NBCUniversal’s Greg Lee
Later this week, the country music community will file through the doors at the Grand Ole Opry House for the second annual People’s Choice Country Awards. The star-studded evening will air live on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.
Last year’s inaugural show, hosted by Opry members Little Big Town, recognized top talent in the industry and showcased electric performances, including Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Toby Keith and Wynonna Judd.
This year, PCCA executives are promising the same exciting night, with some refinements. Greg Lee, Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, spoke to MusicRow leading up to the big night.
“More than any other genre, country music truly feels like a community, with artists supporting fellow artists,” he says when asked what he learned from last year’s PCCAs. “Last year, we saw firsthand how supportive and passionate the country music fans are. The room was literally vibrating with excitement for winners”
This year, fans can expect to see the community lifting up top nominees Zach Bryan, Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. Unlike the industry-voted CMA and ACM Awards, though, the PCCAs are entirely fan-voted, with the voting taking place in August.
“The People’s Choice Country Awards is a modern awards show crowning the music, artists, and storytellers that mattered most to those who matter: the people,” Lee says. “A prestigious honor bestowed not by insiders, but by the academy of fans. This show is for the people by the people and is truly representative of what’s trending in pop culture and country music. Fans are at the core of everything we do.”
Winners will be crowned across 18 categories, including six that were added this year to honor one of Nashville’s greatest exports: songs.
“Our goal is to celebrate and honor all aspects of the country music genre and give artists and songwriters the spotlight,” Lee says. “We endeavor to find new ways to be more inclusive and add opportunities for fans to support their favorite artists. This year we added six new categories that will highlight this year’s artistry in the genre.”
In addition to the fan-voted awards, two artists will be highlighted with specially-chosen honors during the evening. Miranda Lambert will receive the Country Icon Award for her decades-long career, during which she’s built an authentic, female-forward brand of country that has shaped the industry. Kane Brown will be honored the Country Champion Award for his passion for service and groundbreaking contributions to the country music industry and beyond.
On the performance side, the second annual PCCAs has a new host: global music icon Shania Twain.
“Shania is truly a country icon for the people, she doesn’t worry about the rules and has broadened the country music space. She focuses on her fans, and that is exactly what this show embodies: a celebration of the people,” Lee says.
Twain will kick off the evening with a show-opening moment before welcoming Lambert, Brown, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Parker McCollum and The War And Treaty. Today it was revealed that award-winning rapper MGK and country star Brad Paisley would bring a collaboration to the PCCAs stage, as well.
Country artists Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Rice, Cody Rhodes, Dasha, Orville Peck, McCollum, Priscilla Block, Scotty McCreery, Shaboozey and Tanner Adell, wrestler Cody Rhodes, TODAY host Dylan Dreyer and comedians Matt Rife and Nate Bargatze will present awards and performances throughout the night.
“This year more than ever, country music is driving pop culture,” Lee shares. “It’s more commercially popular than ever. It feels like a movement and unites us all as Americans. We see this with artists from all genres entering the space. Country music is all about storytelling and songwriters are truly the heart of the genre.”
For the second year, NBC has worked to lift the show’s profile, inviting the signature Live From E! franchise to broadcast live from the Grand Old Opry House as a lead into the PCCAs. Lee points out that the show is part of NBC’s overall interest in country music.
“NBCUniversal has continued its investment in country music, Nashville and the PCA brand by adding more programming, including the upcoming Christmas at the Opry special and Toby Keith: American Icon, which aired in August.”
BREAKING: NSAI Crowns Nashville Songwriter Award Winners [Full List]
/by LB CantrellSongwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 24) for NSAI’s seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank.
In addition to staging many meaningful performances, the event revealed category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards.
Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins won the title of Song of the Year with their Cody Johnson-recorded “The Painter.” Songwriter of the Year was awarded to Ashley Gorley, and Jelly Roll was minted as the Songwriter-Artist of the Year.
In addition to these category winners, NSAI also honored Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. Legendary songwriter and producer Buddy Cannon received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
Click here to read MusicRow‘s full recap of the show.
The full list of winners for the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is below:
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“The Painter” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Ashley Gorley
SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jelly Roll
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.
Alan Jackson
NSAI PRESIDENT’S KEYSTONE AWARD:
Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President.
Buddy Cannon
LEGENDARY SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Always On My Mind” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James
“10 SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN” AWARDS:
Voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024. The NSAI Song of the Year is the highest vote-getter.
– “Handle On You”
Written by: Monty Criswell, Parker McCollum
(recorded by: Parker McCollum)
– “I’m Not Pretty”
Written by: Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
(recorded by: Megan Moroney)
– “Last Night”
Written by: John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
– “Man Made A Bar”
Written by: Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet, Brett Tyler
(recorded by: Eric Church and Morgan Wallen)
– “Need A Favor”
Written by: Jelly Roll, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta
(recorded by: Jelly Roll)
– “Next Thing You Know”
Written by: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
(recorded by: Jordan Davis)
– “Pretty Little Poison”
Written by: Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim, Warren Zeiders
(recorded by: Warren Zeiders)
– “Standing Room Only”
Written by: Tommy Cecil, Patrick Murphy, Craig Wiseman
(recorded by: Tim McGraw)
– “Try That In A Small Town”
Written by: Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
(recorded by: Jason Aldean)
– “Where The Wild Things Are”
Written by: Randy Montana, Dave Turnbull
(recorded by: Luke Combs)
– “White Horse”
Written by: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson
(recorded by: Chris Stapleton)
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Rissi Palmer, Wasserman Music, Jackie Shane
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney Donates Over A Million Dollars To Massachusetts Charities
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney and his charitable foundation donated more than $1 million across several Massachusetts nonprofit organizations before his three-night-stand at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in August. Chesney donated $100,000 each to the police and fire departments, and also gave back to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, the Boston Medical Center and Music & Youth, a nonprofit that creates accessible, sustainable music programs.
Rissi Palmer, Saaneah Perform at Grand Ole Opry
Saaneah, Alice Randall and Rissi Palmer
Rissi Palmer and Saanaeh joined songwriter and author Alice Randall for a photo op backstage at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday night (Sept. 20). Palmer later performed her soulful rendition of “Who’s Minding The Garden,” while Saaneah celebrated her Opry debut with a medley of “Get The Hell Out of Dodge” and “Went For A Ride.”
Palmer and Saaneah then joined forces to perform “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” showcasing songs penned by Randall, whose work is featured on the album, My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall.
Wasserman Celebrates Americana Awards Wins At Annual Bash
Pictured (L-R, back row): Anna Kathryn Groom, Mike Betterton, Matt Malcolm, Margaret Bushart, Lynn Cingari, Chappel McCollister, Max Wiebrecht and Jonathan Insogna; (L-R, front row): Kristen Mitchell, Lindsay McDowell and Leigh Millhauser. Photo: Kurt Heinecke
Wasserman Music’s Nashville team celebrated big 2024 Americana Honors & Awards wins for its clients Brandy Clark (Song of the Year for “Dear Insecurity) and Sierra Ferrell (Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Trail of Flowers) at its annual AmericanaFest Party. The awards show was hosted by Wasserman Music artist The Milk Carton Kids and featured performances by clients MJ Lenderman, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz and The War And Treaty.
CMHOFM Hosts Film Screening of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
Pictured (L-R): Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Vonnie Moore, Michael Mabbott, Andrenee Majors-Douglas, Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray and Jimmy Church. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a film screening this weekend of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers Lucah Rosenberg-Lee and Michael Mabbott; Shane’s nieces Andrenee Majors-Douglas and Vonnie Moore; and musician Jimmy Church.
Shane, a Nashville native, was a pioneering artist who was transgender and worked in the city’s R&B nightclubs and recording studios. In 1960, she relocated to Canada, where her song “Any Other Way” became a hit in 1963 and she gained a devoted following. In 1965, Shane returned to Nashville to perform on the TV show Night Train. Despite her prominence in the Toronto music scene, Shane disappeared from public life in the early 1970s. In 2017, Numero Group released the Grammy-nominated album Any Other Way, a compilation of her music.
Second Annual People’s Choice Country Awards To Focus On Community [Executive Interview]
/by LB CantrellNBCUniversal’s Greg Lee
Later this week, the country music community will file through the doors at the Grand Ole Opry House for the second annual People’s Choice Country Awards. The star-studded evening will air live on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.
Last year’s inaugural show, hosted by Opry members Little Big Town, recognized top talent in the industry and showcased electric performances, including Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Toby Keith and Wynonna Judd.
This year, PCCA executives are promising the same exciting night, with some refinements. Greg Lee, Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, spoke to MusicRow leading up to the big night.
“More than any other genre, country music truly feels like a community, with artists supporting fellow artists,” he says when asked what he learned from last year’s PCCAs. “Last year, we saw firsthand how supportive and passionate the country music fans are. The room was literally vibrating with excitement for winners”
This year, fans can expect to see the community lifting up top nominees Zach Bryan, Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. Unlike the industry-voted CMA and ACM Awards, though, the PCCAs are entirely fan-voted, with the voting taking place in August.
“The People’s Choice Country Awards is a modern awards show crowning the music, artists, and storytellers that mattered most to those who matter: the people,” Lee says. “A prestigious honor bestowed not by insiders, but by the academy of fans. This show is for the people by the people and is truly representative of what’s trending in pop culture and country music. Fans are at the core of everything we do.”
Winners will be crowned across 18 categories, including six that were added this year to honor one of Nashville’s greatest exports: songs.
“Our goal is to celebrate and honor all aspects of the country music genre and give artists and songwriters the spotlight,” Lee says. “We endeavor to find new ways to be more inclusive and add opportunities for fans to support their favorite artists. This year we added six new categories that will highlight this year’s artistry in the genre.”
In addition to the fan-voted awards, two artists will be highlighted with specially-chosen honors during the evening. Miranda Lambert will receive the Country Icon Award for her decades-long career, during which she’s built an authentic, female-forward brand of country that has shaped the industry. Kane Brown will be honored the Country Champion Award for his passion for service and groundbreaking contributions to the country music industry and beyond.
On the performance side, the second annual PCCAs has a new host: global music icon Shania Twain.
“Shania is truly a country icon for the people, she doesn’t worry about the rules and has broadened the country music space. She focuses on her fans, and that is exactly what this show embodies: a celebration of the people,” Lee says.
Twain will kick off the evening with a show-opening moment before welcoming Lambert, Brown, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Parker McCollum and The War And Treaty. Today it was revealed that award-winning rapper MGK and country star Brad Paisley would bring a collaboration to the PCCAs stage, as well.
Country artists Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Rice, Cody Rhodes, Dasha, Orville Peck, McCollum, Priscilla Block, Scotty McCreery, Shaboozey and Tanner Adell, wrestler Cody Rhodes, TODAY host Dylan Dreyer and comedians Matt Rife and Nate Bargatze will present awards and performances throughout the night.
“This year more than ever, country music is driving pop culture,” Lee shares. “It’s more commercially popular than ever. It feels like a movement and unites us all as Americans. We see this with artists from all genres entering the space. Country music is all about storytelling and songwriters are truly the heart of the genre.”
For the second year, NBC has worked to lift the show’s profile, inviting the signature Live From E! franchise to broadcast live from the Grand Old Opry House as a lead into the PCCAs. Lee points out that the show is part of NBC’s overall interest in country music.
“NBCUniversal has continued its investment in country music, Nashville and the PCA brand by adding more programming, including the upcoming Christmas at the Opry special and Toby Keith: American Icon, which aired in August.”
The Valory Music Co. Appoints Andi Brooks As Director Of Streaming
/by Liza AndersonAndi Brooks
The Valory Music Co. has appointed Andi Brooks as Director of Streaming.
Brooks moves to the new position from her role as Director of Southwest Promotion & Marketing at fellow Big Machine Label Group imprint Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly known as BMLG Records). Now on the job, reporting to President George Briner and Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion Ashley Sidoti, she collaborates with The Valory Music Co.’s streaming partners to strategize and promotes both new releases and the existing catalog.
“We’re excited to have Andi join The Valory Music Co. team,” says Briner. “Her enthusiasm and passion for music, along with her desire and drive to be the best in the streaming world makes her a great addition.”
Brooks came to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in 2019, and previously spent time as a radio host and morning show co-host at WWQM in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I started this journey in radio promotion five years ago with Big Machine Label Group and I’ve been able to work with some of the best artists, managers and radio programmers,” Brooks shares. “Thank you, Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Ryan Dokke and my amazing team for the incredible opportunities and leading me along the way. I’m beyond excited for this next chapter in my career and ready to hit the ground running with the wonderful team and artists at VMC and work alongside our DSP partners!”
Carter Faith Gears Up For ‘The Aftermath’
/by Lorie HollabaughCarter Faith is prepping for the release of her new EP, The Aftermath, out Oct. 11 via Capitol Records Nashville.
Produced by Tofer Brown, The Aftermath features four previously-released tracks from earlier this year, “Alright,” “Blue Bird” (featuring Alison Krauss,) “Strong Stuff” and “Late Bloomer,” as well as the new title track that will arrive alongside the EP.
“The Aftermath is a collection of songs that all come from a very honest and introspective place,” says Faith. “I am a woman in my early 20s, caught in the limbo of being a child and an adult, each song on this project has a unique balance of self-assuredness and self-doubt. I am so excited to have these songs out into the world and in the hands of anyone who resonates with them. Each song holds a place in my heart and lends itself to a different feeling reflective of when I put pen to paper, and I hope they do the same for anyone who listens.”
A North Carolina native, Faith relocated to Nashville after college to pursue her dream of becoming a country artist. In just a few years, she has accumulated over 111 million global streams on tracks like “Wild,” “Greener Pasture” and “Already Crazy.” Her soaring vocals and authentic storytelling have led to her sharing stages with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and one of her biggest influences, Willie Nelson. She has been featured in CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country and LISTEN UP 2024 campaigns, in addition to being the first country artist featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds multi-genre program.
Faith will hit the road for a run of dates supporting Luke Grimes in November, with stops in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and more, following her upcoming dates supporting Midland that kick off next week.
The Aftermath Track List:
1. “The Aftermath” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
2. “Alright” (Carter Faith, Ashley Monroe, Tofer Brown)
3. “Blue Bird” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
4. “Strong Stuff” (Carter Faith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate)
5. “Late Bloomer” (Carter Faith, Tofer Brown, Margaret Valentine, Lauren Hungate)
King Henry Inks With Big Machine Music
/by Liza AndersonKing Henry. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music
Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer King Henry has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Big Machine Music.
His songwriting credits include Beyoncé’s “All Night,” Maroon 5’s “Help Me Out,” The Weeknd’s “Nothing Without You,” Ryan Hurd’s “Go To Bed Sober,” Lany’s “Thru These Tears” and “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” as well as Sasha Alex Sloan’s “Older” and “Only” with NF. The creator has also collaborated with superstar DJ Diplo on both the writing and production side, contributing to tracks like seven-time Platinum “Heartless (feat. Morgan Wallen),” “Thunderclouds (feat. Sia, Diplo and Labrinth)” and “Lonely (with Jonas Brothers).”
“King Henry is a rare, truly versatile songwriter who can seamlessly create hit music across dance, pop, country and singer-songwriter genres,” says Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music President. “His decision to make Nashville his home base and to partner with Big Machine Music are a testament to the growing diversity of Music City and our songwriter roster. We are proud to welcome him to our team!”
“I’ve been friends with much of the Big Machine Music family for years on the company side as well as the writer side. When it came time to find the right partner in Nashville for myself, it was obvious to me that Big Machine Music was the right choice,” shares King Henry. “I’m excited to continue writing in Nashville and have this team guiding me through the next chapter of my creative journey.”
Chase Matthew To Make Ryman Auditorium Headline Debut
/by Madison HahnenChase Matthew. Photo: David Bradley
Nashville native Chase Matthew will make his hometown headlining debut at the iconic Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 21.
“Hometown shows are special for any artist and headlining Ryman Auditorium is an extra special place for a country artist to perform,” shares Matthew. “The history behind the historic Ryman has a significance which makes this such an awesome opportunity. Growing up in Nashville means that my hometown show, and my first time headlining the Ryman, are happening the same night! I’m having a hard time putting into words what everyone should expect, but I know it will be an evening my fans, friends, and family will never forget! Maybe a few surprise guests too.”
Featured in MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2024, the Warner Music Nashville artist is on track to play over 145 shows for over one million fans this year. Matthew has shared the stage this year with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, and has previously supported Jelly Roll, Travis Tritt, Lainey Wilson and more.
He recently hit the top five at radio with his Gold-certified debut single “Love You Again.” He has also released collaborations with Flo Rida (“Floats Your Boat”) and Fernando & Sorocaba (“Cold Blooded”). He received his first award show nomination for The New Artist of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards, taking place on Thursday (Sept. 26).
Pre-sale tickets for Matthew’s Ryman debut begin tomorrow (Sept. 25) with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday (Sept. 27) at 10 a.m. CT.
Luke Combs Notches 19th Consecutive No. 1 With ‘Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma’
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs has notched his 19th consecutive No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart with Twisters: The Album track “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” which also topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
The achievement follows the country star’s CMA Award nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Fathers & Sons). Additionally, he is set to headline Washington State’s Gorge Amphitheatre next month ahead of his Category 10 venue opening in November. Combs will also embark on a stadium tour across New Zealand and Australia next year in addition to headlining Stagecoach 2025.
Mitchell Tenpenny To Host David Yurman Event & Third Annual Cornhole Tournament
/by Liza AndersonMitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Zach Pigg
Mitchell Tenpenny will host an exclusive event at the David Yurman Nashville store as well as his third annual Cornhole Tournament next week in support of The 10Penny Fund, which seeks to invest in sustainable and meaningful programs that motivate cancer patients, encourage healing and build community.
The David Yurman fundraiser will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. this coming Monday (Sept. 30). Attendees will receive a signed vinyl with a purchase of two thousand dollars or more, or a signed guitar with a purchase of $10,000 or more.
Tenpenny’s third annual Cornhole Tournament will follow on Tuesday (Oct. 1), starting at 2 p.m. at Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Tenpenny will participate in the tournament alongside his team, facing off against any industry members who would like to compete for the cost of $500 per team/board. Those interested in watching can donate $10 for a ticket. For more information, click here.
Additionally, merchandise supporting The 10Penny Fund is available to purchase at 10PennyFund.org.
Travis Meadows Signs With Sheltered Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Darrell Franklin (Sr.VP Sheltered Music Publishing), Travis Meadows and Freeman Wizer (Sr. Creative Director Sheltered Music Publishing)
Singer-songwriter Travis Meadows has signed a global creative deal with Sheltered Music.
Meadows’ songwriting prowess has gained recognition from top artists in the industry, with a list of singles and cuts for country icons and rockers alike, including Cody Johnson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and many more. Some hits penned by Meadows include Dierks Bentley’s “Riser,” Johnson’s “Human,” Chesney’s “Better Boat” and Jake Owen’s “What We Ain’t Got.”
He has had a captivating journey and overcome many personal struggles, and through that, has evolved into a singer-songwriter that has earned accolades for his raw and authentic storytelling.
“Other songwriters and artists often describe Travis as a poet, and I’ve heard it said many times—it’s true,” says Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music. “His heart and soul are felt in every lyric, and you believe every word. As if that weren’t enough, Travis (the artist) takes it to the next level. His delivery is as honest as the words he sings, taking us on a journey that can only be compared to heroes like Springsteen, Petty, and Dylan. I can’t express how honored we are to work with Travis.”
“I was ready for another chapter in my music career, and isn’t it just like life to open up opportunities when you ask for them,” shares Travis. “I’ve known Darrell and Freeman my entire Nashville experience. They are some of the best in the field and good people as well, so it made perfect sense to partner with people who I’ve known and trusted for years. I’m excited about this next phase of whatever comes to us through the magic of lyric and melody.”
At Sheltered Music, Meadows joins Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Marty Stuart and more.