Danielle Bradbery’s ‘A Special Place Tour’ Slated For February

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Danielle Bradbery. Photo: CeCe Dawson

Danielle Bradbery is kicking off her first-ever headlining “A Special Place Tour” in February.

The tour starts Feb. 23 in Indianapolis and visits New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Austin and more before wrapping April 1 in Bradbery’s hometown of Houston. Bradbery’s fan club pre-sale starts today (Jan. 3) before the public on sale on Jan. 5 at DanielleBradbery.com.

“I’m so excited to hit the road for my very first headline tour,” Bradbery shares. “I’ve built a show that I’m really proud of and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

The tour supports Bradbery’s new single “A Special Place,” which goes to country radio on Feb. 13, and has already racked up more than 2.5 million global streams. The track was penned by Maren Morris, Sasha Sloan, Shane McAnally and Jimmy Robbins.

Bradbery will also join her “Midnight Crisis” duet partner Jordan Davis on the road on select dates beginning Feb. 1 in Denver.

Chris Young, Randy Houser Among 2023 Maui Songwriters Festival Lineup

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Chris Young and Randy House; (L-R, bottom row): Mitchell Tenpenny and Natalie Grant

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and the Grand Wailea have announced the lineup for the 2023 Maui Songwriters Festival set for Jan. 15-17.

Performers for the sixth annual, three-day festival include Chris Young, Mitchell Tenpenny, Randy Houser, Kameron Marlowe, Lukas Nelson and Madeline Edwards.

VIP tickets will also include performances by Natalie Grant and Canadian composer Bernie Herms, plus a meet-and-greet with the artists. Maui’s international Ukulele sensation Derick Sebastian will also be performing. All events will be emceed by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren.

In addition to the ticketed festival, Grand Wailea will host performances at its Botero Lounge, including Maui’s own Lily Meola–winner of Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent–as well as Meghan Patrick, Ella Langley and JT Harding.

Tickets are available at mauisongwritersfestival.com or grandwailea.com. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui to support Maui’s youth.

NMPA, NSAI & DiMA End 2022 With Landmark Agreement For Phonorecords IV Proceeding

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Following an already impactful year for songwriters and music publishers, 2022 closed with the news that the Copyright Royalty Board accepted the settlement from the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) for certain mechanical streaming rates in the U.S. for the years 2023-2027.

The agreement will provide higher royalty rates for songwriters and music publishers. The headline royalty rate will be set at 15.35%, which will be phased in over the five-year term.

The deal also includes further changes, such as increases to the per-subscriber minimums and the “Total Content Costs” (TCC) calculations, which reflect the rates that services pay to record labels. The agreement also modernizes the treatment of “bundles” of products or services that include music streaming and updates how services can offer incentives to attract new subscribers into the music ecosystem.

“Starting January 1, songwriters will enjoy the highest rates in the world and the highest rates in the history of digital streaming,” shares NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “Thanks to the many songwriter advocates who worked hard to make this happen. There are still many challenges ahead to ensure that songs receive their proper value, but the future is bright.”

He adds, “This historic settlement is the result of songwriters making their voices heard. Instead of going to trial and continuing years of conflict, we instead move forward in collaboration with the highest rates ever, guaranteed. We thank the digital services for coming to the table and treating creators as business partners. Critically, since this is a percentage rate, we know that as streaming continues to grow exponentially, we will see unprecedented value of songs.”

Supported by DiMA member companies Amazon, Apple, Google, Pandora and Spotify, as well as NSAI’s Board of Directors and the NMPA Board, the new agreement ensures that all parties will benefit from and be motivated to work together to maximize the continued growth of the industry.

“This collaborative process will lead to increased songwriter compensation from digital streaming companies and locks in our historic 43.8% increase from the previous CRB proceeding,” notes NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. “Along with the upward rate momentum there are also new structures to help ensure minimum payments.”

“This agreement represents the commitment of the streaming services to bringing the best music experiences to fans and growing the streaming ecosystem to the benefit of all stakeholders, including the creative foundation of songwriting. For streaming services, this moment presents an opportunity to pursue new collaborations with publishers and songwriters in the context of economic certainty that will support continued innovation,” explains Garrett Levin, DiMA President and CEO. “Perhaps more than anything, this agreement demonstrates the potential for industry progress when parties come to the table for good faith discussions.”

The settlement in its entirety can be viewed here.

Country Grammy Honoree Anita Pointer Passes

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Anita Pointer. Photo: Courtesy of Robert K. Oermann archive

Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters passed away on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2022, at age 74.

The second oldest of the four singing sisters, she died surrounded by her family at her home in Beverly Hills, California. In The Pointer Sisters, Anita harmonized with her sisters Ruth (b. 1946), Bonnie (1950-2020) and June (1953-2006).

The Pointer Sisters are mainly remembered for a string of huge pop, soul, and disco hits such as “Jump (For My Love),” “I’m So Excited,” “Fire,” “Neutron Dance” and “Automatic.” But the group also made its mark in country music with “Fairytale,” and Anita Pointer sang a country smash as the duet partner of Earl Thomas Conley.

Anita Porter was born in Oakland, California in 1948. The Pointers’ parents were both from Arkansas, and the family made trips annually to visit grandparents there. Anita liked it there so much that she decided to to attend fifth, seventh and tenth grades in rural Arkansas. This is when she became influenced by country music.

The Pointer Sisters formed their act in 1969. Their first hit single was 1973’s “Yes We Can Can,” written by New Orleans R&B legend Allen Toussaint. Then came 1974’s “Wang Dang Doodle” written by blues titan Willie Dixon. Performances like these gave the group its reputation for reinvigorating classic American music styles.

This led to the honky-tonking sound of “Fairytale.” It was written by Anita with her sister Bonnie, and recorded in 1974 at the Quadraphonic Studios on Music Row. Because of “Fairytale,” The Pointer Sisters were embraced by the country-music community. With Anita singing lead, The Pointer Sisters staged their Grand Ole Opry debut on October 25, 1974. “Fairytale” won the 1974 Grammy Award for Best Country Group Vocal and also received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song.

Bonnie Pointer went solo in 1977, and Anita, Ruth and June continued as a trio. This was the lineup that scored 10 giant pop/dance hits in 1978-1988.

The biggest was “Slow Hand,” written by John Bettis and Michael Clark. The song’s demo was recorded on Music Row by future country star Pam Tillis in her “disco/soul-sister” voice so that the song could be pitched to a Black act. The Pointer Sisters took it to the upper reaches of both the soul and pop charts in 1981 and earned a Gold Record. In 1982, country superstar Conway Twitty brought the song back to Nashville and took it to No. 1 on the country charts.

Anita Pointer returned to the country hit parade as the duet partner of Earl Thomas Conley in 1986. Their single “Too Many Times” hit No. 2 on the charts as a country collaboration.

The Pointer Sisters earned a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. After many concert seasons with her sisters, Anita retired from performing in 2015.

No cause of death nor funeral arrangements have been announced. In a statement, her family said, “She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long….Her love of our family will live on in each of us. Heaven is a more loving, beautiful place with Anita there.”

Becky Isaacs Of The Isaacs In Recovery After Dec. 15 Car Accident

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Becky Isaacs. Photo: Courtesy of Marushka Media

Becky Isaacs of The Isaacs is recovering after being hit in a head-on, two-car collision that occurred Dec. 15 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, leaving one person dead.

Isaacs, who was traveling alone, was given immediate care by local first responders and taken to Skyline Medical Center, where it was determined that she suffered a fracture in her left tibia and three fractured ribs. She underwent surgery to insert a plate and nine screws in her right tibia and full reconstruction of her right knee.

Isaacs will be in rehab and unable to put any weight on either leg for four to six weeks.

“There are no words to express my gratitude for the outpouring of love from family, friends, the church community and the entertainment industry,” says Isaacs. “I am grateful to the first responders and to the incredible doctors, nurses and staff at Skyline Medical Center for the exceptional care that has been shown to me and my family. I am forever humbled by it all. In spite of the challenges that lay ahead, my faith is strong because I know the hand of God will not lead me where His grace will not keep me. My prayers go out to the family of the gentleman who lost his life in the accident.”

The Isaacs’ remaining December concerts were cancelled, and the band will have someone stand in for Isaacs over the duration of her recovery. The medical team predicts she will be back on stage by the end of February, depending on progress during rehabilitation.

The group is slated to tour with Reba McEntire beginning March 9 in Jacksonville, Florida.

“Becky has a long road to recovery but with the determination she has and the fighter we know her to be, we are praying for and expecting a full recovery,” the Isaacs family shares. “We know God has been with her through it all. Thank you for the love and continued prayers for her and our family.”

A GoFundMe has been established to help with medical expenses. Cards and well wishes can be sent to Becky Isaacs, P.O. Box 370, Goodlettsville, TN 37070.

Mark Your Calendar—January 2023

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Single/Track Releases

January 5
Old Dominion/Memory Lane/Arista Nashville/Sony Music Nashville

January 9
Coffey Anderson/Walk A Mile

January 17
Randy Rogers Band/Fast Car/Thirty Tigers

January 23
Jackson Dean/Fearless/Big Machine Records
Chayce Beckham/23/Wheelhouse Records

January 27
Shenandoah/Revival/8 Track Entertainment
McBride & The Ride/Marlboros & Avon

 

Album/EP Releases

January 13
Margo Price/Strays/Loma Vista Recordings
Blessing Offor/My Tribe

January 20
Hardy/The Mockingbird & The Crow/Big Loud

January 27
Elle King/Come Get Your Wife/RCA

 

Industry Events

January 30
2022 CMA Touring Awards

Canadian Country Legend Ian Tyson Passes

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Ian Tyson. Photo: Courtesy of Robert K. Oermann archive

Revered as an icon in folk, country and cowboy music, Ian Tyson died on Thursday, Dec. 29, at age 89 at his ranch in Alberta, Canada.

Tyson was a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. He was the songwriter of the country standards “Four Strong Winds” and “Someday Soon.”

The former was a 1965 top-10 hit for Bobby Bare. Among the hundreds of others who have recorded it are Hank Snow, The Browns, Bob Dylan, John Denver, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, Chad & Jeremy, Harry Belafonte, The Carter Sisters, David Houston, the Searchers, The Seekers and Neil Young. “Four Strong Winds” is considered the unofficial anthem of Alberta and was voted by CBC Radio listeners as the greatest Canadian song of all time.

“Someday Soon” was a country single for Kathy Barnes (1976) and Moe Bandy (1982) before having its biggest success as a hit for Suzy Bogguss in 1991. Among the many others who have recorded Tyson’s classic are Skeeter Davis, Judy Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Steve Forbert, The Kingston Trio, Lynn Anderson, Chris LeDoux, Glen Campbell, Judy Collins and Tanya Tucker.

The singer-songwriter was born in Victoria, British Columbia and became a rodeo rider while still in his teens. He took up the guitar while he was recuperating from a rodeo injury. Following his recovery, he hitchhiked across the continent to settle in Toronto.

In 1959, while singing on the coffeehouse circuit there and working as a commercial artist, Tyson met Ontario singer-songwriter Sylvia Fricker. They formed the folk duo Ian & Sylvia in 1961 and were the first to record his “Four Strong Winds” and “Someday Soon,” as well as her classic, “You Were On My Mind.”

Married in 1964, they issued a dozen albums and rose to folk stardom alongside Dylan, Baez, Collins, Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy Sainte Marie, Joni Mitchell and Peter, Paul & Mary, among many others. Tyson contributed “Play One More,” “So Much for Dreaming,” “Farewell to the North,” “I Learned From Leah” and other favorites to Ian & Sylvia’s records.

Bob Dylan recorded his song “One Single River” in 1967 during his “Basement Tapes” sessions with The Band. Others who have recorded Ian Tyson songs include Michael Martin Murphey, Don Williams, Flatt & Scruggs, Nanci Griffith, The Brothers Four, Bobby Darin, Trini Lopez, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Jonathan Edwards, The Chieftains, Tony Rice, George Hamilton IV, The Hagers, Ace Cannon, Harpers Bizarre and singing cowboy Don Edwards.

In 1968, Ian & Sylvia came to Music City to record their collection titled Nashville. It featured instrumental support by Jerry Reed, Pete Drake, Buddy Spicher, Harold Bradley, Norbert Putnam and more of Music City’s finest. Tyson produced many of the duo’s later albums, as well as most of his subsequent solo efforts.

The duo became major contributors to the country-rock movement by forming the band Great Speckled Bird in 1970. On the group’s three acclaimed albums, Tyson provided such memorable songs as “Summer Wages,” “Some Kind of Fool” and “Old Cheyenne.” In 1970-75, the couple broadcast on the Canadian TV series Nashville North, which he hosted.

He recorded a solo country album titled Ol’ Eon in 1974. Following their finale concerts and amicable divorce in 1975, both Ian Tyson and Sylvia Fricker Tyson pursued solo careers. So did their son, Clay Tyson (b. 1966).

Ian Tyson moved back to the Canadian West to farm, train horses and acquire a ranch. He resumed recording in 1978 with the album One Jump Ahead of the Devil, which was partly recorded in Nashville.

Old Corrals & Sagebrush (1983) was completely comprised of cowboy songs, both vintage and new. Tyson was quickly embraced by the cowboy renaissance of the early 1980s. He performed at the inaugural Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering in 1983, and he attended most of those festivals during the next 30 years.

Now identified with western music, Ian Tyson released 15 additional collections of his cowboy songs, including 1987’s Cowboyography, which won him a Juno Award in Canada. It contained his classic “Navajo Rug,” which was also recorded by Tom Russell and Jerry Jeff Walker. Among the other Tyson solo-album highlights were I Outgrew the Wagon (1993), And Stood There Amazed (1991) and Songs From the Gravel Road (2005).

He returned to Nashville to record with producer Jim Rooney for 1994’s Eighteen Inches of Rain, with producer Steve Buckingham for 1999’s Lost Herd and with producer Harry Stinson for 2009’s Yellowhead to Yellowstone.

During this “second” career, Tyson was named Male Vocalist of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association three times in the 1990s. His top-10 Canadian country hits are “Cowboy Pride” (1987), “Fifty Years Ago” (1988), “Springtime in Alberta” (1991), “Lights of Laramie” (1992) and “Alcohol in the Bloodstream” (1993).

He became the industry’s leading proponent of “cowboy culture” north of the border. Ian Tyson was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989. Ian & Sylvia were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and made Members of the Order of Canada two years later.

In 2007, he was saluted with the album The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson. Among the artists participating were Lightfoot, Russell, Corb Lund, Chris Hillman, Jennifer Warnes, Blue Rodeo and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Tyson’s autobiography, The Long Trail: My Life in the West, was published in 2010. In 2012 came Four Strong Winds: Ian & Sylvia a book by John Einarson.

Ian Tyson had been in declining health for several years, following open-heart surgery in 2015. The family will hold a closed service and has requested privacy at this time. Donations in Tyson’s memory can be made to The Ian Tyson Legacy Fund (westernfolklife.org/donate).

Rewind: MusicRow’s Top Stories Of 2022

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Taylor Swift & Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Lainey Wilson; (L-R, bottom row): Jason Aldean, Jo Dee Messina & Cole Swindell, John Esposito

2022 was an eventful year for the Nashville music business.

There were multiple shuffles at major labels, including a changing of the guard at Warner Music Nashville, which finds John Esposito transitioning to Chairman Emeritus at the top of 2023, and Ben Kline and Cris Lacy becoming Co-Presidents at the label.

The trend of catalog acquisition continued throughout 2022, with Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Lady A, Brad Paisley, and more being among the country artists who have made the big bucks off a sale.

There were multiple real estate updates in 2022. In addition to ownership changes and rumors of permanent closure for Nashville staple The Exit/In, the iconic Ernest Tubb Record Shop closed after more than 70 years of operation. On a brighter note, Garth Brooks and Eric Church announced they will open establishments on Broadway.

After playing their last show as a duo in 2022, Florida Georgia Line‘s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley signed solo record deals, with Hubbard at EMI Nashville and Kelley at Big Machine Records.

2022 was an explosive year for artists such as Lainey Wilson, who won a slew of awards, celebrated multiple No. 1 hits, and earned an acting role on the hit show Yellowstone. Other buzz-worthy artists included Zach Bryan, Tyler Hubbard, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, and more.

Cole Swindell spurred a resurgence for the great Jo Dee Messina when he interpolated her hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” His version, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” became a five-week No. 1 and created opportunities for the two to perform together.

NSAI awarded Ashley Gorley with the Songwriter of the Decade honor, as well as Taylor Swift with the Artist-Writer of the decade. CMA Fest returned to downtown Nashville, bringing in more than 80,000 estimated attendees.

The Copyright Royalty Board reached a determination of the appeal of the Phonorecords III proceedings, deciding to uphold the 15.1% headline rate increase that was determined in 2018, among other advancements in pay for songwriters.

Lauren Alaina moved to Big Loud Records. Carly Pearce signed with Starstruck Management. The GreenRoom PR ended its relationship with Jason Aldean, following an online controversy between the star’s wife and entertainer Maren Morris.

Remember these top stories and more as MusicRow rewinds through 2022 below.

Editorial note: The below top stories do not include obituaries. For a full list of 2022 Nashville-related music obituaries, click here.

Robert Earl Keen To Retire From The Road In 2022

Robert Earl Keen. Photo: Nick Doll

[January 18, 2022] Renowned singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen has announced that after Sept. 4, 2022, he will no longer be touring or giving public performances…

 

Hipgnosis Song Management Acquires Kenny Chesney Catalog

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch

[January 19, 2022] Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired a catalog from Kenny Chesney. The acquisition includes 80% of Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covering his discography from his critically acclaimed 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation…

 

TJ Martell Foundation Former Exec. VP/GM Charged With Wire Fraud Of $4 Million

[January 20, 2022] Melissa Ann Goodwin, the former Exec. VP/General Manager for the TJ Martell Foundation, has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly embezzling nearly $4 million from the charity…

 

Eric Church To Open 6-Story Lower Broadway Spot, Chief’s

Eric Church. Photo: Joe Pugliese

[January 27, 2022] Eric Church will be the next country artist with a spot on Nashville’s lower Broadway. The multi-Platinum superstar will open Chief’s in a six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, which was formerly The Cotton Eyed Joe…

 

Jay DeMarcus Announces New Label, Red Street Country, Signs Ryan Griffin As Flagship Artist

Jay DeMarcus.

[January 27, 2022] Jay DeMarcus, a member of the hit country group Rascal Flatts and CEO of the Christian label Red Street Records, announced the launch of a new country division, Red Street Country…

 

Austin Neal Launches The Neal Agency With Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, More On Roster

Austin Neal, Founder of The Neal Agency. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

[February 7, 2022] Austin Neal, a third generation country music booking agent and artist advocate, has launched The Neal Agency. Designed to be a smaller, more artist-focused organization, the eight-act company aims to create touring plans that embody and build upon each artist’s individuality. Neal’s initial roster includes Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Hardy, Ashland Craft, Ernest, Riley Green, John Morgan, and Seaforth…

 

Nashville Writers Sara Davis & Dave Pittenger Share Story Behind TikTok Mega-Hit, ‘abcdefu’ [Interview]

Dave Pittenger, Sara Davis

[February 18, 2022] Over the years, the ways in which artists are discovered has been an endless evolution. This process has been further expedited through the internet and various social media platforms. From YouTube and MySpace, to Facebook and Vine, the digital pipeline for artists has become increasingly prevalent over the last decade…

 

MusicRow’s 20th Annual CountryBreakout Award Winners 

[February 23, 2022] In place of the annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, MusicRow virtually announced the winners of the 20th annual CountryBreakout Awards…

 

Spirit Music Group Acquires 90% Of Jason Aldean’s Recorded Music Catalog

Jason Aldean

[February 24, 2022] Spirit Music Group has announced the acquisition of the recorded music catalog of multi-Platinum recording artist, Jason Aldean. The acquisition includes 90% of Aldean’s recorded music catalog and encompasses nine albums in total, including 24 No. 1 songs, 34 top 10 songs, and six RIAA certified Platinum albums…

 

Industry Toasts To Lainey Wilson’s Success At Her First No. 1 Party

Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson with her MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin, Jason Nix. Photo: CeCe Dawson

[February 24, 2022] Industry members and artists gathered for an emotional No. 1 party earlier this week when Broken Bow Records star Lainey Wilson celebrated her first chart-topper, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” The crowd filled the Melrose Billiards hall, and a slew of Wilson’s artist friends—including Ian Munsick, Ashland Craft, Meghan Patrick, Mitchell Tenpenny, and more—were there to support the young artist…

 

Five Breakthrough Country Acts Make Their Mark On CRS New Faces

Pictured: The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2020, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

[February 28, 2022] On Friday night (Feb. 25), five breakthrough country artists graced the prestigious New Faces stage to close out another Country Radio Seminar. Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has featured some of the format’s biggest acts in their early days. Each of the 2021 New Faces have had some traction at country radio, and were voted on by the industry to perform…

 

The 57th Annual ACM Award Winners

[March 7, 2022] The winners have been revealed for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. For the first time ever, Miranda Lambert was named Entertainer of the Year. This win brings her total ACM Awards count to 37, more than any artist in ACM Awards history, and qualifies her for the coveted Triple Crown Award (New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year)…

 

Matthew Hargis To Exit Big Machine Label Group

Matthew Hargis

[March 9, 2022] Matthew Hargis, Sr. VP of Promotion and Marketing at the Big Machine Label Group imprint BMLG Records, will exit the company. He has decided to leave the music business after 23 years to spend more time with his family…

 

Ernest Tubb Record Shop To Close

Ernest Tubb Record Shop

[March 11, 2022] Downtown Nashville gem, the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, will close this spring. According to a statement from Honky Tonk Circus, ETRS, and David McCormick Company, both the building and the business will be sold…

 

Nashville Well Represented At 64th Annual Grammy Awards

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Lindsey Byrnes

[April 4, 2022] Musicians, songwriters and industry professionals of all genres came together in Las Vegas Sunday night (April 3) for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah. Chris Stapleton was country music’s big winner of the evening…

 

Garth Brooks To Open New Entertainment Concept On Nashville’s Lower Broadway

Garth Brooks. Photo: Becky Fluke

[April 5, 2022] Garth Brooks has announced he will open a new entertainment concept and bar in Nashville at 411 Broadway. The country superstar will take over a 3-story, 40,000+ square foot property that he purchased in December, 2021 via 411, LLC…

 

Warner Chappell Opens The Doors To Its New Office, Welcomes Industry

Pictured: Outside the Warner Chappell Nashville office

[April 15, 2022] After extensive renovations, Warner Chappell has christened its new space at 21 Music Square East on Music Row. The two-story building includes state-of-the-art writer rooms, bright and refreshed office spaces, a swanky bar, a snack station, and plenty of gathering areas for writers and publishers…

 

John Esposito Reportedly Transitioning To Chairman Emeritus At Warner Music Nashville

John Esposito. Photo: Eric Brown

[April 19, 2022] According to reports, Warner Music Nashville’s John “Espo” Esposito will be transitioning from Chairman/CEO to Chairman Emeritus beginning in early 2023. The news was originally published by Billboard…

 

Sony Music Nashville’s Allen Brown Announces Retirement

Allen Brown. Photo: Alan Poizner

[April 21, 2022] Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP of Media and Corporate Communications, Allen Brown, has announced he will retire after 43 years in the music industry…

 

BBR Appoints Katie Kerkhover To VP Of A&R, Sara Knabe To Exit

Katie Kerkhover & Chris Poole

[May 4, 2022] BBR Music Group has promoted Katie Kerkhover to VP, A&R and Chris Poole to Sr. Director, A&R. Joining BMG in 2020, Kerkhover previously served as Sr. Director, Creative, in music publishing where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Ben Goldsmith, Emily Landis, James Slater, and Wynn Varble, among others…

 

Tyler Hubbard Signs With EMI Nashville, Plans Upcoming Solo Project

Tyler Hubbard. Photo: John Shearer

[May 4, 2022] Tyler Hubbard, half of the multi-Platinum duo Florida Georgia Line, has signed a recording contract with EMI Nashville, an imprint of UMG Nashville…

 

Kane Brown & Co-Writers Commemorate A Handful Of Firsts At ‘One Mississippi’ No. 1 Party

Pictured (L-R): Clay Bradley (BMI), Michael Giangreco (Big Loud), Ernest, Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing, Kane Brown, Stevie Frasure (Rhythm House Music), Jesse Frasure, Kent Earls (Verse 2 Music), Levon Gray, Vanna Moua (Rhythm House Music, Martha Earls (1021 Entertainment), Spencer Nohe (Warner Chappell Music), Dennis Reese (Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Steve Lowry

[May 4, 2022] Creatives and industry members gathered on the BMI rooftop once again on a sunny Monday (May 2) afternoon to celebrate Kane Brown‘s seventh No. 1 hit, “One Mississippi.” Along with co-writers Jesse Frasure, Ernest, and Levon Gray, Brown commemorated the milestone before a busy week of releasing new music on Thursday (May 5) and playing his first stadium show in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee on May 7…

 

Ashley Gorley Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Domain Capital Group

Pictured (L-R, front row): Rusty Gaston (SMP), Jon Platt (SMP), Ashley Gorley, Pete Chiappetta (Domain); (L-R, back row): Rod Riley (Domain), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb), John Rolfe (Loeb & Loeb), Cam Caldwell (SMP), Isabela Salas (Domain), Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb)

[May 10, 2022] Award-winning hit songwriter Ashley Gorley has signed a global agreement with Sony Music Publishing, in partnership with Domain Capital Group. The deal encompasses Gorley’s complete catalog of songs, as well as future compositions…

 

Keith Whitley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joe Galante To Be Inducted Into Country Music Hall Of Fame

[May 17, 2022] Keith Whitley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Joe Galante will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Whitley will be posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in the Modern Era category. Lewis was selected for induction for the Veteran Era category. Renowned Nashville label head Galante will be inducted in the Non-Performer category…

 

Country Music Community Celebrates Elle King & Miranda Lambert’s History-Making Duet

Pictured (L-R): Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Martin Johnson

[June 1, 2022] The Nashville creative community gathered last week in the BMI lobby to celebrate Elle King and Miranda Lambert‘s joyful party anthem, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home.)” The tune was written by King and Martin Johnson, and produced by Johnson and Brandon Paddock…

 

Ben Kline & Cris Lacy Upped To Co-Presidents Of WMN

Ben Kline and Cris Lacy

[June 2, 2022] Warner Music Nashville (WMN) has announced that current EVP & General Manager Ben Kline and EVP of A&R Cris Lacy have been promoted to Co-Presidents of the country division of Warner Recorded Music. Chairman & CEO John Esposito will remain in his role through the end of the year and will transition to Chairman Emeritus at the top of 2023…

 

Industry Celebrates Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris’ ‘Chasing After You,’ A Hit Many Years In The Making

Pictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris were surprised with an RIAA 2X Platinum “Chasing After You” plaque during the song’s recent No. 1 party on the BMI Nashville rooftop. (L-R): Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Jerry Flowers, Brinley Addington, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Ken Robold (Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Steve Lowry

[June 6, 2022] Nearly seven years after it was written by Jerry Flowers and Brinley Addington, the Nashville music industry gathered last Tuesday (May 31) to celebrate “Chasing After You,” the hit duet recorded by husband and wife Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris…

 

Warner Music Nashville Adds Fount Lynch As Sr. VP, Publicity; Wes Vause To Exit

Fount Lynch

[June 7, 2022] Warner Music Nashville has tapped Fount Lynch as Senior Vice President of its publicity department. The company also announced that Wes Vause will exit after eight years with WMN…

 

Meg Kehoe Named Head Of Media At Sony Music Nashville

Meg Kehoe

[June 8, 2022] Sony Music Nashville (SMN) has appointed Meg Kehoe as Head of Media. She will report to Jennifer Way (Senior Vice President, Marketing), relocate to Nashville, and start with the company on July 5. The news follows the announcement that Allen Brown, Sr. VP of Media and Corporate Communications at Sony Music Nashville, would be retiring…

 

Toby Keith Reveals Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

Toby Keith. Photo: Richard McLaren

[June 13, 2022] Country music artist Toby Keith shared on social media that he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Over the past six months the award-winning entertainer has been receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and undergoing surgery…

 

CMA Fest 2022 Takes Over Nashville, Showcases More Than 260 Acts Over Four Days

Hailey Whitters performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage in Ascend Park on Saturday, June 11. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

[June 13, 2022] CMA Fest 2022 made its triumphant return to the streets of Music City through this past weekend, bringing with it a handful of surprises, special guests, and plenty of music along the way. Ringing in the 49th edition of the festival, Nashville saw more than 80,000 estimated attendees from all 50 states and 39 foreign countries to see more than 260 acts take part in the festivities…

 

Brian Kelley Returns To Big Machine Label Group As Solo Artist

Brian Kelley & Scott Borchetta. Photo: Nick Rau

[June 15, 2022] Diamond-selling singer-songwriter Brian Kelley has returned to BMLG for the release of his future solo projects. Signed to Big Machine Records, Kelley will debut the patriotic “American Spirit” on July 1…

 

JR Schumann To Exit SiriusXM

JR Schumann

[June 23, 2022] JR Schumann will exit his role as Sr. Dir./Music Programming at SiriusXM on July 15, MusicRow has confirmed…

 

Cody Johnson Celebrates Inspirational No. 1 Hit, ”Til You Can’t’

Pictured (L-R, standing): Young Guns Publishing’s Aubrey Rupe, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Anthem’s Tim Whipperman, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton, and Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy; (L-R, seated): ASCAP writer Matthew Rogers, BMI songwriter and Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cody Johnson, BMI writer Ben Stennis. Photo: Steve Lowry

[June 24, 2022] BMI and ASCAP hosted a No. 1 celebration for Cody Johnson‘s hit single “’Til You Can’t” this week. Held at The Local, industry members gathered to celebrate Johnson and the song’s co-writers, Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers…

 

Copyright Royalty Board Upholds 15.1% Rate Increase, Reduces Some Protections

[July 1, 2022] The Copyright Royalty Board reached a determination of the appeal of the Phonorecords III proceedings today (July 1). The CRB decided to uphold the 15.1% headline rate increase that was determined in 2018, while returning the Total Content Cost (TCC) and bundle definitions to the Phonorecords II levels…

 

Carly Pearce Signs With Starstruck Management

Carly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann

[July 14, 2022] Country superstar Carly Pearce has signed with Narvel Blackstock‘s Starstruck Management, it was announced on Wednesday (July 13). With this transition, the reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year joins a roster that boasts clients such as Blake Shelton, Maggie Rose, and more…

 

Lauren Alaina Signs With Big Loud Records

Pictured (L-R): Patch Culbertson (GM/SVP, Big Loud Records), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Lauren Alaina, Trisha McClanahan (Manager, McClanahan Management), T. D. Ruth (Partner, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Stacy Blythe (SVP of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Joey Moi (Partner/Producer). Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

[July 25, 2022] Platinum hitmaker and Opry member Lauren Alaina has signed with Big Loud Records. Alaina released her album Sitting Pretty On Top of the World last September, and most recently teamed up with now labelmate Chris Lane on “Dancin’ In The Moonlight,” their reimagined version of King Harvest‘s 1973 hit…

 

Belmont University’s Doug Howard Announces Retirement

Doug Howard

[August 1, 2022] Doug Howard is retiring as dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, effective Aug. 31…

 

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces Class Of 2022

[August 2, 2022] The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) has announced its class of 2022. Shania Twain, Steve Wariner, Hillary Lindsey, Gary Nicholson and David Malloy will join the iconic 223-member Hall in October, according to an announcement made on Tuesday (Aug. 2) by Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Ford, the NaSHOF executive director…

 

Ben Vaughn Calls For Cutting More Outside Songs, And He Brings The Receipts (Opinion)

Ben Vaughn

[August 8, 2022] At three separate No. 1 parties recently, there has been a recurring sentiment made by all three artists—“I should cut more outside songs”…

 

Terry Hemmings To Exit Provident Entertainment, Holly Zabka Named President

Terry Hemmings

[August 10, 2022] Renowned music business executive Terry Hemmings will exit Provident Entertainment at the end of August. Holly Zabka will succeed Hemmings as President, reporting directly to Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville…

 

Tyler Hubbard On The Journey To Becoming A Solo Artist [Interview]

Pictured: Tyler Hubbard rehearses for first solo tour. Photo: Devin Groody

[August 19, 2022] In January of 2021, multi-Platinum duo Florida Georgia Line announced on social media that they would be releasing their own music as individuals. Though rumors swirled that the two were breaking up, the duo’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard maintained that they weren’t, but that they were exploring their creativity as solo artists…

 

BMI Reduces Workforce By Almost 10 Percent

[August 22, 2022] In an email sent to the BMI staff last week, President and CEO Mike O’Neill announced that the PRO would be reducing its total workforce by just under 10% via a headcount reduction and the decision to leave a number of current open positions unfilled…

 

34th Annual MusicRow Awards Winners

[August 30, 2022] MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 34th annual MusicRow Awards in a series of videos on all MusicRow online platforms. Now in its 34th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers, and more…

 

Landmark Agreement For Phonorecords IV Proceeding Announced

[August 31, 2022] On Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 31), the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced a landmark agreement for the Phonorecords IV Proceeding, resulting in higher mechanical rates for songwriters…

 

The GreenRoom Parts Ways With Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean. Photo: Brian Higbee

[September 1, 2022] After representing the multi-Platinum singer for 17 years, The GreenRoom publicity firm has parted ways with Jason Aldean, MusicRow has confirmed…

 

The Story Behind Cole Swindell’s New No. 1 Hit, ‘She Had Me At Heads Carolina’ [Interview]

Cole Swindell. Photo: Robby Klein

[September 14, 2022] In just 12 weeks, Cole Swindell has brought his nostalgic hit, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” to the top of the charts. It’s the Warner Music Nashville star’s 12th career No. 1 hit…

 

NSAI Honors Songwriters At Ryman Marathon

Decade honorees Taylor Swift (Songwriter-Artist of the Decade) and Ashley Gorley (Songwriter of the Decade) pictured on the red carpet. Photo: Savannah Grimm for NSAI

[September 21, 2022] The annual Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) songwriter awards honored nearly 40 writers Tuesday evening (Sept. 20) during a four-hour extravaganza staged at the Ryman Auditorium…

 

Chris Janson Signs With Big Machine Label Group

Pictured (L-R, back row): Kelly Janson, Big Machine Label Group’s Julian Raymond, Big Machine Label Group’s Megan Joyce; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Chris Janson, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Nick Rau

[September 28, 2022] Chris Janson has signed with Big Machine Label Group Records, in partnership with Janson’s Harpeth 60 Records…

 

MusicRow’s Rising Women Celebrates Community, Fellowship

MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry

[October 20, 2022] “Rising Women on the Row” is much more than an awards celebration—it is an uplifting community event that offers networking, sisterhood and inspiration. The ninth such get-together was staged by MusicRow Thursday morning (Oct. 20) at an Omni Hotel breakfast…

 

Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder Among Winners At 2022 ASCAP Country Music Awards

Corey Crowder & Ashley Gorley

[November 7, 2022] ASCAP is recognizing the writers and publishers of the genre’s most-performed songs of the past year virtually throughout the day as part of the 60th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards…

 

SESAC Celebrates A Very ‘Fancy’ 2022 Nashville Music Awards

SESAC Celebrates Song of the Year, “Fancy Like,” at the 2022 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

[November 7, 2022] SESAC celebrated its songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed country and Americana songs at the company’s annual Nashville Music Awards last night on Nov. 6. Held in person for the first time in three years, the event took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with stellar views of the downtown Nashville skyline as the backdrop…

 

BMI Celebrates 2022 Country Award Winners, Honors Toby Keith With Icon Award

Toby Keith accepts an award onstage from BMI VP of Creative Nashville, Clay Bradley and president and CEO of BMI Mike O’Neill for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

[November 9, 2022] BMI held its 2022 Country Awards Tuesday night (Nov. 8) at its Music Row location. The evening celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed country songs of the previous year, naming the Country Songwriter, Song, and Publisher of the Year. The 70th edition of the awards also honored the prolific musical career of BMI Icon Award recipient Toby Keith…

 

Dolly Parton Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Teases Upcoming Rock Album

Dolly Parton performs onstage during attends the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[November 9, 2022] Country legend Dolly Parton was officially inducted into the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (Nov. 5)…

 

The 56th CMA Awards Embraces Its Roots For A Night Of Great Music

Luke Combs accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

[November 10, 2022] The music was as rich as the fellowship Wednesday night (Nov. 9) at the 56th annual CMA Awards. Live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the winners reflected the format embracing a cornucopia of sounds—plenty of which are pretty traditional country…

 

Nashville’s Historic Exit/In To Close On Thanksgiving

Exit/In

[November 15, 2022] After 51 years, Nashville’s historic Exit/In will officially close its doors on Thanksgiving, ahead of the venue’s lease ending at the end of 2022. The restaurant attached to the building, Hurry Back, will remain open into December, but will close before year’s end…

 

Recording Academy Announces Nominees For 65th Grammy Awards

[November 15, 2022] The nominees for The 65th Grammy Awards were revealed Tuesday (Nov. 15) across all 91 categories…

 

MusicRow Reveals Next Big Thing Artists Class Of 2023

[November 30, 2022] MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists who, in 2023, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). The ninth annual NBT list features 11 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2023 Touring & Next Big Thing print issue, which releases today (Nov. 30)…

 

MusicRow Highlights The Next Generation Of Leaders With 2023 N.B.T. Industry Directory

[November 30, 2022] Rising Nashville music industry leaders have been selected for MusicRow Magazine’s 2023 N.B.T. Industry Directory…

 

Luke Bryan Earns 30th Career No. 1 With ‘Country On’ [Interview]

Luke Bryan. Photo: Robby Klein

[December 12, 2022] Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has scored his 30th No. 1 hit at country radio with “Country On” hitting the top of the Mediabase charts. The tune was written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury; produced by Jeff Stevens; co-produced by Jody Stevens; and features Sarah Buxton on background vocals…

Rewind: 2022 MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1s

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Since 2002, the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart has crowned No. 1 songs in the secondary country radio marketplace, celebrating 39 songs in 2022. MusicRow congratulates each artist, songwriter and label for their accomplishments this year.

Kane Brown is the only artist to earn three No. 1s this year. “One Mississippi” reached No. 1 in Dec. of 2021 and returned to the top the second chart week of the year. “Like I Love Country Music” remained at No. 1 for three weeks in June and July, and “Thank God” which features Brown’s wife, Katelyn Brown, peaked in December.

Luke Combs‘ “The Kind Of Love We Make” occupied the No. 1 position for four total weeks in July, August and an additional week in September.

Several artists received their first CountryBreakout No. 1s this year, including Dylan Scott (“New Truck”) Parmalee (“Take My Name”) Jackson Dean (“Don’t Come Lookin'”), Bailey Zimmerman (“Fall In Love”), and Tyler Hubbard with his first solo single (“5 Foot 9”).

The winners of the 21st annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards, which are based on radio airplay reported by stations on MusicRow’s radio panel, will be revealed on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

2022 MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1s:
Jan. 7 – “Half Of My Hometown,” Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney
Dec. 3, 2021 & Jan. 14, 2022 – “One Mississippi,” Kane Brown
Jan. 21 – “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde
Jan. 28 – “23,” Sam Hunt
Feb. 4 & March 4 – “’Til You Can’t,” Cody Johnson
Feb. 11 – “Beers On Me,” Dierks Bentley, BRELAND, HARDY
Feb. 18 – “Wild Hearts,” Keith Urban
Feb. 25 – “Best Thing Since Backroads,” Jake Owen
March 11 – “Doin’ This,” Luke Combs
March 17 – “Never Say Never,” Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson
March 25 – “Slow Down Summer,” Thomas Rhett
April 1 – “Up,” Luke Bryan
April 8 – “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” Jason Aldean
April 15 – “AA,” Walker Hayes
April 22 – “Circles Around This Town,” Maren Morris
April 29 – “Wasted On You,” Morgan Wallen
May 6 – “7500 OBO,” Tim McGraw
May 13 – “Damn Strait,” Scotty McCreery
May 27 – “Last Night Lonely,” Jon Pardi
June 3 – “New Truck,” Dylan Scott
June 10 – “Take My Name,” Parmalee
June 17 – “With A Woman You Love,” Justin Moore
June 24, July 1 & July 8 – “Like I Love Country Music,” Kane Brown
July 15 – “Ghost Story,” Carrie Underwood
July 22 – “Don’t Come Lookin’,” Jackson Dean
July 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 11 & Sept. 2 – “The Kind Of Love We Make,” Luke Combs
Aug. 19 – “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” Cole Swindell
Aug. 26 – “5 Foot 9,” Tyler Hubbard
Sept. 9, Sept. 16 & Sept. 28 – “You Proof,” Morgan Wallen
Sept. 28 & Oct. 7 – “Half Of Me,” Thomas Rhett, Riley Green
Oct. 14 – “Country On,” Luke Bryan
Oct. 21 – “Falling In Love,” Bailey Zimmerman
Oct. 28 – “Down Home,” Jimmie Allen
Nov. 4 – “That’s What Tequila Does,” Jason Aldean
Nov. 11 – “Pick Me Up,” Gabby Barrett
Nov. 18 – “What My World Spins Around,” Jordan Davis
Nov. 23 – “Gold,” Dierks Bentley
Dec. 2 – “Heart Like A Truck,” Lainey Wilson
Dec. 9 – “Thank God,” Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
Dec. 16 – “wait in the truck,” HARDY, Lainey Wilson

The Power Of Print: MusicRow Print Issues Highlight Industry Experts

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With its six annual print editions, MusicRow Magazine derives insight from our industry’s brightest minds with exclusive editorial content and print directories.

Among many executive profiles and industry-focused articles, MusicRow interviewed Warner Music Nashville’s John “Espo” Esposito, Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Principal Programmer Emily Cohen, WHY&HOW’s Bruce Kalmick, FBMM’s Duane Clark, NSAI’s Bart Herbison, Greenberg Traurig’s Jess L. Rosen, CAA’s Meredith Jones, WME’s Aaron Tannenbaum, and many more.

Follow along below as MusicRow revisits its print editions of 2022. All six MusicRow print issues detailed below are available for purchase at MusicRow.com, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Country Radio & Streaming Issue (February/March 2022)

Dustin Lynch graces the cover of the 2022 Country Radio & Streaming Issue, which includes the winners of MusicRow’s 20th Annual CountryBreakout Awards, honoring the artists who earned the most spins on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2021. The 2022 winners were Male Artist of the Year Luke Combs, Female Artist of the Year Miranda Lambert, Group/Duo of the Year Dan + Shay, Breakout Artist of the Year Priscilla Block, and Independent Artist of the Year James Robert Webb. Capitol Records Nashville was honored with Label of the Year for the 18th time, while SMACK Songs/Sony Music Publishing’s Josh Osborne was named Songwriter of the Year for the third time. This year’s Reporter of the Year was WDHR’s Jeff Meek.

Within this issue, you’ll find a profile on Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito. Also featured is a look inside Amazon Music with its Head of Country Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Principal Programmer Emily Cohen. This issue also spotlights UMG Nashville’s outlook on radio and streaming throughout the pandemic, a conversation on the dramatic increase in country collaborations, and the minds behind PickleJar. This year’s Country Radio & Streaming Issue also takes a look at secondary market radio with KZPK and KYCK’s Brook Stephens, and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

 

InCharge Issue (April/May 2022)

MusicRow‘s InCharge issue highlights some of the most influential music industry executives in the Nashville entertainment community. This year’s edition includes 381 profiles which are accompanied by contact information, career biographies, and detailed board and organizational membership affiliations. This annual guide also includes a company appendix, record label staff appendix, and a professional categories appendix, which lists executives by their areas of expertise, including label, talent agency, management, music publishing, legal, finance, performing rights organizations and more.

Multi-Platinum entertainer and country mainstay, Jason Aldean, graces its cover, which takes a deep dive into the world of the metaverse as it becomes more and more buzzworthy in our culture. Tracing the journey that its cutting-edge technology has taken so far, this article also looks ahead to potential uses pertaining specifically to the music industry and opportunities that the metaverse may offer in the years to come.

 

Artist Roster Issue (June/July 2022)

Breakout singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson graces the cover of MusicRow‘s 2022 Artist Roster issue, following her explosive year. Inside, the issue contains five company directories complete with client rosters: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, and Artist Services (Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion, and Organizations). This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in each category.

This year’s Artist Roster looks at the intersection of sports and live entertainment in Nashville. This issue also highlights Nashville’s recent investments into rock music, profiles WHY&HOW’s CEO and Founder Bruce Kalmick, and dives into some social media best practices in 2022 from Girlilla Marketing’s CEO Jennie Smythe and Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Alexander. The Artist Roster issue also gives a preview of MusicRow‘s newest weekly column “My Music Row Story,” which features notable members of the Nashville music industry.

 

MusicRow Awards Issue (August/September 2022)

The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue highlights this year’s MusicRow Awards nominees, including Producer of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and Artist of the Year. The winners were announced online in a virtual event. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards.

Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi graces the cover of the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue, which discusses the resurgence of popularity for ’90s country, tackles post-pandemic anxiety as we return to pre-pandemic life, and features an in-depth look at the ins and outs of the life of a business manager with FBMM’s Duane Clark. Additionally, this issue takes a deep dive into the recent changing of the guard in Music City’s major label publicity departments. The MusicRow Awards print issue also contains an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.

 

Publisher Issue (October/November 2022)

With dynamic duo Maddie & Tae on its cover, MusicRow‘s annual Publisher Issue includes the 2022 Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations and services available for songwriters. MusicRow also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Sony Music Publishing’s Elle King, 50 Egg Music/UMPG’s Shane Minor, Big Loud’s Jamie Moore, BMG’s Emily Landis, Boom Music Group/Warner Chappell’s Chris Tompkins and SMACK’s Josh Jenkins.

For the 2022 Publisher Issue, MusicRow brings back its State of the Union roundtable, featuring UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, Sony Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Endurance Music’s Michael Martin, Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, and Tape Room Music’s Kelly Bolton. Elsewhere, MusicRow taps veteran attorney Jess L. Rosen to explain the recent uptick in catalog sales, and offers conversations with NSAI’s Bart Herbison and Reel Muzik Werks’ Teri Nelson Carpenter. Also featured in this issue is an opinion piece from Ben Vaughn on cutting outside songs, a glimpse into Prescription Songs’ multi-genre success, and a look back at Nashville’s history of No. 1 parties.

 

Touring & Next Big Thing Issue (December 2022/January 2023)

The 2023 Touring & Next Big Thing issue includes the ninth annual Next Big Thing class of artists, consisting of Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ernest, Chapel Hart, Kylie Morgan, MacKenzie Porter, Conner Smith, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Morgan Wade, and Bailey Zimmerman. Also featured is the N.B.T. Industry Directory Class of 2023, which spotlights rising Nashville music business professionals who are having a major impact on the industry. Additionally, you can find the 2022 Touring Directory, featuring contact information for touring transportation, production and insurance companies.

Multi-Platinum country artist Trace Adkins can be seen on the cover, while inside explores the growing theme of multi-genre touring, the recent expansions of Messina Touring Group, and the re-launch of The Neal Agency. This issue also catches up with industry icon Joe Galante to look at the importance of mentorship, and discusses Taylor Swift‘s return to the road with her upcoming “The Eras Tour.” Elsewhere in this issue, MusicRow sits down with TNDV’s Nic Dugger, who shares his unwavering love for Music City and his career journey. This issue also puts a spotlight on the newly-formed Reliant Talent Agency and its founders: Steve Lassiter, Matt McGuire and Heath Baumhor.

 

Important Print Dates For 2023:

Country Radio & Streaming Issue (February/March 2023)
Space Deadline: 1/27
Camera Ready Art Deadline: 2/14
Street Date: 2/28

InCharge Issue (April/May 2023)
Space Deadline: 3/17
Camera Ready Art Deadline: 4/5\4
Street Date: 4/18

Artist Roster Issue (June/July 2023)
Space Deadline: 5/12
Camera Ready Art Deadline: 5/30
Street Date: 6/13

MusicRow Awards Issue (August/September 2023)
Space Deadline: 7/21
Camera Ready Art Deadline: 8/1
Street Date: 8/22

Publisher Issue (October/November 2023)
Space Deadline: 9/1
Camera Ready Art Deadline: 9/19
Street Date: 10/3

Touring & Next Big Thing Issue (December 2023/January 2024)
Space Deadline: 10/20
Camera Ready Art Deadline: 11/7
Street Date: 11/28