George Jones’ Classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today" Celebrates 40th Anniversary

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Sunday (July 5) marked 40 years since the George Jones classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Chart. The tune, which first topped the chart on July 5, 1980, was Jones’ first solo hit in six years and paved the way to his winning the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award in both 1980 and 1981.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, has been preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry since 2008. After Jones’ death in 2013, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” entered the Billboard Hot Country Charts once again at No. 21.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since George topped the charts with “He Stopped Loving Her Today. It’s amazing to me how many artists and people were affected by George’s music,” said Nancy Jones. “Everyday I hear new stories about George and I love hearing them because I know his legacy continues to live on. I am even more excited to soon announce some things that will keep George’s memory alive forever in our hearts and our lives.”

Throughout his career Jones recorded more than 100 albums and notched 60 Top 10 singles, including chart-toppers “White Lightning,” “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “I Always Get Lucky With You,” and more.

HARDY Leaps To Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Michael Hardy—or HARDY—jumps to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with co-writer credit on five charting songs: “More Than My Hometown” (Morgan Wallen), “One Big Country Song” (LOCASH), “Single Saturday Night” (Cole Swindell), “Some Girls” (Jameson Rodgers), and “One Beer” (HARDY feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson).

Hit songwriter Craig Wiseman spends his 11th week atop the Top Songwriter Chart, while Josh Thompson maintains the No. 2 position.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded 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.

Josh Mirenda Signs With Average Joes Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Forrest Latta, Average Joes/A&R; Colt Ford; Josh Mirenda; Chris Alderman/Deluge Music; Megan Bocklage/Deluge Music

Josh Mirenda has signed a recording contract with Average Joes Entertainment.

Mirenda, who was honored with ASCAP’s Song of the Year award in 2017 for his role in writing Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 hit “Somewhere on a Beach,” has also penned two chart-topping tracks for Jason Aldean—”They Don’t Know” and “Girl Like You.” In 2018, Mirenda earned a hit song of his own with “I Got You,” which earned more than 22 million streams.

“We’re excited to have Josh join our roster,” remarked Forrest Latta, Average Joes’ A&R representative. “An already established hit songwriter and now solo entertainer, he’s poised to take it to the next level musically and we can’t wait to be a part of what’s to come.”

Prior to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic which has halted numerous tours, Mirenda had been opening shows for artists including Chris Young, Dylan Scott, Easton Corbin and Rodney Atkins. Mirenda is also writing and recording music for his project slated to release later this year.

In 2019, Mirenda became the first songwriter signed to Reservoir’s Nashville office. He is also managed by Deluge Music.

Bob Reeves Joins Riser House As Sr. VP, Promotion

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Bob Reeves has joined Riser House as Sr. VP, Promotion, effective today (July 2).

“Bob’s enthusiasm for our roster of artist creators is unmatched,” said Riser House President/CEO Jennifer Johnson. “We share the same vision to help them rise above the noise and build their brands on a global level. With the heart of a teacher and a wealth of experience, Bob is a leader and will be a great addition to our energetic team.”

Reeves previously served in the same capacity at Reviver Entertainment. His career has also included stops at Warner Music Nashville, Blaster Records, and Sony Music.
Reeves can be reached at bob@riserhouse.com.

Weekly Radio Report (7/2/20)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

DISClaimer: Kenny Chesney, Trisha Yearwood, Lauren Alaina, The Chicks, And More

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This DISClaimer has it all.

From Music Row’s revered songwriting community come Brett James and Waylon Payne with power-packed performances.

Our top stars are here, too: Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, The Chicks and Tanya Tucker, to sample just a few.

We have Black country artists Willie Jones and IMAJ. We have Hispanic contributors The Texicana Mamas. Women are well represented this week, contributing six of our entries, including Disc of the Day awardees Lauren Alaina & Trisha Yearwood.

Check out the YouTube video by Willie Jones and you’ll see why he’s this week’s DisCovery Award winner.

STONEY LARUE & TANYA TUCKER/Meet in the Middle
Writers: Gary Nicholson/Stoney LaRue; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Smith Music
-It’s a simply produced two-step with a bluesy tune and a crisp tempo. There’s a Texas thang going on here.

KENNY CHESNEY/Happy Does
Writers: Brad Clawson/Greylan Egan James/Jamie Paulin/Robert Brock Berryhill; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Warner Chappell/Universal; Warner Music Nashville/Blue Chair Records
-Like a summertime daydream in a swaying hammock. This is so gently relaxing and breezy that you cannot help feeling good. Classic Chesney.

IMAJ/8min 46sec (I Can’t Breathe)
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Thomas Triomph
-She’s the daughter of ’80s TV icon Philip Michael Thomas (Miami Vice). The track consists of her playing acoustic guitar and repeating the words “I can’t breathe” (occasionally augmented by “Don’t kill me” and “Mama”) for eight minutes and 46 seconds. It’s more like a piece of post-modern performance art than it is a country single. She also has a more conventionally structured country-political song called “Colorblind.”

CHRISSY METZ/Actress
Writers: Chrissy Metz/Nicolette Hayford/Matt McGuinn/Nathan Spicer; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; EMI
-Cool song. She pretends to be casual when her heart is breaking inside. The ballad begins with a stately simplicity and builds to pounding anthemic power. The single is still “Talking to God,” but this reveals that she has a lot more up her sleeve.

WAYLON PAYNE/Sins of the Father
Writers: Waylon Payne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Carnival
-I’m a big fan of this man’s songwriting. His craftsmanship and vocal charisma are so strong that this needs nothing more than his acoustic guitar accompaniment to make it as compelling, dynamic and listenable as a fully-produced studio recording. It also weaves a helluva yarn about addiction and recovery. I absolutely cannot wait for his album.

BRETT JAMES/Tell The People
Writers: Brett James; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BJ
-Speaking of contributions from our songwriting community. Brett James has a new album ready to go, and this soulful advance track leaves you hungry for more. Over a gospel-ish track, he urges us give each other love before it’s too late. Blue-eyed soul distilled to purity.

LAUREN ALAINA & TRISHA YEARWOOD/Getting Good
Writers: Emily Weisband; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Warner Chappell; Mercury
-Awesome. Two great voices. One great song. I hung on every line and bopped with every beat.

THE TEXICANA MAMAS/Cocina de Amor (Kitchen of Love)
Writers: Tish Hinojosa/Stephanie Urbina Jones/Patricia Vonne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed
-Latina country divas Tish Hinojosa, Stephanie Urbina Jones and Patricia Vonne have joined their voices in this new trio. All three are accomplished singer-songwriters. It shows on this enchanting, feel-good, sing-along, happy and ridiculously catchy bi-lingual single. Hey, anything that rhymes “tequila,” “sangria” and “familia” is fine with me.

THE CHICKS/March March
Writers: Ross Golan/Natalie Maines/Martie Maguire/Jack Antonoff/Ian Kirkpatrick/Emily Strayer/Dan Wilson; Producer: Jack Antonoff/  The Chicks; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
-They continue to speak up and speak out. More power to them. I’m glad that they didn’t “shut up and sing.” This pop-leaning outing has very cool multi rhythms going on, as well as fiddle and banjo licks. Listenable in the extreme, with a message to boot. Definitely a song for our times. I’m a fan for life.

WILLIE JONES/Back Porch
Writers: none listed; Producer: Publisher: Audiam/Anthem Entertainment; 4 Sound/Empire
-He’s a handsome charmer with a ditty that should have Kenny Chesney looking over his shoulder. This is a summer, good-time sound if I’ve ever heard one. Play it.

CHRIS YOUNG/If That Ain’t God
Writers: Chris Young/Matt Roy/Mitchell Oglesby/Graylan James; Producer: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; RCA
-He’s such a superstar. As usual, he sings his country fanny off. The pithy lyric will warm your spirit. Uplifting and hearty. A smash.

Austin City Limits Festival Canceled For 2020

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The Austin City Limits Festival has been canceled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rescheduled for 2021. The festival will return to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-10, 2021 to celebrate its 20th Anniversary.

The ACL festival website states: “We would have loved to put on another memorable show this year, however, with the uncertainty surrounding the current situation in Texas, this decision is the only responsible solution. The health and safety of our fans, artists, partners, staff and the entire Austin community remains our highest priority. ”

Fans who have already purchased tickets are encouraged to hold on to them to lock in access to next year’s festival at 2019 prices. Refunds are available for fans who purchased directly through the festival and cannot attend next year’s dates. All current ticket holders will receive an email from Front Gate Tickets shortly with information on both options.

National Museum Of African American Music Adds Four Staffers

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The National Museum of African American Music has added four new employees, Marlyncia Pierce, Alaya Howard, Shelly Surdoval and Russell Henley, to its growing staff ahead of the museum’s opening later this year in Nashville.

Marlyncia Pierce has been named marketing communications manager at NMAAM. In her role, Pierce will manage NMAAM’s communication and marketing strategies as it gears up for its public opening. Pierce comes to NMAAM from Bounce TV, where she oversaw sponsorship implementation and commercial ad trafficking for accounts such as McDonald’s, AT&T, and Walmart. Originally from Atlanta, Pierce earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a certificate in New Media Design from the University of Georgia.

Alaya Howard has been named event sales manager at NMAAM. Howard will work to ensure that all special events will provide a truly immersive “Music City” experience. Howard comes to NMAAM from the world of corporate event planning and management. She studied mass communications at Middle Tennessee State University and is a Nashville native.

Shelly Surdoval has been named marketing assistant at NMAAM. In her new role, Surdoval will assist in NMAAM’s marketing efforts, and coordinate communications with talent and music industry stakeholders. Prior to joining NMAAM, Surdoval worked at McGhee Entertainment, where she helped with day-to-day management of Darius Rucker, CeCe Winans and others. Most recently, she worked as client services team coordinator for Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group. The Nashville native earned her B.A. degree in psychology at University of Tennessee–Knoxville.

Russell Henley has been named IT director at NMAAM. In this role, Henley will be responsible for programming and maintaining the museum’s business systems, information security and other components. Henley brings over 25 years of expertise in IT, of which the last eight were spent in the tourism industry serving one of the largest attractions in the Southeast.

“Each of our newest staff additions brings great talent to NMAAM,” said NMAAM President and CEO Henry Beecher Hicks, III. “We are proud to attract some of the best professionals in the business, who understand the importance of having an institution like NMAAM in Nashville.”

Set to open in Fall 2020, the National Museum of African American Music will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music.

Mark Your Calendar—July 2020

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Single Add Dates


July 6
Allie Colleen/Ain’t The Only Hell (My Momma Raised)/Evangeline Records
Catherine Altomare/Fields of Gold/New Notes

July 9
Austin Merrill/One More Mile/Foundry Records

July 13
Travis Denning/Where That Beer’s Been/Mercury
Lindsay Ell/Want Me Back/Stoney Creek
Danielle Bradbery/Never Have I Ever/Big Machine
Jake Simon/I Still Think About You/Spaceshot Records
Zach and Rodney/Canton Jones/Selma Swamp/Warcat Records/Cajo Records

July 17
Kirstie Kraus/Silver/KH of Entertainment

July 20
Kenny Chesney/Happy Does/Warner Music Nashville
Zac Brown Band/The Man Who Loves You The Most/19th & Grand Records
Tyler Farr/Soundtrack To A Small Town Sundown/Night Train Records/Broken Bow Records
Mo Pitney/Ain’t Bad For A Good Ol’ Boy/Curb
Derek Johnson/Right Beer Right Now/Star Farm
Dwain Messer/Ease My Troubled Mind/N Crowd Music

Album Releases


July 3
Willie Nelson/First Rose of Spring/Legacy Recordings
Eric Paslay/Heartbeat Higher

July 7
Afton Wolfe/Petronius’ Last Meal EP/Twangri-La Records

July 10
Brett Eldredge/Sunday Drive/Warner Music Nashville
Ray Wylie Hubbard/Co-Starring/Big Machine Records
Margo Price/That’s How Rumors Get Started/Loma Vista Recordings
Jimmie Allen/Bettie James/BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records

July 17
The Chicks/Gaslighter/Columbia
Various Artists/Mud Digger 11/Average Joes Entertainment
Johnny & The Mongrels/Creole Skies

July 24
Lori McKenna/The Balladeer/CN Records/Thirty Tigers
Zoë Nutt/How Does It Feel

July 31
Mac McAnally/Once In A Lifetime/Mailboat Records
Rascal Flatts/How They Remember You/Big Machine Records

Marisa Maino Signs With Prescription Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Manager Amanda Quinton, Marisa Maino, and Prescription A&R’s Leah Hodgkiss. Photo courtesy of Elicity Public Relations

Marisa Maino has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Prescription Songs.

This is the first publishing deal for the singer-songwriter, who released her latest EP Stages of Love & Heartbreak in April. The EP includes seven tracks, including “Ever Young,” previously released singles “Hot,” “Boy Toy,” “Want You Like That,” and “Bored and Brokenhearted,” as well as new songs “Love Sux” and “Mistake.” Maino is set to release the official video for “Love Sux” on July 13.

“We are so excited to welcome Marisa to the Prescription Songs family,” said Prescription Head of A&R Katie Fagan. “Her growth as a writer even over the past year has been massive and we are honored to continue to help elevate her career as a songwriter and artist. She’s an incredibly special addition to our roster and we can’t wait for the world to hear what she’s cooking up!”

“Writing with RX has always been a dream of mine,” said Maino. “My favorite songs were created here, and the company is female-run. Dare I say RX is groundbreaking? Being able to become a part of their family is so surreal, and getting a check to write songs for my best friend feels too good to be true. I hope no one pinches me anytime soon because if it is a dream I’m not ready to wake up yet.”