Big Machine Records has elevated Rachel Burleson to Senior Director of Streaming.

“Rachel’s promotion to Senior Director of Streaming is a direct reflection of her expertise, leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence in a constantly evolving space. Her deep understanding of the streaming landscape, coupled with the strong relationships she’s built across platforms and services, has played a vital role in our artists’ success,” says Kris Lamb, EVP/General Manager of Big Machine Records. “Rachel continues to be a trusted voice in the room and a driving force behind our strategy. Her growth at the label has been inspiring to watch and this next chapter is well deserved.”

Burleson graduated from Belmont University in 2016 and began her career at Creative Nation. She joined Big Machine Records in 2021 and spent two years as a Project Manager before moving into her most recent role as Director of Streaming. She was named a member of MusicRow’s 2024 Next Big Thing Industry Directory list. Burleson will continue to spearhead streaming initiatives for the Big Machine Records artist roster which includes Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Midland, Jackson Dean and more.

“What an exciting time it is to be a part of the country music community! I am inspired by the projects and artists I help connect to listeners across streaming platforms alongside the Big Machine Records team,” shares Burleson. “I’m incredibly thankful for the leadership and support from Scott Borchetta and Kris Lamb, and I’m thrilled to continue working with our streaming partners in this new role.”

She can be reached at rachel.burleson@bmlg.net.

Linda Martell will be honored by Sun Records and the National Museum of African American Music at a special public event June 4 at the museum’s Roots Theater.

The event celebrates her groundbreaking album Color Me Country, the kickoff to Black Music Month, and the May 16 induction of her hit single “Color Him Father” into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The evening will include a video tribute honoring Martell’s life and legacy, a panel discussion exploring Martell’s impact and the evolving space for Black voices in country music and live performances and appearances from artists she inspired, including jazz vocalist and social commentator Dara Tucker, country and Americana artist Amythyst Kiah, rock & blues pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph and country artist and host of the Color Me Country podcast Rissi Palmer.

In 1969, Martell became the first Black woman to chart on country radio and the first to perform on the Grand Ole Opry, breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative of what country music could be. That same year, her rendition of “Color Him Father” became a Top 25 hit, launching a career that would shape generations of artists.

Sun Records helped reintroduce Martell’s music to a new generation in 2022, when the label remastered and reissued her landmark album Color Me Country as part of its 70th-anniversary celebration. Originally released on Plantation Records, the album’s revival affirmed Martell’s enduring influence and deepened the label’s commitment to preserving her legacy.

Siebert Financial Corp. subsidiary Gebbia Media has added Big Machine Rock to its portfolio. Big Machine Rock’s current roster includes Daughtry, Badflower, Sammy Hagar, Olive Vox and Ryan Perdz, among others. All will remain signed to the roster.

“Growing up with incredible music by iconic artists like Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and The Doors, I recognize the importance of bringing rock to a new generation of listeners and fans, who are ready to embrace it,” says David Gebbia, CEO of Gebbia Media. “Big Machine Rock embodies the Gebbia Media approach: bold, cross-generational and deeply in touch with the culture. This acquisition allows us to further our mission of empowering artists through investment in robust catalogs and cross-platform expansion.”

Heather Luke-Husong has helmed Big Machine Rock as GM over the past few years. During her tenure, she has led the label to a slew of No. 1 singles and Platinum certifications.

With Gebbia Media’s leadership, the label will continue to focus on artist development, immersive storytelling and cross-platform visibility. Big Machine Label Group Founder Scott Borchetta will continue to oversee operations and join the advisory board of Siebert Financial.

“This acquisition marks another step in Siebert’s commitment to innovating at the intersection of Finance and Culture,” adds John J Gebbia, CEO of Siebert Financial. “By bringing Big Machine Rock into the Gebbia Media portfolio, we’re aligning visionary talent with the resources and stability of a diversified financial platform, ensuring long-term growth and cultural impact.”

Seasoned entertainment attorney Rachel Guttmann has launched Gutt Law, PLLC, a new Nashville-based legal firm tailored to the modern music industry.

Prior to launching Gutt Law, Guttmann garnered over a decade of legal experience. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and Tulane University Law School, she began her career clerking for the Honorable Dee D. Drell in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana before transitioning into litigation defense and entertainment law in New Orleans. In 2018, she returned to Nashville to focus exclusively on the music and entertainment industry.

Guttmann most recently served as a partner at Taylor Guttmann, PLLC, where she built a reputation for guiding artists, songwriters, and producers at all career stages through critical legal decisions.

Joining Guttmann is Victoria Powell, an entertainment attorney with a strong foundation in music publishing and artist relations. A graduate of Belmont University College of Law, Powell holds both a J.D. and a Certificate in Entertainment and Music Business Law. She was formerly an Associate Attorney at Taylor Guttmann.

“Victoria has become an invaluable part of both my team and my clients’ teams,” says Guttmann. “I’m excited to support her continued growth as an attorney and as a person.”

“I’m proud to join Rachel at Gutt Law, PLLC. Her mentorship has shaped the way I approach the practice of law—with creativity, empathy, and a deep respect for the clients we serve. This next chapter is an exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”

Morgan Brasfield has also joined the firm as Head of Operations. A Belmont University alum and former executive at Kobalt Music and NSAI, Brasfield brings more than a decade of experience in songwriter advocacy, operational leadership and music industry development.

“When the opportunity to work alongside Rachel and Victoria came my way, I knew I couldn’t pass it up,” says Brasfield. “I’m honored to join a team with such integrity, purpose, and heart.”

“Adding Morgan to the firm has brought a fresh perspective and an operational strength that enhances how we serve our clients,” Guttmann shares. “I’m grateful every day to work with a team that’s as passionate about helping creatives succeed as I am.”