MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

/by

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly spotlights a mix of milestone achievements, meaningful industry recognition, and notable business moves that continue to shape Nashville’s music community. Click here to see the full edition.

Leading the headlines, Morgan Wallen has reached a historic benchmark, being named the RIAA’s highest certified country artist of all time. His impact stretches well beyond the genre, as he now stands as the third most-certified artist across all genres, trailing only Drake and Taylor Swift among solo acts.

The newsletter also celebrates a moment of well-earned recognition for veteran talent executive Donna Duncan, who has been named the second recipient of this year’s CMA Media Achievement Award. Duncan was surprised with the honor on Dec. 16, when Luke Bryan presented the news at KP Entertainment offices.

On the business front, Results Global continues to expand its footprint with the addition of two key team members. Kelly Ridgway has joined the Nashville-based full-service marketing agency as Global Marketing Lead and Head of its New York City office, while Abbey Kovacevich steps into the role of Manager of Marketing and Communications.

Acclaimed artist and songwriter Margo Price has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Rounding out the week’s highlights, Back Blocks Music promoted Elizabeth Cook to Creative Director and welcoming Megan Clemens as Director of Digital Marketing alongside Laine Lonero as Marketing Coordinator.

iHeartMedia and Netflix have partnered in an exclusive video podcasting agreement for more than 15 original iHeartPodcasts, including Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast. New video podcast episodes will launch on Netflix in early 2026 in the US, with more markets to follow.

Riley Green has landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Country Chart, and Canada Country Radio with “Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley),” marking his sixth No. 1 and his second consecutive self-penned chart-topper this year, following “Worst Way.” With “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” both reaching No. 1, Green becomes the first country artist to earn back-to-back solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift topped the charts with “Sparks Fly” (2011) and “Ours” (2012).

This week’s newsletter also featured a conversation with Prescription Song’s Chris Martignago.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot with “Choosin’ Texas.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Chase Matthew Celebrates First No. 1

/by

Pictured (L-R): Chase Matthew, Cris Lacy, Loyd Potts, Alex Maxwell, Ken Madson, Hunter Huff, and Ciaran Wilkie. Photo: Mitch Wallis

Chase Matthew celebrated his first No. 1 song, “Darlin’” last week with his team, family and friends at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The Warner Music Nashville artist notched his first chart-topper earlier this year. The Gold certified track was written alongside Alex Maxwell, Hunter Huff and Ciaran Wilkie, and produced by Maxwell and Jake Angel.

A Nashville native, Matthew has garnered over 1.4 billion career streams 1.5 million followers across platforms. He is a member of the Class of 2024 for both Opry NextStage and MusicRow’s Next Big Thing, and earned a nomination at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. He has shared stages with Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, among others. He released his third studio album, Chase, earlier this year.

Tape Room Music Celebrates 2025 Accolades

/by

Pictured (L-R): Caroline Hodson, Blain Rhodes, Ashley Gorley and Katherine Godwin. Photo: Courtesy of Tape Room Music

Tape Room Music is celebrating their 2025 accolades, which included industry awards, No. 1 tracks and more.

The company notched 16 songs on Billboard’s Year-End Hot Country Songs chart, seven on their Year-End Country Airplay Songs and four songs on the all-genre Year-End Hot 100 Songs, in addition to landing eight tracks on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Year-End Country Songs chart and three on the Big Picture Songs chart. Tape Room ends the year with three hits currently climbing in the top 5 including Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” HARDY’s “Favorite Country Song,” and Megan Moroney’s “6 Months Later.”

Tape Room Music writers were also recognized throughout the year, as Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps and Taylor Phillips received CMA Triple Play Awards, Casey Brown and Phillips were honored as GRAMMY nominees for Country Song of the Year, Johnson, Phillips and Andy Sheridan earned BMI Country Awards, Brown earned a SESAC Country Award, and Johnson was celebrated as a Variety Hitmaker.

The independent publishing company garnered 8 No. 1 singles this year, including Johnson’s “All The Way,” performed by BigXThaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman, which topped both Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts, as Phillips, Johnson and Phelps all commemorated 10+ No. 1 singles.

Additionally, Beau Bailey earned his first two Country Airplay Top 5 songs, both still climbing the charts, Johnson was featured on the Netflix series Hitmakers, Wyatt McCubbin joined Riley Green’s “Damn Country Music Tour” and was featured on Chase Rice’s “Two Tone Trippin’,” and Jordan Rowe joined Anne Wilson on “The Stars Tour.”

Tape Room also added Connor Hicks to the roster and added Katherine Godwin to the team as Manager, A&R. Caroline Hodson, Director, A&R and writer Ben Williams were recognized by Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30.

Eclipse Music Group Acquires Emily Shackleton’s Catalog

/by

Emily Shackleton

Eclipse Music Group has acquired Emily Shackleton’s catalog, which includes Carly Pearce’s breakout and CMA Award-winning, multi-Platinum hit “Every Little Thing.”

In addition to “Every Little Thing,” Shackleton has had cuts with Reba McEntire, Runaway June, David Nail, Sara Evans, and Mickey Guyton, among others.

“Emily’s depth as a storyteller allows her songs to resonate with so many. Her writing is raw, honest, and profoundly human,” says Penny Gattis, Partner at Eclipse Music Group. “We’re thrilled to steward this catalog and elevate these songs for years to come.”

Marshall Tucker Band To Kick Off The New Year With ‘While I’m Young Tour’

/by

The Marshall Tucker Band will kick off 2026 with their new 30-date, coast-to-coast “While I’m Young Tour.”

The tour launches Jan. 10 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia, and will visit New York, Phoenix, Palm Beach, Santa Fe, Flagstaff, Green Bay, Tulsa, Myrtle Beach and more through Aug. 15. The group will perform at major theaters, casinos, and performing arts centers across the country, along with a weeklong appearance aboard the 70’s Rock & Romance Cruise, and more dates will be announced via marshalltucker.com in the coming months.

“Over fifty years later, we continue to grow, improve and intensely bring the fans what they love,” says lead singer Doug Gray. “This past year was an overwhelming success, and the band looks forward to seeing the great fans who have stood behind the MTB since forever. We believe 2026 will be the best year yet. While I’m young!”

2026 Marshall Tucker Band “While I’m Young Tour” Dates:
Jan 10 – Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Jan 17 – Immokalee, FL – Seminole Center Outdoors
Jan 29 – Havre De Grace, MD – Star Centre
Jan 30 – Mashantucket, CT – Scorpion Bar Foxwoods
Jan 31 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Xcite Center
Feb 1 – Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
Feb 12 – Mayetta, KS – Prairie Band Casino & Resort
Feb 13 – Colorado Springs, CO – Phil Long Music Hall
Feb 14 – Santa Fe, NM – Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino
Feb 20 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre
Feb 21 – Canyon Lake, CA – The Lodge at Sunset Beach
Feb 22 – Turlock, CA – Turlock Community Theatre
Feb 24 – Del Mar, CA – The Sound
Feb 26 – Palm Springs, CA – Plaza Theatre
Feb 27 – Flagstaff, AZ – Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort
Feb 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
March 6 – Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival
March 7 – Palm Beach, FL – Glazer Hall
March 12 – Wausau, WI – Grand Theater
March 13 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center
March 14 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
March 21–28 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – 70’s Rock & Romance Cruise 2026
April 3 – Tulsa, OK – Osage Casino Hotel
May 1 – Grant, OK – Stage 271
May 2 – Forrest City, AR – UA-EACC Fine Arts Center
May 28 – Tulalip, WA – Tulalip Resort Casino
May 29 – Salem, OR – Elsinore Theatre
June 5 – Emmett, ID – Roadhouse at the Mill
July 12 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolina Opry
Aug 15 – Webster, MA – Indian Ranch

Randy Parton’s ‘The RCA Years’ Remastered & Released Via Sony/Legacy

/by

Owepar Entertainment and Sony/Legacy have released The RCA Years by Randy Parton, the late brother of Dolly Parton.

Released in conjunction with Parton’s birthday, Dec. 15, The RCA Years is the first authorized and fully remastered collection of the singer’s classic RCA singles from the 1970s and ’80s. Between 1975 and 1983, RCA released nine singles by Parton. The RCA Years features 39 tracks, including all of Parton’s released singles, several never-before-released recordings, alternative versions and previously unreleased alternative mono and stereo mixes, all remastered in hi-res from the original masters.

In 1974, Parton made some early recordings as a solo artist which eventually led to a contract with RCA Records, and in 1975, the label released his first single, “Tennessee Born.” Although his early singles failed to chart, they were much beloved by his fans, and Randy’s talent impressed Los Angeles-based producer and composer Mike Post. After producing Dolly’s 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs album in 1981, Post began working with Randy, and their collaboration led to his first chart hit, “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me.” Over the next year, Parton and Post scored three more hit singles: “Shot Full of Love, ”Don’t Cry Baby,” and “Oh, No.”

Parton, who passed away in 2021, was also featured on the 2024 Dolly Parton & Family release, Smoky Mountain DNA through a previously unreleased archival recording.

SOLID Raises Over $65,800 In Non-Profit Support

/by

SOLID Board.

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) wrapped up 2025 following a year of nonprofit-focused events and industry engagement. The group of young music industry professionals raised over $65,800 in total donations for fellow non-profit groups this year and executed over 40 educational and social events.

Throughout the year, SOLID hosted panels including “Life Happens: Are You Ready?” with Family Alliance in Music (FAM) and Team Behind the Artist with Jay Harren (artist manager), Nate Yetton (VP of A&R at Big Loud), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R at Big Loud) and Benji Amaefule (Manager, A&R at Warner Chappell), members of Kashus Culpepper‘s team.

The organization’s 39th Annual SOLID Turkey Bowl flag football competition, held Nov. 15 at Maplewood High School, raised over $18,000 for the 2025 SOLID Shares nonprofit partners and collected more than 2,200 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.

SOLID leadership presented the 2025 Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award to alumna Brittany Schaffer. During the annual holiday party, SOLID honored Chandel Shanklin (Warner Music Group) as the 2025 Member of the Year.

BMI Hosts Conversation With Clipse At Nashville’s Analog

/by

Clipse. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI

BMI hosted a conversation with Clipse at Nashville’s Analog on Wednesday (Dec. 17).

The hip-hop duo, composed of Pusha T and Malice, discussed their GRAMMY-nominated album, Let God Sort Em Out, with moderator and industry veteran Phil Thornton.

Hosted by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Thornton led the discussion diving into the duos’ co-writing process and five GRAMMY nominations including Album of the Year, Rap Album of the Year, Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” Best Rap Song for “The Birds Don’t Sing,” and Best Music Video for “So Be It.” The evening concluded with a screening of Clipse’s latest music video for “P.O.V.,” featuring Tyler, The Creator.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Jackson Kiger and Shannon Sanders, Clipse’s Pusha T, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Clipse’s Malice, BMI’s Rafael Martinez, Nina Carter and Claire Dodelin. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI

Phil Thornton & Clipse. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Clipse, BMI’s Rafael Martinez, Phil Thornton. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI

Ella Langley Leaps To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

/by

Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley tops the last MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart of 2025 with “Choosin’ Texas,” which leaped from No. 8 to the top spot.

The breakout star co-wrote the track with Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor.

Langley performed “Choosin’ Texas” at the 2025 CMA Awards in November, where she collected three awards for Single, Song and Music Video of the Year with “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.

“Choosin’ Texas” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

John Michael Montgomery Caps Off 30-Year Touring Career With Triumphant Rupp Arena Show

/by

John Michael Montgomery

John Michael Montgomery said goodbye to the road life and wrapped his 30-plus year touring career in front of a sold-out crowd in a special farewell show at Lexington, Kentucky’s Rupp Arena on Friday night (Dec. 12.)

The heartfelt evening was a full-blown family affair as well, with John Michael’s son-in-law Travis Denning opening the night of performances, followed by John Michael’s son Walker Montgomery, and Montgomery Gentry, featuring Eddie Montgomery, John Michael’s brother.

Loyal fans, family and friends gathered in Lexington for the superstar’s sendoff, and as Montgomery took the stage and began performing hit after hit, he was interrupted mid-show by Walker, who stepped onstage behind his father and said, “Hey Dad, you never left Kentucky… you never moved to Nashville… Kentucky has been your home for all of your life… so we are going to have a special surprise for you.”

The rest of the family then joined Walker onstage along with Rupp Arena’s General Manager Brian Sipe, who made an incredible presentation to the country icon by unveiling a permanent banner that will hang in the arena commemorating John Michael’s iconic career and The Road Home Tour, The Final Concert at Rupp.

“Well I certainly didn’t expect that tonight! As much as I have come here to watch the Cats play, and just absolutely loved seeing those banners, all of those decades and years of greatness hanging from the ceiling of this place, I don’t even have words… I cannot believe it, but I’ll tell you what… That’s the most special thing that’s happened to me in my career!” exclaimed Montgomery, who was genuinely surprised.

The consummate professional continued the show performing many more of his epic hits before ending the night with a rousing encore of “SOLD,” which he invited everyone back onstage to perform with him.

“Congratulations to John Michael Montgomery on a legendary career,” said Outback Presents CEO Mike Smardak. “Working with him and his team on such an unforgettable event was truly an honor.”

“What an unforgettable night celebrating Kentucky’s own John Michael Montgomery,” added Sipe of Rupp Arena. “We were honored that he chose our venue for his final concert, and it was a true privilege for our entire team to raise his name into the rafters at Rupp Arena, cementing his legacy forever,”