“Our writers,” says chief Ben Vaughn, “have had incredible successes across the board this year, from Bailey Zimmerman setting streaming records and Chris Stapleton taking top honors at all of the award shows to Liz Rose’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rhett Akins, Nicolle Galyon, Thomas Rhett and Jesse Frasure all winning CMA Triple Play Awards. I couldn’t be prouder of our team for supporting our writers and each other through it all—I truly work with the best team in the business.”

Key signings: Charles Wesley Godwin, Kimberly Perry, Austin Shawn, Mackenzie Carpenter, Pecos Hurley, Chase Matthew, Cleto Cordero (Flatland Cavalry), Andrew Baylis, Alana Springsteen, Conner Smith

Biggest songs:

All Too Well (10-Minute Version)” by Taylor Swift (WCM writer Liz Rose) earned a Grammy nom for Song of the Year

“Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan (WCM writer Matt Jenkins) won CMA Song of the Year

“Rock and a Hard Place” by Bailey Zimmerman (written entirely by WCM writers Heath Warren, Jet Harvey, Jacob Hackworth and WCM Producer Austin Shawn) sat at #1 at Country radio for six weeks

Hirings, promotions, JVs:

Benji Amaefule hired as A&R manager

Bryce Sherlow promoted to A&R manager

Christina Wiltshire upped to senior director, A&R

Alexa Morris elevated to VP of legal and business affairs

Awards and more:

ASCAP Publisher of the Year

Stapleton won CMA Male Vocalist of the Year for the sixth time in his career, breaking the all-time record

Rose inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame