Morning Mentoring & Networking Sessions Set For CRS 2024

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The programming has been set for the morning mentoring sessions that will take place during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024. The sessions aim will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

CRS will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 28, with its first morning mentoring session. The Y’all Means All: Diversity Matters Breakfast will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. in Legends A-C at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and aims to address diversity and inclusivity within the country radio industry. The panel discussion will be moderated by Mia McNeal, Senior Director of Industry Relations & Inclusion at the Country Music Association (CMA), and will feature panelists including Jaye Albright (retired Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jon Loba (BBR/BMG), Frank Ray (BBR Music Group artist) and Lily Rose (Big Loud Records, Back Blocks Music, and Republic Records Country artist).

On the last day of CRS, Friday, March 1, CRS will present the Women’s Networking Breakfast, sponsored by Nuvoodoo Media from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. This session will focus on empowering and connecting women within the country music industry. Confirmed attendees include McNeal (CMA), Charlene Bryant (UMG Nashville), Zena Burns (Moxie Coalition), Blake Carter (SEVENS Radio Network/The Garth Channel), Katie Dean (Leo33), Brooke Diaz (BMLG), Karina Farias (Edison Research), Krista Hayes (Cumulus Media), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers Records), Jessica “Carsen” Humphreville (Silverfish Media), Michelle Tigard Kammerer (Amazon Music), Sarah Kay (WQMX), Basak Kizilisik (Eighteen Company), Katie McCartney (Monument Records), Brooks O’Brian (WWJO), Athena Puharic (Big Machine Label Group), Brooke Taylor (iHeart), Nikki Thomas (Bristol Broadcasting) and Melissa Quinones (Cox Media Group).

More agenda details for CRS 2024 will be released soon. Registration for CRS 2024 is now open.

Lauren Daigle’s Price Fund Reports Over $1 Million In Contributions For 2023

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Lauren Daigle. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle has closed out a record year for her foundation, The Price Fund, with over one million dollars in contributions for 2023.

A total of 45 contributions were made throughout the year by the fund, including partnership contributions to Music Health Alliance (MHA) and KultureCity, contributions to organizations such as the Caring for Covenant Fund and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund as well as multiple music schools. These contributions have helped to fund senior healthcare programs, accessibility improvements in music venues across the U.S. and provided music education funds for schools. Since the foundation’s start in 2018, The Price Fund has provided over $3.5 million to charitable organizations.

“I am so proud of the work that we have been able to do over the last year and that fans can also play such a huge part in joining the effort to make a difference in the world. I am overjoyed about what is to come and what we can accomplish together,” says Daigle. On her “Kaleidoscope Tour” this past year, a portion of every ticket purchased was donated directly to the fund, providing a unique opportunity for her fans to make a direct impact. The foundation was started to memorialize Daigle’s late grandfather, Julian Price, who taught her how to love the world one relationship at a time.

“I formed The Price Fund to help make a positive impact in people’s lives and remind them they are not alone,” she shares.

For more information, click here.

Zach Bryan Earns Bachelor’s Degree

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

Zach Bryan has now added college graduate to his growing resume. The hitmaker recently celebrated the achievement in his cap and gown during a private ceremony after earning his Bachelor’s degree, something he’s been working towards for several years.

The 27-year-old served in the Navy before launching his music career, and tweeted that he made a promise long ago to his mother Annette DeAnn Bryan, who passed away in 2016, that he would get his college degree one day. The Oklahoma native released his first full-length studio album in 2019 and named the collection DeAnn after his mother. After years of makeshift studying between gigs around the country, Bryan finally achieved the goal. According to The Tennessean, he received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology.


Additionally, Bryan will kick off “The Quittin Time Tour 24” on March 5 in Chicago.

Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum Looks Back On 2023

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Pictured: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band, with Linda Chambers, CEO, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Nashville, had a busy 2023. The year started off with the museum celebrating the 100th birthday of the late Sun Records founder Sam Phillips on Feb. 1. The event included a Q&A with Phillip’s son, Jerry Phillips. He talked about topics such as how his father opened the studio with hopes of recording blues music, how he was looking to break down barriers, and how the business is moving through the family.

March marked a new part of the museum opening with the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame Room. This room features a fully-restored and functioning historic console that used to be used for mixing shows at the historic Grand Ole Opry.

Eric Church, Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC

The spring saw the museum host “An Evening with Jimmy Webb: Celebrating 50 Years of Music & Friendship with Glen Campbell” in April. Hosted by Webb, who wrote many of Campbell’s famous hits, the event also included performance by Campbell’s daughter, Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen. 

In May, the museum celebrated four new additions to the Music City Walk of Fame. MHOF&M CEO and Co-Founder Linda Chambers and her late husband/MHOF&M Co-Founder Joe Chambers, country superstar Eric Church and former Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon were the four honorees, inducted by Garth Brooks during the ceremony.

One of the most photographed statue in Nashville was relocated to the Museum in June. The bronze statue of Chet Atkins previously sat on the corner of 5th and Union, before being unveiled at the museum in a ceremony hosted by Chambers and country artist Steve Wariner. The summer was rounded out by the release of the MHOF&M’s coffee table book, which features the museums instruments and the stories behind them.

September was packed full at the museum, as they opened a satellite retail store at Nashville International Airport. Additionally on Sept. 24, music icon Ringo Starr was honored as the newest inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame, and was presented with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award. The private ceremony was hosted by Linda Chambers, and had special appearances by presenters Brenda Lee and Peter Frampton. Additional inductees into the Musicians Hall of Fame this year include Billy F Gibbons, Don McLean, Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives (Chris Scruggs, Harry Stinson, Kenny Vaughan, and Mick Conley), Ray Stevens, Vince Gill, George Massenburg and James William Guercio.

Looking to 2024, the museum plans to focus on featuring diverse artistry, as well as welcoming more visitors by offering audio tours in Chinese, French and Spanish.

New June Carter Cash Documentary Set To Air On Paramount +

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A new documentary titled June, which focuses on the life and career of June Carter Cash, is set to premiere Jan. 16 exclusively on Paramount+.

As a five-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, comedian, musician, actor and author, Carter Cash opened for Elvis, appeared onscreen with Robert Duvall and Jane Seymour and co-wrote one of the most recognizable country songs of all time, “Ring of Fire.” Perhaps at times overshadowed by her iconic husband Johnny Cash, the film lets her talent take center stage.

Featuring rare and never-before-seen archival material revealing the extraordinary life’s work of Carter Cash and her career, paired alongside one-of-a-kind interviews with the woman herself, the film also includes sit-down moments with her family, admirers and friends, including Dolly Parton, Reese Witherspoon and Willie Nelson, among others.

June is produced by Sandbox Productions, Sony Music Vision and Maxine Productions (a part of Sony Pictures Television). The documentary made its world premiere at the DOC NYC Festival on Nov. 12.

YouTube video

Brandy Clark & Allison Russell Named NYU’s 2024 Americana Artist-In-Residence

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Brandy Clark and Allison Russell

Brandy Clark and Allison Russell have been chosen as the 2024 Americana Artist-in-Residence participants at NYU Steinhardt.

Throughout the 2024 spring academic semester, Clark and Russell will be working closely with NYU students through a series of lectures, workshops and classroom visits. The award-winning songwriters, singers and multi-instrumentalists will present, curate and moderate a variety of discussions, workshops, classroom visits and performances.

Clark and Russell are the third and fourth Americana artists to participate in the NYU Artist-in-Residence after Rosanne Cash in 2021-22 and Taj Mahal in 2023. The program is part of a partnership between The Americana Music Foundation and NYU that aims to educate students on the origins, history and cultural impact of Americana music.

Tigirlily Gold Helps Musicians On Call Launch New Program

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Pictured (L-R): Musicians On Call’s Pete Griffin, TriStar Centennial Medical Center’s Tom Ozburn, Tigirlily Gold and Musicians On Call’s Dr. Todd Rubin

Musicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit that brings music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments across the nation, and TriStar Centennial Medical Center have partnered to offer a new live music program within the Nashville hospital. Every month, MOC Volunteer Musicians will fill TriStar Centennial’s Garden Court with soothing and upbeat music as patients, healthcare staff and loved ones pass through the information center.

Tigirlily Gold performing at the besides of TriStar Centennial Medical Center patients

On Dec. 19, MOC and TriStar Centennial Medical Center celebrated the launch of the new program with a live performance by Tigirlily Gold. Following the live performance, the sister duo visited patients at their bedsides to socialize and play more music. They have been a committed volunteers since 2018, and have performed for nearly 700 patients, family members and caregivers both at their bedsides and virtually. This year they also helped the nonprofit relaunch the MOC Bedside program at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas.

Additionally, MOC is currently recruiting musicians and music lovers to serve as certified volunteers for its MOC Bedside program in Middle Tennessee. For more information, click here.

Gospel Music Association To Open Nashville-Based Dove Center In 2025

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Downtown Nashville will become home to another hall of fame and music museum in 2025. The Gospel Music Association has announced their plans to open the Dove Center and Gospel Music Museum on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Commerce Street.

In a Christmas video, the GMA revealed that the center will include the Dove Awards Theatre, exhibits that highlight the history of the gospel music industry, a Hall of Fame area for the Gospel Music Hall of Fame’s members and more.

“Developed to preserve the legacy of our historic past, support the impact of today’s artists and plant seeds for the future, we believe the Dove Center will be a beacon of light for the kingdom of God,” said Gospel Music Association President/Executive Director Jackie Patillo in the video.

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves a diverse community of creatives and professionals within the Christian and Gospel music industry. Since 1969, the association has hosted the annual Dove Awards, a night to honor a diverse range in sound and musical stylings in Gospel, pop, hip-hop and more. During last year’s awards at Lipscomb Allen Arena in Nashville, Brandon Lake took home the trophy for Artist of the Year. The association also hosts many events and programs throughout the year to celebrate their message, including GMA Christmas and Sound Mind Initiative.

Brett Young Spreads Holiday Cheer During ‘2023 USO Holidays Tour’

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U.S. Navy Admiral Christopher W. Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, host the “2023 USO Holidays Tour,” featuring performances and troop engagements from country music singer-songwriter Brett Young, actor Dulé Hill, magicians Penn & Teller, NFL Super Bowl Champion & Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork, and magician & spray paint artist Justin Flom. Photo: Courtesy of the Dept. of Defense

Brett Young was among the stars helping to spread holiday cheer on the “2023 United Service Organizations (USO) Holidays Tour.”

U.S. Navy Admiral Christopher W. Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, host the “2023 USO Holidays Tour,” featuring performances and troop engagements from country music singer-songwriter Brett Young, actor Dulé Hill, magicians Penn & Teller, NFL Super Bowl Champion & Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork, and magician & spray paint artist Justin Flom. Photo: Courtesy of the Dept. of Defense

The USO provides global entertainment, a care-package delivery program, military spouse and youth programming and more from over 250 locations around the world. The 2023 tour visited installations in the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania and Germany.

“It was such an honor to be part of the USO’s amazing tradition to boost our military’s morale for over 80 years,” says Young. “This was an experience I will never forget.”

Two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion Vince Wilfork, magician and spray paint artist Justin Flom, actor Dulé Hill and magicians Penn & Teller also joined the journey, which marked the first USO tour for all involved. They performed for service members, civilians and families stationed overseas. The shows included magic, comedy, tap-dancing and music as well as opportunities for the audience to take photos with the stars.

MusicRow’s Top 100 Songwriters Of 2023

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

Since 2018, MusicRow has published a weekly Top Songwriter Chart that ranks the week’s top 60 songwriters based on song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams.

Using proprietary software, the points earned by each song are evenly split among the song’s co-writers, echoing how the publishing business works in Music City with respect to revenues and ownership, while displaying the overall success of active songs for each songwriter. This way, the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart reflects the most active and successful songwriters in Nashville one week at a time.

Zach Bryan earned the most points on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart throughout 2023, putting him at the top of the year-end list.

After breaking through in a big way in 2022 with his Warner Records debut album American Heartbreak, which remained in the upper echelons of the charts throughout 2023, Bryan continued to release a lot of new music this year. American Heartbreak, his self-titled project and his Boys Of Faith EP included primarily solo-writes, allowing Bryan to collect all of the points those songs earned.

Songs that kept Bryan dominating the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart include “Something in the Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Burn, Burn, Burn,” “Sun To Me,” “Dawns,” “I Remember Everything,” “Hey Driver,” “East Side of Sorrow,” “Tourniquet,” “Sarah’s Place,” “Deep Satin” and more. All but three are solo writes.

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss

Ashley Gorley comes in at No. 2 on MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2023 list. A fixture on the country charts, Gorley added many more hits to his songbook this past year, including “Gold” (Dierks Bentley), “Girl In Mine” (Parmalee), “Truck Bed” (Hardy), “God Gave Me A Girl” (Russell Dickerson), “All I Need Is You” (Chris Janson), “World On Fire” (Nate Smith), “Save Me The Trouble” (Dan + Shay) and more.

Gorley also nabbed 12 cuts on Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time album, which has broken consumption records since its release in early 2023. He was named the 2023 ACM Songwriter of the Year, took home ASCAP’s Country Music Songwriter of the Year award for the tenth time and was awarded Songwriter of the Year across all genres for Variety‘s annual Hitmakers event.

At No. 3 on MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2023 list is Ryan Vojtesak, who was another major player on Wallen’s One Thing A Time. Vojtesak, also known as Charlie Handsome, co-wrote “Last Night,” “Everything I Love,” “One Thing At A Time,” “Hope That’s True,” “Whiskey Friends,” “You Proof,” “Neon Star,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Single Than She Was,” “Me To Me,” “180 (Lifestyle),” “Had It,” “Cowgirls” and “Good Girl Gone Missin’.”

Ryan Vojtesak

Morgan Wallen himself placed at No. 4 on the year-end list. In addition to his One Thing At A Time album soaring through 2023, his 2021 Dangerous: The Double Album continued to be a major success. Wallen also sold out stadiums across the world all year on his “One Night At A Time World Tour.”

Tracy Chapman rounds out the top five songwriters of 2023, again exemplifying the power of a solo write. Chapman’s 1988 anthem “Fast Car” was given a second chapter to its story when Luke Combs (No. 13 on the list) recorded it for his Gettin’ Old album.

Combs’s version was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts in 2023, and won Chapman the CMA Award for Song of the Year, making her the first Black woman to win the award.

Chapman is also the highest ranking female on the list. As the annual data continues to be male dominated, 14 additional female songwriters can be found in the top 100 this year—which is made up of 116 songwriters due to tied scores. This is tied with last year’s 15 female songwriters included in the list and is down from 2021’s group of 20 within the top 100.

MusicRow’s Top Songwriters of 2023:
1. Zach Bryan
2. Ashley Gorley
3. Ryan Vojtesak
4. Morgan Wallen
5. Tracy Chapman
6. John Byron
7. Chase McGill
8. Jordan Schmidt
9. Taylor Swift
10. Michael Hardy
11. Ernest Keith Smith
12. Jason DeFord
13. Luke Combs
14. Josh Thompson
15. Ray Fulcher
16. Hunter Phelps
17. Thomas Rhett
18. Chayce Beckham
19. Lainey Wilson
20. Taylor Phillips
21. Ross Copperman
22. Jessi Alexander
23. Parker McCollum
24. Dallas Wilson
25. Zach Crowell
26. Jacob Kasher
27. Dan Isbell
28. Christopher Anthony Lunsford
29. Matt Dragstrem
30. Shane McAnally
31. James McNair
32. Jon Nite
33. David Fanning
34. Josh Osborne
35. David Ray Stevens
36. Julian Bunetta
37. Chris Stapleton
38. Heath Warren, Jacob Hackworth, Jet Harvey
39. Josh Kear
40. Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta
41. Tony Lane, Travis Meadows
42. Monty Criswell
43. Jordan Davis
44. Josh Hoge
45. Brett Tyler
46. Dan Wilson
47. John Pierce
48. Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison
49. Geoff Warburton
50. Blake Pendergrass
51. Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, Patrick Murphy
52. Justin Ebach
53. Bart Butler
54. Travis Wood
55. Brock Berryhill
56. Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds
57. Cole Taylor
58. Tyler Hubbard
59. Chris LaCorte
60. Randy Montana
61. Scotty McCreery
62. Rhett Akins
63. Carly Pearce
64. Ben Johnson
65. Nate Smith
66. Miranda Lambert
67. Nicolle Galyon
68. Bryan Simpson
69. Hillary Lindsey
70. Keith Urban
71. Luke Dick
72. Kane Brown
73. Hailey Whitters, Ryan Tyndell
74. Mitch Oglesby
75. Kelly Archer
76. Dylan Scott
77. Kacey Musgraves
78. Josh Melton, Matt Alderman
79. Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
80. Greylan James
81. Trannie Anderson
82. Bailey Zimmerman
83. Lindsay Rimes
84. Lee Thomas Miller
85. Jessie Jo Dillon
86. David Garcia
87. Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace
88. Jaxson Free
89. Kelsea Ballerini
90. Rodney Clawson
91. Austin Shawn
92. Alex Palmer
93. Casey Brown
94. Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen
95. Paul Jenkins
96. Marty James, Frank Romano
97. Brad Tursi
98. Gregg Allman, Robert Kim Payne
99. Jared Mullins
100. Jaten Dimsdale