Pictured (L-R): Rising Women on the Row honorees Melissa Spillman, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Candice Watkins, Tiffany Kerns and Halie Hampton Mosley. Photo: Ed Rode
MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, proudly recognized six Nashville music industry executives during its 11th annual Rising Women on the Row honors this morning (March 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. City National Bank, CMT Next Women of Country and Loeb & Loeb served as Presenting Sponsors.
The new class of honorees were CMA’s Tiffany Kerns, Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, WME’s Sloane Cavitt Logue, WHY&HOW’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Concord Music Publishing’s Melissa Spillman and Big Loud Record’s Candice Watkins.
Industry veteran Kerri Edwards was this year’s featured speaker. As the founder and president of management firm KP Entertainment, Edwards is a key figure in the careers of country stars Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott and Chayce Beckham.
Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith was this year’s special performer and was introduced by CMT’s Leslie Fram. Faith has garnered more than 60 million streams with her releases “Wild,” “Already Crazy,” “Greener Pasture,” “Cowboys & Dreamers,” “Joyride” and “Easy Pill,” as well as her debut EP Let Be Love.
Since beginning in 2012, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 50 women in the Nashville music industry.
About MusicRow‘s 2024 Rising Women On The Row:
Tiffany Kerns – SVP, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, CMA | Executive Director, CMA Foundation
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Tiffany Kerns, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
In her role as SVP, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, Tiffany Kerns oversees the strategic direction and management of all CMA’s membership events, initiatives and programming. By developing and enhancing robust and innovative CMA membership strategies, Kerns ensures professional development pathways align with the needs of the member base and the future of the industry. Established as CMA’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation has invested nearly $30 million across all 50 states. In her role, Kerns is responsible for the growth, development and execution of the nonprofit’s charitable investments by creating intentional partnerships and implementing an impact-driven grant process. With a steadfast focus on improving the philanthropic model of giving, Kerns has led the charge in enriching music education programs across the United States. She oversees advocacy efforts for the CMA Foundation at the state and federal level, which includes working with dozens of community partners, policymakers, educators and industry leaders to elevate the CMA Foundation’s mission.
Taylor Lindsey – SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Taylor Lindsey, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Taylor Lindsey is the SVP, of A&R at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversees SMN’s dynamic new A&R team as well as signs and develops a diverse roster that includes recorded music icons, breakthrough acts and newcomers. Prior to taking on her current expanded role, Lindsey was directly involved with the development of artists such as Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. Before joining SMN, Lindsey was at BMG where she signed and developed the careers of songwriters and artists as well as pitched the catalogs of 13 chart-topping songwriters, including her award-winning sister, Hillary Lindsey. A respected industry executive, Lindsey has been included in a number of industry power lists including Billboard’s 40 Under 40 (2018), Billboard’s Women In Music (2018, 2019 & 2023), Billboard’s Country Power Players (2022 & 2023), Variety’s Hitmakers Impact (2020), Variety’s Young Leaders In Music (2019) and more. She is also a graduate of the 2019 Class of Leadership Music. She resides in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland, and their daughter, Lyle, and son, Ryder.
Sloane Cavitt Logue – Partner, WME
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Sloane Cavitt Logue, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Sloane Cavitt Logue leads the Nashville Client Strategy Division at WME, where she works across several departments in navigating various opportunities outside of the live space, including digital, fashion, literary, film, television, talent ventures/partnerships, theater, sports and social impact for clients. Additionally, Logue connects clients with internal opportunities within the Endeavor network, which includes WWE, UFC, PBR, 160over90, Harry Walker, IMG and many more. Prior to joining WME, Logue held tenure at Show Dog-Universal Music and Live Nation. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the Deviate Leadership Program, which focuses on elevating and coaching future female leaders in the entertainment industry. Dedicated to mentoring up-and-coming industry trailblazers, she is actively involved in WME’s mentorship program, as well as Grammy U, and is an inaugural member of CMA’s Female Executive Leadership Program. Logue resides in Nashville with her husband, Dave, their son, Cavitt, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Captain.
Halie Hampton Mosley – Chief Operating Officer, WHY&HOW
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Halie Hampton Mosley, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Halie Hampton Mosley joined WHY&HOW in October 2021 as Vice President of Roster Operations, and has helped define and oversee the goals and initiatives of the WHY&HOW roster and staff. Since joining, Hampton Mosley has been instrumental in streamlining and expanding roster operations, and establishing internal practices such as WHY&HOW’s parental leave policies. She also remains closely involved in WHY&HOW artist strategy for such acts as Chase Rice, Danielle Bradbery, BRELAND and Kelleigh Bannen, among others. Prior to joining WHY&HOW, Hampton Mosley spent seven years in Artist Management at Maverick Nashville led by long-time Manager Clarence Spalding. She most recently served as the Day-to-Day Artist Manager for Diamond-selling duo Florida Georgia Line at Hit Farm Management in partnership with Full Stop Management led by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff.
Melissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Melissa Spillman, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Melissa Spillman is VP of A&R at Concord Music Publishing. In her role, Spillman is responsible for signing and developing new and established songwriters and artists and placing songs with major recording artists. She started out her career at Dreamcatcher Entertainment which led to a seven-year stint in A&R at Capitol Records. After that she headed up renowned producer Jay Joyce’s Neon Cross Music as Head of Publishing and Production. From there she started her own company, Freetown Music where she oversaw the creative development and management of artists, producers and songwriters until she was tapped by Concord Music Publishing to become their VP of A&R in 2021. Beyond her work in music, Spillman proudly started a non-profit organization called Wan Fambul Foundation, which strives to support children and their families in Sierra Leone, West Africa, the birthplace of three of her sons. She resides in Franklin with her songwriter/producer/author husband Jeremy, four sons and their dog Canyon. You can find her cheering on her sons who play football for the University of Tennessee and Franklin High School this fall.
Candice Watkins – SVP, Marketing, Big Loud Records
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Candice Watkins, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
As SVP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, Candice Watkins brings proven leadership and across-the-board expertise to the independent powerhouse, selected as one of Billboard’s 2023 Women in Music, and a Country Power Player for the last three consecutive years. Leading the label’s marketing efforts across its many ventures and partnerships, Watkins executes creative strategy and bold, cross-platform campaigns that make an impact. Recently, Watkins has led the marketing efforts behind chart-topping successes like Morgan Wallen’s back-to-back all-genre No. 1 albums, as well as the successful recent projects from HARDY, Hailey Whitters, Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin and many more. Watkins also spurred introductory campaigns for artists like Jake Worthington, Lauren Watkins, Ashley Cooke, Dylan Gossett and more, while embarking on major campaign efforts for heavy hitters Lauren Alaina, ERNEST, Larry Fleet and more. The Montclair, New Jersey native is a graduate of Boston’s Northeastern University and Los Angeles’ USC. Prior to joining Big Loud, Watkins served as Sr. Director of Marketing & Artist Development at UMG Nashville and preceded by stops at Red Light Management, Mozes Inc., Borman Entertainment and Martingale Entertainment. Outside of her work innovating campaign strategy for Big Loud, Watkins serves on the board for CMA, ACM, and Teen Dream Center.
The Mavericks’ New Album ‘Moon & Stars’ Slated For May
/by John Nix ArledgeRecorded across three studios in Nashville, Santa Fe and Louisiana, Moon & Stars aims to continue The Maverick’s genre-bending sound with a blend of outlaw country, rock, blues, R&B and more. To achieve this, the band collaborated with songwriters Bernie Taupin, Sam Hollander and Wally Wilson along with special guests Sierra Ferrell, Maggie Rose, Nicole Atkins and Max Abrams.
In an Instagram post announcing the album, The Mavericks stated, “This record has been a journey of reflection, introspection, patience, learning and evolving. Some of these songs were written years ago, but they weren’t ready. Or maybe we weren’t. We are now…”
In addition to performing their title track, The Mavericks are previewing new songs on their “European & UK Tour 2024” that are scheduled for release in late March and April. The “Moon & Stars Tour” will kick off on May 17 at ACL Live at Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, with more dates to follow.
MusicRow Magazine Honors Six At 11th Annual Rising Women On The Row
/by MusicRow StaffPictured (L-R): Rising Women on the Row honorees Melissa Spillman, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Candice Watkins, Tiffany Kerns and Halie Hampton Mosley. Photo: Ed Rode
MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, proudly recognized six Nashville music industry executives during its 11th annual Rising Women on the Row honors this morning (March 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. City National Bank, CMT Next Women of Country and Loeb & Loeb served as Presenting Sponsors.
The new class of honorees were CMA’s Tiffany Kerns, Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, WME’s Sloane Cavitt Logue, WHY&HOW’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Concord Music Publishing’s Melissa Spillman and Big Loud Record’s Candice Watkins.
Industry veteran Kerri Edwards was this year’s featured speaker. As the founder and president of management firm KP Entertainment, Edwards is a key figure in the careers of country stars Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott and Chayce Beckham.
Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith was this year’s special performer and was introduced by CMT’s Leslie Fram. Faith has garnered more than 60 million streams with her releases “Wild,” “Already Crazy,” “Greener Pasture,” “Cowboys & Dreamers,” “Joyride” and “Easy Pill,” as well as her debut EP Let Be Love.
Since beginning in 2012, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 50 women in the Nashville music industry.
About MusicRow‘s 2024 Rising Women On The Row:
Tiffany Kerns – SVP, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, CMA | Executive Director, CMA Foundation
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Tiffany Kerns, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
In her role as SVP, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, Tiffany Kerns oversees the strategic direction and management of all CMA’s membership events, initiatives and programming. By developing and enhancing robust and innovative CMA membership strategies, Kerns ensures professional development pathways align with the needs of the member base and the future of the industry. Established as CMA’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation has invested nearly $30 million across all 50 states. In her role, Kerns is responsible for the growth, development and execution of the nonprofit’s charitable investments by creating intentional partnerships and implementing an impact-driven grant process. With a steadfast focus on improving the philanthropic model of giving, Kerns has led the charge in enriching music education programs across the United States. She oversees advocacy efforts for the CMA Foundation at the state and federal level, which includes working with dozens of community partners, policymakers, educators and industry leaders to elevate the CMA Foundation’s mission.
Taylor Lindsey – SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Taylor Lindsey, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Taylor Lindsey is the SVP, of A&R at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversees SMN’s dynamic new A&R team as well as signs and develops a diverse roster that includes recorded music icons, breakthrough acts and newcomers. Prior to taking on her current expanded role, Lindsey was directly involved with the development of artists such as Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. Before joining SMN, Lindsey was at BMG where she signed and developed the careers of songwriters and artists as well as pitched the catalogs of 13 chart-topping songwriters, including her award-winning sister, Hillary Lindsey. A respected industry executive, Lindsey has been included in a number of industry power lists including Billboard’s 40 Under 40 (2018), Billboard’s Women In Music (2018, 2019 & 2023), Billboard’s Country Power Players (2022 & 2023), Variety’s Hitmakers Impact (2020), Variety’s Young Leaders In Music (2019) and more. She is also a graduate of the 2019 Class of Leadership Music. She resides in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland, and their daughter, Lyle, and son, Ryder.
Sloane Cavitt Logue – Partner, WME
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Sloane Cavitt Logue, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Sloane Cavitt Logue leads the Nashville Client Strategy Division at WME, where she works across several departments in navigating various opportunities outside of the live space, including digital, fashion, literary, film, television, talent ventures/partnerships, theater, sports and social impact for clients. Additionally, Logue connects clients with internal opportunities within the Endeavor network, which includes WWE, UFC, PBR, 160over90, Harry Walker, IMG and many more. Prior to joining WME, Logue held tenure at Show Dog-Universal Music and Live Nation. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the Deviate Leadership Program, which focuses on elevating and coaching future female leaders in the entertainment industry. Dedicated to mentoring up-and-coming industry trailblazers, she is actively involved in WME’s mentorship program, as well as Grammy U, and is an inaugural member of CMA’s Female Executive Leadership Program. Logue resides in Nashville with her husband, Dave, their son, Cavitt, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Captain.
Halie Hampton Mosley – Chief Operating Officer, WHY&HOW
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Halie Hampton Mosley, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Halie Hampton Mosley joined WHY&HOW in October 2021 as Vice President of Roster Operations, and has helped define and oversee the goals and initiatives of the WHY&HOW roster and staff. Since joining, Hampton Mosley has been instrumental in streamlining and expanding roster operations, and establishing internal practices such as WHY&HOW’s parental leave policies. She also remains closely involved in WHY&HOW artist strategy for such acts as Chase Rice, Danielle Bradbery, BRELAND and Kelleigh Bannen, among others. Prior to joining WHY&HOW, Hampton Mosley spent seven years in Artist Management at Maverick Nashville led by long-time Manager Clarence Spalding. She most recently served as the Day-to-Day Artist Manager for Diamond-selling duo Florida Georgia Line at Hit Farm Management in partnership with Full Stop Management led by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff.
Melissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Melissa Spillman, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
Melissa Spillman is VP of A&R at Concord Music Publishing. In her role, Spillman is responsible for signing and developing new and established songwriters and artists and placing songs with major recording artists. She started out her career at Dreamcatcher Entertainment which led to a seven-year stint in A&R at Capitol Records. After that she headed up renowned producer Jay Joyce’s Neon Cross Music as Head of Publishing and Production. From there she started her own company, Freetown Music where she oversaw the creative development and management of artists, producers and songwriters until she was tapped by Concord Music Publishing to become their VP of A&R in 2021. Beyond her work in music, Spillman proudly started a non-profit organization called Wan Fambul Foundation, which strives to support children and their families in Sierra Leone, West Africa, the birthplace of three of her sons. She resides in Franklin with her songwriter/producer/author husband Jeremy, four sons and their dog Canyon. You can find her cheering on her sons who play football for the University of Tennessee and Franklin High School this fall.
Candice Watkins – SVP, Marketing, Big Loud Records
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, honoree Candice Watkins, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Ed Rode
As SVP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, Candice Watkins brings proven leadership and across-the-board expertise to the independent powerhouse, selected as one of Billboard’s 2023 Women in Music, and a Country Power Player for the last three consecutive years. Leading the label’s marketing efforts across its many ventures and partnerships, Watkins executes creative strategy and bold, cross-platform campaigns that make an impact. Recently, Watkins has led the marketing efforts behind chart-topping successes like Morgan Wallen’s back-to-back all-genre No. 1 albums, as well as the successful recent projects from HARDY, Hailey Whitters, Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin and many more. Watkins also spurred introductory campaigns for artists like Jake Worthington, Lauren Watkins, Ashley Cooke, Dylan Gossett and more, while embarking on major campaign efforts for heavy hitters Lauren Alaina, ERNEST, Larry Fleet and more. The Montclair, New Jersey native is a graduate of Boston’s Northeastern University and Los Angeles’ USC. Prior to joining Big Loud, Watkins served as Sr. Director of Marketing & Artist Development at UMG Nashville and preceded by stops at Red Light Management, Mozes Inc., Borman Entertainment and Martingale Entertainment. Outside of her work innovating campaign strategy for Big Loud, Watkins serves on the board for CMA, ACM, and Teen Dream Center.
Weekly Register: Beyoncé Bides In The Country Streaming Songs Top Five
/by Liza AndersonBeyoncé
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 Combs‘ Gettin’ Old grasps No. 5 with 22K (690 album only/26 million song streams).
CMT Reveals First Round Of Performers For CMT Music Awards
/by Madison HahnenCMT 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
/by Lorie HollabaughJeannie 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
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh 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
/by Liza AndersonJake 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’
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (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
/by Madison HahnenCountry 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
/by Madison HahnenCountry 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.