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MusicRow Subscribed Members will vote to determine award winners. Ballots will be emailed on May 14, 2019.

Ballot Voting Period: May 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. CST – May 21, 2019 5:00 p.m. CST.

MusicRow Magazine is proud to reveal the nominees for Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC. Partner level sponsors are Ram the 2019 MusicRow Awards. Trucks and City National Bank.

This year the event is expanding with additional categories Final nominees for the MusicRow Awards are determined and a new venue. The MusicRow Awards will be presented by a committee comprised of critics and tastemakers, with June 26 at 6:00 p.m. during an invitation-only gala, held for outside nominations being considered for Breakthrough the first time at Nashville’s historic War Memorial Auditorium. and Breakthrough Artist-Writer. Male and Female Songwriter nominees are based on data from Now in its 31st year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. The eligibility period longest running trade publication honors. for the awards is May 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019.

In addition to established awards for Producer of the Year, Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, TABLE OF CONTENTS Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer; Category 1: Producer of the Year...... 4 the 2019 event adds Label of the Year, Talent Agency of Category 2: Label of the Year...... 8 the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Male and Female of the Year, and Artist of the Year. The Top 10 Category 3: Talent Agency of the Year...... 10 All-Star Musicians Awards will also be presented, Category 4: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year...... 12 recognizing the industry’s most in-demand studio players. Category 5: Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year...... 20 Category 6: Male Songwriter of the Year...... 24 MusicRow Subscribed Members (click to subscribe) here Category 7: Female Songwriter of the Year...... 28 will also receive invitations for complimentary balcony Category 8: Song of the Year...... 32 seating. To upgrade to main floor seating (tables and/or individual seats) use MusicRow’s official checkout formhere . Category 9: Discovery Artist of the Year...... 36 Category 10: Breakthrough Artist of the Year...... 40 Supporting Sponsors of the event are Vaden Group | Elliott Category 11: Artist of the Year...... 44 Davis, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Keller Turner Past Winners...... 49

Supporting Sponsors: Partners:

1 2 3 Category 1 | PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville producer’s work on active during the eligibility period. Achievements may include, but are not limited to, single chart performance and album sales.

Buddy Cannon Scott Hendricks , Reba , Bebe Dan + Shay, , McEntire, David Lee Murphy, Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Michael Ray, Tegan Marie , Aaron Lewis, Line (“Meant To Be”), Walker James Robert Webb Hayes, Steven Lee Olsen, NF

Dann Huff , , Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, , Jake Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, LANCO, Owen, , Midland, , Eli Devin Dawson, Tenille , HARDY, Mason Young Band, Riley Green, Townes, The Wild Feathers Ramsey, Smith, Chris & Lindsay Ell Lane ft. (“Take Back (“What Happens In A Small Home Girl”) Town”), , Rachel Wammack, Ryan Hurd, Seaforth, Delta Rae, Thompson Square

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM4 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOMINEES: KANE BROWN CHASE MCGILL DAVID GARCIA CAYLEE HAMMACK KEVIN WELCH JEREMY BUSSEY

5 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Buddy Cannon continued his hitmaking run, co-producing the Year nominee Seaforth, and Breakthrough Artist- songs with longtime collaborator Kenny Chesney. They Writer nominee Riley Green. Huff’s long list of studio continue to churn out radio ready singles more than collaborations includes recent work with Thomas Rhett, 20 years into Chesney’s career. In the studio, Cannon Midland, Brad Paisley, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, Eli also revived ‘90s star David Lee Murphy with the No. 1 Young Band, Thompson Square, Runaway June, Brantley “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” featuring Chesney, and Gilbert and Lindsay Ell (“What Happens In A Small Town”), helmed albums by Willie Nelson (My Way and Last Man Rachel Wammack, Ryan Hurd and Delta Rae. Huff is a Standing), Reba McEntire (), and two-time MusicRow Producer of the Year. Aaron Lewis (State I’m In). Cannon was named 2004 MusicRow Producer of the Year. Jay Joyce helmed projects by many of this year’s nominees, including Artist of the Year nominee Eric David Garcia is a co-writer and co-producer of “Meant Church, Breakthrough Artist nominee Ashley McBryde, to Be,” the runaway hit by featuring Florida and Discovery Artist of the year nominee Tenille Townes. Georgia Line. Garcia also collaborated with Carrie Additionally, McBryde’s “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” is vying Underwood on her current album , home to hits for Song of the Year. Working from his East Nashville including the title track and “Love Wins.” Garcia worked church-turned-studio, Joyce also lent his talents to with rapper NF on his album Perception, featuring the hit Devin Dawson, Brothers Osborne, LANCO and The “Let You Down.” Among Garcia’s other recent projects Wild Feathers. Joyce is a two-time MusicRow Producer are Walker Hayes and Steven Lee Olsen. This is Garcia’s of the Year. first MusicRow Awards nomination. Joey Moi had a hand in the success of multiple MusicRow Scott Hendricks returns as a nominee for Producer of Awards nominees, including Morgan Wallen who is up the Year, with credits including fellow MusicRow Awards for Breakthrough Artist, and HARDY, who is nominated nominees Dan + Shay, who had an outstanding year for both Breakthrough Artist-Writer and Discovery Artist with the hits “Tequila” and “Speechless.” Hendricks of the Year. Moi continued making hits as producer for also continued his long tenure of success with Blake Florida Georgia Line, and Records artists Jake Shelton, fostered the growth of Michael Ray, and guided Owen (“I Was Jack (You Were Diane)),” Chris Lane (“Take newcomer Tegan Marie. Hendricks serves as Warner Back Home Girl” ft. Tori Kelly), Mason Ramsey, and Dallas Music Nashville Exec. VP, A&R/Creative Advisor. Smith. This is Moi’s first MusicRow Awards nomination.

Dann Huff’s fingerprints appear multiple times throughout this list of nominations, with credits including Artist of the Year nominee Kane Brown, Discovery Artist of

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM6 7 Category 2 | LABEL OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor the achievements of a Nashville label group during the eligibility period.

Big Machine Black River BBR Music Group Label Group Entertainment

Sony Music Warner Music UMG Nashville Nashville Nashville

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM8 9 Category 3 | TALENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor the achievements of a Nashville talent agency during the eligibility period.

APA Creative Artists Kinkead Agency Entertainment Agency

Paradigm Talent United Talent WME Agency Agency

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM10 11 Category 4 | BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time.

Tofer Brown Ben Caver Brad Clawson Concord Publishing, BMI; “Night Shift,” Black River Songs, ASCAP; “Here Warner Chappell/Tape Room, BMI; recorded by Jon Pardi Tonight,” recorded by Brett Young “Up Down,” recorded by Morgan Wallen ft. Florida Georgia Line

Jacob Davis Erik Dylan Ross Ellis Black River Publishing, ASCAP; “Take peermusic, BMI; “There Was This Girl,” Big Deal/BMG, BMI; “Neon Church,” It From Me,” recorded by Jordan recorded by Riley Green recorded by Tim McGraw Davis, published by ReHits Music/ MeGusta Music

Aaron Eshuis Jason Gantt Ben Goldsmith SMACKsongs/Ice House Tunes, Sony ATV Tree Publishing/Songs Of BMG Gold Songs/Songs Of Big Deal/ ASCAP; “This Is It,” recorded by Scotty Red Bandana, BMI; “Take It From Me,” Go For The Goldsmith, ASCAP; “Neon McCreery recorded by Jordan Davis Church,” recorded by Tim McGraw

Mark Holman Josh London Chase McGill BMG Bumblebee/Rygo Music, BMI; Major Bob/Castle Bound Music, UMPG, BMI; “Break Up In The End,” “Simple,” recorded by Florida Georgia SESAC; “,” recorded by recorded by ; “Lose It,” Line recorded by Kane Brown; “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset,” recorded by

Jeff Middleton David Ray Jordan Reynolds Warner Chappell/ Music, BMI; self published, ASCAP; “I Was Jack Warner Chappell, ASCAP; “Drowns The Whiskey,” recorded by (You Were Diane),” recorded by Jake “Speechless,” recorded by Dan + ft. Owen, published by Sony ATV Shay; “Tequila,” recorded by Dan + Shay

Rob Snyder Will Weatherly JP Williams Little Extra Music/No Cats Around Warner Chappell/Tape Room, BMI; Blonde Leading Blind Music, BMI; Here Music, BMI; “She Got The Best “Lose It,” recorded by Kane Brown “Best Shot,” recorded by Jimmie Allen, Of Me,” recorded by published by Major Bob

Channing Wilson Warner Chappell/Low Country Sound, BMI; “She Got The Best Of Me,” recorded by Luke Combs

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM12 13 BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Tofer Brown scored his first Top 10 hit with “Night Shift,” It From Me.” They co-wrote the song with Breakthrough recorded by Jon Pardi, and co-written with Phillip LaRue Artist nominee Jordan Davis, whose upbeat recording and Billy Montana. Additionally, Brown has cuts by Jason took the song to the top of the charts. Hailing from Mraz, Greg Holden, Tyminski, and Jillian Jacqueline (who Shreveport, Louisiana, Jacob and Jordan are brothers he also produces). and solo recording artists.

Ben Caver earned his first No. 1 with “Here Tonight,” Erik Dylan scored his first Top 5 hit with “There Was This co-written with Justin Ebach, , and artist Girl,” written with and recorded by Riley Green, who is in Brett Young who recorded the smooth song. Add this to the running for Breakthrough Artist-Writer for the same Caver’s list of cuts by Carrie Underwood, , song. Dylan’s other current songs include Green’s “Bettin’ , and Tim McGraw and . Man” and Josh Phillips’ “In A Bar Somewhere.” Dylan also released his own album, Baseball On The Moon, in 2018. Brad Clawson is nominated for his first No. 1, “Up Down,” which was co-written with Michael Hardy and CJ Solar, Ross Ellis and fellow nominee Ben Goldsmith earned and recorded by Morgan Wallen, who are all 2019 their first Top 10 hits as co-writers of “Neon Church” along MusicRow Awards nominees. Clawson also has cuts by with Ben Stennis. Tim McGraw’s recording of the song and . was his first new solo music since 2015. Ellis has had cuts by and Jordan Rager, and released his Jacob Davis and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter own single “Barefoot Dancer” in 2018. nominee Jason Gantt scored their first No. 1 with “Take (Continued on page 16)

14 15 BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Aaron Eshuis celebrated his first No. 1 with “This Is It,” Mark Holman celebrated his first No. 1 with “Simple,” co- recorded by Scotty McCreery. Eshuis penned the song written with fellow nominee Michael Hardy, and Florida with Frank Rogers and McCreery, and co-produced it with Georgia Line’s and . It’s one of Rogers and Derek Wells. Eshuis’ growing catalog also three credits Holman has on FGL’s current album, adding includes cuts by Cole Swindell, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, to his tally of CCM and rock cuts. Lauren Jenkins, and Ryan Hurd (who he also produces). Josh London co-wrote “Best Shot” with JP Williams and Jason Gantt secured his first No. 1 as co-writer of “Take Jimmie Allen. Allen’s recording of the song spent three It From Me,” written alongside fellow MusicRow Awards weeks at No. 1, marking the first chart-topper for all three nominees Jacob Davis and Jordan Davis, who recorded and earning them nominations for the 2019 MusicRow the song. Gantt has previous cuts by Kenny Chesney, Awards. Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton and more. Chase McGill is the only Breakthrough Songwriter Ben Goldsmith earned his first Top 10 as a co-writer nominee with three qualifying hits. His slew of album cuts of Tim McGraw’s recent single “Neon Church,” marking in recent years all lead up to a trio of No. 1s: “Sunrise, the artist’s first new solo music since 2015. The song Sunburn, Sunset,” recorded by Luke Bryan; “Break Up was co-written with fellow nominee Ross Ellis, and Ben In The End,” recorded by Cole Swindell; and “Lose It” Stennis. Goldsmith also has cuts by and recorded by Kane Brown. McGill’s previous cuts include . “When Someone Stops Loving You,” recorded by . He is also nominated for Male Songwriter of the Year. (Continued on page 18)

16 17 BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Jeff Middleton earned his first No. 1 as co-writer of Rob Snyder scored his first No. 1 with “She Got The “Drowns The Whiskey,” recorded by Jason Aldean ft. Best Of Me,” written with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter Miranda Lambert. The song was written with Brandon nominee Channing Wilson and Artist of the Year nominee Kinney and Josh Thompson. Middleton also has cuts Luke Combs. The song spent four weeks at No. 1. by Breakthrough Artist nominee Jordan Davis, and . Will Weatherly secured his first No. 1 with “Lose It,” written with fellow 2019 MusicRow Awards nominees Kane David Ray secured both his first cut and first No. 1 with Brown and Chase McGill. Weatherly has cuts by Florida Jake Owen’s “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).” Ray is self- Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum and Carrie Underwood, published and recently released his own single as an and production credits including Dustin Lynch. artist, “Here for the Weekend.” Co-writing credits on “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” include Tommy Cecil, Jody JP Williams, Josh London and Jimmie Allen co-wrote Stevens, and John Mellencamp. “Best Shot,” which went on to become the first No. 1 for all three writers and secure their 2019 MusicRow Awards Jordan Reynolds had a breakout year thanks to Dan + nominations. Allen’s debut single spent three weeks at Shay, who had No. 1 hits with his co-writes “Tequila” and No. 1. “Speechless.” Reynolds has a total of six songs on the duo’s current album, including new single “All To Myself.” Channing Wilson celebrated his first No. 1 as co-writer of Reynolds also has cuts by , Thomas Rhett, “She Got The Best Of Me,” penned alongside pals and Lady Antebellum, Russell Dickerson, and fellow 2019 MusicRow Awards nominees Rob Snyder and Brett Eldredge. Luke Combs. Wilson adds Combs’ four-week No. 1 to his growing catalog, which also includes cuts by Riley Green.

2019 MUSICROW CONGRATULATES DISCOVERY ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

18 19 Category 5 | BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR

Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville songwriter and recording artist who wrote or co- wrote a Top 10 song for the first time.

Jimmie Allen Seth Ennis Morgan Evans Sony ATV/Lakeview/Red Warner Chappell/Liz Rose Warner Chappell, BMI, Lining Music, SESAC, BBR Music, ASCAP, Warner Music Nashville; Music Group; “Best Shot,” Nashville; “Hooked,” “,” recorded recorded by Jimmie Allen recorded by by Morgan Evans; “Hooked,” recorded by Dylan Scott

Riley Green HARDY CJ Solar Warner Chappell, BMI, Relative, BMI, Big Loud Sea Gayle, ASCAP; “Up Big Machine Label Group; Records; “Up Down,” Down,” recorded by “There Was This Girl,” recorded by Morgan Morgan Wallen ft. Florida recorded by Riley Green Wallen ft. Florida Georgia Georgia Line Line; “Simple” recorded by Florida Georgia Line

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM20 21 BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST-WRITER: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Jimmie Allen co-wrote his No. 1 single “Best Shot” with tune “Bettin’ Man” alongside Jonathan Singleton. Green fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Josh London and also co-wrote his brand new single “In Love By Now.” JP Williams. The song made history as the first time a He is an Alabama native who built a following by touring black artist took their first-ever single to No. 1 at country the Southeast and will continue on the road this summer radio, and the first time since 2012 a debut single spent with Brad Paisley. three weeks at No. 1. Following that success, Allen’s “” was most added at country radio in HARDY charted two No. 1s as a songwriter during the its first week. It’s the second single off his debut album eligibility period: “Simple” recorded by Florida Georgia . Line, and “Up Down,” recorded by Morgan Wallen ft. FGL. HARDY wrote “Simple” with FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Seth Ennis is nominated in this category for co-writing Brian Kelley along with 2019 Breakthrough Songwriter “Hooked,” with fellow nominee Morgan Evans, and nominee Mark Holman. For “Up Down,” HARDY 2018 nominee Lindsay Rimes. Dylan Scott’s recording collaborated with fellow nominees Brad Clawson and of the song went to No. 2 and is certified Gold. Ennis is CJ Solar. HARDY’s own debut single “” is on multi-talented—he co-wrote, co-produced and played the charts, as is his cowrite, “God’s Country,” recorded all the instruments on his own debut single, “Woke Up by Blake Shelton. In Nashville.” For his current single, “Call Your Mama,” Ennis collaborated with fellow 2019 MusicRow Awards CJ Solar co-wrote “Up Down” with fellow 2019 nominees nominees Michael Hardy and Jordan Reynolds. Brad Clawson and HARDY, and the recording by Morgan Wallen ft. Florida Georgia Line became a No. 1 hit. While Morgan Evans was co-writer of two big country hits experiencing success as a songwriter, Solar also scored during the eligibility period: his own U.S. debut single as an artist. His singles “Airplane” and “American Girls” “Kiss Somebody,” and “Hooked,” recorded by Dylan reached No. 15 on the MusicRow Chart, helping him earn Scott. “Hooked” was written with fellow Breakthrough the MusicRow CountryBreakout Award for Independent Artist-Writer nominee Seth Ennis, and 2018 Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Solar also has credits on singles by Songwriter nominee Lindsay Rimes. Australian-born Jerrod Niemann and Kyle Park. Evans penned his No. 1, “Kiss Somebody,” with Chris DeStefano and 2019 Male Songwriter of the Year nominee . Evans followed that success with currently rising single “.”

Riley Green is nominated for co-writing his Top 5 hit “There Was This Girl.” He penned the song with Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Erik Dylan, and they also collaborated on Green’s other recently-released

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM22 23 Category 6 | MALE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor the achievements of a Nashville songwriter during the eligibility period.

Ross Copperman Shane McAnally Sony ATV/Rezonant, BMI Round Hill Music, ASCAP SMACKsongs, GMR

Chase McGill Josh Osborne Kevin Welch UMPG, BMI Sony ATV/SMACKborne UMPG, SESAC Music, ASCAP

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM24 25 MALE SONGWRITER: Credits from the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart By Sarah Skates

Ross Copperman Chase McGill “Born To Love You,” recorded by LANCO “Break Up In The End,” recorded by Cole Swindell “Get Along,” recorded by Kenny Chesney “Dad’s Old Number,” recorded by Cole Swindell “I’d Be Jealous Too,” recorded by Dustin Lynch “Lose It,” recorded by Kane Brown “Love Ain’t,” recorded by “Short Skirt Weather,” recorded by Kane Brown “Love Someone,” recorded by Brett Eldredge “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset,” recorded by Luke Bryan “Living,” recorded by “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” recorded “Woman, Amen,” recorded by Dierks Bentley by Justin Moore “World For Two,” recorded by King Calaway “When Someone Stops Loving You,” recorded by Little Big Town Ashley Gorley “Born To Love You,” recorded by LANCO Josh Osborne “Eyes On You,” recorded by Chase Rice “Born To Love You,” recorded by LANCO “Good Vibes,” recorded by Chris Janson “Burn Out,” recorded by Midland “I Don’t Know About You,” recorded by Chris Lane “Downtown’s Dead,” recorded by “Life Changes,” recorded by Thomas Rhett “Get Along,” recorded by Kenny Chesney “Living,” recorded by Dierks Bentley “,” recorded by Old Dominion “Love Ain’t,” recorded by Eli Young Band “Kiss Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Evans “Ridin’ Roads,” recorded by Dustin Lynch “Mr. Lonely,” recorded by Midland “Rumor,” recorded by Lee Brice “One Man Band,” recorded by Old Dominion “One That Got Away,” recorded by Michael Ray “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You,” recorded by Teddy Shane McAnally Robb “Burn Out,” recorded by Midland “,” recorded by Morgan Evans “Down To The Honky Tonk,” recorded by Jake Owen “Turnin’ Me On,” recorded by Blake Shelton “Downtown’s Dead,” recorded by Sam Hunt “World For Two,” recorded by King Calaway “Get Along,” recorded by Kenny Chesney “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You),” recorded by Brothers Osborne Kevin Welch “Love Ain’t,” recorded by Eli Young Band “Millionaire,” recorded by “Make It Sweet,” recorded by Old Dominion “Mr. Lonely,” recorded by Midland “Rainbow,” recorded by “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You,” recorded by Teddy Robb “Space Cowboy,” recorded by Kacey Musgraves

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM26 27 Category 7 | FEMALE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor the achievements of a Nashville songwriter during the eligibility period.

Jessie Jo Dillon Big Machine Music, BMI Warner Chappell, BMI Rezonant/BMG, ASCAP

Liz Rose Laura Veltz Parker Welling Liz Rose Music/Warner Big Machine Music, BMI Home Team/Roc Nation/ Chappell, BMI Warner Chappell, BMI

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM28 29 FEMALE SONGWRITER: Credits from the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart By Sarah Skates

Jessie Jo Dillon Liz Rose “Break Up In The End,” recorded by Cole Swindell “Better Boat,” recorded by Kenny Chesney “Rich,” recorded by Maren Morris “Cry Pretty,” recorded by Carrie Underwood

Nicolle Galyon Laura Veltz “All To Myself,” recorded by Dan + Shay “A Song For Everything,” recorded by Maren Morris “Coming Home,” recorded by Keith Urban “Rich,” recorded by Maren Morris “Tequila,” recorded by Dan + Shay “Keeping Score,” recorded by Dan + Shay “Speechless,” recorded by Dan + Shay “The Bones,” recorded by Maren Morris Hillary Lindsey “To A T,” recorded by Ryan Hurd “Buy My Own Drinks,” recorded by Runaway June “Closer To You,” recorded by Carly Pearce “Cry Pretty,” recorded by Carrie Underwood Parker Welling “Knockin’ Boots,” recorded by Luke Bryan “Blue Tacoma,” recorded by Russell Dickerson “People Are Different,” recorded by Florida Georgia Line “Every Little Thing,” recorded by Russell Dickerson “When Someone Stops Loving You,” recorded by Little “Yours,” recorded by Russell Dickerson Big Town “What Whiskey Does,” recorded by Randy Houser

30 31 Category 8 | SONG OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor Nashville writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart performance.

“Burning Man” “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” “On My Way To You” Writers: Luke Dick, Bobby Pinson Writers: Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Writers: , Tony Lane Publishers: Emileon Songs/Little Louder Bussey Publishers: WB Music Corp., ASCAP/ Songs/Little Louder Music, Publishers: Songs Of Song Factory, Songs Of Brett, ASCAP/ LLC, admin. by Songs of Kobalt BMI/Beejo Fetch Publishing, Atlas Music Publishing, Music Publishing; New Writers BMI/Universal Tunes, SESAC ASCAP/External Combus- Of /Not A Track Recorded by: Ashley McBryde, Atlantic tion Music, ASCAP/BMG Guy Music, admin. by ClearBox Records/Warner Music Gold Songs, ASCAP/Hey- Rights, BMI Nashville tone Music, ASCAP Recorded by: Dierks Bentley ft. Brothers Recorded by: , CoJo Music/ Osborne, Warner Music Nashville Nashville/UMG Nashville

“Rainbow” “Speechless” “The Daughters” Writers: Kacey Musgraves, Natalie Writers: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Writers: Karen Fairchild, Sean McCon- Hemby, Shane McAnally Jordan Reynolds, Laura Veltz nell, Ashley Ray Publishers: HappyGoWrucke, BMI/Songs Publishers: Beats And , ASCAP/ Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing of MV2, BMI/These Are Pulse WB Music Corp., ASCAP/Shay Corp./Self Made Entertainment, Songs, BMI/Smack Hits, GMR/ Mooney Music, BMI/Warner- admin. by Warner-Tamerlane Smack Songs LLC, GMR/Kobalt Tamerlane Publishing Corp., BMI/ Publishing Corp., BMI/Silent Music Group Ltd., GMR/Warner- Buckeye26, ASCAP/Jreynmusic, Desert Music, admin. by Tamerlane Publishing Corp., ASCAP/Big Music Machine, BMI/ Concord Music Publishing, BMI/ BMI/351 Music, BMI/EMI Black- Never Veltz So Good Publish- BMG Platinum Songs, admin. by wood Music Inc., BMI ing, BMI BMG Rights Management, BMI Recorded by: Kacey Musgraves, MCA Records/ Recorded by: Dan + Shay, Warner Bros./Warner Recorded by: Little Big Town, Capitol Records UMG Nashville Music Nashville Nashville/UMG Nashville

32 33 SONG OF THE YEAR: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

“Burning Man” three-time MusicRow Awards winner, taking the triple Luke Dick and Bobby Pinson expertly portray the crown in 2013 for Breakthrough Artist, Breakthrough dichotomy of the human spirit with their song “Burning Songwriter, and Song of the Year, which she shared Man,” recorded by Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers with McAnally and Josh Osborne for co-writing “Merry Osborne. The track’s driving rhythm beats in time with Go ‘Round.” the lyrics: I’m a little bit holy water but still a little bit burning man. This is the first No. 1 for Luke Dick, who “Speechless” was nominated for MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds and Laura in 2018. Veltz are co-writers of Dan + Shay’s romantic megahit “Speechless.” And they are all nominated in multiple “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” categories for this year’s MusicRow Awards. Dan + Shay “Where they said I’d never be is exactly where I am,” are vying for Artist of the Year, Veltz is in the running sings Ashley McBryde on her song “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” for Female Songwriter of the Year, and Reynolds is up Written by McBryde and Jeremy Bussey, the ballad for Breakthrough Songwriter. Additionally, the duo’s inspires determined dream-chasing and gives a poetic producer, Scott Hendricks, is nominated for Producer middle finger to small-minded naysayers. McBryde, an of the Year. Arkansas native, spent more than a decade writing songs in Nashville and it all paid off with recent accolades “The Daughters” including a Grammy nomination. Songwriters Karen Fairchild, Sean McConnell and Ashley Ray offer a song about the often unfair expectations “On My Way To You” placed on females with “The Daughters.” [Pose like a Revered songwriters Brett James and Tony Lane crafted trophy on a shelf/Dream for everyone but not yourself.] “On My Way To You,” a love song about how arriving at Fairchild and her Little Big Town bandmates created a a destination makes the rocky journey worthwhile. Cody powerful recording of the song, which comes in advance Johnson’s traditional country recording of the ballad of their ninth studio album. became his first major label single and has resonated with listeners. Johnson is also nominated for 2019 Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

“Rainbow” Songwriters Kacey Musgraves, Natalie Hemby and Shane McAnally want you to know that the storm is over and a rainbow is shining bright. Musgraves enchants on her delicate ballad recording of the song. She is also nominated for 2019 Artist of the Year and is a previous

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM34 CONGRATULATIONS

MUSIC ROW DISCOVERY ARTIST NOMINEE “Hammack’s got a voice to move » Highest Female Single Debut at mountains, but it’s her frank and Country Radio in Three Years clever storytelling that keeps it all » Upcoming Tour Dates with Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert in motion.” and Brothers Osborne » Debut single “Family Tree” “Known mix of clever lyrics and available now! haunting melodies.”

A UNIVERSAL MUSIC COMPANY

35 Category 9 | DISCOVERY ARTIST OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville developing artist who demonstrates significant talent and potential to rise.

Caylee Hammack HARDY Tyler Rich Capitol Records Nashville/UMG Big Loud Records, Relative The Valory Music Co./BMLG, Nashville, UMPG, ASCAP Music Group, BMI Big Machine Music, SESAC

Seaforth Tenille Townes Hailey Whitters RCA Nashville/Sony Music Columbia Nashville/Sony Independent, Carnival Nashville, Warner Chappell, Music Nashville, Big Yellow Music, ASCAP APRA AMCOS, SESAC, BMI Dog, ASCAP

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM36 37 DISCOVERY ARTIST OF THE YEAR: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Caylee Hammack‘s debut single “Family Tree” is an Tenille Townes is an artist with perspective. Her debut upbeat invitation to her upbringing in Georgia, where single “Somebody’s Daughter,” about a homeless she felt like a “hippie in a hillbilly town.” She co-wrote woman, isn’t a likely choice for an introduction to radio, and co-produced the song that is flying up the charts. It but her unapologetic viewpoint attracts fans longing was the most-added debut song by a female artist upon for songs of substance. Raves MusicRow’s Robert K. impact at country radio in over three years. Coming up, Oermann, “The lyric is simply brilliant, and her delivery of Hammack will share her unique flair and killer voice on it is superbly heart tugging. Sign me up for the fan club.” tour with Miranda Lambert. Townes teamed with Producer of the Year nominee Jay Joyce for her debut album, due out later this year. In the HARDY dropped his first name and released his debut meantime, the Canadian-born artist will be on tour with single, “Rednecker,” the latest chapter in his evolution Miranda Lambert, following jaunts with Maren Morris from songwriter to artist. His songwriting credits include and Dierks Bentley. “Simple” (Florida Georgia Line) and “Up Down” (Morgan Wallen ft. FGL)—which yielded an additional nomination Hailey Whitters’ artist career has been bubbling since for Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year. As a recording the release of her debut album four years ago. Today artist, HARDY works with Producer of the Year nominee she is ready to boil—with new music and a spot on Joey Moi. Maren Morris’ tour as well as Brent Cobb’s. Whitters tells the story of her journey on new single “Ten Year Town.” Tyler Rich‘s debut single “The Difference” reached No. MusicRow critic Robert K. Oermann says, “Eloquence and 1 on SiriusXM and he’s following that with new track truth in every perfectly crafted line. If there’s a better song “Leave Her Wild.” The Northern California native offers a about being an aspiring country female artist, I’ve never pop-laden version of country on his self-titled EP, so his heard it.” As a renowned songwriter, Whitters has cuts slot on CMT On Tour: Here Tonight alongside headliner by Little Big Town (“Happy People”), (“The Brett Young is a perfect fit. Rich is also a co-writer on Older I Get”), and Martina McBride (“Low All Afternoon” the single “Night Visions,” recorded by AJ McLean of and “The Real Thing”). Whitters’ album The Dream will the Backstreet Boys. be released later this year.

Rising duo Seaforth are gearing up for the impact date of their debut single “Love That” later this month. The song is the title track of the EP they co-produced with 2019 MusicRow Awards nominee Dann Huff. Seaforth is comprised of Tom Jordan and Mitch Thompson, who named their group after the suburb of Sydney, Australia where they grew up. They co-wrote all four songs on the EP and have honed their performance skills on the road with Kane Brown, Brett Young, and Mitchell Tenpenny.

38 39 Category 10 | BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.

Jimmie Allen Jordan Davis Russell Dickerson Stoney Creek/BBR Music Group, MCA Records/UMG Nashville, Triple Tigers Records, BMG/ Sony ATV Lakeview, Red Lining ole, ASCAP Darrell Franklin Music, BMI Music, SESAC

Cody Johnson Ashley McBryde Morgan Wallen CoJo/Warner Music Atlantic Records/Warner Big Loud Records, Big Loud Nashville, Cori’s Daddy’s Music Nashville, The Song Mountain, Admin: Round Hill, Publishing, Admin: Me Gusta Factory, BMI BMI Music, BMI

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM40 ON YOUR NOMINATION FOR SONG OF THE YEAR FOR “GIRL GOIN NOWHERE” AND YOUR NOMINATION FOR BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

41 BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Jimmie Allen is nominated for MusicRow Breakthrough Ashley McBryde had an incredible year, driven by her Artist for his success as a recording artist, and album Girl Going Nowhere, and single of the same name. Breakthrough Artist-Writer as a co-writer of his single She earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album “Best Shot.” The song made history as the first time a with the only debut album in the category. McBryde is black artist took their first-ever single to No. 1 at country also nominated for MusicRow Awards Song of the Year as radio, and the first time since 2012 a debut single spent a co-writer of “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” and her collaborator three weeks at No. 1. Allen’s follow up, “Make Me Want Jay Joyce is up for Producer of the Year. Coming up, To,” is now making its way up the charts. He will spend McBryde will tour with Miranda Lambert. the summer on the road with major tours headlined by and Rascal Flatts. Morgan Wallen scored his first No. 1 as an artist with “Up Down,” and followed that with current hit “Whiskey Jordan Davis took his debut track, “Singles You Up,” Glasses.” Up next for the native is a nationwide all the way to No. 1 and followed that hit with another stint on Florida Georgia Line’s summer tour, followed by chart-topper, “Take It From Me.” The Louisiana native a fall run as direct support for Luke Combs. Wallen was co-wrote all 12 tracks on his album . He is a 2018 nominee for MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist- currently on the road with Old Dominion and will then Writer as a co-writer of “,” recorded by join Rascal Flatts on tour in July. In 2018, Davis was Jason Aldean. nominated for MusicRow Breakthrough Artist-Writer for co-writing “Singles You Up.”

Russell Dickerson has earned two No. 1s with his hits “Yours,” and “Blue Tacoma,” both of which he co-wrote. He is following that success with his latest single “Every Little Thing,” which is climbing country radio charts. He was a 2018 nominee for Breakthrough Artist-Writer for co-writing “Yours.” Dickerson joins Thomas Rhett on the road for the Very Hot Summer Tour, kicking off this month.

Cody Johnson‘s traditional sound has been attracting fans in his homestate of Texas for years. Now he’s made the jump to the national stage via his partnership with CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville. Johnson’s first major label single “On My Way To You,” is climbing at radio and earned a nomination this year for MusicRow Awards Song of the Year for co-writers Brett James and Tony Lane.

42 43 Category 11 | ARTIST OF THE YEAR Voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor outstanding achievements by a Nashville artist during the eligibility period.

Dierks Bentley Kane Brown Eric Church Capitol Records Nashville/UMG RCA Nashville/Zone 4/Sony EMI Records Nashville/UMG Nashville, Kobalt, ASCAP Music Nashville, UMPG, BMI Nashville, Sony ATV, BMI

Luke Combs Dan + Shay Kacey Musgraves River House/Columbia Warner Bros./Warner Music MCA Records/UMG Nashville, Nashville/, Warner Chappell, Warner Chappell, BMI Nashville, Big Machine ASCAP, BMI Music, BMI

Ballots will be emailed to MusicRow subscribers on Tuesday, May 14 | Voting Closes Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM44 45 ARTIST OF THE YEAR: About the Nominees By Sarah Skates

Dierks Bentley recently celebrated his 18th career No. 1 Billboard country charts for multiple weeks. His single with “Burning Man,” feat. Brothers Osborne. The song is “” spent seven straight weeks at No. 1 the second consecutive chart-topper from his ninth studio on Billboard’s Country chart and makes Combs album The Mountain, following the hit “Woman, Amen.” the first artist to send his first five singles to the top of Bentley co-wrote 10 of 13 tracks on The Mountain, which that chart. He is currently on the Beer Never Broke My earned the highest debut sales of his career and became Heart Tour, a sold-out nationwide run named after his his seventh No. 1 album. Additionally, “Burning Man” brand new single. earned a 2019 MusicRow Song of the Year nomination, and his tour of the same name is a sold-out success. Dan + Shay had a runaway year thanks to their major hits “Tequila” and “Speechless.” Together the songs made Kane Brown scored his third consecutive No. 1 with Dan + Shay the first duo to hold the top two spots on “Lose It,” and followed that with his new single, “Good Billboard’s chart simultaneously As You,” which was the most-added at country radio that for eight consecutive weeks. Also, “Tequila” was the week. With the 2018 release of his album Experiment, most-streamed country song released in 2018. Their Brown became one of only three country artists to top current single “All To Myself” follows suit as it climbs the overall chart last year. For the album, the charts. After Dan + Shay’s sold-out headlining tour, Brown worked with Dann Huff, who is nominated for they will hit the road on tours with Florida Georgia Line, MusicRow Producer of the Year. Brown wrapped his sold- and Shawn Mendes. Dan + Shay are also nominated out headlining arena tour in March, and will spend the for 2019 MusicRow Song of the Year as co-writers of summer on the road with Jason Aldean. “Speechless,” and their producer, Scott Hendricks, is nominated for Producer of the Year. Eric Church is playing back-to-back nights in cities on his current Double Down Tour, visiting arenas nationwide. In Kacey Musgraves is having a stellar run with her latest addition, he’s upping the ante with a stop at Nashville’s album Golden Hour, which won four Grammy Awards, Nissan Stadium on May 25, expected to more than including the overall Album of the Year, and was voted double his attendance record set at Album of the Year at the CMA and ACM Awards. The in 2017. His current album, Desperate Man, debuted atop project includes current single “Rainbow,” which is also the Billboard Country Albums chart in October, and his nominated for MusicRow Song of the Year. Musgraves producer Jay Joyce is nominated for 2019 MusicRow is wowing audiences around the globe on her sold- Producer of the Year. Church is a co-writer of the album’s out Oh, What a World: Tour II. The acclaimed singer- latest single, “,” which recently climbed to No. songwriter is a previous three-time MusicRow Awards 1 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart. winner, taking the triple crown in 2013 for Breakthrough Artist, Breakthrough Songwriter, and Song of the Year. Luke Combs was voted Breakthrough Artist during last year’s MusicRow Awards, and he returns this year in the running for Artist of the Year. Combs recently made history as the first artist to simultaneously top all five

46 47 48 Awards were selected by critics until 2008, when they became subscriber voted. PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2008: Luke Bryan To honor a Nashville producer’s work on albums active during 2007: Chris Tompkins and the eligibility period. Achievements may include, but are not 2006: Jason Matthews limited to, single chart performance and album sales. 2005: Vicky McGehee 2004: Jim Brown/Don Rollins 2018: 2003: 2017: Jay Joyce 2002: Anthony Smith 2016: Dave Cobb 2001: 2015: Jay Joyce 2000: 2014: Frank Liddell 1999: 2013: Dann Huff 1998: Harley Allen 2012: Frank Liddell 1997: Cathy Majeski, Sunny Russ, Stephony Smith 2011: 1996: Jim Lauderdale 2010: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke 2008-09: Frank Rogers TOP SONGWRITER 2007: Songwriter earning the most Top 20 singles for each year. 2006: Dann Huff Category merged with Breakthrough Songwriter in 1998. 2005: Frank Rogers 2004: Buddy Cannon 1997: Craig Wiseman 2003: James Stroud 1996: Mark D. Sanders 2002: Keith Stegall 1995: Tom Shapiro 2001: Mark Wright 1994: Gary Burr 1999-2000: Byron Gallimore 1993: 1992: PRODUCER HONOR ROLL 1991: Pat Alger Producer earning the most Top 20 singles and Top 10 albums 1987-90: Don Schlitz for each year. Became Producer of the Year in 1999. 1986: Dave Loggins 1985: Troy Seals 1998: No award presented 1997: Wilbur C. Rimes 1996: Tony Brown BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST 1995: Allen Reynolds Voted by readers to honor a Nashville artist who achieved 1994: James Stroud significant career progress for the first time. 1993: Tony Brown 1991-92: Allen Reynolds 2018: Luke Combs 1990: Tony Brown 2017: Maren Morris 1982-89: Jimmy Bowen 2016: Old Dominion 2015: Sam Hunt 2014: BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER 2013: Kacey Musgraves Voted by readers to honor a Nashville songwriter who wrote 2012: Eli Young Band or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time. 2011: Perry 2010: Zac Brown Band 2018: Emily Shackelton 2009: Jamey Johnson 2017: Jesse Lee 2008: Lady Antebellum 2016: Maren Morris 2015: Michael Carter BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST-WRITER 2014: Nicolle Galyon and Cole Swindell (tie) Voted by readers to honor a Nashville songwriter and 2013: Kacey Musgraves recording artist who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the 2012: Johnny Bulford and Phil Barton first time. 2011: Kimberly Perry 2010: Chris Young 2018: Devin Dawson 2009: James Otto 2017: Lauren Alaina

49 CRITICS’ PICK/NEW ARTIST 2012: “,” written by and To recognize an outstanding new artist who released their first Matraca Berg; published by Deanaling Music, single in the awards year. Became Breakthrough Artist in 2008. Hannaberg Music, Songs of Universal Inc., WB Music Corp 2007: 2011: “,” written by Kimberly Perry; published 2006: Carrie Underwood by Pearlfeather, Rio Bravo 2005: Miranda Lambert 2010: “,” written by Allen 2004: Buddy Jewell Shamblin, ; published by Sony/ ATV- 2003: Tree Publishing Co., Tomdouglasmusic, Built On Rock 2002: Blake Shelton Music 2001: Mark McGuinn 2009: “In Color,” written by Jamey Johnson, James Otto, 2000: Eric Heatherly Lee Thomas Miller; published by New Songs of Sea Gayle, EMI Blackwood, Warner Tamerlane, Eldorotto Music 2008: “,” written by Brad Paisley; published by SONG OF THE YEAR EMI April Music, Sea Gayle Music To honor Nashville writers and publishers on the craft of 2007: “Stealing Kisses,” written by Lori McKenna; published songwriting, not necessarily chart performance. by Melanie Howard Music, Inc. 2006: “,” written by Jeffrey Steele, 2018: (tie) “Drunk Girl” written by Chris Janson, Scooter Steve Robson; published by Songs of Windswept Carusoe, Tom Douglas; published by ole Red Vinyl Pacific, Almo Music Corp. Music, Buckkilla Music, Scrambler Music, Abbotts 2005: “Whiskey Lullaby,” written by Bill Anderson, Jon Creek Music Two, Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, Randall; published by Sony/ATV-Tree, Mr. Bubba, Tomdouglasmusic, ASCAP, BMI Reynsong, Who Ya Say, Wrensong “Most People Are Good” written by David Frasier, Ed 2004: “Almost Home,” written by Craig Morgan, Kerry Kurt Hill, Josh Kear; published by SB 21 Music Publishing, Phillips; published by Magic Mustang Music Inc., Purdy Beard Music, Songs Of Amylase Music, Five Sufferin’ Succotash Songs Hills Music, Do Write Music, Year Of The Dog Music, 2003: “Red Ragtop,” written by Jason White; published by Champagne Whiskey Publishing, Downtown DLJ Sony/ATV Music Songs, ASCAP, BMI 2002: “Where Were You (When The World Stopped 2017: “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” written by Steven Lee Olsen, Turning),” written by Alan Jackson; published by EMI Hillary Lindsey, Clint Lagerberg; published by WB Music Publishing Music Corp., Music Of The Corn, Rezolution Music, 2001: “There Is No Arizona,” written by Jamie O’Neal, BMG Gold Songs, House Of Sea Gayle Music, Spirit Shaye Smith, Lisa Drew; published by EMI Music, Catalog Holdings, S.a.r.l/Spirit Two Nashville, ASCAP Zomba Music 2016: “,” written by Lori McKenna; 2000: “He Didn’t Have To Be,” written by Brad Paisley, published by Songs of Universal, Hoodie ; published by EMI April Music, Sea 2015: “,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Lori Gayle Music, Love Ranch Music McKenna, Liz Rose; published by Warner-Tamerlane, 1999: “Don’t Laugh At Me,” written by Allen Shamblin, Songs of , Songs of Universal, Hoodie, Steve Seskin; published by Built On , HillarodyRathbone, BMG David Aaron Music, Love This Town Music 2014: “,” written by Phillip Coleman and 1998: “Something That We Do,” written by Clint Black, Don Henry; published by Carnival Music, Warner- Skip Ewing; published by Blackened Music, Opryland Tamerlane Music Group 2013: (tie) “I Drive Your Truck,” written by Jessi Alexander, 1997: “Friends,” written by Jerry Holland; published by Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary; published by That’s A Smash Publishing, Mike Curb Music Vistaville Music, Happy Tears Music, EMI Blackwood, 1996: “,” written by Vince Melamed, Watch This Girl Publishing, Great Day At This Time Gary Burr; published by MCA Music, Patrick Joseph Music, Beattyville Music Music “Merry Go ‘Round,” written by Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally; published by 351 Music, Warner Tamerlane, Crazy Water Music, Little Blue Egg, Universal Music, Want A Fresh One

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