Cody Johnson To Celebrate Holidays This Year With First Christmas Project

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Cody Johnson is releasing his first holiday album, A Cody Johnson Christmas, on Nov. 19 via CoJo Music / Warner Music Nashville. In celebration of the new project, Johnson is gifting fans with the release of a new holiday original, “Hat Made Of Mistletoe,” across all digital music platforms today (Nov. 5).

The ten-song project includes many of Johnson’s holiday favorites, along with two new songs penned by producer Trent Willmon. Johnson and Willmon also crafted newly-imagined arrangements for the standards “Away In A Manger” and “Silent Night.”

“It feels great to finally share all the details about my first Christmas album,” said Cody. “Every song on this record holds a special memory for my family. I hope my fans can make their own memories listening this holiday season.”

A Cody Johnson Christmas Track List:
1. Christmas All Year Long – Trent Willmon
2. Pretty Paper – Willie Nelson
3. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram
4. If We Make It Through December – Merle Haggard
5. Away In A Manger – *arrangement by Cody Johnson, Trent Willmon
6. Hat Made Of Mistletoe – Trent Willmon
7. White Christmas – Irving Berlin
8. Silent Night (feat. Clara, Brandi, and Cori Johnson) – *arrangement by Cody Johnson, Trent Willmon
9. Feliz Navidad (feat. Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager) – José Feliciano
10. Santa Claus Is Back In Town – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Sony Music Nashville Signs Nate Smith

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Randy Goodman, Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO; Nate Smith; Chief Zaruk, The Core Entertainment; (L-R, back row): Steve Hodges, SMN EVP, Promotion and Artist Development; Caryl Atwood, SMN SVP, Sales and Streaming; Ken Robold, SMN EVP and COO; Margaret Tomlin, SMN VP, A&R; Jennifer Way, SMN SVP, Marketing; Gaby Zelhof, SMN A&R Representative; Nicole Hunt, SMN Director, Marketing; Simon Tikhman, The Core Entertainment. Photo: Alan Poizner

Sony Music Nashville has signed country singer-songwriter Nate Smith.

The powerful vocalist first earned acclaim soon after releasing the poignant “One of These Days,” which he wrote after a wildfire devastated his hometown of Paradise, California. The reaction to the track inspired Smith to move to Nashville.

After he arrived in Music City, Smith released his biggest song to date, “Wildfire,” and signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV. He has since released new music including “Sleeve” and “Under My Skin,” which has amassed over 40 million on-demand streams to date. Smith is managed by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman with The Core Entertainment.

To celebrate his newfound record deal, Smith released a new emotive track co-written with Trannie Anderson and Jonathan Smith, “Raised Up.”

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“The day we wrote it, I had to leave the room because I was tearing up,” Smith says. “The song talks about ‘Any time I lose my way, I turn the way I was raised up,’ and for me, whenever I’m lost or feeling alone, I’ve got God. That has really helped me, but it can be whatever somebody needs. It could be thinking about something your grandma said one time you now hold on to, or the phrase you have tattooed on your arm. It’s however you find your way back home.”

Artist Manager, Musician & Songwriter Doug Nichols Passes

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Artist manager, musician and songwriter Doug Nichols passed away unexpectedly at his home in Austin, Texas on Sunday, Oct. 31. He was 65.

Nichols was known for working with many talented artists in his career including Johnny Paycheck, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Nicolette Larson. As co-founder of Turner Nichols & Associates, he and Trey Turner co-managed Rascal Flatts from 2000 to 2011. In 2013, Nichols launched Rough Hollow Entertainment, a management company with offices in Nashville and Austin.

Nichols served on numerous boards, foundations and charitable affiliations during his career, including the Academy of Country Music, Dave Thomas Adoption Foundation, Nashville Rescue Mission, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nashville Boys and Girls Club, and many others.

Born Jon Douglas Nichols, Jr. on Sept. 5, 1956 in Marshall, Texas, Nichols is remembered by his sense of humor and for being a prolific storyteller. He loved cheering on the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys.

Nichols is survived by his wife of 22 years, Ann Nichols (Wornick) and his son, Malachi David Nichols. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jon Douglas Nichols, Sr. and Valreye Verlon (Oliver) Nichols, as well as his younger brother, David Paul Nichols.

Private family memorial services will be held. Memorial considerations may be made to Nashville Rescue Mission, 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or online.

Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner Raises Over $250,000 For U.S. Military Vets

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Pictured (L-R:) Hazel Daniels, U.S Navy Vet Mathias Gutman. Photo: Robyn McIsaac

The 3rd annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner was held last week at Nashville’s City Winery, raising more than $250,000 for our nation’s military veterans.

The benefit for The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project featured a performance by Chris Young, special guest speakers, and presentations of the 2021 Charlie Daniels Patriot Award to recipients such as country artist Darryl Worley, decorated military veteran Mark “Oz” Geist (Benghazi survivor and co-author of 13 Hours/U.S. Marine Corps, retired), the Daniels Center at Middle Tennessee State University, and firearms manufacturers Marty and Cindy Daniel of Daniel Defense.

Pictured: 2021 Patriot Award recipient Darryl Worley performs. Photo: Robyn McIsaac

Prior to his passing last year, Daniels and his longtime manager and TCDJHP co-founder David Corlew handpicked this year’s Patriot Award recipients. The criteria is based on the mission of the organization: to support veterans in their return, rehabilitation, and reintegration back into civilian life. Previous recipients include Young, Mike Huckabee, Judy Seale, William Horton, Donnie Mingus and The Shepherd’s Center.

Special guest speakers and presenters during the evening included Corlew, TCDJHP board member Major General Terry “Max” Haston (retired), former New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik, David Rutherford (former U.S. Navy SEAL), Eddie Gallagher (former U.S. Navy SEAL) and decorated military veteran Chris Spence, one of the real horse soldiers portrayed in the 2018 film 12 Strong starring Chris Hemsworth.

“This year we were faced with both a physical challenge as well as an emotional one … moving venues as well as trying to do one without Charlie,” explains Corlew. “I quote Charlie in saying, ‘By the grace of almighty God and the United States military,’ we did it. It was an epic evening with friends, family, an awesome group of veterans, warriors and music giants. It couldn’t have been any better, and I know Charlie would be proud. We’d also like to send a special ‘thank you’ salute to 96-year-old Navy vet Mathias Gutman who was in attendance. He served on six islands in the South Pacific during World War II. A true American hero.”

“I was humbled to receive the Patriot Award in the presence of so many veterans that have given selfless service to our nation,” adds Worley, who also performed his patriotic 9-11 No. 1 hit “Have You Forgotten” during the evening. “I was so honored to be at the top of Charlie’s list. It all just makes me want to ‘do it better!’”

Thomas Rhett Shares New Single, Reveals New Album Coming Early 2022

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Thomas Rhett is giving fans a taste of his upcoming sixth studio album Where We Started with a new single, “Slow Down Summer,” out now via The Valory Music Co.

The new track features a piano melody and a 14-piece string section and was written on retreat in Montana with Rhett’s frequent collaborators Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Sean Douglas and his father Rhett Akins. Produced by Frasure and Dann Huff, the song captures a romance which burns hot, but is destined to change with the seasons. Where We Started is set for release in early 2022.

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“I wrote this song from the point of view of two people who are in love during senior year of high school,” Rhett explains. “I envisioned them headed off to different schools and they’re starting to understand that the moment the weather starts to change, they’ve got a 99-percent chance this relationship is not going to work. I know that myself and a lot of people have been there before, wishing the fireworks stage doesn’t have to end.”

“Slow Down Summer” comes on the heels of Rhett’s 18th career No. 1. Rhett recently wrapped his headlining “The Center Point Road Tour,” and is nominated once again for Male Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming 55th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 10.

Eric Church Hits No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

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Eric Church. Photo: Reid Long

“Heart On Fire” by Eric Church is the most spun single this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Solely written by Church, the single gained +95 spins pushing it to the No. 1 spot.

Church is currently on the road on his Gather Again Tour with dates slated through May of 2022. In the arenas Church has adopted an in-the-round set up, with the stage at the center of each arena floor in order to accommodate as many fans as possible.

Church, in addition to Chris Stapleton, lead in nominations for this year’s 55th Annual CMA Awards with five nominations. Church is nominated for Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album (Heart), Single (“Hell Of A View”), and Song of the Year (“Hell Of A View”) at Wednesday night’s awards (Nov. 10).

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

UMG Nashville Promotes Annie Ortmeier To Sr. VP Streaming Marketing

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Annie Ortmeier

Universal Music Group Nashville has promoted Annie Ortmeier to Sr. Vice President, Streaming Marketing. She will now oversee the company’s streaming department.

Ortmeier joined UMG Nashville in 2013 as Director of Digital Marketing where she managed digital partner relationships including all domestic audio and video streaming services. Since then she has earned promotions to Sr. Director, Streaming & Digital Marketing followed by Vice President, Marketing – Digital Accounts.

During her tenure, Ortmeier has played a vital role in making UMG Nashville the country music market leader in streaming. In her new role, Ortmeier will oversee all DSP relationships as well as be responsible for overseeing both audio and video streaming marketing strategy for all UMG Nashville artists globally. UMG Nashville’s expansive roster includes Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Boy Named Banjo, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Chrissy Metz, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, Shania Twain, Travis Denning, and Vince Gill.

“Over the years Annie’s industry knowledge, leadership and dedication has played a large part in UMG Nashville’s overall success,” says UMG Nashville’s EVP / COO, Mike Harris. “Having Annie oversee all streaming and video strategy going forward is the perfect fit to position both UMG Nashville and artists for continued success in the future. Congratulations to Annie on this well-deserved promotion.”

Ortmeier was honored by MusicRow in its 2018 class of Rising Women on the Row.

ACM Announces Board Of Directors For 2021-2022 Term

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The Academy of Country Music has announced its newly-elected Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term.

As previously announced, officer roles for the 2021-2022 term are Chair Lori Badgett, Vice Chair Chuck Aly, Vice President Ebie McFarland, Treasurer Carmen Romano, Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb, Parliamentarian Paul Moore, and Secretary Tommy Moore.

“We are honored to usher in the upcoming term by welcoming our newly elected Board of Directors who have graciously agreed to serve the Academy through what is sure to be a pivotal year,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “As we prepare for 2022 and our awards show’s historic move to Amazon Prime Video, we remain grateful for the guidance these well-respected professionals will provide to ensure the Academy’s success well into the future.”

Six of this year’s 13 qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by Badgett, Aly, and McFarland.

Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.

Academy of Country Music Board of Directors 2021-2022:
Officers:
Chair of the Board – Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Vice-Chair – Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Vice-President – Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Treasurer^ – Carmen Romano​, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms – Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian – Paul Moore, PGM Connections
Secretary – Tommy Moore, Academy of Country Music
^Treasurer elected in 2019 for a three-year term

Affiliated:
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Beverly Keel, MTSU*
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC / The Touring Career Workshop
Scott Scovill, The Steel Mill/Moo TV
Sally Williams, Live Nation

Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer:
Chuck Ainlay*
TJ Osborne*
Frank Rogers*
Derek Wells*

Digital Marketing/Distribution:
Beville Dunkerley, Pandora

Manager:
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management*
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment*
Chris Kappy, Make Wake Artists*

Media/Public Relations:
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media

Music Publisher/PRO:
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music*

Radio:
Tim Roberts, Entercom

Record Company:
Cindy Mabe, Universal Music Group Nashville
Katie McCartney, Monument Records*
Annie Ortmeier, Universal Music Group Nashville*
Ken Robold, Sony Music Nashville*

Songwriter:
Lee Thomas Miller

Talent Agent:
Becky Gardenhire, WME

Talent Buyer/Promoter:
Ali Harnell, Live Nation

Venue:
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse*
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production*

Visual Content:
Tom Forrest, Taillight

Directors At Large:
Scott Bailey, Opry Entertainment**
Randy Bernard, Bob Doyle & Associates**
Bobby Bones, iHeart Media
Jackie Campbell, 615 Leverage + Strategy
RAC Clark, Lion’s Heart Entertainment**
Crystal Dishmon, Shopkeeper Management**
Charlie Cook, Cumulus
George Couri, Triple 8 Management***
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville**
Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu
Will Hitchcock, Morris Higham Management**
Andrew Kautz, BMLG**
Ben Kline, Warner Music Nashville**
Jeff Krones, CAA**
Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville**
Beth Laird, Creative Nation**
Frank Liddell, Carnival Music
Jon Loba, Broken Bow Music Group
Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management
Daniel Miller, Fusion Music**
Curt Motley, UTA
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation
Tree Paine, Premium PR**
Chris Parr, MAVERICK**
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music**
Kelly Rich
Shannon Sanders, BMI**
Brittany Schaffer, Spotify***
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Candice Watkins, Big Loud Records
Trisha Yearwood

*Newly elected members of the Board of Directors
**Newly appointed director-at-large members of the Board of Directors
***Appointed to a one-year term to fill a previous vacancy

Warner Music Nashville Promotes Three On A&R Team

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Pictured (L-R): Mackenzie Blake, Stephanie Davenport, Jason McColl. Photos: Michael Tedesco

Warner Music Nashville’s A&R team has announced three promotions across the department.

Representing artists such as Drew Parker, Jessie James Decker, Ian Munsick, Randall King and Tyler Braden, Stephanie Davenport rises from Director to Sr. Director. Meanwhile, Jason McColl is being elevated from Manager to Director, and Mackenzie Blake from Assistant to Project Coordinator. All three positions will report to EVP A&R Cris Lacy.

“In what I would consider one of the toughest seasons for the entire industry, every person in our A&R department has demonstrated how industrious, innovative and dedicated they are,” Lacy says. “They have leaned into the challenges of this changing climate and have been instrumental in growing and developing our roster. Stephanie, Jason and Mackenzie, along with Scott Hendricks and Rohan Kohli, form the perfect A&R team.”

Davenport joined the Warner Music Nashville family as a coordinator a decade ago. She started her career at William Morris Endeavor in 2007 after graduating from Belmont University. Lacy comments: “Stephanie’s A&R prowess is in part due to her broad appreciation for all types of music and a comprehensive knowledge of what it takes for an artist to be a stadium act. I’m proud to work alongside her every day.”

McColl, also a Belmont alumnus, spent three years in radio promotions at Universal Music Group before joining the WMN A&R team in 2018. He will continue managing the Warner Nashville music catalog while transitioning into a more traditional A&R role. “Jason has an innate song sense that can’t be taught,” Lacy offers. “I’m excited for him to take on a larger creative role where he can apply that to our present and future signings.”

Blake graduated from Indiana University and entered into the industry via WME. Following a stop at Live Nation Entertainment, she began at Warner Music Nashville in 2019. Lacy adds: “Mackenzie is the glue that keeps us all together. Her ability to bring structure to our creative madness is a true superpower.”

SESAC To Hold Nashville Music Awards Online

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SESAC will celebrate country and Americana songwriters and publishers this year with a virtual version of its Nashville Music Awards on Nov. 16.

The celebration will take place on SESAC’s social media platforms and at SESAC.com and will feature exclusive videos from award winners. The celebration will honor the Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the top performing country and Americana songs of the past year. A full list of 2021’s winners will be posted on SESAC.com

Last year, songwriters including Matt McGinn and Wyatt Durrette III were among those receiving top honors during the online 2020 SESAC Nashville Awards.