Frank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music
Spirit Music has elevated Frank Rogers to CEO.
“I am honored and excited to lead Spirit Music into its next chapter” says Rogers. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of our talented writers and staff to build the best independent music publisher in the world. I appreciate Lyric Capital’s support and belief in what we are building together.”
As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.
In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music. In his expanded role as Chief Executive Officer for Spirit Music, he will continue to define the strategic direction to maximize growth, overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music’s global roster and creative and operational activities, while continuing to serve as President of Fluid Music Revolution.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Frank for over 10 years. What began as a Joint Venture has evolved into one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career. There are few creative talents like Frank, who is not only an exceptional creative force but also a top-tier business leader. I am genuinely excited to witness Frank lead Spirit Music into this next and most exciting chapter” says Jon Singer, Chairman Spirit Music and Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group.
“Frank is a force,” adds Ross Cameron, Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group. “We are truly lucky to have his exceptional vision and leadership guiding Spirit Music. Frank’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of how to build lasting value for artists, songwriters, and stakeholders alike, and we are excited for the continued impact he will make across our global operations.”
As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.
As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.
Jimmy Robbins Inks Worldwide Administration Deal With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, front row): BJ Hill (WCM), Jimmy Robbins and Bethany Mako (WCM). (L-R, back row): Matt Cottingham (Hunter Cottingham PLLC), Sarah Robbins (Mailbox Money Music), Austen Adams (WCM), Sophie Moll Ziegler (Mailbox Money Music), Julie Hess (WCM), Katy Wolaver (WCM) and Austin Wells (Hunter Cottingham PLLC). Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Jimmy Robbins has signed a worldwide administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Across his career, Robbins has earned 14 top 10 hits, including 10 No. 1 singles as a songwriter, four No. 1 singles as a producer, and a Billboard No. 1 album as a producer.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Warner Chappell. They are an amazing team that I am lucky to be a part of,” shares Robbins.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this next chapter with Jimmy,” says Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill. “He is a mainstay in country music and beyond. We are honored to continue championing his songs around the world and can’t wait to hear what he writes next.”
Among Robbins’ most celebrated works is Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” which earned ACM Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year and AIMP Song of the Year honors, as well as being nominated for Song of the Year at The Grammys. The track topped multiple radio formats and spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. In May 2025, Billboard recognized the song on its Top Hot Country Songs of the 21st Century list.
Robbins also co-produced Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney’s “half of my hometown,” which earned CMA Musical Event of the Year honors and a CMA Single of the Year nomination.
Managed by Mailbox Money Music, he has also contributed to projects from artists including Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Cooke, Maddie & Tae, Colbie Caillat, Eli Young Band, Jason Aldean, Brett Young and LANY, among many others.
Halie Ridge Signs With Eclipse Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Halie Ridge and Anna Thiel (Creative Manager, Eclipse Records).
Singer-songwriter Halie Ridge has signed an exclusive label and artist development deal with Eclipse Records.
The 25 year old grew up in Thayer, Missouri, in a family that loved music. Inspired by country, pop and soul, she found her voice and style at a young age. She is best known for writing “Girls Like Me,” which was recorded by Martina McBride after Ridge won Season 2 of Songland.
“We are thrilled to welcome Halie Ridge to the Eclipse Music Group family and are excited for the world to hear what she’s been creating,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “When Anna [Thiel] first brought her to us, it was a no-brainer—she and Halie have already formed an incredible creative partnership. Halie’s work ethic is unmatched, and paired with her talent and vision, she’s unstoppable.”
“After eight years of being independent, it means everything to finally find a family in Nashville,” adds Ridge. “I’m proud of the road that got me here, but I know the real work is just beginning. I truly trust Penny, Anna, and Courtney with my music, my vision, and the brand we’re building together. It hasn’t always been easy to find people who understand what I’m trying to do, but I know they see me and believe in me.”
Ridge’s debut single “All That” will be released this Friday (May 29).
Todd Stepp Returns To Provident Entertainment As Senior Vice President
/by Lorie HollabaughTodd Stepp
Todd Stepp has returned to Provident Entertainment as Senior Vice President, where he will oversee all marketing, digital marketing, creative and label services activities for the company.
Stepp previously served as Vice President of Marketing for Provident Entertainment before joining TPR., where he most recently held the role of Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. At TPR., Stepp joined the leadership team that launched the company in September 2024. He unified marketing and ticketing teams from three companies, led leadership development and team growth, helped build TPR.’s global brand through industry campaigns, and oversaw tour marketing for artists including Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans.
“We are excited to welcome Todd Stepp back to the Provident family,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “Todd is a proven leader who has earned the respect of this industry over the course of 19 years of exceptional work and genuine relationships. His understanding of the Christian music landscape, creatively, commercially, and culturally, runs deep. Todd was an integral part of building what Provident is today, and we are incredibly excited to have him back to help lead what comes next.”
“I’m honored to return to Provident Entertainment and step into this new role during such an exciting season,” says Stepp. “Provident has been foundational to my career and my family, and the opportunity to serve alongside a team and roster I believe in so deeply is incredibly meaningful. This company has a remarkable legacy of championing artists and songs that make a real impact around the world, and I’m thrilled to help lead and shape what’s ahead alongside this exceptional team.”
The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers Deliver Southern Rock Revival At Bridgestone Arena [Recap]
/by Madison HahnenThe Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Southern rock thundered through downtown Nashville last Thursday night (May 21) as The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers brought their headlining “Southern Hospitality Tour” to Bridgestone Arena. Both bands delivered career-spanning sets filled with gritty riffs, blues-soaked jams and crowd-favorite singalongs.
Whiskey Myers opened the night with “Midnight Woman,” showing off band’s signature blend of outlaw country and Southern rock. Frontman Cody Cannon led the Texas six-piece through a muscular early run of “John Wayne,” “Time Bomb” and “Tailspin,” before shifting gears with the emotional “Bury My Bones.”
The band leaned into its roots throughout the set, including a spirited rendition of Brent Cobb’s “Bar, Guitar, and a Honky Tonk Crowd.” Fan favorites “Broken Window Serenade” and “Stone” drew some of the loudest audience reactions of the night, while “Ramblin’ Jones,” “Frogman,” “Gasoline,” “Bitch,” “Feets” and set closer “The Wolf” showcased the group’s versatility between country storytelling and arena-ready rock energy.
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Following a brief intermission, The Black Crowes took the stage and wasted little time igniting the crowd with “Jealous Again” and “Sting Me.” Chris Robinson’s unmistakable vocals and Rich Robinson’s blues-heavy guitar work powered the band through a setlist that balanced classic hits with newer material, including “It’s Like That,” “Movin’ On Down the Line” and “Wanting and Waiting.”
The group’s Nashville stop also highlighted the band’s deep reverence for rock and soul history. Their version of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” turned Bridgestone Arena into a full-scale singalong, while a performance of The Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” added a jam-driven moment to the evening.
Mid-set performances of “Girl From a Pawnshop,” “God’s Got It,” “Wiser Time,” “Soul Singing,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Thorn in My Pride” reminded the audience why The Black Crowes remain one of rock’s most enduring live acts more than three decades into their career. The band closed the main set with “No Speak No Slave,” “Twice as Hard” and “Remedy” before returning for an encore performance of Matthew Moore’s “Space Captain.”
The “Southern Hospitality Tour” continues tonight (May 26) in Brandon, Mississippi, with stops including Charlotte, Indianapolis, Denver and more through August.
The Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
The Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Chrissy Nix Launches The Interlude
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Top Row): Chrissy Nix. (L-R, bottom row): JB Somers, Amy Peters, and Remy Garrison.
Chrissy Nix has launched The Interlude, a creative artist development company. The company’s roster includes Remy Garrison, JB Somers and Amy Peters.
Nix first built her career through behind-the-scenes work with artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Britt Nicole, Caitlyn Smith, Priscilla Block and Emily West. She also previously worked alongside artists including American Blonde, Mary Sarah, Tatum Scott, Kailey Nicole, Macy Martin and Peyton Gilliland.
“The Interlude exists because artists deserve teams that care about who they are just as much as what they create,” says Nix. “So much of this industry pushes artists to move faster, be louder, and fit into boxes. I wanted to build something that creates space for artists to actually develop — creatively, emotionally, and sustainably.”
Jessi Alexander Jumps Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJessi Alexander
Jessi Alexander has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Megan Moroney’s “Beautiful Things” and “Medicine,” as well as Kenny Chesney’s “Carry On” put the songwriter at No. 12 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “You & Me Time.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Austin Goodloe (No. 4) and Randy Montana (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Tucker Wetmore Notches Third Career No. 1 Hit
/by Madison HahnenTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore has earned his third career No. 1 single with “Brunette.” The tune is currently sitting on top of both the Mediabase Country and Billboard Country Airplay charts this week.
“Brunette” was co-penned by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller and Blake Pendergrass, and produced by LaCorte. The song is Wetmore’s fastest rising radio single to date, and has amassed over 300 million global streams. “Brunette” follows his previous No. 1 hits “Wine Up Missin’ You” and “3, 2, 1.”
Wetmore was recently named ACM New Male Artist of the Year. He is currently on the road supporting HARDY before he kicks off his “The Brunette World Tour” on June 21, with dates in Indianapolis, San Diego, Knoxville and more through October. He will also make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Summerfest, Hoofbeat and more throughout the summer.
Lauren Alaina To Share Stages Of Her Journey On New Headlining ‘The Stages Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina. Photo: Katie Kauss
Lauren Alaina is set to hit the road this fall on her new headlining “The Stages Tour.” Rising artists Shane Profitt, Ashley Kutcher and Hannah Harper will join as support on the new tour.
Named after her new album Stages due out Aug. 28, the run will spotlight each era of Alaina’s career, blending new music with the fan-favorite anthems that have defined her rise from small-town dreamer to country powerhouse. Kicking off on Oct 1 in Milwaukee, the tour will include stops in Norfolk, Lexington, Little Rock and more, with a Nashville date on Nov 12 at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for all dates except Nov. 7 go on sale this Friday (May 29).
“This tour feels like my most personal yet,” says Alaina. “Stages is all about the different chapters I’ve lived through: the highs, the heartbreaks, the growth, and finding joy in who I am today. Every stage of my life has shaped this music, and now I finally get to bring all of these songs to stages around the country and share them with the fans who’ve been with me through it all. I hope people leave these shows feeling seen, healed, and maybe even a little more hopeful.”
Produced by hitmakers Joey Moi and Ben Johnson, Stages builds on the momentum of Alaina’s chart-climbing collaboration “All My Exes (feat. Chase Matthew)” and the current crowd-favorite “Raining Whiskey.”
“The Stages Tour” Dates:
Oct 1 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater *
Oct 2 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place *
Oct 3 – Clear Lake, IA – Surf Ballroom *
Oct 8 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa ^
Oct 9 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s ^
Oct 10 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE ^
Oct 15 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre >
Oct 16 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall >
Oct 17 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note >
Oct 22 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall >
Oct 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland >
Nov 5 – McKees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre *
Nov 6 – Troy, OH – Arbogast Performing Arts Center *
Nov 7 – Jackson, MI – Potter Center *
Nov 12 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium >
* with Shane Profitt
^ with Ashley Kutcher
> with Hannah Harper
BREAKING: Spirit Music Elevates Frank Rogers To CEO
/by Lauryn SinkFrank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music
Spirit Music has elevated Frank Rogers to CEO.
“I am honored and excited to lead Spirit Music into its next chapter” says Rogers. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of our talented writers and staff to build the best independent music publisher in the world. I appreciate Lyric Capital’s support and belief in what we are building together.”
As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.
In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music. In his expanded role as Chief Executive Officer for Spirit Music, he will continue to define the strategic direction to maximize growth, overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music’s global roster and creative and operational activities, while continuing to serve as President of Fluid Music Revolution.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Frank for over 10 years. What began as a Joint Venture has evolved into one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career. There are few creative talents like Frank, who is not only an exceptional creative force but also a top-tier business leader. I am genuinely excited to witness Frank lead Spirit Music into this next and most exciting chapter” says Jon Singer, Chairman Spirit Music and Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group.
“Frank is a force,” adds Ross Cameron, Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group. “We are truly lucky to have his exceptional vision and leadership guiding Spirit Music. Frank’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of how to build lasting value for artists, songwriters, and stakeholders alike, and we are excited for the continued impact he will make across our global operations.”
As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.
As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.
Spotify Unveils Reserved Ticket Program
/by Madison HahnenSpotify has introduced a new program that will reserve select concert tickets for top artist streamers.
The new program for eligible Spotify Premium subscribers ages 18+ will start in the U.S., with more markets to follow. The program will identify an artist’s top fans and hold two tour tickets for them, available to purchase before tickets are on sale to the general public.
Top fans will be chosen through streams, shares, and other Spotify activity. Spotify will also monitor the activity of Premium users to ensure they are not bots. Availability will vary by artist, tour and location. Those eligible for tickets will receive an email and an in-app notification with information on how to purchase.