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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”

Dates Announced For The 33rd Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

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NSAI has announced the dates for the beloved Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival in Nashville. Presented in partnership with Regions, the 33rd annual event is set for March 25–29.

Featuring 100 curated songwriter rounds, Tin Pan South will take over 10 of Nashville’s favorite venues, offering fans two shows per night at each location and celebrating songwriters across all genres and styles.

As introduced last year, NSAI will continue allowing fans to purchase individual show tickets in advance. Tickets for all shows will go on sale three weeks in advance of the respective show date and will be available for purchase at tinpansouth.com. For any shows that may have remaining seats night off, tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets for the whole festival will go on sale March 4.

The festival lineup will be revealed on Thursday, Feb. 28.

Tin Pan South is NSAI’s largest event held to raise funds in support of its mission to protect the rights and future of the profession of songwriting and to educate, elevate and celebrate the songwriter. The annual festival has shared NSAI’s purpose with nearly half a million music enthusiasts worldwide since its inception.

Jung Youth Inks With Concord Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Jaclyn McDonald (Concord), Lily Bunta (Concord), Kourtney Kirkpatrick (Concord), Dean Adams (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP) and Devon Reilly (Concord). (L-R, front row): Brad Kennard (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord), Jung Youth, Melissa Spillman (Concord) and Claire Buchanan (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman.

Multi-genre singer-songwriter and producer Jung Youth has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing for his full catalog and all future works.

“I have always felt at home with Concord and am grateful to officially continue creating in harmony with everyone on the publishing team,” says Jung Youth. “Our genuine camaraderie is a gift that I cherish–thank you for championing my work and artistic vision, and fostering environments around the world for making and sharing a great legacy of music and memories together, past, present and future. We are just getting started!”

Based in Nashville, Jung Youth (born Justin Donahue) is a hip-hop artist and has spread his songwriting and producing credits across genres. His recent songwriting cuts include NCT 127, Tommee Profitt, Cherub, Social Club Misfits, Devon Again and Snow Wife, among others. As an artist, he has released two EPs, two full length albums and is set to release his upcoming EP Kaleidoscopic on March 25. His track “Only One King” has amassed more than 60 million streams on Spotify alone, and his viral cover of Linkin Park’s “In The End” with Tommee Profitt and Fleurie has become one of the most widely shared and used sounds across social media, along with receiving RIAA Gold Certification status in the U.S., Canada, and Italy, 2x Platinum in Brazil, 4x Platinum in India and Platinum in Mexico. He has also toured with Mobb Deep, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Juicy J, Travis Scott, The Cool Kids and more.

Jung Youth has also had many synch placements in an array of television series including True Lies, East New York, All American: Homecoming, Wolf Pack and Grown-ish, among others. His music has also been featured in the trailers for The Croods 2 and The Equalizer 2, along with commercials for Peloton, Motorola, GAP, Allstate, Toyota, HTC, Sriracha, White Claw and more. Additional placements include sports and video games such as ESPN, NFL Thursday Night Football and Sunday NFL Countdown.

“Justin [Donahue] is truly one of one,” shares Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “As an artist, a songwriter, and a producer, he is uniquely at home across so many genres yet delivers his authentic self in every situation. He exudes individuality, passion and humanity. We are so fired up to have Justin as part of the Concord family.”

Weekly Register: Brenda Lee Rocks Around The Top Five On Country Albums Chart

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Brenda Lee. Photo: Alexa King Stone

Brenda Lee‘s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree collection takes No. 5 on the country albums chart with 26K in total consumption (761 album only/32 million song streams), according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time remains at the top with 39K (2.5K album only/47 million song streams), while Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken advances to No. 2 with 28K (9.5K album only/22 million song streams). Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion sits at No. 3 with 27K (3.8K album only/29 million song streams), as Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album moves up to No. 4 with 26.5K (971 album only/33 million song streams).

The top five lacks movement on the country streaming songs chart, as Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” rules at No. 1 with 14 million new streams, adding to 948 million ATD. Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” holds No. 2 with 11.4 million streams, adding to 833 million ATD, followed by Wallen’s “Love Somebody” at No. 3 with 11 million new streams, adding to 123 million ATD. Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” rests at No. 4 with 8 million streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD, and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” stays at No. 5 with 7.5 million new streams, adding to 1.7 billion ATD.

AIMP Announces 2025-2026 Board Of Directors

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has announced the results of its 2025-2026 Board of Directors elections.

In Nashville’s chapter, newly-elected Board members include Duane Hobson (ASCAP), Dave Pacula (Liz Rose Music), Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Leslie DiPiero (Jonas Group Publishing), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb LLP) and Melissa Spillman (Concord). They will join incumbents Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), John Ozier (Reservoir Media), ET Brown (SESAC), Courtney Crist (Eclipse Entertainment), Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Keithan Melton (Combustion Music), Alex Heddle (Big Machine Music), Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music) and Robert Carlton (SMACKSongs). The Chapter’s new Administration Director will be Kendall Lettow (peermusic) and its new Administration Assistant will be Alex Tamashunas (Creative Nation).

The Chapter Board will elect its President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer during its January meeting. Guyer, the current Chapter President, will be stepping down from her position but will remain on the Board.

“It is bittersweet to step down as President, but I know the Chapter will be in great hands,” says Guyer. “The Nashville Chapter has thrived these past two years in navigating the complexities of music publishing and building community within our industry, and I proudly hand over the reins to the new leaders who will continue our Chapter’s mission. I’m also looking forward to the 10th anniversary of our annual AIMP Nashville Awards in 2025 and am excited to continue as the Chair for the show.”

In Los Angeles, Chapter President Marc Caruso (Angry Mob Music) will step down after a two-year term, passing the torch to Frank Handy (Music Publishing Consultant). Eric Polin (Music Publishing Consultant) will take over as Vice President, while Yvonne Drazan (peermusic) will serve as Secretary and David Quan (The Greater Goods Co.) as Treasurer. In addition, newly-elected Board members Gabi Cote (Position Music), Jessica Raviol (NBCUniversal), Debra Delshad (Creative Licensing Consultant), Sherry Orson (Star Vibe Group), Bryan Bakke (Orfium), Andrew Wixen (Simplify Music), Charley Londoño (Counsel Plus) and Mayra Vargas (Concord Music Publishing) will join Caruso and fellow re-elected incumbents Barbie Quinn (BMI), Todd Brabec (musicandmoney.com), Michael Todd (ASCAP) and Garrett Johnson, Esq. (Garrett Johnson Law) on the Board. The Chapter’s Administration Director will remain Juliet Lyons.

In New York, Debbie Rose (Sundae Songs LLC) will step up to the role of NY Chapter President as Michael Lau (CollectivRights Management) wraps up his four-year term. Jeff Pachman (Domino Publishing Company) will take over Rose’s former position of Vice President, Art Levy (Songtradr/The Levy Firm) will remain as Secretary and Lau will become Treasurer following the departure of Steven White (Janover, LLC). Newly-elected Board members Omar Sandoval (Spirit Music Group) and Peter Raleigh (Raleigh Music Group) will join re-elected incumbents Amber Charania (Downtown Music Holdings), Antonella Di Saverio (BMI), Brooke Primont (Concord Music Publishing), David Hoffman (Reservoir Media Management), Joanne Kelsey (Anthem Entertainment), Joyce Dollinger (Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP), Melanie Santa Rosa (Third Side Music) and Michael Simon (Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish) on the Board. The Chapter’s Administration Director will remain Leigh Cusick (Sundae Songs).

In Atlanta, Tony D. Alexander (MIME LLC) was elected to a second two-year term as Chapter President, while Crystal Morris (Digital Royalty Distribution LLC) and Tye Huntley (Smart Cadence Media LLC) will serve as Co-Vice Presidents. David Alexander (David Alexander Consulting LLC) will take over as Treasurer, and Cheryl Potts (Cleerkut) will continue as Secretary. They will be joined by re-elected incumbent Board members Christopher Bass (Clark Atlanta University), Robin Kindrick (Track Dat Sync), Megan Oliver (Skybound Entertainment) and Eric Spence (Mosley Music Group). The Chapter’s Administration Director will remain Kandice Bell (KandiLand Entertainment, LLC).

Daschent Celebrates 20 No. 1s & Roster Expansion

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Artist management and publishing company Daschent is celebrating 20 No. 1 songs across various charts and nine GMA Dove Award-winning tracks, and has expanded its roster.

Among the chart-toppers the company has achieved over the past two years are Jelly Roll’s “Need A Favor, Hardy and Lainey Wilson’s “Wait In The Truck,” Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Truth About You,” Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine” and Jason Aldean’s “Trouble With A Heartbreak.”

Recently, Daschent added mixing engineers Doug Weier as well as rising creators Matt Huber and Joseph J. Chudyk to its roster. The company has also established strategic creative partnerships with mastering engineer Mike Cervantes at The Foxboro and Riser House Entertainment.

“I’m extremely grateful to represent the incredibly talented people who not only are the reason for our success these past two years, but continue to innovate and inspire us as a company day in and out,” shares Daschent Founder Dane Schmidt. “To be working with both my dad and brother has truly been the highlight in my career, I’m proud to be paving a new path for creative management in music city. Cheers to 20 more!”