Become A Subscriber To Vote In 2023 MusicRow Awards

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If you are not a subscribed member of MusicRow, now is a great time to join.

Only MusicRow subscribers are able to vote in the annual MusicRow Awards and the 2023 ballot period ends this Friday (Aug. 18). New subscribers will be sent a ballot shortly after joining.

The nominees for the 2023 MusicRow Awards can be viewed in the MusicRow “Nominator.”

A membership can be purchased here and includes the following:
– Six Annual Print Issues (Including the coveted annual InCharge print issue, and the annual Publisher, Artist Roster, MusicRow Awards, Country Radio & Streaming, and Touring/Next Big Thing issues.)
– News Emails (twice daily)
– Breaking News Alerts
– The MusicRow Weekly (containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart)
– Top Songwriter Chart (weekly)
– Voting Eligibility in the annual MusicRow Awards

Nashville Sounds To Host ‘Pilgrimage Night’ For Gibson Gives

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The Nashville Sounds are partnering with Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and Gibson Gives to host “Pilgrimage Night” at First Horizon Park on Friday, Sept. 8.

The Sounds will take on the Memphis Redbirds at 6:35 p.m. CT, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks following the game. Seven dollars from each ticket sold will be donated to Gibson Gives, the charitable arm of Gibson, to raise funds to help spread the gift of music far and wide.

The game’s ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Cesar Gueikian, President & CEO of Gibson, and Kevin Griffin, Pilgrimage Co-Founder and Better Than Ezra frontman. The first 1,000 fans at the ballpark will receive custom Gibson/Pilgrimage guitar picks. For more information, click here.

Dedicated to advancing youth-focused music education, health and wellness initiatives, Gibson Gives has raised over 4.5 million dollars and enabled 46 million dollars in funding over the last four years.

Additionally, the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee Sept. 23-24 for its ninth year.

Nashville Music Industry’s Misha K. Hunke Passes

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Misha Hunke

Misha K. Hunke, age 58, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

Hunke was born on Jan. 29, 1965 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

With Bachelor’s degrees in both broadcasting and marketing from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, Hunke moved to Nashville in 1987 for an internship at BMI to complete her marketing degree.

She also took music business classes at Belmont College, and was hired at BMI following her internship where she later spent her 35-year career. Hunke was most recently promoted to Vice President, Administration & Publisher Relations. Prior to this promotion, she served as the Assistant Vice President, Distribution & Administration Services, and oversaw the teams’ daily functions and strategic direction, including collaborating with major publisher clients and industry-wide administration professionals regarding digital initiatives, royalties, licensing, data quality and administration. She also spearheaded strategic development projects designed to increase efficiencies, create quality controls and improve customer service to affiliates.

Described as vibrant, funny, light-hearted, compassionate and kind, Hunke was a hard worker and dedicated herself fully to her family, work and church. She was a longstanding youth groups volunteer leader at Christ Community Church, and spent over 15 years teaching and serving as a leader for kids from elementary to high school.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Misha will be held Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 9010 Church Street East in Brentwood, Tennessee.

A Celebration of Life will follow the gathering on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023 at 1 p.m. Burial will follow service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane in Nashville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared here for the Hunke family.

Read full obituary here.

‘A Tribute To The Judds’ Slated For October

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Photo: Allan Geiger

A Tribute To The Judds, a new compilation album packed with reimagined versions of the legendary duo’s songs, is set for release on Oct. 27 via BMG.

Wynonna Judd, Ashley McBryde, Blake Shelton, Carl Perkins, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Dolly Parton, Gabby Barrett, Gwen Stefani, Jamey Johnson, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Nettles, Lainey Wilson, LeAnn Rimes, Megan Moroney, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood and many more pay homage to the pair on the brand new project.

Among the favorites on the compilation are “Mama He’s Crazy” with Wilson and Parton, “Love Is Alive” from Stefani and Shelton, a sassy rendition of “Girls Night Out” with McEntire, Nettles and Barrett, and a rousing version of “Love Can Build A Bridge” featuring Jelly Roll, K. Michelle and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

The all of the album was produced by The Judds’ original producer Brent Maher besides “Cry Myself to Sleep,” which was produced by Cactus Moser. The project celebrates The Judds’ 40-year anniversary after being signed to RCA Records by Joe Galante, who served as the collection’s Executive Producer and spearheaded the record into fruition alongside Renee Bell. His previous work with The Judds achieved multiple accolades including six multi-Platinum albums, five Grammys, nine CMA Awards, eight ACM Awards and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“To have all of these artists, most of which are my friends, come together and lend their voices and artistry to reimagine these songs, is so special. These songs are so timeless and I am so excited for them to live on for generations to come,” says Wynonna Judd.

“To all of you who listen to this music, I wish you could have been with us in the studio when we recorded these songs. There was a joy and passion along with some poignant moments in re-recording these Judd songs that are impossible to describe. I hope you enjoy this record as much as we enjoyed making it,” says Maher.

A Tribute To The Judds will also be partnering with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), in honor of Naomi Judd.

A Tribute To The Judds Track Listing:
1. “Girls Night Out” – Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles and Gabby Barrett
2. “Mama He’s Crazy” – Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton
3. “Why Not Me” – Megan Moroney
4. “Grandpa” (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) [feat. Sonya Isaacs] – Cody Johnson
5. “Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain” – Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild
6. “Young Love (Strong Love)” – Ella Langley and Jamey Johnson
7. “Have Mercy” – LeAnn Rimes
8. “Love Is Alive” – Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
9. “Had A Dream (For The Heart)” – Wendy Moten and O.N.E The Duo
10. “I Know Where I’m Going” – Barnett, Lynne & West
11. “Let Me Tell You About Love” – Carl Perkins and Raul Malo
12. “John Deere Tractor” – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and Molly Tuttle
13. “Cry Myself To Sleep” – Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood
14. “Love Can Build A Bridge” – Jelly Roll, K. Michelle and the Fisk Jubilee Singers

2023 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Female Songwriter Of The Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 35th annual MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the Female Songwriter of the Year category.

Female Songwriter of the Year nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. Eligible projects were active during the eligibility period of June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 18 at 5:00 p.m.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.

Below are songs that entered the MusicRow Songwriter Chart for the Female Songwriter of the Year nominees:

Jessi Alexander
“Never Say Never” recorded by Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson
“Don’t Think Jesus” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“You, Me, And Whiskey” recorded by Justin Moore and Priscilla Block
“Light On In The Kitchen” recorded by Ashley McBryde
“5 Leaf Clover” recorded by Luke Combs

Trannie Anderson
“Heart Like A Truck” recorded by Lainey Wilson
“One Day Tonight” recorded by Noah Thompson

Kelly Archer
“Wild As Her” recorded by Corey Kent

Nicolle Galyon
“Gone” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Beers On Me” recorded by Dierks Bentley feat. Hardy & Breland
“Thought You Should Know” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“If I Die Young Pt. 2” recorded by Kimberly Perry

Hillary Lindsey
“Ghost Story” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Hate My Heart” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“I Deserve A Drink” recorded by Morgan Wallen

Emily Shackelton
“What He Didn’t Do” recorded by Carly Pearce

BMI Wraps Rising Through The Ranks Program For Female Radio Execs

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Pictured (L-R): RAB CEO Erica Farber, Audacy COO Susan Larkin, Seven Mountains Media & CapCity Communications owner Kristin Cantrell, RAB SVP of Professional Development Jeff Schmidt, Leighton Broadcasting’s Executive Director of Digital Broadcasting Kelli Frieler, BMI’s Dan Spears, iHeartMedia Director of Country Programming KY/WV Ashley Wilson, BMI songwriter Ella Langley, iHeartMedia President of Markets Group Hartley Adkins, Cumulus Media EVP of Corporate Marketing and Westwood One President Suzanne Grimes, BMI’s Jessica Frost and RAB Director of Sales for Professional Development Kim Johnson.

BMI hosted its 2023 Rising Through The Ranks (RTTR) program at its offices in Nashville on Aug. 9.

The two-day program, now in its 15th year, is designed to provide the training, education, and networking necessary for female radio executives to rise to the next level in their career.

Each year BMI provides scholarships to 20 rising female radio executives from across the country so that they can come to Nashville to learn and help fuel their professional growth. Sessions are taught by leaders from the Radio Advertising Bureau team as well as some of the most respected executives from the radio industry.

As part of RTTR, BMI also hosts a dinner for  participants that includes a performance by a female BMI songwriter who is currently rising through the ranks.  This year Columbia artist Ella Langley was chosen and played multiple songs from her upcoming project. Langley has shared the stage with Randy Houser, Parker McCollum, Jamey Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson while collaborating with BMI songwriter Elle King on multiple songs. Spotify recently pegged her as a Hot Country Artist to Watch for 2023.

Round Hill Music Acquires Big Loud Shirt

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Craig Wiseman

Round Hill Music has acquired the remaining shares of Big Loud Shirt, the publishing company started in 2003 by Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Craig Wiseman.

Round Hill’s acquisition adds more than 1,200 songs from Big Loud Shirt, which includes tunes performed by Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley and more.

The deal extends Round Hill’s relationship with Big Loud that was started in 2014. It also includes 50 percent of Wiseman’s income streams.

Wiseman tells MusicRow, “I’m happy to keep so many copyrights together and do this sale of some of the remaining pieces of Big Loud Shirt to Round Hill. Josh [Gruss] and Round Hill have been stepping up for years and it’s good to work with them again and close this chapter as we open new ones, where our new publishing entities and label are intertwined even closer.”

He adds, “20 years of Big Loud Shirt. It started it all and has been the beginning of all of these blessings around us now.”

Tim McGraw Takes ‘Standing Room Only’ To Top Of MusicRow Chart

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Tim McGraw‘s “Standing Room Only” tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.

The tune was written by Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil and Patrick Murphy and produced by Byron Gallimore and McGraw. It will appear on McGraw’s 17th studio album of the same name, out Aug. 25 via Big Machine Records.

“Standing Room Only” follows McGraw’s 45th No. 1 country single, “7500 OBO” which continues to build on McGraw’s deep bench of having a No. 1 song and No. 1 album in each of the past four decades. It also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2023 MusicRow Awards.

“Standing Room Only” currently sits at No. 17 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Hope In The Hills’ ‘Healing Appalachia’ Benefit To Return In September

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Hope in the Hills’ “Healing Appalachia” benefit concert will return to Lewisburg’s State Fairgrounds in West Virginia Sept. 21-23 with performances by Tyler Childers, Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and more.

Also on tap for the three-day event, which builds community as people from across the world gather to celebrate recovery and raise awareness for the opioid crisis, are performances from Umphrey’s McGee, Gov’t Mule, Marcus King, Amythyst Kiah, 49 Winchester, Arlo McKinley, Tommy Prine, Katie Pruitt, Tre Burt, Kelsey Waldon and Charles Wesley Godwin, among others.

In addition to the performances, the weekend will feature speeches from those affected by addiction as well as 41 organizations providing support and information to attendees, including a free Naloxone (a narcotic overdose treatment) training from the Drug Intervention Institute, Inc., Murphy Innovative Strategies and Concept and ONEbox. Last year’s course is believed to be the world’s largest one-time Naloxone training, which had over 11,000 attendees learning how to administer the drug.

The 2023 edition of “Healing Appalachia” will be the largest yet, with nearly double the number of performers and 11 more organizations on-site than last year’s two-day event, which brought over 16,600 music lovers to West Virginia from 38 states, Australia, Canada and England. 

“West Virginia still has the highest rate of fatal overdoses in the nation, but the number of overdoses in-state did go down in 2022,” says Dave Lavender, Hope in the Hills Board President. “As daunting as the opioid crisis is, hope is actually building here in West Virginia and across Appalachia. Robust and resilient communities of healing are forming over this open wound. We want ‘Healing Appalachia’ to be a place to celebrate and foster that hope of recovery and wellness. We can’t wait to gather in person again to share the magic of live music, to celebrate recovery and give folks a space and time to make connections and create new, healthy, joy-filled memories.”

Since the first “Healing Appalachia” fundraiser in 2018, Hope in the Hills has raised nearly $400,000 for recovery organizations in the region, helping to reduce the stigma of addiction.  Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit organizations across Appalachia including recovery houses, recovery-to-work initiatives and camps for kids in trauma.
Tickets for the 2023 event are on-sale now as well as passes for RV camping. There will be a designated family camp area as well as Camp Grindstone, a separate camp for attendees in recovery. For more information, click here.

Ian Munsick To Perform At CMHOF’s Annual Nightfall At The Hall Celebration

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Ian Munsick is set to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 11th annual Nightfall at the Hall celebration on Thursday, Sept. 21 in the museum’s Event Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

Presented by Maverick Nashville and PickleJar, Nightfall at the Hall is an after-hours celebration exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a group of leaders ages 21 to 45, who collaborate with other professionals in supporting their community and the museum.

Munsick is a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned entertainer who has amassed over half a billion global streams. The Warner Music Nashville artist was named an Artist to Watch by Spotify, CMT, Fender and more. He released his second album White Buffalo in April, which tells stories of romance and ranch life through 18 tracks. The album’s duet “Long Live Cowgirls (with Cody Johnson)” was named one of Amazon Music’s Best Country Songs of 2022. Munsick is currently traveling across the nation on his headlining journey, “The Buffalo Roams Tour.”

Prior to Munsick’s performance, student-artist Julia LaFreniere will perform “Dear Future Me,” a song that she wrote with guidance from museum staff as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music. The 13-year-old Nashville native participated in the museum’s summer songwriting camp this year.

Young professionals can become a Troubadour member between now and Monday, Sept. 25, at a discounted rate of five dollars off an individual membership and $10 off a dual membership. For more information, click here.