Sonny Curtis
Singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis died yesterday (Sept. 19) at age 88.
Curtis is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of The Crickets. His catalog includes such standards as “Walk Right Back,” “I Fought the Law,” “Love Is All Around,” “More Than I Can Say” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.” He was also a recording artist for Viva, Elektra, Imperial and other labels.
Born in West Texas, he began performing in the early 1950s as a teenager in Lubbock alongside Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings. He and Holly first came to Nashville to record in 1956. Shortly after his high-school graduation in 1957, Webb Pierce recorded his song “Someday” and took it to No. 12 on the country hit parade.
An excellent guitarist, Curtis toured for a time backing Slim Whitman. Back in Texas, he and Holly formed The Crickets, but Curtis soon left the group to record solo for Dot Records. He rejoined the group just before Holly’s death in a 1959 plane crash. He and the remaining Crickets became The Everly Brothers’ band.
Sonny Curtis moved to the West Coast in 1960, just prior to being drafted into the Army. While he was in the service, the Everlys recorded his “Walk Right Back” and hit the top-10 on the pop charts with it in 1961. Anne Murray revived the song as a top-10 country hit in 1978. He also wrote “More Than I Can Say” while he was in the Army, and it was introduced by Bobby Vee in 1961. Leo Sayer revived it as an international pop hit of 1980.
After his discharge, Sonny Curtis became a session guitarist and a jingle writer for McDonald’s, Yamaha, Suzuki, Buick, Chrysler, Honda, Mattel, Olympia Beer and Western Airlines. He also continued to score as a songwriter. Andy Williams took his “A Fool Never Learns” into the pop top-10 in 1964. The Bobby Fuller Four made “I Fought the Law” into a hit in 1966. The latter song became a rock standard recorded by The Clash, Lou Reed, The Dead Kennedys and Green Day, as well as Hank Williams Jr., Johnny Rodriguez and Kris Kristofferson.
Gary Lewis & The Playboys scored with Curtis’s “Where Will the Words Come From” in 1966, cementing his status as a top-tier tunesmith. Throughout this period, Sonny Curtis continued to record, himself. Beatle Hits Flamenco Guitar Style (1964), The First of Sonny Curtis (1968), and The Sonny Curtis Style (1969) became his first three albums. They contained “My Way of Life,” “I Wanna Go Bummin’ Around,” “Atlanta Georgia Stray,” and “The Straight Life,” which became minor country chart entries.
“The Straight Life” was picked up by Bobby Goldsboro, who made it a top-10 A/C hit in 1968. Two years later, Mary Tyler Moore was looking for a theme song for a TV sit com she was launching. He submitted “Love Is All Around,” and the producers liked it so much they flew his demo to Minneapolis to accompany Moore as she tossed her hat into the air during the filming of the opening moments of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It turned out to be his biggest singing hit, since it aired nationally weekly for seven years thereafter.
Meanwhile, he continued his studio work. That is Sonny Curtis’s distinctive lead guitar work on Vicki Lawrence’s 1973 No. 1 hit “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
He moved to Music City in 1976. Waylon Jennings took him on the road as a guitarist and recorded his song “Destiny’s Child.” Rosanne Cash revived “Where Will the Words Come From” in 1981.
Curtis’s new songs were soon recorded by John Schneider, Bobby Bare, Tammy Wynette, Mel Tillis and other country stars. Ricky Skaggs sang “He was Onto Something” as a No. 25 country hit of 1990. Keith Whitley turned “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” into a No. 1 country smash of 1989. It was named the CMA Single of the Year.
In 1990, Sonny Curtis won an Emmy Award for his theme song for the Burt Reynolds TV series Evening Shade, which he also sang. LaCosta, J.J. Cale, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Nanci Griffith, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, LaWanda Lindsey and other stars recorded Sonny Curtis songs in the 1980s and 1990s.
Elektra signed him as a Nashville recording artist, and he issued Sonny Curtis (1979), Love Is All Around (1980), and Rollin’ (1981) as LPs for the label. He made the country charts with seven singles from these collections, including the top-40 successes “The Real Buddy Holly Story,” “Love Is All Around,” “Good Ol’ Girls,” and “Married Women” in 1980-81.
He also continued to tour extensively with the reassembled Crickets.
In 1991, Sonny Curtis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2007, he and The Crickets were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. In 2012, he and the group became Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members.
Sonny Curtis continued to record for independent labels in the 1990s and 2000s, and he became a genial and much-loved presence at various industry functions. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Songwriting Great Sonny Curtis Passes
/by Robert K OermannSonny Curtis
Singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis died yesterday (Sept. 19) at age 88.
Curtis is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of The Crickets. His catalog includes such standards as “Walk Right Back,” “I Fought the Law,” “Love Is All Around,” “More Than I Can Say” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.” He was also a recording artist for Viva, Elektra, Imperial and other labels.
Born in West Texas, he began performing in the early 1950s as a teenager in Lubbock alongside Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings. He and Holly first came to Nashville to record in 1956. Shortly after his high-school graduation in 1957, Webb Pierce recorded his song “Someday” and took it to No. 12 on the country hit parade.
An excellent guitarist, Curtis toured for a time backing Slim Whitman. Back in Texas, he and Holly formed The Crickets, but Curtis soon left the group to record solo for Dot Records. He rejoined the group just before Holly’s death in a 1959 plane crash. He and the remaining Crickets became The Everly Brothers’ band.
Sonny Curtis moved to the West Coast in 1960, just prior to being drafted into the Army. While he was in the service, the Everlys recorded his “Walk Right Back” and hit the top-10 on the pop charts with it in 1961. Anne Murray revived the song as a top-10 country hit in 1978. He also wrote “More Than I Can Say” while he was in the Army, and it was introduced by Bobby Vee in 1961. Leo Sayer revived it as an international pop hit of 1980.
After his discharge, Sonny Curtis became a session guitarist and a jingle writer for McDonald’s, Yamaha, Suzuki, Buick, Chrysler, Honda, Mattel, Olympia Beer and Western Airlines. He also continued to score as a songwriter. Andy Williams took his “A Fool Never Learns” into the pop top-10 in 1964. The Bobby Fuller Four made “I Fought the Law” into a hit in 1966. The latter song became a rock standard recorded by The Clash, Lou Reed, The Dead Kennedys and Green Day, as well as Hank Williams Jr., Johnny Rodriguez and Kris Kristofferson.
Gary Lewis & The Playboys scored with Curtis’s “Where Will the Words Come From” in 1966, cementing his status as a top-tier tunesmith. Throughout this period, Sonny Curtis continued to record, himself. Beatle Hits Flamenco Guitar Style (1964), The First of Sonny Curtis (1968), and The Sonny Curtis Style (1969) became his first three albums. They contained “My Way of Life,” “I Wanna Go Bummin’ Around,” “Atlanta Georgia Stray,” and “The Straight Life,” which became minor country chart entries.
“The Straight Life” was picked up by Bobby Goldsboro, who made it a top-10 A/C hit in 1968. Two years later, Mary Tyler Moore was looking for a theme song for a TV sit com she was launching. He submitted “Love Is All Around,” and the producers liked it so much they flew his demo to Minneapolis to accompany Moore as she tossed her hat into the air during the filming of the opening moments of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It turned out to be his biggest singing hit, since it aired nationally weekly for seven years thereafter.
Meanwhile, he continued his studio work. That is Sonny Curtis’s distinctive lead guitar work on Vicki Lawrence’s 1973 No. 1 hit “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
He moved to Music City in 1976. Waylon Jennings took him on the road as a guitarist and recorded his song “Destiny’s Child.” Rosanne Cash revived “Where Will the Words Come From” in 1981.
Curtis’s new songs were soon recorded by John Schneider, Bobby Bare, Tammy Wynette, Mel Tillis and other country stars. Ricky Skaggs sang “He was Onto Something” as a No. 25 country hit of 1990. Keith Whitley turned “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” into a No. 1 country smash of 1989. It was named the CMA Single of the Year.
In 1990, Sonny Curtis won an Emmy Award for his theme song for the Burt Reynolds TV series Evening Shade, which he also sang. LaCosta, J.J. Cale, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Nanci Griffith, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, LaWanda Lindsey and other stars recorded Sonny Curtis songs in the 1980s and 1990s.
Elektra signed him as a Nashville recording artist, and he issued Sonny Curtis (1979), Love Is All Around (1980), and Rollin’ (1981) as LPs for the label. He made the country charts with seven singles from these collections, including the top-40 successes “The Real Buddy Holly Story,” “Love Is All Around,” “Good Ol’ Girls,” and “Married Women” in 1980-81.
He also continued to tour extensively with the reassembled Crickets.
In 1991, Sonny Curtis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2007, he and The Crickets were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. In 2012, he and the group became Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members.
Sonny Curtis continued to record for independent labels in the 1990s and 2000s, and he became a genial and much-loved presence at various industry functions. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Nashville Publicist Kim Fowler Passes Away
/by LB CantrellKim Fowler
Nashville music publicist Kim Fowler has passed away at the age of 58, following a long battle with early-onset dementia.
Over the course of three decades in the music industry, Fowler worked with artists including Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Nickel Creek. She began her career at Mercury Records in the early ’90s, where she handled publicity for Twain, Toby Keith and Billy Ray Cyrus, among others. Later, at Sugar Hill Records, she played a key role in helping Nickel Creek break onto the bluegrass and folk scene.
An active member of Nashville’s Americana community, Fowler was known for her passion for music and dedication to the artists she represented.
In recent years, as she faced her illness, the music community rallied around Fowler and her family, including through a GoFundMe campaign to support her care.
Services have not yet been announced.
Nashville Community Remembers Brett James
/by Madison HahnenBrett James performing at the 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Yesterday (Sept. 18), Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Brett James tragically died in a private plane crash in North Carolina. The news sent shockwaves through the Nashville music community.
With more than 500 songs recorded throughout his career, James celebrated 27 No. 1s, a Grammy win for his mega Carrie Underwood hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010. His songs have been cut by artists like Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts to Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
James also served as Owner/CEO of Cornman Music, a successful music publishing company in Nashville. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was a fixture in the Nashville music community. He frequently played songwriter rounds, mentored younger writers, educated the public about the challenges facing professional songwriters and devoted his time to industry organizations and charity events. Friends and colleagues often described him as generous with his talent and knowledge, always eager to lift up the next generation.
“Today we mourn the tragic loss of a Music Row giant. Brett James has been a consistent powerhouse songwriter, publisher, and producer for over 30 years,” said Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI Board President in a statement. “He achieved heights that few songwriters in our town have ever seen. He was a star himself in every way a star can be defined, racking up dozens of hits for the who’s who of music. He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats to intellectual property. He was a longtime board member and officer for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), serving in any role he was asked. NSAI and country music are better because of Brett. He will be missed more than I can even begin to say.”
Below are just some of the numerous social media tributes made to James in his honor.
CMHOFM Celebrates New Exhibit, ‘Country’s Grandest Stage: The Opry At 100’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray, Museum CEO Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Carly Pearce, Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry Dan Rogers, Museum Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation Paul Kingsbury and Museum Curatorial Director Mick Buck. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently celebrated the opening of its newest exhibit, “Country’s Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100.”
“Country’s Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100” examines notable performers and key moments in the history of the show, and is included with museum admission and runs until March 2027.
To mark the opening of the exhibit, the museum hosted a panel discussion with Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Carly Pearce and Dan Rogers, senior vice president and executive producer of the Grand Ole Opry. Paul Kingsbury, the museum’s senior director of editorial and interpretation, moderated the discussion, which was filmed and will be available to stream on the museum’s website later this year.
Over its long history, the Opry has featured country’s biggest stars among its cast, including Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and Country Music Hall of Fame members DeFord Bailey, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Vince Gill, Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams and many others.
In the world of country music, membership in the Grand Ole Opry is a coveted honor. When the Opry began weekly TV broadcasts on The Nashville Network in 1985, an official induction into the show’s cast became an established practice. Notable inductees in recent years include Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, the first songwriter to join the Opry, and Henry Cho, both the first Asian American and the first comedian in fifty years to become a member.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is marked by both celebration and sorrow within the music community. Click here to see the full edition.
Tragedy struck with the heartbreaking loss of esteemed songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Brett James, who died in a private plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday (Sept. 18). He was 57. Known for his prolific career and unparalleled songwriting talent, James had more than 500 songs recorded, including 27 No. 1 hits. He won a Grammy for Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and was honored twice as ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year. His catalog includes songs performed by country giants such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts, as well as pop luminaries like Bon Jovi, the Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis. In addition to his songwriting, James made an indelible mark as Owner/CEO of Cornman Music and released his own self-written album, I Am Now, in 2020—the same year he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Capitol Christian Music Group has announced a series of key leadership promotions. David Sylvester has been elevated to General Manager, CCMG Label Group, and Kenny Rodgers steps into the role of Senior Vice President. Rodgers will now oversee the organization’s radio teams, audience development, and digital initiatives. Additionally, Garrett Davis has been promoted to Vice President of A&R, while Cole Linebarger and Becca Redl have both been named Vice President of Marketing. Patrick Ogilvy has also been appointed Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, further solidifying the label’s strategic leadership team.
Another major development comes from BMG, which has acquired Jason Aldean’s recorded music catalog. The acquisition is part of a broader deal encompassing the recorded and publishing rights to music from 23 artists and songwriters. Altogether, this marks BMG’s largest catalog investment to date, with over 1,000 songs spanning multiple genres included in the monumental transaction.
At MCA, Ailie Birchfield has been appointed Vice President of Media Strategy and Communications, while Connor Hunt joins as Senior Director of Media.
Spirit Music Group has made a major move by acquiring select compositions from country-rock powerhouse HARDY’s publishing catalog. In tandem with the acquisition, HARDY has signed an exclusive go-forward songwriting deal with Spirit Music Nashville.
Legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle was formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday night (Sept. 17). The momentous occasion was made even more special by the presence of fellow Opry member and longtime friend Emmylou Harris, who welcomed Earle into the institution.
Other notable signings include multi-genre songwriter Spencer Jordan, who has inked a global publishing deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing Nashville. The Core Entertainment has added acclaimed singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb to its artist management roster. Rising band Clay Street Unit has landed a record deal with Leo33.
Additionally, Athena Puharic has joined underscore works as Head of Digital.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” 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.
IBMA Reveals Bluegrass Music Award Winners
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kimber Ludiker, Deanie Richardson, Ken White, Jim Lauderdale, Del McCoury, Billy Strings, Gena Britt, Steve Martin, Kristin Scott Benson, Missy Raines, Alison Brown, Sierra Hull, Tristan Scroggins and Justin Moses. Photo: Daniel Schram
Bluegrass innovator Billy Strings took Entertainer of the Year honors at Thursday night’s (Sept 18) 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards.
The Entertainer of the Year trophy is Strings’ fourth Entertainer of the Year award, following wins in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland’s “Outrun the Rain” picked up two awards, Song of the Year and Collaborative Recording of the Year. “Outrun the Rain” is from their 2025 Carter & Cleveland album, which won Album of the Year.
Co-hosted by Steve Martin and Alison Brown, The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show was held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.
See the full list of 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Winners below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Billy Strings
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Outrun the Rain” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland – Songwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy Yeary
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Carter & Cleveland – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Authentic Unlimited
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
The Travelin’ McCourys
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR:
“He’s Gone” – Jaelee Roberts – Songwriter: Kelsi Harrigill
Producer: Byron House
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR:
“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison Brown – Songwriter: Ralph Stanley
Producer: Alison Brown
Label: Compass Records
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Red Camel Collective
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR:
“Outrun the Rain” – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Jaelee Roberts & Vince Gill – Songwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy Yeary
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Greg Blake
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Alison Krauss
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Kristin Scott Benson
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Vickie Vaughn
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Maddie Denton
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Justin Moses
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Trey Hensley
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Sierra Hull
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
“The Auctioneer” – The Kody Norris Show – Songwriters: Leroy Van Dyke/Buddy Black
Producer: James Gilley
Label: Rebel Records
Industry Ink: Suzy Bogguss, Maggie Rose, CRB/CRS, Gibson, More
/by Lauryn SinkSuzy Bogguss Inducted Into Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame
Suzy Bogguss Hall of Fame Induction.
Suzy Bogguss made history last weekend as the first woman and first country artist to be inducted into Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame. Born and raised in Aledo, Illinois, she was presented with the Founder’s Choice Award, a distinction recognizing her genre-spanning career and lasting impact.
“I’m grateful to Ron Romero and the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum for bestowing me with this great honor,” Bogguss shares. “What a crazy fun night of primo Illinois musicians!”
Maggie Rose Hosts ‘Salute The Songbird’ Live Podcast Taping
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Rose, Jackie Jones, Caitlyn Smith, Lucie Silvas, Jillian Jacqueline, Haley Montgomery and Mackenzie Cooper. Photo: iamjohnjo
On Tuesday (Sept. 16), Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maggie Rose brought her acclaimed podcast, Salute the Songbird, to life with a special live recording at Anzie Blue, Nashville’s only female-owned music venue. Presented in partnership with Family Alliance in Music (FAM), the evening featured Caitlyn Smith, Jillian Jacqueline and Lucie Silvas, who shared stories about the challenges and rewards of being mothers in the music industry.
CRB/CRS Accepting Applications For Lisa McKay Women In Radio Scholarship
The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) and Country Radio Seminar (CRS) are now accepting applications for the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship.
Eligible applicants must be either a female college senior broadcast communications student involved in radio programming or a female with one to three years maximum experience in the radio business as a Program Director, Assistant Program Director or Music Director. Applicants must also be first-time CRS attendees.
The application window is open now through Oct. 13. Three scholarship recipients will each receive a package that includes full registration for CRS 2026 (March 18–20), round-trip airfare to Nashville and hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel. In addition, recipients will be recognized during CRS 2026 week. Interested parties can apply here.
Gibson Celebrates 50 Years In Nashville
Gibson Les Paul Custom 70s
Gibson is celebrating 50 years in Nashville with the reintroduction of the Les Paul Custom 70s. The company has called Music City home since 1975.
The Les Paul Custom was first introduced in 1953 as an upscale version of the Les Paul model. The Les Paul Custom 70s is now available in four gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, including Ebony, Tobacco Burst, Wine Red, and even a version with a beautiful Buttercream Top.
Sun Label Group Celebrates AmericanaFest At Vinyl Tap
The Sun Label Group Team.
On Sept. 10, Sun Label Group brought its artists and community together for an AmericanaFest Day Party at Vinyl Tap in East Nashville. The afternoon celebrated the artists of Sun Records, Green Hill, Gaither Music, emeraldwave by Green Hill and Rural Rhythm.
The showcase featured performances by Coyle Girelli, ZZ Ward, Amy Helm, Nicole Atkins, Jimmy Fortune, Chosen Family and Ruthie Foster.
“AmericanaFest is about community, discovery, and celebrating the music that continues to move people forward,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group. “This year’s day party gave us the chance to showcase the incredible depth of talent across our labels, from Grammy winners to some of today’s most distinctive artists, all under one roof. To share that experience with fans, partners, and friends made it a truly special moment for us.”
Marathon Live Adds Tammy Hurt To Board Of Directors
Tammy Hurt.
Music executive Tammy Hurt has joined the Marathon Live Board of Directors, bringing over 25 years of entertainment business experience.
Hurt is Head of Music Strategy for Star Forest, an animated virtual band distributed by Sony Music Entertainment UK’s Magic Star division, where she leads the brand’s growth across music, animation, gaming, and live experiences. A 20-year Recording Academy member and former Chair of its Board of Trustees (2021–2025), Hurt helped drive landmark achievements in media rights, membership diversity, global expansion, and pro-creator advocacy. Hurt is also the founder of Placement Music, Outsource Events, and co-founder of Georgia Music Partners.
“I’m thrilled to join the board of Marathon Live and contribute to its legacy as a vibrant hub for live music. It’s an honor to help shape its future and champion the artists, fans, and community that make it extraordinary,” she shares.
Ian Munsick Exits Record Deal With Warner Music Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkIan Munsick. Photo: Cam Mackey
Ian Munsick has exited his record deal with Warner Music Nashville after five years signed to the company.
“I signed with my record label, Warner Music Nashville, in 2020 and released three full albums in that partnership. I’m thankful for all we learned and accomplished together, however, the time has come for me to fly free. It is with optimism and gratitude that I have decided to part ways and roam independently,” Munsick shared in part in a statement posted to his social media.
Munsick accumulated over one billion global streams across his first two albums, Coyote Cry and White Buffalo. Earlier this year, he released his third album with the label, Eagle Feather. His duet with Cody Johnson, “Long Live Cowgirls,” reached No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown, was named one of Amazon Music’s Best Country Songs of 2022 and recently received RIAA Gold-certification alongside “Long Haul” and “Horses Are Faster.”
Additionally, he has shared stages with Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen and more, and recently became the first Wyoming native to headline Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Mitchell Tenpenny’s 10Penny Fund & ACM Lifting Lives Partner To Bring Cancer Support To Industry Members
/by Lorie HollabaughMitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Zach Pigg
Mitchell Tenpenny’s 10Penny Fund and ACM Lifting Lives are joining forces to bring support to music industry members impacted by cancer.
The 10Penny Fund will make a $100,000 contribution to assist in 10 grants of $10,000 to individuals who require help covering essential medical bills, everyday household needs, and mental health support through ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Those in need can go to acmliftinglives.org or email liftinglives@acmcountry.com to seek help and find additional information.
Tenpenny will also host his Cornhole Tournament for the fourth consecutive year on Oct. 7 on Music Row, with all proceeds going to ACM Lifting Lives to amplify the impact of support to country music professionals affected by cancer. Those wishing to participate can sign up here to play, and organizations can sponsor a board. For more information on the tournament or if you want to support, email kristen@redlightmanagement.com and Allie.vidunas@
“I have been too close to cancer too often,” says Tenpenny. “I lost my dad in 2014 and my mom battled breast cancer a few years ago. Through their illnesses, I discovered how important mental health support was and how, along with good doctors and treatment plans, that factored into their cancer journey.”
“Too many of us know the gravity of a cancer diagnosis, and often, the toll it takes on the mental health of both the patient and their loved ones goes unseen,” adds Taylor Wolf, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “Mitchell Tenpenny is helping rewrite this narrative with his commitment and generosity to supporting those navigating cancer journeys. His care for others embodies the heart of the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund and we are grateful that Mitchell’s generosity will ensure a few more families don’t have to worry about the financial burden as they go through treatment.”
Mitchell created his 10Penny Fund in 2018 from his personal experience and a sincere desire to provide inspirational support to cancer patients beyond the traditional medical treatment. The 10Penny Fund invests in sustainable and meaningful programs that motivate patients, encouraging healing, and build a community of support. For more information or to donate go to 10PennyFund.org.
Parker McCollum Reveals 2026 Tour Dates
/by LB CantrellParker McCollum
Parker McCollum will hit the road early next year, kicking off his self-titled 2026 tour on Jan. 23 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
Fresh off the release of his highest debuting album, Parker McCollum, via MCA, the reimagined tour incorporates the new songs fans have eagerly connected with including “What Kinda Man,” “Killin’ Me,” “Big Sky,” “Solid Country Gold” and many more, alongside all the chart-topping hits.
Joining McCollum on this 14-date run, produced by Emporium Presents, are rising stars Max McNown, Jake Worthington, William Beckmann, Jackson Wendell, Tyler Halverson and Laci Kaye Booth.
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi pre-sale starting Sept. 23. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Sept. 26 at 10:00 AM local time at ParkerMcCollum.com.
McCollum will be touring throughout the rest of 2025, including a special New Year’s Eve performance at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Dec. 31.
2026 Tour Dates:
1.23.26 | El Paso, TX | Don Haskins Center
1.24.26 | Glendale, AZ | Desert Diamond Arena
1.29.26 | Edinburg, TX | Bert Ogden Arena
1.30.26 | Corpus Christi, TX | Hillard Center Arena
1.31.26 | San Antonio, TX | Frost Bank Center
2.5.26 | Oxford, MS | SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss
2.6.26 | Lexington, KY | Rupp Arena
2.7.26 | Salem, VA | Salem Civic Center
2.12.26 | Winston-Salem, NC | Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
2.13.26 | Auburn, AL | Neville Arena
2.14.26 | Savannah, GA | Enmarket Arena
3.26.26 | Estero, FL |Hertz Arena
3.27.26 | St. Augustine, FL | St. Augustine Amphitheater
3.28.26 | St. Augustine, FL | St. Augustine Amphitheater