Riser House Entertainment Adds Anna Widmer As VP Of Promotion

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Anna Widmer. Photo: Courtesy of Riser House Entertainment

Riser House Entertainment has added Anna Widmer as VP of Promotion, effective at the beginning of September.

A graduate of Belmont University’s Music Business Program, Widmer began her career at Cold River Records before joining MCA Nashville as Director of Promotion – West. Widmer joins Riser House Entertainment from Sony Music Nashville, where she served as Director of Radio Marketing and Promotion – Midwest, following her previous role as Director of Promotion and Artist Development – Southeast.

“Anna is an absolute superstar who works tirelessly on behalf of her artists and radio partners, and her body of work is truly a benchmark for excellence,” shares Shane Allen, EVP of Promotion & Artist Brand Strategy. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to the Riser House Entertainment family.”

“I’m so excited to join the incredible Riser House team and work alongside the best in the business, Jennifer Johnson and Shane Allen,” adds Widmer. “The artist roster continuously delivers compelling music, and I can’t wait to share it with our radio partners.”

Widmer joins Riser House Entertainment’s growing promotion team alongside VP of Promotion Jeff Davis and Director of Regional Promotion Paul Grosser.

Bailey Zimmerman To Headline Wags & Walks Nashville’s Third Annual Benefit

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Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Julia Robert, RUNCLUB Creative

Bailey Zimmerman is set to headline the third annual Wags & Walks Nashville Benefit Concert on Oct. 21 at Skydeck.

Lanie Gardner, and Fancy Hagood are also set to perform at the annual benefit, which unites artists, supporters and animal advocates to raise critical funds for Wags & Walks. Proceeds will directly support the rescue, medical care, foster placement and adoption of dogs in need, and will also support Wags for Good, the organization’s community care initiative that provides accessible veterinary resources to local dog owners, including free and low-cost spay/neuter services, vaccines and veterinary care.

“Nashville has shown up for Wags & Walks in such an incredible way, and this event represents so much of what makes this community special,” says Kathryn Hurley, Wags & Walks Nashville Founder. “Bringing together artists, partners, and animal lovers for a night of great music allows us to celebrate the thousands of dogs whose lives have been changed while raising critical funds that make our work possible. We’re incredibly grateful to Bailey, Lanie, Fancy and everyone lending their time and talent to help us save more dogs.”

General Admission tickets are currently available for $45, with VIP packages starting at $200, and are available here.

Scott Borchetta Launches Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. [Exclusive]

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Scott Borchetta has launched Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. (BSBC), a Nashville-owned and operated parent company that brings together five Tennessee spirit brands and three destinations. As part of its debut, the company’s downtown Nashville location, formerly known as Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, will be renamed The Borchetta Bourbon Experience, effective Wednesday (Aug. 26).

BSBC will oversee the company’s growing family of spirit brands including Pickers Vodka, Borchetta Bourbon, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey and Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka. Each brand will continue to operate under its own identity while drawing on shared resources, distribution and strategic direction from BSBC.

“We approach our portfolio of spirit brands the same way we’ve built our award-winning record company, its artists, and our championship-winning motorsports teams – lifestyle, quality, passion, individuality, and experience,” says Borchetta, Founder of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. “Those key attributes apply to and are the center of Borchetta Bourbon, Pickers Vodka, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey, and Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka. Now these five great brands are the celebrated focus of our newly launched Borchetta Bourbon Experience location at 122 3rd. Avenue South in Downtown Nashville.”

Big Machine Distillery & Tavern in Berry Hill will continue operating under its current name. Big Machine Distillery in Lynnville, Tennessee, where the company’s spirits are produced and packaged, will also retain its name.

“What started as Big Machine Distillery has grown into something much bigger, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built,” says Jeff Pennington, Executive Vice President of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. “BSBC reflects where we are today and gives us the opportunity to bring our brands together under one company while continuing to grow, build and create new experiences for our consumers. We have a lot of exciting things ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we take it next.”

JUST IN: Ryan Beuschel Elevated To Co-Head At The Neal Agency

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Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Ryan Beuschel has been promoted to Co-Head at The Neal Agency after three years of serving as General Manager. He joins co-heads Adi Sharma and Founder/CEO Austin Neal.

During his time as GM, Beuschel helped grow the company’s roster to more than 30 clients and launched TNA Music Publishing and artist development arm, Cervidae Records. In his new role, he will help lead office operations and oversee teams focused on touring, film, television and brand partnerships. He will also continue to oversee the publishing and artist development departments he helped build.

“Working alongside Adi, Ryan has been instrumental in accelerating growth for our roster while significantly elevating the tools and services at our clients’ disposal,” shares Neal.

“Ryan’s dedication to our artists and his work expanding our agency offerings have driven some of our greatest successes,” says Sharma. “His focus provides a distinct advantage for our clients and their continued growth, and we’re honored to elevate him to co-head.”

“It’s an honor to work at an agency and with a team that thinks so differently yet remains collectively proactive for the client, and it starts with leadership’s empowerment to do just that,” adds Beuschel. “There are so many opportunities now for artists at all levels, and we’re just getting started.”

Originally from Michigan, Beuschel began his career as an A&R Manager at Universal Music Group. He later worked at ASCAP as Associate Director of Membership and at Warner Chappell Music as Vice President of A&R.

While at Warner Chappell, Beuschel was named to Billboard’s 40 Under 40 list for signing some of country music’s fastest-rising artists. He also worked with established artists and songwriters, including TNA clients Riley Green and Bailey Zimmerman.

TNA’s roster includes ADHD, Palmer Anthony, Aidan Canfield, Preston Cooper, Country Night, ERNEST, Riley Green, Jacob Hackworth, HARDY, Zach John King, Rob Langdon, Ella Langley, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore, Ole 60, Chase Rice, Schmitty, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Will Terry, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins, Matthew West, Kenny Whitmire, Landon Wilks, Anne Wilson, Scott Wolverton, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, as well as entertainment brand Whiskey Jam.

Bailey Zimmerman Notches Sixth Career No. 1

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Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Masonn1k

Bailey Zimmerman has notched his sixth career No. 1 with “Chevy Silverado.”

The track appears on his 2025 Different Night Same Rodeo LP, which debuted in the Top 15 of Billboard’s Top 200 All Genre chart and Top 3 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. Produced by Austin Shawn, Zimmerman wrote the track alongside Tucker Beathard, Ilsey Juber, Gavin Lucas and Heath Warren.

Zimmerman recently wrapped the sold-out North American leg of his debut headlining arena tour, “The Different Night Same Rodeo Tour.” In March, he kicked off his next chapter with the release of “Just Believe” with six-time Grammy-award winning artist Brandon Lake.

In celebration of the achievement, Zimmerman surprised fans today with the official music video for “Chevy Silverado.”

Youtube video

BREAKING: Legendary Entertainment Executive & Artist Manager Dale Morris Passes Away

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Dale Morris. Photo: Courtesy of Morris Higham Management

Legendary entertainment executive and artist manager Dale Morris has passed away at the age of 89.

A Nashville industry leader for almost seven decades, Morris found his initial success as a songwriter, landing Johnny Paycheck in the Top 5 with “Don’t Monkey With Another Monkey’s Monkey.”

Over the years, Morris signed and worked with many of country music’s top acts, including Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Alabama and Kenny Chesney, through his company, Dale Morris & Associates. Inducted into the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s Hall of Fame in 2010, Morris built an internationally renowned staging company, known as Morris Light & Sound, to ensure cutting-edge production elements for his artists. In 2018, Morris sold the Dale Morris Agency to Paradigm, now known as The·Team, retaining autonomy for his agents in the process.

Morris was married to his wife Earline for 68 years and the couple had one son, Tim, who preceded him in death. They loved and took great pride in being involved in the lives of their daughter-in-law Jennifer, their grandchildren Zack, Colton (and wife Mary Blair), Nick (and wife Shelby) and Kendall, and great-grandchildren Mary Dee and Gus.

A Celebration for Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Nobody loved life, people, the chase more than Dale,” the family shares. “But above all that, he loved his family most of all. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he created a world where we felt safe, supported and ready to shine…We will miss him every day and carry his love with us always.”

“He was larger than life, and never met a dream he couldn’t build,” says Morris Higham Management President Clint Higham, who joined Dale Morris & Associates while still a student at Belmont University. “Dale Morris gave me my first internship, and I never wanted to go anywhere else. He saw things in people, in me, in Kenny, and inspired everyone to reach beyond what we thought possible. Maybe it’s how much he loved life, loved his family, loved us. He lived a big, bold, beautiful, blessed life, and I’m holding onto that right now. It’s the end of an era.”

RaeLynn To Host Two Benefit Shows For The RaeLynn Diabetes Fund

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RaeLynn.

RaeLynn will host two benefit shows for the RaeLynn Diabetes Fund on Monday (Aug. 24) at The Listening Room Cafe.

She will be joined by Corey Crowder and Rhett Akins for both performances. Tickets are available here.

The RaeLynn Diabetes Fund offers encouragement, empowerment and community for those facing diabetes. Its mission is to raise funds to support individuals and families impacted by Type 1, Type 2 and juvenile diabetes.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps a busy week across Nashville’s music industry, from the 19th Annual ACM Honors and its celebration of country music’s biggest names to new partnerships, signings and Grand Ole Opry milestones. Click here to see the full edition.

The 19th Annual ACM Honors took over The Pinnacle in Nashville on Wednesday night (Aug. 19), raising more than $65,000 for ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music. Carly Pearce returned to host the event for the sixth consecutive year, joined by Parker McCollum, who co-hosted the ceremony for the first time.

The evening recognized a wide-ranging group of honorees, including Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, the Paramount+ hit series Landman, Leslie Fram, Mike Curb and Scott Zolke. The ceremony also celebrated previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Ella Langley and ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon, along with the ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award recipients from the 61st ACM Awards cycle.

Elsewhere across the industry, The Neal Agency has partnered with WIN Artists, expanding TNA’s roster integrations throughout the broader entertainment business.

Echo House Collective has also launched, with Emma Kiefer joining the company as Senior Director of A&R. Co-founders Jet and Krysten Harvey will work with Kiefer as she leads A&R development, publishing, signings, roster management and other areas of the company’s operations.

The Grand Ole Opry continued welcoming new artists to its historic stage this week. Josh Tatofi made his Opry debut on Aug. 11, while Sons of Habit made their debut on Aug. 14. The duo’s Mitchell Douglas and Hagan Edge have also signed with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

In other career news, Jaid Joice has signed with WME, while Jade Eagleson has joined BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Eagleson is also expanding his team, signing with Range Music for management, CAA for booking and Spirit Music, in a joint venture with Alliance Music Partners, for publishing.

Alison Nichols has signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG, adding another new name to the publisher’s roster.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Kenny Chesney takes the No. 1 spot with “Carry On.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

One:eight Entertainment Launches Publishing Division, Signs Producers Kyle Lee & Ryan Rich

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Pictured (L-R): Taylor Niemi, Alex Whiten, Bella Miller, Derek Spirk, Ryan Rich, Greg Ham, Kyle Lee, Madeline Halm and Elyse Mead

Artist development company one:eight entertainment has launched a new publishing division led by Greg Ham and Madeline Halm and has signed producers and songwriters Kyle Lee and Ryan Rich.

Since its founding, one:eight entertainment has represented many influential artists and creatives in music and entertainment, including Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Steven Curtis Chapman, Robert Deaton, Charity Gayle, DOE, Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Kennedy.

Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Lee joins one:eight publishing following years of partnership with the team through work with clients such as CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith. This year alone, Lee has worked with artists including Chris Tomlin, CeCe Winans, Charity Gayle, DOE, Gateway Worship, Josh Baldwin, Patrick Mayberry and Ryan Kennedy. His work has earned multiple No. 1 singles, Gold and Platinum certifications, and several Grammy and Dove Awards, including four recent Dove nominations, including Producer of the Year. He’s best known for projects like CeCe Winans’ Believe For It, Gateway Worship Español’s Danzando, Leeland’s Way Maker, and Josh Baldwin’s Made For More. 

Producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rich has quickly become one of the industry’s most respected emerging creatives, collaborating with artists including Martin Smith, Charity Gayle, Gateway Worship, Michael Bethany, Abbie Gamboa, and Elyssa Figueroa, and his work has earned multiple Dove Award nominations. Whether producing records at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in the UK, or writing songs that have found homes in churches around the world, Rich approaches every project with this purpose: creating music that points people to Jesus while championing the artists that have been entrusted to him.

“Creativity is always in its healthiest form when it’s flowing in a community of people who share the same vision, and who champion each other,” says Lee. “Through that lens, I’ve never been so hopeful and encouraged than I am entering this new season of partnership with one:eight and collaboration with Ryan Rich.”

“As the industry continues to evolve, we’re excited to expand the ways we serve the creative community,” adds Ham, Founder of one:eight entertainment, “We have seen first-hand how songs have the potential to make an eternal impact. That’s why we’re passionate about coming alongside the songwriters and producers behind those songs to help them steward their God-given gifts.”

Reba Spotlights Songwriter Brandy Clark On Fifth Music Capsule ‘Tourist’

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Reba McEntire is celebrating her longtime friend and collaborator Brandy Clark in her fifth music capsule, Tourist – EP, out today via MCA.

Clark co-wrote every track on the new collection, including the title track, co-written with Jeremy Spillman and Travis Meadows. McEntire and Clark most recently shared the stage at the 68th Annual Grammys, where McEntire was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Trailblazer,” written by Clark, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson.

Complementing each capsule release is a curated playlist, with “The Continuation Of Reba” arriving Sept. 1. McEntire is celebrating 50 years of music with a new capsule each month, and has released One Night In Tulsa – EP, Hurt Like That – EP, Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’ – EP, and Ring Ring – EP, each pairing a new recording with songs spanning her five-decade career.

Tourist Track List:
1. “Tourist” (Brandy Clark, Jeremy Spillman, Travis Meadows)
2. “Tammy Wynette Kind Of Pain” (Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore, Shelley Skidmore)
3. “The Day She Got Divorced” (Brandy Clark, Mark D. Sanders, Shane McAnally)
4. “She Got Drunk Last Night” (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally)
5. “Cry” (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally)