This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures major announcements, creative partnerships and milestone achievements that continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of Music City. Click here to see the full edition.
A&R leader Jessi Vaughn Stevenson has launched Perfect Game Creative, a new music publishing, management and A&R consulting company in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Over at Big Loud, notable executive changes were announced as H. Read Davis, formerly VP of Digital, and Lucy Bartozzi, VP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, both exited their positions.
The Music City Walk of Fame unveiled its newest inductees this week, honoring Old Dominion, the late Charley Pride and Liz Rose. The trio will be officially inducted on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., in a public ceremony celebrating their lasting contributions to Nashville’s musical legacy. They will become the 110th, 111th and 112th stars on the Walk of Fame, recognized for their roles in preserving and advancing the city’s rich heritage.
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) hosted its annual Gold & Platinum Gala on Oct. 23 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, drawing hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers and publishers to celebrate the year’s biggest hits. Over 150 songwriters were honored for earning certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum songs between July 2024 and June 2025. Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter for achieving five country certifications over the past year, while Ashley Gorley earned Top Male Songwriter honors for the third consecutive year.
In another record-setting milestone, Carrie Underwood has officially been named the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, with a staggering 95 million units sold in the U.S. alone, comprising 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles across her solo work and collaborations.
On the live music front, Live Nation announced plans for a new 4,400-capacity indoor venue called The Truth, slated to open in fall 2026 in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.
By Design has formed a strategic partnership with BMG, encompassing global distribution, label services and joint label signings. The deal also includes a co-investment strategy for catalog acquisitions through Archetype Music, signaling a strong commitment to long-term growth and collaboration.
Dave Barnes has inked an exclusive deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing, while Peter Daniel Newman signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux entered a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core. Additionally, Dalton Davis has signed a new record deal with MCA/Republic Records.
Braxton Keith, Preston Cooper and Sacha each made their Opry debuts over the past week, continuing the tradition of introducing rising voices to one of country music’s most hallowed stages.
Industry veteran Melissa Goldberg has joined Teton Ridge as Vice President of Digital + Social Content.
Finally, Randy Rogers and Elic Goicoechea have launched Dreamer Management, a new Austin-based firm representing a lineup of rising acts including Ashton Naylor, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Parker Ryan, Slade Coulter and Travis Roberts.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” feat. Ella Langley. Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures major announcements, creative partnerships and milestone achievements that continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of Music City. Click here to see the full edition.
A&R leader Jessi Vaughn Stevenson has launched Perfect Game Creative, a new music publishing, management and A&R consulting company in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Over at Big Loud, notable executive changes were announced as H. Read Davis, formerly VP of Digital, and Lucy Bartozzi, VP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, both exited their positions.
The Music City Walk of Fame unveiled its newest inductees this week, honoring Old Dominion, the late Charley Pride and Liz Rose. The trio will be officially inducted on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., in a public ceremony celebrating their lasting contributions to Nashville’s musical legacy. They will become the 110th, 111th and 112th stars on the Walk of Fame, recognized for their roles in preserving and advancing the city’s rich heritage.
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) hosted its annual Gold & Platinum Gala on Oct. 23 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, drawing hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers and publishers to celebrate the year’s biggest hits. Over 150 songwriters were honored for earning certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum songs between July 2024 and June 2025. Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter for achieving five country certifications over the past year, while Ashley Gorley earned Top Male Songwriter honors for the third consecutive year.
In another record-setting milestone, Carrie Underwood has officially been named the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, with a staggering 95 million units sold in the U.S. alone, comprising 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles across her solo work and collaborations.
On the live music front, Live Nation announced plans for a new 4,400-capacity indoor venue called The Truth, slated to open in fall 2026 in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.
By Design has formed a strategic partnership with BMG, encompassing global distribution, label services and joint label signings. The deal also includes a co-investment strategy for catalog acquisitions through Archetype Music, signaling a strong commitment to long-term growth and collaboration.
Dave Barnes has inked an exclusive deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing, while Peter Daniel Newman signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux entered a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core. Additionally, Dalton Davis has signed a new record deal with MCA/Republic Records.
Braxton Keith, Preston Cooper and Sacha each made their Opry debuts over the past week, continuing the tradition of introducing rising voices to one of country music’s most hallowed stages.
Industry veteran Melissa Goldberg has joined Teton Ridge as Vice President of Digital + Social Content.
Finally, Randy Rogers and Elic Goicoechea have launched Dreamer Management, a new Austin-based firm representing a lineup of rising acts including Ashton Naylor, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Parker Ryan, Slade Coulter and Travis Roberts.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” feat. Ella Langley. Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Tay Keith & DRUMATIZED Host The Third Installment Of Their DOA Writers Camp Series
/by Madison HahnenGRAMMY-nominated producer Tay Keith and his label DRUMATIZED, alongside Warner Chappell Studios, hosted the third DOA Writers Camp, a two-day songwriting event in Nashville this past week.
The latest installment of the camp hosted Reyna Roberts, Duke Jones, Meech, Brandon Manley, BlackJack, LuhRon, Coach Smoke, Spinz, T-Will, Lockdown, Kyondabeat, Alwitdacookup, Randyhitz, Twolivejay, Yung Lan, Cxrd, KTLN, Bryant Taylorr, Scoot Teasley, Tim Gent and more.
On the second day of the camp, attendees particpated in Unplugged, a mixer hosted by DOA X BMI at Rivian Nashville. In attendance were artists, producers, songwriters and industry creatives, with catering provided by Dad Water, Slim Husky’s Pizza and Viva Beverage Co.
The camp is a direct correlation to DRUMATIZED’s mission to uplift Black voices in music by creating collaborative spaces for songwriters and producers to create original work across a variety of genres. The camp hosts rising talent where they can work with industry experts.
Summer Joy
Keith Bulluck & Shannon Sanders
Solo & Abdoulaye Bah
Randy Travis’ ‘More Life Tour’ Music City Date To Feature Nashville Symphony
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor
Randy Travis‘ “More Life Tour” will make a special stop in Nashville, performing with the Nashville Symphony on Nov. 15.
The one-night-only performance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center will bring Travis’ catalog to life in a striking orchestral setting. The tour features Travis on stage throughout the evening, with special guest vocalist James Dupré and Randy’s original touring band, with conductor Kelly Corcoran leading the Nashville Symphony for an unforgettable night of music.
Travis no longer performs vocally due to aphasia from the stroke he survived, but will appear on stage alongside his wife, Mary, engaging with fans, interacting with the band and celebrating the music throughout the show. Dupré and Travis’s longtime band perform all of his iconic No. 1s, including “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Tickets are on sale now at RandyTravis.com.
“’The More Life Tour’ celebrates something so much more than a musical moment in time—it’s a gift to us to spend time with the fans, and our band, as James Dupré perfectly presents the songs that best define my career. We look forward to seeing you all somewhere along the way,” said Randy and Mary Travis.
“I’m thrilled and honored to hit the road again with my hero and friend, Randy Travis. I’m looking forward to meeting and singing along with all the Randy Travis fans in 2025,” says Dupré.
ERNEST Reveals ‘Live From The South’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughERNEST is gearing up for the release of his latest project, Live From The South, due out Nov. 21.
The collection includes focus track “Blessed,” out now. The self-produced track revels in gratitude about the simple things in life: family ties, faith, making a life for yourself and was penned by ERNEST alongside Mark Holman, Jordan Merrigan and Matt Mulhare. Live From The South is packed with southern imagery—like pies cooling on the counter, Friday night football games, “Dixieland Delight”—and similar to its full-length predecessor Nashville, Tennessee, is sonically defined by guitar-picking, fiddle and pedal steel with production by ERNEST and Jacob Durrett.
The three-time CMA Triple Play Award winner and three-time Variety Hitmaker will add to an already stacked November headlining the Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 4-5. He’ll kick off his “Live From The South Tour” in January in Denver, visiting Boston, New York, Houston, Charlotte, Knoxville and more in 2026.
Live From The South Track List:
1. “Blessed” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Jordan Merrigan, Matt Mulhare)
2. “Live From The South” (Ernest Keith Smith, Cody Lohden, Rhys Rutherford, Chandler Paul Walters)
3. “Cowgirl Stay” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Jacob Durrett)
4. “Hate A Small Town” (Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Clawson, Jordan Dozzi, Chandler Paul Walters)
5. “Take Me To Montgomery” (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Jacob Durrett, Kyle Fishman, Jordan Merrigan)
6. “Two Black Crows” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Walters)
7. “I’ll Be Around” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Matt Mulhare)
Little Big Town Goes Under The Covers On New ‘Scattered, Smothered, And Covered’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughLittle Big Town. Photo: Becky Fluke
Little Big Town is indulging in some guilty pleasures on their latest EP, Scattered, Smothered and Covered, available now on all streaming platforms via MCA.
The project marks a full-circle moment for the band as they revive their beloved “Scattered, Smothered and Covered” video series—a collection of cover performances that first captivated audiences and delighted fans over a decade ago. With the new EP, Little Big Town brings together some of their previously-released renditions of classics across eras and genres, blending their signature harmonies with heartfelt storytelling and fresh collaborative energy on tracks with Sugarland and Jake Owen.
The award-winning group is nominated once again for Group of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards on Nov. 19.
Scattered, Smothered and Covered Track List:
1. “Wonderwall” (originally by Oasis)
2. “Rocket Man” (originally by Elton John)
3. “Wichita Lineman – Live” featuring Jimmy Webb (originally by Glen Campbell)
4. “Take Me Home” featuring Sugarland (originally by Phil Collins)
5. “Hello, It’s Me” (originally by Todd Rundgren)
6. “Life in a Northern Town – Live” featuring Sugarland and Jake Owen (originally by The Dream Academy)
Grace Bowers Benefit Raises Over 30K For Everytown For Gun Safety & MusiCares
/by Lorie HollabaughGrace Bowers performs at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Grace Bowers hosted her third annual benefit concert, “We All Gotta Live Together” at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Oct. 18.
The concert marked Bowers’ biggest event yet, raising more than $30,000 in support of Everytown for Gun Safety and MusiCares, and featured Flavor Flav, Blu DeTiger, Mason Ramsey, Ingrid Andress, Breland, Jeff Coffin of Dave Matthews Band, Luke Spiller of The Struts, John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Spencer Sutherland, Devon Gilfillan, Michigander, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Matthew Paige and Phnx. Donations for sweepstakes and auction were made by Billy Strings, Flavor Flav, Sheryl Crow, as well as a Gibson guitar signed by all participating artists.
“I cannot express enough gratitude for everyone who came together and made my third annual benefit concert the most beautiful night and our biggest one yet,” says Bowers. “It’s truly an honor to use my music to uplift such important work and I’m stoked to share that TOGETHER, we were able to raise over $30,000 in support of Everytown for Gun Safety and MusiCares.”
Flavor Flav and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Breland and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Mason Ramsey and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Ingrid Andress and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Lucie Silvas and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Michigander and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Aaron Lee Tasjan and Grace Bowers perform at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Riley Green Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeRiley Green. Photo: David Higgs
Riley Green rises to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track, “Don’t Mind If I Do” featuring Ella Langley.
The song comes off of his 2024 album of the same name and was written solely by Green.
Green recently announced his 2026 headlining “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” with special guests Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Zach John King, Hannah McFarland and Adam Hood joining him on select dates. The 20-date run will hit Nashville, Alpharetta, Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, Salt Lake City, Hartford and more next summer.
“Don’t Mind If I Do” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Kaitlin Butts Inks With Republic Records
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Mark Noel (Triple 8 Management) Mary Catherine Kinney (Republic), Kaitlin Butts, Tom Lascola (Trenches) and Jim Roppo (Republic). Photo: Toby Tenenbaum
Kaitlin Butts has signed a label deal with Republic Records. In celebration of the announcement, Butts will release her new EP, Yeehaw Sessions, on Nov 14.
“From releasing my album over a year ago as an independent artist, to having a viral song, to now signing a record deal with such a prestigious label like Republic Records, the journey has felt nothing short of surreal,” shares Butts. “I’m so inspired by the Republic team and how their vision aligns with the dreams that I’ve always had for myself.”
The Tulsa-born, Nashville-based artist has amassed over 157 million TikTok views and 67 million global streams on her viral “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)” this year. She was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s latest American Currents exhibition and joined the 2025 Opry Next Stage Class as well as the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025. Butts has shared stages with Sierra Ferrell, Lainey Wilson, Molly Tuttle, Wyatt Flores, The Lone Bellow and Flatland Cavalry, among others. In 2024, she released Roadrunner!, an album inspired by her love of the musical Oklahoma!.
The new EP features covers of “Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan, “Sin Wagon” by The Chicks,” “Tulsa Time” by Don Williams, The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World and a new recording of “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me).”
She will celebrate the arrival of Yeehaw Sessions on Nov. 14 with a headline show at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.
Margaret Comeaux To Exit CMT
/by Madison HahnenMargaret Comeaux
CMT Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events, Margaret Comeaux, will leave the company at the end of the year after 25 years with the organization.
Comeaux has led the creative force behind CMT’s music programming since 2001, joining the role from High Five Entertainment. She initially joined CMT as a post-production coordinator on the inaugural CMT Crossroads, leading into her work as Executive Producer on the CMT Music Awards, Crossroads, Giants, Smashing Glass, and Artists of the Year, among other programs.
During her time, she was responsible for hundreds of live performances, specials, and events that put Nashville’s music community in front of a global audience.
Comeaux graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (Electronic Field Production). She was apart of the Leadership Music Class of 2025, and is also a member of the Television Academy, Recording Academy, CMA, ACM and Producers Guild of America (PGA).
Max McNown Slates ‘Cost Of Growing Up Tour’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughMax McNown
Max McNown will kick off his spring 2026 headlining run, “The Cost of Growing Up Tour,” in March.
Kicking off on March 20 in Charlotte, the 20+ date run includes McNown’s debut at the Ryman Auditorium, (which sold out instantly leading to the addition of a second night), his debut performance at Stagecoach Festival in April, and three shows in Florida supporting Parker McCollum. He’ll also make stops in Birmingham, Lexington, Indianapolis, Wichita, and more through April 26.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov, 7, and fans can get early access to tickets, including exclusive VIP packages, via the artist presale, which begins on Nov. 4 at maxmcnown.com/tour.
“The Cost of Growing Up Tour” will follow McNown’s 2025 Fall “Forever Ain’t Long Enough Tour,” which will take him throughout Ireland, UK, and Europe this December. The tour is named for his expanded sophomore album Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) — a deeply personal 21-song collection released in July.
The fast-rising singer’s 2023 single “A Lot More Free” was recently certified Platinum, and the lead single from Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” was recently certified Gold. Together, the songs have notched over 500 Million worldwide streams to date, and have earned McNown his first Top 10 single at Adult Pop radio and ongoing momentum at country and Top 40 radio.
Tour Dates:
March 20 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
March 21 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
March 22 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
March 24 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
March 26 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena*
March 27 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre*
March 28 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre*
April 1 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)
April 2 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (2ND SHOW ADDED)
April 9 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric Oxford
April 10 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
April 11 – Lexington, KY – The Burl Outdoors
April 14 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
April 15 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
April 17 – Columbia, MO – 9th Street
April 18 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
April 19 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
April 21 – Fayetteville, AR – Ozark Music Hall
April 22 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Jones Assembly
April 24-26 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach
* Supporting Parker McCollum