Pictured (L-R, top row): Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett; (L-R, bottom row): Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, Walker Hayes
2021 was a historic year for country music and the Nashville music industry.
We saw movements towards acceptance for the genre with the success of Mickey Guyton and Jimmie Allen, and the community’s support of Brothers Osborne frontman TJ Osborne‘s coming out as gay. Meanwhile, we had some social setbacks as national media outlets turned their gaze on country music’s race problem.
Taylor Swift had wild success with her re-recorded versions of both her 2008 album Fearless and 2012 record Red. Walker Hayes arguably had the song of the year with his ode to the simple life, “Fancy Like.” Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, and Dan + Shay were among some of the year’s most buzz-worth entertainers.
There were also a handful of executive shifts on Music Row this year. Scott Clayton made headlines as he moves from WME to Co-Head of Global Music and Partner of UTA, starting a trail for other agents to join him at UTA.
John Marks exited his role at Spotify to launch a consulting firm and partner with Jimmie Allen on JAB Entertainment. Meanwhile at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer was tapped to be Head of Country Music after Kelly Rich left the position.
Shannan Hatch returned to SESAC, and Kelli Turner left her position as President and COO, among other leadership shifts. Taylor Lindsey stepped into the role of Sr. VP of A&R at Sony Music Nashville following the exit of Jim Catino. Catino went on to announce a publishing venture, Droptine Music Publishing.
Major acquisitions also took place in 2021, with Wasserman Music absorbing Paradigm’s live music roster and Concord acquiring Downtown Music Publishing’s catalog.
The live music segment of our industry came roaring back from the pitfalls of the COVID-19 pandemic, with what seemed like an endless stream of tour announcements for 2022.
Major country awards shows shook things up, with the CMT Music Awards moving to CBS in 2022 and the Academy of Country Music’s next show being streamed on Amazon Prime Video, the first time a major awards show will be livestreamed exclusively.
MusicRow launched a sports industry trade publication this year, The Sports Credential, for the growing sports industry in Nashville.
Remember these top stories and more as MusicRow rewinds through 2021 below.
FGL. Photo: John Shearer
[January 4, 2021] Florida Georgia Line members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley announced on social media that they will be releasing their own music, as individuals, in the near future. The duo also assured fans that they are not splitting up; with their fifth studio album, Life Rolls On, due out in February and a tour to follow once it is safe to do so….
Charles, Hillary & Dave (Lady A) respond to their Opry Membership invitation by Opry Member Darius Rucker. Photo: Courtesy Schmidt Relations
[January 21, 2021] Lady A has been invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. The award-winning group was surprised during a performance taping for the upcoming two-hour NBC special, Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music. Opry member Darius Rucker extended the invitation to Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood on the Opry stage today (Jan. 21) and announced their membership is effective immediately…
T.J. Osborne (left) with bandmate and brother John Osborne.
[Feb. 3, 2021] Brothers Osborne’s T.J. Osborne sat down with TIME Magazine recently to publicly discuss his sexuality for the first time. In the thoughtful article written by Sam Lansky and titled, “T.J. Osborne Is Ready to Tell His Story,” Osborne shares that he is gay, and has been out among close friends and family for years…
Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
[February 3, 2021] In a video obtained by TMZ and posted late Tuesday (Feb. 2) night, Morgan Wallen is seen coming home from a night out when he uses a racial slur while speaking to his friend. The video was reportedly shot Sunday (Jan. 31) night outside Wallen’s Nashville home by neighbors and shows him yelling profanities, including the N-word…
[February 16, 2021] MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 19th annual CountryBreakout Awards on all MusicRow online platforms. Awards given honor artists that had great success at MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart during the prior year…
Pictured (clockwise): Ann Powers, Luke Combs, Maren Morris
[February 17, 2021] In an incredibly powerful conversation led by NPR Music’s Ann Powers, Luke Combs and Maren Morris acknowledged racism in the country music industry and spoke about their roles in helping to mend the genre’s complicated past and current issues…
Pictured (L-R, top row): Kent Earls, Partner, Verse 2 Music; Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO; (L-R, bottom row): Kane Brown, Jon Platt, Sony Music Publishing Chairman & CEO. Photo: Meagan Little Photography
[February 25, 2021] Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Kane Brown to a worldwide deal. Additionally the company has partnered with Brown and longtime publishing executive Kent Earls to launch Verse 2 Music, with Earls leading operations of the joint venture…
[March 14, 2021] Nashville artists were well represented at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night (March 14). Miranda Lambert took home Best Country Album for her seventh studio album, Wildcard…
Jennifer Turnbow
[March 16, 2021] The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announced staff hirings and promotions today (March 16), including the promotion of Jennifer Turnbow to Chief Operating Officer…
Taylor Lindsey. Photo: Jessica Amerson
[March 24, 2021] Sony Music Nashville has announced the appointment of Taylor Lindsey to oversee the company’s A&R Department as Senior Vice President, A&R. In her new post, Lindsey will work with the label’s roster, and she will continue to sign and develop talent…
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Joseph Llanes
[March 26, 2021] Country music mainstay Carrie Underwood goes back to her musical and spiritual roots on her album of gospel hymns, My Savior, that released today. The hymns honor the sacred music Underwood grew up singing in her rural Oklahoma church, and her incomparable voice and the diverse arrangements bring the collection to present day…
John Marks
[March 31, 2021] John Marks is leaving his position as Global Director of Country Music at Spotify, effective March 31, 2021. Marks joined Spotify in 2015, as one of only two Nashville Spotify employees covering the country market…
Leslie Roberts, Josh Tomlinson
[April 12, 2021] BMI announced the promotion of Leslie Roberts to Assistant Vice President, Creative, Nashville. Roberts, who has been at BMI for 11 years, provides guidance for BMI songwriters both creatively and administratively, and helps coordinate showcases, seminars, and other events in BMI’s stacked calendar…
Alan Jackson. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM
[April 19, 2021] The Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Nashville on April 18 with Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton serving as hosts while performances and award presentations commenced at three iconic country music venues—the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe…
[April 21, 2021] Wasserman Music has launched following the completion of the acquisition of Paradigm Talent Agency’s North American live music representation business. The announcement was made by Casey Wasserman, chairman and CEO of Wasserman…
[April 26, 2021] Downtown Music Publishing has sold its portfolio of 145,000 owned and co-published music copyrights to a Concord affiliate. The copyrights included in the transaction were developed or acquired by Downtown over the past 14 years and bring Concord’s owned and controlled music assets to over 600,000 works…
[April 28, 2021] Music Row Enterprises, LLC, the parent company of MusicRow magazine is launching a new Nashville sports industry trade publication, The Sports Credential. With sports being a dynamic and growing industry, The Sports Credential serves as a helpful resource, the kind of publication that focuses on the sports industry and its decision makers, in order to connect and inform those of who want to be ‘in the know’ and on the front row as Nashville inevitably becomes a national sports hub…
Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer
[June 15, 2021] 22-time Grammy Award winner Vince Gill has signed a publishing/writer management agreement with independent music publisher Jody Williams Songs. This agreement marks the first time the songwriter has engaged creatively with any publishing entity, as Gill has been self-published since the beginning of his career…
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
[June 17, 2021] Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his “Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.” After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews…
Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
[June 18, 2021] Taylor Swift has announced that the next phase of her re-release project will be Red (Taylor’s Version). The newest album will be available everywhere on Nov. 19…
Carly Pearce on stage at The Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
[June 23, 2021] Carly Pearce has been invited to be the latest Grand Ole Opry Member by the iconic Opry Member Dolly Parton. The invite happened off the Opry stage late last week, and the public announcement was held until Pearce’s Opry appearance on June 22 so she could experience the moment on the hallowed stage…
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMG’s Katie Kerkhover, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Red Light Management’s Tom Lord, BMI songwriter Zach Kale, Gabby Barrett, SESAC songwriter Jon Nite, Sony/ATV’s Rusty Gaston, BMI songwriter Emily Landis, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, BMI songwriter Jim McCormick. Photo: Steve Lowry
[June 25, 2021] Wednesday afternoon, award-winning country artist Gabby Barrett was finally able to celebrate her two No. 1 breakout hits, “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” After having a colossal year of success, the 21-year-old Barrett along with her co-writers Zach Kale (BMI), Jon Nite (SESAC), Emily Landis (BMI) and Jim McCormick (BMI) joined together on the patio at BMI for the first No. 1 party post-pandemic…
[June 28, 2021] ViacomCBS has announced that the CMT Music Awards will have its global premiere exclusively on the CBS network starting in 2022. The annual ViacomCBS owned event will broadcast live from Nashville on CBS on a date to be announced…
Scott Borchetta. Photo: by Nathan Morgan for BMLG
[August 6, 2021] Big Machine Label Group has solidified itself as one of the top independent record labels in Nashville and in the country, discovering and signing artists like Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line and Lady A. Founder and CEO Scott Borchetta has become one of the top music executives in the industry, but this past year he and Big Machine made the leap beyond music…
[August 19, 2021] MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 33rd annual MusicRow Awards in a series of videos on all MusicRow online platforms. Winners of the MusicRow Awards are voted on by MusicRow subscribers…
Pictured (clockwise from top left): Shannan Hatch, Scott Jungmichel, Kelli Turner, Sam Kling
[September 8, 2021] John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC, announced Sept. 8 the departure of Kelli Turner, President and COO of SESAC, as well as several recent promotions within SESAC Performing Rights. Turner is leaving SESAC to pursue a new opportunity outside of the music industry…
Bart Herbison
[October 26, 2021] Copyright Royalty Board (CRB IV), or the Phonorecords IV proceedings, is currently underway to determine the new statutory streaming royalty rate paid to songwriters between the years of 2023 and 2027…
[November 2, 2021] The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has leased office space at the Nashville Warehouse Company in Nashville, Tennessee, MusicRow has confirmed. This will be the first time the ACM has occupied a permanent presence in Music City. A spokesperson for the ACM says that more details will be revealed in the spring…
Pictured: Yellowstone main character John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. Photo: Courtesy ViacomCBS
[November 2, 2021] Yellowstone, the Emmy-nominated Paramount Network television series about the chronicles of the Dutton family, has taken the nation by storm. With Oscar-winner Kevin Costner playing the lead character John Dutton, the patriarch of the family, Yellowstone captures the grit and drama the Dutton family face while controlling the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States…
Pictured: (front row, L-R): Anna Gallenberger (Monument), Marissa Turk (SMACK), Robert Carlton (SMACK), Katelyn Lester (Monument), Casey Thomas (Monument); (back row, L-R): Shane McAnally (SMACK/Monument), Ansley Neeley (Monument), Luke Jensen (Monument), Walker Hayes, Katie McCartney (Monument), Jamie Graves (Monument), Joel Beaver (Monument), Lisa Mastrianni (Monument). Photo: Matt Bacnis
[November 9, 2021] Walker Hayes‘ blockbuster hit single “Fancy Like” has reached the top spot at country radio, officially earning the Monument Records recording artist his first radio No. 1, as well as the label’s first chart-topper…
Pictured: Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson accept the Song of the Year award for “Starting Over” at The 55th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
[November 11, 2021] The Country Music Association returned to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 10 for its 55th Annual CMA Awards, after it was held for a limited audience at the Music City Center last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Luke Bryan for the first time, the evening was filled with several great performances, social statements, and lots of Chris Stapleton…
Scott Clayton
[November 15, 2021] Agent Scott Clayton has joined the ranks at UTA as Co-Head of its Global Music Division and as a Partner. Alongside UTA Global Music Co-Heads Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck, the trio will lead UTA’s New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville hubs to further solidify the agency’s reach across all genres. Clayton will continue to be based in Nashville….
Lee Brice
[November 17, 2021] Curb Records’ Lee Brice has made history this year as his smash hit “One Of Them Girls” won the award for Country Song Of The Year at the BMI Awards, the SESAC Awards, and the ASCAP Awards. This is the first time that the same song has taken Country Song of the Year from all three PROs in the same year…
The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards will be held.
[November 18, 2021] After having held its last two awards ceremonies in Nashville, the Academy of Country Music will return to Las Vegas for The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium…
Josh Van Valkenburg
[November 22, 2021] Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced the promotion of Josh Van Valkenburg to Executive Vice President, Creative. In his new role, Van Valkenburg is responsible for leading the team’s A&R strategy, supporting SMP Nashville’s roster, developing new talent, and delivering new creative opportunities for the company’s songwriters…
Pictured (L-R, top row): Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton; (L-R, bottom row): Jimmie Allen, Brandi Carlile
[November 23, 2021] The nominees for The 64th Grammy Awards were revealed Tuesday (Nov. 23), with plenty of Nashville’s finest musicians well-represented. In the country categories, Mickey Guyton and Chris Stapleton dominate with three each…
[November 30, 2021] Rising Nashville music industry leaders have been selected for MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 N.B.T. Industry Directory. Now in its third year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies. This class of professionals are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future…
[November 30, 2021] MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists, who in 2022, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2022 boasts a stand-out group of artists on the rise. They are diverse in sound, style, and level of success, but what they have in common is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format…
Jeff Krones
[December 1, 2021] Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has announced that veteran agent Jeff Krones has been promoted to Co-Head of CAA Nashville Music. Krones works with some of CAA’s high-profile clients such as Dan + Shay, Twenty One Pilots, Brett Young, Needtobreathe, and NF, among many others…
Keith Urban
[December 1, 2021] Four-time Grammy award winner Keith Urban will make his return to the road as he sets course on “The Speed Of Now World Tour” North American leg with special guest, three-time Grammy nominee, Ingrid Andress…
[December 3, 2021] On Friday (Dec. 3) UTA announced that Matthew Morgan has joined the agency as Co-Head of its Nashville office, working alongside Co-Head Jeffrey Hasson, and simultaneously announced the addition of rock agent Buster Phillips to the agency’s Music City headquarters…
[December 6, 2021] Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the lineup for the CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show. The artists selected include Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jameson Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson…
Jimmie Allen. Photo: Shea Flynn
[December 15, 2021] 2021 was good to country star Jimmie Allen. This year the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter released his latest star-studded collaboration album, Bettie James Gold Edition, and currently has a top 10 single with Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was A Highway”…
[December 16, 2021] The Recording Industry Association of America has released their year-end Gold and Platinum awards list for 2021. Only 16 albums and 98 singles released this year achieved RIAA certifications. Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album, which released in January of 2021, was among the honors, taking top album of the year alongside Olivia Rodrigo‘s Sour…
Rewind: MusicRow’s Top Stories Of 2021
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett; (L-R, bottom row): Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, Walker Hayes
2021 was a historic year for country music and the Nashville music industry.
We saw movements towards acceptance for the genre with the success of Mickey Guyton and Jimmie Allen, and the community’s support of Brothers Osborne frontman TJ Osborne‘s coming out as gay. Meanwhile, we had some social setbacks as national media outlets turned their gaze on country music’s race problem.
Taylor Swift had wild success with her re-recorded versions of both her 2008 album Fearless and 2012 record Red. Walker Hayes arguably had the song of the year with his ode to the simple life, “Fancy Like.” Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, and Dan + Shay were among some of the year’s most buzz-worth entertainers.
There were also a handful of executive shifts on Music Row this year. Scott Clayton made headlines as he moves from WME to Co-Head of Global Music and Partner of UTA, starting a trail for other agents to join him at UTA.
John Marks exited his role at Spotify to launch a consulting firm and partner with Jimmie Allen on JAB Entertainment. Meanwhile at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer was tapped to be Head of Country Music after Kelly Rich left the position.
Shannan Hatch returned to SESAC, and Kelli Turner left her position as President and COO, among other leadership shifts. Taylor Lindsey stepped into the role of Sr. VP of A&R at Sony Music Nashville following the exit of Jim Catino. Catino went on to announce a publishing venture, Droptine Music Publishing.
Major acquisitions also took place in 2021, with Wasserman Music absorbing Paradigm’s live music roster and Concord acquiring Downtown Music Publishing’s catalog.
The live music segment of our industry came roaring back from the pitfalls of the COVID-19 pandemic, with what seemed like an endless stream of tour announcements for 2022.
Major country awards shows shook things up, with the CMT Music Awards moving to CBS in 2022 and the Academy of Country Music’s next show being streamed on Amazon Prime Video, the first time a major awards show will be livestreamed exclusively.
MusicRow launched a sports industry trade publication this year, The Sports Credential, for the growing sports industry in Nashville.
Remember these top stories and more as MusicRow rewinds through 2021 below.
Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard & Brian Kelley To Release Solo Music
FGL. Photo: John Shearer
[January 4, 2021] Florida Georgia Line members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley announced on social media that they will be releasing their own music, as individuals, in the near future. The duo also assured fans that they are not splitting up; with their fifth studio album, Life Rolls On, due out in February and a tour to follow once it is safe to do so….
Lady A Invited To Become Members Of Grand Ole Opry
Charles, Hillary & Dave (Lady A) respond to their Opry Membership invitation by Opry Member Darius Rucker. Photo: Courtesy Schmidt Relations
[January 21, 2021] Lady A has been invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. The award-winning group was surprised during a performance taping for the upcoming two-hour NBC special, Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music. Opry member Darius Rucker extended the invitation to Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood on the Opry stage today (Jan. 21) and announced their membership is effective immediately…
Brothers Osborne Frontman T.J. Osborne: ‘I’m Very Comfortable Being Gay’
T.J. Osborne (left) with bandmate and brother John Osborne.
[Feb. 3, 2021] Brothers Osborne’s T.J. Osborne sat down with TIME Magazine recently to publicly discuss his sexuality for the first time. In the thoughtful article written by Sam Lansky and titled, “T.J. Osborne Is Ready to Tell His Story,” Osborne shares that he is gay, and has been out among close friends and family for years…
Video Surfaces Of Morgan Wallen Using N-Word, Issues Apology
Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
[February 3, 2021] In a video obtained by TMZ and posted late Tuesday (Feb. 2) night, Morgan Wallen is seen coming home from a night out when he uses a racial slur while speaking to his friend. The video was reportedly shot Sunday (Jan. 31) night outside Wallen’s Nashville home by neighbors and shows him yelling profanities, including the N-word…
MusicRow’s 19th Annual CountryBreakout Awards Winners
[February 16, 2021] MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 19th annual CountryBreakout Awards on all MusicRow online platforms. Awards given honor artists that had great success at MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart during the prior year…
Luke Combs, Maren Morris Have Timely Conversation About Racism In Country Music
Pictured (clockwise): Ann Powers, Luke Combs, Maren Morris
[February 17, 2021] In an incredibly powerful conversation led by NPR Music’s Ann Powers, Luke Combs and Maren Morris acknowledged racism in the country music industry and spoke about their roles in helping to mend the genre’s complicated past and current issues…
Sony Music Publishing Signs Kane Brown; Launches Joint Venture With Brown & Kent Earls
Pictured (L-R, top row): Kent Earls, Partner, Verse 2 Music; Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO; (L-R, bottom row): Kane Brown, Jon Platt, Sony Music Publishing Chairman & CEO. Photo: Meagan Little Photography
[February 25, 2021] Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Kane Brown to a worldwide deal. Additionally the company has partnered with Brown and longtime publishing executive Kent Earls to launch Verse 2 Music, with Earls leading operations of the joint venture…
Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, John Prine Among Grammy Winners
[March 14, 2021] Nashville artists were well represented at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night (March 14). Miranda Lambert took home Best Country Album for her seventh studio album, Wildcard…
NSAI Promotes Jennifer Turnbow To Chief Operating Officer
Jennifer Turnbow
[March 16, 2021] The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announced staff hirings and promotions today (March 16), including the promotion of Jennifer Turnbow to Chief Operating Officer…
Taylor Lindsey Appointed Head Of A&R At Sony Music Nashville
Taylor Lindsey. Photo: Jessica Amerson
[March 24, 2021] Sony Music Nashville has announced the appointment of Taylor Lindsey to oversee the company’s A&R Department as Senior Vice President, A&R. In her new post, Lindsey will work with the label’s roster, and she will continue to sign and develop talent…
Carrie Underwood Deepens Her Musical Legacy With My Savior [Interview]
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Joseph Llanes
[March 26, 2021] Country music mainstay Carrie Underwood goes back to her musical and spiritual roots on her album of gospel hymns, My Savior, that released today. The hymns honor the sacred music Underwood grew up singing in her rural Oklahoma church, and her incomparable voice and the diverse arrangements bring the collection to present day…
John Marks Exits Spotify
John Marks
[March 31, 2021] John Marks is leaving his position as Global Director of Country Music at Spotify, effective March 31, 2021. Marks joined Spotify in 2015, as one of only two Nashville Spotify employees covering the country market…
BMI Elevates Leslie Roberts, Josh Tomlinson
Leslie Roberts, Josh Tomlinson
[April 12, 2021] BMI announced the promotion of Leslie Roberts to Assistant Vice President, Creative, Nashville. Roberts, who has been at BMI for 11 years, provides guidance for BMI songwriters both creatively and administratively, and helps coordinate showcases, seminars, and other events in BMI’s stacked calendar…
Luke Bryan Wins Top Honor; Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson Shine At ACM Awards
Alan Jackson. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM
[April 19, 2021] The Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Nashville on April 18 with Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton serving as hosts while performances and award presentations commenced at three iconic country music venues—the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe…
Wasserman Music Acquires Paradigm’s Live Music Roster
[April 21, 2021] Wasserman Music has launched following the completion of the acquisition of Paradigm Talent Agency’s North American live music representation business. The announcement was made by Casey Wasserman, chairman and CEO of Wasserman…
Concord Acquires Downtown Music Publishing’s Owned Copyright Catalog
[April 26, 2021] Downtown Music Publishing has sold its portfolio of 145,000 owned and co-published music copyrights to a Concord affiliate. The copyrights included in the transaction were developed or acquired by Downtown over the past 14 years and bring Concord’s owned and controlled music assets to over 600,000 works…
MusicRow Parent Company Launches New Sports Publication
[April 28, 2021] Music Row Enterprises, LLC, the parent company of MusicRow magazine is launching a new Nashville sports industry trade publication, The Sports Credential. With sports being a dynamic and growing industry, The Sports Credential serves as a helpful resource, the kind of publication that focuses on the sports industry and its decision makers, in order to connect and inform those of who want to be ‘in the know’ and on the front row as Nashville inevitably becomes a national sports hub…
Vince Gill Signs Publishing/Writer Management Agreement With Jody Williams Songs
Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer
[June 15, 2021] 22-time Grammy Award winner Vince Gill has signed a publishing/writer management agreement with independent music publisher Jody Williams Songs. This agreement marks the first time the songwriter has engaged creatively with any publishing entity, as Gill has been self-published since the beginning of his career…
Kenny Chesney Announces ‘Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour’
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
[June 17, 2021] Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his “Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.” After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews…
Taylor Swift Announces Second Re-Recorded Album Will Be Red (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
[June 18, 2021] Taylor Swift has announced that the next phase of her re-release project will be Red (Taylor’s Version). The newest album will be available everywhere on Nov. 19…
Carly Pearce Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry
Carly Pearce on stage at The Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
[June 23, 2021] Carly Pearce has been invited to be the latest Grand Ole Opry Member by the iconic Opry Member Dolly Parton. The invite happened off the Opry stage late last week, and the public announcement was held until Pearce’s Opry appearance on June 22 so she could experience the moment on the hallowed stage…
Music Row Is Back: Gabby Barrett Celebrates Two Breakout Hits At No. 1 Party
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMG’s Katie Kerkhover, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Red Light Management’s Tom Lord, BMI songwriter Zach Kale, Gabby Barrett, SESAC songwriter Jon Nite, Sony/ATV’s Rusty Gaston, BMI songwriter Emily Landis, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, BMI songwriter Jim McCormick. Photo: Steve Lowry
[June 25, 2021] Wednesday afternoon, award-winning country artist Gabby Barrett was finally able to celebrate her two No. 1 breakout hits, “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” After having a colossal year of success, the 21-year-old Barrett along with her co-writers Zach Kale (BMI), Jon Nite (SESAC), Emily Landis (BMI) and Jim McCormick (BMI) joined together on the patio at BMI for the first No. 1 party post-pandemic…
CMT Music Awards Moving To CBS In 2022
[June 28, 2021] ViacomCBS has announced that the CMT Music Awards will have its global premiere exclusively on the CBS network starting in 2022. The annual ViacomCBS owned event will broadcast live from Nashville on CBS on a date to be announced…
Scott Borchetta & Big Machine Take The Racing World By Storm [Interview]
Scott Borchetta. Photo: by Nathan Morgan for BMLG
[August 6, 2021] Big Machine Label Group has solidified itself as one of the top independent record labels in Nashville and in the country, discovering and signing artists like Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line and Lady A. Founder and CEO Scott Borchetta has become one of the top music executives in the industry, but this past year he and Big Machine made the leap beyond music…
33rd Annual MusicRow Awards Winners
[August 19, 2021] MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 33rd annual MusicRow Awards in a series of videos on all MusicRow online platforms. Winners of the MusicRow Awards are voted on by MusicRow subscribers…
Kelli Turner Exits SESAC, Scott Jungmichel Appointed President/COO, Sam Kling Promoted, Shannan Hatch Returns
Pictured (clockwise from top left): Shannan Hatch, Scott Jungmichel, Kelli Turner, Sam Kling
[September 8, 2021] John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC, announced Sept. 8 the departure of Kelli Turner, President and COO of SESAC, as well as several recent promotions within SESAC Performing Rights. Turner is leaving SESAC to pursue a new opportunity outside of the music industry…
CRB IV Proceedings: NSAI’s Bart Herbison On What You Need To Know [Interview]
Bart Herbison
[October 26, 2021] Copyright Royalty Board (CRB IV), or the Phonorecords IV proceedings, is currently underway to determine the new statutory streaming royalty rate paid to songwriters between the years of 2023 and 2027…
The Academy Of Country Music Leases Office Space In Nashville
[November 2, 2021] The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has leased office space at the Nashville Warehouse Company in Nashville, Tennessee, MusicRow has confirmed. This will be the first time the ACM has occupied a permanent presence in Music City. A spokesperson for the ACM says that more details will be revealed in the spring…
Yellowstone Music Supervisor Talks The Show’s Vibrant Country Music Landscape [Interview]
Pictured: Yellowstone main character John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. Photo: Courtesy ViacomCBS
[November 2, 2021] Yellowstone, the Emmy-nominated Paramount Network television series about the chronicles of the Dutton family, has taken the nation by storm. With Oscar-winner Kevin Costner playing the lead character John Dutton, the patriarch of the family, Yellowstone captures the grit and drama the Dutton family face while controlling the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States…
Walker Hayes, Monument Records Snag First No. 1 At Country Radio
Pictured: (front row, L-R): Anna Gallenberger (Monument), Marissa Turk (SMACK), Robert Carlton (SMACK), Katelyn Lester (Monument), Casey Thomas (Monument); (back row, L-R): Shane McAnally (SMACK/Monument), Ansley Neeley (Monument), Luke Jensen (Monument), Walker Hayes, Katie McCartney (Monument), Jamie Graves (Monument), Joel Beaver (Monument), Lisa Mastrianni (Monument). Photo: Matt Bacnis
[November 9, 2021] Walker Hayes‘ blockbuster hit single “Fancy Like” has reached the top spot at country radio, officially earning the Monument Records recording artist his first radio No. 1, as well as the label’s first chart-topper…
CMA Awards Recap: Big Night For Stapleton, Combs, & Pearce, Among Others
Pictured: Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson accept the Song of the Year award for “Starting Over” at The 55th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
[November 11, 2021] The Country Music Association returned to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 10 for its 55th Annual CMA Awards, after it was held for a limited audience at the Music City Center last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Luke Bryan for the first time, the evening was filled with several great performances, social statements, and lots of Chris Stapleton…
Scott Clayton Joins UTA As Co-Head Of Global Music, Partner
Scott Clayton
[November 15, 2021] Agent Scott Clayton has joined the ranks at UTA as Co-Head of its Global Music Division and as a Partner. Alongside UTA Global Music Co-Heads Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck, the trio will lead UTA’s New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville hubs to further solidify the agency’s reach across all genres. Clayton will continue to be based in Nashville….
‘One Of Them Girls’ Makes History, Sweeps PRO Country Song Of The Year Honors
Lee Brice
[November 17, 2021] Curb Records’ Lee Brice has made history this year as his smash hit “One Of Them Girls” won the award for Country Song Of The Year at the BMI Awards, the SESAC Awards, and the ASCAP Awards. This is the first time that the same song has taken Country Song of the Year from all three PROs in the same year…
Date & Location Announced For 57th ACM Awards
The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards will be held.
[November 18, 2021] After having held its last two awards ceremonies in Nashville, the Academy of Country Music will return to Las Vegas for The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium…
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Ups Josh Van Valkenburg To EVP, Creative
Josh Van Valkenburg
[November 22, 2021] Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced the promotion of Josh Van Valkenburg to Executive Vice President, Creative. In his new role, Van Valkenburg is responsible for leading the team’s A&R strategy, supporting SMP Nashville’s roster, developing new talent, and delivering new creative opportunities for the company’s songwriters…
Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen Among Grammy Nominees
Pictured (L-R, top row): Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton; (L-R, bottom row): Jimmie Allen, Brandi Carlile
[November 23, 2021] The nominees for The 64th Grammy Awards were revealed Tuesday (Nov. 23), with plenty of Nashville’s finest musicians well-represented. In the country categories, Mickey Guyton and Chris Stapleton dominate with three each…
MusicRow Highlights Music Industry Leaders On The Rise With 2022 N.B.T. Industry Directory
[November 30, 2021] Rising Nashville music industry leaders have been selected for MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 N.B.T. Industry Directory. Now in its third year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies. This class of professionals are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future…
MusicRow Unveils Next Big Thing Artists Class Of 2022
[November 30, 2021] MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists, who in 2022, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2022 boasts a stand-out group of artists on the rise. They are diverse in sound, style, and level of success, but what they have in common is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format…
Jeff Krones Promoted To Co-Head Of CAA’s Nashville Music Office
Jeff Krones
[December 1, 2021] Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has announced that veteran agent Jeff Krones has been promoted to Co-Head of CAA Nashville Music. Krones works with some of CAA’s high-profile clients such as Dan + Shay, Twenty One Pilots, Brett Young, Needtobreathe, and NF, among many others…
Keith Urban To Embark On ‘The Speed Of Now World Tour’ In Summer 2022
Keith Urban
[December 1, 2021] Four-time Grammy award winner Keith Urban will make his return to the road as he sets course on “The Speed Of Now World Tour” North American leg with special guest, three-time Grammy nominee, Ingrid Andress…
Matthew Morgan Joins UTA As Co-Head Of Nashville Office
[December 3, 2021] On Friday (Dec. 3) UTA announced that Matthew Morgan has joined the agency as Co-Head of its Nashville office, working alongside Co-Head Jeffrey Hasson, and simultaneously announced the addition of rock agent Buster Phillips to the agency’s Music City headquarters…
Lineup Revealed For CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show
[December 6, 2021] Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the lineup for the CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show. The artists selected include Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jameson Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson…
Jimmie Allen Talks His Banner Year, Building His Business, & Fostering Talent Early [Interview]
Jimmie Allen. Photo: Shea Flynn
[December 15, 2021] 2021 was good to country star Jimmie Allen. This year the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter released his latest star-studded collaboration album, Bettie James Gold Edition, and currently has a top 10 single with Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was A Highway”…
Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay Among RIAA Year-End Award Recipients
[December 16, 2021] The Recording Industry Association of America has released their year-end Gold and Platinum awards list for 2021. Only 16 albums and 98 singles released this year achieved RIAA certifications. Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album, which released in January of 2021, was among the honors, taking top album of the year alongside Olivia Rodrigo‘s Sour…
MusicRow Marks 40 Years Of Connecting The Nashville Music Industry
/by MusicRow StaffWhat were you doing in April of 1981?
David M. Ross, founder of this publication, was walking up and down 16th and 17th Avenues handing out the very first issue of this magazine—a one sheet, double sided directory of the key companies in the Nashville music industry. From music stores to recording studios, the listings were peppered with a handful of advertisements and that one-sheet of paper grew into the respected trade publication known today as MusicRow.
The first issue of MusicRow, printed in 1981.
Meanwhile during that same time in 1981, a young honors student in Mobile, Alabama named Sherod Robertson was getting ready to graduate from high school with nothing but dreams and aspirations ahead. His successful and varied career path eventually led him to cross paths with Ross and take the reins of the magazine in 2010. Robertson considers his role at the publication more of stewardship than ownership.
For 40 years, MusicRow has been Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication. Readers include all facets of the music industry including label executives, managers, publishers, songwriters, artists, booking agents, producers, radio, and more. Whether it’s current or breaking news, timely interviews or being early adopters of new talent, industry experts respect the articles written by our experienced staff of professional industry observers, reporters and critics.
Connecting everyone in the Nashville music industry, Music Row Enterprises has become home to other industry-related products and events, including the song pitch-sheet RowFax, MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, the MusicRow Weekly newsletter, Rising Women on the Row honors, the annual MusicRow Awards and much more.
1981: MusicRow is established in April 1981. “In March 1981, I asked my small circle of industry friends if starting some kind of music publication was a good idea. They all said, ‘It will never work in Nashville. People have already tried it.’ But perhaps it was a higher power that made me believe. And so in April 1981 this publication was born as a little one page directory. I looked around for a name. MusicRow seemed ideal and no one had claimed it.” – David M. Ross, Founder.
1981: First artist featured on the cover was Cristy Lane in Aug. 1981. Eleanor Johnston, known professionally as Cristy Lane, achieves success with her first Gold record in New Zealand for “One Day At A Time,” written by Kris Kristofferson and Marijohn Wilkin.
MusicRow’s InCharge debuts in 1987
1983: Founder David M. Ross publishes an article called, The Computer Is Coming. MusicRow quickly establishes its reputation for being at the forefront of industry news and technology. In the same year, MetroGnome’s Mark Augelli tells MusicRow, “I see a scenario of these little hand held computers… a time when somebody will walk into a producer to pitch songs and either will have their entire database inside that small unit or communicate with a central database and then using digital, instantly deliver a recording of whatever song is desired.” 15 years later, the first handheld portable MP3 player is released in 1998.
1987: MusicRow’s InCharge debuts as a stand-alone product in Jan. 1987. InCharge, often referred to as the “bible” of the Nashville music industry, is a much sought-after publication highlighting the top decision makers in the industry. It becomes part of the annual MusicRow subscribed membership in 1990 and continues to be a badge of honor for those included in each year’s new edition.
1991: Created by Grammy award-winning art director Bill Johnson, the current MusicRow logo debuts on Jan. 23, 1991. As the art director at CBS Records in the 1980s and 1990s, Johnson left his visual imprint on an entire generation of country record makers and was noted for the vibrancy and saturated colors of his album-jacket designs, posters and advertisements. He also designed the iconic logo for Rolling Stone.
1992: RowFax, the industry song pitch list, launches. RowFax provides up to date information about which artists are working on recording projects and currently searching for new material. It is used by publishers, songwriters, producers, artists, A&R executives and others interested in the process of finding and recording songs.
MusicRow.com launches in 1996
1996: The first MusicRow website (www.musicrow.com) launches. Popular search engines at the time on the web are WebCrawler, Yahoo, and YeeHaw–a Nashville oriented search site. Always an early adopter, MusicRow’s first website goes live only 3 years after the very first website in history, info.cern.ch, is launched by the European Organization for Nuclear Research and made public on the world wide web. At the beginning of 2021, MusicRow’s latest upgrade to its website offers an easy-to-read and streamlined experience that includes larger photos, larger fonts, an enhanced search engine, and improved mobile experience among other upgrades. The site contains over 30,000 articles.
2000: Robert K. Oermann’s single reviews have captured the industry’s attention for all of MusicRow’s 40 year history. For example in 2000, the historian and renowned music critic said of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”: “There are scarcely words in my vocabulary to describe how I feel about this. I have played it daily, as if it were a balm to ease the pain of the world. Lee Ann’s voice is a thing of crystal beauty. The contrapuntal ‘Greek chorus’ of haunting harmony come courtesy of Sons of the Desert. The song and its message are Nashville at its most poetic and profound.” Oermann is woven throughout the many pages of MusicRow’s history since the very beginning, including his much lauded ‘Bobby Karl Works The Room’ features.
Keith Urban appears on the cover of MusicRow‘s October 2002 edition
2002: At the beginning of 2002, MusicRow makes the decision to enter the world of radio and charts. The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart launches on April 12, 2002 and ranks songs based on radio airplay from MusicRow’s panel of reporting stations.
2002: Keith Urban is featured on the cover of the October 2002 MusicRow print issue. His current single, “Somebody Like You” from his album Golden Road will go on to become his second No. 1 radio single. A look through the print covers of MusicRow is like flipping through the history of country music. From the superstars to the up-and-comers, the MusicRow print issues offer a visual representation of the many artists whose backs our industry rests upon.
2004: The first CountryBreakout Airplay Award ceremony is held. These awards will become part of MusicRow’s annual ‘Meet & Greet’ reception and party held right before the annual Country Radio Seminar begins. Attendees of the convention anticipate this annual gathering as they reconnect with their peers in the radio industry and congratulate the MusicRow award winners.
Taylor Swift visits MusicRow offices in 2006
2006: Taylor Swift stops by for an artist visit. She goes on to become one of the most successful musical artists in the world, reaching sales of over 200 million records worldwide with numerous accolades including 11 Grammy Awards. MusicRow is often a designated media stop for artists for a visit with the team and to share new music. Artist visits at the MusicRow office have included Swift, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Ashley McBryde, John Schneider, Ingrid Andress, Kiefer Sutherland, Gabby Barrett, Jo Dee Messina, Old Dominion, Martina McBride, and countless others.
2008: As an early adopter, MusicRow shares its first Tweet on a new social media platform called Twitter on Sept. 3, 2008. The following year on July 9, 2009, MusicRow made its first post on Facebook and eventually adds Instagram to its social media platforms. Google+ was also used for a short period of time, but despite being released by the Google behemoth, its engagement as a social media platform never materialized.
Sherod Robertson purchases MusicRow in 2010
2010: On Nov. 19, 2010, Sherod Robertson purchases MusicRow magazine. Robertson, who spent years in the music business at Arista Records and Reunion Records during the ’90s, adds “MusicRow owner” to his repertoire. SouthComm, the then parent company of Music Row Communications, discovered a perfect opportunity to capitalize on MusicRow’s growth by selling the industry trade to Robertson, who at the time was SouthComm’s CFO.
2012: MusicRow holds its first annual Rising Women on the Row honors and breakfast at Maggiano’s Little Italy on Friday, March 16, 2012. The event sells out before the honorees are announced. It is created to recognize women who are becoming visionary leaders in Nashville’s music industry through their dedication, innovation, and contributions. Kay West is the featured speaker and honorees include Mary Hilliard Harrington, Shannan Hatch, Denise Stevens, Heather McBee, and Carla Wallace.
2014: MusicRow publishes its inaugural Next Big Thing issue featuring artists who range from established hitmakers prepping their next moves, to newcomers ready to claim their turns in the spotlight. In 2019, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is added and becomes the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies, and who are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.
Cole Swindell receives the first-ever MusicRow Challenge Coin for his No. 1, “Chillin’ It”
2014: MusicRow presents its first Challenge Coin to Cole Swindell for “Chillin’ It.” Each uniquely numbered coin is given to artists and songwriters who earn a No. 1 song on MusicRow‘s Country Breakout Radio Chart. Challenge coins are believed to date back to WWI, when they were initially given to American soldiers. It has been reported that after receiving a challenge coin, organization members carried it with them at all times. When ‘challenged’ to prove membership, they would produce it to verify their membership status. MusicRow has awarded over 1,300 coins to date.
2018: The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart launches in Oct. 2018, and Chase McGill is the No. 1 songwriter on the very first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The weekly chart uses data from song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive asset to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Alecia Davis, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Sherod Robertson toast at the 31st annual MusicRow Awards. Photo: Steve Lowry
2019: The MusicRow Awards expands to War Memorial Auditorium for its 31st year. The annual event is an invitation-only gala where the Nashville music industry enjoys top camaraderie, gourmet food, and expanded award presentation. The first MusicRow Awards was launched in 1982 to honor a producer of the year. In 1989 it expanded to include Top 10 Album All-Stars—an award MusicRow still presents to studio musicians today. Over the years, additional categories are added for a total of 19 annual awards presented at the event today.
MusicRow‘s most recent print issue, the 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue
2020: The MusicRow Weekly launches in November of 2020 delivering a free online newsletter published on the company’s website and emailed each Friday to recipients. The newsletter features the current week’s top Nashville music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and top songwriter charts, and much more.
2021: MusicRow marks 40 years of connecting the Nashville music industry, which has proven even more essential from the industry being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. From starting out as a one-page directory in 1981 to a multi-format media presence in 2021, the publication continues to deliver essential news and resources to those who work in the music industry and will continue to evolve and grow in the future.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Nashvillains, Megan Barker, Rich & Rowe
/by Robert K OermannThe Nashvillains. Photo: Annie Noelker
Our emphasis today is on original holiday songs from Nashville. No standards. No sing-alongs. No familiar tunes. But the listening will still bring the season to your door.
Head and shoulders above all else here is “Christmas In a Bottle” by The Nashvillains. It’s a stunning reminder that seasonal tunes can be just as powerful as songs from any other time of the year. The band wishes to raise awareness about mental-health issues that accompany the holidays. Needless to add, it is the Disc of the Day.
The runners up belong to Jamie O’Neal, Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand, Keith & Kristyn Getty with Ricky Skaggs and Timmy Brown. Check ‘em all out.
The DISCovery Award goes to Megan Barker.
DANIELLE CORMIER / “Merrier With You”
Writers: Danielle Cormier/Karlie Bartholomew; Producer: Karlie Bartholomew; Label: DC
–The vibe here is Christmas noodling with everyone involved seeming to wander around in the studio. Her breathy, folk/Americana soprano keeps the performance from wafting up and disappearing into the clouds.
RICH & ROWE / “Santa’s Got a Dirty Job”
Writers: John Rich/Mike Rowe; Producer: none listed; Label: Oswald Entertainment
–Country music’s John Rich teams up with TV’s Mike Rowe (host of the series Dirty Jobs) on this lively rocker. They aren’t billed, but The Oak Ridge Boys steal the show from both of them.
TIMMY BROWN / “Rudolph Drank All the Rumple”
Writers: Minze Timmy Brown/Joshua Gleave/Alex MacGillivray; Producer: Joshua Gleave; Label: TB
–This light-hearted ditty, complete with whistling, tells the tale of Christmas occurring one day late because the lead reindeer got trashed. Brown is a country-music New Englander with a warm, jaunty, earnest, enormously likable delivery.
JAMIE O’NEAL / “Christmas You”
Writers: Jamie O’Neal/Corey Lee Barker; Producer: Jamie O’Neal & Rodney Good; Label: BFD/The Orchard
–Noted for her country classic “There Is No Arizona,” O’Neal takes a side journey on a jazzy road for her original Yule tune. Tinkling keyboard, brushed snare and tight harmony vocals accompany her confident, swinging lead. Very cool.
RYAN SHUPE & THE RUBBER BAND / “In Bethlehem”
Writers: Ryan Shupe; Producer: Ryan Shupe; Label: RS
–This band has been going strong for 25 years and nine albums. Shupe is a fiddler, guitarist and mandolin player, but the emphasis here is on the fantastic. flawless, acappella quartet vocals the group lays down on this live track. It’s the title tune of a Christmas EP. A highly original audio delight. Essential listening.
JAMIE KYLE / “Night of Nights”
Writers: Jamie Kyle; Producer: Jamie Kyle; Label: Radio Rocket
–Nashville rocker Kyle has written songs for Heart, Rita Coolidge, Air Supply, Faith Hill (”Wild One”), Lee Greenwood, Ian Matthews and others, all the while maintaining her solo career. Her original Christmas tune is a sweet little ditty with a kiddie chorus. The song originally appeared on the soundtrack of an Amazon Prime movie called The Least of These: A Christmas Story.
KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY AND RICKY SKAGGS / “Brightest and Best”
Writers: Reginald Heber; Producer: Ben Shive, Keith & Kristyn Getty; Label: Getty Music
–Keith & Kristyn Getty are prolific Irish hymn writers noted for “In Christ Alone” and other favorites. Their take on the Christmas story is loaded with flowery, highly poetic language (“Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid,” etc.). Both of them sing well, but the track truly comes alive when Skaggs adds his distinctive harmony voice. The minor-key melody is haunting and highly recommended. The duo’s “Sing! An Irish Christmas Tour” happens at 7:30 this evening (Dec. 23) at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center downtown.
MARA LEVINE / “Straw Against the Chill”
Writers: Bob Franke; Producer: Mara Levine, Joe Jencks & Bob Harris; Label: Bell Buckle
–Very pure, pristine and folkie. Taken at a gentle, deliberate pace with low-key acoustic accompaniment, which allows Levine’s clear, bell-like lead to shimmer. The trio harmonies are lovely.
MEGAN BARKER / “Missin’ Mistletoe”
Writers: Bill Diluigi/Megan Barker; Producer: none listed; Label: MB
–Her sweet, light country soprano is accompanied by a small jazz combo of piano/brushed snare/electric guitar on this gently wistful outing. The mood is utterly dreamy.
INTERSTATE COWBOY / “Christmas Cafe”
Writers: Tim Champlin; Producer: none listed; Label: Raanch Ruckus
–Country bandleader Tim Champlin is a Colorado firefighter. His original holiday composition has been described as a “Hallmark Movie Love Song” because it tells the story of a long-haul driver who fell for a truck-stop waitress on Christmas Day. His singing voice is a somewhat shaky baritone, but he is on firm ground when he talks the lyrics in the verses.
THE NASHVILLAINS / “Christmas In a Bottle”
Writers: Brett Boyett/Troy Johnson/Scott Lindsey; Producer: Brett Boyett; Label: Fate Entertainment
–Collectively, this band’s members have written for The Chicks, Keith Urban, James Taylor, Lauren Alaina and Cassadee Pope, among others. Their downbeat seasonal ballad is for all the lonely souls at Christmastime. The earthy, slightly raspy baritone lead vocalist is joined by aching harmony vocals from his bandmates while mandolin, guitar, cello and piano notes drop sadly around them. An awesome performance of a deeply moving song. A vivid reminder that not everyone feels merry and bright at this time of the year.
SARAH MAE CHILTON / “Merry Happy Everything”
Writers: Jan Buckingham/Thom Gimbel; Producer: John Willis; Label: SMC
–Chilton makes her living singing at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway, where she also hosts weekly open-mic nights. Her toe-tapping holiday offering is a simple bouncy ditty with a childlike innocence. Cute and cuddly.
Lee Greenwood & Paula Deen To Host ‘Helping A Hero Telethon’
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Greenwood and Paula Deen are set to host the Helping A Hero Telethon, which will air on Monday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. CT on RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and One America Network.
The Texas-based nonprofit, Helping A Hero, has already awarded over 150 homes to veterans across 24 states. Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, recently issued the 100 Homes Challenge to help fund the next 100 homes.
The upcoming telethon will aim to raise awareness and money to fund the remaining 75% of the 100 Homes Challenge, with Morris funding the initial 25% of the total cost of the homes.
The one-hour program will include performances by Crystal Gayle, Debby Boone, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen, John Conlee, The Gatlin Brothers, Home Free, Darryl Worley, and a finale with Sam Moore and T. Graham Brown with special guests Janie Fricke, Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Tim Rushlow, and Darryl Worley.
“I am thankful for the friendships that I have nurtured over the years with so many fellow artists that when I simply asked for their help in performing for this telethon event, so many quickly agreed,” says Greenwood. “This program is going to be something fans of country music will enjoy and I am hopeful that we raise lots of money to help fund these homes for our veterans.”
Helping A Hero is one of the largest home-building organizations in the nation for wounded veterans. Home recipients include veterans from 23 states whose permanent injuries have left them paraplegics, quadriplegics, amputees, with a severe TBI, blind, and with severe burns.
Veteran Nashville Journalist Marissa R. Moss To Release New Book On Women In Country Music
/by Lorie HollabaughMarissa R. Moss. Photo: Catherine Powell
A new book about the resiliency of the women in country music, Her Country: How the Women of Country Music Became the Success They Were Never Supposed to Be, written by veteran Nashville journalist Marissa R. Moss is on tap for release next spring.
Her Country is Moss’ story of how country music’s female artists have fought back over the past two decades against industry systems designed to keep them down.
The book chronicles their paths to stardom and their battles against a deeply embedded boys’ club, as well as their efforts to transform the genre into a more inclusive place for all.
Industry Ink: Justin Moore, For King & Country, Craig Morgan, Jessica Rosenworcel
/by Lydia FarthingJustin Moore Joins Arkansas’ 103.7 The Buzz As Morning Sports Show Co-Host
Justin Moore. Photo: Cody Villalobos
Multi-Platinum country artist Justin Moore has added radio personality to his growing list of titles. Moore will join Arkansas’ 103.7 The Buzz as co-host of the station’s morning drive-time program, “Morning Mayhem,” which will air weekdays from 6-10 a.m. CT.
Debuting on Dec. 30, he joins longtime Buzz personalities David Bazzel, Roger Scott and R.J. Hawk. “Morning Mayhem” will launch with Moore as co-host at a remote broadcast from Tampa, Florida, before the Arkansas Razorbacks’ 2022 Outback Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on New Year’s Day.
“Long before my success in country music, I was a die-hard fan of all Arkansas Razorback sports,” Moore shares. “Growing up in Arkansas, you learn to love the Razorbacks early. No matter what part of the state you’re from, you’re born calling the Hogs. Now I have an outlet for talking about my team.” He continues, “I’m thrilled to be part of a show that is dedicated to just talking about life in Arkansas–whether that be spirited debates about Razorback sports or other topics of interest to listeners.”
“Justin has a dynamic personality, which is essential when you’re helping wake up listeners at 6 a.m.,” adds Bazzel. “His knowledge of the Razorbacks is encyclopedic, and his love for the state of Arkansas is as genuine as it is infectious. And, while Justin is a country superstar, he is also a husband and father who loves his family and state. I can’t wait for our listeners to get to know him on a more personal level.”
For King & Country Notch Their Seventh Chart-Topper
Grammy award-winning duo For King & Country have extended their record for consecutive No. 1 singles as “Relate” notches their seventh trip to the top of Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart.
The lead single from the Platinum-selling acts upcoming March release, What Are We Waiting For?, also sat atop Mediabase’s Christian AC Airplay chart and marks the duo’s 10th career No. 1.
For King & Country have also re-entered the mainstream charts with their rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” coming in at No. 13 on Mediabase’s Holiday chart, and No. 21 on their AC chart. The track also re-enters Billboard’s AC chart at No. 18, becoming the duo’s fourth Top 20 mainstream AC hit.
Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation Provides Christmas Gifts For Over 120 Foster Children
Craig Morgan, Dickson County Firefighters, and volunteers provide Christmas gifts for children in foster care in Dickson County.
The Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation (DCCMF) is spreading holiday cheer throughout Dickson County, Tennessee.
The foundation recently purchased presents for more than 120 children in foster care in Dickson County, including bicycles and power wheels assembled by local firefighters. Students from Creek Wood and Dickson County High Schools wrapped the gifts prior to them being delivered to the families.
“I’m thrilled that everyone came together to make Christmas brighter for children in foster care in Dickson County-from the firefighters to high school students, so many people gave of their time to contribute to this special cause,” shares Dickson County resident, country music entertainer, and Army veteran Craig Morgan.
“It starts with a single wish list from each child, then the community, DCS and the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation work side by side to ensure the foster children have their wishes fulfilled,” adds Department of Children’s Services’ Jackie (Hopkins) Poteet. “For some of these children, these gifts under a tree on Christmas morning is a first–first real Nike shoes, first bicycle, first Barbie house or first necklace. Those items mean so much to these children who have never had it before. Craig Morgan has found a way to spread some happiness to over 120 foster care children and how amazing is that!”
U.S. Senate Confirms Jessica Rosenworcel To Lead Federal Communications Commission
Jessica Rosenworcel. Photo: Courtesy of the FCC
On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel as chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With this vote, which came in at 68-to-31, she has become the first woman to lead in the commission’s 87-year history.
Rosenworcel’s new five-year term will see her leading the FCC since last January when President Biden elevated her to Acting Chair. She originally joined the Commission in 2001, working as an attorney and advisor to former Commissioner Michael Copps. Rosenworcel has spent time on Capitol Hill and was nominated to fill a Democratic seat in 2011 by President Obama. After a stint away from the FCC after her term ran out, she was renominated by President Trump in 2017.
Throughout her over two decades-long career, Rosenworcel has focused on issues such as broadband access and “the homework gap”–the inability of poor children to access the web away from school. She has also backed most proposals to remove outdated rules for broadcasters.
Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Abby Anderson To Perform At All-American Holiday Concert
/by Steven BoeroPicture (L-R): Craig Morgan, Natalie Stovall, Michael Ray, Abby Anderson, and Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Music Consultants
Country recording artists Michael Ray, Craig Morgan, and Abby Anderson will perform holiday favorites alongside the 82nd Airborne Division Band & Chorus for an All-American Holiday Concert in tribute to active service members, veterans, and their families.
“We are beyond thrilled that some of Nashville’s best artists, to include 82nd Airborne veteran Craig Morgan, came to town to ring in the holidays,” shares Fort Bragg Commanding General Christopher Donahue. “This was a very special evening and a perfect way for us to say thank you for everything our Paratroopers and families have done for the Division and the nation over the past year.”
Prior to the show, Ray, Morgan and Anderson visited with the 82nd paratroopers and commanding officers at Fort Bragg to participate in various training activities and offer their personal thanks to the paratroopers for their service in Afghanistan.
“I’m very proud to have performed with the 82nd Airborne Division Band for our servicemen and women at Fort Bragg,” adds Ray. “The opportunity to show appreciation for those who serve our country is always an honor, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”
The show, hosted by Natalie Stovall and produced by Orpheus Live in collaboration with Nashville Music Consultants, will air Dec. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. CT on Circle TV; Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. CT on RFD TV; and Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. overseas on AFN Prime.
Chris Stapleton & Yola Finish Atop Americana Music Association’s Year-End Radio Charts
/by Steven BoeroChris Stapleton & Yola
Chris Stapleton and Yola both finished on top of the Americana Music Association’s year-end Top 100 Americana Radio Airplay Charts for 2021.
Stapleton’s award-winning album, Starting Over, secured the No. 1 spot on the Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart with the most spins for the year.
Meanwhile, Yola’s single, “Diamond Studded Shoes,” landed at the top of the Americana Radio Airplay Singles Chart. Yola’s album, Stand For Myself, also finished No. 4 on the American Radio Airplay Albums Chart.
The data reflects records reported to the Americana Radio Airplay Albums and Singles Charts during the period of Jan. 11, 2021 through Dec. 14, 2021.
Top 10 Americana Radio Airplay Albums of 2021:
Starting Over, Chris Stapleton
Different Kinds of Light, Jade Bird
The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, Valerie June
Stand for Myself, Yola
Obviously, Lake Street Dive
Quietly Blowing It, Hiss Golden Messenger
A Few Stars Apart, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Rea
Be Here Instead, Parker Millsap
Exit Wounds, The Wallflowers
The Next Waltz Volume 3, Various Artists
View the complete Top 100 albums list here.
Top 10 Americana Radio Airplay Singles of 2021:
“Diamond Studded Shoes,” Yola
“The Real Thing,” Parker Millsap
“Sanctuary,” Hiss Golden Messenger
“Roots and Wings,” The Wallflowers
“Can’t Let Go,” Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
“Call Me a Fool (feat. Carla Thomas),” Valerie June
“Headstart,” Jade Bird
“Dried Up River,” The Lone Bellow
“Perennial Bloom (Back To You),” Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
“Redemption,” Nathaniel Rateliff
View the complete Top 100 singles list here.
WMBA Announces 2022 Officers, Committee Chairs, Class Of 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) has announced the members of its Class of 2022.
The organization also recently elected new officers Melissa Flaxman (President), Virginia Brick (Vice President), Dixie Hydrick (Secretary), and Lizzy Stone (Treasurer).
Committee Chairwomen for 2022 include Aura Guadagno and Aimee Graham (Events & Education Co-Chairs), and Erin Fligel, and Amy Gellick (Marketing & Membership Co-Chairs).
The nonprofit organization serves to foster opportunities for women within the music industry through education, networking, industry involvement, and community service. WMBA 2022 events will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 18 with Global Songwriters Connection President Sheree Spoltore.
WMBA is led by Chairwomen Brandi Simms (MooTV, Moo Creative & The Steel Mill), Lindsey Clark (DeatonFlanigen Productions), Amery Fridenstine (Above Board Consulting), Cameo Carlson (Mtheory Nashville), Mary Catherine Kinney (Spotify), and Legal Counsel Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, & Norton LLP).
WMBA Class of 2022:
Kate Malone (Producer & Songwriter)
Teea Goans (Singer/Songwriter)
Rachel Buchanan (The AMG)
Abby Schneider (Sayles Egan)
Leah Hudson Binkerd (Banner Music)
Ashley Negrillo (Maverick)
Alyssa Hoffman (PLA Media)
Haley Montgomery (ACM)
Hana Kahn (Musician, Marketing & Branding Consultant)
Madeline Nugent (Singer/Songwriter)
Taylor Day (Red Street Records)
Lauren Davis (Concord)
Stephanie Eatherly (Sony Music Nashville)
Salina Viktoria Solomon (Artist, songwriter, social media consultant)
Sarah Bertrand (Universal Music Group Nashville)
Lauren Conklin Johnson (TurnTable Music)
Stephanie Orr Buttrey (CountryWired Inc.)
Kris Daniels (Audacy)
Nicole Sherwood (Big Machine Label Group)
Elizabeth Gardner (ACM)
Haley Webster (The Orchard)
Rhonda Forlaw Adkins (Rhonda & Company)
Josie Bisto (Global Songwriters Connection)
Mackenzie Adkins (Rhonda & Company)
Emilee Grissom (Transparent Productions)
Haylie Americh (Wiles + Taylor & Co.)
Kidd G To Release Deluxe Version Of ‘Down Home Boy’ On Christmas Eve
/by Lorie HollabaughKidd G. Photo: Phototea
Rebel Music/Geffen Records artist Kidd G is giving fans a special Christmas present this year as he drops an expanded version of his debut album, Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October (Deluxe) on Dec. 24.
He re-energizes the original with four new tracks just in time for the holidays, including the forthcoming “I Don’t Wanna,” which highlights his knack for blending and blurring genres. He co-wrote each song on the now 18-track collection, collaborating with writers Rhett Akins, Chris DeStefano, Jesse Frasure, and more.
In addition to his debut single, “Summer In A Small Town,” and the recently-released “Paper Hearts (F-150),” and “Whiskey & Wine,” the album also features “If Heaven Had A Phone,” which became a fan favorite on his first headlining first tour which wrapped this fall.
Named one of the Best Albums of 2021 by the New York Times, Down Home Boy generated over 15 million streams on Spotify. Kidd G recently surpassed 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners.
1. “I Don’t Wanna” | Morgan O’Connor, William Keating, Michael Robinson, Jake Saghi, Blake Redferrin, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
2. “Last October” | Mike Woods, Kevin White, Marc Scibilia, Jake Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
3. “Use A Drink” | Juan Guerrieri-Maril, Nicole Spooner, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
4. “Only 16” | Nicholas Thompson, Jake Mark Sordelet, Joseph Boyden, Jacob Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
5. “Down Home Boy” | Chris Destefano, Rhett Atkins, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
6. “Paper Hearts (F-150)” | Jesse Frasure, Ernest Smith, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
7. “What It’s Like” | Kyle Fishman, Ben Hayslip, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
8. “If Heaven Had A Phone” | Bonnie Dymond, Jake Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
9. “2000 & IDK” | Johann Elliot, Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
10. “Break Up Song” | Simon Jonasson, Nicole Spooner, Juan Guerrieri-Maril, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
11. “Whiskey & Wine” | Bonnie Dymond, Christopher Luc Nyhus, Dantavius Walker, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
12. “I Think I Love Her” | John Charles Reno Prentice, Jake Rose, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
13. “Summer In A Small Town” | John Thomas “J.T.” Harding, Rhett Atkins, Jacob Rice, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
14. “Ordinary Girl” | Morgan O’Connor, William Keating, Blake Hubbard, Jarrod Ingram, Jacob Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
15. “UNKNWN Number” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
16. “You Could Use Me” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
17. “Folks Back Home” | Bonnie Dymond, Lawrence Stoll, Ryan Jeffrey Anderson, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
18. “Last Call” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne