‘Band Together Texas’ Begins Distribution Of Funds

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The full lineup of Texas talent joins together on-stage at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Aug. 17, for a final sing along of “On The Road Again.” Photo: Jeff Johnson

Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum‘s “Band Together Texas” has began making donations using the $8.5 million raised during the event earlier this year.

The Central Texas Community Foundation will be gifted $8 million, including a $1 million allocation to the Concho County Community Foundation. Meanwhile, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country will receive over $650,000, with resources designated to Habitat for Humanity’s “Home for the Holidays” initiative.

“These funds are more than numbers – they’re lifelines for families still recovering from this year’s floods,” shares Lambert. “We worked closely with state officials and local partners to identify where the need is greatest and ensure that every dollar supports meaningful recovery.”

“It has been amazing to see Texans, and even folks outside of Texas, come together in such a huge way,” adds McCollum. “The money raised will go a long way in helping our home recover.”

Counties with the most impact from the flooding will be prioritized for donations including Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Kerr, Concho and Tom Green to help housing, infrastructure and community rebuilding.

CMA Unveils 2025 International Award Winners

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Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Lynette Garbonola, Shannon Saunders, Justin Thomson. (Bottom Row, L-R): Mattias Hansson, Morgan Wallen, Cameron Whitcomb.

The Country Music Association has unveiled the winners of this year’s CMA International Awards, which recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations driving the global growth of country music. Honorees will be celebrated at a special reception on Nov. 19, in downtown Nashville, in addition to being recognized on stage that same evening during the pre-telecast ceremony at the 2025 CMA Awards.

“This year’s honorees embody the extraordinary ways Country Music continues to transcend borders,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through radio, touring, media, or artist development, each has helped share the genre with audiences around the world. Their work not only broadens Country Music’s reach, it deepens its impact, reminding us that this community truly is global.”

Lynette Garbonola, Vice President, International, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, receives the CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

Shannon Saunders, Agent, Head of Nashville International, WME, takes home the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievements made by an individual who has significantly contributed to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States.

Justin Thomson, National Content Director, iHeartCountry Australia, receives the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.

Mattias Hansson, Radio Producer/Presenter at P4 Country, Sveriges Radio, takes the International Country Broadcaster Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country.

Morgan Wallen receives the International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.

Cameron Whitcomb takes home the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist who is originally based internationally.

Lee Brice Plots Canadian ‘Sunriser Tour’ For Spring 2026

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Lee Brice

Lee Brice will head to Canada next spring on a nine-date “Sunriser Tour” beginning April 10.

Joining him on the new tour, which will visit Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and more, will be Platinum Canadian artist Brett Kissel and rising star Grace Tyler.

“Man, Canada, y’all have been ridin’ shotgun with me since back before I even had a hit! That fire you lit in my soul has only burned brighter over the years, and you’ve got a permanent spot right here in this country boy’s heart,” says Brice. “You’ve watched me chase these sunrises, and I can’t wait to roll back into your towns on the ‘Sunriser Tour,’ showin’ off this new fire we’ve stoked together. Get ready friends, I’m comin’ back to y’all with all I’ve got!”

Brice’s new single “Killed The Man” just went to radio and was most added upon its release. The track follows the heartbreak anthem “Cry” and “Said No Country Boy Ever” featuring some of Brice’s famous friends (Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, Dallas Davidson and Rob Hatch, aka The Traler Park).

“Sunriser Tour” Dates:
4.10.26 | Abbotsford, BC | Abbotsford Centre*
4.11.26 | Kelowna, BC | Prospera Place
4.13.26 | Grande Prairie, AB | Bonnetts Energy Centre
4.14.26 | Edmonton, AB | Rogers Place
4.16.26 | Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Event Centre*
4.17.26 | Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Event Centre*
4.18.26 | Medicine Hat, AB | Co-Op Place
4.24.26 | Oshawa, ON | Tribute Communities Centre
4.25.26 | Kitchener, ON | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium

*Without Brett Kissel

Reba McEntire Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of First Record Deal With MCA Team

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Pictured (L-R): Michael Hanel, Kevin Abbott, Mindy Schultheis, Julie Abbott, Franco Bario, Lauren Tinnin, Cooper Smith, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, Melissa Peterman, Belissa Escobedo, Reba McEntire, Rex Linn, Katie McCartney, Justin McIntosh, Stephanie Wright, Mike Harris, Bruce Resnikoff.

On Tuesday (Nov. 11), Reba McEntire marked the 50th anniversary of her first record deal with Mercury Records, which she signed on Nov. 11, 1975.

Current MCA executives surprised her in front of a studio audience at Happy’s Place, presenting her with a 50th Anniversary plaque to commemorate accomplishment.

MCA CEO Mike Harris reflected on the milestone, saying, “Reba’s impact on country music is immeasurable. For fifty years, she’s set the standard for artistry, authenticity, and work ethic — inspiring generations of artists and fans alike. It’s an incredible honor for all of us at MCA to celebrate this milestone with her and continue the journey with one of the most defining voices in our genre.”

McEntire has released 32 studio albums and sold over 58 million records across the globe with hits including “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” and “Whoever’s in New England.” She is the only female country solo artist to have a No. 1 hit in four consecutive decades. McEntire recently earned a GRAMMY nomination for “Trailblazer” collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Laney Wilson, marking her 18th career nomination.

Reba and team.

Clay Walker Fulfills Bucket List Wish With Ryman Debut

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Clay Walker.

Clay Walker made his headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday (Nov. 9) in a show featuring some special guests and unforgettable moments.

The Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer performed fan favorite hits, “If I Could Make A Living,” “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” “What’s It to You, and the self-penned “Live Until I Die,” to the sold-out crowd of all ages, bringing his signature charm and traditional roots to the Mother Church of Country Music. After getting the room on their feet for the high energy first half of the show, Walker brought out fellow ‘90s hitmaker Collin Raye who performed his hit “That’s My Story” to thunderous applause. He also invited out Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis and sang his biggest hit, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” causing the room to erupt and the crowd to chant after Travis’s signature “Amen” at the end of the song.

“There were so many great moments and feelings at the Ryman. True fans who have supported us for years, our entire professional team, and my wonderful family were there to participate in an electrifying, sold out show. I couldn’t be more blessed,” says Walker of the special night. 

Walker will  play the Grand Ole Opry Nov. 20 and has dates on his “Drive Me Smooth Tour” in Nevada, Arizona, Texas and more through the end of the year.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini Offers Sophistication & Elegance

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

It’s a downbeat, ballad kinda day here at DISClaimer.

Hudson Westbrook, Riley Green, Jackson Dean, ERNEST, Pynk Beard, Jake Owen and the dynamic duo of Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr. are all offering softer sounds in their new tracks. So is Kelsea Ballerini, who takes home the Disc of the Day prize.

Among the tempo tunes, the outstanding submission comes from Dalton Davis, who easily triumphs as our DISCovery Award artist of the week.

JACKSON DEAN / “Over and Over”
Writers: Jackson Dean/Luke Dick/Laura Veltz; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
– Dreamy and captivating. A gentle wash of acoustic instrumentation sets the romantic mood as Dean softly seduces every note of this swirling meditation on s-e-x.

NATE SMITH & TYLER HUBBARD / “After Midnight”
Writers: Casey Brown/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: Sony Music Entertainment
– Lotsa jangling, crashing electric guitars. Rowdy, good-ol’-boy, good-time vocals. Very repetitive song.

JENNA PAULETTE / “Steady”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Jenna Paulette/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– The rolling tempo and open-air arrangement frame her country-gal vocal perfectly. She sings of her beau that he’s a steady, comforting, warm presence. Authentic and believable.

JAKE OWEN / “Middle Age Crazy”
Writer: Sonny Throckmorton; Producers: Jake Owen & Shooter Jennings; Label: Good Company
– Owen slows down the 1977 Jerry Lee Lewis classic to a crawl. You have to admire the effort, since the original is so timeless, inimitable and enduring. The track is drawn from Owen’s new album Dreams to Dream, which marks a new, contemplative shift in sound and style for him.

PYNK BEARD / “One More Slow Dance”
Writers: Sebastian Kole/Trevor Brown/Warren “Oak” Felder/Zaire Koalo; Producer: Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Red Bull Records
– Very nice. His country baritone croons a tune that yearns for romance. The production has lots of quirky rhythm touches and an echoey chanting male background. Pynk Beard (Sebastian Kole) celebrates the release of his Red Dirt Diaries collection with a show tomorrow night (Friday, Nov. 14) at Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up club downtown at 9 p.m. followed by an appearance at The Pinnacle on Saturday in the multi-artist “Jukebox Nashville” event.

RILEY GREEN / “Ol’ Stray Dog”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jon Randall; Producer: Erik Dylan; Label: Nashville Harbor/Big Machine
– A blue and lonesome ballad for those who are lost and wandering. Full of heart.

MAGNOLIA RISING / “Hit the Ground”
Writers: Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle/Bandana Cheyenne; Producer: Zakk Garner; Label: MR
– A rousing, rocking anthem of resilience and survival. The duo is Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle, formerly two-thirds of Chapel Hart.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “I Sit in Parks”
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River
– Airy and pretty. In a lilting soprano, Ballerini muses on her life’s direction, wistfully thinking about where she is and where she wants to be. Sophisticated and elegant sounding.

DALTON DAVIS / “Cows in the Front Yard”
Writers: Christian Stalnecker/Dalton Davis/David “Messy” Mescon/Jet Harvey; Producer: David “Messy” Mescon; Label: MCA/Republic
– Hillbilly hilarious. The ditty bops splendidly, and the lyric is steeped in redneck wit. And then there’s the drawling, beyond-country, twanged vocal phrasing. Love this.

SHABOOZEY & STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Took a Walk”
Writers: Shaboozey/Connor Sullivan/Stephen Musselman/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Sean Cook, Stephen Musselman, Connor Sullivan; Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– Drawn from the soundtrack of the heartbreaking film of brotherhood titled The Long Walk. The stately ballad is a touching, moody meditation on death and love. Both CMA New Artist nominees sing with chesty authority. Striking and powerful. The online comments on this one are explosively massive.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “If He Wanted To”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records/River House
– Lovelorn and lovely. Wistful advice for someone yearning for someone who isn’t showing up emotionally.

ERNEST / “Blessed”
Writers: ERNEST/Mark Holman/Jordan Merrigan/Matt Mulhare; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud
– Be thankful. Your life, no matter how simple, is a gift. In mid-song, he switches to an extended, spoken-word passage.

LUCIE TIGER / “Harvest Moon”
Writers: Lucie Tiger/Stephanie C. Brown/Mark Narmore; Producer: Charles Holloman & Lucie Tiger; Label: 2120 Music
– A twanging murder ballad with a wicked, thumping, uptempo kick. This Aussie troubadour recently won the Country Vocalist of the Year honor at the Josie Awards, which recognize indie acts.

Save The Music’s ‘Hometown To Hometown’ Event Honors Old Dominion, Lee Ann Womack & Cameo Carlson

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Pictured (L-R): Leslie Fram; Cameo Carlson; Lee Ann Womack; Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi and Geoff Sprung of Old Dominion; and Dasha attend Save The Music’s 6th Annual “Hometown to Hometown” event at City Winery Nashville. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Save The Music

Save The Music held its sixth annual Nashville “Hometown to Hometown” event Tuesday night (Nov. 11) at City Winery, raising over $250,000 to support music education programs in under-resourced public high schools.

The evening was co-hosted by Leslie Fram and Dasha, who opened the night with a powerhouse performance of her hit song “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).” Old Dominion, Lee Ann Womack and mtheory’s Cameo Carlson were honored as the 2025 “Champions of the Year” for their contributions to the music industry and their commitment to supporting the next generation of creators through music education.

During the evening Mickey Guyton delivered a performance of “Better Than You Left Me” on behalf of “Champion of The Year” Carlson, and Carlson joined Fram on stage for a conversation about her career journey and artist advocacy before being presented with her award by music industry professional Rachel Whitney. Honoree Lee Ann Womack also delivered soulful back-to-back performances of “A Little Past Little Rock” and “I Hope You Dance,” earning the night’s first standing ovation. Renowned songwriter Bernie Taupin presented Womack with her award.

Old Dominion brought the evening to a powerful close, performing fan favorites “One Man Band” and “Goodnight Music City” and reflecting on the influences, experiences and opportunities that first sparked their love of music. Taylor Lindsey, SVP, A&R at Sony Music Nashville, presented the band with their “Champion of The Year” award, closing out the evening.

Proceeds raised from the event will go toward developing music technology programs in Nashville as well as the honorees’ respective hometowns of Dallas (Womack) and Washington, D.C. (Old Dominion). Since its inception in 2019, “Hometown to Hometown” has raised $1.2 million, empowering 18 high schools with essential music technology equipment and valuable resources.

Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Matthew Ramsey and Brad Tursi of Old Dominion. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Save The Music

Lee Ann Womack performs. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Save The Music

Mickey Guyton, Cameo Carlson and Rachel Whitney. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Save The Music

Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, HARDY, Jenna Paulette, Emily Ann Roberts, Raise the Woof

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Jordan Davis To Perform At Postgame Concert Following 2025 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Jordan Davis.

Jordan Davis is set to perform a postgame show ​​Dec. 31 at Camping World Stadium following the 2025 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, and game tickets include admission to the postgame concert.

“For eight decades, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl has been a celebration of football, our community and the fans who bring this incredible annual event to life,” says FCS CEO Steve Hogan. “Jordan Davis is one of the biggest names in country music, and having him help us ring in the New Year following another massive SEC-Big Ten showdown will make this year’s 80th game one to remember.”

“There’s no better way to close out the year than with college football and live country music,” Davis adds. “I can’t wait to celebrate with the fans in Orlando.”

 

HARDY Performs ‘Bottomland’ On ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’

YouTube video

HARDY recently took the stage on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performing his track “Bottomland” from his latest album COUNTRY! COUNTRY! for an audience of veterans and active service members on Veterans Day, marking his third appearance on the show.

 

Jenna Paulette Slates NFR Late Night Roundup For Dec. 6

Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker

Jenna Paulette will headline a NFR Late Night Roundup show for Dec. 6 from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The event is free to attend, hosted by Dillon Weldon, and features two sets of writer’s rounds, capped with a performance by Paulette. Additional performances include Tyler Booth, Ellis Bullard, Dalton Davis, Noeline Hofmann, Hayden Redwine, Brennan Scott Greene and Chancey Williams. Paulette will also perform as the Wrangler NFR opening act on Dec. 8 for Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at Thomas & Mack Center.

Additionally, Paulette, in partnership with Ely Cattleman, will sponsor a select group of rising female rodeo athletes beginning with this year’s NFR through 2026 as part of the inaugural Team CowboyGirl. Jorden Halvorsen is the first athlete to join the team.

“We are proud to have Jorden be the first signee for Team CowboyGirl,” Paulette shares. “Jorden is successful at whatever she chooses to put her hand in, and she’s been a friend of mine for a while now. We filmed my music video for ‘Slow Drawl’ together and she was in the launch campaign for CowboyGirl. She is cowboy in every sense of the word and we are honored to support her on the rodeo trail through Team CowboyGirl.”

 

Emily Ann Roberts Raises $10,000 for Street Hope TN

Emily Ann Roberts. Photo: Jamie Wendt

Emily Ann Roberts performed two sold-out hometown shows last week on Nov. 7 and 8 at Knoxville’s Bijou Theatre.

“My hometown has given me my accent, my love of country music, my favorite memories, and most of all, so much love,” shares Roberts. “Anytime I have an opportunity to go back home and give some of that love back to them I take it! I remember when I played the Blue Plate Special in the Knoxville visitors center and I thought I had ‘made it.’ I never dreamed I would make it this far. It’s a crazy feeling now to hear two sold-out crowds sing my lyrics back to me.”

Before the shows Roberts hosted 50 fans for her “Yeehaw Meemaw” crochet event sponsored by Michael’s, where she taught attendees how to crochet on their own. The event raised $10,000 for Street Hope TN, a nonprofit organization on a mission to eliminate the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in Tennessee.

 

Raise The Woof Raises 35K For Animal Rescue Corps

Pictured (L to R:) ARC Director of Administration Michael Cunningham, Pam Tillis, Natalie Murphy, ARC Executive Director Tim Woodward, Cam and Allie Colleen.

The inaugural Raise The Woof benefit concert was held recently at The Stage on Broadway, raising $35K for Animal Rescue Corps. Performances included Pam Tillis, Natalie Murphy, Annie Bosko, Allie Colleen, Sam Hunter, Chris Kroeze, Bobby Messano and Henry Particelli.

Anne Murray Celebrates The Season With Two Newly-Remastered Classics

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Anne Murray at The Opry House. Photo: Cooper Smith

Anne Murray is giving fans an early gift this holiday season with the release of two freshly remastered classics: Christmas Wishes, and Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits, out now via Universal Music Canada.

Released by Capitol Records in 1981, Christmas Wishes marked Murray’s first holiday album and quickly became a seasonal favorite. The record earned double Platinum certification in the U.S. and triple Platinum in Canada. Now, newly remastered for the ANNEversary Edition, the album features HD audio, Dolby Atmos mixes, and bonus instrumental versions of every track, offering fans a reimagined listening experience.

Originally released in 1980, Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits is a collection of nine previously released singles from 1970-1980, alongside recorded track, “Could I Have This Dance,” which appeared on the soundtrack to the film Urban Cowboy. The milestone compilation became the first collection of Murray’s chart-topping singles, from her breakthrough hit “Snowbird” to her later career classics and is certified six-times Platinum in Canada. In the U.S., the album peaked No. 16 on the Billboard Album Chart, rose to No. 2 on the Top Country Albums Chart (holding for nine consecutive weeks), and was certified four-times Platinum, marking it (at the time) her best-selling album.

Christmas Wishes and Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits are available to stream and download, as well as 180gram black vinyl edition with OBI-Strip. The deluxe digital edition of Christmas Wishes also includes Dolby Atmos mixes and bonus instrumental versions.

Adding to Canadian holiday celebrations, SiriusXM Canada launched a brand-new exclusive collaboration – Holidays with Anne Murray & Friends airing now through Dec. 27. The Anne Murray Holiday Special is a one-hour program where Murray shares memories behind her most cherished holiday songs and the traditions that continue to inspire her music.

The ANNEversary campaign continues to build on Murray’s legacy and her lasting influence on generations of artists and the industry. Last month, a star-studded lineup gathered at Nashville’s Opry House for “The Music of My Life: An All-Star Tribute to Anne Murray,” a one-night-only concert event celebrating Murray featuring Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, k.d. lang, Shenandoah, Pam Tillis, Collin Raye, Michelle Wright and more.

Big Machine Label Group Makes New Hires & Promotions

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Kaitlin Mays, Emily Haupt, Jenna Udell and Taylor Perez; (L-R, bottom row): Sara Benz, Ansley Neeley, Jenn Kelleher and Sarah Bertrand

Big Machine Label Group, a subsidiary of HYBE America, has made some new additions and promotions within its publicity and marketing departments.

Jenn Kelleher joins BMLG as Director, Publicity & Communications following time as Senior Publicist at 2PM Sharp and ore than five years at R&CPMK. Working across pop, country, rock, K-pop and contemporary Christian genres, she has driven global campaigns for artists including Jonas Brothers, Nickelback, Tauren Wells, Counting Crows, The Band Camino and The Black Crowes, and events such as the GRAMMY Awards, MusiCares and Desert Rodeo.

Sara Benz has been elevated to Director, Marketing, after starting at the label as Project Manager in 2023. Prior to BMLG, Benz was on the A&R team at UMe, the catalog division of UMG, where she worked across a diverse roster including Imagine Dragons, Patsy Cline and more.

Sarah Bertrand joins BMLG as Director, Digital Marketing following her previous role at MCA as Manager, Digital Marketing where she supported digital strategy and online presence for artists including Brad Paisley, Jordan Davis, Priscilla Block and more.

Also joining the label’s marketing department are Ansley Neeley (Senior Manager, Marketing), who previously served as Manager, Marketing and Creative at Monument Records, Kaitlin Mays (Senior Manager, Digital Marketing) arriving at BMLG from her prior role at MCA, and Taylor Perez (Manager, Digital Marketing) who comes to the label after three years with Warner Music Nashville. Additional promotions include Emily Haupt – rising from Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Label Operations Specialist to Manager, Marketing for BMLG – and Jenna Udell who ascends to Manager, Audience Development from Marketing Assistant.

“I’m so proud of these promotions and new hires at the Big Machine Label Group,” says Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “The shared passion and determination for our continued success is in great hands.”