Cathy Gurley
Veteran Music Row publicist Cathy Gurley died suddenly on Tuesday (Jan. 20) at age 76.
During her long tenure as a music industry figure, she worked with such stars as Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart, and Gary Morris. Since 2012, she has been the CEO of You Have the Power. Founded by former Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte, this organization’s mission is to empower victims of violent crimes. Gurley also served on a number of other social-service boards.
Born in Pittsburgh, Gurley attended Wheeling College in West Virginia. She edited the school’s newspaper while working on her degree. This led to becoming a reporter at the Wheeling News-Register.
In 1974, she became the publicist for WWVA radio and co-founded its Jamboree in the Hills festival. She supervised the design, planning, promotion, publicity, and advertising of this annual event for eight years as it grew into one of the largest country-music festivals in America. In 1976, she received the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism in the radio category for “Care and Feeding of America.”
The Country Music Association’s board of directors met in Wheeling in 1982. Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador was impressed with Gurley and offered her a job.
Gurley came to Nashville in 1982 to become the Director of Public Information for the CMA. She promoted its annual TV awards show, Fan Fair (which became the CMA Music Fest), Close-Up magazine and 25th-anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.
Her jobs at the Jamboree and at the CMA put her in touch with virtually every artist, record label, manager, and booking agent in Nashville. In 1985, she launched her own firm, Gurley & Co. In addition to publicity, her company handled marketing, management, or promotion, depending on the artist. Clients eventually included Mattea, Stuart, Tucker, Morris, Connie Smith, Patty Loveless, Lynn Anderson, and Carlene Carter, among others.
When Jimmy Bowen took over Capitol/Liberty Records in 1990-95, he named her the label’s Vice President of Creative Services. Then he outsourced all of the company’s publicity functions. Gurley & Co. was hired to represent the label’s entire roster, including Brooks, Tucker, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Bogguss, Billy Dean, John Berry, Chris LeDoux, Charlie Daniels, and more than a dozen others.
Gurley became close to her mentor, Frances Preston. Among that executive’s chief interests was the cancer research underwritten by the T.J. Martell Foundation. In 1993, Gurley became one of the founding board members of the charity’s Nashville branch. She worked in 1994-2008 on its Country In the Rockies annual fund-raising events for the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Vanderbilt. After Preston’s retirement, Gurley spent many days with the late Country Music Hall of Fame member, helping her to begin a memoir.
She was selected for the 2001 Leadership Music class. In 2002, she helped to launch the Spirit of America tours. These brought entertainment to more than 100 military bases around the world and co-starred Daniels, Miranda Lambert, Billy Ray Cyrus, Aaron Tippin, Dierks Bentley, and dozens of others.
Gurley became an adjunct faculty member at both Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State (MTSU). In 2011, she joined the board of directors for the revitalized Wheeling Jamboree on WWVA in West Virginia.
During this period, Gurley became ever more active in Music City’s crime issues. She became a member of the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Sexual Offender Treatment board, the Domestic Death Review board, and ACES of Nashville.
She helped to launch Voices from the Garden, remembering the children lost to violence in Davidson County. She developed school curricula to heighten awareness of sex trafficking, delinquency among at-risk youths, and domestic violence. She also worked with Friends of Warner Park, McNeilly Center for Children, and StandUp2Cancer. In 2012, she became the CEO of You Have the Power.
Gurley was honored at the 2018 SOURCE Hall of Fame awards. These are given annually to outstanding Nashville music-business women. Brenda Lee inducted her, and Tanya Tucker participated via video.
She began experiencing gastrointestinal issues last fall. Her condition worsened and despite numerous specialists, tests, hospitalizations, and procedures, doctors were unable to diagnose her condition. She was recently hospitalized and was moved to the ICU where she passed away.
Gurley is survived by her daughter, Meagan Sullivan, five grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, six nieces and five nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church (3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212) with a reception immediately following. Donations can be made to She Should Run or the Children’s Memory Garden at Centennial Park Nashville.
Ashley Anne Signs With One Spark Entertainment
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, top row) Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law, PLLC), Victoria Powell (Gutt Law, PLLC), Trevor Perkins (PERK PR & Creative), Braeden Rountree (WME), Adam Fisher (WME) and Janelle Flint (WME). (L-R, bottom row): Craig Dunn (One Spark Entertainment), Ashley Anne, and Nicole Lewis (One Spark Entertainment).
Ashley Anne has signed a management deal with One Spark Entertainment.
The Virginia Beach native has shared stages with Avery Anna, Caylee Hammack, Charles Wesley Godwin, Tigirlily Gold and Josh Turner, among others. She released her debut project dear dolly in January 2024, followed by her sophomore project, call me when you land, the following November. She was selected for selected for Spotify’s Fresh Finds Class of 2024, and made an appearance at Spotify House on the Fresh Finds Stage during CMA Fest. Anne will release her next single, “happy birthday,” tomorrow (Jan. 23).
“They say the artist needs to be the most passionate team member for it to work, but I’m so confident Craig and Nicole are as on fire about my music as I am. I feel so blessed to hit my pillow knowing they have my best interest as a human and are continuously moving the needle as business partners,” shares Anne.
“Ashley is the kind of artist you don’t forget once you hear her,” says Craig Dunn, Founder of One Spark Entertainment. “I’ve been following her journey for the past few years, and watching her growth as both a songwriter and an artist has been incredibly exciting. She has a rare combination of instinct, voice, and perspective that sets her apart and positions her for real longevity. Artists like Ashley don’t come along every day, and we’re thrilled to partner with her to build something meaningful and lasting.”
“Ashley is the kind of artist who elevates everyone around her,” adds Nicole Lewis, Manager at One Spark Entertainment. “From day one, working together has felt natural, and that level of trust and creative synergy is rare. Her creative instincts and strong sense of identity make collaboration both inspiring and effortless. She knows who she is and where she wants to go, which makes this partnership incredibly exciting. We’re committed to helping her translate that vision into a long, impactful career.”
Music Publicist & Non-Profit Leader Cathy Gurley Passes
/by Robert K OermannCathy Gurley
Veteran Music Row publicist Cathy Gurley died suddenly on Tuesday (Jan. 20) at age 76.
During her long tenure as a music industry figure, she worked with such stars as Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart, and Gary Morris. Since 2012, she has been the CEO of You Have the Power. Founded by former Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte, this organization’s mission is to empower victims of violent crimes. Gurley also served on a number of other social-service boards.
Born in Pittsburgh, Gurley attended Wheeling College in West Virginia. She edited the school’s newspaper while working on her degree. This led to becoming a reporter at the Wheeling News-Register.
In 1974, she became the publicist for WWVA radio and co-founded its Jamboree in the Hills festival. She supervised the design, planning, promotion, publicity, and advertising of this annual event for eight years as it grew into one of the largest country-music festivals in America. In 1976, she received the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism in the radio category for “Care and Feeding of America.”
The Country Music Association’s board of directors met in Wheeling in 1982. Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador was impressed with Gurley and offered her a job.
Gurley came to Nashville in 1982 to become the Director of Public Information for the CMA. She promoted its annual TV awards show, Fan Fair (which became the CMA Music Fest), Close-Up magazine and 25th-anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.
Her jobs at the Jamboree and at the CMA put her in touch with virtually every artist, record label, manager, and booking agent in Nashville. In 1985, she launched her own firm, Gurley & Co. In addition to publicity, her company handled marketing, management, or promotion, depending on the artist. Clients eventually included Mattea, Stuart, Tucker, Morris, Connie Smith, Patty Loveless, Lynn Anderson, and Carlene Carter, among others.
When Jimmy Bowen took over Capitol/Liberty Records in 1990-95, he named her the label’s Vice President of Creative Services. Then he outsourced all of the company’s publicity functions. Gurley & Co. was hired to represent the label’s entire roster, including Brooks, Tucker, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Bogguss, Billy Dean, John Berry, Chris LeDoux, Charlie Daniels, and more than a dozen others.
Gurley became close to her mentor, Frances Preston. Among that executive’s chief interests was the cancer research underwritten by the T.J. Martell Foundation. In 1993, Gurley became one of the founding board members of the charity’s Nashville branch. She worked in 1994-2008 on its Country In the Rockies annual fund-raising events for the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Vanderbilt. After Preston’s retirement, Gurley spent many days with the late Country Music Hall of Fame member, helping her to begin a memoir.
She was selected for the 2001 Leadership Music class. In 2002, she helped to launch the Spirit of America tours. These brought entertainment to more than 100 military bases around the world and co-starred Daniels, Miranda Lambert, Billy Ray Cyrus, Aaron Tippin, Dierks Bentley, and dozens of others.
Gurley became an adjunct faculty member at both Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State (MTSU). In 2011, she joined the board of directors for the revitalized Wheeling Jamboree on WWVA in West Virginia.
During this period, Gurley became ever more active in Music City’s crime issues. She became a member of the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Sexual Offender Treatment board, the Domestic Death Review board, and ACES of Nashville.
She helped to launch Voices from the Garden, remembering the children lost to violence in Davidson County. She developed school curricula to heighten awareness of sex trafficking, delinquency among at-risk youths, and domestic violence. She also worked with Friends of Warner Park, McNeilly Center for Children, and StandUp2Cancer. In 2012, she became the CEO of You Have the Power.
Gurley was honored at the 2018 SOURCE Hall of Fame awards. These are given annually to outstanding Nashville music-business women. Brenda Lee inducted her, and Tanya Tucker participated via video.
She began experiencing gastrointestinal issues last fall. Her condition worsened and despite numerous specialists, tests, hospitalizations, and procedures, doctors were unable to diagnose her condition. She was recently hospitalized and was moved to the ICU where she passed away.
Gurley is survived by her daughter, Meagan Sullivan, five grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, six nieces and five nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church (3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212) with a reception immediately following. Donations can be made to She Should Run or the Children’s Memory Garden at Centennial Park Nashville.
Concord Reveals Investment In Giant Music, Stem To Distribute Giant Music
/by Lauryn SinkGiant Music, the independent record label founded by The Azoff Company, has announced a new global distribution partnership with Stem.
Under the agreement, Stem will serve as Giant’s worldwide distribution partner supporting the label with the infrastructure, expertise, and hands-on execution needed to scale. Giant will continue to operate independently while benefiting from Concord’s investment and Stem’s global infrastructure.
Giant’s roster spans pop, rock, and hip-hop, including platinum-selling Cash Cobain, Ruel, FendiDa Rappa, Deb Never, Empress Of and more.
“We have assembled an all-star team at Giant led by Nate Albert, Shawn Holiday, and Matt Lamotte,” says Jeffrey Azoff, CEO of Full Stop Management and COO of The Azoff Company. “Partnering with Concord and Stem takes everything to another level. This evolution of Giant Records will not only be a game changer for the artists on our roster but also the next generation of independent artists we are lucky enough to work with.”
“Giant Music is grounded in a strong foundation and guided by a clear, forward-looking vision,” shares Bob Valentine, CEO of Concord. “This investment underscores our confidence in the Giant team, its exceptional roster of artists, and our shared commitment to empowering artists with the support they need to realize their ambitions.”
“Giant is exactly the kind of partner Stem was built for,” adds Milana Lewis, CEO of Stem. “There are longstanding relationships here, and it’s always rewarding to build alongside people you respect and enjoy working with. Giant has a reputation for delivering what others can’t. We’re proud to support them as an independent partner, providing the agility and infrastructure needed to bring ambitious ideas to life.”
Luke Bryan & Friends Enjoy Plenty Of Sun, Fun & Country At 11th Annual Crash My Playa
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: AliveCoverage
Luke Bryan wrapped his 11th annual Crash My Playa experience Jan. 15-18 in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the Moon Palace Cancún featuring headlining sets from Dierks Bentley and Riley Green.
The four-day, fun-filled country fan experience also included performances from Dustin Lynch, Tucker Wetmore, Kameron Marlowe, Chase Matthew, Priscilla Block, George Birge, Josh Ross, Lauren Watkins and The Castellows. Bryan hosted two nights of headlining performances, including the iconic final night “Luke Bryan & Friends” set featuring Bryan and special guests Shenandoah and Parker McCollum as well as Bentley, Lynch, Block, Birge and Marlowe, who joined them onstage. For the 11th year, Dustin Lynch also hosted his legendary Pool Party, complete with surprise guests and high-energy performances.
“I cannot thank these fans enough for their support because they have helped us build this event over the last 11 years,” says Bryan. “It could not happen without them and it could not happen without my artist friends who keep showing up year after year to make Crash My Playa what it is. This event is a place to bring sun, fun and country music to life. I believe 2026 is going to be a great year if this is any indication on how we kick it off. Here we go!”
Aaron Lewis To Launch ‘2026 American Tour’ This Month
/by Lorie HollabaughAaron Lewis. Photo: Jim Wright
Aaron Lewis is set to kick off the first leg of his “2026 American Tour” on Jan. 22, featuring his backing band The Stateliners.
The extensive nationwide run will take Lewis coast-to-coast, with stops in Tampa, Hot Springs, Scottsdale, Reno, Houston, Tulsa, and many more, with a Nashville Ryman Auditorium date set for Feb. 27. The tour will feature fan favorites alongside new music planned for release later this year, and runs through Aug. 15. Tickets are available at aaronlewismusic.com.
The STAIND founder returned to his country roots over the past few years with the No. 1 Billboard Country Album debuts Town Line and Sinner, as well as Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Country Song debut “Am I The Only One.” His latest solo album, The Hill, is available now.
“2026 American Tour – Aaron Lewis And The Stateliners” Tour Dates:
Jan 22 – Quapaw, OK – Downstream Casino Resort
Jan 23 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
Jan 27 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center
Jan 28 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center
Jan 30 – Immokalee, FL – Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Jan 31 – Okeechobee, FL – Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino
Feb 1 – Coconut Creek, FL – Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Feb 6 – Hot Springs, AR – Oaklawn Event Center
Feb 7 – Lake Charles, LA – Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Feb 12 – Effingham, IL – Effingham Performance Center
Feb 13 – Anderson, IN – Harrah’s Hoosier Park
Feb 14 – Battle Creek, MI – FireKeepers Casino
Feb 19 – Bloomington, IL – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 20 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
Feb 21 – Ottumwa, IA – Bridge View Center
Feb 26 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
Feb 27 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Feb 28 – Lawrenceburg, IN – Hollywood Casino & Hotel
March 6 – Scottsdale, AZ – Talking Stick Resort
March 7 – Santa Fe, NM – Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
March 11 – West Wendover, NV – Peppermill Concert Hall
March 12 – West Wendover, NV – Peppermill Concert Hall
March 13 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Casino & Resort
March 14 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Theater
March 17 – Grand Junction, CO – Avalon Theatre
March 19 – Lemoore, CA – Tachi Palace Casino Resort
March 20 – Coachella, CA – Spotlight 29 Casino
March 21 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort
March 24 – Auburn, WA – Muckleshoot Casino Resort
March 25 – Auburn, WA – Muckleshoot Casino Resort
April 9 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
April 10 – Schenectady, NY – M&T Bank Center
April 11 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino
April 16 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
April 17 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort
April 18 – Oxon Hill, MD – MGM National Harbor
April 23 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino Resort
April 24 – Norman, OK – Riverwind Casino
April 25 – Poplar Bluff, MO – Black River Coliseum
May 1 – Salado, TX – Johnny’s Steaks + BBQ
May 2 – Bellville, TX – Rock The Country
June 6 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Live
June 11 – Karlstad, MN – Kick’n Up Kountry 2026
July 10 – Paoli, IN – Castle Knoll Amphitheater
July 11 – Ashland, KY – Rock The Country
July 16 – Lancaster, KY – American Music Theatre
July 18 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino
July 24 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
July 25 – Petros, TN – Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
Aug 12 – Roswell, NM – Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds
Aug 13 – Canyon, TX – The Lumberyard / Backyard
Aug 14 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas
Aug 15 – Mulvane, KS – Kansas Star Casino
Lee Brice & Randy Houser To Headline 8th Annual Daryle Singletary Keepin’ It Country Jam In February
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Brice and Randy Houser will headline the 8th annual Daryle Singletary ‘Keepin’ It Country Jam’ at The Nashville Palace Feb. 12.
The show, which is the unofficial kickoff to the National Wild Turkey Federation convention will be hosted by 90’s country comedian Cledus T. Judd, and will feature special guest performers Drew Baldridge, Billy Dean, Rhett Akins, Mo Pitney, Eric Blankenship, Duke Henry and Robert Bacon. Reserved seats are on sale now for $65, and general admission tickets are available for $35 each at outhouse tickets. A few VIP tables are still available and can be reserved at daryleVIP@gmail.com.
Many of Singletary’s friends including Jamey Johnson, Neal McCoy, Rhett Akins, Lee Greenwood, Tyler Farr, Collin Raye, Craig Campbell, Rhonda Vincent, Andy Griggs, Mark Wills, Mark Collie, and many more have graced the stage at the event over the past seven years to support the Daryle Singletary Memorial Trust.
Kenny Chesney Adds Six Sphere Shows
/by Lauryn SinkKenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney has added six shows at Las Vegas’ Sphere to his summer show schedule. Chesney is now scheduled to appear June 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27, as well as July 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11.
“Beyond how different it was, there was all the fun,” shares Chesney. “Seeing all the faces, plus all the crazy things we could do with the sound and visuals, I knew well before we finished, we were coming back and taking all of it even further. With all the work that’s going into changing up over half the show, adding more songs we might not be able to play in stadiums, pulling some surprises, five shows weren’t going to be enough…”
The Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love experiences will return this year. Package information can be found here. These dates will be Chesney’s only headlining shows this summer.
Chesney wrapped his first 15-show residency at the venue last summer.
AEG Presents Announces Promotions & Hires In Global Touring Division
/by Lorie HollabaughCaleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn
AEG Presents has announced a series of promotions and new hires in its Global Touring division. Caleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn, who previously served as Tour Directors, have been elevated to Senior Tour Directors. They are both based in Nashville, with Merrell reporting to SVP of Production & Direct Support Jonathan Baden, and Hilburn reporting to SVP of Touring Jenny Heifetz Henault.
Previously a tour marketer at Live Nation, Ryan Erickson joins AEG Presents as Senior Director of Marketing. Former Paramount Senior Project Manager Emily Harenza has joined as Director, Digital Marketing. Erickson will be based in L.A. and Harenza will be based in the AEG Presents New York office.
“Laurel and Caleb have played integral roles in our touring operation, and we’re proud to promote them to Senior Directors,” says President of Global Touring at AEG Presents Rich Schaefer. “We’re equally excited to welcome Ryan and Emily’s expertise to the marketing team, a group that continuously innovates in service of our artists and their tours.”
As Senior Tour Directors, Merrell will take on additional responsibilities to help create synergy with the AEG operations team in the office and on the road, and Hilburn will serve as a resource for the operations team both within the office as well as for the team on the road to develop better systems and processes as they continue to grow.
Industry Ink: Jamey Johnson & Megan Moroney, Willie Cole, Craig Morgan, More
/by Lorie HollabaughJamey Johnson & Megan Moroney Raise $315K For Charities At MOJO Show In Birmingham
Megan Moroney and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Joe Cash
Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney‘s one-night-only acoustic MOJO show at The Social at the Fennec in Birmingham raised $315,000 for their respective charities. Over 250 people gathered to enjoyed the special evening, including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his wife Elee, songwriters Rob Hatch and Jeremy Popoff, and several state senators and representatives. Hosted by radio personality Storme Warren of The Big 615, the special night benefited Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation as well as The Megan Moroney Foundation and was a blend of humor and humility, with both songwriters sharing the stories behind their biggest hits. Powerful moments during the evening included the two uniting their voices on Don Williams’ hit “Till the Rivers All Run Dry,” and John Prine’s iconic song, “Angel from Montgomery,” which mentions Johnson’s hometown.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening of ‘Willie Cole: Old School’ Exhibit
Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow and Willie Cole at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of “Willie Cole: Old School” last week, an exhibit showcasing new works by the American sculptor and printmaker. The exhibition is free and open to the public through March 13 and offers a new series of seven chalkboard paintings featuring one topical word and multiple acronyms created from the artist’s thoughts and inspirations on the word, including “Dixie,” “Hate” and “Love.” The exhibit includes Cole’s largest chalkboard painting, inspired by the word “Patriot.” In addition to this new group of paintings, the gallery presents a series of rarely seen artist studies, created over more than three decades, in which Cole develops his acronyms for larger works.
Craig Morgan Promoted To Chief Warrant Officer 2 In Army Reserve
Craig Morgan, Karen Greer (wife of Craig Morgan) and Pete Hegseth. Photo: DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
Country star and soldier Craig Morgan was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve on Jan. 15 at The Pentagon with Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth officiating. Morgan is nearing two decades of service to our nation, having previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, and he returned to service when he was sworn-in to the Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29, 2023.
Maggie Coyle Promoted To Publicist At Milestone Collective
Maggie Coyle. Photo: Courtesy of Milestone Collective
Maggie Coyle has been promoted to Publicist at Milestone Collective. The Belmont graduate initially joined Milestone as an intern in 2024, and quickly rose to Associate Publicist. She has since further sharpened her public relations skills working on campaigns across the firm’s diverse roster of artists.
“Since day one, Maggie joined the team with a drive to learn and become a sharp publicist, and she’s done just that,” says Mike Gowen, the company’s founder and CEO. “We’re proud to have her as part of our team and excited to watch her continue to grow as a publicist while building a strong reputation within the music industry.”
Nashville Business Journal Recognizes Derrek Kupish
Derrek Kupish
Nashville Business Journal has named Derrek Kupish as one of its 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. Kupish stands out as a creative force in the highly competitive entertainment industry and is recognized alongside doctors, lawyers, CEOs and business leaders across the Nashville community in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.
“It’s a hustle being a self-employed entrepreneur—overseeing brand and image, managing artists, directing music videos, and capturing album covers and movie marquees isn’t a traditional path,” Kupish shared. “But it’s one I’m incredibly proud of.” On his most challenging days, Kupish draws inspiration from the late Naomi Judd, who once told him, “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”
Randy Rich Opens Get Rich Trying Publishing With John Major As First Signing
Pictured (front): John Major; (back, L-R): Preshias Harris and Randy Rich
Randy Rich has launched a new publishing company, Get Rich Trying. As its first initiative, the company has signed rising country artist and songwriter John Major to an exclusive songwriting deal. He launched his career in 2023, and has a catalog featuring more than 2,500 original songs. His singles “Backwoods Outlaw” and “Callus On A Heart” are currently on 80 stations nationwide, and Major is currently in the studio putting finishing touches on new material scheduled for release later this year.
Premiere Networks Launches New Married To The Music Podcast
Premiere Networks is launching a new podcast, Married to the Music, hosted by Nashville-based iHeartMedia/Premiere Networks producer and country music reporter Hanley Riggs. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the program will debut Feb. 13, with iHeartPodcasts. Married to the Music takes listeners behind the scenes and into the lives of country artists and their spouses.
From navigating parenthood and relationships to balancing personal dreams while supporting a partner’s career, Riggs and her guests explore the realities of being a country artist’s significant other. Through intimate stories, candid conversations and real-life experiences, the podcast humanizes the lives of country stars and offers a fresh perspective on love, family and life in the music industry. The debut episode features an interview with Sara Brice, and future guests include Meghan Patrick, Kristen Brust, Hally Williams Cooper, Hannah Ellis & Nick Wayne, Peyton Niemann and others.
Scarhaven Inks With Riser House Rock
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Jim Kaufman (Producer/A&R), Sofia Barbetta (Digital Marketing/Product Manager), Megan Shultz (Label Manager, Riser House), Jason Martin (President, Riser House Rock), Jennifer Johnson (President, Riser House Entertainment), Brandon Perdue (SVP A&R and Publishing, Riser House Entertainment) and Matt Leone (Artist Manager); (L-R, bottom row): Michael “Shap” Shapira (Scarhaven), Matt Kilroy (Scarhaven), Jared Edson (Scarhaven) and Michael Saint (Scarhaven). Photo: Shannon Bradley
Grunge band Scarhaven has signed with Riser House Rock.
The band is comprised of Michael “Shap” Shapira, Matt Kilroy, Jared Edson and Michael Saint. Scarhaven’s sound draws from the spirit of classic grunge while forging a unique identity of its own marked by thunderous guitars, dynamic vocals and unapologetic authenticity.
“After seeing the band in their hometown of New York open for Return to Dust, I knew on the spot they had to become part of the RHR family,” says Jason Martin, President of Riser House Rock.
“Scarhaven is a modern grunge band with real weight and conviction, channeling the dark intensity of bands like Soundgarden while carving out a sound that’s unmistakably their own,” adds Jennifer Johnson, Co-President of Riser House Rock. “Michael’s vocal transformation is undeniable—powerful, dynamic, and emotionally charged—and it’s taken the band to another level. At Riser House this is exactly the kind of rock artist we’re proud to stand behind.”
“The gut-wrenching, unapologetically loud guitar rock that we grew up on (Nirvana, Soundgarden) has been buried under trends and playlists,” shares Scarhaven. “Scarhaven was looking for a label willing to bet on its ferocious return. We are honored to have found it with Jason Martin and Riser House Records.”