Jackie Martinez Marushka Releases ‘The PR Playbook’

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Jackie Martinez Marushka

Jackie Martinez Marushka of Marushka Media has written a new book, The PR Playbook, a guide to personal branding and public relations, which is out today (Jan. 12.)

In the new book she shares templates, pro-tips and campaign roadmaps from her 30+ years of experience in the music industry. The book was put together with the help of a team that included Amber Weigand-Buckley, Steve Rohr, Craig Shelburne, Madison Smith, Chad Collins, Alan Kates and Jesse Flohr.

The new book is available here and Marushka will be presenting her workshop at several conferences throughout 2026.

Marushka founded Marushka Media, a boutique PR and Branding agency, in 2016, where she and her team create and execute career-enhancing PR and marketing campaigns for clients in the entertainment and nonprofit arenas.

Prior to launching her on company, Marushka started and led Shore Fire Media’s Nashville office (known for Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey and others) as GM from 2013 to 2016. Prior to that, she led a division of Sony Music Entertainment as one of its youngest Vice Presidents and its first divisional VP of Public Relations, handling PR for the division’s distribution company, more than 40 recording artists across five record labels, a publishing company, a film company and corporate communications.

Chris Stapleton’s ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ Becomes First Country Song Certified RIAA Double-Diamond

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Chris Stapleton. Photo: David McClister

Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” has been certified RIAA Double-Diamond, selling over 20 million units and becoming the first country song to reach this milestone.

“Chris Stapleton’s undeniable vocal grit and storytelling have connected deeply – driving chart successes, earning major awards, and most importantly, resonating with fans,” shares RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “RIAA is proud to celebrate him alongside MCA as “Tennessee Whiskey” today makes history, becoming the first country single ever to earn a Double Diamond certification with twenty million units in the U.S. alone. It’s a remarkable achievement and another defining moment in Stapleton’s career.”

Stapleton is set to continue his “All-American Road Show” through this fall with stops at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, Detroit’s Ford Field, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium and Boston’s Fenway Park, among many others. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Jan. 16).

Music City Roots Returns To Harken Hall

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The Music City Roots showcase returns to Harken Hall in Madison, Tennessee on Jan. 28 featuring John McEuen, Gary Nicholson and Dani-Rae Clark.

Jim Lauderdale will serve as host, with Keith Bilbrey returning as announcer and Ranger Doug Green of Riders in the Sky interviewing each artist. Music City Roots partner WMOT Roots Radio, the region’s source for Americana music, will air the concert live.

“Our reintroduction of Music City Roots in late November was so well received we immediately began work on this second show with artists who are asking to be part of one of the greatest Americana experiences today,” shares Jamie Amos, president of Harken Hall and Executive Producer of Music City Roots. “Guests will see country, blues, rock, folk, bluegrass and Americana at its best. This show directly inspired the creation of Harken Hall which is a state-of-the-art live event venue, soundstage and video production facility.”

Tickets are on sale now at harkenhall.com.

Avery Anna’s ‘Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour’ Set For March

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Avery Anna. Photo: Ben Humphrey

Avery Anna will kick off her headlining “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” this spring beginning March 12.

The eight-date run kicks off in Cincinnati and will also visit St. Louis, Tulsa, Chattanooga and more through March 28. Tickets go on sale to the general public today (Jan. 12), with more stops to be announced soon. The tour is named after Avery’s emotional spin on the song “Girl of Constant Sorrow.”

The rising star recently showcased her vocal power with her critically acclaimed cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears.” In 2025, she released her sophomore album let go letters, which was named one of Billboard’s 50 Best Albums of 2025. She also reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with Sam Barber for their Platinum viral duet “Indigo” and spent the summer on the road opening for Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On Tour” and Brad Paisley’s “Truck Still Works World Tour,” wrapping up her own nearly sold-out headlining “Let Go Letters Tour” this winter.

“Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” Dates:
3.12 — Cincinnati, OH — Bogart’s
3.13 — St. Louis, MO — Ballpark Village
3.14 — Tulsa, OK — Cain’s Ballroom
3.19 — Portland, ME — Aura
3.20 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den
3.21 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom
3.27 — Rosemont, IL — Joe’s Live
3.28 — Chattanooga, TN — The Signal

Zach Bryan Releases ‘With Heaven On Top Acoustic’

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Zach Bryan has released an acoustic version of his With Heaven On Top album, out via Warner Records.

The project features 24 tracks with just vocals and guitar along with alternative cover art. The digital set is broken down into two parts with the acoustic version as “Disc 1” and “Disc 2” comprised of the original 25 track album totaling 49 tracks in all.

With Heaven On Top was released January 9, via Warner Records. The complete set of songs was written, recorded and produced by Bryan in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Tickets for Bryan’s 2026 With Heaven On Tour are on sale now.

Blake Shelton Notches 31st No. 1

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Blake Shelton. Photo: Robby Klein

Blake Shelton has earned his 31st No. 1 at country radio with “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” out via Wheelhouse Records. The track was written by Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis and Beau Bailey.

“I’ve been around long enough to know you never take moments like this for granted, and a number one radio single is always worth celebrating,” says Shelton. “I love this song, and I’m so grateful the fans do too. There’s no better way to kick off the Vegas residency on Thursday than with ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin’’ at the top of the charts.”

The track is Shelton’s second No. 1 from his latest BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville album For Recreational Use Only, following “Texas,” which topped the charts last May.

Youtube video

Shelton has amassed 11 billion global streams, six ACM awards, three AMA awards, eleven CMA awards, eleven CMT awards and six People’s Choice awards. He recently wrapped the debut season of The Road, which he co-produced alongside Taylor Sheridan, David Glasser, Lee Metzger and headliner Keith Urban.

This week, Shelton is returning to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with eight performances scheduled from Jan. 15 through Jan. 31. Tickets are available now.

Larry Fleet Partners With EMPIRE, New Album Due In February

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Pictured (L-R) Eric Hurt, Jon Andolina, Tina Davis, Larry Fleet, Ghazi, Jen Way and Nima Etminan.

Larry Fleet will release his new album Another Year Older on Feb. 13 via Stellar Way Records/EMPIRE. Another Year Older marks Fleet’s first release under the new partnership with EMPIRE.

The 11 track project reflects on Fleet’s growth, gratitude, and staying grounded through life. Fleet is a co-writer on nine of the tunes, with writing collaborations including Randy Montana, Jessi Alexander, Luke Laird and more. The project was solely produced by Fleet.

Fleet will embark on his “Another Year Older Tour” on Feb. 12 in Boston. The 23 city tour will hit Raleigh, North Carolina, Billings, Montana, Germany and more before wrapping on May 12 in Bristol, UK.

Another Year Older Track List:
1. “More Of That” (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Jessi Alexander, Josh Miller)
2. “Baseball on the Radio” (Larry Fleet, Mark Holman, Randy Montana)
3. “Hotel Bible” (Larry Fleet, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
4. “If These Walls Could Talk” (Larry Fleet, Mark Trussell, Rhett Akins)
5. “5:25” (Larry Fleet, Brent Rupard, Anthony Olympia)
6. “Both Sides Of The Fence” (Alex Kline, Brent Rupard, Chris DuBios)
7. “Another Year Older” (Aaron Raitiere, Colton Venner, Joseph Patton)
8. “Whole Lotta Little Things” (Larry Fleet, Brett James, Adam James)
9. “Drunk Advice” (Larry Fleet, Will Weatherly, Brad Tursi)
10. “If I Still Was” (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Bobby Pinson)
11. “American Made” (Larry Fleet, Mark Holman, Scooter Carusoe)

Miranda Lambert To Perform Daytona 500 Pre-Race Concert

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Miranda Lambert is set to perform the Daytona 500 pre-race concert, kickstarting the festivities prior to the 68th running of The Great American Race.

“To have this level of talent with an artist such as Miranda Lambert performing our pre-race concert adds an incredible amount of energy for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” says Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “Her powerhouse vocals and passion for music are the perfect mix to represent the prestige of this event. Get ready for the thunder of country music before we wave the green flag and engines roar to kick off the 2026 season!”

The action begins on Feb. 11, with the Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light, setting the field for the Duel At Daytona, which occurs Feb. 12, where drivers will battle it out for a spot in the Great American Race. The season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series kick off on Feb. 13, starting with the Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Feb. 14 will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series race followed by the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.  Then on Feb. 15, the USAF Thunderbirds will perform their flyover, preparing both fans and drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series for an intense battle in the Daytona 500.

Lambert’s most recent album, current Grammy-nominee Postcards from Texas, continued her unbroken streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart. She recently collaborated with Chris Stapleton on “A Song to Sing,” as well as Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson on “Trailblazer,” both of which are also nominated at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards as well.

Coleman Jennings Drops Debut EP ‘Ride On’

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Lone Star singer-songwriter Coleman Jennings has released his debut EP, Ride On, via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records.

Produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, Ride On features three new songs as well as the already-released “Head Spinning.” Jennings explores Western, folk, honky tonk, outlaw and Americana, old time and bluegrass on Ride On, and as a student of music, Jennings counts Townes Van Zandt, The Eagles, Blaze Foley, John Hartford and Lynyrd Skynyrd as inspirations.

“I just love what I love. I don’t care [about genre] and I have no guardrails on what I do,” Jennings explains. “My favorite artists are open to writing things that challenge – stuff that makes people think – and my dream is to take that all the way.”

The Texas native will host a residency at Austin’s Sagebrush every second and fourth Monday of the month in addition to supporting Dwight Yoakam throughout February and into March.

Ride On Track List: 
1. “Ride On”
2. “Jamie”
3. “Head Spinning”
4. “Marianaville”
5. “First Born Home”

All songs solo-penned by Coleman Jennings

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly delivers a wide-ranging snapshot of the current country music landscape, from chart-topping songwriters and emerging artists to significant industry moves and heartfelt remembrances. Click here to see the full edition.

Leading the headlines is MusicRow’s unveiling of its Top 100 Songwriters of 2025, a list that ultimately includes 119 names due to tied scores. At the pinnacle of this year’s rankings is Charlie Handsome, who amassed the highest number of points on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart to claim the No. 1 position. Riley Green follows at No. 2, while Morgan Wallen secures the No. 3 spot. Rounding out the top five are Ashley Gorley at No. 4 and Blake Pendergrass at No. 5. While the list highlights an impressive breadth of hitmaking talent, it also underscores an ongoing imbalance, with just 12 female songwriters represented among the top 100 this year.

Looking ahead to the future of the format, Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music Show at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026. The highly anticipated showcase will feature performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.

On the digital front, SoundExchange released its annual lists of Top Tracks and Breakout Creators of 2025, drawing from a full year of non-interactive streaming data spanning December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025. Among the notable country-related placements, Shaboozey landed at No. 7 on the top tracks list with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” while Kane Brown claimed the No. 19 spot with his Marshmello collaboration, “Miles On It.” The breakout creators list also featured a strong showing from emerging country and Americana talent, including Zach Top, Hudson Westbrook, Ty Myers, Max McNown, Lanie Gardner and Graham Barham.

The industry also paused to remember a revered songwriter this week. Jim McBride, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame passed away Tuesday morning (Jan. 6) at the age of 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy of influential songwriting and mentorship within the Nashville community.

In business news, Kimberly Holcombe has joined CTM Outlander as Vice President, Copyright & Administration. Publishing deals were also announced, with Josh Weathers signing with Sea Gayle Music, and Emma Lynn White inking a new publishing agreement with Ten Ten Music.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Wrensong Entertainment’s Ree Guyer.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Choosin’ Texas.” 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.