Dustin Lynch celebrating his 10 No. 1s onstage. Photo: Riley Mau
Dustin Lynch celebrated his 10 career chart-toppers at Skydeck on Broadway in Nashville on Wednesday night (Oct. 30).
A slight breeze swept through the air as BMI’s MaryAnn Keen welcomed industry members to the rooftop as the celebration kicked off with a double plaque presentation commemorating his latest No. 1 hits, “Stars Like Confetti” and “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll).” ASCAP, BMI, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Almo Music Corp., MV2 Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing, Studio Bank, UMPG Nashville and Warner Chappell Music teams toasted Lynch and producer Zach Crowell. Crowell also co-wrote “Stars Like Confetti” alongside Josh Thompson and Thomas Rhett, both of whom were unable to attend the event.
“Chevrolet” writers Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Hunter Phelps were then praised alongside Lynch, producers Crowell and Ben Phillips, who was not present, and the late Mentor Williams. Williams received a writer credit as the hit samples his classic “Drift Away.”
Keen acknowledged Williams, noting that “his legacy is alive and well” in the tune, due to the respectful way in which Lynch and its creators brought “Drift Away” to new ears. She then handed the mic to BMG’s Jon Loba.
“You’re always grinding, always looking for or trying to write that next hit,” Loba said to Lynch. “Thank you for all of your work on this, and Zach, you’ve been right there with him.”
He faced the crowd and continued, “I won’t say where we’re headed or what’s on the horizon, but I will say that I haven’t been this excited about Dustin’s career in years. We have some really big, compelling, genre-changing music and events coming, and I can’t wait to reveal them.”
Pictured (L–R): Hunter Phelps, Jessi Alexander, Dustin Lynch, Zach Crowell and Chase McGill. Photo: Riley Mau
Crowell, McGill, Alexander and Phelps all expressed their genuine gratitude for every team involved in the success of “Chevrolet,” as well as their friends and families, with McGill sharing that the idea for the reimagined number was sparked while listening his wife’s beach playlist.
The man of the hour then took the floor, first thanking the Sweet Talk Publicity squad for organizing the celebration. Lynch moved on to thank the writers and his label, acknowledging all of the sacrifices that its team members have made, as well as Jelly Roll, who couldn’t make it, and the rest of his crew.
“[This job] is easier when you get to share the stage, studios and writing rooms with the best in the world. I’m just so honored to be up here with you guys,” he said to his collaborators. “These two songs are a testament to the creative community.”
Lynch added, “I’m so excited for this next chapter of music and life. Tonight is about being present and celebrating—not just me, but all of us.”
As the party opened to the public, he took the stage to honor the smash singles in order, starting with Platinum “Where It’s At” and ending with “Chevrolet,” pausing at one point to take a shot with a crowd member. The 11-song set featured his history-making, six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” which was recognized mid-show with a surprise presentation made by BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Peter Strickland of a double-Platinum certification plaque. Lynch also played his Platinum, two-week No. 1 “Ridin’ Roads;” Platinum “Good Girl;” triple-Platinum, four-week chart-topper “Small Town Boy;” Gold “Seein’ Red;” Gold “Mind Reader” and Gold “Hell Of A Night.” In addition to the No. 1 hits, Lynch treated everyone to his Platinum breakout “Cowboys and Angels,” sharing a touching note about his grandparents, who inspired the tune.
Billy Ray Cyrus Inks Partnership With EMPIRE Publishing [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Scott Adkins (Adkins Entertainment), Eric Hurt (EMPIRE), Vinny Kumar (EMPIRE), Billy Ray Cyrus, Al “Butta” McLean (EMPIRE), Jack Johns (EMPIRE) and Derrek Kupish (Adkins Entertainment). Photo: Adkins Entertainment
Two-time Grammy winner Billy Ray Cyrus has entered into a partnership with EMPIRE Publishing, the publishing arm of independent record label EMPIRE.
“EMPIRE is a record company that harnesses the power, beauty and healing element of music–made and shared for the pure love of it and honestly believes music changes everything,” says Cyrus of the deal.
The company’s label roster currently boasts breakout country star Shaboozey, who topped the Hot 100 for 15 weeks and holds the Canadian Hot 100 record at 22 weeks with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” EMPIRE Publishing also boasts multi-genre producers James Maddocks and Yung Lan, who collaborated on Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping album One Thing At a Time and earned a No. 1 at country radio for “Cowgirls.”
The publishing arm is led by industry veterans Al Mclean and Vinny Kumar. EMPIRE Publishing A&R, Eric Hurt, helped secure the deal.
“We’re excited to welcome Billy Ray Cyrus to the EMPIRE Publishing family,” says Kumar, SVP, Global Head of Business. “Billy Ray’s legacy in music is legendary and his influence spans generations and genres. Partnering with an artist of his caliber reflects our commitment to bringing timeless talent and new, exciting works to audiences worldwide. We look forward to supporting his creative vision and collaborating with him on future projects.”
“Billy Ray Cyrus’ legacy has had a global impact on music and culture,” says McLean, SVP, Global Head of Music, EMPIRE Publishing. “He has seamlessly and successfully blended genres and taken listeners into new sonic landscapes. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to EMPIRE and represent his publishing on a global level.”
Cyrus exploded onto the music scene with Some Gave All, with its title track that debuted on the all-genre Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1 and stayed there for a record-breaking 17 weeks in 1992. The lead single off Some Gave All, “Achy Breaky Heart,” became a phenomenon and went multi-Platinum. Cyrus knocked himself out of the top Billboard position with his second No. 1 album, It Won’t Be The Last, featuring smash hits “In the Heart of a Woman,” “Words By Heart” and “Somebody New.”
In recent years, Cyrus has celebrated monumental success as a co-writer and featured artist on the Diamond-certified song “Old Town Road,” which still reigns as the longest Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 record for 19 consecutive weeks.
“Billy Ray Cyrus has always said that he’s a singer-songwriter from Flatwoods, Kentucky, but the truth is he’s an international icon who’s written the most influential songs over the last three decades,” says Hurt, VP A&R, EMPIRE Publishing. “He’s only scratched the surface and we’re thrilled to be partners with him.”
Cryus will release a new single, “Remember Why You’re Here,” on Nov. 22, which he co-wrote with James Slater.
The Lede Company Establishes Music Division In Nashville
/by Liza AndersonCara Hutchison & Jess Anderson (Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith)
Global full-service strategy, communications, integrated marketing and social impact consulting firm The Lede Company has established a Music division in Nashville.
The division, which represents Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Rosalía, Shakira, A$AP Rocky and more, will be led by newly-appointed Head of Music Cara Hutchison.
Additionally, Jess Anderson has joined the new division. Reporting to Hutchison and Co-Founder & Co-CEO Amanda Silverman, she intends to help the firm expand its presence in the music space.
Anderson most recently served as Senior Director of Media at Big Loud Records, founding and building the label’s in-house Publicity department, and currently serves on PR Task Forces for both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Her previous career stops include Sweet Talk Publicity, The Press House and Big Machine Label Group.
“Nashville has earned its place at the center of the conversation across entertainment because of the quality of talent and authentic sense of community that’s rooted here,” says Anderson. “The opportunity to help introduce a powerhouse agency like Lede to our town is a true thrill. Storytelling is the heartbeat of Nashville, and Lede crafts campaigns that elevate and highlight artistry in all of its forms. There’s no limit to what we’ll be able to accomplish with this partnership, and I’m honored to step into this role.”
“With Nashville at the heart of the music industry, we are incredibly excited to be launching this division,” shares Hutchison. “We’re thrilled to have Jess, a savvy music publicist with deep roots in Nashville, join us for this next chapter. We look forward to leveraging Lede’s relationships, storytelling, and communications expertise to help amplify the careers of such outstanding artists in this community.”
Dustin Lynch Commemorates 10 No. 1s With Broadway Celebration
/by Liza AndersonDustin Lynch celebrating his 10 No. 1s onstage. Photo: Riley Mau
Dustin Lynch celebrated his 10 career chart-toppers at Skydeck on Broadway in Nashville on Wednesday night (Oct. 30).
A slight breeze swept through the air as BMI’s MaryAnn Keen welcomed industry members to the rooftop as the celebration kicked off with a double plaque presentation commemorating his latest No. 1 hits, “Stars Like Confetti” and “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll).” ASCAP, BMI, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Almo Music Corp., MV2 Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing, Studio Bank, UMPG Nashville and Warner Chappell Music teams toasted Lynch and producer Zach Crowell. Crowell also co-wrote “Stars Like Confetti” alongside Josh Thompson and Thomas Rhett, both of whom were unable to attend the event.
“Chevrolet” writers Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Hunter Phelps were then praised alongside Lynch, producers Crowell and Ben Phillips, who was not present, and the late Mentor Williams. Williams received a writer credit as the hit samples his classic “Drift Away.”
Keen acknowledged Williams, noting that “his legacy is alive and well” in the tune, due to the respectful way in which Lynch and its creators brought “Drift Away” to new ears. She then handed the mic to BMG’s Jon Loba.
“You’re always grinding, always looking for or trying to write that next hit,” Loba said to Lynch. “Thank you for all of your work on this, and Zach, you’ve been right there with him.”
He faced the crowd and continued, “I won’t say where we’re headed or what’s on the horizon, but I will say that I haven’t been this excited about Dustin’s career in years. We have some really big, compelling, genre-changing music and events coming, and I can’t wait to reveal them.”
Pictured (L–R): Hunter Phelps, Jessi Alexander, Dustin Lynch, Zach Crowell and Chase McGill. Photo: Riley Mau
Crowell, McGill, Alexander and Phelps all expressed their genuine gratitude for every team involved in the success of “Chevrolet,” as well as their friends and families, with McGill sharing that the idea for the reimagined number was sparked while listening his wife’s beach playlist.
The man of the hour then took the floor, first thanking the Sweet Talk Publicity squad for organizing the celebration. Lynch moved on to thank the writers and his label, acknowledging all of the sacrifices that its team members have made, as well as Jelly Roll, who couldn’t make it, and the rest of his crew.
“[This job] is easier when you get to share the stage, studios and writing rooms with the best in the world. I’m just so honored to be up here with you guys,” he said to his collaborators. “These two songs are a testament to the creative community.”
Lynch added, “I’m so excited for this next chapter of music and life. Tonight is about being present and celebrating—not just me, but all of us.”
As the party opened to the public, he took the stage to honor the smash singles in order, starting with Platinum “Where It’s At” and ending with “Chevrolet,” pausing at one point to take a shot with a crowd member. The 11-song set featured his history-making, six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” which was recognized mid-show with a surprise presentation made by BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Peter Strickland of a double-Platinum certification plaque. Lynch also played his Platinum, two-week No. 1 “Ridin’ Roads;” Platinum “Good Girl;” triple-Platinum, four-week chart-topper “Small Town Boy;” Gold “Seein’ Red;” Gold “Mind Reader” and Gold “Hell Of A Night.” In addition to the No. 1 hits, Lynch treated everyone to his Platinum breakout “Cowboys and Angels,” sharing a touching note about his grandparents, who inspired the tune.
More Deserving Stars Added To Music City Walk Of Fame [See Photos]
/by LB CantrellMaster of Ceremonies Kelly Sutton speaking in front of inductees and guests at the Music City Walk of Fame Ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of NCVC
The Music City Walk of Fame inducted a new group of honorees on Wednesday (Oct. 30), with the late “tropical troubadour” Jimmy Buffett, iconic gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, visionary hospitality leader Colin Reed of Ryman Hospitality Properties and beloved Grand Ole Opry announcer and host Bill Cody receiving the 105th, 106th, 107th and 108th stars.
The Music City Walk of Fame is an official project of Music City Inc., the charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, and recognizes inductees for their significant work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song.
Southern gospel singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin helped present Cody’s star to the crowd. Mac McAnally and Delaney Buffett, the late singer’s daughter, were on hand to accept Jimmy’s honor.
The Fairfield Four were in attendance for their induction, as was Reed. All were recognized for their significant work of preserving the music heritage of Nashville for contributing to the world through song. Read more about each inductee here.
Grand Ole Opry announcer and WSM host Bill Cody poses in front of his star during induction ceremony into the Music City Walk of Fame. Photo: Courtesy of NCVC
Delaney Buffett, on behalf of her father Jimmy Buffett alongside singer-songwriter and member of the Music City Walk of Fame Mac McAnally, pose at the late Buffett’s star. Photo: Courtesy of NCVC
The Fairfield Four pose in front of their star after induction into the Music City Walk of Fame. Photo: Courtesy of NCVC
Governor Bill Haslam and Colin Reed pose in front of Reed’s star during induction ceremony into the Music City Walk of Fame. Photo: Courtesy of NCVC
Megan Moroney Gets In The Holiday Spirit With New ‘Blue Christmas…Duh’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughMegan Moroney. Photo: CeCe Dawson
Megan Moroney kicks off the holiday season with Blue Christmas …duh—a surprise EP featuring two new original songs and a rendition of the timeless holiday heartbreak classic “Blue Christmas.”
With its title nodding to the signature color for Moroney’s blockbuster sophomore album Am I Okay?, Blue Christmas …duh begins with the hip-swinging anthem “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy,” which was written by Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter and Micah Carpenter, and serves up a bit of feel-good holiday honky-tonk as Moroney reveals what’s at the top of her wishlist.
The collection also includes the slow-burning ache of “Christmas Morning,” a new addition to country’s time-honored lineage of holiday heartbreak songs, and closes out with Moroney’s cover of “Blue Christmas.”
Each song is accompanied by a specially-created lyric video, and the EP follows the recent release of Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine), the deluxe edition of Moroney’s sophomore album. A No. 1 hit on Apple Music’s Top Country Albums chart (and No. 3 hit on Apple Music’s all-genre Top Albums chart), Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) includes three new tracks, “Bless Your Heart,” “I’ll Be Fine” and “Break It Right Back”—a piano-laced ballad streamed over a million times on its very first day of release.
Blue Christmas…duh Track List:
1. “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter)
2. “Christmas Morning” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter)
3. “Blue Christmas” (Billy Hayes, Jay Johnson)
David Nail Rings In The Holiday Season With New EP
/by John Nix ArledgeGrammy-winning artist David Nail has released his first holiday EP, A Campfire Christmas. The five-track project, featuring Christmas classics “Silver Bells,” “White Christmas” and “Silent Night,” arrives today (Nov. 1).
“This project is the brainchild of my wonderful wife, something she has asked for since we got married. And like most of my career, it came to be very natural and organically! I’m tremendously proud of how simple yet classic these songs sound,” explains Nail.
Additionally, Nail and special guest Jacob Tolliver will hit the road on his “A Campfire Christmas Tour” starting Nov. 30 through the end of December. The trek kicks off at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee and includes stops in major cities in Florida, Illinois and Connecticut before wrapping up at Bull Run in Shirley, Massachusetts on Dec. 21.
A Campfire Christmas Track Listing:
1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
2. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
3. Silent Night
4. Silver Bells
5. White Christmas
“A Campfire Christmas Tour” Dates:
*with special guest Jacob Tolliver
Nov. 30 – Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Civic Coliseum
Dec. 5 – Stuart, Fla. – Lyric Theatre*
Dec. 6 – Boca Raton, Fla. – The Studio at Mizner Park*
Dec. 7 – Brooksville, Fla. – Jack Daniels Amphitheatre – Florida Cracker Kitchen
Dec. 8 – Middleton, Fla. – The Tracy Performing Arts Center*
Dec. 12 – Lexington, Ky. – Manchester Music Hall*
Dec. 13 – Bloomington, Ill. – The Castle Theatre*
Dec. 14 – Indianapolis, Ind. – 8 Seconds Saloon*
Dec. 15 – McHenry, Ill. – The Vixen*
Dec. 18 – Fairfield, Conn. – The Warehouse at FTC*
Dec. 19 – Old Saybrook, Conn. – The Kate*
Dec. 20 – Syracuse, N.Y. – The Westcott Theater*
Dec. 21 – Shirley, Mass. – Bull Run*
The Store To Host Second Annual Toy Store In December
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley at the 2023 Toy Store. Photo: Derek Cressman
The Store will host its second annual Toy Store presented by Edward Jones in mid-December.
The free, referral-based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will help more than 800 families facing food insecurity currently supported by the Store shop choose toys for their family through generous donations from sponsors and donors across the U.S. Those in attendance at the event will also be treated to on-site gift wrapping and holiday party festivities for all ages.
More than 5,000 toys, countless rolls of wrapping paper, tape, bows and other supplies are needed to ensure families enjoy a day filled with holiday shopping and dignity. The Store is once again partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to support some of the toys needed for the younger kids, but many needs still exist.
The donation drive launches today and contributions can be made in three ways: purchasing items from the wish list, donating financially at thestore.org or volunteering your time. Toys and gift-wrapping supplies may also be purchased and dropped off at The Store by Dec. 11.
“We were so thrilled to see the success of the Toy Store last year. We appreciate the help and support from the community and our partners who worked together to make it a reality,” share the couple. “With this continued generosity our hope is to aid the families we serve with toys every year.”
The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. The Store regularly serves over 700 households weekly and recently announced expansion to a second location on Tri-Star Centennial’s campus opening summer 2025.
Tyler Rich Inks With ONErpm
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Julia McLeod, Kylie Dembek, Eric Schissel, Casey Childers and Angela Chamberlain. (L-R, front row): Chris Nary, Tyler Rich and Alex Ziabko
Singer-songwriter Tyler Rich has signed with ONErpm.
The northern California native has amassed half a billion global streams with his debut album Two Thousand Miles, which featured the Gold and Platinum singles “The Difference” and “Leave Her Wild.” The first single from Rich’s sophomore full-length album will be released by ONErpm this fall.
“Tyler Rich is an established artist in the country music scene. Once we connected about his vision, I quickly understood his goals which very much aligned with ONErpm and our desire to allow artists to be themselves creatively,” states Alex Ziabko, Senior Director of A&R at ONErpm. “I’m honored & excited to welcome such a talented artist to our country roster. We are looking forward to working together during the next chapter of his career.”
“My two biggest priorities when leading up to this new album and project were to release it independently, and to find a team that is just as passionate about it as I am” says Rich. “I spent the year working on this album, and meeting with different people along the way to find the perfect fit. The ONErpm team has felt like family since we first met, we just clicked, our ideas aligned, and the excitement was mutual on both sides. This new journey starts now, and I can’t wait for you to hear what we have in store for you!”
Mark Your Calendar—November 2024
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
Blake Shelton.
November 1
Vincent Mason/Speak Of The Devil/MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
Tyler Farr/Wait For It
Belles/What In The Truck/Deluge Records Nashville
Onoleigh/Ok Later
Becca Bowen/Small Town Christmas
The Woods/Good Thing Going On
November 4
Rob Fitzgerald/The Man My Daddy Made/Riverbend Recordings
Soul Circus Cowboys/Because Of The Brave/Kismet Nashville
November 8
Braxton Keith/Fall This Way/Mustache Rides Records
Crowe Boys/Let Me Feel Alone/UMG Nashville
Rotundo/Slow Motions
Chris Andreucci/Same Ole Me
November 11
Luke Bryan/Country Song Came On/Capitol Records Nashville
Justin Moore/Time’s Ticking/The Valory Music Co.
Jykå/Talking To Jesus Through A Bottle Of Jack/OTM Productions
November 12
Troubadour Blue/Alabama Angel
November 15
Payton Smith/Camouflage Town
November 22
Blake Shelton/Go Tell It On The Mountain/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Sarah Harralson/Tennessee Christmas/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC
November 29
Carson Alexander/Southern Wind/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC
Album/EP Releases:
Jamey Johnson. Photo: David McClister
November 1
Willie Nelson/Last Leaf on the Tree/Legacy Recordings
Cody Johnson/Leather Deluxe Edition/CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
Ella Langley/Still Hungover/SAWGOD/Columbia Records
Sam Barber/Restless Mind/Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
John PayCheck/More Days Behind
November 8
Gabby Barrett/Carols And Candlelight/Warner Music Nashville
Jamey Johnson/Midnight Gasoline/Warner Music Nashville
Flatland Cavalry/Flatland Forever/Interscope Records
Garfunkel & Garfunkel/Father And Son/BMG Nashville/Telamo
Dani Rose/Outsiders
November 15
Dolly Parton/Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables/Owepar Entertainment
Nickelback/Nickelback: Live From Nashville/BMG
Brooks & Dunn/Reboot 2/Sony Music Nashville
The Red Clay Strays/Live At The Ryman/RCA Records
Waylon Wyatt/Til The Sun Goes Down/Music Soup/Darkroom Records
Dwight Yoakam/Brighter Days/Via Records/Thirty Tigers
George Jones/The Lost Nashville Sessions/Country Rewind Records
Hunter Hayes/Lost & Found
Mason Ramsey/Merry Christmas Baby/Atlantic Records
Sister Hazel/Sea, Sand & Crash Debris/Rock Ridge Music
Hudson Westbrook/Hudson Westbrook/River House Artists
Taylor Austin Dye/Sick Of Me
Ashley Anne/Call Me When You Land
Marcus Hummon/Songs For Emily/3686 RECORDS
November 22
Niko Moon/These Are The Nights
Industry Events:
November 6
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala
November 12
13th Annual Touring Career Workshop
November 17
2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards
November 18
2024 ASCAP Country Awards
November 19
2024 BMI Country Awards
November 20
The 58th Annual CMA Awards
Ella Langley & Riley Green Hit No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Riley Green & Ella Langley; Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with her song “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.
The track is a part of her debut studio album Hungover and was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.
Langley released Still Hungover, the deluxe version of her debut album, today (Nov. 1) via SAWGOD/Columbia Records. To celebrate the release, she will perform for a sold-out crowd tonight at Nashville’s Exit/In as a part of her first-ever North American headlining run “The Hungover Tour.”
“You Look Like You Love Me” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.