Pictured (L–R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music), Matthew Beckett (Partner, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Emily Peacock (Sr. Creative Dir., JGP), Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman Jonas Group Entertainment), Rhett Akins, George Kreis (Pres., JGE), Leslie T. DiPiero (Pres., JGP), Jess Rosen (Co-Chair, Greenberg, Traurig), Ben Vaughn (Pres. & CEO Warner Chappell Music) and Bryce Sherlow (Warner Chappell Music). Photo: Cole Barnhill
Award-winning songwriter Rhett Akins has signed with Jonas Group Publishing (JGP). The company has also acquired songs from his extensive catalog. Warner Chappell Music will continue its long relationship with Akins and administer the copyrights. The hit songwriter is represented by his longtime attorney, Jess Rosen.
A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Akins is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, an eight-time CMA Triple Play Award winner and was named the ACM Songwriter of the Decade. He has notched 36 No. 1 hits, with songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Young and others.
“Rhett is an extraordinary songwriter,” shares JGP President Leslie T. DiPiero. “Personally, I have admired his work since I first came to town. He is a master of everything that is great about country music. It is an honor to represent his catalog of excellence, and our entire team is looking forward to contributing to his continued growth and success.”
“I’ve seen Leslie’s dedication to songwriters for many years,” says Akins. “She is a friend of and advocate for creators. The impact the Jonas family has made on the music world is remarkable, and it is obvious their love for music and family is their driving force. You put all that together, and I think you have a pretty unstoppable squad that leads with their values. I am very excited to join Kevin [Jonas Sr.], Leslie, and the whole Jonas Group Publishing team.”
Within the catalog acquisition are fan-favorite hits, like the recent No. 1 “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” (Luke Bryan), the double-Platinum “What’s Your Country Song” (Thomas Rhett), the Platinum-certified “To Be Loved By You” (Parker McCollum), the Platinum-certified “Half Of Me” (Thomas Rhett and Riley Green), the Gold-certified “It Matters To Her” (Scotty McCreery) and the Gold-certified “Red” (Hardy and Morgan Wallen).
“We are honored to welcome Rhett to our roster, along with his incredible catalog,” shares Jonas Sr., Jonas Group Entertainment Founder & Chairman. “Rhett is an immensely talented songwriter whose contributions have shaped the landscape of country music and beyond. His catalog reflects not only his incredible talent but also his ability to create songs that resonate with audiences around the world.
“We are thrilled to bring Rhett’s body of work into the Jonas Group Publishing family, which would not have been possible without the support and expertise of our trusted financial partner, Corrum Capital Management,” he adds. “We must also thank Access Media Advisory and Teresa Miles Walsh, Dave and Ruscell Pavlin, Matthew Beckett, and Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC for providing valuable assistance throughout the purchase of the catalog. All of us at JGP look forward to celebrating and amplifying Rhett’s extraordinary artistry.”
Post Malone & Morrison Hotel Gallery Host Private Event For Nashville Pop-Up
/by Liza AndersonPost Malone & Adam DeGross. Photo: Jason Denison
Following his CMA Awards performance, Post Malone united with Morrison Hotel Gallery to host a private event on Thursday (Nov. 21) in celebration of their Nashville pop-up collection, which was on display at Prima in the South Gulch neighborhood this past weekend (Nov. 22–24).
Guests viewing the Nashville pop-up collection. Photo: Jason Denison
Handpicked by the global superstar and the gallery, the featured photographs were taken by Post Malone’s personal photographer Adam DeGross and exhibited in the 8,500-square-foot space with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Guests enjoyed bites from the popular, Asian-inspired restaurant Noko as they viewed the collection, which sought to give them an intimate glimpse of the artist’s world.
“What a way to introduce ourselves to Nashville, and what a treat it is to be bringing Morrison Hotel Gallery to town with our partner, Post Malone,” shared Adam Block, CEO of Morrison Hotel Gallery. “Clearly Nashville appreciates great music photography as much as it does great music, and we’re excited by the prospect of returning.”
Jelly Roll Releases ‘Run It’ From New ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 3’ Movie
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Jelly Roll has penned and released “Run It,” the only original song in the third installment of the beloved franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which opens in theaters everywhere on Dec. 20.
He co-wrote the new tune with a powerhouse group of collaborators including OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, artist and DJ David Guetta and songwriter Sean Cook. Tedder, Guetta and Cook co-produced the track as well.
The artist wraps his “Beautifully Broken Tour” with a sold-out hometown headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tomorrow night (Nov. 26.), and recently made his debut on the PBS series Austin City Limits as the show celebrates its 50th Anniversary Season.
BREAKING: Big Loud Records Elevates Stefanie Carter
/by Liza AndersonStefanie Carter. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Big Loud Records has elevated Stefanie Carter to SVP, Finance, effective immediately.
Carter joined the team as VP in 2023, bringing two decades of experience. In addition to more than five years spent with Nissan Motor Corporation, her previous stops include Mars Petcare, PICA Group, Evergreen Copyrights, Nashville Predators and Live Nation. Carter is a CPA and holds a degree in accounting from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
“Stefanie’s leadership is felt throughout the company as she continues to spearhead our in-house Finance department that she was foundational to building two years ago,” says Austen Adams, Big Loud COO. “Her expertise has been invaluable to our team, and we are privileged to honor this well-deserved promotion.”
“Since joining Big Loud, I have been in awe of the integrity, creativity and passion exhibited by the partners, leadership team and staff,” Carter shares. “Big Loud is truly best in class. I’m so proud to be part of such an incredible, growth minded company, and look forward to the opportunity to take on new adventures with the team.”
BREAKING: Rhett Akins Signs With Jonas Group Publishing
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music), Matthew Beckett (Partner, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Emily Peacock (Sr. Creative Dir., JGP), Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman Jonas Group Entertainment), Rhett Akins, George Kreis (Pres., JGE), Leslie T. DiPiero (Pres., JGP), Jess Rosen (Co-Chair, Greenberg, Traurig), Ben Vaughn (Pres. & CEO Warner Chappell Music) and Bryce Sherlow (Warner Chappell Music). Photo: Cole Barnhill
Award-winning songwriter Rhett Akins has signed with Jonas Group Publishing (JGP). The company has also acquired songs from his extensive catalog. Warner Chappell Music will continue its long relationship with Akins and administer the copyrights. The hit songwriter is represented by his longtime attorney, Jess Rosen.
A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Akins is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, an eight-time CMA Triple Play Award winner and was named the ACM Songwriter of the Decade. He has notched 36 No. 1 hits, with songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Young and others.
“Rhett is an extraordinary songwriter,” shares JGP President Leslie T. DiPiero. “Personally, I have admired his work since I first came to town. He is a master of everything that is great about country music. It is an honor to represent his catalog of excellence, and our entire team is looking forward to contributing to his continued growth and success.”
“I’ve seen Leslie’s dedication to songwriters for many years,” says Akins. “She is a friend of and advocate for creators. The impact the Jonas family has made on the music world is remarkable, and it is obvious their love for music and family is their driving force. You put all that together, and I think you have a pretty unstoppable squad that leads with their values. I am very excited to join Kevin [Jonas Sr.], Leslie, and the whole Jonas Group Publishing team.”
Within the catalog acquisition are fan-favorite hits, like the recent No. 1 “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” (Luke Bryan), the double-Platinum “What’s Your Country Song” (Thomas Rhett), the Platinum-certified “To Be Loved By You” (Parker McCollum), the Platinum-certified “Half Of Me” (Thomas Rhett and Riley Green), the Gold-certified “It Matters To Her” (Scotty McCreery) and the Gold-certified “Red” (Hardy and Morgan Wallen).
“We are honored to welcome Rhett to our roster, along with his incredible catalog,” shares Jonas Sr., Jonas Group Entertainment Founder & Chairman. “Rhett is an immensely talented songwriter whose contributions have shaped the landscape of country music and beyond. His catalog reflects not only his incredible talent but also his ability to create songs that resonate with audiences around the world.
“We are thrilled to bring Rhett’s body of work into the Jonas Group Publishing family, which would not have been possible without the support and expertise of our trusted financial partner, Corrum Capital Management,” he adds. “We must also thank Access Media Advisory and Teresa Miles Walsh, Dave and Ruscell Pavlin, Matthew Beckett, and Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC for providing valuable assistance throughout the purchase of the catalog. All of us at JGP look forward to celebrating and amplifying Rhett’s extraordinary artistry.”
Kix Brooks To Step Down As American Country Countdown Host
/by Liza AndersonKix Brooks. Photo: Matthew Berinato
After nearly two decades, Kix Brooks is stepping down as Host of American Country Countdown.
Since January 2006, Brooks has taken listeners through the week’s top hits, upholding tradition while championing up-and-coming artists and bridging the gap between classic sounds and modern influences. His candid, intimate interviews sought to provide unfiltered insights into both the past and future of country music.
Praised for his broadcast contributions, Brooks was honored as CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2009, 2011 and 2013—making him the first person to receive a CMA Award in both the artist and broadcast categories. He also took home the ACM National Personality honor in 2021.
Brooks’ final broadcast will air the weekend of Dec. 28–29. The news follows Brooks & Dunn’s recent CMA Award win for Vocal Duo of the Year and the release of their Reboot II collection.
“I never dreamed I would be asked to host a legendary international radio show like American Country Countdown,” Brooks expresses. “The fact that I have been supported by hundreds of affiliates and an amazing team of radio professionals for 18 years has made this one of the greatest experiences of my professional life. It’s time to turn my primary focus back to writing, recording and touring with Brooks & Dunn. It’s been an honor, to say the least, that I was trusted with a microphone that had such an iconic history. Special thanks to all the fans who listened and participated, to ensure that I was being the best that I could be. Keep counting ‘em down!”
Zach Bryan & Morgan Wallen Among Top 2024 Billboard Music Award Finalists
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Bryan and Morgan Wallen are among the top contenders for the upcoming 2024 Billboard Music Awards, set to air on Dec. 12 in a first-of-its-kind multi-platform viewing experience across Fox, Paramount+ and Amazon’s Fire TV channels.
Bryan leads the 2024 BBMA finalists, with 18 nods and 21 total entries including Top Country Touring Artist and Top Country Male Artist. A first-time finalist in 2023, Bryan took home awards for Top New Artist, Top Rock Artist, Top Rock Album for American Heartbreak and Top Rock Song for “Something in the Orange.” The hit song spent six weeks atop the Hot Country Songs chart. Bryan scored his first No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 with “I Remember Everything,” featuring Kacey Musgraves (also her first No. 1). The song concurrently hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs surveys — the first hit to top all three charts.
Wallen won the most BBMAs in 2023 (11) and this year celebrates 15 finalist entries in 13 categories, including five for “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone as well as a nod for Top Streaming Songs Artist. Wallen’s second No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 held the spot for six weeks and was the 2024 Songs of the Summer chart-topper after leading the weekly chart all 14 weeks of the season, making him the first artist in 46 years to win the competition in consecutive years. Wallen marks a second straight year with the seasonal No. 1, joining Drake, Katy Perry, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey and Usher with two summer chart-toppers.
Other top country nominees include Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Beyoncé, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson. Top Country Duo/Group nominees include Zac Brown Band, The Red Clay Strays and Treaty Oak Revival. Up for Top Country Touring Artists are Bryan, Kenny Chesney and Combs. Country star Shaboozey, a first time finalist with six nominations, will also deliver a special performance from W Hollywood on the show.
The 2024 BBMA top contenders vying for the Top Artist win include Bryan, Taylor Swift, Wallen and Sabrina Carpenter, with Swift facing off against Drake to compete for the most all-time wins. Dolly Parton also received a nomination for Top Rock Album, The Red Clay Strays received two first-time finalist nominations and Post Malone received cross-genre recognition with two of his eight categories including Top Country Artist and Top Country Song.
“We are thrilled to bring the 2024 Billboard Music Awards to multiple platforms, ensuring fans have more options to watch the very artists they helped propel to the top of the charts,” says Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions. “By partnering with FOX, Paramount+ and Fire TV Channels, we are able to reach music enthusiasts where they are, whether they’re tuning in on TV, streaming on-demand, or watching from their mobile devices.”
See the full list of BBMA contenders here.
Nickelback, Gretchen Wilson, More Among 2025 Cattle Country Festival Lineup
/by Liza AndersonOther acts slated perform include Parker McCollum, Gretchen Wilson,Tanya Tucker, Clint Black, Wyatt Flores, Chase Rice, Clay Walker, Reckless Kelly, Aaron Watson, Pecos & The Rooftops, Giovannie & The Hired Guns, 49 Winchester, Wade Bowen, Drake White, Shenandoah, Ty Myers, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Tyler Halverson, Black Pistol Fire, Sophia Scott, Josh Ward, Cameron Sacky Band and Logan Mize. The festival will also feature late night sets from Ghostland Observatory and more.
Tickets as well as camping, RV and glamping passes are available now. For more information, click here.
Empire Hosts CMA Awards After Party
/by LB CantrellShaboozey celebrates at Empire after party
Empire invited industry members out to an after party following the 58th annual CMA Awards last week at The Twelve Thirty Club.
During the party, the powerhouse independent label honored Shaboozey, who garnered several nominations and performed during the CMA Awards. Attendees also enjoyed a performance from CeCe.
Empire CMA After Party
Empire CMA After Party
CeCe performs. Empire CMA After Party
Brantley Gilbert To Launch ‘Tattoos Tour’ In February
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert. Photo: Brian Vaughan
Brantley Gilbert will kick off his “Tattoos Tour 2025” on Feb. 27 in Everett, Washington. Special guests Travis Denning, Black Stone Cherry, Austin Snell, Colt Ford and Payton Smith will join Gilbert on select dates.
The multi-Platinum star will be taking his seventh studio album from coast-to-coast across the country, visiting cities including Bloomington, Illinois; Salem, Virginia; Athens, Georgia; Albany, New York; Huntsville, Alabama and more. Tickets will start at $25 plus applicable fees.
“My hope is that with tickets starting at $25, people can step away from everyday stresses and enjoy themselves—whether it’s making it a fun evening with the family or giving mom and dad the chance to hire a babysitter and have a night out just for them,” says Gilbert. “Music has always been about bringing people together and offering a break from the grind, even if it’s just for a few hours.”
Fan club pre-sales for BG Nation begin today, (Nov. 25,) and general on sale begins Nov. 29 at BrantleyGilbert.com.
Brantley Gilbert “Tattoos Tour 2025” Dates:
Feb. 15 – Brighton Field Day Festival 2025 // Okeechobee, FL%
Feb. 27 – Angel of the Winds Arena // Everett, WA*+
Feb. 28 – Adams Center // Missoula, MT*+
March 1 – Toyota Center // Kennewick, WA*+
March 6 – Toyota Arena // Ontario, CA*+
March 7 – Findlay Toyota Center // Prescott Valley, AZ*+
March 8 – Mullett Arena // Tempe, AZ*+
March 13 – Grossinger Motors Arena // Bloomington, IL^+#
March 14 – Alliant Energy PowerHouse // Cedar Rapids, IA^+#
March 15 – Cable Dahmer Arena // Independence, MO^+#
March 20 – Salem Civic Center // Salem, VA^+#
March 21 – Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center // Athens, GA^+#
March 22 – The Orion Amphitheater // Huntsville, AL^+#
March 27 – Tsongas Center // Lowell, MA*+
March 28 – Cross Insurance Arena // Portland, ME*+
March 29 – Total Mortgage Arena // Bridgeport, CT*+
April 24 – MVP Arena // Albany, NY*~
April 25 – Adirondack Bank Center // Utica, NY*~
April 26 – Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza // Wilkes-Barre, PA*~
June 8 – Carolina Country Music Fest 2025 // Myrtle Beach, SC%
June 20 – WYRK Taste of Country 2025 // Buffalo, NY%
July 10 – Country Concert // Fort Loramie, OH%
* Travis Denning
^ Black Stone Cherry
+ Austin Snell
# Colt Ford
~ Payton Smith
% Festival Date
Tyler Hubbard Wraps ‘Strong World Tour’ With Sold-Out Ryman Show
/by Madison HahnenTeams from UMG Nashville and Borman Entertainment present a plaque to Hubbard celebrating recent RIAA certifications and streaming successes.
Tyler Hubbard wrapped his headline “Strong World Tour” with a sold-out hometown show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium Thursday night (Nov. 21).
After an opening set by Alana Springsteen, Hubbard gave a 90-minute show in front of fans, family, friends and his team. He played songs from his Strong album, as well as his self-titled debut album. Hubbard also performed renditions of some of his biggest hits as a songwriter including Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant To Be.”
Prior to taking the stage, Hubbard’s team from UMG Nashville presented him with a plaque commemorating his 1.7 billion global streams, as well as his recent RIAA certifications including his double-Platinum singles “Dancin’ In The Country” and “5 Foot 9,” his Gold self-titled debut album and Gold single “Back Then Right Now.”
Hubbard is on tap to play a host of festivals in 2025, including Country Thunder Saskatchewan, Boots In The Park and Country To Country Festival, among many others.