Grand Ole Opry Partners With Big Machine Music City GP For Second Consecutive Year

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The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and Grand Ole Opry are partnering for a second consecutive year on the three-day festival of racing and music that will be held Aug. 5-7 at the Nissan Stadium campus in downtown Nashville.

The partnership will be highlighted by a live 90-minute performance of the legendary Grand Ole Opry show from the ZYN Main Stage on campus beginning at 5:45 p.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 7. The lineup for the special show, titled Grand Ole Prix, will feature multiple performers and be announced in the coming weeks. Last year’s performance featured The Oak Ridge Boys, Callista Clark, Danielle Bradbery, Riley Green and Justin Moore.

“We are more than ready for another round of Grand Ole Prix,” says Dan Rogers, Opry Executive Producer. “While it’s been rare for the Opry to take trips outside Nashville for performances in iconic venues such as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Washington, DC’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, it’s also quite uncommon for the show to step outside its permanent home for an outdoor performance in downtown Music City. We’re all looking forward to announcing a great show line-up and then to playing for hometown fans as well as guests from around the world in August.”

The Grand Ole Prix performance will culminate with a three-night concert series on the Nissan Stadium campus in association with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. Superstar Tim McGraw was recently announced as the featured performer for Saturday, Aug. 6, of the concert series.

“We are excited to be extending our partnership with the Grand Ole Opry,” Big Machine Music City Grand Prix CEO Matt Crews shares. “Last year’s INDYCAR post-race Opry performance was truly one of the weekend’s highpoints. We look forward to growing on that with music and additional promotions this year. The Opry is an iconic experience and the ability to bring that to our Big Machine Music City Grand Prix fans is very special.”

Brothers Osborne were previously announced as the headline act for the Saturday, Aug. 6 concert.

Three-day tickets and premium packages that are currently on sale provide admission to all on-track activities featuring the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and all three concerts. Three-day tickets begin as low as $129 for general admission and $209 and $219 for reserved grandstand.

Matthew Morgan Among UTA’s New Partner Class

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Matthew Morgan

United Talent Agency (UTA) has named 26 colleagues as new partners, including Nashville-based music agent Matthew Morgan, who is also Co-Head of the Music City office. Representing more than 15 divisions and corporate functions, this marks the largest partner class announced in UTA’s 31-year history.

The new partners include agents and executives from UTA’s motion picture literary and talent groups, unscripted television, ventures, production arts, sports, MediaLink, media rights, UTA Speakers, digital talent, UTA IQ, and music, as well as corporate areas such as legal and human resources.

 

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“As UTA has grown, these colleagues’ leadership, hard work, mentorship and dedication helps push our business forward every day,” says UTA Co-President David Kramer. “This partner class encompasses a wide range of expertise and backgrounds and reflects our commitment to providing clients with best-in-class representation and resources across all areas of the company.”

Over the past year, including these partners, UTA has promoted over 125 people. In December 2021, UTA acquired strategic advisory firm MediaLink. Additionally, UTA and partner company Klutch Sports Group announced the establishment of a substantial on-the-ground presence in Atlanta, making UTA the first among the industry’s biggest talent, sports and entertainment companies to establish a full-service base of operations in the city.

Newest UTA Partners:
David Anderson– MediaLink
Robert Arakelian– Production Arts
Natasha Bolouki– Unscripted Television
Rob Carlson-Motion Picture Literary
David Evenchick– UTA Speakers
Mike “G” Guirguis– Music
Julian Jacobs-MediaLink
Joe Kessler- UTA IQ
Andrew Lear- Unscripted Television
Fara Leff– Klutch Sports Group
Jbeau Lewis-Music
Jenny Maryasis– Motion Picture Literary
Matthew Morgan– Music
Raina Penchansky-Digital Brand Architects
Jason Richman– Media Rights
Laura Roenick-Human Resources
Michael Rubi– Production Arts
Scott Schachter-Talent
Phil Voss- Legal
Matt Waldstein– Business Affairs
Toni Wallace-Music
Sam Wick– Ventures
Ruth-Ann Wynter– Human Resources

Country Music Community Celebrates Elle King & Miranda Lambert’s History-Making Duet

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Pictured (L-R): Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Martin Johnson

The Nashville creative community gathered last week in the BMI lobby to celebrate Elle King and Miranda Lambert‘s joyful party anthem, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home.)”

The tune was written by King and Martin Johnson, and produced by Johnson and Brandon Paddock.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Brandon Paddock, Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Martin Johnson; (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Shopkeeper Management’s Marion Kraft, Red Light Management’s Mary Hilliard Harrington, Columbia Nashville’s Shane Allen, BMI’s Clay Bradley

BMI’s Clay Bradley served as the host for the occasion. He got everything started by letting the crowd of industry members know that “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” topping the charts marked the first time a solo-female duet has reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart since Reba McEntire and Linda Davis’ “Does He Love You” in 1993.

“That’s a huge accomplishment,” Bradley said. “Everything about this record represents quality. The songwriting, the recording and the mix are superior.”

He continued, “We’ve all known Elle King since her 2014 release of ‘Ex’s & Oh’s,’ the song that introduced her to the world. The music has always been revolutionary, mixing genres and hanging out on the periphery of the country music genre… But not anymore. I want to officially welcome you to the neighborhood,” Bradley said to King. “Your music and vibe are important to the growth of our ever-evolving community. We can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Bradley also spoke about Lambert, calling her “one of the most important songwriters in the modern era.”

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad was on hand to talk about co-writer and co-producer, Johnson. Sistad pointed out that, like King, Johnson has come to country music with success in other genres—both in his band Boys Like Girls and with his solo project, The Night Game.

“His songs have sold over 25 million copies and he’s had 10 Billboard Top 40 songs,” he said. “Today, we get to celebrate Martin’s very first No. 1 country song. We’re proud to represent you at ASCAP.”

Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston was the only publisher to speak, as Sony represents both King and Johnson. “I’ve said it before, but it takes an absolute miracle of Biblical proportion to get a song up the country airplay charts,” he said before recognizing the radio promo team at Sony Music Nashville.

Gaston told stories about meeting both of the eclectic writers, pointing out that King had made a superb country record that is to come. “We are so proud that you are becoming more of a part of this community,” Gaston told the beaming artist.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Brandon Paddock, Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Martin Johnson; (L-R, back row): Columbia Nashville’s Shane Allen, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Columbia Nashville’s Mark Gray, Columbia Nashville’s Lauren Longbine, Sony Music Nashville’s Paul Grosser, Sony Music Nashville’s Houston Gaither, Columbia Nashville’s Lauren Thomas

Sony Music Nashville’s Shane Allen represented the radio promo team that got “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” up the charts. “Elle, working this single and working with you has been a complete pleasure,” he said. “We’re proud to represent your artistry.”

Both Gaston and Allen shouted out King’s rockstar manager, Mary Hilliard Harrington.

Johnson was funny and gracious when he stepped up to the mic. He told the story of him and King writing the tune nearly 10 years ago.

“I root for the rock and roll star,” Johnson said. “I think we need it, I think it’s important. I think that edge and a little bit of loose ends are key to feeling something and to feeling when an artist can make a cultural impact because you believe them,” he said of King.

King oozed charisma when she spoke. Her and Lambert clutched hands as King started thanking her team.

“I went to one of these parties one time,” she said. “It would be a disservice to myself and my own gratitude attitude to not say thank you to Dierks Bentley for bringing me into this world that has absolutely changed my life.

“I have never felt so embraced or welcomed—or felt like I had a seat at the table—until I was brought into country music,” she added, recognizing Harrington for ushering her into the genre.

King pointed out that even though “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” is a fun song, it also was an anthem for post-pandemic life. “With everything that we have been through as a country, as a planet, and as a galaxy in the last couple of years, what we need is a freaking anthem about not wanting to be stuck inside. The fact that we get to sing this song on stage and celebrate it with everybody is a beautiful moment because we all get to be together again.”

Lambert agreed. “[The song] might not have meant anything when we recorded it, but after what we went through as a country and a galaxy… Getting to do it every night live, I see the impact we actually made,” she said.

Jeannie Seely Expands Team With Management, PR [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Ron Harman, Carrie Moore-Reed, Gene Ward, Jeannie Seely, Bev Moser, Kelli Wasilauski, Debbie Moore, Scott Adkins. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Jeannie Seely has announced some expansions to her team on the cusp of her 55th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Seely has promoted B! Noticed Public Relations & Management’s Bev Moser to a management position, and added Adkins Publicity’s Scott Adkins for public relations representation.

“I am honored to expand my role with Jeannie Seely in a management position and excited to work with everyone on the team to find new opportunities to expose the world to all she has accomplished and has yet to achieve,” shares Moser, President/CEO of B! Noticed Public Relations & Management.

“Jeannie Seely is country music ROYALTY and blazed a trail for not only women and duos, but also men in the entertainment industry, as a performer, songwriter, radio host and television personality. Fans adore Jeannie’s impeccable timing, witty humor and her stylistic delivery as a vocalist. Our team is thrilled to represent Jeannie in all aspects of PR/publicity,” expresses Adkins, President/CEO of Adkins Publicity.

Additionally, Third Coast Talent’s Carrie Moore-Reed and Debbie Moore will continue their 26-year career as Seely’s booking agents, while Ron Harman will also continue his role as creative director and website manager.

“My birthday present to myself this year is to expand my organization! I have never really had ‘a team’ in my career, so I thought it was time! Seriously, there are still some things I’d like to accomplish and some dreams I’d like to see come true,” adds Seely. “I have a saying, ‘Until you’re ready to get out of the race, you have to keep running,’ and I truly believe this no matter what path of life you’re traveling. The folks I have worked with for years are still onboard, and we all agree that adding Adkins Publicity will be a tremendous asset to achieving our goals, and maybe even some new ones! Our slogan will be ‘This is supposed to be fun!’

From her 1966 album, The Seely Style, which featured “Don’t Touch Me,” to her self-produced album, Written in Song, consisting entirely of songs she’s written and recorded for more than 10 Country Music Hall of Fame members, Seely’s recordings have spanned seven decades.

For the past four years, she has hosted her own show, “Sundays with Seely,” on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse. Willie Nelson, along with Rhonda Vincent, Bill Anderson, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Stevens and many more of her friends, joined Seely for her current project on Curb Records, An American Classic.

Tina Crawford Exits Major Bob

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Tina Crawford

After eight years with the company, Tina Crawford will exit her position as Vice President at Major Bob Music.

Prior to Major Bob, Crawford spent time at Broken Bow Records and at WBCT Grand Rapids. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University. She will now be focusing on artist management.

“We appreciate all that Tina did at Major Bob Music for the last 8 years and we wish her all the best in her professional growth,” shares Owner/President Bob Doyle.

Crawford’s replacement is to be announced in the coming weeks. In the interim, Eric Daigle can be reached for all things concerning Major Bob at eric@purplebeatmusic.com.

Reach Crawford at tina@33creative.co.

My Music Row Story: Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem’s Jason Turner

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Jason Turner. Photo: Justin Fricke

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

Jason Turner is Partner at the boutique entertainment and sports law firm, Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC. Turner has more nearly 25 years of music industry experience, and represents many of Nashville’s top songwriters, executives, managers, and independent publishing companies, as well as the three-time Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, among others. He has been named to Billboard‘s Power Players and Attorneys of Note, as well as Super Lawyers for the past decade. He focuses a significant portion of his practice negotiating the sale of catalogs on behalf of songwriters and publishers.

Pictured: Jason Turner as a child with Charly McClain

MusicRow: Where did you grow up? Were you musical as a child?

I grew up in a very small town in northwest Illinois. It was about a hundred miles west of Chicago, a town of about 2,000 people.

At some point, for some reason, my parents bought a piano. It was in the same room as the stereo that we used to have back in the day. I would listen to music and I would sit at the piano. My feet couldn’t even touch the pedals, and I would start playing by ear. Pretty quickly thereafter, my parents hooked me up with the music teacher in our school system. It was the same person for elementary, middle and high school since it was such a small town. I took piano lessons and ended up being the pianist for the middle school and high school choirs in town.

What was the plan for after high school?

Going into my senior year of high school, I was actually already signed up to go to Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University out in Arizona to be a pilot. I wanted to be a commercial pilot. I’ve always been fascinated with airplanes. The night before I left Illinois to go to Arizona for a preview week at the school, a music group that was signed to Polydor Records at the time here in Nashville played our small town summer festival. They were managed by Starstruck, they were on a major label, and they had already had their first hit. I wanted to meet them, so I connected with the lady in town who was in charge of the festival to figure out how can I finagle my way in. The group was called 4 Runner. It was a quartet produced by Buddy Cannon and managed by Narvel Blackstock. That night I ended up selling their merch. I ended up going out with them several more dates later that summer because they were so kind to me. They connected me up with people in the industry. That was truly the moment that I found out that there was this thing called “the music business.”

The next day, I fly out to this flight camp for a week and every night as I’m calling back home to talk to my parents, I wasn’t talking about the flight camp. I was talking about my experience with 4 Runner and how excited I was about that. I ended up talking with people that they worked with, found out about Belmont, and did a complete 180 out of going to flight school and ended up going to Belmont for the music business program.

Pictured: Jason Turner (right) plays piano with friend and client Nick Carter (left)

What did you get into at Belmont?

I immediately jumped in. I was still playing piano and, with Belmont being Belmont, I started playing in various bands. By my sophomore year of college, I was working at Warner Brothers.

Royce Risser was the first label person that I ever met even before I moved here. He was super kind to meet with me and my parents before I even committed to Belmont. So [while at Belmont], I went to Royce and talked to him about an internship. At the same time I went to Warner Brothers and talked to them about an internship. Warner Brothers was very open with me and basically said, “We’re going to turn you loose. If there’s something you see that you have a passion for, we’re going to let you do it.” As fate would have it, they didn’t have anybody at that time handling secondary radio promotions within their promotion department. So within a week or two, I was starting to call radio programmers and working the records for the Warner Brothers roster. I was shifting around my school schedule to accommodate the call times of all of the programmers for all of these radio stations. I did that for a little over two years and loved it. That was the first Tim McGraw and Faith Hill tour, and when Travis Tritt came back after taking a break. I got to work a George Jones record, which was just crazy to me.

Pictured (L-R): Faith Hill, Jason Turner

How did you change lanes to being an entertainment attorney?

During that time—again, I’m still at Belmont—Time Warner merged with AOL. So at the age of 19 or 20, I got my first inside look at corporate mergers and what that means. (Laughs) To speak generically, it set off a light bulb in my head. I love the music industry. I love the creative side. I don’t love that somebody 2,000 miles away has the power to decide whether or not I have a job tomorrow. The other thing that kept ringing in my head was virtually anytime I would spend with artists, I almost felt like a therapist because they would start opening up about issues they were having. “I’m stuck in a management deal and I can’t stand my manager,” or “I’ve been signed to the label for eight years and still don’t have an album out,” and so on. I couldn’t help, but think, “Gosh, every single one of these scenarios seems somewhat predictable and more importantly, preventable. Why wasn’t this dealt with in your agreements? Why aren’t you protected in these various ways that seem predictable and protectable?” I was driving back to my apartment at Belmont one day and a light bulb went off in my head. I thought, “I want to be the guy who can help people like this when they’re doing their contracts.” As soon as Belmont was done, I went down to law school in Florida.

I stayed in contact with everybody that I worked with [while in law school]. In typical music industry fashion, they all spread out to different places. When I came back in 2006, I immediately hit the ground running to meet with all of those people and say, “Hey, I’m back. This is what I’m doing. I would love it if you would keep me in mind, if you need anything.” It’s so humbling to me that I’m sitting here in 2022 and some of my clients are the same guys who either hired me or were mentoring me 25 years ago.

Pictured (L-R): Jason Turner, Shane McAnally

Now you’re a partner at the law firm you started with Jordan Keller in 2011. When do you feel most fulfilled in what you do?

I get the most joy seeing my clients succeed. I know that sounds cliche, but just last week I had four clients experience their very first No. 1 song. Technically it was three clients [who got their first No. 1], for the fourth client, it was his second No. 1 as a writer. It was for the Cody Johnson song “‘Til You Can’t.” I represent both of the writers. For Ben Stennis, it’s his very first No. 1 and that guy has been busting his tail for over a decade in this town. It’s the very first No. 1 for the publisher, Young Guns, as well as Trent Willmon, the producer of the song. Matt Rogers was the other writer, and it was his second No. 1. To get to see all of those individuals experience that, let alone on the same song in the same week, it truly was a reminder to me how lucky I am to get to do what I do with who I get to do it with. That’s why I do it every day.

Pictured (L-R): Jon Loba, Jason Turner

Who have been some of your mentors along the way?

I hate to confess it was this long ago, but 24 years ago, a very young Jon Loba [was a mentor of mine]. Jon was very young, he was a promo coordinator at the time, but he really empowered me. So did Bill Mayne, who was GM of Reprise at the time, and Bob Saporiti, who was GM of Warner Brothers at the time. Those guys truly empowered me to take the whole secondary radio thing and run with it. Ken Tucker is another guy. He was the national director of promotion at the time and he would spend time teaching me what the charts meant and what the different strategies were.

Jerry Duncan was Warner’s outside indie promoter for the secondary market stations when I was there, so he and I worked records together. He was one of the kindest people to me back in the day when it came to showing me the ropes of working with programmers and music directors. We had a ton of fun, and success, working records together on people like Faith Hill, Chad Brock, George Jones, and more.

What makes a successful person in business or in life?

I’m going to sound like a cheesy Hallmark movie, but I firmly believe what I’m about to say: work hard, do better than you think your best is, and treat others with kindness and humility. We all make mistakes. I’m speaking specifically as a lawyer right now—if somebody on the other side of you made a mistake, guess what? That may be you tomorrow. Remember that. We’re all just trying to do the best we can.

There’s always something to learn. I always tell my clients, whether they’re an artist, a songwriter or a business owner, continue to surround yourself with people who are better at your craft than you are. That’s what’s going to make you better at what you’re doing.

Carly Pearce To Headline Ryman In October

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Carly Pearce will perform her first-ever headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium on October 26 in “Carly Pearce: One Night At The Ryman.”

Pre-sale for the show begins today (June 1) for the fan club before the public on sale Friday (June 3) at ryman.com/carlypearce.

“I truly can’t get over how many people gave me grace and love when I was dealing with so much hurt. Now to be on the other side, talking to fans not only about their challenges, but also offering hope that it will get better,” shares Pearce. “Country music is three chords and the truth. Well, those who know me know I can’t help but be honest in my music so what better way to celebrate my first time playing the Mother Church of Country Music than with some cold hard truth songs!”

Pearce offers final reckoning of a relationship that failed and a new set of standards for the next time she falls in love with her latest single, “What He Didn’t Do.” The song, which Pearce co-wrote alongside Ashley Gorley and Emily Shackleton, is the final release from her album 29: Written In Stone.

Thomas Rhett Celebrates 19th Career No. 1 With ‘Slow Down Summer’

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Thomas Rhett‘s “Slow Down Summer” has become his 13th consecutive No. 1, landing at the top of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart this week.

Penned by Rhett, his father Rhett Akins, Sean Douglas, Jesse Frasure, and Ashley Gorley, the ode to young love is also the star’s 19th overall career chart-topper.

Also out this week is Rhett’s new single “Half Of Me” featuring Riley Green. Written by Rhett, Akins, William Bundy and Josh Thompson, the track beckons listeners to put away the to-do list and kick back with an ice cold beer.

“Today is a really cool day,” Rhett shares. “I’m pretty blown away to be celebrating my 19th No. 1 with ‘Slow Down Summer’ and the release of my new single ‘Half Of Me.’ I wrote both of these songs with my dad, which is special to me, and several other truly incredible songwriters. I hope fans have as much fun singing along to ‘Half Of Me’ as we did writing it.”

Rhett is gearing up to take his 19-and-counting hits on the road with his “Bring The Bar To You Tour,” which launches June 17.

Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, Shania Twain, More To Receive ACM Special Awards

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The Academy of Country Music has unveiled the recipients of the Special Awards for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Honorees will be celebrated during the 15th Annual ACM Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

“ACM Honors is truly a special and unique night as the entire country music community comes together to celebrate the achievements of artists, musicians, and industry executives that have made a positive impact on the industry during the prior year or over their careers,” notes Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “Being the 15th anniversary of this event also makes it a night to remember some of the Academy’s pioneers who originally inspired these honors.”

Previously announced Songwriter of the Year winner Hardy, as well as the Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at ACM Honors. Performers, host, and ticket on-sale information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Special Award Honorees:
ACM Triple Crown Award – Miranda Lambert will receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following her first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards. Lambert qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM Top New Female Vocalist, ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout her career, an honor only seven other artists have been awarded.

Lambert continues to reign as the most decorated artist in the history of the ACM, most recently earning her second ACM Video of the Year award and her first ACM Entertainer of the Year title at the 57th ACM Awards, bringing her career total to 37 ACM awards. Additional highlights include a record-setting nine consecutive ACM Female Artist of the Year awards, ACM Song of the Decade for “The House That Built Me,” 10 ACM Song and ACM Single of the Year awards (as either an artist or an artist and songwriter), the ACM Milestone Award, and the first-ever ACM Spirit Award.

ACM Icon Award – Connie Bradley has been chosen to posthumously receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.

Bradley served more than three decades at ASCAP, championing songwriters. She began her career with ASCAP as the company’s first female membership representative, eventually rising to Senior Vice President and head of the Nashville office. Over the span of her career, Bradley’s leadership contributed to ASCAP signing artists including Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Amy Grant, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, George Strait, and Trisha Yearwood, among others. Bradley’s creativity, vision, hard work, and dedication to the genre undoubtedly contributed to country music’s global success.

ACM Lifting Lives Award – Paul Barnabee and Dwight Wiles have each been chosen to receive the Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.

Barnabee has been an avid supporter of ACM Lifting Lives throughout his career. Having served two consecutive years as the Chair of the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors, his passion and investment played an instrumental role in jumpstarting the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund in 2020. A senior staffer tapped to lead Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.’s (FBMM) Los Angeles office, Barnabee has 30 years of diverse industry experience in many divisions including Polygram Records, Sony Music, and FBMM. He also served as Chairman of the board for the ACM (2015-2016) and was a member of the board for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee for five years.

With over a decade of service to ACM Lifting Lives, Wiles’ tenure on the organization’s Board dates back to before its 2008 rebranding, when it was still named the ACM Charitable Foundation. During this time, Wiles played an integral role in shaping the organization’s charitable efforts, building many of the core tenets of ACM Lifting Lives that remain today, including Party for a Cause, the Grant Cycle, and Music Camp. Having served the longest tenure as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, Wiles’ financial leadership enabled ACM Lifting Lives to give generously to the country music community throughout the years. As a Certified Public Accountant who helped build business management firm Wiles + Taylor & Co., his experience in the music industry spans three decades, encompassing personal management for several artist clients, business management, and financial consulting. Wiles is a former board member of Nashville’s WPLN and Leadership Music, and a current member of ACM, CMA, NARAS, TSCPA and AICPA. He is also co-owner of Do Write Music.

ACM Milestone Award – Morgan Wallen has been chosen as the recipient of the ACM Milestone Award, honoring the contributions of Gene Weed, who directed and produced the ACM Awards for more than 30 years. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.

Wallen’s critically-acclaimed Dangerous: The Double Album launched the singer’s career to new heights in 2021. Landing at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for 10 weeks following its release, the project remains at the top of the charts, recognized as the country album with the most weeks (60) in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart, and the most weeks (59) at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, to date. It also won ACM Album of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards in March 2022. With more than 4.1 million units sold, the singer’s rapid rise and unparalleled success earned him Country Male Artist of the Year at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Wallen’s 55-show “The Dangerous Tour” has netted over 800,000 tickets sold in 2022 so far, with $3 from every ticket benefiting his More Than My Hometown Foundation. His first solo release of 2022, “Don’t Think Jesus,” earned a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 debut and landed atop Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making Wallen the first artist to score three No. 1 debuts on the chart since its inception.

ACM Service Award – Duane Clark has been chosen as the recipient of the ACM Service Award, honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy. This award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy.

An award-winning business manager and trusted adviser, Clark has been a co-owner of FBMM for over a decade. As President and Chief Operations Officer at FBMM, he has provided counseling and strategic support to his roster of clients, ensuring their financial management and security for years to come. His long history of dedicated service to the industry is evident through his 13-year tenure on the ACM Board of Directors, beginning in 2009. From 2011-2016, Clark served as Treasurer of the Academy’s Board, playing an instrumental role in making the record-setting 50th ACM Awards show at AT&T Stadium in Dallas a monumental success. Clark served as Chairman of the organization from 2018-2019 and continues to support the Academy as Treasurer of the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors. He also acts as a financial advisor to Country Radio Broadcasters, is a member of the Recording Academy, and is a charter member and alumnus of SOLID.

ACM Spirit Award – Chris Stapleton has been chosen for the ACM Spirit Award, honoring the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career, including the Triple Crown Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country music legend Merle Haggard by following their own path, crafting great songs, and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.

The Kentucky native has maintained the traditional, outlaw edge of the genre with riveting singles including “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Nobody to Blame,” and “Starting Over,” while appealing to wider audiences with crossover collaborations including features on Taylor Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me,” Adele’s “Easy On Me,” and more. An 8x Grammy and 13x ACM Award-winner, Stapleton’s monumental career has been lauded across every major music awards stage. Most recently, he won ACM Male Artist of the Year for the third time at the 57th ACM Awards. His highly acclaimed 2020 album, Starting Over, also won three awards at the 67th Annual Grammys (Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best Country Song), as well as Album of the Year at the 56th ACM Awards as both an artist and producer.

ACM Poet’s Award – Sonny Throckmorton and Shania Twain have each been chosen as recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

Throckmorton’s songwriting career began in the late 1970s when he had 150 songs cut within a nine-month span. Between 1976 and 1980, a Throckmorton-penned song appeared on the charts almost every single week. Throughout his storied career, he had more than 1,000 songs recorded by an astounding list of artists, including Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, The Judds, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, and more. Throckmorton notched No. 1 singles with Johnny Duncan, The Oak Ridge Boys, and T.G. Sheppard. He also co-wrote classics such as Merle Haggard’s “The Way I Am,” Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Middle Age Crazy,” George Strait’s “The Cowboy Rides Away,” and The Judds’ 1984 ACM Song of the Year, “Why Not Me.” He has received countless accolades for his contributions to the genre, including Songwriter of the Year recognition from organizations such as NSAI (1978-1979), BMI (1980), and the DJs of America (1980). In 1985, Throckmorton was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Twain has established her career as one of country music’s most versatile songwriters, with instantly-recognizable hits and an undeniable crossover appeal that has earned her three ACM Awards and five Grammys. The release of her album The Woman in Me in 1995, featuring her breakthrough hit single “Any Man of Mine,” was awarded ACM Album of the Year at the 31st ACM Awards, the same year Twain took home the title of ACM Top New Female Vocalist. Twain became the first artist in history to release three consecutive diamond-certified albums and, with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, she remains the top-selling female country pop artist of all time. Twain’s first album in 15 years, Now, was released in September 2017 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, making it the first female country release in over three years to top the all-genre chart.

ACM Film Award – Yellowstone has been chosen to receive the ACM Film Award, honoring the contributions of Tex Ritter, who was known for both his acting career and country music career. This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series, or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.

The SAG and PGA-nominated series is co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, along with John Linson. Andrea von Foerster serves as music supervisor, while Oscar-winning actor and seasoned musician, Kevin Costner, stars as John Dutton. The dramatic scenes and compelling music heard on Yellowstone have captivated audiences, introducing viewers to numerous country and Americana artists. Artists such as Zach Bryan, Hayes Carll, Turnpike Troubadours, Whiskey Myers, and ACM Award winner Lainey Wilson have all had their music featured in the show. The tremendous success of Yellowstone on Paramount Network has inspired multiple prequels: 1883 which stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott and made its debut in late 2021 on Paramount+; and the recently announced 1932, which is set to premiere in December 2022.

ACM Songwriter of the Year Award – Hardy was awarded the 57th ACM Songwriter of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a professional panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and PRO representatives. The Panel submits five nominees, at which time ACM members in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Songwriter, Music Publisher/PRO and Record Company categories vote for the winner.

Hardy has emerged as one of country music’s most distinctive and creative talents, gaining career momentum through major cuts by Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane, Blake Shelton, and Cole Swindell. His collaborative spirit most recently carried him to No. 1 as a songwriter and featured artist on Dierks Bentley’s “Beers on Me.” Hardy placed multiple songs, including “More Than My Hometown” and “Sand in My Boots,” on Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album, which won ACM Album of the Year in 2022. He has co-penned 11 No. 1 singles since 2018, including his own chart-topping, double- Platinum single “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson.

Warner Chappell Music Extends Global Publishing Deal With Jessi Alexander [Exclusive]

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Jessi Alexander

Warner Chappell Music has extended its worldwide publishing deal with chart-topping songwriter, Jessi Alexander.

The Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter has multiple No. 1 hits to her credit, including Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson’s “Never Say Never,” Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It,” Scotty McCreery’s “In Between,” and Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck.” Her most recent success includes Morgan Wallen’s record-breaking single, “Don’t Think Jesus,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, making it one of only 11 songs to ever debut at the top of the chart. The song also drew 18.1 million US streams within its first week of release and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales and all-genre Digital Song Sales charts.

“Starting a new partnership at Warner Chappell is kind of a surreal, full-circle moment for me. Twenty years ago, Warner Chappell took a chance on me as a young writer and signed me to my first publishing deal,” Alexander says. “Fast forward, here I am, getting to work with a powerhouse team that feels like family with Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Ben Vaughn! I feel more inspired than ever to write a new chapter in the same Warner Chappell building and hopefully create some songs we can all be proud of.”

Alexander has been playing music since she was a child, and started writing songs at 11. The Tennessee native first gained prominence with Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” Since then, she’s earned an NSAI Song of the Year honor, as well as ACM and CMA awards for Song of the Year with “I Drive Your Truck.”

“[My songwriting has changed in] so many ways!” Alexander tells MusicRow. “I have so much more life and songwriting experience to bring to the table now. It took the first 10 years to figure out what my strengths were, find my voice in the writing room, build confidence and finally have a radio hit. And over the last ten years I’ve become more grateful and trusting of the process. I can honestly say that I love my job and am somehow not tired of it yet.”

Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville says, “You know it when you hear a song written by Jessi Alexander. She is unapologetically country and a true songwriter who is setting a new standard for what that career path can look like. Her co-writers are fiercely loyal to her and know a day spent in the weeds digging out that next great country song will be well worth it. We are incredibly proud to be part of her journey and look forward to creating more hits in the future.”

Stevenson, Senior Director A&R/digital, WCM Nashville adds, “Jessi Alexander is a world class songwriter. Her work ethic and focus combined with her innate talent for writing universally relatable songs has garnered her so much success thus far and I cannot wait to help her accomplish even more goals in this new chapter. Jessi (and her husband, Jon Randall) took a chance on me as their writer manager when I was a junior in college, so to be working together again in an official capacity is a really special, full circle moment”

Alexander has also released two albums throughout her career, Down Home and Decatur County Red, in which several country artists are featured including Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, and Randy Houser.

When it comes to songwriting, Alexander is most excited for the talented artists and songwriters she will continue to get to work with as she extends her partnership with Warner Chappell.

She sums, “Most days I’m truly blown away by their talent and it keeps me inspired! Also being a devotee and lover of the old school, more traditional country music style, I am thrilled to get to work with more and more artist that lean in that direction.”