Michelle Tigard Kammerer
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans.
Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists.
Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.
Kammerer will be honored as part of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row class of 2025 on March 20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Read more about the event here.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a little town in Kansas called Valley Center, just north of Wichita. It’s a small farming town. When I was there, Main Street didn’t even have a stoplight with all three colors, just a four-way stop and flashing red and yellow lights. Eventually, we got a full stoplight, and just a few years ago, my parents’ road was finally paved—but not all the way, it turns back into a dirt road. I loved growing up there. I still have great friends and family there, and I visit all the time.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a bit of a tomboy. My dad was an only child and had two girls, so he raised us to love all the fun things. Music was always a big part of our family. My parents sang in church, the Grand Ole Opry was always on and that’s how I fell in love with country music. We were a very musical and very sports-oriented family. There was always music in the house.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Did you always know you wanted to do something in music?
Growing up around music, I always knew I wanted to be part of it. I fell so deeply in love with country music and was driven to share it with as many people as possible. From a young age, I was determined to get to Nashville. My best friend and I were just talking about this—she said she never remembers a time when I wasn’t saying, “I’m going to Nashville. I’m going to work in country music.”
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
How did you get to Nashville?
After college, I moved here without knowing a single person. I got a job at an eye doctor’s office during the day, and at night, I would go to country shows. I couldn’t afford expensive tickets, so I’d highlight every show that was $10 or less in The Nashville Scene and The Rage magazines. My goal was to attend three shows a week, watch who was going backstage and figure out who was making things happen.
I carried these little perforated business cards with my Hotmail address and my name, “Michelle Tigard, Music Business.” I’d introduce myself, shake hands and ask if I could take them to coffee to learn more. Most people would give me their business cards in return. My plan was to meet two people per show, which meant six people a week. If even two of those turned into coffee meetings, that was over 100 meetings a year. Someone had to have a job for me.
After about a year and a half, one of those meetings led to an opportunity. A tour manager I met passed my resume to his girlfriend’s roommate, who was moving to CAA’s New York office. She passed it to CAA Nashville, and I ended up getting an interview with Stan Barnett.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
That’s some impressive networking. What happened at your interview?
When I walked into Stan’s office, I saw a Buck Owens guitar, and asked immediately, “Why do you have a Buck Owens guitar?” It turns out, he was Buck’s agent. We ended up having a deep conversation about traditional country music, the Grand Ole Opry and everything I loved. He looked at me and said, “Do you want to start Monday?” And that was it—I was in.
Tell me about your time at CAA.
I was at CAA for almost seven years. It was the house that built me. When I started, the Nashville office was small—maybe 30 people. Back then, there wasn’t a structured agent trainee program; you just figured it out.
I became the first assistant to sign an act—Lady A. I discovered them at 3rd & Lindsley when they were opening for Charles Kelley’s brother. There were only 12 people in the audience. They had just met three weeks before and played together for the first time. When they stripped it down to just their three voices, it was magical. I knew it was special. We worked with them for a year and a half before they signed to Capitol under Mike Dungan. That was a big moment for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What was next?
After building a solid foundation at CAA, I started feeling the itch for something new. Bill Mayne, a longtime mentor, approached me about a brand marketing and sponsorship role at CRS. It was a hybrid role that didn’t really exist yet, and I could build it from the ground up. I loved my time there, and after three and a half years, I had worked and formed relationships with a lot of the labels.
I went to coffee with Chris Stacy and Kris Lamb from Big Machine showed up. They approached me to help start Dot Records under Scott Borchetta, and of course, I was intrigued about helping to build something new, so I went.
We had Maddie & Tae, Zac Brown Band and even Steven Tyler’s country album. After three years, Dot folded into BMLG Records, and I became National Director, working with Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young and—full circle—Lady A, who had returned to BMLG after their Capitol deal ended.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Then Amazon Music came calling.
Yes. That opportunity excited me because it was about how people discover music today. My goal since childhood had been to share country music with as many people as possible. At Amazon Music, I could do that on a global scale. If you have a device, you can access all the country music you want.
It’s been such an honor to take on this role and build with this team. We’ve built so many incredible programs—like our partnership with the ACM Awards, Stagecoach, CMA Fest, Country Music Month, The Country Heat Weekly Podcast, live streams and our Country Heat brand. When you come to Amazon Music, our customers get exclusive, unique and compelling content and they can really dive in and become super fans like me. I believe that music is a timestamp on our lives. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to get that music to as many people as possible, so if I can be even a small part in that, then I’m happy.
What have you learned about leadership?
My leadership philosophy is simple: “Leadership is the example you set for those you serve.”
You lead by example. I will never ask our team to do something I wouldn’t do myself, whether it’s setting up early or taking out the trash after an event. Leadership is also about service. I strive to maintain a positive outlook and start every meeting by celebrating wins. We work so hard, but we need to carve out time to celebrate our successes too.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Who have been some of your mentors?
Stan Barnett, of course. Ron Baird, Bill Mayne and Scott Borchetta have all been huge mentors. Bill Mayne was my closest mentor—he championed women in the industry and was my first call when I was considering Amazon Music.
I’ve also been surrounded by strong women in this industry who support each other. At Amazon Music, I am surrounded by incredible women. Our Nashville team, specifically, is 100% female.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Love what you do. The music industry isn’t 9-to-5; it’s a lifestyle. Network, be persistent and don’t cut corners. Follow the music, and the money will come. Be kind, take the meeting, and be open to opportunities—you never know where they’ll lead.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What’s a moment your younger self wouldn’t believe?
Interviewing Reba for Amazon Music’s Fishbowl series. I grew up idolizing her. When I first met her years ago, I was so starstruck I accidentally told her my name was Stephanie. [Laughs] Fast forward, and I’m interviewing her for an hour, talking about her book and career. Little Michelle in Kansas would have lost her mind.
Working with Dolly Parton for the ACMs was another surreal moment. She’s the most gracious, kind, wonderful person. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to do what I love and to help bring country music to people around the world.
Tennessee Songwriters Week Names Seven Finalists
/by Lorie HollabaughSeven Tennessee Songwriters Week contestants performed their original songs at showcases across the state, impressing the judges to make it to the finals, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today (March 4).
Nearly 50 qualifying rounds were held at venues, cafés, listening rooms, museums and performance stages in late January and early February. Songwriters advanced from qualifying rounds to the seven showcases. Finalists include Rodrick Duran (Memphis), Sarrenna Johnson (Knoxville), Claire Childress (Bristol), Kristina & Jordan (Gatlinburg), Caleb Lovely (Chattanooga), Jon Wayne Hatfield (Portland) and DEK of Hearts (Franklin).
Songwriter showcases were held at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Paramount Bristol in Bristol, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Temple Theatre in Portland and The Franklin Theatre in Franklin.
Each of the seven finalists earned the opportunity to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event March 30 with music industry professionals, a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the seventh annual Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s musical stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception in 2019, more than 5,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on Tennessee stages during the annual celebration each February.
Zach Top Brings Country Music Revival To Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium
/by LB CantrellZach Top performs at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne
It’s no secret that Zach Top, the Washington state native whose sound harkens back to the best of ’80s and ’90s country, has been turning heads since his breakout last year.
His rise has been meteoric. His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, released last spring via independent label Leo33, racked up over 3.5 million streams in its first week and earned widespread acclaim. His hit “I Never Lie” is climbing toward the top 10 at country radio, and his headline “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” sold out within hours. Add in a New Artist of the Year nomination at the 58th CMA Awards and a Discovery Artist of the Year win at the 2024 MusicRow Awards, and it’s clear Top is leading country music’s new traditionalist revival.
This weekend, he took the stage for two sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium, met by an electric crowd eager for steel guitar, country gold songwriting and vintage style. Jake Worthington opened Friday (Feb. 28), with Cole Goodwin handling Saturday (March 1), proving that Top’s peers share his commitment to making traditional country music mainstream again.
Zach Top and Jake Worthington perform at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne
On Friday night, Worthington kicked things off with his signature country-as-cornbread charm, debuting his upcoming single, “I’m The One” featuring Marty Stuart (out March 14), alongside crowd-pleasers like “State You Left Me In” and “Hello Shitty Day.” He wrapped his set with a one-two punch of George Jones classics, “The Grand Tour” and “White Lightning,” priming the audience for Top’s arrival.
When Top hit the stage in a striped button-down tucked into jeans, topped with a cowboy hat and boots, the Ryman roared. Most of the audience stayed on their feet all night.
He opened with “Sounds Like the Radio” and “I Don’t Mind” before launching into his first of many covers, George Jones—and George Strait’s—“Love Bug.” A well-timed pulse check got the crowd riled up for “Beer for Breakfast,” before he brought them back down to sway along to “Lonely for Long” and “Dirt Turns to Gold.”
With his signature charm, he tossed a wink to the crowd during “Ain’t That a Heartbreak,” and had the women in the audience swooning with “There’s the Sun.” A Merle Haggard classic, “Ramblin’ Fever,” came next.
Then, a curveball: Top and his exceptional band’s performance of “The Kinda Woman I Like” turned into The Commodores‘ “Brick House,” before he shared that they were venturing into a bluegrass section, to highlight the singer-songwriters roots in the genre.
“‘Brick House’ to bluegrass, just how Bill Monroe intended it,” Top joked.
He leaned into the genre with a rootsy rendition of his own “World Gone Wrong,” followed by Ricky Skaggs’ “Don’t Cheat in Our Hometown” and Randy Travis’ “If I Didn’t Have You.” Sending the band off, he performed “Kentucky Bluebird” solo, earning rousing approval.
The energy surged again with fan-favorite “Bad Luck,” and bandmate Cheyenne Dalton took center stage for a fiery rendition of Sara Evans’ “Suds in the Bucket.”
Next up, the crowd—especially the women—erupted for Top’s cheating song “Use Me.” When he sang, “Tell me you love me,” the entire room shouted back, “I love you!”
After a rollicking take on Sammy Kershaw’s “Cadillac Style,” Top welcomed Worthington back for a duet on “Murder on Music Row.” Watching two young artists committed to making traditional country cool again was a moment that felt like history in the making. They grinned at each other and as the audience ate it up.
As the night wound down, he introduced his band with “Justa Jonesin’” before diving into his biggest hits. When the first notes of “I Never Lie” rang out, the crowd blew the roof off the Ryman, making for a special moment as Top’s potential first chart-topper took center stage. He rode that energy through “Things to Do” before closing with the anthemic title track, “Cold Beer & Country Music.”
Top’s “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” rolls on this weekend in Atlanta, with additional support slots for Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley throughout the year. With performances like this, it’s clear that Zach Top isn’t just reviving traditional country—he’s making it the hottest thing in town.
Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton and Carl Dean
Carl Dean, longtime husband of Dolly Parton, has passed away. He was 82.
Parton shared the news on her social media on Monday (March 3) in a statement. The two married in 1966 and Dean remained out of the public eye for most of their union. They met when she was 18 after passing each other at a Wishy Washy Laundromat, and married two years later. Dean shied away from the limelight during their marriage, preferring to cheer her on from behind the scenes of Parton’s high-watt career throughout their life together. The two never had children.
In her statement Parton said: “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Weekly Register: Country Charts Hold Steady With Morgan Wallen On Top
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen stays atop the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His 2023 album One Thing At A Time accrued 41K in total consumption (1K album only and 52 million song streams) and his newest track “I’m The Problem,” maintains the No. 1 spot on the songs chart with 14 million streams.
Also on the albums chart, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album keeps its No. 2 position earning 29K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion stays at No. 3 with 25K in total consumption, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken at No. 4 with 19K and Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak with 18K.
On the songs chart, Shaboozey remains in the No. 2 position with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earning 13 million streams adding to one billion, Wallen’s “Love Somebody” at No. 3 with 12 million streams, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” stays at No. 4 with 12 million streams and Wallen closes the list out at No. 5 with “Smile” garnering 9 million streams.
Lady A Named 2025 Cornerstone Building Brands Home For Good Ambassadors
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Lady A has been named the 2025 Home for Good project ambassadors for Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America.
Since joining as ambassadors in 2024, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott have worked to help advance the project’s mission. The group has aided Cornerstone in making a real, immediate difference for families while bringing awareness to the affordable housing crisis, from rolling up their sleeves to help repair homes in Tennessee to supporting relief efforts following hurricanes Helene and Milton through the LadyAID Fund.
In order to build stronger, more sustainable communities, Cornerstone is entering its ninth year of partnership with the Habitat for Humanity. By pledging to donate building products valued at half a million dollars, as well as facilitate home builds and volunteer efforts, the company will help construct and remodel affordable housing for families in need across North America.
“We’re so touched to be part of the incredible work done through the Home for Good project again this year,” says Scott. “Last year, we saw first-hand the life-changing impact Cornerstone Building Brands has on people in need of a safe, affordable place to call home through this project. So, we jumped at the opportunity to continue to be part of this meaningful work again and help deliver the safety and security only a home can bring to even more people across the country.”
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Lady A and to have them lend their voices to our Home for Good project again in 2025,” states Rose Lee, president and chief executive officer of Cornerstone Building Brands. “Together, we hope to continue to help make homeownership more accessible for families in the communities where we live, work and play.”
Cornerstone Building Brands has donated more than $4.1 million in products and resources to help build and remodel 825 homes in more than 150 communities since the inception of the Home for Good project in 2016. The country industry has been a steadfast supporter of the Home for Good project since its launch, with stars like Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker and more previously serving as ambassadors.
Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire & Jelly Roll Are Founders Of New Music City Rodeo Coming To Nashville In May
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville is getting its first-ever Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association event when the new Music City Rodeo comes to town at Bridgestone Arena on May 29-31.
Tim McGraw’s Down Home, a partnership with Skydance Media, in association with Humes Rodeo, are bringing the event to the city. McGraw, Reba McEntire and Nashville native Jelly Roll are set to headline the event’s concerts, with all three serving as founding members of MCR.
Each day will showcase seven thrilling rodeo events from bull riding to barrel racing, team roping to broncs, featuring the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls going head-to-head for over $200,000 in prize money. Fans will enjoy the full pageantry of rodeo with additional family-friendly activities like mutton bustin’, clowns, and Rodeo Queens, before culminating each night in a headlining arena concert.
“For eight decades, Nashville’s music stars have been the soundtrack to America’s iconic rodeos—country music and rodeo go hand in hand,” says McGraw. “So, it was time to bring the magic of the rodeo home to Nashville and I’m thrilled to be bringing it here.”
“It’s no secret that rodeo is in my blood, and I’m thrilled to be a part of starting a new Nashville tradition. Country music and rodeo coming together in Music City, what a perfect combination…I just knew I had to be part of it,” shares McEntire.
“As a Nashville native, this felt like a chance to be a part of a history-making event for the city. I have vivid memories when it was announced in Nashville that we were getting a hockey team with the Predators, or a football team with the Titans…and I watched Bridgestone Arena be built from the ground up. Headlining Music City Rodeo in my hometown as a part of the first rodeo brought to town feels like the same type of milestone,” adds Jelly Roll.
Additionally, Music City Rodeo is joining with Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to benefit the patients and families it serves, with a portion of all event proceeds going toward supporting their mission of providing world class pediatric healthcare and research.
Tickets for Music City Rodeo go on sale beginning March 7, and a select number of pre-sale tickets including VIP packages will be available starting March 5 at 10 a.m. CT here.
My Music Row Story: Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer
/by LB CantrellMichelle Tigard Kammerer
As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans.
Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists.
Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.
Kammerer will be honored as part of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row class of 2025 on March 20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Read more about the event here.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a little town in Kansas called Valley Center, just north of Wichita. It’s a small farming town. When I was there, Main Street didn’t even have a stoplight with all three colors, just a four-way stop and flashing red and yellow lights. Eventually, we got a full stoplight, and just a few years ago, my parents’ road was finally paved—but not all the way, it turns back into a dirt road. I loved growing up there. I still have great friends and family there, and I visit all the time.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a bit of a tomboy. My dad was an only child and had two girls, so he raised us to love all the fun things. Music was always a big part of our family. My parents sang in church, the Grand Ole Opry was always on and that’s how I fell in love with country music. We were a very musical and very sports-oriented family. There was always music in the house.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Did you always know you wanted to do something in music?
Growing up around music, I always knew I wanted to be part of it. I fell so deeply in love with country music and was driven to share it with as many people as possible. From a young age, I was determined to get to Nashville. My best friend and I were just talking about this—she said she never remembers a time when I wasn’t saying, “I’m going to Nashville. I’m going to work in country music.”
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
How did you get to Nashville?
After college, I moved here without knowing a single person. I got a job at an eye doctor’s office during the day, and at night, I would go to country shows. I couldn’t afford expensive tickets, so I’d highlight every show that was $10 or less in The Nashville Scene and The Rage magazines. My goal was to attend three shows a week, watch who was going backstage and figure out who was making things happen.
I carried these little perforated business cards with my Hotmail address and my name, “Michelle Tigard, Music Business.” I’d introduce myself, shake hands and ask if I could take them to coffee to learn more. Most people would give me their business cards in return. My plan was to meet two people per show, which meant six people a week. If even two of those turned into coffee meetings, that was over 100 meetings a year. Someone had to have a job for me.
After about a year and a half, one of those meetings led to an opportunity. A tour manager I met passed my resume to his girlfriend’s roommate, who was moving to CAA’s New York office. She passed it to CAA Nashville, and I ended up getting an interview with Stan Barnett.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
That’s some impressive networking. What happened at your interview?
When I walked into Stan’s office, I saw a Buck Owens guitar, and asked immediately, “Why do you have a Buck Owens guitar?” It turns out, he was Buck’s agent. We ended up having a deep conversation about traditional country music, the Grand Ole Opry and everything I loved. He looked at me and said, “Do you want to start Monday?” And that was it—I was in.
Tell me about your time at CAA.
I was at CAA for almost seven years. It was the house that built me. When I started, the Nashville office was small—maybe 30 people. Back then, there wasn’t a structured agent trainee program; you just figured it out.
I became the first assistant to sign an act—Lady A. I discovered them at 3rd & Lindsley when they were opening for Charles Kelley’s brother. There were only 12 people in the audience. They had just met three weeks before and played together for the first time. When they stripped it down to just their three voices, it was magical. I knew it was special. We worked with them for a year and a half before they signed to Capitol under Mike Dungan. That was a big moment for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What was next?
After building a solid foundation at CAA, I started feeling the itch for something new. Bill Mayne, a longtime mentor, approached me about a brand marketing and sponsorship role at CRS. It was a hybrid role that didn’t really exist yet, and I could build it from the ground up. I loved my time there, and after three and a half years, I had worked and formed relationships with a lot of the labels.
I went to coffee with Chris Stacy and Kris Lamb from Big Machine showed up. They approached me to help start Dot Records under Scott Borchetta, and of course, I was intrigued about helping to build something new, so I went.
We had Maddie & Tae, Zac Brown Band and even Steven Tyler’s country album. After three years, Dot folded into BMLG Records, and I became National Director, working with Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young and—full circle—Lady A, who had returned to BMLG after their Capitol deal ended.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Then Amazon Music came calling.
Yes. That opportunity excited me because it was about how people discover music today. My goal since childhood had been to share country music with as many people as possible. At Amazon Music, I could do that on a global scale. If you have a device, you can access all the country music you want.
It’s been such an honor to take on this role and build with this team. We’ve built so many incredible programs—like our partnership with the ACM Awards, Stagecoach, CMA Fest, Country Music Month, The Country Heat Weekly Podcast, live streams and our Country Heat brand. When you come to Amazon Music, our customers get exclusive, unique and compelling content and they can really dive in and become super fans like me. I believe that music is a timestamp on our lives. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to get that music to as many people as possible, so if I can be even a small part in that, then I’m happy.
What have you learned about leadership?
My leadership philosophy is simple: “Leadership is the example you set for those you serve.”
You lead by example. I will never ask our team to do something I wouldn’t do myself, whether it’s setting up early or taking out the trash after an event. Leadership is also about service. I strive to maintain a positive outlook and start every meeting by celebrating wins. We work so hard, but we need to carve out time to celebrate our successes too.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Who have been some of your mentors?
Stan Barnett, of course. Ron Baird, Bill Mayne and Scott Borchetta have all been huge mentors. Bill Mayne was my closest mentor—he championed women in the industry and was my first call when I was considering Amazon Music.
I’ve also been surrounded by strong women in this industry who support each other. At Amazon Music, I am surrounded by incredible women. Our Nashville team, specifically, is 100% female.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Love what you do. The music industry isn’t 9-to-5; it’s a lifestyle. Network, be persistent and don’t cut corners. Follow the music, and the money will come. Be kind, take the meeting, and be open to opportunities—you never know where they’ll lead.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What’s a moment your younger self wouldn’t believe?
Interviewing Reba for Amazon Music’s Fishbowl series. I grew up idolizing her. When I first met her years ago, I was so starstruck I accidentally told her my name was Stephanie. [Laughs] Fast forward, and I’m interviewing her for an hour, talking about her book and career. Little Michelle in Kansas would have lost her mind.
Working with Dolly Parton for the ACMs was another surreal moment. She’s the most gracious, kind, wonderful person. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to do what I love and to help bring country music to people around the world.
Brian Kelley Captures His Beachside Series In New Live Album, Concert Film
/by Lorie HollabaughBrian Kelley surprised fans with a new live album and concert film, Surf Post Sessions Live, last week via Big Machine Records.
Captured in the backyard of the Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, Florida (which he owns with his wife Brittney in their Gulf-side hometown), the album and film feature ten of Kelley’s best-loved tracks, stripped back to reveal heartfelt hooks and enduring themes of home, family, legacy and more, and his signature sand-and-sun country sound taped over two nights in July 2024. The album includes a trio of brand-new unreleased songs like the good-life anthem, “Oceanaire,” co-penned by Kelley with Dean Dillon and Ernest Keith Smith, which features golden strains of acoustic guitars and a soothing, waves-on-the-shore rhythm.
The projects celebrate his Surf Post Sessions series which Kelley started in 2022, and now boasts over 40 sold-out headline shows. Each show mixes carefree country creativity and intimate storytelling, featured throughout the full-band performance.
“Surprise! I’m really proud of our Surf Post Sessions and excited to give fans who haven’t been able to join us a live album and concert film to kick back to,” shares Kelley. “To be able to unite as a community and create a little world together for a couple hours in the backyard of our Surf Post has just been good for the soul. Whether you live in town or are just visiting, we get to hang out as neighbors – just vibe and enjoy music together. I hope y’all dig this live cut, and we get to see some new faces come this SPRING BREAK 2025!”
Surf Post Sessions Live Track List:
1. “Acres (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Adam Sanders, Will Weatherly)
2. “How We’re Livin’ (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Micah Carpenter, Jimmy Robbins, Mark Trussell)
3. “King Ranch (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Katlin Owen)
4. “Dirt Cheap (Live)” (Seth Ennis, Wyatt McCubbin, Andy Sheridan)
5. “Burnin’ It Down / You Make It Easy (Live)” (“Burnin’ It Down” – Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard; “You Make It Easy” – Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Mark Schmidt, Morgan Wallen)
6. “Boat Names (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
7. “Oceanaire (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Dean Dillon, Ernest Keith Smith)
8. “Quality of Life (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Katlin Owen)
9. “Parrot On My Shoulder (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose, Canaan Smith)
10. “Beach Cowboy (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose)
Garth Brooks Relives The Comeback On New ‘Anthology Part V’ Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks is set to release The Anthology Part V: The Comeback, The First Five Years on April 4 at Amazon and TalkShopLive.
The Anthology Part V gives fans an all-access pass to the wildest comeback in music history as Garth goes through the extreme highs and lows of the most challenging time in his life as an artist. The music business changed dramatically in the 14 years he was retired, and Anthology Part V highlights how he embraced new technology, reinvented his music and created one-on-one conversations between himself and those who waited for his return. The collection features six CDs, 66 songs, (including seven live recordings,) and over 150 never before seen photos, capturing the magic that led to Garth’s fifth and sixth CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.
To launch the Anthology on TalkShopLive, Garth will do a series of one-on-one conversations with friends and colleagues present during those pivotal comeback years. The first conversation will stream March 10 with Mike Palmer (drums), Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle) and Chris Leuzinger (guitar). All conversations will stream at 6 p.m. CT. The final conversation will be with Trisha Yearwood on the Anthology release date, April 4.
The conversations will also be a shoppable simulcast on Amazon Live and GarthBrooks.com. The Sevens Radio Network on TuneIn will air the audio live on The Garth Channel and showcase highlights on The BIG 615 and Tailgate Radio.
March 17: Author Warren Zanes and singer-songwriter Karyn Rochelle
March 24: Production Manager Brian Petree and Road Manager Bryan Kennedy
March 31: Storme Warren and sound engineer Mark Miller
Peachtree Entertainment Adds Two To Team
/by Madison HahnenMarty Elliott & Andrew Goldberg
Peachtree Entertainment has added Marty Elliott as Vice President of University Relations and Andrew Goldberg as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Goldberg and Marty Elliott to Peachtree Entertainment,” shares Nathan Baugh, CEO, Peachtree Entertainment. “Their strategic vision and expertise are the catalysts we need to propel our organization to the next level.”
A 27 year veteran, Elliott brings expertise in venue management, business development and talent booking. She has overseen a range of entertainment venues, booked numerous national touring concerts and managed large-scale festivals and televised events. Elliott has been instrumental in venue restoration efforts, university event programming and community engagement projects. In her new position, she will concentrate on strengthening university partnerships, establishing new collaborations and supporting the planning and execution of major concerts and festivals.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Peachtree Entertainment in a variety of ways over the years and it’s exciting to join forces with a team so dedicated to advancing the entertainment industry,” she says. “University venues offer iconic settings for artists and fans and we look forward to creating meaningful partnerships that create lasting value for all involved.”
Goldberg brings more than 10 years of experience in sales, live event marketing and strategic partnerships, having held key positions at Danny Wimmer Presents, Live Nation and Vinik Sports Group. In his new role, he will lead sponsorship and partnership initiatives, and manage sales, activations and long-term revenue growth. Goldberg will leverage brand collaborations and activation specialists to bring partnerships to life.
“I’m pleased to join Peachtree Entertainment as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships,” adds Goldberg. “The company’s strong reputation and its commitment to supporting both artists and fans were key factors in my decision. I look forward to collaborating with our team, partners, and artists to develop an exceptional partnerships department.”