Columbia Nashville recording artist Jameson Rodgers set up camp for the first of his two-night stay at Nashville’s Exit/In last night (Dec. 16).

Wrapping up the final dates of his “Cold Beer Calling My Name Tour,” the singer-songwriter delivered his first full band, full set in Nashville to the sold out crowd, which was peppered with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters and industry executives.

Rodgers came out swinging with “Girls That Smoke,” one of the many high-energy songs from his debut album Bet You’re From A Small Town, which was released in September of 2021. He followed it with the equally strong “In It For The Money,” which serves as an anthem of sorts for those chasing Nashville’s neon dream.

“This show has been on sale literally for two years, and there was a time when I didn’t know if we would ever get to do this again. It’s good to see you all in person. Thank you for spending your Thursday night with us,” Rodgers expressed to the crowd. “I put a brand new record out a few months ago. We’re gonna play some new songs off the record that you may not know yet, but one day you will.”

Throughout the set, the Mississippi native gave a full sampling of the record with performances of the inspiring “Girl With A Broken Heart,” the clever “You Won’t,” the tear-jerking “Good Dogs,” and the project’s title track, “Bet You’re From A Small Town.” Rodgers also played his current radio single, “Missing One,” which tells the tale of Rodgers missing an Eagles record from his collection and wraps up in the chorus with him missing a girl.

The multi-Platinum-selling songwriter shared the namesake of the tour, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” which also happens to be the second of his two No. 1 singles. It was met with a roaring response from the Nashville audience. He also entertained the crowd with a special medley of some of the Eagles biggest hits, including “Take It Easy,” “Life In The Fast Lane,” and “Heartache Tonight.”

“There’s a lot of people in this room tonight responsible for a lot of success that I’ve had over the last few years. I wouldn’t be here without them,” Rodgers shared. “Thank y’all for buying a t-shirt and for spending $15 to come see us. Thank you for listening to my music over the last few years. I’m just a good ole boy from Mississippi living his dream up here, so cheers!“

After a packed set, Rodgers and his band returned to the stage for their three-song encore, which included the heavy-hitting “Midnight Daydream” and a cover of Chris Lane‘s “I Don’t Know About You,” a song that Rodgers helped write and had his first No. 1 song as a writer with.

“I moved to this town in 2010 from a little town in Mississippi,” Rodgers said as he introduced the track. “The last few years I’ve been fortunate enough to have some other artists here in Nashville record some songs that I’ve helped write. Chris Lane took this song all the way up the charts.”

Rodgers closed the show with his Platinum-certified, No. 1 debut single “Some Girls,” earning a deafening response from the crowd who sang along to every word.

With nearly a dozen sold out dates, the “Cold Beer Calling My Name Tour” zig-zagged across the country, with more than 25 stops. The trek will conclude with another sold out show tonight (Dec. 17) at Nashville’s Exit/In with support from Lily Rose.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has expanded its creative team with several key hires and promotions.

Kenley Flynn has been appointed as Senior Director, Creative. He has over a decade of  experience in the industry and previously worked in A&R at Combustion Music. In his new role, Flynn will support the company’s roster of songwriters, sign and develop new talent, and provide new opportunities for collaborations and creative development.

Dale Bobo has been named Catalog Strategist to further support SMP Nashville’s robust catalog of country hits. Bobo, a seasoned publishing veteran, previously worked at Big Deal Music.

SMP Nashville has also promoted Dane Schmidt to Senior Director, Creative, and promoted Mya Hansen to Senior Manager, Creative.

Schmidt earned success from his work with Gabby Barrett, who he signed to SMP in 2020, and Zach Kale, who co-wrote Barrett’s record-breaking hit “I Hope.” Hansen, who has been with the company since 2020, recently signed Tate McRae alongside SVP Creative Jennifer Knoepfle and former SMP A&R Danielle Middleton.

Synnovea Halsel has also joined the team as Creative Coordinator, and Alex Albanese, who joined the company in 2019, has been promoted to Creative Coordinator.

“I’m so proud of Dane, Mya and Alex, as they’ve consistently delivered at the highest level for our songwriters and have earned these promotions,” says Josh Van Valkenburg, EVP, Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “Dale, Kenley and Synnovea have already become important additions to our tight-knit family at SMP Nashville, and the future of our team is in good hands with all six of these exceptional creatives.”

Ned LeDoux has released a track, “The Mountain,” from his upcoming third full-length album, Buckskin. The new project is due out March 11 and is available now for pre-order at all digital retailers.

“’The Mountain’ is one of those songs that just felt really good to write,” says LeDoux. “There’s just something about the mountain that has a way of putting you back on track. For me when I’m up on the mountain, I feel closer to God. I think a lot of people have a certain place that they like to go, whether it’s the ocean or the family ranch or maybe just their front yard. For me it’s always been the mountain. It’s a very spiritual place for me. A place to free your mind and get something off your chest and have a conversation with the man upstairs. Whether it’s going through a struggle in your life or really good times. I think it’s good to share everything with him. I’m very proud of this song”

Produced by his long-time friend/producer Mac McAnally, Buckskin includes 12 songs, eight of which LeDoux wrote or co-wrote. In addition to his eight original songs, LeDoux also included his dad Chris LeDoux’s self-penned, iconic “He Rides The Wild Horses,” one of his favorite songs his dad ever wrote.

“On every album I put out I’m always going to record one of my dad’s songs,” LeDoux says. “For the Buckskin album, I decided to go with ‘He Rides The Wild Horses.’ This has definitely got to be one of my top five favorite songs that he’s written, and I think it fits perfectly following The Buckskin poem. I really love this song.”

“I hope I inspire people to never forget where you came from,” he continues. “That’s one thing I’m very proud of. I’m carrying on a tradition, but I’m writing my own story. I’m very proud of my family and friends and there’s one piece of advice my mom gave me when we were kids: ‘Never forget where you came from and show respect to people no matter where you are.’ So with this album I hope to inspire and show people, ‘Hey this old cowboy isn’t changing for nobody.’ I want people to know they should never give up on a dream. There’s always time. Just keep on going.”

Buckskin Track Listing:
1) “The Mountain” – Ned LeDoux
2) “Open Road” – Ned LeDoux, Mark Sissel
3) “Only Need One” – Andy Albert, Rodney Clawson, Jimmy Robbins
4) “Hey Hey” – Ned LeDoux
5) “This Ain’t My First Rodeo” – Chad Roland, Joe Hash
6) “Upside of the Ground” – Mac McAnally
7) “Cards In San Antone” – Ned LeDoux, Mark Sissel
8) “The Buckskin” – Ned LeDoux
9) “He Rides The Wild Horses” – Chris LeDoux
10) “Rodeo Dreams” – Ned LeDoux, Clay LeDoux
11) “Cowboy Is His Name” – Ned LeDoux
12) “Damn Good Cowboy” – Ned LeDoux, Willy Braun

Country music icon Dolly Parton has broken some new world records with her music. Guinness World Records recently acknowledged the feat during an exclusive presentation in Nashville.

Parton was honored with new record titles for Most Decades On the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart (female) at 7, and Most No.1 Hits On the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart By a Female artist at 25. The Tennessee native also broke her own record for the most hits on the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart By a Female Artist with 109.

These titles join Parton’s previous record for Most Decades With a Top 20 Hit On the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart at 6, which was awarded in 2018.

“This is the kind of stuff that really makes you very humble and very grateful for everything that’s happened. I had no idea that I would be in Guinness World Records this many times! I am flattered and honored,” says Parton. “I’ve had a lot of people help me get here. Thanks to all of you and all of them for helping me have all of this. I’ve loved being able to make a living in the business that I love so much. I’ve been so fortunate to see my dreams come true, and I just hope to continue for as long as I can. You’re going to have to knock me down to stop me!”

Parton started crafting hits in 1967 with “Something Fishy” and “Dumb Blonde.” Her first No. 1 entry came in 1971 with “Joshua.” She followed that up with “Jolene” in 1974 and has been releasing hits every decade since.

Her latest duets for friend Reba McEntire’s remake of “Does He Love You” and Michael Bublé’s holiday tune, “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas,” have extended her reign on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Next up, the legend will collaborate with bestselling author James Patterson on an upcoming novel, Run, Rose, Run, which will be accompanied by a new album based on the story, due out in March 2022.