News Summary
On March 20, over 700 music lovers gathered at the Omni Nashville Hotel for the 12th annual Rising Women on the Row event. The evening honored six exceptional female leaders in the Nashville music industry and featured keynote speaker Jennie Smythe. Highlights included a performance by rising artist Stella Prince and the launch of MusicRow’s first-ever ‘Women of Music Row’ issue. The event recognized the contributions of women in the industry and opened nominations for the next ceremony set for March 2025.
Nashville Celebrates Women in Music at 12th Annual Rising Women on the Row Event
On March 20, an impressive crowd of over 700 music enthusiasts gathered at the Omni Nashville Hotel for the 12th annual Rising Women on the Row celebration. This lively event brought together talented individuals from the Nashville music scene and was presented by City National Bank.
Honoring Inspirational Leaders
The evening was all about celebration and recognition as six remarkable female executives were honored for their outstanding achievements, impactful contributions, and influential leadership within the Nashville music business. This year’s honor roll included:
- Lydia Schultz Cahill
- Rakiyah Marshall
- Michelle Tigard Kammerer
- Katie Kerkhover
- Jessi Vaughn Stevenson
- Julie Sturdivant
Inspiring Insights from a Visionary
The event featured Jennie Smythe, the Founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing, as the keynote speaker. She captivated attendees with fascinating stories from her career and offered an exciting sneak peek at her upcoming memoir, “Becoming Girlilla,” set to hit the shelves in April.
Musical Highlights!
No celebration is complete without music, and rising artist Stella Prince graced the stage to deliver an unforgettable performance. Known for her emotive, Laurel Canyon-inspired sound, she added an extra layer of magic to an already spectacular evening.
A Milestone Publication
In a highlight for the evening, MusicRow proudly launched its first-ever “Women of Music Row” issue. This special edition recognized the powerful women shaping the future of Nashville’s music industry. Rising star Avery Anna, signed with Warner Music Nashville, was featured on the cover, showcasing the next wave of talent.
Reflections from Industry Leaders
The issue included contributions from established industry figures like Cris Lacy and Taylor Lindsey, where they shared their personal experiences and insights. A special segment also featured Jennie Smythe discussing her new memoir and the current landscape for female creators navigating the music industry.
Supporting Women’s Voices
A segment spotlighting Todd Cassetty was also included in the publication, highlighting his dedication to championing women in country music through the Song Suffragettes platform. This aligns perfectly with the vision behind Rising Women on the Row, which has recognized over 60 executives since its inception in 2012, honoring women making a mark in the music world.
Latest Industry Moves and Developments
As part of the evening’s energy, there were significant announcements in the music industry. Chelsea Blythe, who previously held the position of Executive Vice President of A&R at UMG Nashville, announced her departure effective March 14. Meanwhile, Rachel Brittain took on a new role at CAA as an Executive in Music Brand Partnerships, promising new opportunities ahead.
Emerging talents also made headlines during the event, with Thelma & James signing with Big Loud Records and Pulse Records bringing Elizabeth Nichols onboard. On the independent artist front, Stem launched a Nashville expansion with Courtney Daly stepping in as Director of Artist & Label Strategy.
Looking Forward
Quinn Kaemmer made her mark by launching her independent venture, The Quinntessential, while Zach Siegal-Eisman joined The Core Records in a new role as Head of Audience Development & Insights. Meanwhile, the latest edition of MusicRow Weekly featured an insightful interview with Julie Sturdivant from CAA.
A Call for Nominations
As the crowd celebrated the incredible achievements of women in the music industry, it was also announced that nominations for the next Rising Women on the Row ceremony are open and will take place on March 20, 2025. Interested parties are reminded that applications will close on January 17, 2025, and those who had nominated previously will need to resubmit for consideration.
The Rising Women on the Row events continue to shine a light on the influential contributions of women in the industry, building a supportive community and inspiring the next generation of artists and executives.
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Additional Resources
- MusicRow: Rising Women on the Row 2025 Event Photos
- MusicRow: Honoring Women at Rising Women on the Row
- Tennessean: Dolly Parton and Nashville Symphony Artists
- Wikipedia: Women in Music
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
