SiriusXM & Pandora Add Jordan Hatton To Nashville Team

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Jordan Hatton

SiriusXM and Pandora have hired Jordan Hatton as Associate Director, Country Artist and Industry Relations. She starts on the Nashville team on Monday (Sept. 8).

Hatton joins SiriusXM and Pandora after nearly a decade of experience in the country music industry, most notably at CMT, where she served as Manager of Music & Talent overseeing music video programming for the network. In her new role, she will lead talent booking and artist relations across SiriusXM and Pandora’s country music programming.

Hatton is passionate about championing female voices in the genre and has been deeply involved in projects like CMT’s Next Women of Country. She has led efforts in new artist discovery to spotlight emerging talent.

Academy Of Country Music Adds Three To Team

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Lauren Burchett, Kylie Goudreau and Helena Capps

ACM has added three new team members across two departments. Lauren Burchett has joined as Head of Partnerships & Revenue, while Kylie Goudreau joins as Manager on the Industry Relations & Awards team, alongside Helena Capps as Project Manager.

“Strategic partnerships play a vital role in bringing value to our members, artists, and fans through unique programs that engage our audiences and provide valuable revenue to support the on-going mission of ACM and ACM Lifting Lives,” says Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “Lauren’s extensive background in media and sales is perfectly suited to effectively position the ACM as an innovative partner within the fast-moving brand marketing landscape.”

In her new role, Burchett will oversee sponsorship and partnership strategy, including Fortune 500 brand relationships, multi-million-dollar negotiations, and activations across award shows, live events and digital platforms. She will work closely with ACM Board members, C-suite leaders, and agency partners including Legends, Amazon Prime Video and Dick Clark Productions.

Burchett’s previous roles include senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company, Google and ESPN. She is also on the Board of The Fondle Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women beyond breast cancer through advocacy, education and community.

“The ACM is ecstatic to grow its Industry Relations & Awards team to better serve the industry as a whole, with an emphasis on our ACM Membership,” shares Haley Montgomery, ACM Head of Industry Relations & Awards. “Our membership and our industry partners are the heartbeat of our organization, and this expanded team will be vital to continuing to grow our 5,000+ membership base and overall strengthen ACM’s presence and involvement in the music industry.”

Goudreau’s new role will include overseeing variety of industry engagement efforts to drive programming, growth, and execution of the Academy’s membership. She most recently served as Project Manager at ONErpm, after being in the role of Manager of Strategic Planning at BMLG Records where she worked with Riley Green, Brett Young, Florida Georgia Line and more.

In her new role, Capps will assist with artist and industry initiatives, the ACM Awards process and various other functions of the department. Capps brings over 15 years of experience to ACM in artist development, management, booking, and digital marketing. In 2020, she founded Wildrose Projects, alongside serving as Head of Programming for Song Suffragettes. Through her work, she has discovered, developed and managed artists, booked over 230 female singer-songwriters, and produced and edited content for artists including Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift.

Americana Music Association Reveals 2025 Lifetime Achievement Honorees

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Darrell Scott, Jesse Welles and Joe Henry; (L-R, bottom row): McCrary Sisters and Old 97’s

The Lifetime Achievement Honorees for the Americana Music Association’s 24th annual Americana Honors & Awards set for Sept. 10 have been announced.

This year’s group of recipients will be celebrated during the upcoming ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium and includes Joe Henry, McCrary Sisters, Old 97’s, Darrell Scott, and Jesse Welles.

Joe Henry‘s career has spanned nearly four decades, and albums like Trampoline, Scar, and Civilians are touchstones of Americana music, marked by their subtle arrangements and his warm voice that carries a gentle authority. Over the years, he has worked with producer T Bone Burnett, jazzman Ornette Coleman, New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint, and longtime collaborators David Piltch, Patrick Warren, and his son, Levon Henry. He embraces imperfection as a source of beauty, reminding us that the most profound truths often emerge from the quietest moments.

The McCrary Sisters embody the soul-deep power of gospel by blending righteous harmonies, lived experience, and unstoppable energy into their sound. Daughters of the late Reverend Samuel H. McCrary, a founding member of the Fairfield Four, the sisters were born into gospel royalty and raised in Nashville’s rich spiritual and musical traditions. Their sound is equally fluent in soul, blues, and funk, reflecting the sisters’ deep individual and collective histories. Their music is praise, but it is also protest, comfort, connection, and call to action. The McCrary Sisters will receive the Legacy award, co-presented with the National Museum of African American Music.

Old 97’s crashed onto the scene in the early ’90s with a wild blend of Texas twang, garage-band swagger, and heart-on-sleeve songwriting that helped define the alt-country sound. Formed in Dallas in 1993, the band built a reputation for their explosive live shows, razor-sharp lyrics, and a sound that honored country roots while refusing to be confined by them. Alongside peers like Uncle Tupelo and Whiskeytown, they laid the groundwork for the Americana movement. With more than three decades on the road and no signs of slowing down, Old 97’s prove that Americana music can be rowdy, literate, rebellious, and completely their own.

Darrell Scott has become one of the most admired songwriters and musicians in roots music. His nuanced guitar playing attracted the likes of Guy Clark, and his lyrics have appealed to country, folk, bluegrass and Americana listeners for decades. Scott’s rich baritone enchanted folk festival audiences as well as mainstream country artists who revered his storytelling, and Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley and Chris Stapleton have all put their personal touch on Scott’s classic, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” His catalog also includes radio hits such as Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” and Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” and The Chicks recorded versions of “Heartbreak Town” and “Long Time Gone” for their albums.

Jesse Welles channels the grit and poetry of rock’s golden age through a lens all his own. With a voice that balances intensity and weary soul, Welles crafts songs that echo the voice of Woody Guthrie: honest, jagged, and prescient. He weaves humor into serious themes and his songwriting often cuts into the heart of present-day social issues, touching on themes like isolation, inequality, injustice, and the emotional toll of modern life. Rather than shying away from uncomfortable truths, he leans into them, using his platform to reflect the world as it is – messy, beautiful, and worth questioning. Welles will receive the Spirit of Americana Award, co-presented by the First Amendment Center.

“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent the heart and soul of the Americana Community. From the legendary to the next generation of stars. It’s a privilege to recognize and celebrate these incredible artists whose expertise in their craft has left an indelible mark,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.

Parmalee Slates ‘Feels Like Home Tour’ For Fall

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Parmalee.

Parmalee will hit the road this fall on the “Feels Like Home Tour.” Kicking off Sept. 12 in Norfolk, Virginia, the tour will hit 19 cities across the country including Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Denver and more before wrapping in Katy, Texas on Dec. 13.

“There’s no better feeling than being on the road, playing for the fans who’ve been with us from the start and the new ones we meet every night,” says lead singer Matt Thomas. “This tour is all about that connection — feeling like home no matter where we are.”

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass), and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, the band has amassed four back-to-back No. 1 singles and 1.6 billion on-demand streams.

2025 “Feels Like Home” Tour Dates:
September 12 – Norfolk, VA – Waterside District
September 13 – Ashland, VA – K95 Country Jam II
September 26 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino Hotel – Event Center
September 27 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre
October 4 – Las Vegas, NV – Fremont Street
October 10 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
October 11 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Annex
October 17 – Apopka, FL – Apopka Amphitheater
October 18 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
October 31 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose
November 1 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre
November 7 – Jackson, MI – Michigan Theatre of Jackson
November 8 – Port Huron, MI – McMorran Place Theatre
November 21 – Cocoa, FL – Cocoa Riverfront Park Amphitheater
November 22 – Jupiter, FL – Abacoa Amphitheater
December 5 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry
December 6 – Cincinnati, OH – TBD^
December 11 – Corpus Christi, TX – Brewster Street Ice House*
December 13 – Katy, TX – Mo’s Place^

* On Sale – September 5 @ 10 am/CT
^ On Sale Soon

Industry Veteran Rick Rockhill Passes

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Rick Rockhill

Glen Richard “Rick” Rockhill passed away peacefully at his home in Panama City, Florida on Aug. 29. He was 80.

A veteran of the music industry, “Rocket Man,” as he was known to his many friends and colleagues, was instrumental in developing the careers of many notable artists, including Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Steve Holy, Hal Ketchum, Wynonna Judd, Jo Dee Messina, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Davis, Sawyer Brown, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn, Rodney Atkins and many more.

Rockhill was born in Birmingham and began his music career in Nashville as a promotions executive. Operating out of Nashville and Atlanta, he worked for several labels throughout his career, including Bang Records, Capricorn Records, Curb Records and DreamWorks Nashville. In the ’90’s he was a partner at Tandem Promotions with Tari Laes. In 2024, he moved to Panama City Beach to be closer to family.

Along with music he had an eclectic array of interests from hiking at Radnor Lake and fly fishing to documentary films, reading and following current events. Long after retirement he remained keenly interested in discovering new talent, but his heart and driving force would always be his family, especially daughter Cayce, granddaughters Bayleigh and Savannah, and great-grandson Brooks.

Rockhill was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Loren V. Rockhill of Birmingham and is survived by daughter Cayce Lee Rockhill of Lovettsville, Virginia; brother Ron Rockhill and wife Gayle of Panama City Beach; grandchildren Loren Bayleigh Langston of Bluffton, South Carolina and Savannah McGarity of Lovettsville, Virginia; and great grandson Brooks Langston.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lowcountry Autism Foundation of Bluffton, S.C., (10 Pinckney Colony Road, Building 100, Suite 100, Bluffton, S.C., 29909). A celebration of life is being planned for October.

LeAnn Phelan Launches LP Creative Hall of Fame Workshop Series

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Music industry veteran LeAnn Phelan has launched the LP Creative Hall of Fame Workshop Series, an 4-day online event for songwriters.

The series will run starting Sept. 8 through Sept. 11 from 5-6 p.m. CST on Zoom. Replays of each session will be available for a limited time. The workshops will feature tools for balance and success on the songwriter’s journey, finding your voice in the digital age, longevity in creativity, a q&a with Phelan, and guest appearances from Ashley Gorley and Paul Williams.

“It’s an honor to feature 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Ashley Gorley on this series,” says Phelan. “To have someone with 84 No. 1 singles and 11 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards share wisdom with developing songwriters is truly extraordinary.

“When I began LP Creative Therapy Workshops during COVID, the goal was to help songwriters sustain momentum and community during a difficult time,” Phelan continues. “Today, the workshops have grown into a safe space where songwriters are encouraged to align with their deepest creative integrity.”

The series will be open to all songwriters around the globe. To register, click here.

Phelan also plans to launch a seven week long LP Creative Workshop program beginning Sept. 22, designed for songwriters seeking craft and career strategy advice. During next week’s four day series, two scholarships will be awarded to the seven week program.

Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne Join CBS’ ‘The Road’ Cast

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Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne will join the cast of CBS’ The Road as guest advisors, offering industry insight and advice to the participating musicians.

The 12 rising-artists will compete as opening acts for Keith Urban at music venues across the country. Throughout the season, Urban is joined by executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan and “Tour Manager” Gretchen Wilson. This season’s featured artists include Adam Sanders, Billie Jo Jones, Blaine Bailey, Briana Adams, Britnee Kellogg, Cassidy Daniels, Channing Wilson, Cody Hibbard, Forrest McCurren, Jenny Tolman, Jon Wood and Olivia Harms.

The docu-follow show trailing the up-and-coming musicians as they navigate the life of a touring musician will premiere Oct. 19.

FEMco Hosts Conversation With Diane Warren & Megan Moroney

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Megan Moroney, Diane Warren and Leslie Fram. Photo: iamjohnjo

Songwriting icon Diane Warren and multi-Platinum country star Megan Moroney joined forces Tuesday night (Sept. 2) at Anzie Blue to launch FEMco’s new interview-based series with “Nashville Welcomes Diane Warren: In Conversation with Megan Moroney.”

Moderated by FEMco co-founder Leslie Fram, the evening offered an intimate look at Warren’s legendary career and Moroney’s fast-rising path to stardom. The pair spoke about the importance of authenticity in the music business and staying true to themselves—even when faced with doubt. They also reflected on their early musical influences and teased new music and projects on the way.

Diane Warren and Megan Moroney. Photo: iamjohnjo

Moroney shared how she’s navigated Nashville while staying grounded in her artistry, while Warren—inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and one of the most celebrated songwriters of all time—spoke candidly about the persistence that has fueled her decades of success and her ongoing passion for creating.

The sold-out event, which packed Anzie Blue’s 250-capacity room, also supported a meaningful cause: a portion of proceeds benefitted local animal rescue organizations through Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation. The program was sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University’s Scott Borchetta College of Media & Entertainment.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Two Duets Share Disc Of The Day

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We’re all over the musical map today in DISClaimer.

For your listening pleasure we have jazzy cabaret with Lisa Stewart, bluegrass message music via The Grascals/Dolly Parton collaboration, country rock from Karley Scott Collins, a folkie outing from the late John Prine, Latin romance with a Carin León & Kacey Musgraves duet, Jake Worthington’s hardcore honky-tonk and whatever-he-is Americana legend Todd Snider.

The Disc of the Day is a tie between two duets—the Carin León & Kacey Musgraves and the Dierks Bentley & The Band Loula collabs.

Give Texans Jerry DeLeon & Southbound a DISCovery Award.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Easy to Leave”
Writers: Aaron Zuckerman/Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The grit and velvet in her voice are super compelling. She’s a multi-hyphenate who plays and writes as well as she sings. Collins and Nathan Chapman play all the instruments and co-produce her sounds. Her Flight Risk album is due Sept. 26. Sounds like it will be fierce.

THE GRASCALS & DOLLY PARTON / “Broken Angels”
Writers: Dolly Parton/Jamie Johnson; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Billy Blue Records
– “One day at a time,” rings out as the message on this exquisite ballad about addiction and recovery. The three-part vocal harmonies lift this to hillbilly heaven.

K. MICHELLE / “Jack Daniel’s”
Writers: ERNEST/Jordan Dozzi/Kimberly Michelle Pate/Rocky Block; Producers: Jeff Balding, Kristian Bush; Label: BBR Music Group
– In this barroom wailer, she avers that Jack is the only man she trusts. Lotsa guitar and percussion in the busy production. She’s a former pop hit maker who sounds completely at home in country music.

DIERKS BENTLEY & THE BAND LOULA / “Get Down on Your Knees and Pray”
Writer: Bill Monroe; Producer: Ben Helson; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Swampy and moody and totally cool. Deep twang guitar, multi-part harmonies, searing fiddle and bluesy mandolin cut through a swirling cloud of haunting atmosphere. Fabulous listening. It’s recorded live, and it drives the audience absolutely wild. Me, too.

JAKE WORTHINGTON / “When I Write the Song”
Writer: Jake Worthington; Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Jon Randall; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Worthington’s sophomore album drops next week. Its title tune is a honky-tonk ballad that he invests with heart and a beautifully phrased, bent-note vocal. This Texas traditionalist is “keeping it country,” and I’m all ears. Bravo.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Jack & Jill Daniel’s”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Jeremy Spillman/Ryan Beaver/Trent Willmon; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville
– Very clever. It has a “Jack and Jill” plotline, but with a load of extra information. Like, Jack drinks because Jill broke his heart. The sunny mood and sweetly bopping track support a shiny-bright vocal performance. Nicely done. Roberts successfully competed on The Voice when she was still in high school. This single marks her Sony debut.

JOHN PRINE / “Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody”
Writer: John Prine; Producer: Howie Epstein; Label: Oh Boy Records
– This is an alternative performance of Prine’s 1995 favorite, and it’s even cooler than the jaunty original. It lopes along with the wry attitude and easy-going charm that endeared him to millions. You’ll find it on a new posthumous album that combines the original tracks of his Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings album with unearthed demos, previously unreleased tracks and alternative song versions. The whole thing is a 20-track masterpiece.

COLBIE CAILLAT & LEE BRICE / “Kinda Single”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Lee Brice; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– A deliciously melodic, cocktail-lounge pickup tune, dressed up in hearty harmonies and layered production. Both artists sing their faces off on this rippling toe tapper that treats romance as revolving door of push and pull. A winner.

LISA STEWART & TOMMY EMMANUEL / “The Man You Are Today”
Writers: Lisa Stewart/Rodney Crowell/Tommy Emmanuel; Producer: Kevin McKendree; Label: Qualified Records
– Stewart adopts a classic chanteuse vibe on this jazzy outing enlivened by Emmanuel’s sterling guitar work. Bass player Casey Abrams and drummer Chester Thompson complete the trio lineup backing her on this playful lyric. Sultry, slinky and soothing.

CARIN LEÓN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Lost in Translation”
Writers: Amy Allen/Kacey Musgraves/Oscar Armando Diaz de Leon/Shane McAnally; Producers: Julian Bunetta, Matt Zara; Label: Socios Music
– Mexican-style instrumental flourishes embellish this lilting, lively duet that describes a romance that’s trying to navigate a language barrier. León’s rapid-fire Spanish delivery contrasts with Musgraves’ languid style beautifully, and he harmonizes with her with immense verve. Wonderfully refreshing…and sexy, too.

TODD SNIDER / “While We Still Have a Chance”
Writers: Chris Robinson/Todd Snider; Producers: Aaron Lee Tasjan, Joe Bisirri, Robbie Crowell; Label: Aimless Records
– Americana legend Snider croaks out this plea for romantic reconciliation at a drawled, deliberately slow pace. The stripped-down, minimalist accompaniment wisely stays out of the way of his gripping, tuneless delivery. It’s an advance track from a collection titled High, Lonesome and Then Some, due for release on Oct. 17. I remain a fan.

RONNIE McDOWELL, RODNEY COLLINS & JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ / “Thing About Texas”
Writer: Ronnie McDowell; Producers: Mike Schrimpf, Ronnie McDowell; Label: Lanier Records
– McDowell wrote and produced this. He kicks it off with a lead vocal backed by lilting twin fiddles, but then he steps back and lets Collins and the late Johnny Rodriguez take the vocal spotlight. The breezy ode to the Lone Star State was Rodriguez’s last studio performance, and the single is dedicated to him.

JERRY DeLEON & SOUTHBOUND / “Cold One”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Chris Rafetto/Jeff Middleton; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Kick back, put your feet up, relax and treat yourself to a brew at the end of a hard-working day. It’s a simple idea, but DeLeon’s earnest delivery and Southbound’s country-rock chops make it sound uttering inviting. A late afternoon groove that goes down smooth, thank to these San Antonio talents.

Industry Ink: Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Warren Zeiders, Austin Williams, More

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Jason Aldean Featured On ‘Armchair Expert Podcast’ With Dax Shepard & Monica Padman

Jason Aldean, Dax Shepard and Monica Padman

Jason Aldean joined Dax Shepard and Monica Padman on this week’s Armchair Expert Podcast ahead of the launch of his new single, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” scheduled for release later this month (9/12).

Aldean talked about the effects of not spending more than two years at any school growing up, teaching himself guitar via cassette player and how big the gap feels between his real-life and performance personas.

 

Dierks Bentley Performs On Good Morning America

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Dierks Bentley graced Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on Wednesday (8/27) with a three-song set that included the television debut of “Jesus Loves Me” from his acclaimed new album Broken Branches, along with fan favorites “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” and “5150.”

Bentley recently wrapped his 30-city summer “Broken Branches Tour” with openers The Band Loula and Zach Top.

 

Warren Zeiders Recognized With Pandora’s Billionaire Plaque

Warren Zeiders.

Warren Zeiders was recently recognized with Pandora’s Billionaire Plaque, celebrating his over one billion streams on the platform. To celebrate the achievement, Warren stopped by SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour.

Zeiders has amassed earned more than 3.6 billion global career streams, 2 billion TikTok views and 7.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He is set to release new music on Sept. 12.

 

Austin Williams’ ‘90s Rap Mashup’ Goes Gold

Pictured (L-R): Producer Brandon Manley, Parents Missy Williams and Timmy Williams, Truth or Dare Records’ Missi Gallimore, Austin Williams, Ignition’s Ken Madson, Stem’s Alison Junker. Photo: Chris Rippy

Austin Williams‘ single “90s Rap Mashup” has been RIAA certified Gold.

The milestone was marked at the kickoff of his “Fall Too Far Tour” on Aug. 21 at Barstool Nashville, where Williams was surprised with a plaque presented by his team at Stem, Truth or Dare Records and Ignition.

“It’s no easy feat getting a Gold record in today’s landscape,” shares Stem’s Head of A&R and Label Partnerships Alison Junker. “This milestone underscores Austin Williams’ undeniable talent, relentless work ethic and the powerful connection he’s built with his fans. We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved success alongside Missi Gallimore/Truth or Dare Records and Austin.”

 

Waylon Wyatt Makes National Television Debut On CBS Saturday Morning

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Waylon Wyatt recently made his national television debut on CBS Saturday Morning. He performed “Jailbreak” alongside Bayker Blankenship, “Arkansas Diamond” and “Old Habits”

 

Nashville In Sync Announces Second Annual Fall Summit

Nashville In Sync (NIS) will host its second annual fall summit on Oct. 23 at Riverside Revival in Nashville. This years panelists include Deric Berberabe (Wild Card Creative Group), Colleen Dahlstrom (McCann NY), Madonna Wade-Reed (Whoopsie Daisy) and Brandon Schott (Concord Music Publishing).

“Following the success of our inaugural summit, we’re thrilled to bring the community together once again to foster connection and inspire growth in the sync space,” shares Heather Cook, President of Nashville In Sync.