On The Row: Brooke Lee Shares Stories From ‘Desert Darling’

Brooke Lee. Photo: Hannah Van

Brooke Lee stopped by the MusicRow office last week to share a taste of her recently released EP, Desert Darling.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native was first introduced to music through her church. At 13, Lee attended a performance by the local band Blue Monday with her father and was instantly captivated. Inspired by the experience, she began performing at local showcases and open mic nights.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell, Brooke Lee, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

At 21, Lee moved to Music City and started playing Broadway six nights a week. While balancing her performance schedule with a retail job, she caught the attention of Spirit Music Publishing and signed a publishing deal.

Lee shared a few tracks from the project with the team including “Desert Darling,” “Burn To Black,” “This Roof” and “So Beautiful.”

The six-track project was written alongside Justin Richards, Jon Nite and Aaron Eshuis, among others, and produced by Danielle Blakey. It explores themes of young love, heartbreak and self-discovery.

Lee has amassed more than 6 million career streams and 120 thousand social media followers across platforms. Earlier this year, Lee partnered with Chevrolet to release a modern interpretation of the song “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” for their newest advertising campaign.

Lee is set to perform on the Wrangler Remix Stage during CMA Fest.

Kenny Whitmire Signs With The Neal Agency

Pictured (L-R): Adi Sharma (Co-Head of The Neal Agency), Ryan Beuschel (General Manager at The Neal Agency), Simone Chretien (Agent at The Neal Agency), Kenny Whitmire (Artist), Evan Kantor (Agent at The Neal Agency), Zac Brooks (Artist Manager at Riverhouse) and Zebb Luster (Executive VP & Artist Manager at Riverhouse). Photo: Michael Stern

Kenny Whitmire has signed with The Neal Agency.

The Georgia native moved to Nashville in 2022 after one semester of college. He is set to release his seven-track debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, on June 12 via MCA.

“Kenny is one of those talents that stops you in your tracks, with an incredible ‘old-school’ sound that remains completely authentic to who he is,” shares TNA Agent, Evan Kantor. “We’re all big believers in what he’s doing as an artist and are honored to be a part of his already amazing team. We’re excited to get to work with him and help build the touring side of his career!”

“I’m honored to be working with The Neal Agency and excited to have their passionate group of people representing me,” adds Whitmire.

Throughout the year, Whitmire will support Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington, Ian Munsick and more on the road.

Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, More Set To Honor Heroes On ‘National Memorial Day Concert’

Alan Jackson & Jamey Johnson

Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, and Mickey Guyton are among the artists set to perform on the National Memorial Day Concert airing live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this Sunday (May 24).

Hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, longtime champions of veterans and service members, the annual evening of remembrance will honor 250 years of the courage and sacrifice of our military men and women and their families, and pay tribute to all who have given their lives in service to our nation, with musical salutes and powerful stories of patriots who have defended our nation since 1776.

The inspiring night will feature performances by Guyton, Johnson, (who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve), and Jackson from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Laura Osnes, Andy Grammer, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor, and Jack Everly. Other segments will feature Noah Wyle, Jonathan Banks, and Melissa Leo. 

The 37th annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day Concert airs live on May 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. C.T on PBS, and is seen by service members around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming here and on YouTube, as well as available as Video on Demand May 24-June 7.

Charles Wesley Godwin To Launch ‘The Christian Name Tour’ In July

Charles Wesley Godwin. Photo: David McClister

Charles Wesley Godwin will kick off “The Christian Name Tour” this summer in support of his upcoming new album Christian Name, due out July 24.

The new tour will kick off July 11 in Fargo, North Dakota and include stops in San Diego, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Chicago, and many more running through mid-November. In addition to his own headline shows, Godwin will also be doing a co-headline run with Dylan Gossett this summer, and will open for Kacey Musgraves on her “Middle of Nowhere Tour” this fall.

Christian Name is a personal collection of new songs for Godwin, and includes a pair of collaborations: “Better That Way” with Luke Combs and “Hey There, Son” featuring Wyatt Flores, along with songs penned by Stephen Wilson Jr.,  Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Aaron Ratiere, Travis Meadows, Scooter Carusoe, and Tom Douglas.

“The Christian Name Tour” Dates”
Jul 11 – Fargo, ND – UP District Festival Field
Jul 14 – Sioux Falls, SD – The District
Jul 17 – Emigrant, MT – The Old Saloon
Jul 18 – Kalispell, MT – Majestic Valley Arena
Aug 4 – San Francisco, CA- Regency
Aug 6 – Sacramento, CA – Channel 24
Aug 7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
Aug 8 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Aug 13 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto
Aug 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Van Buren
Aug 21 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
Aug 22 – Toronto, ON – History
Aug 27 – Oklahoma City, OK – Criterion
Sept 11 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six
Sept 12 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
Sept 17 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY
Sept 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Fillmore
Oct 17 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House
Oct 18 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
Oct 21 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
Oct 22 – Seattle, WA – SoDo
Oct 24 – Vancouver, BC – Orpheum Theater
Nov 5 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Nov 7 – Cincinnati, OH – MegaCorp Pavilion
Nov 12  – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed
Nov 13 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside
Nov 14 – St. Louis, MO – Factory

Stella Lefty Named SiriusXM’s Next Highway Find

Stella Lefty. Photo: Cris Slater & Geoff Mau

Stella Lefty has been named the latest “Highway Find” for SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56).

SiriusXM’s Highway Mornings with Cody Alan broke the news to her during the ACMS at their SiriusXM studio at Wynn Las Vegas. She joins “Highway Find” alums Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, and many more.

Stella released her new EP Is This Heaven?’ last week, which features the focus track “Something to Lose” with Vincent Mason, as well as singles “I Know I Know” and “Boston.” Following the release of Is This Heaven?, she will be hitting the road with Tucker Wetmore on his summer tour, and gearing up for major festivals including CMA Fest, Osheaga, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza.

Her breakout single “Thinking ‘bout You” sparked major online traction, earning millions of streams and set the stage for the followup “Boston,” which entered the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, and amassed over 70 million streams.

Nashville’s Dr. Hook Rock Singer, Dennis Locorriere, Passes

Dennis Locorriere, the lead singer of the rock band Dr. Hook, has died at age 76.

He was the vocalist on a decade-long string of 1970s pop hits for the group, including “Sylvia’s Mother,” “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” “Sexy Eyes” and “Sharing the Night Together.” Locorriere was also a Nashville ad-jingle vocalist, a record promoter, a respected songwriter, a popular Nashville nightclub headliner and a solo recording artist.

The group was formed in 1968 as Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, a rowdy, New Jersey bar band. Locorriere was the lead singer, but Ray Sawyer (1937-2018) became its visual focus, wearing his trademark eye patch and leading the on-stage shenanigans.

Ron Haffkine (1938-2023) discovered the act and became its manager, producer and what he self-billed as its “musical director.” He arranged for the group to perform music for and appear in the 1970 Dustin Hoffman film Who Is Harry Kellerman. In 1971, Dr, Hook & The Medicine Show auditioned live in the Columbia Records office in New York, with Locorriere leading the band and Sawyer dancing on label chief Clive Davis’ desk.

Columbia issued the group’s debut LP in 1972. Shel Silverstein (1930-1999), another Haffkine management client, wrote all of the album’s songs, including “Sylvia’s Mother.” Locorriere’s plaintive/wry vocal propelled the song into the pop top-10. Later that year, the LP Sloppy Seconds yielded the Silverstein-penned “The Cover of Rolling Stone.” This was the act’s only big hit sung by Sawyer. It led to a Rolling Stone magazine cover story in 1973.

The band toured relentlessly, doing 300+ shows a year. But its carefree attitude about finances led a bankruptcy filing in 1974. The group shortened its name to Dr. Hook in 1975, signed with Capitol Records and issued the LP Bankrupt. It contained Locorriere’s Gold-selling revival of the Sam Cookie oldie “Only Sixteen,” which returned the band to the pop top-10 and became its first country-charting single. The singer also scored with “A Little Bit More” from this same collection.

Dennis Locorriere wrote/co-wrote the band’s next two successes, “A Couple More Years” and “If Not You” in 1976. The latter became Dr. Hook’s sole top-30 country single. The following year, its revival of the jug-band ditty “Walk Right In” became a No. 1 smash in Australia.

In 1977, Locorriere and the band moved to Nashville, which had long been their recording home. This coincided with its longest string of pop hits. Recorded in a style that would now be termed “yacht rock,” they included “Sharing the Night. Together” (1978), “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” (1979), “Better Love Next Time” (1979) and “Sexy Eyes” (1980). These were written by top Music Row tunesmiths. Locorriere co-wrote “Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk” (1982), the band’s last top-30 pop hit. All of these titles were recorded in Nashville and/or Muscle Shoals.

Although the hits of this era solidified their stardom, neither Locorriere nor Sawyer liked them. They remained Southern-flavored roots rockers at heart. Ray Sawyer quit the group in 1983. Locorriere kept the band going and acquired the Dr. Hook brand.

During its heyday, Dr. Hook released 11 albums and sold an estimated 50 million records. It remains one of the biggest pop/rock acts to hail from Music City.

The group retired in 1985. Locorriere remained active in the Nashville music community. He briefly worked as a country record promoter, sang backup vocals on albums by Randy Travis and others, and worked as a studio ad-jingle singer. His expressive, sandpapery voice warbled the praises of McDonald’s, Coors Light, Long John Silvers, Ruffles Potato Chips and other national products.

He also continued to write. Locorriere’s songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Crystal Gayle, BJ Thomas, Helen Reddy, Willie Nelson, Southside Johnny, Olivia Newton-John and Jerry Lee Lewis. Locorriere released three solo albums, Out of the Dark (2000), One of the Lucky Ones (2005) and Post Cool (2010). He also issued three concert DVDs.

In 1989, he acted in the Lincoln Center production of Silverstein’s play The Devil And Billy Markham, garnering universally positive reviews. Dr. Hook always had a large international following, with hits in Australia, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.K., Holland, Ireland and South Africa. Locorriere toured overseas, performing both newly written songs and Dr. Hook classics. He moved to the U.K. in 2002.

Locorriere repeatedly sued Ray Sawyer for using “Dr. Hook” to promote Sawyer’s bookings. Ron Haffkine was sued by his business partner, Bobby Heller. Legal tangles over song-publishing deals and master recordings further dogged Locorriere. In 2002, The Tennessean’s headline read, “Dr. Hook: Band’s Legacy Shattered.”

The singer persevered. In 2008, Dennis Locorriere toured the United Kingdom as a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. He assembled a new Dr. Hook band to tour in celebration of the group’s 50th anniversary. In 2021-22 he led the revived Dr. Hook to concerts in Scandinavia and the British Isles. He retired in 2025.

Dennis Locorriere had been battling kidney disease in recent years. He passed away in West Sussex, England on May 16. He is survived by his wife Claire Anne, by son Jessejames Locorriere, an actor, and by daughter, Lily Locorriere. Funeral arrangements are unknown.

BREAKING: Nashville To Host Super Bowl LXIV In 2030

Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

Nashville is set to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium.

The announcement was made at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando following a review of the proposal by the NFL’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership.

In addition to the game, Super Bowl week will feature NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, Super Bowl Opening Night fueled by Gatorade and various community initiatives. This marks the first time Nashville will host the event.

“We are thrilled that the new Nissan Stadium will host Nashville’s first Super Bowl in 2030,” says Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “This is an exciting moment for our city and our entire state. We cannot wait for our community to experience an event of this magnitude and for the world to see the energy, hospitality, and culture that make our city so special on a global stage. Thank you to Commissioner Goodell, my fellow owners, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. for their partnership throughout this process. We look forward to bringing an unforgettable Super Bowl experience to Nashville together.”

“Hosting the Super Bowl is a defining moment for Nashville and Tennessee and reflects years of work to build Music City into a globally recognized destination for music, entertainment, and live events,” shares Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, president & CEO. “This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase the dynamic and creative character of Nashville to a global audience and to deliver a Super Bowl experience that is distinctly Music City, where music, sports, culture, and hospitality come together in a way few cities can match. We are grateful to the NFL for the confidence they have placed in our community. Nashville has earned a reputation for hosting major events at the highest level, and we are ready to welcome the world.”

“The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville was one of the greatest fan events in our history,” says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Super Bowl LXIV at the new stadium is the next step in this remarkable football journey. The vision of Amy Adams Strunk and the Tennessee Titans helped make this moment possible. With great partners at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and Tennessee Titans, we can’t wait to put on an unforgettable show in 2030.”

On Location, the Official Hospitality Partner of the NFL, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIV. More information is available here.

ACM Lifting Lives 2026-2027 Grant Cycle To Prioritize Healing Through Music Therapy Initiatives

ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, will open its 2026-2027 grant cycle for submissions beginning July 1, 2026 until August 7, 2026. This year, grants will focus on nonprofit organizations delivering innovative and impactful music therapy initiatives designed to improve mental, physical and emotional health outcomes for individuals and communities in need.

Eligible beneficiaries include clinical music therapy programs, music-based therapeutic interventions or mental health for the industry initiatives. Funding is not available for music education, fundraisers, lobbying, building and capital campaigns, endowments, or debt retirement.

The organization recently partnered with Dan + Shay for a performance of their recently released single “Say So” during the ACM Awards. The performance spotlighted mental health and suicide prevention in tribute to late Music Row executive Ben Vaughn.

More information on how to submit, along with further details on eligibility requirements, can be found here.

Industry Ink: George Strait, Vince Gill, Clint Black, Mackenzie Carpenter, More

Moody Center Dedicates New Backstage Lounge To George Strait

Pictured (L-R): Louis Messina (MTG), Jeff Nickler (Moody), George Strait, Casey Sparks (Moody) and Hannah Baker (Moody).

Moody Center has unveiled a new backstage lounge dedicated to George Strait during his final weekend at the arena named  “The Troubadour,” in honor of his GRAMMY-winning album. The lounge features a refurbished vintage jukebox programmed with his extensive catalogue, a burnt orange pool table, a restored neon sign and carefully curated décor.

“This lounge is more than just a space—it’s a tribute to an artist whose music and presence helped define the Moody Center from day one,” says Jeff Nickler, President of Oak View Group Austin, and General Manager of the arena. “We’re proud to honor him in a way that will be experienced for years to come.”

 

Vince Gill Appears On NPR‘s Tiny Desk

Youtube video

Vince Gill recently stopped by NPR‘s Tiny Desk series. During the set, he played “One More Last Chance,” “Whenever You Come Around,” “Heroes,” “When a Soldier Dies” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”

Accompanying him was John Meador, John Jarvis, Jimmie Lee Sloas and Billy Thomas.

 

Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black Attend Premiere For When I Said I Do

Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black. Photo: James Coletta

Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black recently attended the premiere celebration for new Lifetime movie When I Said I Do at The Franklin Theatre. The movie is inspired by the couple’s duet of the same name.

Black and Hartman Black served as Executive Producers on the film and also make appearances as themselves, portraying hosts of a relationship podcast that influences the emotional journey of the main characters. When I Said I Do premieres this Saturday (May 23) at 7 p.m. CT.

 

Mackenzie Carpenter Partners With Beer Girl

Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Brenna Marie

Mackenzie Carpenter has partnered with Beer Girl, the gluten-reduced, low-ABV beer brand founded by Caroline and Griffin Foulk. Carpenter marks the brand’s first national partnership. The partnership kicked off with the beer being featured in Carpenter’s latest music video, “High Pony.” The brand will also appear throughout Carpenter’s upcoming tours with Riley Green and Jason Aldean.

“Partnering with Beer Girl felt super natural to me because our vibes were already so aligned. We’re both really passionate about creating a community that is empowering and always fun,” says Carpenter. “When I met Caroline, I instantly felt her energy and knew I wanted to be part of what she’s building.”

 

Hope On The Row Raises $19,000 At Sold-Out Nashville Benefit

Hope on the Row hosted its second annual Rounds for Hope benefit concert on May 12 at Riverside Revival. The sold-out event raised $19,000 in support of the organization’s ongoing outreach operations serving Nashville’s unhoused community. This year’s Rounds for Hope featured performances by Ava Suppelsa, Lauren Eliza, Lucy Voll, Ryan Hurd, Summer Overstreet and Jimmy Robbins, and was hosted by Ty Bentli.

Founded in 2020 by Suppelsa during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hope on the Row began by delivering essential supplies and meals to individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Nashville. Today, the organization serves more than 150 people every Sunday and has provided over 36,000 meals and distributed more than 10,000 pounds of clothing since its founding.

 

I C RED Signs With Riser House Rock

Pictured (L-R): Samual Ocheltree (I C Red), Jordan Mattacchione (I C Red), Jim Kaufman (Producer), Jason Martin (Pres Riser House Rock), Jennifer Johnson (Founder Riser House Entertainment), Kelly Flusk (I C Red), Sofia Barbetta (Dir of Artist Dev & Digital Marketing, Riser House Rock), Robert Reimer (I C Red) and Alex Heimerman (Head of Marketing & Label Strategy, Riser House Entertainment).

Industrial-leaning rock project I C RED has signed with Riser House Rock.

“I C RED’s commanding presence, distinctive sound, and style immediately set them apart in the rock and alt-rock universe,” says Jason Martin, President of Riser House Rock. “At Riser House Rock, we sign artists we believe in completely, and signing I C RED was an easy decision. We’re proud to welcome them to the roster and can’t wait for the world to hear and see what’s coming.”

“Riser House Rock believed in our vision from the moment we met, and that means everything to us,” add I C RED. “They understand not only our music, but also the world we’re building around I C RED. The entire team is genuine, down-to-earth, and clearly driven by a love for music and their artists. It feels like a true partnership, and we’re excited to build this together and show the world what we have in store.”

 

Parker Brand Inks With Asphalt Music Group

Parker Brand

Country artist Parker Brand has signed with Asphalt Music Group. Alongside the signing, he will release his debut single “More Cigarettes” on June 5. The track was written and produced by Aaron Chesling and combines traditional country with a contemporary edge.

“This song is personal,” says Brand. “Being a story telling artist, when given the opportunity to be a part of this song there was an immediate connection to the story itself and incredibly relatable to how I grew up amongst family and culture. This song is a like hug from my grandmother who is no longer with us physically.”

MCA Celebrates ACM Awards With After Party & Listening Event

Pictured: Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Jordan Davis, MCA’s Katie McCartney, Parker McCollum, Shania Twain, MCA’s Mike Harris and Rob Femia, Jacob Hackworth, Tucker Wetmore, MCA’s Stephanie Wright. Photo: Chris Hollo

MCA celebrated this year’s ACM Awards on Sunday night (May 17) with a private celebration for their team and artists at The Reserve Park MGM in Las Vegas.

The evening celebrated wins for Back Blocks Music/MCA/Mercury Records artist Tucker Wetmore, who took home ACM New Male Artist of the Year, and Parker McCollum, whose self-titled album earned ACM Album of the Year honors.

Many of the label’s artists were featured throughout the show with performances from Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Carter Faith and more. Keith Urban and TJ Osborne took the stage to present awards.

Ahead of the ACM Awards, the MCA team also hosted a private listening session, previewing new music from Urban, Little Big Town, Wetmore and Jacob Hackworth.

Pictured (L-R): MCA’s Mike Harris, Tucker Wetmore, Mercury’s Jackson Weingart. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): MCA’s Damon Moberly, Katie McCartney and Mike Harris, Keith Urban, MCA’s Stephanie Wright and Rob Femia. Photo: Chris Hollo