Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Carly Pearce and Emily Skackelton. Standing: Josh Osborne. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Music industry members gathered at Starstruck Entertainment on Music Row Tuesday afternoon (May 30) to celebrate Carly Pearce‘s fourth career No. 1, “What He Didn’t Do.”
Pearce co-wrote the tune with Ashley Gorley and Emily Shackelton. It appears on her lauded studio album, 29: Written In Stone, which was co-produced by Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally.
The celebration was thrown by ASCAP, BMI and Big Machine Records. Everyone was glad to see Big Machine label head Scott Borchetta in attendance since his serious racing accident. Many shared grateful sentiments about his recovery from the stage.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Scott Borchetta (BMLG), Ashley Gorley and Emily Shackelton; (L-R, back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Clay Hunnicutt (BMLG), Andrew Kautz (BMLG), Mike Rittberg (BMLG), Kris Lamb (BMLG) and MaryAnn Keen (BMI). Photo: Alexa Campbell
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad kicked the party off by recognizing ASCAP’s Pearce and Gorley. He spoke about each of them, reminding the crowd that Pearce is a Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning artist; and that Gorley, who has been named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year nine times, recently won his first ACM Songwriter of the Year award and has notched 67 No. 1 songs.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was on hand to support BMI songwriter Shackelton. She pointed out that “What He Didn’t Do” was her second No. 1 song, and that her first was Pearce’s “Every Little Thing.”
“Both songs are unfortunately songs many of us can relate to, as far as breakups go,” Keen said. “Fortunately, they make us feel a little more understood. That’s the magic of these three.”
Round Hill’s Lindsay Will was the first publisher to speak. She thanked Pearce, the co-writers and the BMLG team. On behalf of Gorley, Round Hill made a donation to My Life Speaks Foundation.
BMG’s Chris Oglesby stepped up to the mic to recognize BMG writers Pearce and Shackelton.
“I’m here to help celebrate one of the hardest working individuals I know in the music industry—or in the world. I’m blessed to be able to work with Carly Pearce,” Oglesby said.
“We’re thrilled to work with Emily as well,” he added. “Your lyrics and melodies are unbelievably amazing.”
Liz Rose, who also works with Shackelton, spoke about discovering her at BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival. “Emily, I’m so inspired by you always,” Rose said.
Jess Busbee, widow of Pearce’s former producer Michael Busbee and leader of AltaDena, shared some emotional words about her late husband’s legacy. “It’s so sweet how a legacy lives on,” she said.
Big Machine Records General Manager Clay Hunnicutt and SVP of Promotion & Digital Kris Lamb gave a presentation about Pearce’s unmatched work ethic and authentic artistry.
“We never take days like this lightly. No. 1s are hard to come by and hard fought,” Hunnicutt said. “Thanks to Carly for sharing your story. That’s what this song is about.” He let the crowd know that “What He Didn’t Do” was Borchetta’s 250th No. 1 song.
Lamb said, “Promo is very hard—I don’t want to give you the illusion that it’s not difficult—but it’s so much easier with artists like Carly. She’s the hardest working artist that I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.”
“What He Didn’t Do” collaborators with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Emily Shackelton, Carly Pearce, Ashley Gorley, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Osborne spoke about co-producing Pearce’s record. He pointed out how, as a songwriter first, it’s hard to hear great songs that you didn’t write. He also highlighted the magic of songs written by Shackelton and Pearce, and said that Gorley is a great songwriter and friend.
“What Carly does for country music is important,” Osborne said. “I’m so glad she is becoming the dominate force that she is. We need her in the format.”
Next it was time to hear from the songwriters. Gorley went first, thanking God, his family, his publishers, ASCAP, BMLG, Osborne and McAnally and his co-writers.
“Like Josh said, Emily and Carly have the magic. They let me crash. It was the first time we all worked together,” Gorley shared, adding that the three wrote another upbeat song before writing “What He Didn’t Do.” He said, “Carly tells you the honest truth. What needed to be written that day got written after we tried [writing something upbeat] for a couple of hours.”
Shackelton thanked her family, publishers and Pearce’s village. “I’m so grateful to God. The story never goes the way I want it to but he make it better in the end,” she said.
Shackelton thanked Pearce for her relationship, piling on the praise for the country star’s work ethic. She also gave more insight into Gorley’s contribution to the song.
“I learned so much from you that day,” she said to Gorley. “The fact that you heard Carly say something off the cuff and were able to say, ‘Sit down. We’re writing that,’ was awesome. It’s no wonder you have [so many] No. 1s.”
When Pearce stepped up the mic, she added to the creation story of “What He Didn’t Do.”
“We were packing up, like they said. We had already written a song. Ashley looked at me and said, ‘What did he do?’ I said, ‘What didn’t he do?’ He said, ‘Sit down,'” Pearce shared. “It’s been a powerful thing.”
Pearce recognized each member of her team, individually thanking each of them. She summed, “The thing that continues to be a constant in my life is music. I feel very grateful to know that I have a purpose in writing songs that people can connect to.”
Industry Toasts To Carly Pearce’s Fourth No. 1 Hit ‘What He Didn’t Do’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Carly Pearce and Emily Skackelton. Standing: Josh Osborne. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Music industry members gathered at Starstruck Entertainment on Music Row Tuesday afternoon (May 30) to celebrate Carly Pearce‘s fourth career No. 1, “What He Didn’t Do.”
Pearce co-wrote the tune with Ashley Gorley and Emily Shackelton. It appears on her lauded studio album, 29: Written In Stone, which was co-produced by Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally.
The celebration was thrown by ASCAP, BMI and Big Machine Records. Everyone was glad to see Big Machine label head Scott Borchetta in attendance since his serious racing accident. Many shared grateful sentiments about his recovery from the stage.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Scott Borchetta (BMLG), Ashley Gorley and Emily Shackelton; (L-R, back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Clay Hunnicutt (BMLG), Andrew Kautz (BMLG), Mike Rittberg (BMLG), Kris Lamb (BMLG) and MaryAnn Keen (BMI). Photo: Alexa Campbell
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad kicked the party off by recognizing ASCAP’s Pearce and Gorley. He spoke about each of them, reminding the crowd that Pearce is a Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning artist; and that Gorley, who has been named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year nine times, recently won his first ACM Songwriter of the Year award and has notched 67 No. 1 songs.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was on hand to support BMI songwriter Shackelton. She pointed out that “What He Didn’t Do” was her second No. 1 song, and that her first was Pearce’s “Every Little Thing.”
“Both songs are unfortunately songs many of us can relate to, as far as breakups go,” Keen said. “Fortunately, they make us feel a little more understood. That’s the magic of these three.”
Round Hill’s Lindsay Will was the first publisher to speak. She thanked Pearce, the co-writers and the BMLG team. On behalf of Gorley, Round Hill made a donation to My Life Speaks Foundation.
BMG’s Chris Oglesby stepped up to the mic to recognize BMG writers Pearce and Shackelton.
“I’m here to help celebrate one of the hardest working individuals I know in the music industry—or in the world. I’m blessed to be able to work with Carly Pearce,” Oglesby said.
“We’re thrilled to work with Emily as well,” he added. “Your lyrics and melodies are unbelievably amazing.”
Liz Rose, who also works with Shackelton, spoke about discovering her at BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival. “Emily, I’m so inspired by you always,” Rose said.
Jess Busbee, widow of Pearce’s former producer Michael Busbee and leader of AltaDena, shared some emotional words about her late husband’s legacy. “It’s so sweet how a legacy lives on,” she said.
Big Machine Records General Manager Clay Hunnicutt and SVP of Promotion & Digital Kris Lamb gave a presentation about Pearce’s unmatched work ethic and authentic artistry.
“We never take days like this lightly. No. 1s are hard to come by and hard fought,” Hunnicutt said. “Thanks to Carly for sharing your story. That’s what this song is about.” He let the crowd know that “What He Didn’t Do” was Borchetta’s 250th No. 1 song.
Lamb said, “Promo is very hard—I don’t want to give you the illusion that it’s not difficult—but it’s so much easier with artists like Carly. She’s the hardest working artist that I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.”
“What He Didn’t Do” collaborators with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Emily Shackelton, Carly Pearce, Ashley Gorley, MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Osborne spoke about co-producing Pearce’s record. He pointed out how, as a songwriter first, it’s hard to hear great songs that you didn’t write. He also highlighted the magic of songs written by Shackelton and Pearce, and said that Gorley is a great songwriter and friend.
“What Carly does for country music is important,” Osborne said. “I’m so glad she is becoming the dominate force that she is. We need her in the format.”
Next it was time to hear from the songwriters. Gorley went first, thanking God, his family, his publishers, ASCAP, BMLG, Osborne and McAnally and his co-writers.
“Like Josh said, Emily and Carly have the magic. They let me crash. It was the first time we all worked together,” Gorley shared, adding that the three wrote another upbeat song before writing “What He Didn’t Do.” He said, “Carly tells you the honest truth. What needed to be written that day got written after we tried [writing something upbeat] for a couple of hours.”
Shackelton thanked her family, publishers and Pearce’s village. “I’m so grateful to God. The story never goes the way I want it to but he make it better in the end,” she said.
Shackelton thanked Pearce for her relationship, piling on the praise for the country star’s work ethic. She also gave more insight into Gorley’s contribution to the song.
“I learned so much from you that day,” she said to Gorley. “The fact that you heard Carly say something off the cuff and were able to say, ‘Sit down. We’re writing that,’ was awesome. It’s no wonder you have [so many] No. 1s.”
When Pearce stepped up the mic, she added to the creation story of “What He Didn’t Do.”
“We were packing up, like they said. We had already written a song. Ashley looked at me and said, ‘What did he do?’ I said, ‘What didn’t he do?’ He said, ‘Sit down,'” Pearce shared. “It’s been a powerful thing.”
Pearce recognized each member of her team, individually thanking each of them. She summed, “The thing that continues to be a constant in my life is music. I feel very grateful to know that I have a purpose in writing songs that people can connect to.”
Chase Rice Earns Multiple Accolades For ‘Way Down Yonder’ Music Video
/by Lorie HollabaughChase Rice. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Chase Rice has received numerous awards for his recent “Way Down Yonder” music video, earning recognition from both the Telly Awards and American Advertising Awards.
The Telly Awards, known for honoring the best in video and television across all screens, recognized the “Way Down Yonder” video with an array of awards. Directed by Kaiser Cunningham and produced by Twelve Midnight, the single-take video earned the following accolades:
The American Advertising Awards, which recognize excellence in advertising and marketing communications, also honored the video. “Way Down Yonder” was filmed at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District in their Fort Worth district category, making it eligible for the National Competition. The video celebrating the historic Western way of life was acknowledged with the following awards:
Additionally, several of Rice’s fan-favorite songs earned new RIAA Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications. His two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” received triple-Platinum certification and the top five hit “Ready Set Roll” achieved double-Platinum status. “Ignite the Night,” “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and “Ride” are now Platinum-certified as well.
Rice has also given fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of his album I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell with never-before-seen footage in a new 10-part docuseries premiering weekly via Rice’s YouTube channel. The short films chronicle the two weeks Rice spent crafting the album at his rural home-turned-studio alongside producer Oscar Charles. Nine episodes are available to watch now, with the final installment debuting next Tuesday, June 6.
Bekah Digby Joins SiriusXM/Pandora
/by Liza AndersonBekah Digby
Bekah Digby has joined SiriusXM/Pandora as Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations – Country & Christian. Digby steps into the role previously held by Beville Dunkerley, who stepped away from the position in March.
The California native has worked in the music industry for nine years. She spent two years at Universal Music Group before making her way to Music City. Her previous Nashville career stops include MV2 Entertainment, Capitol Christian Music Group, UMG Nashville and most recently, Big Machine Label Group (BMLG), where she rose to Director of Streaming earlier this year. As Director of Streaming, Digby led streaming efforts for Big Machine Records and worked on campaigns for the imprint’s roster of artists including Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Jackson Dean and more.
Jenna Harris Promoted To Partner At Ritholz Levy Fields
/by Lorie HollabaughJenna Harris
Nashville-based attorney Jenna Harris has been promoted to Partner at boutique entertainment law firm Ritholz Levy Fields.
Harris’ entertainment-based litigation practice focuses primarily on complex business disputes and intellectual property rights of clients in the music, fashion, media, film and e-commerce industries. Her experience includes representing and counseling clients in state and federal court litigation in matters involving a broad range of corporate disputes, entertainment contracts, defamation and First Amendment protections; intellectual property infringement, protection, maintenance, enforcement and licensing; brand development, marketing and clearance; and internet, e-commerce, search engine and domain name disputes.
In addition to her appointment, the firm also promoted attorneys Cody Brown and Dan Zupnick, who are both in the New York office, to Partner.
“Cody, Jenna and Dan have each proven themselves integral to the RLF team and exemplify the firm’s primary values of excellence, responsiveness and business-centric service” says the firm’s Founding Partner Adam Ritholz. “We are proud to announce the elevation of these unique talents to partner.”
Ritholz Levy Fields has offices in New York, Nashville and L.A., and boasts a client roster that spans a wide range of creators, entrepreneurs and financiers in the music, TV, films, video game, fashion and podcasting industries.
‘Growin’ Up Country Vol. 1′ Features Brett Young, Mickey Guyton, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young, Mickey Guyton, RaeLynn and other artists are making some music just for the little ones on a brand new family country album, Growin’ Up Country Vol. One, due out June 23 via Platoon.
The leadoff track from the album, “ILY (Family)” by Young, is available now. “Having two daughters, I hear a lot of children’s music,” Young told People. “This one immediately felt different. It felt special. I’m honored to be a part of it.”
“When I first got approached about being a part of a children’s country album, I jumped at the opportunity,” Guyton told PEOPLE about her song, “This Is My Home.” “As a mother to my baby boy [Grayson Clark, 2], I believe more than ever that our children are the future. It is so important that we set them up for success, love and happiness; I think this album is a great start to doing just that.”
“Having grown up listening to country music, I always had my favorite artists on repeat, so bringing an album to life that is tailor-made for children is so meaningful to me,” said executive producer and artist Jaden Michaels. “Being a mom and getting to share this with my little girl is so full-circle, and I hope the next generation of country music fans and their parents enjoy this collection of songs together.”
Growin’ Up Country Vol. One Track Listing:
1. ILY (Family) – Brett Young
2. Be Anything – Jaden Michaels
3. Shake Your Boots – RaeLynn
4. I’m So Happy – Cale Dodds
5. This Is My Home – Mickey Guyton
6. LOVE – Laci Kaye Booth
7. Good Friends – Jade Eagleson
8. Sunny Kinda Day – Shaylen
9. Brave On – Jaden Michaels
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Spends 12th Consecutive Week At No. 1
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time has marked its 12th consecutive week atop the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart. The feat means the album has spent the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album in over 30 years, surpassing Taylor Swift‘s 11-week reign with 2008’s Fearless and encroaching on Billy Ray Cyrus‘ record of 17 consecutive weeks at No. 1 with his 1992 album Some Gave All. This week, Wallen’s 36-song collection maintains its position in the top slot with 129K in total consumption (5.7K album only/155 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
His Dangerous: The Double Album rests at No. 2 on the country albums chart with 47K (1.1K album only/60 million song streams). Luke Combs‘ Gettin’ Old reclaims No. 3 with 34K (2.3K album only/39 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak moves back up to No. 4 with 32K (1.9K album only/38 million song streams). Bailey Zimmerman‘s Religiously.The Album. shifts to No. 5 with 32K (1.4K album only/38 million song streams).
The top five of the country streaming songs chart stays the same this week.
Wallen’s “Last Night” bides at No. 1 with 26 million new streams, adding to 466 million RTD. Combs’ “Fast Car” remains at No. 2 with 16 million streams, adding to 122 million RTD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” returns to No. 3 with 14 million new streams, adding to 671 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” lands at No. 4 again with 12 million streams, adding to 167 million RTD, while “You Proof” continues at No. 5 with 11 million new streams, adding to 606 million RTD.
Ingrid Andress To Open For Stevie Nicks
/by Lorie HollabaughIngrid Andress will perform a handful of dates with one of her heroes, the legendary Stevie Nicks, from August to December.
She’ll open shows for the rock legend in Milwaukee, Houston, San Diego, L.A. and Palm Springs through the end of the year. Andress recently wrapped her headlining “The Good Person Tour Presented by 21Seeds,” continues on Walker Hayes’ “Duck Buck Tour” throughout August and will open for Orville Peck in New York City this month. She is also set to perform at Spotify House during CMA Fest in addition to a Lollapalooza set in Chicago in August.
Andress recently released the deluxe version of her sophomore album Good Person, featuring three brand-new original tracks, including “Runnin (with JP Saxe).” The album also includes current single, “Feel Like This,” which was co-written by Andress, Ellis and Julia Michaels.
Ingrid Andress dates with Stevie Nicks:
August 8 – Milwaukee, WI – Firserv Forum
August 12 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
November 29 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
December 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
December 5 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena at Greater Palm Springs
Randy Travis Inducted Into Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Randy Travis, LMHOF’s Mike Shepard and Cajun Country Jam’s Scott Innes. Photo: Jonathan Mailhes
Randy Travis was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at a special ceremony May 27, adding another accolade to his list of career achievements.
Travis was officially inducted by LMHOF President Mike Shepard as part of the Cajun Country Jam’s Memorial Day Festival in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The country legend recorded his first studio recordings under the name “Randy Ray” at Paula Records in Shreveport, Louisiana. Travis shares the honor with fellow inductees Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Louis Armstrong, Lucinda Wiliams, Buddy Guy, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Tim McGraw and countless others.
“Over the years Randy Travis has made many stops and new fans along the way in the great state of Louisiana,” says Cajun Country Jam promoter Scott Innes, adding, “We are delighted and honored to have had Randy on our stage!”
The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame was formed to preserve and present the heritage of the music and the music business of the State of Louisiana by honoring achievement in talent, performance, writing and technical and business aspects of the industry; providing educational materials and educational assistance on Louisiana music and artists to libraries, schools and other interested parties, and, additionally, to perpetuate the music and music business of Louisiana and its legacy of excellence by presenting and aiding selected new talent.
With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Travis is an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammys, 11 Academy of Country Music awards, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, eight Dove Awards and five Country Music Association honors. To date, he has 23 No. 1 singles, 31 Top-10 hits, and more than 40 appearances in feature films and TV shows to his credit. In 2022, the country icon released his award-winning documentary More Life.
Jamie Paulin Signs With Anthem Entertainment [Exclusive]
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gracie Glass (Anthem Creative Coordinator), Jamie Paulin, Noah Dewey (Anthem VP of Creative), Gilles Godard (Anthem President), Courtney Crist (Anthem Sr. Creative Director), Chandler Thurston (Anthem Creative Director)
Songwriter Jamie Paulin has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.
Hailing from the small logging and farming community of Adna, Washington, Paulin’s love of country music started at five years old when his grandmother introduced him to Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs album. He cites Merle Haggard, George Strait, Steve Earle, John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and John Schneider as artists who have inspired him. Paulin first started writing songs at the age of 11 and moved to Nashville in 1998.
Paulin has penned No. 1 hits for Chris Janson (“Done”) and Kenny Chesney (“Happy Does”), and has had numerous other successful cuts including Justin Moore‘s hit single “Backwoods” and Tim McGraw’s “How I’ll Always Be” from his 2015 studio album Damn Country Music as well as his latest Greatest Hits collection.
Paulin has also had songs recorded by Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Kane Brown, Ian Munsick, Shane Proffit, Travis Denning, Scotty McCreery, Jack Ingram and Frank Ray. He currently writes with several Anthem writers, including Janson, Davis, Shane Profitt, Nate Kenyon, Trae Landon and Justin Lantz.
“I’ve tried to sign Jamie for years, but the timing was never right,” shares Noah Dewey, VP of Creative for Anthem Nashville. “We finally figured it out! I’m elated that he’s joining the Anthem family. His infectious personality is only overshadowed by his immense talent as a songwriter. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on Jamie’s already successful career!”
“After being friends with Noah Dewey for years and seeing the success he has had working with other writers, when the opportunity presented itself for us to work together, it just seemed like it was meant to be,” says Paulin. “I’m looking forward to this new venture and working with Gilles [Godard], Noah, Courtney [Crist], Chandler [Thurston] and all the other folks at Anthem!”
Zach Bryan Advances On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
With three currently charting songs, Zach Bryan moves from No. 4 to No. 2 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Bryan is the sole writer on two of his charting tunes, “Something In The Orange” and “Sun To Me,” and wrote “Dawns” with Maggie Rogers.
Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the chart. He is a co-writer on 11 charting songs.
Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Tracy Chapman (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.