Pictured (L-R, back row): Abbey Watson, Kari Barnhart, Derek George, Annie Ortmeier, Bobby Hamrick, Mike Sistad, Jeremy Bussey, Tom Luteran, Shannon Sanders, Brent Anderson, AJ Burton, Monty Criswell, Kevin Herring and Troy Tomlinson. (L-R, front row): Hootie & The Blowfish’s Dean Felber, Jim Sonfeld and Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery and Frank Rogers. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish celebrated their No. 1 track “Bottle Rockets” on Thursday (April 16) at BMI’s Nashville headquarters.
The track marked McCreery’s seventh No. 1, and marked Hootie & The Blowfish’s first ever chart-topper. Triple Tigers Records unveiled during the party that the single had just been RIAA certified Platinum.
Hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC and emceed by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Sanders welcomed McCreery, three of the four Hootie & The Blowfish members Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Jim Sonefeld, along with Spirit Music co-writers Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Rogers, Brent Anderson and Jeremy Bussey to the stage. SESAC’S Abbey Watson, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sony Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring and UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson each took the microphone to honor the team behind the song.
Pictured (L-R, back row): MusicRow‘s John Nix Arledge, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey, Brent Anderson, Monty Criswell and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. (L-R, front row): Dean Felber, Jim Sonfeld, Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery and Frank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of BMI
Sponsored by Studio Bank, Kari Barnhart made a special donation presentation on behalf of McCreery and the songwriters in support of the Opry Trust Fund.
Rogers, who served as a publisher, producer and writer on the track, shared the story of surprising McCreery with vocals from Hootie & The Blowfish during the recording session.
Each co-writer reflected on how many people it takes to bring a song to the top of the charts, from publishers and management to radio and beyond, sharing their gratitude for everyone involved in that journey. Many also shared that they had been longtime fans of Hootie & The Blowfish, making this collaboration feel even more special.
“There is a glue in the middle of [this song] that made it work, and is it Darius [Rucker] and Frank [Rogers]. Without their direction this wouldn’t be happening,” Sonefeld shared.
“It’s very rare, especially when you’ve been in the business for 40 years like we have, to get something that is a first. It’s pretty great to have our first No. 1,” Rucker added.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve to be up here on this stage,” McCreery said, closing out the evening. “There is a lot of talented people just down the street on Broadway and a lot of talented folks writing on Music Row, so the fact that I get to be up here today–I’m humbled and grateful.”
Chase McGill Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenChase McGill
Chase McGill has moved into the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Morgan Wallen’s “20 Cigarettes” and “I Got Better,” Tucker Wetmore’s “Brunette,” Ashley Cooke’s “the hell you are,” Greylan James’ “Water At A Wedding” and the HARDY, Eric Church, Wallen & Tim McGraw collaboration “McArthur” all put the songwriter at No. 5 this week.
Randy Montana maintains the No. 1 spot with “Change My Mind,” “Make A Liar,” “Sleepless In A Hotel Room” and “Time’s Ticking.” Blake Pendergrass takes the No. 2 spot with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “I Got Better” and “Wish You Well.”
Ella Langley (No. 3) and Luke Combs (No. 4) 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.
New WSM Show, Heart of the Night With Nan Kelley, To Debut In May
/by Lorie HollabaughHeart of the Night with Nan Kelley, a new weekly program on WSM Radio, is set to premiere on May 4.
Hosted by TV personality Kelley with her husband, songwriter and musician Charlie Kelley, the show brings a more personal, listener-driven format to WSM’s evening lineup from 7 – 10 p.m. CT. Fans will know Kelley from her longtime work on the Great American Country network as host of The Top 20 Country Countdown and Opry Live, and she brings her signature warmth and relatability to one of radio’s most iconic platforms on the new show.
Blending timeless country music with authentic storytelling, the show will spotlight real listener experiences. Fans can call in during the live broadcast to speak directly with Kelley, with additional voicemails recorded off-air featured in future episodes. For a portion of the program, special guest artists, songwriters and notable personalities from the music community will be in studio and join the conversation.
“Nan creates the kind of connection that defines great radio,” says WSM General Manager Eric Marcum. “This show brings our listeners’ voices to the forefront while staying true to the music and storytelling at the heart of WSM.”
“Connecting with people is who I am – it’s just part of my South Mississippi DNA,” says Kelley. “I am grateful to WSM and Opry Entertainment Group for embracing this idea, and I am looking forward to returning to the Air Castle of the South. I am also excited to work alongside my husband who has guided my career for years. As a songwriter, he knows songs and emotions, and after 25 years of marriage, we can honestly share life’s ups and downs with our listeners.”
Country Thunder Arizona Wraps Talent-Packed 2026 Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughBrooks & Dunn. Photo: Dale MacMillan
Country Thunder made a triumphant return to Arizona April 9–12 with its 2026 edition, delivering four action-packed days of music and fun at Florence’s AZ Talio Ranch.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Dale MacMillan
Drawing tens of thousands of fans per day, the festival’s headliners brought major firepower to the Main Stage. On opening night, Gavin Adcock tore through a high-octane performance, then spent nearly an hour signing autographs for fans in an impromptu post-show gathering near the stage. Reaffirming her status as a can’t-miss headliner, Lainey Wilson capped off Friday’s lineup and continued her tradition of naming a young audience member the “Cowgirl of the Night” – this time with a little girl named Amelia. Saturday’s headliner Zach Top brought classic country charm to a singalong-heavy set, while the legendary Brooks & Dunn closed out Country Thunder Arizona’s final night by doubling down on their legacy as an unstoppable live force.
Zach Top. Photo: Dale MacMillan
Country Thunder Arizona’s Main Stage also boasted performances from Waylon Wyatt, Ian Munsick, Lonestar, Scotty McCreery, Dasha, Jay Webb, Jackson Dean, George Birge, Logan Layman, Billy Dean & Collin Raye, Austin Snell, Lauren Watkins, Lanie Gardner, The Wilder Blue, and Annie Bosko. In addition, rising local artists lit up the Copperhead Stage, while the Songwriter Showcase featured rounds with songwriters like Johnny Clawson, Benjy Davis, Brinley Addington, Jimi Bell, Chase McDaniel, and Trent Wayne.
Gavin Adcock. Photo: Dale MacMillan
In an exciting first for Country Thunder Arizona, this year’s festival marked the launch of Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding – a crowd-thrilling addition to the massive desert gathering. Produced in collaboration with RS Rodeo (an official partner of the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association), the sanctioned National Senior Pro Bull Riding event brought together veteran riders vying for buckles and points toward their standings. With all competitors over the age of 40 (and several continuing to ride well into their sixties), the event offered a close-range view of bull riding by lifelong cowboys with a deep-rooted connection to the sport.
Fans also flocked to the Electric Thunder tent for late-night dance parties that kept the energy blazing long after the final encore. Along with presenting lessons, Electric Thunder hosted a dance contest whose winner took to the Main Stage for a crowd-commanding victory lap in front of the entire festival audience.
Now Open: Applications For MusicRow’s 2026 Artist Roster Company Directory
/by MusicRow StaffApplications for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, May 1, 2026 with the official form below. Previously included companies will also be solicited separately.
This ultimate artist resource edition includes the Artist Roster company directory, featuring contact information and artist rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity, artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion and organizations), media and banking.
Applications for Artist Roster have closed.
For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email directory@musicrow.com.
Capitol Christian Music Group Signs Jonathan Gamble & Jordan Sapp
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Garrett Davis (sr. vice president A&R), Jonathan Gamble (writer), Katie Barolak (sr. director, creative publishing), Terryl Padilla (sr. director, creative publishing), Jordan Sapp (writer), and David Gutekunst (executive vice president, publishing)
Hit songwriter Jonathan Gamble and Dove Award winning-producer and songwriter Jordan Sapp have extended their publishing deals with Capitol Christian Music Group.
Hailing from Alabama and now in Music City, Gamble has amassed No. 1 hits with Jamie MacDonald (“Desperate”), Leanna Crawford (“Still Waters (Psalm 23)”), and Seph Schlueter (“Counting My Blessings”). His additional cuts also include Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, Jesus Culture, Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Ben Fuller and MaRynn Taylor.
Sapp started his career in Los Angeles where he worked with Pitbull, Austin Mahone, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, and Jennifer Lopez as part of RedOne’s production team. Since moving to Nashville, he has garnered 16 No. 1 radio singles, multiple Dove Awards, and more than 2.4 billion streams through Christian and pop music.
“Jonathan is a true student of the craft of songwriting and has taught me so much about what it looks like to come alongside and advocate for writers in today’s music economy,” says David Gutekunst, Executive Vice President of publishing for CCMG. “Jordan is one of the most kind and humble people I have met in this business. He champions and cheers others on in such a special way. We are happy not only to be extending our publishing relationship with Jonathan and Jordan, but as a part of those new deals – finding new and creative ways to incentivize them to lean in and partner with CCMG artists going forward. It’s a meaningful move in the right direction that underscores CCMG’s mission of serving artists and writers.”
“I’m thrilled to continue this partnership with Jonathan Gamble and Jordan Sapp,” shares Sr. Director Creative Publishing Katie Barolak. “Their songwriting speaks for itself, but it’s their character and drive that make them truly special. They have an incredible ability to push boundaries and elevate everyone in their orbit. What they’re doing is shaping the future of music, and it’s an honor to stand alongside them.”
“Jordan Sapp is an exceptional songwriter and creative force whose talent, vision, and work ethic consistently distinguish him in our market,” adds Sr. Director Creative Publishing Terryl Padilla. “He has a unique ability to understand the sound and direction of the artists he collaborates with and bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic to each of them. We’re proud to support him as his creative publisher and excited to see his continued evolution build on what is already an impressive and influential career.”
Scotty McCreery & Hootie & The Blowfish Celebrate ‘Bottle Rockets’
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Abbey Watson, Kari Barnhart, Derek George, Annie Ortmeier, Bobby Hamrick, Mike Sistad, Jeremy Bussey, Tom Luteran, Shannon Sanders, Brent Anderson, AJ Burton, Monty Criswell, Kevin Herring and Troy Tomlinson. (L-R, front row): Hootie & The Blowfish’s Dean Felber, Jim Sonfeld and Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery and Frank Rogers. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish celebrated their No. 1 track “Bottle Rockets” on Thursday (April 16) at BMI’s Nashville headquarters.
The track marked McCreery’s seventh No. 1, and marked Hootie & The Blowfish’s first ever chart-topper. Triple Tigers Records unveiled during the party that the single had just been RIAA certified Platinum.
Hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC and emceed by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Sanders welcomed McCreery, three of the four Hootie & The Blowfish members Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Jim Sonefeld, along with Spirit Music co-writers Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Rogers, Brent Anderson and Jeremy Bussey to the stage. SESAC’S Abbey Watson, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sony Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring and UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson each took the microphone to honor the team behind the song.
Pictured (L-R, back row): MusicRow‘s John Nix Arledge, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey, Brent Anderson, Monty Criswell and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. (L-R, front row): Dean Felber, Jim Sonfeld, Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery and Frank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of BMI
Sponsored by Studio Bank, Kari Barnhart made a special donation presentation on behalf of McCreery and the songwriters in support of the Opry Trust Fund.
Rogers, who served as a publisher, producer and writer on the track, shared the story of surprising McCreery with vocals from Hootie & The Blowfish during the recording session.
Each co-writer reflected on how many people it takes to bring a song to the top of the charts, from publishers and management to radio and beyond, sharing their gratitude for everyone involved in that journey. Many also shared that they had been longtime fans of Hootie & The Blowfish, making this collaboration feel even more special.
“There is a glue in the middle of [this song] that made it work, and is it Darius [Rucker] and Frank [Rogers]. Without their direction this wouldn’t be happening,” Sonefeld shared.
“It’s very rare, especially when you’ve been in the business for 40 years like we have, to get something that is a first. It’s pretty great to have our first No. 1,” Rucker added.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve to be up here on this stage,” McCreery said, closing out the evening. “There is a lot of talented people just down the street on Broadway and a lot of talented folks writing on Music Row, so the fact that I get to be up here today–I’m humbled and grateful.”
Ella Langley Debuts Atop The Billboard 200 Album Chart With ‘Dandelion’
/by Lorie HollabaughElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has landed her first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week with her sophomore album Dandelion, which debuted at No. 1.
The project marked the largest week for a country album by a woman in two years, and the biggest week of 2026 for any female, launching with 169,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending April 16 according to Luminate and Billboard. Dandelion was fueled by the initial smash crossover hit “Choosin’ Texas,” which has spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, six weeks atop the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, and three weeks at No. 1 on Country Airplay.
The release of Dandelion and Megan Moroney’s Cloud 9 (which bowed in March) marks the first time there have been two No. 1 country albums by two different solo women in a calendar year in more than a decade. The last time it last happened was in 2012, when Taylor Swift’s Red and Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away both reached the feat. Both Dandelion and Cloud 9 are also the first No. 1s for Langley and Moroney, and the Billboard chart last saw a pair of first No. 1 country albums by solo women in the same year nearly 20 years ago, when in 2007, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood both landed their first No. 1s, with Reba Duets and Carnival Ride, respectively.
Dandelion also scored the largest streaming week for an album by a woman in 2026, and the biggest streaming week for a country album by a woman in two years.
Kenny Chesney Celebrates 10 Years Of No Shoes Radio With Epic Flora-Bama Show
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney celebrates 10 years of No Shoes Radio on SiriusXM at Flora-Bama Lounge. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney took over the Dome at the Flora-Bama Lounge on Saturday (April 18) to celebrate 10 years of his No Shoes Radio channel on SiriusXM with thousands of die-hard fans, who spilled all the way out into the streets outside the beloved bar.
With a summer residency set at Sphere in Vegas, the Flora-Bama show was a moment where Chesney could have fun with the music and veer from the set list, playing favorites including “The Good Stuff,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” as well as a version of George Strait’s “Carried Away,” and also dial up the sing-alongs and positive energy with the rarely-played “Guitars and Tiki Bars,” Chris Stapleton’s “Never Wanted Nothing More” and “Save It For A Rainy Day.”
Megan Moroney surprises good friend Kenny Chesney at packed FloraBama show. Photo: Allister Ann
In the midst of “When The Sun Goes Down,” Megan Moroney rolled onstage in a grey No Shoes Nation “corset,” and picked up the chorus. After telling the live audience and everyone listening on SiriusXM Channel 59 the story of their friendship, mutual admiration and adventures, they swooped into Moroney’s “You Had To Be There.” Announcing she had just joined the band, the pair also shared the smoky “You & Tequila.” That intimacy had defined earlier performances of “Island Boy,” sent out to Boat Captain Ben in Maine, a surging “When I See This Bar” dedicated to FloraBama pirate/poet Jimmy Lewis, and a jubilant “Three Little Birds” for good friend Ziggy Marley and the entire Marley family that led into the tropical “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven.” “American Kids,” closed the 90 minutes, delivering the loudest cheers and rush of what a great band can do.
“Some days, the songs are just bigger than you are, and they take you where they and the people want to be,” says Chesney of the special show. “It was so alive, so free and we were all so glad to be together playing, being with the people, that energy took over everything. Whether it was up tempo or thoughtful, talking or laughing, it reminds me why music is the most powerful force to bring us together.
“I’ve lived a lot of life on No Shoes Radio,” he continues. “I am so grateful to SiriusXM for taking what we do and amplifying it all over the world. A whole lot has happened over the last ten years, and because of them, we’ve been able to live it with everyone who loves these songs.”
BREAKING: Miranda Lambert Inks With MCA
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Stephanie Wright (EVP/Head of A&R, MCA), Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA), Miranda Lambert, Katie McCartney (EVP/General Manager, MCA), Rob Femia (COO/EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Damon Moberly (SVP Promotion, MCA).
Miranda Lambert has signed with MCA.
Across her career, Lambert has amassed seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 radio singles, more than 80 awards and many RIAA certifications. Lambert is a TIME100 honoree and perennial best-of-the-year list maker at the New York Times, TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and more. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, she is among the most-nominated at this year’s ceremony, with eight nods recognizing her contributions as an artist, songwriter and producer.
“Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music,” says Mike Harris, MCA President & CEO. “We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter and we look forward to building something truly special together.”
“Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people—songwriters, musicians, collaborators, and team members—to match the moment,” adds Lambert. “I am honored to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry. I look forward to sharing this new music with the world under their banner.”
Lambert continues in her role as Founder of Big Loud Texas, where she remains actively involved in her business partnership and ongoing artist development efforts across the label and its publishing company.
Jessi Alexander Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Perfect Game Creative
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Austen Adams (WCM), Jessi Alexander, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Perfect Game Creative) and Phil May (WCM).
Grammy-nominated hitmaker Jessi Alexander has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative. This deal marks Alexander as the flagship signing for Perfect Game Creative, launched by industry veteran Jessi Vaughn Stevenson last year.
A Tennessee native, Alexander has penned 10 No. 1 hits throughout her career, including Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and Morgan Wallen’s “Don’t Think Jesus.” Additional cuts include Megan Moroney’s “No Caller ID,” Dustin Lynch & Jelly Roll’s “Chevrolet,” Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It,” Scotty McCreery’s “In Between,” Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson’s “Never Say Never,” and Justin Moore & Priscilla Block’s “You, Me, and Whiskey.”
Alexander is also behind the global hit “The Climb” performed by Miley Cyrus, which earned an MTV Movie Award for Best Song from a Movie.
“So grateful I still get to have my dream job of being a songwriter… and getting to continue my partnership with Austen, alongside my longtime collaborator Jessi Vaughn, feels like a dream come true,” shares Alexander. “I couldn’t be more excited to walk into this next chapter of my career with people that feel like family – and who believe in me every step of the way.”
“Jessi Alexander is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats in country music,” says Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “She’s a powerhouse songwriter with a deep catalog of hits that spans generations, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Our relationship goes back over twenty years, and I’m happy to partner with her once again. The entire Warner Chappell team is honored to continue this journey alongside Jessi A and Jessi Vaughn as we work together to further elevate her global impact.”
“To say this moment feels full circle is an understatement,” adds Vaughn Stevenson, Founder, Perfect Game Creative. “I began my career working alongside Jessi, and over the past decade we’ve continued that relationship in different capacities. To now launch something of my own, in partnership with my home for many years and to have a singer-songwriter of her caliber trust me enough to step into this next chapter together feels both incredibly special and deeply strategic. We have spent years building momentum together, but in a lot of ways this feels like we are just getting started.”
Her recent awards include MusicRow’s Female Songwriter of the Year for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and NMPA Gold & Platinum Gala Top Female Songwriter (2024). She also notched a GRAMMY nomination in 2025 for Best Song Written for Visual Media with “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and a Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 60th ACM Awards.