Crossroads Music Names Scott Wagner President/CEO and Jon Weisberger Chairman After Co-Founder Mickey Gambles Passing

When Crossroads Music’s co‑founder and long‑time CEO Mickey Gamble passed away in April, the company faced a quiet yet critical crossroads. On July 2 2026, the board announced that veteran executive Scott Wagner would step in as President and Chief Executive Officer, while seasoned A&R veteran Jon Weisberger would take the helm as Chairman of the Board.

The decision covers Crossroads and its quartet of labels—Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music Company, and Organic Records—marking a new chapter for a label group that has long been a pillar in bluegrass, southern gospel, folk, and Americana. Gamble, who died at 81, had steered the Asheville‑based company from its modest beginnings into a respected independent powerhouse, building a roster that balanced established names with emerging talent and earning a reputation for quality production and community‑centric business practices.

Scott Wagner brings more than two decades of experience at Crossroads, where he has held roles ranging from Senior Vice President to Director of Sales. Prior to that, he worked at Pamplin Music Group, WEA Christian, EMI Christian (now Capitol Christian), and Spectra Distribution, sharpening his skills in sales, distribution, and label operations. In a statement, Wagner emphasized his intent to keep Crossroads’ “commitment to great music, great artists, lasting relationships, and forward thinking.” He added that he looks forward to building on the company’s foundation and creating opportunities for the next generation of artists.

Jon Weisberger, who joined Crossroads in 2019 as A&R Director, is a multifaceted artist‑producer with a résumé that includes performing, songwriting, studio production, broadcasting, and journalism. A two‑time IBMA Songwriter of the Year and Grammy‑nominated songwriter, Weisberger spent sixteen years on the bass for Chris Jones & The Night Drivers and served eleven years on the IBMA Board of Directors. In his new role, he said he intends to continue Gamble’s legacy of community building and support for a wide‑ranging roster of legends, leaders, and developing artists in the southern gospel, bluegrass, folk, and Americana fields.

The appointments arrive amid a rapidly shifting music‑distribution landscape, where independent labels must balance niche‑market expertise with the reach of major‑label resources. Crossroads has historically leveraged direct‑to‑consumer channels, strong artist relationships, and a deep understanding of its audiences to compete. With Wagner’s sales and distribution experience and Weisberger’s artist‑development background, the company is positioned to sustain its market presence while exploring new revenue streams such as digital licensing, sync placements, and expanded streaming partnerships.

Industry observers note that Crossroads’ leadership transition mirrors a broader trend of seasoned executives stepping into roles that blend traditional label functions with modern digital strategies. The company’s focus on community and artist support aligns with current creator‑economy models that prioritize long‑term relationships over short‑term sales.

At present, Crossroads has not announced any immediate changes to its artist roster or release schedule. The board has reiterated that the company will continue its existing operations while the new leadership works to preserve the legacy Gamble built and pursue growth opportunities. Given Wagner’s and Weisberger’s long tenure and deep familiarity with Crossroads’ culture and business model, the transition is expected to be smooth.

In short, Crossroads Music has appointed Scott Wagner as President/CEO and Jon Weisberger as Chairman of the Board to carry forward the company’s mission after the loss of co‑founder Mickey Gamble. Their combined experience in sales, distribution, artist development, and industry leadership positions Crossroads to continue its role as a respected independent label group in the bluegrass, southern gospel, folk, and Americana markets.