Music Biz 2019

Longtime event sponsor CMA will present a special Country music-focused program following breakfast, and the session will wrap-up with the annual address by Music Biz President James Donio.


Welcome
Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association


CMA is proud to showcase an exciting and inspiring performance featuring three of today’s most talented rising female stars of Country: Kassi Ashton, Danielle Bradbery, and Cassadee Pope. Set up as an artist round, each of these unique artists will take turns sharing the stories behind their songs and performing them in an intimate acoustic style.


Kassi Ashton brought a whole new attitude of her own to country music upon arrival in 2017. Released by UMG Nashville in conjunction with Interscope, her introductory release “California, Missouri” stirred up widespread critical acclaim from Taste of Country, CMT, The Boot, and many more. She maintained momentum on the summer solo song “Taxidermy,” and was named “Who to Watch” by Huffington Post and The Tennessean. She’s was also included in Bobby Bone’s Class of 2018, and she continues to defy convention and define a signature style on her 2019 single “Violins.”


Danielle Bradbery stepped into her own lane with sophomore album I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, on BMLG Records. Lead single “Sway” and follow-up anthem “Worth It” led to national TV performances on NBC’s “TODAY” and “The Voice.” Bradbery recently returned to radio with “Goodbye Summer,” a fresh take on album cut “Hello Summer” with Thomas Rhett. Since getting her start winning Season 4 of NBC’s “The Voice,” she’s garnered multiple ACM nominations as well as being up for CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year. Bradbery is currently touring across the country after kicking off 2019 on Kane Brown’s Live Forever Tour and making her Australian debut at the CMC Rocks music festival.


Over the past five years, Cassadee Pope has told her story of triumph and personal setbacks through music. As the winner of Season 3 of NBC’s “The Voice,” Pope has experienced many highs and several lows. Her first full-length debut album hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country chart and secured a top 10 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Platinum-selling single “Wasting All These Tears” gained recognition with CMT’s Breakthrough Video of the Year. She’s also received nominations at the ACM Awards and People’s Choice Awards, among many others. Her 2016 hit with Chris Young, “Think of You,” went No. 1 and garnered a 2017 Grammy nod. Her most recent album, Stages, represents an astonishing leap for Pope that tells an important chapter in her tale. Currently, Pope is headlining the CMT Next Women of Country Tour and celebrating the current stage of her life, feeling confident and stronger than ever.


Following CMA’s program, Music Biz President James Donio will update attendees on the state of the industry and highlight Music Biz’s top initiatives for 2018 and what to expect from the Association in 2019 and beyond. Music Biz Board Chairman Steve Harkins of Baker & Taylor will welcome the 2019-2020 Music Biz Board of Directors and announce the Scholarship Foundation Class of 2019.