Michael Knox. Photo: Haley Crow
Michael Knox has been promoted to President of Peermusic Nashville, expanding his role from Sr. VP. Knox will continue to report Peermusic President & Chief Operating Officer, Kathy Spanberger.
Under Knox’s guidance, Peermusic Nashville has celebrated the 2016 SESAC Country Song of the Year with Dierks Bentley‘s “Somewhere on a Beach,” co-written by Michael Tyler and Jaron Boyer, and the 2013 ASCAP Song of the Year with Randy Houser‘s “How Country Feels,” co-written by Neil Thrasher and Vicky McGehee. Recent highlights for the company include Jason Aldean‘s “Rearview Town,” “Got What I Got” and “Blame It On You;” Jon Pardi‘s “Ain’t Always The Cowboy;” Cole Swindell‘s “Love You Too Late;” Riley Green‘s “There Was This Girl;” and Dustin Lynch‘s “Hell of a Night.”
“In the 12 years that he has been with Peermusic, Michael Knox has distinctively guided our Nashville office song by song, hit by hit, resulting in major impact for our roster of songwriters,” shares Spanberger. “Knox is one of the most prolific publishers and music producers in Nashville with an extraordinary amount of production credits to his name, but it’s his thoughtful approach, quick humor, and devotion to our music creators that really draws people to want to build their careers with Peermusic Nashville. Knox is delivering career-making opportunities for our writers.”
“For over 94 years, the Peers have been widely considered the first family of country music publishing with a history of delivering ‘firsts’ in the industry,” Knox notes. “I jumped at the invitation to be a part of this this publishing team 12 years ago and to work alongside some of the best and most trusted music publishers in the business. The important legacy that we’re building upon here in Nashville, our commitment to continue delivering ‘firsts’ for songwriters, and the genuine connections we have with our Peermusic writers is something that I’m flat-out proud to be a part of. I’m thankful to Kathy, Mary Megan Peer, Ralph Peer II, and our Peermusic team for this opportunity.”
In addition to his success as a publisher, Knox is also a hit producer with 28 No. 1 songs under his belt. His production credits includes songs and albums for Thomas Rhett, Trace Adkins, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Luke Bryan & Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Thompson, Randy Owen, Frankie Ballard, Hank Williams Jr., Clay Walker, Tim Montana, and more. He has celebrated a myriad of hit albums and songs alongside frequent collaborator Aldean.
Knox is also a record label executive with a Music Knox Records—imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG—and serves as both host and producer of the United Stations nationally syndicated radio show Knox Country 360. Earlier this year, Knox was selected by the Academy of Country Music as a first-time nominee for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year along with his co-host Shalacy Griffin.
CMT’s Next Women Of Country To Honor Loretta Lynn With Special Showcase
/by Lorie HollabaughCMT and City Winery Nashville have unveiled the lineup for the final “Next Women of Country” showcase of the year. Set for Nov. 8, the evening will pay tribute to the legendary Loretta Lynn.
“CMT Next Women of Country: Celebrating the Songs of Loretta Lynn, presented by CMT Night Out Nashville and Change The Conversation” will celebrate the late icon’s catalog. The night will feature performances from a special group of female artists, including Bowen + Young, Brooke Eden, Caylee Hammack, Erin Enderlin, Miko Marks, Sacha, Stephanie Quayle and Tiera Kennedy.
CMT’s Leslie Fram and Wendy Moten will co-host the third CMT Night Out Nashville showcase, and Moten will also perform. Tickets are on-sale now at citywinery.com/nashville.
The November showcase follows previously held “Next Women of Country” events in August and September, which included performances from Jessie James Decker, Callista Clark, Hannah Dasher, Lily Rose, Reyna Roberts, Tenille Arts, Rissi Palmer, Ashland Craft, Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade, and more.
CMT first launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 as an effort to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned. Having named 95 female acts to the program, the initiative has grown since its inception, showcasing emerging female artists across all CMT screens, and extending into seven national tours.
Luke Bryan Signs On As Global Ambassador For MusicianStaX
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Kline
Luke Bryan has joined the VirtualStaX team as a Global Ambassador for MusicianStaX.
StaX allows people to list themselves on the Global StaX Exchange, creating a new income stream while sharing success with their fans. From rising stars to superstars, fans can own, collect and trade StaX of their favorite actors, athletes, musicians, artists and more on the VirtualStaX Exchange platform.
Through VirtualStaX, Bryan will be able to give back to his fans in a new way while continuing his passion for discovering, supporting, and guiding aspiring musicians. As the value of his StaX grow, his fans will be able to sell their StaX or hold on to them for access to unique experiences and benefits. Bryan’s fans will also be able to join in discovering talent on the VirtualStaX platform.
“I believe the VirtualStaX platform will provide a way for young musicians to build strong support systems early in their own journey to help fund their careers and achieve their dreams,” Bryan explains.
“Luke’s work ethic, love for music and his heart for people makes him the perfect Global Ambassador for MusicianStaX. We are thrilled to work with Luke as we offer both established and up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to unlock a new stream of income and showcase their talent on the global stage,” says CEO and Founder Rudolf Markgraaff.
Bryan’s StaX Auction will kick off towards the end of the year. He joins a lineup of StaX Ambassadors, which includes Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, and others.
Miranda Lambert Adds A Festive Flare To Her Wanda June Home Collection
/by Lydia FarthingMiranda Lambert. Photo: Emily Dorio
Miranda Lambert has added some holiday cheer to her Wanda June Home collection, available exclusively at Walmart.
Wanda June Home by Miranda Lambert
The collection’s initial launch saw several items sell out immediately. Offering more than 80 kitchen, bar, tabletop and home décor items, the full Wanda June Home collection is designed to mix, match and collect, with tabletop essentials inspired by Lambert’s take on Southern charm. To shop the full collection, click here.
“Wanda June Home is named after the two most influential women in my life, my mom Beverly June Lambert and my grandma Wanda Louise Coker, a.k.a. Nonny. They both taught me everything I know about being a woman and how to make a warm home full of laughter, love and memories,” shares the 3x Grammy winner. “That’s really the heart of my Wanda June Home brand, so we’re excited to expand the line with these new items. Some of my favorite family memories growing up were centered around the holidays and everyone coming together to celebrate. I hope that these items help fans make their own holiday memories this year!”
Lambert’s latest album, Palomino, arrived as the largest female country album debut of 2022. Shortly after, she was crowned the ACM Entertainer of the Year, adding to her tally as the most awarded artist in ACM history. She recently kicked off her “Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas Residency,” with shows scheduled through April 2023.
Wanda June Home by Miranda Lambert
‘American Idol’ Alum HunterGirl Signs With 19 Recordings/BMG
/by Lydia FarthingHunterGirl. Photo: Easton Schirra
American Idol Season 20 runner-up, HunterGirl, has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/BMG.
HunterGirl will release her debut single on the label, “Hometown Out Of Me,” this Friday (Oct. 21). Written with Laura Veltz and producer Jimmy Robbins, the personal song serves as a thank you letter to HunterGirl’s hometown of Winchester, Tennessee.
HunterGirl has been performing and writing songs since she was a child, and in her early teens performed at venues across the U.S. Along the way, she competed in singing competitions, including the 2014 Texaco Country Showdown which she won. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville and started playing gigs at Nashville’s most famous venues while as winning songwriting contests such as Nash Next and Nashville Songwriter Association International.
Sharing the stage with acts such as Old Dominion, FGL, Kane Brown, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans and, most recently, Justin Moore and Tracey Lawrence, HunterGirl will kick off her co-headlining tour with American Idol Season 20 winner Noah Thompson on Oct. 27 in Columbus, Ohio.
Zach Bryan Notches Platinum & Gold Certifications
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan. Photo: Rachael Polack
Zach Bryan has made quite the splash in 2022 and now he has the bling to prove it.
The Oklahoma native’s breakthrough smash hit, “Something In The Orange,” has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA, and his Warner Records debut album, American Heartbreak, has been certified Gold less than six months from its release.
The 26-year-old Navy veteran followed American Heartbreak with the 9-track EP, Summertime Blues, as well as a handful of singles, such as “Til Brooklyn,” “Burn, Burn, Burn” and most recently “Starved.” Summertime Blues debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, No. 2 on the Top Americana/Folk Albums list, No. 4 on the Top Rock Albums chart and No. 4 on Top Rock & Alternative Albums.
Bryan now boasts over 2.4 billion career streams and an entirely sold-out headlining tour with upcoming stops in San Fransisco, Seattle, Denver and more before wrapping up at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Nov. 3. For a full list of upcoming shows, click here.
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Wraps Successful 2022 Season
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMI singer-songwriters Tiera Kennedy, Callista Clark, and Julia Cole. Photo: Nathan Zucker
BMI wrapped its 2022 season of its Rooftop on the Row series on Tuesday night (Oct. 18) in Nashville with a trio of ladies who brought some heat to the cold evening air.
Apple Music’s Country Riser member Julia Cole kicked off the evening with her songs “Side Piece” and “Best Worst Ex.” She also surprised the audience by bringing Nashville and Outer Banks actor and singer Charles Esten to the stage to perform their duet “Worst Day.”
CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2022 member Callista Clark took the stage next, performing several tracks from her debut album, Real To Me: The Way I Feel. The 18-year-old singer-songwriter offered up “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” “Gave It Back Broken” and more during her set.
Tiera Kennedy wrapped the evening as the final act of BMI’s Rooftop on the Row for the 2022 season. Teen Vogue’s Artist To Watch performed her latest singles for the crowd, including “Found It In You,” “Alabama Nights” and “Miles.” Kennedy is also a radio host on Apple Music Country’s The Tiera Show.
The Rooftop on the Row series will continue in June 2023 with another all-star lineup.
Sophia Sansone & Jarrod Holley Upped To Managing Partners At Make Wake Artists
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Sophia Sansone, Chris Kappy & Jarrod Holley
Make Wake Artists’ (MWA) Founder, Chris Kappy, has elevated Sophia Sansone and Jarrod Holley to Managing Partners of the artist management company. Kappy launched the company in 2015 when he began managing then up-and-coming country music artist Luke Combs.
Sansone was one of MWA’s first hires as Kappy’s assistant. She was quickly promoted to Combs’ day-to-day manager and now also manages his wife, Nicole. Throughout her time at the company, she has been named to The Nashville Briefing‘s 30 Under 30 Industry List in 2021, and was featured in MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 NBT List.
“I’ve worked alongside Kappy for five years at Make Wake and have learned what I know in the industry from him and the great team he has built,” Sansone shares. “I truly appreciate that he has entrusted the role of Managing Partner to Jarrod and me. I am so excited for this next chapter of the Make Wake family!”
Holley, who’s lead A&R and all new artist conversations over the last few years, has overseen the doubling of MWA’s roster, adding Niko Moon, Flatland Cavalry, Hailey Whitters, Drew Parker, and Brent Cobb. In 2019, he joined the team as a manager for Drew Parker and Jackie Lee. Holley’s latest additions include breakout artist Cooper Alan and alt-country singer-songwriter Colby Acuff.
“Make Wake has felt like a tight knit family to me since I first stepped foot in the office,“ Holley adds. “Playing a small part in the growth and strategy over the years has been an absolute thrill. I look forward to adding to the success of our talented roster and team!”
Fourteenth Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum To Honor Kay West
/by Lorie HollabaughKay West
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor writer and industry member Kay West at its 14th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum on Nov. 15 in the museum’s Ford Theater. During the event, the museum’s Michael McCall will chat with West about her 40 years in media in Nashville and on Music Row.
As a journalist, West has been a regular contributor to People and TV Guide magazines and a staff writer at the daily Nashville Banner and weekly Nashville Scene newspapers. Her books include How to Raise a Lady and How to Raise a Gentleman and the cookbook Around the Opry Table. Her resume includes positions as a record company media director (MCA, RCA), an independent publicist (Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson and George Strait) and an event and project manager for non-profits and politicians.
She has also volunteered her time in support of local political causes and charitable organizations, including Women for Tennessee’s Future, Nashville CARES, Magdalene/Thistle Farms and more.
“This annual forum, begun in 2007, recognizes industry professionals who continue the legacy of Louise Scruggs, a formidable businesswoman and music industry trailblazer,” explains Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Kay West, with her longstanding passion for storytelling and her extensive media connections, helped further elevate Nashville and its musical reputation. Her impressive body of work as a writer and her ability to shine a spotlight on Nashville to the national media is a direct reflection of the dedication and spirit Louise Scruggs embodied.”
Scruggs (1927-2006) was married to Country Music Hall of Fame member and banjo great Earl Scruggs. In the mid-1950s, she began booking and managing Flatt & Scruggs and their band, The Foggy Mountain Boys. She was the first woman in country music to assume these roles, and guided her husband’s career for half a century.
The Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum was first presented in 2007, and past honorees include Kay Clary, Bebe Evans, Bonnie Garner, Dixie Hall, Cindy Mabe, Mary Martin, Bev Paul, Nancy Shapiro, Denise Stiff, Liz Thiels, Traci Thomas, Sarah Trahern, Marcie Allen Van Mol and Jo Walker-Meador.
Luke Combs’ Upcoming World Tour Breaks Records, Sells Out 37 Of 39 Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs has instantly sold out 37 of the 39 shows on his upcoming “World Tour,” including all 16 of the North American stadium dates, as well as four new shows added in London, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
The tour has broken multiple records, including the fastest sell-outs ever at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, St. Louis’ Busch Stadium, and the fastest sell-out by a first-time Gillette Stadium performer in any genre.
Combs’ worldwide trek also ranks as one of the fastest-selling arena tours ever by a country artist in the UK, and he is the first international artist to sell-out an Australian and New Zealand tour, which he did within hours.
The tour is just the latest milestone for Combs, who recently achieved his record-breaking 14th-consecutive No. 1 with “The Kind of Love We Make,” which also reached No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. Combs is also nominated for three CMA awards–Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for his new record, Growin’ Up.
The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and follows 2019’s 3x Platinum What You See is What You Get and his 4x Platinum debut, This One’s For You.
Michael Knox Named President Of Peermusic Nashville
/by LB CantrellMichael Knox. Photo: Haley Crow
Michael Knox has been promoted to President of Peermusic Nashville, expanding his role from Sr. VP. Knox will continue to report Peermusic President & Chief Operating Officer, Kathy Spanberger.
Under Knox’s guidance, Peermusic Nashville has celebrated the 2016 SESAC Country Song of the Year with Dierks Bentley‘s “Somewhere on a Beach,” co-written by Michael Tyler and Jaron Boyer, and the 2013 ASCAP Song of the Year with Randy Houser‘s “How Country Feels,” co-written by Neil Thrasher and Vicky McGehee. Recent highlights for the company include Jason Aldean‘s “Rearview Town,” “Got What I Got” and “Blame It On You;” Jon Pardi‘s “Ain’t Always The Cowboy;” Cole Swindell‘s “Love You Too Late;” Riley Green‘s “There Was This Girl;” and Dustin Lynch‘s “Hell of a Night.”
“In the 12 years that he has been with Peermusic, Michael Knox has distinctively guided our Nashville office song by song, hit by hit, resulting in major impact for our roster of songwriters,” shares Spanberger. “Knox is one of the most prolific publishers and music producers in Nashville with an extraordinary amount of production credits to his name, but it’s his thoughtful approach, quick humor, and devotion to our music creators that really draws people to want to build their careers with Peermusic Nashville. Knox is delivering career-making opportunities for our writers.”
“For over 94 years, the Peers have been widely considered the first family of country music publishing with a history of delivering ‘firsts’ in the industry,” Knox notes. “I jumped at the invitation to be a part of this this publishing team 12 years ago and to work alongside some of the best and most trusted music publishers in the business. The important legacy that we’re building upon here in Nashville, our commitment to continue delivering ‘firsts’ for songwriters, and the genuine connections we have with our Peermusic writers is something that I’m flat-out proud to be a part of. I’m thankful to Kathy, Mary Megan Peer, Ralph Peer II, and our Peermusic team for this opportunity.”
In addition to his success as a publisher, Knox is also a hit producer with 28 No. 1 songs under his belt. His production credits includes songs and albums for Thomas Rhett, Trace Adkins, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Luke Bryan & Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Thompson, Randy Owen, Frankie Ballard, Hank Williams Jr., Clay Walker, Tim Montana, and more. He has celebrated a myriad of hit albums and songs alongside frequent collaborator Aldean.
Knox is also a record label executive with a Music Knox Records—imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG—and serves as both host and producer of the United Stations nationally syndicated radio show Knox Country 360. Earlier this year, Knox was selected by the Academy of Country Music as a first-time nominee for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year along with his co-host Shalacy Griffin.