SMACKSongs Elevates Sam Sarno To Senior Creative Director Of Publishing

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Sam Sarno.

SMACKSongs has elevated Sam Sarno to Senior Creative Director of Publishing.

In her new role, Sarno will continue her work with SMACK’s current roster while also focusing on signing and developing new talent. During her time with the company, she has worked alongside Lalo Guzman, Josh Dorr and Johnny Clawson as each earned their first No. 1 over the last year.

“Watching Sam go from the front desk to one of the best publishers in the music business has been a highlight of my career,” shares Lee Krabel, Sr. VP of Publishing. “This promotion is a direct result of her work ethic and dedication to the writers at SMACK. We are proud to have her as a part of the team!”

“I’m incredibly thankful to keep growing within a company that means so much to me. Lee, Robin, and Robert have believed in me from the start, and I’m so grateful for their trust and guidance,” adds Sarno. “It’s been amazing watching our writers flourish, and I’m honored to keep building something special with them and this team!”

Sam Hunt Takes His 11th Trip To The Top Of The Charts With ‘Country House’

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Sam Hunt has racked up his 11th solo No. 1 this week, topping this week’s Mediabase country chart with his single “Country House.”

Since debuting on the music scene a little over a decade ago, Hunt has also earned No. 1s for hits “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me,” “House Party,” “Body Like A Backroad,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard To Forget,” “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” “23” and “Outskirts.” He also landed at No. 1 for “Wishful Drinking” with Ingrid Andress.

“Country House” is featured on Hunt’s 2024 four-track EP, Locked Up. Locked Up is the followup to Hunt’s Platinum sophomore album Southside, which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and featured 12 tracks all penned by Hunt including his No. 1s “Kinfolks,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” and his three-week No. 1, Diamond-selling, Grammy-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road.”

Since the 2014 release of his debut album Montevallo, Hunt has accumulated over 15.9 billion global streams and has earned 54 million RIAA certified units. He’s currently on the road touring through the fall.

John Michael Montgomery To Cap Decades-Long Career With Rupp Arena Show In December

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John Michael Montgomery is returning to his home state of Kentucky for the final show of his career in “The Road Home: The Final Concert” on December 12 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.

His farewell performance will take one final ride through his storied career, and will be a family affair as Montgomery shares the stage with his brother Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, his son Walker Montgomery, and his son-in-law Travis Denning.

“I stepped on a tour bus for the first time in 1992 and haven’t looked back since, but now it’s time to bring it all back home for my last concert and I can’t think of a better place than Rupp Arena,” says Montgomery. “I wanted to celebrate this occasion with my family, so I invited some of them to perform with me.  We are going to have a lot of fun and end this ride in a big way.”

Tickets for the show go on pre-sale tomorrow (July 30) through July 31 using the code Montgomery and general on sale begins Aug. 1 here.

Montgomery was a fixture on the charts in the 1990s with hits like “Life’s A Dance,” “I Love The Way You Love Me,” “Sold,” “Be My Baby Tonight,” “I Swear,” and many more, and charted 36 singles throughout his career, including seven that reached No. 1. He released 11 studio albums and amassed millions in sales resulting in numerous Gold and multi-Platinum certifications. Montgomery announced in 2024 that he would officially retire from touring full-time at the end of 2025 with his “The Road Home Tour,” which is culminating in the Final Concert on Dec. 12.

Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd & Steve Earle Join Farm Aid 40 Lineup

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Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd and Steve Earle have joined this year’s Farm Aid lineup. This year’s event will take place on Sept. 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The group joins the previously announced lineup which includes Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young (and the Chrome Hearts), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards and Wisdom Indian Dancers.

“We’re excited to have Kenny Chesney back on the Farm Aid stage this year,” says Jennifer Fahy, Co-Executive Director of Farm Aid. “He’s one of many artists who have returned to Farm Aid, generously donating their travel and performances to raise awareness about the family farmers who grow good food for all of us. Kenny’s appearance, along with the addition of music legends Wynonna Judd and Steve Earle, will make this an unforgettable anniversary event.”

Farm Aid, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, raises money to support family-owned farms. All artists donate their time to the initiative. To date, the festival has raised $85 million. Tickets are available here.

Susan G. Komen Elevates Joshua Daniel

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Joshua Daniel.

Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, has promoted Joshua Daniel to Sr. Director of Entertainment Engagement and Events.

Daniel has lead the Tennessee market for Komen for the last four years and his inaugural Band As One Nashville concert with Trisha Yearwood in March 2025 at the Ryman Auditorium sold out, raising more than $785,000. He is also a member of CMA and ACM.

Daniel will continue to oversee the Band As One concert series in Nashville as it moves to the Grand Ole Opry in 2026, and will also oversee the launch of a new show in Los Angeles, California.

April Douglas, Komen Development Director, has also been promoted and will now serve as Executive Director for Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.

Jesse Frasure Jumps Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jesse Frasure

Jesse Frasure has climbed into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton’s “A Song To Sing,” Brett Young’s “Drink With You” and Tyler Hubbard’s “Park” push the songwriter into the No. 17 spot this week.

Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the ninth consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.” Morgan Wallen stays at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”

John Byron (No. 3), Ashley Gorley (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Activated Events Appoints Chris Crawford As General Manager

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Chris Crawford.

Chris Crawford has joined Activated Events as General Manager. Crawford will oversee the strategic execution and operations of the organization’s portfolio of festivals, which includes Boots in the Park, Coastal Country Jam, Party in the Park, Taco Fest and The Smoke Show.

“We conducted an extensive search to find the right person, and Chris stood out as someone who truly understands what we’re building,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “His deep industry expertise and proven leadership make him the ideal person to help guide our next phase of growth. We’ve built an exceptional team, and Chris is the right fit to day to day operations while I continue to focus on scaling the company and expanding our portfolio of events to new markets.”

“It’s an honor to join Activated Events during this time of strong momentum and expansion,” adds Crawford. “I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of the company by building on the vision of our CEO, Steve Thacher, and working alongside a deeply talented and passionate team committed to producing extraordinary live experiences.”

Crawford most recently served as Managing Director at Sound Image, where he led business development and oversaw operations and artist relations. Prior to that, he spent a decade as Senior Director of Live Events at the Country Music Association (CMA), where he played a key role in producing CMA Fest, CMA Awards, CMA Country Christmas, and numerous other hallmark events.

Brandon Wisham Inks With UTA & The Feldman Agency

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Pictured (L-R): UTA’s Lauren Holland, The Core’s Jamie Younger, UTA’s Matthew Morgan, Brandon Wisham, UTA’s Jeffrey Hasson, The Core’s Brittani Johnson.

Brandon Wisham has inked with UTA for global representation, represented by agents Jeffrey Hasson, Matthew Morgan, Mike G, Alexis Lesko, Lauren Holland and LoLo McClusky. Additionally, he joins The Feldman Agency for Canadian representation. They join Wisham’s extended team of The Core Entertainment for management and his worldwide global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music/The Core Entertainment/Bailey Zimmerman.

“Brandon’s already been acknowledged by so many as an amazing songwriter in town, but once we heard him perform and bring all his musical influences into his vocal delivery, we knew he is going to be a special country artist,” says Jeffrey Hasson, Partner and Co-Head of UTA Nashville. “We’re honored to represent him at UTA!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Brandon Wisham to the TFA roster,” shares Tom Kemp, President of TFA. “He’s a rare talent with a powerful voice and a distinct artistic vision. From the moment we saw him perform, it was clear he had something truly special. We’re proud to support him as he embarks on this exciting next chapter.”

SiriusXM The Highway recently tapped Wisham as the next “Highway Find.” In addition to the signings, Wisham has shared his new track “She’s Good” will release Friday, August 8.

Pictured (L-R): The Core’s Taylor Cunningham, TFA’s Leigha Petrone, Jordan Boyd, Josh Ohimai, Paisia Warhaft, Stefanie Purificati, Jordan Powley, Jeff Craib and Olivia Ootes, Brandon Wisham, TFA’s Kathleen Reid, Tom Kemp, Stefanie Locci, Emma Leblanc, Jessie Silverstein, Steven Himmelfarb, Michelle Perez, Josie Cheng, Emilie Tondeur, Gunika Sahni.

Grand Ole Opry & Virgin Music Group Partner To Release ‘Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs’

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The Grand Ole Opry and Virgin Music Group are teaming to release OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs, an exclusive album commemorating 100 years of the Opry featuring 20 never before released live recordings from the iconic stage.

OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs is set for release on November 7, just weeks before the institution’s 100th anniversary on November 28. The first single from the star-studded collection, due out this Friday (July 30), is “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” performed by Ashley McBryde, originally recorded by Hank Williams in 1952.

Other tracks appearing on the collection include “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band, “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” by Darius Rucker, “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn, and many more classics.

“For me, this collection of great songs truly captures the spirit of the Opry and our centennial celebration,” says Dan Rogers, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “These songs, voted on by Opry fans, come to life through remarkable live performances pulled from our rich archives. From debuts of songs that went on to become classics, to covers of past Opry members’ standards by current members of the cast, to vocal collaborations so perfect it’s hard to believe they were recorded live just one time, I believe the project is truly historic.”

“The Grand Ole Opry is the pinnacle of success and greatness in country music,” says Jacqueline Saturn, President of North America and EVP, Global Artist Relations Virgin Music Group. “To be working with the team at the Opry to put out this commemorative album is really a huge career milestone for so many of us at Virgin Music Group. We can’t wait for fans all over the world to hear this incredible collection.”

Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs Track List:
1. “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – Ashley McBryde (2024)
2. “El Paso” – Marty Robbins and Marty Stuart (1981 / 2024) (Full circle mix)
3. “Crazy” – Patsy Cline (1962)
4. “Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash (1967)
5. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – Loretta Lynn (1985)
6. “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” – Darius Rucker (2021)
7. “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton (feat. Patty Loveless and Marty Stuart) (2007)
8. “The Gambler” – Don Schlitz (feat. Vince Gill) (2025)
9. “Devil Went Down to Georgia” – The Charlie Daniels Band (2015)
10. “Elvira” – The Oak Ridge Boys (1980)
11. “Tennessee Whiskey” – Luke Combs (2016)
12. “He Stopped Loving Her Today (Full Circle Mix)” – George Jones and Alan Jackson (1993 / 2013)
13. “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” – Kelsea Ballerini (2025)
14. “Forever and Ever, Amen” – Randy Travis (1989)
15. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” – Keith Whitley (1988)
16. “Fancy” – Reba McEntire (2017)
17. “Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson (2020)
18. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” – Vince Gill (feat. Patty Loveless) (2015)
19. “Jesus, Take The Wheel” – Carrie Underwood (2018)
20. “Mama Don’t Allow / Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” – Old Crow Medicine Show, Dom Flemons, Billy Strings, and Molly Tuttle (2020)

Jay Webb Delves Into Life’s Messier Moments On New LP ‘Where To Find Me’

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Singer-songwriter Jay Webb has released his new 10-song album Where To Find Me.

Where To Find Me introduces the Alabama native in full color, featuring the honest, lived-in storytelling Webb’s fans have come to expect. Produced by Eddie Eberle and entirely co-written by Webb, the album dives headfirst into life’s messier moments, from drinking to forget, to loving without guarantees. Webb leans into passion on the project on “Love Me Tonight,” a vulnerable plea to stay in the moment and let love rule, while “Stoned” offers a backwoods heartbreak anthem, and Webb faces hard truths in “One More Shot,” before closing with “Worst Behavior,” a wine-soaked, unapologetic tune about letting loose.

“I’m grateful to make music I love with my best friends,” shares Webb. “It’s crazy to be in a spot where I am able to drop an album like this… I’ve been dreaming about this my whole life. I hope fans love it as much as we do. Can’t wait to play these songs on the road! Beyond blessed.”

The indie artist recently inked a deal with Sony Music Publishing and has racked up more than 415 million global streams. He just kicked off his 25-date “Where To Find Me Tour,” which will include stops in Chicago, Detroit, Sacramento and more through Nov. 22.

Where To Find Me Track List:
1. “Where To Find Me” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
2. “Beer Before Liquor” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
3. “Summer in America” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
4. “Love Me Tonight” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
5. “Stoned” (Eddie Eberle, Jay Webb, Beau Bailey & Cole Gibbs)
6. “Till the Smoke Clears” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
7. “One More Shot” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
8. “Drinkin’ All Night” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)
9. “When We Fight” (Eddie Eberle, Cole Gibbs & Jay Webb)
10. “Worst Behavior” (Eddie Eberle & Jay Webb)