Pictured (L-R): Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt, Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers, Sam Ellis, Drew Parker, Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, McCoy Moore, Brock Berryhill, Heather Morgan, Lauren Hungate, Lauren Watkins, Jon Nite, Jameson Rodgers, Brad Clawson, Randy Montana, Leslie Satcher and Jordan Rowe.
The Grand Ole Opry hosted Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Madfun Entertainment songwriters for their two-day “Opry 100 Celebrates The Song” writers retreat last week at the Grand Ole Opry House. The camp had 25 country music hitmakers in attendance.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jordan Rowe, Travis Denning, Andy Albert, Drew Parker, Schmitty, Trisha Yearwood, Ben Williams, Beau Bailey, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore and Tommy Acker. (L-R, front row): Sam Ellis, Jameson Rodgers, Jessi Alexander, Deana Carter, Heather Morgan and Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt.
“The basis of this camp is built around great songs and family, much like our Nashville songwriting community and the Opry,” says Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt. “It’s important for all of us in the music industry as executives and creators, to continue to pour back into those things that first brought us to love music. This camp helps bring together some of the best songwriters in the world, writing at the best venue in the world, the Grand Ole Opry House, which helps our music community feel even more like family.”
“The sign on one of our Opry House dressing rooms says it best: ‘It All Begins With A Song,'” shares The Opry’s Dan Rogers.”It was great to welcome so many great writers backstage last week, including so many familiar faces who have performed their songs for Opry audiences. As we invite fans to vote for their very favorite among the songs they selected earlier this year as the 100 greatest in country music history, it’s pretty cool to think one deemed the greatest in the Opry’s next century may have been written backstage this week.”
On both days, the writers watched the film of history of the Grand Ole Opry in the Circle Room before breaking out into groups to head backstage for writing sessions in the Opry dressing rooms. Monday (Sept. 15) hosted Rhett Akins, Brock Berryhill, Brad Clawson, Kashus Culpepper, Sam Ellis, Lauren Hungate, Randy Montana, McCoy Moore, Heather Morgan, Jon Nite, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Rowe, Leslie Satcher and Lauren Watkins. Tommy Acker, Jessi Alexander, Andy Albert, Deana Carter, Travis Denning, Sam Ellis, McCoy Moore, Heather Morgan, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Rowe, Schmitty, Nick Walsh, Ben Williams and Trisha Yearwood then took over on Tuesday (Sept. 16).
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Holds On To Top Spot
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen.
Morgan Wallen has held on to his spot atop the streaming charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 12.4 million streams this week adding to its 336 million total, while his I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 97K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, Wallen holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 33K in total consumption and the No. 3 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 25K in total consumption. Shaboozey takes the No. 4 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going with 21K in total consumption. Rounding out the albums chart is BigXThaPlug’s I Hope You’re Happy earning 20K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. “I Got Better” takes the No. 2 spot with 11 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” and “Just In Case” come in at No. 3 and No. 4 with 9.8 million and 10 million streams each this week respectively. At No. 5 this week is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” 8.1 million streams.
Grand Ole Opry Hosts Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Madfun Entertainment Writers
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt, Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers, Sam Ellis, Drew Parker, Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, McCoy Moore, Brock Berryhill, Heather Morgan, Lauren Hungate, Lauren Watkins, Jon Nite, Jameson Rodgers, Brad Clawson, Randy Montana, Leslie Satcher and Jordan Rowe.
The Grand Ole Opry hosted Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Madfun Entertainment songwriters for their two-day “Opry 100 Celebrates The Song” writers retreat last week at the Grand Ole Opry House. The camp had 25 country music hitmakers in attendance.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jordan Rowe, Travis Denning, Andy Albert, Drew Parker, Schmitty, Trisha Yearwood, Ben Williams, Beau Bailey, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore and Tommy Acker. (L-R, front row): Sam Ellis, Jameson Rodgers, Jessi Alexander, Deana Carter, Heather Morgan and Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt.
“The basis of this camp is built around great songs and family, much like our Nashville songwriting community and the Opry,” says Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt. “It’s important for all of us in the music industry as executives and creators, to continue to pour back into those things that first brought us to love music. This camp helps bring together some of the best songwriters in the world, writing at the best venue in the world, the Grand Ole Opry House, which helps our music community feel even more like family.”
“The sign on one of our Opry House dressing rooms says it best: ‘It All Begins With A Song,'” shares The Opry’s Dan Rogers.”It was great to welcome so many great writers backstage last week, including so many familiar faces who have performed their songs for Opry audiences. As we invite fans to vote for their very favorite among the songs they selected earlier this year as the 100 greatest in country music history, it’s pretty cool to think one deemed the greatest in the Opry’s next century may have been written backstage this week.”
On both days, the writers watched the film of history of the Grand Ole Opry in the Circle Room before breaking out into groups to head backstage for writing sessions in the Opry dressing rooms. Monday (Sept. 15) hosted Rhett Akins, Brock Berryhill, Brad Clawson, Kashus Culpepper, Sam Ellis, Lauren Hungate, Randy Montana, McCoy Moore, Heather Morgan, Jon Nite, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Rowe, Leslie Satcher and Lauren Watkins. Tommy Acker, Jessi Alexander, Andy Albert, Deana Carter, Travis Denning, Sam Ellis, McCoy Moore, Heather Morgan, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Rowe, Schmitty, Nick Walsh, Ben Williams and Trisha Yearwood then took over on Tuesday (Sept. 16).
Shane McAnally Signs With UTA
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of UTA
Multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shane McAnally has signed with UTA for global representation in all areas. The agency will help build out McAnally’s business portfolio across TV, theater and live touring.
McAnally has written and produced over 50 No. 1 songs, penning career-defining hits for Sam Hunt, Kenny Chesney, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini and many others. Throughout his career McAnally has earned four Grammy awards, been named ACM Songwriter of the Year twice and has also been honored with Billboard’s Trailblazer Award for his impact in country music and the LGBTQ community. In 2012, he founded SMACKSongs, a publishing and management company with a roster of writers that have contributed to nearly 80 Top 10 country radio hits.
Beyond his success in music, McAnally starred on the NBC series Songland alongside Ryan Tedder and Ester Dean and co-wrote the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Shucked with collaborator Brandy Clark. The show earned nine Tony Award nominations and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album in its debut season.
McAnally continues to be managed by Robert Carlton, Makayla Symmonds and Marissa Turk Loar from SMACKSongs, with legal representation from Jason Turner at Keller, Turner, Andrews & Ghanem PLLC.
Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Donates $85k To Middle TN Organizations
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Sean O’Halloran
Tracy Lawrence recently donated $85,000 through his Mission:Possible charity to local organizations across Middle Tennessee dedicated to helping the homeless and hungry.
The checks were presented to Aloe Family, Monroe Harding, Dream Streets, Second Harvest and Shower Up!, and added to the grand total of nearly three million dollars donated to charities since Mission:Possible’s inception.
“I’ll never get over how amazing it is that Mission:Possible can help support so many organizations in need that share our same mission,” says Lawrence. “It’s one thing to mail a check, but there’s something truly special about visiting in person — touring the facility, meeting the staff and personally handing them a check.”
Lawrence will soon enter the season of giving by celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Mission:Possible turkey fry and benefit concert on Nov. 25 at the Nashville Fairgrounds and Category 10, with tickets on sale now. The major milestone event will be bigger than ever before, aiming to feed over 32,000 people in need in Middle Tennessee through the Nashville Rescue Mission, eight surrounding county school systems and boots on the ground community organizations who provide for those in need.
Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible has fried over 10,000 turkeys, provided more than 86,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over $1 million to Nashville Rescue Mission, and raised nearly $3 million which helps to further its goals, advocate for those in need and expand their ability to support aligned causes.
The Chicks, Sam Smith Join Lineup Of Brandi Carlile’s 2026 Girls Just Wanna Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughBrandi Carlile‘s seventh annual Girls Just Wanna Weekend returns Jan. 15-19 at Mexico’s Barceló Maya Resort with The Chicks and Sam Smith joining Carlile as the 2026 headliners.
Additional performers set for the tropical weekend include CMAT, Joy Oladokun, Jensen McRae, Lucius, Jasmine.4.t, Allison Ponthier, SistaStrings, Autumn Nichols, Arroba Nat, The Carlile Family Band, The Marshgrass Mamas, a Titans of Americana set with special guests to be announced, and comedian Kristin Key.
The all-inclusive weekend will include plenty of live music along with water sport activities, scuba diving lessons, a shopping center, bowling alley, 24-hour sports bar, three theaters, and a nightclub. All-inclusive Event Packages for Girls Just Wanna Weekend 7 are now available via girlsjustwannaweekend.com. Each package includes premium resort accommodations, access to all concerts, round-trip airport transportation, unlimited top-shelf drinks, diverse all-inclusive dining options, daily pool parties, artist-curated activities, and access to add adventurous off-site excursions.
Gutt Law, PLLC Adds Lauren Davis
/by Lauryn SinkLauren Davis.
Gutt Law, PLLC has added a new attorney, Lauren Davis, to its team.
Davis joins Gutt Law from Big Machine Label Group where she served as an in-house attorney, working across both their recorded music and publishing divisions. Prior to Big Machine, she was part of Concord Music Publishing’s legal team, where she focused on songwriter agreements and managed aspects of the company’s publishing assets. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Davis began her career at MV2 Entertainment, a boutique publishing and artist development company.
“I have known Lauren for a number of years and am thrilled that she has joined our team at Gutt Law,” says Rachel Guttmann, Founder of Gutt Law, PLLC. “Her diverse experiences in the music industry, coupled with her desire to care for creative clients, is a perfect addition that allows us to continue to provide high-level personalized legal services.”
“I am so excited to work with the incredible women of Gutt Law,” adds Davis. “I met Rachel not long after I moved to Nashville, and I’ve always admired her passion for and dedication to her clients. I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Rachel, Victoria [Powell], and Morgan [Brasfield] in being the best possible advocates for our clients and helping creators navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music law!”
Founded by entertainment attorney Rachel Guttmann, Gutt Law also includes attorney Victoria Powell, along with Head of Operations Morgan Brasfield.
Warner Chappell Music Nashville Elevates Kayce Russell
/by Madison HahnenKayce Russell
Warner Chappell Music Nashville has elevated Kayce Russell to Manager, Creative Services and A&R Operations. In her new role, she will spearhead all digital initiatives for artist development across the company’s roster. She will report to company President Austen Adams.
“I’ve had the most rewarding and transformative six and a half years at Warner Chappell, and I am so excited to step into this new chapter of my career,” shares Russell. “I’m deeply grateful to Ben Vaughn for all of the opportunities that have led me to this point along with Jessi Vaughn, Phil May, and the entire team. I’m also thankful for Austen’s support and look forward to collaborating closely with him. Ben taught me that songwriters are the heart and soul of this community, and I am so proud to continue uplifting and supporting our roster in new and meaningful ways.”
“It doesn’t take long to see how highly regarded Kayce is by the entire team and the songwriting community.” adds Adams. “She’s already made a tremendous impact through her creativity and dedication, and this new role will give her even more opportunity to shape how we support our writers. I’m excited to watch her continue to grow.”
Russell joined Warner Chappell in 2018 as Ben Vaughn’s administrative assistant. She was promoted to Executive Assistant in 2021 where she led events and managed current and historical databases. Throughout her time at Warner Chappell, she has also handled A&R operations and served as a liaison between the Nashville office and broader business units. Prior to joining the organization, she graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in strategic marketing and held internship roles at Sandbox Management and the Country Music Association.
Colby Acuff Readies New Album, Due In October
/by Lauryn SinkColby Acuff will release his next record, Enjoy The Ride, on Oct. 3. The project is a concept album, inspired by conversations with more than 40 strangers he met on the road over the past year.
“I’m so happy to announce my new record Enjoy the Ride, an 11-song project that was made by you,” Acuff shares. “After interviewing 40 random strangers off the street from three different cities, I wrote an 11-song concept record that hopefully lets you know that you’re not alone. This album taught me that everyone wants the same outcome, even if we don’t agree on the path. Life isn’t always perfect, but you only have one so enjoy the ride.”
Acuff wrote on every track of the album, and wrote five of the tracks solo. Collaborators for this project included Mark Chandler, Anderson East, Noah Gundersen and more. The album was produced by Eddie Spear.
Beyond music, Acuff continues to expand his storytelling with “FIN AND FEATHER,” a new outdoor YouTube series exploring his roots in fishing, hunting, conservation, and more.
Acuff his currently on the road for Jon Pardi’s “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour” while also playing headline dates of his own.
Enjoy The Ride Track List:
1. “Trail Less Traveled” (Colby Acuff, Mark Chandler, Ben Roberts)
2. “Enjoy The Ride” (Colby Acuff, Ben Wagner)
3. “Her Song (Numb To Everything) “(Colby Acuff)
4. “Love Was Just A Feeling” (Colby Acuff)
5. “As Good As It Gets” (Colby Acuff, Jason Nix)
6. “Average American” (Colby Acuff, Chandler Brown, Noah Gundersen, Holden James Potter)
7. “Most Lonesome Sound” (Colby Acuff, Anderson East)
8. “His Song (What’s A Man Supposed To Be)” (Colby Acuff)
9. “Cost Of Life” (Colby Acuff, Matt Koziol)
10. “Simple Little Life” (Colby Acuff)
11. “Learned Along the Way” (Colby Acuff)
Dierks Bentley Shares Some Reimagined Gems On ‘The Sessions’
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley is releasing a new four-song live collection, The Sessions, offering a snapshot of his live show and ability to blend top notch musicianship with fresh collaborations and classic country storytelling.
On the new mini-project, Bentley is joined by Jordan Davis for the reckless chart-topper “What Was I Thinkin,’” which is followed by a pedal-steel heavy cover of Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” adding a raw, lived-in dimension to the country classic. “Heartbreak Drinking Tour” vividly demonstrates Bentley’s capacity for telling stories, while “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray” (Live) featuring rising country duo The Band Loula in a stirring, harmony-laden take on the Bill Monroe classic recorded live on his “Broken Branches Tour” this summer.
Released by MCA in June, Bentley’s 11th studio album Broken Branches is rooted in honesty, embracing the outliers and underdogs with songs about resilience, change and connection. The 11-track collection features a cross-generational lineup of collaborators including John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Bentley also launched the Broken Branches Fund this summer, a multi-year initiative in partnership with Music Health Alliance to provide mental health support for the music industry’s creative and touring professionals.
Onsite To Hold Music Row Support Meeting This Week
/by LB CantrellIn a year that has brought heartbreak and loss to Nashville’s music community, Onsite is inviting industry members to come together for a morning of support and connection. The free gathering will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at the Onsite Wellness House at Silo Studios in Nashville.
Open to everyone in the music community, the event will offer a space to process grief, disappointment and the complex emotions that can arise in difficult times. Trusted allies, friends and advisors will be present to provide guidance, education and resources as attendees come together to share, learn and heal.
Organizers hope the gathering will give those in the industry a chance to pause, find encouragement and lean on one another during what has been a challenging season for many.
More information and RSVP details can be found here.