Pictured (L-R): WMBA 2023 Board of Officers and Chairs at the annual Wonder Woman Awards: Virginia P. Brick (President), Taylor Baird (Treasurer), Aura Guadagno (Vice President), Mackenzie Adkins (Marketing & Membership Co- Chair), Aya Robinson (Marketing & Membership Co-Chair), Megan Clemens (Events & Education Co-Chair), Alyssa Hoffman (Secretary). Not Pictured: Libby Gardner (Events & Education Co- Chair). Photo: Kalob Adair
The Nashville-based Women’s Music Business Association celebrated the 2023 WMBA Wonder Woman Awards last Tuesday night (Dec. 5).
The evening honored standout members and alumni dedicated to WMBA’s mission of supporting women in the music industry, inspiring empowerment and fostering community and was hosted by Nashville’s Anzie Blue – the only women-owned music venue in Music City.
Ellen Mundy Ford, Manager, Syndicated & Secondary Promotions, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville with her Warrior Award. Photo: Courtesy of Mundy Ford
The award winners included Ellen Mundy Ford, Manager, Syndicated & Secondary Promotions, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. She took home the Warrior Award as a “woman of extraordinary strength, a true warrior who continues to persevere in times of adversity.” Michelle Barnett Wichern, Executive Assistant to CEO/Agent, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, was awarded Rookie of The Year. This award is given to a “rising-star” leaving “an indelible mark on WMBA.”
Taylor Weatherby, Editor for Grammy.com/Digital Media Content, The Recording Academy, received the Unsung Hero Award as “a woman who humbly dominates behind-the-scenes in her career and extracurriculars” and “may fly under the radar but serves as a silent hero.” Adrea Castiano, CEO of Adrea Castiano, was given the Entertainer Award, which is given to “a singer and/or songwriter who is a force of nature” and “a luminary in WMBA and the entire music industry.”
Rhonda Forlaw Adkins, Founder of Rhonda & Company, took home the MAC Award as “a genuine advocate of women … using her platform to inspire, champion, and empower women for good both within and beyond the WMBA community.”
Entertainer Award recipient Adrea Castiano with Geoffrey Saunders. Photo: John Joseph
The night’s most illustrious honor went to the organization’s active President, Virginia P. Brick, Licensing Department Customer Service Representative at SESAC Music Group, who was named the 2023 Wonder Woman as an “exceptional member of WMBA who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the organization,” and whose “unwavering commitment and substantial investment of time and energy have significantly expanded and enhanced WMBA’s impact.”
Standout moments included a surprise visit from many of Ford’s out-of-state friends and family who showed up minutes before she accepted the Warrior Award, and mom-to-be, artist Carolyn Miller and Entertainer Award recipient Castiano brought unforgettable energy as the night’s WWA performers. All awards were chosen by WMBA officers with the distinguished Wonder Woman award voted on by WMBA members.
Created and led by women, the membership organization is now celebrating 24 years of connecting women and making a difference, as it continues building networks that help more women thrive in music each year.
WMBA Hosts Its 2023 Wonder Woman Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): WMBA 2023 Board of Officers and Chairs at the annual Wonder Woman Awards: Virginia P. Brick (President), Taylor Baird (Treasurer), Aura Guadagno (Vice President), Mackenzie Adkins (Marketing & Membership Co- Chair), Aya Robinson (Marketing & Membership Co-Chair), Megan Clemens (Events & Education Co-Chair), Alyssa Hoffman (Secretary). Not Pictured: Libby Gardner (Events & Education Co- Chair). Photo: Kalob Adair
The Nashville-based Women’s Music Business Association celebrated the 2023 WMBA Wonder Woman Awards last Tuesday night (Dec. 5).
The evening honored standout members and alumni dedicated to WMBA’s mission of supporting women in the music industry, inspiring empowerment and fostering community and was hosted by Nashville’s Anzie Blue – the only women-owned music venue in Music City.
Ellen Mundy Ford, Manager, Syndicated & Secondary Promotions, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville with her Warrior Award. Photo: Courtesy of Mundy Ford
The award winners included Ellen Mundy Ford, Manager, Syndicated & Secondary Promotions, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. She took home the Warrior Award as a “woman of extraordinary strength, a true warrior who continues to persevere in times of adversity.” Michelle Barnett Wichern, Executive Assistant to CEO/Agent, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, was awarded Rookie of The Year. This award is given to a “rising-star” leaving “an indelible mark on WMBA.”
Taylor Weatherby, Editor for Grammy.com/Digital Media Content, The Recording Academy, received the Unsung Hero Award as “a woman who humbly dominates behind-the-scenes in her career and extracurriculars” and “may fly under the radar but serves as a silent hero.” Adrea Castiano, CEO of Adrea Castiano, was given the Entertainer Award, which is given to “a singer and/or songwriter who is a force of nature” and “a luminary in WMBA and the entire music industry.”
Rhonda Forlaw Adkins, Founder of Rhonda & Company, took home the MAC Award as “a genuine advocate of women … using her platform to inspire, champion, and empower women for good both within and beyond the WMBA community.”
Entertainer Award recipient Adrea Castiano with Geoffrey Saunders. Photo: John Joseph
The night’s most illustrious honor went to the organization’s active President, Virginia P. Brick, Licensing Department Customer Service Representative at SESAC Music Group, who was named the 2023 Wonder Woman as an “exceptional member of WMBA who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the organization,” and whose “unwavering commitment and substantial investment of time and energy have significantly expanded and enhanced WMBA’s impact.”
Standout moments included a surprise visit from many of Ford’s out-of-state friends and family who showed up minutes before she accepted the Warrior Award, and mom-to-be, artist Carolyn Miller and Entertainer Award recipient Castiano brought unforgettable energy as the night’s WWA performers. All awards were chosen by WMBA officers with the distinguished Wonder Woman award voted on by WMBA members.
Created and led by women, the membership organization is now celebrating 24 years of connecting women and making a difference, as it continues building networks that help more women thrive in music each year.
Gavin DeGraw Joins Sony Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellGavin DeGraw with staff from Sony Music Nashville and Otter Creek Entertainment. Photo: Adam Davis
Multi-Platinum-selling artist Gavin DeGraw has joined Sony Music Nashville’s roster.
DeGraw first made his musical impact with his 2003 Platinum debut album Chariot, which contained the Gold single “Follow Through” as well as both Platinum hits “Chariot” and “I Don’t Want To Be.” In 2008, DeGraw’s self-titled album spurred the Platinum-selling single “In Love With a Girl,” and its follow up, 2011’s Gold-certified Sweeter, contained the now four-time Platinum “Not Over You.”
DeGraw has gone on to release more succesful albums, including 2016’s Something Worth Saving and 2022’s Face the River. In 2014, the singer-songwriter garnered a Grammy nomination for his duet with Colbie Caillat “We Both Know.”
“I am so excited to join the team at Sony Nashville,” he shares of the new partnership. “Everyone there has been passionate and supportive of my career thus far and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.”
Via his new home at Sony Music Nashville, DeGraw recently released his new album, A Classic Christmas, containing yuletide hits “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Silent Night,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “White Christmas” and more.
Tonight (Dec. 12), DeGraw will take the stage for his first night of residency at Café Carlyle in the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, kicking off five sold-out nights at the famed listening room. He will perform selections from A Classic Christmas and more during his “Christmas in the City” series, before appearing on Good Morning America, GMA3, Fox & Friends and A Home for the Holidays next week.
CMT Names Listen Up Class Of 2024
/by Liza AndersonCMT has announced the new class of CMT Listen Up talent for the 2024 initiative, which recognizes country music up-and-comers across CMT platforms.
The 2024 members are Alana Springsteen, Angie K, Anne Wilson, Carter Faith, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chayce Beckham, Dylan Marlowe, Ella Langley, Fancy Hagood, Jake Worthington, Jordyn Shellhart, RVSHVD, The Castellows and Wyatt Flores.
The year-long campaign provides full cross-brand support for their music and videos across CMT and CMT Music, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, CMT.com and CMT social media platforms as well as opportunities across the Paramount Media Networks brand portfolio with live events, the Paramount Times Square NYC Billboard and more.
“There’s a new era in country music and these exciting new artists are finding audiences through their exceptional storytelling and staying authentic to their own individual journeys. They are providing the soundtrack to our lives with appreciation for their roots and dedication to country music,” shares Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music & Talent, CMT. “We’re proud to work alongside this new group of rising artists and amplify their stories and music across all CMT platforms this year. Welcome CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2024!”
Since 2011, CMT Listen Up has introduced new talent to the brand’s fan base and helped launch the careers of many country sensations. Notable alumni include Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, Breland, Brittney Spencer, Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Madeline Edwards, Maren Morris, Morgan Wade, The War And Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Yola and Zach Bryan, among others.
Carrie Underwood Extends Las Vegas Residency Into October 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood performs during “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency.” Photo: Jeff Johnson
Carrie Underwood has extended her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” with six new dates in October 2024. The announcement comes on the heels of last week’s sold-out performances at the Resorts World Theatre.
Following her run of sold-out “Reflection” performances this past September, Underwood returned to the Resorts World Theatre stage on Nov. 29 to kick off her final run of residency shows for this year. Playing now through this Saturday (Dec. 16), the run of remaining 2023 performances includes various Christmas songs from her album, My Gift (Special Edition), and other holiday favorites, which she has added nightly to the show as a special treat to celebrate the season.
“To quote the song, Christmas is my ‘Favorite Time of Year,’ so it’s a lot of fun to get to perform some of my favorite holiday songs during our December shows–some of them for the first time live,” says Underwood. “I’m thrilled to be announcing six more shows in October 2024, and can’t wait to be back on the Resorts World Theatre stage next year.”
Tickets as well as a limited number of VIP packages and upgrades for this new set of performances will go on sale this Friday (Dec. 15). Show dates include Oct. 16, 18, 19, 23, 25 and 26. For more information, click here.
Scott Hendricks To Exit Warner Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellScott Hendricks. Photo: Connor Dwyer
After nearly 16 years with the company, Scott Hendricks will exit his position as EVP A&R/Creative Advisor at Warner Music Nashville at the end of December.
Throughout his tenure in A&R at Warner Music Nashville, Hendricks has overseen 95 No. 1 singles on the country airplay charts. He has also produced an incredible 78 chart-topping hits among 123 total top 10 singles. Hendricks’ expertise has impacted the careers of Blake Shelton, Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay and many more.
“Scott has been a friend, a mentor, a brother and an always generous teacher from the day I met him as a publisher almost 30 years ago,” says Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President. “His unparalleled expertise in the studio and his willingness to share the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of everything he does – whether as a label head, producer or A&R person – makes him irreplaceable. His quintessential stories will live on, and we look forward to hearing and co-creating many more of them as we work together on projects now and in the future.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 16 years since I joined the Warner team. It’s true time flies when you are having fun!” Hendricks shared. “I’ve been a part of countless great memories in those years. It’s been an honor and a privilege to collaborate with so many talented people as well as the artists we served. I am thankful for each and every one. I look forward to continuing my work with Blake Shelton and Dan + Shay as I transition back to being an independent producer. With Ben [Kline] and Cris now leading the charge, Warner Music Nashville is in good hands moving forward.”
Alongside Hendricks, Shelton has achieved a massive 12 billion global streams as well as dozens of RIAA certifications, spanning two 5x Platinum singles (“Boys ‘Round Here” and “God Gave Me You”), a 3x Platinum album (Based On A True Story…), a 2x Platinum album (Red River Blue) and many more.
As a label executive, Hendricks was responsible for signing or managing the A&R for Hayes, Eldredge and Dan + Shay, to name a few. With Hendricks helming his A&R, Hayes burst onto the country scene with the Grammy-nominated, 5x Platinum “Wanted.” Hendricks led him to a New Artist of the Year win at the 2012 CMA Awards, with Eldredge taking home the same award just two years later. Eldredge now claims more than four billion global streams and seven No. 1 singles on country radio.
Hendricks also signed Dan + Shay. His partnership with the duo in both A&R and production has yielded some of the biggest hit songs of the last decade, such as the Grammy-winning, 8x Platinum “Tequila”—named both Song and Single of the Year at the 2019 ACM Awards—as well as its follow-up, the Grammy-winning, 6x Platinum “Speechless.” Hendricks returned as co-producer alongside Smyers for the band’s most recent record, including current top 10 and rising single “Save Me The Trouble.”
The Store’s Inaugural Toy Store Aids Nashville Families This Holiday Season
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley at The Store’s Toy Store. Photo: Derek Cressman
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s The Store—the free, referral-based grocery store in Nashville in partnership with Brad’s alma mater Belmont University—debuted its first Toy Store over the weekend.
The Store’s Toy Store. Photo: Sam Simpkins
The Nashville community, sponsors and corporations helped The Store collect more than 1,000 toys and donated $20,000 to prep for the inaugural event, along with the help of the staff, volunteers and the generosity of the First Responders Children’s Foundation donation, who fulfilled the additional 1,000 toys needed.
The partnership with FRCF came through Brad’s record label group, Universal Music Group Nashville, who has chosen FRCF as its charity of choice the past three holiday seasons. Due to the outpouring of generous donations, The Store’s Toy Store was able to provide toys for all the families they are currently serving.
“The emotional aspect of being able to give your child something your child wanted versus just something to sort of get you through the holidays, that’s such a load off the minds of somebody who maybe didn’t think they were going to be able to do that,” Brad said to the Associated Press.
“People come on hard times and we want this to be a safe, welcoming place for everybody, whether you’re volunteering or whether you’re needing the services,” Kimberly shared. “It’s just a community and we’re all in it together.”
The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. The Store works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive approach for families in need.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Takes No. 2 On Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan‘s self-titled collection takes No. 2 on the country albums chart this week with 41K in total consumption (5.8K album only/46 million song streams), according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time rules at No. 1 with 65K (3.7K album only/79 million song streams), while Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) shifts down to No. 3 with 36K (19K album only/23 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album moves up to No. 4 with 33K (735 album only/42 million song streams), and Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) descends to No. 5 with 30K (13K album only/22 million song streams).
There is no movement among the top five of the country streaming songs chart this week.
Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” reigns at No. 1 with 16 million streams, adding to 326 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” persists at No. 2 with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD, followed by Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” at No. 3 also with 12 million streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” rests at No. 4 with 9.8 million new streams, adding to 504 million ATD, and Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover remains at No. 5 with 7.9 million streams, adding to 537 million ATD.
Old Dominion, Chase Rice, More Among 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival will take place from Jan. 6 to 13, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton Maui.
The week of live music, island-style cuisine and oceanfront views will feature headlining performances by Old Dominion, Chase Rice, Elle King, Drake Milligan, Sonya Isaac from the Isaacs, David Lee Murphy, Emily Weisband, Chris DeStefano, Jimmy Yeary, Ryan Larkins and Shelby Darrall.
The festival from Sony Music Publishing Nashville, the Ritz-Carlton Maui and Renate Event & Design is in its seventh year of pairing lush landscapes, local flavor and the ‘aloha’ spirit of Maui with performances by Nashville’s top songwriters. Shows will also feature talented local singer-songwriters and musicians from Maui, including Jason Arcilla, Gail Swanson, Wilmont Kahaialii, Naiwi Teruya and Brian Santana.
The events begin on Saturday, Jan. 6 with the Maui Songwriters Festival Kick Off Concert featuring Old Dominion at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. In addition to the ticketed festival events, The Ritz-Carlton will host complimentary performances at its recently reimagined Alaloa Lounge. All events will be emceed by Storme Warren, host of TuneIn’s ‘The Big 615’, and covered by CMT which will air the highlights and interviews.
A portion of proceeds from events at The Ritz-Carlton will be donated to the Maui Recovery Efforts via Jean-Michel Cousteau’s People to People Humanitarian Relief Fund, Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. Tickets are available at mauisongwritersfestival.com.
Rumble On The Row Matchups Revealed For 20th Annual ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids’ Event
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Rumble on the Row fight card has been announced for the 20th annual “Ringside: A Fight For Kids” event at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee on Feb. 24.
The benefit boxing gala sponsored by Make Wake Artists features three bouts sanctioned by USA Boxing. The matchups include Chris Burrus (Creative Artists Agency, Agent) versus Pat Pekala (Homestead, Head of Touring and Branding); Lacey Hayes (Romeo Entertainment Group, Talent Buyer/Event Producer) versus Faren Rachels (Combustion Music, songwriter/artist) and Tayler Bock (Red Light Management, Artist/Tour Management) versus Anthony Sansone (brother of Sophia Sansone, Managing Partner at Make Wake Artists).
“I’m extremely humbled to be announcing our 20th anniversary of ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids,'” says Carolyn Miller, The Charley Foundation’s Founder & Chairman and Ringside Producer. “This carnival ride continues to surprise me every year especially with the amazing human beings that step up to the challenge. This year is no exception. Each participant is fighting for an incredible cause or outreach that is impacting their lives and will touch the lives of others. I’m looking forward to see where this journey leads them.”
The evening features gourmet dining, music performances, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and the Rumble on the Row bouts. The event benefits The Charley Foundation, which distributes raised funds to charities addressing the critical needs of children. Funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups. A limited number of dinner and standing room only tickets are still available at rumbleontherow.com.
Opry NextStage Celebrates 2023 Class Members
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chapel Hart, Ernest, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Jackson Dean, Lainey Wilson and Corey Kent. Photo: Catherine Powell
The Grand Ole Opry and Opry NextStage hosted “Opry NextStage Live” on Dec. 6, which served as a year-end celebration for this year’s Opry NextStage Class.
The show included performances by 2023 members Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent and Kameron Marlowe. Lainey Wilson was the evening’s emcee and headliner. The festivities wrapped a busy year for this class of eight acts, as they collectively scored two No. 1s, released 10 albums, earned 17 major award nominations and took the Opry stage 23 times.
Since 2019, the Opry NextStage program has introduced new talent to the country scene and featured artists such as Wilson, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes and Hailey Whitters, who all went on to earn ACM New Male or New Female Artist of the Year trophies the year following their NextStage inclusion. Other NextStage alumni include Priscilla Block, Breland, Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Restless Road and Nate Smith, among others.