iHeartMedia/Nashville SVPP & WSIX PD Gator Harrison has joined national Christian AC "K-LOVE" as Chief Media Officer on the Ministry Leadership Team, where he'll oversee the K-LOVE and Air1 radio networks, live events and partnerships. “I dedicated my life to Jesus in 1995 and prayed that He would allow me to do what I love, where I love, all for His glory,” says Harrison. “Through years of growth and preparation, He has faithfully answered that prayer. I am deeply grateful to iHeartMedia for their support and investment in my journey, and I am honored to join the K-LOVE and Air1 family.” Harrison joined the company's Chattanooga cluster in 2010 (CAT 7/9/10) and rose to Nashville SVPP and WSIX PD in 2016 (CAT 9/1/16). Previous stops include WGSQ/Cookeville, TN, Top 40 WYHY/Nashville and Classic Rock WSMT/Sparta, TN. No word on whether Harrison will be replaced at iHeartMedia or if his duties will be absorbed internally. His first day with K-LOVE is May 11.

Country Music Hall of Famer Don Schlitz passed away yesterday (4/16) at a Nashville hospital following a sudden illness. He was 73. Schlitz's first hit as a songwriter came when Kenny Rogers recorded “The Gambler,” which became a hit in both country and pop upon its 1978 release. Among the singles Schlitz has written or co-written are Alabama’s “40 Hour Week (For A Livin’),” Mark Chesnutt’s “Almost Goodbye,” Paul Overstreet’s “Daddy’s Come Around,” Lorrie Morgan’s “Good As I Was To You,” Rogers’ “The Greatest,” Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” The Judds’ “Turn It Loose,” Collin Raye’s “I Think About You;” Garth Brooks’ “Learning To Live Again,” Tanya Tucker’s “My Arms Stay Open All Night,” Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All,” and Randy Travis’ “Deeper Than The Holler,” “Forever And Ever, Amen” and “On The Other Hand.” 

Schlitz is recognized as a co-creator of the “in-the-round” format of songwriter performances, along with his collaborators Fred Knobloch, Paul Overstreet and Thom Schuyler. He was awarded a CMA and a Grammy for “The Gambler” in 1979 (Song Of The Year and Country Song Of The Year, respectively); a CMA, ACM and NSAI Award for “On The Other Hand” as Song Of The Year in 1986; the CMA for Song Of The Year in 1987 and Grammy Award for Country Song Of The Year in 1988 for “Forever And Ever, Amen;” and was named ASCAP Country Songwriter Of The Year from 1988 through 1991. Schlitz was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017 and became the first songwriter invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 2022. Read his complete bio via the CMHoF here; services are pending. Saturday night's Opry performance will be dedicated in his honor.

Miranda Lambert has aligned with MCA to support future music releases. Lambert signed with Republic/Big Loud two years ago (Breaking News 4/23/2024) after 20 years with Sony Music Nashville. She will continue her role as a founder of Big Loud Texas, which launched in 2023.

"Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music," says MCA President/CEO Mike Harris. "We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter and we look forward to building something truly special together." Adds Lambert, "Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people – songwriters, musicians, collaborators, and team members – to match the moment. I am honored to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry."

Lambert sold her publishing catalog to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group earlier this year.