Weekly Register: Beyoncé Bides In The Country Streaming Songs Top Five

Beyoncé

Beyoncé‘s “Texas Hold ‘Em” bides at No. 2 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 14 million new streams, adding to 109 million ATD, according to Luminate data.

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” resides at No. 1 with 18 million streams, adding to 580 million ATD, while Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” follows at No. 3 with 12.3 million new streams, adding to 1.26 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” stays at No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 1.28 billion ATD, and Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” secures the fifth slot again with 11 million new streams, adding to 662 million ATD.

The country albums chart also lacks movement this week.

Wallen’s One Thing At A Time remains at the top with 68K in total consumption (1.6K album only/86 million song streams). Zach Bryan follows at No. 2 with 41K (3.9K album only/48 million song streams), while Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album holds the third slot with 38K (367 album only/49 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak takes No. 4 again with 30K (829 album only/38 million song streams), and Luke CombsGettin’ Old grasps No. 5 with 22K (690 album only/26 million song streams).

CMT Reveals First Round Of Performers For CMT Music Awards

CMT has revealed its first round of performers for the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, the awards will take place on April 7 live from Austin, Texas on CBS.

Rising country star Bailey Zimmerman will be performing his current single “Where It Ends.” Zimmerman is up for Male Video of the Year for “Religiously.” Hitmaker Jelly Roll, nominated for three awards including Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year, is also slated to perform.

Keith Urban will be hitting the stage with “Straight Line.” This marks Urban’s 20th time performing at the awards, the most in CMT Music Awards history. Grammy winner Lainey Wilson is scheduled to perform her newest track “Country’s Cool Again.” Wilson is also entering the night with three nominations, including Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year.

Lastly, nine-time CMT Music Award nominee Sam Hunt will be debuting a brand-new song during the awards.

Additional performers will be announced soon.

Jeannie Seely Dazzles Opry 50th Celebration With Replica Of 1974 Stage Outfit

Jeannie Seely during the Grand Ole Opry’s 50th anniversary celebration. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Jeannie Seely impressed the crowd during the Grand Ole Opry’s 50th anniversary celebration over the weekend by stepping onto the stage in a midriff-baring replica of the iconic outfit (and even the hairstyle) she first donned 50 years earlier at the Opry house’s inaugural show.

The performer borrowed some of Dolly Parton‘s design team to help re-create the retro number, which Seely rocked just as she had five decades earlier on the hallowed stage.

Pictured (L-R): Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely, Jerry Whitehurst (Piano) and Don Lacy (Drums). Photo: Les Leverett

“There’s really no way I can express my appreciation for this event!  To know the Opry finally got a home of her own, and that I have been fortunate enough to share it for 50 years, is one of the most joyful things in my life and career,” expresses Seely. “I’m also proud to tell you that, just like the family we are, my Opry sister Dolly Parton loaned me some of her finest folks to re-create my original outfit from 1974, complete with ‘secret show business’ tricks! A special thanks to Vance Nichols and Riley Reed for the magic!”

“Two thoughts,” says Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “One, never dare Jeannie Seely to do anything if you have any reservations at all about her actually doing it. Two, I am absolutely certain the timeless Seely drove away from the Opry House Saturday night thinking about how she could once again steal the show when the venue turns 100 in 2074. She amazes us all.”

Designer Vance Nichols shares, “For years, I’ve cherished the friendship of Jeannie Seely. From my early days as a young adult in this town, she’s shown me kindness and offered invaluable advice. Her wisdom and generosity have shaped my path, and I owe her immeasurable gratitude. So when she proposed recreating her Opry outfit, I readily agreed—there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Jeannie. Being her friend remains an ongoing privilege and honor.”

She performed her single, “Don’t Touch Me,” which she also sang at the opening of the Opry House in 1974, as well as crowd favorite “Who Needs You” for the special anniversary. As Seely left the stage, she was presented with an award by Opry host Mike Terry on behalf of the Opry management and staff for “The Best Dressed” of the evening, bringing the Opry crowd to its feet again.

A trailblazer throughout her career, Seely holds the distinction of having more Opry performances than any other artist, with 5,346 performances. She was only the third female in country history to receive a Grammy, fought and won the battle for women to host Opry segments and was the first female to host segments, and has been credited with changing the image of female artist wardrobes by being the first to wear a mini skirt on the Opry stage.

Tyler Hubbard Launches New Publishing Company HAYLO Music

Josh Saxe & Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Tyler Hubbard has launched a new publishing company, HAYLO Music, named after the initials of his family.

Josh Saxe, formerly of J C Saxe Creative Consulting, has been tapped to run the new venture. As GM of HAYLO Music, he will work alongside Hubbard to facilitate the daily songwriting strategy of its publishing and creative services roster.

A Belmont University graduate, Saxe began his career as Associate Director, A&R at Round Hill Music Nashville, and later expanded his A&R and catalog development duties by fulfilling the role of Senior Director. In 2019, he moved to Endurance Music Group to help establish its offices and grow its existing business as well as manage its songwriting roster including Matt Stell, Paul Sikes and Seth Alley.

Hubbard’s previous publishing partner, former GM at Tree Vibez Music and current President of Jonas Group Publishing, Leslie DiPiero, helped facilitate Saxe’s hiring process.

“I’m really excited about this new chapter with HAYLO Music,” says Hubbard. “It’s been an incredible ride working with Leslie, who helped me fall in love with music publishing and the songwriting community, and taught me a ton along the way. Community is super important to me, and I’m excited to work with Josh to build a culture where creatives can thrive. HAYLO is a testament to the passion and drive we bring to the table every day, and I can’t wait to show the world what we’re about.”

“I’m thrilled to be part of this new adventure with Tyler,” says Saxe. “His clear vision and passion for music publishing are unparalleled. Let’s get to work.”

Hubbard has penned 17 No. 1 country radio singles between his two solo chart-toppers and cuts for artists including Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, Bebe Rexha and more. His previous publishing endeavor, which began in 2015, earned 25 No. 1 singles, 90 singles at country radio and 700 total cuts. The hitmaker is set to release his sophomore solo album, Strong, on April 12 via EMI Nashville.

BREAKING: UMG Nashville Taps Jake Gear As VP, A&R

Jake Gear. Photo: Jason Myers

UMG Nashville has tapped publishing veteran Jake Gear as VP of A&R.

Gear brings over 10 years of experience as a publisher, producer and writer manager to his new role.

The Iowa native graduated from Nashville’s Belmont University before beginning his career in the Music & Licensing department at CMT. He went on to hold publishing posts at Magic Mustang Music, Sea Gayle Music and BMG. Gear then launched creative publishing venture Hang Your Hat Music in 2020 with Concord and hitmaker Hillary Lindsey. He has also acted as writer manager for Lindsey, and produced albums for Flatland Cavalry, Ben Chapman, Harper O’Neill and Hailey Whitters.

Throughout his career, he has celebrated hit records with artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen and Little Big Town, among others.

“Jake brings an unparalleled passion for nurturing artists, writers, and producers within the vibrant Nashville community,” says Chelsea Blythe, EVP of A&R, UMG Nashville. “With his keen ear to the ground and unwavering dedication, I’m excited for the creativity he brings to the department, and I know he’ll be a huge asset to our roster.”

Gear can be reached at Jake.Gear@umusic.com.

Old Crow Medicine Show Announces ‘2024 Jubilee Tour’

Pictured (L-R): Mike Harris, Morgan Jahning, Mason Via, Dante’ Pope, Ketch Secor, PJ George and Cory Younts. Photo: Brooke Stevens

Old Crow Medicine Show has announced their “2024 Jubilee Tour” in celebration of their Grammy-nominated album Jubilee, which marks the group’s 25-year anniversary. The tour kicked off at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14.

Joining the band on tour are Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Old Crow Medicine Show founding member Willie Watson and The Del McCoury Band. They are scheduled to make stops in Dallas, New York, Boston and more. The tour will conclude in December with the group’s annual New Year’s Eve shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Reflecting on Old Crow Medicine Show’s history, founding member Ketch Secor says, “25 years since we first journeyed across the continent with fiddles and banjos blazing, the unstoppable spirit of Old Crow remains. Like every new year since the first, the guys and I are excited for another spin around the country. We’re grateful for the lifelong passionate love affair with our amazing audience and the incredible land we share. Come one, come all and join in our jubilee.”

For more information, click here.

CRS & MIW Launch Mentorship Program

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has launched a new mentorship program, Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Country Radio. The program is in collaboration with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW).

The year-long program will offer access to industry leaders, personalized advice, networking opportunities and career enhancement. Participants will also be invited to attend CRS 2025 in Nashville.

“CRS is thrilled to partner with MIW in launching the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Country Radio program,” shares Executive Director RJ Curtis. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering diversity and empowering women within the country radio industry. We are grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff adds, “This is a great opportunity to strengthen and support women in country radio. We couldn’t be more grateful to RJ Curtis, John Shomby, and the entire team at CRS for their enthusiastic partnership. A special note of thanks and remembrance to Bill Mayne for his early support of MIW and our initiatives.”

The mentorship will be offered to one woman currently employed full-time at a country radio station within the United States who has been in the business for at least five years. For more information and to apply, click here. Applications are open until March 22.

Thomas Rhett & Morgan Wallen’s ‘Mamaw’s House’ Goes No. 1

Country superstars Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen have earned the No. 1 song in country music with “Mamaw’s House.” The track topped both the Mediabase/Country Aircheck and Billboard Country Airplay charts this week, after topping the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart a few weeks ago.

The track was co-penned by both Rhett and Wallen along with Matt Dragstem and Chase McGill. Instantly resonating with listeners, the song has garnered over 94.6 million global streams. “Mamaw’s House” marks Rhett’s 22nd career No. 1.

“Both of our Mamaws were such a big part of shaping us into the men we are today, so I loved being able to pay tribute to them in this way,” says Rhett. “God Bless all the Mamaws out there for making us all better people and thank y’all for loving on them with us!”

Rhett recently received the news that he will be honored with his fifth CMA Triple Play award, recognizing him for penning three No. 1 songs within 12 months. His tracks “Country Again” and “Slow Down Summer,” along with Cole Swindell‘s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” were the three tracks that earned him the honor.

Billy Strings Adds Summer Tour Dates

Billy Strings has added summer dates in July and August to his headline tour, which kicks off April 12.

The new dates include back-to-back nights at Inglewood’s Kia Forum, Bridgeport’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, State College’s Bryce Jordan Center, Worcester’s DCU Center and more.

Tickets for the shows are on sale now. For more information, click here.

The summer dates are just the latest added to Strings’ extensive 2024 run, which also includes three sold-out nights at St. Augustine’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre as well as visits to Lexington’s Rupp Arena, Minneapolis’ The Armory and Rosemont’s Allstate Arena, among others.

Big Machine Music Signs George Birge

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Randy Patton, Lizzy Rector, Tim Hunze and Mike Molinar, George Birge, Big Machine Music’s Michelle Attardi, Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich and Sarah Paravia, Big Machine Music’s Katherine Godwin and Greyson Stephens. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music

Big Machine Music has signed singer-songwriter George Birge to an exclusive co-publishing agreement.

The RECORDS Nashville artist recently hit the country radio airwaves with “Cowboy Songs,” after scoring his first No. 1 with “Mind On You.” Birge boasts more than 63 million streams across his catalog, and was featured as one of this year’s CRS New Faces of Country Music. He is currently on the road with Parker McCollum for select dates of the “Burn It Down Tour 2024,” and will join Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer.

“George’s hit trajectory is a testament to his talent, work ethic and kindness,” shares Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar. “We are honored he has chosen Big Machine Music as his publishing partner!”

“I am so fired up to hit the ground running with this Big Machine Music team,” says Birge. “They are the best at what they do, and I can’t wait to continue to grow as a songwriter with their help.”