George Couri
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
As Founder of Triple 8 Management, George Couri leads a team of 31 staffers overseeing artist management, marketing, and radio promotion efforts from offices in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles.
Among the Triple 8 Management roster is Scotty McCreery, who recently notched his fifth consecutive No. 1 hit, as well as multi-Platinum group Eli Young Band, breakout star and new Sony Music Nashville signee Corey Kent, Australian-born country phenom Morgan Evans, and road warrior Pat Green, among others.
Triple 8 is also a founding partner in Triple Tigers Records, which celebrated its first eight singles reaching No. 1 and continues to have success outside of country mainstream with a variety of rock, pop, and Christian artists, as well as songwriters.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
George Couri and Scotty McCreery
What was your dream job? How did you get into the music business?
I started by writing film scores for students at USC Film School. Then I realized one day that I would rather help those more talented than me realize their potential. [That led me to] an internship at the Los Angeles offices of Arista Records, assisting the west coast regional Lori Hartigan. I was working country records to radio.
What was next?
The internship at Arista Records really solidified my path. Next I took a job in a Los Angeles management company that eventually moved to Austin, Texas. From there, I started a management company that later joined forces with a concert promoter, and that ultimately spun off to become Triple 8 Management. It is named after its founding date: August 8, 2008. Triple 8 Management was born out of wanting to serve artists better than the typical management company.
Most of the Triple 8 Management team gathered for their holiday party. Photo: Ashtin Paige
Now, Triple 8 is a 31-member team with team members in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles with a roster that includes Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, Corey Kent, Morgan Evans and more. What’s a day in the life usually like?
As you can imagine, it varies every day, however it essentially involves talking with our artists about how we grow their careers, and, in turn, talking with the team—internal and external—to make sure we are supporting the team as well. No team members are on their own to manage artists, and it takes conscious effort every day to continue to make sure that remains the case.
[I am also a] co-founder of Triple Tigers Records. We support the record label team as they continue to expand and thrive.
What is a lesson you learned early in your career?
I learned early on that artists do in fact want someone to tell them the truth. Additionally, that I want to work with artists that are willing to hear it.
George Couri, Corey Kent, Nate Towne (WME), Chris Fox (Triple 8)
When do you feel most fulfilled in your role?
I am fulfilled being in service to other people. When that service results in bringing artists and team members closer to their own dreams, I am most fulfilled.
Who are some of your mentors?
My mentors early on were the late Frank Callari, TK Kimbrell, Joey Lee, Rob Light, and most definitely Chuck Flood. They’re all friends, and I definitely listened and learned from them all.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
To remember that none of us have as much time here on earth as we think we have. Do not waste time. Handle your business and actions such that later on, you will not have regrets on how you did anything.
What is something a lot of people probably don’t know about you?
I can speak a bit of Portuguese.
George Couri with Eli Young Band and agent Brian Hill
What is one of your favorite experiences in the industry that you will share for the rest of your life?
There was a Triple 8 holiday party at our house a couple months after first signing Scotty McCreery to management. Just as the party was starting, David Crow, Scotty’s attorney, called to say Scotty was free and clear entirely of any previous recording agreements. We celebrated the freedom that comes with re-imagining what is next all night, toasting to the future we would go create!
What remains so memorable is that Scotty was absolutely on fire that entire night—he was happy, celebrating, and truly the most rowdy life of the party. It was infectious and unforgettable and absolutely set the tone for the road ahead. I still laugh when I think about things that happened that night, and it just makes his successes today even sweeter knowing they were fueled from a sense of creative freedom that remains absolutely contagious.
What are you most proud of in your career?
When the general industry consensus has been that a certain artist is not going to have success—or that a particular thing cannot be done— and then actually sometimes managing to do it. It is far more satisfying being a part of delivering that redemption or rediscovery for someone than the money that follows it ever will be. Overcoming difficult odds, not being afraid to bet on the underdog, and continuously fighting for that fuels me every day.
Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Luke Bryan, More Join ‘Nashville’s Big Bash’ For New Year’s Eve
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, and more have been added to the lineup to help Nashville ring in the New Year on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, airing live from Music City on Dec. 31 on CBS.
Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, King Calaway, Sheryl Crow, Flo-Rida, Riley Green, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Steve Miller, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and The War And Treaty have also been added to the star-studded lineup for the five-hour celebration. Featuring 50 back-to-back performances, the special will cross multiple time zones, live from the home of country music.
Previously announced superstars also performing on the special include Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, and Zac Brown Band. Artists will perform their biggest hits and perform covers of some of the most iconic country songs of all time, and collaborations will be stacked throughout the lineup. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Nashville will count down with the east coast at midnight and keep the party going through midnight CT with the city’s renowned Music Note Drop. The celebration will air live from 7- 9 p.m. CT and 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. CT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
My Music Row Story: Triple 8 Management’s George Couri
/by LB CantrellGeorge Couri
As Founder of Triple 8 Management, George Couri leads a team of 31 staffers overseeing artist management, marketing, and radio promotion efforts from offices in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles.
Among the Triple 8 Management roster is Scotty McCreery, who recently notched his fifth consecutive No. 1 hit, as well as multi-Platinum group Eli Young Band, breakout star and new Sony Music Nashville signee Corey Kent, Australian-born country phenom Morgan Evans, and road warrior Pat Green, among others.
Triple 8 is also a founding partner in Triple Tigers Records, which celebrated its first eight singles reaching No. 1 and continues to have success outside of country mainstream with a variety of rock, pop, and Christian artists, as well as songwriters.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
George Couri and Scotty McCreery
What was your dream job? How did you get into the music business?
I started by writing film scores for students at USC Film School. Then I realized one day that I would rather help those more talented than me realize their potential. [That led me to] an internship at the Los Angeles offices of Arista Records, assisting the west coast regional Lori Hartigan. I was working country records to radio.
What was next?
The internship at Arista Records really solidified my path. Next I took a job in a Los Angeles management company that eventually moved to Austin, Texas. From there, I started a management company that later joined forces with a concert promoter, and that ultimately spun off to become Triple 8 Management. It is named after its founding date: August 8, 2008. Triple 8 Management was born out of wanting to serve artists better than the typical management company.
Most of the Triple 8 Management team gathered for their holiday party. Photo: Ashtin Paige
Now, Triple 8 is a 31-member team with team members in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles with a roster that includes Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, Corey Kent, Morgan Evans and more. What’s a day in the life usually like?
As you can imagine, it varies every day, however it essentially involves talking with our artists about how we grow their careers, and, in turn, talking with the team—internal and external—to make sure we are supporting the team as well. No team members are on their own to manage artists, and it takes conscious effort every day to continue to make sure that remains the case.
[I am also a] co-founder of Triple Tigers Records. We support the record label team as they continue to expand and thrive.
What is a lesson you learned early in your career?
I learned early on that artists do in fact want someone to tell them the truth. Additionally, that I want to work with artists that are willing to hear it.
George Couri, Corey Kent, Nate Towne (WME), Chris Fox (Triple 8)
When do you feel most fulfilled in your role?
I am fulfilled being in service to other people. When that service results in bringing artists and team members closer to their own dreams, I am most fulfilled.
Who are some of your mentors?
My mentors early on were the late Frank Callari, TK Kimbrell, Joey Lee, Rob Light, and most definitely Chuck Flood. They’re all friends, and I definitely listened and learned from them all.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
To remember that none of us have as much time here on earth as we think we have. Do not waste time. Handle your business and actions such that later on, you will not have regrets on how you did anything.
What is something a lot of people probably don’t know about you?
I can speak a bit of Portuguese.
George Couri with Eli Young Band and agent Brian Hill
What is one of your favorite experiences in the industry that you will share for the rest of your life?
There was a Triple 8 holiday party at our house a couple months after first signing Scotty McCreery to management. Just as the party was starting, David Crow, Scotty’s attorney, called to say Scotty was free and clear entirely of any previous recording agreements. We celebrated the freedom that comes with re-imagining what is next all night, toasting to the future we would go create!
What remains so memorable is that Scotty was absolutely on fire that entire night—he was happy, celebrating, and truly the most rowdy life of the party. It was infectious and unforgettable and absolutely set the tone for the road ahead. I still laugh when I think about things that happened that night, and it just makes his successes today even sweeter knowing they were fueled from a sense of creative freedom that remains absolutely contagious.
What are you most proud of in your career?
When the general industry consensus has been that a certain artist is not going to have success—or that a particular thing cannot be done— and then actually sometimes managing to do it. It is far more satisfying being a part of delivering that redemption or rediscovery for someone than the money that follows it ever will be. Overcoming difficult odds, not being afraid to bet on the underdog, and continuously fighting for that fuels me every day.
Americana Music Association Announces 2023 Board Of Directors
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Americana Music Association has announced its 2023 Board of Directors.
This year’s newly-appointed board member is Lenore Kinder (Wasserman Music). Tracy Gershon (Northern Lights Music Publishing) and Kim Buie (New West Records) were also elected for a first and second term, respectively.
The 2023 Executive Committee includes President Courtney Gregg (Blue Sky Artist Management), President-Elect Bruce Warren (WXPN, Philadelphia/NPR), Treasurer Kurt Vitolo (KV Financial Group) and Secretary Lynne Sheridan (Grammy Museum). The Executive Committee’s At-Large members are Kim Buie (New West Records), Shannon Sanders (BMI/Producer) and Jody Whelan (Oh Boy Records).
Americana Music Association 2023 Board of Directors:
Kim Buie, New West Records
Emily Cohen, Amazon Music
Tressie McMillan Cottom, Author/MacArthur “Genius Grant” Award Recipient
Gail Gellman, Gellman Management
Tracy Gershon, Northern Lights Music Publishing
Brian Greenbaum, CAA
Courtney Gregg, Blue Sky Artist Management
Lenore Kinder, Wasserman Music
Mike Kopp, Kopp Management/Arts Advocate/Political Consultant
Jackie Marushka, Marushka Media
Gina Miller, MNRK Music
Mark Moffatt, Producer
Allison Russell, Artist
Shannon Sanders, BMI/Producer
Lynne Sheridan, Grammy Museum
John Strohm, Frost Brown Todd Attorneys
Kurt Vitolo, KV Financial Group
Andrea von Foerster, Firestarter Music
Bruce Warren, WXPN, Philadelphia/NPR
Megan West, Meta, Inc.
Jody Whelan, Oh Boy Records
Rachel Whitney, Spotify
Combustion Music Adds Chris McKenna To Writer Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Combustion Music President Chris Farren, Combustion Music VP Chris Van Belkom, Chris McKenna, Combustion Music GM Keithan Melton, Combustion Music Director of Operations Kelly Lyons, and Combustion Music Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan. Photo: Austin Goodloe
Combustion Music has signed songwriter Chris McKenna to an exclusive publishing deal.
McKenna moved to Nashville in 2019 and quickly built relationships with writers in town. He has garnered a number of cuts, including “Biggest T-Shirt” from Avery Anna, “After Me” released by Morgan Johnston, “Blue Eyes” from Pierre Alexander, and more.
“Chris has built a solid co-writing foundation over the first few years of his songwriting career,” notes Combustion’s Keithan Melton. “What he’s been able to accomplish on his own is highly impressive and we’re thrilled to be on board for the next chapter.”
“I’m so excited to be joining Combustion Music for my first publishing deal,” McKenna adds. “This team has put so much faith into me and quickly made me feel like a part of the family. I can’t wait to get to work and see where it goes from here!”
Keith Urban Donates $250K To Nashville-Based Charities Ahead Of The Holidays
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Carla Denham, Chief External Relations Officer; Rodney Crowell, recording artist; Urban; Tatum Allsep, Founder & Chief Executive Officer; and Shelia Shipley Biddy, COO & Certified Senior Advisor. Photo: Brennon Williamson
Before heading out on the Australian leg of “The Speed of Now Tour,” Keith Urban visited a handful of Nashville-based charities, presenting each with donations to recognize their work.
Urban poses with Nashville Food Project Staff and Volunteers. Photo: Brennon Williamson
The contributions included $50,000 to both The Nashville Food Project, which brings people together to provide food in order to alleviate hunger across the city, and Thistle Farms, which provides healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. The Music Health Alliance, who provides advocacy and access to life-saving healthcare resources for music professionals, received $100,000. An Urban family donation of $50,000 was also made to Vanderbilt Breast Cancer Research.
“Keith Urban’s contribution and passion for Music Health Alliance helps our organization, and the people who work tirelessly on our behalf, to provide funds for life-saving healthcare advocacy and resources that serve vulnerable music makers facing healthcare challenges,” says Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Alliance. “He’s always supported our community and for that we are so appreciative.”
Urban poses with Thistle Farms Staff. Photo: Brennon Williamson
“This gift from Keith Urban will help so many of our neighbors get the food they want and need,” The Nashville Food Project’s CEO C.J. Sentell adds. “With this generous donation, we can share more than 15,000 meals and provide seeds, tools, and supplies for 100 families to grow their own food in 2023. We are grateful to Keith Urban and others like him who make this work possible every day!”
“We are overcome with gratitude at this gift from Mr. Urban, which will help Thistle Farms light the way for even more women survivors of commercial sex trafficking and exploitation,” Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms, shares. “25 years ago, we pioneered a unique two-year residential program in Nashville which incorporates free, trauma-informed care and a supportive community while providing meaningful employment. This gift paves the way for the next woman on the streets who is searching for a way home to find the love and safety she deserves.”
“I have a deep-seated respect and feeling of gratitude for the work that all of these organizations do to make people’s lives more manageable,” Urban explains. “Their commitment to community, what they do for Nashville, and for others across the country, is not only inspiring, but it shows how much we can accomplish when working together.”
The donations are the result of Urban’s participation in this year’s Cantor Charity Day, during which he raised the monies donated by Cantor on his behalf. To date, Charity Day has raised over $192 million for charitable causes around the world, and since its inception the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund has raised and distributed over $369 million.
Final Voting For 65th Annual Grammy Awards Open Now
/by Lydia FarthingThe final round of voting for the 65th Grammy Awards, which determines this year’s winners, is open now until Jan. 4. Recording Academy voting members can cast their ballots here.
A historic total of 16,741 eligible entries were submitted for Grammy consideration this year with music professionals across all genres and disciplines participating in the voting process. Among the nominees are a wide range of musical genres, including dance/electronic, R&B, rap, pop, American roots, Latin and rock. Additionally, nearly half of this year’s nominees are women and more than half are people of color.
For more information about the voting process, key dates, an overview of this year’s new categories and more, visit RecordingAcademy.com. For a complete list of nominees across all 91 categories at the 65th Grammy Awards, click here. To see a list of Nashville nominees, click here.
The 65th Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5 on CBS and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Maddie & Tae Extend ‘All Song No Static Tour’ Into Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughMaddie & Tae. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Maddie & Tae will continue their headlining “All Song No Static Tour” into spring 2023 with stops in 12 additional markets, including Omaha, Detroit, Kansas, and more through April 8. Tickets for the new dates are on sale now.
The duo are wrapping a year that included the release of their two-part collection–Through The Madness Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, a CMT Music Award for Group/Duo Video of the Year, ACM and CMA Duo of the Year nominations, and more.
They are also gearing up to ring in the New Year with an appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023, performing two songs from Disneyland Resort on Saturday, Dec. 31.
Parmalee Slates ‘Take My Name Tour’ For Early 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughParmalee. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Parmalee is kicking off 2023 with their headlining “Take My Name Tour.”
The 11-date run launches in Champagne, Illinois on Feb. 2, and will visit St. Louis, Green Bay, Minneapolis, and more before wrapping April 22 in West Chester, Ohio. Tickets are available for general sale on Friday (Dec. 16).
Following a successful 2022, which included a No. 1 hit with their Platinum-certified single “Take My Name” and scoring their first American Music Award nomination, the band is excited to gear up for another year of touring nationwide.
“We’ve really been looking forward to this headlining tour! Everything we’ve built over the past couple years has been for this tour and for our fans,” the group’s Matt Thomas shares. “‘Take My Name’ has such a huge connection with folks and with all the love everyone has shown the song, we decided to name this tour run after it.”
Parmalee has taken three singles to No. 1, including 2019’s “Just The Way,” which has amassed over 500 million streams and scored an iHeart Award nomination for “Country Song of the Year.” Their new single, “Girl In Mine,” is impacting country radio now.
ACM LEVel Up Program Announces New 2023 Group Of Rising Industry Leaders
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program has announced its 2023 cohort’s members on Tuesday (Dec. 13). They also celebrated the inaugural 2022 cohort’s completion of the first year of the two-year professional development program.
Pictured (L-R, back row): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside; Jenn Tressler; Nick Coulson; Ellen Ford; Markus Koger; Sabrina Butera; Synnovea Halsel; Chantrel Reynolds; and Jade Sampson, ACM; (L-R, front row): Kaela Allen; Shelby Moran; Mackenzie Cooper; Morgan Kenney; Daniel Killian; Vanna Moua; Kortney Toney; and Tommy Moore, ACM
The ACM LEVel Up Rising Leaders curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of the country industry into new audiences.
The first year is spent learning from thought leaders across the industry, as well as collaborating to develop a proposed plan to expand country’s reach into new and underrepresented audience segments. The second sees the class implement their plan, working intentionally to shape the future and move the industry forward.
The 2023 LEVel Up cohort is comprised of established young professionals in the industry from record labels, radio stations, podcasts, management groups, and many other industry roles. Participants are typically in the mid stages of their career, primed to benefit from the professional growth and eager to serve as ambassadors for inclusivity and equity within the country industry.
ACM LEVel Up, 2023 Cohort:
ACM LEVel Up, 2022 Cohort, who have just completed the first year of the program:
Forrest Latta, Andrew Davis Promoted At Average Joes Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughAndrew Davis & Forrest Latta. Photo: Julian Mendoza
Average Joes Entertainment has promoted Forrest Latta to President of the label group, while Andrew Davis has been upped to Senior Vice President of Marketing.
An Alabama native, Latta graduated from The University of Georgia’s Music Business program. Following graduation in 2011, he joined the team as a Product Manager and eventually rose to Vice President of A&R, overseeing many of the label’s recent successful signings.
Davis joined Average Joes in 2014 as a Digital Marketing Coordinator for the label group. He eventually broadened his scope of promotional duties to the company’s other media verticals, including film and TV, after being elevated to Vice President of Marketing in 2020.
“As Average Joes continues to expand its footprint in film and television, I can’t think of more capable hands to take the reigns of the music side of the company,” shares Average Joes CEO, Shannon Houchins.
Average Joes Entertainment’s roster includes Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Bryan Martin, Josh Mirenda, Charlie Farley, Sarah Ross, Sam Grow, Austin Tolliver, Lenny Cooper, and Cypress Spring.