After recently becoming Billboard's Top Artist of 2025 and entering Spotify's coveted Billions Club with three singles – “Whiskey Glasses,” “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone and “Last Night” – surpassing one billion streams on the platform, Morgan Wallen has become RIAA's highest certified Country artist of all time. With 239.5 million certified singles (solo + collaborations) and 26 million...
Back Blocks Music, the artist development and publishing company based in Nashville, has announced several key staffing changes as part of its growth. Elizabeth Cook has been promoted to Creative Director as the team expands with two strategic new hires. Megan Clemens joins the team as Director of Digital Marketing as Laine Lonero steps into the role of Marketing Coordinator. The...
This weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum hosted a Songwriter Session with singer-songwriter HARDY in the museum’s CMA Theater. HARDY wrote his Top 10 country hits “Truck Bed,” “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, and “Wait in the Truck,” a collaboration with Lainey Wilson. He also wrote Dierks Bentley’s “Beers on Me,” Florida Georgia Line’s...
Jelly Roll was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry during a surprise moment on his interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, the #1 podcast in the world across all platforms. Rogan surprised Jelly Roll with a video message from his mentor and friend - Opry member Craig Morgan - inviting him to join the Opry family. An official induction date...
Young Guns Publishing has signed an exclusive publishing deal with singer, songwriter and producer Jake Puliti. “I’m so amped to be a part of Young Guns Publishing. This partnership represents years of dedication, growth, faith, and a true belief in the power of songwriting,” shares Puliti. “I’m so blessed for the opportunity to evolve alongside such an incredible team.” “Jake...
Universal Music Group (UMG), in partnership with UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle, its entertainment driven hospitality venture, announced the opening of two new UMusic Shop locations in New York and London, dedicated to reimagining the fan experience. Each UMusic Shop offers exclusive custom collections and pieces inspired by UMG’s iconic artists, songwriters and legendary labels, providing fans with new dedicated locations...
Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Tooth & Nail Publishing, have signed rising artist Max McNown to a global publishing agreement. Max McNown is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who has quickly emerged as one of country music’s most compelling new artists. His breakout single “A Lot More Free” became a viral success, topping TikTok's Breakthrough US chart, reaching #1 on...
Drummer, Sierra Ferrell
Today Sony Music Publishing announced the promotion of Jeff Smarr to Senior Vice President, Global Copyright, effective immediately. Based out of SMP’s Nashville office, Jeff will continue to report to EVP, Worldwide Administration, Dale Esworthy. In this elevated position, Jeff will take on a greater role across strategic initiatives and high-profile deal and acquisition integrations. He will continue to oversee...
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will offer pay-what-you-want admission for Nashville area residents beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, through Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. Providing an opportunity for locals to explore the museum and the history of country music, pay-what-you-want admission will apply to those living in Nashville-Davidson and its bordering counties — Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and...
