Corey Kent Surprised By Sony With Billion Streams, Triple Platinum Plaques
Pictured (L-R): Caryl Atwood (SMN, SVP, Commercial Partnerships), Chris Fox (Triple 8 Management), Ken Robold (SMN, President/COO), Corey Kent, Taylor Lindsey (SMN, Chair and CEO), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Paige Altone (SMN, VP, Digital Marketing & Artist Development) and Jason McColl (SMN, Sr. Director, A&R). Photo: Adam Davis
Corey Kent was surprised by his label Sony Music Nashville this week with plaques to commemorate amassing one billion career streams as well as having his No. 1 song “Wild As Her” be certified three-times Platinum by the RIAA.
“I know it takes a lot of people to make all of this happen and it has completely changed my life,” said Kent at the event. “It has changed the way that I’m able to provide for my wife and kids and I don’t take it lightly so thank you.”
Chase Rice Honors Home State During TV Appearances
Chase Rice performed “Carolina Can” during a special “Asheville Rising” edition of ABC’s Good Morning America live From Asheville, North Carolina. Photo: Michael LeBrecht II for ABC
Chase Rice performed on ABC’s Good Morning America and GMA3: What You Need to Know on March 27, paying tribute to his home state’s enduring spirit in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. On Good Morning America, Rice performed “Carolina Can,” which paints a vivid picture of his time growing up in the Tar Heel State, as part of the network’s “Asheville Rising” broadcast highlighting Western North Carolina’s recovery six months after Hurricane Helene.
Rice also discussed his involvement in the “Concert for Carolina” benefit in October. On GMA3 he discussed his deep-rooted connection to the state before performing “Haw River,” a haunting ballad set along the North Carolina waterway from his recent independent album, Go Down Singin’.
New Student & Community Art Quilt Exhibit Opens In CMHOFM’s Taylor Swift Education Center
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently unveiled a new student and community art exhibit in the Taylor Swift Education Center titled “A Community of Artists.” The exhibit features quilts inspired by Gee’s Bend quilters, made by local high school students in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and individuals from Smart Art + Craft Supplies — an organization that serves adults with intellectual disabilities.
In 2024, both groups were invited to the museum’s Haley Gallery to see an exhibition that included new works by Gee’s Bend quilters. During the MNPS schools’ visit, the students met several Gee’s Bend quilters, who discussed their creative processes and worked with students as they constructed their own quilt squares. Later, with teacher guidance at school, students assembled their squares into a larger community quilt to represent their local communities and the artistic influence of Gee’s Bend quilters.
ATC Management Adds Jay Saunders To Team
Jay Saunders
ATC Management has expanded its team with two new managers, including Nashville-based Jay Saunders.
Saunders previously worked under Marty Diamond (former President of Music at Paradigm Talent Agency) and more recently with Mark Williams (Co-President of Concord Records) where he contributed to artist development and A&R at Concord Records. Early in his career, he played a key role in discovering and managing band The Marías and now represents a roster that includes John Vincent III, Kacy Hill, Alex Amen and poet-songwriter Kara Jackson.
Gibson Gives Donates Pianos To Music City Chopin’s Metro Nashville Piano Program For Youth & Music Education
Students at Margaret Allen Middle School in Nashville receive a piano from Gibson Gives. Photo: Music City Chopin
Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of Gibson Guitars, has generously expanded the Music City Chopin program by gifting three Baldwin Grand Pianos to Metro Nashville area schools. These instruments have now found new forever homes at Park Avenue Elementary, Margaret Allen Middle, and Antioch High School in Nashville.
“We are deeply grateful to Gibson Global Executive Director Erica Krusen for seeing the impact of our initiative and stepping in to amplify it,” says Graciella Kowalczyk, Artistic Director of Music City Chopin. “Our mission is to spark creativity and hope in our communities, and these pianos have the power to do just that.”
Maddox Batson Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughMaddox Batson performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Rising country teen Maddox Batson made his Grand Ole Opry debut last Wednesday (March 26), checking off a box on his career wish list.
Maddox Batson chats with Charlie Mattos after his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Batson performed two songs from his recently released EP First Dance during the appearance, “I Don’t Like You Anymore” and “It Was You.”
“Performing here at the Opry tonight means more to me than anything. I want to give a shout out to all my family here tonight,” shared Batson. “I can’t stop smiling. You’re making dreams come true for me! Walking out on this stage, the circle, is something I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I know I haven’t lived a long time, but…,” he shared smiling, drawing laughter from the audience. “Growing up in the country music space, growing up knowing the prestige of the Grand Ole Opry and actually coming out here to play it means the world to me. It’s the coolest thing ever.”
The EP followed the success of breakout single “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” which has amassed over one million streams on Spotify and 3.2 million views on YouTube. It also builds on the popularity of the track “X’s,” which has accumulated over six million Spotify streams and 11 million YouTube views.
“I’ve never been more proud of a body of music,” said Batson about First Dance from the Opry stage. “A year ago, I released my first song ‘Tears in the River.’ And then a year and six days later, I got to release my debut EP. I’m so proud of it and glad the fans are liking it so far.”
Canadian Country Superstar Dick Damron Passes
/by Robert K OermannDick Damron. Photo: Larry Delaney Music/Photo Archives
Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame member Dick Damron passed away on Saturday (March 29) in Alberta at age 91.
A former rodeo rider and oil-well laborer, Joseph Glenn Damron debuted on disc in 1959 as a rockabilly act. Dick Damron transitioned into a mainstream country stylist, recording with the A-Team in Nashville. In 1970-91 Dick Damron placed 38 singles on the RPM Country Hit charts, including 14 top-10 entries. His first two singles, “Countryfied” and “Rise And Shine,” both topped the Canadian country chart in 1971, as did 1976’s “On The Road” and 1977’s “Susan Flowers.”
As a songwriter, his country and gospel works were recorded by many, including Charley Pride, Wilf Carter, George Hamilton IV, Carroll Baker and Terry Carisse. Damron was noted for his “outlaw” image. In later years, his duets with Ginny Mitchell and Ray Griff were highlights.
During his peak years with RCA Canada in the 1970s and 1980s, Damron was named the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year, among other awards. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1994.
In 1997, Damron published his autobiography, The Legend & The Legacy. He has since published two novels. In 2011-12, Germany’s internationally esteemed Bear Family Records issued two 3-CD boxed sets of Dick Damron’s best.
John Morgan Hits Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJohn Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato
John Morgan has entered the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. His own “Friends Like That” and Jason Aldean’s “Whiskey Drink” push the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist to No. 13 this week.
Ashley Gorley claims the No. 1 spot this week with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Riley Green sits at No. 2 with solo-penned “Worst Way.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and Jordan Walker (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.
Billie Eilish & Finneas Join Sandbox Entertainment Roster
/by LB CantrellBillie Eilish & Finneas
Multiple Grammy winner Billie Eilish along with her brother and longtime collaborator Finneas, have joined the management roster at Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment. They join a star-studded lineup that includes Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and more.
Eilish and Finneas were previously represented by Danny Rukasin and Brandon Goodman of Best Friends Music Management for the past decade. Since her breakout with “Ocean Eyes,” Eilish has charted 44 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including the No. 1 hit “Bad Guy.” She has earned 32 Grammy nominations and nine wins. Finneas has received 21 Grammy nominations and taken home 10 wins.
Owen launched Sandbox Entertainment in 2010 following a stint at Universal Music Nashville. His work extends beyond music into film, theater and television, including the 2023 documentary June, about June Carter Cash; the Broadway musical Shucked; and the primetime drama Monarch.
Trisha Yearwood & “Band As One Nashville Concert For The Cure” Raise $700K For Susan G. Komen
/by Lorie HollabaughTrisha Yearwood headlines Band As One Nashville. Photo: Becky Fluke
Trisha Yearwood and the Susan G. Komen organization hosted the first ever “Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure: Trisha Yearwood & Friends” benefit last Wednesday (March 26) at the Ryman Auditorium.
Trisha Yearwood & Kristin Chenoweth Sing “For Good.”. Photo: Becky Fluke
The event brought together many artists to raise funds for breast cancer patient services, generating over $700,000 in support of the cause. Joining Yearwood on the benefit show were Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Kristin Chenoweth, Terri Clark, Anita Cochran, Sheryl Crow, Amy Grant and Lainey Wilson. The group performed for a sold-out audience, including many breast cancer survivors and supporters of the cause. The event combined music, uplifting survivor stories, education and philanthropy through live and silent auctions.
“I am excited to bring my friends together for a cause so close to my heart and to perform in support of the fight against breast cancer,” said Yearwood. “This disease impacts individuals and families worldwide, and I am honored to lend my voice to Band As One Nashville alongside so many incredible artists to help raise awareness and make a difference through the power of music.”
The event’s proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen’s breast cancer research, patient services and community health programs, providing support to those affected by the disease.
Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban. Photo: Becky Fluke
Trisha Yearwood & Amy Grant. Photo: Becky Fluke
Kristin Chenoweth, Trisha Yearwood & Sheryl Crow. Photo: Becky Fluke
‘Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones’ Wins An Emmy
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jeremy Westby, Associate Producer; Austin Smith, Associate Producer; Kirk West, Executive Producer; Nancy Jones, Executive Producer; Kirt Webster, Producer; Josh Bleidt, Associate Producer
Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones was awarded the Emmy for Special Event Coverage at the 39th annual Midsouth Emmy awards, which took place on Feb. 15.
Nancy Jones, Jones’ widow and the Executive Producer of the PBS special, was on hand to accept the award for the concert special, which featured Jelly Roll, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Jamey Johnson, Wynonna, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Randy Travis and more.
“I am so happy! This is the first award I have won and to receive it honoring George is just wonderful,” says Nancy Jones, Executive Producer of the television special. “The last time I was on an award show stage, I was at the CMA Awards and George ran to the bathroom just before his name was called as a CMA winner and I had to go up and accept the honor for him. Now, I get to accept this honor for myself and all the great artists that came out to honor George and his music. Whoa, did we just win an EMMY? I am so happy!”
Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones was Executive Produced by Nancy Jones and Kirk West for No Show Productions, LLC, and was produced by Kirt Webster for Spinning Plates, Inc., Luke Pierce and Ben Haley for WORKS Entertainment, and Greg Hall for TH Entertainment. Associate Producers were Josh Bleidt, Austin Smith and Jeremy Westby.
Morgan Wallen Makes Second Appearance On Saturday Night Live
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen performs “I’m The Problem” on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as he returns to NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Photo: Will Heath
Morgan Wallen returned to NBC’s Saturday Night Live on Saturday (March 29) to perform two new songs from his upcoming new album, I’m The Problem, due May 16.
Host/Oscar winner Mikey Madison introduced Wallen for his first performance of the album’s title track, and he later returned with “Just In Case,” playing next to a TV console with text Intermittently flashing, igniting a frenzy among fans online over the rumored album track titles.
Wallen’s 2025 “I’m The Problem Tour” is set to kick off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the 20-show run will include stops in Seattle, Foxborough, Toronto and more. A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join Wallen on the tour in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates. Wallen will also host his first ever Sand In My Boots Festival in May.
Jordan Davis Slates ‘Ain’t Enough Road Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis. Photo: Caleb Cockrell
Jordan Davis will hit the road on his new “Ain’t Enough Road Tour” this September.
The nationwide tour will kick off Sept. 11 and includes stops in Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, St. Louis, Albuquerque, Boston, Savannah and more before wrapping on Oct. 25. Mitchell Tenpenny and Vincent Mason will join Davis on the upcoming tour. Tickets will be available beginning April 2 with various pre-sales, before the general on-sale April 4 at JordanDavisOfficial.com.
Davis recently released the single, “Bar None,” from his upcoming new album expected later this year. Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and written by Hunter Phelps, Lydia Vaughn and Ben Johns, “Bar None” follows his latest No. 1, “I Ain’t Sayin,’” which spent eight weeks at No. 1 in the UK and was Davis’ first No. 1 off the new album in both the U.S. and UK.
Davis joined CBS Mornings this morning (March 31) to discuss the new single and tour, and will also appear on Watch What Happens Live on Bravo with host Andy Cohen on April 3.
Jordan Davis “Ain’t Enough Road Tour”:
Thu Sep 11 – Greater Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
Fri Sep 12 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Thu Sep 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
Fri Sep 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Sat Sep 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Wed Sep 24 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre^
Fri Sep 26 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
Sat Sep 27 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
Thu Oct 02 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Fri Oct 03 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Thu Oct 09 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
Fri Oct 10 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Sat Oct 11 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion
Thu Oct 16 – Dayton, OH – Wright State University Nutter Center
Fri Oct 17 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center
Thu Oct 23 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
Fri Oct 24 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
Sat Oct 25 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena*
*On sale April 18 at 10am local time
^Non-Live Nation date
Creative Nation Promotes Two, Adds One To Team
/by Madison HahnenAlex Albanese, Jayne Hamblin and Abby Holcomb. Photo: Emily Stearns
Creative Nation has added Alex Albanese to its team as Creative Manager.
A Boston native, Albanese attended Belmont University earning a degree in Industry Studies in December 2018. After completing school, she worked at Sony Music Publishing as a receptionist. She was then elevated to Creative Coordinator in the A&R department, where she oversaw 50 artists and songwriter calendars. In her new role at Creative Nation, she will help pitch songs, handle the strategic management of writer calendars and bring in new writers and artists on the company’s roster.
“Alex has great ears and a knowledge of and passion for songwriters that was apparent immediately,” shares Emily Furman, VP, Creative. “She’s hungry and poised to hit the ground running and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on our team!”
Additionally, the company has also elevated Abby Holcomb to Sr. Director, Operations & Digital and Jayne Hamblin to Director, Management & Records. Holcomb will continue to oversee the management of Creative Nation’s catalog and content across its digital platforms. Hamblin will continue to manage the day-to-day operations for the company’s artist clients and serve as the point of contact for external partners.
“Abby wears so many hats — she keeps our writers organized, our catalog buttoned up, and our socials updated and fresh all while making sure our team is supported and loved on. A well deserved promotion!” says Kelsey Granda, SVP, Operations & Admin.
“Jayne’s hard work and dedication to our clients and mission are unmatched,” adds Brandon Gill, SVP, Management & Records. “I know she will continue to flourish as she plays a key role in shaping the future of our Creative Nation Management and Records divisions,”
Industry Ink: Corey Kent, Chase Rice, CMHOFM, ATC Management, Gibson Gives
/by Lorie HollabaughCorey Kent Surprised By Sony With Billion Streams, Triple Platinum Plaques
Pictured (L-R): Caryl Atwood (SMN, SVP, Commercial Partnerships), Chris Fox (Triple 8 Management), Ken Robold (SMN, President/COO), Corey Kent, Taylor Lindsey (SMN, Chair and CEO), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Paige Altone (SMN, VP, Digital Marketing & Artist Development) and Jason McColl (SMN, Sr. Director, A&R). Photo: Adam Davis
Corey Kent was surprised by his label Sony Music Nashville this week with plaques to commemorate amassing one billion career streams as well as having his No. 1 song “Wild As Her” be certified three-times Platinum by the RIAA.
“I know it takes a lot of people to make all of this happen and it has completely changed my life,” said Kent at the event. “It has changed the way that I’m able to provide for my wife and kids and I don’t take it lightly so thank you.”
Chase Rice Honors Home State During TV Appearances
Chase Rice performed “Carolina Can” during a special “Asheville Rising” edition of ABC’s Good Morning America live From Asheville, North Carolina. Photo: Michael LeBrecht II for ABC
Chase Rice performed on ABC’s Good Morning America and GMA3: What You Need to Know on March 27, paying tribute to his home state’s enduring spirit in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. On Good Morning America, Rice performed “Carolina Can,” which paints a vivid picture of his time growing up in the Tar Heel State, as part of the network’s “Asheville Rising” broadcast highlighting Western North Carolina’s recovery six months after Hurricane Helene.
Rice also discussed his involvement in the “Concert for Carolina” benefit in October. On GMA3 he discussed his deep-rooted connection to the state before performing “Haw River,” a haunting ballad set along the North Carolina waterway from his recent independent album, Go Down Singin’.
New Student & Community Art Quilt Exhibit Opens In CMHOFM’s Taylor Swift Education Center
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently unveiled a new student and community art exhibit in the Taylor Swift Education Center titled “A Community of Artists.” The exhibit features quilts inspired by Gee’s Bend quilters, made by local high school students in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and individuals from Smart Art + Craft Supplies — an organization that serves adults with intellectual disabilities.
In 2024, both groups were invited to the museum’s Haley Gallery to see an exhibition that included new works by Gee’s Bend quilters. During the MNPS schools’ visit, the students met several Gee’s Bend quilters, who discussed their creative processes and worked with students as they constructed their own quilt squares. Later, with teacher guidance at school, students assembled their squares into a larger community quilt to represent their local communities and the artistic influence of Gee’s Bend quilters.
ATC Management Adds Jay Saunders To Team
Jay Saunders
ATC Management has expanded its team with two new managers, including Nashville-based Jay Saunders.
Saunders previously worked under Marty Diamond (former President of Music at Paradigm Talent Agency) and more recently with Mark Williams (Co-President of Concord Records) where he contributed to artist development and A&R at Concord Records. Early in his career, he played a key role in discovering and managing band The Marías and now represents a roster that includes John Vincent III, Kacy Hill, Alex Amen and poet-songwriter Kara Jackson.
Gibson Gives Donates Pianos To Music City Chopin’s Metro Nashville Piano Program For Youth & Music Education
Students at Margaret Allen Middle School in Nashville receive a piano from Gibson Gives. Photo: Music City Chopin
Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of Gibson Guitars, has generously expanded the Music City Chopin program by gifting three Baldwin Grand Pianos to Metro Nashville area schools. These instruments have now found new forever homes at Park Avenue Elementary, Margaret Allen Middle, and Antioch High School in Nashville.
“We are deeply grateful to Gibson Global Executive Director Erica Krusen for seeing the impact of our initiative and stepping in to amplify it,” says Graciella Kowalczyk, Artistic Director of Music City Chopin. “Our mission is to spark creativity and hope in our communities, and these pianos have the power to do just that.”