ACM Unveils 2025 LEVel Up Cohort

The Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program has revealed the participants for its 2025 cohort.

The 2025 cohort consists of Allie Bartone (Red Light Management), Lilly Brown (BMI), Zoe Cummins (Songwriter), Tanner Davenport (White Boy MGMT & Black Opry), Hope Garrison (Triple Tigers), Krista Hayes-Pruitt (BBRMG/BMG), Samantha Kane (Grand Ole Opry), Matt Najdowski (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Ashley Negrillo (Maverick Nashville) and Jess Tomlins (Neon Coast).

The 2025 LEVel Up cohort consists of 10 young professionals with careers across various sectors of the industry, including performing rights organizations, management companies, record labels and more. Nearly all participants in this cohort come from organizations that have not previously been represented in the program. With members hailing from across the entire industry, they join a distinguished group of over 30 unique organizations that have been represented in LEVel Up since its launch in 2022.

The ACM LEVel Up curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a key role in broadening the reach of country music, connecting with new audiences that go beyond traditional demographics and geographic boundaries. Fully funded by ACM, participants spend their first year learning from industry thought leaders and collaborating as a cohort to create a strategy aimed at expanding country music’s appeal to underrepresented audiences. In their second year, the cohort puts their plan into action, working purposefully to shape the future of the genre and drive the industry forward in innovative and impactful ways.

“We are so excited about the new group of LEVel Up members, who are and will continue to be an integral part of the growth and evolution of the country music industry,” says Vipin Reddy, Chair of the ACM Lifting Voices Council. “The 2024 cohort raised the bar for affecting change with results-driven work, and we are thrilled to welcome our outstanding 2025 members to continue the great work of LEVel Up and ACM.”

SOLID Presents Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award To Kari Barnhart

SOLID President Rio Van Risseghem with Kari Barnhart, this year’s recipient of The Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: Courtesy of SOLID

Kari Barnhart has been named as the first recipient of The SOLID Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award.

This award honors SOLID alumni with over 10 years of experience in the music industry who have consistently exemplified the core values of the organization throughout their careers.

Barnhart, who currently serves as SVP/Entertainment Relationship Manager at Studio Bank, began her finance career at HSBC, where she led her team to achieve a top 15 ranking out of 800 offices. She went on to work at Fifth Third Bank, where she played a key role in expanding the Music & Entertainment Division as its Director/Relationship Specialist. Barnhart also spent time at Regions Bank, further solidifying her extensive background in music business banking. She served the SOLID Board from 2015-2017 as the Music Market Co-Chair and 20th Year Celebration Chair and has remained a supporter of the organization, providing mentorship and sharing her expertise as an industry speaker.

The award was created in memory of Alexander, a founding member of SOLID and an esteemed leader in the music industry.

‘Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast’ Returns To CRS 2025

The “Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast” at CRS returns in 2025 on Feb. 19, featuring a panel dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the country industry.

This year’s panel will be moderated by Tiffany Provenzano, Director at Equal Access/mtheory, and features a lineup including The War & Treaty, Brooke Eden, Sean Copeland (Program Director, Hank-FM, Indianapolis, Radio One) and Shannon Sanders (Executive Director, Creative, BMI).

The event aims to encourage attendees to champion diversity in their organizations and to show minority groups entering the country music industry that there are leaders in positions of influence who reflect and represent them. It will offer discussions on representation, breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments within country radio and beyond.

CRS 2025 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2025.

Post Malone & Luke Combs Top MusicRow Radio Chart

Post Malone notches another No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart alongside Luke Combs with their track “Guy For That,” marking the last chart-topper of 2024.

The track is part of his recent album F-1 Trillion and was written by Post, Combs, Ernest, James McNair, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins and Louis Bell.

Yesterday (Dec. 12), Post was awarded three new RIAA certifications. His album F-1 Trillion achieved Platinum status, his six-week No. 1 with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” went five-times Platinum and his hit with Blake Shelton, “Pour Me A Drink,” also earned a Platinum certification.

“Guy For That” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.

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

Brenda Lee Celebrates 80th Birthday With Friends At UMG Nashville Holiday Bash

Trisha Yearwood, Brenda Lee and Cindy Mabe at Lee’s 80th birthday celebration. Photo: Chris Hollo

Brenda Lee celebrated a milestone birthday on Wednesday night (Dec. 11), ringing in her 80th with close friends and family at a holiday party thrown by UMG Nashville.

On hand for the festivities were Lee’s friends Nancy Jones, Retta Kelm, the Grand Ole Opry’s Gina Keltner, UMGN’s Cindy Mabe and Trisha Yearwood, who led the room in singing “Happy Birthday” to Little Miss Dynamite. Video messages from friends near and far also rolled in from Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Ringo Starr and more.

Brenda Lee at her 80th birthday celebration. Photo: Chris Hollo

“Brenda Lee is a national treasure and we are so lucky to get to be a part of her life,” says Mabe, UMGN Chair & CEO. “Celebrating 80 years is special for anyone but to get to celebrate 80 years of some of the greatest music ever made by a one-of-a-kind icon is not something we could miss. Brenda Lee is an extension of our legacy at UMGN and we are just so grateful to know her.”

Brenda Lee signed with the Decca Records label before her 12th birthday and went on to record such landmark hits as “Sweet Nothin’s,” “All Alone Am I,” “Break it to Me Gently” and “I’m Sorry.” Her best-loved hit, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” celebrated its 65th anniversary last year and continues to top the charts year after year.“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” now also holds the record for the longest climb to the top of the Hot 100, as the Johnny Marks-written hit was released 65 years ago, when Lee was just 13. Then, at 79-years-old, Lee became the oldest woman to top the Hot 100, surpassing previous record-holders Cher (“Believe,” age 52) and Mariah Carey (“All I Want for Christmas is You,” age 53).

Industry Ink: Jeremy Camp, Ruby Leigh, Lacy J. Dalton, More

Jeremy Camp Celebrates Six Gold Singles

Pictured (L-R): Brad O’Donnell, Jeremy Camp, Matt Balm and Hudson Plachy

Four-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Jeremy Camp was honored for six RIAA Gold singles at a private dinner on Dec. 2. The milestone celebration was attended by Camp’s family, close friends and team. The event featured heartfelt speeches from CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy, Camp’s manager Matt Balm and Camp himself, who reflected on the significance of the recognition and his career journey.

The six RIAA Gold-certified singles honored at the event included “Walk By Faith,” “Overcome,” “Same Power,” “Christ In Me,” “Keep Me In The Moment” and “Dead Man Walking.” Earlier this year, Camp released his album Deeper Waters via CCMG, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart.

 

Ruby Leigh Makes Opry Appearance

Ruby Leigh

Ruby Leigh made her second Grand Ole Opry appearance in October. In addition to playing the Opry, she opened for Tracy Lawrence at the Missouri State Fair, sang the National Anthem at a Tennessee Titans home game at Nissan Stadium and played two dates at Dollywood. She has since been asked to return to Dollywood on Feb. 21-22 to play the Winter Music Series at Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort and Spa.

 

Lacy J. Dalton Inducted Into Mustang Heritage Hall Of Fame

Lacy J. Dalton with Mustang Heritage Hall of Fame statuette

Lacy J. Dalton was honored recently with an induction into The Mustang Heritage Hall of Fame in Nashville. The award was accepted by T.G. Sheppard and singer-songwriter Kelly Lang.

Dalton recently released her latest album, For The Black Sheep, through StarVista Music. The project includes “Devil by A Different Name,” which challenges listeners to confront their biases and embrace one another, as well as “Heart of Hearts,” which speaks to the necessity of vulnerability and emotional openness.

 

La Cara Productions Hosts Bilingual Mixer at InDo Nashville

Pictured (L-R): La Cara Production’s Rick Rodriguez, Leah Turner, InDo Nashville’s John Richardson and Frank Ray

La Cara Productions recently brought together the Latino music community in Nashville for a bilingual Music Industry Mixer at InDo Nashville. The event focused on fostering connections and expanding opportunities for Latino creators in the music industry, and highlights included a special presentation to John Richardson, co-owner of InDo Nashville, honoring his steadfast support of the Latino music community.

Attendees of the event, which was hosted by Rick Rodriguez, founder of La Cara Productions, included Latin Country artists Frank Ray and Leah Turner. Rodriguez, who also serves as VP of Operations for Mono Mundo B, the label founded by Raul Malo of The Mavericks, has long been a champion for bridging Latin American music, culture and lifestyle with the global stage.

 

Laura Sawosko Inks With PLA Media

Laura Sawosko

Singer-songwriter Laura Sawosko has signed with PLA Media for representation. A  singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist, Sawosko released her fifth album, The Songwriters, and is working on her sixth album, set for release in 2025.

“Laura is a remarkable talent whose artistry transcends genres,” says Pam Lewis, President and CEO of PLA Media. “Her ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and music, whether on stage or at the piano bench, makes her a standout in today’s industry. We’re thrilled to represent her and help amplify her voice on a national scale.”

Marshall Tucker Band Announces ‘All Our Friends Tour’ For 2025

Marshall Tucker Band is heading out for its 54th year on the road with its “All Our Friends Tour,” set to kick off Jan. 31 in Knoxville. The tour will visit Wichita, Baton Rouge, Muskogee, Myrtle Beach and more through Aug. 2.

“This new tour will without a doubt be one of the most exciting,” says MTB frontman Doug Gray. “With many shows featuring overwhelming friends, family and musicians, a pathway has been widened for us on our 2025 ‘All Our Friends Tour!’ We are preparing now for a wonderful year ahead. Looking forward to seeing old and new friends. It never gets old.”

The multi-Platinum group has sold millions of albums worldwide with hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Fire on the Mountain” and “24 Hours At a Time.”

“All Our Friends Tour” Dates:
Jan 31 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Auditorium
Feb 1 – Dothan, AL – Dothan Civic Center
Feb 14 – Bethlehem, PA –  Wind Creek Event Center
Feb 15 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
Feb 16 – Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts Center
Feb 28 – Effingham, IL – Effingham Performance Center
March 1 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
March 8 – Wichita, KS – TempleLive Wichita
March 14 –  Sebring, FL – Sebring International Raceway
March 16 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater
March 22 – Baton Rouge, LA – L’Auberge Casino and Hotel Baton Rouge
March 27 – Muskogee, OK – Muskogee Civic Center
March 28 – Plano, TX – Legacy Hall – Lexus Box Garden
April 26 – Valdosta, GA – Wild Adventures Theme Park
June 1 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolina Opry
Aug 2 – Gail, TX – Coyote Country Store

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay ‘Own’ The Holiday

Dan + Shay

There’s a bonanza of Nashville Christmas music this year.

Dolly, Vince & Amy and Brett Eldredge have updated and/or expanded versions of their classic holiday collections. Monument and Pinecastle have both issued all-star compilations of their rosters’ offerings. Starship rocker Mickey Thomas came to Music City to record a Christmas album. Home Free, Alicia Witt and Cat Cohen also have new collections.

Ruling the roost this year are Dan + Shay whose jumbo Xmas serving is the Disc of the Day. Give Chapel Hart a special nod for having the cutest new holiday tune.

Since Nov. 1, I have received 78 Christmas singles from Nashville artists. We’d be here for a week if I reviewed them all. Just so you know, there are four new versions of “O Holy Night,” three new renditions of “Christmas In Dixie” and three Spanish-language holiday treats. The most intriguing new titles seem to be “All I Want for Christmas Is an Open Bar” by Drew Green, “Naughty List” by Trace Adkins, “Santa You Can Skip Our House” by Jessica Lynn, “Layaway Mama” by Adam Chaffins and “Single Bells” by Lee Brice.

Happy holidays.

MASON RAMSEY / “Silent Night”
Writer: Franz Xaver Gruber/Joseph Mohr; Producer: Dan Fernandez; Label: Atlantic Records
– The 11 year old who yodeled his way to fame at Walmart is now a mature vocalist with a smooth baritone delivery. His reverent take on this beautiful ballad is paced just right. It is drawn from his debut holiday EP, Merry Christmas Baby.

GABBY BARRETT / “The First Noel”
Writer: public domain; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This American Idol alumna has issued her first Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight. It’s a mix of traditional tunes, classic pop compositions and a few new items. Accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, she performs this ancient British carol with heart-in-throat sincerity. It has become something of a holiday favorite of hers—she introduced a live version of it on a CMA Christmas TV special four years ago.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Writer: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane; Producers: Little Big Town, Wayne Kirkpatrick; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This golden-voiced quartet has its first Yule LP this year, aptly titled The Christmas Record. And I do mean “LP:” You can buy it on vinyl. Karen’s lead vocal on this sweet classic has a lustrous tone. Kimberly chimes in on soprano harmony, followed by Jimi and Philip to create a lovely, hushed, layered sound. Gorgeous is the word. The song was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1943 movie Meet Me In St. Louis.

KEVIN JONAS SR. / “Ready Set Glow”
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/David Kalmusky/Kevin Jonas Sr; Producer: David Kalmusky; Label: Red Van Records
– This light-hearted toe tapper is drawn from his holiday EP, Joy to the World. Sometimes billed as “Papa Jonas,” he’s joined here by “Mama” Denise Jonas. Their world-famous sons must be proud, especially since Nick evidently inspired the recording.

DAVID NAIL / “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
Writers: Buck Ram/Kim Gannon/Walter Kent; Producers: David Nail, Peter Ferguson, Reed Pittman; Label: One Five Sound
– I know it’s supposed to be a season of joy, but Christmas is a depressing time for many folks. That’s why I have a soft spot for the sad holiday songs. With just a guitar accompaniment, Nail tugs at the heartstrings with his rendition of this World War II chestnut, originally introduced by Bing Crosby. Nail’s holiday EP is titled A Campfire Christmas.

DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Shay Mooney’s tenor voice was born for this season. He sounds like a warm wool sweater on a cold night. The production by Dan Smyers sparkles and dazzles with holiday cheer. This is the bopping title tune to a fabulous double album of Christmas music. As of this year, this duo owns the holiday.

AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED / “Christmas Time Is Here”
Writers: Lee Mendelson/Vincent Guaraldi; Producer: Authentic Unlimited; Label: Billy Blue Records
– These guys have the bluegrass Christmas album to get. Authentic Unlimited is this year’s IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, and this is a dandy way to hear why. Their playing and singing on this tender, jazzy, minor-key ballad are pristine perfect.

CHAPEL HART / “Come On Santa”
Writers: Chapel Hart/Dan Needham/Tré Corley; Producers: Chapel Hart, Dan Needham, Tré Corley; Label: Origins/Hitmaker Music Group
Hartfelt Family Christmas is the debut holiday album by this trio. It features celebrity guests Vince Gill, Rissi Palmer, The Isaacs, Darius Rucker, T. Graham Brown, Jason Crabb and Gretchen Wilson. On its lead-off single, the three gals go it alone, complete with sleigh bells, chimes, a solid rhythm section and a merry “girl group” mood. Rock on, ladies.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Feel Like The Holidays”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell; Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Derek Wells, Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– McCreery takes this jazzy, upbeat ditty out for a mellow spin in his best pop baritone mode.

BEN FOLDS & LINDSEY KRAFT / “We Could Have This”
Writers: Ben Folds/Lindsey Kraft; Producer: Ben Folds; Label: New West Records
Sleigher is the first Christmas album by this acclaimed pop singer-songwriter. He initially thought he’d do cover tunes, but apart from “The Christmas Song,” the collection is mainly originals. He’s joined by his cowriter Lindsey Kraft on this delicately intricate, lilting confection. Very accomplished and highly recommended.

THE MILK CARTON KIDS / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Writers: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blaine; Producer: The Milk Carton Kids; Label: Far Cry Records
– This star Americana duo’s seasonal album is titled Christmas In a Minor Key. Their soft, stark arrangement of this classic is wistful and gentle. So is the rest of the 10-song collection.

Luke’s 32 Bridge To Host New Year’s Eve ‘Country Countdown’ Event

Luke’s 32 Bridge plans to ring in the new year with a “Country Countdown” event.

The General Admission Main Floors ticket includes access to the Bank Floor and Mezzanine dining areas, with live music and dancing. The General Admission Rooftop ticket includes access to all six levels, including both rooftop patios, with live music all night and DJs starting at 10 p.m. Guests can also book VIP tables.

Additionally, the venue is offering a Platinum Pass with expedited access to all of TC Restaurant Group’s downtown Nashville establishments, including Morgan Wallen’s This Bar + Tennessee Kitchen, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up.

The General Admission Main Floors ticket is $40, and the General Admission Rooftop ticket is $80. The Platinum Pass is available for $250. Platinum Pass entry is contingent on venue capacity. For more information, click here.

Sun Label Group Announces Promotions & New Hires

Pictured (clockwise): Chad Smith, Bryce Egan, Olivia DeMasters and Hayley Tolley

Sun Label Group, which houses Sun Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions and Emeraldwave by Green Hill under its umbrella, has announced a series of promotions and new hires.

Chad Smith has advanced to Senior Creative Director. In this role, Smith will oversee all creative output for the label, including packaging, lyric videos, visualizers and other visual assets. Bryce Egan has been promoted to Marketing Manager, and will handle day-to-day marketing operations for Sun Records, Green Hill Productions and Emeraldwave by Green Hill.

Hayley Tolley has risen to Social Media & Marketing Manager for Gaither Music Group, and Olivia DeMasters has stepped into the newly-created Senior Manager of Catalog Development position, which involves leading initiatives to grow and develop the company’s catalog.

Additionally, Mary Clark Webb joins as Social Media & Community Coordinator for Green Hill Productions, while Jeremy Maier enters as Digital Streaming Coordinator for Green Hill Productions and Maggie Hairston fulfills the Marketing Coordinator role for Gaither Music Group.

This news follows the nomination of Ruthie Foster’s Mileage for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 67th Grammy Awards. Released on Sun Records, this album marks the first from the company to receive a Grammy nod.

“These promotions and new hires are a reflection of the incredible growth we have achieved as a company and the talented individuals driving that success,” shares Sun Label Group President Paul Sizelove. “At Sun Label Group, we have cultivated a team that embraces both our rich history and the exciting possibilities ahead. By strengthening our leadership and expanding our creative and marketing teams, we are building the foundation for even greater accomplishments across Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill and Emeraldwave by Green Hill. This is a pivotal moment for our company, and I’m thrilled to see how this team will shape the future of music.”