This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly spotlights pivotal moments and significant updates in the Nashville music industry, underscoring a landscape in constant evolution. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow proudly announces the 2025 release of its flagship print directory, InCharge. As the most comprehensive guide to Nashville’s music business leaders, this year’s edition showcases 370 influential executives. Alongside detailed career biographies, readers will find valuable contact information and organizational affiliations, offering a vital resource for professionals navigating Music City’s dynamic industry.
Capitol Music Group is consolidating its country and Christian music operations under the new Capitol Music Group Nashville banner. This move brings Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) and Capitol Records Nashville together in a strategic effort to strengthen the label’s commitment to Nashville as a creative and commercial powerhouse. Industry veteran Candice Watkins has been appointed President of Capitol Records Nashville, in addition to serving as Executive Vice President of CCMG.
Meanwhile, following the successful 60th anniversary of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, the ACM and Dick Clark Productions announced a new multi-year agreement with Prime Video. The awards show will remain on the streaming platform through its 63rd ceremony in 2028.
Outback Presents, a Nashville-based independent concert promoter, named Andrew Farwell as its new President.
Rising singer-songwriter McCoy Moore joined the Sony Music Nashville roster in partnership with Cervidae Records.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed its joint venture with Verse 2 Music, helmed by country star Kane Brown and veteran executive Kent Earls, reaffirming their collaborative approach to publishing. ACM and CMA Award-winner Jon Nite inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, while multifaceted writer and producer Dave Cohen signed a global publishing agreement with Position Music.
G Major Management is entering a new era of artist support with a series of strategic hires and promotions. Under the leadership of Virginia Bunetta, the company launched a market insights division and bolstered its marketing and operations arms. New hires include Emilie Gilbert as Manager of Insights & Fan Engagement Strategy and Madeline “Sledge” Lary as Digital Manager. Promotions include Samantha Thornton to Sr. Director of Marketing and Harry Lyons to Sr. Director of Business Operations.
Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company also announced personnel updates, promoting Amanda Goff to Client Manager. Joining her in the role is Amanda Remo.
Milestone Publicity has rebranded as Milestone Collective. Along with the rebrand comes a new digital marketing division, led by Caylie Landerville.
This week also saw industry recognition at the fourth annual Bizzy Awards during the Music Biz 2025 conference in Atlanta. Among the honorees were Emily Stephenson of Downtown Music Publishing, awarded the #NEXTGEN_NOW One to Watch Award, and Elysha Miracle of Concord, who received the Maestro of Metadata Award. Local favorite Grimey’s took home the Bizzy Frontline Innovator Award, while the Equal Access initiative was honored with the Agent of Change Award.
Finally, the industry mourns the loss of country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, who passed away on May 9 at the age of 73. A prominent figure in the 1970s, Rodriguez broke barriers as one of the first Latin American artists to achieve major success in country music, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
This week’s MusicRow Weekly also features a conversation with Riley Green on legacy, momentum and staying true.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Lynn Anderson Clothing And Estate Sale Set For May 31 And June 1
/by Lauryn SinkLynn Anderson.
A clothing and estate sale honoring the legacy of Lynn Anderson will be held on May 31 and June 1 at the Nashville residence of Lisa Sutton, Anderson’s daughter.
Among the items for sale are Anderson’s clothes, including notable pieces from Manuel, head designer of Nudie’s handmade rodeo wear. These include outfits worn during performances at the CMA Awards, The Grand Ole Opry and her regular performances on The Lawrence Welk Show, as well as performances with artists such as Mac Davis and Brenda Lee.
The address will be provided upon RSVP to gdavidson@icon-publicity.com. For questions, contact Icon PR.
Dylan Gossett Plots ‘The Westward Tour’
/by Madison HahnenDylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson
Dylan Gossett will head out on the road this fall for “The Westward Tour,” kicking off Sept. 11.
Gossett will hit cities such as Birmingham, Indianapolis, Kansas City and more on the 25+ date trek before wrapping up in Las Vegas on Dec. 6. Kingfishr, Drayton Farley, Willow Avalon, James Tucker and Buffalo Traffic Jam will join as rotating support.
The tour is named after his debut album, Westward, releasing July 18. The 17 track project was written and self-produced by Gossett, and features already released tracks “American Trail” and “Like I Do.” Throughout the album, Gossett sings about love, family, faith and chasing dreams.
Alongside “The Westward Tour,” Gossett is also in the midst of finishing his headline “The Back 40 Tour,” before he heads into his “The American Trail Tour” this July, He will also make festival appearances at Windy City Smokeout, Bourbon & Beyond, Austin City Limits and more throughout the year.
Tickets for “The Westward Tour” are available beginning today (May 19) via an artist presale, with general on-sale taking place May 22 at 10 a.m. local time here.
“The Westward Tour” Dates:
September 11 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
September 14 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
September 17 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
September 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
September 20 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
September 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
September 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
September 26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
September 27 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
October 16 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
October 17 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
October 18 – Richmond, VA – Brown’s Island (PGA)
October 21 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora
October 23 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
October 25 – Toronto, ON – History
October 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
October 29 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
October 30 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
November 1 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
November 2 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
November 9 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
November 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell @ The Complex
November 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
November 14 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
November 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
December 6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels
Artist Action: Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, Tucker Wetmore, More
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen Releases New Album; Breaks Streaming Records
Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen released his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, on Friday (May 16).
The album broke the record for most streamed country record in its first day on Amazon Music and biggest country album of 2025 by first-day streams worldwide on Apple Music.
Fans can listen to a track-by-track listening experience of I’m The Problem on Amazon Music to hear Wallen discuss the inspiration behind his songs and collaborations. He also sat down with Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen on Today’s Country Radio, before joining New Music Daily Radio with Zane Lowe, to discuss the release.
Kelsea Ballerini Teams Up With SoFi And tnAchieves
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Jack Strutz
Kelsea Ballerini has teamed up with SoFi and tnAchieves to launch the Rising Stars Program. This $2 million initiative is aimed at helping the next generation of Tennessee students achieve financial independence. SoFi will provide tnAchieves with over $500,000 in grants to expand its “Complete” program for students across Tennessee to help them meet college enrollment requirements and successfully earn a college credential, from 1:1 coaching to financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks and emergency funds. SoFi will also equip all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones.
In addition, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between 18-24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in stock of their choosing, at no cost, with a chance to receive up to $1,000 in stock.
Tucker Wetmore Shatters Records With Debut Album ‘What Not To’
Tucker Wetmore’s debut album, What Not To, debuted at the No. 15 spot on Billboard’s all-genre 200 Albums chart as Wetmore cracks over one billion total global streams across his catalog. Following the album’s release on April 25, Wetmore just dropped the official music video for his lead single, “3,2,1.”
Wetmore will make his Ryman debut this Wednesday (May 21) just ahead of joining Thomas Rhett as support on on the “Better In Boots Tour” this summer.
Lily Rose Teams With Stem For ‘Keys For A Cause’
Pictured (L-R): Stem’s Alison Junker, Lily Rose, Stem’s Courtney Daly. Photo: Dylan McGraw
On May 7 country artist Lily Rose teamed up with music distributor Stem to bring Keys for a Cause to Frisco, Texas. The event, held at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, saw the music industry and artists coming together to raise money for ACM Lifting Lives ahead of the 60th annual ACM Awards.
Musicians On Call Host Third Annual Concert For Caregivers
Concert For Caregivers. Photo: Heather Durham Photography
In celebration of National Hospital Week, Musicans On Call (MOC) hosted its third annual Concert for Caregivers. The private concert for Middle Tennessee caregivers featured performances from Charles Esten, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann.
A live recording of the experience was distributed this week to healthcare workers across the nation who weren’t present as a gesture of appreciation from MOC.
Billboard Country Live To Bring Exclusive Showcase Concert To Category 10
/by Lorie HollabaughBillboard will host “Billboard Country Live at Category 10″ June 5–6, spotlighting some of country’s brightest rising stars and top industry tastemakers.
The event will kick off on June 4 with an exclusive gathering on the rooftop of Category 10 honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players, honoring the most influential figures shaping the genre.
A showcase concert presented by Bud Light will take place on June 5 featuring performances by Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Drew Baldridge, Max McNown and Reyna Roberts.
The celebration will extend into June 6 with “Country on the Rise,” a second night of music spotlighting the future stars of the genre, with the lineup to be announced in the coming weeks.
Larry Fleet Extends ‘Hard Work & Holy Water Tour’ Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughLarry Fleet is extending his headlining “Hard Work & Holy Water Tour” through the fall, adding 25 new U.S. dates to an already announced international run.
Following up a summer of sold-out shows, Fleet will head to Scotland, the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands, before returning stateside for shows in Des Moines, Louisville, Gainesville, Cleveland, San Antonio, Phoenix, Sacramento and more.
The tour will give fans a double dose of the hit maker, as he serves as his own opening act for the majority of the run, delivering a rare acoustic performance to start the show before returning for his full-band set. The Kruse Brothers will open select West Coast shows on the run, with the tour wrapping December 12 in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now.
The tour news follows Fleet’s recent release “A Lotta Women,” which is dedicated to his wife and tributes the unique relationship challenges facing all touring artists.
Musicares To Host 2nd Annual Mindful May Mental Health & Wellness Event
/by Lorie HollabaughMusiCares will host its second annual Mindful May event, in collaboration with Sweetwater, this Wednesday (May 21) from 12-4 p.m. at Riverside Revival in Nashville.
Mindful May offers a restorative experience to support the mental, physical and emotional needs of music professionals during Mental Health Awareness Month. Following the overwhelming response to last year’s inaugural gathering in Los Angeles, MusiCares and Sweetwater are bringing the event to Nashville.
“Mindful May was created to meet people where they are and give them mental health tools they can carry into everyday life,” says Marshai Iverson, Managing Director of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery at MusiCares and curator of the event. “Traditional therapy isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Especially in the music industry, where the pace is relentless and the pressure never lets up, it’s crucial to offer support in ways that truly resonate with creatives. Every element of Mindful May has been intentionally curated to provide accessible, meaningful ways for artists and industry professionals to care for their mental and physical health.”
The event gives music professionals a chance to check in with themselves and discover new ways to care for their minds and bodies. Mindful May provides an intentional space to explore how mindfulness practices can contribute to long-term health, and this year’s event will feature immersive wellness experiences including a group sound bath, yoga, massage therapy, holistic chiropractic services, mental health providers, custom ear mold fittings, a guided tea ceremony, a meditation station and nourishing refreshments.
Guests will also be invited to attend a panel conversation with a lineup of music professionals and experts sharing their personal stories about navigating mental health, touring, creative pressure, and healing. The discussion will be led by moderator Candress Suber of MusiCares and panelists will include psychologist Dave Verhaagen and artists Drake White and Grace Bowers. They will offer honest, lived-in perspectives on the often-unseen tolls of life in music, along with the practices that help these artists stay grounded, resilient, and connected to themselves and their communities.
“We were so moved by the response to last year’s Mindful May event, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Nashville this year,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Mindful May reflects what we believe at our core – that caring for music professionals requires more than just one-size-fits-all solutions. It takes a holistic approach that acknowledges the complexity of their lives and meets them with dignity, empathy and real tools for wellness. We’re proud to grow this effort alongside Sweetwater and offer a moment of healing for the community that gives so much to all of us.”
“Mindful May amplifies the important role that our industry can play in supporting music makers’ mental health and overall well-being,” adds Sweetwater CEO Mike Clem. “We serve with heart and strive to care for musicians throughout their journey – and MusiCares shares that commitment.”
Belmont University To Launch Two New Master of Arts Programs This Fall
/by Lauryn SinkBest of the best showcase at Belmont University. Photo: Matt Willoughby
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business has announced its Master of Arts in media and entertainment industries program, which will launch this fall. The one-year hybrid program offers two specialized concentrations, content creation and music business. Applications are open now with GRE requirements waived for the first two years. Prospective students typically hold undergraduate degrees in fields such as media, communications, music, business, creative arts, entertainment or audio and recording arts.
“This program is intentionally designed for both working professionals looking to sharpen their skills and individuals seeking to break into the media and entertainment industries.” says Dr. Stephen Rush, Assistant Professor and Chair of Media & Entertainment Industries. “Whether someone is upskilling within their current role or coming from a field like English or communications, we provide the industry exposure, creative tools and real-world experiences they need to thrive in media and entertainment. By combining flexibility with access to Nashville’s creative network, this program equips students to step confidently into the industry.”
The 30-credit program combines core coursework in media theory, digital branding, marketing, leadership and media law with specialized concentration courses. The content creation track focuses on data visualization, podcasting and video production, while the music business track covers artist management, music licensing, contracts and strategic management.
“Launching the M.A. in media and entertainment industries reinforces Belmont’s established reputation as the premier destination for entertainment education,” adds Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. “This program responds to a growing need for professionals who can think creatively and strategically across the media landscape. By combining Nashville’s status as a global entertainment hub with our strong industry connections, we’re opening doors for the next generation of creative leaders.”
Recording Academy Nashville Chapter’s Annual Block Party Set For May 20
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy is hosting its 24th Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party at 5 p.m. on May 20 at Nashville’s 6th & Peabody.
2’Live Bre, Jon Pardi, MŌRIAH and Stephen Day will perform at the Block Party, and Amazon Music’s Country Heat podcast co-host Kelly Sutton will serve as party host. The event, which has become the unofficial start of the summer touring season, and features a diverse music lineup as well as great food and beverage offerings. The Nashville Chapter Block Party is a private, invitation-only event for Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Voting and Professional members.
2’Live Bre has shared stages with Lil Baby, DaBaby, and Jelly Roll and has had TV placements on Grown-ish. Pardi just-released his fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood, which includes the single, “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” and is currently on his “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour.”
MŌRIAH’ has released her second single, “Sombrero,” is one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2025, and will release her debut album later this year. Stephen Day’s album Gold Mine is out now, and his catalog has over 140M streams to date. He’s headlined dates in the U.S. and supported acts like Teddy Swims, Ben Rector and Stephen Sanchez.
Musicians Hall Of Fame Renews Lease At Nashville Municipal Auditorium
/by Lauryn SinkMusicians Hall Of Fame
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum has renewed its lease with Metro Nashville Government to remain at the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium through 2045.
“Nashville’s creative history is what makes us Music City, and it’s also what makes us more than Music City. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum’s commitment to telling those stories makes it an invaluable part of our creative ecosystem,” says Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “The story the museum tells is the story of Nashville, and I’m grateful to all who work to keep that story alive.”
Along with this extension, the museum announced that it is in discussions to renovate and expand the Grammy Museum Gallery, which is housed within the museum. This renovation is made possible by a $500,000 gift from longtime record executive and philanthropist Mike Curb to the Grammy Museum Foundation.
“The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum has been a passion project for decades, celebrating both undersung and legendary musicians as well as the session musicians, engineers and producers who create your favorite songs. This lease extension will ensure that locals and visitors from around the world will be able to enjoy, learn and appreciate these exhibits and our cherished collection for many years to come,” says Linda Chambers, CEO and co-founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame. “We are also incredibly grateful to Mike Curb for his generous commitment to the Grammy Museum Gallery, an exciting interactive installation that gives visitors an inside look at every aspect of the music industry, from performing to production to engineering.”
More information about the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, including details on membership, is available here.
MusicRow Weekly (2025 InCharge Issue, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly spotlights pivotal moments and significant updates in the Nashville music industry, underscoring a landscape in constant evolution. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow proudly announces the 2025 release of its flagship print directory, InCharge. As the most comprehensive guide to Nashville’s music business leaders, this year’s edition showcases 370 influential executives. Alongside detailed career biographies, readers will find valuable contact information and organizational affiliations, offering a vital resource for professionals navigating Music City’s dynamic industry.
Capitol Music Group is consolidating its country and Christian music operations under the new Capitol Music Group Nashville banner. This move brings Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) and Capitol Records Nashville together in a strategic effort to strengthen the label’s commitment to Nashville as a creative and commercial powerhouse. Industry veteran Candice Watkins has been appointed President of Capitol Records Nashville, in addition to serving as Executive Vice President of CCMG.
Meanwhile, following the successful 60th anniversary of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, the ACM and Dick Clark Productions announced a new multi-year agreement with Prime Video. The awards show will remain on the streaming platform through its 63rd ceremony in 2028.
Outback Presents, a Nashville-based independent concert promoter, named Andrew Farwell as its new President.
Rising singer-songwriter McCoy Moore joined the Sony Music Nashville roster in partnership with Cervidae Records.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed its joint venture with Verse 2 Music, helmed by country star Kane Brown and veteran executive Kent Earls, reaffirming their collaborative approach to publishing. ACM and CMA Award-winner Jon Nite inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, while multifaceted writer and producer Dave Cohen signed a global publishing agreement with Position Music.
G Major Management is entering a new era of artist support with a series of strategic hires and promotions. Under the leadership of Virginia Bunetta, the company launched a market insights division and bolstered its marketing and operations arms. New hires include Emilie Gilbert as Manager of Insights & Fan Engagement Strategy and Madeline “Sledge” Lary as Digital Manager. Promotions include Samantha Thornton to Sr. Director of Marketing and Harry Lyons to Sr. Director of Business Operations.
Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company also announced personnel updates, promoting Amanda Goff to Client Manager. Joining her in the role is Amanda Remo.
Milestone Publicity has rebranded as Milestone Collective. Along with the rebrand comes a new digital marketing division, led by Caylie Landerville.
This week also saw industry recognition at the fourth annual Bizzy Awards during the Music Biz 2025 conference in Atlanta. Among the honorees were Emily Stephenson of Downtown Music Publishing, awarded the #NEXTGEN_NOW One to Watch Award, and Elysha Miracle of Concord, who received the Maestro of Metadata Award. Local favorite Grimey’s took home the Bizzy Frontline Innovator Award, while the Equal Access initiative was honored with the Agent of Change Award.
Finally, the industry mourns the loss of country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, who passed away on May 9 at the age of 73. A prominent figure in the 1970s, Rodriguez broke barriers as one of the first Latin American artists to achieve major success in country music, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
This week’s MusicRow Weekly also features a conversation with Riley Green on legacy, momentum and staying true.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.