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Ashley Monroe Inks Pub Deal With Low Country Sound, Warner/Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Justine Avila (Shopkeeper), Marion Kraft (Shopkeeper), Dave Cobb (Low Country Sound), Ashley Monroe, Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Jessi Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Travis Carter (Warner/Chappell)

Ashley Monroe, known for stunning solo albums such as The Blade and her work with country trio Pistol Annies, has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Dave Cobb‘s Low Country Sound and Warner/Chappell Music, the publishing arm of Monroe’s label home Warner Music Nashville.

Monroe has written No. 1 hits for Jason Aldean (“The Truth”) and Miranda Lambert (“Heart Like Mine”), which were RIAA-certified Platinum and Gold, respectively. Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Dwight Yoakam, Brendan Benson, Norah Jones, Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent, The Oakridge Boys, Butch Walker, and Guy Clark are among those who have recorded her compositions.

“Ashley is one of the most respected and celebrated figures in Nashville who I’ve had the honor to work with,” said Dave Cobb of Low Country Sound. “Her talent is astounding, and we’re thrilled to count her among our unparalleled songwriting community, especially as she embarks on this next stage in her career.”

“There’s a reason Ashley has had so much success all these years on Music Row,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner/Chappell Nashville. “Her ability to be both honest and vulnerable, while bringing warmth and wit to her songwriting, demonstrates the mastery of her craft. We are excited to welcome her to the Warner/Chappell family.”

Monroe adds, “I’m so happy to be starting a fresh chapter of my songwriting career with a team of champions surrounding me. I’m more inspired and on fire more than ever and ready to ignite big dreams.”

An acclaimed performer in her own right, Monroe’s LP The Blade earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album in 2016. That same year, her duet with Blake Shelton (“Lonely Tonight”) was nominated for Best Country Duo/Performance along with Vocal Event of the Year and Musical Event of the Year at the 2015 ACM’s and CMA’s, respectively. Since 2011, Monroe has lent her talents to the Pistol Annies, a trio consisting of fellow country music powerhouses Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley. The group’s debut album, Hell on Heels, entered at No. 1 on the Billboard country chart, as did the trio’s 2018 album Interstate Gospel.

Sheryl Crow Inks Big Machine Deal

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Sheryl Crow, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta

Big Machine Label Group has signed Sheryl Crow to its roster of artists.

Crow is working on a duets album that is slated to release later this year. The new project will include collaborations with Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Keith Richards, and more.

“I have been a Sheryl Crow fan from the first note of ‘Tuesday Night Music Club’ and when she announced that she intended to make her last album I immediately reached out to Scooter Weintraub and got a link to the music,” said BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “It’s a one-listen masterpiece that spans her entire career… and her friends that showed up for this record will blow everyone’s mind. I am honored that Big Machine gets to represent Sheryl and her music in this very important chapter of her career.”

“I’m so excited to release my next record on Big Machine. I can tell that Scott Borchetta and all the people that work there love music and love what they do. What an exciting feeling for someone who has been in the music business for over 25 years,” Crow added.

Crow is best known for her string of chart hits including “All I Wanna Do,” “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” “Every Day Is A Winding Road,” and more. She has released 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Mainstream Top 40 and Hot Country Songs charts.

Crow was previously with Warner Bros., where she released the albums Feels Like Home (2o13) and Be Myself (2017). She released her first seven albums, including her 1993, 7x Platinum breakthrough Tuesday Night Music Club, on A&M Records.

Zac Brown Band Joins BMG

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Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band has inked a new global licensing agreement with BMG, to release their upcoming studio album. The new project, which follows 2017’s Welcome Home, will be marketed through BMG and BMG’s Nashville-based recordings business, BBR Music Group, through the Wheelhouse Records imprint.

“We’ve always approached our work and music in our own way, only doing what feels right for us,” said Zac Brown. “We’re excited to have BMG as a new partner, they understand our vision and sound and will help shape this next chapter in a way that’s uniquely ours.”

Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group, said, “Zac Brown Band is a musical phenomenon. Not only are they world-class musicians who have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles, they are one of the very few acts in any genre that can sell out stadiums. We have long admired Zac not only for his music, but his philanthropic efforts through his music.”

Thomas Scherer, EVP, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles, said, “The entire team is thrilled Zac Brown Band has chosen BMG as their new home and we welcome them to our family. We look forward to working together, as both our BMG recorded music and Wheelhouse Records teams deliver this exceptional release to his eagerly awaiting fans around the world.”

The band is gearing up to launch the second leg of their Down The Rabbit Hole Love Tour this March. They will embark on The Owl Tour in summer 2019. They recently released their latest single, “Someone I Used To Know.”

Zac Brown Band is Zac Brown (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy De Martini (fiddle, vocals), John Driskell Hopkins (guitar, vocals), Clay Cook (guitar, keys, vocals), Chris Fryar (drums), Coy Bowles (guitar, keys), Daniel de los Reyes (percussion), and Matt Mangano (bass).

Nominations Open: MusicRow’s 8th Annual Rising Women On The Row

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MusicRow is set to honor six deserving businesswomen during its 2019 Rising Women on the Row ceremony on March 26, 2019, to again be held at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The event will recognize selected Nashville music industry professionals who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders. The event’s presenting sponsors are City National Bank, Loeb & Loeb, and Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.

Nominations for the 2019 Rising Women on the Row honorees are now being accepted and will close Feb. 19, 2019.

Submissions will be considered only through the official nomination process, which closes Feb. 19, 2019. Click to view MusicRow‘s official Rising Women nomination form. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted. Multiple nominations do not increase likelihood of being selected, but you may nominate as many individuals as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are welcome.

The event’s 2019 speaker and performer, as well as honoree selections, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Past honorees are—2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Kerri Edwards, Virginia Davis, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Healey, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.

Reserve Your Seat

MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row event has sold out every year. To reserve your seat for the 8:30 a.m. breakfast, event, use the checkout form below. Individual tickets may be seated together by emailing [email protected] after purchasing. Supporting Sponsorship Tables of 10 include premium seating and recognition in event materials (see below). Tickets will not be sold at the door.


Tickets: Individual Seats & Tables (drop-down menu)



Supporting Sponsorship Tables Include:

Table (10 seats) with priority location
Logo included on full-page ad in MusicRow‘s InCharge (April/May)
Logo included in event program
Logo included on MusicRow.com banner ad
Company included in MusicRow.com coverage

Tickets Available: MusicRow’s 8th Annual Rising Women On The Row

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MusicRow is set to honor six deserving businesswomen during its 2019 Rising Women on the Row ceremony on March 26, 2019, to again be held at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The event will recognize selected Nashville music industry professionals who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders.

2019 Rising Women on the Row are Sandi Spika Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group, Sr. VP Creative), Janine Ebach (Curb|Word Music Publishing, VP), Kelly Janson (Manager, Kelly Janson Management), Meredith Jones (Creative Artists Agency, Agent), Lenore Kinder (Paradigm Talent Agency, Agent) and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Sr. Director of Operations). To read more about the six women, visit MusicRow.com.

Amy Grant is the featured speaker at the Row breakfast. To read more about Grant, visit MusicRow.com.

The event’s presenting sponsors are City National Bank, Loeb & Loeb, and Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.

Nominations are now closed for the 2019 Rising Women event. Past honorees are—2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Kerri Edwards, Virginia Davis, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Healey, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.

Reserve Your Seat By Mar. 15

MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row event has sold out every year. To reserve your seat for the 8:30 a.m. breakfast, event, use the checkout form below until tickets close, March 15. Individual tickets may be seated together by emailing [email protected] after purchasing. Supporting Sponsorship Tables of 10 include premium seating and recognition in event materials (see below). Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Tickets: Individual Seats & Tables (drop-down menu)



Supporting Sponsorship Tables Include:

Table (10 seats) with priority location
Logo included on full-page ad in MusicRow‘s InCharge (April/May)
Logo included in event program
Logo included on MusicRow.com banner ad
Company included in MusicRow.com coverage

Weekly Chart Report (2/1/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Weekly Chart Report (2/1/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Hall Of Fame Guitarist Harold Bradley Passes

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By Robert K. Oermann

Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley has passed away at age 93.

A veteran session guitarist in Nashville’s renowned “A Team,” Bradley is believed to be the most recorded instrumentalist in history. He was Music Row’s unofficial historian and was the long-tenured president of Nashville’s Local 257 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) union in 1991-2008.

He and his older brother Owen Bradley (1915-1998) built The Bradley Film & Recording Studios in 1954. Popularly known as The Quonset Hut, this was the first entertainment business on what later became known as Music Row.

In addition to his 2006 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Harold Bradley and other members of the “A Team” were made members of the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007. He was honored with a Trustee Award at the Grammy Awards of 2010.

Born in Nashville in 1926, Harold Bradley was urged by keyboardist Owen to switch from playing banjo to the guitar. Owen also got his younger brother a job playing in Ernest Tubb’s band in 1943, when Harold was still a teenager. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Harold returned to his hometown.

While majoring in music at Peabody College, Harold Bradley played guitar backing such stars as Eddy Arnold and Bradley Kincaid at the Grand Ole Opry. His first recording session was in Chicago with Pee Wee King & The Golden West Cowboys in 1946.

Harold Bradley was one of the people who established Nashville as a music center. He and Owen both played the first recording session held in The Castle, Nashville’s first recording studio. It was a 1947 ad jingle for Shyer’s Jewelers. In 1949, Harold played on Nashville’s first country million-seller, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy.” In 1950, both brothers performed on Nashville’s first television broadcast.

During the next 60+ years, Harold Bradley’s recording-session work included backing Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Clyde McPhatter, Ruth Brown, Carl Perkins, The Everly Brothers and several other members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

It would be easier to list the country stars he hasn’t backed than those he has. Among the Country Music Hall of Famers he’s on records with are Arnold, King, Tubb, Foley, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Jimmie Davis, Webb Pierce, Jim Ed Brown, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins, The Statler Brothers, Bill Anderson, Kitty Wells, Charley Pride, Tom T. Hall, Conway Twitty, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, George Morgan, Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell, Faron Young, Hank Snow, Floyd Cramer, Bob Wills, Dolly Parton, Carl Smith, Johnny Cash, Hank Thompson and Sonny James.

Among the timeless tunes embellished by Harold Bradley’s instrumental work are “The Battle of New Orleans,” “Swingin,’” “Here in the Real World,” “Crazy,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Stand By Your Man,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “The Bunny Hop,” “Make the World Go Away,” “Big Bad John,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “King of the Road,” “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” “It’s Only Make Believe,” “Long Black Veil,” “For the Good Times” and “Farewell Party.”

He was also a record maker, himself. Signed by Columbia Records as its answer to RCA’s Chet Atkins, Harold Bradley recorded Bossa Nova Goes to Nashville (1963), Misty Guitar (1964) Guitar for Lovers Only (1966) and the compilation Guitar for Sentimental Lovers (1972) for the company. His recorded work led to a ciitation form Billboard as one of 1964’s most promising artists. Harold Bradley was also a member of the recording group The Nashville Guitars.

As a record producer, he worked with Mandy Barnett, Sandy Kelly, Eddy Arnold, Slim Whitman and Billy Chinnock, among others.

Although closely associated with country music, Harold Bradley’s recording resume is impressively diverse. He has backed Ivory Joe Hunter, Patti Page, Brook Benton, Connie Francis, Ann-Margret, Burl Ives, Leon Russell, Bobby Vinton, Al Hirt, The Four Aces, Paul Anka, The Newbeats, Robert Mitchum, Michael Nesmith, Tom Jones, Pete Fountain, Henry Mancini, Joan Baez, George Beverly Shea, Damita Jo, Boots Randolph, Perry Como and more.

In addition to guitar, he played “tic-tac” bass, banjo, vibraphone and percussion on various sessions. The Music Row founding figure was also TV musical director and in 1965-66 was the first president of the Nashville chapter of NARAS.

He won the Recording Academy’s Superpicker Award every year between 1974 and 1979. The AFM gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. On January 25, Belmont University announced a guitar scholarship had been established to honor Bradley.

Harold Bradley died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of Jan. 31.

Ben Vaughn Promoted To President/CEO At Warner/Chappell Nashville

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Warner/Chappell Music has promoted Ben Vaughn to President & CEO. Vaughn will continue to lead the division’s creative and commercial activities. Having joined the company in 2012, Vaughn has been President of Warner/Chappell Nashville since 2017. He will report to Warner/Chappell Music’s incoming Co-Chair & CEO and the company’s Co-Chair & COO, Carianne Marshall.

“Ben has been an exceptional leader for our Warner/Chappell Nashville operation since coming on board seven years ago,” said Steve Cooper, CEO of Warner Music Group. “In addition to being an A&R force who’s deeply invested in the success of each and every songwriter, he’s an innovative, perceptive dealmaker and a staunch advocate for creative rights. Nashville is home to an extraordinary creative community that occupies a central place in the Warner/Chappell culture, and Ben’s richly deserved promotion recognizes both his outstanding accomplishments and his vision for the future.”

“The Nashville songwriting community is like none other in the world, and over the course of his 25 year career, Ben has played a pivotal role in making it the amazing place that it is today,” said Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO of Warner/Chappell Music. “From young, next generation songwriters to award-winning superstars, Ben’s instincts and expertise have made Warner/Chappell Nashville the definitive destination for incredible game-changing talent. I’m excited to work with him as our Nashville business continues to grow and flourish.”

“When I think about how I got here, it’s surreal how many brilliant people have invited me to be part of their story,” said Vaughn. “As Nashville continues to evolve, I’m excited to keep pushing forward and to support the phenomenal talent coming out of this city. Music publishing is team ball and we have the best team in the business—with the passion, drive and ambition to help our songwriters create hits on the world’s stage.”

Under Vaughn’s leadership, Nashville writers have experienced unprecedented genre-crossing success, among them Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, and Amy Wadge on Camila Cabello’s “Consequences”; Josh Miller on Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be”; and songwriters on Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” (Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers) and For King & Country’s “Joy” (Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Tedd Tjornhom).

Having championed artist development throughout his career in publishing, Vaughn counts recognizing and cultivating major label deals for such talents as Thomas Rhett, Devin Dawson, Dan + Shay, Midland, Cale Dodds, LANco, Brandon Lay, Josh Phillips, Riley Green, Michael Ray, Gone West, Seth Ennis, A Thousand Horses, Morgan Evans, and Carlton Anderson, among his many achievements.

Vaughn’s roster includes 2018 ACM Songwriter of the Year Rhett Akins, 2018 CMA Song of the Year winner Chris Stapleton, 2018 CMA Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves, and 2018 BMI Songwriter of the Year Jesse Frasure, as well as Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, busbee, Nathan Chapman, Dave Cobb, For King & Country, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Brett James, Jay Joyce, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Lee Miller, Randy Montana, Matthew Ramsey, Jordan Reynolds, and Liz Rose, among others. He has also worked with noted songwriters such as Guy Clark, Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Alan Jackson, The Warren Brothers, Chris Young, and many more.

Vaughn serves on the board of CMA and Belmont University’s Music Industry Advisory Board, and is a member of NMPA and a former Chairman of the ACM board. A Kentucky native, he was recently inducted into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonel, and he received the Belmont University/ASCAP Music Milestone Award.

Before joining Warner/Chappell, Vaughn had become the youngest executive to head a major publisher in Nashville, as EVP & GM at EMI. Prior to his work at the majors, Vaughn ran an independent music publishing company starting at the age of 20.

John Zarling Exits Sony Music Nashville

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Sony Music Nashville’s Executive Vice President John Zarling is exiting his post with the label to pursue new career opportunities, MusicRow has confirmed.

Serving as Sony Music Nashville’s Executive Vice President, Marketing & New Business since January 2017, Zarling has overseen the label’s marketing efforts as well as brand partnerships, digital marketing, international marketing, media and creative services.

Prior to his position at Sony Music, Zarling served as Senior Vice President, Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, for Big Machine Label Group. A Big Machine Label Group executive since its launch in 2005, he played a pivotal role in the careers of Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band, Martina McBride and Brantley Gilbert, among many others.

While at Big Machine, Zarling created partnerships with Comcast, Disney, Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute at HCA, Allstate Insurance and American Express; additionally, he initiated promotion campaigns for successful TV and film endeavors including ABC’s Nashville, FOX’s American Idol, NBC’s The Voice, Warner Bros. Films’ Valentine’s Day and the Oscar-nominated Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.

California native Zarling joined Mercury Records’ promotion department in 2001, upon graduation from Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.

Zarling can be reached at [email protected].