Nashville executives, artists, creators and culinary icons enjoyed a night of elegant food and fun at the fifth annual ‘St. Jude Presents: Curated,’ on Oct. 9, raising over $1.8 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the process.

Held at the home of co-chairs Elizabeth and Bryan Frist for the second year and hosted alongside co-chairs Cassie and Charles Kelley, the evening included a dinner, live auction and performances by Lady A, Ernest and Hardy. The night’s overall message was joie de vivre, a trait seen in the lives of the brave St. Jude patients and highlighted by St. Jude patient Thompson and his mom, who shared their story.

The five-course, French-inspired menu was curated and prepared by chefs Tiffani Ortiz and Andy Doubrava of The Catbird Seat. Guests enjoyed French-themed tastings and treats, and during the live auction, which raised over $850,000, bid on one-of-a-kind packages such as a private Sunday Supper for 20 at The Catbird Seat, a vacation to Cassie and Charles Kelley’s Harbour Island home, a private bourbon dinner (including five barrels of bourbon from Jeff Hopmayer) and more.

Donations from this event will help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude, and treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago.

Girlilla Marketing Founder and CEO Jennie Smythe has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Forefront Books imprint Resolve Editions. She will release a memoir in 2025, distributed by Simon & Schuster.

“I have learned so many things from so many smart people—some of whom are no longer with us—and I want to honor them by passing on what they taught me,” shares Smythe. “I continue to be mentored by strong and clever people who are generous with their time. I am surrounded by co-workers who renew my inspiration and who, I believe, are more talented than me (which is great!). I have loyal clients who have stuck by me. I’ve seen trends in my business that we keep unnecessarily repeating.

“I see frequent mistakes employees make in their formative workplace years,” she continues. “I’ve made epic bad decisions as both an employee and a boss. But, where there was pain and struggle, there’s always been growth and opportunity for me. Where there’s been despair, faith has kicked its ass. Because of my losses, I’ve appreciated my wins more. I hope I can save you some hassle. I hope that I can make you think, laugh and see your own story in mine… because we are all connected, online and offline.”

Smythe has built her career as a forward-thinking entrepreneur. Her digital marketing agency, Girlilla Marketing, was founded in 2008. The female-led company leads the digital marketing campaigns for a diverse roster of world-famous entertainers and brands including Dead & Company, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, Blondie, Brooke Shields, Iliza Shlesinger, Terry Crews, Kristin Chenoweth, Vince Gill and many others.

With a lifelong love of music behind her, Smythe’s creative approach has earned her a multitude awards and recognition. She is a multi-year winner of the Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Awards, a MusicRow Magazine Rising Women on the Row honoree and was recognized on the Nashville Post In Charge 2023: Music list.

In the upcoming memoir, Smythe will reflect on her two decades plus of experience in the entertainment industry and digital marketing space. She will also discuss the challenges of becoming an entrepreneur, fighting breast cancer and more.

“From the moment I met Jennie and read her manuscript, I knew it was a perfect match,” says Becky Nesbitt, Publisher, Resolve Editions. “Her journey to the top of the industry is a testament to her grit, determination, and resilience through both wins and losses.  Her story will undoubtedly inspire readers everywhere. Having worked with a diverse range of clients, Jennie has proven herself to be a force for good in the industry, and we could not be more pleased to share her incredible story with the world next year.”

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Marcus Hummon will release his new single, “I Never Saw A Moor,” this Friday (Oct. 18). The tune is included on his forthcoming EP, Songs For Emily, out Nov. 15 via 3686 RECORDS.

Inspired by the famous work of Emily Dickinson, Songs For Emily marks a departure from Hummon’s country and pop stylings, and an entrance into the world of American poetry and composition.

On “I Never Saw A Moor,” he reflects, “It’s the first Emily Dickinson poem I memorized, and I loved the sense of divinity in nature and intuitive spiritual thought, which were key elements of the Transcendentalist movement. I did take some liberties with the composition, not setting the lines exactly as written, but creating a song based on her poem.”

The EP, which features Mary Chapin Carpenter on “I Dwell in Possibility,” aims to pay homage to Dickinson’s writing, blending her unique style with Hummon’s individual sound. Additionally, the Grammy winner has extended his musical talents to theater, recently premiering his folk-opera, No Man’s Land, at Belmont University’s Massey Hall.

“With this record, I’d love to shine a light on Emily Dickinson, her genius and her great gift to us all,” he shares. “I’ve sought to push myself as a musician and recording artist with this project. I’ve ‘set’ some poetry before in the theater world, but this is a deeper dive into the work of a uniquely ‘American’ poet.”

Multi-Platinum producer Gitty made history last year as the first producer to appear on five Billboard charts simultaneously—an achievement that highlights his versatility across genres, from R&B to country. His current hit “Wild Ones,” a collaboration between Jessie Murph and Jelly Roll, is making waves, with award nominations already rolling in. He also co-wrote Murph’s latest single, “Dirty,” featuring Teddy Swims, marking a significant moment as Gitty helped launch both artists’ careers.

The hitmaker’s influence reaches even further with contributions to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and upcoming projects with Swims, Muni Long, Quavo and Anderson .Paak. Gitty is also a two-time 2024 Grammy nominee, recognized for his work with Victoria Monét in both the Record of the Year and Best R&B Song categories.

In addition to his 2021 Grammy nominations for H.E.R.’s Back of My Mind and “Damage,” Gitty earned a Children & Family Emmy Award for his work on Netflix’s We The People. As he continues to push genre boundaries, Gitty’s influence shows no signs of slowing down.

He recently spoke to MusicRow about his success as well as his relationship with Nashville.

MusicRow: How often do you come to Nashville?

This is my fifth trip this year. I’ve really enjoyed it—it’s been the most I’ve ever visited. Last November was my first trip for a Nashville writing session, and the city has really grown on me. There’s a lot about the songwriting culture here that I love and bring back to Los Angeles.

What brought you here originally?

I came out to work with Jessie. She was on tour and living here at the time, and we needed to finish some records, so I flew out here to wrap things up.

I love Jessie’s music. How did you meet?

I met Jessie when she was 17. We did a song that ended up on her first project called “Where Do You Go?” Even then, I knew she had a crazy tone. We just clicked. During our second session when she was 18, we wrote “Wild Ones.” Every time we work together, we come up with something special. Watching her grow as an artist has been incredible. She’s still so young but so wise, and has an amazing story to tell. And with a voice like that, it’s a producer’s playground.

In an interview, she mentioned her sound being a mix of country, soul, rap and pop. How do you approach working with so many influences?

Honestly, it all comes together naturally. Great artists like Jessie create their own universe, and all of those influences just fit. Sometimes the rap and singing happen in the same verse. It’s not random at all—it all belongs there.

Did you get to be in the studio for Jelly Roll’s verse on “Wild Ones”?

No, we didn’t work in the same room. We got it done over email, but having him on the record was amazing. He really took the song up a notch, and it’s been awesome watching his evolution.

You also contributed to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. What was it like being part of that?

It was an honor. I played a small part, but it’s amazing to be involved in something that could break so much ground and open doors. I’m proud to have been part of it.

With all the country projects you’ve worked on recently, do you see more opportunities in that space now?

Country music has always been part of my DNA, but it wasn’t where I started. I’ve always been inspired by artists like Willie Nelson and George Jones, but when I approach a country project, I bring my own twist. People don’t want me to impersonate someone else—they want me to bring something different.

Who were your biggest influences before you started making music?

The Beatles and Stevie Wonder were my first loves. I grew up in Russia, so I wasn’t exposed to country music early on. Jazz and soul music was really what I came up listening to. Then I really fell in love with folk music. I fell in love with Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens and James Taylor because I loved the storytelling.

Bob Dylan was my gateway into country music. When I was a teenager, he was performing in New Haven and Willie Nelson was on the bill. I didn’t know anything about Willie Nelson, so I came early to check him out and when I saw him perform, I started crying. From that moment, I was obsessed with country music.

I immersed myself in it. When I started listening to like Hank Williams and western swing, I realized how close western swing was to jazz. We, as Americans, have a common thread through a lot of the music that came from this country.

Tell me about working with Teddy Swims and Victoria Monét—they’re both having such a moment in pop and R&B.

Teddy is another artist I got in with early. I love working with superstars, but there’s nothing like growing with someone and watching them evolve. He trusted me to [help him find his sound], and it’s been amazing to see how it’s all come together.

I’ve been a fan of Victoria for years, even before she was signed. Working on “On My Mama” was incredible, and seeing it do so well has been amazing. She’s an important artist, and I can’t help but to think that that song has been very monumental and has brought her to the world’s attention. It’s such a positive anthem, and it’s been really special to be part of that. My daughter was three when the song came out and she loved it. To have a song that made her feel so positive about her mother and herself—it’s just a force of positivity. To be a part of that reminds me of the purpose of what it is that we do.

You’ve worked across so many genres. How do you manage to do that so seamlessly?

I just follow my gut and focus on what I love. I don’t try to chase trends. If I’m passionate about something, I stick with it until it’s perfect. That’s where the excellence comes from—doing what you truly love.

What’s next for you?

I’m really passionate about developing young artists, writers and producers. I’m starting a global record venture soon, and I’m excited to help shape the future of music.

ACM & BMI Nashville Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Showcase

The Academy of Country Music and BMI Nashville partnered for a showcase on Oct. 10 in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Warner Chappell office in Nashville, spotlighting Hispanic/Latino artists. The intimate event featured performances from MŌRIAH, Alejandro Sierra, Ana Cristina Cash and Matt Castillo.

BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Marushka Media and Hispanic Entertainment Alliance Founder Jackie Martinez Marushka hosted the evening.

 

Southbound Re-ups With Daywind Records

Southern gospel trio Southbound has re-signed with Daywind Records. The group is known for their top 10 songs “Address Change Notification,” “Somebody Testify,” “Middle of Nowhere,”  “No Better Than That,” “He’s Got a Way” and the No. 1 song for the year in 2023, “Lost and Found.” They released their latest single, “I Left It In The Water,” on Oct 11. The trio is set to release their next full-length album in January 2025.

 

Emily Lloyd Wins John Cirillo Songwriting Scholarship

Emily Lloyd is the recipient of the John Cirillo Songwriting Scholarship. Cirillo passed away from brain cancer at the age of 67 on September 12, 2022. The scholarship—which is open to any songwriter 18 and up—was created in his honor, to continue his legacy.

Originally from South Dakota, Lloyd spent five years in Nashville studying music at Lipscomb University. In 2022 as a fifth-year senior, she released her first full project, Fifth Year.

 

Stella Prince & Change the Conversation Announce AB Hillsboro Village Residency

Folk artist Stella Prince has announced her inaugural Nashville residency at AB Hillsboro Village beginning on Oct. 30. Joining her in the residency lineup will be Andrea Vasquez, Jaime Wyatt, Angie K, Fimone and Maddie Lenhart. In addition to the Oct. 30 residency kickoff, Prince has other shows planned with special guests on Dec. 10 and in January 2025 at AB Hillsboro Village. The 7 p.m. shows are free.

“Change The Conversation is proud to continue our relationship with the amazingly talented Stella Prince,” says Leslie Fram, Co-Founder, Change the Conversation. “Stella will be performing and hosting a series of showcases to further our commitment to amplify female voices.”

“AB Hillsboro Village is Nashville’s only woman-owned music venue, and I am so excited to partner with Change the Conversation to embrace these talented female performers in our space,” says Marcie Allen, co-owner, AB Hillsboro Village.