BREAKING: Grand Ole Opry Icon Jeannie Seely Passes At 85

Jeannie Seely. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby

Jeannie Seely, the beloved Grand Ole Opry member whose voice, wit and longevity made her one of country music’s most enduring figures, has died at age 85. She passed peacefully Friday (Aug. 1) at 5:00 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, following complications from an intestinal infection.

Known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a force across seven decades of country music—an artist, songwriter, host, producer and fearless innovator who broke ground for generations to follow. She was the first woman to regularly host segments on the Grand Ole Opry, and the first artist to wear a miniskirt on its stage. At the time of her death, she had notched the most Opry performances in history, having stepped into that iconic circle 5,397 times.

Jeannie Seely performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry

Her final Opry appearance came on Feb. 22, 2025. She remained active in her later years, continuing to host Sundays with Seely on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and releasing new music well into her 80s, including her 2024 single “Suffertime” and an accompanying short documentary. The release made her the vocalist with the longest recording span at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio B with 60 years between her first session and last.

Born July 6, 1940, and raised on a dirt road in rural Pennsylvania, Seely began performing on local radio as a child. By 21, she’d packed up her car and driven to Los Angeles, where she worked at Liberty and Imperial Records, wrote songs and started recording her own. It was Dottie West’s encouragement that led her to Nashville, where she landed a recording contract with Monument Records. Seely’s chart-topping hit “Don’t Touch Me” earned her a Grammy Award—making her just the third female country artist to receive one.

She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 16, 1967, and in the decades that followed, Seely became a steady, bold and beloved presence on the Opry stage. Her multiple collaborations with Jack Greene, her groundbreaking sense of style and her sharp humor helped shift perceptions of what women could be in country music.

Beyond the stage, Seely’s songs were recorded by legends across country, soul and pop—from Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Connie Smith to Irma Thomas, Boyz II Men and Seal. Her composition “Yours” was named Song of the Year at the 2022 Arkansas Country Music Awards.

SOURCE honors Jeannie Seely with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award. She poses with 2024 SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees Judy Seale, Marty Craighead, Teena Scogin Camp, Kathy Harris, Leslie Fram and Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography, Bev Moser

She was also a radio host, an author, a stage actress and a passionate advocate for artists and songwriters, especially women. She played a crucial role in building community backstage at the Opry, mentoring rising talent and championing equity in the industry. In her final years, she served as producer for the bluegrass group Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass and was planning their next recording session at the time of her death.

Over the past few years, honors poured in. The Opry celebrated her 5,000+ performances in 2022. The CMA recognized her with the Joe Talbot Award in 2023. In 2024, she received the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award from SOURCE and was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s permanent exhibit Sing Me Back Home. That same year, a Metro Nashville interchange was renamed the “Jeannie Seely Interchange,” and in 2025, Sony Music Publishing honored her during Women’s History Month with reimagined collaborations of her songs.

Gene Ward and Jeannie Seely. Photo: Courtesy of family

Seely’s final public appearance was on March 1, 2025, at the reopening of the Legends of Country Music Museum, where she is honored with a dedicated exhibit. She was scheduled to attend the naming of the SAG-AFTRA studio space in her honor the following month.

Seely had experienced ongoing health issues since the fall, which intensified after the passing of her husband, Gene Ward, in December. This year, she underwent multiple back and emergency abdominal surgeries.

She is survived by friends, family and her beloved cat Corrie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, her parents Leo and Irene Seely, and siblings Donald, Bernard and Mary Lou. A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to her memory.

Bailey Zimmerman Reveals Track List For Upcoming LP

Bailey Zimmerman has announced the track list for his upcoming sophomore album Different Night Same Rodeo, which drops on Aug. 8 via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. He has also surprised fans with the release of a new single “Chevy Silverado.”

Along with the surprise drop, a limited Silverado Edition Galaxy White Vinyl of Different Night Same Rodeo is out now. The album features previously released superstar collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs as well as top 10 Platinum single “Holy Smokes,” in addition to “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” “Comin’ In Cold” and “Ashes” with Diplo.

YouTube video

Zimmerman is currently on the road for his summer 2025 “New To Country Tour,” and will visit New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Virginia, Nevada and Iowa.

Different Night Same Rodeo Track List:
1. “Comin’ In Cold” (Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, Jake Puliti, Kaylin Roberson)
2. “Ashes” (Diplo & Bailey Zimmerman) * (Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Josh Serrato, Thomas Wesley, Josh Miller, Jimmy Robbins, Chris Tompkins)
3. “Chevy Silverado” (Tucker Beathard, Ilsey Juber, Gavin Lucas, Heath Warren, Bailey Zimmerman)
4. “Yours For The Breaking” (Bart Butler, Jacob Davis, Drew Fulk, Austin Shawn)
5. “Lost” (feat. The Kid LAROI) (Rodney Clawson, Ryan Hurd, Michael Lotten, The Kid Laroi, Billy Walsh, Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn)
6. “Holy Smokes” (Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler, Lauren Hungate)
7. “When It Was” (Kelly Archer, Ben Goldsmith, Carson Wallace, Ben Williams)
8. “It’s All Good” (Tucker Beathard, David Dorn, Ryan Tyndell)
9. “Backup Plan” (feat. Luke Combs) (Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood)
10. “New To Country” (Austin Shawn, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren, Tim Galloway, Bailey Zimmerman)
11. “At The Same Time” (Jaxson Free, Aldae, Ben Johnson)
12. “Hell or High Water” (Ashley Gorley, Austin Shawn)
13. “These Nights” (Nora Collins, Randall Fowler, Mary Kutter, Brad Wagner)
14. “Everything But Up” (Devin Dawson, Jacob Hackworth, Sam Martinez, Heath Warren)
15. “Before You” (Bailey Zimmerman, Randall Fowler, Brian Alexander, Frank Romano, Austin Shawn, Marty James)
16. “Holding On” (Austin Shawn, Blake Whiten)
17. “Dare You To Try It” (Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Beathard, Gavin Lucas, Sam Martinez, Heath Warren)
18. “Happy Ever After Me” (Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell)

All songs produced by Austin Shawn
* Additional production by Diplo, Josh Serrato

Tangerine Records To Reissue Ray Charles Classics In New Master Series

Tangerine Records has announced its new Ray Charles Remaster Series with the release of 1974’s Come Live With Me.

Remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves and vinyl mastering engineer Jeff Powell, the reissue marks the album’s first appearance on vinyl in over 50 years, with vinyl and streaming arriving Aug. 22, and CDs available Sept. 26.

Come Live With Me showcases Charles in full ’70s crossover mode, featuring string-laden arrangements, country-tinged ballads and soulful soft rock. Side A, arranged by longtime collaborator and conductor Sid Feller, highlights Charles’s emotive vocals on lush, orchestrated ballads such as “Till There Was You” and the title track, the latter of which was a Top 20 AC favorite. Side B shifts to a more upbeat, R&B flavor with tracks like “Somebody” and “Problems, Problems.”

The Tangerine Master Series reissues will highlight Charles’ best-known music alongside classic records long out of print. Each album in the series has been restored and remastered under the direct supervision of The Ray Charles Foundation, painting a vivid new portrait of an artist and icon whose impact continues to expand and inspire. The series will see reissues of classics like 1963’s Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured the Grammy-winning, top five hit, “Busted,” 1970’s Love Country Style. and No One Does It Like…Ray Charles! which offers a rare glimpse into a prolific and creatively explosive period in Charles’ multi-decade career.

Come Live With Me Track List:
1. “Till There Was You”
2. “If You Go Away”
3. “It Takes So Little Time”
4. “Come Live With Me”
5. “Somebody”
6. “Problems, Problems”
7. “Where Was He”
8. “Louise”
9. “Everybody Sing”

Hannah Gifford & Jeremy Gifford Launch Open Hand Management

Jeremy Gifford and Hannah Gifford. Photo: Tres Cox

Hannah Gifford and Jeremy Gifford have launched Open Hand Management. The company’s current roster includes Dwan Hill, Franni Cash, Hopeful., Relient K and The Choir Room.

Hannah Gifford first began her work in the industry touring and working with the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Tenth Avenue North and Plumb. In 2020 she began working in artist management at Street Talk Media before moving to Round Table Management in 2021.

Jeremy Gifford first entered the industry working with multiple artists including The Head and the Heart, Black Pumas and We the Kingdom. After touring and performing with We The Kingdom, Jeremy took on a full-time management role.

JUST IN: Big Machine Label Group Elevates Nicole Flammia

Nicole Flammia. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Nicole Flammia has been promoted to SVP, Creative Photo-Video Production at Big Machine Label Group. The promotion comes from her previous role as VP, Creative Photo-Video Production. She will will continue to spearhead the label’s creative process of visual assets for more than 35 artists across all BMLG imprints.

“Nicole Flammia is the epitome of what the heart and soul of the Big Machine Label Group is all about,” shares Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “Her creativity, communication skills, artist relations and executive strength are second to none.”

Flammia graduated from Belmont University and built a resume in music video production before joining BMLG in 2015. During her decade with the organization, she has worked on CMA and ACM Award winning/nominated videos including Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” Lady A’s “What If I Never Get Over You,” Carly Pearce’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Midland’s “Longneck Way To Go” and Riley Green’s “Worst Way,” among others.

“I’m proud to recognize Nicole Flammia for her exceptional dedication, professionalism and consistently high-quality work,” adds BMLG EVP, Creative, Sandi Spika Borchetta. “Her reliability, initiative and positive attitude have made a significant impact on our team and the company as a whole. This promotion is not just well-deserved – it’s a reflection of the leadership and excellence she brings to everything she does. Congratulations my dear friend, it is truly earned.”

“I’m honored to work alongside the incredibly talented Big Machine Creative team and grateful to Sandi Borchetta for her visionary leadership and unwavering support,” says Flammia. “I’ve learned so much under her guidance, and I’m excited to step into this new role at a company that continues to lead the way in creative innovation.”

Ashley McBryde To Open Redemption Bar Inside Eric Church’s Chief’s

Ashley McBryde will open her Redemption Bar on Aug. 28. Located on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s Chief’s, the venue is a first-of-its-kind concept on Broadway inspired by McBryde’s three year sobriety journey.

“When the opportunity to make my mark on Broadway came, I knew I wanted to create a space that champions what’s made a difference in my life; a space that lifts up the brushed aside, and makes sure everyone feels welcome,” McBryde says.

The bar will serve a full menu of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options as well as feature live original music, showcasing the Nashville songwriter community directly to tourists.

“As someone who is three years sober, the typical response to ‘do you have anything Non-Alcoholic?’ is either ‘why did you come to a bar if you aren’t gonna drink?’ or ‘you can have soda water and a lime I guess.’ Some of my favorite places to socialize became wildly unaccommodating when the only thing that changed was what was in my cup,” McBryde shares with Rolling Stone. “It was vital that I create a space where not drinking is the forethought – normalized. You can get alcohol drinks in Redemption too, because everyone is welcome.”

She continues, “Songwriters are the backbone of this community, and it’s important to me to create a place for all the tourists on lower Broadway to experience original music from some of the people who are keeping dreams alive in this town.”

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with industry moves, new ventures and exciting signings shaping the landscape of country music and beyond. Click here to see the full edition.

Warner Music Nashville is undergoing a significant internal reorganization to better align with Warner Records. As part of the shift, the label is creating two new radio promotion teams, aiming to offer more focused support for its Nashville-based artists. Several staff members have been affected by the changes, including Ray Mariner (Manager, Radio), Andrea Schollnick (Manager, Video Content), Sarah Sigro (Director, Catalog Marketing) and Caitlin Cadden (Director, Global Marketing).

The Country Music Association (CMA) has also announced a series of promotions and new hires across various departments. Emily Evans has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Operations, following her prior role as Vice President. Jenny Methling joins CMA as Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships after previously serving in a temporary capacity. Additional staff updates include the promotion of Devin Ford to Senior Manager, Social Media, and new hires Luke Johnson (Staff Accountant), Zarah Goldberg (Video Content Creator) and Liliana Manyara (International Industry Relations Coordinator).

Chris Crawford has joined Activated Events as General Manager. He’ll be overseeing strategy and operations for the company’s robust festival lineup, which includes Boots in the Park, Coastal Country Jam, Party in the Park, Taco Fest and The Smoke Show.

Atlantic Music Group is expanding into country and Americana with the launch of a new imprint: Atlantic Outpost. The label will be spearheaded by Jeff Levin and Ian Cripps, both of whom will maintain their existing A&R leadership roles at Atlantic. Offices will be in both Los Angeles and Nashville

Lanie Gardner has officially joined the roster at TRACK Management, and singer-songwriter-producer Cameron Bedell has signed with Electric Feel Entertainment on its Nashville roster. Meanwhile, Brandon Wisham has signed with UTA for global representation and The Feldman Agency for representation in Canada.

SMACKSongs has announced the promotion of Sam Sarno to Senior Creative Director of Publishing, continuing the company’s tradition of nurturing creative leadership from within. Additionally, Susan G. Komen has named Joshua Daniel as its new Senior Director of Entertainment Engagement and Events.

Katie Vinten and Zach Lund have launched Wild Child Music in partnership with Eclipse Music Group. The boutique management company’s roster already includes Delacey, Hayden Blount, Valley James, Wells Ferrari, Cece Coakley, Logan Turner, Brett Truit, Willie Breeding, Cameron Neal and SXSSY.

Lastly, Big Loud Texas continues to grow with the addition of Austin-based band The Droptines to its artist roster.

This week’s edition also features an interview with mtheory’s Cameo Carlson.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Russell Dickerson takes the No. 1 spot with “Happen To Me.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Mark Your Calendar—August 2025

Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

August 1
Bailey Zimmerman/Chevy Silverado/Warner Music Nashville
HARDY/Bottomland/Big Loud Records
Colbie Caillat (feat. Maddie & Tae)/Live Without/Blue Jean Baby Records
Gabby Barrett/The Easy Part/Warner Music Nashville
Paul Cauthen/Thankful
Colt Ford (feat. Creed Fisher)/Dirty
Austin Snell/Family Tree/River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
Kolton Moore & The Clever Few/Strawberry Thief
Jon Langston/Real One
Tyler Rich/Lost Time/ONErpm
Kaylee Bell/The Thing About Us
Dan Bremnes/Human/Curb Records
Omer Netzer/Low High
Laura Bryna & Common Tribe/Rise
Timmy McKeever/Hold You To It/Big Loud Records
Kylie Frey/Always
Maddie Medley/Good Clean Fun
Kayley Green/Dollars/Sony Music Nashville
Katie Neal/Forget It/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Mary Sarah/Drunk Enough
Caden Cookus/October Passed/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Connor Hicks/Lonely Season
Jared Redden/Still Hurt Anyway/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Dearlee Keim/The Hell With It All/Alamo Records/Santa Anna

August 4
Old Dominion/Making Good Time/Sony Music Nashville
Omer Netzer/Midnight Blue/White Knuckle Productions
Due West/Don’t Let The Gray Hair Fool Ya/Unwound Records
Shea Fisher/Ow In Cowboy

August 8
We Are Messengers/Losing You/Curb Records
Annie Bosko/Tequila Time/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Bottomland/By My Side
Whitney Fenimore/Come Around
Adam Warner/Came Back Country
Brandon Wisham/She’s Good
Megan Nadin/Bittersweet

August 11
Aaron Goodvin/Said No Redneck Ever/New Motor Records/Warner Music Canada
Carson Alexander/Good Girls/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment

August 13
Amy Jack/Love’s A Force of Nature

August 14
Kat Velasco/Breaking My Own Heart

August 15
Creed Fisher/Feelin’ Better
Steven Malcolm/All God/Curb Records
Harper Grace/Under My Skin/Curb Records
Ashley Brooks/Southern Side of Sweet
Rye LaChance/Bad For You

August 18
Lauren Alaina feat. Chase Matthew/All My Exes
Turnpike Troubadours/Heaven Passing Through
Sarah Harralson/Put Yourself In My Boots/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment®, LLC

August 22
Kelsey Hart/Something That You’d Miss/Curb Records

August 25
Asher Angel (ft. Nelly)/RODEO/MakaSound
Ken Domash/Wish You Wouldn’t Go/Thunder Mountain Records

August 28
Rachel Lipsky/Welcome To The Fun House/Riot South

August 29
Ben Gallaher/Rearview/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Ashley Brooks/Red Wings

 

Album/EP Releases:

August 1
Sam Barber/Music For The Soul/Atlantic Records
Chris Janson/Wild Horses/Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville
Eli Young Band/Strange Hours
Anne Wilson/God Story
Morgan Wade/The Party Is Over (Recovered)/Sony Music Nashville
Zandi Holup/Wildflower/Big Loud Records
Sunny Sweeney/Rhinestone Requiem
Keller Cox/Care To Look
Grayson Lee/Ignition/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Emily Hines/These Days/Keeled Scales

August 8
Bailey Zimmerman/Different Night Same Rodeo/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
MercyMe/Wonder & Awe
Charley Crockett/Dollar A Day/Island Records
Blessing Offor/Real
Ashley Monroe/Tennessee Lightning
T. Hardy Morris/Artificial Tears/Normaltown/New West Records

August 15
Jordan Davis/Learn The Hard Way/MCA Nashville
Gavin Adcock/Own Worst Enemy/Warner Music Nashville
Molly Tuttle/So Long Little Miss Sunshine/Nonesuch Records
Daves Highway/If You Asked Me

August 22
Old Dominion/Barbara/Sony Music Nashville
Russell Dickerson/Famous Back Home/Triple Tigers
Walker Hayes/17 Problems/RCA Records
Lecrae/Reconstruction/Reach Records
Austin Snell/Home Sweet Hell/River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
Peech./Small Town America/CCMG/TAMLA
Roman Alexander/Midwest Calling
Asleep At The Wheel/Riding High In Texas/Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings
MaRynn Taylor/MaRynn/Black River Entertainment
James Dupre/It’s All Happening/Warner Music Nashville
Danny Burns/Southern Sky/Bonfire Recording Co.

August 29
Colbie Caillat/This Time Around/Blue Jean Baby Records
Zach Top/Ain’t In It For My Health/Leo33
Margo Price/Hard Headed Woman/Loma Vista Recordings
Rodney Crowell/Airline Highway/New West Records
John Oates/Oates
Coyle Girelli/Out Of This Town/Sun Records
Levi Foster/We Made Fire
Chandler Dozier/Bakersfield East

 

Industry Events:

August 11
38th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

August 20
ACM Honors

August 26
22nd Annual SOURCE Awards

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Jason Aldean. Photo: Brian Higbee

August 1
Gold Coast/Eastside Bowl
Various Artists/Jerry Garcia’s 83rd Birthday Celebration/The Basement East
The Samples/City Winery
Harbour/Wraith Tour/Cannery Hall
Julia Digrazia/Cannery Hall
Emily Hines/Album Release Show/The Blue Room

August 2
Volbeat/Greatest Of All Tours/FirstBank Amphitheater
Ryan Adams/Heartbreaker ’25 World Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Fort Knox/EXIT/IN
Brendan Walter/Cannery Hall

August 3
AJR/Skydeck at 5th and Broadway

August 4
The Aquabats!/The Bats! Kats & Rats Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Peter Collins/City Winery

August 5
Rob Thomas/The All Night Days Tour/Ascend Amphitheater
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Band/City Winery

August 6
Various Artists/Happy Together/Ryman Auditorium
Sugarray Rayford/City Winery

August 7
Jason Aldean/Full Throttle Tour 2025/Bridgestone Arena
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
J Howell/City Winery
Ozomatli/Cannery Hall
East Forest/The Blue Room

August 8
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
Oliver Francis/Summer Tour 2025/Eastside Bowl
Elle Varner/City Winery
Chiddy Bang/Cannery Hall

August 9
$uicideboy$/Grey Day Tour 2025/Bridgestone Arena
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
Randall King/Brooklyn Bowl
Henry Morris/Jawbreaker U.S. Tour/Eastside Bowl
Various Artists/Sinker’s 40th Birthday Jamboree/The Basement East
Congress The Band/Cannery Hall

August 10
+Live+ & Collective Soul/Summer Unity Tour/FirstBank Amphitheater
A.R. Rahmam/The Wonderment Tour/Grand Ole Opry House
Wave To Earth/0.03 Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Ekoh/The Broken Heart Collector Tour/The Basement East

August 11
The Struts/Celebrating The 10 Year Anniversary Of Everybody Wants/Brooklyn Bowl

August 12
The Weeknd/After Hours Til Dawn/Nissan Stadium
The Fray/How To Save A Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Ruthie Foster/City Winery
Charlotte Lawrence/Somewhere Tour/Cannery Hall

August 13
ONEUS/2025 ONEUS World Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Haiden Henderson/Tension Tour/Cannery Hall

August 14
Rod Stewart/One Last Time/Ascend Amphitheater
Chris Isaak/Ryman Auditorium
Danielle Nicole/EXIT/IN
The Redhead Revue/City Winery
Raynes/City Winery

August 15
Toto + Christopher Cross + Men At Work/Ascend Amphitheater
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
The Word Alive/The Eyes Above Tour/Eastside Bowl
Madam Radar/Eastside Bowl
Vashawn Mitchell & Friends/City Winery

August 16
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
D4VD/Withered 2025 World Tour/Marathon Music Works
Less Than Jake/Summer Circus/Brooklyn Bowl
Proxima Parada/The Basement East
The Redhead Revue/City Winery

August 17
Caskey/Black Sheep 5 Tour/EXIT/IN
Alex Bugnon/City Winery

August 18
Cardinal Black/The Basement East

August 19
Katy Perry/The Lifetimes Tour/Bridgestone Arena
Nonpoint/Painful Statements/The Basement East
Jake Minch/George On Tour/Cannery Hall

August 20
Teddy Swims/I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour/Ascend Amphitheater
We Came As Romans/Bad Luck Tour/Marathon Music Works
Penelope Road/The Basement East

August 21
Linkin Park/From Zero World Tour/Bridgestone Arena
Teddy Swims/I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour/Ascend Amphitheater
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox/Magic & Moonlight Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Hiatus Kaiyote/North America 2025 Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Tanner Adell/The Giddy Up, Gorgeous Tour/EXIT/IN
Jackopierce/City Winery
Arts Fishing Club/The Blue Room

August 22
Alison Krauss & Union Station/Ascend Amphitheater
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country/Ryman Auditorium
Jake Scott/Live In ’25/Brooklyn Bowl
Gyasi/Eastside Bowl
Fear/EXIT/IN
End Of The Line/City Winery
Hotline TNT/Path Of Totality/The Blue Room

August 23
Relient K/The Basement East
Psychostick/Cannery Hall
Bully/The Blue Room

August 24
Relient K/The Basement East
Clayton Johnson/EXIT/IN

August 25
Fitz And The Tantrums/Man On The Moon Tour/Ryman Auditorium
John K/Salt + Light Tour/Eastside Bowl

August 26
311/Unity Tour/The Pinnacle

August 27
L.A. Guns/The Basement East
Charles Kelley/Songs For A New Moon: One Night Only/EXIT/IN

August 28
The Supervillans/EXIT/IN
Palmer/Cannery Hall

August 29
Anderson East/Ryman Auditorium
Elvie Shane/EXIT/IN
John Nemeth/City Winery
Collin Raye/City Winery

August 30
Men I Trust/Equus Tour/The Pinnacle
The Starting Line/The Eternal Youth Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
VeryGentley & Brother Elsey/EXIT/IN
Riot/The Machine Tour/Cannery Hall

August 31
The Darkness/Dreams On Toast/Brooklyn Bowl
Jae Street/EXIT/IN
Jagged Little Pill/City Winery

Live Music Drives Increase In Nashville’s Summer Tourism

“Let Freedom Sing!” 2025 in Downtown Nashville.

Nashville saw a strong summer tourism season marked by record-breaking attendance and visitor spending at both “Let Freedom Sing!” Music City July 4th and CMA Fest, while major concert tours filled hotel rooms across the city, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

“We continue to see the incredible influence of live music as a driver of tourism in Nashville,” says Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “This summer’s record-breaking numbers reflect not only the strength of our signature events and concert calendar, but also the city’s ability to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors. The economic activity generated by our live music offerings benefits our community.”

In a recent national YouGov survey, Nashville ranked as the No. 1 most favorably viewed large city in America. Nashville’s growing popularity led to a 3.8% increase in May hotel demand year-over-year and a 1.2% increase in June countywide. Nashville also was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025 for Best Cities in the U.S. at No. 13.

Nashville’s July 4 event downtown featured headliner Dierks Bentley and one of the country’s largest fireworks and drone shows. The crowd resulted in the most hotel room nights ever sold on a July 4 in Davidson County yielding 30,788 rooms sold. Estimated visitor spending generated by the downtown event was $23.8 million.

KultureCity distributed 42 sensory bags and welcomed 25 individuals to its on-site Sensory Room. Sober Space, in collaboration with Cumberland Heights, hosted over 700 guests in its alcohol-free zone throughout the day and evening. More than 2,100 pounds of prepared food were donated to Care Kitchen Outreach, providing 2,157 meals to individuals in need. Additionally, the event sold 9,600 cans of StageWater, which donates a portion of proceeds to support nonprofits that assist those in need within the entertainment industry, providing healthcare and hardship grants and supporting independent venues and promoters. The music-inspired canned water brand is led by members of Bentley’s touring crew.

In 2026, “Let Freedom Sing!” will expand to a two-day event, taking place July 3-4 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This year’s CMA Fest events in June produced $86 million in estimated visitor spending, up from 2024’s $77.3 million. As previously announced, approximately 95,000 people attended the event from June 5-8.

Alongside downtown music events, summer stadium tours boosted hotel demand. Metallica took the stage at Nissan Stadium for two nights in May, contributing to downtown weekend hotel occupancy of 95%. The AC/DC concert at Nissan Stadium drove significant hotel demand with occupancy reaching 93.2% on May 20 in Davidson County and 98.2% downtown. Coldplay’s July show contributed to a 92% hotel occupancy in Davidson County and a higher 98% in downtown.

Jason Aldean, Katy Perry, Tate Mcrae and many more are are expected to continue to drive tourism over the next few months as they make tour stops in Nashville.

Russell Dickerson Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

Russell Dickerson rises to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song, “Happen To Me.”

The track is off of his upcoming fourth studio album Famous Back Home, and was written by Dickerson, Chris LaCorte, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill and Robert Hazard (writer of the Cyndi Lauper hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”).

Dickerson kicks off Round 3 of his “Russellmania Tour 2025” on Sept. 18 with stops in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Clearwater and more through Nov. 14.

“Happen To Me” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.