Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor outstanding achievements by a Nashville artist during the eligibility period of June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.
The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Kane Brown has continued to push the country music format forward since he first came onto the scene in 2016. Over the past year, Brown has released country hits such as “One Mississippi” and “Like I Love Country Music,” and continued his crossover success in pop music with collaborations with Blackbear (“Memory”) and Nelly (“Cool Again”). Brown also celebrated a multi-week No. 1 with Chris Young with “Famous Friends,” an ACM Video of the Year win for “Worldwide Beautiful,” and a highly successful “Blessed & Free Tour,” which made him the first country artist in history to headline every NBA basketball arena in a single tour. He’s also expanded his music business footprint. In early 2021, Brown launched 1021 Entertainment, a joint venture record label with Sony Music Nashville, and signed Restless Road. He is also continually signing songwriters to his publishing company Verse 2 Music. Brown celebrated his first No. 1 as a publisher this year when Verse 2 Music writer Levon Grey, who is nominated for MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year this year, co-wrote Brown’s seventh chart-topper, “One Mississippi.”
Eric Church thrilled fans in April of 2021 when he released a three-album project Heart & Soul via EMI Records Nashville. The chart-topping triple album spawned the hits “Hell of a View,” which took home MusicRow‘s Song of the Year award last year, and “Heart On Fire.” Church’s new single from the project, “Doing Life With Me,” is rising at radio now. In June, Church wrapped “The Gather Again Tour,” which hit 55 cities and was named the Top Country Tour at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Early this year, Church announced his plans to open a new six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville called Chief’s. The multi-Platinum artist plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year. Church’s publishing company, Little Louder Music, which he co-founded with Arturo Buenahora, also celebrated nine years in business, nine songwriters and nine No. 1 hits this year.
Luke Combs has had a transformative year since he won Artist of the Year at the 2021 MusicRow Awards. He notched his 11th (“Forever After All”), 12th (“Cold As You”) and 13th (“Doin’ This”) No. 1 songs, he was named Entertainer of the Year for the first time at the CMA Awards, and he became a father. In June, Combs released his newest album, Growin’ Up, via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. The 12-song project includes the hit song and current MusicRow Song of the Year nominee “Doin’ This,” the fast-rising “The Kind of Love We Make,” and other fan-favorites such as “Tomorrow Me” and “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” featuring Miranda Lambert. With Growin’ Up, the history-making artist follows up his first two studio albums that both spent more than 25 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart–breaking Taylor Swift’s previously held record of 24 weeks. This fall, Combs will hit the road again on his “Middle of Somewhere” tour, and will also play a sold-out show at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which ranked among the fastest sell-outs in the venue’s history.
Walker Hayes‘ success transcended country music this past year, after many years of hard work on Music Row. Following the release of his Country Stuff EP in May of 2021, Hayes posted a video on TikTok of him and his daughter Lela dancing to his new song “Fancy Like.” The video went viral and within a month, the track hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. It didn’t stop there, though. “Fancy Like” held its top position on the Hot Country Songs chart for over six months, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, was nominated for two ACM Awards, and was even nominated for Best Country Song at the Grammys. The song’s relatable, downhome, and somewhat silly message transcended country music, taking Hayes into the stratosphere and allowing him to perform everywhere from the American Music Awards to the halftime show of the AFC Championship game. In January, Hayes released his follow up album, Country Stuff The Album, which contained his quickly rising single, “AA.” Hayes also released his first book, Glad You’re Here, and announced his tour of the same name that will kick off in September.
Miranda Lambert expanded her musical legacy with three different projects over the last year. Alongside Jack Ingram and Producer of the Year nominee Jon Randall, Lambert released a stripped down, campfire love letter to Texas with Grammy-nominated The Marfa Tapes in early 2021. By the fall she teamed back up with her Pistol Annies cohorts, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley, to release Hell of a Holiday. Then in April, Lambert released her eighth studio album, Palomino, via Vanner Records/RCA Nashville. The 15-song album features the singer-songwriter’s recent hit “If I Was a Cowboy” as well as her rising single “Strange.” Lambert, who is the most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music with 37 trophies, took home her first Entertainer of the Year award in April. The country star opened her new Tex-Mex cantina in downtown Nashville, Casa Rosa, making her the first female country artist-owned establishment on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. Lambert also hit the top of the charts with Elle King on “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” continuously gave to animals in need with her Muttnation organization, and announced her upcoming Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency, kicking off in September.
Carly Pearce released 29, the seven-song project that would change the trajectory of her career, in early 2021. The project was met with wide acclaim, with songs such as “Next Girl” ushering in a new era of honest, vulnerable and downright country music from Pearce. She built on the project’s success with a full length album, 29: Written In Stone. Alongside Ashley McBryde, Pearce scored her third No. 1 single with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which is nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s MusicRow Awards. Her newest single, “What He Didn’t Do,” is currently rising at country radio. Pearce added a CMA Award and 2 ACM Awards to her arsenal this past year, and is the reigning CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. She took her 29 album on the road before jumping on Kenny Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022” stadium tour. Pearce was also invited to become a Grand Ole Opry member by her hero Dolly Parton, was announced as 2022 inductee into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame, and tapped to host of the 15th annual ACM Honors.
Industry Ink: Chris Young, AIMP Nashville, Carolyn Miller
/by Lydia FarthingChris Young Helps The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Generate Over $1.2 Million
Pictured (L-R): Charlie Daniels, Jr., Hazel Daniels, Alana Shepherd (Shepherd Center Co-founder), Bernie Kerik, Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee (Medal of Honor Recipient), Child Plumlee, Chris Young, Travis Ellis (Shepherd Center Co-founder), Carolyn Corlew (TCDJHP), David Corlew (TCDJHP Co-founder), Jennifer Bocook (TCDJHP), Jamie Shepherd (Shepherd Center President & COO). Photo: William Twitty Photography
With the help of country music star Chris Young, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) has generated over $1.2 million since the spring of 2021. Most recently, he performed at a special private dinner event held in Atlanta where TCDJHP partnered with The Shepherd’s Men, raising thousands for the cause of helping our former men and women in uniform.
“We attribute so much of this exciting growth to the generous heart and hard work of Chris Young, who has made an enormous impact in our fundraising efforts, as well as sharing our mission,” says TCDJHP co-founder David Corlew.
TCDJHP is also proud to announce a new direction in educational support by creating a scholarship for The Working Ranch Cowboys Association. In the past year, TCDJHP has distributed over $60,000 in student scholarships and educational programs to the University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State University, among others.
Since October of last year, the veterans non-profit founded by the late Charlie Daniels, has distributed approximately a quarter million dollars in support of the men and women who have and continue to service the U.S. military.
AIMP Nashville Hosts A Conversation With Marc Rucker From SoundExchange
Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Courtney Kruckeberg (Endurance Music Group), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Marc Rucker (SoundExchange), Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), ET Brown (SESAC), Emily Boardman (AIMP Nashville Treasurer)
The AIMP Nashville Chapter hostsed a full house at the SESAC offices in Nashville on Tuesday (July 26).
The Chapter hosted a conversation with Marc Rucker, Manager, Industry Engagement at SoundExchange moderated by Tim Hunze, VP of Publishing, Big Machine Music. The conversation focused on the importance of collecting digital performance royalties. The pair also discussed how in today’s era of viral songs on social media, many independent artists may not even realize they are racking up airplay on digital radio platforms and have SoundExchange royalty payments waiting to be claimed.
SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of more than 260,000 creators and to date has paid nearly $9 billion in distributions since 2003, with $1 billion of that being distributed last year alone.
Second Installment Of The Women of Country Presents: Carolyn Miller & Friends Takes Over Live Oak
Pictured: The Women of Country’s Nicole Marchesi, host Kelly Ford, and singer-songwriters Sarah Jones, Tezza, Carolyn Miller, & Grace Tyler. Photo: Nicole Marchesi
Live Oak on Music Row filled up on Tuesday night (July 26) as fans and industry enjoyed the second monthly “The Women of Country Presents: Carolyn Miller & Friends” all-female round. ACM and CMA Award-winning radio personality Kelly Ford hosted the event.
Miller jumpstarted the night with her unreleased song “T-Shirt,” while singer-songwriter Sarah Jones gave a rendition of “Just About Over You,” the hit song Jones penned for Priscilla Block. Tezza and Grace Tyler also gave powerful performances throughout the evening.
Miller took the stage again for a 30-minute full band set to close out the night.
Black River Publishing Adds Two To Creative Team
/by Lydia FarthingAbbie Nixon & Preston Berger
Black River Publishing has announced the addition of two new staff members. Abbie Nixon joins as Creative Coordinator, while Preston Berger will serve as Creative Manager, effective immediately. They are both based in Nashville and report to Black River’s Vice President of Publishing, Rebekah Gordon.
“Abbie and Preston each bring their own unique experience to help take Black River to the next level,” shares Gordon. “Additionally, they approach publishing with a ‘writer-first’ mentality, and their passion for songs and songwriters is unmistakable. I’m thrilled to have them round out our creative team.”
Nixon hails from Wilmington, North Carolina where she graduated high school with an Associate degree in arts and science before moving to Nashville and attending Belmont. After two years there as a songwriting major, she ultimately changed pathways and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in songwriting and a minor in Music Business. Prior to Black River, Nixon was a Copyright Coordinator at Round Hill Music and a Publishing Administrator at Bethel Music.
“I’ve admired Black River’s talented roster of writers since moving to town in 2016,” Nixon says. “I’m thrilled to work with this amazing team!”
Berger, a 2018 University of Georgia alumnus, is a Lawrenceville, Georgia native. Before joining Black River, he spent almost two years working at CAA. He also toured with The Band Camino as VIP Coordinator and Merch Rep.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to work with such a great catalog at Black River and to be a part of such an amazing group of creatives and writers.” He continued, “I have this sense of responsibility to do everything I can to find the right homes for these incredible songs.”
Country Rewind Records Releases New Enhanced Webb Pierce Album
/by Lorie HollabaughA new album, Webb Pierce – A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out, has been released by Country Rewind Records. The project features the hit singles “There Stands The Glass” and “I Ain’t Never,” along with 13 other favorites.
The audio quality on the tracks has been upgraded, and additional instrumentation has been added to enhance the collection. The one-of-a-kind record contains recordings that were never intended for commercial release and were believed to have been lost or forgotten. Pierce had made the recordings solely for radio airplay, and stations frequently discarded them after they were aired.
Country Rewind Records founder, Thomas Gramuglia, rescued the master tapes and entrusted producer Rex Allen, Jr. and engineer Aaron Dethrage with the task of bringing the audio quality up to twenty-first century standards.
“Bringing back these long-lost recordings means so much to me,” shares Gramuglia. “Hearing Webb’s voice and guitar playing again is truly a joy. This one-of-a-kind album contains recordings that were believed to be lost or forgotten. Webb was one of the most popular honky-tonk vocalists of the 50s. These updated recordings will really bring joy to any classic country fan.”
Pierce was one of the most popular vocalists of the 1950s, holding the distinction of charting more No. 1s than artists such as Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Eddy Arnold and Lefty Frizzell. He was known for his unique vocal styling, guitar playingand signature rhinestone-encrusted, flamboyant Nudie suits.
Webb Pierce – A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out Track List:
I Ain’t Never
Why Baby Why
I Don’t Care
Slowly
Wondering
Memory #1
Back Street Affair
There Stands The Glass
That Heart Belongs To Me
I’m Walking The Dog
Fool, Fool, Fool
Yes, I Know Why
How Do You Talk To A Baby
Goodbye City, Goodbye Girl
It’s My Way
Erin D. D. Burr Exits Big Machine Label Group
/by LB CantrellErin D.D. Burr. Photo: Katie Kauss
After more than a decade at the company, Vice President of Communications Erin D. D. Burr has left her position at Big Machine Label Group.
Since joining the company, some of Burr’s achievements include helping to revitalize Reba McEntire’s presence in pop culture and earn the icon a Grammy Award for her first gospel album in 2018, and positioning ACM & CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce as one of the format’s leading women. She was key in the development of Florida Georgia Line‘s initial press strategy, and has contributed to opportunities for highly acclaimed artists Sheryl Crow and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Burr graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and previously worked at Special Promotions Inc. and NSAI before joining BMLG in 2010. She was promoted to VP in April, where she continued to eagerly secure placements for Tyler Rich, Eli Young Band, The Cadillac Three, Riley Green, and Laci Kaye Booth.
Burr’s next career steps, nor BMLG’s plans for her position, are not yet clear.
Reach Burr at eburr@riaa.com.
Luke Bryan To Return To ‘American Idol’ For Upcoming 6th Season
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are returning as celebrity judges on American Idol for the upcoming sixth season next spring, with Ryan Seacrest returning to host the popular competition.
Pictured (L-R): Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry & Luke Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of ABC
Idol season six auditions kick off Aug. 3, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar. Auditions take place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C, and start with the annual First 500 event, where hopefuls can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else.
“Idol Across America” offers the opportunity to showcase talent face-to-face with an American Idol producer from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition. “Idol Across America” auditions will be held through Aug. 31.
Earlier this month, Bryan premiered a new single at country radio, “Country On.” The song, written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury, features Sarah Buxton on backing vocals.
In celebration of the announcement, five-time Entertainer of the Year Bryan will guest host Live with Kelly & Ryan with Seacrest next Monday (Aug. 1).
Chris Colston Releases New Album ‘Boy Like Me‘
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Colston. Photo: Jason Myers
Rising country singer-songwriter Chris Colston has released a new album, Boy Like Me. The nine-track project was produced by Brandon Hood.
The single/title track “Boy Like Me,” was written by Colston, Kenton Bryant and Jordan Walker about the birth of Colston’s daughter, Emersyn. Colston and his wife Peyton welcomed their daughter this past May in Tyler, Texas.
“Out of all of the songs I’ve ever written, I’m most proud of ‘Boy Like Me,’” notes Colston. “This song is so special to me because it tells the story of how I met my wife and of our life leading up to the welcoming of our baby girl. I’m so proud of the beautiful life we’ve created and wanted to pay tribute to it through my music.
“I’ve spent over a year and a half writing these songs and recording the album,” he continues. “This project is the most I’ve been involved as a songwriter and I’m pretty proud of that. I wanted to put together an album with songs that truly reflect who I am as a person. It has a variety of elements that I have personally experienced–all wrapped up into nine energetic and relatable songs. This album is going to tell the world exactly who Chris Colston is and I’m excited to get it out there.”
Colston is signed to the AMG for management and booking.
Dirt in Dallas
Livin’ Like This
Goodbye Gasoline
Another Bar
Different Towns Together
Boy Like Me
I Hope Heaven’s Like Home
When I Go, I’m Gone
Hate Me in My Hometown
Services This Weekend For Nashville Sax Great, Walter Riley King
/by Robert K OermannWalter Riley King
Funeral and burial services will be held Saturday (July 30) for Nashville saxophonist Walter Riley King. He died on July 19 at age 71.
The musician toured with blues great B.B. King for more than 35 years and created arrangements for the superstar’s band. He recorded with country stars Roy Clark, Mac Davis and The Oak Ridge Boys, as well as with Etta James, Eric Clapton, Albert King, Z.Z. Hill, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Billy Ocean, Hot, Joe Tex, Denise LaSalle and others.
Walter Riley King was born in Mississippi and raised near Memphis as the eldest of 19 children. He came to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University, where he performed in “The Aristocrat of Marching Bands” for three years.
Following graduation, he became a music educator working with the bands at Goodlettsville High School and Pearl High. He also entertained in the Nashville R&B groups The Tyrone Smith Revue and the Jimmy Church Band, among others.
In addition to B.B. King, he went on to perform with The Temptations, The Dells, Hot, Gladys Knight, Dr. John, U2, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, The Muscle Shoals Horns and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.
In the studio, he worked with such top-ranked producers as Quincy Jones, Phil Ramone, Glen Frey, Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett.
Walter Riley King was a longtime resident of Omaha and served as guest conductor of the Omaha Youth Symphony. He was also a songwriter, actor, flutist and black-belt Karate master.
He is survived by partner Brenda King and by sons Christopher King, Brandon King and Walter Burns, as well as by six grandchildren and 12 siblings.
There will be a viewing today (July 29) at Highland Hills Funeral Home, 2422 Brick Church Pike. Visitation will be tomorrow (July 30) from noon to 1 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 2416 Clifton Ave. The interment will be at Greenwood North Cemetery.
Tyler Hubbard Unveils More New Music With ‘Dancin’ In The Country’
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Hubbard. Photo: John Russo
Tyler Hubbard is giving fans another sneak peek of his upcoming new album on Aug. 19 with Dancing’ In The Country through EMI Records Nashville. The EP features five additional songs to his already released single “5 Foot 9,” including “35’s” and “Way Home.”
Dancin’ In The Country is a project of specially selected songs for fans in advance of Hubbard’s upcoming album and for his live shows this fall on Keith Urban’s “The Speed Of Now World Tour.”
“We’ve been releasing new music throughout this summer, and now I’m so pumped to be sharing even more of my new project–these songs have been waiting to be heard!” says Hubbard. “Though the album is coming early next year, I put together this collection of music especially for the fans, as I get ready to go on tour. I can’t wait to hear the crowd sing these songs with me as I hit the road for the first time as a solo artist.”
Hubbard’s debut solo single, “5 Foot 9,” has over 63 million global streams. The song quickly moved inside the top 50 on the streaming chart in its first four weeks and claimed a top 10 spot on the Country Streaming Chart last week, along with entering top 20 at country radio.
Hubbard’s debut full-length solo album will be released Jan. 27.
Dancin’ In The Country (Written by Hubbard, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman, Keith Urban)
Baby Gets Her Lovin’ (Written by Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Canaan Smith) *
Everybody Needs A Bar (Written by Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Zachary Kale)
Inside And Out (Written by Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi)
I’m The Only One (Written by Hubbard, Chris Loocke, Rhett Akins)
5 Foot 9 (Written by Hubbard, Jaren Johnston, Chase McGill)
All tracks produced by Tyler Hubbard and Jordan Schmidt
*Produced with Jesse Frasure
Luke Combs Rushes To The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryTopping this week’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is Luke Combs with “The Kind Of Love We Make.” The single reached the chart peak in just six weeks at radio.
Combs shares, “I wrote this song in Montana with Dan [Isbell] and Reid Isbell and my guitar tech Jamie Davis, who used to be in a band with Dan. I met Jamie through Dan. Jamie had the idea, and Dan and Reid brought it to me and I thought it was a killer melody. It ended up being one of those songs that wrote itself. Dan, Reid and I are all having kids within a month of each other, so maybe this song had something to do with that.”
Combs sits at No. 13 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, while Dan Isbell ranks at No. 29, Reid Isbell at No. 41 and Davis at No. 42.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
2022 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Artist Of The Year
/by LB CantrellFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor outstanding achievements by a Nashville artist during the eligibility period of June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.
The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Kane Brown has continued to push the country music format forward since he first came onto the scene in 2016. Over the past year, Brown has released country hits such as “One Mississippi” and “Like I Love Country Music,” and continued his crossover success in pop music with collaborations with Blackbear (“Memory”) and Nelly (“Cool Again”). Brown also celebrated a multi-week No. 1 with Chris Young with “Famous Friends,” an ACM Video of the Year win for “Worldwide Beautiful,” and a highly successful “Blessed & Free Tour,” which made him the first country artist in history to headline every NBA basketball arena in a single tour. He’s also expanded his music business footprint. In early 2021, Brown launched 1021 Entertainment, a joint venture record label with Sony Music Nashville, and signed Restless Road. He is also continually signing songwriters to his publishing company Verse 2 Music. Brown celebrated his first No. 1 as a publisher this year when Verse 2 Music writer Levon Grey, who is nominated for MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year this year, co-wrote Brown’s seventh chart-topper, “One Mississippi.”
Eric Church thrilled fans in April of 2021 when he released a three-album project Heart & Soul via EMI Records Nashville. The chart-topping triple album spawned the hits “Hell of a View,” which took home MusicRow‘s Song of the Year award last year, and “Heart On Fire.” Church’s new single from the project, “Doing Life With Me,” is rising at radio now. In June, Church wrapped “The Gather Again Tour,” which hit 55 cities and was named the Top Country Tour at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Early this year, Church announced his plans to open a new six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville called Chief’s. The multi-Platinum artist plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year. Church’s publishing company, Little Louder Music, which he co-founded with Arturo Buenahora, also celebrated nine years in business, nine songwriters and nine No. 1 hits this year.
Luke Combs has had a transformative year since he won Artist of the Year at the 2021 MusicRow Awards. He notched his 11th (“Forever After All”), 12th (“Cold As You”) and 13th (“Doin’ This”) No. 1 songs, he was named Entertainer of the Year for the first time at the CMA Awards, and he became a father. In June, Combs released his newest album, Growin’ Up, via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. The 12-song project includes the hit song and current MusicRow Song of the Year nominee “Doin’ This,” the fast-rising “The Kind of Love We Make,” and other fan-favorites such as “Tomorrow Me” and “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” featuring Miranda Lambert. With Growin’ Up, the history-making artist follows up his first two studio albums that both spent more than 25 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart–breaking Taylor Swift’s previously held record of 24 weeks. This fall, Combs will hit the road again on his “Middle of Somewhere” tour, and will also play a sold-out show at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which ranked among the fastest sell-outs in the venue’s history.
Walker Hayes‘ success transcended country music this past year, after many years of hard work on Music Row. Following the release of his Country Stuff EP in May of 2021, Hayes posted a video on TikTok of him and his daughter Lela dancing to his new song “Fancy Like.” The video went viral and within a month, the track hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. It didn’t stop there, though. “Fancy Like” held its top position on the Hot Country Songs chart for over six months, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, was nominated for two ACM Awards, and was even nominated for Best Country Song at the Grammys. The song’s relatable, downhome, and somewhat silly message transcended country music, taking Hayes into the stratosphere and allowing him to perform everywhere from the American Music Awards to the halftime show of the AFC Championship game. In January, Hayes released his follow up album, Country Stuff The Album, which contained his quickly rising single, “AA.” Hayes also released his first book, Glad You’re Here, and announced his tour of the same name that will kick off in September.
Miranda Lambert expanded her musical legacy with three different projects over the last year. Alongside Jack Ingram and Producer of the Year nominee Jon Randall, Lambert released a stripped down, campfire love letter to Texas with Grammy-nominated The Marfa Tapes in early 2021. By the fall she teamed back up with her Pistol Annies cohorts, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley, to release Hell of a Holiday. Then in April, Lambert released her eighth studio album, Palomino, via Vanner Records/RCA Nashville. The 15-song album features the singer-songwriter’s recent hit “If I Was a Cowboy” as well as her rising single “Strange.” Lambert, who is the most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music with 37 trophies, took home her first Entertainer of the Year award in April. The country star opened her new Tex-Mex cantina in downtown Nashville, Casa Rosa, making her the first female country artist-owned establishment on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. Lambert also hit the top of the charts with Elle King on “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” continuously gave to animals in need with her Muttnation organization, and announced her upcoming Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency, kicking off in September.
Carly Pearce released 29, the seven-song project that would change the trajectory of her career, in early 2021. The project was met with wide acclaim, with songs such as “Next Girl” ushering in a new era of honest, vulnerable and downright country music from Pearce. She built on the project’s success with a full length album, 29: Written In Stone. Alongside Ashley McBryde, Pearce scored her third No. 1 single with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which is nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s MusicRow Awards. Her newest single, “What He Didn’t Do,” is currently rising at country radio. Pearce added a CMA Award and 2 ACM Awards to her arsenal this past year, and is the reigning CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. She took her 29 album on the road before jumping on Kenny Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022” stadium tour. Pearce was also invited to become a Grand Ole Opry member by her hero Dolly Parton, was announced as 2022 inductee into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame, and tapped to host of the 15th annual ACM Honors.