Jason Aldean Surprised With Massive No. 1 Party Celebrating 31 Chart-Toppers At CRS

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Jason Aldean celebrates 31 No. 1 hits. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Jason Aldean was surprised with a party celebrating his 31 No. 1 hits Thursday night (March 19) at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s annual CRS event.

Hosted by BMG Americas’ President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr, the evening celebrated the two decades of Aldean’s career featuring 13 Top 10 country albums and 31 No. 1s at country radio. The star power was bright as Alabama, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line and Travis Tritt all showed up to honor Aldean with musical tributes during the special evening.

Songwriters across Jason Aldean’s 31 No. 1 hits were on site to celebrate the milestone accolade. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Alabama performed their hit and one of Aldean’s favorite’s “The Closer You Get,” (which Aldean used to cover in his early sets), Blake Shelton performed Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” and Tritt tributed Aldean with a version of “Night Train” during the party, while Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, of Florida Georgia Line reunited to perform Aldean’s hit they co-wrote with Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt, “You Make It Easy.” His 30th No. 1 song “Whiskey Drink” was celebrated along with “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” which is actually Aldean’s 31st number one, and was performed by Aldean.

The evening also featured video tributes from Aldean’s friends Lauren Alaina, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Hardy, Chipper Jones, Miranda Lambert, Chase Matthew, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Willie Robertson, Darius Rucker, Bridgette Tatum, Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood and Trisha Yearwood.

Jason Aldean with staff of BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Among the whopping 54 songwriters celebrated for Aldean’s 31 chart-toppers were Rhett Akins, Kurt Allison, Brett Beavers, Jaron Boyer, Rodney Clawson, Chris DeStefano, Michael Dulaney, John Edwards, Jerry Flowers, Brantley Gilbert, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Brett James, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Tony Martin, Vicky McGehee, Wendell Mobley, Ashley Monroe, John Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Danny Myrick, Bobby Pinson, John Rich, Jimmy Robbins, Deric Ruttan, Jason Sellers, Bridgette Tatum, Josh Thompson, Neil Thrasher, Chris Tompkins, Michael Tyler, Lydia Vaughan, Morgan Wallen, Brad Warren, Brent Warren, Brian White and many more.

Currently a two-time nominee at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards for Country Artist of the Year and Country Song of the Year, Aldean recently announced his upcoming 22-city 2026 “Songs About Us Tour” as well as his headlining stadium date at University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium with fellow Georgia native Luke Bryan.

Troy Cartwright Releases New EP ‘Etc. All The Rest’

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Singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright has released his latest EP Etc. All The Rest.

The new five-song project showcases the Texas native’s steady commitment to the craft of songwriting, and is a collection built around the architecture of a well-told story. Writers contributing to the new EP include Aaron Eshuis, Billy Montana, Brandon Hood, David Ray, Jason Duke, and Jason Massey. 

Early releases “Whiskey Ginger” and “That’s Alright” offered the first glimpse of the new EP, which also includes tracks like “How Missing You Sounds” and “You’ve Got A Way” which pull the tempo back, shaping the gravity of relationships in motion. The title track closes the circle with a reflective tone.

“Etc. All The Rest is a phrase that came to me when I was writing that song. I was telling a story, but I didn’t know where to go, and then that line ‘well anyway, I love you babe, etc. all the rest’ came to me, and I thought that said it just about perfectly,” shares Cartwright. “It’s all the things we want to say but don’t have the words for.”

As a songwriter signed to Big Machine Publishing, Cartwright has written songs for Cody Johnson, Ryan Hurd, Lee Brice, Josh Abbott Band, and Nickelback. The singer-songwriter has garnered over 200 million streams to date, and has seen growth across his social media platforms, amassing over 700k+ followers. He has shared the stage with acts like HARDY, Lanco, and one of his songwriting heroes, Hayes Carll.

Etc. All The Rest Track List:
1. “That’s Alright” (Troy Cartwright, Aaron Eshuis)
2. “How Missing You Sounds” (Troy Cartwright, David Ray, Brandon Hood)
3. “Whiskey Ginger” (Troy Cartwright, Billy Montana)
4. “You’ve Got A Way” (Troy Cartwright, Billy Montana, Brandon Hood)
5. “Etc. All The Rest” (Troy Cartwright, Jason Duke, Jason Massey)

CRS 2026 Day Three: Women’s Networking Breakfast, Jelly Roll, Big Machine Luncheon, More

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Country Radio Seminar closed out its 2026 programming Friday (March 20) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from the final day of programming. CRS will return March 17-19, 2027.

Women’s Networking Breakfast

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

The final day kicked off with the Women’s Networking Breakfast. Attendees got to chat and learn from female industry leaders including Michelle Buckles, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Heather Froglear, Katie Neal, Jen Morgan, Tay Hamilton, Stephanie Wagner, Lauren “LT” Thomas, Jamice Jennings, Rakiyah Marshall, Kathleen St. Clair, Jess Tomlins, Amber Anderson, Ashley Wilson, Patti Diaz, Bryce Gravitt and Tracy Martin.

Embracing The Change

Emily Cohen Belote, Steve Knopper, Alissa Pollack and Heather Vassar. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Billboard‘s Steve Knopper, Casual Media Partners’ Heather Vassar, Amazon Music’s Emily Cohen Belote and iHeartMedia’s Alissa Pollack hosted “Embracing the Change: Country is Cross-Pollinating (and That’s Okay),” where they spoke about real-world examples of how cross-genre collaborations benefit all stakeholders in country music.

 

Jelly Roll Receives Humanitarian Award

Jelly Roll. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Jelly Roll was presented with this year’s Artist Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic efforts and the impact they have made.

 

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Luncheon

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Friday’s lunch and performance was hosted by Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Performers during the two hour block included Mackenzie Carpenter, Cole Goodwin, Naomi Carman, Greylan James, Caroline Jones, The Band Perry, The Jack Wharff Band and Shaylen.

 

Creative Talent

Phil Becker, Greg Beharrell, Katie Neal and Woody. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

Creativity took the spotlight during “Creative Talent: Why ‘Playing It Safe’ is the Death of Your Radio Career.” Hosted by Phil Becker, panelists Katie Neal, Woody of the Woody Show, and Greg Beharrell explored how original creators, bold ideas and fearless decisions will help radio hosts stand out.

 

New Faces of Country Music

Kelsey Hart, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick, Ella Langley, Josh Ross and Chase Matthew. Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS closed out with its annual New Faces of Country Music dinner and show, with performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.

HITS HOME Opening Segment To Feature Charlene Bryant, Martha Earls & Cris Lacy [Exclusive]

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Charlene Bryant, Martha Earls & Cris Lacy. Photo: HITS HOME

HITS HOME has unveiled details for its opening segment, “Nashville Welcomes the World.” The panel will feature Cris Lacy, Chair and President of Warner Records Nashville, and Martha Earls, Owner of Neon Coast, in conversation with Charlene Bryant, Founder of Riveter Management. The new global music conference is set for April 19 through April 21 at Virgin Hotels Nashville.

Kicking off the conference on Monday, April 20 at 9 a.m., the session will explore how Nashville continues to impact the global music ecosystem. The segment will also feature a live performance by Latina country artist Kat Luna.

“HITS HOME was built to create music moments that feel just as meaningful as they are impactful for business,” says Nick Maiale, Founder of jump.global, the Nashville-based company behind HITS HOME. “We have neighbors joining us from Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, the UK, Canada, Germany, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Iceland, Singapore, and beyond. Opening with leaders who represent the heart of Nashville’s music community—alongside a performance that captures its spirit—is our way of welcoming the world into this city and into the conversations that matter most right now in the music business.”

The announcement marks the one of the first programming reveals for the inaugural event. Additional event details will be available here as they are released.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly reflects a dynamic stretch across Nashville’s music industry, with major leadership moves, new ventures, and artist signings signaling continued momentum in both the label and management sectors. Click here to see the full edition.

Scott Borchetta has officially launched a management division under Borchetta Entertainment Group. Carly Pearce has been named the division’s first client, and Mike Blong joins as Manager.

Clint Higham, John Esposito, and Kris Lamb have unveiled a new label venture, HEY NOW Records. The imprint launches with major star power, signing Kenny Chesney as its flagship artist. Lamb will serve as Co-Founder and President.

MCA has elevated Miranda McDonald and Jimmy Rector to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing, while Triple 8 Management has promoted Aaron Sawyer to Partner.

The industry also celebrated excellence at CRS 2026, where the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was unveiled during the annual CRS Honors ceremony. Previously inducted figures Mike Moore and Trish Biondo revealed this year’s honorees. In the On-Air Personality category, Chris Carr, Michael J, and Rick Jackson will be recognized, while the Radio category includes Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan, and John Marks.

At Curb Records, Todd Thomas has been promoted to National Director, Promotion, where he will work alongside Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to co-lead the label’s country radio department. At the same time, longtime executive RJ Meacham will depart at the end of March after a decade with the company.

Sony Music Nashville and global superstar Kane Brown have renewed their relationship with a new multi-album, worldwide deal.

The independent publishing community is also preparing to take center stage, as the Association of Independent Music Publishers has announced the final nominees for the 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards. Set for April 14 at Analog at the Hutton Hotel, the ceremony will be hosted by Storme Warren and will spotlight songs driven by Nashville’s independent publishing sector. Songwriters Johnny Clawson and Jessie Jo Dillon lead this year’s nominations.

Jeanette Porcello has joined Concord Label Group as Senior Director of A&R. Rising talent continues to secure key representation and deals, with Cori Kennedy signing with WME for worldwide representation, and Ethan Garner inking a label deal with RECORDS Nashville in partnership with RCA Records.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Jordan Davis takes the No. 1 spot with “Turn This Truck Around.” Explore more chart data here.

The 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.

CRS 2026 Day Two: Team MCA At The Ryman, The Conversation, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, More

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Country Radio Seminar continued yesterday (March 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

The Disruptors: What If You Took A Risk

Courtesy of CRS

Panelists Chuck Aly, Travis Daily, Jon Loba, Gregg Swedberg and Brian Michel discussed the current state of radio relevance and its power moving forward.

 

Team MCA At The Ryman

Photo: Peyton Hoge/Courtesy of MCA

49 Winchester, Kassi Ashton, Brothers Osborne, Dalton Davis, Carter Faith, Wyatt Flores, Vince Gill, Jacob Hackworth, Tyler Hubbard, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, Madden Metcalf, NEEDTOBREATHE, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban and Kenny Whitmire took the stage for the “Team MCA at the Ryman” luncheon.

 

The Conversation: Featuring Ella Langley & Jo Dee Messina

Courtesy of CRS

Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina joined together for a keynote session dubbed “The Conversation,” sharing their respective journeys to success.

 

Cycle Of A Song: Chase Matthew’s “Darlin'”

Courtesy of CRS

The daily “Cycle Of A Song” series focused on Chase Matthew‘s “Darlin’” on Thursday afternoon. Those on in the panel included Matthew, Tim Foisset, Rod Phillips, Michael Chase, Loyd Potts III and Ken Madson.

 

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Courtesy of CRS

Attendees were treated to drinks and tunes during the annual “Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley,” hosted by Country Top 40’s Fitz. Performers included Rhett Akins, The Warren Brothers, Jim Beavers, Clint Black, Steve Wariner and Paul Overstreet. Radio Ink also unveiled its annual Top 30 Country PDs list.

 

BBR Music Group Closes Out The Night

Courtesy of CRS

BBR Music Group closed out day two of CRS with a celebration of Jason Aldean‘s 31 chart-toppers featuring performances from Florida Georgia Line, Alabama and Travis Tritt. 

Flatland Cavalry Debuts New Era At Intimate Nashville Pop-Up

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Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Louie Nice

The room filled up quickly Wednesday night (March 18) at Nashville’s 6th & Peabody for an intimate pop-up performance from Flatland Cavalry, where the Texas-born group delivered a high energy set that blended fan favorites with a preview of what’s to come.

Opening with “I’ve Been Gone,” the band quickly settled into a rhythm with the audience. They followed with “On And On,” a track from their upcoming album Work of Heart, offering one of several glimpses into new material that shaped the evening. “One I Want” and the unreleased “Birds Eye View” continued to build momentum, each song highlighting the band’s signature storytelling and understated musicianship.

Midway through the set, “Mountain Song” and another unreleased track, “Nightshine,” carried a reflective tone, giving the audience a sense of the sonic direction of the forthcoming project. Before continuing, the band paused for a moment of sincerity, telling the crowd, “I don’t know if this song is technically ‘country,’ but country is what country means to you. Thank you for showing up and listening to us tonight.”

They leaned further into new territory with “Unglued,” another unreleased song, before returning to familiar ground with “A Life Where We Work Out,” which drew a particularly strong response from the crowd. “Never Comin’ Back,” currently making its way through country radio, kept the crowd rocking.

Closing with “Stompin’ Grounds,” the band gathered around a single front microphone, creating a front-porch feel that perfectly matched the spirit of the evening.

The band’s new album Work Of Heart will release on March 27 via Lost Highway. They are currently amidst their “Work Of Heart Tour,” and will make festival appearances at Troubadour Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, WE Fest and more throughout the year.

Chandra LaPlume Exits Sandbox Entertainment

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Chandra LaPlume

Chandra LaPlume has departed Sandbox Entertainment after five years with the company.

During her tenure with Sandbox LaPlume worked across television and film development as well as artist management, and executive produced films and television specials, most notably the Grammy-nominated JUNE: The June Carter Cash Story. Prior to joining Sandbox, LaPlume was partner at Taillight TV from 2003-2020.

“After an incredible chapter at Sandbox Entertainment, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead as I explore new opportunities in creative development and artist relations,” says LaPlume.

She can be reached at claplume27@gmail.com.

On The Row: Madden Metcalf Shares Signature Saltwater Southern Sound

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Madden Metcalf. Photo: Brandon Espeleta

Madden Metcalf recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a preview of his debut project, Saltwater Southern, out today via Wexler Records/MCA.

First discovered by his manager Olivia Zaro, the Panacea, Florida native connected to veteran songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler in 2024 while pursuing a construction management degree. He signed to MCA earlier this year.

Metcalf was inspired to learn guitar after a Riley Green concert and began performing for tips at his uncle’s restaurant where he worked. A fourth generation commercial fisherman and inspired by the sounds of Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, Metcalf describes his sound now as “Saltwater Southern.”

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Madden Metcalf; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

He shared a taste of his new project with the team, previewing “Young Loretta” and “Kinda Paradise.”

The project explores love, heartbreak and more across the five tracks, which Metcalf wrote alongside Wexler and Elliah Heifetz. Saltwater Southern was produced by Wexler and Paul Sikes.

“I’m really excited for the EP,” Metcalf shared with the team. “Its truly every aspect of the lifestyle that I live, that I was born and raised to live. This record really encapsulates everything that we’d listen to [as I grew up]. I’m truly excited for it to be out there.”

Saltwater Southern Track List:
1. “Kinda Paradise” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
2. “Young Loretta” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
3. “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
4. “Long John Silver” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
5. “Like My Hometown” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)

 

@musicrowmag @maddenmetcalf went Off The Record with MusicRow to celebrate his new EP Saltwater Southern! #country #countrymusic #offtherecord ♬ Kinda Paradise – Madden Metcalf

 

 

Julianna Rankin Signs With Big Loud Texas Publishing & Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Allie Sisoian (Manager, Red Light Management), Lizzy Rector (Publishing Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing), Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, Julianna Rankin, Anna Weisband (SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Natalie Rhea

Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing.

Alongside the announcement, Rankin is releasing her second song via Big Loud Texas, “Little Miss Behavin,’” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. “Little Miss Behavin’” follows Rankin’s label debut “Bad Habits and Good Horses,” which was featured in the season finale of Landman via Paramount+.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas,” says Anna Weisband, SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She’s the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can’t wait to help share that with the world!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” shares Lizzy Rector, Publishing Director, Big Loud Publishing. “She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s ahead.”

Beginning in April, Rankin will support label-mate Jake Worthington on his “Intent To Tonk Tour” with stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston and New York.