Brad Paisley & Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Photo: John Snorten

Brad Paisley was honored as the “Tennessean of the Year- Music” by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee during last week’s CEO Roundtable Series 2024 at the Governor’s Residence.

The private event honored Tennessee’s brightest in business and innovation to spotlight the accomplishments of Tennessee’s most influential leaders.

“What a privilege it is to be among this great group of people who all believed that with community, ideas could prosper,” shared Paisley of the honor.

Paisley’s philanthropic endeavors in Tennessee include the 2021 nationwide campaign to promote Tennessee tourism with Governor Lee, “Tennessee on Me.” Alongside Belmont University, he and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley co-founded the nonprofit The Store—a free, referral-based grocery store which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Paisleys have been recognized by Belmont for their endowed scholarship fund, and in 2021, Belmont dedicated the “Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley Ballroom” in the University’s Fisher Center.

Paisley has also stepped up to help the “1 for All Campaign for the First Amendment” in conjunction with MTSU, Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon, the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee, Nashville’s annual “Dance Party to End Alzheimer’s,” the Nashville Film Festival, St. Jude’s Country Cares, the Tennessee Comedy Festival, Vanderbilt University’s “Gratitunes” program to recognize nurses on the frontlines during the pandemic as well as their “Take The Shot” PSA, and the capital campaign for the Monroe Carroll Jr. Children’s Hospital at Williamson Medical Center.

Jerry Flowers. Photo: Brennon Williamson.

Renowned singer-songwriter, producer and musician Jerry Flowers has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.

Flowers’ catalog of penned hits includes Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris‘ “Chasing After You,” Sam Hunt’s “House Party,” Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna” and many more. He just notched his sixth No. 1 with Hunt’s “Outskirts.” Flowers has also collaborated on tracks such as Hunt’s “Locked Up,” Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Drive Down Main,” Keith Urban‘s “Straight Line” and many more.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry Flowers over the years. Beyond his undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, and musician, he brings infectious joy and energy to every writer’s room, always keeping the vibe and the tempo up. We’re happy to be working with him alongside the entire Twelve6 team,” says Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville.

“Jerry Flowers is one of the most inspiring writers I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” shares Travis Myatt, President and General Manager, Twelve6 Entertainment. “He radiates originality and energy into the music he creates, pulling from years of experience on some of the largest stages in the world, seeing firsthand what crowds of people want to hear. He has been a mentor to me, and all of the songwriters on the Twelve6 roster. I am honored to continue working with him and furthering our collaborative relationship with Warner Chappell.”

Grace Bowers. Photo: Cedric Jones.

Rising guitarist and band leader Grace Bowers has formed partnerships with WME, Crowd Surf, Sacks & Co and more. The news comes with the release of her debut single “Tell Me Why U Do That,” which dropped on Friday (April 19).

Bowers’ full team consists of Kent Marcus (Partner, Marcus & Colvin, LLP), Lindsey Hastings (Agent, WME), Jay Williams (Partner/Co-Head Nashville, WME), Crowd Surf, Carla Sacks (Sacks & Co.), Kevin Lynch (Business Manager) and Marcie Allen (Founder, MAC Consulting).

“Tell Me Why U Do That” is the start of the musical journey for Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge. The track was co-penned by Bowers, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman, and was produced by Osborne.

Kendra Whitehead

Radio promoter Kendra Whitehead is returning to Brown Sellers Brown as Director of Artist Relations and day-to-day manager for Joe Nichols. In her new role, Whitehead will maintain radio relationships while expanding management opportunities for the firm and its roster.

Whitehead has garnered 11 years of experience with BMG imprints Wheelhouse Records and Red Bow Records. She was first hired by the company’s former head and Brown Sellers Brown partner Benny Brown after a recommendation from her sister, BBR employee Layna Bunt. During her tenure with BMG, Whitehead’s efforts made way for No. 1 hits and successes with artists such as Nichols, Lo, Elvie Shane and Runaway Jane.

“I knew the moment I met Kendra, she was something special,” says Brown. “She had such an energy to her, and she was so personable. She’s done incredible things for the artists at BBR, and we’re looking forward to having her back with our team, as I know she’ll do incredible things for our artists!”

“Leaving BBR Music Group, a team that will always feel like family, was not one made lightly,” said Whitehead. “But, with an offer from Benny to join a team that feels like home and gives me the opportunity to reunite with Joe, I couldn’t turn it down. I am so excited to get to work!”

Based in California, Whitehead will continue her work remotely, officially starting on April 29.