Pictured (L-R): BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, Matraca Berg and BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
The last of the PRO awards ceremonies took place last night (Nov. 7) at BMI’s Nashville headquarters on Music Row.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Hosted by BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill and Nashville’s VP of Creative Clay Bradley, the 71st annual BMI Country Awards celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music, with special awards being given out to the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. The awards also honored the unparalleled career of BMI Icon Award recipient Matraca Berg.
After plenty of schmoozing had been done by the songwriters, artists and industry members in attendance, a dinner of steak, potatoes and sautéed vegetables was served. We were all seated at immaculate tables with beautiful flowers and candlelight, but no one stayed in their seat for long. It was an evening of communion for the hundreds in attendance.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, Mike Steinberg, BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley pose with Warner Chappell team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
During the ceremony, BMI saluted the songwriters and publishers of the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. Calling up the writers and industry champions behind each hit, audience members cheered them on as they hugged and took photos on stage.
With both of them co-writing four of BMI’s most-performed songs, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen tied for the coveted BMI Songwriter of the Year award. Combs co-wrote his three consecutive No. 1 singles “Doin’ This,” “Going, Going, Gone” and “The Kind of Love We Make” as well as Zac Brown Band’s “Out in the Middle.” Wallen co-wrote Keith Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby,” Corey Kent’s No. 1 hit “Wild as Her” as well as his record-breaking songs “Thought You Should Know” and “You Proof.”
Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs perform onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
“I moved to town in 2014 and people ask me all the time, ‘When did you know that you made it?’ The answer is when I could pay my rent and have food in the fridge doing music,” Combs said. “To be up here now in a room with people I’ve looked up to for 15 years is unbelievable.”
Wallen shared, “Since the moment I heard ‘Old Rugged Cross’ at my parents’ church when I was about three years old, I knew music was going to part of my life somehow.” He added, “[Music] has been there for me through some really dark places. God, music and my family have meant the entire world to me.”
Lainey Wilson performs onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
In one of the night’s most memorable moments, the two country superstars gave acoustic performances of each other’s songs, with Combs performing “Thought You Should Know” and Wallen covering “Going, Going, Gone.”
Wallen’s “You Proof” was named 2023 BMI Country Song of the Year. Written by Wallen, Ernest and Charlie Handsome, the tune was BMI’s most-performed country song of the year. It became the first radio single in country music history to spend 10 weeks at the top spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Warner Chappell was named BMI’s 2023 Country Publisher of the Year. The powerhouse published 25 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including mega-hits like Tyler Hubbard’s “5 Foot 9,” Maren Morris’ “Circles Around This Town,” Thomas Rhett’s “Slow Down Summer,” Zach Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place.”
Click here for a complete list of the 2023 BMI Country Awards winners.
Throughout the night, BMI turned its attention to its 2023 Icon Award recipient Berg, who joined the ranks of other Icon Award recipients Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Jr., Toby Keith and others.
BMI Country Awards first time family photo. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
In between awards, video tributes would appear on screen, with words about Berg being shared by Dean Dillon, Pat Higdon, Chris Farren, Deana Carter, Patty Loveless, Aimee Mayo, Bobby Braddock and Trisha Yearwood.
Almost all who spoke about Berg talked about her innate gift of song, as she garnered her first hit when she was only 18 with “Faking Love.” Respect was also piled on the trailblazer for helping to smash the glass ceiling for female songwriters. Berg was the first woman to have five No. 1 hits in a single calendar year.
When the camera would turn on Berg as she was being honored, she was captured beaming up to the stage, often bringing her gloved hands to her face in humbling joy. The author behind such hits as “Strawberry Wine,” “Wild Angels,” “XXX’s and OOO’s” and “I’m That Kind of Girl” soaked up the love in the room.
Berg was also treated to some awesome performances celebrating her work. Lainey Wilson took on the titanic “Strawberry Wine,” and Ashley McBryde brought the party for “Wrong Side of Memphis.” Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter closed out the tribute as they reunited for a powerhouse duet of their triple-Platinum “You and Tequila.”
When she spoke, Berg thanked BMI, her publishers and co-writers. “All I ever wanted to be was a songwriter,” she said when she tearfully accepted her Icon Award. Cheers and standing ovations abounded for the songwriter, perfectly exemplying the mood of the night.
With all three 2023 PRO awards in the books, the 57th CMA Awards will take place tonight (Nov. 8) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Ryman Hospitality Properties To ‘Wind Down’ Joint Venture Ownership In Circle
/by LB CantrellIn its third-quarter financial report released Monday (Nov. 6), Ryman Hospitality Properties shared that it will “wind down” its joint venture ownership in the country lifestyle television network Circle Network.
The report says, “In September 2023, we determined to pivot from television network ownership in favor of a distribution approach. Therefore, we and our joint venture partner agreed to wind down the Circle joint venture, with operations expected to cease December 31, 2023. As a result, we incurred a loss related to Circle of approximately $10.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.”
Circle Network was launched in early 2020. Its programming includes a weekly broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, hosted by Bobby Bones, as well as a broadcast of WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody morning show and other country lifestyle programs.
“The Circle brand isn’t going away. The linear TV network will wind down at the end of the year along with the joint venture. Programming like Opry Live and Coffee, Country & Cody will continue to be produced and made available digitally on FAST, streaming and other digital distribution platforms. We also expect Opry Live to air on network television, just not on a dedicated Circle network. Opry Live will also air on Sky Arts in the U.K.,” a Ryman Hospitality spokesperson shared with Country Aircheck.
Jo Dee Messina Extends ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour’ Into 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughThe second leg of Jo Dee Messina‘s “Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour” is set to kick off in early 2024.
The tour launches on Feb. 3 in Key West, Florida and will visit Chicago, Cleveland, North Myrtle Beach, Santa Rosa and more, with a Nashville date at the Ryman Auditorium on April 27.
The Massachusetts native will return home to New England on May 31 for a six-date, region-wide homecoming celebration during the 27-show trek. Another round of dates are in the works as well, which will extend the tour through the end of 2024.
Messina has had a busy year this year, and received a nomination at tonight’s CMA Awards for Musical Event of the Year with Cole Swindell for the chart-topping hit, “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.” The song was also nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the ACM Awards earlier this year. She recently released a brand-new single for fans, “Just to Be Loved.”
ASCAP Hosts ‘AI Comes To The Writer’s Room’ Symposium
/by Lorie HollabaughASCAP CEO Beth Matthews and ASCAP Chief Strategy & Digital Officer Nick Lehman. Photo: Ed Rode
ASCAP wrapped its Music City AI Symposium on Nov. 7 at the Twelve Thirty Club exploring the topic of AI, what songwriters need to know about it and how writers can use it to their advantage in the writers’ room.
Anna Gressel, Daniel Schnapp, Carletta Higginson, Kevin Madigan, Emily Chapius and Nick Lehman. Photo: Ed Rode
ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews and Chief Digital and Strategy Officer Nick Lehman kicked off the morning with opening remarks on ASCAP’s dedication to protecting its members rights in the age of AI before the day moved into panel programming.
The first panel, “Navigating AI: Evolving Legal and Policy Frameworks,” was moderated by Lehman and featured leading attorneys Kevin Madigan (Copyright Alliance), Emily Chapius (Deputy General Counsel for the US copyright office), Dan Schnapp (Sheppard Mullin), Anna Gressel (Paul, Weiss), and Warner Music Group Chief Digital Officer Carletta Higginson. The conversation delved into the complex legal implications of AI, protecting creators’ rights, and the evolving landscape of copyright policies. They urged a proactive approach to protecting one’s work in the AI age.
“The big question we are looking at is authorship,” said Chapuis. “Does it have to be created by a human author or is it from machines? It needs to be created by a human, not just generated by an AI system. We are looking for enough human input, enough human creation.”
Curtiss King, Anna Vaus and Chris DeStefano. Photo: Ed Rode
The second session, “Melody, Lyrics & Algorithm: Music Creators in the Age of AI,” featured AI-fluent music creators Curtiss King and Anna Vaus, who shared their experiences and insights into using AI as a tool to enhance their creative process. Singer-songwriter Chris DeStefano moderated the panel, and attendees were left with information about the creative potential and benefits of AI.
Both panels concluded with interactive Q&A sessions, where attendees got to ask ASCAP leaders and the panel speakers alike about their AI expertise.
Walker Montgomery Signs With CAA & Preps For Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): CAA’s Kylen Sharpe, Walker Montgomery, Range Media Partners’ Jenni Tackett and CAA’s Sabrina Butera. Photo: Courtesy of CAA
Walker Montgomery has signed with CAA for exclusive booking representation. He is also set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Dec. 1.
The Kentucky native’s family legacy is deeply planted in the roots of country music. Son of artist John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Montgomery Gentry‘s Eddie Montgomery, Walker is ready to play to the Opry audience, many of whom are no doubt fans of the boot-stomping, generational country he grew up on while watching his dad play on that very same stage.
The young entertainer has already achieved plenty of milestones in his own career over the last few years, such as releasing his EP Work To Do, but stepping into the circle is definitely high on his list of goals.
“Country music has been my life for as long as I can remember,” he shares. “The fact that I get to play the Opry is an absolutely surreal feeling and truly an honor.”
Marcus K. Dowling Receives CMA Media Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): K. Michelle, Marcus K. Dowling and Jelly Roll. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean’s country music reporter in Nashville, was recognized with the 2023 CMA Media Achievement Award on Monday (Nov. 6).
Jelly Roll & Marcus K. Dowling. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA
The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of print and internet journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers, bookers and syndicated radio reporters in the media as they relate to country music. The award is voted on by publicist members of the Country Music Association.
Dowling was surprised with news of his win backstage at Bridgestone Arena during rehearsals for The 57th Annual CMA Awards by five-time CMA Awards nominee Jelly Roll and first-time performer K. Michelle. Both artists will take the CMA Awards stage tonight (Nov. 8) to perform “Love Can Build a Bridge” during the awards telecast.
Dowling has had a front row seat reporting on country music’s rapid expansion and growing popularity since joining The Tennessean in 2021. The award-winning journalist is also a screenwriter, whose credits include projects with Viacom, A&E Networks and more.
BMI Country Awards Toast To 2023 Winners, Honor Matraca Berg With Icon Award
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, Matraca Berg and BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
The last of the PRO awards ceremonies took place last night (Nov. 7) at BMI’s Nashville headquarters on Music Row.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Hosted by BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill and Nashville’s VP of Creative Clay Bradley, the 71st annual BMI Country Awards celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music, with special awards being given out to the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. The awards also honored the unparalleled career of BMI Icon Award recipient Matraca Berg.
After plenty of schmoozing had been done by the songwriters, artists and industry members in attendance, a dinner of steak, potatoes and sautéed vegetables was served. We were all seated at immaculate tables with beautiful flowers and candlelight, but no one stayed in their seat for long. It was an evening of communion for the hundreds in attendance.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, Mike Steinberg, BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley pose with Warner Chappell team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
During the ceremony, BMI saluted the songwriters and publishers of the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. Calling up the writers and industry champions behind each hit, audience members cheered them on as they hugged and took photos on stage.
With both of them co-writing four of BMI’s most-performed songs, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen tied for the coveted BMI Songwriter of the Year award. Combs co-wrote his three consecutive No. 1 singles “Doin’ This,” “Going, Going, Gone” and “The Kind of Love We Make” as well as Zac Brown Band’s “Out in the Middle.” Wallen co-wrote Keith Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby,” Corey Kent’s No. 1 hit “Wild as Her” as well as his record-breaking songs “Thought You Should Know” and “You Proof.”
Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs perform onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
“I moved to town in 2014 and people ask me all the time, ‘When did you know that you made it?’ The answer is when I could pay my rent and have food in the fridge doing music,” Combs said. “To be up here now in a room with people I’ve looked up to for 15 years is unbelievable.”
Wallen shared, “Since the moment I heard ‘Old Rugged Cross’ at my parents’ church when I was about three years old, I knew music was going to part of my life somehow.” He added, “[Music] has been there for me through some really dark places. God, music and my family have meant the entire world to me.”
Lainey Wilson performs onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
In one of the night’s most memorable moments, the two country superstars gave acoustic performances of each other’s songs, with Combs performing “Thought You Should Know” and Wallen covering “Going, Going, Gone.”
Wallen’s “You Proof” was named 2023 BMI Country Song of the Year. Written by Wallen, Ernest and Charlie Handsome, the tune was BMI’s most-performed country song of the year. It became the first radio single in country music history to spend 10 weeks at the top spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, BMI President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Warner Chappell was named BMI’s 2023 Country Publisher of the Year. The powerhouse published 25 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including mega-hits like Tyler Hubbard’s “5 Foot 9,” Maren Morris’ “Circles Around This Town,” Thomas Rhett’s “Slow Down Summer,” Zach Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place.”
Click here for a complete list of the 2023 BMI Country Awards winners.
Throughout the night, BMI turned its attention to its 2023 Icon Award recipient Berg, who joined the ranks of other Icon Award recipients Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Jr., Toby Keith and others.
BMI Country Awards first time family photo. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
In between awards, video tributes would appear on screen, with words about Berg being shared by Dean Dillon, Pat Higdon, Chris Farren, Deana Carter, Patty Loveless, Aimee Mayo, Bobby Braddock and Trisha Yearwood.
Almost all who spoke about Berg talked about her innate gift of song, as she garnered her first hit when she was only 18 with “Faking Love.” Respect was also piled on the trailblazer for helping to smash the glass ceiling for female songwriters. Berg was the first woman to have five No. 1 hits in a single calendar year.
When the camera would turn on Berg as she was being honored, she was captured beaming up to the stage, often bringing her gloved hands to her face in humbling joy. The author behind such hits as “Strawberry Wine,” “Wild Angels,” “XXX’s and OOO’s” and “I’m That Kind of Girl” soaked up the love in the room.
Berg was also treated to some awesome performances celebrating her work. Lainey Wilson took on the titanic “Strawberry Wine,” and Ashley McBryde brought the party for “Wrong Side of Memphis.” Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter closed out the tribute as they reunited for a powerhouse duet of their triple-Platinum “You and Tequila.”
When she spoke, Berg thanked BMI, her publishers and co-writers. “All I ever wanted to be was a songwriter,” she said when she tearfully accepted her Icon Award. Cheers and standing ovations abounded for the songwriter, perfectly exemplying the mood of the night.
With all three 2023 PRO awards in the books, the 57th CMA Awards will take place tonight (Nov. 8) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
LoCash To Shed Light On Life Of Ranchers Through New 44 Farms Partnership
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chris Lucas (LoCash), Bob Mcclaren (44 Farms – 4th-Generation Rancher & President), Preston Brust (LoCash). Photo: Tadd Myers
LoCash has formed a partnership with 44 Farms, one of the largest registered Black Angus cattle operations in America.
The relationship between the ranchers and the duo sparked after a concert that took place in a red barn on the 44 Farms ranch in Cameron, Texas. LoCash penned an exclusive song for 44 Farms called “44 Strong,” and featured the picturesque location in a clip featuring 4th-generation rancher and President of 44 Farms, Bob McClaren.
“We fell in love with the place the moment we drove onto the ranch. We became old friends with everyone at 44 Farms the minute we shook hands,” shares LoCash’s Preston Brust.
The duo’s Chris Lucas agrees, “We’re storytellers and 44 Farms is a story that needs to be told. America needs to know what ranchers do, day in and day out.”
44 Farms’ McClaren adds, “Ranching is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. The men and women in the cattle industry are honored to work 365 days a year. Rain, snow, or shine. From the moment we met Chris and Preston, we knew they had the passion and voices to sing this story. The song is named ‘44 Strong,’ but it’s not just about 44 Farms, it’s about every American rancher that came before us and will come after us. I want this effort to sing the praises of all ranchers in this industry.”
The duo will travel coast-to-coast in 2024 their “44 Strong” wrapped tour bus, as they perform their hits and share their appreciation for the ranchers dedicated to putting beef on America’s tables.
Taylor Freeman Rises To Senior Booking Manager At Outback Presents
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Freeman
Taylor Freeman has been promoted to Senior Booking Manager at Outback Presents.
Freeman began his career at WME in the music department before moving on to working with various regional and national concert promoters for several years and landing at Outback Presents. He has been with Outback Presents for four years, initially joining the company as a Show Coordinator and then rising to Booking Manager.
Freeman’s primary focus at Outback is working on comedy tours for comedians Leanne Morgan, Taylor Tomlinson, Heather McMahan and Dusty Slay.
Cirque Du Soleil Goes Country With New Touring Show For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughCirque du Soleil is teaming with Universal Music Group Nashville to bring a new high-flying, country music-themed touring show to audiences of all ages launching in Nashville in July 2024.
The new country-themed show will mesh captivating acrobatics and the soulful melodies of beloved country legends and contemporary stars for an unforgettable experience. The show will premiere in North America in July 2024 at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. Fans can register at cirquedusoleil.
“We are thrilled at the idea of joining forces with Cirque du Soleil to offer a one-of-a-kind show celebrating classic and modern country music. Cirque du Soleil is a shining example of making the impossible, possible through creativity, collaboration, and emotion. The opportunity to highlight our incredible catalog and bring the history of country music to life in a live theatrical setting, will allow our music to live on with a new generation of audiences and country music fans,” says Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville.
“Our collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville presents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our creative horizons and reach new audiences, as we delve into the vibrant world of country music entertainment,” says Stéphane Lefebvre, President, and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.
Cirque du Soleil will be holding auditions for singers and multi-instrumentalists for the new show in Nashville from Dec. 4-7. More information about the audition process can be found at casting.
CMA Reveals Early Winners Ahead Of Tonight’s Awards
/by LB CantrellHardy & Lainey Wilson
Hours before the country music community gathers at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the 57th annual CMA Awards, winners have been revealed in two categories.
Hardy and Lainey Wilson earned trophies for their CMA Musical Event of the Year nomination, “Wait In The Truck,” produced by Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt and Derek Wells as well as for CMA Music Video of the Year, directed by Justin Clough.
The early winners were revealed this morning (Nov. 8) on Good Morning America (GMA), with Lara Spencer sharing the news live from downtown Nashville. CMA Awards hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning also welcomed Spencer to Bridgestone Arena for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek before the big night, and CMA New Artist and Song of the Year nominee Megan Moroney treated GMA viewers to a two-song performance.
“Wait In The Truck” is also up for Single and Song of the Year at tonight’s awards. Wilson is the night’s most nominated artist, with nine total nods. Hardy has four nominations. See the full list of nominees here.
Airing live tonight at 7 p.m. CST, The 57th Annual CMA Awards will include performances from Wilson, Hardy, Moroney, Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Alan Jackson, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, K. Michelle, Little Big Town, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Tanya Tucker, Morgan Wallen, The War And Treaty and Zac Brown Band.