Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Riley Green, BMI Icon Award winner Randy Owen, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and BMI’s Mike O’Neill. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Hundreds of industry members gathered at BMI’s Nashville headquarters last night (Nov. 19) for the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards.
Transforming the building’s parking garage into an extravagant ballroom, the evening was full of special celebrations and music for what BMI Nashville’s VP of Creative, Clay Bradley, called the “greatest parking lot party in country music.”
Songwriters, publishers and other industry executives swarmed the elegant room and caught up over crafted cocktails. Once guests found their seats, they were greeted with a beautiful table display of flowers, candle light and a yummy chocolate cake topped with the BMI logo.
A dinner of steak, a cheesy potato soufflé cake and sautéed vegetables was served. Wine bottles on the table were passed around, and the night was off.
Pictured (L–R): Aaron Raitiere, Ella Langley and Lukas Nelson perform onstage during the 2024 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill started the program by welcoming everyone and highlighting all the work that the country music community has done for others in need over the past year. He introduced Ella Langley, Lukas Nelson and Aaron Raitiere for the night’s first bit of music, who gave an electrifying performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” as headlines of the community’s charitable efforts flashed on the screens.
O’Neill then welcomed Bradley, and the two started handing out the awards for the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. Songwriters and publishers came from all directions to the stage in the middle of the room to collect their prizes and grab a group picture as the rest of the room cheered them on.
After presenting half of their most-performed song awards, O’Neill and Bradley changed gears to begin honoring the iconic Alabama frontman Randy Owen with the BMI Icon Award, an honor bestowed on songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations.
O’Neill detailed Owen’s lasting mark on country music with the Alabama band, as well as his philanthropic impact, most notably with St. Jude. A video featuring Troy Tomlinson, Tony Conway, Kenny Chesney and Dolly Parton was played with remarks about Owen.
Warner Chappell Music accepts the Publisher of the Year award onstage during the 2024 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Fellow Alabama native Riley Green soon appeared on stage to honor the BMI Icon with a performance of “My Home’s in Alabama.” Owen wiped tears from his eyes as Green sang.
Luke Bryan performed his own rendition of “Feels So Right” and then Blake Shelton led the whole room in a sing-along of the Alabama classic, “Mountain Music,” a jam so fun that Bryan had to join him onstage.
Before BMI presented the award to Owen, they invited up his wife Kelly up to speak. She shared about the first song he played her, “Feels So Right,” and about his love of the music.
“Thank you for honoring Randy while he is living,” Kelly said. “So that his children and grandchildren can see his legacy.”
When Owen took the microphone, he first invited up bandmate Teddy Gentry and the two embraced.
“BMI, thank y’all for the call. When you said, ‘the Icon Award,’ I cried. It’s so special,” Owen shared. “Thank y’all for this night. It’s a highlight.”
Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Chase McGill and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
More BMI executives took the stage to continue giving out awards for the most-performed songs of the year until it was time to present the big honors.
The Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner Chappell Music, which published 34 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including megahits like Parker McCollum’s “Burn It Down,” Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancin’ in the Country,” Riley Green’s “Different ‘Round Here,” Warren Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Religiously.”
BMI Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Chase McGill and Zach Bryan, who was not present. Bryan serves as a writer of “Burn, Burn, Burn,” “Dawns,” “Hey Driver,” “I Remember Everything,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Sun to Me.” McGill co-wrote Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Luke Bryan’s “But I Got a Beer in My Hand,” Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know” and Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen’s “Mamaw’s House.”
McGill spoke about the people who have supported him in his songwriting career, calling special attention to UMPG’s Terry Wakefield, who is battling health struggles but was in the room to celebrate.
Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, BMI’s Mike Steinberg, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Katie Welle, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, songwriter John Byron, Big Loud’s Seth England and Stacey Blythe, BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Clay Bradley onstage with the 2024 BMI Country Award for Song of the Year. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
“Terry came to my house the day we started working together, about four years ago. We hung out a bit, and he asked me what my goals were as a songwriter,” McGill said. “I said, ‘I have one goal. I want to be the BMI Songwriter of the Year.’ He helped me lay out a plan and here we are.”
Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” was named 2024 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, John Byron Music, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. The tune was written by John Byron and Charlie Handsome, and was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 nonconsecutive weeks—the most ever for a solo song.
The evening wore on with snacks, drinks and coffee in the BMI lobby. With all three PRO awards done for the year, the publishing community has a new legion of winners, and will go into the 58th CMA Awards tonight (Nov. 20) proud of the songs they’ve been a part of.
BMI Celebrates 2024 Country Award Winners, Honors Randy Owen With Icon Award
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Riley Green, BMI Icon Award winner Randy Owen, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and BMI’s Mike O’Neill. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Hundreds of industry members gathered at BMI’s Nashville headquarters last night (Nov. 19) for the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards.
Transforming the building’s parking garage into an extravagant ballroom, the evening was full of special celebrations and music for what BMI Nashville’s VP of Creative, Clay Bradley, called the “greatest parking lot party in country music.”
Songwriters, publishers and other industry executives swarmed the elegant room and caught up over crafted cocktails. Once guests found their seats, they were greeted with a beautiful table display of flowers, candle light and a yummy chocolate cake topped with the BMI logo.
A dinner of steak, a cheesy potato soufflé cake and sautéed vegetables was served. Wine bottles on the table were passed around, and the night was off.
Pictured (L–R): Aaron Raitiere, Ella Langley and Lukas Nelson perform onstage during the 2024 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill started the program by welcoming everyone and highlighting all the work that the country music community has done for others in need over the past year. He introduced Ella Langley, Lukas Nelson and Aaron Raitiere for the night’s first bit of music, who gave an electrifying performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” as headlines of the community’s charitable efforts flashed on the screens.
O’Neill then welcomed Bradley, and the two started handing out the awards for the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. Songwriters and publishers came from all directions to the stage in the middle of the room to collect their prizes and grab a group picture as the rest of the room cheered them on.
After presenting half of their most-performed song awards, O’Neill and Bradley changed gears to begin honoring the iconic Alabama frontman Randy Owen with the BMI Icon Award, an honor bestowed on songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations.
O’Neill detailed Owen’s lasting mark on country music with the Alabama band, as well as his philanthropic impact, most notably with St. Jude. A video featuring Troy Tomlinson, Tony Conway, Kenny Chesney and Dolly Parton was played with remarks about Owen.
Warner Chappell Music accepts the Publisher of the Year award onstage during the 2024 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Fellow Alabama native Riley Green soon appeared on stage to honor the BMI Icon with a performance of “My Home’s in Alabama.” Owen wiped tears from his eyes as Green sang.
Luke Bryan performed his own rendition of “Feels So Right” and then Blake Shelton led the whole room in a sing-along of the Alabama classic, “Mountain Music,” a jam so fun that Bryan had to join him onstage.
Before BMI presented the award to Owen, they invited up his wife Kelly up to speak. She shared about the first song he played her, “Feels So Right,” and about his love of the music.
“Thank you for honoring Randy while he is living,” Kelly said. “So that his children and grandchildren can see his legacy.”
When Owen took the microphone, he first invited up bandmate Teddy Gentry and the two embraced.
“BMI, thank y’all for the call. When you said, ‘the Icon Award,’ I cried. It’s so special,” Owen shared. “Thank y’all for this night. It’s a highlight.”
Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Chase McGill and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
More BMI executives took the stage to continue giving out awards for the most-performed songs of the year until it was time to present the big honors.
The Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner Chappell Music, which published 34 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including megahits like Parker McCollum’s “Burn It Down,” Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancin’ in the Country,” Riley Green’s “Different ‘Round Here,” Warren Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Religiously.”
BMI Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Chase McGill and Zach Bryan, who was not present. Bryan serves as a writer of “Burn, Burn, Burn,” “Dawns,” “Hey Driver,” “I Remember Everything,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Sun to Me.” McGill co-wrote Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Luke Bryan’s “But I Got a Beer in My Hand,” Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know” and Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen’s “Mamaw’s House.”
McGill spoke about the people who have supported him in his songwriting career, calling special attention to UMPG’s Terry Wakefield, who is battling health struggles but was in the room to celebrate.
Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, BMI’s Mike Steinberg, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Katie Welle, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, songwriter John Byron, Big Loud’s Seth England and Stacey Blythe, BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Clay Bradley onstage with the 2024 BMI Country Award for Song of the Year. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
“Terry came to my house the day we started working together, about four years ago. We hung out a bit, and he asked me what my goals were as a songwriter,” McGill said. “I said, ‘I have one goal. I want to be the BMI Songwriter of the Year.’ He helped me lay out a plan and here we are.”
Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” was named 2024 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, John Byron Music, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. The tune was written by John Byron and Charlie Handsome, and was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 nonconsecutive weeks—the most ever for a solo song.
The evening wore on with snacks, drinks and coffee in the BMI lobby. With all three PRO awards done for the year, the publishing community has a new legion of winners, and will go into the 58th CMA Awards tonight (Nov. 20) proud of the songs they’ve been a part of.
Tom Petty Estate & Third Man Records Share New Petty Bootleg
/by Lorie HollabaughTom Petty. Photo: Dennis Callahan
The Tom Petty Estate and Third Man Records have collaborated to share a rare Petty bootleg performance, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Live In Edinburgh 1982: The Gennaro Tapes, on Nov. 29.
Recorded by house sound mixer Gennaro Rippo and taped at the band’s show in Edinburgh, Scotland in the fall of 1982, the unique recording showcases a raw era-defining moment in the band’s career as they toured their album, Long After Dark, and will be available in a limited vinyl-only press of 7,000 copies.
The project is inspired by Third Man Record’s Jack White and Ben Blackwell, longtime fans of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and their enthusiasm for hearing something raw and unpolished from the band in this golden era. The release marks the first and only Petty live recording that hasn’t been touched since the day it was captured, pressed directly from cassette to vinyl. The band enjoyed listening to the cassette tapes after shows in what they would call affectionately “Gennaro’s Hawaiian Disco,” often giving him the Presidential Suite in the hotel for the band to hang out and listen each night.
The previously unreleased show is available as a three-disc collection in three unique colors, including Tom Petty Store-exclusive turquoise vinyl, Third Man Records Store-exclusive maroon reverse splatter and indie retail-exclusive orange wisp.
The Gennaro Tapes rounds out the look at the 1982 collection of archival footage and music shared by the Tom Petty Estate this year. Cameron Crowe’s documentary, Heartbreakers Beach Party and Long After Dark Deluxe Edition, included 45 minutes of rediscovered music, and Petty’s unearthed original single from the deluxe edition, “Never Be You,” is out now with a new video created and directed by animator Jeff Scher.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Live in Edinburgh 1982: The Gennaro Tapes Track List:
SIDE A
1. “American Girl”
2. “Listen To Her Heart”
3. “A Thing About You”
4. “You Got Lucky”
SIDE B
5. “I Need To Know”
6. “Don’t Do Me Like That”
7. “I’m In Love”
8. “Change Of Heart”
9. “Louie Louie”
SIDE C
10. “Straight Into Darkness”
11. “Stories We Could Tell”
12. “Louisiana Rain”
SIDE D
13. “One Story Town”
14. “A Woman In Love (It’s Not Me)”
15. “Kings Road”
SIDE E
16. “Breakdown”
(Hit The Road Jack Interlude)
17. “Refugee”
SIDE F
18. “Shout”
19. “So You Wanna Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star”
20. “Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll”
Date & Venue Announced For 2025 CCMA Awards
/by Liza AndersonThe Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced that the 2025 CCMA Awards will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia, and air live exclusively on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app.
Supported by Tourism Kelowna, City of Kelowna, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, and the 2025 Host Committee, Country Music Week will return to British Columbia for a third time and mark its first time in Kelowna, with events starting on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
“We are thrilled to bring the 2025 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week to Kelowna this September,” shares Amy Jeninga, CCMA President. “The response from fans has already been incredible, and we can’t wait to experience Kelowna’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant spirit together. This is the perfect setting to celebrate Canadian country music, and we’re excited to create unforgettable moments alongside artists, fans and the community.”
Presale tickets are available now. General sales will start this Friday (Nov. 22) at 12 p.m. CT. For more information, click here.
“We are all so excited for Kelowna to host our first Canadian Country Music Week, and you can feel the energy growing,” says Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna President & CEO. “September is an amazing time to come and explore Kelowna and the Central Okanagan, and now that the dates are set and the tickets are available, we recommend you start planning and booking now. We’ve got information on our website to help you, and community specialists standing by to help you make your plans and build your itinerary.”
CMA Awards Billboard’s Jessica Nicholson With 2024 Media Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughBillboard staff writer Jessica Nicholson is surprised with news of her 2024 CMA Media Achievement Award win by Thomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA
The CMA has awarded Billboard staff writer Jessica Nicholson with the 2024 Media Achievement Award.
Nicholson, who was formerly MusicRow‘s managing editor, was surprised with news of her win yesterday (Nov. 19.) backstage at Bridgestone Arena during CMA Awards rehearsals by Thomas Rhett, who will take the CMA Awards stage with Teddy Swims on Wednesday to perform a mash-up of both of their hits, “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” and “Lose Control.”
The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers and syndicated radio reporters in the media as they relate to country music. The award is voted on by publicist members of CMA.
Nicholson joined Billboard full time in 2021. Prior to joining Billboard, she also wrote for various publications including American Songwriter, CMT, Forbes, Country Weekly and more.
The 58th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson, airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Nov. 20) on ABC and next day on Hulu.
Parmalee To Kick Off ‘Fell In Love With A Cowgirl Tour’ In February
/by Liza AndersonParmalee will kick off their “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl Tour,” featuring special guest Avery Anna, on Feb. 13 in Madison, Wisconsin.
The group will visit cities in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and more before heading to Canada for several dates, wrapping on March 22 in Edmonton, Alberta. The announcement follows Parmalee’s time on the road supporting Kane Brown’s “In The Air Tour.”
“With new music coming early next year, there is energy and excitement around us and our whole team,” says lead singer Matt Thomas. “We wanted to bring that energy to our fans as soon as we could, so we decided to do a headline tour starting in Feb. 2025. We’ll be bringing the party back to some of the cities we played on the Kane Brown tour as well as some cities we’ve never been to. Can’t wait to kick off 2025 with the ‘Parmalee Famalee.'”
A ticket presale starts today (Nov. 20) at 10 a.m. local time, and will run until tomorrow (Nov. 21) at 11:59 p.m. local time. General sales will follow this Friday (Nov. 22) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
Music Industry Vet Mike Martinovich Passes
/by Robert K OermannMike Martinovich. Photo: Courtesy of family
Longtime Music Row executive Mike Martinovich passed away on Monday (Nov. 18) at age 81.
Martinovich is best known for the three decades he spent at CBS/Sony Records. He worked in sales, marketing, promotion and management during his extensive music-industry career.
He joined the label in 1969 as a sales representative in St. Louis. In 1970, he moved to the CBS Atlanta office as sales manager. A year later, he became the branch manager of the company’s office in Cincinnati.
In 1979, he was named a Vice President of Merchandizing for CBS nationally, responsible for advertising, marketing and promotion of all music on Columbia, Epic, Portrait, CBS Masterworks and other labels associated with the company. In this role, he was instrumental in the marketing of such artists as Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Journey and James Taylor.
Mike Martinovich was named Vice President of Marketing at Sony Records in Nashville in 1989. In this role, he was placed in charge of advertising, overseeing the national country-music sales staff, supervising LP jacket designs, directing promotional materials and steering the exposure of the company’s country music to consumers. He designed and directed the marketing of artists including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette (his favorite), Rosanne Cash, Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Charlie Daniels and Joe Diffie.
He left the label and formed a partnership with manager Joe Mansfield to form Mansfield-Martinovich Associates in 1994-2002. There, he became a consultant to Anderson Merchandisers, which supplied music to Walmart. He planned and oversaw Walmart’s “Country Music Across America Parking Lot Tour.” Over three touring seasons, this featured over 50 developing country artists performing for tens of thousands of fans in 60+ cities and towns.
He next became a partner in the management group The Consortium in 2002-2017. In this capacity, he co-managed future Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and worked on the careers of country stars Marie Osmond, Jason Aldean and Emerson Drive. He was a consultant to the successful independent label Broken Bow Records. He also led The Weather Channel’s licensing and branding.
His sons followed in his footsteps. Michael Dimitry Martinovich, is a manager who has worked with such bands as Good Charlotte, My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf, The Conchords and Shivaree. Bo Martinovich is Sr. Director National Promotion & Artist Development at Sony Music Nashville.
Mike Martinovich was an alumnus of Leadership Music. He also served as president of the board of the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church. Its beautiful sanctuary is located at 1712 Fifth Ave. N. in Germantown.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 at 3:30-6:00 p.m. at Eastland Funeral Home, 904 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 23 at 12:00 noon at Svetka Petka Serbian Orthodox Church, 1712 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to Svetka Petka Serbian Orthodox Church, 1712 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.
Russell Dickerson & Concord Raise $35K For Charity With Inaugural ‘RussellMania’
/by Lorie HollabaughRussell Dickerson with Concord Music Publishing A&R team members. Photo: Emma Delevante
Russell Dickerson and Concord hosted their first annual Country Awards Week Challenge, dubbed “RussellMania,” yesterday (Nov. 18).
The event brought artists and industry professionals together for some friendly competition in support of nonprofit partners ACM Lifting Lives and Cul2vate. Teams competed in axe throwing, darts and a giant cup ball toss ,while spectators played giant Jenga, old school arcade games and air hockey.
Russell Dickerson with Cul2vate team members. Photo: Emma Delevante
Alongside Dickerson’s team and Concord’s group, Range Media Partners, Triple Tigers, Cul2vate, ACM Lifting Lives, FBMM, CAA, Warner Chappell Music, and Sony Music Publishing assembled teams, with the Cul2vate crew winning the competition and taking home the coveted “RussellMania” Championship Belt. The event raised $35,000 in total, which will directly benefit the two Nashville-based nonprofits.
“RussellMania was a blast, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to give back in a way that only country music can,” says Dickerson. “We came together to have fun, but we also raised some serious support for ACM Lifting Lives and Cul2vate—two organizations that do incredible work. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who came out to show their love, support and competitive spirit. I’m already counting down to next year!”
“It was an absolute pleasure to partner with Russell and his team to raise money for these two incredible organizations,” says Concord CEO Bob Valentine. “I look forward to doing it again next year—and hopefully bringing the belt home to Concord.”
62nd ASCAP Country Music Awards Honors Talented Songwriters & Publishers
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chris Stapleton and ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
Country music stars, songwriters and publishers ascended the steps of The Twelve Thirty Club on Monday night (Nov. 18) for the ASCAP Celebrates Nashville event, awarding the top performing ASCAP members of the past year.
ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
The upscale club featured multiple spaces for party-goers to mingle, with intimate seating areas thoughtfully placed beneath the soft, dim lighting. The drinks were flowing with multiple bar locations, and attendees noshed on The Twelve Thirty Club’s yummy sushi and sashimi, shrimp cocktail, hummus and crudités, pimento cheese and pita bread and more.
In addition to the red carpet, songwriters and publishers took photos in front of a large ASCAP step and repeat that listed the top performing songs.
Country duo Everette kicked off the evening’s program with a performance. ASCAP’s VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad then appeared to welcome everyone to the event, and shed light on some members’ recent success. He saluted Hillary Lindsey on her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, as well as David Bellamy into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and John Anderson into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sistad then welcomed up ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews to the podium. Matthews shared meaningful words about former EVP and and Chief Creative Officer, John Titta, who passed away a few weeks ago.
Sony Music Publishing CEO Nashville Rusty Gaston (front row, third from left) with the staff of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
For the first award of the night, Matthews shared that 80-time chart-topper Ashley Gorley was the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year for an 11th time, extending his record as the winningest ASCAP songwriter in the country format.
“It’s a privilege to be a country music fan in the era of Ashley Gorley,” Matthews said of the hitmaker who was recently nominated for induction to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“Thank you ASCAP for all that you do for songwriters, ” Gorley said, highlighting Titta’s legacy. “It’s been really cool to see country music and country songs have a bright spotlight this past year, and to see songs move up some different charts. It’s not a secret anymore that the Nashville is special and one of a king. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Pictured (L-R): Co-writer of the Country Music Song of the Year Ashley Gorley, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and Country Music Song of the Year co-writer JKash. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
Next it was time for the Publisher of the Year honor, which went to Sony Music Publishing. The company won for an 11th time with 24 of this year’s most-performed songs.
“At Sony Music Publishing in Nashville, we believe that every song has the power to change the world. They all take amazing songwriters,” shared Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “It is our greatest honor to get to walk alongside and champion the songwriters that we get to work with.”
Matthews welcomed up ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams to present the next awards. He also shared special words about the late Titta, speaking about his legacy as a friend to songwriters.
Chris Stapleton accepts the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
Williams announced that Chris Stapleton was the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year, with his “White Horse” (co-written by ASCAP member Dan Wilson) and “Think I’m in Love with You” are among ASCAP’s most-performed country songs of the year.
“I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. That was my dream and my whole plan,” Stapleton said. “I have so many friends and people who have encouraged me [in the room tonight]…I’m honored to be a songwriter tonight.
“Congratulations to all the winners tonight,” he continued. “If you’re in this room tonight, you should feel honored. If you’re wearing one of those things around your neck tonight, that’s what we all move to town to do. If you’re a songwriter, you’re always going to be a songwriter.”
The ASCAP Country Song of the Year went to “Last Night,” performed by Morgan Wallen. ASCAP members Gorley and JKash accepted the honor, giving Gorley his fourth ASCAP Country Song of the Year win. Sony Music Publishing, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Domain Capital Group, Poppy’s Picks, Prescription Songs and Rap Kingpin Music celebrated with them.
After the big awards had been presented, the ASCAP executives continued to honor the most-performed songs of the year, calling up ASCAP songwriters and playing their awarded hits over the speakers. The room cheered each recipient on, making for a joyous celebration.
Click here for a complete list of ASCAP Country Music Award winners.
Blake Shelton Notches Biggest Radio Add Day Of His Career
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L–R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville General Manager Peter Strickland, BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld, Blake Shelton, BMG Americas President Jon Loba and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville EVP JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Kevin Grace
Country star Blake Shelton has notched the biggest radio add day of his career with his latest single, “Texas,” via Wheelhouse Records.
Tallying over 149 first-week Mediabase stations (156 overall), the track marks his debut release with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, whom he signed with in September. The label’s team surprised Shelton with a celebration for the milestone event yesterday (Nov. 18).
Released to streaming services last Friday (Nov. 15), “Texas” amassed high numbers across all platforms. Produced by Shelton’s longtime producer Scott Hendricks and written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman, the tune describes a man stranded in the dust of a carefree woman who has no idea where she’s headed, though he figures she’s somewhere in Texas.
“I moved to Nashville the month after I graduated from high school to sing country music and, hopefully, get to hear one of my songs on the radio,” shares Shelton. “After all these years, it’s still exciting. Thanks to fans for listening and coming out to shows. I can’t wait to play ‘Texas’ live!”
Additionally, he plans to perform “Texas” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! tomorrow (Nov. 20).
Industry Ink: No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival, Kristin Wilkinson, Randy Rogers Band, More
/by Lorie HollabaughInaugural No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival Lights Up South Maui
Pictured (L-R, seated): Jeffrey Steele, Jessi Alexander, Randy Houser, Kassi Ashton and Brad Warren; (L-R, standing): Storme Warren, Dan Goodfellow, Lukas Nelson, Claudia Goodfellow, Derick Sebastian, Jerry Flowers, Preston Cooper and Jared Keim
The inaugural No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival took place Nov. 7-9 in south Maui. The tropical event combined exclusive performances, business collaboration, and philanthropy, with proceeds benefiting LeLe Aloha and the Maui Family YMCA Music Program. Songwriters participating included Jeffrey Steele, Jessi Alexander, Randy Houser, Kassi Ashton, Brad Warren, Jared Keim and more.
Kristin Wilkinson Spotlighted in Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Nashville Cats Program
Kristin Wilkinson and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Jon Freeman at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured classically trained violist Kristin Wilkinson in its in-depth interview series Nashville Cats, which showcases musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in the studio or on tour.
Wilkinson is one of Nashville’s most in-demand string arrangers and has hundreds of credits on country, rock and pop projects since the 1980s. As an arranger, Wilkinson has contributed to recordings with Kenny Chesney, Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood and Willie Nelson. She has worked with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Regina Spektor and Chris Stapleton on live shows. The program was moderated by museum Writer-Editor Jon Freeman, and following the interview, Jake Kiszka, Bill Miller and Larry Paxton joined Wilkinson onstage for a brief performance.
Randy Rogers Band Delivers Deliver Donation For Scholarship Fund During KASE 100.7’s Friendsgiving
Pictured (L-R): Jason Mellard, Director of the Center for Texas Music History; Anne Hudson, KASE; Kelly Damphousse, President – Texas State University; Randy Rogers and Alek Halverson, KASE. Photo: Justin Rice
The Randy Rogers Band took the stage during KASE 100.7’s Friendsgiving at the Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, Texas on Nov. 13 to present a check for The Kent Finlay Legacy Endowed Scholarship in Texas Music History and the Tommy Foote Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The star-studded event also included performances from Jon Pardi, William Beckmann, Tucker Wetmore, Priscilla Block and Austin Snell. The funds raised from Cheatham Street Warehouse’s 50th Anniversary Street Party (Oct. 20), brought in $37,500 for each fund for a total of $75,000 raised.
Bryana Cielo Joins National Independent Venue Association As Admin Manager
Bryana Cielo
Bryana Cielo recently joined the National Independent Venue Association as Administrative Manager. Cielo came to Nashville in 2021 as a Programming and Media Coordinator for Circle Network, the Grand Ole Opry’s TV network. Most recently, Cielo worked for CMT as Leslie Fram and Margaret Comeaux’s Executive Assistant, working across the talent and production teams.
In her new role reporting to NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker and working from Nashville, Cielo will support NIVA’s administrative operations and project manage NIVA’s efforts to support independent venues all over the country and NIVA’s advocacy at the federal, state and local levels.
Megan Danielle Inks With Provident Entertainment
Megan Danielle Signs with Provident Entertainment, Managed by Hsquared Management and booking with Jeff Roberts Agency
Singer-songwriter Megan Danielle has signed with Provident Entertainment. The 2023 American Idol runner-up has released her first label debut single “When I Found You.” She has also been featured on songs with Ben Fuller (“If I Got Jesus”) and Sidewalk Prophets (“Looking Up”).
“We are thrilled to have Megan join the family of creators at Provident Entertainment,” says Provident Entertainment’s President Holly Zabka. “The moment I heard her on American Idol, I fell in love with her sweet spirit and the way her voice draws you into the emotion of a song.”
Visionary Media Group, The Pack Shack, Lipscomb & Convoy of Hope Team To Pack 200,000 Meals for Hurricane Victims
Representatives of Visionary Media Group, The Pack Shack, Convoy of Hope and Lipscomb University; including Candice McQueen, Lipscomb University President and Brent Roe-Hall, Dean of Student Life for Spiritual Formation
Over 400 volunteers gathered at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena to pack 200,000 meals sponsored by Visionary Media Group and set up by The Pack Shack. The meals, delivered overnight by Convoy of Hope, will serve people in areas impacted by recent hurricanes. The event started with country duo O.N.E The Duo ringing the opening gong to kick off the pack and ended with a loaded Convoy of Hope semi-truck driving to East Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida.