Billboard Country Live Adds Additional Performers

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Billboard has added more performers to its Billboard Country Live event, taking place at Category 10 June 4-5.

Joining previously announced The Red Clay Strays on June 4 are Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Drew Baldridge, Hunter Hayes, Lanie Gardner, The Band Perry, The Grimm and Ty Myers.

June 5 will feature performances from Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Priscilla Block, Something Out West, Stella Lefty and previously announced Tucker Wetmore.

Both days are free and open to the public with RSVP available here.

Vince Gill & Paul Williams To Be Honored At NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards

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Vince Gill & Paul Williams. Photos: Courtesy of NSAI

Vince Gill and Paul Williams will be honored at NSAI’s 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. The event is slated for Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Gill will be honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement award, the organization’s pinnacle honor, given to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and one who has inspired the careers of others. In total, Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards, and eight Academy of Country Music Awards, and in 2025 was presented with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1991, Gill was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and in 2007 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the prestigious BMI Icon award in 2014. Across his career, he has released 21 albums, sold over 30 million albums and charted 45 singles.

Williams will be presented with NSAI’s President’s Keystone Award, in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry for the betterment of all songwriters. Throughout his career, he has won an Oscar, three GRAMMY awards, two Golden Globe awards, earned induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has seen success in film and television. He has served as President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP for the past 17 years and was personally selected for the award by NSAI Board President, Lee Thomas Miller.

“Having grown up loving and studying songs and the craft of songwriting, it is an immeasurable honor to call Paul Williams a friend,” says NSAI Board President, Lee Thomas Miller. “On a personal note, he has always been one of the warmest, classiest, and most professional rock stars of my career. As a BMI writer myself, it has been a joy to wage the copyright advocacy wars for the American songwriter alongside Paul, who has so often sat in the ASCAP seat. It is a great thrill to present this year’s NSAI President’s Keystone Award to our American treasure, Paul Williams.”

“City National Bank is honored to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees at the Nashville Songwriter Awards,” shares Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, senior vice presidents, Entertainment & Sports Banking – Nashville, City National Bank. “The President’s Award and the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award represent the highest levels of excellence in songwriting, and we are proud to join NSAI in recognizing the extraordinary Vince Gill and Paul Williams whose work has inspired audiences and shaped the music industry.”

Additional awards, performers and more will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on sale on July 17.

Carly Pearce & Max McNown To Serve As Guest Artists At Grammy Camp

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Carly Pearce & Max McNown

Carly Pearce and Max McNown have been chosen as this year’s guest artists for The ​Grammy​​ Museum’s Grammy​​ Camp this summer in ​Nashville, set for May 31- June 6 at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. 

208 high school students from 163 U.S. cities across 35 states have been selected as participants in the newly expanded ​Grammy​​ Camp, which will also be held in Miami and New York, in addition to its flagship Los Angeles program. Poo Bear and Richard Marx will be this year’s guest artists in Miami; WILLOW and Sofia Reyes will be this year’s guest artists in Los Angeles; and Frankie Grande will be this year’s guest artist in New York. Guest artists will discuss their career paths and help students prepare for the music industry. The music industry camps will take place at the following locations:

  • Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Nashville, TN – May 31 – June 6
  • Art House Studios, Miami, FL – June 23–27
  • Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA – July 12–18
  • Artist House Studios, New York, NY – Aug. 2–8

Now in its 22nd year, Grammy Camp focuses on all aspects of commercial music and ​​features various career tracks in all four locations: Music Business; Instrumental Performance, Music Production, and Songwriting and Vocal Performance. Each location will incorporate a curriculum tailored to its unique musical heritage, offering specialized tracks such as Musical Theater and Instrumental Performance surrounding Jazz Music. In Los Angeles, students will learn in a cohort-based model where every subject area is integrated. Students will collaborate across all track disciplines as a team, learning through the lens of artistry, entrepreneurship and a DIY mindset. Faculty are Grammy-winning and-nominated professionals, Recording Academy members, industry experts, and notable guest artists, offering participants an exclusive glimpse into real-world music career pathways.

“The most important bridge between a dream and reality is simply an open door. For more than two decades, Grammy Camp has opened that door for high school students, offering access, mentorship and real-world experience that transforms potential into possibility,” says Michael Sticka, President and CEO of the Grammy Museum. “We’re thrilled to continue the expansion of our mission, welcoming the next generation of industry leaders to our Grammy Camps in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Nashville.”

Applications for Grammy Camp 2027 will be available online in July at grammycamp.com.

2026 Nashville Grammy Camp Selectees and Tracks:

Aadhavi Natarajan
Plymouth, MN
Vocal Performance

Aaron James Tam Stockwell
Las Vegas, NV
Instrumental Performance – Keys

Abigail Goldberg
Plano, TX
Music Business

Abinav Prabhu
Cedar Park, TX
Songwriting

Alejandra Alvarez
San Antonio, TX
Music Business

Ariah McEwen
Nashville, TN
Vocal Performance

Audrey Nixon
Columbia Station, OH
Music Business

Ava Capeling
Franklin, TN
Vocal Performance

Ayla Karyemez
Superior, CO
Music Business

Briley Steffes
Downers Grove, IL
Music Production

Carter Schultz
Hendersonville, TN
Music Production

Cassidy Karkowski
Half Moon Bay, CA
Vocal Performance

Cassius Steele
Honolulu, HI
Music Production

Charlie George
Nashville, TN
Vocal Performance

Chase Hunter
Hinsdale, IL
Instrumental Performance – Drums

Chloee Hunt
Leonard, TX
Songwriting

Connor Schuhr
Milton, GA
Music Business

Duncan Ramsey
Dallas, TX
Instrumental Performance – Guitar

Dylan Brennan
Knoxville, TN
Music Business

Elena Styrczula
Chicago, IL
Songwriting

Eva Vandenbroucke
Brentwood, MO
Songwriting

Grace Savannah
Dripping Springs, TX
Songwriting

Graham Burks
Memphis, TN
Instrumental Performance – Bass

Harper Calfee
High Point, NC
Vocal Performance

Hunter Thompson
Fulshear, TX
Instrumental Performance – Guitar

Ian Carey
McDonough, GA
Music Business

Isla Steelman
Edmond, OK
Songwriting

Jaden Providence
Christiansted, VA
Music Production

Jett Thompson
Shawnee, OK
Instrumental Performance – Guitar

Jocelyn Cole Eischeid
Clive, IA
Songwriting

Joshua Hood
Collierville, TN
Instrumental Performance – Guitar

Kingston Kharif
Nashville, TN
Songwriting

Landon Crosby
Overland Park, KS
Music Production

Lily Saxton
Monroe, GA
Music Production

Luke Moody
San Augustine, TX
Vocal Performance

Lydia Lau
San Jose, CA
Music Business

Mackenzie Zennedjian
Temecula, CA
Music Production

Mallory Kestner
Fishers, IN
Music Business

Mallory Van Gansbeke
Louisville, KY
Music Production

Mateo Simpson
Collierville, TN
Music Production

Maxwell Vegliando
Newburgh, NY
Music Production

Miette Hundal-Simpson
Auburn, CA
Instrumental Performance – Drums

Molly Lynn Preib
Hendersonville, TN
Music Business

Natalie Roper
Collierville, TN
Vocal Performance

Paige Corless
Collierville, TN
Instrumental Performance – Keys

Penelope Schomer
Charlottesville, VA
Songwriting

Quinn Nelson
Suwanee, GA
Songwriting

Rainn Sherwood
Granbury, TX
Songwriting

Riann Hilton
Neptune Beach, FL
Songwriting

Sasha Caplan
New Canaan, CT
Music Production

Sean Clark
Rogers, AR
Vocal Performance

Sophie Perzi
Malvern, PA
Music Business

Trentin Walker
Atlanta, GA
Music Production

Valentina Bella Gonzalez
Brentwood, TN
Vocal Performance

Willis Wright, Jr.
Fairview Heights, IL
Instrumental Performance – Bass

Cassidy Daniels & Channing Wilson Sign With Country Road Records

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Cassidy Daniels & Channing Wilson.

Cassidy Daniels and Channing Wilson have signed with Country Road Records, a division of 101 Music.

Daniels and Wilson were top three finalists on The Road, the CBS music competition show produced by Taylor Sheridan, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and 101 Studios.

Daniels, a North Carolina native, has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Florida Georgia Line, and Billy Currington. This spring, she’s set to appear in the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off Dutton Ranch. She recently released “Southern Rock”, her first single on 101 Music, and is working on a full length album produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne.

Wilson has written songs alongside Luke Combs and Riley Green, among others. The Georgia native recently made a musical appearance on the Yellowstone spin-off Marshals, where he performed an acoustic version of “Gettin’ Outta My Mind.” He is currently working on a full length album produced by Dave Cobb, following up 2023’s Cobb-produced Dead Man.

“Cassidy Daniels and Channing Wilson represent exactly the kind of artists we envisioned when we launched 101 Music: authentic storytellers with voices that connect immediately with audiences” shares Jon Borris, Head of 101 Music. “We had the opportunity to watch them up close on The Road, and it was clear they were both extremely unique and immensely talented. As 101 Studios continues building a creative ecosystem across television, film, and music, we’re thrilled to welcome Cassidy and Channing as the first artists on 101 Music and, with support from our partners Thirty Tigers, bring their music to an even wider audience.”

Newfoundland & Labrador To Host Country Music’s Biggest Week In Canada In 2027

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The 2027 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week 2027 will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Sept. 15-18, 2027, marking the first time the event will be hosted in the region.

The CCMA Awards and Country Music Week represent one of Canada’s premiere music industry events, bringing together artists, fans, industry leaders, and media from across the country and beyond while generating tourism, cultural, and economic impact for the host region. The event is supported through partnerships with Destination St. John’s, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd., and the City of St. John’s.

“We’re delighted that the Canadian Country Music Awards are coming to St. John’s in September 2027,” says Honourable Andrea Barbour,Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. “Country music holds a deep cultural connection with the province’s strong traditions of folk and storytelling and continues to play an important role in the province’s cultural identity and live music scene. As such, we’re proud to support such a meaningful event with a contribution of $1.3 million.”

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for the CCMA and for country music fans across Canada,” shares Amy Jeninga, President, Canadian Country Music Association. “Bringing Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards to Newfoundland and Labrador for the very first time is a milestone opportunity. St. John’s offers an extraordinary mix of culture, music, scenery, and hospitality that makes it the perfect setting for this nationally celebrated event. We know artists, delegates, and fans from coast to coast to coast will embrace the energy and spirit of this province.”

“The City of St. John’s is thrilled to welcome Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards to our region for the very first time,” adds Mayor Danny Breen. “This event will bring incredible energy to our city and showcase the music, culture, hospitality, and experiences that make St. John’s so special. We look forward to welcoming visitors, artists, and fans to celebrate with us in 2027.”

Davis Cook Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Twelve6 Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Brendan Rich (Rich MGMT), Austen Adams (WCM) and Bryce Sherlow Gravitt (WCM). (L-R, front row): Brooke Pauley (Twelve6), Davis Cook, Travis Myatt (Twelve6). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Davis Cook has signed a global co-publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.

The Jacksonville, Florida native amassed nearly three million streams in 2025 across his catalog. He is set to release his new single, “Light Her Cigarette,” on Friday (May 22).

“So excited to share that I’ll be signing with Twelve6 and Warner Chappell for publishing,” Cook shares. “Travis Myatt and Brooke Pauley were some of the first people I met when I came to Nashville, so it truly feels like a full-circle moment to now be working with them. After connecting with Bryce Gravitt, which led to adding Warner Chappell, I have no doubt that this is exactly where I’m meant to be on the publishing side.”

“I’m pleased to welcome Davis to the Warner Chappell roster in partnership with Twelve6,” adds Bryce Sherlow Gravitt, A&R Manager, WCM Nashville. “Having Rich MGMT on board made this a natural choice given our strong working relationship across other clients. It has been rewarding to watch Davis’s talent grow since we first met, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”

“The moment Brooke Pauley introduced me to Davis, I knew he was special,” adds Travis Myatt, President & General Manager, Twelve6 Entertainment. “There was an undeniable spark there, and when I learned he was building alongside Brendan Rich, I felt even more strongly he was onto something. When I found out he was already in conversation with Bryce Gravitt, it felt like a natural fit, especially given the strong relationship we’ve built with our partners at Warner Chappell Music.”

RESULTS GLOBAL Promotes Three, Adds Three

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Katherine Birschbach, Cara Fallon and Alex Hendl. (L-R, bottom row): Aden Henke, Cami Cradock, Samantha Parrish

RESULTS GLOBAL has elevated three team members, as well as welcomed three new team members.

“RESULTS GLOBAL has always focused on building a team that brings creativity, passion, and exceptional work to our clients,” RESULTS GLOBAL agency Co-Heads John Zarling and Jackie Campbell share. “As the agency continues to grow, we’re proud to welcome new talent while recognizing the team members who have grown alongside us and helped shape this next chapter.”

Katherine Birschbach has joined as Account Director. Birschbach has more than 12 years of experience in marketing, experiential strategy, and brand management. Before joining RESULTS GLOBAL, she worked at GMR Marketing, focusing on client consulting and strategy and helping develop SOLE Science™, the agency’s experience measurement platform. Earlier in her career, she held artist marketing and project management roles at Big Machine Label Group, supporting artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brett Young and Rascal Flatts.

Cara Fallon joins as Social Media Manager with more than five years of experience in marketing and social media strategy. She has led content creation, brand strategy and digital marketing efforts across industries including corporate, retail, nonprofit and entertainment. Her background includes social media strategy, campaign development, event marketing and brand communications.

Alex Hendl joins as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. An Ohio native and 2026 marketing graduate, Hendl will support publicity and marketing efforts across the agency’s roster. Hendl brings experience in digital marketing, publicity, programming and promotion through previous roles with the Country Music Association, SiriusXM, Music Corporation of America (MCA), OH Creative and The Oriel Company.

RESULTS GLOBAL has also promoted Aden Henke to Account Manager, Cami Cradock to Marketing Operations Specialist and Samantha Parrish to Digital Marketing Specialist.

On The Row: Brooke Lee Shares Stories From ‘Desert Darling’

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Brooke Lee. Photo: Hannah Van

Brooke Lee stopped by the MusicRow office last week to share a taste of her recently released EP, Desert Darling.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native was first introduced to music through her church. At 13, Lee attended a performance by the local band Blue Monday with her father and was instantly captivated. Inspired by the experience, she began performing at local showcases and open mic nights.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell, Brooke Lee, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

At 21, Lee moved to Music City and started playing Broadway six nights a week. While balancing her performance schedule with a retail job, she caught the attention of Spirit Music Publishing and signed a publishing deal.

Lee shared a few tracks from the project with the team including “Desert Darling,” “Burn To Black,” “This Roof” and “So Beautiful.”

The six-track project was written alongside Justin Richards, Jon Nite and Aaron Eshuis, among others, and produced by Danielle Blakey. It explores themes of young love, heartbreak and self-discovery.

Lee has amassed more than 6 million career streams and 120 thousand social media followers across platforms. Earlier this year, Lee partnered with Chevrolet to release a modern interpretation of the song “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” for their newest advertising campaign.

Lee is set to perform on the Wrangler Remix Stage during CMA Fest.

Kenny Whitmire Signs With The Neal Agency

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Pictured (L-R): Adi Sharma (Co-Head of The Neal Agency), Ryan Beuschel (General Manager at The Neal Agency), Simone Chretien (Agent at The Neal Agency), Kenny Whitmire (Artist), Evan Kantor (Agent at The Neal Agency), Zac Brooks (Artist Manager at Riverhouse) and Zebb Luster (Executive VP & Artist Manager at Riverhouse). Photo: Michael Stern

Kenny Whitmire has signed with The Neal Agency.

The Georgia native moved to Nashville in 2022 after one semester of college. He is set to release his seven-track debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, on June 12 via MCA.

“Kenny is one of those talents that stops you in your tracks, with an incredible ‘old-school’ sound that remains completely authentic to who he is,” shares TNA Agent, Evan Kantor. “We’re all big believers in what he’s doing as an artist and are honored to be a part of his already amazing team. We’re excited to get to work with him and help build the touring side of his career!”

“I’m honored to be working with The Neal Agency and excited to have their passionate group of people representing me,” adds Whitmire.

Throughout the year, Whitmire will support Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington, Ian Munsick and more on the road.

Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, More Set To Honor Heroes On ‘National Memorial Day Concert’

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Alan Jackson & Jamey Johnson

Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, and Mickey Guyton are among the artists set to perform on the National Memorial Day Concert airing live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this Sunday (May 24).

Hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, longtime champions of veterans and service members, the annual evening of remembrance will honor 250 years of the courage and sacrifice of our military men and women and their families, and pay tribute to all who have given their lives in service to our nation, with musical salutes and powerful stories of patriots who have defended our nation since 1776.

The inspiring night will feature performances by Guyton, Johnson, (who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve), and Jackson from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Laura Osnes, Andy Grammer, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor, and Jack Everly. Other segments will feature Noah Wyle, Jonathan Banks, and Melissa Leo. 

The 37th annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day Concert airs live on May 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. C.T on PBS, and is seen by service members around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming here and on YouTube, as well as available as Video on Demand May 24-June 7.