Tyler Hubbard Entertains Members At CMHOF’s ‘The Big Gig’

Tyler Hubbard took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 26 for its annual members-only concert, “The Big Gig,” celebrating the members who sustain the museum. Hubbard performed his hits including “5 Foot 9,” “Dancin’ In The Country” and his current single “Park” in the museum’s CMA Theater for the audience.

 

Kameron Marlowe Honored With One Billion Streams Plaque

Kameron Marlowe was honored earlier this week for amassing one billion global career streams at an event celebrating the release of his recent album, Sad Songs For The Soul. Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey presented Marlowe with a plaque to commemorate the milestone.

“This week has been unreal. Dropping Sad Songs last Friday was already special, but hitting over a billion streams? That’s just crazy,” Marlowe shares. “I can’t thank y’all enough for the love and support on this project—it means the world. This wouldn’t be possible without my team and, most importantly, the fans who’ve been riding with me every step of the way. Y’all are the reason I get to do this, and I’m beyond grateful!”

 

Warner Chappell Music Live Song Pitch Round

The Listening Room Cafe is hosting another Live Song Pitch Round with Warner Chappell Music on March 13 at 1 p.m. featuring Lydia Vaughan, Summer Overstreet, Heath Warren, Jet Harvey, Josh Kerr and Chandler Brown. The songwriters will play their uncut songs to A&R and industry professionals at the event.

 

Allison Portlock Elevated To Executive VP/Marketing At Sound Royalties

Allison Portlock has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP) of Marketing at Sound Royalties. Since joining the company in 2018, Portlock’s efforts have been key in driving significant annual growth, launching new services including Tour Financing and Bridge Financing, expansion into international markets, and the company’s no-cost, no-fee funding programs launched during Covid and for the L.A. wildfires.

As a member of the executive team, Portlock will oversee high-level strategic initiatives, shaping growth strategies and guiding the company’s evolution into new markets and services. She will also continue leading initiatives to expand the brand, fostering partnerships, and amplifying the company’s reach and influence throughout the global industry.

 

Caroline Owens Inks With Wortman Works

Bluegrass artist Caroline Owens has signed a management deal with Wortman Works, the media, marketing and management firm led by music industry veteran Jules Wortman. Owens is set to release her debut single with Billy Blue Records, “You’ve Still Got It,” on March 7, with plans to release a full album (co-produced with Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge) later this year.

“I’m so grateful to be turning the page to this new chapter in my career,” shares Owens. “With a new single and new management team, I could not be more excited for what is to come. When I first heard this single, written by Jerry Salley and John Pennell, I knew immediately I had to have the song. With a great team behind me and a song that truly speaks to my heart, I feel more inspired than ever. This new music represents a fresh beginning, and I can’t wait to share it—this is just the beginning!”

This week’s MusicRow Weekly highlights major moves in the industry, from executive appointments to label signings and publishing deals. Click here to see the full edition.

Industry veteran Brian Wagner has been appointed Executive Director of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), stepping into the role on March 1, 2025. Wagner succeeds Pam Matthews, who is retiring after more than a decade at the helm of the organization.

In another major leadership move, Katie Fagan has joined Mom+Pop Music as President of its Nashville office. She arrives at the independent label following a 14-year tenure at Prescription Songs, where she most recently served as the Head of A&R in Nashville for eight years.

Major Bob Music has made key promotions and expansions within its team, with Andy Friday rising to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Emily Hasty stepping into the role of Creative Director. Additionally, Aubrey Daniels has been recruited as the company’s new Head of Publishing.

Hardy is venturing further into the industry with the launch of his label, Crow Records, in partnership with Big Loud Rock. The first signing to the new label is Sikarus. Meanwhile, Big Machine Records has welcomed the new duo Something Out West to its roster.

Several publishing deals made headlines this week, including hit songwriter David Garcia renewing his global publishing deal with Spirit Music Group. Western rapper Ryan Charles has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, while songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery has signed with Downtown Music Publishing.

The Grand Ole Opry stage saw some first-time performances from legendary and rising talent alike. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Ringo Starr made his debut on the Opry, alongside Warner Music Nashville newcomer Redferrin, who also stepped into the iconic circle for the first time.

This week’s My Music Row Story column features SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, who serves as Senior Director of Creative Services at SESAC PRO, overseeing the country genre in Nashville. She is among the honorees for the 2025 class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row, which will be recognized in March.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Zach Top notches his first No. 1 this week with “I Never Lie.” Explore more chart data here.

MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

AEG Presents’ new Nashville venue, The Pinnacle, officially opened last week with a grand opening event featuring food, drinks and live music from The Brummies and Sparkle City DJs.

Located on a 19-acre campus within Nashville Yards, the state-of-the-art venue has a 4,500-person capacity and is designed to anchor the mixed-use district, adding another major live music destination to the city’s entertainment landscape.

Kacey Musgraves was the venue’s first performer, taking the stage last night (Feb. 27). Upcoming acts include Killswitch Engage, Deadmau5, Turnpike Troubadours, Journey and more.

Becky Harris, respected business manager and longtime President of Huskins-Harris Business Management, has announced the rebrand of the company under a new name, Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company.

An established Music Row presence for more than 15 years, the firm is now led by Harris and her new Principals, John Huelsman and Morgan Barnes. The company’s evolution comes on the heels of the recent retirement of CPA Donna Huskins, who focused on the organization’s tax business for clients.

“I’m so excited to have John and Morgan as partners,” Harris shares. “John came on board years ago with a background in management, but his business savvy instantly set him apart. Morgan’s financial background equipped him to hit the ground running when he joined the team, and he’s never stopped.”

“We have an incredibly hard-working team and roster. Every day is something new,” Huelsman says. “Learning from Becky over the last decade has been monumental in my growth as a business manager. I’m eager to co-lead this team and help guide our artists to even greater levels of financial success.”

Barnes notes, “Six years ago I would have never envisioned myself as a business manager on Music Row, but I’m more than ready to begin this next chapter with Becky, John, and our team. Becky’s years of experience have not only been paramount in my embrace of the field, but in the growth of our entire team.”

Together, Harris, Huelsman and Barnes bring over 40 years of experience to the table. Current clients include multi-Platinum artist Chris Young, award-winning producer James Stroud, Drew Baldridge, Frankie Ballard, Austin Brown, Scotty Hasting, Angie K, Alexandra Kay, Julian King, Nicotine Dolls, Michael Ray and American Idol winner Noah Thompson.

Email addresses for all staff will now use the suffix @hhbcompany.com. Harris, Huelsman, Barnes and all staff can also be reached at 615-256-1207.