Mike Curb (Chairman and Owner, Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment) and Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
The Country Music Association presented a series of honors to industry members during its Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday (Dec. 4).
Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart presented country music historian Bill Malone with the 2024 Joe Talbot Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and traditions.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Beavers (Composer and CMA Board member), Kella Farris (2024 CMA Board Chairman and Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC), Bill Malone (country music historian) and Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Drew Noble/CMA
Songwriter and board member Jim Beavers presented Chairman and Owner of Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment, Mike Curb, with the 2024 Irving Waugh Award of Excellence. The honor is given to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of demonstrated ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved country music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
Singer-songwriter Charlie Worsham presented Founder and Former Executive Director of Porter’s Call, Al Andrews, with the 2024 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, awarded to an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism and advocacy.
During the Board dinner on Thursday (Dec. 5), Founder of Spalding Entertainment, Clarence Spalding, was presented with the 2024 J. William Denny Award by Country Music Hall of Fame member Kix Brooks. This award is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.
In recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Board Chairman Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) as well as current President and incoming 2025 CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe (Founder and CEO, Girlilla Marketing). Farris also presented the CMA Chairman’s Award to Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration). This award is not given annually, but when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.
Al Andrews (Founder and Former Executive Director, Porter’s Call) and Charlie Worsham. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Clarence Spalding (Founder, Spalding Entertainment) and Kix Brooks. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Kella Farris (2024 CMA Board Chairman and Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) and Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration) Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Ella Langley Reaches Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Weren’t For The Wind” and “You Look Like You Love Me” helped the singer-songwriter jump five spots to No. 10 this week.
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “28,” “High Road” and “This World’s A Giant.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”
Chris Stapleton (No. 3), Riley Green (No. 4) and Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Vincent Mason Sells Out Debut Headline Tour
/by Liza AndersonVincent Mason. Photo: Jacob Powers
Rising singer-songwriter Vincent Mason has sold out his debut headline run, the “Hell Is A Dance Floor Tour,” which will visit South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and his home state of Georgia next year.
The majority of the journey’s eight dates completely sold out during the presale, with the remaining selling out within the first hour of general sales.
“I’ve been wanting to play headline shows ever since I started writing songs,” Mason shares. “I’m so grateful and excited to get the chance to play shows for the people who have supported my music and made it all possible!”
Additionally, the Interscope Records/UMG Nashville/Music Soup artist recently released his single “Speak of the Devil” and Gavin Adcock collaboration “Almost Gone.” He also plans to join Riley Green on select dates of his “Damn Country Music Tour.”
Chase Rice To ‘Go Down Singin” On The Road Next Year
/by Madison HahnenChase Rice will embark on his “Go Down Singin’ International Tour” in early 2025. Pony Bradshaw, Lori McKenna, Charlie Worsham and Bella Mackenzie will join as support.
Beginning March 9, the trek will take Rice through Australia as well as New York City, St. Louis and more before ending on May 10 in Pelham, Tennessee at The Caverns. The tour will also coincide with multiple festival appearances for Rice, including Cattle Country, Sand In My Boots, Boots And Hearts and more.
He plans to perform tracks from his latest album, Go Down Singin,’ along with some of his biggest hits.
Tickets will go on sale this Friday (Dec. 13) at 10 a.m. local time.
“Go Down Singin’ International Tour” Dates:
March 8 – Glenvale, QLD- Meatstock 2025 (Festival)
March 9 – Newcastle, NSW- King Street (with Bella Mackenzie)
March 11 – Marrickville, NSW- Factory Theater (with Bella Mackenzie)
March 14 – St. Kilda, VIC- Prince Ballroom (with Bella Mackenzie)
March 15 – North Bendigo, VIC- Meatstock 2025 (Festival)
April 3 – New York, NY- Irving Plaza (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 4 – Boston, MA- MGM Music Hall (with Pony Bradshaw & Lori McKenna)
April 5 – Pittsburgh, PA- Stage AE (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 11- Gonzales, TX- Cattle Country (Festival)
April 17 – Fayetteville, AR- JJ’s Live (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 18 – Fort Worth, TX- Billy Bob’s
April 24 – Anderson, SC- Wendell’s Outdoors (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 25 – Cocoa, FL- Cocoa Beach Amp (with Pony Bradshaw)
April 26 – Pompano Beach, FL- Pompano Beach Amp (with Pony Bradshaw)
May 1 – St. Louis, MO- The Factory (with Charlie Worsham)
May 2 – Oklahoma City, OK- Jones Assembly (with Charlie Worsham)
May 10 – Pelham, TN- The Caverns (with Charlie Worsham)
May 17 – Gulf Shores, AL- Sand In My Boots 2025 (Festival)
June 7 – Myrtle Beach, SC- Carolina Country Music Festival (Festival)
June 12 – North Lawrence, OH- The Country Fest 2025(Festival)
July 17 – Eau Claire, WI- Country Jam USA 2025 (Festival)
July 19 – Hartington, NE- Cedar County Fair (Festival)
Aug. 2 – Cowichan, BC- Sunfest Country (Festival)
Aug. 8 – Oro-Medonte, ON- Boots & Hearts (Festival)
Aug. 21 – Saint-Agapit, QC- Festival Country Lotbiniere (Festival)
Aug. 22 – Dieppe, NB – YQM Country Fest (Festival)
CAA Signs Elizabeth Nichols [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonElizabeth Nichols. Photo: Anna Schaeffer
CAA has signed singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols.
The 22-year-old Texas native seeks to captivate listeners with relatable, raw storytelling that explores everything from small-town life to current cultural trends.
After spending many of her formative years in Kentucky and Oklahoma, Nichols is now based in Nashville, where she is working currently on her debut album. Her demos caught the attention of Sam Barber, who brought her in to help write “Morning Time.”
Nichols released her debut single, “I Got A New One,” on Friday (Dec. 6), which has amassed more than 50 millions views across social media platforms and over half a million streams.
She is managed by Dylan Bourne at Bourne Creatives.
Lainey Wilson Renews With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson
Grammy-winning and multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson has renewed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, extending their partnership that first began in 2017.
Wilson has notched seven No. 1 hits, including “Watermelon Moonshine” and the double-Platinum “Heart Like A Truck,” as well as award-winning collaborations with Cole Swindell, Jelly Roll and Hardy. The CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year winner won her first-ever Best Country Album Grammy Award in 2024 for Bell Bottom Country. With her latest album, Whirlwind, released earlier this year, she clenched her second consecutive Best Country Album nomination at the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards.
“I couldn’t be happier to continue my partnership with Sony Music Publishing. I’ll always be a songwriter first and I appreciate having such a supportive team that agrees it all starts with the songs,” shares Wilson.
Wilson has earned nine ACM awards, nine CMA awards, and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry this year. She was also named Female Country Artist of The Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards and took home Country Song of the Year with “Heart Like A Truck” at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
“Lainey Wilson is one of the most inspiring songwriters the world has ever known,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative Anna Weisband. “She is continuing to redefine the country music genre with every song she writes. I am so proud to be on her team and to continue this journey with her—I can’t wait to see what she does next!”
Ella Langley Notches First No. 1 Single At Country Radio
/by LB CantrellRiley Green and Ella Langley
Breakout singer-songwriter Ella Langley has earned her first No. 1 on country radio with “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green. The tune was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.
The feat makes Langley the first female artist to lead the Billboard Country Airplay Chart in 2024. The last woman to top the chart was Lainey Wilson, who was a featured vocalist on Jelly Roll’s “Save Me,” which topped the chart for two weeks in December. Prior to that Wilson spent three weeks at No. 1 in October of 2023 with “Watermelon Moonshine,” meaning that Langley ends the 51-week break between women in the lead spot. According to Billboard, the nearly year-long gap marked the longest stretch without a female chart-topper since the record 61-week drought in 2003-2004.
“You Look Like You Love Me” has become Langley’s most-streamed song to date with more than 260 million worldwide streams and counting. The Platinum-certified hit took home the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year and was featured on Langley’s debut album, Hungover, as well as her deluxe album, Still Hungover. It camped out at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for five weeks in November.
Now in her fourth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, Langley will be performing tonight (Dec. 9) at Opry NextStage Live as part of their Class of 2024. She will then be kicking off 2025 with her extended run of headline shows on the “Still Hungover Tour,” which is completely sold out.
Lee Brice & Joel Smallbone To Headline Maui Songwriters Festival’s 10th Anniversary Event
/by Liza AndersonLee Brice & Joel Smallbone
The Maui Songwriters Festival, in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, will kick off the new year with its 10th anniversary event.
Taking place Jan. 15–18 at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, the festival includes performance by headliners Lee Brice and Joel Smallbone of For King & Country as well as Chris DeStefano, Deric Ruttan, Randall King and Brice Long, among others.
The milestone function will open with two complimentary community showcases at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s recently-reimagined Alaloa Lounge on Wednesday (Jan. 15) and Thursday (Jan. 16). The showcases will feature Maui’s own singer-songwriters Akoni Palomino, Tempa & Naor and Gail Swanson, along with Jordan Walker, Frank Ray and Trea Landon.
The festival’s ticketed events include a VIP meet-and-greet and Cantera Negra Tequila Tasting including a special performance by Ray on Thursday. Additionally, the “Maui Songwriter Festival Find,” spotlighting emerging artist Kurt Stevens, will premiere at this year’s event alongside a family-friendly Movie Matinee screening on Saturday (Jan. 18).
On Friday (Jan. 17), guests can partake in a wine tasting and VIP showcase headlined by Smallbone and artist-actress Mōriah. Later that evening, “How I Wrote That Song” will return with DeStefano, King, Long and Ruttan. The “Lee Brice & Friends” finale and a live auction in the Aloha Pavilion will then conclude the weekend.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which helps those affected by the Maui fires as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. For more information, click here.
Shenandoah Scores With New ‘Sunday In The South’ Collaboration
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Shenandoah’s Manager Cole Johnstone, Jason Aldean, Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire and Marty Raybon, Luke Bryan’s Manager Kerri Edwards and Luke Bryan
Shenandoah has surged to the top of the iTunes All Genres and Country Charts with the band’s reimagined version of “Sunday in the South” (8 Track Entertainment), featuring Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. The track claimed the No. 1 spot last week, following the release of a new video that amassed over eight million views across social media in just 48 hours. The video also became the No. 9 trending music video on YouTube.
“This all comes as a stunning and pleasant surprise,” says Shenandoah frontman Marty Raybon. “We couldn’t have done this without Jason and Luke and we are eternally grateful for their willingness and friendship.”
The release of the video sparked renewed interest in some older Shenandoah tracks, and 30 years after its release, Shenandoah Super Hits landed atop the iTunes Country Albums Chart, marking the group’s first No. 1 album in its 40-year career. Additionally, the original version of “Sunday in the South” (released 35 years ago) hit No. 5 on the iTunes Country Chart and No. 15 on the All Genres Chart. The chart action marks the first time Shenandoah has ever landed two songs in the top 5 of any chart at one time.
“The Fame family couldn’t be more excited for Shenandoah’s recent return to the top of the charts,” says Rodney Hall, President of Fame Studios. “I know my Dad [the late Rick Hall] is smiling down watching his favorite country voice hit the top of the charts again with his favorite country song he ever produced, ‘Sunday in the South.'”
Additional Shenandoah songs landing on the iTunes Country Chart following the release of the video include “Two Dozen Roses,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” “Church on Cumberland Road” and several more.
“Sunday in the South,” with Aldean and Bryan follows Shenandoah’s new version of their hit “Two Dozen Roses” with Luke Combs which reached No. 1 on the All Genre iTunes chart, No. 1 on the Country iTunes chart and amassed over 20 million global streams.
Ty Myers To Embark On ‘The Select Tour’ Next Month
/by Liza AndersonTy Myers. Photo: Emily Vinson
Ty Myers will embark on “The Select Tour” next month. The journey is named after his debut album, which is set to be released on Jan. 24 via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia and includes newly-unveiled tune “Can’t Hold Me Down.”
The singer-songwriter and guitarist has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, and served as support for Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers Band, as well as recently wrapped his sold-out, debut headlining “Let ‘Em Talk Tour.”
This new run will kick off Jan. 16 at the Haute Spot in Cedar Park, Texas. Originally from the Austin area, Myers plans to visit a number of venues across the Lone Star State, including Gruene Hall in New Braunfels and Rowdy’s Dance Hall in both Webster and Spring, in addition to performing at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City and more before concluding at JJ’s Live in Fayetteville, Arkansas on May 3.
An exclusive fan ticket presale begins tomorrow (Dec. 10) at 10 a.m. local time and will continue through Thursday (Dec. 12) at 10 p.m. local time. Public sales will then follow on Friday (Dec. 13) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
CMA Presents Industry Honors
/by LB CantrellMike Curb (Chairman and Owner, Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment) and Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
The Country Music Association presented a series of honors to industry members during its Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday (Dec. 4).
Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart presented country music historian Bill Malone with the 2024 Joe Talbot Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and traditions.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Beavers (Composer and CMA Board member), Kella Farris (2024 CMA Board Chairman and Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC), Bill Malone (country music historian) and Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Drew Noble/CMA
Songwriter and board member Jim Beavers presented Chairman and Owner of Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment, Mike Curb, with the 2024 Irving Waugh Award of Excellence. The honor is given to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of demonstrated ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved country music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
Singer-songwriter Charlie Worsham presented Founder and Former Executive Director of Porter’s Call, Al Andrews, with the 2024 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, awarded to an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism and advocacy.
During the Board dinner on Thursday (Dec. 5), Founder of Spalding Entertainment, Clarence Spalding, was presented with the 2024 J. William Denny Award by Country Music Hall of Fame member Kix Brooks. This award is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.
In recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Board Chairman Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) as well as current President and incoming 2025 CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe (Founder and CEO, Girlilla Marketing). Farris also presented the CMA Chairman’s Award to Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration). This award is not given annually, but when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.
Al Andrews (Founder and Former Executive Director, Porter’s Call) and Charlie Worsham. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Clarence Spalding (Founder, Spalding Entertainment) and Kix Brooks. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Kella Farris (2024 CMA Board Chairman and Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) and Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration) Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA