Industry Ink: John Jorgenson, BMI, Randy Owen, Concord, CRS360

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Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Spotlights ‘Nashville Cat’ John Jorgenson

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and John Jorgenson at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured musician John Jorgenson for its in-depth interview series, Nashville Cats over the weekend. The series spotlights renowned musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the studio or on concert tours. The interview was moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. Rodney Crowell accompanied Jorgenson during his performance.

BMI Stage At Lollapalooza Celebrates 20th Year Of Spotlighting Rising Talent

Elizabeth Nichols performs on the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL on July 30, 2026. Photo: Brandy Fik for BMI

The BMI Stage at Lollapalooza celebrated 20 years in Chicago July 31-Aug.2, continuing its tradition of hosting some of today’s rising talent. Audiences were treated to a dynamic blend of genres and styles, from indie folk-rock and Latin pop to soulful country and everything in between from artists including Bella Kay, Calder Allen, Case Oats, Elizabeth Nichols, Evening Elephants, Ink, Porch Light, RYMAN, Surfing For Daisy, The Braymores, Will Swinton and more.

Randy Owen’s ‘My Home’s In Alabama: The Randy Owen Story’ Now Available Online

My Home’s in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story is now available to watch online via YouTube, giving fans the opportunity to explore the life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member and ALABAMA co-founder Randy Owen. The documentary made its broadcast premiere Saturday night on Alabama Public Television (APT). Produced by Jacksonville State University, the film follows Owen’s journey from his upbringing in Fort Payne, Alabama, to becoming the frontman of one of country music’s most successful and influential bands.

Featuring scenic footage of the Alabama landscapes that shaped Owen’s life, the documentary combines personal reflections, career highlights and conversations with family, friends and fellow artists. ALABAMA founding member Teddy Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green and others offer insight into Owen’s career and lasting impact on country music. Throughout the film, Owen reflects on the people, places and values that have guided him while highlighting his enduring connection to the Alabama community he has always called home.

Concord & Stax Music Academy Mark Five-Year Partnership Investing In Music Education

Concord Executive and Stax Artists and Family with the 2025 SMA Concord Stax Scholarship Recipients

Concord and Stax Music Academy have marked five years of their partnership, investing over 1.3 million in music education. In 2021, Concord made a five-year financial commitment to Stax Music Academy in Memphis and the broader music community. Concord, which owns Stax Records, pledged one million dollars over five years to provide scholarships and financial support to students in under-resourced communities.

As of January 2026, that pledge has been exceeded with contributions totaling more than $1.3 million, reflecting Concord’s investment in SMA, its students, and its mission. Over the course of the partnership, Concord has funded 100 scholarships for SMA students. A defining measure of the Academy’s success is its 100% college acceptance rate. The partnership has also connected students with industry professionals, as Concord staff, artists, and songwriters including Noah Goldstein and Varren Wade have regularly participated in online masterclasses and in-person workshops.

 

CRS360 Releases Webinar On ‘Perfectly Legal: How Air Talent Gains Leverage Before Sitting Down to Negotiate’ 

Country Radio Broadcasters has released the latest installment of its CRS360 webinar series, “Perfectly Legal: How Air Talent Gains Leverage Before Sitting Down to Negotiate,” available to stream on demand. The webinar features Denise Shackelford, founder of The Primacy Firm, CRB’s legal counsel, and Associate Professor in Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Department of Recording Industry within the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.

A respected entertainment attorney and educator, Shackelford has spent more than three decades in the Nashville music industry, including early-career roles with Arista Records and artist management executive Clarence Spalding, before launching her boutique entertainment law practice in 2010. Today, she represents creative professionals and businesses across the music industry while helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders in the classroom. In the session, Shackelford shares valuable insights to help on-air talent better understand employment agreements, recognize their negotiating leverage, identify key contract considerations, and protect one of their greatest professional assets – themselves.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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