Alan Jackson Reveals Details For His Final Concert [Exclusive]

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Alan Jackson. Photo: David McClister

Plans have been announced for Alan Jackson‘s last full-length concert of his touring career. In a show called “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member will perform for over 50,000 people on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.

An all-star lineup of artists are set to join Jackson to celebrate his career and legacy. Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack will all perform at the event, with more to be announced.

“We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started for me, and that’s in Nashville—Music City—where country music lives,” Jackson says, echoing the sentiment he offered when announcing an end to his road career this past spring.

At a May concert in Milwaukee, Jackson announced the end of his touring career, surprising many when he told the sellout crowd, “This is my last road show.”

“It’s been a long, sweet ride. It started 40 years ago,” he went on to explain. “I’ve really lived the American dream for sure—I’m so blessed.”

Registration for pre-sales begins today (Oct. 8) at 10:00 a.m. CT at AlanJacksonLastCall.com and continues through Monday (Oct. 13). Pre-sales begin Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10:00am CT. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 17 (Jackson’s birthday) at 10:00 a.m. CT, should any remain. VIP experiences are also available.

Throughout his touring career, Jackson took his music from coast-to-coast countless times. He crossed Canada from sea-to-sea, and even made its way to such places as Australia, Brazil and Europe. His “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour,” which began in 2022 and continued through this past spring, found the country legend playing to enthusiastic audiences at sellout and capacity concerts.

“Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” is presented by Silverbelly Whiskey and promoted by Doussan Music Group and Peachtree Entertainment. $1.00 per ticket will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organization that funds research to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and matched by $2.00 per ticket from a generous donor.

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Seven

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Pictured (L-R): 2025 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductees Don Cook, Steve Bogard, Brad Paisley, Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale and Tony Martin. Photo: Bev Moser

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) celebrated its 55th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 6), officially inducting seven remarkable tunesmiths into the Class of 2025. The ceremony at Nashville’s Music City Center paid tribute to the new members with heartfelt speeches and star-studded performances of some of their biggest hits.

This year’s class includes Steve Bogard and Tony Martin in the songwriter category; Jim Lauderdale and Brad Paisley in the songwriter/artist category; Don Cook in the veteran songwriter category; and Emmylou Harris in the veteran songwriter/artist category. The late JJ Cale was also recognized in the Legacy category, which honors NaSHOF-worthy candidates who are deceased.

“Tonight, we are gratified to welcome seven more extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “Along with their families, friends and members of the music industry, we celebrate them as they join this Hall of elite songwriters.”

Following opening remarks from NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford and Hallworth, the evening opened with a tribute to Cale. Hall of Fame member Gary Nicholson presented the honor, and Americana artist John Fullbright delivered a soulful rendition of Cale’s blues-rock classic “After Midnight.” Christine Lakeland-Cale accepted on behalf of her late husband.

Hall of Fame member Tom Shapiro presented Tony Martin, who was saluted by longtime friend Wendell Mobley with their co-written Jason Aldean hit “A Little More Summertime.”

“Next to being the sheriff of Mayberry, being a songwriter is the best job in the world,” Martin quipped when he accepted.

Gretchen Peters introduced Jim Lauderdale, followed by Lee Ann Womack’s tender performance of his signature “The King of Broken Hearts,” accompanied by Buddy Miller.

“I’m so grateful for this,” Lauderdale shared. “I will cherish this night for the rest of my life.”

Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner, both Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry members, teamed up to honor Brad Paisley—Anderson presenting and Wariner performing “We Danced.”

“I have always wanted to be you,” Paisley told the room of songwriters. “I moved here wanting to be a songwriter because I knew that community is what made this town so unique.”

Kix Brooks presented longtime collaborator and producer Don Cook, then joined Ronnie Dunn to perform their 1991 Brooks & Dunn debut “Brand New Man,” co-written by all three.

“I can’t believe they want me in this organization,” Cook said. “It blows my mind that I get to be in this group of heroes and friends.”

Dierks Bentley took the stage to salute Steve Bogard with a rendition of their Grammy-nominated hit “Every Mile a Memory.” Rory Bourke, a Hall of Fame member himself, presented the honor.

“I’m as dedicated as ever to trying to write great songs,” Bogard noted. “It’s still the best part of our day.”

The evening concluded with a poignant moment as Vince Gill performed Emmylou Harris’ beloved “Boulder to Birmingham,” following remarks from Hall of Famer Rodney Crowell.

“I stand here as a champion of the songwriter,” Harris said. “As someone who lives off the song and appreciates the hard work and artistry that goes into it, I’m so grateful for your work. Please don’t stop, because the world needs songs.”

The gala also paid tribute to three Hall of Fame members lost since last year’s event—Troy Seals, Sonny Curtis and Brett James. Kenny Chesney honored the late James with a moving performance of his hit “When the Sun Goes Down.”

The celebration began with a welcoming performance from The Garrett Boys and was once again hosted by the legendary Bill Cody, longtime “voice” of the gala and host of 650 AM WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody.

JUST IN: Vince Gill Signs Lifetime Deal With MCA

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Pictured (L-R): MCA’s Mike Haris and Rob Femia, Larry Fitzgerald, Vince Gill, MCA’s Katie McCartney and Stephanie Wright. Photo: Chris Hollo

Vince Gill has signed a lifetime recording deal with MCA, continuing the decades-long partnership between the two. As part of the deal, Gill will release an EP each month for the next year.

The EP series titled 50 Years From Home will feature both new music and select catalog tracks that go along with the project’s theme. The first EP, 50 Years From Home: I Gave You Everything I Had, will release Oct. 17. The project will include double-Platinum “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”

“Vince has been a major part of the MCA family for decades,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO, MCA. “This lifetime agreement reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting his artistic vision and providing him artistic freedom while ensuring his legacy continues to grow.”

“I’m feeling the most creative I’ve ever felt in my career these last few years,” shares Gill. “I’ve collected a treasure trove of songs and with my friends and partners at MCA we’ve come up with a way to release all this new music. It’s a partnership that’s lasted 36 years and I’m grateful for it.”

“MCA Records has been Vince’s home since early in his career, and now he knows their partnership will endure into the future,” adds Gill’s longtime manager Larry Fitzgerald. “Vince’s fans wanting his music won’t have to look any further than MCA to find it. My relationship with Vince began 41 years ago and I’m thrilled to stand with him at this important moment.”

Charlie Handsome Sits Atop The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Charlie Handsome.

Charlie Handsome has re-claimed the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His current entries include BigXthaPlug and Ella Langley’s “Hell At Night,” Marshmello and Jelly Roll’s “Holy Water” and Morgan Wallen’s “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” (feat. Post Malone), “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want” (feat. Tate McRae).

Riley Green remains at No. 2 with his solo penned Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill sits at No. 3 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “Miami,” “Straight Line” and “TN.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Brantley Gilbert Signs With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s VP, A&R Camille Kenny, Brantley Gilbert’s Tour Manager Corey Roberson, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr, BMG Americas President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, Brantley Gilbert, Red Light Management’s Aaron Keiser, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s General Manager Peter Strickland, BMG’s VP, Global Content & Creative Jen Morgan & Red Light Management’s Tom Lord. Photo: Brian Vaughan

Multi-Platinum artist Brantley Gilbert has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Led by Jon Loba, BMG Americas President of Frontline Records, Gilbert’s new label team joined Gilbert on stage at his recent Nashville stop of the “Tattoos Tour” to celebrate the news.

“I’m fired up to kick off this next chapter with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,” shares Gilbert. “They support their artists in ways that really move the needle, and it means a lot that they believe in what we’re building and want to be a part of it. We’ve got some big things on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to having this crew in my corner as we take it to the next level.”

“I’ll never forget years ago when JoJamie Hahr came into my office on fire about an independent artist named Brantley Gilbert,” says Loba. “From my first listen, it was easy to hear what she was so excited about. He proved her right, exploding into the mainstream of country music. He continues to be one of the most exceptional writers of today with the live show to match. We saw the rabid connection he’s built with his audience again Friday night at FirstBank Amphitheatre. JoJamie and I dreamed of one day working again with Brantley. Luckily for us and BMG, dreams come true!”

Gilbert has garnered over 8.3 billion career streams, boasts back-to-back Platinum-selling albums and seven chart-topping hits including the RIAA 7x Platinum “Bottoms Up;” 2x Platinum “Country Must Be Country Wide;” 2x Platinum “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do;” 2x Platinum “One Hell of An Amen;” and the Platinum-certified “What Happens In A Small Town.” He also wrote ACM Artist of the Decade and now labelmate Jason Aldean’s No. 1 smashes “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party.”

Talent Announced For ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

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Pictured (clockwise): Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, CeCe Winans and Bailey Zimmerman

Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman will help Music City ring in 2026 as headliners of New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The country superstars will perform live at Nashville’s very own Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, airing live on Wednesday, Dec. 31 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:30 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.

Gospel music legend CeCe Winans will also take the stage as a special guest, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the night’s festivities alongside the acclaimed Fisk Jubilee Singers. The collaboration will add a soulful note to the star-studded lineup that Music City locals and visitors can enjoy for free at Bicentennial Park’s main stage. The festivities will be capped off by the iconic Music Note drop at midnight.

Last year’s event marked an all-time high for attendance, with 220,000 people attending.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The special will be directed by Sandra Restrepo.

JUST IN: Luke Combs Becomes Highest RIAA Certified Country Artist Ever

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Luke Combs. Photo: David Bergman

Luke Combs has officially been named the highest RIAA certified country artist in history, with 168 million units sold.

“When my team first told me about this, my initial reaction was, ‘Are you sure? There’s no way.’ It was only 8 years ago that I got my first plaque for ‘Hurricane’ going Gold,” shares Combs. “I knew then, without a doubt, I had the best fans in the world. The song had gone Platinum before they could even give me the Gold plaque. I’m super humbled by the fans’ belief in me and support of my music today and over the years. I know this does not happen without them. This achievement is more so theirs than it is mine. All I ever hoped and dreamed of from the beginning of this crazy ride was to make music that made people feel something and I can’t wait to continue making country music for the rest of my life.”

Combs has earned 19 No. 1 songs and his current single, “Back In The Saddle,” is top 10 at radio right now. He was recently nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” A Grand Ole Opry member and 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-time Billboard Music Award-winner, Combs has recently collaborated with artists such as Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Bellion and Alex Warren, and partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open his bar in downtown Nashville, Category 10.

Combs released The Prequel last week, a new 3-song collection featuring “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These.”

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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The latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with headline-making moments, industry shifts, and notable debuts, marking another dynamic week in country and music industry news. Click here to see the full edition.

Lainey Wilson is once again stepping into the spotlight as she returns to host the 59th annual CMA Awards. Set for Nov. 19 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, this marks Wilson’s second consecutive year as host. The ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. CST on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

Warren Denney has announced his retirement from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. After more than 18 years of dedicated service as Vice President of Creative, Denney will officially step down at the end of the year.

Industry executive Ian Harrison has been named CEO of A2IM.

Kesha has joined the roster at Red Light Management under the guidance of veteran manager Mary Hilliard Harrington.

Bernie Leadon, founding member of the Eagles and a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, who has signed a long-term, worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music.

Two iconic bands made debuts at the Grand Ole Opry. Train took the stage for the first time on Sept. 19, while Better Than Ezra made their Opry debut on Sept. 24. Rising artist MŌRIAH also had her moment in the historic circle, stepping onto the Opry stage for her debut performance on Sept. 26.

Morgan Evans has partnered with Virgin Music Group for the release of his upcoming projects.

Anthem Music Publishing has acquired a catalog of works by Nashville-based songwriter and producer Mark Holman.

Finally, Make Wake Artists has announced the launch of a new in-house label division. The new department will be led by Alicia Mathews (Head of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships), Brianna Steinitz (Director of Administration & Operations), and Myles Hoffman (Marketing Manager).

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Robert Earl Keen’s manager Kelly Thomas.

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.

Morgan Wallen Extends Reign With Fifth Week Atop MusicRow Radio Chart

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Morgan Wallen on tour. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen notches a fifth week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track, “I Got Better.”

The song, off of his recent album I’m The Problem, was written by Wallen, Michael Hardy, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Smith, Charlie Handsome and Joe Reeves.

Yesterday (Oct. 1) Wallen release the official music video for the single. Directed By Justin Clough, the video for “I Got Better” uses a car accident as a metaphor for the wreckage of a relationship. The story follows Wallen as he walks away from the crash, gradually healing as he does so.

“I Got Better” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 4 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Release ‘Catchy Country Rocker’

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I can’t remember when I enjoyed a listening session more.

The reason is that this edition of DISClaimer reviews current country records that are actually country music. Thanks for that, Joshua Hedley, Jake Worthington, Avery Anna, Alex Miller, HARDY and the rest of you fine folks.

It also says something about the depth of our talent pool when Jon Randall, Ray Benson, Shooter Jennings, Alan Jackson, Daniel Tashian, Jerry Salley and Jerry Douglas are names in the credits and not out front. How cool is that?

The Disc of the Day belongs to the legendary, enduring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The group may be retiring, but it clearly still has plenty of gas in its tank.

Give a DISCovery Award to Brandon Wisham.

BRANDON WISHAM / “Whiskey’s Whisperin’”
Writers: Andrew Stoelzing/Brandon Wisham/Nate Miles/Zachary Knowles; Producer: Nate Miles; Label: UMG
– He sounds like a wonderful singer. Imagine what he could do with a song that had a melody.

JAKE OWEN / “Long Time Lovin’ You”
Writers: Kendell Marvel/Will Jones; Producers: Jake Owen, Kendell Marvel, Shooter Jennings; Label: Good Company Entertainment
– Owen sings in a softer tone and a lower register on this gentle love ballad. It’s lovely, simple folk-country, somewhat in the manner of the late Don Williams. Which is to say, it’s awfully good. Ear cleansing and spirit soothing.

ALEX MILLER / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Alan Jackson/Jim McBride; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Yee-Haw! This honky-tonk romp will have you grinning from ear to ear. Get a load of those songwriter credits. Is there any doubt in your mind that this is a COUNTRY record? Miller is one of our finest singers, and he really struts his stuff on this barroom toe-tapper.

HARDY / “Dog Years”
Writer: Michael Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– As a total dog lover, I found this irresistible. It’s written from the point of view of a stray who finds a boy to love him. And, yes, the ballad ends sadly, as every good dog story does. They are wonderful little beings who come into our lives, but leave too soon because they just don’t live as long as we do. Hardy captures these emotions perfectly.

JOSHUA HEDLEY / “Fresh Hot Biscuits”
Writer: Joshua Hedley; Producers: Joshua Hedley, Ray Benson; Label: New West Records
– Hedley teams up with members of Asleep at the Wheel for this splendid western-swing bopper. In addition to delivering a dandy, jaunty vocal, he breaks out a hot fiddle solo in midsong. If you’d like to catch this country talent live, head on downtown to Robert’s Western World whenever he’s performing as the resident entertainer.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND / “Night After Night”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Paul Kennerley; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Many Hats Distribution
– OMG what a delightful track. The band zips through this catchy country rocker with joyous abandon. The song has more hooks than a tuna boat, and Jeff Hanna’s lead vocal is beyond cool. Put this on endless repeat. The Dirt Band is currently on its farewell tour. Go see these legends while you still can.

ASHLEY COOKE / “The Hell You Are”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Chase McGill/Emily Weisband/Joe Fox/Seth Ennis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Loud Records
– She’s finally had enough. In this lively, rollicking kiss-off, she lets him know that his lines don’t work anymore. The mix perfectly balances her saucy delivery and a full-bodied country-rock production with notes that pierce like drops of fire. Extremely well done.

CHARLEY PRIDE / “Thank You Pretty Baby”
Writers: Brook Benton/Clyde Otis; Producers: Bob Pickering, Charley Pride; Label: Music City Records
– Endlessly is a tribute album to Brook Benton (1931-1988) by Pride. The new CD came about after the tapes for it were discovered following the superstar’s death from COVID in 2020. The performances are a revelation, perhaps the finest vocals of the Hall of Famer’s career. This entire project is essential listening. The single from it is a charming, retro bopper, punctuated by sax bursts and propelled by some punchy, shuffling percussion.

AVERY ANNA / “Girl of Constant Sorrow”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This is an enchanting, folk-maiden performance. Her aching soprano is backed by simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. Let the cares of the world slip away and allow yourself to be transported back to a time when music was this pure and clear.

JAKE WORTHINGTON / “Two First Names”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Jake Worthington/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Twang to spare. The witty lyric is groovy enough, but Worthington’s vocal delivery of it is honky-tonk nirvana. Add some stuttering guitar, barrelhoue piano, stinging steel and fiddle flourishes and you’re got yourself a shining little country-music jewel. Worthington’s sophomore album also features collabs with Miranda, Marty and Mae Estes. Get it.

VINCENT MASON / “Days Are Numbered”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Geoff Warburton/Jessie Jo Dillon/Vincent Mason; Producers: Jake Gear, Vincent Mason; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– There’s something kinda muffled about the way his vocal is miked. The yearning, contemplative song is a easy-going ride with his tender tenor backed by steel and guitar.

HUNEYFIRE / “My Country”
Writers: Caitlin Evanson/Cheaza Figueroa/Marriana Barlow; Producer: Cheaza Figueroa; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– The mother-daughter duo issues this slowly paced song as a statement of purpose. It is somewhat thinly produced for a range-y power ballad, but they warble it well.