Industry Ink: Troubadour Kickoff, Carter Faith, Belles & Dolly, More
Rhett Akins Performs At CMHOFM Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members
Pictured (L-R): Ben Hall, Vice President, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Zach Farnum, Troubadour Advisory Council Chair; Rhett Akins; and Marie Bradshaw, Director of Institutional Giving at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Rhett Akins performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members this week, sharing a selection of his songs including “That Ain’t My Truck” and “Dirt on My Boots.” The singer-songwriter has topped the Billboard charts as both an artist and songwriter, penning songs for Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton and more. He was named ACM’s Songwriter of the Decade, and has also received the Country Music Association Triple Play Award eight times. The Troubadour membership program engages young professionals in supporting its mission and the museum hosts quarterly networking events for Troubadour members, ranging from concerts to exhibit previews.
Carter Faith Makes Late Night Debut On ‘Jimmy Fallon’
Carter Faith recently made her late-night TV debut, performing her new single, “If I Had Never Lost My Mind,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The performance continues a breakout year for Carter, who was recently unveiled as a member of Opry NextStage’s Class of 2026, and continues her first-ever headline tour, “The Cherry Valley Tour.” Following her headline dates, Carter will join Post Malone on his upcoming U.S. “Big Ass Stadium Tour” and will perform select dates with George Strait and Chris Stapleton.
Belles & Dolly Team For New ‘Son Of Jolene’ Collab
Belles and Dolly Parton. Photo: ashtronot
Belles and Dolly Parton have collaborated on a new song “Son of Jolene,” due out April 17. Belles penned “Son of Jolene” as a clever, character-driven continuation of the classic story, imagining a chance encounter years later with Jolene’s son. PEOPLE debuted an exclusive feature on the song offering an inside look at the story and inspiration behind the new track, and Belles is kicking off promotion for “Son of Jolene” at Country Radio Seminar, hosting exclusive meet-and-greets alongside East Music Row Records for radio and industry executives.
Nashville Creatives Gather For Branding Panel At Ampersand Studios
Photo: Courtesy of PERK PR + Creative Agency
Industry leaders and creatives recently gathered at Ampersand Studios on Music Row for From Idea To Identity, a thought-provoking panel centered on transforming ideas into clear, compelling brands. The panel featured Trevor Perkins, Founder of PERK PR + Creative Agency; CJ Roberts and Hayley Stonehouse, Founders of Cowboy Cannolis; and Matthew Simmons, Photographer & Videographer. The event welcomed founders, entrepreneurs, marketers, and artists for an in-depth conversation about the art and strategy behind building authentic, lasting identities in today’s crowded marketplace.
Lily Hooten, Wade Wenrick Sign With Anotherland
Lily Hooten, Wade Wenrick
Lily Hooten has signed an exclusive recording and publishing deal with Anotherland. A Knoxville native, Hooten writes worshipful music with an Americana twist. Writer-producer Wade Wenrick has also signed an exclusive publishing deal with Anotherland. Finding success writing in the CCM and Christian alternative space, Wenrick most recently found success in the creative development and partnership of artist Allison Eide.
