MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 Publisher Issue print edition, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover.
Multi-Platinum hitmaker, critically adored singer-songwriter, record-breaking headliner—just a few years after making her debut, Moroney has ascended to a truly stratospheric level of stardom. With the arrival of her smash-hit sophomore album Am I Okay?—a 2024 LP that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and marked the year’s third-biggest debut from a female country artist–the Georgia-bred phenomenon cemented her status as a towering force in country music and earned raves from major publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone (including gracing the cover of the iconic magazine’s Future of Music issue).
The follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 debut Lucky (featuring her four-times Platinum No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange”), Am I Okay? delivered standouts like its Platinum title track (her second No. 1 at country radio) and Platinum-certified “No Caller ID,” helping to boost her streaming numbers to over 3.6 billion total global streams across platforms. Along with receiving the Rulebreaker Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event, her fast-growing list of accolades includes winning the first-ever Best Country prize at the 2025 MTV VMAs, New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards, and New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.
The 2025 Publisher Issue is a highly-anticipated annual resource that includes the updated Publisher Directory, a listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations available for songwriters. It also contains exclusive features that spotlight the songwriting and publishing segment of the Nashville music industry.
“At MusicRow, our dedicated team takes great pride in producing the annual Publisher Print Issue. Each year, this special edition serves as both a celebration and a resource, shining a light on the individuals and companies whose creativity and commitment fuel the songwriting and publishing community,” says Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher of MusicRow Magazine.
Back again in the 2025 Publisher Issue is the State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman, Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill, Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Anna Weisband, Big Loud Publishing’s Mike Giangreco and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson.
Also in this issue is a tribute to the late Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President and CEO, who passed away earlier this year.
Elsewhere, publishing leaders at Concord, Jody Williams Songs, River House Artists, CTM Outlander and ASCAP share insights into what makes a writer “deal-ready.” Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar talks about the impact of artificial intelligence and Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford discusses common publishing deal contract clauses, and how writers can protect their art.
MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Spirit Music Group’s David Garcia, Verse 2 and Sony Music Publishing’s Joybeth Taylor, UMPG Nashville’s Allison Veltz-Cruz, Warner Chappell’s Summer Overstreet and Curb’s Bobby Tomberlin.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Meghan Patrick Slates 3rd Annual Benefit Show For YWCA
/by Madison HahnenMeghan Patrick. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Meghan Patrick will host her third annual benefit show for YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Services Program on Oct. 27 at The Nashville Palace.
This year’s lineup includes Kasey Tyndall, Meg McRee, Alana Springsteen, Madeline Edwards, Thelma and James, Brad Clawson, Caylee Hammack and Andy Albert. The event will include the writer’s round performances, as well as a silent auction. Patrick will close the night with a full-band set.
Tickets for the event are on-sale now. Direct donations to YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Services Program can be made here.
Lil Man J Signs With UTA
/by Lauryn SinkLil Man J with the UTA team.
Lil Man J has signed with UTA.
“Matthew Morgan, Curt Motley, Lauren Holland, Nick Barnes, Justin Hill and the whole crew at UTA have shown they understand my music, my brand, and my commitment to becoming a huge live artist. I’m so excited to get out on the road with my band and give my fans an amazing show,” he says.
The 20 year old Charlotte, North Carolina based artist has surpassed 100 million streams. Known for his tracks “Cap Freestyle” and “Whiskey For The Wine,” Kidd G and Paul Wall were featured on remixes of his summer single, “Sippin Country.” He has since released two more tracks, “Stuck In The Middle” and “Life Is Good.”
Lil Man J will make his acting debut in the upcoming independent film Last Shot starring Jamie Pressly, Michael Rapaport, Baron Davis and Laraine Newman.
Grammy Museum & Recording Academy Open Applications For Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grammy Museum and the Recording Academy have opened applications for the fourth annual Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship, honoring the vibrant life and legacy of the late music executive and DJ who passed away in 2020 at the age of 31.
Known for his unwavering commitment to music, culture and community, Coleman’s passion continues through this scholarship, which supports college students shaping the future of music through innovation, storytelling and impact. The program aims to elevate the next generation of creators and professionals in the music industry by providing professional development and resources that prepare students for full-time careers.
Five students will be selected to receive two $1,000 tuition scholarships; a $500 stipend for interview preparation; two $250 stipends for books and equipment; access to financial and emotional wellness seminars; and a spring internship at the Recording Academy or Latin Recording Academy.
“Quinn believed deeply in the power of music and was passionate about using his platform to uplift emerging voices and open doors for the next generation of talent,” says Debra Lee, mother of Quinn Coleman and former CEO of BET Networks. “This scholarship is a true reflection of his generous spirit and carries forward his vision for a more inclusive music industry. I’m incredibly proud to see his legacy continue to empower future leaders in music.”
The scholarship is rooted in the mission of the Academy’s DREAM Network (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers), which celebrates the cultural contributions of creators across eight resource groups and works to ensure the music community is fully represented.
Applications are open now and close on Nov. 14, and recipients will be announced on Dec. 9. More information about the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship and an application can be found here.
Clint Black To Receive BMI Icon Award
/by Madison HahnenClint Black. Photo: Russ Harrington
BMI will honor Clint Black with the BMI Icon Award during their 73rd annual BMI Country Awards on Nov. 18 at the BMI Nashville office. The invite-only ceremony will be hosted by BMI President and CEO, Mike O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, Mike Steinberg and BMI Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley.
The event will also celebrate the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Song of the Year and Country Publisher of the Year, and also honor the songwriters and music publishers behind this year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music.
“Clint Black’s career is a testament to the power of songwriting, and he is a true trailblazer whose artistry continues to leave an indelible mark on country music,” says Bradley. “He set a new standard for storytelling in song that defined an era. His ability to craft songs that resonate across decades has made him a true BMI Icon.”
Black first became affiliated with BMI in 1993. Since then, he has earned 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he has writing credits on. He has sold over 20 million albums, and has toured for three decades. His debut album, Killin’ Time, consisted of five consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Black has earned awards from the GRAMMY’s, the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the American Music Awards. Outside of music, Black has also acted in various film and television projects.
The BMI Icon Award recognizes exceptional songwriters for their unique and indelible influence on music. Previous honorees include Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill and Hank Williams, Jr., as well as multi-genre creative/songwriting royalty Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Brian Wilson, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Bo Diddley, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Van Morrison, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and more.
Grand Ole Opry To Host Hallmark Takeover
/by Lauryn SinkHallmark will take over the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow (Oct. 15) to celebrate A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, Hallmark’s new film set for release later this year.
The day will begin with a free Opry Plaza event from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with festive photo opportunities and holiday treats as well as special appearances by Hallmark talent, including Jonathan Bennett, Lacey Chabert and Nikki DeLoach.
Later in the evening, the Opry: Hallmark Takeover show will feature artists who appeared in the upcoming film including Rhett Akins, Maggie Baugh, Drew Baldridge, Tigirlily Gold and Mickey Guyton along with Opry members, Bill Anderson, T. Graham Brown and Gary Mule Deer. Hallmark talent are also set to make a special appearance during the celebration show.
On Thursday (Oct. 16), Hallmark will host a Countdown to Christmas event at Category 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets and more information on programming is available here.
Megan Moroney Graces Cover Of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 Publisher Issue print edition, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover.
Multi-Platinum hitmaker, critically adored singer-songwriter, record-breaking headliner—just a few years after making her debut, Moroney has ascended to a truly stratospheric level of stardom. With the arrival of her smash-hit sophomore album Am I Okay?—a 2024 LP that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and marked the year’s third-biggest debut from a female country artist–the Georgia-bred phenomenon cemented her status as a towering force in country music and earned raves from major publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone (including gracing the cover of the iconic magazine’s Future of Music issue).
The follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 debut Lucky (featuring her four-times Platinum No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange”), Am I Okay? delivered standouts like its Platinum title track (her second No. 1 at country radio) and Platinum-certified “No Caller ID,” helping to boost her streaming numbers to over 3.6 billion total global streams across platforms. Along with receiving the Rulebreaker Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event, her fast-growing list of accolades includes winning the first-ever Best Country prize at the 2025 MTV VMAs, New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards, and New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.
The 2025 Publisher Issue is a highly-anticipated annual resource that includes the updated Publisher Directory, a listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations available for songwriters. It also contains exclusive features that spotlight the songwriting and publishing segment of the Nashville music industry.
“At MusicRow, our dedicated team takes great pride in producing the annual Publisher Print Issue. Each year, this special edition serves as both a celebration and a resource, shining a light on the individuals and companies whose creativity and commitment fuel the songwriting and publishing community,” says Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher of MusicRow Magazine.
Back again in the 2025 Publisher Issue is the State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman, Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill, Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Anna Weisband, Big Loud Publishing’s Mike Giangreco and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson.
Also in this issue is a tribute to the late Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President and CEO, who passed away earlier this year.
Elsewhere, publishing leaders at Concord, Jody Williams Songs, River House Artists, CTM Outlander and ASCAP share insights into what makes a writer “deal-ready.” Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar talks about the impact of artificial intelligence and Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford discusses common publishing deal contract clauses, and how writers can protect their art.
MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Spirit Music Group’s David Garcia, Verse 2 and Sony Music Publishing’s Joybeth Taylor, UMPG Nashville’s Allison Veltz-Cruz, Warner Chappell’s Summer Overstreet and Curb’s Bobby Tomberlin.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Industry Ink: Connie Smith, Darius Rucker, Lauren Watkins, Lorrie Morgan, ASCAP
/by Lauryn SinkGrand Ole Opry Celebrates Connie Smith’s 60th Opry Anniversary
Pictured (L-R): Gina Keltner, Dan Rogers, Connie Smith and Marty Stuart. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry celebrated Connie Smith’s 60 years of Opry membership on Wednesday night (Oct. 8). Smith made her Opry debut on July 17, 1964 and was inducted into the Opry Aug. 21, 1965.
Smith is the third female artist to mark 60 years with the Opry, following in the footsteps of Jean Shepard and Loretta Lynn. Among those who took the stage along with Smith were husband Marty Stuart, daughter Jody Seyfried, Deana Carter, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Jimmy Fortune, Riders In The Sky and Trousdale. Patricia Heaton served as a guest announcer.
O2 Arena Commemorates Darius Rucker Headline Debut
Pictured (L to R): Maverick’s Chris Parr; The O2 Arena’s Alfie Jeffries; Rucker; CAA’s Nigel Hassler and Maverick’s Clarence Spalding. Photo: Courtesy of Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker made his headlining debut at London’s The O2 Arena. The event was commemorated with their First Time Award.
Lauren Watkins Celebrates Album Release With ‘TODAY’ & Madison Square Garden Performances
Lauren Watkins celebrated the release of her sophomore album on Friday (Oct. 10) with her national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends this morning as she performed “Lose My Cool.” Later that evening, she joined Lainey Wilson at Madison Square Garden for “The Whirlwind World Tour.”
Lorrie Morgan To Perform One-Night-Only Nashville Show
Lorrie Morgan.
Lorrie Morgan will bring Sinatra & the American Songbook to life at a one-night-only performance at Sinatra Bar & Lounge in Nashville on Oct. 26.
“I have always loved the music of the 40’s and 50’s that is synonymous with romantic, swinging sounds of the American Songbook,” says Morgan. “I was honored and thrilled to sing a duet with Frank Sinatra, ‘How Do You Keep the Music Playing / My Funny Valentine,’ on his duets twentieth anniversary album. I hope to transform Sinatra’s Bar & Lounge into a romantic speakeasy for the night. What better place to have a wonderful dinner and show for one night only right here in Nashville, Tennessee.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lorrie Morgan to Sinatra Bar & Lounge for what promises to be a truly unforgettable evening,” adds Bill Miller, owner of Sinatra Bar & Lounge. “Her connection to Sinatra and the American Songbook makes this performance especially meaningful, and our intimate setting is the perfect place to experience it.”
Limited tickets are available here.
ASCAP Hosts Songwriters Round At The Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R): Jessie Brackin, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Maggie Reeves, Kennedy Wilde, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Fran Litterski.
ASCAP hosted a songwriter round last Wednesday (Oct. 8) at The Bluebird Cafe. The show featured ASCAP members Jessie Brackin, Fran Litterski, Maggie Reeves and Kennedy Wilde.
Drake White Shares His Story In New Documentary ‘Ladder To The Sky: A Hunts The Healing Story’
/by Lorie HollabaughDrake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Drake White has released a new documentary, Ladder to the Sky: A Hunts the Healing Story, streaming now exclusively on YouTube.
Ladder to the Sky: A Hunts the Healing Story pulls back the curtain on the singer’s journey from the brink of death following a shocking on-stage stroke in 2019. At the time, medical experts feared he might never walk again, and the thought of potentially playing another gig seemed nearly impossible. But two weeks after the incident, the trail camera in the back of White’s house captured the appearance of a 175-inch buck. The rare vision served as a totem of inspiration, and his fight really began in earnest, with hunting ultimately bringing White back to his feet, back to the stage, and back to life.
Through candid new interviews, White tells this story in his own words joined by friends and confidants such as Riley Green, Zac Brown, Kid Rock, Realtree, and more. To celebrate the documentary, White hosted an intimate premiere and party at Green’s The Duck Blind in Nashville early last month for family, friends, and special guests. Ladder to the Sky: A Hunts the Healing Story was directed by Holt Ingalls and produced by White, Ingalls, Zack Knudson, and Rev White Pictures in association with Hatchee Productions.
Later this fall, White is headlining his second “Benefit For The Brain” concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on November 17 featuring White, Green, Jon Pardi, Kassi Ashton, and more special guests.
White recently served up a set of new singles, “Nuthin’ But a Smile” and “Nights on Fire,” and will be taking the new songs on the road on his headlining “Keep It Movin’ Tour” this fall before joining Riley Green’s 2026 “Cowboy As It Gets Tour.”
Eric Church’s ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive’ Gets Exclusive IMAX Release
/by John Nix ArledgeEvangeline vs. The Machine Live at Nashville’s The Pinnacle. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Eric Church’s Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive will debut exclusively in IMAX theaters across the U.S. and Canada beginning Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
The limited theatrical release captures Church’s two-night Pinnacle run earlier this year, during which he performed his eighth studio album in its entirety before transitioning into reimagined versions of fan favorites including “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Mistress Named Music” and “Springsteen.”
Enhanced by IMAX’s 12-channel sound and visual quality, the film spotlights the full scope of the performance, featuring a 6-piece band, 4-piece horn section, 4-piece strings, 8-piece choir and vocalist Joanna Cotten. The project also marks the first-ever collaboration between IMAX, MCA Nashville, Mercury Studios and Q Prime South.
“I’ve played a lot of shows. I’ve never had two nights like these where the room felt literally transported. We went to a different plane, musically, artistically, emotionally,” Church reflects. “It was unforgettable and I’ll remember it the rest of my days.”
Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive was directed by Reid Long and executive produced by Barak Moffitt, Andrea Dunn, Mike Harris, Rob Femia and John Peets.
Shinedown Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkShinedown. Photo: Chris Hollo
Shinedown made their Grand Ole Opry debut Friday night (Oct. 10).
The band was introduced by Carrie Underwood, who said “It is always an honor, and so exciting for me to be at the Opry. Tonight, I am especially honored and excited to introduce our next group. I saw these guys back in concert in 2004 when I was a wee college student and basically, they have not been able to get rid of me ever since! I know that they too are very excited to be here, they love country music, and they love and respect the Grand Ole Opry so much.”
The band started their set with “A Symptom of Being Human,” before moving into their No. 1 song “Three Six Five.” Shinedown then surprised the audience with a performance of a brand new song, “Searchlight.” Brent Smith said “Sometimes when you listen close enough to the universe and you’re willing to receive something from it – a song can come out of thin air,” while introducing the track. “That is something that we don’t take for granted. It’s essentially what happened with this next song: we didn’t find it, it found us.”
Shinedown received a standing ovation to close out the evening. In their post show interview the band said the performance was a “dream come true for us.”
The band will embark on the “2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capitol One” this December.
Photo: Riley Mau
Photo: Chris Hollo
Photo: Chris Hollo