Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, CAM Creative’s Carole Ann Mobley, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Big Machine Music Publishing’s Tim Hunze, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart and BMG’s Amy Scott; (L-R, front row): Ryan Larkins, Benjy Davis, Cody Johnson and Kat Higgins. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Cody Johnson commemorated his two latest chart-toppers at BMI on Thursday (Oct. 10) with a heartfelt celebration. The party honored Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins, the co-writers of “The Painter,” and Josh Phillips, the sole writer of “Dirt Cheap.”
The tunes marked Johnson’s second and third No. 1 hits following 2022’s “‘Til You Can’t.” All three of the artist’s chart-toppers have been outside songs.
Not only that, all three have been given awards due to their craftsmanship. “‘Til You Can’t,” written by Matt Rogers and Ben Stennis, was named Best Country Song at the 2023 Grammy Awards and also won the 2022 CMA Award for Single of the Year.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. (L-R, front row): Josh Phillips and Cody Johnson. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
So far, “The Painter” has been named Song of the Year at the 2024 Nashville Songwriter Awards and “Dirt Cheap” was Song of the Year at the MusicRow Awards. Both are nominated for Song of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards.
Johnson’s newfound reputation as a friend to songwriters was highlighted by everyone who spoke, as was his propensity for selecting quality material for his albums.
After a welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley, MaryAnn Keen took over as emcee. She orchestrated for “The Painter” to be celebrated first, bringing up Big Machine Music’s Tim Hunze, BMG’s Amy Hendon Scott, CAM Creative’s Carole-Ann Mobley and Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston.
To speak about “Dirt Cheap,” Keen invited Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako to the podium. A special message from Phillip’s other publisher, Brantley Gilbert, was played on the screen.
Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart shared a special presentation announcing a donation to Different Day Foundation, an organization that empowers and supports women survivors as they overcome and heal from the systems of prostitution and exploitation.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Ryan Larkins, Benjy Davis, Cody Johnson, Kat Higgins and MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy shared words about Johnson’s commitment to cutting the best songs, no matter who wrote them.
“Best song wins. He doesn’t look at people’s names or track records. He hears the song and then finds out who wrote it, because he cares about what the song means,” she said. “Cody Johnson is the guy who cuts double albums of outside songs in Nashville.”
When it came time to hear from the writers, they all thanked their villages of support, their peers, Johnson and his team.
“The life this song took on has been incredible,” Davis said of “The Painter.” “It’s been awesome to be a part of it.”
“Cody, I feel like you’re a co-writer on this because of how much you gave,” Higgins said. “You took it further than we could have imagined.”
“Thank you Lord for the gift of this song,” Larkins said. He and his wife Chauntay, who inspired “The Painter,” were celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, Josh Phillips, Cody Johnson and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
“This song has been a blessing. Thank you, Cody, for being as passionate about it as you are,” Phillips said of “Dirt Cheap.” “Thank you to my wife for telling me to send this song to Cody one night.”
When Johnson spoke, he shared his perspective on songwriting.
“All I ever wanted to be was a songwriter… All my heroes were songwriters,” he said. “When you become an artist and it starts to take off, it becomes a struggle [to write the best songs].
“I had the realization through Cris and Scott [Gunter] to start looking at outside songs,” he said. “When I started to see the impact it had on people who had written the songs I was cutting, it gave me a sense of humility and honor that I had never felt before–like I was getting to carry a flag into battle.
“I’m proud to be the guy carrying the flag for the songwriters, because it’s what I’ve always wanted to be,” Johnson said, bringing the room to a thunderous applause.
Carly Pearce Extends Publishing Partnership With BMG
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Altadena’s Daniel Lee, Starstruck Entertainment’s Mike Blong, BMG’s Camryn Clark, Patricia Wittmer, Carly Pearce, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Altadena’s Jess Busbee, BMG’s Amy Scott and Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC’s David Crow. Photo: Kevin Grace/BMG Nashville
Superstar songstress Carly Pearce has extended her longtime publishing partnership with BMG in association with Altadena, the music company founded by her late producer and collaborator Busbee and Leo33’s Daniel Lee.
“BMG has been a part of my story from the very beginning of my career,” she shares. “They have supported me the whole way, and I couldn’t be happier to continue my journey with them!”
“Carly’s strength, determination and writing skills are as fierce as her work ethic,” says Chris Oglesby, VP, Publishing, BMG Nashville. “We are honored to continue this journey with her and Altadena.”
Pearce recently kicked off her “Hummingbird World Tour” in support of her latest album, Hummingbird, which marks the Big Machine Records artist’s debut as a co-producer and includes Grammy-nominated duet “We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Chris Stapleton and current radio single “Truck On Fire.” Yesterday (Oct. 14), she unveiled the accompanying video for “Truck On Fire,” in which she takes matters into her own hands to live out a revenge fantasy.
16th Annual ‘Opry Goes Pink’ To Take Place Next Week
/by Madison HahnenThe Grand Ole Opry will host its 16th annual “Opry Goes Pink” next Wednesday (Oct. 23) at the Grand Ole Opry House, in partnership with Susan G. Komen.
Opry member Ashley McBryde will begin the show by flipping the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night. Additional performers will include Tanya Tucker, Victoria Shaw, Jeannie Seely, T. Graham Brown, Jon Pardi and Scott Stapp, who will mark his Opry debut during the event.
Tickets are on sale now. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to help the fight against breast cancer. For more information, click here.
Cody Johnson Heralded As A Champion For Songwriters At Double No. 1 Party
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, CAM Creative’s Carole Ann Mobley, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Big Machine Music Publishing’s Tim Hunze, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart and BMG’s Amy Scott; (L-R, front row): Ryan Larkins, Benjy Davis, Cody Johnson and Kat Higgins. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Cody Johnson commemorated his two latest chart-toppers at BMI on Thursday (Oct. 10) with a heartfelt celebration. The party honored Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins, the co-writers of “The Painter,” and Josh Phillips, the sole writer of “Dirt Cheap.”
The tunes marked Johnson’s second and third No. 1 hits following 2022’s “‘Til You Can’t.” All three of the artist’s chart-toppers have been outside songs.
Not only that, all three have been given awards due to their craftsmanship. “‘Til You Can’t,” written by Matt Rogers and Ben Stennis, was named Best Country Song at the 2023 Grammy Awards and also won the 2022 CMA Award for Single of the Year.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. (L-R, front row): Josh Phillips and Cody Johnson. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
So far, “The Painter” has been named Song of the Year at the 2024 Nashville Songwriter Awards and “Dirt Cheap” was Song of the Year at the MusicRow Awards. Both are nominated for Song of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards.
Johnson’s newfound reputation as a friend to songwriters was highlighted by everyone who spoke, as was his propensity for selecting quality material for his albums.
After a welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley, MaryAnn Keen took over as emcee. She orchestrated for “The Painter” to be celebrated first, bringing up Big Machine Music’s Tim Hunze, BMG’s Amy Hendon Scott, CAM Creative’s Carole-Ann Mobley and Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston.
To speak about “Dirt Cheap,” Keen invited Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako to the podium. A special message from Phillip’s other publisher, Brantley Gilbert, was played on the screen.
Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart shared a special presentation announcing a donation to Different Day Foundation, an organization that empowers and supports women survivors as they overcome and heal from the systems of prostitution and exploitation.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Ryan Larkins, Benjy Davis, Cody Johnson, Kat Higgins and MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy shared words about Johnson’s commitment to cutting the best songs, no matter who wrote them.
“Best song wins. He doesn’t look at people’s names or track records. He hears the song and then finds out who wrote it, because he cares about what the song means,” she said. “Cody Johnson is the guy who cuts double albums of outside songs in Nashville.”
When it came time to hear from the writers, they all thanked their villages of support, their peers, Johnson and his team.
“The life this song took on has been incredible,” Davis said of “The Painter.” “It’s been awesome to be a part of it.”
“Cody, I feel like you’re a co-writer on this because of how much you gave,” Higgins said. “You took it further than we could have imagined.”
“Thank you Lord for the gift of this song,” Larkins said. He and his wife Chauntay, who inspired “The Painter,” were celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, Josh Phillips, Cody Johnson and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
“This song has been a blessing. Thank you, Cody, for being as passionate about it as you are,” Phillips said of “Dirt Cheap.” “Thank you to my wife for telling me to send this song to Cody one night.”
When Johnson spoke, he shared his perspective on songwriting.
“All I ever wanted to be was a songwriter… All my heroes were songwriters,” he said. “When you become an artist and it starts to take off, it becomes a struggle [to write the best songs].
“I had the realization through Cris and Scott [Gunter] to start looking at outside songs,” he said. “When I started to see the impact it had on people who had written the songs I was cutting, it gave me a sense of humility and honor that I had never felt before–like I was getting to carry a flag into battle.
“I’m proud to be the guy carrying the flag for the songwriters, because it’s what I’ve always wanted to be,” Johnson said, bringing the room to a thunderous applause.
Grand Ole Opry Shares Plans For 100th Year
/by Liza AndersonThe Grand Ole Opry shared plans for its upcoming 100th year with fans, artists and friends who gathered celebrate the Opry’s 99th birthday this past weekend. The year-long “Opry 100” celebration aims to pay tribute to the people and music that have cemented the Opry as a sacred space in the country format since its debut on WSM Radio in 1925.
“This centennial is not just a look back—it’s a celebration of the future of country music and the artists who continue to shape its story,” expressed Dan Rogers, SVP & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “Most importantly, we are grateful to the fans, artists, employees, Nashville and the entire country music community who have helped us reach this special moment. We can’t wait for everyone to join us for what will be an unforgettable year.”
“Opry 100” will be marked through a series of special events next year, beginning with a performance from Country Music Hall of Famer and the Opry’s longest-serving member Bill Anderson at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 3.
The celebration will see the “Opry 100 Greatest Songs” determined by fans and showcased over the course of 2025 as well as “Opry 100 Honors” shows hosted to salute legends, such as Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams and Tammy Wynette, who have contributed to the Opry’s history, with a portion of ticket sales benefitting the Opry Trust Fund.
100 artists will make their Grand Ole Opry debuts throughout the year, starting with breakout star Shaboozey on Jan. 18. The historic milestone will also be commemorated with an international show at London’s Royal Albert Hall this fall. More details, including the artist lineup and ticket information will be unveiled next year.
Additionally, the Grand Ole Opry has teamed up with Abrams to publish the first book to include each Opry member and their contributions the circle as told by the artists themselves. Written by Craig Shelburne, 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry is available for pre-order now and will hit shelves on April 15 at retailers nationwide, on the Opry 100 website and at Target with an exclusive edition containing bonus content. The Opry will also collaborate with established Nashville designers to create unique merchandise, artwork and collectibles.
Tickets for most of the 2025 shows will go on sale this Friday (Oct. 18). For more information, click here.
Dylan Scott Slates ‘Country Till I Die Tour’ For Spring
/by Liza AndersonDylan Scott. Photo: Robby Klein
On the heels of his final “I Owe You One Tour” performance last week, Dylan Scott has slated his new headlining run, the “Country Till I Die Tour,” for this spring.
Scott plans to bring catalog of new tracks to the “Country Till I Die Tour” along with singles “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe, which is approaching the top 20 on the Country Airplay charts, and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” which has hit the top 25. This year, he sold out over 12 headlining shows in addition to serving as direct support for Cole Swindell’s “Win The Night Tour.”
Tickets are available now for all stops, except Florida, which will go on sale this Friday (Oct. 18). For more information, click here.
Aaron Raitiere Jumps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenAaron Raitiere. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen.
Aaron Raitiere has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He sits in the No. 8 spot this week with “4x4xU” and “You Look Like You Love Me.”
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the sixth consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.” Chris Stapleton stays at No. 2 with “Think I’m In Love With You.”
Riley Green (No. 3), Ashley Gorley (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.
Registration Open For 13th Annual Touring Career Workshop Next Month
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 13th annual Touring Career Workshop (TCW) is set for Nov. 12 at the Soundcheck Annex in Nashville.
Attendees will explore topics including mental, physical, and fiscal health, work/life balance, crafting a solid business plan and securing a coveted gig through engaging breakout sessions. Registration for the free event is now open. For more information, click here.
Co-created by Chris Lisle, Owner of concert event design and production management firm CLLD, and industry professional Erik Parker as a way to educate, mentor and provide access to experts and professional resources, TWC has grown into the country’s largest gathering of touring professionals and those interested in careers in the industry.
Veteran tour manager Marty Hom will serve as the 2024 keynote speaker. Hom has worked with Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé and Janet Jackson, among others, for more than 40 years.
“This year’s theme—Reset—is appropriate as we dive into where we are as an industry and what the future looks like as these post-COVID years have been a rollercoaster in a lot of ways,” says Lisle. “With a storied keynote speaker and impactful breakout sessions, this year’s event is shaping up to be our best yet.”
New this year is the Reboot and Refresh: Career Essentials Lab, a pre-event session, taking place from 2–4 p.m., that will feature a resume consultant, a financial advisor offering customized spending plans and a photographer snapping headshots, all for a nominal fee.
Additionally, TCW’s All Access Program, which offers four free, confidential counseling sessions with pre-approved therapists, has expanded rapidly and is now offered to all artists, bands, crews and staffs at festivals, including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits (ACL), Faster Horses, CMA Fest, and to participants and crews at the PGA Simmons Open.
Opening Date Set For Luke Combs’ Category 10
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs‘ new Category 10 entertainment complex in downtown Nashville, owned and operated by Opry Entertainment Group, will open its doors on Nov. 2.
During the opening day celebration, fans can enjoy full access to all four indoor entertainment areas, including the two-story Honky-Tonk, Hurricane Hall, The Still and the 5 Leaf Clover Sports Bar, where guests can move throughout the venue’s spaces without needing to close their tab in each space, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive visit.
Live music will be happening all day long starting at 11 a.m. by artists and DJs such as Brother Maven, Paige Rosen, Miller Holler and DJ John Price. During select times throughout opening weekend, the venue’s Light Show will also pair with synchronized dance routines performed by Category 10’s dance team.
Category 10 will also offer scratch-made and Combs-inspired dishes that are a culinary nod to his Carolina roots and personal foods he loves. Highlights include the Carolina Coast Blue Crab Cake appetizer along with the Smoky Mountain Chicken Sandwich the Carolina’s BBQ Burger and Homestyle Venison Meatloaf entrees. There will also be signature cocktails served in take-home Category 10 glassware and brand new exclusive merchandise from the Category 10 retail store available on the ground floor of the honky-tonk.
Rodney Atkins Refreshes Fan-Favorites For New Acoustic EP
/by Lorie HollabaughRodney Atkins is reaching back into the vault and stripping down some of his biggest hits on a new EP, Acoustic Sessions. The four-track project is out now.
Comprised of three No. 1 singles and one fan-favorite, Acoustic Sessions features fresh, front-porch iterations of some of his beloved tunes as he reflects on the past with fond nostalgia and also looks to the future with new music on the horizon. The project includes the triple-Platinum “Watching You,” the top five hit “Farmer’s Daughter” and No. 1 singles “These Are My People” and “Take A Back Road.”
Atkins is currently in the studio working on the follow-up to 2019’s Caught Up In The Country and has been giving fans a glimpse into his creative process across his socials. Brand new tracks previewing the new album are slated to come soon.
Acoustic Sessions Track List:
1. “These Are My People (Acoustic)” (David Berg, Rivers Rutherford)
2. “Take A Back Road (Acoustic)” (Rhett Akins, Luke Laird)
3. “Watching You (Acoustic)” (Rodney Atkins, Steven Dean, Brian White)
4. “Farmer’s Daughter (Acoustic)” (Marv Green, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins)
Luke Combs To Be Inducted Into Music City Walk Of Fame
/by Madison HahnenLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Country superstar Luke Combs will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Oct. 30. He joins previously announced 2024 inductees Jimmy Buffett, gospel group The Fairfield Four, Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Colin Reed and Grand Ole Opry Announcer and Host Bill Cody.
Combs was surprised with the news on Saturday (Oct. 12) while performing during his three-day music and beach festival, “Luke Combs Bootleggers Bonfire” in Miramar Beach, Florida.
“Luke’s stellar career, marked by chart-topping hits and a deep connection to his fans, has made him one of country music’s brightest stars and the perfect addition to this prestigious group of honorees,” shares Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “It was a special moment for Luke to hear about his induction into the Music City Walk of Fame alongside hundreds of his dedicated fans, and we hope many of them will travel to Nashville to celebrate with him in person at the ceremony.”
The ceremony will take at 1 p.m at the Music City Walk of Fame Park. It is open to public viewing, and will induct the 105th, 106th, 107th, 108th and 109th stars, recognizing inductees for their work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song.
The Music City Walk of Fame was founded in 2006 on Nashville’s Music Mile, a one mile stretch that connects downtown to Music Row. Permanent sidewalk medallions with the names of inductees are displayed in a star design.