Pandora, SiriusXM Debut New Weekly Chart, Playlist

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Pandora and SiriusXM have launched a new weekly chart and playlist, The Top Thumb Hundred, that reflects listeners’ favorite recent discoveries, based on Pandora listener data, by capturing the 100 most-thumbed-up new releases on the platform. The collection of songs is refreshed every Monday.

Also debuting today, the same listener data will be used to create the Thumb 20, a new show on SiriusXM’s Pandora Now, Channel 3. This new weekly countdown — hosted by radio and TV host Chris Booker — will showcase the 20 most-thumbed-up new releases across pop, hip-hop and R&B.

Dan + Shay, whose new single “I Should Probably Go to Bed” debuted last week, are the special guests for the inaugural Thumb 20. Additionally, A$AP Ferg will join Pandora’s Head of Hip Hop, J1, to speak to his Thumb 20 debut “Move Ya Hips” (featuring Nicki Minaj). The countdown airs every Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, and re-airs on Wednesdays at noon ET, Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET, and Fridays at 5 p.m. ET.

“We’re excited to provide this early indicator of song performance, capturing and ranking the newest music every week,” said Alex Luke, SiriusXM and Pandora’s Senior Vice President, Digital Content. “Thumbing activity on Pandora has proven to be a great early indicator of listener affinity and now we can provide a glimpse into that, every Monday.”

On The Cover: Reba McEntire Graces ‘MusicRow Awards’ Print Issue

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Reba McEntire graces the cover of MusicRow Magazine’s 2020 MusicRow Awards issue, which highlights the nominees for this year’s MusicRow Awards. This year’s honorees will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020.

Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the complete list of nominees.

This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards, which will also be announced on Aug. 18, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard‘s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.

Other content in this issue includes features on the future of live shows, a look at diversity within country music, a tribute to the late studio musician and longtime Grand Ole Opry guitarist Jimmy Capps, a deep dive into how music studios are facing the ongoing pandemic, and a roundup of music industry awards.

Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that spans across music, television, film, theater and retail. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has won 16 ACM Awards, 15 American Music Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, six CMA Awards, three Grammy Awards, one GMA Dove Award and was a 2018 Kennedy Center Honors recipient, in addition to multiple philanthropic and leadership honors. The Oklahoma native and Golden Globe nominated actress has 11 movie credits to her name, a lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun and starred in the six-season television sitcom Reba.

In February 2020, Reba announced she will return to her original label home, Universal Music Group Nashville, where she spent the first 32 years of her famed career. During her time on both Mercury and MCA Records, two of the four labels that form Universal Music Group Nashville, Reba celebrated unprecedented success including 33 of her 35 career No. 1 singles and selling over 56 million albums worldwide. Her timeless hits include “Whoever’s In New England,” “Rumor Has It,” “Is There Life Out There,” “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Does He Love You” and more. Most recently, Reba released her acclaimed album, Read My Mind, on vinyl for the first time in celebration of its 25th Anniversary. The album includes hits such as “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” and “She Thinks His Name Was John.” Reba McEntire is set to re-release her iconic album Rumor Has It on Sept. 11 in honor of the record’s 30th Anniversary. Originally released in 1990, Rumor Has It has been certified three-times Platinum by the RIAA and features the classic hits “Fancy,” “You Lie” as well as “Fallin’ Out Of Love.”

LABEL: Universal Music Group Nashville
CURRENT ALBUM: Rumor Has It 30th anniversary edition
CURRENT PRODUCER: Buddy Cannon
CURRENT PUBLISHER: Given Music Publishing
PRO: ASCAP
MANAGEMENT: Maverick
BOOKING: WME
RECENT HITS: “Back To God,” “Consider Me Gone,” “Turn On The Radio”
AWARDS: 16 ACM, 15 American Music, nine People’s Choice, six CMA, three GRAMMY, one GMA Dove Award, 2018 Kennedy Center Honors, Country Music Hall of Fame, Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame
RIAA CERTS TO DATE: 40M+
SPECIAL TV APPEARANCES: six seasons on Reba TV show; Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway (2001); Spies In Disguise 2019 animated movie with Will Smith; movie debut in Tremors
BIRTHDAY: March 28, 1955
HOMETOWN: Chockie, OK
INTERESTING FACTS: Grew up on a working cattle ranch; father was a three-time world champion steer roper; discovered singing National Anthem at NFR; KFC’s first female colonel; boot line Reba by Justin with Justin Boots; 10+ year clothing line at Dillard’s
MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Barbara Mandrell
FAVORITE RECORDS: “Jolene,” “If You’re Not Gone Too Long,” “Till I Can Make It On My Own,” “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2020 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships. Please note that issues of MusicRow Magazine’s MusicRow Awards issue can only be purchased online as the MusicRow building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.

Sony/ATV and TwentySeven Music Publishing Extend Partnership, Sign Jimmie Allen

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Jimmie Allen. Photo: Dustin Haney

Sony/ATV Music Publishing and TwentySeven Music Publishing, led by industry executive Barry Weiss and songwriter and producer Jenna Andrews, announced they have extended their creative partnership and signed platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jimmie Allen to a worldwide publishing deal.

Since its establishment in 2019, Weiss, Andrews, and the TwentySeven team have signed talent including Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix, Mike Sonier, co-writer of the global hit “July” by Noah Cyrus, songwriter and producer Black Mayo, known for crafting Platinum single “Valentino” by 24kGoldn and Gold single “Pull Up” by Lil Mosey, rising Atlanta rapper Baby Plug, and recent signing KBFR, known for his single “Hood Baby,” which has become a viral sensation.

Allen has earned No. 1 hits with “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To” from his debut album Mercury Lane. Allen also made history with the album’s success as the first Black artist to launch their career with two consecutive No. 1 hits on country radio.

He recently released the collaboration project Bettie James, which features his fellow artists including Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rita Wilson, Tauren Wells and Tim McGraw. The album’s “Good Times Roll” with Nelly reached No. 1 on iTunes.

Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said, “Barry and Jenna continue to be first-rate creative partners for Sony/ATV and I’m eager to continue our work together. It is also an honor to support the career of Jimmie Allen, as he continues to break down barriers in music and inspire a new generation of fans.”

Sony/ATV Nashville Vice President, Creative Anna Weisband said, “We are so excited to have Jimmie Allen officially join our Sony/ATV family. His work ethic and creativity inspire us all to take his already amazing career to the next level. There is no limit on what we will achieve together with his multi-faceted songwriting and big picture thinking.”

TwentySeven Music Publishing co-founders Weiss and Andrews said, “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with our partners at Sony/ATV – Jon Platt and Jake Fain are model partners. Jimmie Allen is a generational talent that has a huge career ahead of him. He’s just getting started.”

Allen said, “I have been a fan of Barry Weiss for years. I’ve seen the great artists he has worked with and is working with. Super fired up about signing with his company. I’m looking forward to working with the entire team at TwentySeven Music Publishing and Sony/ATV and seeing what kind of timeless music magic we can create to inspire future songwriters and artists for generations to come.”

Pictured (Top row): Jacob Fain, Ash Bowers, Jenna Andrews. (Middle row): Jimmie Allen, Barry Weiss, Anna Weisband. (Bottom row): Jon Platt

Heather Luke Elevated To General Manager Of Big Machine/John Varvatos Records

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Heather Luke

Heather Luke has been promoted to General Manager of Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, effective immediately.

Most recently Senior Vice President/Head of Promotion, Luke began at BMLG in April 2018. In her new role, she will continue to cultivate relationships between rock radio and the imprint’s artist roster, which is home to Southern California rockers Badflower, Seattle singer-guitarist Ayron Jones and Chicago alt-rockers Friday Pilots Club.

“Heather Luke is the perfect executive to lead our rock division,” said BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “Her understanding of the intricacies and different iterations of rock radio and DSPs is second to none. Our quick results with Badflower having three consecutive No. 1s at Active Rock and early buzz on Ayron Jones prove it. Much deserved. Turn it up.”

“Heather is such a rock star,” said Varvatos. “She’s an incredible leader who is laser focused on delivering the big wins for the artists, label and radio.”

“I’m thrilled to take on the general manager role helping shape the future of Big Machine/John Varvatos Records,” said Luke. “We have a winning team that I am honored to be a part of. I must thank Scott Borchetta and John Varvatos for their selfless leadership, vision and support. Their passion for music and artist development is infectious. This is an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in the industry and I’m excited to get started.”

‘CMT After Midnite With Cody Alan’ Launches On American Forces Network

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Cody Alan/CMT After Midnite

CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan is joining the American Forces Network, effective today (Aug. 4). The award-winning Premiere Networks country radio show will air weeknights from midnight to 5 a.m. on AFN Today’s Best Country channel.

With the new alliance the show will reach nearly 1,000 U.S. bases globally, as well as 200 U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command ships at sea, and CMT After MidNite will launch the partnership with a special week of programming celebrating service men and women stationed around the world, featuring a lineup of stars including Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Craig Morgan, as well as artists supporting the military community.

“We are incredibly humbled by this opportunity to bring a slice of home to our honorable service men and women, their families and civilian personnel,” said Ashlee McDonald, Executive Producer, CMT Radio Programming & Operations. “Thank you, AFN, for inviting us to join the family on your storied airwaves!”

“American Forces Network Radio is proud to bring CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan to our U.S. military serving overseas, and we thank CMT and Premiere Networks for partnering with AFN Radio to ‘serve those that serve,’” said Tom Arnholt, AFN’s Chief of Radio Operations & Programming.

CMT is a long-time partner of organizations dedicated to giving back to military families, including the USO and Operation Homefront, among others. Both CMT and Cody Alan have produced recent radio and TV shows from Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Lewis, Washington; and Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, in addition to USO stops at bases in Korea, Alaska, and Bahrain.

Weekly Register: The Chicks, Taylor Swift Top Country Albums, Country On-Demand Streaming Charts

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The Chicks

The Chicks hold the No. 1 spot on the country albums chart for a second week, with Gaslightermoving 22.5K in total consumption, though the total does mark a 73% drop in sales for the project from its debut last week, according to Nielsen Music.

Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get is at No. 2 with 21.9, followed by Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me at No. 3 with 21.8K in total consumption. Combs’ This One’s For You is at No. 4 with 19K, followed by Sam Hunt‘s Southside at No. 5 with 14K.

Female artists dominate the Country On-Demand Streaming chart, with Taylor Swift‘s “betty” at No. 1 with 13 million streams this week. Gabby Barrett‘s smash hit “I Hope” is at No. 2 with 7.9 million streams. Sam Hunt is the lone male artist in the Top 5 this week, with “Hard To Forget” earning 7.3 million streams. Maddie & Tae‘s “Die From A Broken Heart” is at No. 4 with 7 million streams, followed by last week’s No. 1 country radio hit, Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird,” which earned 7 million streams to round out this week’s Top 5.

Ashley Gorley Makes History With 50th No. 1 Song Milestone

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Ashley Gorley. Photo: Josh Ulmer

Ashley Gorley has set a new record, as he earns his 50th No. 1 song at country radio with LOCASH‘s “One Big Country Song,” which is at No. 1 this week on Mediabase. With this milestone, Gorley—who is signed to Round Hill Music Publishing—becomes the only songwriter in any genre to earn 50 No. 1 singles in the history of the Mediabase and Billboard Airplay charts.

To date, Gorley has been named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year seven times—the only songwriter to have achieved that accolade seven times. He has also been named BillboardCountry Songwriter of the Year four times, NSAI Songwriter of the Year three times, has earned eight ACM Songwriter of the Year nominations and has earned three CMA Awards and two Grammy nominations. Gorley is the reigning ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, and he has earned 15 CMA Triple Play honors, including two “Triple-Triples” for notching nine No. 1 songs in 2018 and in 2019. He has had more than 300 songs recorded by artists including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Brad Paisley, Brett Eldredge, Billy Currington, Chris Young, Darius Rucker, Jason Derulo and Bon Jovi.

“I love what I do,” Gorley says. “I love writing songs—the challenge, the process, and the way that each day brings something different. 50 No. 1s is an achievement I’m proud of and grateful for, but I’m even more grateful for the friendships these 50 No. 1s have granted me; friendships with the artists that have given these songs life and success, my co-writers who motivate me to dig deeper each day, and mentors and early believers who continue to cheer me on. I stay inspired by my Tape Room family who I try to provide with those same beliefs, friendships, and mentorships. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially the radio teams who work tirelessly for these songs to be heard.”

“It is truly a privilege and an honor to work with a songwriter of Ashley’s talent,” says Mark Brown, SVP/GM of Round Hill Music Publishing. “His drive, his work ethic, and his positive attitude all contribute to his success. But, the pure talent level puts Ashley in a rare ultra-elite group. I don’t know of any other songwriter, in any genre, who has achieved the remarkable achievement of 50 No. 1s. Furthermore, judging from his continuing activity and young age, I expect there are many more hits yet to come. Congratulations Ashley on your incredible accomplishment.”

“In a year where everyone was reminded of the greatness of Michael Jordan, I’m glad we have a moment to appreciate the songwriting community’s own Michael Jordan, Ashley Gorley,” said frequent collaborator and friend Josh Osborne. “50 No. 1s is unbelievable. Ashley has the same drive and creativity that he had when I met him as a college student at Belmont. I don’t want to say too many nice things right now because I need to save something for when he has 60 No. 1s. I’ll just say I’m very glad I get to work with him and call him a friend.”

“Congratulations on 50 No. 1s – it’s hard to even wrap your head around that. What an accomplishment,” shared country superstar Luke Bryan via video message to Gorley when the news broke. “So glad to be a part of some of those with you, and so glad to have written some of them with you. Congrats buddy!”

Gorley, a Kentucky native and graduate of Belmont University, launched Tape Room Music in 2011; the company’s name pays tribute to his internships in the tape rooms of various publishing companies. Tape Room Music’s lean staff includes GM Blain Rhodes and VP Kelly Bolton, who guide the publishing company’s roster of 11 writers. Tape Room Music has earned 21 No. 1 hits at country radio, along with cuts by pop artists including Justin Timberlake, Meek Mill and Charlie Puth.

“Ashley Gorley drives me insane,” joked fellow writer and long time friend Jesse Frasure. “Mainly because of how difficult it is to be such good friends with a songwriter that is so prolific and hard working on a regular basis. For Ashley, writing a great song is just the start of the hard work. On top of that, the passion for his family and faith equally matches his career. I’m very grateful to have him in my life as a collaborator, but his friendship in this business is truly priceless to me. Congratulations on 50 No. 1s Ashley. You are one of the greatest American songwriters of any genre.”

Gorley celebrates this No.1 with publisher Round Hill Music, founded by Joshua Gruss.

See a full list of Gorley’s 50 No. 1 hits below (chronological order):

“Don’t Forget To Remember Me” — Carrie Underwood
“All-American Girl” — Carrie Underwood
“You’re Gonna Miss This” — Trace Adkins
“Start A Band” — Brad Paisley
“It Won’t Be Like This For Long” — Darius Rucker
“Then” — Brad Paisley
“American Saturday Night” — Brad Paisley
“Good Girl” — Carrie Underwood
“Crash My Party” — Luke Bryan
“Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” — Randy Houser
“Don’t Ya” — Brett Eldredge
“Hey Girl” — Billy Currington
“That’s My Kinda Of Night’ — Luke Bryan
“Play It Again” — Luke Bryan
“Rewind” — Rascal Flatts
“Yeah” — Joe Nichols
“I See You” — Luke Bryan
“Just Gettin’ Started” — Jason Aldean
“Don’t It” — Billy Currington
“Tonight Looks Good On You” — Jason Aldean
“Kick The Dust Up” — Luke Bryan
“Young & Crazy” — Frankie Ballard
“Nothin’ Like You” — Dan + Shay
“Heartbeat” — Carrie Underwood
“You Should Be Here” — Cole Swindell
“T-Shirt” — Thomas Rhett
“American Country Love Song” — Jake Owen
“Middle of a Memory” — Cole Swindell
“Dirty Laundry” — Carrie Underwood
“A Guy With a Girl” — Blake Shelton
“Dirt On My Boots” — Jon Pardi
“Today” — Brad Paisley
“Black” — Dierks Bentley
“Do I Make You Wanna” — Billy Currington
“Unforgettable” — Thomas Rhett
“Fix a Drink” — Chris Janson
“Marry Me” — Thomas Rhett
“Life Changes” — Thomas Rhett
“What Makes You Country” — Luke Bryan
“Eyes On You” — Chase Rice
“Love Ain’t” — Eli Young Band
“Rumor” — Lee Brice
“Living” — Dierks Bentley
“I Don’t Know About You” — Chris Lane
“Good Vibes” — Chris Janson
“Remember You Young” — Thomas Rhett
“Ridin’ Roads” — Dustin Lynch
“Catch” — Brett Young
“Hard To Forget” — Sam Hunt
“One Big Country Song” — LOCASH

Submissions Now Open For MusicRow’s 2020 Publisher Issue Directory

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New submissions for inclusion in the company directory for the upcoming MusicRow Publisher Issue print magazine are now being accepted through Aug. 14.

Along with the publisher directory with contact information for Nashville’s publishing community, the Publisher Issue also features exclusive editorial content pertaining to music publishing. To submit your company for consideration, complete and submit this form. For questions, please contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com or 615-349-2171.

To reserve ad space in the 2020 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.

Become a subscribed member of MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.

Phillip White Inks Co-Pub Deal With FAME Publishing, Attaboy Music Publishing

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Phillip White has signed a co-publishing deal with FAME Publishing Co. and White’s Attaboy Music Publishing Worldwide.

White, a writer of three No. 1 hits and an ACM Song of the Year winner, was impacted by Shoals songwriting masters Donnie Fritts and Spooner Oldham as a young man before moving to Nashville. He spent nearly 30 years writing hits for Rascal Flatts (“I’m Moving On”), Reba McEntire (“I’m A Survivor,” “He Gets That From Me”), Blake Shelton (“Nobody But Me”) and George Strait (“If It Wasn’t For Texas”). Vince Gill, Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan, Wynonna and many more have recorded White’s songs.

“I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time,” says Rodney Hall, Co-President of FAME Publishing Co. “I’m happy to have him home.”

White has recently written and recorded an album, Movin’ On Sessions Vol. 2, at FAME Recording Studios with producer James LeBlanc. The album features many legendary musicians and special guests, and many of the new songs on the album are part of the catalogue that FAME Publishing Co. has acquired.

Microsoft Explores Acquisition Of TikTok

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On Sunday (Aug. 2), Microsoft announced it will continue its intent to acquire popular video platform TikTok from its Chinese parent company ByteDance.

In a statement, Microsoft said the company’s CEO Satya Nadella had spoken with President Donald J. Trump, and “is prepared to continue discussions to explore a purchase of TikTok in the United States.” Over the weekend, President Trump had told reporters he planned to ban the app in the United States.

In response, Microsoft says it is “committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury,” and has said it will complete discussions with TikTok parent company ByteDance no later than Sept. 15, 2020.

ByteDance and Microsoft have provided a notice of their intent to explore a preliminary proposal that would involve a purchase of the TikTok service in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and would result in Microsoft owning and operating TikTok in these markets.

Microsoft’s statement also says the company “would ensure that all private data of TikTok’s American users is transferred to and remains in the United States. To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States, Microsoft would ensure that this data is deleted from servers outside the country after it is transferred.”

According to a New York Times report on Monday (Aug. 3), Trump said that Microsoft can move forward to pursue the acquisition. He stated that TikTok would shut down on Sept. 15 unless Microsoft or another company purchased it.

“It can’t be controlled for security reasons by China,” Trump said according to the New York Times report, adding that he was supportive if Microsoft or another “very American” company purchased TikTok instead. “A very substantial portion of that price is going to have to come into the Treasury of the United States, because we’re making it possible for this deal to happen,” Trump said.

Read Microsoft’s full statement here.