Mike O’Neill, President/CEO, BMI, Clint Black and Clay Bradley, Vice President, Creative, Nashville, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
The 2025 BMI Country Awards took over Music Row last night (Nov. 18), honoring the prolific career of BMI Icon Award recipient Clint Black, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.
Taking place once again at BMI’s Nashville headquarters, the 73rd annual event also celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music. BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the evening alongside Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, and Nashville’s VP, Creative, Clay Bradley.
Throngs of guests mixed and mingled at the last PRO award show of the season, and dined on a platted dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, asparagus and a chocolate fudge dessert. After much merry-making, the evening began with some words from O’Neill about the work BMI has been doing for songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): Shannon Sanders, Austen Adams, Charlie Handsome, Katie Welle, ERNEST, Chandler Walters, Seth England and Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Throughout the evening, BMI recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year, calling up songwriters and publishers to take a photo on stage while the crowd cheered them on.
Between the awards being given out, Black was honored with several performances and video tributes.
Since his affiliation with BMI in 1993, Black has achieved 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he either wrote or co-wrote himself. He has received 20 BMI Country Awards throughout his career, and at this year’s awards ceremony, he joined an elite group of songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations, including Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Randy Owen, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, Jr.
To honor Black, Midland opened the ceremony with his debut chart-topper “Better Man.” Later in the evening, Jamey Johnson performed “Untanglin’ My Mind,” Wynonna Judd and Randy Houser brought the house down on “A Bad Goodbye,” and Riley Green closed the tribute with “Killin’ Time.”
The Warner Chappell Nashville team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
When Black accepted the honor, he spoke about his love for songwriting and the Nashville community, and the hard work of his team.
“You don’t get up here and do what we do without a long train of people behind you, pushing you up the hill,” he said. “There’s been a lot of people in my life who are as much responsible for this moment as I am.”
After visiting the stage multiple times to collect awards for many of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, Charlie Handsome was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Handsome co-wrote five of BMI’s most-performed songs in country music including Post Malone featuring Luke Combs’ “Guy For That,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Post Malone featuring Wallen on, “I Had Some Help,” and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton on “Pour Me A Drink.”
Charlie Handsome speaks onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Handsome thanked his wife, friends, publishers at Sony, friends at Big Loud and frequent collaborators.
“I Had Some Help” performed by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen was named the 2025 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and written by Handsome, Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.
The 2025 BMI Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., which published 32 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year.
Marking a record-breaking year, 38 first-time award winners were recognized including Seth Ennis’ for Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott’s “Boys Back Home,” Thomas Eriksen for Kane Brown’s “Miles On It,” Mackenzie Carpenter for Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” Travis Heidelman for Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’), Carrie Karpinen for Koe Wetzel’s “High Road,” Chase Matthew for his hit “Love You Again,” Nevin Sastry for Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Zach Top for his hit “I Never Lie” and Tucker Wetmore for his hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
For a complete list of the 2025 BMI Country Awards winners, click here.
Industry Ink: Eric Church, CMHOFM, LOCASH, Vincent Mason, More
/by Lauryn SinkEric Church Performs ‘Bleed On Paper’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Eric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio
Eric Church recently performed “Bleed On Paper” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! ahead of the live track release on Friday. Watch the full performance here.
Church will release his Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive film in IMAX theaters for limited showings on Feb. 11 and Feb. 14. The show was filmed during his dates at Nashville’s The Pinnacle earlier this year. The accompanying 19-track live album, Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is set to be released on Friday, Feb. 13.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Celebrates New Exhibition ‘Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising’
Photo: Jason Kempin/Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum held a sold-out concert celebrating its new exhibition, “Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising.” Performers included Jimmy Hall, Tiera Kennedy, Bettye LaVette, Wendy Moten, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, Maggie Rose, Shenandoah, Candi Staton and John Paul White. The band for the evening included bandleader Will McFarlane (guitar), Mark Beckett (drums), Mickey Buckins (percussion), Kelvin Holly (guitar), Clayton Ivey (keys), Shoals Sisters Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson-Walker (background vocals), Bob Wray (bass) and Brad Guin, Steve Herrman, Jim Hoke and Charles Rose (horns).
The exhibit is now open and included with museum admission through March 2028.
LOCASH Performs At Thursday Night Football Halftime Show
Pictured (L-R): Gordon Gronkowski, Preston Brust (LOCASH), Rob Gronkowski,
Camille Kostek, Chris Lucas (Locash). Photo: Big Red
LOCASH took the stage for the Thursday Night Football halftime show last week when the New England Patriots brought home a win against the New York Jets. The duo performed a six song medley.
Vincent Mason Makes His Morning Show TV Debut On ‘Today’
Vincent Mason performed “Wish You Well” on yesterday’s episode of TODAY, marking the Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup artist’s morning show debut.
Mason also recently announced his newest headline run “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Vincent Mason There I Go,” which begins in early 2026. He will also join Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Tour” on select dates next year.
Caroline Jones Hosts Album Preview
Photo: Edgar Evan
Caroline Jones recently hosted an album preview at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville for her fourth studio album, Good Omen, due Feb. 13.
The night featured intimate performances and songwriting conversations alongside album co-writers Eric Paslay, Sarah Buxton and Brandon Ratcliff.
Big Loud Rock Adds Three To Promotion Team
Brien Terranova, Dave Derkowski and Nick Marquez
Big Loud Rock has added three new members to its Promotion department under the leadership of SVP, Promotion Dave Barbis. Joining are Brien Terranova (Los Angeles) as Sr. Director, Radio Promotion, Dave Derkowski (Chicago) as Sr. Director, Radio Promotion and Nick Marquez (New York) as Director, National Radio Promotion.
“As Big Loud Rock’s roster continues to grow, our promotion strategy and presence need to follow suit. Brien, Dave, and Nick bring an outstanding depth of radio relationships and unique experience to the Promo team,” says Big Loud Partner/President Joey Moi. “I’m thrilled to continue building a national team that expands our footprint and ensures our artists take over the airwaves across the country.”
Fort Nash & The 615 House Host First Women in Country Music Event – Award Show Edition
Fort Nash and The 615 House hosted their first annual “Women in Country Music” event – Award Show Edition earlier this week on Music Row. Kailey Dickerson kicked off the morning with a devotional and prayer. The over 200 attendees also enjoyed “Puppies & Portraits,” smoothies, skincare consultations, cocktails and more before the event concluded with an intimate acoustic performance from Shantaia.
2025 BMI Country Awards Honors Clint Black, Top Songwriters & Publishers
/by LB CantrellMike O’Neill, President/CEO, BMI, Clint Black and Clay Bradley, Vice President, Creative, Nashville, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
The 2025 BMI Country Awards took over Music Row last night (Nov. 18), honoring the prolific career of BMI Icon Award recipient Clint Black, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.
Taking place once again at BMI’s Nashville headquarters, the 73rd annual event also celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music. BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the evening alongside Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, and Nashville’s VP, Creative, Clay Bradley.
Throngs of guests mixed and mingled at the last PRO award show of the season, and dined on a platted dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, asparagus and a chocolate fudge dessert. After much merry-making, the evening began with some words from O’Neill about the work BMI has been doing for songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): Shannon Sanders, Austen Adams, Charlie Handsome, Katie Welle, ERNEST, Chandler Walters, Seth England and Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Throughout the evening, BMI recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year, calling up songwriters and publishers to take a photo on stage while the crowd cheered them on.
Between the awards being given out, Black was honored with several performances and video tributes.
Since his affiliation with BMI in 1993, Black has achieved 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he either wrote or co-wrote himself. He has received 20 BMI Country Awards throughout his career, and at this year’s awards ceremony, he joined an elite group of songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations, including Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Randy Owen, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, Jr.
To honor Black, Midland opened the ceremony with his debut chart-topper “Better Man.” Later in the evening, Jamey Johnson performed “Untanglin’ My Mind,” Wynonna Judd and Randy Houser brought the house down on “A Bad Goodbye,” and Riley Green closed the tribute with “Killin’ Time.”
The Warner Chappell Nashville team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
When Black accepted the honor, he spoke about his love for songwriting and the Nashville community, and the hard work of his team.
“You don’t get up here and do what we do without a long train of people behind you, pushing you up the hill,” he said. “There’s been a lot of people in my life who are as much responsible for this moment as I am.”
After visiting the stage multiple times to collect awards for many of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, Charlie Handsome was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Handsome co-wrote five of BMI’s most-performed songs in country music including Post Malone featuring Luke Combs’ “Guy For That,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Post Malone featuring Wallen on, “I Had Some Help,” and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton on “Pour Me A Drink.”
Charlie Handsome speaks onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Handsome thanked his wife, friends, publishers at Sony, friends at Big Loud and frequent collaborators.
“I Had Some Help” performed by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen was named the 2025 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and written by Handsome, Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.
The 2025 BMI Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., which published 32 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year.
Marking a record-breaking year, 38 first-time award winners were recognized including Seth Ennis’ for Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott’s “Boys Back Home,” Thomas Eriksen for Kane Brown’s “Miles On It,” Mackenzie Carpenter for Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” Travis Heidelman for Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’), Carrie Karpinen for Koe Wetzel’s “High Road,” Chase Matthew for his hit “Love You Again,” Nevin Sastry for Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Zach Top for his hit “I Never Lie” and Tucker Wetmore for his hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
For a complete list of the 2025 BMI Country Awards winners, click here.
CMA Crowns Early Winners
/by Madison HahnenCMA has revealed two early winners ahead of tonight’s award ceremony. Post Malone and Blake Shelton have earned the title of CMA Musical Event of the Year for “Pour Me A Drink” (produced by Louis Bell and Charlie Handsome). Ella Langley and Riley Green are crowned the winners for CMA Music Video of the Year with “you look like you love me,” directed by Langley, John Park and Wales Toney.
The news was shared on ABC’s Good Morning America by Lara Spencer at downtown Nashville’s Honky Tonk Central. Alongside the winners reveal, Lainey Wilson gave viewers an exclusive tour inside Bridgestone Arena where final preparations for the big night are underway.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air tonight (Nov. 19) at 7 p.m. CST on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu. Scheduled performers include Kelsea Ballerini, BigXthaPlug, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Presenters and special guests throughout the evening will include Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Lady A, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.
Concord’s Country Awards Week Challenge Raises $25,000 For CMA Foundation
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Audrey Spillman for Concord.
Concord in partnership with the CMA Foundation hosted its Second Annual Country Awards Week Challenge yesterday (Nov. 17). Nine teams joined Concord at Play Playground in Nashville to compete in events like High Five, Move It, Record Time, and Doctor! Doctor!, raising $25,000 for the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives.
Alongside the teams from Concord, First Horizon Bank, Riser House, Pinnacle, BMG, Sony Music Publishing, and Go West Creative also participated. Warner Chappell Music took home this year’s win.
“It was an absolute pleasure to partner with the CMA Foundation and the teams from across the industry to raise money for music education,” says Concord CEO Bob Valentine. Adding, “as the son of a music teacher, I have a distinctive understanding of the value of music education, and I am so glad that Concord can help support this great cause.”
“At the CMA Foundation, we believe that when you invest in music education, you invest in the future,” adds Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “Yesterday was a powerful reminder of what happens when our industry rallies around a meaningful cause. Concord has been a phenomenal partner and seeing so many teams come together with such energy and generosity reinforces that our work truly matters. The impact of this support will be felt by students and teachers nationwide.”
Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord.
Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord.
Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord.
Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord.
Weekly Register: Cody Johnson Joins Top Five
/by Lauryn SinkCody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas
Cody Johnson has taken the top spot on the singles chart this week with his recently released cover of “Travelin’ Soldier” earning 11 million streams. On the albums chart, Morgan Wallen has held onto the top spot with I’m The Problem gaining 76K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, Wallen also holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 30K in total consumption and the No. 3 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 24K in total consumption. At No. 4 is Jason Aldean’s 30 Number One Hits with 20K in total consumption. Shaboozey holds the No. 5 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going earning 15K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the next three positions. “I Got Better” comes in at No. 2 with 10 million streams. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” takes the No. 3 spot with 9.9 million streams this week. At No. 4 is “I’m The Problem,” which garnered 8.3 million streams this week. Rounding out the chart is Ella Langley’s current single, “Choosin’ Texas” with 8.5 million streams.
Jeff Garrison Signs With Electric Feel Publishing & TurnTable Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): John Bradley – Country A&R Electric Feel, Ben Johnson – TurnTable Music, Jeff Garrison, Austin Rosen – CEO & Founder Electric Feel, Chandler Nicole Sherrill – Senior Director of Creative Electric Feel. Photo: Callie Mangrum
Singer-songwriter and producer Jeff Garrison has inked with Electric Feel Publishing and TurnTable Music.
Hailing from Michigan, Garrison moved to Music City with a guitar, a bag of clothes, and a goal to play 100 shows in a year. Garrison eventually signed a major label deal, alongside touring with The Wanted. He also earned a No. 2 tune on the Billboard charts. His influences include The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Amy Winehouse and Motown.
Since beginning his career, Garrison has co-penned and produced hits for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Teddy Swims, Quavo and RaeLynn, among others. His songs have also appeared in commercials for Taco Bell, the Super Bowl and more, as well television shows such as Black-ish.
“I am delighted to work with Jeff Garrison, a remarkable talent and exceptional individual,” shares John Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel. “Having collaborated with Jeff over the past several years, it was a clear and strategic decision to partner with Ben Johnson to further elevate Jeff’s craft and impact.”
“I couldn’t be more excited for TurnTable Music to partner with EF and Jeff Garrison,” adds Ben Johnson, Founder, TurnTable Music. “Jeff is not only one of my longest running collaborators in town but is someone I wholeheartedly believe in as a brilliant creative who truly brings out the best in people – in and out of the writing room.”
“I’m so grateful and fired up to be working with Electric Feel and Ben Johnson/Turn Table Music,” adds Garrison. “Getting the chance to be part of a team that’s truly on the trend setting edge of the music industry is unreal. This team can reach any genre or person, and that’s like gasoline in a creative engine. Massive thank you to my lawyer, Christian Barker, for making the deal happen, and to everyone involved — John Bradley, Chandler Sherrill, Austin Rosen, and Ben Johnson. Feels like we’re already hitting the ground running, and I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
ASCAP’s Assistant VP Strategic Services Kele Currier Retires
/by Lorie HollabaughKele Currier
Kele Currier, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services at ASCAP, is retiring effective Nov. 19 after 33 years in the music industry and 13 in ASCAP Nashville’s Membership Department.
“I have truly enjoyed my time in the music industry,” says Currier of the move. “I count myself fortunate to have worked with each of you in some way. I have been blessed to experience many ‘pinch-me moments’ and celebrate many industry victories with many of you. I have immense respect and admiration for this music community and the collaboration we all have grown to know so well. It is truly unique and special! I am grateful to my many mentors who have given me a chance to prove myself when there was no reason to believe in me. I only hope I can continue to pay it forward in my next chapter.”
Currier’s 30+ years in the music business began at SESAC in the broadcast administration department, followed by administration and licensing positions with publishers, Maypop Music Group, Alabama Band’s publishing company, Opryland Music Group (Acuff Rose) and a stint as audit manager at music publishing administration company, Integrated Copyright Group (ICG). While at ICG, Currier met songwriter, Craig Wiseman, who recruited her to assist in opening Big Loud Bucks Administration. As Executive Vice President, she co-managed Wiseman’s catalogs along with the catalogs of Big Tractor Publishing, Extreme Writer’s Group and the hit catalogs of Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Jim Collins and other independent publishers.
In 2010, Currier joined ole Music Publishing (now Anthem Entertainment) as Director of Administration and led the U.S administration presence for their Toronto-based offices. While at ole, she negotiated all synchronization licensing deals for ole and their clients. In 2013, Currier was recruited by ASCAP to serve as Director of Strategic Services before being elevated to Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services.
Kele has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music Business from of Berklee College of Music and was part of the Leadership Music (class of 2014) and recipient of 2015 Music Row’s Rising Women on The Row. She has served on the GMA Board, is a member of The Copyright Society of the South, AIMP, Source, CMA, RIAA and ACM.
Currier reports future plans include dedicating time to retirement projects around the house, volunteering for CASA as a child advocate, traveling, and spending more time with family and her Australian Shepherd, Bandit. She can be reached at KeleCurrier@gmail.com.
Brett Young To Launch Headlining ‘2.0 Tour’ In January
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young. Photo: Seth Kupersmith
Brett Young will kick off his new 2026 “2.0 Tour” on Jan. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Singer-songwriter Jenna Davis will support him on the new dates.
The 18-date headlining tour will include stops in Boston, Bowling Green, Syracuse and more through Feb. 28. Ticket pre-sale begins Nov. 19, followed by the public on-sale on Nov. 21, and VIP packages will also be available starting Nov. 19 which include a ticket, meet & greet, photo with Brett, exclusive merchandise, early venue access and more at brettyoung.com/tour.
“After an incredible trip across the pond and feeling the amazing momentum behind my new album 2.0, I’m beyond excited to hit the road next year,” says Young. “It feels like something special is happening and I want y’all to be a part of it.”
The new tour takes its name from Young’s album 2.0, out now via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Co-written entirely by Young, the 11-track project features collaborations with Lady A, a reimagined version of his career-defining hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” with Hannah McFarland, and his current chart-climbing single “Drink With You.”
“2.0 Tour” Dates:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman
Friday, January 23, 2026 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center
Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Troy, OH – Hobart Arena
Friday, January 30, 2026 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center Ford Theater
Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
Friday, February 6, 2026 – Boston, MA – MGM Hall at Fenway
Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino Premier Theater
Thursday, February 12, 2026 – Bowling Green, KY – SkyPAC
Friday, February 13, 2026 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall
Friday, February 20, 2026 – Duluth, MN – DECC Symphony Hall
Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall (seated)
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Nixa, MO – Aetos Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre
Friday, February 27, 2026 – Albany, NY – The Palace Theatre
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino Xcite Center
ASCAP Honors Top Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Nashville Celebration
/by LB CantrellASCAP winners Shaboozey, Ashley Gorley and Brandon Lake. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
ASCAP celebrated the songwriters and publishers behind country and Christian music’s most-performed songs of the past year at the 2025 ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration last night (Nov. 17).
Held once again at The Twelve Thirty Club, invited guests mingled under warm, ambient lighting while sipping cocktails and enjoying an abundant spread that included a sushi bar, chicken cutlets, prime rib, hummus and crudité, onion dip, house-made kettle chips and more.
ASCAP Publisher of the Year Sony Music Publishing. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
When the ceremony began, ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad took the podium. He recognized Emmylou Harris and Brad Paisley on their inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with Ashley Gorley, who joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.
Sistad then welcomed ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, who reflected on the strength of the Nashville community and acknowledged three tremendous losses for ASCAP and the songwriting world: John Titta, Ben Vaughn and Brett James.
From there, awards were presented throughout the evening by Sistad, Matthews, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and EVP and Head of Creative Membership Nicole George-Middleton.
Shaboozey was named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year. At the podium, he spoke about overcoming self-doubt and the gift of songwriting, sharing, “I learned very early on it was a gift to be able to write a song. Thank God for that gift… It took a lot of people to gain my confidence as a songwriter,” before thanking his team and collaborators.
Sony Music Publishing earned ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year. The company’s Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston, recognized his team and the Sony songwriters who made an impact this year.
“This has been a remarkably tragic year for our community, but what we’re all reminded of is the power of songs,” Gaston said. “The songs you wrote every day this year helped all of us get through this.”
ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, Ashley Gorley, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews and ASCAP EVP and Head of Creative Membership Nicole George-Middleton. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year winner Ashley Gorley notched his record-extending 12th win—more than any other songwriter across any genre. He thanked God, his family, friends and teams before reading a list of all the first-time ASCAP winners of the evening, noting that his own first win made him feel like a legitimate professional songwriter.
This year’s celebration also spotlighted the most-performed Christian music songs of the past year and recognized the previously announced winners. Essential Music Publishing was named Christian Publisher of the Year, while Brandon Lake and Pat Barrett earned ASCAP Christian Song of the Year honors for “Praise.” Lake also took home his second ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year award.
“My biggest dream came true years and years ago—God has been so kind—this is just the overflow,” Lake shared. “We’re heading into 2026 with the collision of Christian and country music on my mind.”
For the last big honor of the evening, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was awarded ASCAP Country Music Song of the Year. Co-written by Sean Cook, Jerrell “J-Kwon” Jones, Joe Capo Kent and Mark “Tarboy” Williams, the hit topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks, tying the record for the longest-running No. 1 song ever.
Click here to see the full list of winners.
Combustion Music Reveals Lineup For 13th Annual Hope Town Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughCombustion Music has announced the lineup for its 13th Annual Hope Town Music Festival, returning to Elbow Cay in Abaco, Bahamas Dec, 5-7.
This year’s bill includes Combustion Founder/President Chris Farren, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Charles Esten, Ryan Hurd, Kendall Marvel, Morgan Evans, Laci Kaye Booth, Rivers Rutherford, Blake Bollinger, Austin Goodloe, Nicholas Sainato, Payton Smith, Jessica Farren, AJ Pruis and Sam Bergeson.
Last year’s Hope Town Music Festival raised over $400,000 benefitting three local organizations in Elbow Cay: Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Friends of the Environment and Every Child Counts.
“It was my goal to introduce many of my songwriter friends to this special island that my family and I have grown to love over the past 20 years, and to introduce Hope Town and its residents to the incredible musical talent of these writers, and finally and most importantly, to raise a bunch of money for some very worthy charities,” says Combustion Music founder and President Chris Farren about the inspiration for the annual event.