Paul Sizelove.
Gaither Music Group has been a cornerstone of gospel and inspirational music for decades. Founded by Bill and Gloria Gaither—who together wrote more than 700 songs and were named ASCAP Songwriters of the Century—the company became known for its Homecoming series and the Gaither Vocal Band. Its catalog spans hundreds of video and audio projects, with collaborations ranging from gospel pioneers to country mainstays, and its concerts and television specials have reached audiences around the world. The Gaither Vocal Band alone has earned multiple Grammy Awards and Dove Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2014.
Paul Sizelove’s first steps onto the Gaither Music campus came with humble beginnings. As a teenager, he mowed lawns. Later, he packed boxes in the warehouse, shipping CDs and DVDs as the Homecoming series took off. “I joke there hasn’t been a job in our company that I haven’t done,” Sizelove tells MusicRow.
More than three decades later, Sizelove is president of Sun Label Group, overseeing an umbrella of heritage labels including Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill, Rural Rhythm and Emerald Wave. His rise reflects his philosophy of leadership: gratitude, teamwork and a long view of growth.
That emphasis on culture is essential when managing labels with more than 160 combined years of history. Each catalog, whether the gospel roots of Gaither or the rock ‘n’ roll foundation of Sun, carries its own identity. “At the end of the day, the common theme is that these are legacy labels,” Sizelove says. “They’re classic catalogs.”
Founded in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others who defined rock ‘n’ roll. After relocating to Nashville in 1969, the label continued with artists like Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups and Linda Martell. By the time Sizelove’s team acquired it, Sun was largely a licensing house. He pushed to make it “an album-facing label” again.
Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group, speaks at launch party in 2024. Photo: Donny Evans
Central to Sizelove’s approach is building community around each label and its artists. “We build communities with [each label],” he explains. “We have followers of Sun Records, Gaither Records, Green Hill, Rural Rhythm, that want to hear the music—both the catalog and the new releases from each one. It’s a backwards, non-traditional way of moving music now.” This philosophy extends across YouTube, television and live events, creating spaces where both legacy artists and new performers can reach audiences they might not otherwise encounter. It’s a model that emphasizes shared experience and long-term engagement rather than chasing fleeting chart success.
That philosophy shows up in recent projects. Sun Label Group was “honored to produce” Jimmy Buffett’s final project, and The SteelDrivers recently signed with Sun Records. The group initially recorded a Christian project with Gaither Records, then returned to their roots in bluegrass and Americana with a project released on Sun. These releases, alongside catalog and contemporary projects, exemplify Sizelove’s strategy of honoring legacy while expanding artist reach and audience engagement.
Instead of chasing Top 40 radio or formula-driven formats, Sizelove extends this community-driven ideology into every aspect of the labels, including media presence. Gaither’s YouTube channel, for instance, functions more like an inspirational variety show than a single-artist page, featuring performances from Bill Gaither alongside names like Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, The Isaacs and more. “We put out almost a new piece of content every day,” Sizelove says. “It’s continual content, and people keep coming back because of the variety.”
That same philosophy drives Sizelove’s television partnerships with networks like PBS, TBN and others, where Gaither specials and concert productions introduce artists to millions of households.
For Sizelove, who grew up living with the company culture he now aims to build, the lessons came early. He credits a formative experience with his first boss, who thanked him every day after work. “I’ve never forgotten that,” Sizelove recalls. That appreciation is something he passes along to the members of his own teams now.
He also points to mentors who invested in him along the way. “I am here today because people have invested in me,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate that people in this town like Steve Moore, Bill Carter and Barry Jennings, have taken me under their wing when they didn’t have to. I’m a product of good mentoring.”
For Sizelove, growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building a culture where legacy and innovation coexist, and where gratitude still matters. “I’ve seen the company when it was amazing and when it struggled,” he says. “Growth isn’t easy, but we all just have to make sure we are going in the same direction.”
Weekly Register: BigXThaPlug Joins Top 5
/by Lauryn SinkBailey Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug
Morgan Wallen has maintained his spot atop the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 16 million streams this week adding to its 297 million total, while his I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 116K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, BigXThaPlug takes the No. 2 spot with I Hope You’re Happy garnering 47K in total consumption. Wallen holds the No. 3 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 38K in total consumption and the No. 4 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 27K in total consumption. Rounding out the albums chart is Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going with 23K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. “I’m The Problem” and “I Got Better” come in at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively with 11 million streams each this week. “Just In Case” takes the No. 4 spot with 11 million streams this week. At No. 5 this week is BigXThaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman’s “All The Way” also with 11 million streams.
Peytan Porter Inks With Jody Williams Songs & Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Jody Williams (Founder Jody Williams Songs), Tom Luteran (VP, Creative, SMP Nashville), Cam Caldwell (SVP, Business Affairs, SMP Nashville), Taylor Ratkovich (A&R Creative Coordinator, SMP Nashville) and Chelsea Kent (Marketing and Studio Director, SMP Nashville). (L-R, front row): Tenasie Courtright (Creative Director, Jody Williams Songs), Nina Jenkins Fisher (VP/GM, Jody Williams Songs), Peytan Porter and Synnovea Halsel (Manager of Creative A&R, SMP Nashville). Photo: Savannah Spencer
Peytan Porter has inked a global publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
“I’m incredibly excited to begin this next chapter of my artistry and songwriting career with Jody Williams Songs and Sony Music Publishing,” shares Porter. “For the past five years, JWS has been a safe, inspiring space for me to grow and create, so I’m deeply grateful to continue evolving with them while also stepping into new possibilities by joining the powerhouse that is SMP. Like the best art, this partnership lives at the intersection of familiarity and forward momentum. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“I’ve been a fan of Peytan for years now. She’s an incredibly talented vocalist who knows exactly who she is as an artist and a songwriter. I have so much respect for the Jody Williams Songs team and the talent they’ve been fostering – I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with them as we champion Peytan and her music,” says Synnovea Halsel, Manager of Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
“Partnering with Synnovea on this next chapter in Peytan’s career was such an obvious choice,” adds Nina Jenkins Fisher, JWS Vice President/General Manager. “She has an incredible ear and is laser focused. Alongside Rusty, she hypes up her roster like no one else. They see the vision for this next season with Peytan, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
A genre-blending artist, Porter combines her Appalachian country roots with her passion for songwriting. The Georgia native’s breakout In My Head has amassed over 10 million streams, and her recently released EP Grown featured fan favorites such as “God’s Hotel,” “Speaking of Georgia” and “Lemonade.” She has opened for Tim McGraw and has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Ian Munsick, Hailey Whitters, Brett Eldredge and Jon Pardi. Across her social media platforms, Porter has grown her platforms with 330k followers across various channels and has 50 million TikTok views.
BREAKING: 2025 MusicRow Awards Winners [Full List]
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 37th annual MusicRow Awards today (Sept. 3) on its online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X.
City National Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 MusicRow Awards.
The MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest-running music industry trade publication honors and celebrates the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more. Winners are voted on by MusicRow’s subscribers.
All the MusicRow Award nominees are profiled in the recently-released MusicRow Awards print issue.
The winners for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards (winners marked in red):
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
Will Bundy
Charlie Handsome
Dann Huff
Jay Joyce
Joey Moi
Alysa Vanderheym – WINNER
STUDIO OF THE YEAR:
Blackbird Studio – WINNER
East Iris Studios
Ocean Way Nashville Studio
Sound Emporium Studios
Sound Stage Studios
The Castle Recording Studios
LABEL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Big Loud Records – WINNER
Big Machine Label Group
MCA
Sony Music Nashville
Warner Music Nashville
TALENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR:
CAA
The Kinkead Entertainment Agency
The Neal Agency
UTA
Wasserman
WME – WINNER
PUBLISHING COMPANY OF THE YEAR:
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Tape Room Music
UMPG Nashville
Warner Chappell Music Nashville – WINNER
BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Grady Block
Blake Bollinger
Johnny Clawson – WINNER
Abram Dean
Josh Dorr
Lalo Guzman
Lauren Hungate
Jenna Johnson
KK Johnson
Blake Pendergrass
Josh Phillips
Daniel Ross
Andy Sheridan
Kyle Sturrock
Joybeth Taylor
Nick Walsh
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
Drew Baldridge
Ella Langley – WINNER
Chase Matthew
Josh Ross
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
MALE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Louis Bell
Rocky Block
Ashley Gorley – WINNER
Charlie Handsome
Josh Phillips
Taylor Phillips
FEMALE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Jessi Alexander
Kelly Archer
Jessie Jo Dillon – WINNER
Joybeth Taylor
Lydia Vaughan
Laura Veltz
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Baggage” – Songwriters: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Songwriter: Riley Green
“I Never Lie” – Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols – WINNER TIE
“Indigo” – Songwriters: Sam Barber, Avery Anna, Andy Sheridan
“The Fall” – Songwriters: Bobby Pinson, Ray Fulcher, Jeremy Stover
“Weren’t For The Wind” – Songwriters: Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor, Johnny Clawson – WINNER TIE
DISCOVERY ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Gavin Adcock
Mackenzie Carpenter
Carter Faith – WINNER
Dylan Gossett
Dylan Marlowe
Hudson Westbrook
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Avery Anna
Ella Langley – WINNER
The Red Clay Strays
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Warren Zeiders
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Ashley Cooke
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson – WINNER
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
GROUP/DUO ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Brothers Osborne
Maddie & Tae
Old Dominion – WINNER
Parmalee
The Red Clay Strays
The War And Treaty
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Lainey Wilson
MusicRow also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians at the 2025 MusicRow Awards, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period. The honorees are:
Bass:
Jimmie Lee Sloas
Drums:
Jerry Roe
Engineer:
Drew Bollman
Fiddle:
Stuart Duncan
Guitar:
Bryan Sutton
Keyboards:
Dave Cohen
Steel (TIE):
Justin Schipper
Paul Franklin
Vocals:
Wes Hightower
Paul Sizelove On Balancing Legacy & Innovation At Sun Label Group [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkPaul Sizelove.
Gaither Music Group has been a cornerstone of gospel and inspirational music for decades. Founded by Bill and Gloria Gaither—who together wrote more than 700 songs and were named ASCAP Songwriters of the Century—the company became known for its Homecoming series and the Gaither Vocal Band. Its catalog spans hundreds of video and audio projects, with collaborations ranging from gospel pioneers to country mainstays, and its concerts and television specials have reached audiences around the world. The Gaither Vocal Band alone has earned multiple Grammy Awards and Dove Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2014.
Paul Sizelove’s first steps onto the Gaither Music campus came with humble beginnings. As a teenager, he mowed lawns. Later, he packed boxes in the warehouse, shipping CDs and DVDs as the Homecoming series took off. “I joke there hasn’t been a job in our company that I haven’t done,” Sizelove tells MusicRow.
More than three decades later, Sizelove is president of Sun Label Group, overseeing an umbrella of heritage labels including Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill, Rural Rhythm and Emerald Wave. His rise reflects his philosophy of leadership: gratitude, teamwork and a long view of growth.
That emphasis on culture is essential when managing labels with more than 160 combined years of history. Each catalog, whether the gospel roots of Gaither or the rock ‘n’ roll foundation of Sun, carries its own identity. “At the end of the day, the common theme is that these are legacy labels,” Sizelove says. “They’re classic catalogs.”
Founded in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others who defined rock ‘n’ roll. After relocating to Nashville in 1969, the label continued with artists like Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups and Linda Martell. By the time Sizelove’s team acquired it, Sun was largely a licensing house. He pushed to make it “an album-facing label” again.
Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group, speaks at launch party in 2024. Photo: Donny Evans
Central to Sizelove’s approach is building community around each label and its artists. “We build communities with [each label],” he explains. “We have followers of Sun Records, Gaither Records, Green Hill, Rural Rhythm, that want to hear the music—both the catalog and the new releases from each one. It’s a backwards, non-traditional way of moving music now.” This philosophy extends across YouTube, television and live events, creating spaces where both legacy artists and new performers can reach audiences they might not otherwise encounter. It’s a model that emphasizes shared experience and long-term engagement rather than chasing fleeting chart success.
That philosophy shows up in recent projects. Sun Label Group was “honored to produce” Jimmy Buffett’s final project, and The SteelDrivers recently signed with Sun Records. The group initially recorded a Christian project with Gaither Records, then returned to their roots in bluegrass and Americana with a project released on Sun. These releases, alongside catalog and contemporary projects, exemplify Sizelove’s strategy of honoring legacy while expanding artist reach and audience engagement.
Instead of chasing Top 40 radio or formula-driven formats, Sizelove extends this community-driven ideology into every aspect of the labels, including media presence. Gaither’s YouTube channel, for instance, functions more like an inspirational variety show than a single-artist page, featuring performances from Bill Gaither alongside names like Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, The Isaacs and more. “We put out almost a new piece of content every day,” Sizelove says. “It’s continual content, and people keep coming back because of the variety.”
That same philosophy drives Sizelove’s television partnerships with networks like PBS, TBN and others, where Gaither specials and concert productions introduce artists to millions of households.
For Sizelove, who grew up living with the company culture he now aims to build, the lessons came early. He credits a formative experience with his first boss, who thanked him every day after work. “I’ve never forgotten that,” Sizelove recalls. That appreciation is something he passes along to the members of his own teams now.
He also points to mentors who invested in him along the way. “I am here today because people have invested in me,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate that people in this town like Steve Moore, Bill Carter and Barry Jennings, have taken me under their wing when they didn’t have to. I’m a product of good mentoring.”
For Sizelove, growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building a culture where legacy and innovation coexist, and where gratitude still matters. “I’ve seen the company when it was amazing and when it struggled,” he says. “Growth isn’t easy, but we all just have to make sure we are going in the same direction.”
Charlie Handsome Continues To Hold Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenCharlie Handsome.
Charlie Handsome continues his domination on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, notching his 14th consecutive week at No. 1. His current cuts on the chart include Morgan Wallen‘s “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want,” alongside BigXthaPlug and Ella Langley’s “Hell At Night” and Marshmello & Jelly Roll’s “Holy Water.”
Wallen moves up to No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.” Blake Pendergrass sits at No. 3 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami” and “Superman.”
Chase McGill (No. 4) and John Byron (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.
Tune In: 2025 MusicRow Awards Winners Revealed Tomorrow
/by MusicRow StaffThe industry-voted winners of the 37th annual MusicRow Awards will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X, starting at 8:30 a.m. TOMORROW (Sept. 3).
The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards will also be announced on Sept. 3, recognizing the industry’s most in-demand studio players for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel and Vocals.
MusicRow Awards Schedule of Announcements:
8:30 a.m.: Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards
9:00 a.m.: Producer of the Year
9:30 a.m.: Studio of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label Group of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Agency of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Publishing Company of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
12:30 o.m.: Male Songwriter of the Year
1:00 p.m.: Female Songwriter of the Year
1:30 p.m.: Song of the Year
2:00 p.m.: Discovery Artist of the Year
2:30 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist of the Year
3:00 p.m.: Female Artist of the Year
3:30 p.m.: Male Artist of the Year
4:00 p.m.: Group/Duo Artist of the Year
4:30 p.m.: Entertainer of the Year
Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to read about the nominees up for each category. The nominees are also profiled in the recently released MusicRow Awards print issue.
Tyler Rich Readies ‘Leaving California’ Due This Month
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Rich will release the second part of his double album, Leaving California, on Sept. 26 via ONErpm. Rich just released a new song, “Made Up My Mind,” co-written with Michael Tyler and Lalo Guzman, from the upcoming project.
“‘Made Up My Mind’ is that moment when you finally walk away from the wreckage and find something worth running toward,” says Rich. “We’ve all had times caught between being the good guy and the bad guy, letting the devil on our shoulder have his way for a while. But then they show up, cut through all the noise, and suddenly none of the old life matters. They change your path, your life, and your mind all at once.”
Following the release of the first album, Hello California, earlier this year, Rich’s second installment was shaped with input from fans, family and friends, highlighting his commitment to connecting with listeners. Among the project’s tracks are the title track, the summer-ready single “When?” and “Damn What a Woman,” inspired by his wife, actress Sabina Gadecki. Rich also tips his hat to his musical roots with a cover of Bush’s “Comedown” from Sixteen Stone, the first CD he ever bought.
“On my debut album, I covered Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean,’ and I knew I wanted a cover for this sophomore release,” says Rich. “Bush inspired me from the very beginning, and this was my way of honoring that influence while giving the song a fresh take.”
The album features production from fellow Californians Brad Hill and Guzman and contributions from musicians including guitarist Nathan Keeterle, drummer Phil Lawson, piano player David Dorn and slide guitarist Andy Ellison.
Rich returns to the road this fall on his “Leaving California Tour,” which launches Sept. 28.
Leaving California Track List:
1. “When?” (Grant Vogel, Josh Logan, Tyler Rich)
2. “Summer of Us” (Tyler Rich, Taylor Phillips, Matthew McVaney)
3. “Never Knew” (Tyler Rich, Andy Albert, Greg Wariner)
4. “Lost Time” (Tyler Rich, Austin Webb)
5. “Save Me A Seat” (Tyler Rich, Gino Barletta, Mike Mac, Jordan Baum)
6. “Comedown” (Gavin Rossdale)
7. “Damn What A Woman” (Tyler Rich, Josh Dorr, Josh Logan, Grant Vogel)
8. “Made Up My Mind” (Tyler Rich, Michael Tyler, Lalo Guzman)
9. “Leaving California” (Tyler Rich, Ben Hayslip, Brent Anderson)
10. “…I WILL NEVER LEAVE” (Tyler Rich)
SESAC Announces Date For 2025 Nashville Music Awards
/by Lauryn SinkThe SESAC Nashville Music Awards will take place on Sunday, Nov. 16, kicking off CMA Awards week in Nashville. The invitation-only event will celebrate performers in the country and Americana genres, including Song of the Year, Publisher of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
“We’re thrilled to once again have the opportunity to honor our songwriters and publishers here in Nashville,” says Shannan Hatch, SVP, Head of Nashville Creative. “We love celebrating the music they make and the lives they touch with their craft.”
Previous award winners include Lee Brice, Megan Moroney, Zac Brown, Dillon Carmichael, Blanco Brown, Sierra Ferrell, Chris LaCorte, Jon Nite, Hillary Scott and more.
The 59th annual CMA Awards will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Big Machine Label Group Hosts Epic 20th Anniversary Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Big Machine Label Group hosted a giant anniversary party in downtown Nashville Friday night (Aug. 29), “Big Machine 20,” featuring a star-studded lineup of artists from the label’s current roster and throughout BMLG’s 20-year history.
Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta welcomed the crowd of over 100,000 fans packed into lower Broadway, saying, “I can’t believe that we’re turning 20 this year, but here we are. When we thought about how to celebrate this milestone, we couldn’t think of a better way than to throw the biggest party possible as a heartfelt thanks to you – the fans. Thank you for supporting our artists and our music.”
Riley Green. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
The anniversary concert celebration included performances from a host of label hitmakers including Riley Green, who treated the crowd to a number of his hits including the triple Platinum single “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and double Platinum tracks “There Was This Girl” and “Worst Way.” Green also invited Carly Pearce to join him on his Platinum “Don’t Mind If I Do,” and Hannah McFarland made a surprise appearance for a performance of his song “Pick A Place.”
Sheryl Crow rocked the Big Machine 20 stage with “Prove You Wrong,” “Steve McQueen” and “Everyday is a Winding Road,” before Diamond hitmaker Brett Young treated the crowd to chart-toppers including the Diamond-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know,” the four-times Platinum “Mercy,” and double-Platinum singles “Sleep Without You” and “Here Tonight.”
Pearce performed hits including Platinum-certified “Next Girl,” Double Platinum “What He Didn’t Do” and triple-Platinum “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox and R&B/pop superstar Akon took Broadway to the beach with a surprise performance of their breezy summer party anthem “Hold The Umbrella.”
The Band Perry. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
The Band Perry celebrated their recent return to the BMLG/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment family with performances of their mega-hits “If I Die Young,” “Chainsaw,” “Better Dig Two” and “Done.” Country artist and Staind frontman Aaron Lewis added to the star power of the night with his performances of “It’s Been Awhile,” “Country Boy” and his Billboard No. 1 Hot Country Song debut and Gold track “Am I The Only One.”
Surprise act Rascal Flatts closed the night with a bevy of their hits including “Fast Cars And Freedom,” “I Like The Sound Of That,” and “Life Is A Highway.” Pearce returned to join the trio onstage for a heartfelt rendition of “My Wish,” which appears on their recent collaboration album Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets.
The show also included performances from rising country/Americana four-piece The Jack Wharff Band, RaeLynn, Jack Ingram, Danielle Bradbery, Preston Cooper and Danielle Peck, who was the first-ever Big Machine artist to send a single to country radio, and kicked off the historic night with her songs “Findin’ a Good Man” and “I Don’t.”
The Big Machine 20 bash served as the kick-off for the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship weekend, with Indycar drivers joining Borchetta on stage and hyping up fans during the show. The evening also included the fifth annual Freedom Friday event, honoring members of the Military, Police, Fire, First Responders and Frontline Heroes.
Carly Pearce. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Photo: Nick Tavares for Big Machine Label Group
The Band Perry Releases Remastered Self-Titled Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Band Perry has released a new remastered version of their self-titled debut album, which originally released in 2010 and sold over a million copies in the U.S.
The project featured the band’s multi-Platinum hits “Better Dig Two,” “Done.” and their signature song “If I Die Young,” which is 9X Platinum, won 2011 CMA Song and Single of the Year awards, earned a Grammy nomination, spent 53 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and topped both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot AC charts.
Throughout the course of their career, the Grammy-winning trio earned critical and commercial acclaim, sold two and a half million albums, 12 million singles, racked up over a billion streams, earned multiple CMA, ACM and CMT Music Awards, and landed six No. 1 country radio singles.
The band, who helped their label Big Machine celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Big Machine 20 concert in Nashville on Friday night (Aug. 29), is currently in the studio working with producer Dann Huff on new music.
The Band Perry Track List:
1. You Lie (Aaron Henningsen, Brian Henningsen, Clara Henningsen)
2. Hip To My Heart (Brett Beavers, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
3. If I Die Young (Kimberly Perry)
4. All Your Life (Brian Henningsen, Clara Henningsen)
5. Miss You Being Gone (Aaron Henningsen, Brian Henningsen, Clara Henningsen, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
6. Double Heart (Brett Beavers, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
7. Postcard From Paris (Kara DioGuardi, Jeff Cohen, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
8. Walk Me Down The Middle (Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
9. Independence (Aaron Henningsen, Brian Henningsen, Clara Henningsen,
Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
10. Quittin’ You (Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)
11. Lasso (Aaron Henningsen, Brian Henningsen, Clara Henningsen, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry)