Damon Whiteside. Photo: Katie Kauss
As Damon Whiteside steps away from his role as CEO of the Academy of Country Music after more than six years, he’s leaving behind an organization that looks much different than the one he joined in early 2020. During his tenure, the Academy weathered a global pandemic, relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville, transitioned the ACM Awards from broadcast television to streaming on Prime Video and expanded its footprint through new events and initiatives. As he begins his six-month term as CEO Emeritus today (July 1), Whiteside reflects on the milestones, challenges and moments that defined his tenure.
When he joined the Academy in January 2020, he expected to spend his first few months learning the organization and settling into the role, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly upended those plans, forcing the Academy to rethink nearly every aspect of its operations.” A lot of stuff changed really fast,” Whiteside tells MusicRow. “It caused a very quick pivot within my first three months on the job.”
Pictured (L-R): Adam Stotsky, Dolly Parton and Damon Whiteside attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM
One of Whiteside’s first major decisions as CEO was canceling the 2020 ACM Awards in Las Vegas as the pandemic brought the live entertainment industry to a standstill. But rather than waiting for normalcy to return, the Academy reimagined the show in Nashville, staging the ceremony across the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe.
That willingness to adapt extended beyond the pandemic. Looking back on his tenure, Whiteside points to several milestones that reshaped the Academy, beginning with relocating its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville. Founded in California in 1964, the Academy’s move marked a significant shift, one that he says took time but ultimately allowed the organization to become more deeply integrated into the heart of the country music industry.
Another defining moment came in 2022, when the Academy became the first major awards show to move exclusively to streaming through Prime Video. The move not only expanded the show’s global reach but also changed the viewing experience, allowing for fewer commercial breaks and a greater emphasis on music.
Returning the ACM Awards to Las Vegas marked yet another major step for the Academy. After three years in Texas, the Academy brought the event back to its longtime home, a decision Whiteside said was embraced by artists, fans and the industry and resulted in one of the organization’s most successful weekends. Reflecting on his final ACM Awards as CEO, Whiteside said the show represented everything he hoped it would.
“I sat there that night watching it, and I was just kind of blown away at the quality of the show. I feel like for me, that was the best show that I’ve been a part of since I’ve been in this role … It really captured what country music is right now… It’s still paying respect to the legacy of it, but it was very much of the moment.”
But for Whiteside, the show’s success wasn’t just measured by what happened on stage.
“I’m very proud of the ACM staff, honestly, because moving a show to a new city, and standing up new events… that is a huge undertaking for our small staff. It is a testament to the passion here and the leadership here. Everybody’s here because they want to be here and because they want it to be great for the artists and industry.”
Looking back, Whiteside said one of the biggest surprises of leading the Academy wasn’t navigating award shows or industry changes, but discovering just how much leadership centered on the people around him.
“Leadership is leading a company, yes. It is about experience in the actual business and having business acumen for sure. But, so much of it is about what you accomplish as a leader is with your team and how you develop them. What I love is just [watching] people that I’ve hired or mentored and seeing them grow. It just makes me really proud and happy to see that I could just be one part of their journey.”
Beyond the milestones and organizational changes, Whiteside said it’s the moments along the way that he’ll remember most. Bringing the ACM Awards to Nashville during the pandemic remains at the top of that list. “We weren’t going to let COVID keep us from awarding our artists,” he said. “Being able to do it at the three most iconic venues in Nashville, the Opry, and the Ryman, and the Bluebird, which hadn’t been done before. That’s always going to be kind of on my Mount Rushmore of cool things I got to do.”
Shania Twain & Damon Whitside. Photo: Courtesy of Whiteside
He also points to the Academy’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2025 as another career highlight, saying he was proud to help commemorate the organization’s legacy while showcasing where country music is today. Beyond the events themselves, Whiteside said one of the unexpected joys of the role came from working alongside some of the genre’s biggest names. “Reba is absolutely undeniably the hardest working person in showbiz, and she is just lovely and just such a wonderful human being,” he says. “Getting to work with her and see her work ethic was a great memory.” He also recalled working alongside Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, saying those experiences are memories he’ll carry with him long after leaving the Academy.
As the industry continues to evolve, Whiteside said he’s encouraged by the next generation of artists finding success while continuing to embrace country music’s traditions. “I think what I’m excited about is that we still have this tight [country music] community. There is a lot of pride and camaraderie, but everyone is willing to open their arms and let the new class in.”
While he’ll remain involved with the Academy through the end of the year as CEO Emeritus, Whiteside said he’s also looking ahead to new opportunities. He expects to help guide the organization’s leadership transition while continuing to explore ways to support country music beyond the CEO position.
“I’m kind of just a consultant,” he says. “I’m just going to be available the rest of the year and on call for the new leadership here to just help guide, answer questions, make recommendations, however they need support.”
Beyond that, Whiteside hopes to continue working at the intersection of Nashville and Hollywood, helping tell artists’ stories while introducing more of the entertainment industry to country music.
“I really enjoy that intersection of educating the media world about country music and what it is,” he says. “I love being that bridge and making that connection to show someone that’s not been part of our community, to come into the community and see what it’s about.”
As he prepares to close this chapter, Whiteside said he believes both he and the Academy are ready for what’s next.
“I’m just thrilled at where we are today, and the fact that the organization is really reestablished and thriving and it’s really set up for success for the future,” he says. “I feel like I’m leaving at the right time for me and for the organization. It’s a really exciting opportunity for a new leader to come in and continue to evolve it and strengthen it.”
Moving forward Whiteside can be reached at damon@nomadentertain.com
Apple Music Releases Second Set Of ‘Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Apple Music
Apple Music is releasing a second edition of the Apple Music Nashville Sessions:Toby Keith Covered collection, once again celebrating Keith’s life and his undeniable impact on country music with an all-new slate of Keith classics.
The project features live covers of the icon’s catalog by Tyler Hubbard, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts. Recorded live in Apple Music’s Nashville studio, the covers reimagine some of Toby Keith’s biggest hits, with each artist putting their own spin on their track and honoring the late star’s lasting impact on country music. All covers are exclusively on Apple Music and include “I Love This Bar” by Hubbard, “I Wanna Talk About Me” by Dean, “How Do You Like Me Now” by Marlowe, and “Red Solo Cup” by Roberts.
Ahead of the release, each artist sat down with Apple Music’s Ty Bentli to chat about the project and share more about their personal connections to Keith. The Ty Bentli Show will air the full interviews with each artist throughout the week.
The project marks the second edition of the Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered collection as Hubbard, Dean, Marlowe, and Roberts join Ashley McBryde, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tucker Wetmore in honoring the late country music icon.
“Like you said with Toby, I love that he not only was an incredible songwriter himself, but poured into the Nashville songwriting community and the writers around him and the people,” Hubbard told Bentli about covering “I Love This Bar”. “I think he understood the value of a song and the value of the songwriter. So, really a lot of respect and love for him for that for sure… “I Love This Bar” had not been done. And I was like, oh my gosh, how has this song not been done yet? So, yeah, pretty quickly I was like, yep, I want that song. That’ll be a blast. I’ve sung it for years anyways. So yeah, it was fun to bring it to life today.”
Damon Whiteside Reflects On Leadership, Growth & His ACM Tenure [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkDamon Whiteside. Photo: Katie Kauss
As Damon Whiteside steps away from his role as CEO of the Academy of Country Music after more than six years, he’s leaving behind an organization that looks much different than the one he joined in early 2020. During his tenure, the Academy weathered a global pandemic, relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville, transitioned the ACM Awards from broadcast television to streaming on Prime Video and expanded its footprint through new events and initiatives. As he begins his six-month term as CEO Emeritus today (July 1), Whiteside reflects on the milestones, challenges and moments that defined his tenure.
When he joined the Academy in January 2020, he expected to spend his first few months learning the organization and settling into the role, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly upended those plans, forcing the Academy to rethink nearly every aspect of its operations.” A lot of stuff changed really fast,” Whiteside tells MusicRow. “It caused a very quick pivot within my first three months on the job.”
Pictured (L-R): Adam Stotsky, Dolly Parton and Damon Whiteside attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM
One of Whiteside’s first major decisions as CEO was canceling the 2020 ACM Awards in Las Vegas as the pandemic brought the live entertainment industry to a standstill. But rather than waiting for normalcy to return, the Academy reimagined the show in Nashville, staging the ceremony across the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe.
That willingness to adapt extended beyond the pandemic. Looking back on his tenure, Whiteside points to several milestones that reshaped the Academy, beginning with relocating its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville. Founded in California in 1964, the Academy’s move marked a significant shift, one that he says took time but ultimately allowed the organization to become more deeply integrated into the heart of the country music industry.
Another defining moment came in 2022, when the Academy became the first major awards show to move exclusively to streaming through Prime Video. The move not only expanded the show’s global reach but also changed the viewing experience, allowing for fewer commercial breaks and a greater emphasis on music.
Returning the ACM Awards to Las Vegas marked yet another major step for the Academy. After three years in Texas, the Academy brought the event back to its longtime home, a decision Whiteside said was embraced by artists, fans and the industry and resulted in one of the organization’s most successful weekends. Reflecting on his final ACM Awards as CEO, Whiteside said the show represented everything he hoped it would.
“I sat there that night watching it, and I was just kind of blown away at the quality of the show. I feel like for me, that was the best show that I’ve been a part of since I’ve been in this role … It really captured what country music is right now… It’s still paying respect to the legacy of it, but it was very much of the moment.”
But for Whiteside, the show’s success wasn’t just measured by what happened on stage.
“I’m very proud of the ACM staff, honestly, because moving a show to a new city, and standing up new events… that is a huge undertaking for our small staff. It is a testament to the passion here and the leadership here. Everybody’s here because they want to be here and because they want it to be great for the artists and industry.”
Looking back, Whiteside said one of the biggest surprises of leading the Academy wasn’t navigating award shows or industry changes, but discovering just how much leadership centered on the people around him.
“Leadership is leading a company, yes. It is about experience in the actual business and having business acumen for sure. But, so much of it is about what you accomplish as a leader is with your team and how you develop them. What I love is just [watching] people that I’ve hired or mentored and seeing them grow. It just makes me really proud and happy to see that I could just be one part of their journey.”
Beyond the milestones and organizational changes, Whiteside said it’s the moments along the way that he’ll remember most. Bringing the ACM Awards to Nashville during the pandemic remains at the top of that list. “We weren’t going to let COVID keep us from awarding our artists,” he said. “Being able to do it at the three most iconic venues in Nashville, the Opry, and the Ryman, and the Bluebird, which hadn’t been done before. That’s always going to be kind of on my Mount Rushmore of cool things I got to do.”
Shania Twain & Damon Whitside. Photo: Courtesy of Whiteside
He also points to the Academy’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2025 as another career highlight, saying he was proud to help commemorate the organization’s legacy while showcasing where country music is today. Beyond the events themselves, Whiteside said one of the unexpected joys of the role came from working alongside some of the genre’s biggest names. “Reba is absolutely undeniably the hardest working person in showbiz, and she is just lovely and just such a wonderful human being,” he says. “Getting to work with her and see her work ethic was a great memory.” He also recalled working alongside Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, saying those experiences are memories he’ll carry with him long after leaving the Academy.
As the industry continues to evolve, Whiteside said he’s encouraged by the next generation of artists finding success while continuing to embrace country music’s traditions. “I think what I’m excited about is that we still have this tight [country music] community. There is a lot of pride and camaraderie, but everyone is willing to open their arms and let the new class in.”
While he’ll remain involved with the Academy through the end of the year as CEO Emeritus, Whiteside said he’s also looking ahead to new opportunities. He expects to help guide the organization’s leadership transition while continuing to explore ways to support country music beyond the CEO position.
“I’m kind of just a consultant,” he says. “I’m just going to be available the rest of the year and on call for the new leadership here to just help guide, answer questions, make recommendations, however they need support.”
Beyond that, Whiteside hopes to continue working at the intersection of Nashville and Hollywood, helping tell artists’ stories while introducing more of the entertainment industry to country music.
“I really enjoy that intersection of educating the media world about country music and what it is,” he says. “I love being that bridge and making that connection to show someone that’s not been part of our community, to come into the community and see what it’s about.”
As he prepares to close this chapter, Whiteside said he believes both he and the Academy are ready for what’s next.
“I’m just thrilled at where we are today, and the fact that the organization is really reestablished and thriving and it’s really set up for success for the future,” he says. “I feel like I’m leaving at the right time for me and for the organization. It’s a really exciting opportunity for a new leader to come in and continue to evolve it and strengthen it.”
Moving forward Whiteside can be reached at damon@nomadentertain.com
John Jorgenson To Be CMHOFM Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Nashville Cats” spotlights renowned musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours. The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. After the program, Jorgenson will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.
Jorgenson’s versatile guitar playing and inventive arrangements injected fresh energy into country music in the 1980s and 1990s, both with the Desert Rose Band and as a sought-after session player. Raised in Redlands, California by musical parents, Jorgenson had learned piano, clarinet, ukulele and guitar before he was a teen and later began playing professionally at Disneyland.
After becoming involved with Southern California’s rockabilly and country scene, he joined the Desert Rose Band with former Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers member Chris Hillman. With Jorgenson providing musical arrangements, the group released five albums between 1987 and 1993, scoring seven top ten country hits, including the No. 1 songs “He’s Back and I’m Blue” and “I Still Believe in You.”
In 1990, Jorgenson formed the Hellecasters with guitarists Jerry Donahue and Will Ray, who together released three albums that centered a dazzling triple lead guitar attack. As a session musician, he provided guitar on albums by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Carlene Carter, Kenny Chesney, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt and many others. In addition to his session work, Jorgenson served as musical director for the TV programs Hot Country Nights and Delta. He won the Academy of Country Music’s Guitarist of the Year award in 1990, 1991 and 1992. In 1994, Jorgenson joined Elton John’s band and accompanied the British superstar live and on album for six years. Currently, he performs with his “gypsy jazz” group, the John Jorgenson Quintet.
Nashville Cats is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance. Tickets are on sale now here.
Rock The South 2026 Expands To Four Days, Unveils Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (clockwise): Zach Top, Jessie Murph, Riley Green & Jason Aldean
The Rock The South Festival has shifted dates and expanded from three days to four Oct. 1-4, with a newly revealed lineup, marking a major new chapter for the festival as it moves to its brand new home, The Fields at Decatur in Alabama.
Rock the South 2026 headliners Jason Aldean, Riley Green, Zach Top and Jessie Murph will be joined by an all-star mix of country icons and rising stars, and over 30 artists will perform at the new four-day event which will also feature a Midway Fair including carnival rides, games, fair food and more. This exciting addition marks the first time Decatur has had a fair since 2018 and the first time ever that Rock The South has hosted a fair as part of its annual event.
Among the additional artists set to perform during the four-day event are Aniston Pate, Austin Snell, Ava Hall, Avery Anna, BigXThaPlug, Brantley Gilbert, Callie Prince, Cody Lohden, Cole Goodwin, Connor Hicks, Craig Morgan, Emmy Moyen, Ethan Garner, Grace Tyler, Graham Barham, Ian Harrison, Jay Webb, Kameron Marlowe, KG and the Bad Habits, Lakeview, Myles Morgan, Phil Kane, Stella Lefty, The Band Perry, The Castellows, The Creekers, Titus Thornton and Tyler Nance.
Tickets are on sale now for the new October dates. Tickets for the originally scheduled June dates will be honored in October. Original June 11 single day ticket holders will now have access to both October 1 and October 3 at no additional charge, original June 12 single day ticket holders will now have access to both October 2 and October 3 at no additional charge, and original June 13 single day ticket holders will now have access to both October 4 and October 3 at no additional charge. Tickets and full details are available here.
Nash Nites:Santa Barbara Songwriter Series To Feature Sarah Buxton, Luke Dick, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCreated by the team behind the Sac Song & Wine Series, “Nash Nites” expands that concept, taking it to other regions and destination cities, bringing audiences closer to the music through an intimate listening-room type experience. At Nash Nites:Santa Barbara, guests will enjoy a unique evening of live music, storytelling, coastal hospitality, and breathtaking ocean views in one of Santa Barbara County’s most spectacular settings, The Break at The Ellwood.
Aug. 22 will feature acclaimed songwriters Marv Green and Sarah Buxton. Green’s catalog includes hits such as “Amazed” by Lonestar, “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood, “True” by George Strait and “Who I Am With You” by Chris Young. Buxton has written songs including “Stupid Boy” by Keith Urban, “Sun Daze” by Florida Georgia Line, “That’s Why I Pray” by Big & Rich and “Pieces” by Gary Allan. Together, they will bring an evening filled with hits, stories from the road, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that transforms ideas into chart-topping records.
On Oct. 3 Ben Williams and Luke Dick are set to perform. Williams has penned songs including “Tennessee Orange” and “6 Months Later” by Megan Moroney, as well as cuts by Kenny Chesney, Ed Sheeran, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert. Among other cuts, Dick was a co-writer on Ella Langley’s ACM Award-winning hit “Choosin’ Texas,” which was recognized as both Song of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards. Known for his wit, storytelling, and catalog, he brings an unforgettable blend of humor, heart, and behind-the-scenes insight to every performance. California based singer-songwriter Ava Lynn will be opening both shows.
Tickets will go on sale July 6 here.
Artist Action: Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Ashley McBryde, More
/by Lauryn SinkKenny Chesney Receives Pandora Billionaire Plaque
Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM NSR’s Tommy Massad, NSR’s Kizzi Barazetti, The Highway’s Buzz Brainard, Kenny Chesney and SiriusXM’s Johnny Chiang. Photo: Courtesy of Morris Higham Management
Kenny Chesney received a Pandora Billionaire plaque last week, commemorating over 8 billion streams on the platform. SiriusXM’s The Highway host Buzz Brainard and SiriusXM’s VP Music Programming Johnny Chiang presented him with the honor during a special edition of SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour held in the VERY Vibe Room attached to Chesney’s second Sphere residency.
No Shoes Radio’s Tommy & Kizzi also interviewed Chesney’s band Rosie & the Revival for the Friday evening live broadcast.
Little Big Town Shares New Album With WME Team
Photo: Courtesy of WME
Little Big Town recently visited the WME Nashville office for a Q&A and to share an exclusive first listen to six songs from their forthcoming album, It’s A Dying Art, out Aug. 28.
Willie Nelson Releases Limited-Edition Flannel With Dixxon Flannel Co.
Photo: Courtesy of Dixxon
Willie Nelson has partnered with Dixxon Flannel Co. to release a limited-edition flannel. The custom designed sticker tag shows an image of Nelson, and the buttons, glasses slot on the left breast pocket and microfiber lens cloth on the inner left corner features Nelson’s name.
The flannel is exclusively available here.
Ashley McBryde Appears On ‘Songwriter Soup’ Podcast
Ashley McBryde. Photo: Nathan Chapman
Ashley McBryde recently appeared on Songwriter Soup Podcast, joining host Laura Veltz for a candid conversation about songwriting, artistry, and the realities of today’s music business. The full episode is available here.
Mickey Guyton & Samara Joy Explore America’s Musical Legacy in ‘Songs of U.S.’ Series Appearance
Samara Joy & Mickey Guyton. Photo: Charlotte Scully / Kaitlin Mendoza
Mickey Guyton and Samara Joy are this week’s featured artists in Salt Lick’s “Songs of U.S.,” a new series that brings together musicians from across genres and generations to reinterpret songs that have shaped the country’s cultural identity while exploring what belongs in the American songbook today.
The feature will include Joy’s covers of Miles Davis Quintet’s “Stablemates” and Jerri Winters’ “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” as well as Guyton’s cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and her original “All American.”
The performance and interview videos can be found here.
Warren Zeiders Partners With MasterCraft & RealTruck
Warren Zeiders.
Warren Zeiders partnered with MasterCraft and RealTruck for the Building Homes for Heroes benefit initiative. Additional details will be released at a later date.
“This project brings together several things I’m passionate about. I’m an avid boater and a longtime fan of classic trucks and cars, so getting involved was an easy decision,” shares Zeiders. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it’s an honor to support an initiative that supports our military and first responders while celebrating the craftsmanship and ingenuity that have long been part of the American story. Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways we can show up for one another, and I’m proud to be part of something that will make a real difference.”
Grammy Museum Mississippi Hosts Special Day With American Blonde
Photo: Courtesy of American Blonde
American Blonde recently visited the Grammy Museum Mississippi in their hometown of Cleveland, Mississippi as a part of the week-long Grammy Summer Camp. The five-piece band shared their musical story and gave the students a behind the scenes look at their music, songwriting and the entertainment industry.
They wrapped up the day on the museum’s Sanders Soundstage with a six-song performance, which included their current single, “Mississippi Moonshine” and other songs from their upcoming EP.
ACM Lifting Lives Launches 2026 Grant Cycle Prioritizing Music Therapy Initiatives
/by Lorie HollabaughThis grant cycle will support nonprofits seeking to alleviate suffering and promote healing by increasing access to life-changing music therapy programs. The award range will be approximately $5,000-$20,000.
The 2026 grant cycle will support non-profits working in one of three focus areas:
– Clinical Music Therapy: Programs operating in hospices, hospitals, and specialized camps, etc.
– Music-Based Therapeutic Interventions: Examples include programs supporting alternative behavioral approaches in primary and secondary schools, or focused on segments of the community such as military and veterans, etc.
– Mental Health for the Industry: Initiatives providing direct therapeutic services to touring professionals, songwriters, and other industry workers facing mental health struggles.
Beginning today (July 1) eligible organizations can access the grant guidance and application portal. All submissions must include a detailed project budget and clear, measurable outcomes. Funding will not be available for music education, fundraisers, lobbying, building and capital campaigns, endowments, or debt retirement. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Submissions will be open through Aug. 7.
AIMP Showcases Rising Talent At 2026 Unsigned Songwriter Series
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Troy Cartwright, Parker Graye, Carly Zimmerman, Timothy Baker, JD Wise, Maddie Lenhart, Gloria Anderson and Jon Decious. Photo: William King
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville held its annual Unsigned Songwriter Series showcase on June 23 at The Listening Room Cafe, welcoming industry professionals, publishers, songwriters and music fans for the special songwriters round.
The evening was hosted by Jon Decious and Troy Cartwright, and featured performances from the members of the 2026 AIMP Unsigned Songwriter Series class: Parker Graye, Carly Zimmerman, Timothy Baker, JD Wise, Maddie Lenhart and Gloria Anderson. Each writer took the stage to perform in an intimate writers round alongside the evening’s hosts, offering attendees a firsthand look at some of Nashville’s most promising emerging talent.
The annual showcase is designed to connect rising songwriters with publishers, managers and other industry professionals while celebrating the craft of songwriting in one of Nashville’s signature listening room settings. Since its inception, the Unsigned Songwriter Series has provided exposure and meaningful networking opportunities for developing writers as they build their careers.
The 2026 AIMP Nashville Unsigned Songwriter Series winners, hosts, and members of the AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee. Photo: William King
Troy Cartwright. Photo: William King
Maddie Lenhart. Photo: William King
Timothy Baker. Photo: William King
Gloria Anderson. Photo: William King
JD Wise. Photo: William King
Parker Graye. Photo: William King
Carly Zimmerman. Photo: William King
Jon Decious. Photo: William King
Mark Your Calendar—July 2026
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
Riley Green & Hannah McFarland
July 3
Riley Green (feat. Hannah McFarland)/Go Again/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Craig Morgan/Blanket of Stars/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Niko Moon/AMERICAN DREAMIN’/EMPIRE
RaeLynn & Rhett Akins/We’re American Made/Red Van Records
Hadlie Jo/Summertime
July 4
Tim McGraw/Song For America
July 6
Shantelle Davidson/Wishin’/For the Records
July 10
ALABAMA & Dan Seals/Still Reelin’ (From Those Rock & Roll Days)
David Nail (feat. Lori McKenna)/Riverbank
Hayden Coffman/Quit Drinkin’
Restless Road/Forever Ago/EMPIRE Nashville
Solon Holt/So Long/Trenches Records/Republic Records
Ben Gallaher/Betcha Money (Taylor Gold)/Quartz Hill Music Group
Ashley Anne/seat of my skirt
Sam Palladio/Burberry Jacket/3686 Records
Hayden Haddock/I’ll Bring The Matches/Good Company Entertainment
Garrett Bradford/Blacktop Bender
Pia Toscano/Redirected/Melody Place
Lucie Tiger/Last Call For Trouble/2120 Music
July 13
Vincent Mason/Damned If I Do (Radio Edit)/Lost Highway/Music Soup/Interscope
Woody Bradshaw/Who’s Proud They’re From the USA/Woody Bradshaw Music
Kennedy Reid/Love Me Lonely
July 17
Joe Nichols/Say La V/Quartz Hill Records
Kylie Morgan/Girls For Dummies
Christian Parker/Almost Mine
Catt McCreary/Tecovas (Nice Guy)
July 20
Joe Nichols/Say La V/Quartz Hill Records
Ty Gregory/Blame it on the Whiskey
July 27
Danielia Cotton/Two Step
Bella Lam/Bootfirst/Bella Lam Music
July 28
Hollye B (feat. Mike Campbell)/Ain’t Got Nothin’
July 31
Keith Burns/Pour Me
Album/EP Releases:
July 3
Blake Whiten/Something to Say/Enchntmnt/Warner Records
Charley Crockett/Clovis/Atlantic Outpost
Spencer Hatcher/Hot Weather, Cold Beer/Stone Country Records
Kelsi Mayne/Out of the Blue
July 10
NE-YO/Highway 79/Compound Ent.
Anne Wilson/Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe)/Capitol Christian Music Group
Tate Butts/Something To Believe In
Robert Earl Keen/Gravitational Forces/Lost Highway Records
Zoe Jean Fowler/Written By A Woman
Trever M. Keith/We Drank From A Poisoned Well
Mike Sands/Happy Hour/JIB Machine Records
July 17
Scotty McCreery/15/Triple Tigers Records
Waylon Wyatt/Dustpiles/Music Soup/Darkroom Records
Aaron Lewis/Give My Country Back/Big Machine Label Group
Niko Moon/ROOTS/EMPIRE
Lily Meola/Lucky to Be/Nettwerk Music Group
Gary Stewart/One Track Mind
Waylon Payne/Wayward/Big Loud Texas
Bryan Ruby/Playing With Fire
Shannon Clark/All You Need To Know
Ashby Frank/Run This Town/Mountain Home Music Company
Parker Barrow/Hold the Mash
Neon Moons/Day Late and a Dollar Short
Hudson Valley/A Day Late and a Dollar Short
July 24
Shania Twain/Little Miss Twain/Republic Nashville
Cody Jinks/In My Blood (Deluxe)/Late August Records
Carter Faith/Cherry Valley Forever/Gatsby Records/MCA
Brantley Gilbert/SINS OF THE FATHER/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Charles Wesley Godwin/Christian Name/Big Loud Records
Leanna Crawford/Thank God/Provident Entertainment
Raul Malo/BELLA CIAO: Raul Malo Live In Nashville/Mono Mundo Recordings/Thirty Tigers
Lakelin Lemmings/Lakelin Lemmings/Quartz Hill Records
Ava Claire/Honestly/3686 Records
Chris Jones & the Night Drivers/Chalk Lines and Dust/Mountain Home Music Company
Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves/Bury Deep My Heart/Carrier Records
Lance Cowan/The Air That You Breathe
July 31
Shaboozey/The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales/American Dogwood
Wyatt Flores/Scared of Heights/Island Records/MCA
Buffalo Traffic Jam/Pictures of You
Tim Montana/Entire State Of Tim Montana/BMG
RYMAN/Growing Pains/Mom & Pop
Industry Events:
July 21
BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards
July 22
BMI Christian Awards
Upcoming Nashville Concerts:
Turnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
July 1
Sarah McLachlan/FirstBank Amphitheater
AJ McQueen/City Winery
July 2
M.C.D/The Basement East
LSD Clownsystem/EXIT/IN
July 3
Evan + Zane/EXIT/IN
July 5
Armor For Sleep/The Basement East
BBMACK & Tyler Hilton/City Winery
July 6
Glenn Jones/City Winery
July 7
Sierra Hull/Ryman Auditorium
Amy Ray Band/The Basement East
Zo! & Tall Black Guy/City Winery
July 8
Bloc Party/Ryman Auditorium
Hatebreed/Brooklyn Bowl
Tamika Patton/City Winery
July 9
Anthony David/City Winery
The Bug Club/The Blue Room
July 10
April + VISTA/The Blue Room
July 11
Air Supply/Ryman Auditorium
Be The People Fest/Marathon Music Works
Secondhand Serenade/City Winery
The Sewing Club/The Blue Room
July 12
Food For All Benefit Concert/The Basement East
Tomorrow’s Problem/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 13
Ava Liv Mabry/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 14
The Infamous Stringdusters/Ryman Auditorium
Elijah Scott/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 15
Paul Simon/FirstBank Amphitheater
Avery Wilson/City Winery
July 16
Hamilton Leithauser/The Basement East
Lee Roy Parnell & Jason D Williams/City Winery
July 17
Vishal & Sheykhar/The Pinnacle
Tori Amos/Ryman Auditorium
The Nashville 100/Brooklyn Bowl
Vincent Antone/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Midnight North/EXIT/IN
Alexia Jayy/City Winery
95MP & Echo Selector/The Blue Room
Mack Keane/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 18
Kurt Vile and The Violators/Ryman Auditorium
Tomahawk/Brooklyn Bowl
feeble little horse/The Basement East
Richie Furay/City Winery
Be Your Own Pet/The Blue Room
Sully/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 19
Kaleo/The Pinnacle
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters/Ryman Auditorium
The Strike/The Basement East
Mr. Fantasy/EXIT/IN
Destin Conrad/City Winery
July 21
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder/Ryman Auditorium
Qveen Herby/Marathon Music Works
Steel Pulse/Brooklyn Bowl
The Ex-Faces/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
of Montreal/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Touch Girl Apple Blossom/The Blue Room
July 22
Lindsey Stirling/Ascend Amphitheater
Flyleaf/Marathon Music Works
Belmont/The Basement East
Texas Headhunters/City Winery
July 23
Men At Work & Toad The Wet Sprocket/The Pinnacle
Alan Parsons/Ryman Auditorium
Nation of Language/The Basement East
Wombo/The Blue Room
Good Boy Daisy/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 24
Turnpike Troubadours/Ascend Amphitheater
Blackberry Smoke/Ryman Auditorium
Stabbing Westward/EXIT/IN
Styrofoam/The Blue Room
Addison Rose/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 25
Usher & Chris Brown/Nissan Stadium
Zeds Dead/Ascend Amphitheater
Blackberry Smoke/Ryman Auditorium
3BallMTY/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
PHRVA/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
July 26
Revival At The Ryman/Ryman Auditorium
Dustin Ross/City Winery
July 27
Pavement/Ryman Auditorium
From Ashes To New/The Basement East
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
July 28
Pavement/Ryman Auditorium
Bossman Dlow/Brooklyn Bowl
Travis Malloy and Urban Worship Collective Live/City Winery
July 29
Hilary Duff/FirstBank Amphitheater
The Dear Hunter/The Basement East
Dwllrs/EXIT/IN
John Grimes/City Winery
Holy Wave/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)
July 30
Hilary Duff/Ascend Amphitheater
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
RYMAN/The Blue Room
July 31
Train/Ascend Amphitheater
Kettama/The Pinnacle
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
Red Vox/The Basement East
Syleena Johnson/City Winery
Restless Road Inks With EMPIRE Nashville [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkPictured: Zak Waters (EMPIRE Nashville), Martha Earls (Neon Coast), Jen Way (EMPIRE Nashville), Tyler Corrado (Neon Coast), Eric Hurt (EMPIRE Nashville), Restless Road. Photo: Janie Whitefield
Restless Road has inked with EMPIRE Nashville.
The band, composed of Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols and Colton Pack, have amassed over 375 million career streams, made appearances at C2C: Country to Country Music Festival, Stagecoach, CMA Fest and shared stages with Brett Young, Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson, Tim McGraw and Cole Swindell, among others.
In 2023, the band released their debut album Last Rodeo, an 18-track project led by their SiriusXM The Highway No. 1, “Growing Old With You.”
The band will make their label debut on July 10 with their new single “Forever A Go,” which has amassed over 10 million views and 250 thousand likes on recent promotional content.