BREAKING: Ashley Gorley To Be Inducted Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss

The 2025 inductees have been announced for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They include Nashville hitmaker Ashley Gorley as well as George Clinton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Tony Macaulay and three members of The Doobie Brothers: Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons.

They will be inducted into the esteemed hall at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Gala, set to take place on June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Songwriters with a notable catalog become eligible for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 20 years after their first significant commercial release of a song. The nominations were announced on Nov. 12 and voting ran through Dec. 22.

Gorley is the most commercially successful country songwriter of all time. The Kentucky-native has written an unprecedented 80 No. 1 radio singles with artists such as Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi, Weezer and more. He has received a myriad of honors throughout his career, including NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019 and the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year recognition a record 11 times.

“I’m honestly shocked. I started out in the tape room listening to some of the greatest songwriters turn in demos,” Gorley shares of the honor. “Being welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and this legendary group of music makers is a dream come true. I’ve always looked up to this organization, and I’m proud to join representing Nashville and the country music community.

“I’ve attended this event as a fan and it always leaves me inspired, so this moment is truly surreal for me and my family,” he adds. “I’m incredibly grateful for the Hall of Fame and all the songwriting heroes who shaped music as we know it today, and I’m looking forward to celebrating everyone in June.”

Chase Matthew Gears Up For Third Album

Chase Matthew is releasing his third album Chase on Feb. 21 via Warner Music Nashville. A new track from the album, “Drives My Truck,” is out now.

The uptempo jam penned by Matthew with Brock Berryhill and Taylor Phillips is a flirtatious throwback to the truck songs of the ’90s with a little extra horsepower, and speaks to losing control in all the best ways when your girl takes the wheel.

YouTube video

Chase contains 13 tracks including the previously released “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” and “Backroads of My Mind,” and also features a guest appearance by Lauren Alaina on “Half Heart Empty.” Matthews penned nine songs on the new project, which was produced by Austin Shawn with co-production on select tracks by Brock Berryhill, Blake Bollinger, Brian Bunn, Gabe Foust and Will Bundy, plus an additional song produced by Danny Majić.

Matthew will celebrate a massive milestone on the day Chase releases with a sold-out hometown headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium.

Chase Track List:
1. “Drives My Truck” (Chase Matthew, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips)
2. “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” (Chase Matthew, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips, Lydia Vaughan)
3. “Heart Half Empty (feat. Lauren Alaina)” (Chase Matthew, Austin Shawn, Matt McVaney, Bailey Manns, Noah West, Shaylen Carroll)
4. “No Name Roads” (Chase Matthew, Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley, Travis Wood)
5. “I Don’t Wanna Know” (Victor Williams, Fraser Churchill, Danny Majić, Willie Morrison)
6. “Fire In Her Eyes” (Chase Matthew, Gabe Foust, Graham Barham, Beau Bailey, Jacob Hackworth)
7. “Driving Through My Hometown” (Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins, Michael Tyler, Blake Bollinger)
8. “If I Had Wings” (Chase Matthew, Alexander Palmer)
9. “You Turn” (Chase Matthew, Rotundo, Rose Falcon, Brian Bunn)
10. “Waiting On You To Call” (Chase Matthew)
11. “Backroads Of My Mind” (Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Garrett Nichols, Colton Pack, Zach Beeken)
12. “Sunday Clothes” (Chase Matthew, Taylor Phillips, Josh Phillips, Brock Berryhill, Kim Penz, Rotundo)
13. “No Way Around It” (Jacob Hackworth, Will Bundy, Michael Tyler)

Dan + Shay Notch 11th Career No. 1 & Celebrate Holiday Album Success

 

Three-time Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay have topped the radio chart this week with their Grammy-nominated track “Bigger Houses,” written by the duo’s Dan Smyers with Andy Albert, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds.

The band took to social media to celebrate their win and thank their co-writers, label and country radio for helping get the song to No. 1. “Thank you for taking a chance on this song, and helping us share it with millions and millions of listeners, week after week. Your support means more to us than we could ever put into words,” they shared.

“Last but not least, thank you to our fans. You have always stood by us, through every high and every low, and we are forever grateful. You believed in this song since the day we released it, and gave us the confidence to make it a single. Sitting on top of that house and hearing you sing these words back to us every night on tour was something we will never forget.”

In addition to the No. 1 hit, Dan + Shay are celebrating their year-end milestones such as the release of their first holiday album, It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album, that debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 Holiday/Seasonal Chart and reached No. 1 on the iTunes Holiday Albums Chart. Original tracks on the project such as “Officially Christmas,” “Happy New Year” and “Pick Out A Christmas Tree” helped push the album to 550 million streams worldwide, with the latter two reaching No. 1 on the iTunes Holiday Songs Chart.

Along with their holiday album success, the duo made special appearances on The Today Show, the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Daryl Schiff, Musician & Father Of Martina McBride, Passes

Martina McBride and her late father Daryl Schiff

Daryl Schiff, musician and father of country music icon Martina McBride, passed away on Jan. 14 at his home in Sharon, Kansas. He was 86.

The Salutatorian of his 1956 high school class, Daryl went on to attend K-State and Southwestern College before joining the National Guard. A third-generation farmer, he operated a dairy farm before focusing on cattle and crops.

Daryl’s love of music was central to his life. He led the country rock band The Schiffters, where Martina and her brother Marty honed their skills. The band performed every Saturday night for 17 years, entertaining crowds at Elks Clubs, VFW halls, the Isabel Gymnasium and countless weddings. Daryl’s wife Jeanne managed the sound board during their performances.

After Martina moved to Nashville, Daryl continued performing, gracing stages like the Wilmore Opry and Concerts in the Barn. He recorded two albums in Nashville and performed twice at the Grand Ole Opry. His final public performance, drawing over 5,000 attendees, was at the Pratt County Fair on July 23, 2022.

In addition to his musical talents, Daryl was known for his love of cooking and gardening.

“I really don’t have the right words. My dad passed away Tuesday night. Our hearts are broken,” Martina shared in a social media post. “He was 86 and had an amazing life. He was a third-generation family farmer. He was also the leader of our family band, The Schiffters. He taught me so much about music, about life, about how to treat others.”

 

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He is survived by four children: Stephen Alan Clark (Jean), Gina Lynn Leiker (Steve), Martina Mariea McBride (John) and Daryl Martin Schiff II (Janelle); 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and sister, Morea Marlene Bradley (Phil).

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Maxine Schiff, and his wife, Verla Jean Schiff.

A visitation was held on Monday (Jan. 20) at Larrison Funeral Home in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Funeral services were held today (Jan. 21) at First Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Daryl Schiff’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Chris Stapleton Adds Dates To ‘All-American Road Show’

Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

Chris Stapleton has added nine new dates to his “All-American Road Show” tour this summer due to overwhelming demand.

Newly-added shows include second and final nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Denver’s Ball Arena, Salt Lake City’s Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, Phoenix’s Desert Diamond Arena, Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena and more.

Special guests on the tour include Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Marcus King, Nikki Lane, Grace Potter, Maggie Rose, Brittney Spencer, Allen Stone, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives and The War & Treaty.

Tickets for the new shows will be available for pre-sale now with general on-sale this Friday (Jan. 24). Fans can get early access to tickets by signing up here.

“All-American Road Show” Newly Added Tour Dates:
June 6—Charlottesville, VA—John Paul Jones Arena
June 13—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena
June 28—Tinley Park, IL—Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
July 26—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden
August 2—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center
August 9—Phoenix, AZ—Desert Diamond Arena
August 16—Salt Lake City, UT—Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 23—Denver, CO—Ball Arena
October 11—Hollywood, FL—Hard Rock Live

Ashley Gorley Starts 2025 At No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss

Ashley Gorley has claimed the top spot in first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of the new year. “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” all push the songwriter to No. 1.

Chris Stapleton sits at No. 2 with solo-written “Think I’m In Love With You.” Charlie Handsome take the No. 3 spot with “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “Pour Me A Drink,” “Smile” and “This Town’s Been To Good To Us.”

Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Jason Aldean’s ‘Full Throttle Tour 2025’ Kicks Into Gear In May

Jason Aldean has announced his new “Full Throttle Tour 2025” will kick off May 23, featuring special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn and Dee Jay Silver.

The 31-date tour will cross North America and visit Boston, Tulsa, St. Louis, Dallas, Green Bay, Tampa and more, with a Nashville Bridgestone Arena show set for Aug. 7. As previously announced, Aldean is also set to co-headline the iconic Fenway Park in Boston on May 30 with Brooks & Dunn.

Tickets for the “Full Throttle Tour 2025” will be available starting with artist pre-sale beginning Jan. 22 ahead of the first general on-sale beginning Jan. 24. A full list of VIP packages and next level fan concert experiences including premium tickets, VIP Lounge access and a pre-show acoustic performance and Q&A with Aldean are available at vipnation.co.

Aldean is currently in the studio working on new music, and most recently graced the cover of Hook & Barrel Magazine, where he spoke about his career, new music and what is on the horizon in 2025.

“Full Throttle Tour 2025” Dates:
Fri May 23 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center&
Sat May 24 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage&
Sun May 25 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Broadview Stage at SPAC&
Fri May 30 — Boston, MA — Fenway Park#%
Thu Jul 17 — Tulsa, OK — BOK Center&
Fri Jul 18 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP&
Sat Jul 19 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre^
Thu Jul 24 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater&
Fri Jul 25 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena^
Sat Jul 26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre^
Thu Aug 07 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena&
Fri Aug 08 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center^
Sat Aug 09 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake&
Thu Aug 14 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion&
Fri Aug 15 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman@
Sat Aug 16 — Austin, TX — Moody Center^
Thu Aug 21 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park^
Fri Aug 22 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion^
Sat Aug 23 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre^
Thu Sep 04 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena^
Fri Sep 05 — Green Bay, WI — Resch Center&
Thu Sep 11 — Detroit, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre&
Sat Sep 13 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre^
Thu Sep 18 — Lincoln, NE — Pinnacle Bank Arena&
Fri Sep 19 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena&
Sat Sep 20 — Sioux Falls, SD — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center&
Thu Sep 25 — Lafayette, LA — CAJUNDOME&
Fri Sep 26 — Birmingham, AL — Coca-Cola Amphitheater&
Sat Sep 27 — Charleston, SC — Credit One Stadium&
Fri Oct 03 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre&
Sat Oct 04 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre@

# Co-headline with Brooks & Dunn
% Already On-Sale
& On-Sale 1/24
^ On-Sale 1/31
@ On-Sale 2/21

615 Leverage + Strategy Agency Reestablishes As Results Global

John Zarling & Jackie Campbell

615 Leverage + Strategy, the full-service marketing agency founded in 2019 by industry veterans John Zarling and Jackie Campbell, has been relaunched as Results Global.

Based in Nashville, Results Global will continue as Dolly Parton’s marketing agency of record. Since 2019, Parton has logged the No. 1 QScore as the world’s most marketable celebrity.

In addition to supporting marketing strategy for her portfolio of brand licensing deals, the agency team has acted as coordinating producers for her series of New York Times bestselling books Songteller: My Life In Lyrics (2020), Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones (2023), Billy The Kid Makes It Big (2023), Good Lookin’ Cookin’ (2024) and Billy The Kid Comes Home For Christmas (2024). The agency also quarterbacks the marketing strategy for Parton’s music releases, including the Billboard chart-topping releases Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith & Fables (2024), Run, Rose, Run (2022), A Holly Dolly Christmas (2020) and the multi-genre, Gold-selling No. 1 album Rockstar (2023)—the latter album becoming the biggest first-week sales debut of her seven-decade career.

In addition to Parton, the firm works alongside artist teams, industry organizations, and talent-centric brands developing custom-built marketing plans and advertising campaigns designed to engage fans and drive revenue opportunities, via licensing, equity participation, strategic partnerships and joint ventures.

“Over the past five years, we have seen the music and entertainment industry adjust and adapt in exciting ways. Our passion for building long-lasting artist-centric brands reinforces the decision to reestablish the agency enabling us to not only scale with expanded resources, but also hyperfocus on delivering successful results for our clients across all their business verticals,” share Zarling and Campbell a joint statement.

Led by Zarling, Chief Marketing Officer, and Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, the Results Global is powered by a core team.

Alissa Endres, Dawson Simmons, Aden Henke, Frashier Baudry and Lauren Miskella

With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, specifically in music marketing, sponsorship, and brand partnerships, Alissa Endres transitions to Account Director/Brands at Results Global from 615 Leverage + Strategy. She has previously held roles at Romeo Entertainment Group, where she led marketing efforts for major music festivals, and at Starstruck Entertainment, managing sponsorships for A-list talent and live events. Her background also includes experience with The Kraft Heinz Company and Midwest Family Broadcasting.

With over two years under his belt as 615 Leverage + Strategy’s project manager, Dawson Simmons serves as Account Manager/Talent Projects & Music Marketing. The MTSU alum’s background includes event production roles with Paramount, Academy of Country Music, and Times Square New Year’s Eve, as well as internships with C3bank, Neon Coast and Country Radio Broadcasters.

Account Coordinator Aden Henke is a recent graduate of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. She will continue to support the core Results Global team across all Accounts and firm projects.

As Creative Director, Frashier Baudry leads the team of Results Global’s creative specialists, directing and overseeing creative services and solutions for the company. With nearly 15 years of experience in motion graphics, digital marketing strategy and AI technology, Baudry has spearheaded paid ad and creative strategy for three major hair tool brands. He has worked on numerous artists’ accounts, generating billions of views, and helping them gain millions of followers through organic media creation and strategy. As the Chief Technology Officer for an AI startup, he played a key role in driving the company to a $15 million valuation, showcasing his expertise in innovation and strategic growth.

With over 20 years of media and shopper marketing experience, Lauren Miskella continues her role as Media Planner & Strategist from the 615 Leverage + Strategy team, overseeing paid media strategy, planning and execution. Her background includes significant experience at major media agencies Starcom, The Integer Group and PHD Worldwide.

The firm is looking to add digital marketing and paid media specialists to the team immediately. For more information on open positions and future opportunities, email hello@resultsglobalagency.com.

A2IM Begins Search For New CEO

As part of its succession planning, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has initiated a search for a new leader to head the organization, which represents more than 750 member companies across the U.S.

Founded in 2005 in response to the digital transformation of the music industry, A2IM aims to promote economic fairness and market equality, while serving as an advocacy platform for the diverse and unified independent sector.

Under the leadership of Dr. Richard James Burgess, A2IM has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, reaching numerous key milestones that have strengthened its role as a leading advocate for the independent music sector. Burgess recently announced that he is stepping down as President and CEO of the organization in 2026.

“As I prepare to step down as President and CEO of A2IM, I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” shares Burgess. “The future of independent music is bright, and it’s vital that we find a new leader who will continue to build on our strong foundation, fostering growth, advocacy, and innovation within our community. The search for my successor is a crucial step in ensuring that A2IM remains at the forefront of the global music landscape, and I’m confident that the right person will carry forward our mission with passion and vision.”

As the organization looks toward the future of independent music, they are seeking an leader to define strategy and guide services for both its 501 membership trade organization and 501 non-profit entity. This includes overseeing advocacy, events, education and community initiatives. The ideal candidate will also be an operational leader, responsible for P&L management and staff oversight.

The CEO’s primary responsibility will be to develop and implement a sustainable ecosystem for independent recorded music labels to thrive in in an evolving legal, commercial and technological environment. The new CEO will serve as the voice of the core independent label membership, while consistently anticipating the needs of the broader community and gathering input to guide the ongoing evolution of A2IM’s initiatives and services. The CEO will report to the organization’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board.

“We are incredibly grateful for Richard’s leadership and the tremendous impact he has had on A2IM and the independent music community,” says A2IM Board of Directors Chair Steven Hill. “His collaboration, drive, and vision have given our organization a strong foundation with which to enter our crucial next chapter.”

To oversee the executive recruiting process, A2IM has partnered with EnterGain, a firm that frequently collaborates with several of its member companies. EnterGain is co-led by James Celentano, who conducted the search that brought Burgess on board a decade ago and also led the search 20 years ago that resulted in the appointment of A2IM’s first president, Don Rose.

“My team and I are honored and humbled to support A2IM and its members, at what again is a pivotal time of change and opportunity for independent owners of recorded copyrights,” explains EnterGain’s Head of Operations Mikal Celentano. “We have already begun identifying and interviewing a diverse pool of candidates.”

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to reach out to James@EnterGain.com and Mikal@EnterGain.com, with “A2IM CEO” in the subject line.

Andrew Fortin Upped To President Of Neste Live!, Gil Cunningham Named Chairman

Andrew Fortin

Neste Live!, a Live Nation company, has made some leadership changes to usher in a new chapter of growth. Andrew Fortin has been promoted to President and Gil Cunningham, the founder and former President of Neste Live!, is transitioning into the role of Chairman.

Fortin rises from his most recent position of Vice President of Fairs & Festivals. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Fortin began his career at Madison House, Inc., followed by roles at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas and within Live Nation before joining Neste Live!.

In his new role, Fortin will oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, including strategic planning and execution, talent buying and event production and festival and fair production and management, as well as growth initiatives for the business.

Cunningham will serve as a trusted advisor to Fortin, providing guidance on strategic planning and supporting the development and management of relationships with clients, agents, managers and other key partners.

Earlier this year, Neste Live! also promoted Jill Kopecky to Vice President of Corporate & Private Events and Annette St. Onge to Director of Operations.