It’s an all-star collaborations day here at DISClaimer.
You’ve got your HARDY/Tim/Eric/Morgan outing, your Reba/Brandy/Lukas trio, your Eddie/Larry/John/Shawn bluegrass romp, and your George/Luke duet for your listening pleasure. Sprinkle in some delights from Ana Christina Cash, Ernest, and Harper Grace and you have one tasty playlist.
It’s not the stars that counted when the listening session ended. It’s the songwriting. And because of that, Hardy’s “McArthur” wins the Disc of the Day prize.
Give new Nashvillian Mike Parker a DISCovery Award.
THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “No Way Out”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Jack Wharff/Mikey Reaves/Wes Critt; Producer: David “Messy” Mescon; Label: Big Machine Records
– Minor-key moodiness as the anguished tenor vocalist finds himself trapped and helpless. “Nothing left to lose,” he cries as a deep-echo twang bass guitar throbs in sympathy. For a peppier experience, check out the band’s new tempo tune “A Month, a Week, a Day.” It ripples with the longing of a guy who’s been on the road too long. The Jack Wharff Band is scheduled to for its debut Opry appearance next week, on Feb. 10.
HARDY, TIM McGRAW, ERIC CHURCH & MORGAN WALLEN / “McArthur”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jameson Rodgers/Josh Thompson/Michael Hardy; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Big Loud Records
– Wow. What a song. A poor man’s meditation on morality and passing value along through the generations. Deeply stirring. No wonder the superstars climbed on board HARDY’s wagon.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Man of His Word”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud/Mercury Records
– Culpepper brought down the house on Tuesday evening (Feb. 3) when he performed this on ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. His effortless folk-soul voice delivered the message in a groove-soaked arrangement that was just delicious. “She don’t need a man that keeps talking/She needs a man of his word.” One of Nashville’s most exciting new voices. Make this his year.
GEORGE BIRGE & LUKE BRYAN / “Ride, Ride, Ride”
Writers: Casey Brown/George Birge/Parker Welling/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– An old cowhand shares his memories of hard times with a youngster. The secret to a good life is to ride on through the midnight storm. The youngster replies that it’s all worth the grit and perseverance. The big production gives this stately oomph, and both vocalists give it their all.
ANA CHRISTINA CASH / “Daybreak”
Writers: Ana Christina Cash/Gabriella Scotto/Willie Breeding; Producers: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– Need a little summertime right now? Let the steamy sizzle of this slow-groove burner take you there. South Florida native Cash fantasizes about getting away from it all in a tropical paradise as “a couple of beach bums” who are “barely wearing clothes.” She sings, “We need a day break,” and do we ever. This is the lead track on the Cuban-American’s just-released, bi-lingual album The Sunshine State. Also check out “Cheap Margaritas” and “Last Call.”
BRIAN KELLEY / “93 in the Keys”
Writers: Summer Overstreet/Rian Ball/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Katlin Owen; Label: Nashville South Records
– Kelley is ready for a sunny escape to the Caribbean. His hushed baritone is sleepy/relaxed while the soft-sounding track ebbs and flows like the tide.
MIKE PARKER / “My Heart Your Hands”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Josh Kerr/Shy Carter; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Mailbox Money Records
– This former American Idol finalist has moved to Nashville and issued his debut single. It’s a slow-jam soul ballad with a deeply romantic lyric. Valentine’s Day is next week, and Parker has the soundtrack.
REBA McENTIRE, BRANDY CLARK & LUKAS NELSON / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Lainey Wilson/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Brandy Clark, Reba McEntire; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– McEntire re-imagines her 2025 song with able assistance from co-writer and co-producer Brandy Clark plus a lovely Lukas Nelson guitar solo. Sunday’s Grammy telecast spotlit the Country Music Hall of Famer and her two stellar harmony singers during its In Memorium segment, and it was mighty, mighty touching
HARPER GRACE / “If Daddy Says No”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– She’s torn between her love for her father and her suitor. What is she going to do if her daddy doesn’t approve of him and won’t walk her down the aisle? The ballad’s wooshing production frames Grace’s highly expressive vocal performance perfectly.
ERNEST / “Lorelei”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Rhett Akins; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– He’s a seafarer who is on a fruitless quest for an elusive woman. In German mythology, the Lorelei is a siren on the Rhine River rocks who lures sailors to their doom. But this gal sounds a lot more merry and jaunty than that. The bopping, sunshiny groove is addictive. Play this.
EDDIE SANDERS, LARRY CORDLE, JOHN COWAN & SHAWN CAMP / “Calling Me”
Writer: Edgar Sanders; Producers: Eddie Sanders, Scott Vestal; Label: True Lonesome Records
– Toe-tapping bluegrass gospel with an all-star cast. Everybody gets a shot at a lead vocal, and listening for each of my favorites was fun. The arrangement is banjo dominant, but there’s plenty of slippery fiddling, too.
KENT BLAZY / “American Dreamers”
Writer: Kent Blazy; Producer: Kent Blazy; Label: KB
– Blazy has written many hit for others, but he also makes records, himself. This one’s a rocking, Springsteen-y anthem for musician dreamers everywhere. Earnest and energetic, with homemade charm.
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / “Up From the Bottom”
Writers: Andrew Falco/Andrew Hall/Christopher Pandolfi/Jeremy Garret/Travis Book; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Americana Vibes
– This jam-grass band is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an album titled 20/20. This track explains its longevity—these are acoustic-music guys with a rock & roll attitude. The shifting tempos, hearty harmonies and ear tickling instrumental virtuosity are all in full flight here.
The Jack Wharff Band Slates New EP ‘Strange’ For March
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Jack Wharff Band will release their new EP Strange March 13 via Big Machine Records.
Comprised of five songs and featuring previously released tracks “Ole Virginia,” and “Saved,” Strange explores themes of self-discovery, love, freedom and faith.
The band is offering fans a taste of the new project with their longing new track “A Month, A Week, A Day (With Solon Holt)” out today. The song explores the feelings of being separated from their significant others for long periods of time and how they count down the minutes until they’re reunited.
“We wrote ‘A Month, A Week, A Day’ during a time when the distance between us and our loved ones was weighing on us,” shares Jack Wharff. “We hope that people who might relate to that loneliness find some comfort in the song and are reminded how lucky we are to have people in our lives who are worth missing so much.”
On Tuesday (Feb. 10), the band will take a break from their headlining “From The Hills To The Holler Tour” to make their Grand Ole Opry debut. The four-piece received the surprise invitation from Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor in December. They’ll round out the U.S. leg of their tour in Knoxville, Charlottesville, Columbus, and more this month and then travel to Europe in March, performing at C2C festivals in Berlin, Rotterdam and London in addition to playing headline shows in Dublin, Manchester and Glasgow.
Strange EP Track List:
1. “Strange” (Jack Wharff, Ryan Atchison, Joe Clemmons, Garrett Howell, Evan Novoa)
2. “Virginia Can I Stay A While (ft. Ketch Secor)” (Jack Wharff, Ketch Secor)
3. “Ole Virginia” (Jack Wharff, Ryan Atchison, Aidan Canfield, Garrett Howell, Evan Novoa, Luke Wharff)
4. “A Month, A Week, A Day (With Solon Holt)” (Jack Wharff, Ryan Atchison, Garrett Howell, Solon Holt, Evan Novoa, Luke Wharff)
5. “Saved” (Jack Wharff, Ryan Atchison, Garrett Howell)
Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum Unveils 2026 Inductees
/by Lauryn SinkDolly Parton, Keith Urban & Dann Huff. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum
The Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum has unveiled its 2026 Class of Inductees.
This year’s class includes Dann Huff, Dolly Parton, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, John Boylan, Keith Urban, Leland Sklar, Michael McDonald and Nicky Hopkins (posthumously).
“The Musicians Hall of Fame has inducted over 170 musicians, producers, engineers and industry icons,” shares Linda Chambers, Co-Founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. “Each new class of inductees reminds us why we do what we do-preserving and celebrating the legacy of the musicians who bring songs to life. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these legendary artists into the Musicians Hall of Fame.”
The induction ceremony is set for April 28 at the Fisher Center for Performing Arts. Additional details including presenters and performers will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on sale Tuesday (Feb. 10).
Morgan Wallen Notches A Second Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen remains atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for a second week with “20 Cigarettes.”
The track, off of his most recent album I’m The Problem, was written by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller and Blake Pendergrass.
Wallen recently joined Hardy, Tim McGraw and Eric Church in their new track “McArthur” that released last Friday.
“20 Cigarettes” currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Opry Entertainment Group Expands Ascend Amphitheater Leadership & Booking Team
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, top row): Shawn Krauel, Justin Jordan and Pete Tamayo. (L-R, bottom row): Dave Marren, Chrissy Hall and Gordon Hughes.
Opry Entertainment Group has unveiled new leadership and programming appointments at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater.
Shawn Krauel joined last year as Vice President of Festivals & Amphitheaters, reporting to OEG’s Chief Operating Officer, Gary Scott. Before joining OEG, Krauel served as Vice President of Operations at Danny Wimmer Presents, overseeing some of North America’s largest music festivals, including Welcome to Rockville, Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life. He previously held senior roles producing major festivals with Insomniac Events and led amphitheater operations in Florida.
Justin Jordan has joined the team as General Manager of Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater. Jordan brings more than two decades of experience overseeing venue operations and producing large-scale live events at arenas and amphitheaters nationwide. He most recently served as President and General Manager of REV Entertainment & Arena at Innovation Mile in Indianapolis. Prior to that, Jordan held leadership roles at Xavier University’s Cintas Center, MegaCorp Pavilion and the Voice of America Country Music Festival, where he was President and Executive Director of Events for Second Line Services.
Pete Tamayo joins as Senior Operations Manager and has a strong track record of managing large-scale venues, leading pre-opening operations and delivering elevated guest experiences across properties, including Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, 713 Music Hall and House of Blues.
Additionally, Dave Marren joins OEG as Senior Concerts Booking Manager at Ascend Amphitheater. Marren has more than a decade of experience as an independent talent buyer in Florida, where he booked and produced thousands of events.
The Nashville-based venue programming team also includes Ryman Auditorium’s Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts, who will collaborate closely with Jordan and Marren.
In addition to the Ascend Amphitheater hires, OEG announced today that Gordon Hughes has joined Ryman Auditorium as Senior Concerts Booking Manager, reporting to Hall. Hughes offers deep Nashville market experience, having previously served as a Talent Buyer for Big Spring Entertainment, where he booked and promoted concerts in more than 50 venues and expanded regional market partnerships.
“As OEG continues to grow, we are focused on building a strong, collaborative programming organization that supports our venues in Nashville and throughout our portfolio,” says Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “These leadership additions strengthen our ability to deliver a wide range of live music experiences and scale our venues and live experiences vertical while remaining deeply rooted in Music City. We look forward to a great first season at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in just a few months.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: HARDY Brings Superstars Together For Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannIt’s an all-star collaborations day here at DISClaimer.
You’ve got your HARDY/Tim/Eric/Morgan outing, your Reba/Brandy/Lukas trio, your Eddie/Larry/John/Shawn bluegrass romp, and your George/Luke duet for your listening pleasure. Sprinkle in some delights from Ana Christina Cash, Ernest, and Harper Grace and you have one tasty playlist.
It’s not the stars that counted when the listening session ended. It’s the songwriting. And because of that, Hardy’s “McArthur” wins the Disc of the Day prize.
Give new Nashvillian Mike Parker a DISCovery Award.
THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “No Way Out”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Jack Wharff/Mikey Reaves/Wes Critt; Producer: David “Messy” Mescon; Label: Big Machine Records
– Minor-key moodiness as the anguished tenor vocalist finds himself trapped and helpless. “Nothing left to lose,” he cries as a deep-echo twang bass guitar throbs in sympathy. For a peppier experience, check out the band’s new tempo tune “A Month, a Week, a Day.” It ripples with the longing of a guy who’s been on the road too long. The Jack Wharff Band is scheduled to for its debut Opry appearance next week, on Feb. 10.
HARDY, TIM McGRAW, ERIC CHURCH & MORGAN WALLEN / “McArthur”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jameson Rodgers/Josh Thompson/Michael Hardy; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Big Loud Records
– Wow. What a song. A poor man’s meditation on morality and passing value along through the generations. Deeply stirring. No wonder the superstars climbed on board HARDY’s wagon.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Man of His Word”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud/Mercury Records
– Culpepper brought down the house on Tuesday evening (Feb. 3) when he performed this on ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. His effortless folk-soul voice delivered the message in a groove-soaked arrangement that was just delicious. “She don’t need a man that keeps talking/She needs a man of his word.” One of Nashville’s most exciting new voices. Make this his year.
GEORGE BIRGE & LUKE BRYAN / “Ride, Ride, Ride”
Writers: Casey Brown/George Birge/Parker Welling/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– An old cowhand shares his memories of hard times with a youngster. The secret to a good life is to ride on through the midnight storm. The youngster replies that it’s all worth the grit and perseverance. The big production gives this stately oomph, and both vocalists give it their all.
ANA CHRISTINA CASH / “Daybreak”
Writers: Ana Christina Cash/Gabriella Scotto/Willie Breeding; Producers: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– Need a little summertime right now? Let the steamy sizzle of this slow-groove burner take you there. South Florida native Cash fantasizes about getting away from it all in a tropical paradise as “a couple of beach bums” who are “barely wearing clothes.” She sings, “We need a day break,” and do we ever. This is the lead track on the Cuban-American’s just-released, bi-lingual album The Sunshine State. Also check out “Cheap Margaritas” and “Last Call.”
BRIAN KELLEY / “93 in the Keys”
Writers: Summer Overstreet/Rian Ball/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Katlin Owen; Label: Nashville South Records
– Kelley is ready for a sunny escape to the Caribbean. His hushed baritone is sleepy/relaxed while the soft-sounding track ebbs and flows like the tide.
MIKE PARKER / “My Heart Your Hands”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Josh Kerr/Shy Carter; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Mailbox Money Records
– This former American Idol finalist has moved to Nashville and issued his debut single. It’s a slow-jam soul ballad with a deeply romantic lyric. Valentine’s Day is next week, and Parker has the soundtrack.
REBA McENTIRE, BRANDY CLARK & LUKAS NELSON / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Lainey Wilson/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Brandy Clark, Reba McEntire; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– McEntire re-imagines her 2025 song with able assistance from co-writer and co-producer Brandy Clark plus a lovely Lukas Nelson guitar solo. Sunday’s Grammy telecast spotlit the Country Music Hall of Famer and her two stellar harmony singers during its In Memorium segment, and it was mighty, mighty touching
HARPER GRACE / “If Daddy Says No”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– She’s torn between her love for her father and her suitor. What is she going to do if her daddy doesn’t approve of him and won’t walk her down the aisle? The ballad’s wooshing production frames Grace’s highly expressive vocal performance perfectly.
ERNEST / “Lorelei”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Rhett Akins; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– He’s a seafarer who is on a fruitless quest for an elusive woman. In German mythology, the Lorelei is a siren on the Rhine River rocks who lures sailors to their doom. But this gal sounds a lot more merry and jaunty than that. The bopping, sunshiny groove is addictive. Play this.
EDDIE SANDERS, LARRY CORDLE, JOHN COWAN & SHAWN CAMP / “Calling Me”
Writer: Edgar Sanders; Producers: Eddie Sanders, Scott Vestal; Label: True Lonesome Records
– Toe-tapping bluegrass gospel with an all-star cast. Everybody gets a shot at a lead vocal, and listening for each of my favorites was fun. The arrangement is banjo dominant, but there’s plenty of slippery fiddling, too.
KENT BLAZY / “American Dreamers”
Writer: Kent Blazy; Producer: Kent Blazy; Label: KB
– Blazy has written many hit for others, but he also makes records, himself. This one’s a rocking, Springsteen-y anthem for musician dreamers everywhere. Earnest and energetic, with homemade charm.
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / “Up From the Bottom”
Writers: Andrew Falco/Andrew Hall/Christopher Pandolfi/Jeremy Garret/Travis Book; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Americana Vibes
– This jam-grass band is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an album titled 20/20. This track explains its longevity—these are acoustic-music guys with a rock & roll attitude. The shifting tempos, hearty harmonies and ear tickling instrumental virtuosity are all in full flight here.
Rhiannon Giddens, Sam Bush, The Del McCoury Band, More Among RockyGrass 2026 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughRockyGrass 2026 has announced the lineup for the upcoming summer festival set in the front range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains July 24-26.
This year’s lineup at Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado will feature I’m With Her, Punch Brothers, Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, The Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien, Steep Canyon Rangers, Kruger Brothers, Della Mae, Tony Trischka’s EarlJam featuring Michael Daves, Willie Watson, The Kody Norris Show, Michael Daves & Jacob Jolliff, Watkins Family Hour with The Bee Eaters, The Onlies, Howley, Under The Rocks, The Unfaithful Servants, Tanasi, The Tom Knowlton Bluegrass Band and Slay & Stinson.
A limited number of tickets and camping passes are available here.
The event is presented by Planet Bluegrass, who also presents Telluride Bluegrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival.
Backstage Access Presents Napa Valley Lineup To Feature Parker McCollum, Ty Myers, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBackstage Access Presents has unveiled the initial artist lineup for its inaugural Napa Valley event April 14-16.
The first round of performers includes Parker McCollum, Ty Myers, Grace Potter, George Birge, Maggie Rose, Julia Cole, Dalton Davis, Filmore, Ian Flanigan, Kylie Frey, Brett Kissel, Alex Lambert, Morgan Myles, Emily Ann Roberts, Matt Stell, Thelma & James and more, with additional artists to be announced soon.
At Backstage Access Presents, artists and industry leaders can connect outside traditional conference settings through curated live performances, shared meals, immersive experiences, and intentional downtime, breaking down barriers and encouraging relationship building across formats. The multi-format destination gathering will bring together artists and industry tastemakers for three days of intimate performances, culinary experiences, world-class wine and meaningful connections.
Additional details, including programming highlights, venue locations and future destination announcements, will be revealed in the coming months.
Stagecoach Reveals Inaugural Mustang Stage Lineup
/by Madison HahnenStagecoach has unveiled the inaugural lineup for its new Mustang Stage, taking place April 24-26 in Indio, California. The new stage will be located near the Mane entrance across from the iconic ferris.
The Red Clay Strays, Journey, and Hootie & The Blowfish will serve as headliners. Additional performers will include Counting Crows, Bush, Third Eye Blind, BigXthePlug, Treaty Oak Revival and The Wallflowers.
In addition to regular sets at the Mustang Stage, the space will also host Late Night At Mustang each night, with performances from Diplo, Pitbull and Ludacris. The Late Night series was previously hosted at the Palomino Stage.
Stagecoach will be headlined by Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Post Malone, with additional performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn and more.
72 Music Mgmt Announces Expansion, New Producer & Engineer Division
/by Lorie HollabaughJeff DeLia. Photo: Brit O’Brien
Los Angeles-based 72 Music Mgmt has expanded its team and client roster, and has also opened a new producer and engineer division.
Founded 13 years ago by manager Jeff DeLia, 72MM now grows to four managers, eight team members and 14 music clients including artists, producers and engineers, with operations in L.A., New York, Nashville, Atlanta and Austin. New artist signings include Nashville-based country/soul twins The Kentucky Gentlemen, singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza, blues artist Victor Wainwright and Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer Ross Hogarth.
72MM’s Producer & Engineer division kicks off with a cross-genre roster that includes Grammy-winner and Sinners soundtrack collaborator Boo Mitchell; Colin Linden (Nashville, John Prine, O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, Colin James); Carl Nappa (Prince, RZA, Nelly); Scott Bomar (Cyndi Lauper, Al Green, Song Sung Blue soundtrack); and artist/drummer/producer Cody Dickinson (Aaron Neville, Ana Popovic, Mavis Staples). Combined, these producers’ credited records have streamed over 12 billion times and sold 50 million records.
Gil Gastelum of Cosmica Artists joins 72MM as a Vice President and Artist Manager. He started his career as a product manager at A&M Records working with Soundgarden and Blues Traveler, going on to project-manage for legends like Smokey Robinson. Cosmica Artists was founded 20 years ago as a combined management company and record label that has propelled Latin artists like Carla Morrison, The Marias, and Gaby Moreno.
Sam Seifert of Lightnin Management has been named a Co-Manager of the Producer & Engineer division. He is the longtime Manager of Asleep at the Wheel and its leader Ray Benson. He manages several acts including co-management of Heartless Bastards with Ramseur Management.
In addition, 72MM has added Nashville-based Lanei Joy as Administrative Coordinator for the Producer & Engineer division, who currently works for Universal Music Group’s East Iris Studios. The existing team includes a full-time Day-to-Day Manager, Director of Tour Marketing and Digital Advertising staff.
“It’s a core part of the ethos of 72MM that we support community, collaboration and creativity — these are the three core pillars of what the growth of 72MM is about — and scaling up allows us to maximally serve artists and the music business at large,” says DeLia. “I’m a fan first. I’m in love with music and the transformational element of it, how it’s uplifted me and how it can affect people. When I attend a concert by one of my artists and I see that in the fans in the audience, that’s why I do what I do.
“I always dreamt of guiding a larger management company that can serve both artists and team members in their journeys,” he continues. “It was super important that I nurtured my own tools first, focused fully on managing artists and managing my boutique business. As we expand, there are two main requirements of the people we bring in onboard, either as team members or clients: 1. They are cool and 2. They do good work.”
Benny Brown Launches North Chapel Records, Signs Nathan Woodard
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): North Chapel Records’ President Benny Brown, Nathan Woodard,
North Chapel Records’ Vice President Wendy Buckner. Photo: Courtesy of North Chapel Records
Nashville executive Benny Brown has launched North Chapel Records, a division of his publishing company North Chapel Music. Focusing on faith-based music, Nathan Woodard marks the label’s first signing.
A Nashville native, Woodard began touring across the Southeast at five years old as part of The Woodard Family. As a songwriter, Woodard has earned more than 60 cuts, penning multiple No. 1 and top 10 hits across genres. He has earned cuts on three Grammy-nominated albums. Woodard is also signed to a publishing deal with North Chapel Music.
“I’m so thankful to Benny Brown and North Chapel Records for giving me my first record deal,” says Woodard. “I’m really excited for this next season, and all that God is going to do with this music. I just pray that my songs will give people hope, lift them up and encourage them through the journey of life.”
“I’ve been so blessed in my life that, at this point, I want to focus on trying to help people,” shares Brown. “A song is a powerful thing. If it captures the right person at the right time in their life, then it can completely change their life. If I’m able to reach just one person and change their life, then it’s all been worth it.”
Brown will serve as President of North Chapel Records.
Wendy Buckner has been appointed Vice President of North Chapel Records. Buckner brings more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management. Buckner will also continue in her current role as Senior Creative Director for North Chapel Music.
“Wendy has been a foundational element in the inspiration and formation of North Chapel Records,” adds Brown. “She and I share the same passion for music and helping others and the same desire to spread the word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Brown added, “I am relying on her years of experience in the entertainment business and her vast network of relationships to help guide North Chapel forward.”