Industry Ink: Pam Tillis, Walker Hayes, ASCAP, SOLID, More

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Pam Tillis Celebrates 25th Anniversary as an Opry Member

Pictured (L-R): Brother-in-Law Kevin Shorey, Brother Mel “Sonny Boy” Tillis Jr., Sister Cindy Tillis-Shorey, Pam Tillis, Sister Carrie Tillis, Sister Connie Lynn Tillis, Nephew Marshall Howden, Niece Madison Howden, Cousin Gary Crosby. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo

Pam Tillis marked her 25th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member on Aug. 26. Vince Gill, Lorrie Morgan, Suzy Bogguss, Jamey Johnson, Russell Dickerson and Emily Ann Roberts were part of the lineup during the celebration.

“Tuesday night was more than I ever could’ve dreamed,” shares Tillis. “To have so many dear friends and special guests there to celebrate with me made it feel like one big family reunion. Marking 25 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry is such a milestone, and it reminded me of just how much this stage has meant to me over the years. The Opry has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and sharing that stage with people I love made the night unforgettable. My heart is full, and I’m still floating on cloud nine.”

 

Walker Hayes ‘Fancy Like’ Goes 7x Platinum

Walker Hayes and family. Photo: Patrick Sheehan

Walker Hayes’ 2021 viral hit “Fancy Like” has been certified 7x Platinum, signifying over 7 million units sold and streamed in the U.S.. On Aug. 29, Hayes was surprised with a commemorative 7x Platinum plaque by his daughters live on stage during his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

The certification follows the release of Hayes’ new album, 17 Problems, and comes just ahead of the start of his 18-date acoustic “Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour,” set to kick off next month.

 

ASCAP Hosts Belmont Student Showcase At The Bluebird Cafe

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Matthew Wilson, ASCAP’s Loretta Muñoz, Emily Diffey, Belmont University’s Pat Alger, Rachel Sinniger, Jack Zeiler and Belmont University’s Jodi Marr.

ASCAP hosted a songwriters round in partnership with Belmont University on Sept. 3. The round featured students Emily Diffey, Rachel Sinniger, Matthew Wilson and Jack Zeiler alongside ASCAP songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Pat Alger.

 

Society Of Leaders In Development Raises Over $39,000 For CMA Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Lindsey Morrison (Community Engagement Manager, CMA), Kim Ortiz (SOLID Treasurer), Brian Day (SOLID Music Market Co-Chair), Eunice Hernandez (SOLID Music Market Co-Chair), Brenden Macmanus (SOLID Music Market Chair), Leah Ducey (SOLID Vice-President), Zach Green (SOLID President), Michelle Kirk (Senior Director, CMA Foundation), Tiffany Kerns (Executive Director, CMA Foundation). Photo: Britney Buckwalter, CMA.

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) raised over $77,000 total at its annual Backstage Auction inside Fan Fair X at CMA Fest 2025, and donated nearly $40,000 to the CMA Foundation.

“CMA Fest has always been about more than just the music, it’s about giving back and creating real, lasting impact,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President of Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “SOLID continues to be an incredible partner to the CMA Foundation, and initiatives like the Backstage Auction inside Fan Fair X are a powerful reminder of what makes this industry so special. Through these types of partnerships, we help ensure that every student has access to the life-changing power of music education. It’s moments like these that truly reflect the heart behind the music.”

“It’s incredibly inspiring to watch our Backstage Auction team leap into action each year, finding new ways to raise the bar on our merchandise and outreach,” adds SOLID President Zach Green. “Our Music Market chairs and their committee spent so much time outside of their demanding jobs to source items, coordinate complicated logistics, and man a booth full of volunteers in the chaos of Fan Fair – and they came through with nearly $80,000 raised to support SOLID and CMA Foundation. This tenacity is truly the lifeblood that keeps our operation running smoothly.”

 

Carly Ann Taylor Makes Label Debut With ‘Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version)’

Curb Records artist Carly Ann Taylor made her label debut with “Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version),” out today (Sept. 5). She penned the song alongside David Cook and Randy James Taylor.

“I’m so excited to share this new season of music that praises a God who never changes! He is faithful to remind us time and time again of who He is, and I pray His peace meets you exactly where you are,” shares Taylor. “If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety and fear of your future, this song is for you.”

 

Backstage Access Presents: Heartland Raises Over $100,000 for Iowa State University Foundation

Pictured (L to R): Allie Colleen, Adam Wainwright, Morgan Myles, and Drew Baldridge. Photo: Ryan Waneka

Wildflower Entertainment Group’s inaugural “Backstage Access Presents: Heartland” wrapped this past weekend with resounding success, raising more than $100,000 for the Iowa State University Foundation to support the Iowa Concern Hotline and expand mental wellness resources for farmers and ranchers.

The event feature performances from Drew Baldridge, Annie Bosko, Garrett Bradford, Allie Colleen, Erin Grand, Morgan Myles, Jenna Paulette, Kenya Reese, Cooper Riley and Adam Wainwright, and concluded on Saturday night with Tim McGraw’s performance at the first-ever concert at the Field of Dreams Movie Site.

 

The Trigger Code Wins Inaugural ‘Songs from the Countrypolitan’ Songwriter Competition


The Trigger Code has won the inaugural “Songs from the Countrypolitan,” a songwriting competition hosted by The Countrypolitan Hotel and Carter Vintage Guitars.

Judged by musicians Nikki Lane and Jonathan Terrell, aspiring artists had the opportunity to submit a song inspired by the hotel’s unique history. A Detroit native, Taylor Sorensen, performing as The Trigger Code, focused his song “Make Someday Tonight” on the people who have walked The Countrypolitan’s halls chasing towards a Nashville dream.

“With [The Countrypolitan’s] history of bootleggers, bankers, musicians and publishers comes a dynamic picture; one of all types. Although demographically different, they’re also wanderers, lovers and dreamers, and as such, very much like each other and very much like you and me,” The Trigger Code shares. “The idea was to write a song that has a conversation with the past – from a room at the place with the 13th floor on Printers Alley – in order to keep digging and running and hoping and pulling up dreams for the future.”

Lauryn Sink
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