MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry
Chapter 658
“Rising Women on the Row” is much more than an awards celebration—it is an uplifting community event that offers networking, sisterhood and inspiration.
The ninth such get-together was staged by MusicRow Thursday morning (Oct. 20) at an Omni Hotel breakfast. More than 560 attendees packed the venue’s largest ballroom. They came because it is the rare Nashville music-biz event that is unpretentious, authentic and downright joyous.
Featured speaker Cris Lacy. Photo: Steve Lowry
“My wish today is that you’ll leave here with more than you arrived with,” said host Sherod Robertson. “I hope you feel inspired. I hope you feel loved. I hope you feel connected. I hope you feel supported.”
All of those boxes were checked by the women in the event’s spotlight. Each honoree offered words of encouragement and empowerment.
“There have been many mentors along the way,” said FBBM business manager Jen Conger. “Numbers is my jam,” she added, citing the statistics of gender pay inequality that continue to exist in the music business.
“I’ve dreamed of being up here,” said BBR Records VP JoJamie Hahr. “You can make anything happen if you work hard.”
“This award might have my name on it, but it truly belongs to the people in this room…who believed in me,” said City National Bank’s Mandy Gallagher Morrison.
“I truly believe none of us in this industry rises without each other,” added Universal Music Publishing VP Missy Roberts.
“I love so much the people in this room,” said Girlilla Marketing CEO Jennie Smythe. “I love MusicRow, and I’m thankful that we get together in person,” she added, referring to the pandemic that has stalled this event since 2019 (this year’s honorees were actually announced in 2020).
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson with the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry
“I love Nashville; I love this business,” Smythe continued. “I stand before you as a four-year survivor of breast cancer. Today is a reminder: Make the appointment. Take care of your health…..Lift up as many young women as you can.”
“We don’t get to stand up here without a lot of support from a lot of people,” echoed UMG Nashville VP Stephanie Wright. “I’m thankful to have learned from you. It is a privilege and an honor to work in this business, and I don’t take it lightly.”
The event began with more words of inspiration from featured speaker Cris Lacy, the Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. During a Q&A with Robertson she was characteristically straightforward, articulate and honest.
“Don’t put anybody above you, and don’t put anybody below you,” Lacy advised. “We’re all humans. We’re all equal.” She addressed sexual harassment, the care-giving demanded of women and the self-doubts that plague all female achievers. “Thank you for this event,” she said to Robertson. “It is inspiring to a lot of us.” Lacy was an honoree in 2016. Her remarks drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
The at capacity crowd included a who’s-who of the Music Row community. It was notably attended by throngs of young women making their way into the industry, as well as a number of prior honorees. It was a fiesta of schmoozing, love and hugs.
Shannan Hatch, Sherri Spoltore, Diane Pearson, Whiney Daane, Tiffany Dunn, Troy Tomlinson, Scott Hendricks, Mike Dungan, Julie Boos, Ree Guyer, Jon Loba, Chris Oglesby, Rod Essig, Judi Turner, Jimmy Wheeler, David Crow, Lori Badgett, Tom Luteran, Steve Lowery, Liz Hengber, Leslie DiPiero, Lou Taylor, Pam Matthews and Jackie Marushka worked the room with abandon.
Many fabulous guests were seated at tables sponsored by CAA, Black River, Curb, Cake Maker, Given, BMG, Warner, UMG, UMPG, WME, River House, Hipgnosis, Red Street, Wasserman Music, IEBA, The AMG, Red Light, FSM, MAMBA, BMI, Huskins-Harris, Sony Music Publishing, G Major, 117 Entertainment, The Mechanical Licensing Collective and Song Sufragettes.
The delicious and hearty breakfast featured cheesy hash browns, sausage balls, smoked bacon, biscuits, fresh fruit, flavored yogurt, creamy scrambled eggs and assorted coffees, teas and juices.
Presenting sponsors for this year’s “Rising Women on the Row” were City National Bank (which has been on board since day one), Loeb & Loeb, and the Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jen Conger. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Mandy Gallagher Morrison. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jennie Smythe. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Stephanie Wright. Photo: Steve Lowry
Bobby Karl Works The Room: ‘Rising Women’ Celebrates Community, Fellowship
/by Bobby KarlMusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry
Chapter 658
“Rising Women on the Row” is much more than an awards celebration—it is an uplifting community event that offers networking, sisterhood and inspiration.
The ninth such get-together was staged by MusicRow Thursday morning (Oct. 20) at an Omni Hotel breakfast. More than 560 attendees packed the venue’s largest ballroom. They came because it is the rare Nashville music-biz event that is unpretentious, authentic and downright joyous.
Featured speaker Cris Lacy. Photo: Steve Lowry
“My wish today is that you’ll leave here with more than you arrived with,” said host Sherod Robertson. “I hope you feel inspired. I hope you feel loved. I hope you feel connected. I hope you feel supported.”
All of those boxes were checked by the women in the event’s spotlight. Each honoree offered words of encouragement and empowerment.
“There have been many mentors along the way,” said FBBM business manager Jen Conger. “Numbers is my jam,” she added, citing the statistics of gender pay inequality that continue to exist in the music business.
“I’ve dreamed of being up here,” said BBR Records VP JoJamie Hahr. “You can make anything happen if you work hard.”
“This award might have my name on it, but it truly belongs to the people in this room…who believed in me,” said City National Bank’s Mandy Gallagher Morrison.
“I truly believe none of us in this industry rises without each other,” added Universal Music Publishing VP Missy Roberts.
“I love so much the people in this room,” said Girlilla Marketing CEO Jennie Smythe. “I love MusicRow, and I’m thankful that we get together in person,” she added, referring to the pandemic that has stalled this event since 2019 (this year’s honorees were actually announced in 2020).
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson with the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry
“I love Nashville; I love this business,” Smythe continued. “I stand before you as a four-year survivor of breast cancer. Today is a reminder: Make the appointment. Take care of your health…..Lift up as many young women as you can.”
“We don’t get to stand up here without a lot of support from a lot of people,” echoed UMG Nashville VP Stephanie Wright. “I’m thankful to have learned from you. It is a privilege and an honor to work in this business, and I don’t take it lightly.”
The event began with more words of inspiration from featured speaker Cris Lacy, the Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. During a Q&A with Robertson she was characteristically straightforward, articulate and honest.
“Don’t put anybody above you, and don’t put anybody below you,” Lacy advised. “We’re all humans. We’re all equal.” She addressed sexual harassment, the care-giving demanded of women and the self-doubts that plague all female achievers. “Thank you for this event,” she said to Robertson. “It is inspiring to a lot of us.” Lacy was an honoree in 2016. Her remarks drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
The at capacity crowd included a who’s-who of the Music Row community. It was notably attended by throngs of young women making their way into the industry, as well as a number of prior honorees. It was a fiesta of schmoozing, love and hugs.
Shannan Hatch, Sherri Spoltore, Diane Pearson, Whiney Daane, Tiffany Dunn, Troy Tomlinson, Scott Hendricks, Mike Dungan, Julie Boos, Ree Guyer, Jon Loba, Chris Oglesby, Rod Essig, Judi Turner, Jimmy Wheeler, David Crow, Lori Badgett, Tom Luteran, Steve Lowery, Liz Hengber, Leslie DiPiero, Lou Taylor, Pam Matthews and Jackie Marushka worked the room with abandon.
Many fabulous guests were seated at tables sponsored by CAA, Black River, Curb, Cake Maker, Given, BMG, Warner, UMG, UMPG, WME, River House, Hipgnosis, Red Street, Wasserman Music, IEBA, The AMG, Red Light, FSM, MAMBA, BMI, Huskins-Harris, Sony Music Publishing, G Major, 117 Entertainment, The Mechanical Licensing Collective and Song Sufragettes.
The delicious and hearty breakfast featured cheesy hash browns, sausage balls, smoked bacon, biscuits, fresh fruit, flavored yogurt, creamy scrambled eggs and assorted coffees, teas and juices.
Presenting sponsors for this year’s “Rising Women on the Row” were City National Bank (which has been on board since day one), Loeb & Loeb, and the Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jen Conger. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Mandy Gallagher Morrison. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jennie Smythe. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Stephanie Wright. Photo: Steve Lowry
‘Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn’ Slated For October 30
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn,” a live celebration from the Grand Ole Opry House will take place Oct. 30. Presented by CMT and Sandbox Live, and held in partnership with Lynn’s family, the public memorial service will be hosted by NBC’s Today Show co-host and family friend Jenna Bush Hager.
The celebration will feature performances from Brandi Carlile, Crystal Gayle, Darius Rucker, Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson, George Strait, The Highwomen with Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna. There will also be a handful of special appearances from Lynn’s closest friends and family, including Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw. Additional performers and guests will be announced in the coming days.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn,” will air commercial-free on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. CT exclusively on CMT. The special will also be made available on Paramount+ in early 2023.
“We are truly honored to work closely alongside Loretta’s family to create a celebration of life fit for a true queen of country music, Loretta Lynn. She was a true original, a woman who always sang from her heart, never shied away from challenging the status quo and blazed the path forward for her fellow female artists,” CMT Producers share. “From her firecracker spirit and signature musicality to her unmistakable country style and unparalleled authenticity, we look forward to honoring her in the best way we know how: sharing stories and songs with her family, friends and the legions of fans she loved dearly.”
Lynn’s memorial service will be open to the public with a limited number of tickets available.
Jo Dee Messina Inks With 117 Entertainment For PR
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina. Photo: Jake Harsh
Jo Dee Messina has retained 117 Entertainment for exclusive PR representation.
In 1996, Messina kicked off her notable career with “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” a single that immediately made her a household name and inspired the recent Cole Swindell hit.
In recent years, Messina has recorded three Christian worship songs and toured consistently. She’s charted nine No. 1s and sixteen top 40 songs, and has amassed over half a billion streams on Pandora, hundreds of millions of album and song streams on Spotify and Apple Music, and millions of views on YouTube.
A multi-platinum-selling artist, Messina has been honored by the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the Grammys, and was the first female country artist to receive three multiple-week No. 1 songs from the same album.
CMT’s Next Women Of Country To Honor Loretta Lynn With Special Showcase
/by Lorie HollabaughCMT and City Winery Nashville have unveiled the lineup for the final “Next Women of Country” showcase of the year. Set for Nov. 8, the evening will pay tribute to the legendary Loretta Lynn.
“CMT Next Women of Country: Celebrating the Songs of Loretta Lynn, presented by CMT Night Out Nashville and Change The Conversation” will celebrate the late icon’s catalog. The night will feature performances from a special group of female artists, including Bowen + Young, Brooke Eden, Caylee Hammack, Erin Enderlin, Miko Marks, Sacha, Stephanie Quayle and Tiera Kennedy.
CMT’s Leslie Fram and Wendy Moten will co-host the third CMT Night Out Nashville showcase, and Moten will also perform. Tickets are on-sale now at citywinery.com/nashville.
The November showcase follows previously held “Next Women of Country” events in August and September, which included performances from Jessie James Decker, Callista Clark, Hannah Dasher, Lily Rose, Reyna Roberts, Tenille Arts, Rissi Palmer, Ashland Craft, Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade, and more.
CMT first launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 as an effort to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned. Having named 95 female acts to the program, the initiative has grown since its inception, showcasing emerging female artists across all CMT screens, and extending into seven national tours.
Luke Bryan Signs On As Global Ambassador For MusicianStaX
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Kline
Luke Bryan has joined the VirtualStaX team as a Global Ambassador for MusicianStaX.
StaX allows people to list themselves on the Global StaX Exchange, creating a new income stream while sharing success with their fans. From rising stars to superstars, fans can own, collect and trade StaX of their favorite actors, athletes, musicians, artists and more on the VirtualStaX Exchange platform.
Through VirtualStaX, Bryan will be able to give back to his fans in a new way while continuing his passion for discovering, supporting, and guiding aspiring musicians. As the value of his StaX grow, his fans will be able to sell their StaX or hold on to them for access to unique experiences and benefits. Bryan’s fans will also be able to join in discovering talent on the VirtualStaX platform.
“I believe the VirtualStaX platform will provide a way for young musicians to build strong support systems early in their own journey to help fund their careers and achieve their dreams,” Bryan explains.
“Luke’s work ethic, love for music and his heart for people makes him the perfect Global Ambassador for MusicianStaX. We are thrilled to work with Luke as we offer both established and up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to unlock a new stream of income and showcase their talent on the global stage,” says CEO and Founder Rudolf Markgraaff.
Bryan’s StaX Auction will kick off towards the end of the year. He joins a lineup of StaX Ambassadors, which includes Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, and others.
Miranda Lambert Adds A Festive Flare To Her Wanda June Home Collection
/by Lydia FarthingMiranda Lambert. Photo: Emily Dorio
Miranda Lambert has added some holiday cheer to her Wanda June Home collection, available exclusively at Walmart.
Wanda June Home by Miranda Lambert
The collection’s initial launch saw several items sell out immediately. Offering more than 80 kitchen, bar, tabletop and home décor items, the full Wanda June Home collection is designed to mix, match and collect, with tabletop essentials inspired by Lambert’s take on Southern charm. To shop the full collection, click here.
“Wanda June Home is named after the two most influential women in my life, my mom Beverly June Lambert and my grandma Wanda Louise Coker, a.k.a. Nonny. They both taught me everything I know about being a woman and how to make a warm home full of laughter, love and memories,” shares the 3x Grammy winner. “That’s really the heart of my Wanda June Home brand, so we’re excited to expand the line with these new items. Some of my favorite family memories growing up were centered around the holidays and everyone coming together to celebrate. I hope that these items help fans make their own holiday memories this year!”
Lambert’s latest album, Palomino, arrived as the largest female country album debut of 2022. Shortly after, she was crowned the ACM Entertainer of the Year, adding to her tally as the most awarded artist in ACM history. She recently kicked off her “Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas Residency,” with shows scheduled through April 2023.
Wanda June Home by Miranda Lambert
‘American Idol’ Alum HunterGirl Signs With 19 Recordings/BMG
/by Lydia FarthingHunterGirl. Photo: Easton Schirra
American Idol Season 20 runner-up, HunterGirl, has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/BMG.
HunterGirl will release her debut single on the label, “Hometown Out Of Me,” this Friday (Oct. 21). Written with Laura Veltz and producer Jimmy Robbins, the personal song serves as a thank you letter to HunterGirl’s hometown of Winchester, Tennessee.
HunterGirl has been performing and writing songs since she was a child, and in her early teens performed at venues across the U.S. Along the way, she competed in singing competitions, including the 2014 Texaco Country Showdown which she won. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville and started playing gigs at Nashville’s most famous venues while as winning songwriting contests such as Nash Next and Nashville Songwriter Association International.
Sharing the stage with acts such as Old Dominion, FGL, Kane Brown, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans and, most recently, Justin Moore and Tracey Lawrence, HunterGirl will kick off her co-headlining tour with American Idol Season 20 winner Noah Thompson on Oct. 27 in Columbus, Ohio.
Zach Bryan Notches Platinum & Gold Certifications
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan. Photo: Rachael Polack
Zach Bryan has made quite the splash in 2022 and now he has the bling to prove it.
The Oklahoma native’s breakthrough smash hit, “Something In The Orange,” has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA, and his Warner Records debut album, American Heartbreak, has been certified Gold less than six months from its release.
The 26-year-old Navy veteran followed American Heartbreak with the 9-track EP, Summertime Blues, as well as a handful of singles, such as “Til Brooklyn,” “Burn, Burn, Burn” and most recently “Starved.” Summertime Blues debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, No. 2 on the Top Americana/Folk Albums list, No. 4 on the Top Rock Albums chart and No. 4 on Top Rock & Alternative Albums.
Bryan now boasts over 2.4 billion career streams and an entirely sold-out headlining tour with upcoming stops in San Fransisco, Seattle, Denver and more before wrapping up at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Nov. 3. For a full list of upcoming shows, click here.
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Wraps Successful 2022 Season
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMI singer-songwriters Tiera Kennedy, Callista Clark, and Julia Cole. Photo: Nathan Zucker
BMI wrapped its 2022 season of its Rooftop on the Row series on Tuesday night (Oct. 18) in Nashville with a trio of ladies who brought some heat to the cold evening air.
Apple Music’s Country Riser member Julia Cole kicked off the evening with her songs “Side Piece” and “Best Worst Ex.” She also surprised the audience by bringing Nashville and Outer Banks actor and singer Charles Esten to the stage to perform their duet “Worst Day.”
CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2022 member Callista Clark took the stage next, performing several tracks from her debut album, Real To Me: The Way I Feel. The 18-year-old singer-songwriter offered up “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” “Gave It Back Broken” and more during her set.
Tiera Kennedy wrapped the evening as the final act of BMI’s Rooftop on the Row for the 2022 season. Teen Vogue’s Artist To Watch performed her latest singles for the crowd, including “Found It In You,” “Alabama Nights” and “Miles.” Kennedy is also a radio host on Apple Music Country’s The Tiera Show.
The Rooftop on the Row series will continue in June 2023 with another all-star lineup.
Sophia Sansone & Jarrod Holley Upped To Managing Partners At Make Wake Artists
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Sophia Sansone, Chris Kappy & Jarrod Holley
Make Wake Artists’ (MWA) Founder, Chris Kappy, has elevated Sophia Sansone and Jarrod Holley to Managing Partners of the artist management company. Kappy launched the company in 2015 when he began managing then up-and-coming country music artist Luke Combs.
Sansone was one of MWA’s first hires as Kappy’s assistant. She was quickly promoted to Combs’ day-to-day manager and now also manages his wife, Nicole. Throughout her time at the company, she has been named to The Nashville Briefing‘s 30 Under 30 Industry List in 2021, and was featured in MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 NBT List.
“I’ve worked alongside Kappy for five years at Make Wake and have learned what I know in the industry from him and the great team he has built,” Sansone shares. “I truly appreciate that he has entrusted the role of Managing Partner to Jarrod and me. I am so excited for this next chapter of the Make Wake family!”
Holley, who’s lead A&R and all new artist conversations over the last few years, has overseen the doubling of MWA’s roster, adding Niko Moon, Flatland Cavalry, Hailey Whitters, Drew Parker, and Brent Cobb. In 2019, he joined the team as a manager for Drew Parker and Jackie Lee. Holley’s latest additions include breakout artist Cooper Alan and alt-country singer-songwriter Colby Acuff.
“Make Wake has felt like a tight knit family to me since I first stepped foot in the office,“ Holley adds. “Playing a small part in the growth and strategy over the years has been an absolute thrill. I look forward to adding to the success of our talented roster and team!”