Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game Unveils Full Lineup

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Riley Green & Zach Top

The full lineup has been revealed for the Folds Of Honor Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball Game set for Monday (June 1) at First Horizon Park in Nashville.

Team Military will include Team Captain Riley Green, Mat Best, Gavin Adcock, Ryan Ellis, Danae Hays, RaeLynn, Jordan Davis, McCoy Moore, Warren Zeiders, JC Latham, Jessie James Decker, Eric Decker, Cooper Alan
Honorary Military Member Sergeant First Class Joseph C. Ervin, Honorary Military Member Army Officer Lauren Warner and Honorary Base Coach Special Forces Assistant Detachment Commander Dean Goble.

Team First Responders will include Team Captain Zach Top, Roger “The Rocket” Clemens, Jay Cutler, HARDY, Ashley Cooke, Pricilla Block, Zach John King, Parker McCollum, Chris Lane, Travis Pastrana, Waka Flocka Flame, Jermaine Johnson, Robert Rausch, Honorary First Responder Firefighter Travis Merryman, Honorary First Responder Officer Alicean Stottlemyer and Coach Ross Chastain.

Tickets are available here. This year, the Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball will be livestreamed in full on FOX Nation with host Tomi Lahren, who is co-host of FOX News Channel’s Big Weekend Show and the host of Outkick’s Tomi Lahren is Fearless. Black Rifle Coffee Company and Green will match donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000 exclusively during the live stream. The stream can be viewed here.

Folds of Honor is a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. In partnership with Jockey International, Inc. (Jockey), 200 tickets to the game were provided for military and first responder families.

Kinsley Signs With MCA

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Pictured (L-R): MCA’s Stephane Wright; Morris Higham Management’s (MHM) Kyle Quigley; MCA’s Mike Harris; Kinsley; MHM’s Clint Higham; MCA’s Katie McCartney, Rob Femia and Damon Moberly. Photo: Evan Harney

Singer-songwriter Kinsley has inked with MCA. Alongside the signing, she has released her new single and performance video, “Pieces of Me.”

Written by Kinsley, David DeVaul and Jack Hummel, and produced by Ryan Kohn, the tune reflects Kinsley’s honest and emotional style centered on healing and connection. She first introduced fans to her music through her “Midnight Sessions” on YouTube, where she showcased her songwriting.

“I started writing poetry as a way to process what I was feeling. My family was dealt many cards over the years, both good and bad, and poetry had a way of making it all make sense. The silver lining became easier to find when I wrote it all down,” says Kinsley.

“I once heard someone say that ‘the past is a map of how to love you,’ and the more people I met the more I realized that truth. We are all just echos of fragmented pieces and there’s beauty in the way it binds us all together,” she continues.

Kinsley’s journey has taken her from California to North Carolina, where she learned music on her family’s land, then to Texas during high school, and finally to Tennessee, where she now lives with her family.

“Music is what saved my life, and so I tend to meet it at a place of confession, hoping it saves others along the way. With ‘Pieces of Me’ I finally get to admit that at times I was searching for something I can’t remember anymore, and that in and of itself is freeing,” Kinsley adds. “I encourage you to think of this song as a letter to time, that’s the truest way these lyrics are meant to be heard.”

Riley Green Offers A Window Into His World On New LP ‘That’s Just Me’ Due In September

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Riley Green will release his fourth album, That’s Just Me on Sept. 18 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Today, he’s also dropping a new single from the project, “Think As You Drunk” a high-energy summer anthem.

Equal parts rowdy drinking song and heartfelt homage, “Think As You Drunk” pays tribute to country legend Toby Keith while showcasing Green’s signature sound and down-home charm. The track arrives on the heels of the previously released tender ballad, “My Way,” and a portion of the new single’s proceeds will be donated to the Toby Keith Foundation.

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Written and recorded during a pivotal year in Green’s life and in the midst of the biggest tour of his career to date, That’s Just Me is a deeply personal body of work that captures the many sides of Green as an artist as well as a songwriter. Rooted in his signature country storytelling with a strong western spirit, the record includes tender moments of yearning, brooding and heartbreak, carefree beachy anthems and the fun-loving drinking songs fans have come to love. Reflecting a season of change and growth, That’s Just Me showcases Green at a defining moment, revealing new layers while staying true to the authenticity that has always driven his music.

“This record came together during a pretty big season of life for me,” says Green. “I was out on the road on the biggest tour I’ve ever had, writing and recording while a lot was changing at the same time. There are songs on here that are more emotional, some that are made for having a good time with your buddies, and others that come from real moments I was living through. I never wanted it to feel like one thing, I wanted it to feel like me, and all the different sides that come with that.”

Green is already in the midst of a busy year and earlier this spring made his acting debut on CBS’ hit drama series, Marshals, playing a former Navy SEAL. He was also recently announced as a coach on the upcoming 30th season of NBC’s The Voice, and will co-host CMA Fest Presented by SoFi on ABC on June 24. He also launched his spirits brand Duck Club Bourbon, and is currently on the road on his headlining “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” with stops across major cities nationwide.

Corey Kent Readies ‘Heartland Rock and Roll’ Arriving In September

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Corey Kent will release his new album Heartland Rock and Roll on Sept. 25 via Sony Music Nashville.

“Heartland Rock and Roll is my third major label album, and it’s really the first time I’ve been able to finally name the sound I’ve been working towards my entire career,” shares Kent. “These songs sound like where I’m from. The lyrics span from nostalgia, to honest regrets and gratitude for the simple things I value most in life. From top to bottom, this is me. Every artist wants to leave their mark in music… a way to say, ‘I was here and I did it my way.’ This feels like mine. This is heartland rock and roll.”

The 16-track project was produced primarily by Austin Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris Farren.

Fans first got a glimpse at the album with “Rocky Mountain Low (feat. Koe Wetzel),” followed by “Empty Words” and “Wannabe.” Alongside the announcement, Kent released “Cigarette Burns,” written by Zach John King, Ben Stennis, Lauren Hungate and Jameson Rodgers.

“This song has such an infectious pulse and a perspective I’ve never heard before, which is why I gravitated towards it. One of my favorite records ever is Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon,” Kent says. “There’s a few songs on there that have a very country western feel to them while keeping all of the laid back, beach town rock elements. This song feels like it would fit right into that record which is why I think I love it so much. I can’t wait for people to hear this because to me it feels like a fresh soundscape in country music. Timeless, yet new.”

The project follows Blacktop and Black Bandana, which feature his two No. 1 singles. Kent has amassed over one billion career streams and multiple RIAA certifications.

“If you’re an artist, you hope to have that record – the one that when people think about you, they think about that record,” he adds. “For the first time in my career, I feel like I do.”

Kent is set to perform across three stages during CMA Fest next week including Billboard Country Live at Category 10, Gibson Garagefest Sony Nashville Takeover at Gibson Garage Nashville and Spotify House at Ole Red Nashville.

Dustin Lynch To Host Fourth Annual ‘Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville’

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Dustin Lynch. Photo: Kai Gorowsky

Dustin Lynch will host his fourth annual “Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville” next week during CMA Fest.

The event is set for June 4 at the Margaritaville Hotel. It is exclusively open to Stay Country Club members and their guests. Fans can join and RSVP here.

The event will feature surprise guests and activities. Previous guests include Deana Carter, Jordan Davis, HARDY, Little Big Town, MacKenzie Porter and more. In addition, attendees have participated in the on-site mullet haircuts, belly flop competition and more.

Ryman & BMI Unveil Fifth Annual Block Party Lineup

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BMI and Ryman Auditorium have unveiled this year’s lineup for the fifth annual Ryman & BMI Block Party, returning June 4-6 during CMA Fest.

Tenille Arts, Leah Blevins, Colton Bowlin, Sela Campbell, Colton Dawson, Tyce Delk, Mary Kutter, Steve Ray Ladson, Cody Lohden, Kat Luna, Lily Meola, Robyn Ottolini, Shaylen, Shelby Raye, Coey Redd and TRIPPP are set to perform. Each day will also feature interactive photo opportunities, food vendors and exclusive promotional giveaways.

“As the Ryman & BMI Block Party enters its fifth year, BMI celebrates half a decade of partnering with Ryman Auditorium to provide an essential platform for our creators,” says BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley. “Each year we intentionally build upon the success of the last to elevate the experience for both our performers and fans during the high-energy week of CMA Fest, and this year’s lineup reflects that.”

Ryman & BMI Block Party Schedule:
Thursday, June 4th
1:50P Kat Luna
2:40P Robyn Ottolini
3:30P Tyce Delk
4:20P TRIPPP

Friday, June 5th
12:10P Coey Redd
1:00P Mary Kutter
1:50P Cody Lohden
2:40P Sela Campbell
3:30P Shaylen
4:20P Colton Bowlin

Saturday, June 6th
12:10P Shelby Raye
1:00P Colton Dawson
1:50P Leah Blevins
2:40P Lily Meola
3:30P Steve Ray Ladson
4:20P Tenille Arts

 

Belles Signs With WME

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Pictured (L-R): Jay Williams (WME), Belles, and Lance Roberts (WME). Photo: Corbin Schmidt

Country artist Belles has signed with WME for worldwide representation.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Belles moved to Nashville in 2018 and has continued to grow her career through touring and songwriting. She recently released “Son of Jolene” featuring Dolly Parton. Her single “Crazy As Me” earned more than 30 million social media views, over two million Spotify streams, and contributed to more than 100 million total views and streams across platforms. She has amassed more than 1.5 million followers across social media.

Belles will continue her Songs & Stories Tour across the country throughout 2026. She will perform with Diamond Rio and Easton Corbin, select dates with Gene Watson, as well as appearances at CMA Fest and Country Calling Festival. Belles is set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on July 30.

“Touring has always been the heartbeat of this journey for me, and I’m so grateful to the clubs and fans who took a chance on me along the way,” shares Belles. “Signing with WME feels like an exciting next chapter. From the moment I met Lance [Roberts] and Jay [Williams], I knew it was the right fit, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

“Belles has something special and an artist’s career we had to be part of,” adds WME’s Lance Roberts. “The momentum she’s building right now is incredibly exciting to be a part of. We’re thrilled to welcome her to WME and look forward to helping expand on her already incredible team.”

Belles is signed with East Music Row Records, published by Deluge Music, and managed by Christina Dunkley at Red Light Management.

Industry Ink: Craig Morgan, Christine Manika, Julia Cole, Hendrix Frankenreiter

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Craig Morgan Performs At Freedom 250

Craig Morgan. Photo: Freedom 250

Craig Morgan recently performed “Paradise” and “Soldier” at Freedom 250 Memorial Day Observance, held at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday (May 25). Morgan currently serves as a Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve, dedicating two decades of service. He previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.

“What a privilege and an honor to celebrate our great nation’s 250th anniversary on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery,” shares Morgan. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Freedom 250 on this hallowed day as we remember those who paid the ultimate price and sacrifice while protecting our freedom.”

 

Christine Manika Selected For MIW’s Country Radio Mentorship Program

Christine Manika

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. has named Christine Manika, Brand Manager and Midday Host for KIKN-FM and Morning Host for KXRB in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the third MIW in Country Radio mentee. The year-long mentorship program connects emerging leaders with top country radio executives through personalized coaching, industry access, and leadership development, including attendance at CRS 2027.

In her roles, Manika oversees programming, promotions, content and on-air talent across multiple stations. She also serves as an emcee and court announcer for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and is a board member for The Teddy Bear Den, supporting low-income pregnant women and new mothers in her community.

 

Julia Cole Performs On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

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Julia Cole recently performed her viral hit “Day Late & A Buck Short” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The track is featured on her recent album Love You To Death, which she released last week. Cole is currently on her “Love You To Death Tour” through October.

 

Hendrix Frankenreiter Signs With Severance Records/Big Loud Rock

Hendrix Frankenreiter. Photo: Brian Bowen Smith

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and surfer Hendrix Frankenreiter has signed with Severance Records in partnership with Big Loud Rock. He has also released his label debut single, “Wanna Go.” The son of pro surfer and musician Donovan Frankenreiter, Hendrix grew up surrounded by music, surfing, and travel, eventually carving out his own artistic path. He first introduced his sound with the debut single “Wise Beyond Words,” which generated more than 500,000 global streams and led to the release of his independent Took A Hit EP.

“Hendrix is an undeniable talent who perfectly balances laid-back energy and sharp songwriting in his music,” says Big Loud Co-Founder and President of Big Loud Rock Joey Moi. “‘Wanna Go’ is just the tip of the iceberg, and we’re proud to work with our Severance friends to help launch this next chapter of his career.”

Gary Allan, Scotty McCreery, More To Play Feels Like Home Festival In October

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Gary Allan, Scotty McCreery, Mark Chesnutt and more are among the lineup for the third annual Feels Like Home Festival set for Oct. 3 in Brownwood, Texas.

Following a breakout 2025 festival that sold out while welcoming attendees from more than a dozen states and 300+ communities across Texas, organizers are now gearing up to bring the festival back bigger, better, and more comfortable than ever this fall. Jack Ingram and Caroline Hale are also among the first round of artists announced on the 2026 bill, and tickets are on sale now at feelslikehomefest.com. Fans can once again expect interactive attractions such as mechanical bull riding and axe throwing, alongside immersive brand activations and other on-site experiences that make the festival feel bigger than just a concert.

“The return of Feels Like Home Festival is exciting news not just for our local music fans, but for the entire Brownwood community,” says Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes. “Events like this play an important role in strengthening our local economy by drawing visitors, supporting area businesses, and creating new opportunities to highlight everything Brownwood and the surrounding region have to offer. Just as importantly, it adds to the cultural vibrancy of our city and reinforces the sense of pride we have in calling this special place home.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Steve Earle ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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Steve Earle. Photo: Danny Clinch

There’s a lovely display of the various sounds of country music in today’s DISClaimer.

For ballad lovers, Little Big Town and Zach John King have the goods. In the mood for a country rocker? Brad Paisley and the Charles Wesley Godwin/Luke Combs collab have just the ticket. R&B is represented by Devon Gilfillian. For innovative production touches and world-class singing, check out Kameron Marlowe. Lyric craftsmanship is the hallmark of Megan Moroney.

We have two fine newcomers on hand, Jacob Hackworth and the Discovery Award winning Kenny Whitmire.

Adding to the sonic diversity, the Disc of the Day has some Latin rhythm. It belongs to Steve Earle.

KENNY WHITMIRE / “One Foot in the Grave”
Writers: Kenny Whitmire/Max Martin/Thomas Mirels; Producer: Lee Starr; Label: MCA
– Hillbilly ecstasy. Everyone is twangin,’ and the song is a honky-tonk delight. The gist of it is, forget about the hearse and the flowers when he dies. Just bury him under a roadhouse stage. This guy has my complete attention. Send more.

SCOTTY McCREERY & JOSH TURNER / “Your Man”
Writers: Chris DuBois/Chris Stapleton/Jace Everett; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a “full circle” moment for Scotty, because 15 years ago, he aced his American Idol audition by singing this 2005 Josh hit. The song’s originator takes over vocally toward the end of this remake. 

ZACH JOHN KING / “Beneath the Pines”
Writers: Michael Lawson/Rodney Clawson/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is a lovely, romantic waltz, sung with great heart. Forget about the hereafter, he’s found heaven right here on earth, holding his lover out in nature shaded by tree limbs.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Traitor (Roles Reversed)”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey/Megan Moroney; Producers: Kristian Bush, Megan Moroney; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– I love the way this woman uses such conversational language in her lyrics. This throbbing, stately melody takes a cheating plot in a totally fresh direction. Have I mentioned that I adore this artist?

BRAD PAISLEY / “This Town Ain’t Small Enough”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: MCA
– It’s a snappy country rocker driven by Brad’s “chicken pickin’” stuttering guitar tickling. Imagine all the ills of big-city life, and you’ll know why he yearns for a slower pace and some wide open space. An audio carnival ride.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Running”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Gideon Klein/Kameron Marlowe/Philip Morgan; Producer: Austin Goodloe; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. The track is dreamy and meditative. His vocal is a tender, expressive lament for lost love. Beautifully produced and performed. Applause, applause.

DONNA FARGO / “Small Town Hillbilly Good-Time Saturday Night”
Writers: Robert Thames/Steve Popovich/Yvonne Silver; Producers: none listed; Label: Primadonna Records
– The legendary Fargo kicks up her heels on this country party tune. She still sings with plenty of moxie and spunk.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hey There Sunshine”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey/Jon Nite; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Layered with gorgeous strings, the deliciously melodic ballad is about surviving the blues and finding the strength to carry on. It’s pretty much a Karen solo performance with the other three providing soft background vocal harmonies.

STEVE EARLE / “City of Immigrants (with Forro in the Dark)”
Writer: Steve Earle; Producer: none listed; Label: New West Records
– Earle’s coolest single in years is a bopping, merry, rhythm-happy, Brazil-flavored salute to the multi-ethnic stew that is New York City. A listening pleasure from opening notes to closing cheers. The new Grand Ole Opry star has never sounded better. Also check out the vivid, celebration-of-diversity music video, directed by Steve Buscemi.

JENNA PAULETTE / “High Noon”
Writers: Jenna Paulette/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds/Mark Trussell; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– She’s madly in love on this languidly paced two stepper. The endearing Paulette has both boots planted firmly in country, now and always.

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN & LUKE COMBS / “Better That Way”
Writers: Al Torrence/Charles Wesley Godwin/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Al Torrence; Label: Big Loud Records
– Uplifting, hearty and honest, this breezy country rocker is an insanely catchy ear worm. Both men sing from the chest as the track churns along. Highly recommended.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Moonflower”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Melissa Fuller/Ran Jackson/Tim Rahman; Producer: Devon Gilfillian; Label: Fantasy
– Unlike the others gathered for this edition of DISClaimer, Gilfillian is not a country artist. Rather, he is Nashville’s finest neo-soul music maker. On this gently persuasive, synth-y outing, he performs in his seductive, falsetto range to paint a pastel-toned romance that recalls the era of “Quiet Storm” records. I remain a huge fan

JACOB HACKWORTH / “What Took You So Long”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Jacob Hackworth/Jaxson Free/Steph Jones; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: MCA
– Sweetly aching. They were in love for such a long time, so why did she wait so long to dump him? He has a really attractive tenor voice that he deploys here to tug at the heartstrings. A super promising debut.