 2022 and are honored to help celebrate their immense talents.”
Since its inception in 1958, the Gold and Platinum program has celebrated artists whose songs and albums have produced significant U.S. consumption milestones. For a full look at the first-time honorees and members of the RIAA Class of 2022, click here.
Zach Bryan Drops Surprise Live Album, ‘All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster’
/by Lydia FarthingRed hot singer-songwriter Zach Bryan recently surprised fans with the release of All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster (Live from Red Rocks).
Recorded at the last show on his “American Heartbreak Tour” at the iconic Colorado amphitheater on Nov. 3, 2022, the 24-track project includes performances of some of Bryan’s biggest hits and fan-favorites, including “Heading South,” “Open the Gate,” “Highway Boys,” “From Austin,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and his blockbuster, Platinum-certified smash “Something In The Orange.”
All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster follows the success of his 34-track, Warner Records debut album, American Heartbreak. The now Gold-certified record topped the Billboard County Album chart and debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart.
Bryan took to socials to announce the project, as well as to address recent scandals surrounding ticketing companies like Ticketmaster, and share news about his touring plans for 2023.
“Seems there is a massive issue with fair ticket prices to live shows lately. I have met kids at my shows who have paid upwards of four hundred bucks to be there and I’m done with it,” the Oklahoma native wrote. “I’ve decided to play a limited number of headline shows next year to which I’ve done all I can to make prices as cheap as possible and to prove to people tickets don’t have to cost $450 to see a good and honest show.”
He adds, “A tour announcement is coming soon and I’m sorry it has taken so long. Just did everything I possibly could to make tickets more affordable.”
Fans interested in seeing Bryan can sign up for information on tour dates, registration and more, as well as to receive merch-drops and unreleased music.
Nash To Naples Benefit Event Back For Second Year
/by LB CantrellNashville hitmakers will travel to Naples, Florida this weekend for the second annual Nash to Naples benefit concert.
On Saturday (Jan. 7) at 6 p.m. attendees will hear songs and stories from Andy Albert, Paul Sikes, Emily Falvey, Emily Landis, Johnny McGuire, and Brock Berryhill as well as country duo Neon Union, comprised of Andrew Millsaps and Leo Brooks, at Cambier Park.
Nash To Naples is a free show, but donations raise money for the Hacienda of Hope, a foundation providing support and shelter for children in Ecuador.
The event will include food and drinks from local vendors. Guests are asked to bring their own seating.
For more information, visit nashtonaples.com.
Looking For A New Job? Check Out MusicRow’s Job Board
/by LB CantrellWith another year upon us, new job opportunities are opening up.
MusicRow wants to encourage its readers who are either looking for a music industry job or have an open position to fill to check out its Job Listings Board, located in the top menu bar on the MusicRow website.
Those who have full-time, part-time or temporary job opportunities can submit a form to list a job on the Job Listings Board. All job listings are free-to-list and will be posted for 60 days. Listings are accepted and published at the discretion of MusicRow.