John Esposito Ends Chairman Emeritus & Embraces Retirement, Happily

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John Esposito. Photo: Eric Brown

John “Espo” Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman Emeritus, steps down from his role at the label effective today (April 19) to happily embrace retirement.

Esposito sent out an email to the Warner team letting everyone know he was stepping down as Chairman Emeritus, a role he assumed at the beginning of 2023.

The email reads:

Dear Warner Music Nashville Family,

It’s that time of year when I head off to Nantucket to relax and reflect.

This summer though, it will be reflecting on my next adventures, as I am stepping down as the Chairman Emeritus of Warner Music Nashville today.

I’m so proud of what you’re all achieving as a team. I will always be the biggest champion of this team and the artists we signed and developed together.

Keep rocking!

See you in the fall.

Espo

When Esposito’s move to Chairman Emeritus was announced, Warner Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada said, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community.”

Last month, Esposito was named the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research.

In June of 2022, music industry veterans Ben Kline and Cris Lacy were announced as successors to the beloved Esposito, who remained Chairman & CEO through the end of the year.

Industry Ink: Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Radney Foster

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Bailey Zimmerman Surprised With RIAA Plaque

Pictured (L to R): Adi Sharma, Diane Monk, Stephanie Hagerty, Kevin Liles, Scott Frazier, Cris Lacy, Jacob Fain, Tracy Martin, Ben Kline, Gregg Nadel, Chief Zaruk, Jonathan Janis and Simon Tikhman.

Members of the Elektra and Warner Music Nashville teams joined Bailey Zimmerman at the opening night of Morgan Wallen’s stadium tour. They surprised the rising artist with a plaque celebrating his first two singles, “Fall In Love” and “Rock and A Hard Place,” both earning double Platinum certification from the RIAA.

“Rock and A Hard Place” is currently holding the top spot on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart for the fourth consecutive week and continues its reign at No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart for the second consecutive week. At its peak last year, “Fall In Love” became the fastest debut single to reach No. 1 since 2015, and the first and only debut hit of 2022 to make it all the way to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. Zimmerman has already earned nearly 1.8 billion streams in the two years since the release of his first song in 2021.

Riley Green Celebrates Gold & Platinum Records

Pictured (L-R): BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and BMLG Records’ Ryan Dokke. Photo: Sam Crabtree

BMLG Records presented Riley Green three plaques for his hit songs “Different ‘Round Here” (Gold-certified), “Georgia Time” (Gold-certified) and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” (double Platinum-certified). Green’s friends, family, co-writers and industry partners gathered Saturday afternoon (April 15) to celebrate the chart-topper’s latest RIAA certifications ahead of taking the Nissan Stadium stage for the second night in a row on the “Luke Combs World Tour.”

He is set to release his next single “Different Round Here (feat. Luke Combs)” on May 11.

Kacey Musgraves Inducts Radney Foster Into Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Radney Foster & Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Ted Parker, Jr.

In a ceremony at Austin’s Moody Theatre on Feb. 25, Kacey Musgraves joined Radney Foster onstage for “Nobody Wins” and “Texas In 1880” – songs she sang as his background singer at 19. Along with Kelly Willis, Randy Rogers and William Beckmann, who also joined Foster on stage, Musgraves inducted her former boss into the 2023 Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association honors Texas songwriters who have helped shape and define the state’s culture. Other performers included Ronnie Dunn, LeeRoy Parnell, W.C Clark, Escovedo, Clawson, Nunn and David Lee.

“The first Foster and Lloyd really changed music for me,” said Darius Rucker in a video tribute. “No one deserves this more. Radney is one of the greatest songwriters of all time.”

Later in the tribute, Keith Urban said, “Radney is the real deal. The first time I heard him sing, I thought, ‘Who is this voice?’ His album See What You Want to See was a game changer, his songwriting really spoke to me. I’ve cut four songs off that record!”

Foster has written multiple number one singles and had countless cuts by Urban, the Chicks, Hootie & The Blowfish, Jack Ingram and others. He joins Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, Rodney Crowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Joe Ely, Townes Van Zandt, Lefty Frizzell, Clint Black, Robert Earl Keen, Liz Rose, Aaron Barker, Freddy Powers and more in the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Foster is currently on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his solo debut, Del Rio, TX 1959.

Prescription Songs Signs Artist-Songwriter Josie Dunne

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Pictured (L-R): Group Projects’ Cooper Anstett, Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan, Josie Dunne, Prescription Songs’ Chris Martignago and Group Projects’ Anthony Manker.

Independent publishing company Prescription Songs has signed Josie Dunne. The Nashville-based artist-songwriter was brought into roster by Prescription Songs’ Chris Martignago.

Originally from Chicago, Dunne’s unique voice and soul-inspired pop music have earned her over a million monthly listeners and more than 100 million streams to date. She has shared the stage with artists such as Julia Michaels, Coin, Ben Rector, Andy Grammer, Jake Scott and Daya. As a writer, Dunne has had cuts with Natalie Imbruglia, Corook, Spencer Sutherland and Brooke Alexx. She also recently worked with artists Corook, Stephen Day, Dave Villa, Jack Newsome, Connor James, Anna Graceman, Jordy Searcy, Dave Thomas Jr, Brigetta, Brett Truitt, Sarah Troy, Ben Kessler, Phil Good, Joan, Luke Fitton, Sara Davis, among others.

“I feel so lucky to be joining the Prescription Songs family!” Dunne shares. “It’s really the perfect home for me to reach new goals as a writer and continue to do what I love as an artist. Prescription has always been the centerpiece of pop music’s growth in Nashville and I’m excited to be a part of that continued growth with the dream team by my side!”

Martignago says, “I’ve known Josie for years and I’m fortunate to have had a front row seat to her growth as an artist during that time. This new chapter is one that I’m so excited about because it will allow us to work on all the amazing dimensions Josie brings to the table as a creative. Her energy is unmatched, and I just know this partnership is going to result in some amazing art for the world.”

“Katie [Fagan] and Chris have been linchpins in the growth of pop music here in Nashville, and we couldn’t be more excited for Josie to join that exciting creative community. Chris and Josie have been in lockstep for years, and to see this evolution of their existing relationship is a full circle moment. We’re looking forward to working together with the Prescription team to amplify Josie’s work as an artist, songwriter and record producer,” says Dunne’s management team at Group Projects, Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett.

CMHOF Extends Bill Anderson Exhibit Through September

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has extended its “Bill Anderson: As Far As I Can See” exhibit through Sept. 25.

The exhibit traces Anderson’s story from his youth in Georgia as a baseball pitcher to his days as a sports writer in high school and DJ in college, through his contributions as a legendary artist and songwriter. Featured items include historic photos, treasured keepsakes, instruments, manuscripts and more.

Interactive touchscreens also give visitors the opportunity to dive into Anderson’s songs and songwriting process through archival materials, performance clips and exclusive interview footage where he reveals the stories behind his songs. The exhibit opened in December 2021 and was originally scheduled to close this month.

“We’re pleased to extend Bill’s exhibit, which has been popular among visitors,” says Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Bill Anderson is one of America’s preeminent songwriters and most beloved entertainers. We’re excited that our guests will be able to enjoy his exhibit a little longer and take in the breadth and depth of Whisperin’ Bill’s unparalleled career.”

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Anderson has placed 80 records on the Billboard charts as an artist, with his singles reaching country’s top 20 more than 40 times. His songs have been recorded by James Brown, Elvis Costello, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Louvin Brothers, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, Connie Smith, George Strait and more. As a writer, he’s placed songs on the country charts in seven consecutive decades, collaborating in recent years with artists Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson and Brad Paisley, among others.

For more information, click here.

Hardy Scores First Rock Chart-Topper With ‘Jack’

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock

Hardy is achieving crossover success in a big way, celebrating his first-ever rock radio No. 1 with his hit “Jack.”

“I can’t believe it, but ‘Jack’ is the number one song in rock ‘n roll,” Hardy shared on social media. “Thank you to rock radio for all the love.”

Named one of the 10 Best Songs of 2022 by Time, “Jack” is from the country half of Hardy’s chart-topping sophomore album, The Mockingbird & The Crow.

The Big Loud artist is having a banner year so far, earning seven nominations for the upcoming 58th Annual ACM Awards – the most of any artist this year – in categories including Song of the Year, Music Event of the Year and Visual Media of the Year, for his chart-climbing Lainey Wilson collaboration, “Wait In The Truck,” and a nod in the newly-created category of Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Announces 2023 Musical Lineup

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Flo Rida. Photo: Courtesy of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

The third annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix’s musical lineup has been announced ahead of the three-day event Aug. 4-6, 2023. Race fans and music lovers will have the chance to experience the best and brightest on the track and on the stages. This year’s lineup includes Motley Crue’s Vince Neil, Chris Janson, Gavin DeGraw, Flo Rida, Jay DeMarcus, Tim Dugger and more.

“Music has been a big part of the experience since we launched in 2021 and this year is no different. We are bringing fans the best and brightest artists on the scene today,” says Jason Rittenberry, President & COO, Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “Music programming will take place on the iHeartRadio FanZone stage during daytime hours Friday through Sunday, with our Freedom Friday evening concert kicking the weekend off in a big way on the main stage.”

Music programming will complement the race programming throughout the weekend. The action-packed festival features the NTT IndyCar Series, along with Indy NXT, GT America, GR Cup, the Big Machine Spiked Cooler Trans Am TA2 Series and Stadium Super Trucks.

Full Weekend Schedule: 

*All Times Tentative/Subject To Change

Friday, Aug. 4
9:30 a.m. – Gates Open
12 p.m. – Zoee (iHeartRadio Stage)
1:30 p.m. – Connor McCutcheon (iHeartRadio Stage)
3 p.m. – American Blonde (iHeartRadio Stage)
4:15 p.m. – Ryan Griffin (iHeartRadio Stage)
5:30 p.m. – Special Guest (iHeartRadio Stage)
7 p.m. – Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday Tribute Concert featuring Rock Legend Vince Neil, Chris Janson, Gavin DeGraw & More (Zyn Main Stage)
9:30 p.m. – Track/Gates Close

Saturday, Aug. 5
8:30 a.m. – Gates Open
9 a.m. – Neon Union (iHeartRadio Stage)
9:40 a.m. – Special Guest (iHeartRadio Stage)
11:30 a.m. – Frank Ray (iHeartRadio Stage)
12:45 p.m. – Dillon Carmichael (iHeartRadio Stage)
1 p.m. – NTT IndyCar Series Qualifying/Firestone Fast 6
2:45 p.m. – Special Guest (iHeartRadio Stage)
3 p.m. – Trans Am Race
3:45 p.m. – Megan Moroney (iHeartRadio Stage)
6:30 p.m. – Stadium Super Trucks Race 1
6:45 p.m. – DJ Hish (Zyn Main Stage)
7:05 p.m. – Flo Rida (Zyn Main Stage)
7:15 p.m. – SRO GR Cup Race 1
7:55 p.m. – SRO GT America Race 1
9:30 p.m. – Track/Gates Close

Sunday, Aug. 6
7:30 a.m. – Gates Open
8 a.m. – Exotic Car Show (Zyn Main Stage)
9 a.m. – Red Street Records Presents Jay DeMarcus, Jason Crabb, Consumed By Fire, Cade Thompson & Iveth Luna (Praise Stage)
9:05 a.m. – Indy NXT Race
10:05 a.m. – NTT IndyCar Series Pre-Race Ceremonies
10:15 a.m. – Mae Estes (iHeartRadio Stage)
11:30 a.m. – NTT IndyCar Series Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
2 p.m. – Tim Dugger (iHeartRadio Stage)
2:30 p.m. – Stadium Super Trucks Race 2
3:20 p.m. – SRO GT America Race 2
4:10 p.m. – SRO GR Cup Race 2
6 p.m. – Track/Gates Close

Romeo Entertainment Group Announces Leadership Team Promotions & Addition

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Mason Thomas, Michelle Romeo and Brian Crews

Romeo Entertainment Group (REG) has promoted Brian Crews to Sr. Talent Buyer as well as Michelle Romeo to Vice President of Organizational Development & Strategy, and added Scott Mason Thomas to succeed Romeo as Vice President of Sales.

Crews recently joined Romeo Entertainment Group as a Talent Buyer. In his new role of Sr. Talent Buyer, Crews will continue to expand to the East Coast region for the agency. He will also oversee the event coordination team and work closely with the other talent buyers as well as Vice President of Sales to broaden REG’s reach and forge new client relationships. Crews previously served as President of Crewser Entertainment where he worked as an artist manager, booking agent and talent buyer. He managed and booked artists including Tracy Byrd, Keith Anderson, T. Graham Brown, Ray Scott, Crawford & Power. As a talent buyer and concert producer, Crews has produced shows for Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, Jon Pardi, Brantley Gilbert, 3 Door Down, Travis Tritt, Lee Brice and Nelly, among others.

Transitioning from Vice President of Sales to her newly appointed role as Vice President of Organizational Development & Strategy, Romeo draws on her extensive knowledge of the music industry. She will oversee the development and implementation of the company’s organizational strategy, including managing resources, optimizing processes and aligning company culture with overall business goals. Additionally, Romeo will be responsible for developing and implementing company-wide training programs and recruiting talent for various job roles.

With a focus and expertise on talent buying and event production, Thomas brings over two decades of experience to the Vice President of Sales position. He previously owned Mason Entertainment, a family-run boutique talent buying agency based in California that specializes in casinos, fairs and corporate events. Thomas also served as Vice President of the Northern California Office of That’s Entertainment International (TEI), where he received a nomination for ACM Club Buyer of the Year. In 2010, he established his own artist management company, dedicated to cultivating and developing lifestyle brands.

Marty Stuart’s 20th Annual Late Night Jam Returns To The Ryman June 7

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Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Marty Stuart is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his annual Late Night Jam this year, which returns to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, June 7.

Presented by Stuart’s Congress of Country Music, the Late Night Jam features a lineup curated by Stuart that will include performances by Joe Walsh, John Oates, The Del McCoury Band, Sierra Ferrell, Chapel Hart, Connie Smith, Gary Mule Deer, Jake Worthington, The Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers and Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. In the spirit of all Late Night Jams’ past, surprise guests are to be expected. Late Night Jam tickets go on sale this Friday, April 21.

“It’s hard to believe this is the 20th Late Night Jam,” Stuart reflects. “This year is no different than all the rest. The Ryman will be filled with Country Music Hall of Famers, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Musician’s Hall of Famers, Songwriter Hall of Famers, Bluegrass Hall of Famers, up and comers and lots of laughter. And to top it all off, the Grand Ole Opry Square dancers will perform! It is the pirate ship show of the week. It is a one-of-a-kind event. Not to be missed.”

Stuart has also released the new video for his latest single “Country Star,” from his forthcoming album Altitude due out May 19. The clip is filled with rhinestone sparkling fun, according to Stuart, who says, “My favorite video director in Nashville is Reid Long. We’ve done several videos together and Reid directed ‘Country Star.’ Consider this, the nation’s most superlative band, go-go dancers, Clarence White’s guitar, a jangling Rickenbacker twelve string guitar, full blown rhinestone suits, and groovy shades all wrapped up in a great song. We did our part. Your turn: watch it. I promise I can make you smile.”

Stuart is currently in the midst of a nationwide headlining tour that resumes on April 27 in Tucson, Arizona before performing at Stagecoach on April 29 and hitting the road with Chris Stapleton this summer.

Stuart will also host “The Love of Dogs” Benefit Concert for PEDIGREE on Wednesday, May 17th at 6:00 p.m. at Marathon Music Works. The event will hosted by syndicated country radio personality Shawn Parr and will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and live/silent auction that will be followed by a performance by Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. The PEDIGREE Foundation is a philanthropic organization that helps dogs find their forever homes.

Americanafest Announces First Round Of Performers

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Dom Flemons, Mipso and Amythyst Kiah. (L-R, bottom row): Yasmin Williams, Chris Shiflett and Mary Gauthier

Americanafest has announced the first 50 acts slated to perform in showcases during the five-day event set for Sept. 19-23 in Nashville.

The festival and conference event will bring together more than 200 award-winning legends, trailblazing mainstays and buzzworthy new artists for its 23rd year. This year’s lineup includes Amythyst Kiah, The Band of Heathens, Chris Shiflett, Dan Tyminski Band, Dom Flemons, Parker Millsap, Mipso, The Panhandlers, SUSTO, Yasmin Williams and more.

In partnership with Americanafest, Rufus Wainwright will also make his Nashville Symphony debut on Sept. 19 for one night only. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of Want One and Want Two—the two albums that fueled his meteoric rise in the U.K. and across Europe—he will perform both albums in their entirety, song for song, with orchestral arrangements performed by the Nashville Symphony.

Americanafest will also feature an industry conference, bringing together the top tier of the music business to discuss current industry topics and issues through panels and workshops. The week of festivities will kick off with the Americana Honors & Awards, which celebrates luminaries and welcomes the next generation of trailblazers while offering one-of-a-kind performance pairings at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase at a later date.

Colt Ford Announces New ‘Must Be The Country’ Album, Tour

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Colt Ford enlisted the help of a bunch of friends for his new album, Must Be The Country, out on May 19 via Average Joes Entertainment. In conjunction with the announcement, Ford is sharing a taste of the album with the title track featuring Dillon Carmichael, “Must Be The Country,” out now.

The 24-song collection features previously-released hits as well as brand new tracks with Vince Gill, Matt Stell, Brantley Gilbert, Tracy Lawrence, Sam Grow and more.

The album is Ford’s first full length project in three years, and took shape while he was battling eye cancer and recovering from an intensive surgery to remove the tumor. Following his successful fight against cancer, Ford has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disorder that destroys neuromuscular connections and affects the muscles in the face.

Despite his recent struggle with personal health, Ford continues to tour as well as write and record new projects slated for release later this year. He just launched his next North American tour with over 30 shows across the U.S. The “Must Be The Country Tour,” will include stops in Nashville, Flagstaff, Virginia Beach, Springfield and more, with additional dates to be announced.

Must Be The Country Track Listing:
1. “Must Be The Country” feat. Dillon Carmichael (Michael Ray Carter, Cole Taylor, Chase McGill)
2. “Paint The Town Redneck” (Colt Ford, Cole Taylor)
3. “Raised ‘Round Here” feat. Brantley Gilbert (Brock Berryhill, Brantley Gilbert, Josh Phillips)
4. “Nights In Trucks” feat. Noah Gordon (Jaren Ray Johnston, Neil D. Mason, Jonathan David Singleton)
5. “Busted” (Connie Rae Harrington, John Thomas Osborne, Thomas John Osborne)
6. “Running This Country” feat. Tracy Byrd & Tracy Lawrence (Brandon Calvin Good, William Michael Morgan, Jeffrey Steele)
7. “Carhartt Kids” (Josh Phillips, Heath Sanders)
8. “Brooks & Dunn” (Noah Gordon, Colt Ford)
9. “Break Out The Rowdy” (Ira Dean, Jamie Owen Grooms)
10. “Boys Will Be Boys” feat. Tim Montana (Colt Ford, Taylor Phillips, Brock Berryhill, Jay Brunswick)
11. “Don’t Forget Where You Came From” feat. Sam Grow (Jaren Johnston, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon)
12. “Want One” (Ira Dean, Robert W. Terry, Chris Allen Wallin)
13. “My Girlfriend’s Got A Girlfriend” (Ira Dean, Eddie Montgomery, Kim Tribble)
14. “Something I Can Get Behind” (Michael Wilson Hardy, Michael Joseph Reaves, Jake Mitchell)
15. “Cooter Huntin’” (Timothy A. Smith, Julian Collin Bunetta)
16. “When Country Comes Back” (Monty Criswell, Derek George, Taylor Phillips)
17. “Hood” feat. Kevin Gates & Jermaine Dupri (Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Brad Tursi, Kevin Gates)
18. “Keys To The Country” feat. RVSHVD, Vince Gill & Dan Tyminski (Colt Ford, Taylor Phllips, Josh Mirenda)
19. “If I Don’t Know Better” feat. Meghan Patrick (Taylor Phillips, Tebey Ottoh, Adam Doleac, Jeremy Bussey)
20. “Bad Beer” feat. Matt Stell (Taylor Phillips, Jay Brunswick, James Greylan, Jody Scott Stevens)
21. “My Town” feat. Josh Mirenda (Brock Berryhill, George Birge, Tommy Cecil, Evan Coffman, Cody Cooper)
22. “Country As Truck” (Derek George, Monty Criswell, Ricky Young, Taylor Phillips)
23. “Slow Ride” (GVTSBY Remix) (Colt Ford, Taylor Phillips, Josh Mirenda, Jared Sciullo, Justin David Bertoldie)
24. “In The End” feat. Josh Mirenda (Chester Bennington, Robert Bourdon, Brad Delson, Joseph Hahn, Mike Shinoda)