Industry Ink: Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, Salute To 90s Country, Redferrin, More
Ella Langley Stars in American Eagle’s New Jeans Country Campaign
Ella Langley. Photo: Courtesy of American Eagle
Ella Langley is appearing in American Eagle’s newest brand campaign, American Eagle Jeans Country. As part of the launch, Langley, named the brand’s “Denim Darling,” has also debuted a curated shop on AE.com, featuring her personal favorites across denim, easy tees, layering pieces, and everyday accessories, all styled the way she actually wears them on and off stage.
Chris Stapleton Unveils Traveller Whiskey Full Proof
Chris Stapleton. Photo: David McClister
Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley have unveiled Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, a bold evolution of the original Blend No. 40, and the award-winning brand’s first line extension since its January 2024 debut.
“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” Stapleton shares. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land. One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”
‘All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country’ Welcomes Over 30 Country Legacy Faves
Pictured (L-R, front row): John Berry, Deana Carter, Carlene Carter, Lee Roy Parnell, Paulette Carlson, Bryan White; (L-R, second row): Keith Bilbrey, Lee Greenwood, Rick Trevino, Tony Rich, Eric Blankenship, Ty Herndon, Michelle Wright, T. Graham Brown, Lorrie Morgan, Ken Mellons, Janie Fricke, Jamey Johnson; (L-R, third row): Richard Young, Fred Young, Doug Phelps, Greg Martin, Mark Wills, Andy Griggs, Paul Overstreet, Terry McBride, Christy Forester, June Forester, Kathy Forester, Kim Forester; (L-R, fourth row): Billy Dean, Lionel Cartwright, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Neal McCoy, Heath Wright, Darryl Worley, Tracy Byrd, Michael Peterson, Aaron Tippin, Larry Stewart, Tim Rushlow, Richie McDonald. Photo: Bud Gambrell Photography
The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama hosted the “All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country: Honky Tonk Time Machine” on Feb. 5 with over 30 artists performing their hits for a sold-out crowd. The audience ranging in ages from 5 to 85 were on their feet most of the night dancing in the aisles and singing to songs that helped shape their lives. The event was filmed for an upcoming TV broadcast, and featured Billy Dean, Lionel Cartwright, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Lee Roy Parnell, Bryan White, Ty Herndon, and many more country favorites. The night included 17 chart-topping performances with special tributes to Daryle Singletary, Kevin Sharp, Randy Travis and George Jones; as well as three historic throwback moments from artists Janie Fricke (Female Vocalist of the Year), Lee Greenwood (Male Vocalist of the Year), and The Forester Sisters (Group of the Year).
Redferrin Surprised With Platinum For Viral Smash ‘Just Like Johnny’
Redferrin, The William Gerard Group, Warner Records Nashville. Photo: Madelyn Ormond
Warner Record Nashville’s Redferrin visited the label’s office on Feb. 5 to toast the release of his new song “If I Was California” and received a surprise from the label and his management during the celebration. Cris Lacy, Warner Records Nashville Chair & President, presented the hitmaker with a Platinum plaque commemorating his viral smash “Just Like Johnny,” which appeared on Redferrin’s debut EP, Old No. 7.
Redferrin is credited as both a co-writer and co-producer on the Platinum song. His new track “If I Was California” is available now and serves as the first release off his upcoming 2026 project, showcasing a different side from the Tennessee son.
Tess Kerksen Named Digital Marketing & Account Manager At Noise New Media
Tess Kerksen
Tess Kerksen has joined Noise New Media as Digital Marketing and Account Manager. Kerksen brings more than a decade of experience leading integrated marketing, public relations, and communications efforts for large-scale, high-visibility organizations. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at Wisconsin State Fair Park, where she oversaw comprehensive marketing and communications strategies spanning paid media, brand campaigns, digital platforms, media relations, and crisis communications. In addition, she completed the IAFE’s Institute of Fair Management (IFMG) certification in 2023.
Brooke Lee Talks Chevy Campaign On ‘Ward Guenther Show’
Brooke Lee, Ward Guenther. Photo: Courtesy: Apple Music
Spirit Nashville Recordings/2Mix Music artist and songwriter Brooke Lee joined “The Ward Guenther Show” on Apple Music in the studio this week for a conversation about her new music, including her song “Burn To Black,” and what it was like to sing from the top of Castle Rock while filming the newly launched “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” campaign.
