Matt Dragstrem Enters Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Matt Dragstrem

Matt Dragstrem has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Luke Bryan’s “Country And She Knows It” and Greylan James’ “Water At A Wedding” put the songwriter at No. 17 this week.

Ella Langley moves up to No 1 with “Be Her,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Jaded” and “Loving Life Again.” Dolly Parton sits at No. 2 with “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “Son Of Jolene.”

Chase McGill (No. 3), Jordan Schmidt (No. 4) and Ernest (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.

The Crew To Host 17th Annual CMA Awards Viewing Party Benefiting Musicians on Call

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Markus Koger (Smoking Section Podcast), Nicolette McCann (Red Light Management), Jackson Kiger (Sony Music Publishing) and Cheshire Rigler (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC). (L-R, front row): Halle Bartlett (One Riot Music), Emily Baldridge (MCA), Leah Binkerd (The MLC), Julia Keefe (Edgehill Music Publishing) and Samantha Sarno (SMACKSongs). Photo: Katie Larson

The Crew, a group of music industry executives, will host its 17th annual CMA Awards viewing party on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. CT at Tin Roof Nashville Downtown.

The benefit brings together industry professionals to support Musicians On Call while celebrating fellow artists, songwriters and colleagues during the 60th Annual CMA Awards broadcast live throughout Tin Roof. Last year, The Crew raised over $24k for Musicians On Call at the viewing party. Organizations interested in purchasing a sponsorship package this year should contact Jackson Kiger or Markus Koger.

“We are so happy to be back again this year to not only celebrate one of country music’s biggest nights, but to raise money for the incredible cause that is Musicians On Call,” shares The Crew. “Thank you so much to all of our amazing sponsors and the Nashville community without whom this night would not be possible.”

For 25 years, Musicians On Call has brought the healing power of music directly to patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare environments through bedside, virtual, and streaming programs. MOC has connected more than one million people across all 50 states with live music.

Round Top Film Festival Debuts New Music Programming In Partnership With Bluebird Cafe & Vinyll Studios

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Shane McAnally. Photo: Robby Klein

Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, Texas is expanding its programming in 2026 with the launch of its first official music programming, presented in partnership with the Bluebird Cafe and Vinyll Studios.

On Nov. 14, festival attendees will experience a special screening of SONGWRITER, an original documentary series created and produced by Vinyll Studios featuring the episode Shane McAnally: “Merry Go Round.” SONGWRITER highlights the writers behind some of the most iconic songs across generations, celebrating the storytellers whose work has shaped the soundtrack of our lives. The featured episode follows McAnally’s journey from his hometown of Mineral Wells, Texas, through his early years as an aspiring artist to his rise as one of the most successful songwriters in country music.

Following the screening, an intimate songwriter round will feature McAnally, Josh Osborne, and an additional songwriter to be announced in the coming weeks. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the festival, bringing together the worlds of film and music through one of Nashville’s most celebrated music institutions.

“I grew up a few hours up the road from Round Top, and I spent most of my twenties trying to get out of small-town Texas,” says McAnally. “Turns out I’ve been writing about it ever since. Getting to bring this film back home – and then sit in a round with Josh and play the songs that came out of all that – is about as full circle as it gets.”

“Here at The Bluebird, we’ve known Shane since he first came to Nashville and played on our Open Mic, so it is an honor to participate in recognizing his talent and career in Round Top this year,” shares Erika Wollam-Nichols, General Manager and COO, The Bluebird Cafe. “We’re excited to join the Round Top Film Festival’s commitment to storytelling through this partnership, alongside a group of songwriters who have called The Bluebird Cafe home.”

“We created SONGWRITER to give audiences a deeper connection to the people and lived experiences behind the songs they already know,” adds Liz Rose, Songwriter, Vice Chairman of Vinyll Studios. “Bringing Shane’s film together with an intimate Bluebird Cafe songwriter round allows the story to move from screen to stage, which is exactly the kind of experience we want Vinyll to create.”

Mae Estes Pays Tribute To Pivotal Artists & Influences On New EP ‘The 90s Called’

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Mae Estes is set to release her new six-song EP The 90s Called, a tip of her hat to the artists and influences who’ve helped shape her sound, on Oct. 16 via Blue Highway Records.

Along with the original title track written by Benjy Davis and Aaron Raitiere, the EP features Shenandoah on “Moon Over Georgia,” and finds Mae taking on the role of the letting-go woman on Brooks & Dunn’s “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind,” as well as turns on K.T. Oslin’s “Do Ya,” Lee Ann Womack’s “The Fool” and a feisty spin on Patty Loveless’ “You Can Feel Bad,” which is out now.

“Patty Loveless is one of the most respected legends in country music,” says Estes. “She represents real deal talent – and the company she keeps reflects that, too. She has a lot of songs I wish I’d written in her catalog, but this one – written by Matraca Berg and Tim Krekel – is one of my very favorites. So much attitude, but she delivers it with a smile on her face.”

Loveless says, “I met Mae one night at the Opry, and she knocked me out. I felt like I’d known her forever, just talking to her. And the way she sings! She has such passion for real (hardcore) country music. You can’t fake that; you just can’t. I remember when I came out, doing ‘If My Heart Had Windows,’ which turned a whole new generation onto George Jones, who was a hero of mine. I feel like Mae’s doing that for me and this song. To see someone so talented and so fresh, you gotta root for them, and I do. I just love her!”

Produced by Paul Sikes and featuring Grammy winner Joe Spivey on fiddle, bluegrassers Trey Hensley and Josh Matheny on acoustic guitar and dobro, plus ‘90s classic Lonnie Wilson on drums, the project is a tribute of sorts for the rising newcomer.

“The 90s Called is made up of songs I wish I’d written and iconic voices that truly changed my life,” Estes says. “I got the confidence to play the women in these songs from all the trailblazers before me, including Patty, Dolly, Loretta, and so many more.”

The 90s Called Track List:
1. “The 90s Called” (Benjy Davis, Aaron Raitiere)
2. “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind” (Ronnie Dunn)
3. “Moon Over Georgia (ft. Shenandoah)” (Mark Narmore)
4. “You Can Feel Bad” (Matraca Berg, Tim Krekel)
5. “The Fool” (Marla Cannon-Goodman, Gene Ellsworth, Charlie Stefl)
6. “Do Ya” (K.T. Oslin)

Parker Welling & Lydia Vaughan Launch ‘Women’s Writes’

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Parker Welling and Lydia Vaughan has launched their new podcast, Women’s Writes.

The podcast gives listeners an inside look at the songwriting process through conversations with artist-songwriters. Each episode explores the stories behind the songs, as well as the friendships and creative partnerships behind them.

Welling and Vaughan’s first guest is Lauren Alaina, with whom they have co-written three songs, including “Household” and “Spin” from her new album, Stages. New episodes arrive Thursdays, with guest episodes every other week featuring artists and songwriters such as Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington, and Ashley McBryde and Terri Jo Box.

Between guest episodes, Welling hosts shorter solo installments. Each one starts with a story, song, lyric, or question and follows wherever the idea leads, from songwriting and creativity to psychology, history, and other unexpected topics. While the guest episodes focus on conversations with songwriters, the solo episodes explore the connections between ideas, songs, and the people who write them.

“Parker knows how to tell a story and how to listen to a story,” says Vaughan. “She deeply cares about songs and people, and somehow she can connect the dots in someone’s story that they might not have even connected yet themselves.”

The name Women’s Writes was inspired by a writing retreat Welling and Vaughan attended. When a male writer canceled at the last minute, the group became an all-female room. The experience made them realize they had never been part of a girls-only writing trip, inspiring them to create their own female-focused retreat and name it Women’s Writes.

Women’s Writes episodes can be found here.

Taylor Swift Named Inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Recipient

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Taylor Swift.

Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The new honor recognizes music artists whose work as directors has pushed the creative boundaries of music videos and visual storytelling.

Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 VMAs will air live from Los Angeles this Sunday (Sept. 27) beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ in the U.S. The ceremony will stream globally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.

The MTV VMA Artist Director Honors recognizes artists with an influential body of directing work and a distinct creative vision.

Swift is a seven-time Best Director nominee and four-time winner at the VMAs. Her directing credits include “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “The Man,” “cardigan,” “willow,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” “Anti-Hero,” “Bejeweled,” “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),” “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)” and “Lavender Haze.”

The inaugural honor recognizes her directing career and the growing role artists play in shaping the visual presentation of their music.

Additional performers, presenters and special guests for the VMAs will be revealed later this week.

CCMA Hosts 44th Annual Awards

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Nate Haller & Tenille Townes. Photo: Olga Bondarenko

Cameron Whitcomb was the big winner of the night at this year’s 44th annual CCMA Awards on Sept. 19, taking home Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, while also earning the Ford F-150 Album of the Year award for The Hard Way.

The awards were held at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon for the third time, and showcased a powerhouse line-up of performers and presenters, celebrating the achievements of Canada’s country music community over the last year.

Hosts James Barker Band received the Fans’ Choice award and was named Group or Duo of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, while Meghan Patrick earned her third Female Artist of the Year trophy. Sully Burrows was recognized as Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by FACTOR, with Nate Haller and Tenille Townes taking home Musical Collaboration of the Year for “Backfire.” Thelma & James received Video of the Year for “Parking Lot Prayers,” and Josh Ross celebrated his third consecutive win for Single of the Year for “Hate How You Look.” The 2026 CCMA Awards are streaming now on Crave, and a full list of the awards can be found here.

Thelma & James. Photo: Olga Bondarenko

The 2026 CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards also took place on Sept. 18, kicking off the first of two evenings celebrating the best in the Canadian country music community. Hosted by Jackie Rae Greening, the 2026 CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards included the 2026 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductions of The Wilkinsons and Ron Kitchener; Brett Kissel and W. Brett Wilson were honored as the 2026 Gary Slaight Humanitarian Award co-recipients, and Natalie Waller was recognized with the 2026 Leonard T. Rambeau International Award.

The gala also featured performances from Dean Brody, Morgan Griffiths, Brett Kissel, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, and The Wilkinsons. This year marked the inaugural presentation of the International Industry Person of the Year Award, with Big Loud’s Seth England earning the honor. iHeartRadio/PURE Country’s Shannon Ella was named Country Personality(ies) of the Year, and Karen Kosowski made history as the first solo female to win for Record Producer of the Year.

Keyboard Player of the Year went to Amber Bauer, and Thelma & James took home the trophy for Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by the National Music Centre. Michael August, Nate Hall, James Adam Shelley, and Tenille Townes won Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, and Francophone Artist of the Year presented by Spotify went to Fred Dionne. Record Company of the Year honors went to Big Loud Records, with Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA going to Big Loud Publishing.

James Barker Band. Photo: Olga Bondarenko

Sully Burrows. Photo: Olga Bondarenko

Diamond Rio Slates New EP ‘America Works’ For November

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Diamond Rio will release a new four-song EP, America Works, on Nov. 13 via Rio Records 2.0/One Riot Records. The band released the title track last week.

“America Works” was penned by Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander and Jeffrey East, and centers on the idea of Americans showing up for one another through service, sacrifice and simple acts of selflessness. The song is accompanied by a new video that world premieres tonight on The Heartland Network’s Country Music Today. The clip was filmed in part at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and features military personnel along with the band’s own family members, friends and crew, reflecting the song’s message of community, service and looking out for one another.

“Other than a few soldiers at Fort Campbell, every cast member in the video is connected to us personally,” says Olander. “It made the whole thing feel incredibly meaningful.”

Following “America Works,” Diamond Rio will release “Other Side of The World” on Oct. 16. Written by Olander, Marty Roe and Heather Morgan, the personal song was inspired by Roe watching his eldest daughter move to Australia to attend Hillsong College to study music. The song also marks a first for Diamond Rio, as it features Carson McKee on lead vocals, performing the duet alongside Roe.

“The inspiration was trying to create a special piece of music that tells some of Marty’s pride and heartbreak as his daughter moved to Australia,” explains Olander. “Marty was very open and transparent when we wrote it, and things got emotional a time or two. Now, with Carson McKee in the band, it created a great opportunity to cut the song as a duet.”

“This was emotional for me,” says McKee. “I was homesick, and there’s a line in my verse, ‘I miss you Dad like you’ll never know.’ I remember having to cut it over and over because I couldn’t sing it without crying. It’s a powerful song, and getting to sing it as a duet with Marty was really special.”

The America Works EP also includes “Pink Guitar,” featuring McKee on lead vocals, as well as the previously released instrumental “The Kick.”

The band also recently celebrated several new certifications from the RIAA for “Meet in the Middle,” which has been certified double-Platinum, and “Beautiful Mess” and “One More Day,” both of which are now Platinum.

America Works Track List:
1. “America Works” (Jimmy Olander and Jeffrey East)
2. “Other Side of The World” (Jimmy Olander, Marty Roe and Heather Morgan)
3. “Pink Guitar” (Jimmy Olander, Hayley McLean and Josh Shilling)
4. “The Kick” (Jimmy Olander)

Pop/Country Stylist Ronnie Dove Passes

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Pop balladeer Ronnie Dove passed away last week at age 91.

Between 1964 and 1969, he placed 21 singles on the Billboard hit parade, six of which became top-20 pop hits. All of them were recorded on Music Row with Nashville’s “A-Team” of session musicians.

Ronald Eugene Dove was born and raised in Virginia. While serving in the Coast Guard, in the 1950s, he began performing in Baltimore nightclubs. The city remained his home base throughout the rest of his long career.

After a stint performing and recording in the group The Bell-Tones, he signed as a solo artist with Diamond Records. Producer and label executive Phil Kahl brought Dove to Nashville to record at Fred Foster’s studio.

Their biggest successes were “Right Or Wrong” (written by Wanda Jackson) (1964), “One Kiss for Old Time’s Sake” (1965), “A Little Bit of Heaven” (1965), “When Liking Turns to Loving” (1966), “Let’s Start All Over Again” (1966) and “Cry” (1966). Peaking just outside the pop top-20 were “I’ll Make All Your Dreams Come True” (1965), “Kiss Away” (written by Billy Sherrill & Glenn Sutton) (1965), and a remake of the Eddy Arnold classic “I Really Don’t Want to Know” (1966).

Dove starred in his own Baltimore TV series in 1966. He guested on such national programs as American Bandstand, Where the Action Is, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. He was named Billboard’s Top Easy Listening Artist of 1965.

In 1970, Diamond was sold to Nashville’s Certron Records. Dove subsequently recorded for several small labels and began aiming his ballads at the country-music market. He made minor ripples on the country charts with six singles in 1972-1987. His biggest country success came on Motown’s Melodyland label with his version of Bobby Darin’s “Things,” which rose to No. 25 in 1975. During the 1970s, he made the rounds of country’s TV shows —  That Nashville Music, Nashville Now, The Shotgun Red Variety Show, etc.

Dove opened his own nightclub in Baltimore and performed there regularly during the 1980s. He revived Diamond Records in 1987 and recorded a 1988 comeback album at Woodland Sound with producer James Stroud, among others.

The singer owned his own master recordings and repeatedly reissued his hits during the CD era. He continued to perform throughout the 1990s. He retired in 2023.

Dove died at home under hospice care on Sept. 15. He is survived by wife Marty, by children Michael, Ronnie Jr., Wayne, Don, Kelli, and Kimm and also by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. There was no viewing; his body was cremated. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

MusicRow Weekly (Mason Hunter, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly covers several notable developments across Nashville’s music industry, from leadership changes and new publishing deals to major honors and upcoming television events. Click here to see the full edition.

BMI has promoted Mason Hunter to Vice President, Creative, Partnerships & Events. BMG is also seeing several changes within its promotion team. Lee Adams, Adrian Michaels and Ken Tucker will leave their respective roles at the end of September. Adams served as Vice President of Promotion at Broken Bow Records, while Michaels held the same title at Stoney Creek Records and Tucker served as Vice President of Promotion at Wheelhouse Records.

The Country Music Association is preparing a two-hour television special celebrating Dolly Parton. CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will air live on ABC and internationally on Disney+ on Oct. 21 from 8-10 p.m. CST.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has also announced the sixth and final member of its Class of 2026. The late Jerry Ivan (J.I.) Allison will join Taylor Swift, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Channel, Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in this year’s class.

The Americana Music Association celebrated its community of artists, songwriters and musicians Sept. 16 at the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium. Molly Tuttle took home Artist of the Year for the first time, while Tyler Childers earned Album of the Year for Snipe Hunter, produced by Rick Rubin and Nick Sanborn. Brandi Carlile received Song of the Year for “Returning to Myself,” which she wrote herself. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings were named Duo/Group of the Year for the second consecutive year, while Ken Pomeroy earned Emerging Act of the Year. Mandy Fer, known for her work as an electric guitarist and touring musician with Allison Russell, was named Instrumentalist of the Year. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Plant and Dolly Parton were also recognized with Americana Lifetime Achievement honors.

On the publishing front, Midland has renewed its global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, while Johnny Clawson has renewed his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs. Jared Scott has signed with Back Row Publishing, and Jeremy Lister has inked a global publishing deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.

Apple Music and United Record Pressing have partnered on a new mural titled “This is Country Music.” Located outside United Record Pressing, a historic Nashville pressing plant that served as a refuge for Black artists during segregation, the mural recognizes the important role Black artists have played in shaping country music.

Ava Liv Mabry has also signed with Blue Highway Records.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Been By Now.” 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.