Music News (6/24/26)

Music Industry Veteran Clive Davis Passes At 94

Clive Davis passed away Monday (June 22) at his home in Manhattan. He was 94.

A Brooklyn, New York native, Davis graduated from Harvard Law School in 1956 and began as an in-house lawyer at Columbia Records a few years later. He rose to President of the company in 1967.

In 1974, he took charge of the Bell label and renamed it Arista, signing artists including Patti Smith, the Kinks, Lou Reed, Gil Scott-Heron and Aretha Franklin. In 1983, he signed Whitney Houston, who he championed for the rest of her career. He co-founded Arista Nashville in 1989 with Tim DuBois, which became the home to Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Pam Tillis and Brad Paisley among many others.

In 2000, he founded J Records, which launched the careers of Alicia Keys and Maroon 5.

Also in 2000, Davis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a nonperformer. In 2002, he endowed the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, an undergraduate music industry program at N.Y.U.’s Tisch School of the Arts with a $5 million donation. Davis was well known for his annual Grammy Awards parties, which he began 1976. The events were often attended by A-list musicians, politicians and more.

Read his full obit here.

 

Hit Producer & DRUMATIZED Founder Tay Keith Passes

Grammy-nominated producer and DRUMATIZED Founder Tay Keith passed away today (June 18) at his Nashville home. He was 29.

Known for his hard-hitting trap beats, Keith earned 11 top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and produced four No. 1 hits, including Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” and Drake’s “First Person Shooter.” He also holds the record for the most No. 1 songs on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this decade, with six. He is a two-time Grammy nominee and three-time BMI Producer of the Year.

Beyond hip-hop, Keith expanded into country music and worked to build opportunities for artists in Nashville. He founded DRUMATIZED, a label and creative space that supported both hip-hop and country musicians. The studio became the second Black-owned recording studio in Nashville and hosted private music camps for artists such as Walker Hayes, Lalo Guzman, Reyna Roberts and David J, among others. He has also worked with Kane Brown, ERNEST and Bailey Zimmerman, among others.

Read his full obit here.

 

Music City Walk Of Fame To Induct Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett is set to be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on July 8. He will become the 113th star on the Walk of Fame.

“Few artists embody the heart and soul of Music City quite like Thomas Rhett,” says Ellen Pryor, Chair of Music City Inc., the foundation of the NCVC, and Senior Advisor for Civic Engagement at the Frist Art Museum. “From growing up in Nashville to becoming one of country music’s biggest stars, he has remained a passionate ambassador for the city and its songwriting tradition. We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Rhett to the Music City Walk of Fame to celebrate and enshrine his many contributions to the creative music community that makes Nashville so special.”

Rhett has spent the past decade becoming one of country music’s biggest stars. He has earned 25 No. 1 songs, 16 billion streams, and numerous awards, including eight ACM Awards (with 2020 Entertainer of the Year), two CMA Awards, and five Grammy nominations. He has also won honors from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Earlier this year, Rhett teamed up with Marshmello on the single “Where We Go” and released a new version of “Georgia On My Mind” for ESPN’s 2026 Masters Tournament campaign. Alongside his headlining “The Soundtrack To Life Tour,” he is also performing with Morgan Wallen on the “Still The Problem Tour” and will return to the U.K. next month for three shows at Wembley Stadium with Luke Combs.

The ceremony will take place on July 8 at 1 p.m, and is open to the public.

 

Elizabeth Lombardi & Taylor Perez Join Spirit Music

Spirit Music has added two new team members.

Elizabeth Lombardi has joined as Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs. In her new role, she will handle publishing agreements, catalog acquisitions, brand partnerships, endorsement deals, and other business matters for Spirit Music’s roster. She started her entertainment law career at BMG/BBR Music Group, later worked at Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC and most recently served as an Executive in Business Affairs in the Music department at CAA.

She earned her law degree from Belmont University College of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Music Business from Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Lombardi also serves as Vice Chair of the Advisory Council for the Troubadour Society at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and is an adjunct professor at Belmont University.

“Throughout my career, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the role songwriters play in shaping our industry,” shares Lombardi.” I’m thrilled to join Spirit Music and work alongside a team that is passionate about championing creators and protecting the songs that connect with audiences around the world.”

Taylor Perez has joined as Senior Director, Digital Marketing. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Perez brings over five years of marketing experience to her new role. Before joining Spirit Music, she worked in digital marketing at Big Machine Label Group and Warner Music Group, leading audience growth, fan engagement, and release marketing campaigns for Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, Ashley McBryde, Avery Anna, The Jack Wharff Band, and others. She earned a Master of Science in Music Industry from University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from University of Cincinnati.

“I am so excited to join the team at Spirit Music because of their commitment to champion both well-established and emerging songwriters, while maintaining a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment,” says Perez. “It’s an honor to join the team and I look forward to helping create new opportunities for its songwriters, partners, and catalog.”

“We are excited to welcome Elizabeth Lombardi and Taylor Perez to the Spirit team,” adds Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music. “They are both talented, knowledgeable and passionate about supporting and championing all of our songwriters and artists and I can’t wait to watch them accelerate everything Spirit has in the works!”

Andrew Baylis Inks With Prescription Songs

Platinum-selling producer and songwriter Andrew Baylis has signed with Prescription Songs, joining their Nashville roster through A&Rs Christian Conant and Sophia Battaglia.

Known for his work in both country and rock music, Baylis has contributed to a number of successful releases, including the RIAA Gold-certified singles “Dead Man Walking” by Jelly Roll, “Creeps” by Koe Wetzel, and “Son of the Dirty South” by Brantley Gilbert featuring Jelly Roll. His credits also include songs from Jelly Roll’s Platinum-certified album Whitsitt Chapel, such as “Kill A Man,” “Unlive,” and “Behind Bars,” along with “Back To Me” by The Rose, “Pray All The Way Home” by Austin Snell, “Can’t Take It With You” by Ole 60, “Kill Me” by Kolby Cooper, and Atlus’ current country radio single “Hold My Liquor.”

He has also worked with artists including Pecos & The Rooftops, Sleeping With Sirens, Doobie, Yung Gravy, Shaylen, Yelawolf, Lakeview, Lanie Gardner, Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Sterling Elza, Teddy Swims, Michael Whitworth, Geoff Warburton, Ashley Gorley, Riley Thomas, and members of The Red Clay Strays.

“I’m excited to be partnering with Prescription Songs here in Nashville,” shares Baylis. “As someone who loves to bend genres and songwriting to the limits, I think they are the perfect fit for me!”

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Baylis for a few years now, and getting to see what he’s accomplished in a short time since moving to town has been remarkable,” says Conant. “He’s a great friend and a brilliant songwriter/producer. I feel honored to be welcoming him into the Prescription Songs family and championing his work for years to come!”

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be working with Baylis in this new chapter in his career,” adds Battaglia. “I’m continually inspired by his creative approach and a genuine fan of everything he does. I’m thrilled to welcome him to the RX Songs family!”

 

Jenna Wilson Joins Tape Room Music

Jenna Wilson has joined Tape Room Music as Coordinator. She will report to Director, A&R Caroline Hodson.

“Jenna has already proven herself as a great addition to the Tape Room team,” shares Hodson. “Her passion for country music and the people who create it was evident when we met her. We are happy to have her on board!”

Wilson has experience in publishing administration, royalty operations, artist management, and A&R support through roles at Capitol Christian Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, and Neon Coast. Her background includes songwriter administration, catalog management, co-write coordination, and creative support for songwriters and artists. Hailing from Southern California, Wilson moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry and earned a Music Business degree from Belmont University.

 

Lauren Mascitti Signs With North Chapel Music

Lauren Mascitti has signed with North Chapel Music.

The Louisville, Ohio native began writing songs at age seven and later performed six nights a week in Branson, Missouri alongside gospel legend and original Oak Ridge Boy Gary McSpadden. She first garnered attention during her run on American Idol. Mascitti released her Out of the Blue EP last year.

“We are honored to welcome Lauren to the North Chapel Music family,” says Benny Brown, owner of North Chapel Music. “Lauren is a gifted songwriter with an incredible ability to communicate truth, emotion, and life experience through her music. Her artistry and work ethic make her a perfect fit for what we’re building.”

“From the minute I walked in the doors at North Chapel, I felt at home,” shares Mascitti. “Creatively and spiritually. Getting to work with such an amazing staff and writers that I also call my friends is the ultimate dream come true. God is so good, and I’m so grateful to be here.”

 

Kyle Schuesler Inks Publishing Deal With Liz Rose Music

Kyle Schuesler has inked a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music.

Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Schuesler first gained national attention as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Since then, he has amassed more than 10 million streams across platforms.

He recently opened for Vance Joy on the 2025 North American Tour and headlined his own 10-date West Coast college tour. This fall, Schuesler will join Alana Springsteen on her “I Hope This Helps Tour.”

“Kyle Schuesler is a superstar!” shares Gracie Glass, Creative Manager at Liz Rose Music. “It’s so rare to find an artist and songwriter whose talent is equally matched by his character and work ethic. We’re incredibly proud of everything he has already accomplished independently and are so excited to be a part of his bright future as we welcome him into the Liz Rose Music family!”

“The Liz Rose crew is THE best,” says Schuesler. “Signing a deal in music has always been a dream of mine, but I didn’t expect the team to also become some of my best friends and favorite people to hang out with outside music. So HYPED for this journey.”

 

Eli Winders Inks With Big Loud Publishing

Singer-songwriter Eli Winders has signed with Big Loud Publishing.

Before signing his deal, Winders worked at a feed mill in North Carolina. He started posting his original music online and quickly built a strong fan base, which gave him the opportunity to leave his job and move to Nashville to focus on songwriting full time.

Born and raised in Pikeville, North Carolina, Winders was inspired by artists such as Eric Church, John Mayer, ERNEST and Ben Burgess. He picked up a guitar at 16 and began writing and performing his own songs. After moving to Nashville in 2024, Winders released his debut EP, From Pikeville, produced by Eric Arjes. The project featured standout tracks including “Carolina Blue,” “Pack My Hometown,” and “Famous for a Heartache” featuring Vincent Mason.

Since then, Winders and his band have toured across the country, opening for Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Dylan Scott and Conner Smith.

Category: Music News