TAPE ROOM WRITERS TOP MEDIABASE AND BILLBOARD MOST-HEARD SONGS OF 2024

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Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips Top Both Charts as Co-Writers on Nate Smith’s “World On Fire”

Tape Room Music celebrates an extraordinary year as its writers dominate the Mediabase and Billboard Most-Heard Songs of 2024. With contributions from Ben Johnson, Brad Clawson, Casey Brown, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Wyatt McCubbin, Zach Crowell and founder Ashley Gorley, Tape Room’s team continues to shape the sound of modern country music.

“This was an amazing year for the Tape Room writers and staff,” shares Tape Room Music president Blain Rhodes. “Having that many songs on both the Mediabase and Billboard Year-End Most Played Songs lists is a testament to their world-class talent and unmatched work ethic.

“Huge thanks to our publishing partners, the record labels involved, and especially our friends at Country Radio,” Rhodes adds. “We have a lot to be thankful for this year and look forward to many more hits in 2025.”

Tape Room Music landed 19 songs on both the Mediabase and Billboard lists, with five of those tracks reaching the top 10, including the No. 1 entry on both charts with Nate Smith’s “World On Fire.”

Tape Room Writers on Mediabase’s Most-Heard Songs of 2024

1 – “World On Fire” – Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley
4 – “Outskirts” – Zach Crowell
6 – “Thinkin’ Bout Me” – Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley
7 – “Truck Bed” – Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley
8 – “I Had Some Help” – Ashley Gorley
11 – “Cowgirls” – Ashley Gorley
12 – “Chevrolet” – Hunter Phelps
13 – “Young Love & Saturday Nights” – Ashley Gorley
15 – “Take Her Home” – Hunter Phelps
20 – “Bulletproof” – Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Ashley Gorley
21 – “Love You Again” – Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips
42 – “I Am Not Okay” – Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley
46 – “Save Me The Trouble” – Ashley Gorley
49 – “Stars Like Confetti” – Zach Crowell
53 – “Sounds Like The Radio” – Wyatt McCubbin
55 – “All I Need Is You” – Brad Clawson, Ashley Gorley
57 – “God Gave Me A Girl” – Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
61 – “Everything I Love” – Ashley Gorley
74 – “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” – Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley

Tape Room Writers on Billboard’s Most-Heard Songs of 2024

1 – “World On Fire” – Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley
2 – “I Had Some Help” – Ashley Gorley
6 – “Cowgirls” – Ashley Gorley
7 – “Young Love & Saturday Nights” – Ashley Gorley
9 – “Outskirts” – Zach Crowell
11 – “Chevrolet” – Hunter Phelps
12 – “Take Her Home” – Hunter Phelps
15 – “Truck Bed” – Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley
16 – “Love You Again” – Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips
17 – “Bulletproof” – Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Ashley Gorley
18 – “Thinkin’ Bout Me” – Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley
37 – “Save Me The Trouble” – Ashley Gorley
43 – “All I Need Is You” – Brad Clawson, Ashley Gorley
50 – “I Am Not Okay” – Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley
51 – “Everything I Love” – Ashley Gorley
57 – “Sounds Like The Radio” – Wyatt McCubbin
64 – “Stars Like Confetti” – Zach Crowell
71 – “God Gave Me A Girl” – Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
85 – “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” – Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley

About Tape Room Music
Tape Room Music is an independent music publishing company founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley, where writers have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls.” In 2022, Tape Room celebrated 8 weeks topping radio charts, with two year-end number-one songs. Ben Johnson’s “Take My Name” topped the year-end Billboard Country Airplay chart, while Hunter Phelps and Will Weatherly’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” led the Mediabase Year-End Country Airplay chart. Recent number-one hits include Nate Smith’s 10-week smash “World On Fire,” HARDY’s boundary-defying “TRUCK BED,” Morgan Wallen’s 6-week chart topper “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” and more. Tape Room Music writers continue to stretch the bounds of their abilities, spreading their talents across writing, producing and performing.

JON PARDI WRAPS THE CHRISTMAS SHOWS WITH 13-PIECE BAND AND FESTIVE SET LISTS

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Country superstar Jon Pardi has made a tradition of his spirited big band holiday run, this year hitting the stage for five festive THE CHRISTMAS SHOW dates. Pardi delivered the perfect holiday celebration backed by a 13-piece band including twin fiddles and a horn section. Proving “there’s no party like a Jon Pardi (Christmas) party!” (People), the lively set list included a mix of holiday classics like “Please Come Home for Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” alongside tracks from his 2023 Christmas album MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM JON PARDI, including “lighthearted” (New York Time) originals “Beer for Santa,” “Merry Christmas from the Keys” and “400 Horsepower Sleigh” as well as his fan-favorite chart-topping hits.

Offstage, Pardi has donated $50,000 to support local charities in each city he visited: Chalk It Up (Sacramento, CA), Time for Change Foundation (San Bernardino, CA), Tulsa Youth Symphony (Tulsa, OK), Center for Children and Families (Norman, OK), and Road Runner Food Bank (Albuquerque, NM), all through his newly established Starlight Fund. Jon and Summer Pardi’s Starlight Fund is dedicated to supporting general youth enrichment, especially in trade, agriculture, and construction. The fund aims to empower the next generation to thrive professionally, and to cultivate a workforce that not only excels but also contributes meaningfully to their communities. Its mission is to provide resources and opportunities to organizations supporting those in need, with a focus on those pursuing hands-on skills and education in these important fields.

Since first hitting the country landscape, singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi has long separated himself from the pack, carving a lane that was all his own by producing, writing, and singing songs he created from the melodies up, and earning praise for it. “Jon Pardi cut a path through modern country’s embrace of pop, hip-hop and EDM” (New York Times) with “an emboldened work… a distilling of his sound into a more potent form that draws both vitality and assurance from his anything-but-sterile relationship to his tradition’s modern era” (NPR). Pardi is “a leader among a growing number of artists bringing back fiddle, steel and twang” (People) and “even when he’s singing sad songs, he wants people to have a good time” (Associated Press). Pardi’s critically acclaimed most recent album MR. SATURDAY NIGHT proved he has “blazed his own trail over the past decade” (Billboard) and followed his critically acclaimed 2019 album – HEARTACHE MEDICATION – a CMA and ACM Album of the Year nominated project that was also named as one of Rolling Stone’s “Best Album of the Year” and Los Angeles Times’ (Top 10) “Best Albums of the Year” upon release. His breakthrough Platinum-selling album, CALIFORNIA SUNRISE, which featured the multi-Platinum, chart-topping hits “Dirt On My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and “Night Shift.” Pardi has earned several No. Ones on country radio and is noted for his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (Music Row) and his impressive ability to carve out his own path creating “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still work on a mass scale” (Variety). Filled with fiddle, twang and steel guitar, Pardi continues to “apply new ideas to country’s old sounds” (Los Angeles Times) and “bring authenticity back into Country music” (People). Pardi’s brand new “Friday Night Heartbreaker” is the lead single from his upcoming fifth studio album, anticipated for release in 2025.

RODNEY ATKINS TO TOUR WITH ARMED FORCES ENTERTAINMENT

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Grammy-nominated country star Rodney Atkins is slated to tour with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) this fall. The tour includes seven shows at locations across Southwest Asia, from January 26 – February 2, 2025.

One of country music’s biggest stars, singer and songwriter Rodney Atkins was named the Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. His single, “Watching You,” earned the number one spot on Country Aircheck’s Top 100 Songs of the Decade, earning a Broadcast Music, Inc., (BMI) “Million-Air” Award.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Platinum-selling artist’s newest solo studio album, “Caught Up in the Country,” reveals an artist who is confident enough to know that making your best music requires patience and experimentation. The resulting songs are among his most daring so far, touching on emotions and sounds that continue to expand his range—from the twangy celebration of the album’s title track (featuring the roof-raising vocals of the Fisk Jubilee Singers) to the slow-burning cover of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up.”

With six Number One singles, eight Top Five singles, and 3.8 billion career streams under his belt, Atkins continues to be recognized as one of the most powerful voices in country music. He has sold more than 11.4 million units and earned 10 career Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum RIAA certifications, including his latest Gold-certified single, “Caught Up in the Country” (featuring the Fisk Jubilee Singers), setting the then-record for longest-running single in Billboard Country Airplay history at 57 weeks. Atkins has performed on the “Today” show, “Good Morning America” (GMA), and “Fox & Friends.”

AFE has been committed to boosting the morale and well-being of service members and their families stationed overseas through world-class live events and performances since 1951.

AMERICAN COUNTRY NETWORK ANNOUNCES AMERICAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS TV SPECIAL, HOSTED BY LUCAS HOGE

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American Country Network (ACN) announced its American Country Christmas TV special, airing now through Christmas Day. The hour-long program is hosted by country star Lucas Hoge and filmed at the Mulehouse in Columbia, Tennessee. The television special features Christmas performances by Hoge, Craig Campbell, Runaway June, Ty Herndon, Annie Bosko, Ryan Larkins, Johnathan McReynolds, Harper Grace and Brandon Davis.

“Hosting my first Christmas special for American Country Network has been an absolutely incredible experience,” says Hoge. “There’s something truly magical about the holiday season and getting to share it with such talented artists and passionate country music fans makes it all the more special. This is a time for joy, celebration, and coming together, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Here’s to spreading love and holiday cheer through the gift of music!”

The special can be viewed on ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, Android and the American Country Network Web App.

Schedule of Airings (Eastern Times):
Dec 16 – 10 AM
Dec 17 – 7 PM
Dec 18 – 8 PM
Dec 19 – 10 PM
Dec 20 – 11 AM
Dec 21 – 9 PM
Dec 22 – 12 PM
Dec 23 – 10 PM
Dec 24 – 7 PM

About American Country Network
American Country Network (ACN) is a television network based in and broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee. Dedicated to showcasing country music, lifestyle, and family oriented entertainment programming, ACN offers over-the-air (OTA) and 24-Hour streaming OTT services via ROKU, AppleTV and Amazon FireTV, as well as dedicated streaming apps (iOS/Android), and 3rd party digital platforms.

DUSTIN LYNCH’S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FROM SOLD-OUT NINTH ANNUAL HOMETOWN BENEFIT SHOW AID EDUCATION

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Hosting his annual DUSTIN LYNCH AND FRIENDS BENEFIT CONCERT at his former high school, Tullahoma High School, for the ninth year on Tuesday night (12/17), Tullahoma, TN-native Dustin Lynch raised over $32K for two local organizations supporting education: Imagination Library of Coffee County, Tennessee (an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library) and the Tullahoma Education Foundation for Excellence. Likewise, toys were collected for Toys for Tots for the area.

Marking a career milestone this year by achieving his 10th #1 with current single “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll),” the MULTI-PLATINUM star brought a setlist full of smashes to the SOLD-OUT crowd. Playing chart-toppers inspired by his hometown like 3X PLATINUM “Small Town Boy,” he was joined by fellow songwriters from his statement-making sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville): Andy Albert, Blake Pendergrass, and Jameson Rodgers, who added their own hits to the round. Lynch’s special guests also included Madeline Merlo, as they teamed up to showcase several of his biggest duets, as well as their “Broken Heart Thing” collaboration.

Up next, Lynch will appear alongside CBS anchor Lonnie Quinn to correspond live from New York City’s Times Square for the second year in a row during CBS’ “NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH.” Viewers can tune in LIVE December 31 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT, 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.

He’ll keep the party going through January, as he celebrates his 10th Anniversary CMP Pool Party at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2025. Bringing the ultimate nautical, Yacht Rock extravaganza to Riviera Cancún, Mexico, Lynch says, “LET’S GET NAUGHTY-CAL,” on January 15. Full details can be found at www.crashmyplaya.com.

In addition, tickets are on sale now for Lynch’s bucket list billing headlining DUSTIN LYNCH – LIVE AT RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE in Morrison, CO, on April 16. Presented by Coors Banquet, a percentage of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF).

RICK MONROE AND THE HITMEN RELEASE NEW SINGLE “UNBRIDLED” TO SUPPORT MUSTANG HERITAGE FOUNDATION

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Country rock music artist Rick Monroe and The Hitmen, are thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, “Unbridled,” available now on all major streaming platforms. This powerful anthem not only showcases Monroe’s signature sound but also carries a heartfelt mission: a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting America’s wild mustangs.

“Unbridled” written by Rick Monroe and Bassist Alan Beeler, is a celebration of freedom and the untamed spirit of the wild mustangs that roam the American West. The song’s lyrics reflect the beauty and resilience of these majestic animals, while also raising awareness about the challenges they face.

Rick Monroe expresses his passion for this cause, stating, “Wild mustangs are a symbol of our freedom and heritage. With ‘Unbridled,’ we aim to honor their spirit and inspire others to join in the fight to protect them.”

The Mustang Heritage Foundation works tirelessly to promote the adoption and training of wild mustangs, ensuring they have a future and a place in the hearts of Americans. By contributing a percentage of the proceeds from “Unbridled,” Rick Monroe and The Hitmen hope to further support MHF’s vital mission and help raise awareness about the importance of preserving these iconic animals.

Fans can listen to “Unbridled” on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, with the option to contribute to the cause via direct links provided with the release. Distribution provided by The Label Group in partnership with Virgin Music Group.

Join Rick Monroe and The Hitmen in their efforts to make a difference. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of the wild mustangs continues to thrive for generations to come.

JESSICA LYNN CELEBRATING HER NEW ALBUMN ‘ALL I OWN’

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Shaped by years of relentless dedication, coupled with the professional obstacles and recent health challenges she overcame, acclaimed Brooklyn-born country artist and songwriter Jessica Lynn has given everything to her upcoming 10-song album, All I Own — a deeply personal project due out Friday, January 17. After a sinus surgery that led to a battle with postoperative complications and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), which threatened to derail both her voice and career, All I Own stands as a testament to Jessica’s resilience.

Every year, Jessica Lynn uses her gift of music and passion for giving back on her annual Christmas tour (“A Very Merry Classic Christmas”), where she partners with Toys for Tots and local musicians and dancers up and down the east coast for the ultimate holiday spectacular. The tour brings immense joy to the cities she visits, with her Toys for Tots drive being the largest in Westchester, NY and families marking their calendars every year for the event. Following this year’s tour, she will release the highly personal All I Own as a love letter to music and all she has given to it, and will be celebrating the project in Music City!

Jessica Lynn is not only a “powerhouse vocalist,” as Taste of Country described, but also an infectious songwriter with an undeniable, arena-ready stage presence. All combined, it has catapulted her into a well-seasoned touring machine, playing her songs to audiences around the world. Described as “country arena rock” by American Songwriter, Jessica is eager to challenge genre norms and carve out her own space in the industry.

Jessica continues to create music that uplifts and connects, her unwavering determination reflected in every song. From overcoming vocal challenges to crafting an album that captures the highs and lows of her journey, All I Own is more than just music — it’s a testament to giving everything to your passion, no matter the cost.

About Jessica Lynn:

The Brooklyn-born country artist and songwriter has earned acclaim from Taste of Country and American Songwriter. Jessica has poised herself as a powerhouse vocalist with arena-ready stage presence. Beginning her career with concert specials for PBS, she has found herself touring around the world sharing stages with some of the most iconic names in the business (Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Loretta Lynn, ZZ Top, Richard Marx, among others), showcasing her powerful voice and instrumental talents playing piano, guitar, harmonica, and drums. She uses her love of philanthropy and her gift of music to give back, supporting organizations like Armed Forces Entertainment and Toys for Tots, the latter of which she partners with for her annual Christmas tour: A Very Merry Classic Christmas. On November 22, she will release a 4-song live EP of tracks from the show, with all proceeds from the project going to further support Toys for Tots. Beyond her endeavors on stage, Jessica has found other ways to give back through the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs American Voices program. As a member of American Music Abroad, Jessica has traveled to countries across the globe as an ambassador for the United States and was honored with creating a special course with the government to teach young musicians about the music industry.

LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR NEW FACES OF COUNTRY MUSIC® SHOW AT CRS 2025

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The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music® Show at CRS 2025. This year’s showcase will feature performances by Drew Baldridge (Lyric Ridge/BMG/Stoney Creek), Ashley Cooke (Big Loud/Back Blocks), Dasha (Warner Records), Zach Top (Leo33), and Warren Zeiders (Warner Records).

For over five decades, the New Faces of Country Music® Show has been a standout event at the Country Radio Seminar. It serves as a platform to showcase five emerging artists who have achieved notable success on Country Radio during the qualification period, which spans from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, for the 2025 edition.

Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the New Faces of Country Music Show will take place during CRS 2025, to be held from February 19 to February 21, 2025.

The New Faces of Country Music® Show has played a pivotal role in the careers of nearly every major country star since its inception in 1970. It continues to be a must-attend event for industry insiders.

About Country Radio Seminar (CRS): Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. CRS 2025 is set for February 19-February 21, 2025, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for Country Radio Seminar is available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.

About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.

ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS TOUR BUS SHOW

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Christmas 4 Kids announced this year’s celebrity lineup for its 2024 Tour Bus Show. Participating music artists include Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Old Crow Medicine Show, 3 Doors Down, Bailey Zimmerman, Shelly West and Ben Chase. Nancy Jones, widow of the iconic George Jones, will also meet fans at this year’s event. With over 50 entertainers onsite.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Prevost will be providing a replica of its original tour bus, which will be available for onsite interior touring.

This year’s bus show will take place on Monday, December 16 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm/CT at a new location: First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, located at 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd.

The event provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look into an artist’s home away from home. Fans can speak one-on-one, take photos, and receive autographs with any of the participating celebrities.

Admission to the event is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 2-12 and $20 for a family pass. Admission for children under two is free. Tickets may be purchased on-site the day of the event.

All proceeds from the non-profit’s tour bus show and annual benefit concert at the Ryman go towards giving hundreds of underprivileged children a better Christmas.

On Tuesday, December 17, over 400 underprivileged children from 30 different elementary schools around Middle Tennessee will participate in a day-long shopping excursion. This special day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, dinner, and a party hosted by Santa. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville Walmart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat and $175.00 to spend on anything they like.

PARMALEE SCORES 5th # 1 SINGLE WITH “GONNA LOVE YOU”

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Parmalee, Country radio’s most played band of 2023, score their 5th #1 single with “Gonna Love You.” This marks the 4th consecutive #1 single for the band, who performed the song on Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show earlier this year.

“Having ‘Gonna Love You’ go #1 is special in so many ways,” the band said. “We took a shot with a song completely different from the previous three (we released), and it really connected. Also, this was the song we needed to help tell our story and ultimately film the music video. As difficult as it was on the video set, it was a way to move on, and now we can all celebrate this song and how far we’ve come.”

The North Carolina natives recently performed at the “Concert For Carolina” benefit, which raised more than $25 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Parmalee is comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass), and lifelong friend Josh McSwain (guitar/keyboard).

While the band is winding the year with another chart-topping single, they are already prepping for their recently announced “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl” Tour, which kicks off February 13 in Madison, WI. The tour, featuring special guest Avery Anna, will conclude on March 22 in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

“With new music coming early next year, there is energy and excitement around us and our whole team,” said lead singer Matt Thomas. “We wanted to bring that energy to our fans as soon as we could, so we decided to do a headline tour starting in Feb 2025. We’ll bring the party back to some of the cities we played on the Kane Brown tour as well as some cities we’ve never been to. Can’t wait to kick off 2025 with the Parmlee Famalee.”