Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honors a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote their first top 10 country song via radio or streaming during the eligibility period. Outside nominations from Nashville’s publishing community are considered for this award.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Smith Ahnquist co-wrote the smash hit “Be Her,” recorded by Ella Langley, alongside Langley, Jordan Schmidt and HARDY. Ahnquist has also had other cuts with Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Lainey Wilson, John Morgan, Corey Kent, Jameson Rodgers, Chris Lane and others.
Dan Alley earned his first hits with Luke Combs’ “Be By You” penned with Nick Walsh and Sam Banks, the Hudson Westbrook-recorded “House Again” with Westbrook and Neil Medley, as well as Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” with Medley and Ryan Beaver. Alley has also had songs cut by Luke Combs, Tyce Delk, Kenny Whitmire and others.
Beau Bailey scored two hits with “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” recorded by Blake Shelton and written with Drew Parker, Graham Barham and Sam Ellis, and “Favorite Country Song” recorded and written by HARDY alongside Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Nate Smith, Taylor Phillips and Zach Abend. Bailey has also had cuts with Hudson Westbrook, Graham Barham, Cole Swindell and others.
Sam Banks co-wrote the Luke Combs hit “Be By You” with Dan Alley and Nick Walsh. Banks has also had songs recorded by Craig Morgan, William Michael Morgan, Josh Ward and more.
Jeremy Bussey earned his first hit with the Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish-recorded “Bottle Rockets,” which he wrote with McCreery, Bobby Hamrick, Brent Anderson, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Jim Sonefeid, Mark Bryan and Monty Criswell. Bussey has also had cuts with Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and more.
Jessica Farren scored her first hit with Josh Ross’ “Hate How You Look,” co-written with Chris McKenna, Christian Yancey and Nicholas Sainato. Farren has also had other cuts with Zach John King, Renee Blair, Faren Rachels, David J, JJ Wilde, Brian Fuller and more.
Austin Goodloe co-wrote the Corey Kent & Koe Wetzel hit “Rocky Mountain Low” with Kent, Michael Tyler and Thomas Archer. Goodloe has also had songs recorded by Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Gavin Adcock, Kameron Marlowe, Tucker Wetmore and others.
Jordan Gray earned his first hit with “Amen” by Shaboozey & Jelly Roll. The song was co-written by Shaboozey, Jelly Roll, Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Jackson Foote, Kevin Powers, Sean Cook and Seth Ennis. Gray has also had cuts with Kane Brown, Kassi Ashton, Walker Hayes and more.
Bobby Hamrick scored his first hit with Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Bottle Rockets” with McCreery, Brent Anderson, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Jeremy Bussey, Jim Sonefeid, Mark Bryan and Monty Criswell. Hamrick has also had songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Joe Nichols, Elle King and others.
Jamie Kenney scored his first hit with “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” written with and recorded by Max McNown with Ava Suppelsa and Trent Dabbs. Kenney has also had additional with McNown as well as Ella Maddux, Odhran Murphy, Darren Kiely, Laci Kaye Booth and more.
Chris McKenna wrote the Josh Ross-recorded hit “Hate How You Look” with Christian Yancey, Jessica Farren and Nicholas Sainato. He has also had songs cut by Avery Anna, Emily Ann Roberts, Max Alan, Ian Harrison, Trevor Snider, Lori McKenna, Clayton Mullen and more.
David “Messy” Mescon earned his first hit with “6 Months Later,” recorded by Megan Moroney, written with Moroney, Ben Williams and Rob Hatch. Mescon has also had more cuts with Moroney across her discography.
Summer Overstreet co-wrote the Tucker Wetmore hit “3, 2, 1” with Jordan Reynolds and Josh Miller. Overstreet has also had songs recorded by Max McNown, Lainey Wilson, Zoe Clark, Tyler Braden, Brian Kelley, Logan Crosby, Sophia Scott, Karley Scott Collins and more.
Nicholas Sainato earned his first hit with the Josh Ross-recorded “Hate How You Look,” which he wrote with Chris McKenna, Christian Yancey and Jessica Farren. Sainato has also had cuts with Kane Brown, Ian Harrison, Scoot Teasley, Lindsay Ell and more. He is also ⅓ of alternative pop band, Nightly.
Ava Suppelsa scored her first hit with “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” recorded by and written with Max McNown, as well as Jamie Kenney and Trent Dabbs. Suppelsa also has cuts with Avery Anna, Carly Pearce, Randall King and others.
Driver Williams co-wrote the Jackson Dean hit “Heaven’s To Betsy” with Dean and Benjy Davis. Williams has also had other songs recorded by Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Max McNown and others.
Christian Yancey co-wrote the Josh Ross hit “Hate How You Look” with Chris McKenna, Jessica Farren and Nicholas Sainato. Yancey has also had other songs recorded by Austin Snell.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Breakthrough Artist-Writer Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year honors a Nashville songwriter and recording artist who wrote or co-wrote their first top 10 country song via radio or streaming during the eligibility period. Outside nominations from Nashville’s publishing community are considered for this award.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Graham Barham earned his breakthrough with Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin.’” Born and raised in Oak Ridge, Louisiana (population: 106), Barham has built a sound that reflects the full spectrum of his musical upbringing, from classic country to rap, hip-hop, pop and EDM. That vision comes to life on CLUB COUNTRY, a 16-track, self-defined statement that expands the genre without losing its roots. Co-writing every song, Barham delivers a project designed to resonate everywhere today’s audiences discover music, from country radio and festival stages to streaming playlists. The album features his current radio single “BREAKUP (DOWN),” alongside fan favorites “COUNTRY MUSIC,” “WHISKEY RAIN” featuring Tyler Hubbard, and viral hit “OIL MONEY.” With nearly 625 million global career streams, two RIAA Gold-certified singles, Barham’s 2026 is gaining momentum, earning spots in the Opry NextStage and MusicRow Next Big Things classes while headlining his “WHISKEY RAIN Tour.” and appearing at major festivals nationwide.
Wyatt McCubbin co-penned Zach Top’s “Good Times & Tan Lines.” McCubbin has built a reputation for timeless storytelling and memorable country melodies. As a songwriter, he has penned hit songs Cody Johnson’s “Horseback” and Jon Pardi’s “Boots Off.” In addition to writing for some of country music’s biggest artists, McCubbin continues to release his own music, with new projects on the horizon. His songwriting credits also include cuts by Luke Combs, Riley Green, Dustin Lynch and many more. McCubbin will also hit the road this summer/fall supporting Top.
Max McNown scored his breakout with “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes).” McNown has emerged as one of music’s fastest-growing crossover artists over the past year. His Platinum-certified “A Lot More Free” has garnered more than 400 million streams and earned McNown his Billboard Hot 100 debut and a spot atop Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. McNown’s follow-up track, “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” a single from his 2025 sophomore album, Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), has achieved double Platinum certification, gained more than 500 million streams and spent 36 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 26. The single also reached No. 6 at country radio, Top 30 at Pop and No. 8 at Hot AC Radio, further showcasing McNown’s multi-format appeal. He also made his television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show. McNown continues to build his audience online, where he currently has more than 2.6 million TikTok followers.
Kevin Powers broke through with “Amen,” recorded by Shaboozey & Jelly Roll. Born in Boston, raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, and now based in Nashville, Powers is carving out a distinctive lane in contemporary music with his self-defined “Southern Pop” sound. Blending country, pop and singer-songwriter influences, Powers first broke through with the independently released singles “Walked In” and “How You Been?,” which have amassed more than 36 million combined Spotify streams. “Amen” surpassed 50 million streams within its first three months. Powers’ rapid ascent has positioned him as one of Nashville’s most promising emerging multihyphenate talents. In 2025, he signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, joined Range Media Partners for management, became one of the inaugural signings to Shaboozey’s American Dogwood label venture, and was tapped to open Shaboozey’s 12-date “The Great American Road Show” U.S. tour, marking a breakout chapter for both his recording and songwriting careers.
Hudson Westbrook scored his breakout with “House Again.” Westbrook has quickly become one of country music’s fastest-rising new artists. Raised in Stephenville, Texas, on a foundation of Red Dirt and traditional country influences, Westbrook broke through in 2024 with his debut release, “Take It Slow,” and quickly followed with a string of grassroots successes, including Texas radio No. 1 “Two Way Drive” and his chart-topping country radio debut, “House Again.” His signature blend of traditional country storytelling and modern sensibility is showcased on his Top 10 debut album, Texas Forever, and its follow-up EP, Exclusive. In less than two years, Westbrook has amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams while selling out headline dates nationwide and sharing stages with George Strait, Parker McCollum, Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman, Midland and Ian Munsick. A 2026 ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominee and member of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026, Westbrook has also been recognized as a Billboard Country Rookie of the Month and a 2025 Artist to Watch by Spotify, Country Now, Holler, The Country Wire and SiriusXM.
Rhett Akins, Marcus King, More Set To Perform During Opry Birthday Weekend Celebration
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is gearing up to celebrate its birthday weekend with a series of shows and special events Oct. 1-4, including two shows on Saturday night.
The Opry’s special birthday weekend celebration will include an exclusive ticketed Opry Birthday Tailgate Party with Rhett Akins in Studio A on Saturday. Opry member-elect Akins will host as well as perform some of his No. 1 hits along with fan-favorite country classics.
Tickets for the Opry Birthday Tailgate are available here.
Other Opry members scheduled to appear throughout the weekend include The Oak Ridge Boys (Oct. 2-3), Ricky Skaggs (Oct. 2, 4) Marcus King (Oct. 3), Brandon Lake (Oct. 4) and more. The Opry’s “Summer of the Century” continues with appearances by Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker, Pam Tillis, Chris Young, Carly Pearce, and more.
Old Dominion To Perform At CMHOFM ‘Nightfall At The Hall’ Celebration
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion will perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 14th annual “Nightfall at the Hall” concert on Sept. 29.
Presented by Maverick Nashville, “Nightfall at the Hall” is an after-hours celebration exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of leaders ages 21-45 who collaborate with other professionals in supporting their community and the museum. Prior to Old Dominion’s performance, MJ Crawford, a student participant in the museum’s Words & Music program, will perform “360,” a song she wrote during the museum’s 2026 summer songwriting camp. The 17-year-old Nashville native has participated in museum programs for two years.
“Nightfall at the Hall” admission is a benefit of Troubadour membership, and young professionals can become a Troubadour member between now and Oct. 2 and purchase 12 months of Troubadour membership for the price of 11. Troubadour corporate partnerships are also available.
More information about this year’s event or becoming a Troubadour member can be found here.
Ava Hall Inks With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkAva Hall and Roxy King. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
Ava Hall has signed with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
Originally from the Detroit area, Hall is a graduate of Belmont University’s Songwriting program and was the first student selected by Ashley Gorley for his inaugural songwriting apprenticeship program. Her self-penned debut single, “Georgia Heat,” was quickly added to Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country and Apple Music’s Country Risers playlists.
“Ava’s sparkle is felt the moment she walks into a room,” says Roxy King, Senior Director, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “That energy, coupled with her natural songwriting ability, powerhouse voice, and unstoppable work ethic, make her a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”
“I’m so excited to sign with Universal Music Publishing. I truly feel a part of their family and culture,” Hall adds. “I am so blessed to work with such amazing people who nurture the craft of songwriting.”
Tomorrow, she will release her new single, “High Enough,” via Trenches/Republic Records.
Dave Turnbull Inks With WinSongs Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Erin Kidd, Dave Turnbull and Chris DeStefano. Photo: Courtesy of WinSongs Music
Dave Turnbull has inked an exclusive publishing deal with WinSongs Music.
Turnbull has earned chart-toppers including Luke Combs’ “Where The Wild Things Are,” Montgomery Gentry’s “Lucky Man”, Kenny Chesney’s “The Boys Of Fall,” and Brad Paisley’s “Anything Like Me” and “Old Alabama” which features Alabama. He has additional cuts with Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Sheryl Crow, Mark Chesnutt, Brooks & Dunn, Neil McCoy, Craig Morgan and Craig Campbell, among others.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining the team at WinSongs,” says Turnbull. “I’ve been a huge admirer of Chris DeStefano’s work for years and I can’t wait to see where this new partnership and our future collaborations take us! From the first time I sat down with Erin Kidd I could instantly feel the passion she has for a song and songwriters, and I was hoping we would do a deal! With a roster that already has workhorses like Styles Haury and Jason Duke, it only motivates me more to want to work and build onto the already impressive catalog at WinSongs!”
“We are so excited to welcome Dave Turnbull to our roster,” adds Chris DeStefano. “Dave is a consummate professional—an exceptional talent driven by fresh ideas, an incredible work ethic, and a genuine passion for the craft. He’s already built an impressive body of work, and we believe the best is still ahead of him. We’re excited to partner with Dave and help create new opportunities as he enters this next chapter of his career.”
“It’s such a privilege to work with Dave – he’s a high caliber talent and a genuinely great person,” shares Erin Kidd. “I was moved to tears by his storytelling when I heard him perform at a round; there are very few people in this town with that kind of mastery of the craft. We are thrilled to welcome him to our roster and I look forward to playing a supportive role in the continued impact he will make in this landscape.”
Morgan Wallen Wraps 12-Stadium ‘Still The Problem Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen has officially wrapped his “Still The Problem Tour,” which featured 23 sold-out stops at 12 stadiums including iconic venues like Bryant-Denny Stadium, Soldier Field, Allegiant Stadium, Michigan Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and more.
During the history-making tour, Wallen became the first artist ever to perform two consecutive nights at Michigan Stadium as well as University of Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. He also played the first concert at Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium in 43 years, following Hank Williams Jr‘s 1983 show.
Throughout the run, Wallen transformed each tour stop into a one-of-a-kind hometown event, welcoming athletes and local legends for his now-iconic walkouts, and was joined by an all-star lineup of special guests including Nick Saban, Caitlin Clark, Tim Tebow, John Elway, Ray Lewis, Aidan Hutchinson, Cooper Dejean, The Hughes Brothers and a special evening at night one in Baltimore, where he was joined by members of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
Photo: Matt Paskert
A portion of every ticket sold on the tour was also donated to the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports youth music and athletic programs and gives communities access to essentials in times of crisis. Those donations enabled MWF to donate over $1 million worth of instruments to 26 schools in need across U.S. touring cities. One of the schools, Sto-Rox Junior/Senior High School in Pittsburgh, PA – received $40,000 worth of instruments.
“We are truly honored and excited to receive this generous donation of musical instruments from the Morgan Wallen Foundation,” says Sonya Coleman, Sto-Rox School District Superintendent. “This gift will have a lasting impact on our students and our music program by providing access to high-quality instruments that will inspire creativity, enhance learning opportunities, and help our young musicians continue to grow both artistically and personally,” “Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of giving back to communities and creating opportunities that will positively influence students for years to come.”
As a testament to the impact of the latest tour, Wallen’s latest album I’m The Problem has returned to the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. The album, which debuted more than a year ago and has never left the top 10, spends its 14th non-consecutive week at No.1. After debuting the track at his sold-out show at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Wallen recently released his newest track and first solo release of the year, “Been By Now.” Upon release, the track debuted No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, his 20th top 10 track. The song also debuted No. 1 on the Streaming Songs and Digital Songs Sales charts.
Wallen currently has two songs in the top 5 including his duet with Ella Langley, “I Can’t Love You Anymore.” In addition, “You Proof” has officially been certified Diamond by the RIAA. This becomes Wallen’s sixth Diamond-certification, maintaining the record for the most Diamond-certified singles by any country artist.
Ashley Cooke To Celebrate Album Release With ‘The Cities That Made Me Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Cooke. Photo: Patrick Tracy
Ashley Cooke has announced a special acoustic pop-up tour this month, “the cities that made me tour,” celebrating the release of her new self-titled sophomore album.
For a week, Cooke will criss-cross the country for a series of intimate shows in towns that were formative to her upbringing and adulthood. In addition to an acoustic performance of songs from the new album, the events will feature fan meet-and-greets and exclusive merch. Fans can RSVP here.
Everything kicks off at home in Nashville on Aug. 14, the release day of ashley cooke. From there, “the cities that made me tour” will continue on to Milwaukee, Cooke’s birthplace, before visiting Pleasanton and Studio City, representing Cooke’s youth in California, then Sarasota and Parkland from later stints in Florida. The shows wrap by going all the way back to West Lafayette, Indiana, where her parents first met.
“This album was built on the memories and moments that shaped me into who I am, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend release week than taking a trip down memory lane with you,” Cooke shared on socials. “each of these cities have impacted my life growing up in different eras and are truly the fabric of my tapestry so far – I want you guys to become part of it.”
Last month, Cooke offered the latest preview of her sophomore album with “famous to frances” and “johnny ‘n june,” produced by Dann Huff. After “the cities that made me tour” concludes, Cooke will embark on her “the baby blues world tour” global headlining run launching Sept. 17 at Globe Iron in Cleveland.
the cities that made me tour:
14 | Nashville, TN – Stay tuned! 👀🩵
15 | Milwaukee, WI – Rave Penthouse
16 | Pleasanton, CA – Mavericks
17 | Studio City, CA – Desert 5 Spot
19 | Parkland, FL – Sharkey’s
20 | Sarasota, FL – Big Top Brewing
22 | West Lafayette, IN – Neon Cactus
Americana Music Association To Honor Dolly Parton With Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lauryn SinkDolly Parton. Photo: David McClister
The Americana Music Association will honor Dolly Parton with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Parton will accept the honor via video.
“We at the Americana Music Association have long admired Ms. Parton’s work as a singer, songwriter, entertainer and one of the greatest ambassador’s music has ever known,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “With all of her extraordinary accomplishments—from philanthropy to television, film and business—our desire is to honor Dolly for what has always been at the heart of her legacy: a definitive songwriter and artist whose songs have shaped generations.”
The Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose careers have made an enduring impact on American roots music. For more than six decades, Parton has been celebrated worldwide as an entertainer, actress, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her catalog, which includes hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and many more, has inspired artists and songwriters across genres.
The 2026 Americana Honors & Awards will be held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium during AMERICANAFEST on Sept. 16.
Max McNown To Headline Red Bull Jukebox Nashville In November
/by Lorie HollabaughMax McNown. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
Max McNown will headline the third annual Red Bull Jukebox Nashville concert at The Pinnacle on Nov. 7.
For the first time ever, the one-night-only concert will give McNown’s fans an unprecedented opportunity to vote on the songs, special guests and other surprise moments throughout the night. Leading up to the event, fans can cast their votes across categories ranging from which song from his debut album Wandering they want to hear, to how they want his hit song “Love Me Back” reimagined. The audience will also have a say in real time using light-up wristbands to determine some key moments throughout McNown’s set.
McNown will be joined by additional supporting artists during the show, with the complete Red Bull Jukebox Nashville lineup to be revealed soon. Fans can also expect appearances from special guests throughout the night.
Tickets for the fan-led concert experience go on sale tomorrow (Aug. 7), and fan voting is open now.
“Nashville’s been a big part of my story,” says McNown. “It’s where I’ve grown as an artist, learned from some incredible songwriters and found an amazing collaborative community. Getting to headline Red Bull Jukebox here in its third year is incredibly special, and knowing the fans who’ve supported my journey get to help shape the night makes it even better. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.”
Red Bull Jukebox will also continue its commitment to giving wiiings to Nashville’s next generation of songwriters with the return of the Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition for a third consecutive year. Artists will have the opportunity to submit an original track for the chance to receive studio time, mentorship and an opportunity to perform at Red Bull Jukebox Nashville.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Breakthrough Songwriter Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honors a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote their first top 10 country song via radio or streaming during the eligibility period. Outside nominations from Nashville’s publishing community are considered for this award.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Smith Ahnquist co-wrote the smash hit “Be Her,” recorded by Ella Langley, alongside Langley, Jordan Schmidt and HARDY. Ahnquist has also had other cuts with Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Lainey Wilson, John Morgan, Corey Kent, Jameson Rodgers, Chris Lane and others.
Dan Alley earned his first hits with Luke Combs’ “Be By You” penned with Nick Walsh and Sam Banks, the Hudson Westbrook-recorded “House Again” with Westbrook and Neil Medley, as well as Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” with Medley and Ryan Beaver. Alley has also had songs cut by Luke Combs, Tyce Delk, Kenny Whitmire and others.
Beau Bailey scored two hits with “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” recorded by Blake Shelton and written with Drew Parker, Graham Barham and Sam Ellis, and “Favorite Country Song” recorded and written by HARDY alongside Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Nate Smith, Taylor Phillips and Zach Abend. Bailey has also had cuts with Hudson Westbrook, Graham Barham, Cole Swindell and others.
Sam Banks co-wrote the Luke Combs hit “Be By You” with Dan Alley and Nick Walsh. Banks has also had songs recorded by Craig Morgan, William Michael Morgan, Josh Ward and more.
Jeremy Bussey earned his first hit with the Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish-recorded “Bottle Rockets,” which he wrote with McCreery, Bobby Hamrick, Brent Anderson, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Jim Sonefeid, Mark Bryan and Monty Criswell. Bussey has also had cuts with Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and more.
Jessica Farren scored her first hit with Josh Ross’ “Hate How You Look,” co-written with Chris McKenna, Christian Yancey and Nicholas Sainato. Farren has also had other cuts with Zach John King, Renee Blair, Faren Rachels, David J, JJ Wilde, Brian Fuller and more.
Austin Goodloe co-wrote the Corey Kent & Koe Wetzel hit “Rocky Mountain Low” with Kent, Michael Tyler and Thomas Archer. Goodloe has also had songs recorded by Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Gavin Adcock, Kameron Marlowe, Tucker Wetmore and others.
Jordan Gray earned his first hit with “Amen” by Shaboozey & Jelly Roll. The song was co-written by Shaboozey, Jelly Roll, Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Jackson Foote, Kevin Powers, Sean Cook and Seth Ennis. Gray has also had cuts with Kane Brown, Kassi Ashton, Walker Hayes and more.
Bobby Hamrick scored his first hit with Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Bottle Rockets” with McCreery, Brent Anderson, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Jeremy Bussey, Jim Sonefeid, Mark Bryan and Monty Criswell. Hamrick has also had songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Joe Nichols, Elle King and others.
Jamie Kenney scored his first hit with “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” written with and recorded by Max McNown with Ava Suppelsa and Trent Dabbs. Kenney has also had additional with McNown as well as Ella Maddux, Odhran Murphy, Darren Kiely, Laci Kaye Booth and more.
Chris McKenna wrote the Josh Ross-recorded hit “Hate How You Look” with Christian Yancey, Jessica Farren and Nicholas Sainato. He has also had songs cut by Avery Anna, Emily Ann Roberts, Max Alan, Ian Harrison, Trevor Snider, Lori McKenna, Clayton Mullen and more.
David “Messy” Mescon earned his first hit with “6 Months Later,” recorded by Megan Moroney, written with Moroney, Ben Williams and Rob Hatch. Mescon has also had more cuts with Moroney across her discography.
Summer Overstreet co-wrote the Tucker Wetmore hit “3, 2, 1” with Jordan Reynolds and Josh Miller. Overstreet has also had songs recorded by Max McNown, Lainey Wilson, Zoe Clark, Tyler Braden, Brian Kelley, Logan Crosby, Sophia Scott, Karley Scott Collins and more.
Nicholas Sainato earned his first hit with the Josh Ross-recorded “Hate How You Look,” which he wrote with Chris McKenna, Christian Yancey and Jessica Farren. Sainato has also had cuts with Kane Brown, Ian Harrison, Scoot Teasley, Lindsay Ell and more. He is also ⅓ of alternative pop band, Nightly.
Ava Suppelsa scored her first hit with “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” recorded by and written with Max McNown, as well as Jamie Kenney and Trent Dabbs. Suppelsa also has cuts with Avery Anna, Carly Pearce, Randall King and others.
Driver Williams co-wrote the Jackson Dean hit “Heaven’s To Betsy” with Dean and Benjy Davis. Williams has also had other songs recorded by Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Max McNown and others.
Christian Yancey co-wrote the Josh Ross hit “Hate How You Look” with Chris McKenna, Jessica Farren and Nicholas Sainato. Yancey has also had other songs recorded by Austin Snell.