Spotify & RIAA Celebrate Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’
Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Tatiana Angulo, Vipin Reddy and Derek Anderson; (L-R, front row): Spotify’s Gemma McInturff; UMGN’s Cindy Mabe; Brenda Lee; Spotify’s Tim Foisset and Rachel Whitney. Photo: Chris Hollo
Brenda Lee was recently recognized with plaques for notable milestones for her holiday hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Spotify and the RIAA. Spotify celebrated Lee for hitting one billion streams with the song, which is the only holiday single by a female country artist to enter Spotify’s Billions Club.
The hit, which broke multiple records last year’s holiday season, currently sits at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 50 U.S. chart. Lee was also honored for reaching the seven-times Platinum mark by the RIAA for “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” This gives Lee the second-highest Christmas title certified in 2024 to date, and the second-highest certified Christmas title (song or album) in RIAA history.
Nate Smith Receives Platinum Nods At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Nate Smith celebrates with team Members from Sony Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Nate Smith celebrated additional new RIAA certifications at his sold-out Brooklyn Bowl show in Nashville on Thursday (Dec. 5). Smith was presented with plaques commemorating his multi-week No.1 Single, “Whiskey On You” hitting triple-Platinum status, his multi-week No. 1 hit “Bulletproof” achieving Platinum, as well as fan favorite “Wreckage” reaching Platinum as well.
Christmas At Belmont To Air On Prime Video, Twitch
Pictured (L-R): Dr. Greg Jones, President, Belmont University; guest performers and Belmont alums Cody Fry, Ashley Cooke and Dwan Hill; and Tom Forrest, Executive Producer, Taillight TV. Photo: Sam Simpkins
Over 600 student musicians and vocalists from Belmont University’s College of Music & Performing Arts recently performed in “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville,” showcasing traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites. The 90-minute special will begin streaming live for the first time on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music on Twitch beginning Dec. 11, remaining available via streaming throughout the holiday season.
Origins Impact Awards Hosts Inaugural Event In Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Origins Social Media Influencer Fredy P; Origins Founder Stephen Miller and Origins CEO Corey J. Jones
The Origins Impact Awards celebrated the contributions of Black and Brown artists in country music on Nov. 21 at the National Museum of African American Music. The event included appearances and performances from O.N.E The Duo, Chapel Hart, Leah Galván Turner and Alejandro Medina III, Michael Salgado, Mike Parker, Louie TheSinger, Shy Carter and more.
Following numerous presentations, the event culminated in a special recognition of Alice Randall—Music City author, educator, speaker and the first Black woman to write a No. 1 country song, presented by Corey Jones. Randall’s multifaceted and unprecedented career and vision underscores the importance of storytelling and cultural representation in music.
Soundscape App U.S. Subscriptions To Benefit Musicians On Call
Soundscape, the personalized audio experience platform, has announced it will donate a portion of every U.S.-based subscription directly to Musicians On Call to support MOC’s programs that deliver live music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare settings.
“At Soundscape, we share Musicians On Call’s deep belief in the healing power of music. Music has the ability to bring comfort, hope, and strength in ways few other things can. We are honored to partner with an organization that uses this power to make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Samuel Cyprian, CEO and Co-founder of Soundscape.
“Every day through our bedside and virtual programs we see how profoundly music can impact someone in a stressful environment like a hospital. With just one song, Musicians On Call volunteers bring a sense of relief that has proven physical, mental and emotional benefits for patients, their loved ones and hardworking caregivers,” says MOC President & CEO Pete Griffin. “We are grateful to Soundscape for using their subscriptions to help support our programs.”
Thomas Rhett Graces The Cover Of MusicRow’s 2025 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow Magazine has released its 2025 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue, with The Valory Music Co.’s Thomas Rhett on the cover.
Pairing his laid-back perspective with a vocal drenched in casual country soul, Rhett has spent just over 10 years gathering 22 No. 1s, 16 billion streams and armfuls of accolades—eight ACM Awards including 2020’s Entertainer of the Year, two CMA Awards, five Grammy Award nominations, plus trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Awards and iHeartRadio Awards. He has also been recognized with five CMA Triple Play Awards for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period, and he’s never remained static.
It’s Rhett’s live show where he connects first-hand with fans in arenas and amphitheaters all around the world and including his recent mini-residency in December at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas. He has also launched a tequila brand, Dos Primos, now offering Blanco, Reposado and Añejo variants.
Inside MusicRow‘s Touring & Next Big Thing Issue is the 11th annual Next Big Thing class of artists, consisting of Tanner Adell (Bad Cow/Love Renaissance), Gavin Adcock (Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville), Mackenzie Carpenter (Big Machine Label Group (The Valory Music Co.)), Carter Faith (UMG Nashville (Capitol Records Nashville)), Dylan Gossett (Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records), Ella Langley (Columbia Records/SAWGOD), Vincent Mason (Interscope Records/UMG Nashville/Music Soup), Dylan Marlowe (Sony Music Nashville/Play It Again Music), Drake Milligan (BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records), Zach Top (Leo33), Tigirlily Gold (Monument Records), The Red Clay Strays (RCA Records) and Tucker Wetmore (UMG Nashville/Back Blocks Music/Mercury Records).
This issue also features the N.B.T. Industry Directory Class of 2025, which highlights rising Nashville music business professionals who are having a major impact on the industry. MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind. These industry members occupy important roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.
“Being named the ‘Next Big Thing’ is more than a title—it’s a recognition of exceptional promise and a distinct presence within the industry,” shares MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “It signals the rare qualities of outstanding talent, commitment and a unique artistic perspective that set an individual apart and signal their future impact. This label isn’t just an accolade; it’s a mark of aspiration and achievement that we all strive for in Nashville’s music landscape.”
The 2025 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue features top agents CAA’s Hunter Williams, WME’s Beth Hamilton, The Neal Agency’s Adi Sharma, UTA’s Elisa Vazzana and Wasserman’s Keith Levy in a roundtable discussion about the issues and opportunities facing the live music business. Mike Harris shares some wisdom regarding his career path and professional philosophies with MusicRow, and Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall talks about taking the “back blocks” to success.
MusicRow highlights Bonnaroo’s sustainability practices in this issue, and Outback Presents’ Michael Smardak talks about their country and comedy rosters. This issue also includes a look at Nashville music venues.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Wide Open Music & Open Door Apostolic Publishing Sign Matt Gorman
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Jaron Boyer, Paul Compton, Haley Vassar, Matt Gorman and Ash Bowers
Wide Open Music and Jaron Boyer’s Open Door Apostolic Publishing have teamed up to sign singer-songwriter Matt Gorman.
The Philadelphia native moved to Nashville in 2019 to attend and play baseball at Lipscomb University. His days were spent in class and on the field, while his nights consisted of writing, playing rounds and hitting lower Broadway.
Now solely focused on music, Gorman aims to pour his life experiences and observations into his work. He has currently amassed millions of streams with songs like “Little Things,” “I Pray” and “Lakehouse,” among others.
“It has been such a gift to watch Matt grow as a songwriter and artist,” says Boyer. “I know God has big plans for him, and I’m so excited to see it all come to fruition. I’m so lucky to be a part of this venture with Matt Gorman and Wide Open.”
“I’m thankful to be in a place with some of the best people I know,” shares Gorman. “From Jaron Boyer, Ash Bowers, Paul Compton and every writer on this roster, I’m so proud to call this place home. Being surrounded by people that are so talented is extremely inspiring, but also being surrounded by people that put God first makes this place what it is. I’m excited for what’s to come for this company, and there is absolutely no other place I’d want to be.”
Industry Ink: Brenda Lee, Nate Smith, Christmas At Belmont, More
/by Lorie HollabaughSpotify & RIAA Celebrate Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’
Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Tatiana Angulo, Vipin Reddy and Derek Anderson; (L-R, front row): Spotify’s Gemma McInturff; UMGN’s Cindy Mabe; Brenda Lee; Spotify’s Tim Foisset and Rachel Whitney. Photo: Chris Hollo
Brenda Lee was recently recognized with plaques for notable milestones for her holiday hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Spotify and the RIAA. Spotify celebrated Lee for hitting one billion streams with the song, which is the only holiday single by a female country artist to enter Spotify’s Billions Club.
The hit, which broke multiple records last year’s holiday season, currently sits at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 50 U.S. chart. Lee was also honored for reaching the seven-times Platinum mark by the RIAA for “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” This gives Lee the second-highest Christmas title certified in 2024 to date, and the second-highest certified Christmas title (song or album) in RIAA history.
Nate Smith Receives Platinum Nods At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Nate Smith celebrates with team Members from Sony Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Nate Smith celebrated additional new RIAA certifications at his sold-out Brooklyn Bowl show in Nashville on Thursday (Dec. 5). Smith was presented with plaques commemorating his multi-week No.1 Single, “Whiskey On You” hitting triple-Platinum status, his multi-week No. 1 hit “Bulletproof” achieving Platinum, as well as fan favorite “Wreckage” reaching Platinum as well.
Christmas At Belmont To Air On Prime Video, Twitch
Pictured (L-R): Dr. Greg Jones, President, Belmont University; guest performers and Belmont alums Cody Fry, Ashley Cooke and Dwan Hill; and Tom Forrest, Executive Producer, Taillight TV. Photo: Sam Simpkins
Over 600 student musicians and vocalists from Belmont University’s College of Music & Performing Arts recently performed in “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville,” showcasing traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites. The 90-minute special will begin streaming live for the first time on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music on Twitch beginning Dec. 11, remaining available via streaming throughout the holiday season.
Origins Impact Awards Hosts Inaugural Event In Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Origins Social Media Influencer Fredy P; Origins Founder Stephen Miller and Origins CEO Corey J. Jones
The Origins Impact Awards celebrated the contributions of Black and Brown artists in country music on Nov. 21 at the National Museum of African American Music. The event included appearances and performances from O.N.E The Duo, Chapel Hart, Leah Galván Turner and Alejandro Medina III, Michael Salgado, Mike Parker, Louie TheSinger, Shy Carter and more.
Following numerous presentations, the event culminated in a special recognition of Alice Randall—Music City author, educator, speaker and the first Black woman to write a No. 1 country song, presented by Corey Jones. Randall’s multifaceted and unprecedented career and vision underscores the importance of storytelling and cultural representation in music.
Soundscape App U.S. Subscriptions To Benefit Musicians On Call
Soundscape, the personalized audio experience platform, has announced it will donate a portion of every U.S.-based subscription directly to Musicians On Call to support MOC’s programs that deliver live music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare settings.
“At Soundscape, we share Musicians On Call’s deep belief in the healing power of music. Music has the ability to bring comfort, hope, and strength in ways few other things can. We are honored to partner with an organization that uses this power to make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Samuel Cyprian, CEO and Co-founder of Soundscape.
“Every day through our bedside and virtual programs we see how profoundly music can impact someone in a stressful environment like a hospital. With just one song, Musicians On Call volunteers bring a sense of relief that has proven physical, mental and emotional benefits for patients, their loved ones and hardworking caregivers,” says MOC President & CEO Pete Griffin. “We are grateful to Soundscape for using their subscriptions to help support our programs.”
Singer-Songwriter Larysa Jaye Passes
/by Madison HahnenLarysa Jaye.
Genre-defying artist Larysa Jaye passed away on Dec. 8 in a car accident. She had just celebrated her 40th birthday.
A graduate of The Academy of Country Music’s OnRamp Program and a current member of The Recording Academy, The Black Music Action Coalition and the Black Opry, Jaye established herself in Nashville over the span of her career after moving to Music City from her hometown of Kansas City, Kansas.
She was known for breaking barriers to secure spots on writer’s rounds across the city. Jaye held a weekly residency at Justin Timberlake’s 12/30 club, making her one of the only Black women with a residency on Broadway. She also was heard by travelers at the BNA airport at several different restaurant spaces, and recently performed for her largest crowd yet of over 30,000 people while opening for Nashville’s Major League Soccer team game. Additionally, she held the role of Music Director and the character of Balthazar for the Summer Shakespeare series in Nashville and Franklin.
Her musical collaborations include lending her voice to Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey and Carrie Underwood, as well as working with Kevin Max. She was also named to The National Museum of African American Music’s Emerging Artist program. Jaye has been awarded The Key to the City of Sikeston, Missouri for her community philanthropy, as well as multiple Nashville Independent Spirit Award nominations.
She is survived by her four children, Sydney, Kadyn, Kingston and Shakira, her parents Wendell and Sharon Hamilton and three brothers, Carlos, Wendell Jr. and Nathan.
Chris Stapleton, Bailey Zimmerman Among Lineup For Christmas 4 Kids Tour Bus Show
/by Lorie HollabaughChris and Morgane Stapleton, Old Crow Medicine Show, 3 Doors Down, Bailey Zimmerman, Shelly West and Ben Chase are participating in this year’s Christmas 4 Kids 2024 Tour Bus Show on Dec. 16 at its new location at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Nancy Jones, widow of George Jones, will also meet fans at this year’s event, which will feature over 50 entertainers onsite. The event provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look into an artist’s home away from home, and fans can speak one-on-one, take photos and receive autographs with any of the participating celebrities. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Prevost will also be providing a replica of its original tour bus, which will be available for onsite interior touring.
Admission to the event is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 2-12 and $20 for a family pass. Admission for children under two is free. Tickets may be purchased on-site the day of the event. All proceeds from the nonprofit’s tour bus show and annual benefit concert at the Ryman go towards giving hundreds of underprivileged children a better Christmas.
On Dec. 17, over 400 children from 30 different elementary schools around Middle Tennessee will participate in a day-long shopping excursion on a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus with dinner and a party hosted by Santa. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to Walmart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat and $175 to spend on anything they like.
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!”