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.
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.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan & Morgan Wallen Maintain Multiple Top Five Slots
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan (Photo: Trevor Pavlik) & Morgan Wallen (Photo: David Lehr)
Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen maintain their positions on both the country streaming songs chart and the country albums chart this week, as neither show movement among the top five according to Luminate data.
Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” reigns at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart with 17 million new streams, adding to 236 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” remains at No. 2 with 12 million streams, adding to a billion ATD, followed once again by Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” at No. 3 with 11 million new streams, adding to a billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” keeps the No. 4 slot with 9.9 million streams, adding to 450 million ATD, while Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover continues at No. 5 with 8.9 million new streams, adding to 491 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time takes the top slot again with 64K in total consumption (1.9K album only/80 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled project holds No. 2 with 44K (3.5K album only/52 million song streams), as Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rests at No. 3 with 34K (312 album only/44 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) bides at No. 4 with 31K (13K album only/24 million song streams), and Bryan’s American Heartbreak persists at No. 5 with 27K (1.3K album only/34 million song streams).
Russell Dickerson Notches Fifth No. 1 With ‘God Gave Me A Girl’
/by Lorie HollabaughRussell Dickerson has notched his fifth No. 1 with “God Gave Me A Girl,” which hit the top spot on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart this week.
“God Gave Me A Girl” tells the story of a man who reflects on how God led him to the love of his life after a string of heartbreaks. Produced by Dickerson and Zach Crowell and penned by Dickerson, Crowell, Ashley Gorley and Chase McGill, the song draws inspiration from Dickerson’s wife, Kailey, and his own journey to finding love.
“It’s no secret this is a special song for me and to have it reach No. 1 is really such an honor,” says Dickerson. “The fact that so many people love and can relate to this song warms my heart. Thank you to country radio and the RDFam for all their support!”
Dickerson will wrap his “Big Wheels & Backroads Tour” with stops in St. Petersburg (Nov. 10) and Estero, Florida (Nov. 11). Dickerson recently announced an extension of the tour, which will kick off on Feb. 22 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dickerson also recently dropped a deluxe version of his self-titled album, Russell Dickerson: The Afterparty Deluxe, featuring 10 additional tracks, including five unplugged acoustic versions, four live fan favorites and a new song featuring Needtobreathe, “Red Dirt Church.”
Sheryl Crow To Release First Studio Album Since 2018 With ‘Evolution’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.
2023 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow will release her 11th full-length studio album, Evolution, on March 29.
The lead single from the project, “Alarm Clock,” is out now and was co-written Crow, Mike Elizondo and Emily Weisband. Featuring nine new songs, Evolution was produced by Elizondo and will be released via The Valory Music Co.
Crow had stated she would not release another full-length album after her collaborative album Threads in 2018, so the announcement came as a surprise. Threads featured some newer artists as well as Crow’s friends and heroes, including Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, Keith Richards and more.
“Everything is more song-oriented now with streaming, and making an album is a huge endeavor,” says Crow. “I started sending just a couple of demos to Mike, but the songs just kept flowing out of me and it was pretty obvious this was going to be an album. This music and these lyrics came from sitting in the quiet and writing from a deep soul place. I said I’d never make another record, thought there was no point to it. But this music comes from my soul. And I hope whoever hears this record can feel that.”
ASCAP Tosses Epic Party To Honor Songwriters & Publishers
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams, ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year Jordan Davis, ASCAP VP, Nashville Membership Mike Sistad. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
The 61st annual ASCAP Country Awards on Monday (Nov. 6) was a lavish cocktail supper that crowned Ashley Gorley and Jordan Davis as its 2023 champs.
Gorley won his 10th Songwriter of the Year honor from the performance rights society. This makes him the most honored country songwriter in the organization’s history.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Pete Chiappeta, Domain Capital Group, Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes, CEO Sony Music Publishing Nashville Rusty Gaston, Tape Room’s Kelly Bolton, ASCAP Nashville Senior Director of Creative Evyn Mustoe, VP Membership, ASCAP Nashville Mike Sistad; (L-R, front row): ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year and writer of the Song of the Year Ashley Gorley, Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
“I want to first, as always, thank God,” he said. “Huge thanks to everybody at ASCAP for all they’ve done and continue to do for me. I’ve been with ASCAP since I was a student at Belmont….I’m blessed to be a part of this.”
The songwriter’s Morgan Wallen hit “You Proof” was named ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year. On video, Gorley was lauded by Wallen, as well as Ernest, Kelly Lovelace, Parmalee, Dierks Bentley, Chris DeStefano and Chris DuBois.
In contrast to the often awarded Gorley, the organization’s 2023 Songwriter/Artist of the Year was Jordan Davis, winning the honor for his first time.
“This is my favorite night of the year,” said Davis. “Everybody in this room came through ASCAP. I can’t thank you enough.” The MCA Records star recalled moving to Music City 12 years ago on a Sunday. The following day, he went to ASCAP and wrote his first Nashville song. “I love being a part of Nashville, Tennessee, and I love being part of country music. I love country music.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville team. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Davis co-wrote last year’s CMA Song of the Year, “Buy Dirt.” This year, his “Next Thing You Know” is nominated as the CMA’s Single, Song and Video of the Year. ASCAP also awarded him for his co-written hit “What My World Spins Around.”He was saluted on video by Luke Combs, Josh Jenkins, Cindy Mabe, Dierks Bentley, Matt Jenkins and his singer-songwriter brother Jacob Davis.
ASCAP’s Publisher of the Year was Sony Music Publishing. Accepting was Sony’s Rusty Gaston. “Thank you to ASCAP — you fight for songwriters, and we’re so grateful for it,” he said. “This is a gift that we get to do every day. Songs have the power to change the world. It’s an honor to be doing this together.”
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP Country Music Awards winner Lainey Wilson at the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter Awards Celebration. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
At the gala, ASCAP honored the writers and publishers of 50 country hits. They were saluted on silent video screens during the first hour of the soiree.
Presiding at the podium were ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews, Mike Sistad and Paul Williams. Matthews congratulated David Lee Murphy, and the late John Jarrard on their election to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Bob McDill on his elevation into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sistad gave a shout-out to attendee Lainey Wilson on her nine 2023 CMA Award nominations.
ASCAP Country Music Awards winner Kelsea Ballerini at the ASCAP Country Music Awards Celebration. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
Williams said, “There is no place where I feel more safe than in a room full of songwriters, my tribe. You are my family. The city is changing, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the heart and soul of what you do. It is holy work. And it is needed now more than ever.”
Among the celebrity songwriters in attendance were Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Kip Moore, members of Old Dominion, Craig Wiseman, Dylan Scott, Hailey Whitters, Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three, Jessi Alexander, Jonathan Singleton, HunterGirl and Tony Lane. Eight of the assembled songwriters won their first ASCAP awards at the event, and they were invited to commemorate the occasion with a group portrait.
This year’s ASCAP event was a sharp break from the past. Rather than a formal banquet or a staged awards show, the gala was an elegant-yet-relaxed cocktail supper. The venue was the sophisticated Twelve Thirty Club on Broadway next to the National Museum of African American Music. The club is opulently appointed throughout its several spaces. Guests mingled in a rooftop lounge overlooking Lower Broadway, a gleaming pair of long bars, a sunken lounge featuring red-velvet cocktail seeing and leather booths and a mezzanine with white-and-black marble checkered floors. A sushi and shrimp-cocktail serving bar in one dining area curved beneath a glowing domed ceiling with an ultra-modern chandelier. A second dining area featured gleaming black-and-chrome furnishings for enjoying beef, chicken, potatoes and veggies.
Pictured (L-R): VP Membership, ASCAP Nashville Mike Sistad, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams, TJ Osborne, John Osborne, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
The wait staff members, male and female, looked like stars-in-waiting — they looked so remarkably and uniformly attractive. They circulated with candied bacon cubes, cheeseburger sliders, truffled cheese-bread bites and other snacks.
Industry dignitaries in attendance included The Recording Academy’s Alicia Warwick, Belmont dean Brittany Schaffer, the NSAI’s Bart Herbison and Jennifer Turnbow, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and LB Cantrell, the Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam Nichols, Billboard’s Tom Roland, the NMPA’s David Israelite, First Horizon Bank’s Andrew Kintz and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Mark Ford. Other Music Row executives at the ASCAP gala included Tom Luteran, Troy Tomlinson, Ben Vaughn, Ree Guyer, Josh Van Valkenburg, Gilles Godard, Regina Stuve, Brad Kennard, Cyndi Forman, Vincent Candilora, Bob Doyle, Jon Singer, Bj Hill, Leslie DiPiero, Mike Molinar, Kris Ahrend and Dale Bobo.
Click here for a complete list of ASCAP Country Award winners.