Lindsay Hayes
Music Health Alliance has appointed Lindsay Hayes as Vice President of Development, and announced several staff promotions across its advocacy and healthcare navigation team.
In Hayes’ new role, she will lead the growth of MHA’s fundraising and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term financial sustainability. She brings more than 15 years of experience supporting artists and creative organizations through growth, transition and large-scale productions.
“For the past 10 years, producing Music Health Alliance’s annual benefit as a volunteer has been a source of great pride for me,” shares Hayes. “I’m thrilled to now make things official and join MHA at a time when their work has never been more vital.”
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hayes moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, where she graduated magna cum laude before launching her career in the music business. Early in her career she worked on notable projects including the Grammy-nominated album I Love: Tom T. Hall’s Songs of Fox Hollow (Red Beet Records). She went on to spend nearly a decade in artist management before transitioning into a Marketing Director role at Red Light Management, and most recently served as General Manager of Collective Artist Management, overseeing operations, strategy and partnerships.
“For years we have hoped the stars would align for Lindsay to join us in an official capacity, and today feels like the answer to a very long prayer,” says Tatum Allsep, MHA Founder & CEO. “Lindsay brings a rare combination of innovative strategy expertise, deep industry knowledge, and a heart that beats for the wellbeing of our creative community. Having her leadership on our team is not only a dream realized, but a powerful investment in the future of Music Health Alliance and the people we are privileged to serve.”
Pictured (L-R, top row): Britton Barnette, Erin Lancaster and Dr. Zacquia McKinley; (L-R, bottom row): Steven Crowder, Suzanne Berg and Sophie Badgett
In addition to Hayes’ appointment, Music Health Alliance has also promoted several key staff. Britton Barnette has risen to Senior Advocate Coordinator; Erin Lancaster to Director of Group Health; Sophie Badgett to Senior Manager of Advocacy & Insurance, Dental Coordination; Steven Crowder to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Business Management Relations; Suzanne Berg to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Artist Management Relations; and Zacquia McKinley to Director of Advocacy & Insurance.
“I’m so proud to celebrate these hard-earned promotions! Each of these six team members has advanced the mission of Music Health Alliance through their impactful results, innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the music community we serve. These promotions honor the impact they’ve already made and their momentum to continue to Heal The Music,” says Allsep.
BREAKING: George Briner Retires As President Of The Valory Music Co.
/by LB CantrellGeorge Briner
George Briner has exited his post as President of The Valory Music Co. today (Feb. 9), announcing his retirement after more than 18 years with the company and 40-plus years in country music.
“What a ride, in short, since I stepped into the country music world in 1984 working as the Promotion Director at KZLA/Los Angeles, to this day as I step away from my role as President at The Valory Music Co.,” the industry veteran shared with the Valory and Big Machine Label Group staff. “There are so many chapters, so much incredible music and so many artists I have had the privilege to be associated with, not to mention all the people that I have had the honor of working with and getting to know. I truly have loved every minute! From KZLA, Warner Bros., Giant Records, Magnatone, Curb Universal, DreamWorks, MCA, BNA and the last eighteen years with Valory. I have so many people to thank, especially Audra, my wife, who has supported me on this journey (we finally get to take those trips we have talked about), the Valory family and those at BMLG, all who have been a part of this amazing chapter. And thank you, Scott Borchetta, for your leadership, passion, belief in me and – most importantly – friendship.”
“George Briner has been my brother, friend, and colleague for more years than either of us care to mention,” adds Borchetta, BMLG Founder, Chairman & CEO. “He is and will always be the consummate ‘record guy.’ He loves turning people onto artists and music and, generally, just loves people. It has been my true honor and pleasure to fight these battles and win these wars and reach the top of the mountain with him so many times. From our Toby Keith No. 1’s at DreamWorks to our latest Thomas Rhett No. 1’s at Valory, and everything in between, he’s led the charge and truly became one of the GOATs. Country music is better because of George Briner.”
Since joining The Valory Music Co., Briner has helped propel 46 singles to No. 1, oversaw the release of countless multi-Platinum and Platinum-certified albums, and led the charge on marketing and promotion strategies for artists including Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Sheryl Crow, RaeLynn, Aaron Lewis, Preston Cooper, Mackenzie Carpenter and more.
Briner can be reached at brinerge@comcast.net.
HARDY Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenHARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith
HARDY has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. With his own “Favorite Country Song” and Morgan Wallen’s “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” and “I Got Better,” the singer-songwriter sits at No. 10 this week.
Zach Bryan remains at No. 1 for the third consecutive week with all solo-penned “Appetite,” “Bad News,” “Drowning,” “Plastic Cigarette,” “Runny Eggs,” “Santa Fe,” “Say Why,” “Skin,” “Slicked Back” and “With Heaven On Top.” Chase McGill moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “the hell you are” and “Water At A Wedding.”
Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Ty Myers (No. 4) and Randy Montana (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Music Health Alliance Expands Leadership Team, Promotes Six
/by LB CantrellLindsay Hayes
Music Health Alliance has appointed Lindsay Hayes as Vice President of Development, and announced several staff promotions across its advocacy and healthcare navigation team.
In Hayes’ new role, she will lead the growth of MHA’s fundraising and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term financial sustainability. She brings more than 15 years of experience supporting artists and creative organizations through growth, transition and large-scale productions.
“For the past 10 years, producing Music Health Alliance’s annual benefit as a volunteer has been a source of great pride for me,” shares Hayes. “I’m thrilled to now make things official and join MHA at a time when their work has never been more vital.”
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hayes moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, where she graduated magna cum laude before launching her career in the music business. Early in her career she worked on notable projects including the Grammy-nominated album I Love: Tom T. Hall’s Songs of Fox Hollow (Red Beet Records). She went on to spend nearly a decade in artist management before transitioning into a Marketing Director role at Red Light Management, and most recently served as General Manager of Collective Artist Management, overseeing operations, strategy and partnerships.
“For years we have hoped the stars would align for Lindsay to join us in an official capacity, and today feels like the answer to a very long prayer,” says Tatum Allsep, MHA Founder & CEO. “Lindsay brings a rare combination of innovative strategy expertise, deep industry knowledge, and a heart that beats for the wellbeing of our creative community. Having her leadership on our team is not only a dream realized, but a powerful investment in the future of Music Health Alliance and the people we are privileged to serve.”
Pictured (L-R, top row): Britton Barnette, Erin Lancaster and Dr. Zacquia McKinley; (L-R, bottom row): Steven Crowder, Suzanne Berg and Sophie Badgett
In addition to Hayes’ appointment, Music Health Alliance has also promoted several key staff. Britton Barnette has risen to Senior Advocate Coordinator; Erin Lancaster to Director of Group Health; Sophie Badgett to Senior Manager of Advocacy & Insurance, Dental Coordination; Steven Crowder to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Business Management Relations; Suzanne Berg to Director of Advocacy & Insurance, Artist Management Relations; and Zacquia McKinley to Director of Advocacy & Insurance.
“I’m so proud to celebrate these hard-earned promotions! Each of these six team members has advanced the mission of Music Health Alliance through their impactful results, innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the music community we serve. These promotions honor the impact they’ve already made and their momentum to continue to Heal The Music,” says Allsep.
NSAI Reveals First Honorees For 2026 NSAI Member Awards
/by Lauryn SinkNSAI has revealed the first honorees for its annual awards, set to take place on March 26 at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville.
Grayson May, the recent recipient of the 2026 Todd Given’s Memorial Scholarship, Adam Epstein, Julia Keefe and Ralston Wells will each receive a Friend of NSAI award for their support of the organization. NSAI will award five Milestone awards to Jessie Brackin, Philip Morgan, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe and Gabe Walsh. This award is given to members who have achieved notable career success over the past year.
Lydia Vaughan will serve as the opening performer.
Tickets are available now.
The NSAI Member Awards take place during Tin Pan South week, set for March 24-28.
Hudson Westbrook Notches First No. 1 Hit
/by Madison HahnenHudson Westbook. Photo: Emma Kate Golden
Hudson Westbrook has earned his first No. 1 single on Mediabase Country with “House Again.” With the achievement, the 21 year-old becomes the youngest solo male to ever top the country radio charts with a debut single.
The tune was co-penned by Westbrook, Dan Alley and Neil Medley, with production from Ryan Youmans and Lukas Scott.
Last month, Westbrook released his second EP Exclusive, where he collaborated lyrically with Medley, Scott, Beau Bailey, Alley and more across the five tracks. Throughout this year, Westbrook will open up for George Strait, Bailey Zimmerman and Morgan Wallen, as well as make appearances at CMC Rocks QLC, Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout and more.
Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Makes History
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has made history with “Choosin’ Texas,” making her the first woman to simultaneously lead the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts.
As noted by Billboard, only three titles previously been No. 1 on the lists simultaneously, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” and Wallen’s “Last Night.”
“Choosin’ Texas” was co-penned by Langley, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor, with production from Langley, Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The track has amassed over 310M global streams, officially reaching RIAA Platinum status. The tune also landed on several year end lists last year including Billboard, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, FADER and more.
The track is featured on Langley’s upcoming Dandelion album, releasing April 1o. Langley will also kickoff her “The Dandelion Tour” on May 7, visiting Toledo, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Austin, Fort Worth and more.
FAM Unveils Nashville Ice Storm Relief Grant
/by Madison HahnenFamily Alliance in Music, FAM, is providing relief to those affected by the Nashville ice storm.
Music industry professionals facing financial hardship in caring for a child, elder or loved one due to Winter Storm Fern are can apply. This includes individuals working in any area of the music industry, such as musicians, songwriters, tour managers, sound engineers, label employees, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.
Applications can be filled out here, and close Feb. 16.
Jim Lauderdale Slates ‘Country Super Hits Volume 2’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughJim Lauderdale. Photo: Jeff Fasano
Jim Lauderdale is gearing up to release a brand new project, Country Super Hits Volume 2, which is due out on March 27.
In conjunction with the album announcement, Lauderdale released a new single, “Everybody’s Got A Problem,” about one thing that is truly universal. “This song relates to the common experience of going through difficult times, and that very few of us are immune to that,” explains Lauderdale.
The single follows a previous track released from the new project, “People Get Hurt Sometimes.” Chock full of pedal steel, country piano and telecasters, Volume 2 finds Lauderdale telling universal stories in his own singular voice. Since his major label debut in 1991, the recent Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has released a commanding 37 albums under his name, with Country Super Hits Volume 2 set to be his 38th.
Lauderdale continues to tour through the spring, and following the album release, will open and close the summer with multiple dates in Europe on tour with Emmylou Harris.
Country Super Hits Volume 2 Track List:
1. “I’ve Still Got You”
2. “People Get Hurt Sometimes”
3. “Hope Springs Eternal”
4. “You Had To Be There”
5. “Artificial Intelligence”
6. “I’m Waggin’ My Tail”
7. “Everybody’s Got A Problem”
8. “While We Learn To Break Each Others Hearts”
9. “Neighbors”
10. “I Can’t Get Around It”
11. “You’re My Honest To Goodness”
12. “Making A Believer Out Of Me”
13. “We Don’t See You Anymore”
Spotify Unveils ‘About the Song’
/by Lauryn SinkSpotify has introduced its new “About The Song” feature.
Available in Now Playing View, it uses short, swipeable cards to surface the meaning, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details behind the track you’re hearing. The information is summarized from third-party sources.
First announced in November, the program is currently in beta, and currently rolling out on ios and Android devices in English for Premium users in the United States, U.K., Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Chris Cagle Receives Pandora Billionaire Plaque, Signs Management Deal
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): WME’s Brian Jones, Cagle’s Manager Cole Johnstone, SiriusXM’s Trapper John Morris, Chris Cagle, SiriusXM’s Ashley Till and WME’s Lance Alleman. Photo: Parker Young
Chris Cagle was honored with a Pandora Billionaire plaque during a special SiriusXM audience event last week in Nashville celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut album, Play It Loud.
The plaque was presented by SiriusXM’s Trapper John Morris at the SiriusXM studios, acknowledging Cagle’s career catalog surpassing one billion streams on Pandora. The SiriusXM Y2Kountry event marked the official kickoff of Cagle’s “Play It Loud 25th Anniversary Tour,” and featured a live performance and in-depth interview with host Ashley Till. Cagle delivered a career-spanning set of his hits, including “Laredo,” “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” “What a Beautiful Day,” “Chicks Dig It” and “What Kinda Gone.”
The special event will be broadcast nationally on SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry channel 57 on Feb. 13 and any time on the SiriusXM app, launching a year-long celebration honoring 25 years since the release of Play It Loud.
In conjunction with the anniversary campaign, Cagle has also signed with Johnstone Entertainment for management.