
Craig Wiseman. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Tin Pan South 2025 hosted its first two nights on Tuesday (March 25) and Wednesday (March 26), bringing songwriters together for the staple NSAI event. 11 venues around Nashville are hosting songwriters rounds this years, with two shows taking place at each venue most nights.
The first round of shows took place on Tuesday. Rounds included Cooper Alan, Dalton Davis, Brad Tursi and Allison Veltz-Cruz at 3rd and Lindsley, Ronnie Bowman, Rob Hatch and Jerrod Niemann at AB Hillsboro, Mia Fieldes, Ben Glover and Matthew West at Analog Hutton Hotel, Jason Matthews, Leslie Satcher and Jamie Teachenor at The Bluebird and Bonnie Baker, Raquel Cole, Makena Hartlin, Emma Klein and Olivia Rudeen at the Commodore Grille.
Also hosting opening rounds to the festival was Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole with Jacob Hackworth, Jackson Nance and Heath Warren, The Hard Rock with Ruston Kelly, Madeline Merlo, Gabriella Rose and Emily Weisband, The Listening Room with Travis Denning, Noah Hicks, Matt Mulhare and Cole Taylor, City Winery with Chuck Cannon, James Dean Hicks and Will Robinson, Love & Exile with Chayce Beckham, Drew Kennedy and Logan Wall, and Station Inn with Will Nance, Mitch Ogelsby, Bruce Wallace and Brian White.

Madeline Merlo. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
The second rounds of night one featured performances from Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman at 3rd and Lindsley presented by Y’all 106.7, Dustin Christiansen, Jaida Dreyer, Kylie Frey and Mando Saenz at AB Hillsboro, Daniel Ethridge, Rose Falcon, Josh Melton and Billy Montana at Analog Hutton Hotel, Aaron Barker, Jim Collins and Larry Gatlin at The Bluebird and Clara Park, Jenn Schott and Scott Stepakoff at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole.
Also closing out night one was Drew Baldridge and Jordan Minton at Hard Rock, Sara Bares, Ross Copperman, Blake Pendergrass and verygently at The Listening Room, Ethan Hulse, David Leonard and Matt Maher at City Winery, Grant Averill, Darius Coleman, Luke Niccoli and Rudey at Love & Exile and Aaron Armstrong, Dillon Carmichael, Jake Mitchell and Michael Whitworth at Station Inn.
Night two didn’t slow down with the slew of hitmakers and rising songwriters, with first rounds including Dwan Hill, Jesse Labelle and Nick Schwarz at Commodore Grille, Walt Aldridge, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jeff Trott and Dave Turnbull at The Listening Room, presented by ASCAP, Cameron Bedell, Nick Boyd and Nick Donley at AB Hillsboro, Andrew DeRoberts, Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox and Kendell Marvel at Analog Hutton Hotel, presented by SESAC, and Grady Block, Rocky Block, Hank Compton and Brock Phillips at the Hard Rock.

Ruston Kelly. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Also participating in the 6pm hour rounds last night (March 27) was Dave Cohen, Jay Knowles and Makayla Lynn at The Bluebird, Jonathan Hutcherson, Mia Mantia, Chase McDaniel and Steve Moakler at City Winery, Rhett Akins, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Hyde and Wyatt McCubbin at 3rd and Lindsley, presented by BMI, Jason Duke, Jason Massey and Keesy Timmer at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Richie McDonald at Station Inn, and Terri Jo Box, Justin Ebach, Dan Marshall and Amy Stroup at Love & Exile.
For the second round of shows on Wednesday, attendees saw rounds from Leah Blevins, Clint Daniels and Anslee Davidson at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Travis Wood at 3rd and Lindsley, Judah Akers, Abbey Cone, In Color and Brian Macdonald at Love & Exile, Olivia Faye, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Mary Kutter and Tyra Madison at AB Hillsboro, Joseph Patton, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky, Colton Venner and Dan Wilson at Commodore Grille.
Closing out night two also was Sophie Gault, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows at The Bluebird, Chaparelle, Trent Dabbs, Matt Koziol and Scoot Teasley at Hard Rock, presented by Lightning 100, Breland, David Fanning and Travis Heidelman at The Listening Room, Dan Alley, Reid Haughton and Kasey Tyndall at Station Inn, Liz Hengber, Tony Lucca, Frank Maroney and Steve Williams at City Winery, and Jerry Flowers, Michael Lotten and Trevor Rosen at Analog Hutton Hotel.
Tin Pan South continues tonight (March 27) with performances from Eric Paslay, Jonathan Sherwood, Dan Smalley, JT Harding, Ben Williams, Chrissy Metz, Scotty Hasting, Laci Kaye Booth, Jordan Harvey, Ashley Gorley, Rob Ragosta, Benjy Davis, Kelly Archer, Kayley Green, Lydia Vaughan and more.

Gabriella Rose. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Cooper Alan. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Travis Denning. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Sara Bares. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Brad Tursi. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Ronnie Bowman. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Caroline Jones Signs With Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
/by LB CantrellScott Borchetta, Caroline Jones and Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Eden Gerlock
Country singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band member of the Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones, released her debut label single “No Tellin'” today (March 28) after signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
The track was co-written and co-produced by Jones, and signifies a new chapter of music for her. It follows her third, full-length studio album, Homesite, released in October 2023 with star-studded features including Zac Brown Band and Vince Gill.
“I’m thrilled about this next chapter! This partnership feels like a natural, organic step forward in my evolution as an artist. The team is fantastic to work with and create alongside. I’m so proud of the sound that Julian Raymond, Ric Wake and I are crafting,” Jones says.
“Caroline is such an impressive talent, from her songwriting to her first-rate musicality,” shares Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “She fits perfectly among the groundbreaking, unique artists at Nashville Harbor and we are so proud to have her join the family.”
“Scott and I have been big fans of Caroline for a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment CEO Jimmy Harnen. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome her to Nashville Harbor!”
Morgan Wallen Back At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen is back at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track “I’m The Problem.”
The track is the title track for Wallen’s upcoming fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest K. Smith and Charlie Handsome.
Wallen was nominated for a whopping six ACM Awards this week. His nominated categories include Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year and Music Event of the Year.
“I’m The Problem” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Tin Pan South Kicks Off With Craig Wiseman, Madeline Merlo, Ruston Kelly, More
/by Madison HahnenCraig Wiseman. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Tin Pan South 2025 hosted its first two nights on Tuesday (March 25) and Wednesday (March 26), bringing songwriters together for the staple NSAI event. 11 venues around Nashville are hosting songwriters rounds this years, with two shows taking place at each venue most nights.
The first round of shows took place on Tuesday. Rounds included Cooper Alan, Dalton Davis, Brad Tursi and Allison Veltz-Cruz at 3rd and Lindsley, Ronnie Bowman, Rob Hatch and Jerrod Niemann at AB Hillsboro, Mia Fieldes, Ben Glover and Matthew West at Analog Hutton Hotel, Jason Matthews, Leslie Satcher and Jamie Teachenor at The Bluebird and Bonnie Baker, Raquel Cole, Makena Hartlin, Emma Klein and Olivia Rudeen at the Commodore Grille.
Also hosting opening rounds to the festival was Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole with Jacob Hackworth, Jackson Nance and Heath Warren, The Hard Rock with Ruston Kelly, Madeline Merlo, Gabriella Rose and Emily Weisband, The Listening Room with Travis Denning, Noah Hicks, Matt Mulhare and Cole Taylor, City Winery with Chuck Cannon, James Dean Hicks and Will Robinson, Love & Exile with Chayce Beckham, Drew Kennedy and Logan Wall, and Station Inn with Will Nance, Mitch Ogelsby, Bruce Wallace and Brian White.
Madeline Merlo. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
The second rounds of night one featured performances from Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman at 3rd and Lindsley presented by Y’all 106.7, Dustin Christiansen, Jaida Dreyer, Kylie Frey and Mando Saenz at AB Hillsboro, Daniel Ethridge, Rose Falcon, Josh Melton and Billy Montana at Analog Hutton Hotel, Aaron Barker, Jim Collins and Larry Gatlin at The Bluebird and Clara Park, Jenn Schott and Scott Stepakoff at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole.
Also closing out night one was Drew Baldridge and Jordan Minton at Hard Rock, Sara Bares, Ross Copperman, Blake Pendergrass and verygently at The Listening Room, Ethan Hulse, David Leonard and Matt Maher at City Winery, Grant Averill, Darius Coleman, Luke Niccoli and Rudey at Love & Exile and Aaron Armstrong, Dillon Carmichael, Jake Mitchell and Michael Whitworth at Station Inn.
Night two didn’t slow down with the slew of hitmakers and rising songwriters, with first rounds including Dwan Hill, Jesse Labelle and Nick Schwarz at Commodore Grille, Walt Aldridge, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jeff Trott and Dave Turnbull at The Listening Room, presented by ASCAP, Cameron Bedell, Nick Boyd and Nick Donley at AB Hillsboro, Andrew DeRoberts, Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox and Kendell Marvel at Analog Hutton Hotel, presented by SESAC, and Grady Block, Rocky Block, Hank Compton and Brock Phillips at the Hard Rock.
Ruston Kelly. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Also participating in the 6pm hour rounds last night (March 27) was Dave Cohen, Jay Knowles and Makayla Lynn at The Bluebird, Jonathan Hutcherson, Mia Mantia, Chase McDaniel and Steve Moakler at City Winery, Rhett Akins, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Hyde and Wyatt McCubbin at 3rd and Lindsley, presented by BMI, Jason Duke, Jason Massey and Keesy Timmer at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Richie McDonald at Station Inn, and Terri Jo Box, Justin Ebach, Dan Marshall and Amy Stroup at Love & Exile.
For the second round of shows on Wednesday, attendees saw rounds from Leah Blevins, Clint Daniels and Anslee Davidson at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Travis Wood at 3rd and Lindsley, Judah Akers, Abbey Cone, In Color and Brian Macdonald at Love & Exile, Olivia Faye, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Mary Kutter and Tyra Madison at AB Hillsboro, Joseph Patton, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky, Colton Venner and Dan Wilson at Commodore Grille.
Closing out night two also was Sophie Gault, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows at The Bluebird, Chaparelle, Trent Dabbs, Matt Koziol and Scoot Teasley at Hard Rock, presented by Lightning 100, Breland, David Fanning and Travis Heidelman at The Listening Room, Dan Alley, Reid Haughton and Kasey Tyndall at Station Inn, Liz Hengber, Tony Lucca, Frank Maroney and Steve Williams at City Winery, and Jerry Flowers, Michael Lotten and Trevor Rosen at Analog Hutton Hotel.
Tin Pan South continues tonight (March 27) with performances from Eric Paslay, Jonathan Sherwood, Dan Smalley, JT Harding, Ben Williams, Chrissy Metz, Scotty Hasting, Laci Kaye Booth, Jordan Harvey, Ashley Gorley, Rob Ragosta, Benjy Davis, Kelly Archer, Kayley Green, Lydia Vaughan and more.
Gabriella Rose. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Cooper Alan. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Travis Denning. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Sara Bares. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Brad Tursi. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Ronnie Bowman. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood Among Headliners For Country Calling Festival 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Brooks & Dunn are set to headline the Country Calling Festival 2025 at the Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland Oct. 3-5.
The festival will feature more than 35 artists across three stages over three days at Ocean City Inlet Beach, including performances from Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, Zach Top, Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, Gary Allan, Chase Rice,Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, Gavin Adcock, Tucker Wetmore, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes and many more.
Three-day and one-day general admission, GA+, VIP and Platinum Tickets will be available March 28, and a general on-sale will follow at 11 a.m. ET if tickets remain. Fans can sign up for the presale code and shop Country Calling’s limited festival merch at countrycallingfestival.com.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen Nabs The Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
It’s pretty much wall-to-wall stars in this week’s DISClaimer.
There’s essential listening here from Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll, Eric Church, Jordan Davis and Lauren Alaina. Not to mention Best New Artist Grammy winner Chappell Roan.
Leading the pack is Morgan Wallen with the Disc of the Day.
For our DISCovery Award, we head north of the border to find indigenous music maker Uncle Trent.
PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Yard Sale”
Writers: David Garcia/Jessie Jo Dillon/Laura Veltz/Priscilla Block; Producers: David Garcia, Jesse Frasure; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Wonderfully fun. She’s kicking up her heels in this merry revenge ditty. Getting rid of all his stuff at a yard sale with thumpy beats and a girlfriend chorus surrounding her fiesty vocal. Definitely play this romper.
JELLY ROLL / “Heart of Stone”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Jason DeFord/Shy Carter/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR Music Group
– So far, the man has seven consecutive No. 1 singles, plus two more. I see no reason why this momentum shouldn’t continue. This time, Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) is praying to the Lord for deliverance and redemption in a lushly, produced country rocker that rolls into a high, wailing chorus at the top of his tenor range.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Jamestown Ferry”
Writer: Willard Mack Vickery; Producers: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– Crockett’s just-released Lonesome Drifter album includes this revival of Tanya Tucker’s 1973 hit. His outlaw-beat “Game I Can’t Win” and “Night Rider” have already spawned music videos from the collection. Acclaim for the record has Crockett on a roll. Next month, he tapes Austin City Limits. Tonight, watch for him to debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
ERIC CHURCH / “Hands of Time”
Writers: Eric Church/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– We can’t do anything about getting older, but Church avers that music keeps you young. I’ll tell you one thing, music by this man, especially, will warm your blood and pump a life force into ya. The brilliant Jay Joyce track rocks splendidly, and Church’s genius as a writer and performer have seldom shined brighter. A shouted “Amen!” from this aging hippie.
TIMOTHY WAYNE / “That’d Be You”
Writers: Jamie Moore/Mark Collie/Timothy Wayne; Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: UMG Nashville
– A swaying, lilting love song surrounded by crisp production featuring deft guitar-string plucking. Sweetly tender and romantic.
CHAPPELL ROAN / “The Giver”
Writers: Daniel Nigro/Kayleigh Rose Amstutz/Paul Cartwright; Producer: Daniel Nigro; Label: Island Records
– Pop’s current “It” girl goes country with this fiddle-laced, rhythm-happy ditty. She debuted it on Saturday Night Live last year, and it’s already a smash. “I ain’t no country-boy quitter, I get the job done.”
LORRIE MORGAN & TRACY LAWRENCE / “After the Fire Is Gone”
Writer: L.E White; Producers: Chip Voorhis, Wally Wilson; Label: Cleopatra Records
– You absolutely cannot go wrong with this honky-tonk classic. Previously a smash for Conway & Loretta (1971, a Grammy winner) and for Willie with Tracy Nelson (1977), it is an essential part of the hillbilly-duet repertoire. Rest assured that these two sublime country stylists do it proud.
MORGAN WALLEN / “I’m a Little Crazy”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers/Michael Hardy/Smith Ahnquist; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/ Mercury Records
– I got totally into this. Wallen unspools the thoughtful lyric in plain-spoken, unfussy fashion while acoustic guitar notes ripple around him. He sings, “I’m a little crazy, but the world’s insane.” I believe we can all relate to that. Wallen showcases tunes from his upcoming I’m the Problem album this weekend as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 29.
UNCLE TRENT & ASHLEY GHOSTKEEPER / “You’re the Reason”
Writer: James Agecoutay; Producer: Trent Agecoutay; Label: Thicker Than Blood Music
– Canada has a large indigenous population. So much so, that there is a native-American music scene with its own awards and organizations. Trent Agecoutay (Uncle Trent) and Ashley Ghostkeeper are both members of western tribes, and both are stars in their field. They take this love ballad slowly, with plaintive, yearning vocals.
THOMAS RHETT & LANIE GARDNER / “What Could Go Right”
Writers: John Byron/Josh Kerr/Rocky Block/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Josh Kerr, Julian Bunetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– We live in hope. These two are headed for a hookup, thinking about the possibility of lasting love and throwing caution to the winds. A swirling, rocking production bolsters their harmonized optimism at every turn. The excitement is stirred with more and more vigor as the rushing track proceeds. A splendid single.
AVERY ANNA / “Wish You Well”
Writers: Avery Anna/David Fanning/Jon Hume; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s leaving a super turbulent relationship. The twinkling, upbeat track disguises the abuse she suffered as she sings of forgiveness and moving on. An audio delight.
JORDAN DAVIS / “Bar None”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– This man never disappoints. This strummy outing churns right along as he gets totally wasted trying to erase her memory. He knows he’s going to wind up with a hangover, but chugs away anyhow. His warm, conversational, country-folk delivery gets me every time.
LAUREN ALAINA / “Household”
Writers: Casey Brown/Lauren Alaina/Lydia Vaughan/Parker Welling; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Love the cool, twangy touches in the production. The minor-key tune has nifty twists and turns, and her drawling vocal delivers the doom lyric with panache. Catchy and crafty.
Garth Brooks’ Caesars Residency In Vegas Sells 99% Of 72-Show Run
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: 8 Ten, Inc.
Garth Brooks recently completed his 72-show run in his residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, selling out 99% of all of the available tickets.
Since the first show on May 18, 2023, Brooks and his team sold more than 300,000 tickets, with grosses exceeding $130 million. The residency was offered a unique experience at every performance, allowing Brooks to share stories and guide the audience on a personal journey each night, ensuring that no two shows were ever alike.
“I speak on behalf of the band and crew, best gig we have ever had. We were spoiled to death, everyone from the Carano family to the people at Caesars and Live Nation, the box office to the ushers, security, local crew, stage, lights, sound, backstage, catering…all amazing. I would suggest to any artist, if you get a chance to play that room, play it. The crowds were absolutely the best part,” says Brooks.
“All of us at Caesars Entertainment are honored to have had Garth Brooks bring his vision for this residency to The Colosseum,” says Caesars Entertainment’s President & COO Anthony Carano. “Having seen this show go from conception to completion, watching firsthand as Garth and his team created 72 uniquely special live music experiences that deeply connected with fans and celebrating the music and stories that can only come from the enduring legacy Garth has created is something we will never forget. Plus ONE was an undeniable success, and we are grateful it happened at The Colosseum, where Garth will always have a home.”
Monti Smith Joins King Pen Music
/by Lorie HollabaughMonti Smith
Monti Smith has joined King Pen Music as Creative Coordinator.
Hailing from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, he graduated from Belmont University in 2024 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Music Business. He held an internship with King Pen Music during his senior year, leading into his new role. He will continue to work alongside King and Amanda Roach, Creative Manager.
“Monti’s passion for songs and songwriters is evident in the way he shows up for his role each day,” says King. “He’s incredibly hard working and we are so excited to watch him continue to grow as a professional.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to “officially” join Kelly and Amanda at King Pen,” says Smith. “Since day one, Kelly’s belief in and loyalty to her songwriters has been infectious and I knew this was the spot I wanted to be. I’m proud to work with the outstanding roster King Pen continues to curate!”
Tucker Wetmore Fills BMI Lobby For First No. 1 Party
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Concord’s Brad Kennard, Combustion’s Keithan Melton, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, EMI Nashville/UMG Nashville’s Damon Moberly, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall and Hang Your Hat’s Emily Baldridge; (L-R, front row): Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Thomas Archer (BMI), Tucker Wetmore (BMI) and Chris LaCorte (SESAC/Producer). Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
The BMI lobby on Music Row was packed wall to wall on Tuesday afternoon (March 25) as industry friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate Tucker Wetmore‘s first No. 1, “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
Wetmore co-wrote his Platinum-certified debut single with Thomas Archer and Chris LaCorte, who also produced the track. The celebration was particularly notable because all publishers involved were independents.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Tucker Wetmore (BMI) pose after he is gifted with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar in celebration of his first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Hosted by BMI and SESAC and emceed by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, the event commemorated Wetmore’s first, Archer’s fifth and LaCorte’s third No. 1 hit.
Roberts welcomed several industry leaders to share remarks about the song and its creators, including SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, Hang Your Hat’s Emily Baldridge, Concord’s Brad Kennard, Combustion’s Keithan Melton and EMI Nashville/UMG Nashville’s Damon Moberly. Each speaker highlighted the co-writers’ talent and work ethic.
“Chris, [your work with Tucker] really sets the bar and quality standard for the future of country radio, and I’m so happy to be part of that,” Baldridge said.
Melton shared that “Wind Up Missin’ You” was written during a period when Archer was between publishing deals.
“During that time, without a publisher, Thomas booked his own write, showed up, and made it happen,” he said, commending Archer’s drive and initiative. “There’s going to be a lot more of these.”
Marshall spoke about the song’s impressive success, noting that it has amassed 330 million global streams and was certified Platinum in just eight months.
“What a year. Almost exactly 12 months ago, on March 29, 2024, this song was released. None of us could have predicted what was coming next,” Marshall said. “It became a No. 1 country song on the U.S. charts in just 30 weeks for a debut artist on his debut single.”
Moberly echoed the milestones Marshall shared and took a moment to recognize the song’s promotion team.
In honor of his first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter, Wetmore was presented with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar. Sponsored by Studio Bank, Ron Cox also made a special donation presentation on behalf of the songwriters in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. SESAC presented a custom guitar to affiliate LaCorte as well.
Archer was the first of the co-writers to speak, expressing gratitude to his family, publishing team, label, management, Wetmore, LaCorte, and many others.
“This stage isn’t big enough to hold all the people responsible for this,” he said. “It’s no surprise that Tucker’s career was going to happen—whether it was this song, ‘3,2,1,’ or any of the songs you’ve cut. I’m blessed that this was the one you went with, but this would have happened regardless.”
LaCorte thanked God, his family, and the team behind “Wind Up Missin’ You,” directing special praise toward Wetmore.
“Even more than you are an amazing artist and performer, you’re an amazing person,” LaCorte said. “You have a heart for people, which is not always a given in this town. The sky is the limit with you—it’s an honor to work with you.”
When Wetmore took the stage, he shared a story about setting goals with his mother before leaving his home in Washington to pursue music in Nashville.
“Some of the goals we wrote down were touring, signing a publishing deal, and having a No. 1 song on country radio,” he recalled. “I got to ring that bell on January 6 with two of the best people I’ve ever met in my life.”
He then spoke about the deeper connections he’s found in Nashville.
“Another goal of mine was finding a family, because I was leaving mine,” he said. “I look around this room, and you guys are it—you’re my family. Thank you for everything.”
Alabama Announces New ‘Live In Concert 25 Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama is returning to the road for a limited number of dates on their new “Live In Concert 25 Tour.”
Lorrie Morgan, Pat Green, Eddie Montgomery, Lee Greenwood, Jamey Johnson, Ned LeDoux, BlackHawk and Alex Miller will support on various dates on the new tour, which will kick off in April and visit Phoenix, Wichita, Allentown and more through Aug. 28.
“There’s nothing I look forward to any more than performing the songs our great fans have made hits and some surprises along the way,” says Alabama Founder Randy Owen. “Every show I count as one more beautiful blessing! Much love to you, our fans! Looking forward to seeing all of you on the tour!
“We are eager to get back on the road and make more cherished memories with each of you,” adds Alabama Founder Teddy Gentry. “It is a joy to play for our followers and friends who have supported us through thick and thin. We can’t wait to reconnect and share the music that brought us all together.”
“Alabama Live In Concert 25” Tour Dates:
April 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center (w/ Lorrie Morgan)
April 19 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort (w/ Lorrie Morgan)
April 27 – Wichita, KS – Intrust Arena (w/ Eddie Montgomery)
May 23 – Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater (w/ Lee Greenwood)
May 25 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena (w/ Pat Green)
June 5 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
June 7 – Bradley, IL – Bradley 316 Festival (w/ Eddie Montgomery)
June 14 – Creighton, PA – Iron City Stage at Pittsburgh Brewing Company
(w/ Jamey Johnson)
June 18 – Redding, CA – Redding Civic Auditorium (w/ Eddie Montgomery)
June 20 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center (w/ Ned LeDoux)
July 19 – Old Washington, OH – Old Washington Music Fest
July 25 – York, PA – York State Fair (w/ Alex Miller)
Aug 9 – Galva, IL – The Back Road Music Festival (w/ BlackHawk)
Aug 28 – Allentown, PA – The Great Allentown Fair
Adrian James Music Group Establishes In Nashville
/by Madison HahnenAdrian James Music Group has established in Nashville, which includes Adrian James Publishing, Adrian James Records, Adrian James Management and Adrian James Recording Studio. The companies will provide a complete array of services that support and foster the artistic journey. The publishing arm will collaborate with Kobalt for their Publishing Administration.
The company was founded last year by CEO/Partner Adrian James Fuxa and COO/Partner Deb Henson. Both founders are dedicated to supporting artists, building lasting relationships and fostering an environment where music can flourish. Their mission emphasizes collaboration, mentorship and a belief in the transformative power of music. The company’s family-focused approach ensures that every artist and songwriter feels inspired and supported.
Fuxa is a songwriter, producer and musician and is the shaping the company’s creative direction. With time at Berklee College of Music, The Blackbird Academy and Belmont University, James blends his musical talent with technical expertise to cultivate an environment for artists. His innovative approach to music production, paired with his passion for artistry, inspired him to design and build a recording studio that serves as the creative hub of the music group.
“I am blessed to be able to do what I love every single day, and I am so grateful for God, my family, Deb, and everyone else we work with for this new opportunity,” Fuxa shares. “I want to stay on this path and continue to grow this company because I am so passionate about the music. I want to do things right, caring for the artists I work with and helping them realize their fullest potential, and I want to help this community we have formed grow and share the idea that we cannot fail through God, and I look forward to seeing where this path takes us.”
Henson brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned executive, entrepreneur and songwriter. She has held several leadership roles, most recently at Oliver and Nelson Management. With a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the industry, she will oversee the strategic and operational direction of the company. Her passion for helping artists and songwriters reach their full potential is the driving force behind the company’s mission to elevate talent to its highest level.
“At the core of everything we do at Adrian James Music Group is our unwavering passion and commitment to the artists we work with,” adds Henson. “We believe in nurturing creativity, building lasting relationships, and providing the resources needed for artists to reach their fullest potential. It’s not just about business—it’s about empowering artists to create music that speaks from the heart and connects with audiences in a genuine way. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and excited to see the incredible talent we’ll help grow and support along the way. I am truly blessed, and I thank God every day for this opportunity. AJ and I both put faith-forward and that has become our company motto.”