Pictured (L-R): Maddy Stessman, Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance; Katie Ozel, Manager, Finance; Michael Stern, Office Manager; Mallory Papa, Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat, Coordinator, Content & Creative; Sally Bishop, Assistant, Marketing & Communications
The Academy of Country Music has hired and promoted staffers across several departments.
Maddy Stessman has been promoted to the new role of Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance. Joining the staff are Katie Ozel as Manager, Finance; Michael Stern as Office Manager for the Academy’s new Nashville office; Mallory Papa as Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat as Coordinator, Content & Creative; and Sally Bishop as Assistant, Marketing & Communications.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add so many passionate and enthusiastic members to our team, especially as we open the doors to our new headquarters office here in Nashville,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The impact of these new and elevated staff members has already been felt at ACM Party for a Cause and ACM Honors and will continue to help bridge the sectors of our community and ensure a bright and successful future for the Academy, our members, and the country music industry.”
Originally from Petaluma, California, Stessman joined the Academy in fall 2016 as Assistant, Events, following an internship during the 50th ACM Awards in Texas. She has since held the titles Coordinator, Events, as well as Manager, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance with the organization.
In her role, Stessman will focus on building and developing relations across the ACM staff, Board of Directors, and the country music industry. She will also book artist visits at the new Nashville headquarters and serve as talent manager for select ACM and ACM Lifting Lives live events. Additionally, she will organize the Leadership Development and ACM Board election process while continuing to execute the Academy’s quarterly Board meetings.
Ozel joins the Academy after four years as a senior accountant at Asurion, where she led AP/AR processing, IT accounting migrations, training and onboarding for new accounting hires, invoicing, strategic planning, statements, and more. In her role, she will be performing AP/AR financial processes along with analyzing expense and budget reports, journal entries, and all other financial reporting as needed.
Born and raised in Palm City, Florida, Stern has worked at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and interned with the ACM’s Events team beginning in January 2022. After the 57th ACM Awards, he stayed on as an intern, assisting both the Events and Artist and Industry Relations teams. In his new role, Stern will manage logistics for the Academy’s Nashville headquarters, as well as assist with event operations for the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, ACM Party for a Cause, and ACM Board Meetings.
Originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, Papa graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University in 2020, then moved to Kentucky to work in digital marketing and advertising. She also worked as the social media manager for Imagine for Youth, the non-profit organization of Buffalo Bills’ Micah Hyde. In her role as Coordinator, Papa supports the Academy’s marketing department, managing daily publishing, media development and review, and community engagement across owned media channels, including social media and DSP channels.
Raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Uhniat attended Belmont University and began her career in the industry at Words and Music as a publishing administration coordinator. Before joining the Academy, she served as a creative coordinator at Resin8 Music. In her role as Coordinator, Uhniat will assist in scheduling and managing video shoots and other content productions. She will also assist with the day-to-day management of the Academy’s content platforms, including websites, quarterly membership magazine ACM TEMPO, and more.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Bishop attended college at the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in journalism. Bishop also holds certificates in Digital Broadcast News and Deaf Studies, and recently completed a nine-month internship with the ACM’s Content team, where she helped develop and produce the ACM Legends Lunch social content series. In her role as Assistant, Bishop will work with the Marketing and Communications teams on all day-to-day needs.
Hardy To Launch Cross-Country ‘The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour’ In February
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
Hardy has announced his “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour,” a 16-date headlining run launching Feb. 16 in Indianapolis.
He’ll be joined by Jameson Rodgers and rock newcomers Blame My Youth for the trek, which is in support of Hardy’s just-announced sophomore album of the same name. The tour will make stops in Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and more through April 29.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be able to bring this record to you next year. Touring it is something I’ve been thinking about since we started the recording process,” Hardy says. “This album is my best work so far. I truly believe that, and I want this tour to reflect that every night. Excited to have my buddies Blame My Youth and Jameson out with me; it’s going to be crazy.”
Tickets for “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” are available this Friday (Oct. 14) , with fan pre-sales starting tomorrow (Oct. 12) and launching throughout the week.
This December, Hardy will embark on his sold-out, nine-stop “Wall to Wall Tour” with guest Jackson Dean and a one-night-only appearance from rockers Puddle of Mudd.
Brett Eldredge Announces Dates For His Annual ‘Glow Live’ Holiday Tour
/by Liza AndersonPlatinum-selling artist Brett Eldredge is ready to ring in the holiday season with the return of his annual “Glow Live Tour.”
During the the 14-date-run, Eldredge will make stops in major cities across the nation, including back-to-back nights in New York City, Boston and Chicago. He is also set to kick off the tradition with a three-night-residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, inviting fans to join him on the third night via livestream.
Eldredge’s fan club will have early access to ticket pre-sales beginning today (Oct. 11). Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets until Oct. 23. Tickets will open to the public this Friday, Oct. 14 at bretteldredge.com.
The tour originally began as a single live show in Nashville, inspired by Eldredge’s celebrated 2016 Christmas album of the same name. The record notched No. 2 on the country charts upon release and featured the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Holiday Music chart-topping duet “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Meghan Trainor. It was followed by his 2021 seasonal album, Mr. Christmas.
“Glow Live Tour 2022” Dates:
Fri Nov 25 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Sat Nov 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Sun Nov 27 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium & “Glow” Livestream
Thu Dec 1 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square
Fri Dec 2 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Sat Dec 3 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Tue Dec 6 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
Fri Dec 9 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Sat Dec 10 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tue Dec 13 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
Thu Dec 15 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Thu Dec 16 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Thu Dec 20 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
Thu Dec 21 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
Dillon Carmichael Expands ‘Son Of A’ Album With Upcoming Deluxe Edition
/by Lydia FarthingDillon Carmichael. Photo: Alex Berger
Kentucky-bred singer-songwriter Dillon Carmichael will release the deluxe edition of his 2021 album Son Of A on Oct. 21 via Riser House Records.
Arriving one day shy of the album’s anniversary, the 18-track project includes a handful of Carmichael’s latest singles alongside his brand new ode to cracking cold ones, “Beer Ain’t Gonna Drink Itself,” co-written by Carmichael, David Lee Murphy and Michael Hardy. The Deluxe Edition also features the previously released “If I Wasn’t Your Man,” the ’90s country-inspired “Rolling Stone” featuring Drew Parker and Tyler Booth, and the bass-driven collaboration with The Cadillac Three, “Pickin’ Up Girls.” Also offered up on the new collection is an acoustic take on his current single, “Son Of A,” which is climbing the charts at country radio.
Carmichael has been busy on the road, opening for Brooks & Dunn, Justin Moore, Travis Tritt and more. He recently tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Shayla Whitson.
1. Hot Beer (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
2. Big Truck (Dillon Carmichael, Jessi Alexander, David Lee Murphy)
3. Paychecks and Longnecks (Brice Long, Greylan James)
4. Family Tree (Dillon Carmichael, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell)
5. Hose Water (Rhett Akins, Travis Hill, Paul DiGiovanni)
6. Son of A (Dillon Carmichael, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell)
7. Man Made A Bar (Jon Pardi, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird)
8. Red, White, Camo and Blue (Dillon Carmichael, Bobby Pinson, Phil O’Donnell)
9. Leave The Lovin’ (Jaren Johnston, Luke Laird)
10. Since You’ve Been In It (Dillon Carmichael, Ray Fulcher, Michael Whitworth, Daniel Ross)
11. Pickin’ Up Girls feat. The Cadillac Three (Dillon Carmichael, Jaren Johnston, James McNair)
12. Gonna Wish You Did (Michael Hardy, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Brad Clawson)
13. Somewhere She Ain’t (Dillon Carmichael, Jessi Alexander, Ben Hayslip)
14. Baby I Would (Jaren Johnston, Tony Lane)
15. If I Wasn’t Your Man (Dillon Carmichael, Jon D’Agostino, Adam Searan)
16. Rolling Stone feat. Tyler Booth and Drew Parker (Dillon Carmichael, Tyler Booth, Houston Phillips, Phil O’Donnell)
17. Beer Ain’t Gonna Drink Itself (Dillon Carmichael, Michael Hardy, David Lee Murphy)
18. Son of A (Acoustic) (Dillon Carmichael, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell)
Scotty McCreery Receives Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery. Photo: Nikki Boertman
Multi-Platinum selling entertainer Scotty McCreery has been honored with the annual Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award, which singles out a country artist for outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Alabama lead singer presented McCreery with the award at the annual Country Cares Seminar, which precedes the launch of the #ThisShirtSavesLives promotion in support of the #MusicGives to St. Jude Kids initiative.
Pictured (L-R): Craig Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Randy Owen. Photo: Nikki Boertman
Since 2014, McCreery and his wife, Gabi, have been champions of St. Jude’s mission. From visiting the St. Jude campus to appearing on Celebrity Family Feud and donating his $25,000 winnings to the hospital, the Triple Tigers recording artist has supported several St. Jude campaigns over nearly a decade of partnership.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Angels Among Us Award from St. Jude,” McCreery shares. “The patients and families here have been an inspiration to me, just as I know they are to so many other country artists as well. With continued support from country radio and our loyal listeners, who pitch in to play their part for this wonderful cause, we can make a difference together by helping ensure that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.”
He continues, “That’s a beautiful thing to me, and I’m happy to lend my voice in support of such an amazing cause. And then to receive this award from the legendary Randy Owen himself is a moment I’ll treasure always.”
Past recipients of the Angels Among Us award include namesake Randy Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and industry leaders Lon Helton and Bill Mayne.
Top Five Hold Strong On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, Zach Bryan Leads The Pack
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan
This week, all things remain steady on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart as the top five writers keep their respective places.
For a third consecutive week, Warner Records’ Zach Bryan seals the No. 1 spot as the sole writer on his three currently charting songs. His credits can be found on “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Bailey Zimmerman (No. 5) round out the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Ashley McBryde Helps Reveal 2022 CMA Broadcast Award Winners
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Association (CMA) has unveiled the recipients of the 2022 CMA Broadcast Awards. Five-time 2022 CMA Awards nominee and the soon-to-be-newest Grand Ole Opry member, Ashley McBryde surprised radio stations and broadcast personalities with one-on-one calls to reveal the news.
The categories are established by market size based on population as ranked by Nielsen. Entries for Broadcast Personality of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical information. Candidates for Radio Station of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and format leadership.
CMA members who are full-time, on-air personalities and CMA member radio stations in the United States and Canada were eligible to submit entries. The entries are judged by a panel of broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.
The 56th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
2022 CMA Broadcast Awards Winners:
CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year:
Weekly National – “The Country Top 40 With Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
Daily National – “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
Major Market – “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
Large Market – “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
Medium Market – “New Country Mornings With Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
Small Market – “The Cat Pak Morning Show With Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
CMA Radio Station of the Year:
Major Market – WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market – WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market – WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market – WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
ACM Announces Promotions & New Hires Across Several Departments In New Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Maddy Stessman, Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance; Katie Ozel, Manager, Finance; Michael Stern, Office Manager; Mallory Papa, Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat, Coordinator, Content & Creative; Sally Bishop, Assistant, Marketing & Communications
The Academy of Country Music has hired and promoted staffers across several departments.
Maddy Stessman has been promoted to the new role of Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance. Joining the staff are Katie Ozel as Manager, Finance; Michael Stern as Office Manager for the Academy’s new Nashville office; Mallory Papa as Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat as Coordinator, Content & Creative; and Sally Bishop as Assistant, Marketing & Communications.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add so many passionate and enthusiastic members to our team, especially as we open the doors to our new headquarters office here in Nashville,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The impact of these new and elevated staff members has already been felt at ACM Party for a Cause and ACM Honors and will continue to help bridge the sectors of our community and ensure a bright and successful future for the Academy, our members, and the country music industry.”
Originally from Petaluma, California, Stessman joined the Academy in fall 2016 as Assistant, Events, following an internship during the 50th ACM Awards in Texas. She has since held the titles Coordinator, Events, as well as Manager, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance with the organization.
In her role, Stessman will focus on building and developing relations across the ACM staff, Board of Directors, and the country music industry. She will also book artist visits at the new Nashville headquarters and serve as talent manager for select ACM and ACM Lifting Lives live events. Additionally, she will organize the Leadership Development and ACM Board election process while continuing to execute the Academy’s quarterly Board meetings.
Ozel joins the Academy after four years as a senior accountant at Asurion, where she led AP/AR processing, IT accounting migrations, training and onboarding for new accounting hires, invoicing, strategic planning, statements, and more. In her role, she will be performing AP/AR financial processes along with analyzing expense and budget reports, journal entries, and all other financial reporting as needed.
Born and raised in Palm City, Florida, Stern has worked at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and interned with the ACM’s Events team beginning in January 2022. After the 57th ACM Awards, he stayed on as an intern, assisting both the Events and Artist and Industry Relations teams. In his new role, Stern will manage logistics for the Academy’s Nashville headquarters, as well as assist with event operations for the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, ACM Party for a Cause, and ACM Board Meetings.
Originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, Papa graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University in 2020, then moved to Kentucky to work in digital marketing and advertising. She also worked as the social media manager for Imagine for Youth, the non-profit organization of Buffalo Bills’ Micah Hyde. In her role as Coordinator, Papa supports the Academy’s marketing department, managing daily publishing, media development and review, and community engagement across owned media channels, including social media and DSP channels.
Raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Uhniat attended Belmont University and began her career in the industry at Words and Music as a publishing administration coordinator. Before joining the Academy, she served as a creative coordinator at Resin8 Music. In her role as Coordinator, Uhniat will assist in scheduling and managing video shoots and other content productions. She will also assist with the day-to-day management of the Academy’s content platforms, including websites, quarterly membership magazine ACM TEMPO, and more.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Bishop attended college at the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in journalism. Bishop also holds certificates in Digital Broadcast News and Deaf Studies, and recently completed a nine-month internship with the ACM’s Content team, where she helped develop and produce the ACM Legends Lunch social content series. In her role as Assistant, Bishop will work with the Marketing and Communications teams on all day-to-day needs.
Fourth Annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner Set For Oct. 26
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels. Photo: Courtesy of Absolute Publicity
The fourth annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner is set for Oct. 26 at Nashville’s City Winery.
Chris Young, a previous recipient of the Patriot Award, will perform live, and the The War Hippies, comprised of combat warriors Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis, will perform the national anthem and a few songs. Special guest speakers for the evening will include former New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik; decorated military veteran Mark “Oz” Geist, aBenghazi survivor and co-author of 13 Hours; and Col. Jay Powers, former Commanding Officer, 5th Group. SiriusXM’s Storme Warren will host the event, which will also include a silent and live auction.
Gutman came from a military family and joined the U.S. Navy shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a coxswain on LST 553, delivering men and equipment under fire on several landings. He was part of six island invasions in the Pacific and battled Japanese forces coming from the land, sea, and skies.
At a young age, Hughes felt the call of duty and left college as a junior to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, serving as a HA1C medic. She also won 2nd runner-up in the 2012 Ms. Veteran America competition, which works to promote issues of homeless female veterans, and earned the crown of Ms. Mississippi Senior America in 2003.
“We have so many distinguished guests, stories, and above all, the presentation of our three award recipients who most represent patriotism, commitment and giving back in this critical time,” explains TCDJHP co-founder and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “Our live auction will feature two of our most honored guests, Mathias Gutman and Gladys Hughes, as we auction a guitar signed by ten Medal of Honor recipients in order to complete erecting a statue that will honor the men and women of World War II and Vietnam. As the world continues to change and evolve, we as a community must not forget the men and women who have sacrificed so much in the past decades, as well as our future warriors and their families.”
Ashley McBryde To Bring ‘Lindeville’ To Life At The Ryman In February
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde is bringing the experience of her new album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, to the Ryman Auditorium stage for two nights on Feb. 15-16, 2023.
The shows will feature the album’s full cast of collaborators and special guests performing songs from Lindeville, including Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Aaron Raitiere, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack and Benjy Davis. Tickets for the special shows will go on sale this Friday (Oct. 14) at AshleyMcBryde.com.
McBryde, who was recently invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, earned five 2022 CMA nominations, including her third consecutive nod for Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
MusicRow’s Publisher Issue Features ‘State Of The Union’ Panel, A Look Into Catalog Sales, More
/by LB CantrellMusicRow Magazine has released its 2022 Publisher Issue print edition, with Mercury Nashville’s Maddie & Tae on the cover.
This annual resource includes the 2022 Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations and services available for songwriters.
Inside the issue, MusicRow brings back its State of the Union roundtable, this time 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
The five publishers sat down with MusicRow to discuss returning from the pandemic, multi-genre success in Nashville, “interpolation fever” in the songwriting community, and more.
“There’s a wider range of talents that we can base our decision on now,” shares Van Valkenburg when asked what attracts him to signing a new songwriter. “I still go back to lyric and melody—it’s still the most important part of the song. That being said, we can’t deny the fact that the producer-writer faction has come along strongly. There are songwriter-producers that are simply creating productions that cannot be replicated. That’s a very special talent that has to be paid attention to, even if they may not be the strongest lyricist.”
Elsewhere, MusicRow taps entertainment attorney Jess L. Rosen to explain the recent uptick in catalog sales. “If you do the calculations of what the money in your pocket now would be worth 10 or 15 years from now even at a modest interest rate, there’s a great value of having that working for you now,” Rosen shares.
The Publisher Issue also features an opinion piece on cutting outside songs from Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville.
“If you look at the charts, you’ll see that over the last few years, about 75% to 80% of the singles released in country music were co-written with the artist,” Vaughn writes. “Now, obviously Nashville is blessed with tremendous artist-writers that have strong voices and something to say, but it does seem that the ecosystem is out of balance.”
Additionally, music industry veterans Clay Bradley, Jody Williams and Suzanne Lee look back on the history of a well-loved Nashville tradition: No. 1 parties.
This issue also offers a glimpse into Prescription Songs’ multi-genre success. “It’s called Music City, it’s all genres and all types of music,” shares Prescription Songs Nashville’s Head of A&R, Katie Fagan. “My hope is that one day people aren’t going to feel like they have to go to a different city to have success, and I’m hoping that we’re helping to change that.”
NSAI’s Bart Herbison helps explain the recent royalty rate change, boiling down what that means for songwriters. Reel Muzik Werks’ Teri Nelson Carpenter discusses the journey to starting her Nashville office.
MusicRow’s 2022 Publisher Issue 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.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.