Martha Sharp. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Martha Sharp, who had successful careers as both a songwriter and a record-label executive, died on Wednesday morning (Dec. 11) at age 87.
She wrote a series of pop hits in Music City in the 1960s. She reemerged as a longtime A&R executive at Warner in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Among her signings to the label were the superstars Randy Travis and Faith Hill.
Martha Marion Sharp was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1937. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Virginia, and Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. She came to Music City in 1963 to become a songwriter.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Sharp signed with Painted Desert Music as a staff songwriter in Nashville. Producer Chips Moman found her song “Born a Woman.” He brought Memphis singer Sandy Posey to Muscle Shoals to record it in 1966, and it became a big pop hit.
Next, Bob Beckham signed Sharp to Combine Music on Music Row and published the songwriter’s next Sandy Posey hit, 1967’s “Single Girl.” This became Maratha Sharp’s most recorded composition. An appreciative Sharp wrote the liner notes for Posey’s third album.
Pop star Bobby Vee dipped into Sharp’s Painted Desert catalog to record her song “Come Back When You Grow Up.” It hit No. 3 on the pop hit parade in 1967 and became Sharp’s biggest songwriting hit. She also wrote “Maybe Just Today” as a Bobby Lee single of 1968.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Eddy Arnold had a minor country success with her song “You Fool” in 1969. Irish crooner Val Doonican had a top 10 U.K. hit in 1965 with Sharp’s “The Special Years.” In 1970, Jean Shepard had a top 20 country hit with the songwriter’s “I Want You Free.”
Her songs were also recorded by Tom Jones, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Nick Lowe, Barbara Eden, The Browns, Dottie West, Jan Howard, Leif Garrett, Johnny Tillotson, Cilla Black, The Lennon Sisters, Wilma Burgess, Brook Benton and several European artists. Martha Sharp mainly wrote solo, although a few of her songs were cowritten with Larry Butler. One of these was “Another Goodbye Song,” which Rex Allen Jr. took onto the country charts in 1974.
Martha Sharp on the cover of MusicRow Magazine in 1995
Combine Music was owned by Fred Foster, who also owned Monument Records. He co-produced a 1973 Monument album for Martha Sharp titled Anywoman. This was her only recording. Her fellow Combine/Monument signee Kris Kristofferson wrote its liner notes.
Martha Sharp’s skill as a songwriter led her into A&R work, finding songs and singers for country record labels. She initially worked for Jimmy Bowen at Elektra Records in 1980, then moved to Warner when it absorbed the company in 1983. Under Warner leader Jim Ed Norman, Sharp was named a vice president of the label.
At Warner, Sharp signed Randy Travis after he’d been turned down by every record company in Music City. She also took a chance on an unknown Faith Hill. She was involved with the Warner careers of Highway 101, Carlene Carter, The Forester Sisters, Crystal Gayle, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Gary Morris, Holly Dunn, Travis Tritt and the company’s other stars of that era. Sharp contracted with producers, recording studios, mastering labs and all other aspects of record production.
Martha Sharp retired from the record label in 1995 and moved to Richmond, Virginia to pursue her avocation as a painter. She returned to Music City about a decade ago. In 2014, Leadership Music and SOURCE presented a panel discussion with Sharp and RCA’s Mary Martin about Nashville’s pioneering female A&R executives.
Martha Sharp is survived by her brothers, Hardin Marion of Lexington, Virginia, and Dave Marion of Zephyr Cove, Nevada. There will not be a funeral.
Corey Kent To Release Live Album Next Week
/by Madison HahnenCorey Kent will release his new album, ’24 Live, on Dec. 27 via RCA Records Nashville.
Recorded from Kent’s two performances at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa this year, the project offers listeners a chance to experience his live show. With this release, Kent continues his tradition of dropping new music at year’s end in celebration of his fans, following last year’s acoustic album, ’23.
The album features live performances of songs from his albums Black Bandana, Blacktop and From The West, alongside singles and cover songs.
“Playing live shows is one of the best parts of my job, no doubt,” says Kent. “I’m so grateful to everyone who made it out to a show this year—the energy every night is always something special. I think this album really captures the excitement of this tour and I wanted to release it to say thank you to everyone who made this year so great. Hope y’all love it.”
Kent gave fans an early preview of ’24 Live by releasing “Come Together” off the album, along with the accompanying live performance video.
Along with the release of ’24 Live, Kent is preparing to hit the road with Jon Pardi, joining him as support on select dates of the “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour.” Kent will also launch the 2025 leg of his “Black Bandana Tour,” which will include international dates. This extension comes on the heels of his 2024 tour, where Kent sold between 1,500 and 2,000 tickets per night.
’24 Live Track Listing:
1. “Gold – Live From Tulsa”
2. “Highways – Live From Tulsa”
3. “Postcard – Live From Tulsa”
4. “Come Together [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
5. “Come Together – Live From Tulsa”
6. “How You Know You Made It – Live From Tulsa”
7. “Feels a Lot Like This – Live From Tulsa”
8. “Long Way – Live From Tulsa”
9. “Notorious [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
10. “Better Now – Live From Tulsa”
11. “BiC Flame – Live From Tulsa”
12. “Boys Growing Up – Live From Tulsa”
13. “Something’s Gonna Kill Me – Live From Tulsa”
14. “Tumbleweed – Live From Tulsa”
15. “This Heart – Live From Tulsa”
16. “Never Ready [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
17. “Never Ready – Live From Tulsa”
18. “Wild As Her [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
19. “Wild As Her – Live From Tulsa”
20. “Ain’t My Day [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
21. “Ain’t My Day – Live From Tulsa”
22. “Bixby [Encore] – Live From Tulsa”
Rumble On The Row Fight Card Unveiled For 21st Annual ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids’
/by Liza AndersonThe Rumble on the Row fight card has been unveiled for The Charley Foundation’s 21st annual “Ringside: A Fight for Kids” event, taking place Friday, March 7 at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee.
The function will include four bouts, sanctioned by USA Boxing, of Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring. Sponsored by SMACKSongs, the 2025 matchups consist of: Kane Brown’s Tour Manager Daryl Dixon vs. Romeo Entertainment Group’s R.J. Romeo; SMACKSongs’ Marissa Turk vs. Elliott Davis|Vaden Group’s Shelby Weimer; AEG Presents’ Anna Dietz vs. Wiles + Taylor & Co.’s Ava Angeli; and GLÜ/Numbers Don’t Lie/The 13th’s Josh Windt vs. UTA’s Alexander Shelley.
The evening will also feature gourmet dining, music and a silent auction. Limited tables and standing-room-only tickets are still available. For more information, click here. Funds raised will support The Charley Foundation’s efforts to provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.
Industry Ink: Brothers Osborne, Jelly Roll, Chayce Beckham, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrothers Osborne Get Platinum Surprise
Pictured (L-R): TJ Osborne, Lori Christian (UMG Nashville), John Peets (Q Prime), Rob Femia (UMG Nashville), John Osborne and Randi Tolbert (Q Prime). Photo: Chris Hollo
Brothers Osborne was recently surprised by UMG Nashville and Q Prime staff with two plaques commemorating their 2016 debut album Pawn Shop going Platinum, and chart-topping single “Stay A Little Longer” earning triple-Platinum certification. The brothers are nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the upcoming 67th Grammy Awards with “Break Mine,” from their 2024 Break Mine EP. They are currently in the studio working on new music for 2025.
Jelly Roll’s ‘I Am Not Okay’ Achieves Platinum
Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Jelly Roll recently received a Platinum certification from the RIAA for his smash single “I Am Not Okay.” The song appears on his blockbuster Billboard 200 No. 1 sophomore album, Beautifully Broken. He co-wrote “I Am Not Okay” with Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley and Casey Brown with Zach Crowell serving as producer, and the single is currently nominated for two Grammys at the upcoming 67th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2.
The single cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 14 and captured the No.1 spot on the Billboard U.S. Country Airplay Chart and Mediabase Aircheck chart for multiple weeks as his sixth No. 1 entry on the respective chart. It also vaulted into the Top 3 of the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart.
Chayce Beckham Surprises Hometown Kids With New Guitars
Pictured (L-R): Chayce Beckham, Callie Hilliard (KP Entertainment), Christina Garber (FG4K) and Ben Dudley (FG4K). Photo: Sarah Krieg
Chayce Beckham returned to his hometown of Apple Valley, California on Dec. 12 to visit the town’s local parks and recreation afterschool program at the Singh Center for the Arts. Partnering with Gibson Gives and Free Guitars 4 Kids, Beckham personally surprised 30 kids with brand-new guitars. From his own experience growing up with music at the center, Beckham knows the positive impact music education can have on children and wants to continue to spotlight and support this mission within Apple Valley.
“Music has always been a big part of my life,” Beckham shares. “One of my most cherished memories is when my grandmother bought me my first guitar. Knowing the impact music can have on someone’s life, especially my own, I want to give these kids the same opportunity and encourage them to dream big.”
Jeff (JB) Brown Receives Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship
Jeff (JB) Brown
Jeff (JB) Brown, Program Director for Curtis Media’s WMMY/WWMY Highway 106.1/102.3 in Boone, North Carolina, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship. Brown was chosen by a panel of country radio programmers and other industry professionals. He will receive a paid registration to attend the 2025 Country Radio Seminar, Feb. 19-21 in Nashville.
Shortly after graduating college, Brown began his career in broadcasting at a local AM station, WKSK in West Jefferson Missouri. Nine years later, he was offered a position at WTQR Winston/Salem/Greensboro North Carolina, where he stayed for the next 19 years. In 2019, he returned home to WMMY/WWMY in Boone, where he serves as Program Director and morning show host.
Dugger Band Hosts Hurricane Helene Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Idell/ President, AIDNET, Ed Link/AIDNET, Jordan Dugger, Seth Dugger, Tom Smith and Rebecca Tipton, AIDNET Board Members. Photo: Michael Chatman
Country duo Dugger Band hosted a benefit show to raise money for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Kingsport, Tennessee on Nov. 9 with Adam Clouse and Brett Sheroky. The Duggers raised over $17,000 for the cause and presented the check to AIDNET on Dec. 10 at their weekly board meeting at the Greene County Partnership building in downtown Greeneville, Tennessee.
The Dugger Band just released their new Christmas single, “Christmas Lights On” and are gearing up to host their annual Christmas concert, a hometown tradition, on Dec. 17 at the Capitol Theatre of Greeneville.
Midland Announces 2025 ‘Get Lucky Tour’ Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland has extended their “Get Lucky Tour” with additional dates in 2025.
The tour will include special guests Flatland Cavalry and Pug Johnson, and make stops in Tampa, Tucson, Flagstaff and more. The announcement follows the release of their album, Barely Blue, and its deluxe edition featuring Kaitlin Butts and Paul Cauthen earlier this year.
Also in 2024, Midland collaborated with Orville Peck on “The Hurtin’ Kind,” which appeared on Peck’s duets album, Stampede, and released a cover of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” for the star-studded Petty Country album.
“Get Lucky Tour” Dates:
* with Pug Johnson
^ with Flatland Cavalry
Feb. 20 – Tampa, FL – Hard Rock Event Center *
Feb. 21 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live *
Feb. 22 – Immokalee, FL – Seminole Casino *
March 8 – Berlin, DE – C2C Berlin
March 22 – Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center
March 25 – Rotterdam, NL – C2C Netherlands
April 11 – McAllen, TX – McAllen Convention Center
April 25 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena ^
April 26 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater ^
April 27 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Festival
May 2 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort
June 28 – Pendleton, OR – Jackalope Jamboree
Music Row Veteran Martha Sharp Passes
/by Robert K OermannMartha Sharp. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Martha Sharp, who had successful careers as both a songwriter and a record-label executive, died on Wednesday morning (Dec. 11) at age 87.
She wrote a series of pop hits in Music City in the 1960s. She reemerged as a longtime A&R executive at Warner in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Among her signings to the label were the superstars Randy Travis and Faith Hill.
Martha Marion Sharp was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1937. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Virginia, and Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. She came to Music City in 1963 to become a songwriter.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Sharp signed with Painted Desert Music as a staff songwriter in Nashville. Producer Chips Moman found her song “Born a Woman.” He brought Memphis singer Sandy Posey to Muscle Shoals to record it in 1966, and it became a big pop hit.
Next, Bob Beckham signed Sharp to Combine Music on Music Row and published the songwriter’s next Sandy Posey hit, 1967’s “Single Girl.” This became Maratha Sharp’s most recorded composition. An appreciative Sharp wrote the liner notes for Posey’s third album.
Pop star Bobby Vee dipped into Sharp’s Painted Desert catalog to record her song “Come Back When You Grow Up.” It hit No. 3 on the pop hit parade in 1967 and became Sharp’s biggest songwriting hit. She also wrote “Maybe Just Today” as a Bobby Lee single of 1968.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Eddy Arnold had a minor country success with her song “You Fool” in 1969. Irish crooner Val Doonican had a top 10 U.K. hit in 1965 with Sharp’s “The Special Years.” In 1970, Jean Shepard had a top 20 country hit with the songwriter’s “I Want You Free.”
Her songs were also recorded by Tom Jones, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Nick Lowe, Barbara Eden, The Browns, Dottie West, Jan Howard, Leif Garrett, Johnny Tillotson, Cilla Black, The Lennon Sisters, Wilma Burgess, Brook Benton and several European artists. Martha Sharp mainly wrote solo, although a few of her songs were cowritten with Larry Butler. One of these was “Another Goodbye Song,” which Rex Allen Jr. took onto the country charts in 1974.
Martha Sharp on the cover of MusicRow Magazine in 1995
Combine Music was owned by Fred Foster, who also owned Monument Records. He co-produced a 1973 Monument album for Martha Sharp titled Anywoman. This was her only recording. Her fellow Combine/Monument signee Kris Kristofferson wrote its liner notes.
Martha Sharp’s skill as a songwriter led her into A&R work, finding songs and singers for country record labels. She initially worked for Jimmy Bowen at Elektra Records in 1980, then moved to Warner when it absorbed the company in 1983. Under Warner leader Jim Ed Norman, Sharp was named a vice president of the label.
At Warner, Sharp signed Randy Travis after he’d been turned down by every record company in Music City. She also took a chance on an unknown Faith Hill. She was involved with the Warner careers of Highway 101, Carlene Carter, The Forester Sisters, Crystal Gayle, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Gary Morris, Holly Dunn, Travis Tritt and the company’s other stars of that era. Sharp contracted with producers, recording studios, mastering labs and all other aspects of record production.
Martha Sharp retired from the record label in 1995 and moved to Richmond, Virginia to pursue her avocation as a painter. She returned to Music City about a decade ago. In 2014, Leadership Music and SOURCE presented a panel discussion with Sharp and RCA’s Mary Martin about Nashville’s pioneering female A&R executives.
Martha Sharp is survived by her brothers, Hardin Marion of Lexington, Virginia, and Dave Marion of Zephyr Cove, Nevada. There will not be a funeral.
Story House Collective & Essential Music Publishing Launch Joint Venture
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, top): Holly Zabka and Jamie Rodgers; (L–R, bottom): Matthew West and Matt Armstrong. Photo: Tyler Meadows
Matthew West‘s Story House Collective and Essential Music Publishing have launched a joint venture, and signed songwriter and producer Matt Armstrong to a worldwide publishing deal.
“While perhaps most widely known as a successful recording artist, it’s Matthew West’s writing credits across multiple artists and genres that truly sets him apart as a creative,” says Jamie Rodgers, VP of Essential Music Publishing. “It’s an immense privilege to come alongside both him and the entire Story House team to champion and develop the next generation of songwriters. I can’t wait to see what the shared passion and focus between their team and Essential Music Publishing are able to accomplish in the years to come.”
Armstrong will also serve as A&R for Story House, aiding in the discovery and development of emerging creators. He has scored cuts with Casting Crowns, Passion, Bethel Music, Jesus Culture, Ellie Holcomb, Zach Williams, Sanctus Real and Kristene DiMarco, and contributed to chart-toppers like Chris Tomlin’s “At The Cross (Love Ran Red).”
“It’s an honor to come alongside Story House and Essential Music Publishing,” shares Armstrong. “Songwriting and nurturing the next generation of songwriters and artists is a passion I’ve long carried. Songs are mouthpieces of the gospel to the world, and it’s a privilege to continue to be a part of the craft.”
“I’ve been a fan of Matt’s songwriting for a long time. As talented as he is, his work ethic is just as impressive, and I know his best songs are still ahead of him. I’m also excited to see him step into this dual role,” says West. “He has demonstrated a unique ability to spot undiscovered talent, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him join the Story House team!”
George Birge Notches Second No. 1 At Country Radio
/by Madison HahnenGeorge Birge. Photo: Courtesy of Rich Mgmt
George Birge has earned his second No. 1 at country radio with “Cowboy Songs,” sitting atop both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Written by Birge, Lalo Guzman, Matt McGinn and Michael Tyler and co-produced by Guzman and McGinn, “Cowboy Songs” has amassed nearly 23 million worldwide streams.
“Having the No. 1 song on the Billboard Country Airplay chart is an absolute dream come true,” Birge shared with Billboard. “It’s wild to think that the song I wrote about chasing my wife across dusty dive bars in Austin, Texas, is now sitting at the top. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year.”
The tune tells a fiery story of smoky dive bars and neon lights, inspired by the singer’s pursuit of his University of Texas college sweetheart and wife Kara across Austin.
The news caps off a big year for the RECORDS Nashville artist, who was a part of the 2024 New Faces of Country Music show and named Billboard’s January Country Rookie of the Month. His song “Mind On You” also hit the top of the radio chart earlier this year, giving the artist his first radio No. 1. Birge also made his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and spent the year headlining venues as well as supporting Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Parker McCollum on their respective tours.
In the new year, he will make appearances at multiple festivals, including Stagecoach, Barefoot Country Music Fest, Lakes Jam and more. Birge will also join Dylan Scott on his “Country Till I Die Tour.“
Parker McCollum Adds Dates To ‘What Kinda Man Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum. Photo: Jason Stoltzfus
Parker McCollum has added dates to his upcoming “What Kinda Man Tour” kicking off in January.
The 16 newly-announced shows will carry the tour throughout the summer and across the country, and joining McCollum on various dates on the run will be Ashley Cooke, Corey Smith, Hudson Westbrook, Laci Kaye Booth, Kameron Marlowe, Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers Band and Vincent Mason. He will visit Birmingham, Wilmington, Orange Beach, Dallas and more through Aug. 23.
McCollum will head into the New Year headlining from Brooklyn Bowl as part of CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which will air live and stream on Paramount + on Dec. 31.
Newly-added “What Kinda Man Tour” Dates:
6.26.25 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront*#
6.27.25 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park*%
7.17.25 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater%
7.19.25 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion&%
7.24.25 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena>#
7.25.25 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater>#
7.26.25 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater2#
7.31.25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater>^
8.1.25 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center>^
8.2.25 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater>^
8.14.25 – Fresno, CA – Selland Arena at Fresno Convention Center+%
8.15.25 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose+%
8.16.25 – Murphys, CA – Ironstone Amphitheater+%
8.21.25 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino+%
8.22.25 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater+%
8.23.25 – Abbotsford, BC, Canada – Abbotsford Centre+%
Ashley Cooke+
Corey Smith*
Hudson Westbrook^
Laci Kaye Booth#
Kameron Marlowe>
Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly&
Randy Rogers Band2
Vincent Mason%
Kane Brown Unveils Track List For ‘The High Road’
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown. Photo: Dennis Leupold
Kane Brown has revealed the track list for his upcoming new album, The High Road, out Jan. 24 via Sony Music Nashville.
The new project features collaborations with Brad Paisley, Khalid and Jelly Roll, as well as his hit with Marshmello “Miles On It,” and two tracks with his wife, Katelyn Brown, who is featured on “Body Talk” and “Do Us Part” on the album.
“This album, The High Road, is my favorite album I’ve ever made. I get to explore all sides of my story and styles of my music,” says Brown. “Every song is important to me and every collaboration means something personal to me. I’m so incredibly proud of this record.”
Brown released “Body Talk” from the new album last month, and is gearing up for his new “High Road Tour” next year, which kicks off on March 13 in San Diego.
The High Road Track List:
1. “I Am” (Kane Brown / Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Josh Hoge/Zach Seabaugh)
2. “Fiddle In The Band” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jordan Walker/Russell Sutton)
3. “Backseat Driver” (Jacob Davis/Jordan Walker)
4. “Miles On It” with Marshmello (Marshmello/Kane Brown/Jake Torrey/Riley McDonough/Connor McDonough/CASTLE/Nick Gale/Earwulf)
5. “Says I Can” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Matt Roy)
6. “3” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Tim Nichols/Rivers Rutherford)
7. “Rescue” with Khalid (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Khalid)
8. “Haunted” with Jelly Roll (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free)
9. “Start A Fire” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Taylor Phillips)
10. “Body Talk” with Katelyn Brown (Kane Brown/Jonathan Capeci/Amanda Renee Ibanez/Nick Long/Nicholas Sainato)
11. “Gorgeous” (Aldae/Blake Anthony Carter/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free)
12. “Beside Me” (Kane Brown/John Byron/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Alexander Izquierdo/Taylor Phillips/Ryan Vojtesak)
13. “I Can Feel It” (Phil Collins/Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free)
14. “Things We Quit” with Brad Paisley (Jesse Frasure/Michael Hardy/Josh Osborne/Morgan Wallen)
15. “Back Around” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jordan Minton/Hunter Phelps)
16. “Stay” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Jennifer Nettles)
17. “Do Us Part” with Katelyn Brown (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Taylor Phillips)
18. “When You Forget” (Kane Brown/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Walker)
Virgin Music Group To Acquire Downtown Music
/by LB CantrellVirgin Music Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
As one of the leading service providers to the global music industry, Downtown Music’s technology and service offerings support creators and businesses in music creation, distribution, publishing, marketing, royalty collection, financing, accounting and payment services.
Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music will offer a broadened and enhanced suite of services to clients, including digital and physical distribution, release marketing, business intelligence, neighboring rights, synchronization, royalties and rights management. Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music will continue operating independently through a customary regulatory approval period, with the combination of the companies to occur following the deal closure.
“Justin Kalifowitz, Andrew Bergman and Pieter Van Rijn have built Downtown Music into one of the most diversified and respected operations in the world,” says JT Myers, Co-CEO, Virgin Music Group. “This combination enables us to expand on the Downtown legacy and offer the independent music community a dynamic and innovative global infrastructure both in terms of service offering and territorial footprint, and we look forward to working with the Downtown team to serve independent entrepreneurs, artists and creators with an even broader portfolio of services.”
“On behalf of Andrew, Pieter and myself, it is very exciting for Downtown to be joining forces with Virgin Music,” shares Kalifowitz, Founder, Downtown Music Holdings. “This is a tremendous recognition of the importance and vitality of independent music, and the value that our company brings to its clients every day. Downtown was established with the belief that artists and entrepreneurs everywhere and at every stage are entitled to the same tools and opportunities to succeed. We have no doubt that the breadth and high level of service Downtown provides to its clients will be strengthened working with Nat, JT and the whole Virgin Music team.”
“It’s an exciting time for Virgin as we continue to build a next-generation music company for independent artists and labels,” adds Nat Pastor, Co-CEO, Virgin Music Group. “We aren’t just making an acquisition; this is an investment into the global independent music ecosystem and a commitment to nurture current and future creators and entrepreneurs with world-class support, services, and capabilities they require at any phase of their careers.”
Initially established as a music publishing company in 2007, Downtown now has more than 20 offices across six continents, the company has core divisions across Artist & Label Services, Distribution, Royalties & Financial Services and Music Publishing. Its portfolio of businesses includes FUGA, Downtown Artist & Label Services, Curve Royalties, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing and Songtrust. It collectively serves over 5,000 business clients and more than four million creators in 145 countries.