Craig Morgan Sworn In As Warrant Officer In Army Reserve

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Pictured (L-R): CW3 William R. Green, Karen Greer, WO1 Craig Morgan Greer and John Clement. Photo: Nate Griffin

Craig Morgan received his appointment to Warrant Officer 1 in the Army Reserve on Saturday (Feb. 3) at Huntsville, Alabama’s Redstone Arsenal.

The swearing-in took place with Chief Warrant Officer 3 William R. Green, along with John Clement (Deputy State Director/Military Advisor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn) and Morgan’s wife, Karen Greer, officiating the ceremony while surrounded by family and friends.

Having previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, the country star returned to service last year. He was again sworn-in to the Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29.

Following his swearing-in as Warrant Officer 1, Morgan then traveled to Orlando where he performed the national anthem in uniform at 2024’s NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday (Feb. 4) from Camping World Stadium.

In addition to his service in the Army Reserve, Morgan has continued to tour and release new music including his EP Enlisted.

 

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BMI Unveils 2024 Key West Songwriters Festival Lineup

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Returning for its 28th year, the Key West Songwriter’s Festival, presented by BMI, has revealed their 2024 lineup. This year’s event will be taking place May 1-5 in Key West, Florida.

The lineup features more than 150 artists and songwriters. Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Bob DiPiero, James Slater, Tommy Sims, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Wendell Mobley, Tyler Reeve and more will be playing throughout the week. The festival will also feature rising artists and songwriters such as Chase Matthew, Mia Mantia, Emma Zinck, Casey LeVasseur, Preston James, Jonathan Hutcherson and more.

The festival will kick off on Wednesday (May 1) with the “Sunset Pier Kickoff Party” featuring rising star Dylan Marlow and the Heartwreckers. Thursday (May 2) will feature a headline show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater by country star Cole Swindell with support from Restless Road. The annual Main Stage Duval Street block party will feature a performance from renowned songwriter Dallas Davidson.

This year’s festival will also include new showcases such as the “Key West Women’s Club” all-female lineup and “Sunday Church” at Williams Hall.

“We look forward to enhancing this year’s festival as we engage more with the local community to provide first-time experiences and showcases,” says Kyle Muehlhauser, Co-Owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents. “We always enjoy working closely with BMI to create a diverse group of storytellers and this lineup reflects that.”

The 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, HD Radio, Texas Roadhouse and White Claw. Songwriters will have the opportunity to enjoy the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event at BNA in Delta’s Sky Club as Delta Air Lines is the official airline for the festival.

More information and tickets for all shows are available now.

Lady Luck Songs & Yellow Mountain Music Publishing Sign Matt Warren

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Lady Luck Songs’ Bob Squance and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen; (L-R, front row): Lady Luck Songs’ Kim Penz and Matt Warren

Lady Luck Songs and Yellow Mountain Music Publishing have teamed up to sign Matt Warren to an exclusive publishing deal.

The Nashville native started playing in bands and touring the country in 1996, and signed his first publishing deal in 2002 with House of Fame in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

He has won multiple ASCAP Awards and earned cuts with Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Bucky Covington, Jim Lauderdale and more. Most notably, Warren co-wrote Allan’s “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” alongside the artist and Hillary Lindsey. The double-Platinum tune topped the country airplay charts and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2014 ACM Awards.

“Matt was the first writer signed to Lady Luck in 2015 and we are thrilled to be working with him again,” says Kim Penz, Founder of Lady Luck Songs. “This is a full circle moment for all of us and we can’t wait to achieve more great things together!”

“I’m really excited to be working with Kim, Cliff [Audretch], Bob [Squance] and the whole Lady Luck staff,” says Warren. “It’s a little bit of a homecoming for me and it feels really good to be back. I’m super stoked for the good things coming!”

“We are very excited to partner with the Lady Luck team to help bring Matt’s incredible talent to the world,” adds Chuck Bowling, Co-Founder of Yellow Mountain Music Publishing.

SJ McDonald Signs With Major Bob Music

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Emily Hasty (Creative Assistant), Bob Doyle (Owner/President), Graham Kothman (Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Matt Cottingham (Partner/Lewis Brisbois), SJ McDonald, Andy Friday (Head of Publishing). Photo: Courtesy of Major Bob Music

Songwriter SJ McDonald has signed a publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.

Hailing from Virginia, McDonald made the pivotal move to Nashville in 2017 to study songwriting at Belmont University. Her single “Break A Cowboy” garnered attention from several editorial playlists, and she actively collaborates and has scored cuts with fellow artists including Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes and more.

“SJ’s name just kept coming up from great songwriters who we admire, and after we began booking co-writes with SJ we quickly discovered for ourselves why so many people love her,” says Andy Friday, Head of Publishing, Major Bob Music. “She keeps it country and she’s a perfect fit for Major Bob.”

Additionally, McDonald released her new single “Hummingbird” on Friday (Feb. 2).

Carson Wallace Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Relative Music Group

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, Anthony DeVincenzo, Relative Music Group’s Caroline Bouldin, Sony Music Publishing Nashvile’s Rusty Gaston; (L-R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Carson Wallace, Relative Music Group’s Michael Hardy and Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Singer-songwriter Carson Wallace has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group.

The California native first gained recognition from his demos on TikTok featuring his modern, edgy style. He recently released his debut single, “Lonely Look Like,” and has achieved success with other tracks including “Leavin’ Season,” “Ghost in My Chevy,” “Light of Day” and more.

“Carson is the most driven writer I have come across in a long time, and at only 20 years old that’s an incredible characteristic to have,” says Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “He’s got a great head on his shoulders and I truly think he understands the ins and outs of writing a hit song as well as how the music industry works. I can’t wait to hear the hits he turns in over the years and I know it’s only a matter of time until he breaks out as a big hit writer.”

“Thankful. That’s the word that truly describes how I feel,” says Wallace. “Thankful God put this passion in my heart to write songs, and thankful for the Relative/Sony team believing in me—they already feel like family. I cannot wait for what we’re going to do together!”

Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build Opens Homeowner Application

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Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville Parkwood Community Club Renovations

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) has opened homeowner applications.

The Music Row Build aims to raise awareness about the Nashville housing crisis and advocate for affordable housing for working musicians and industry professionals and other working locals. Each year, the MRB raises funds through various events to construct a Habitat home for a deserving Nashvillian. All fundraising efforts go towards the annual build as well as a fund that is used to support broader initiatives and goals such as building an entire neighborhood.

“We would love for the Music Row Build to come full circle and have a member of our music community achieve the dream of homeownership with the Habitat home we are building this year. The chance to secure a 0% APR mortgage via the Habitat program is a unique, once-in-lifetime opportunity. I encourage our songwriters, musicians and industry professionals grappling with the challenges of the housing market to seize this chance and submit their applications,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair.

Applications for the current community in North Nashville, Village by the Creek, can be submitted online. For more information, click here.

The annual Music Row Build started in 2003 and continued until 2012. It was then reignited in 2020 after a donation was made by longtime Music Row veteran Ree Guyer, which established a fund to carry on the MRB work with a goal of raising $500,000. Through multiple functions held by Gattis, the fund now consists of over $200,000.

For more information, contact Sherry Stinson at sstinson@habitatnashville.org.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Snags Top Country Streaming Songs Debut

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Morgan Wallen‘s “Spin You Around (1/24),” the new version of the 2014 fan-favorite track, snags the top debut on the country streaming songs chart this week, taking No. 4 with 12 million streams, according to Luminate data. Wallen recorded “Spin You Around (1/24)” after a 10th anniversary edition of his EP Stand Alone was released without his consent.

Elsewhere on the chart, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ Grammy-winning “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 1 with 19 million new streams, adding to 468 million ATD, followed by Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” at No. 2 with 13 million streams, adding to 1.204 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” notches No. 3 again with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.182 billion ATD, while his “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves down to No. 5 with 11 million streams, adding to 592 million ATD.

The country albums chart lacks movement as the top five stay the same once again this week.

Wallen’s One Thing At A Time holds No. 1 with 66K in total consumption (1.6K album only/83 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled project bides at No. 2 with 40K (2.5K album only/48 million song streams), and Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album dwells at No. 3 with 37K (399 album only/48 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak keeps No. 4 with 28K (885 album only/35 million song streams), and Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) secures No. 5 again with 21K (4K album only/22 million song streams).

Kelsea Ballerini Renews With Black River Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Sandbox Entertainment Group’s Jason Owen; Kelsea Ballerini; and Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr and Rick Froio. Photo: Robby Klein

Over a decade since the independent label launched her career in 2013, Kelsea Ballerini has renewed her recording contract with Black River Entertainment.

Since signing with the company, Ballerini has notched seven No. 1 singles, earned 32 RIAA certifications, logged five back-to-back top 10 entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

“It is with great pleasure and true excitement that Black River continues to partner with Kelsea as well as Jason Owen,” saya Black River Entertainment’s President and CEO Gordon Kerr. “I find myself constantly blown away by Kelsea’s artistic vision and musical excellence. And to know Jason as my friend and brother in music is nothing short of humbling and electrifying all at the same time. What a team we make, what history we write, what a story we tell!”

“Over the past few years, Gordon has become a dear friend to me and he and the Black River team remain the best partners to Kelsea and Sandbox for so many reasons,” says Owen, Sandbox Entertainment Group Founder and CEO. “Black River isn’t afraid to take risks, always leaning in with us on ideas that challenge the status quo, including with this groundbreaking recording agreement that rightfully honors Kelsea’s art and her impact in the marketplace.”

Ballerini, a two-time ACM Award and CMA Award winner, has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, including at the most recent ceremony where she was nominated for Best Country Album with her blockbuster Rolling Up The Welcome Mat project. The release of her deeply personal album and accompanying short film in 2023 led Ballerini to her Saturday Night Live debut, universal acclaim from critics and the honor of gracing the cover of TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next issue.

The star shares, “Black River has always handled my music with the utmost care since signing with them over a decade ago. They’ve never wavered in respecting my vision as an artist, offering me the freedom to be creative and push boundaries. We share our wins and successes like a family, and our renewed agreement reflects just that.”

Women’s Music Business Association Unveils Board & New Members For 2024

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The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) has unveiled its 2024 Board of Officer Chairs, Board of Directors and Class of 2024. This year marks the WMBA’s 25th anniversary of empowering women in the Nashville music industry.

The 2024 Board of Officer Chairs includes Aura Guadagno (Outback Presents) as President, Mackenzie Adkins (Rhonda & Company) as Vice President, Taylor Baird (KBLM, LLC) as Treasurer, Michelle Barnett Wichern (The Kinkead Entertainment Agency) as Secretary, Megan Astri Raham (Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) as Events & Education Chair, Beka Bishop (Fantom Presents) as Marketing Chair and Jessica Hamorsky (Degy Entertainment) as Membership Chair.

This year’s WMBA Board of Directors consists of Chairwoman Amery Fridenstine (Above Board Consulting), Sheree Spoltore (Global Songwriters Connection), Jensen Sussman (Sweet Talk Publicity) and Christy Walker-Watkins (AristoPR) at the helm. In an advisory capacity, Brandi Simms (MooTV, Moo Creative, The Steel Mill) will continue her role as Board of Directors Emeritus, and Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, & Norton LLP) will maintain her position as Legal Counsel.

“As we begin the yearlong celebration of WMBA’s 25th anniversary, I look back to where it began,” shares Fridenstine. “What started as a potluck dinner between friends has become a respected membership organization and a source of education, support and community for women in the music industry. Many talented and inspiring women have served as members, officers and board members, helping to grow the organization to what it is today, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of that legacy. I’m excited for what the future holds for WMBA and our amazing members and alumni.”

WMBA Class of 2024:
Lucki Price (Sony Music Publishing)
Amber Stoneman (Nashville Unsigned & Minting Music)
Maggie Baugh (Artist)
Christina Mitchell (Opry Entertainment Group)
Allison Cooper (Naxos of America, Inc)
Katie Sundra (Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Krista Gilley (Gibson Brands)
Kelsey Roche (FBMM)
Lena Stone (Lena Stone Creative)
Kayce Russell (Warner Chappell Music)
Bridget Buchholz (Tour Manager)
Emma Lansworth (SESAC)
Dani Rose (Artist)
Remi Heitzman (The Kinkead Entertainment Agency)
Annissa Allen-Gore (Counsel, LLP)
Jessica Kelley (Outback Presents)
Alexis Donn (Artist-Songwriter)
Kendyl Ford (Convention Production Rigging & Freelance)
Nikki Denton (24 Entertainment, Robert Deaton)
Lois Zozobrado (Parmalee Touring)
Lauren Klein (Sony Music Nashville)
Kelli Johnson (Vita Music, Kelli Johnson Music)
Rachel Mangan (Dirickson Law, PLLC)
Kayla Michaud (Kayla Eileen Media)
Stephanie Quayle (Artist, Big Sky Music Group)

Country Music Community Mourns Death Of Toby Keith

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Toby Keith

Music fans around the world woke up to the sad news that country hitmaker Toby Keith had passed away late Monday night (Feb. 5) after a battle with stomach cancer.

At only 62 years old, Keith’s death is a tragic case of gone too soon. The country stalwart announced his cancer diagnosis in June of 2022.

Keith is one of the biggest country artists of the modern era, with more than 40 million albums sold and 32 No. 1 hits. His legacy includes that of a prolific songwriter, as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) inductee wrote 26 of his hits and 11 of those alone. Throughout his career, Keith garnered over 10 billion streams, largely on the strength of his own songwriting and producing, and under the banner of his own record label Show Dog Nashville.

Memorial tributes to Keith have flooded social media from his peers in country music. Below are some of those messages.

“Toby Keith was a powerhouse singer-songwriter, performer, entrepreneur, and country music icon who defined the last several decades of country music and influenced a generation of talent. Here at the Academy, we’ve been able to celebrate Toby countless times over the years, including twice as our ACM Entertainer of the Year, along with more than a dozen of other trophies, such as the ACM Poet’s Award for songwriting and the ACM Career Achievement Award. In particular, I’m so glad we were able to honor Toby with the ACM Spirit Award in 2021, presented to a singer-songwriter who continues the legacy of Merle Haggard, one of Toby’s heroes. Additionally, his phenomenal commitment to philanthropy and serving the community throughout his career echoes in the work of ACM Lifting Lives. On behalf of our staff, Board, and membership, we send our love to Toby’s family, friends, and fans of his incredible music. His legacy in country music will live on forever.” – Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO

“Toby Keith was big, brash, and never bowed down or slowed down for anyone. His story is a distinctly American one—a former roughneck oil worker who carved out his own space in country music with a sinewy voice and an unbending will to succeed. He wrote his breakthrough songs and later formed his own record label when he felt underserved by Nashville. He relished being an outsider and doing things his way. Proudly patriotic, he didn’t mind if his clear-cut convictions ruffled your feathers. For three decades, he reflected the defiant strength of the country music audience. His memory will continue to stand tall.” – Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO

“I was saddened to hear of Toby Keith’s passing. He really was one of the good guys. He helped a lot of people get started in the business. He loved God, he loved his family, and he was a true Patriot. He loved America. A friend to so many, including myself! Rest dear brother, you’re home at last!” – Ricky Skaggs

 

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“I vividly remember Toby Keith walking into these offices for the first time 30 years ago. I had the pleasure of signing him to BMI and worked closely with him and his team ever since. This is a tremendous loss for the songwriting community. His life and his music made a tremendous impact, and I cherished his trust and his friendship.” – Clay Bradley, VP BMI Nashville

“Stood me still with emotion and memories to see and hear of the loss of my friend…the legend…Toby Keith. Heart breaking with thoughts and prayers for his fans and family this morning. We toured together several times around the globe. He was always the kindest…sweetest gentle giant of an outlaw one could ever hope to entertain and make music with. Raising a Red Cup this morning and saying a prayer. Heavens a honkytonk tonight.” – Billy Ray Cyrus

“Toby Keith has gone home. This is very sad news. We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big-hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one. RIP Toby Keith.” – The Oak Ridge Boys

 

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“Toby did as much good off-stage as he did on it. I got to be a part of his OK Kids Korral a few years back, and we sang a few together to benefit those kids. A good man with a huge legacy that stands as tall as him.” – John Anderson