This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps several notable developments across the country music and live entertainment industries, including a major loss for the country music community, Country Music Hall of Fame inductions, publishing signings, leadership changes and career milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
The country music community is mourning the loss of John Anderson, the Country Music Hall of Fame member who passed away at 71. Known for his unmistakable drawl and blend of traditional country and rock, Anderson scored hits including “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’” and “Money in the Bank.” His 1991 single “Straight Tequila Night” sparked a career resurgence, followed by “Seminole Wind,” which became one of his signature songs. Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
The Country Music Hall of Fame also welcomed three new members during its annual Medallion Ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 18). Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers were inducted as the 159th, 160th and 161st members of the institution. The evening featured performances honoring each inductee, with artists including Parker McCollum, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, Billy Strings and Vince Gill celebrating their contributions to country music.
The Country Music Association has also celebrated the legacy of Dolly Parton with the ABC special CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The tribute featured performances from Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Kristin Chenoweth, Reba, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown, Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull, among others. Following the special, CMA announced a combined $1 million donation to Dolly’s Imagination Library in partnership with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Several notable moves are taking place across the publishing and executive landscape. Pete Robinson has been named General Manager, Creative Nashville at Position Music, bringing more than three decades of music industry experience to the role. Meanwhile, Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols, whose breakout single “I Got a New One” has amassed more than 60 million global streams. Jared Conrad has also signed with Sony Music Publishing and TAYCAN Entertainment, while Brent Rupard has inked a deal with Creative Nation in partnership with EMPIRE.
On the artist front, Lauren Alaina has earned her fourth No. 1 at country radio with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. Franklin Jonas and The Byzantines, also recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Lauren Alaina takes the No. 1 spot with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. 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.
Josiah Queen Releases New 14-Song Album ‘Damascus Road’
/by Lorie HollabaughJosiah Queen. Photo: Brady Pettee
Platinum singer-songwriter Josiah Queen has released his latest album Damascus Road.
The 14-song collection explores struggle, redemption, and the transformative power of faith, and features the Gold-certified single “demons,” which was a No.1 on Christian radio and on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart.
Damascus Road opens with “out of breath,” a soaring anthem that embodies the album’s unbridled emotionality and life-affirming spirit, and also features the previously-released tracks “judas,” “make heaven crowded,” “sundays,” and “when I see You.” The album follows Queen’s 2025’s sophomore project Mt. Zion, which entered Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart at No. 1. and included hits like “Dusty Bibles,” the Platinum Billboard Hot 100 smash that won Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 2026 GMA Dove Awards.
Next spring, Queen will bring the music of Damascus Road to life on his biggest headline run to date, an 18-city trek that kicks off on April 8 in Tulsa. Thanks in part to the success of career-defining songs like his breakout single “The Prodigal,” more than 2.1 billion global streams, and a fast-growing audience extending far beyond Christian music, Queen has emerged as the No. 2 most- streamed Christian artist globally.
Damascus Road Track List:
1. “out of breath”
2. “demons”
3. “sundays”
4. “when I see You”
5. “judas”
6. “galaxies”
7. “damascus road”
8. “amazing!”
9. “make heaven crowded”
10. “fire in my soul”
11. “paradise”
12. “only God Almighty”
13. “a day with the Lord”
14. “Jesus is coming back soon”
Stella Lefty Inks With Make Wake Artists
/by Lauryn SinkSophia Sansone, Stella Lefty and Chris Kappy. Photo: Courtesy of Make Wake Artists
Stella Lefty has signed with Make Wake Artists. She will be managed by Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone.
Lefty notched her first No. 1 earlier this year with “Boston,” which topped both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts. In August, she released her debut album, Long Way Home. The project debuted at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top Albums Global and USA Charts. In January, she will hit the road on her first ever headline tour with stops in Michigan, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas and more.
“Make Wake Artists has been built on the belief that great artist management is about far more than managing what’s happening today—it’s about having the experience, relationships, infrastructure and vision to build careers that last with their fans,” said Kappy, founder and CNO (Chief Navigation Officer) of Make Wake Artists. “Stella’s connection to her fans reminds me of Luke’s fan connection very early on… It is real! When artists and fans connect in that way, magic happens. We’ve spent years proving that we know how to identify opportunities, build global strategies and surround our artists with the right team at the right time. Stella has the talent, authenticity and drive to build something truly special, and our team is committed to helping her realize that potential. We know what it takes to navigate every stage of an artist’s career, from developing the foundation to competing at the highest levels of the business, and we couldn’t be more excited of Make Wake being behind Stella as we build the next chapter of her career together.”
In addition to Make Wake for management, Lefty is represented by Sweet Talk Publicity for publicity, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for booking, Livelihood Music Company for publishing, and Sandlot/Atlantic Outpost as her record label.
Amanda Quinton Partners With mtheory For Management Roster
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ed Rivadavia, Amanda Quinton, Kaitlyn Moore, Cameo Carlson. Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Quinton
Nashville-based artist manager and digital strategist Amanda Quinton has partnered with mtheory. She brings her management roster of Ashley Monroe, Tenille Townes, Fancy Hagood, Smithfield, Abbey Cone and Corrina to the artist management and development company.
Quinton founded her digital marketing company, Quinton Digital, in 2018 before expanding into artist management in 2023. The partnership marks the next phase of her career as a manager, combining her hands-on approach to artist development with mtheory’s strategic relationships, resources and infrastructure.
“I’ve looked up to Cameo Carlson since I first moved to Nashville and have had the privilege of calling her a mentor since I started working for myself in 2016. We’ve talked about finding the right way to work together for years, and with the recent growth of my management roster, the timing finally felt right. I couldn’t be prouder of the talent I have the privilege of representing, and I’m grateful to have found a partner who believes in their potential as much as I do,” says Quinton.
Carlson adds, “Amanda is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial, forward-thinking manager we love partnering with. I’ve watched her build an incredible business and develop a roster of artists who are as talented as they are distinctive. She has great instincts, a deep commitment to her artists, and the drive to build careers that last. We’ve talked about working together for years, so I’m thrilled we finally found the right opportunity to combine what she’s built with the resources and expertise of mtheory. I couldn’t be more excited about what we can accomplish together.”
Quinton will continue to oversee operations of Quinton Digital, which will remain independent of her artist management endeavors. Quinton Digital’s current marketing and social media clients include Muscadine Bloodline, Kassi Ashton, Ben Rector, Marty Stuart, Larkin Poe, Blackberry Smoke and more.
Reach Quinton at amanda@mtheory.com.
Boyz II Men Sign With Warner Records Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkBoyz II Men. Photo: Gilmar Smith
Boyz II Men have signed with Warner Records Nashville to launch a country project, scheduled for release in 2027.
The band first stepped into the country music world earlier this year through their collaboration with Lady A on “I Love The One.” The track will appear on a forthcoming musical project inspired by The Chosen.
“Boyz II Men’s global influence is decades in the making,” says Warner Records Nashville Chair & President, Cris Lacy. “Every genre and culture has benefited from their original music, and their impact on artists in the current country landscape, while perhaps surprising to some, is quite profound. When I learned that growing up listening to artists like Randy Travis was seminal in their desire to collaborate with Nashville’s award-winning singers and songwriters, I knew we had to be a part of it. They were pioneers at a time when media brought fans access to all types of music. History repeats itself, and it’s the perfect time for Boyz II Men and those they inspired to make some magic together!”
Since emerging from Philadelphia with their 1991 debut, Cooleyhighharmony, Boyz II Men have sold more than 60 million albums worldwide with tracks including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “On Bended Knee,” “Water Runs Dry,” “One Sweet Day” and “A Song for Mama.” The band has amassed four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three Billboard Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond music, Boyz II Men have made their mark across film, television, sports and fashion.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Lauryn SinkThis week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps several notable developments across the country music and live entertainment industries, including a major loss for the country music community, Country Music Hall of Fame inductions, publishing signings, leadership changes and career milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
The country music community is mourning the loss of John Anderson, the Country Music Hall of Fame member who passed away at 71. Known for his unmistakable drawl and blend of traditional country and rock, Anderson scored hits including “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’” and “Money in the Bank.” His 1991 single “Straight Tequila Night” sparked a career resurgence, followed by “Seminole Wind,” which became one of his signature songs. Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
The Country Music Hall of Fame also welcomed three new members during its annual Medallion Ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 18). Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers were inducted as the 159th, 160th and 161st members of the institution. The evening featured performances honoring each inductee, with artists including Parker McCollum, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, Billy Strings and Vince Gill celebrating their contributions to country music.
The Country Music Association has also celebrated the legacy of Dolly Parton with the ABC special CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The tribute featured performances from Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Kristin Chenoweth, Reba, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown, Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull, among others. Following the special, CMA announced a combined $1 million donation to Dolly’s Imagination Library in partnership with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Several notable moves are taking place across the publishing and executive landscape. Pete Robinson has been named General Manager, Creative Nashville at Position Music, bringing more than three decades of music industry experience to the role. Meanwhile, Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols, whose breakout single “I Got a New One” has amassed more than 60 million global streams. Jared Conrad has also signed with Sony Music Publishing and TAYCAN Entertainment, while Brent Rupard has inked a deal with Creative Nation in partnership with EMPIRE.
On the artist front, Lauren Alaina has earned her fourth No. 1 at country radio with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. Franklin Jonas and The Byzantines, also recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Lauren Alaina takes the No. 1 spot with “All My Exes,” featuring Chase Matthew. 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.
NMPA Honors Songwriters At Annual Gold & Platinum Nashville Gala
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of NMPA
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) held its 8th annual Gold & Platinum Gala at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville last night (Oct. 22).
The event honored over 150 Nashville songwriters whose hits have achieved RIAA Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certifications in the country genre within the July 2025 – June 2026 eligibility period.
Laci Kaye Booth opened the show with an acoustic performance of her 2025 single, “Daddy’s Mugshot.”
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
NMPA President and CEO, David Israelite, presented the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon award to Vince Gill. The award celebrates songwriters whose work has spanned generations and whose songs are still achieving Gold & Platinum certifications decades later. Gill has received new certifications in the past year for his “Go Rest High on That Mountain” and “One More Last Chance.”
“His awards are countless,” Israelite shared. “His talent is extraordinary. His humility is legendary. But perhaps his greatest achievement is that, after all these years, his songs aren’t just standing the test of time. They’re making history.”
Charlie Handsome took home the Top Songwriter of the Year award for his 35 new certifications for songs including “Wasted On You,” “Last Night,” “You Proof” and “Heartless.”
The Platinum Anthem award, which honors the highest certified song of the year, was accepted by Rob Williford, who co-wrote Luke Combs’ 2018 hit “Beautiful Crazy” alongside Combs and Wyatt Durrette. The track was certified 15-times Platinum in December 2025. Brett Young honored the writers with a rendition of the track.
In addition to these honors, songwriting plaques were presented on stage to over 80 Multi-Platinum hitmakers.
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
Photo: Courtesy of NMPA
Billy Strings Takes Home Fifth IBMA Entertainer of the Year Title
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings accepts his fifth IBMA Entertainer of the Year honor. Photo: Dan Schram
Bluegrass phenom Billy Strings was named Entertainer of the Year for the fifth time at last night’s 37th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.
Strings also previously received the honor in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. East Nash Grass also picked up two awards, Album of the Year for All God’s Children, and Instrumental Group of the Year, after being named New Artist of the Year just two years ago. Song of the Year honors went to Trey Hensley for “Can’t Outrun the Blues.” Sierra Hull picked up her eighth Mandolin Player of the Year honor, and Authentic Unlimited was named Vocal Group of the Year at the annual awards ceremony.
The 2026 IBMA Momentum Award winners were also honored this week during the IBMA Business Conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The awards recognize emerging bluegrass trailblazers in five categories: Band of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and Industry Involvement. Hosted by Grammy-winning artist Bronwyn, the awards included live performances by Remedy Tree, Shadowgrass, The Cody Sisters, The Creekers, and Under the Rocks.
The 2026 IBMA Momentum Awards Winners included The Creekers (Band of the Year); Lydia Hamby (Vocalist of the Year); Luciya Sullivan (Instrumentalist of the Year); Jean-Baptiste Cardineau) Instrumentalist of the Year); Pammy Davis Lassiter (Mentor of the Year); and Helen Ludé (Industry Involvement).
IBMA’s Industry Award winners and Distinguished Achievement Award honorees were also celebrated at a special luncheon during the IBMA Business Conference. The Industry Awards recognize the outstanding work happening behind the scenes in non-performing categories in the Bluegrass community and the Distinguished Achievement Awards honor individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the genre.
Hosted by 12-time IBMA Bluegrass Music Award winner Chris Jones, the event featured performances by Tonewood String Band (Denver) and Veranda (Montreal).
IBMA Industry Award Winners:
Songwriter of the Year: Tim Stafford
Event of the Year: CBA 50th Anniversary Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, Grass Valley, CA
Writer of the Year: Gary Reid
Broadcaster of the Year: Michelle Lee, Michelle Lee On Air
Photographer of the Year: Scott Simontacchi
Graphic Designer of the Year: Grace van’t Hof
Sound Engineer of the Year: Key Chang
Liner Notes of the Year: Safe Sensible and Sane, Alison Brown and Steve Martin; Liner notes by Alison Brown and Steve Martin
IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award Honorees:
Gary Reid
Gallagher Guitar Co
Derek Halsey
Matt Glaser
The Marshall Family
Kacey Musgraves Returns To The ‘Middle Of Nowhere’ With ‘Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes’
/by Lorie HollabaughKacey Musgraves is continuing the musical journey she started earlier this year with the release of Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes, due out Jan. 15.
She’s giving fans a first taste of the new collection with the release of two new tracks today: “Weekend In Texas,” and her rendition of the Norteño classic, “Mi Tesoro.”
Across 16 songs, Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes explores the deep-rooted connection between Texas and Mexico, two places close to Musgraves’ heart, bound by generations of shared music, culture and tradition. The album features four tracks sung entirely in Spanish, including the newly-recorded Spanish version of Uncertain, TX featuring Intocable. The song originally reached No. 1 at Texas Radio with Willie Nelson.
Released in May and produced by Musgraves along with longtime collaborators, Middle of Nowhere debuted at No. 1 on the Top Album chart. She is currently on her “Middle of Nowhere Tour,” which continues tonight at the Oakland Arena before finishing up with two sold-out nights at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena October 26-27.
Musgraves is heading into this year’s CMA Awards with five nominations, including Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Dry Spell”, and Musical Event of the Year for “Horses and Divorces” with Miranda Lambert.
Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes Track List:
1. “Pretty Horses”
2. “Weekend In Texas”
3. “Hard Conversations”
4. “Denim On Denim”
5. “Figure Out My Life”
6. “Caballero”
7. “The Vacation Song”
8. “(Hey Baby) Qué Pasó?”
9. “Uncertain, TX (feat. Intocable) (Spanish version)”
10. “Mi Tesoro”
11. “Rodeo”
12. “Tú Solo Tú (feat. Mariachi Oro De América) [Live in Mexico City]”
13. “All My Exes (Kacey’s Version)”
14. “Desert Eyes”
15. “Pity Party”
16″Before The Next Teardrop Falls”
ECCHO Live Reveals Speakers & Panel Details For 15th Annual Workshop
/by Lorie HollabaughECCHO Live has announced the speakers and panels for its upcoming 15th Annual Workshop on Nov. 10 at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville.
Built around this year’s theme, EVOLVE, the workshop will feature 14 breakout sessions offering practical guidance on building a lasting career and a healthy life in live events. Speakers include touring and production professionals, industry leaders, business owners and financial experts exploring everything from leading a crew through a crisis and using AI in touring workflows to managing freelance income, strengthening professional relationships, and getting meaningful rest on the road.
Keynote speaker Chuck Hull will lead a conversation about his more than five decades of experience in live music. The veteran tour manager and audio engineer began his career with Clair Brothers in the early 1970s and spent 20 years as Keith Urban’s tour manager before retiring from touring in 2024.
Among the additional panels and speakers are:
“Building Your Dream Team” – Jason Aldean’s production manager Earl Neal, stage manager Josh “Dude” Marcus and audio crew chief Loren Zimmer join moderator Ryan Smith to discuss building connections across departments, setting expectations and maintaining strong working relationships.
“Leading Through Crisis” – C3 Presents’ Tim “Tuba” Smith, director of festivals and strategic initiatives; Jake Perry, director of operations and sustainability; and Brandon Sossamon, director of production, join moderator Brad Parker to share firsthand lessons in guiding teams through on-site crises.
“The Freelancers Playbook” – Director, designer and producer Jesse Blevins, lighting designer and director Taylor Price and Dory Reyes join moderator Jake Tickle to discuss building a reputation, finding consistent work, setting rates and navigating the business of freelancing.
“Load In to Load Out” – Mental wellness and performance coach Stephanie Hajjar, performer and live-production professional Tony James and RockForce’s Jeremy Young discuss investing in yourself, cultivating relationships and building a sustainable life in live events.
“The Tour That Changed My Life” – Lighting designer and director Andy Knighton, Matt Geasey and Premier Global Production labor coordinator Sydney Taylor join moderator Jake Tickle to reflect on the career-defining opportunities, difficult lessons and lasting relationships that followed them home from the road.
Registration is free and required, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click here.
Music Champion Lorenzo Washington Passes
/by Lauryn SinkLorenzo Washington. Photo: Courtesy of family
Music champion and Jefferson Street Sound Museum founder Lorenzo Washington has died at age 83 after a short bout with cancer.
Born in 1943, Washington grew up in East Nashville during a time of segregation and racial tension in the city. At the same time, he was surrounded by the rich culture of Nashville’s Black community and a thriving music scene that would leave a lasting impact on him.
Washington chased his passion for music in the early 1970s by founding Soul Shack Records and Boutique, giving him an opportunity to become involved in the industry despite not being a musician himself. His work eventually led him to connect with Moses Dillard and Jesse Boyce of Dillard & Boyce Productions. In 1976, the three partnered to release “Come On Dance” by the Saturday Night Band. The single went on to reach No. 2 on the charts.
In 2011, Washington founded the Jefferson Street Sound Museum to preserve the legacy of Nashville’s African American music pioneers and the community that had shaped his own love of music. For decades, Jefferson Street served as a hub for Nashville’s Black music scene, with its clubs and venues welcoming artists including Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald and Tina Turner, among many others. The area also provided a stage for generations of local and upcoming musicians, becoming integral to Nashville’s rich musical history.
Through the Museum, Washington worked to preserve that history and ensure the artists who came through Jefferson Street remained part of Nashville’s music story. The collection he curated includes photographs, instruments and other memorabilia documenting the musicians, venues and community that once flourished on Jefferson Street.
Washington’s dedication to preserving Nashville’s Black music history earned recognition across the city. In 2023, Mayor Freddie O’Connell proclaimed April 3 Lorenzo Washington Day, with an annual fundraising gala held in his honor to support the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. The following year, the National Museum of African American Music celebrated his work with its “Living Legends: Lorenzo Washington” exhibit, which featured a curated selection of objects from the Jefferson Street Sound Museum’s collection. Earlier this year, the Museum was added to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, further recognizing the history Washington spent years working to preserve.
Washington is survived by his wife Karen Coffee and children Dwayne, Patricia, Ryan and Tracey.