Frank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music
Spirit Music has elevated Frank Rogers to CEO.
“I am honored and excited to lead Spirit Music into its next chapter” says Rogers. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of our talented writers and staff to build the best independent music publisher in the world. I appreciate Lyric Capital’s support and belief in what we are building together.”
As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.
In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music. In his expanded role as Chief Executive Officer for Spirit Music, he will continue to define the strategic direction to maximize growth, overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music’s global roster and creative and operational activities, while continuing to serve as President of Fluid Music Revolution.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Frank for over 10 years. What began as a Joint Venture has evolved into one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career. There are few creative talents like Frank, who is not only an exceptional creative force but also a top-tier business leader. I am genuinely excited to witness Frank lead Spirit Music into this next and most exciting chapter” says Jon Singer, Chairman Spirit Music and Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group.
“Frank is a force,” adds Ross Cameron, Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group. “We are truly lucky to have his exceptional vision and leadership guiding Spirit Music. Frank’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of how to build lasting value for artists, songwriters, and stakeholders alike, and we are excited for the continued impact he will make across our global operations.”
As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.
As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.
The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers Deliver Southern Rock Revival At Bridgestone Arena [Recap]
/by Madison HahnenThe Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Southern rock thundered through downtown Nashville last Thursday night (May 21) as The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers brought their headlining “Southern Hospitality Tour” to Bridgestone Arena. Both bands delivered career-spanning sets filled with gritty riffs, blues-soaked jams and crowd-favorite singalongs.
Whiskey Myers opened the night with “Midnight Woman,” showing off band’s signature blend of outlaw country and Southern rock. Frontman Cody Cannon led the Texas six-piece through a muscular early run of “John Wayne,” “Time Bomb” and “Tailspin,” before shifting gears with the emotional “Bury My Bones.”
The band leaned into its roots throughout the set, including a spirited rendition of Brent Cobb’s “Bar, Guitar, and a Honky Tonk Crowd.” Fan favorites “Broken Window Serenade” and “Stone” drew some of the loudest audience reactions of the night, while “Ramblin’ Jones,” “Frogman,” “Gasoline,” “Bitch,” “Feets” and set closer “The Wolf” showcased the group’s versatility between country storytelling and arena-ready rock energy.
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Following a brief intermission, The Black Crowes took the stage and wasted little time igniting the crowd with “Jealous Again” and “Sting Me.” Chris Robinson’s unmistakable vocals and Rich Robinson’s blues-heavy guitar work powered the band through a setlist that balanced classic hits with newer material, including “It’s Like That,” “Movin’ On Down the Line” and “Wanting and Waiting.”
The group’s Nashville stop also highlighted the band’s deep reverence for rock and soul history. Their version of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” turned Bridgestone Arena into a full-scale singalong, while a performance of The Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” added a jam-driven moment to the evening.
Mid-set performances of “Girl From a Pawnshop,” “God’s Got It,” “Wiser Time,” “Soul Singing,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Thorn in My Pride” reminded the audience why The Black Crowes remain one of rock’s most enduring live acts more than three decades into their career. The band closed the main set with “No Speak No Slave,” “Twice as Hard” and “Remedy” before returning for an encore performance of Matthew Moore’s “Space Captain.”
The “Southern Hospitality Tour” continues tonight (May 26) in Brandon, Mississippi, with stops including Charlotte, Indianapolis, Denver and more through August.
The Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
The Black Crowes. Photo: Heather Carpenter
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Chrissy Nix Launches The Interlude
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Top Row): Chrissy Nix. (L-R, bottom row): JB Somers, Amy Peters, and Remy Garrison.
Chrissy Nix has launched The Interlude, a creative artist development company. The company’s roster includes Remy Garrison, JB Somers and Amy Peters.
Nix first built her career through behind-the-scenes work with artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Britt Nicole, Caitlyn Smith, Priscilla Block and Emily West. She also previously worked alongside artists including American Blonde, Mary Sarah, Tatum Scott, Kailey Nicole, Macy Martin and Peyton Gilliland.
“The Interlude exists because artists deserve teams that care about who they are just as much as what they create,” says Nix. “So much of this industry pushes artists to move faster, be louder, and fit into boxes. I wanted to build something that creates space for artists to actually develop — creatively, emotionally, and sustainably.”
Jessi Alexander Jumps Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJessi Alexander
Jessi Alexander has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Megan Moroney’s “Beautiful Things” and “Medicine,” as well as Kenny Chesney’s “Carry On” put the songwriter at No. 12 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “You & Me Time.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Austin Goodloe (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.
Tucker Wetmore Notches Third Career No. 1 Hit
/by Madison HahnenTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore has earned his third career No. 1 single with “Brunette.” The tune is currently sitting on top of both the Mediabase Country and Billboard Country Airplay charts this week.
“Brunette” was co-penned by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller and Blake Pendergrass, and produced by LaCorte. The song is Wetmore’s fastest rising radio single to date, and has amassed over 300 million global streams. “Brunette” follows his previous No. 1 hits “Wine Up Missin’ You” and “3, 2, 1.”
Wetmore was recently named ACM New Male Artist of the Year. He is currently on the road supporting HARDY before he kicks off his “The Brunette World Tour” on June 21, with dates in Indianapolis, San Diego, Knoxville and more through October. He will also make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Summerfest, Hoofbeat and more throughout the summer.
Lauren Alaina To Share Stages Of Her Journey On New Headlining ‘The Stages Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina. Photo: Katie Kauss
Lauren Alaina is set to hit the road this fall on her new headlining “The Stages Tour.” Rising artists Shane Profitt, Ashley Kutcher and Hannah Harper will join as support on the new tour.
Named after her new album Stages due out Aug. 28, the run will spotlight each era of Alaina’s career, blending new music with the fan-favorite anthems that have defined her rise from small-town dreamer to country powerhouse. Kicking off on Oct 1 in Milwaukee, the tour will include stops in Norfolk, Lexington, Little Rock and more, with a Nashville date on Nov 12 at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for all dates except Nov. 7 go on sale this Friday (May 29).
“This tour feels like my most personal yet,” says Alaina. “Stages is all about the different chapters I’ve lived through: the highs, the heartbreaks, the growth, and finding joy in who I am today. Every stage of my life has shaped this music, and now I finally get to bring all of these songs to stages around the country and share them with the fans who’ve been with me through it all. I hope people leave these shows feeling seen, healed, and maybe even a little more hopeful.”
Produced by hitmakers Joey Moi and Ben Johnson, Stages builds on the momentum of Alaina’s chart-climbing collaboration “All My Exes (feat. Chase Matthew)” and the current crowd-favorite “Raining Whiskey.”
“The Stages Tour” Dates:
Oct 1 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater *
Oct 2 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place *
Oct 3 – Clear Lake, IA – Surf Ballroom *
Oct 8 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa ^
Oct 9 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s ^
Oct 10 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE ^
Oct 15 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre >
Oct 16 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall >
Oct 17 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note >
Oct 22 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall >
Oct 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland >
Nov 5 – McKees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre *
Nov 6 – Troy, OH – Arbogast Performing Arts Center *
Nov 7 – Jackson, MI – Potter Center *
Nov 12 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium >
* with Shane Profitt
^ with Ashley Kutcher
> with Hannah Harper
BREAKING: Spirit Music Elevates Frank Rogers To CEO
/by Lauryn SinkFrank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music
Spirit Music has elevated Frank Rogers to CEO.
“I am honored and excited to lead Spirit Music into its next chapter” says Rogers. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of our talented writers and staff to build the best independent music publisher in the world. I appreciate Lyric Capital’s support and belief in what we are building together.”
As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.
In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music. In his expanded role as Chief Executive Officer for Spirit Music, he will continue to define the strategic direction to maximize growth, overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music’s global roster and creative and operational activities, while continuing to serve as President of Fluid Music Revolution.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Frank for over 10 years. What began as a Joint Venture has evolved into one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career. There are few creative talents like Frank, who is not only an exceptional creative force but also a top-tier business leader. I am genuinely excited to witness Frank lead Spirit Music into this next and most exciting chapter” says Jon Singer, Chairman Spirit Music and Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group.
“Frank is a force,” adds Ross Cameron, Co-Founding Partner of Lyric Capital Group. “We are truly lucky to have his exceptional vision and leadership guiding Spirit Music. Frank’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of how to build lasting value for artists, songwriters, and stakeholders alike, and we are excited for the continued impact he will make across our global operations.”
As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.
As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.
Spotify Unveils Reserved Ticket Program
/by Madison HahnenSpotify has introduced a new program that will reserve select concert tickets for top artist streamers.
The new program for eligible Spotify Premium subscribers ages 18+ will start in the U.S., with more markets to follow. The program will identify an artist’s top fans and hold two tour tickets for them, available to purchase before tickets are on sale to the general public.
Top fans will be chosen through streams, shares, and other Spotify activity. Spotify will also monitor the activity of Premium users to ensure they are not bots. Availability will vary by artist, tour and location. Those eligible for tickets will receive an email and an in-app notification with information on how to purchase.
Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Sam Barber Among 2026 AMA Winners
/by Lauryn SinkSam Barber. Photo: Courtesy of AMAs
Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Sam Barber, Zac Brown Band and Megan Moroney took home wins at last night’s (May 25) American Music Awards, which aired from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Langley took home Best Female Country Artist and Best Country Song for “Choosin’ Texas.” Wallen nabbed Best Male Country Artist. Zac Brown Band earned Best Country Duo or Group. Moroney took home Best Country Album for her recent release, Cloud 9.
Queen Latifah returned to host the awards. BTS took home the top prize of the night, Artist of the Year. Sombr took home Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist, Best Rock/Alternative Song for “back to friends” and Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her.
See the full list of winners here.
IBMA Welcomes Four New Board Members
/by Lorie HollabaughThe International Bluegrass Music Association has welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: Amanda Cook, Kristy Cox, Austin Scelzo and Gary Upton.
Representing Artists, Composers and Music Publishers, Cook is an artist, producer and music executive whose career bridges both stage and studio. She founded The Amanda Cook Band in 2014, which continues to tour full time. In 2019, Cook joined Mountain Fever Records as a sound engineer and producer, and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2022, helping shape the label’s creative direction, expand its roster and strengthen its release strategy. In August 2025, she became the label’s owner.
At Large Board Member Cox has emerged as a leading voice in both the Australian and American bluegrass scenes. She began her career in Australia before rising to prominence in the U.S. with multiple Billboard-topping releases. Her latest album, Let It Burn, blends traditional bluegrass with gospel influences and earned a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. A longtime collaborator with songwriter and producer Jerry Salley, Cox has received six CMAA Golden Guitar Awards for Bluegrass Recording of the Year, including a 2023 win for “Good Morning Moon.”
Representing Associations, Scelzo is a performer, educator, and advocate who founded the Connecticut Bluegrass Association and performs with the Rock Hearts Band and On the Trail. He serves as Program Director of Bluegrass and Old-Time Music at The Granite community arts venue in Connecticut. A graduate of the 2023 Leadership Bluegrass program, he was named a “Connecticut Arts Hero” for his contributions to music and community advocacy. He also received the 2025 IBMA Momentum Industry Involvement award. A former public school orchestra teacher, Scelzo continues to teach at camps and youth programs and also works with the IBMA Foundation as a clinician and shares educational resources on his website, blog, YouTube Channel, and singbluegrassharmony.com.
Merchandisers & Luthiers Board Member Upton is the founder of the Upton Bass String Instrument Company, a leading American maker of double basses known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern performance needs. An active New England bluegrass bassist, Upton performs with Beyond Dixon and throughout the regional acoustic music scene, bringing a working musician’s perspective to instrument design, tone development, and artist support. He has also contributed to the arts through leadership and advisory roles in nonprofit and educational settings, including the International Society of Bassists and regional symphony boards.
The new board members will begin their terms in June 2026.
Sela Campbell Signs With Leo33, CAA & Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Bryce Gravitt (Warner Chappell Music), Katie Dean (Leo33), Chris Fabiani (Leo33), Ana Shabeer (Leo33), Joseph Manzo (Leo33), Dusty Cantrell (Leo33), Marc Friedenberg (MJF Management), Chris Burrus (CAA) and Kylen Sharpe (CAA). (L-R, front row): Daniel Lee (Leo33), Sela Campbell and Natalie Osborne (Leo33). Photo: Cass Wells
Sela Campbell has inked with Leo33, CAA and Warner Chappell Music.
The 19-year-old Virginia native recently released her debut single, “Diamond In Your Pocket.” Inspired by the sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Miranda Lambert, Campbell has shared stages with 49 Winchester, Kashus Culpepper and Carly Pearce. She is slated to release more music this summer.
“I’m beyond thrilled to begin this next chapter alongside Leo33, CAA, and Warner Chappell Publishing,” shares Campbell. “I’m incredibly grateful to have such an amazing team around me who believes in me. I’m so excited for everything we’re building together.”
“Sela may be young, but between her sharp songwriting and witty delivery, she is primed for success in this industry,” says Katie Dean, Label Head of Leo33. “I look forward to watching her career flourish.”
“Sela Campbell is an absolute force,” adds Bryce Sherlow Gravitt, A&R Manager of Warner Chappell Music. “We are incredibly proud to be a part of her journey and excited to support her in further honing her craft while amplifying her clear, compelling vision. We are eager to see what Sela accomplishes in the years to come, and we cannot wait for everyone to hear what she’s been working on.”