Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood Top MusicRow Radio Chart

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Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood claim the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with their track “I’m Gonna Love You.”

The song is a part of Johnson’s deluxe edition of his ninth studio album, Leather, and was written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer and Travis Denning.

Last week, Johnson sold out two nights at Bridgestone Arena as part of his “Leather Deluxe Tour,” where he set a record just last year as the male country artists with the most tickets sold for a debut performance at the venue. On Saturday (Feb. 15) Underwood joined Johnson on stage for a performance of “I’m Gonna Love You.”

“I’m Gonna Love You” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Girls Write Nashville To Host Benefit Show In March

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Girls Write Nashville will host its fourth annual benefit show on March 23 at 3rd and Lindsley.

The event will open with a writers round from four teen songwriters part of Girls Write Nashville’s various programs, Solace, Anya, Thalia D. and Koley Berry. The four will be performing alongside their teacher Rachel Rodriguez, before Grace Bowers delivers a headline set.

“This concert is one of the most special nights of the year for us. It’s a chance to put our young songwriters on the same stage as world-class artists and show Nashville what’s possible when you invest in the voices of the next generation,” shares Girls Write Nashville Executive Artistic Director/Co-Founder, Jen Starsinic. “As a trauma-informed creative youth development organization creating safe, creative communities and opportunities for cultural participation for youth, this annual event is not just a show—it’s a way for the community to experience what we do, get involved, and directly support the well-being of Nashville students in underserved schools through our community’s shared love of music.”

All proceeds from the show will be fully donated to Girls Write Nashville’s free educational programs in MNPS Title I schools, helping to support the next generation of young artists in Nashville. Tickets are on sale now.

Redferrin Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Redferrin. Photo: Chris Hollo

Warner Music Nashville artist Redferrin made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday night (Feb. 18).

Redferrin delivered performances of his tracks “Just Like Johnny” and “Jack and Diet Coke,” which have garnered 162M and 121M global streams respectively. After the Tennessee native wrapped up his set on the legendary Opry stage, he was pleasantly surprised backstage with two RIAA Gold Plaques for the same songs he had just performed.

The 2024 Amazon ‘Breakthrough Artist to Watch’ is preparing for the release of his sophomore EP, Some City, Somewhere, on Feb. 28. Co-produced by Redferrin, the EP features seven tracks, all of which he either solo-penned or co-wrote.

CRS 2025 Day One: ‘Y’all Means All,’ Warner Music Nashville, Amazon Country Heat & More

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Country Radio Seminar kicked off Wednesday (Feb. 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

‘Y’all Means All Diversity Breakfast’ Kicks Off CRS Week

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS 2025 kicked off yesterday with the “Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast.” Moderated by Tiffany Provenzano, Director at Equal Access/mtheory, the panel featured an esteemed lineup of voices, including Sean Copeland (Program Director, Hank-FM, Indianapolis, Radio One), Shannon Sanders (Executive Director, Creative, BMI) and singer-songwriter Madeline Edwards.

 

Streaming Experts Share ‘Everything You Want To Know’

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

As part of CRS’ Digital Music Summit, streaming experts came together to discuss current state of country music streaming and share best practices for labels, managers, and marketing teams. This session aims to integrate the streaming and radio communities further, ensuring both thrive together. Participants included Amazon Music’s Jenni Tay, Spotify’s Tim Foisset and YouTube’s Copeland Isaacson, and it was moderated by UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris.

 

‘Cycle of A Song’ Highlights ‘You Look Like You Love Me’

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

As part of the “Cycle of A Song” series, Wednesday’s session focused on Ella Langley‘s chart-topper “You Look Like You Love Me.” Panelists Mya Hanson, Jeannie Sullivan, Daniel Miller, Bryan Washington, Sarah Pfeiffer and Megan Hinde joined Langley to explain the journey the song took to become a hit, showcasing the vital roles social media, streaming platforms, radio play and touring can play in building an artist’s audience.

 

Warner Music Nashville Luncheon

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS attendees feasted on some lunch and good music at the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon. This year’s edition featured performances from Gavin Adcock, Avery Anna (alongside special guest Sam Barber), Tyler Braden, Chase Matthew, Redferrin and Hudson Westbrook.

 

CRS Honors Recognizes Industry Professionals

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2025 were announced during CRS Honors at CRS 2025. This year’s honorees include Big D & Bubba, Mary McCoy, Rowdy Yates, Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt and Gregg Swedberg. CRS also presented four prestigious scholarships during the event, including the Rusty Walker Scholarship, the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship, the Futuri Scholarship, and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women Scholarship.

Multi-Platinum, award-winning artist Megan Moroney and ACM Award winner Tigirlily Gold delivered poignant performances during the ceremony.

 

Amazon Music Presents ‘Country Heat’ at CRS 2025

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

To end the Digital Music Summit on day one of CRS, Amazon Music brought the party of their “Country Heat” show. Attendees were treated to music from headliner Jordan Davis along with Graham Barham, Lanie Gardner, Noeline Hofmann and Vincent Mason.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton Are A ‘Cotton-Candy Cloud Of Bliss’

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Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton

Today is a day for collabs at DISClaimer.

Of the tracks we’re spotlighting today, fully half of them are vocal collaborations, and three of those are mash-ups between country stars and pop headliners. One of them, the smile-awhile meeting of new pop diva Sabrina Carpenter and country megastar Dolly Parton is our Disc of the Day. By the way, if the lyric seems oblique, check out Carpenter’s solo video of “Please Please Please.” Trust me, it will all make sense.

But if you’re looking for the perfect country solo performance to become an instant-add to your playlist, look no further than Dierks Bentley.

The DISCovery Award contenders are Zach John King and Austin Snell. That’s no contest at all. King walks away with the trophy.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Oil Money”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Sam Bergeson, Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He has a cool hillbilly delivery loaded with reverb. The leering lyric is weirdly ear catching (“She’s got a body like oil money,” anyone?). I could have done without the “country-trap fusion” computer rhythm track, but this thing probably has legs. One question: If she’s so classy, why is she wearing Daisy Dukes?

DIERKS BENTLEY / “She Hates Me”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Dierks Bentley/Jimmy Allen/Ross Copperman/Wesley Scantlin; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Wry and delightful. It rocks in a cool, spare-bones kinda way. When this guy is on his game, he can’t be beat. A smash. Also: The video is hilarious.

KAYLEY GREEN / “This Little Love of Mine”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jonathan Smith/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Frisky and frolicking. She sings with immense verve, and the rockabilly track spits fire. Clap hands and dance along. You’ll be forgiven if you hear echoes of “This Little Light of Mine” in back of the church pews. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

MYLES SMITH & LAINEY WILSON / “Nice to Meet You”
Writers: Dan Smith/Myles Smith/Peter Fenn/Phil Plested; Producer: Peter Fenn; Label: RCA Records
– Strum-y, jaunty, bopping and charming. I’ve heard of quickie romances, but this takes the cake—”Nice to meet you; have a dance; spend all night together”—Just like that. Smith is a British pop singer-songwriter, best known for last year’s Platinum-selling “Stargazing.” This was originally a solo single. The addition of Wilson’s country voice definitely makes it brighter.

ASHLEY COOKE & JOE JONAS / “All I Forgot”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Charlie Puth/David Alexander/Griff Clawson/Jacob Kasher Hindin/Joe Jonas/Naliya; Producers: Charlie Puth, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Well, it turns out that alcohol can’t blot out a lover’s memory, after all. These two blend nicely on this tuneful heartbreaker. His pop croon meshes with the gentle warmth of this previous MusicRow award winner who’s a CRS New Faces Show honoree this year.

SABRINA CARPENTER & DOLLY PARTON / “Please, Please, Please”
Writers: Amy Allen/Jack Antonoff/Sabrina Carpenter; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Label: Island Records
– What a delicious audio confection. Burbling, airy, twinkling and loaded with Carpenter’s signature wit. The two wafting sopranos lift this thing into a cotton-candy cloud of bliss. Sabrina keeps falling for losers and begs this one not to embarrass her like all the others. Best line: “Don’t bring me to tears, when I just did my makeup so nice.” Totally loving this.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “How Long”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/John Osborne/Lucie Silvas; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I have been in love with this woman’s music forever. Her phrasing on this sultry slow jam is utterly exquisite. The dreamy, soulful track is a thing to get lost in. It’s from an album called Bed of Roses that will accompany her co-written romance novel of the same title, releasing March 7.

SCOTTY McCREERY & JASON CRABB / “Red Letter Blueprint”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Derek George/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Nathan Thomas, Spencer Peppard; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a CCM song on Opry member McCreery’s current album, so it makes perfect sense to add one of Christian music’s most powerful vocalists to it. To ensure that the country singer isn’t completely overwhelmed, Crabb’s volume is turned down.

CHARLES ESTEN & SARA EVANS / “In a Bar Somewhere”
Writers: Charles Esten/Jason Gantt/Neil Medley; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: CE
– The Nashville TV star and the established country star harmonize beautifully on this barroom ballad. This guy deserves a hit, and this melodic pleasure deserves to be it.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Cold Shoulder”
Writers: Tom Whall/Zach John King/Zarni Dewet; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His plaintive singing is backed by simple, plucked guitar strings. As the heartbreaking regret grows, a steel sighs in the distance. Echoey and aching.

IRA DEAN & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Everything”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Ira Dean; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Ira Dean wrote this love ballad for his wife Jennifer and sang it at their wedding. The sweetly sentimental ode features Gretchen Wilson on harmony vocals. You can see the joyous wedding ceremony footage in the song’s video. John Carter Cash performed the ceremony, and Jamey Johnson serenaded the couple.

AUSTIN SNELL / “Muddy Water Rockstar”
Writers: Austin Nivarel/Austin Snell/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Austin Nivarel; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s screaming with profanity that he can perform a hard rock track and call it country music. You can call it whatever you want, but do we have to listen to it?

Gravel Road Records Signs Travis Bolt

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Travis Bolt

Gravel Road Records, the independent record label co-founded by industry veterans Anthony Martini and Rich Barner, has signed rising country artist Travis Bolt, whose viral single “Never Tried Cocaine” has rapidly gained traction. The song, a fresh take on a heartbroken country ballad, has amassed over 12 million streams and 20,000 Shazams, driven by explosive TikTok growth with over 100,000 new followers and 10 million plays in the past month.

Bolt’s distinctive, rugged vocals and compelling songwriting add to Gravel Road’s growing roster, which includes Willie Jones, Lakeview and Compton Cowboys.

“Travis Bolt’s voice stopped me dead in my tracks the second I heard it. He’s a rare talent and I couldn’t be more excited to help push his music out to the world,” says Martini.

Barner adds, “Travis is an amazing human being and family man that has busted his ass to get here. He has a voice like I’ve never heard before. It’s going to be our absolute pleasure at gravel Road to watch him take off like a rocket ship.”

Bolt’s outlaw country sound is both raw and refined, blending influences from Jerry Jeff Walker and Cody Jinks with shades of Ray LaMontagne and Amos Lee. His debut EP under Gravel Road Records is set for release this spring.

“I’m a guy from small-town Texas who makes music because I love it,” says Bolt. “I was always afraid of being put in a box by executives. Anthony and the Gravel Road team showed me I could walk my own path. It’s more than a team—it’s a family.”

Ashland Craft & Meghan Patrick Join Forces For New ‘Rollin’ Stoned Tour’

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Ashland Craft & Meghan Patrick

Ashland Craft and Meghan Patrick are hitting the road this spring on their co-headlining “The Rollin’ Stoned Tour.”

The two artists are bringing their gritty, high-energy brand of country to six cities across the U.S. Tickets for the shows are on sale now here.

“When I first moved to Nashville I was so lucky to quickly find an incredibly talented group of women that also became my chosen family. We’ve written songs together, cheered each other on, and dreamed about getting to do our own tours together for years,” shares Meghan. “Ashland is not only one of my best friends but also one of my favorite voices ever. She’s a hell of a songwriter and entertainer, and her passion for her craft matches mine. We both got tired of waiting on some guy to take us on tour and decided it was time to take matters into our own hands and put together a show worth every penny of our fans’ hard-earned money. Touring with friends is truly living the dream and I can’t wait to see everyone on the road!”

“I can’t wait to get on the road with Meghan and bring this tour to life,” says Craft. “We both bring a lot of passion and energy to what we do, and this tour is a chance to share that with the fans in a way that feels authentic to us. It’s going to be a wild, rowdy time, and we’re ready to bring some country music with grit to every stop.”

The tour announcement comes on the heels of Craft’s latest single, “Lie A Little.” She recently wrapped tours with Cody Johnson and Tucker Wetmore, and is gearing up to join Luke Bryan this summer for select dates on his “Country Song Came On Tour.”

Patrick is a back-to-back CCMA Female Artist of the Year with 19 CMAOntario Awards and recently released her latest album, Golden Child. 

“The Rollin’ Stoned Tour” Dates:
April 10 – The Stache (Grand Rapids, MI)
April 11 – LRH Live (Lori’s Road House) (West Chester, OH)
April 17 – Carol’s Pub (Chicago, IL)
April 18 – The Grainery (Plain City, OH)
April 19 – PBR Louisville (Louisville, KY)

Big Timber Entertainment Expands With New Accounting Division

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Troy Brown and Mark Oliverius.

Big Timber Entertainment has unveiled its newest initiative, BTE Presents: Music Business Accounting.

The division expands on the multi-faceted company’s already diverse range of services including artist management, record distribution, radio promotion, publishing and live show production to offer specialized financial management designed to meet the unique needs of musicians and industry professionals. With extensive experience in both the music and financial industries, BTE’s team of specialists offers a customized approach to accounting, tax preparation, royalty tracking, budgeting and financial planning.

Troy Brown, who leads this new service, brings extensive experience from his role as the former Controller of a multimillion-dollar global distribution company. His background includes a BS in Accounting, an MBA in Quality Management and certifications as a QuickBooks Specialist.

“At Big Timber Entertainment, we understand that financial management is often one of the most daunting aspects of the music industry,” says Brown, BTE’s Controller-In-Charge.“This new initiative is about empowering creatives to focus on what they do best while we provide the financial expertise to ensure their business runs smoothly and efficiently, and to provide  artists with the tools and expertise they need to navigate financial challenges and grow their careers.”

“We’re excited to launch this service because we know firsthand how important it is for artists to have a solid financial foundation,” says BTE’s co-founder and producer Mark Oliverius. “Our goal is to empower creatives to focus on their artistry while we provide the financial tools they need to succeed in the business side of things.”

BTE Presents: Music Business Accounting has also launched a podcast and a blog via their website and socials for additional tools to help clients in navigating their financial journeys.

Pedal Steel Guitarist JayDee Maness To Be Featured As Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree

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Pedal steel guitarist JayDee Maness will be featured by The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in its in-depth “Nashville Cats” interview series on April 12 in the museum’s Ford Theater.

At the outset of his 60-plus-year career, Maness helped sow the seeds of country-rock, recording with the Byrds on their landmark 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo and with Gram Parsons’ International Submarine Band. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Desert Rose Band and toured with Buck Owens’ Buckaroos. As a session musician, he has recorded with Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, Dwight Yoakam and Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill, Ray Stevens and Tanya Tucker, among many others.

Among his best-known contributions is the pedal steel solo on Eric Clapton’s multi-Platinum 1992 single “Tears in Heaven,” and his playing also appeared in the background music for the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard throughout its seven-season run. Maness is an 18-time winner of the Academy of Country Music’s Steel Guitar Player of the Year award.

The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Dave Paulson and will be illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. After the program, Maness will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.

The “Nashville Cats” series began in 2006 by honoring Don Helms and Country Music Hall of Fame members Harold Bradley and Charlie McCoy. Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, “Nashville Cats” has showcased stories and songs from 53 musicians and session singers who have played important roles supporting the artists in either the recording studio or on tour.

CAA Promotes Ethan Goldish & Cam Jensen

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Ethan Goldish & Cam Jensen

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has promoted Nashville-based Elevate trainees Ethan Goldish and Cam Jensen to Agents in its Music Touring department.

Goldish started at CAA in 2019 as a floater in the Music department, and later served as an assistant to Steve Kaul, Brad Bissell and Jeff Krones. He was promoted to booking professional in 2022.

Goldish has been actively involved in the PENCIL Foundation as part of the Emerging Leaders Board and was accepted into CAA’s Elevate program in July 2024. He works with a number of clients across the agency’s roster, including Ben Rector, Warren Zeiders, Owl City, Marlon Funaki and Coleman Jennings, among others. He graduated from Duke University in 2019 with a degree in Economics.

Jensen joined CAA in 2022 as an assistant and most recently served as a coordinator before being elevated to booking professional in 2024. He currently oversees the Southeast club territory for CAA’s touring division.

Among the clients Jensen works with are Hannah McFarland, Blake Whiten and Dylan Cotrone, among others. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, before going on to complete his MBA at The Citadel Graduate College. He was accepted into Elevate in October 2024.

Outside of Nashville, additional promotions include Oliver Acutt, Lianne Adamapoulos, Thomas Brooke, Michael Gianino, Drew Leffler, Cooper Patterson, Marisa Pisterzi, Landon Shepanek, Ben Sibley, Dom Valentyn, Ryder White and Kennedy Woodard.