Chuck Morris To Be Inducted Into IEBA Hall Of Fame

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Chuck Morris

Concert promoter and music executive Chuck Morris will be inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame during the 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony set for Oct. 7 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville.

A pioneering force in the Colorado music scene and beyond, Morris is Chairman Emeritus and President & CEO of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains. His contributions to the live entertainment industry span more than five decades and include a legacy of artist development, venue innovation, and industry mentorship. In the mid-1970s, Morris made his mark with the famed Denver nightclub Ebbets Field. His keen ear and curatorial spirit helped launch countless careers, and his passion for artists and fans alike continues to define his work.

As Executive Producer of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume Two by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Morris earned a Grammy, further cementing his place in music history. Throughout his storied career, Morris has played a key role in elevating iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre to international renown. In addition to his work as a promoter and executive, he is widely respected as a mentor, educator, and tireless advocate for the music industry.

“Chuck Morris is a true original whose vision, tenacity, and generosity have shaped the modern live music landscape,” says IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner. “We are proud to recognize his extraordinary legacy with induction into the IEBA Hall of Fame.”

The 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony is part of IEBA’s 55th Annual Conference, taking place Oct. 5–7. Additional 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.

FlyteVu Acquired By Driftwood Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Ally Venable (VP of Talent Partnerships), Linda Knight (Chief Creative Officer), Brooks Parker (VP of Business
Development), Laura Hutfless (CEO), Sina Seger (COO), Scott Bennett (VP of Finance), Miriam Singer (Chief of Staff) Photo: Robby Klein

FlyteVu, a Nashville-based agency, has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group. The company is expanding its offerings, with the addition of corporate bookings and music licensing.

Co-founded by former CAA executive Laura Hutfless and former Warner Music Group executive Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu is expected to grow its team by thirty-percent by the end of the year, and staffing changes have already begun. Hutfless remains CEO and Holley, Co-Founder, is exiting the organization. Linda Knight has been tapped as Chief Creative Officer with Sina Seger promoted to Chief Operations Officer, Miriam Singer to Chief of Staff and Adeniz Villar as Senior Director of Talent.

“This partnership enables us to scale rapidly, broaden our service offerings to better support our clients, and pursue strategic acquisitions that keep us ahead in a constantly evolving industry—all while preserving our culture of generosity and purpose-driven work,” says Hutfless. “It empowers us to take on work we’re passionate about and to build an agency as forward-thinking as the clients we represent.”

Now in its tenth year, the company has adopted the philosophy that “Safe Doesn’t Fly.”

“We’re nimble, able to change direction quickly in the face of headwinds. If you want to fly high, you’ve got to break away from the flock and lead.” says Hutfless. “You don’t soar with eagles by playing it safe on the perch.”

Rascal Flatts’ Hometown Show To Stream Globally Via Veeps

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Rascal Flatts’ hometown show in Columbus, Ohio will now be available to fans across the world during a special global streaming event July 27 at 7 p.m. CT via VEEPS.

The band celebrated their return to the Buckeye State with a surprise appearance by Carly Pearce on their track “My Wish.” Also joined by Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane across the 21-stop tour, the trio wrapped their sold-out “Life Is A Highway Tour” last month, with crowds singing along to their two decades-spanning catalog of hits.

Additionally, the group also released their Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets collaboration album this summer featuring nine reimagined hits including “What Hurts The Most” with the Backstreet Boys as well as their record-breaking new track, “I Dare You” with the Jonas Brothers.

Tickets to the streaming event can be purchased here, or watched for free by Veeps All Access members. All tickets will include a three-day rewatch window and are available through the Veeps app on Roku, Apple TV, iOS and Android.

River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Sign Kenny Whitmire

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Pictured (L-R): Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins, Kenny Whitmire, Lauren Lieu and Hailey Rama

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have signed rising country singer-songwriter Kenny Whitmire to a global publishing agreement.

Upon moving to Nashville in 2022, Whitmire began to collaborate with emerging artist Austin Snell, leading to his first paid gig in town as a touring guitarist in Snell’s band.

Since then, he has been able to share the stage with prominent talent including Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Matthew and more. As a songwriter, he has landed cuts such as Austin Snell’s “Some Things Just Stick” and “Considering,” Cole Goodwin’s “Fast Track Back,” Avery Roberson’s “Never Die,” Colin Stough’s “White Trash” and many others.

Of the deal, Whitmire says, “I’m very excited to be a part of such a creative and hard-working team. The River House crew were some of the first people I connected with after moving to Nashville, and it’s a great feeling to be surrounded by a team of talented people who have believed in your songwriting from the start. God bless country music!”

“Kenny brings an infectious energy and warmth into our building which has made him feel like family from day one at River House,” shares EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “His unwavering work ethic and genuine passion for creating great songs consistently shines through every session. We’re thrilled to welcome Kenny to our songwriting roster and are eager to support him in his journey, we know he has the drive and talent to succeed in a big way!”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston adds, “Kenny is a natural – he writes with heart and instinct, and his passion will take him far. We’re proud to be in his corner alongside our partners at River House as his story unfolds.”

Tucker Beathard Resigns With Little Louder Music

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Tucker Beathard has extended his publishing deal with Little Louder Music. The Nashville native has earned cuts with Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Tucker Wetmore, Gavin Adcock, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe and more. His debut single, “Rock On,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Currently his song “Backup Plan,” co-written with Jon Sherwood and Jimi Bell and recorded by Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs, is approaching the top 10 on Billboard’s US Country Airplay chart.

“I am very proud to work with Tucker, not only for his talents but his character. He is not a talker, he is a doer and what he has been doing is quietly writing some of the best songs in town,” said Little Louder Music President, Arturo Buenahora Jr.. “We’re honored to continue our partnership with Tuck.”

“Arturo and Little Louder have always cared more about music they believe in than worrying about what’s popular and have championed outside-the-box writers since the beginning,” shared Beathard. “I am blessed to continue to be a part of what they’re doing.”

Ana Cristina Cash Signs Worldwide Publishing Agreement With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): BMG’s Dimitri Farougias; Ana Cristina Cash; Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn
and BMG’s Chris Oglesby

Country and Latin singer-songwriter Ana Cristina Cash has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with BMG. The new partnership will see BMG administer Cash’s catalog and future releases across the globe, including both her English and Spanish-language works.

Raised in Miami of Cuban descent, Cash is bilingual and began a professional career in music at the age of six. She quickly became an accomplished champion of the singing competitions on the variety show, Sabado Gigante. Cash signed to Sony Music’s Latin division at 15 and recorded her debut album, Ana Cristina, in Spanish. In 2004, she was nominated for the Premio Lo Nuestro Award, and the following year went on to become the first Hispanic-American to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” for a presidential inauguration for President Bush in 2005.

In 2016, she married producer John Carter Cash and has been living and recording music in Nashville for a decade, primarily in their historical studio, The Cash Cabin Studio. Cash’s vocals or songs have also been featured on recordings by T Bone Burnett, Natalie Cole, Juanes, Brad Paisley, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, Los Tigres Del Norte, Marisela, Juanes, John Carter Cash, Norman Blake, John McEuen and more.

“It is great to find individuals who make a difference. Ana Cristina does,” says Chris Oglesby, VP, Head of Creative, BMG Publishing. “Her genre-bending approach to her craft adds a breath of fresh air to listeners. We are honored to have her be a part of BMG.”

“I’m excited to partner with BMG and look forward to collaborating with their talented teams in Nashville, Latin America, and beyond,” shares Cash. “This partnership opens up incredible opportunities for my music to reach even more listeners around the world, and I can’t wait to get started.”

ACM Special Award Honorees Announced

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The Academy of Country Music has revealed the recipients of the Special Awards for the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards, who will celebrated during the upcoming Academy Of Country Music Honors on Aug. 20 at The Pinnacle at Nashville Yards.

Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, Twisters, the late Ben Vaughn and Lori Badgett will be honored during the 18th annual celebration during an unforgettable evening of live music and tributes. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Eric Church and Ben Vaughn have both been chosen to each receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. The award is presented to an artist, duo/group or industry leader who has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.

Luke Combs has been named the recipient of this year’s ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves. The award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of Country Music throughout the world.

Jelly Roll has been chosen to receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others.

Cody Johnson will receive this year’s ACM Spirit Award. The award is inspired by Merle Haggard and is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award recipient Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.

Randy Travis has been chosen as the recipient of the ACM Milestone Award, honoring the contributions of Gene Weed, who directed and produced the ACM Awards for more than 30 years. This award is presented to a country artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.

Rissi Palmer will receive the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country genre, transcending demographics and geography. The nominee for this category is proposed by the rising leaders in the Academy’s LEVel UP: Lift Every Voice program, a two-year curriculum designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.

Mac McAnally is the recipient of this year’s ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

Twisters is this year’s winner of the ACM Film Award, inspired by Tex Ritter, which recognizes an outstanding TV movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music. The 2024 summer blockbuster from Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., and Amblin Entertainment was directed by Oscar nominee Lee Isaac Chung and stars Daisy Edgar Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos.

City National Bank executive Lori Badgett has been chosen to receive the ACM Service Award, which honors the contributions of Mae Boren Axton. This award is presented to an outstanding country artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

Previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, and ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will also be feted at ACM Honors.

“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in country music’s success,” says Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of country music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Congratulations to all the honorees,” she continued.

Tickets for ACM Honors will be available to ACM A-List email newsletter subscribers and Academy members through an exclusive pre-sale beginning tomorrow (July 10), with general on-sale beginning July 11 through AXS. Fans can subscribe now to the A-List here to gain access to Thursday’s pre-sale.

JUST IN: Brown Sellers Brown Rebrands To Quartz Hill Music Group, Taps Ash Bowers As EVP

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Ash Bowers. Photo: Noah Johnson

Brown Sellers Brown, home to Quartz Hill Records, Stone Country Records and BSB Management, has rebranded to Quartz Hill Music Group. Additionally, the company has elevated Ash Bowers to Executive Vice President for Quartz Hill Music Group. In his new role, Bowers will oversee all daily operations for Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records as well as continue to direct management strategy and operations for multiple acts on the BSB Management roster.

Bowers began his career as a songwriter signed to Stoney Creek records where he secured cuts with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Dustin Lynch. He co-founded co-founded a publishing and management company in 2013 before joining Brown Sellers Brown in January 2025 as Director of Artist Management and A&R Support.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of Executive Vice President at Quartz Hill Music Group. This new season of rebranding and restructuring marks a new chapter for the company, and I’m honored to help lead the charge. We have some of the most talented and inspiring artists in the industry, and it’s a privilege to support their creative journeys. Above all, I see this role as a chance to serve Jesus through leadership—using every connection and opportunity as a way to reflect His purpose for me in the music industry,” says Bowers.

“Since I first signed Ash to Stoney Creek Records back in the early 2000’s, I knew that he was going to have a big impact on the Nashville music community. All these years later, Ash has been proving me right all along! Jason, Paul and I are very excited to have Ash join our family. I always knew Ash was a person of strong faith. I’ve always had a lot of trust in Ash and in his ability to lead our team in the right direction as we continue to grow and expand our reach,” says Quartz Hill Music Group Founder/President Benny Brown.

As part of the, email addresses will change for several team members including Bowers (Ash@qhmusicgroup.com), April Rider (April@qhmusicgroup.com), Natalie Kilgore (Natalie@qhmusicgroup.com), Anthony Priwer (Anthony@qhmusicgroup.com), Angela Wheeler (Angela@qhmusicgroup.com), Jessica Crans (Jessica@qhmusicgroup.com), Hannah Kennedy (Hannah@qhmusicgroup.com) and Noah Johnson (Noah@qhmusicgroup.com), effective immediately.

David Nail Launches New ‘Hotel Keys Tour’

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David Nail kicks off his nationwide “Hotel Keys Tour” tomorrow (July 10) in Charleston, SC. The trek, which runs through November, shares its name with his latest single “Hotel Keys,” set for release on July 11.

“Hotel Keys” captures the emotional cost of chasing a dream, the moments taken for granted and the toll life on the road can take. The track includes complementary vocals by co-writer Dave Barnes and depicts scenes from cold nights in Baltimore to coffee in Chicago, all while reckoning with years spent chasing something you love.

The “Hotel Keys Tour” will include stops in Richmond, Colorado Springs, Ann Arbor, Omaha and more, including a return to Nashville for Nail’s debut at AmericanaFest 2025. Tickets and more information are available at davidnail.com.

Trey Pendley Inks With WME & Blue Harbor Music

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Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Shelby Marvel (Make Wake), Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music), Katie Dean (Leo33), Jay Williams (WME), Beth Hamilton (WME) and Natalie Osborne (Leo33). (Back Row, L-R): Trey Pendley, Chris Fabiani (Leo33), Joseph Manzo (Leo33), David Murray (Wiles + Taylor), Meg Goggins (Leo33), Kendall Lettow (Blue Harbor Music), Miller Arant (Blue Harbor Music) and Dusty Cantrell (Leo33).

Leo33 songwriter and artist Trey Pendley has inked with WME for global representation. He also joins the roster at Blue Harbor Music, rounding out his team, which includes Wiles + Taylor for business management, RitholzLevyFields handling legal and Make Wake Artists for Management.

“It’s pretty surreal to have WME, Blue Harbor, Wiles + Taylor, and RitholzLevyFields all on board. These are people who believe in the music and in me as a person and that means the world,” says Pendley. “I’ve always just tried to write honest songs and stay true to who I am — so to have a team around me that gets that, and wants to build something real, is a huge blessing.”

“When Shelby [Marvel] and the team at Make Wake first introduced us to Trey, we were blown away — from his background to stories and songwriting,” shares WME Co-Head Jay Williams. “The entire team at WME is thrilled to be working with Trey and join this amazing team.”

“Trey is as authentic and honest as they come. He shares his real-life stories in a way that makes you feel, as a listener, as though you’ve lived it too,” adds Steve Markland of Blue Harbor Music. “Trey is a classic from his singing to his songs. Can’t wait for the world to hear his music.”

Pendley’s latest release, “Drunk as Any Rich Man,” arrived June 27.