Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Lukas Nelson Perform At ‘All For The Hall L.A.’ Benefit
Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and Lukas Nelson took the stage at The Novo in the L.A. Live complex for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “All for the Hall Los Angeles” benefit, presented by the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
Hosted by Wilson, the guitar pull included a cameo appearance by Grammy-winner John Mayer on “Phone, Keys, Wallet” with Wilson, marking the first time they’ve performed the song together live. The event also included a performance by six high school students from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles of their song “I’ll Overcome,” which they wrote during a Words & Music program with their class, with support from songwriters Phil Barton and Liz Rose. The Love Junkies, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, kicked off the night’s festivities with a special performance at a patron party on Sept. 16. Proceeds from “All for the Hall Los Angeles” support the museum’s many educational programs.
Craig Morgan Performs National Anthem At Colts’ Season Opener
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Indianapolis Colts
Craig Morgan performed the National Anthem at the Indianapolis Colts season opener against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 13. The performance, which was preceded by members of the Professional Firefighters Union presenting the colors and a poignant moment of silence in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, aired live on CBS.
Brett Kissel Inks With MPI Talent Agency
Brett Kissel
Brett Kissel has signed with MPI Talent Agency for worldwide agency representation. Kissel will be represented by Jordan Tubiolo, MPI’s Vice President of Global Touring, and Paul O’Neil, who heads MPI’s recently established Canadian office. The agency will work alongside Kevin Bushey, President and CEO of Elevation Entertainment Agency. Kissel will expand his “The Side You’ve Never Seen Tour” with a limited run around the holiday season, visiting some of his favorite venues as well as stops requested directly by fans.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the MPI team alongside Jordan, Paul and Kevin,” says Kissel. “I’ve got a fire lit inside me and a long list of goals and dreams I want to chase, and I’m excited to have this team beside me as I go after them. I’m incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the MPI family and to have people around me who believe in what’s ahead.”
Taylor Steele Joins Quartz Hill Music Group As Publicity Manager
Taylor Steele. Photo: Hayley Gjertsen
Taylor Steele has joined Quartz Hill Music Group as Publicity Manager. Steele’s previous stops include Amazon, Broadcast Music, Inc., Universal Music Group Nashville, and most recently, 117 Entertainment. In her new role, Steele will assist in building and strengthening strategic media and industry relationships for all artists on QHMG imprints Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records, as well as for Brown Sellers Brown Management.
Steele will report directly to Vice President of Publicity & Media Marketing Natalie Kilgore. Her new role is effective immediately, and she can be reached at taylor@qhmusicgroup.com.
Judy Collins’ Career Spotlighted In Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s AMERICANAFEST Program
Judy Collins and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Folk music legend Judy Collins participated in a discussion about her career earlier this week in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater led by the museum’s Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray. Collins shared stories about the early 1960s music scene in Greenwich Village, where she encountered Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger.
She also discussed creating hits like “Someday Soon”; recording with country music luminary Buddy Emmons and James Burton in L.A.; championing songwriters Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen; and how her relationship with Stephen Stills inspired him to write “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” The program was presented in partnership with the Americana Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum during the association’s 26th annual AMERICANAFEST.
Singer-Songwriter Anne Elise Signs With NCS Records
Pictured (L-R): NCS Records Director of Label Operations and A&R Claire Bacon; Anne Elise; Nashville Christian Songwriters Founder and President John Chisum; and Nashville Christian Songwriters Vice President Bryant Urich.
Singer/songwriter Anne Elise has signed with Nashville Christian Songwriters’ NCS Records. A Belmont University student and former member of the collective Ezra Worship, Elise’s debut NCS Records single, “Changing,” is out now.
“I’m so excited to see this next chapter unfold with NCS Records,” Elise says. “I’m grateful to work with such an amazing team of people who are eager to help bring my music to those who need to hear it and can be encouraged by it.”
Parker Welling & Lydia Vaughan Launch ‘Women’s Writes’
/by Madison HahnenParker Welling and Lydia Vaughan has launched their new podcast, Women’s Writes.
The podcast gives listeners an inside look at the songwriting process through conversations with artist-songwriters. Each episode explores the stories behind the songs, as well as the friendships and creative partnerships behind them.
Welling and Vaughan’s first guest is Lauren Alaina, with whom they have co-written three songs, including “Household” and “Spin” from her new album, Stages. New episodes arrive Thursdays, with guest episodes every other week featuring artists and songwriters such as Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington, and Ashley McBryde and Terri Jo Box.
Between guest episodes, Welling hosts shorter solo installments. Each one starts with a story, song, lyric, or question and follows wherever the idea leads, from songwriting and creativity to psychology, history, and other unexpected topics. While the guest episodes focus on conversations with songwriters, the solo episodes explore the connections between ideas, songs, and the people who write them.
“Parker knows how to tell a story and how to listen to a story,” says Vaughan. “She deeply cares about songs and people, and somehow she can connect the dots in someone’s story that they might not have even connected yet themselves.”
The name Women’s Writes was inspired by a writing retreat Welling and Vaughan attended. When a male writer canceled at the last minute, the group became an all-female room. The experience made them realize they had never been part of a girls-only writing trip, inspiring them to create their own female-focused retreat and name it Women’s Writes.
Women’s Writes episodes can be found here.
Taylor Swift Named Inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Recipient
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift.
Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The new honor recognizes music artists whose work as directors has pushed the creative boundaries of music videos and visual storytelling.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 VMAs will air live from Los Angeles this Sunday (Sept. 27) beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ in the U.S. The ceremony will stream globally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.
The MTV VMA Artist Director Honors recognizes artists with an influential body of directing work and a distinct creative vision.
Swift is a seven-time Best Director nominee and four-time winner at the VMAs. Her directing credits include “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “The Man,” “cardigan,” “willow,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” “Anti-Hero,” “Bejeweled,” “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),” “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)” and “Lavender Haze.”
The inaugural honor recognizes her directing career and the growing role artists play in shaping the visual presentation of their music.
Additional performers, presenters and special guests for the VMAs will be revealed later this week.
CCMA Hosts 44th Annual Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughNate Haller & Tenille Townes. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
Cameron Whitcomb was the big winner of the night at this year’s 44th annual CCMA Awards on Sept. 19, taking home Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, while also earning the Ford F-150 Album of the Year award for The Hard Way.
The awards were held at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon for the third time, and showcased a powerhouse line-up of performers and presenters, celebrating the achievements of Canada’s country music community over the last year.
Hosts James Barker Band received the Fans’ Choice award and was named Group or Duo of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, while Meghan Patrick earned her third Female Artist of the Year trophy. Sully Burrows was recognized as Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by FACTOR, with Nate Haller and Tenille Townes taking home Musical Collaboration of the Year for “Backfire.” Thelma & James received Video of the Year for “Parking Lot Prayers,” and Josh Ross celebrated his third consecutive win for Single of the Year for “Hate How You Look.” The 2026 CCMA Awards are streaming now on Crave, and a full list of the awards can be found here.
Thelma & James. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
The 2026 CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards also took place on Sept. 18, kicking off the first of two evenings celebrating the best in the Canadian country music community. Hosted by Jackie Rae Greening, the 2026 CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards included the 2026 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductions of The Wilkinsons and Ron Kitchener; Brett Kissel and W. Brett Wilson were honored as the 2026 Gary Slaight Humanitarian Award co-recipients, and Natalie Waller was recognized with the 2026 Leonard T. Rambeau International Award.
The gala also featured performances from Dean Brody, Morgan Griffiths, Brett Kissel, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, and The Wilkinsons. This year marked the inaugural presentation of the International Industry Person of the Year Award, with Big Loud’s Seth England earning the honor. iHeartRadio/PURE Country’s Shannon Ella was named Country Personality(ies) of the Year, and Karen Kosowski made history as the first solo female to win for Record Producer of the Year.
Keyboard Player of the Year went to Amber Bauer, and Thelma & James took home the trophy for Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by the National Music Centre. Michael August, Nate Hall, James Adam Shelley, and Tenille Townes won Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, and Francophone Artist of the Year presented by Spotify went to Fred Dionne. Record Company of the Year honors went to Big Loud Records, with Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA going to Big Loud Publishing.
James Barker Band. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
Sully Burrows. Photo: Olga Bondarenko
Diamond Rio Slates New EP ‘America Works’ For November
/by Lorie HollabaughDiamond Rio will release a new four-song EP, America Works, on Nov. 13 via Rio Records 2.0/One Riot Records. The band released the title track last week.
“America Works” was penned by Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander and Jeffrey East, and centers on the idea of Americans showing up for one another through service, sacrifice and simple acts of selflessness. The song is accompanied by a new video that world premieres tonight on The Heartland Network’s Country Music Today. The clip was filmed in part at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and features military personnel along with the band’s own family members, friends and crew, reflecting the song’s message of community, service and looking out for one another.
“Other than a few soldiers at Fort Campbell, every cast member in the video is connected to us personally,” says Olander. “It made the whole thing feel incredibly meaningful.”
Following “America Works,” Diamond Rio will release “Other Side of The World” on Oct. 16. Written by Olander, Marty Roe and Heather Morgan, the personal song was inspired by Roe watching his eldest daughter move to Australia to attend Hillsong College to study music. The song also marks a first for Diamond Rio, as it features Carson McKee on lead vocals, performing the duet alongside Roe.
“The inspiration was trying to create a special piece of music that tells some of Marty’s pride and heartbreak as his daughter moved to Australia,” explains Olander. “Marty was very open and transparent when we wrote it, and things got emotional a time or two. Now, with Carson McKee in the band, it created a great opportunity to cut the song as a duet.”
“This was emotional for me,” says McKee. “I was homesick, and there’s a line in my verse, ‘I miss you Dad like you’ll never know.’ I remember having to cut it over and over because I couldn’t sing it without crying. It’s a powerful song, and getting to sing it as a duet with Marty was really special.”
The America Works EP also includes “Pink Guitar,” featuring McKee on lead vocals, as well as the previously released instrumental “The Kick.”
The band also recently celebrated several new certifications from the RIAA for “Meet in the Middle,” which has been certified double-Platinum, and “Beautiful Mess” and “One More Day,” both of which are now Platinum.
America Works Track List:
1. “America Works” (Jimmy Olander and Jeffrey East)
2. “Other Side of The World” (Jimmy Olander, Marty Roe and Heather Morgan)
3. “Pink Guitar” (Jimmy Olander, Hayley McLean and Josh Shilling)
4. “The Kick” (Jimmy Olander)
Pop/Country Stylist Ronnie Dove Passes
/by Robert K OermannPop balladeer Ronnie Dove passed away last week at age 91.
Between 1964 and 1969, he placed 21 singles on the Billboard hit parade, six of which became top-20 pop hits. All of them were recorded on Music Row with Nashville’s “A-Team” of session musicians.
Ronald Eugene Dove was born and raised in Virginia. While serving in the Coast Guard, in the 1950s, he began performing in Baltimore nightclubs. The city remained his home base throughout the rest of his long career.
After a stint performing and recording in the group The Bell-Tones, he signed as a solo artist with Diamond Records. Producer and label executive Phil Kahl brought Dove to Nashville to record at Fred Foster’s studio.
Their biggest successes were “Right Or Wrong” (written by Wanda Jackson) (1964), “One Kiss for Old Time’s Sake” (1965), “A Little Bit of Heaven” (1965), “When Liking Turns to Loving” (1966), “Let’s Start All Over Again” (1966) and “Cry” (1966). Peaking just outside the pop top-20 were “I’ll Make All Your Dreams Come True” (1965), “Kiss Away” (written by Billy Sherrill & Glenn Sutton) (1965), and a remake of the Eddy Arnold classic “I Really Don’t Want to Know” (1966).
Dove starred in his own Baltimore TV series in 1966. He guested on such national programs as American Bandstand, Where the Action Is, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. He was named Billboard’s Top Easy Listening Artist of 1965.
In 1970, Diamond was sold to Nashville’s Certron Records. Dove subsequently recorded for several small labels and began aiming his ballads at the country-music market. He made minor ripples on the country charts with six singles in 1972-1987. His biggest country success came on Motown’s Melodyland label with his version of Bobby Darin’s “Things,” which rose to No. 25 in 1975. During the 1970s, he made the rounds of country’s TV shows — That Nashville Music, Nashville Now, The Shotgun Red Variety Show, etc.
Dove opened his own nightclub in Baltimore and performed there regularly during the 1980s. He revived Diamond Records in 1987 and recorded a 1988 comeback album at Woodland Sound with producer James Stroud, among others.
The singer owned his own master recordings and repeatedly reissued his hits during the CD era. He continued to perform throughout the 1990s. He retired in 2023.
Dove died at home under hospice care on Sept. 15. He is survived by wife Marty, by children Michael, Ronnie Jr., Wayne, Don, Kelli, and Kimm and also by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. There was no viewing; his body was cremated. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
MusicRow Weekly (Mason Hunter, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly covers several notable developments across Nashville’s music industry, from leadership changes and new publishing deals to major honors and upcoming television events. Click here to see the full edition.
BMI has promoted Mason Hunter to Vice President, Creative, Partnerships & Events. BMG is also seeing several changes within its promotion team. Lee Adams, Adrian Michaels and Ken Tucker will leave their respective roles at the end of September. Adams served as Vice President of Promotion at Broken Bow Records, while Michaels held the same title at Stoney Creek Records and Tucker served as Vice President of Promotion at Wheelhouse Records.
The Country Music Association is preparing a two-hour television special celebrating Dolly Parton. CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will air live on ABC and internationally on Disney+ on Oct. 21 from 8-10 p.m. CST.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has also announced the sixth and final member of its Class of 2026. The late Jerry Ivan (J.I.) Allison will join Taylor Swift, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Channel, Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in this year’s class.
The Americana Music Association celebrated its community of artists, songwriters and musicians Sept. 16 at the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium. Molly Tuttle took home Artist of the Year for the first time, while Tyler Childers earned Album of the Year for Snipe Hunter, produced by Rick Rubin and Nick Sanborn. Brandi Carlile received Song of the Year for “Returning to Myself,” which she wrote herself. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings were named Duo/Group of the Year for the second consecutive year, while Ken Pomeroy earned Emerging Act of the Year. Mandy Fer, known for her work as an electric guitarist and touring musician with Allison Russell, was named Instrumentalist of the Year. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Plant and Dolly Parton were also recognized with Americana Lifetime Achievement honors.
On the publishing front, Midland has renewed its global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, while Johnny Clawson has renewed his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs. Jared Scott has signed with Back Row Publishing, and Jeremy Lister has inked a global publishing deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
Apple Music and United Record Pressing have partnered on a new mural titled “This is Country Music.” Located outside United Record Pressing, a historic Nashville pressing plant that served as a refuge for Black artists during segregation, the mural recognizes the important role Black artists have played in shaping country music.
Ava Liv Mabry has also signed with Blue Highway Records.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Been By Now.” 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.
CRB Unveils 2026–2027 Board of Directors
/by Lauryn SinkCountry Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) has unveiled the 2026–2027 CRB Board of Directors.
Returning CRB officers include Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) as President, John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach) as Vice President and Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy) as Secretary.
New additions include Travis Daily (Cumulus), Shelley Hargis (BBR Music Group), Jay Cruz (Big Machine Records|Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment) and Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music).
“Our board represents so many different perspectives across country radio and the music industry, and that range of experience is incredibly important to the work we do,” says Johnson. “I’m grateful to each of these leaders for their service, and I’m excited about the ideas, conversations, and collaboration as we continue to build the future of CRB and CRS.”
The complete 2026–2027 CRB Board of Directors consists of Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Cruz (Big Machine Records|Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Travis Daily (Cumulus), Tim Foisset (Spotify), Gator Harrison (K-LOVE), Hargis (BBR Music Group), Debra Herman (Apple Music), Kenny Jay (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jennifer Johnson (Riser House Entertainment), Johnson (Townsquare Media), Ashley Layfield (WFUS/Tampa, WUBL/Atlanta), Jon Loba (BMG), Mike McVay (McVay Media), Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield), Damon Moberly (MCA), Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music), Jordan Pettit (Big Loud), Rod Phillips (iHeartCountry), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Tim Roberts (Audacy), John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach), Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy), Greg Strassell (Hubbard Radio), RJ Meacham (Summit House Entertainment), Stacy Waugh (Big Loud), Allison Warren (Cumulus) and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
Charlie Morgan continues as Board Member Emeritus.
CRS 2027 is scheduled for March 17–19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Luke Bryan To Be Featured On ‘Live From Roku City’
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright
Luke Bryan is celebrating his new album with the release of his “Live From Roku City” performance, launching tomorrow (Sept. 19).
The performance features “Play It Again,” “Country and She Knows It” and a cover of “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” from the series Cheers.
“Thank you to the team at Roku for allowing me to share my music with my fans and Roku users in such an exciting and interactive way. I had a blast performing on stage against the iconic Roku City skyline,” says Bryan.
“Luke Bryan knows how to turn any stage into a celebration, and we’re thrilled to bring that energy to Roku City,” shares Lisa Holme, Head of Content, Roku Media. “To borrow a line from Luke himself, we didn’t want this night to end. We’re excited to celebrate his new album alongside his fans and create a uniquely Roku experience that brings Luke and his music directly to millions of streamers.”
Bryan released new album, Signs, today (Sept. 18) via MCA. His “Farm Tour” continues tonight in Ohio.
Industry Ink: ‘All for the Hall Los Angeles,’ Craig Morgan, Brett Kissel, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Lukas Nelson Perform At ‘All For The Hall L.A.’ Benefit
Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and Lukas Nelson took the stage at The Novo in the L.A. Live complex for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “All for the Hall Los Angeles” benefit, presented by the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
Hosted by Wilson, the guitar pull included a cameo appearance by Grammy-winner John Mayer on “Phone, Keys, Wallet” with Wilson, marking the first time they’ve performed the song together live. The event also included a performance by six high school students from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles of their song “I’ll Overcome,” which they wrote during a Words & Music program with their class, with support from songwriters Phil Barton and Liz Rose. The Love Junkies, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, kicked off the night’s festivities with a special performance at a patron party on Sept. 16. Proceeds from “All for the Hall Los Angeles” support the museum’s many educational programs.
Craig Morgan Performs National Anthem At Colts’ Season Opener
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Indianapolis Colts
Craig Morgan performed the National Anthem at the Indianapolis Colts season opener against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 13. The performance, which was preceded by members of the Professional Firefighters Union presenting the colors and a poignant moment of silence in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, aired live on CBS.
Brett Kissel Inks With MPI Talent Agency
Brett Kissel
Brett Kissel has signed with MPI Talent Agency for worldwide agency representation. Kissel will be represented by Jordan Tubiolo, MPI’s Vice President of Global Touring, and Paul O’Neil, who heads MPI’s recently established Canadian office. The agency will work alongside Kevin Bushey, President and CEO of Elevation Entertainment Agency. Kissel will expand his “The Side You’ve Never Seen Tour” with a limited run around the holiday season, visiting some of his favorite venues as well as stops requested directly by fans.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the MPI team alongside Jordan, Paul and Kevin,” says Kissel. “I’ve got a fire lit inside me and a long list of goals and dreams I want to chase, and I’m excited to have this team beside me as I go after them. I’m incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the MPI family and to have people around me who believe in what’s ahead.”
Taylor Steele Joins Quartz Hill Music Group As Publicity Manager
Taylor Steele. Photo: Hayley Gjertsen
Taylor Steele has joined Quartz Hill Music Group as Publicity Manager. Steele’s previous stops include Amazon, Broadcast Music, Inc., Universal Music Group Nashville, and most recently, 117 Entertainment. In her new role, Steele will assist in building and strengthening strategic media and industry relationships for all artists on QHMG imprints Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records, as well as for Brown Sellers Brown Management.
Steele will report directly to Vice President of Publicity & Media Marketing Natalie Kilgore. Her new role is effective immediately, and she can be reached at taylor@qhmusicgroup.com.
Judy Collins’ Career Spotlighted In Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s AMERICANAFEST Program
Judy Collins and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Folk music legend Judy Collins participated in a discussion about her career earlier this week in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater led by the museum’s Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray. Collins shared stories about the early 1960s music scene in Greenwich Village, where she encountered Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger.
She also discussed creating hits like “Someday Soon”; recording with country music luminary Buddy Emmons and James Burton in L.A.; championing songwriters Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen; and how her relationship with Stephen Stills inspired him to write “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” The program was presented in partnership with the Americana Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum during the association’s 26th annual AMERICANAFEST.
Singer-Songwriter Anne Elise Signs With NCS Records
Pictured (L-R): NCS Records Director of Label Operations and A&R Claire Bacon; Anne Elise; Nashville Christian Songwriters Founder and President John Chisum; and Nashville Christian Songwriters Vice President Bryant Urich.
Singer/songwriter Anne Elise has signed with Nashville Christian Songwriters’ NCS Records. A Belmont University student and former member of the collective Ezra Worship, Elise’s debut NCS Records single, “Changing,” is out now.
“I’m so excited to see this next chapter unfold with NCS Records,” Elise says. “I’m grateful to work with such an amazing team of people who are eager to help bring my music to those who need to hear it and can be encouraged by it.”
Dolly Parton’s ‘Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’ To Visit 25 Cities Nationwide
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Dolly Parton Enterprises
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol holiday musical is set to kick off Nov. 14 in Princeton, West Virginia, before heading to 25 cities across the country.
Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town. The holiday tale re-written features music and lyrics by Dolly and the book by David H. Bell, adapted for the stage by Bell, Paul T. Couch, and Curt Wollan. Tickets for all performances are on sale now.
Parton described the musical as “My love letter to the Smoky Mountains, to Christmas, and to the timeless reminder that love, compassion, and generosity are gifts that we can all share.”
“The holidays have always held a special place in Dolly’s heart,” says Couch, “and this year that love feels significantly more poignant. ‘A Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’ represents another meaningful way to experience the many musical gifts that Dolly created for us to enjoy and connect with her, and it’s with that spirit that we’ll share her beautiful songs and stories.”
2026 Tour Schedule:
November 14 – Princeton, WV – Chuck Mathena Center
November 15-16 – Morgantown, WV – Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre
November 17 – Huntington, WV – Keith-Albee Perf. Arts Center
November 21 – Sheboygan, WI – Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts
November 22 – Appleton, WI – Thrivent Hall at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
November 24 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 25 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
November 28 – Tyler, TX – Cowan PAC (or is it UT Tyler Cowan Center)
November 29 – Lubbock, TX – The Buddy Holly Hall
December 1 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre
December 2 – Macon, GA – The Piedmont Grand Opera House
December 3 – Oxford, MS – Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts
December 4 – Baton Rouge, LA – River Center Theatre for Performing Arts
December 6 – Orange, TX – Lutcher Theater
December 8 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
December 10 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre
December 11-12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
December 13 – Wabash, IN – Ford Theatre at Honeywell Center
December 16 – Toledo, OH – The Stranahan
December 17 – New Philadelphia, OH – Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas
December 18 – Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre
December 19-20 – Midland, MI – Midland Center for the Arts
December 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Clowes Hall (Butler University)