Morgan Wallen Kicks Off ‘I’m The Problem Tour’ With Two Nights In Houston

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen kicked off his “I’m The Problem Tour” on Friday (June 20) and Saturday (June 21) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Wallen’s 25 song setlist included a mix of hits both new and old both nights.

Paying homage to the Lonestar state, Wallen tapped former Houston Texans Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson and beloved Houston salesman Mattress Mack for his fan-favorite walk out moment on night one with Drake and former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens joining on night two.

“I appreciate you choosing to spend your Friday night here with me at NRG Stadium. Before I get any further, I’d just like to say shout out to Andre Johnson and Mattress Mack for doing my walk out with me – a couple of Houston legends, and I appreciate that. I appreciate you guys for giving me such a warm welcome, I can already tell we’re going to have a good time,” Wallen said while taking in the crowd after singing his Platinum-certified “Ain’t That Some” and “Kick Myself.”

Later in his set, taking B-stage toward the back of the venue for stripped-back acoustic performances of “Cover Me Up,” “I’m A Little Crazy” and “Sand In My Boots,” Wallen explained the importance of seeing as many fans close-up as he can, despite the size of the stadiums he now plays: “We started out at bars in the afternoons, and we worked our way up to what it is now, and that still blows my mind a little bit. I thought about everything that it’s taken to get to this moment right here, and it wouldn’t be possible without you guys and your support – it means a lot to me, I know it means a lot to my team.

“One thing that I miss about playing those smaller places is I could go out on stage every night, and I could pretty much look at every single person in the eyes. That’s not possible now, but this is my best attempt at getting a little bit closer to you, so I want to sing a few songs back here, acoustic-style.”

During his jaunt back to the main stage, Wallen took a moment to honor his band members on screen – Mark “Taco” Annino on drums; Luke Rice on bass/guitar; Dominic Frost and Tyler Tomlinson on guitar/BGV; Chris Gladden on aux/keys; and Tony Aichele on aux/guitar/pedal steel.

By the time the encore arrived, Wallen re-emerged onto the stage donning an Astros jersey, one final tribute to the city. Rolling through two of his biggest hits to-date, 16-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Last Night” and six week Hot 100 No. 1 “I Had Some Help,” Wallen concluded with his breakthrough 2018 hit, “The Way I Talk,” thanking his fans and signing autographs before leaving.

As part of Wallen’s ‘2025 Tour Give Back’ initiative, Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) supports music programs in touring cities. The tour will continue this weekend in Wisconsin.

I’m The Problem Tour. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen With Fans. Photo: Matt Paskert

Little Big Town Plots ‘The Christmas Shows’ At Ryman Auditorium

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Little Big Town.

Little Big Town have unveiled their four night “The Christmas Shows” residency at Ryman Auditorium Dec. 1-4.

The shows will showcase a combination of holiday hits as well as the group’s own fan favorites. The group is familiar with a Ryman residency, holding the milestone of hosting the first yearlong artist residency at the venue during 2017.

Tickets for all four shows will go on sale this Friday (June 27) at 10 a.m. CST here.

Entertainment Attorney John Mason Releases Memoir ‘Crazy Lucky’

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Nashville-based entertainment attorney John Morgan has released his memoir, Crazy Lucky, sharing personal stories of his journey from a butcher’s son in California with a knack for the guitar, to a world-class legal mind.

“Most lawyers don’t do what I do,” Mason writes. “I’ve been the last line of defense, the emergency contact, and the one who gets the call in the middle of the night. This book is about what that life really looks like — not just the names, but the moments.”

A fixture in the entertainment world, Mason has represented six Academy Award winners, advised members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and served as legal counsel to recording artists whose sales exceed 100 million records worldwide including names like Reba McEntire, Olivia Newton-John, Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, the Jackson Five, and the Roy Orbison family. He has been named Billboard Magazine’s “Entertainment Attorney of the Year” and has earned an A/V rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory for more than 30 years.

To celebrate the release, Mason is set to host a book signing on June 28 at 2 P.M. CT at Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs.

Brian Kelley Leans Into Florida Roots With ‘Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One’ [Interview]

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Brian Kelley is leaning into his Florida roots and signature coastal cowboy sound on his newest project, Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One.

The project marks Kelley’s fourth solo album since separating from Florida Georgia Line in 2021, following his 2021 debut album Sunshine State Of Mind Season One, and 2024 releases Tennessee Truth and Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son.

Brian Kelley.

As Kelley recorded the tracks for Sunshine State Of Mind Season One, he realized he had more stories to tell than what fit in the first 17-song record, but he chose to explore the other sides of his artistry first.

“I’m really glad I was able to get Tennessee Truth and Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son out in between these records. I think it shows people more sides of who I am, and you can’t get that with just one record,” Kelley tells MusicRow.

Intentionally taking inspiration for these songs from the life he and his wife, Brittney, have built since moving back to Florida in 2016, Kelley uses this album to showcase his love for his community and the coastal way of life, with songs like “People Make The Place” emphasizing this theme on the record.

“When we are down here [in Florida], our little community here, our friends, family and even the tourists see what’s going on and how people hang. It’s just a really cool vibe and a really cool place.”

The coastal vibe, like that illustrated in the track “Saltwater Ranch,” is something Kelley brings with him on the road to each of his live shows.

“[‘Saltwater Ranch’] is a fun song to connect the dots of all the good times we’ve had in many different places. Every night we try to create our own Saltwater Ranch live,” he says.

After starting the song alone one night after the idea struck, Kelley brought the first few lines to Corey Crowder and Jake Rose to bring the song to life. “Corey came in with ‘its got some outta towners, its got some stick arounders’ and we were off to the races.”

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As Kelley gears up for his summer headlining dates, he has a few additions to the setlist in mind. “’Palm Tree Country’ is one of my favorites on the record. As soon as that track starts, it just takes me somewhere—it just sets you wherever you want to go.”

In the midst making the record and preparing for tour, Kelley took a chance with an opportunity he never saw coming: competing on The Masked Singer.

“It totally caught me off guard in the best way possible,” Kelley says with a laugh. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It just came at the right time that I didn’t know I needed it. It was so fun to put that mask on and just go sing. It set my compass right.”

With a new record out in the world and his headline tour kicking off in a few short weeks, Kelley is ready to let his “sunshine state of mind” lead the way through this next chapter.

Joe Fox Jumps Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Joe Fox

Joe Fox has entered the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long,” Josh Ross’ “Single Again” and Morgan Wallen’s “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” all push the songwriter to No. 17 this week.

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

Riley Green (No. 3), Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and John Byron (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.

Adam Sanders Inks With Liz Rose Music

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Adam Sanders has inked with Liz Rose Music.

As a songwriter, Sanders is known for penning hit radio singles for Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch and Drew Baldridge. Additionally, his songs have been recorded by top country artists including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley. The Lake City, Florida native has independently garnered more than 200 million global streams and toured with Bryan, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Swindell and Lynch, among others.

“I’m beyond excited about this next chapter in my career. Signing with such a powerhouse as Liz Rose Music is the foundation for lots of great things to come,” says Sanders. “Aside from the successes that Dave, Scott, Kate, Gracie and Liz have had, the culture of the company is what truly drew me to want to partner with them.”

“Adam Sanders’ undeniable depth and versatility as a songwriter and unrelenting dedication to his artistry made it an easy decision to join forces with him at such an exciting time in his already distinguished career,” shares Dave Pacula, Senior VP of Creative at Liz Rose Music. “We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with him in the coming years.”

Keith Urban Returns As Presenting Sponsor Of Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

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Keith Urban

Keith Urban is returning as Presenting Sponsor of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament, set to take place this year on Aug. 18 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville.

Urban has sponsored the charity tourney, which benefits United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Middle Tennessee, for the past nine years. One of Music Row’s original charitable events now in its 38th year, the MRLGT has raised over $2.5 million for UCP, and is among the organization’s most significant annual sponsors.

The MRLGT’s Title Sponsors will again include longtime supporters ASCAP and Tim McGraw, joined this year by new sponsor Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and additional confirmed sponsors include Adrian James Music, Allen Reynolds, Endurance Music Group, Peg Leg Porker, Pickers Vodka, Synapse Publishing and more.

Registration for the MRLGT is now open and team space is limited. To register, sponsor or for more information, visit mrlgt.com.

Kenny Chesney To Return To Sphere In 2026 After Wrapping 15-Show Run

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Kenny Chesney performs during his residency at Sphere Las Vegas. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney wrapped his Sphere residency in Las Vegas over the weekend by announcing he’ll return to the venue in 2026 for another set of shows for his No Shoes Nation.

“I got a little carried away,” Chesney admitted after one of the shows, “but after all the guests, all the songs we hadn’t planned on, all the people who came from all over, I just didn’t want to keep it a secret. I knew we were coming back, and if No Shoes Nation had half as much fun as we did, I wanted them to know we’d see them right here next summer. What could be better?”

The last two performances of the 15-show residency also included more surprises, as songwriter/sometime Coral Reefer and dear friend Mac McAnally joined Chesney onstage during the special shows. The duo delivered their No. 1 duet “Down The Road,” originally recorded on McAnally’s Simple Life, then treated the crowd to a rendition of Shenandoah’s “Two Dozen Roses” which was penned by McAnally. After talking about performing with James Taylor to singing their friend Jimmy Buffett into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and mentioning the presence of Buffett’s sister Lucy on Saturday night, the pair reprised the classic “Come Monday” for the eager crowd.

“When we said we were taking No Shoes Nation into another dimension, no one truly knew what that meant,” admits Chesney about the whole Sphere experience. “Now that we do, we can’t wait to come back and do it all over again.”

Details for next year’s shows will be revealed in a few weeks.

Hudson Westbrook To Hit The Road On ‘Texas Forever Tour’ This Fall

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Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh

Hudson Westbrook will hit the road this fall on his “Texas Forever Tour,” kicking off Sept. 4 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 16-date run will visit Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas and more before wrapping up Nov. 23 in Florida.

In addition to the tour, Westbrook has released his newest track, “Funny Seeing You Here,” ahead of his Texas Forever album, due in July. Written by Westbrook with Neil Medley, Dan Alley and Ryan Beaver, the fourth track from the forthcoming album is a scathing breakup anthem stranding Hudson on the “outskirts of hope,” raising a glass to karma’s sweet irony when fate seats his ex at the next barstool.

Currently amidst his “2025 Summer Tour,” Westbrook is set join Parker McCollum for select dates this fall.

“Texas Forever Tour” Dates:
9/4: Cleveland, OH (Jacob’s Pavillion)
9/5: Newport, KY (MegaCorp Pavillion)
9/6: Peoria, IL (CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing)
9/12: Shreveport, LA (Shreveport Municipal Auditorium)
9/13: Pryor, OK (Born & Raised)
10/9: Denver, CO (Mission Ballroom)
10/10: Grand Junction, CO (Warehouse 25 Sixty Five)
10/11: Salt Lake City, UT (REDWEST)
10/17: Christoval, TX (Cooper’s BBQ Live)
10/31: Little Rock, AR (First Security Amphitheater)
11/7: Irving, TX (Toyota Music Factory)
11/13: Statesboro, GA (The Blue Room)
11/15: Dothan, AL (Dothan Civic Center)
11/21: St Augustine, FL (St. Augustine Amphitheatre)
11/22: Fort Myers, FL (The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon)
11/23: St. Petersburg, FL (St. Pete Country Fest)

Riley Green Packs Out FirstBank Amphitheater For ‘Damn Country Music Tour’ Stop

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Riley Green.

Riley Green packed out FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin on Thursday (June 19) for another sold-out night of his “Damn Country Music Tour.” With a set full of fan-favorites, iconic covers and a sneak peak at new music, Green kept the crowd locked in from start to finish.

Before Green took the stage, newcomer Preston Cooper kicked off the show, setting the tone for the night ahead with a mix of originals and a cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Parachute.” Nashville-native Lauren Watkins followed, with a stand-out hometown performance including her most recent release “Lose My Cool,” fan-favorites “Anybody But You” and “Stuck In My Ways,” and more.

As the sun set over the amphitheater, the crowd jumped to their feet as Ella Langley took the stage, kicking off with a crowd singalong of her current radio single “Weren’t For The Wind.” Langley moved forward with energetic performances of “Better Be Tough,” “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” “Nicotine” and more before wrapping her time on stage with “Paint The Town Blue.”

Riley Green.

With the crowd fired up, the lights dimmed down as Green made his entrance with “Damn Country Music” before launching into his No. 1 hit, “Different Round Here.” From there, Green moved into the reflective “If It Wasn’t For Trucks,” unapologetic “Damn Good Day To Leave” and rowdy “Half Of Me.”

Green slowed it down with a cover of Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” “Georgia Time,” “Rather Be” and “When She Comes Home Tonight.” He surprised the crowd with his bus driver Greg on bass guitar for “There Was This Girl,” as the energy climbed back up.

The crowd roared as Green broke into covers of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” and “Courtesy Of The Red White And Blue.”

“Theres a lot of time on the road, being away from home and that’s what is tough about doing this for a living. But, one thing I never get tired of is playing country music for folks who really love country music,” Green expressed before moving into “Jesus Saves,” a solo-penned, emotional ballad telling the story of a homeless man Green encountered in Nashville.

With another surprise up his sleeve, Green decided give fans a live debut of the unreleased track “My Way” before bringing Langley back to the stage to perform their hit duet, “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

“[My Grandaddy] loved three things in this world. He loved Alabama football, he loved bass fishing and he loved my grandmother. I know if he was to leave this world either watching Alabama play, fishing on the lake or just sitting in the carport with my grandmother, he would have been a happy man. So, I wrote this song about him,” Green explained before moving into “Hell Of A Way To Go.”

Kicking the energy up to an all-time high, Green brought Langley out once again to perform their No. 1 single “You Look Like You Love Me,” earning the loudest cheers of the night, before he finished the set with “Change My Mind” and “Worst Way.”

After a short break, he returned for an encore of the fan-favorite “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and brought the openers out again for a crowd-singalong of “Dixieland Delight” to wrap the night.

The “Damn Country Music Tour” will continue in July.

Ella Langley, Lauren Watkins, Preston Cooper, Riley Green.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Pandora’s Victoria Alfonso, Riley Green, Pandora’s Johnny Chiang and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen celebrated Green’s Pandora Billionaire Plaque before the show. Photo: Samuel Crabtree

Ella Langley, Riley Green.

Riley Green.