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
Chapter 658
“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. More than 560 attendees packed the venue’s largest ballroom. They came because it is the rare Nashville music-biz event that is unpretentious, authentic and downright joyous.
Featured speaker Cris Lacy. Photo: Steve Lowry
“My wish today is that you’ll leave here with more than you arrived with,” said host Sherod Robertson. “I hope you feel inspired. I hope you feel loved. I hope you feel connected. I hope you feel supported.”
All of those boxes were checked by the women in the event’s spotlight. Each honoree offered words of encouragement and empowerment.
“There have been many mentors along the way,” said FBBM business manager Jen Conger. “Numbers is my jam,” she added, citing the statistics of gender pay inequality that continue to exist in the music business.
“I’ve dreamed of being up here,” said BBR Records VP JoJamie Hahr. “You can make anything happen if you work hard.”
“This award might have my name on it, but it truly belongs to the people in this room…who believed in me,” said City National Bank’s Mandy Gallagher Morrison.
“I truly believe none of us in this industry rises without each other,” added Universal Music Publishing VP Missy Roberts.
“I love so much the people in this room,” said Girlilla Marketing CEO Jennie Smythe. “I love MusicRow, and I’m thankful that we get together in person,” she added, referring to the pandemic that has stalled this event since 2019 (this year’s honorees were actually announced in 2020).
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson with the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry
“I love Nashville; I love this business,” Smythe continued. “I stand before you as a four-year survivor of breast cancer. Today is a reminder: Make the appointment. Take care of your health…..Lift up as many young women as you can.”
“We don’t get to stand up here without a lot of support from a lot of people,” echoed UMG Nashville VP Stephanie Wright. “I’m thankful to have learned from you. It is a privilege and an honor to work in this business, and I don’t take it lightly.”
The event began with more words of inspiration from featured speaker Cris Lacy, the Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. During a Q&A with Robertson she was characteristically straightforward, articulate and honest.
“Don’t put anybody above you, and don’t put anybody below you,” Lacy advised. “We’re all humans. We’re all equal.” She addressed sexual harassment, the care-giving demanded of women and the self-doubts that plague all female achievers. “Thank you for this event,” she said to Robertson. “It is inspiring to a lot of us.” Lacy was an honoree in 2016. Her remarks drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
The at capacity crowd included a who’s-who of the Music Row community. It was notably attended by throngs of young women making their way into the industry, as well as a number of prior honorees. It was a fiesta of schmoozing, love and hugs.
Shannan Hatch, Sherri Spoltore, Diane Pearson, Whiney Daane, Tiffany Dunn, Troy Tomlinson, Scott Hendricks, Mike Dungan, Julie Boos, Ree Guyer, Jon Loba, Chris Oglesby, Rod Essig, Judi Turner, Jimmy Wheeler, David Crow, Lori Badgett, Tom Luteran, Steve Lowery, Liz Hengber, Leslie DiPiero, Lou Taylor, Pam Matthews and Jackie Marushka worked the room with abandon.
Many fabulous guests were seated at tables sponsored by CAA, Black River, Curb, Cake Maker, Given, BMG, Warner, UMG, UMPG, WME, River House, Hipgnosis, Red Street, Wasserman Music, IEBA, The AMG, Red Light, FSM, MAMBA, BMI, Huskins-Harris, Sony Music Publishing, G Major, 117 Entertainment, The Mechanical Licensing Collective and Song Sufragettes.
The delicious and hearty breakfast featured cheesy hash browns, sausage balls, smoked bacon, biscuits, fresh fruit, flavored yogurt, creamy scrambled eggs and assorted coffees, teas and juices.
Presenting sponsors for this year’s “Rising Women on the Row” were City National Bank (which has been on board since day one), Loeb & Loeb, and the Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jen Conger. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Mandy Gallagher Morrison. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jennie Smythe. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Stephanie Wright. Photo: Steve Lowry
Thomas Rhett Says ‘Merry Christmas Y’all’ With New Holiday Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett is getting into the Christmas spirit a little early with the release of his first-ever Christmas collection, Merry Christmas, Y’all, out now via The Valory Music Co.
Rhett puts his spin on four holiday favorites on the mini-EP, including “Winter Wonderland,” “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
“I love everything about Christmas–there’s nothing like the holiday season,” Rhett shares. “I wanted to record some of the Christmas songs that my family and I enjoy every year. I hope this music gets everyone in the holiday spirit!”
Rhett’s latest single “Half of Me” featuring Riley Green, from his sixth studio album Where We Started, is currently top 5-bound at country radio, and he recently extended his “Bring The Bar To You Tour” into 2023.
Merry Christmas, Y’all Track List:
1. “Winter Wonderland”
2. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
4. “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas”
Brian Kelley Brings The Beach To The Opry During Solo Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Carly Strickland (A&R Director, Big Machine Label Group); Allison Jones (A&R Evp, Big Machine Label Group); Jordan Pettit (Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy, Grand Ole Opry); Brian Kelley; Jenn Tressler (Senior Manager, Artist & Label Strategy, Grand Ole Opry); Clay Hunnicutt (Gm, Big Machine Records); Kevin Spellman (Manager, Vector Management); Darielle Schroeder (A&R Manager, Big Machine Label Group). Photo: Chris Hollo
Brian Kelley brought that laid-back, beach vibe to the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville Wednesday night (Oct. 19) during his solo debut on the show.
Brian Kelley. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Ormond Beach, Florida native performed three songs from his breakout solo project, Sunshine State Of Mind, for the packed house, including “Boat Names,” and the spirited “Sunday Service In The Sand.”
“I’m on cloud nine. Those three songs flew by in the blink of an eye, and I wish I could stay here all night and play,” shared Kelley backstage. “It was a dream come true standing in that circle and extra special to have my parents in the audience tonight. I’m definitely humbled by this huge honor and already can’t wait to come back. I’ll be here whenever the Opry will have me.”
Kelly returns to Florida this week for the last batch of shows on his “Surf Post Sessions’ Second Wave Of Summer” residency. He’ll wrap the 20-date run and celebrate Halloween in the backyard of the Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, Florida in costume at a Halloween bash on Oct. 31.
Bailey Zimmerman ‘Falls’ Into Top Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee
Bailey Zimmerman earns his first MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1 with “Fall In Love.” The single, written by Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, and Gavin Lucas, received early independent success through TikTok and streaming platforms before Zimmerman signed with Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group in April of this year.
The artist released his debut EP, Leave The Light On, last week which features “Fall In Love,” previously released tracks “Rock And A Hard Place” and “Where It Ends,” and four unreleased songs.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Alana Springsteen Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut, Announces Record Deal
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry’s Jordan Pettit, Eighteen Company’s Basak Kizilisk, Alana Springsteen, 650 AM WSM’s Bill Cody, Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers and Jenn Tressler. Photo: David Bradley.
Rising artist Alana Springsteen rang in her 22nd birthday with two career milestones.
Tuesday night (Oct. 18), she made her Grand Ole Opry debut and announced her recently inked record deal with Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville onstage, with her family amongst the crowd.
Alana Springsteen. Photo: Chris Hollo.
“Another reason tonight is so special is that I get to announce that I just signed a record deal with Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville,” she shared from the stage. “I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate my birthday! So many dreams are coming true tonight. My heart is so full.”
Springsteen performed “While You’re At It,” off her recent EP History Of Breaking Up (Part Two). She also took the audience back to her childhood in Virginia Beach with “Hate It When I’m Right,” a song she wrote when she was 12 years old. Springsteen dedicated the latter to her 10-year-old self who sat in the Opry’s pews for the first time and to those in the audience chasing a dream, a full-circle moment for the singer-songwriter.
Backstage, her father surprised her with a hand-painted pair of Dickies–as Springsteen has been known to paint her own pairs–featuring Opry-themed drawings to further celebrate the dream come true.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: ‘Rising Women’ Celebrates Community, Fellowship
/by Bobby KarlMusicRow‘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
Chapter 658
“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. More than 560 attendees packed the venue’s largest ballroom. They came because it is the rare Nashville music-biz event that is unpretentious, authentic and downright joyous.
Featured speaker Cris Lacy. Photo: Steve Lowry
“My wish today is that you’ll leave here with more than you arrived with,” said host Sherod Robertson. “I hope you feel inspired. I hope you feel loved. I hope you feel connected. I hope you feel supported.”
All of those boxes were checked by the women in the event’s spotlight. Each honoree offered words of encouragement and empowerment.
“There have been many mentors along the way,” said FBBM business manager Jen Conger. “Numbers is my jam,” she added, citing the statistics of gender pay inequality that continue to exist in the music business.
“I’ve dreamed of being up here,” said BBR Records VP JoJamie Hahr. “You can make anything happen if you work hard.”
“This award might have my name on it, but it truly belongs to the people in this room…who believed in me,” said City National Bank’s Mandy Gallagher Morrison.
“I truly believe none of us in this industry rises without each other,” added Universal Music Publishing VP Missy Roberts.
“I love so much the people in this room,” said Girlilla Marketing CEO Jennie Smythe. “I love MusicRow, and I’m thankful that we get together in person,” she added, referring to the pandemic that has stalled this event since 2019 (this year’s honorees were actually announced in 2020).
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson with the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2022. Pictured (L-R): Mandy Gallagher Morrison, Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright, Missy Roberts. Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry
“I love Nashville; I love this business,” Smythe continued. “I stand before you as a four-year survivor of breast cancer. Today is a reminder: Make the appointment. Take care of your health…..Lift up as many young women as you can.”
“We don’t get to stand up here without a lot of support from a lot of people,” echoed UMG Nashville VP Stephanie Wright. “I’m thankful to have learned from you. It is a privilege and an honor to work in this business, and I don’t take it lightly.”
The event began with more words of inspiration from featured speaker Cris Lacy, the Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. During a Q&A with Robertson she was characteristically straightforward, articulate and honest.
“Don’t put anybody above you, and don’t put anybody below you,” Lacy advised. “We’re all humans. We’re all equal.” She addressed sexual harassment, the care-giving demanded of women and the self-doubts that plague all female achievers. “Thank you for this event,” she said to Robertson. “It is inspiring to a lot of us.” Lacy was an honoree in 2016. Her remarks drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
The at capacity crowd included a who’s-who of the Music Row community. It was notably attended by throngs of young women making their way into the industry, as well as a number of prior honorees. It was a fiesta of schmoozing, love and hugs.
Shannan Hatch, Sherri Spoltore, Diane Pearson, Whiney Daane, Tiffany Dunn, Troy Tomlinson, Scott Hendricks, Mike Dungan, Julie Boos, Ree Guyer, Jon Loba, Chris Oglesby, Rod Essig, Judi Turner, Jimmy Wheeler, David Crow, Lori Badgett, Tom Luteran, Steve Lowery, Liz Hengber, Leslie DiPiero, Lou Taylor, Pam Matthews and Jackie Marushka worked the room with abandon.
Many fabulous guests were seated at tables sponsored by CAA, Black River, Curb, Cake Maker, Given, BMG, Warner, UMG, UMPG, WME, River House, Hipgnosis, Red Street, Wasserman Music, IEBA, The AMG, Red Light, FSM, MAMBA, BMI, Huskins-Harris, Sony Music Publishing, G Major, 117 Entertainment, The Mechanical Licensing Collective and Song Sufragettes.
The delicious and hearty breakfast featured cheesy hash browns, sausage balls, smoked bacon, biscuits, fresh fruit, flavored yogurt, creamy scrambled eggs and assorted coffees, teas and juices.
Presenting sponsors for this year’s “Rising Women on the Row” were City National Bank (which has been on board since day one), Loeb & Loeb, and the Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jen Conger. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Mandy Gallagher Morrison. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Missy Roberts. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Jennie Smythe. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson honors Stephanie Wright. Photo: Steve Lowry
‘Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn’ Slated For October 30
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn,” a live celebration from the Grand Ole Opry House will take place Oct. 30. Presented by CMT and Sandbox Live, and held in partnership with Lynn’s family, the public memorial service will be hosted by NBC’s Today Show co-host and family friend Jenna Bush Hager.
The celebration will feature performances from Brandi Carlile, Crystal Gayle, Darius Rucker, Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson, George Strait, The Highwomen with Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna. There will also be a handful of special appearances from Lynn’s closest friends and family, including Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw. Additional performers and guests will be announced in the coming days.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn,” will air commercial-free on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. CT exclusively on CMT. The special will also be made available on Paramount+ in early 2023.
“We are truly honored to work closely alongside Loretta’s family to create a celebration of life fit for a true queen of country music, Loretta Lynn. She was a true original, a woman who always sang from her heart, never shied away from challenging the status quo and blazed the path forward for her fellow female artists,” CMT Producers share. “From her firecracker spirit and signature musicality to her unmistakable country style and unparalleled authenticity, we look forward to honoring her in the best way we know how: sharing stories and songs with her family, friends and the legions of fans she loved dearly.”
Lynn’s memorial service will be open to the public with a limited number of tickets available.
Jo Dee Messina Inks With 117 Entertainment For PR
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina. Photo: Jake Harsh
Jo Dee Messina has retained 117 Entertainment for exclusive PR representation.
In 1996, Messina kicked off her notable career with “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” a single that immediately made her a household name and inspired the recent Cole Swindell hit.
In recent years, Messina has recorded three Christian worship songs and toured consistently. She’s charted nine No. 1s and sixteen top 40 songs, and has amassed over half a billion streams on Pandora, hundreds of millions of album and song streams on Spotify and Apple Music, and millions of views on YouTube.
A multi-platinum-selling artist, Messina has been honored by the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the Grammys, and was the first female country artist to receive three multiple-week No. 1 songs from the same album.
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