Dave Fenley Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Dave Fenley. Photo: Nathan Leslie

Singer-songwriter Dave Fenley made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (June 27).

Fenley opened his set with the sultry “Ever Since You Turned Me On” from his new album Rest Of My Life. He followed that up with a heartfelt performance of “Pretty Face,” a personal ballad dedicated to his wife Amy, which earned him an emotional standing ovation from the packed Opry audience.

Fenley had family, friends and industry members in attendance, and shared from the stage, “I have never dreamed this big y’all! I’m standing in a very important circle and I’ve got a big circle of people supporting me here tonight who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you so much for this moment, Opry!”

He released Rest Of My Life this spring, which chronicles his personal journey shaped by faith, family and perseverance and  blends country and gospel influences with soulful vocal performances. The video for “Waiting For” starring social media influencers The Fauver Family is out now.

Dave Fenley steps into the hallowed circle for the first time to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Dave Fenley earned a standing ovation for his Grand Ole Opry debut performance. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Walk Off Entertainment’s Gianluca Maffei, Rise Music Group’s Tanner Louis, Dave Fenley and Walk Off Entertainment’s Chris Ruediger. Photo: Nathan Leslie

CMA Elevates Five, Adds Five

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Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The Country Music Association unveiled five promotions and five new team members across multiple departments.

Emily Arvanitis has been promoted to Senior Event Producer. Kayleigh Bentley has been elevated to Senior Manager, Member Experience. Amanda Jilek has been upped to Senior Manager, Creative & Content. Maddie Myers will now serve as Senior Manager, Digital Marketing. Nora Webb has been promoted to Business Affairs Manager.

In addition to internal promotions, CMA has expanded its roster with Samantha Alenius joining as Accounting Coordinator, Britney Buckwalter as Media Project Manager, Tarah Duarte as Senior Account Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Alec Staniul as Insights Analyst and Craig Weaver as CRM Manager.

Ashe Signs With Atlantic Records & Doomsday/Universal Music Publishing Group

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Ashe. Photo: Carly Hubert

Ashe has inked a record deal with Atlantic Records and publishing deals with Doomsday/Universal Music Publishing Group.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole career for the partnership I’ve found at Atlantic. Joining the label and this team was an effortless decision,” Ashe shares. “From our first meeting, I felt uniquely understood. They’re thoughtful, intentional, and genuinely care. The fact that our first meeting involved tacos, cookies, and painting pottery told me they understood me. I’m immensely grateful to begin this next chapter with people I trust so deeply.”

Last year, Ashe teamed up with her longtime friend and collaborator Finneas to form The Favors. The duo released their debut album, The Dream, to widespread praise.

Ashe’s latest solo album, Willson, marked a return to her Nashville roots and love of songwriting. The album completed a trilogy that began with Ashlyn and Rae.

Over the years, Ashe has collaborated with artists including Finneas, Noah Kahan and Niall Horan, and has toured with Kelsea Ballerini and Gracie Abrams. Her breakthrough hit, “Moral of the Story,” was featured in Netflix’s To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, earning billions of streams and reaching No. 2 on Spotify’s U.S. and Global Viral 50 charts.

Ashe will hit the road this summer supporting Benson Boone with stops in Denver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego and more.

Carlisle Wright Signs With Joan Of Arc Music

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Pictured (L-R): Dawn Gates, Cindy Mabe, Carlisle Wright, Lori Christian, Harper Grae and Leigh Morrison. Photo: Seth Holland

Classic country artist Carlisle Wright has signed a management deal with Joan of Arc Music.

A fourth-generation artist, Wright brings her country roots to songs like “Honkytonk Talkin’” and “Half My Heroes,” mixing classic country storytelling with a fresh, young perspective.

The signing comes after Wright made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, one of many major milestones this year. She also won the 2026 Belmont University Country Showcase, made her CMA Fest debut on the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage, and opened for her uncle, Alan Jackson, during his sold-out “Last Call: One More For The Road – The Finale” concert at Nissan Stadium.

After receiving a surprise invitation from Jackson, Wright took the Opry stage to perform her original song “Half My Heroes” and Jackson’s hit “Little Bitty.”

“Carlisle Wright represents the future of country music,” says Cindy Mabe, Joan of Arc Music Founder and CEO. “Her artistry, combined with her commitment to keeping traditional country music alive, makes her an exceptional addition to our roster. We’re honored to guide her career as she steps into this next chapter.”

“From the very first conversation with Cindy Mabe and the Joan of Arc Music team, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” adds Wright. “They are determined to preserve and revive the sound of real country music. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with a powerhouse group of women! Here’s to classic country.”

Wright is set to release new music later this summer. Through the new partnership, Joan of Arc Music will provide guidance and support as she continues to grow her career.

ACM Unveils Industry & Studio Recording Award Winners

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The Academy of Country Music unveiled the winners of the Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards today (June 30).

All ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards winners, along with the previously announced Special Award recipients, will receive their trophies at the 19th ACM Honors on Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle.

This year, Bryan Sutton takes home Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, Justin Niebank earns his tenth win as Audio Engineer of the Year and Dann Huff nabs his sixth Producer of the Year award. Stuart Duncan earns his second Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year honor and Rob McNelley wins Electric Guitar Player of the Year for the second time. Gordon Mote claims his fourth Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year award, while Jimmie Lee Sloas, Fred Eltringham and Jerry Roe earn their sixth, second and second wins, respectively, in their categories.

The Pinnacle takes home Club of the Year while Cheyenne Frontier Days nabs Fair/Rodeo of the Year. Returning winners include Choctaw Grand Theater, earning its second Casino of the Year – Theater honor, Stagecoach, winning Festival of the Year for the second time, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, earning its fourth Outdoor Venue of the Year award, Bridgestone Arena, claiming Arena of the Year award for the third time, Mohegan Sun Arena, earning its third Casino of the Year – Arena award, Adam Weiser, earning his second Promoter of the Year award, Ed Warm, taking home his second Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year award, and the Ryman Auditorium, earning its third Theater of the Year award.

Tickets for the ACM Honors are available here.

See the full list of winners below:
STUDIO RECORDING AWARD WINNERS:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jimmie Lee Sloas
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR: Fred Eltringham
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR: Jerry Roe
ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryan Sutton
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Gordon Mote
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Stuart Duncan
ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rob McNelley
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR: Justin Niebank
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Dann Huff

INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS:
CASINO OF THE YEAR – THEATER: Choctaw Grand Theater
CASINO OF THE YEAR – ARENA: Mohegan Sun Arena
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR: Stagecoach
FAIR/RODEO OF THE YEAR: Cheyenne Frontier Days
CLUB OF THE YEAR: The Pinnacle
THEATER OF THE YEAR: The Ryman
OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
ARENA OF THE YEAR: Bridgestone Arena
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR: Ed Warm
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR: Adam Weiser

Industry Ink: Toby Keith & Friends, Leadership Music & SOLID, More

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Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Raises Over $1.35 Million

Pictured (L-R, front row): Shawn Parr, Tricia Covel, Callie Davis, Emma Davis, Tripp Davis, Whitney Davis and Trace Adkins. Back row: James Davis

The 22nd Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic June 12-13 at Riverwind Casino and Keith’s Belmar Golf Club raised more than $1.35 million for The Toby Keith Foundation. Themed to celebrate 250 years of American independence, the event was headlined by country hitmaker Trace Adkins, with radio and TV personality Shawn Parr and business leader/philanthropist Jim West hosting and leading the live auction. The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic benefits The Toby Keith Foundation’s work supporting OK Kids Korral.

 

Leadership Music & SOLID Team For Inaugural Music Row Litter Walk

Leadership Music and SOLID joined forces on June 26 for the inaugural Music Row Litter Walk, a community beautification initiative that united volunteers from both organizations to clean up one of Nashville’s most iconic neighborhoods. Despite sweltering heat and humidity, participants showed up in force with 15 teams, each pairing one volunteer from Leadership Music with one from SOLID, to fan out and cover Music Row and the surrounding streets. By the end of the morning, volunteers had collected 30 large bags of trash, making a visible and meaningful impact on the appearance and cleanliness of the historic district.

 

SOLID’s Annual Backstage Auction Raises Over $27,000 For CMA Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Alannah Schwartz (SOLID), Nina Teapot Owens (SOLID), Eunice Hernandez (SOLID), Brendan McManus (SOLID), Brian Day (SOLID), Victoria Rutledge (CMA), Sarah McKenzie (SOLID), Lindsey Morrison (CMA) and Michelle Kirk (CMA). Photo: Mary Spaulding/CMA

SOLID hosted its annual Backstage Auction during CMA Fest 2026, raising over $27,000 for the CMA Foundation. The Backstage Auction gives CMA Fest attendees the chance to take home unique pieces of country music history while making a lasting impact beyond festival weekend. Taking place June 4-7 at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, the silent auction serves as SOLID’s largest annual fundraiser, and proceeds directly support the organization’s year-round programming, including educational panels, networking events, mentorship initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and community service efforts that help cultivate the next generation of music industry professionals. A portion of proceeds also benefits the CMA Foundation. Two memorable auction items from this year included guitars signed by Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.

 

Stacey Cato Joins Opry Entertainment Group Artist Relations Team

Stacey Cato

Opry Entertainment Group has welcomed Senior Manager, Artist Relations Stacey Cato to its Artist Relations team. Cato brings more than 25 years of experience across the music, TV and digital media industries, with expertise in artist relations, talent booking, content production and strategic marketing. Most recently, Cato served as Director of Music & Talent for Paramount/ViacomCBS, where he led artist and label relations while overseeing talent-driven programming and live events across TV, digital and social platforms. Throughout his career, Cato has played an integral role in productions including the CMT Music Awards, CMT Crossroads, CMT Giants and CMT Artist of the Year. In his new role he will report to Director, Artist Relations Jenn Tressler and joins Manager, Artist Relations Lexi Lampkin on the team.

Alan Jackson Hosts Career Finale Concert

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Alan Jackson. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

Alan Jackson hosted the final performance of his storied career this past Saturday (June 27) at Nissan Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd.

“Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” spanned nearly two hours, with hits such as “Gone Country,” “Here in the Real World,” “The Older I Get,” “Remember When,” “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Chattahoochee,” “Mercury Blues,” “Where I Come From” and more.

“This has just been incredible,” Jackson said from stage. “I don’t even have words – it’s just been completely overwhelming.”

Special guests were also apart of the celebration, including George Strait, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Lee Ann Womack and more. Video tributes also appeared on screen from Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Nick Saban, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Dwight Yoakam, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.

Across Nashville, several thousand people watched a livestream of the show, including at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater, and on screens staged in the center of Broadway.

Jackson will also release a live album of the concert, Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale (Live from Nashville).

Alan Jackson’s ‘Last Call – The Finale’ — Nissan Stadium overview. Photo: Sam Shapiro Media

Anne Wilson To Release ‘Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe)’ In July

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Anne Wilson will release an expanded version of her album Stars with Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe), due out July 10 via Capitol Christian Music Group.

The 17-track deluxe album expands on the faith-filled, coming-of-age collection first introduced on her third studio project, and adds five new tracks that deepen the project’s message of hope, healing and holding tight to Jesus through every season.

The expanded edition will feature the recently released “Still Do” with Cole Swindell, an acoustic version of the sweeping “Carry Me,” a live version of “God Story” and the brand-new “Me & Jesus,” born from the grief and reflection of losing a close friend. The project will also include “Maker’s Mark” with Drew Baldridge, a reflective look at legacy, purpose and leading the kind of life that leaves a lasting impact.

“When I first released Stars, my prayer was simple – that these songs would help people lift their eyes to Jesus,” shares Wilson. “Since then, I’ve walked through incredible highs, deep heartbreak and moments that tested my faith in ways I never expected. Through it all, God has remained faithful. As I’ve traveled the country and sung these songs with so many of you, they’ve taken on an even deeper meaning. Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) feels like the next chapter in a story only God could write – a story of faith, hope, healing and trusting Him through it all. Because at the end of the day, reaching for the stars was never really about chasing a dream. It was about reaching for Jesus. I can’t wait for you to hear it on July 10.”

Wilson will spend the summer appearing at some fairs and festivals before kicking off the second leg of her recently extended “The STARS Tour,” which adds 24 dates across the U.S. to the previously announced run. Earlier this month, the Kentucky native released her third book, Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way, via W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.

Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) Tracklist:
1. “Stars” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)
2. “God Story” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)
3. “’Til The Road Runs Out” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)
4. “Devil Is Too” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Emily Weisband and Matthew West)
5. “Hold Your Horses” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)
6. “Jesus On The Radio” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)
7. “Dead In The Water” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Trannie Anderson and Andy Albert)
8. “Carry Me” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)
9. “The Carpenter” (Written by Anne Wilson, Blake Pendergrass, Jeff Pardo, Josh Miller and Matthew West)
10. “Carry Me” (Written by Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)
11. “Still Do” (Anne Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)
12. “Twenty Three” (Jeff Pardo, Anne Wilson and Matthew West)
13. “Me & Jesus” (Anne Wilson, Luke Laird, Matthew West)
14. “Maker’s Mark” (with Drew Baldridge) (Drew Baldridge, Allison Veltz-Cruz, Laura Veltz, Lalo Guzman)
15. “Still Do” (with Cole Swindell) (Anne Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)
16. “Carry Me” – Acoustic (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson)
17. “God Story” – Live (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West)

Back Row Publishing Launches, Signs Christian Yancey As Flagship Writer

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Pictured (L-R): Lindsay Will (VP A&R, Back Row Publishing), Taylor Antle (Director A&R Back Row Publishing), Christian Yancey and Michael Kozelj (President, Back Row Music). Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Music

Back Row Publishing has launched and signed Christian Yancey as its flagship writer.

The Georgia native relocated to Nashville in 2021 and earned more than 50 cuts with artists including Austin Snell, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore and Josh Ross. He recently notched his first No. 1 track with Ross’ “Hate How You Look.”

“I am so excited to join the Back Row team,” shares Yancey. “I’ve always enjoyed working with Lindsay and Taylor and am looking forward to continuing my journey with them as well as developing new relationships with the rest of the team and writers. I’ve always loved the idea of being on the ground floor of something new and working with everyone to grow it into something great. I’m thankful for the opportunity and pumped for what the future holds.”

Back Row Publishing will be led by Lindsay Will and Taylor Antle.

Will joins Back Row Publishing as Vice President of A&R. An Arkansas native and Middle Tennessee State University graduate, Will began her career at Liv Write Play in 2018 before joining Round Hill Music in 2021. There, she rose from Manager, A&R to Senior Director, A&R. She is a member of the Recording Academy and has been recognized on MusicRow’s Next Big Thing list. Will can be reached here.

“From my very first meeting with the team at Back Row, it was clear that our visions aligned perfectly,” says Will. “I’m so excited to work with a team that values hard work and putting songwriters first while also building a culture around great people who make working in the music industry fun.”

Antle joins Back Row as Director of A&R. A native of Oklahoma and graduate of Oklahoma State University, he began his career as a production manager and sound engineer before transitioning into publishing. Most recently he served as Director, A&R at Round Hill Music. Antle can be reached here.

“I’m excited to continue my publishing career alongside Lindsay and the team at Back Row,” shares Antle. “It’s the type of company and people I look forward to building something great with.”

Gustavo Mioto Signs With Universal Music/MCA

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Gustavo Mioto. Photo: Saucer

Gustavo Mioto has signed with Universal Music, in partnership with MCA.

Born in Votuporanga, São Paulo, Mioto began playing guitar at six years old and wrote his first song at age 10. By 13, he was already performing professionally and building the foundation for a career that would eventually include nine albums and three live DVD projects. He has amassed 12 million followers across his platforms and over seven million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Most recently, he released “Last Goodbye,” his debut English-language single. The track has already garnered more than one million streams.

“I have always been a fan of Country music, but there was one specific day that changed the entire trajectory of my life. I was watching TV and caught the CMT Crossroads episode with Keith Urban and John Mayer. It absolutely blew my mind. In that moment, everything clicked. I saw how you could combine the melancholic soul of John Mayer with the Country-rock energy of Keith Urban. It was the perfect blend of emotional depth and rockstar performance. That exact collaboration is the reason I picked up the guitar and started to play,” says Mioto.

“Gustavo’s passion for country music is unmistakable,” Ami Brown, Vice President, International Marketing, MCA. “Rather than simply recording an English-language project, he immersed himself in Nashville’s songwriting community, collaborated with some of our city’s incredible creatives, and took the time to understand the culture and storytelling that define the genre. ‘Last Goodbye’ is just the beginning. We’re excited to help introduce Gustavo to country audiences around the world and continue building a bridge between Nashville and one of the most vibrant music markets in the world.”

Mioto is represented by WME.

“Coming from Brazil, where Gustavo has played for over a million fans at a single Carnival show and performs more than 200 dates a year, starting from the ground up in North America is a testament to his dedication. Building a lasting, global career requires a solid foundation, that’s why he spent months immersed in the Nashville songwriting community collaborating with some of Music City’s most accomplished writers. The momentum behind his debut English-language country single ‘Last Goodbye’—which earned over 1 million streams in its first month—gives us a fantastic starting point for this exciting next chapter,” shares WME’s Nate Towne. “We are focused on building a bridge between his international audiences, one song and one show at a time.”