Ryan Kohn Signs With Concord Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, back row): John Dennis, Ryan Kohn and Brad Kennard (Concord). (L-R, front row): Lily Fine (Dennis Entertainment) and Melissa Spillman (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord

Ryan Kohn has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, in partnership with John Dennis‘ InDent Music, the publishing arm of Dennis Entertainment. The deal includes Kohn’s full catalog and future works.

“It has been my dream for many years to become a professional songwriter, and signing with a team who is so beloved and respected in this industry is such a dream come true,” says Kohn. “This team has been so warm and welcoming to me, especially my biggest champions, Melissa Spillman and John Dennis. There is no one I’d rather partner with in this ever-changing industry, I am so excited to see what lies ahead for all of us.”

The producer and songwriter first moved to Music City to study music business at Belmont University. Since graduating in 2022, Kohn has worked with Erin Kirby, Cole Goodwin, Grace Tyler, Callista Clark, Ashley Anne, Callie Prince, Randall Fowler, Stanton Langley, Emmy Moyen and more.

Kohn has also released a number of singles as an artist, including “The Man She Used to Know,” “Headed Nowhere” and “Lifetime, Lover.” His EP November Skies was released in 2021 and portrayed a vulnerable picture of post-college graduation life. This past April, he performed at Key West Songwriters Festival.

“Ryan is already so well-connected in our music community, it was easy to see the path of success in front of him,” adds Melissa Spillman, VP of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “To find someone who is so loved and respected among writers, artists and executives alike is a rare thing! He’s a joy to work with, and his passion for music is infectious. I’m thrilled to be on his team!”

Industry Ink: Tim McGraw, CMHOFM, Warren Zeiders, Kashus Culpepper, More

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The Big 615’s Storme Warren Show Debuts Exclusive New Tim McGraw Song

Tim McGraw, Storme Warren.

The Big 615’s Storme Warren Show debuted a live version of Tim McGraw’s “King Rodeo,” recorded during his performance at Music City Rodeo in May.

“It’s a powerful song about growing older but not yet being willing to throw in the towel. No one interprets that message better than Tim,” Warren said after debuting the song.

 

CMHOFM Hosts Screening Of ‘Building The Wrecking Ball’

Pictured (L-R): CMHOFM Writer-Editor Dave Paulson, Museum CEO Kyle Young, Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris, Malcolm Burn. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted a film screening of the 1996 PBS documentary Building the Wrecking Ball. In 1995, Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris released her album Wrecking Ball, which was produced by Daniel Lanois, recorded and mixed by Malcolm Burn and won the 1996 Grammy award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Following the screening, Museum Writer-Editor Dave Paulson led a discussion with Harris, Lanois and Burn to discuss the making of the album. The program was presented in celebration of the album’s induction into the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame earlier this year.

 

Warren Zeiders Named Premier Lacrosse League Music Ambassador

Warren Zeiders has been named the music ambassador of the Premier Lacrosse League. The former college lacrosse player’s single “Ride the Lightning” will serve as the soundtrack for Saturday Night Lacrosse, the league’s premier weekly broadcast featuring marquee matchups across ESPN platforms throughout the 2025 season.

“Warren Zeiders brings the same fire we play with — the raw energy, real passion, and that unstoppable mindset,” said Paul Rabil, PLL Co-Founder and President. “His music captures the emotion and excitement of the game. That’s why he’s the perfect ambassador for our Saturday night soundtrack.”

Zeiders also recently performed “Pretty Little Poison” and “Ride The Lightning” during the U.S. Army 250th Celebration Military Parade in Washington D.C..

 

Kashus Culpepper Makes National Television Debut

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On Saturday (June 14), Kashus Culpepper made his national television debut on CBS Saturday Morning, performing “After Me?,” recent Marcus King collab “Southern Man” and fan-favorite “Man of His Word.”

 

SmithField Releases New Single, Partners With Bongo Roasting Co.

Texas native duo SmithField is set to release their next single, “Take Me To Texas,” a track dedicated to their hometown, on June 20.

The duo is also launching their own coffee blend, “Coffee With Heart,” in partnership with Nashville’s Bongo Roasting Co..

“Listening to SmithField music is like inviting someone to sit down with us over a cup of coffee conversation,” says the duo. “It’s about hearing all the stories, innermost thoughts, heartbreaks, life, love, and everything in between — from both perspectives.”

 

Gerald Josef, J Booth, Wes Bishop Ink With Soundpeak Music Publishing

TEV’s J Booth, Soundcrest Music Group President Skippy Chapman, TEV’s Wes Bishop. Seated: TEV’s Gerald Josef

Gerald Josef, J Booth and Wes Bishop, together known as This Empty Vessel, have each inked an exclusive publishing deal with Soundpeak Music Publishing, the BMI-affiliated division of Soundcrest Music Group.

Josef and Booth were behind several of Code of Ethics’ biggest hits, including the No. 1 Christian radio singles “Something Real” and “Voice of Reason” and more.

The trio’s first single, “Valentine,” will release June 20 and their debut album, Nod, will be released in September.

“Choosing a first single is never easy–you connect with all of them in different ways. But we felt, along with the team at Soundcrest, that Valentine was the right introduction to the album. It sets the tone and invites people into the world of Nod,” shares Booth.

 

Previously Unheard Waylon Jennings Collection ‘Songbird’ To Be Released In October

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A new Waylon Jennings project of previously unheard material compiled and mixed by son Shooter Jennings, Songbird, is being released via Son of Jessi/Thirty Tigers on Oct. 3.

The first of three previously unheard albums by the legendary star, Songbird features recordings produced between 1973 and 1984 in various studios by Waylon and his longtime drummer and co-producer Richie Albright, featuring members of his indelible backing band, The Waylors, including Albright and renowned pedal steel guitarist Ralph Mooney, along with such special guests as Tony Joe White, Jessi Colter and more.

Songbird is heralded by the project’s first single/title track, Waylon’s stirring version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird,” available everywhere along with a video streaming now. Both “Songbird” and the Songbird project were unveiled earlier this week at a special Waylon Jennings Birthday Party/Father’s Day celebration hosted by Shooter Jennings at The Viper Room in West Hollywood. The surviving members of the Waylors served as the house band for Jaime Wyatt, Elizabeth Cook, Ashley Monroe, Charley Crockett and Shooter, as they performed songs from Waylon’ illustrious catalog.

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The Songbird project got its start in the summer of 2024 as Shooter began sorting through hundreds of his father’s personal studio recordings. Having just begun an exclusive residency at Hollywood’s historic Sunset Sound Studio 3 (redubbed by Waylon as “Snake Mountain”), the Grammy-winning producer and artist began examining the tapes with veteran engineer Nate Haessly. His initial hope was to simply unearth some previously lost Waylon songs he could share with the world, but instead discovered the rich treasure trove of recordings.

Shooter soon realized there was more than enough gold in his father’s vast musical archive to create not just one, but three new Waylon albums more than two decades after his untimely passing in 2002. The majority of the recordings were fully finished, but he added a few final touches by bringing in a number of surviving members of The Waylors, including guitarist Gordon Payne, bassist Jerry Bridges, keyboardist Barny Robertson and backing vocalist Carter Robertson, with Elizabeth Cook and Ashley Monroe enlisted to help take “Songbird” to new heights. Shooter then mixed the songs in a purely analog fashion on Sunset Sound Studio 3’s custom 1976 DeMedio API mixing board.

“Songbird is the beginning of Waylon’s return to the modern world,” Shooter says. “This is the first of three gifts from me to you: the fans that have kept my father’s voice, songs and legacy alive all these years. The next few years are going to be full of some of the most exciting musical moments that the world never knew they were going to hear. I hope that these records bring the kind of joy to you that they have brought me. This project has given me an entirely new chapter in my relationship with my father and working on this music has brought a whole new understanding about how, when and why my dad made music. The hard work is there on the tapes and the passion and the soul within is as alive today as it was the day it was recorded.”

‘CMA Fest Presented By SoFi’ ABC Special Lineup Revealed

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Cody Johnson performs at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

The jam-packed lineup has been released for the CMA Fest presented by SoFi ABC concert special airing on June 26 at 7 p.m. CT and next day on Hulu.

Hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, the concert event features can’t-miss collaborations and unforgettable performances that took place during the 52nd CMA Fest in Nashville earlier this month. Featured performers on the special include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BigXthaPlug, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Marcus King, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Carín León, and Ashley McBryde.

Also appearing on the three-hour special are Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Shaboozey, Blake Shelton, Zach Top, Travis Tritt, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman. 

Four-night stadium passes for next year’s CMA Fest, taking place in Nashville June 4-7, 2026, will go on sale Thursday, June 26 through Ticketmaster.

Alexandra Kay To Open ‘Coffee Girl’ Coffee Shop This Thursday

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Alexandra Kay.

Alexandra Kay is set to open her first coffee shop, Coffee Girl, Thursday (June 19) in her hometown of Waterloo, Illinois. In celebration, she is releasing her next single “Feminine Energy” and will perform at St. Louis Music Park on Friday.

“This has been a dream of mine since 2020 when TikTok first named me “The Coffee Girl,” says Kay. “I can’t believe my dream of opening my own shop is finally a reality, and it’s even more special to have it in the heart of my hometown. When I first went viral while singing and making my morning coffee, I had no idea it would change my entire life. I’m grateful every day for the fans that got me here and can’t wait to see their smiling faces in my shop!”

Known as the “coffee girl” after going viral singing country covers every morning while making her cup of coffee, Kay hits the road with Brad Paisley this summer and is readying her sophomore album for fall.

Acclaimed Composer Stacy Widelitz Passes

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Stacy Widelitz

Stacy Widelitz, a celebrated composer, songwriter, photographer and arts advocate, passed away Tuesday morning (June 17) following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer that had metastasized. He was 69.

Widelitz first rose to prominence with the song “She’s Like the Wind,” co-written with his friend Patrick Swayze and featured on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. The track reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, contributing to the massive commercial success of the film’s soundtrack.

Over the course of his career, Widelitz composed music for feature films and more than 20 made-for-TV movies, and was nominated for an Emmy for his work on ABC’s World of Discovery. He also penned the end-title song for Disney’s Pocahontas II.

A native of Plainview, New York, Widelitz spent nearly two decades in Los Angeles before relocating to Nashville in 2000. In Music City, he continued his work in music and became deeply engaged in the broader creative and civic community.

He served on the boards of numerous local organizations, including the Nashville Opera, Nashville Film Festival, Alias Chamber Ensemble, and Dismas House, holding the role of President at several. He was also a longtime member and Past President of the Leadership Music Board of Directors. From 2016 to 2020, he served as a City Commissioner in Oak Hill, Tennessee.

In recent years, Widelitz explored a new creative path through black-and-white street photography, earning multiple awards and exhibiting his work at Chauvet Arts in Nashville. His photography took him around the world, including to Italy, Cuba, Paris, London, Berlin, Barcelona and across the United States.

In a note Widelitz wrote a few days before his death, he said: “When I look at my life, I’ve been on an incredibly lucky streak. I pursued my dreams of a career in music from an early age, and made a success of them. I even found further satisfaction and success with new and unexpected pursuits, such as photography and civic leadership. It’s been gratifying, fascinating, at times challenging and infuriating, but mostly it’s been a whole lot of fun. I’m not torturing myself with ‘shoulda” or “coulda.’ As Edith Piaf sang, ‘Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien’ – I regret nothing.”

A Celebration of Life has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the CMA Theater (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN 37203). Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. central, with the program beginning at 6:00 p.m. A cocktail reception will follow in the Grand Foyer at 7:00 p.m.

Musicians On Call Adds Nine To Team

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Pictured (L-R) Top Row: Hailey Gilleland, Kathryn Bennett, Katie Trent, Danys Coronel; Bottom Row: Christopher Anthony, Emiley Roye, Abby Tannler, Ella Hunt, Delaney McBride

Musicians On Call (MOC) has added nine new staff members across multiple departments as the organization continues to expand nationwide. The additions include Hailey Gilleland as Director of Development, Kathryn Bennett as Director of Individual Giving, Katie Trent as Development Coordinator, Danys Coronel as Digital Content Manager, Christopher Anthony as PR & Talent Coordinator, Emiley Roye as Northeast Program Coordinator, Abby Tannler as Program Coordinator, Ella Hunt as Program Coordinator and Delaney McBride as Executive Assistant.

“We are fortunate to have such a talented and passionate group joining Musicians On Call,” says MOC President & CEO Pete Griffin. “The diverse experiences and fresh perspectives they bring will be instrumental as we grow our reach, expand our fundraising, and strengthen our programs across the country. With their contributions, we’ll be able to deliver the healing power of music to even more people in need.”

In her role at MOC, Gilleland leads the organization’s fundraising strategy, with a focus on expanding major gifts and presence in external markets. Bennett connects supporters with MOC’s mission, manages donor stewardship and leads efforts to grow individual contributions nationwide. Trent supports donor engagement and development operations. Coronel oversees MOC’s digital strategy across social media, web and email, including digital fundraising campaigns, community engagement and storytelling through digital content. Anthony supports artist and celebrity engagement, media relations, and talent coordination for MOC programs and campaigns.

Roye manages MOC Bedside programs in New York and Philadelphia, and Volunteer Experience. Tannler serves as Program Coordinator for bedside programs in Denver and Phoenix and the MOC Virtual program. Hunt serves as Program Coordinator for the Mid-Southeast region, overseeing programs in Nashville, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Atlanta. McBride joins as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, supporting day-to-day operations at MOC’s headquarters.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Holds On To Top Spots On Country Charts

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen remains on top of the country charts this week, according to Luminate data. His recently-released I’m The Problem album has garnered 209K in total consumption (10K in album only and 250 million in song streams). His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” tops the songs chart with 20 million streams this week, adding to its 97 million total.

Wallen still holds the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the album chart with One Thing At A Time garnering 40K in total consumption and Dangerous: The Double Album with 30K. Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going comes in at No. 4 with 27K in total consumption. Rounding out the album chart is Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion with 21K in total consumption.

Over on the songs chart, Wallen holds four of the top five spots. “Just In Case” comes in at No. 2 with 18 million streams this week and “I’m The Problem” holds No. 3 with 15 million. Moving into the No. 4 spot is BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman’s “All The Way” with 13 million. Wallen’s “I Got Better” takes No. 5 with 13 million.

John Morgan’s First Headlining ‘Friends Like That Tour’ To Kick Off In October

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John Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato

John Morgan will launch his headlining 2025 “Friends Like That Tour” beginning in October.

The tour will visit Atlanta, Chicago, Louisville, Denver, Portland, San Diego and more through Dec. 13, with a Nashville Palace stop on Nov. 7.

“Man, this is my first headlining tour, and I’m pumped to do it with some of my great buddies who we’ll announce very soon,” shares Morgan. “We’re hitting some brand new cities for y’all on this run and are coming back to some of our favorites venues too like Touch of Texas [Binghamton, New York] and Stashe at the Intersection [Grand Rapids, Michigan]—ready to bring Carolina Blue out on the road.”

Following his fourth No. 1 as a songwriter and first as an artist, “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean),” the North Carolina native has the No. 1 most-added single this week with his fan-favorite, nostalgic track “Kid Myself.” Written by Morgan, Tyler Hubbard and Jordan Schmidt, the reflective track travels back in time to a regretful decision that cut a relationship short. Morgan recently performed “Friends Like That” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

“Friends Like That” Tour Dates:
October 9 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
October 10 – Binghamton, NY – Touch of Texas
October 17 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar
October 22 – Cadillac, MI – Venue Event Center
October 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – Stashe at the Intersection
October 24 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
November 6 – Bloomington, IN – Bluebird
November 7 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Palace
November 8 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
November 28 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose
November 29 – Colorado Springs, CO – Whiskey Rose
November 30 – Grand Junction, CO – Warehouse 2565
December 4 – Great Falls, MT – Newberry
December 5 – Spokane, WA – The District at the Knitting Factory
December 6 – Tacoma, WA – Elks Temple
December 7 – Portland, OR – Ponderosa Lounge
December 9 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
December 10 – San Diego, CA – Moonshine Flats
December 13 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Casino

Noah Cyrus Readies Sophomore Album Featuring Collaborations With Blake Shelton, Ella Langley, More

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Noah Cyrus is set to release her sophomore album, I Want My Loved Ones To Go With Me, on July 11 via RECORDS/Columbia Records. Additionally, Cyrus will celebrate the record with a release show in Los Angeles and a North America tour to follow in September. More information can be found here.

Cyrus co-produced the record alongside Mike Crossey and PJ Harding, and it features special guests Blake Shelton, Fleet Foxes, Ella Langley and Bill Callahan.

“I want this album to offer fans a sense of comforting, peaceful nostalgia. That’s something that I feel so heavily when I listen to music. We all want to connect with our past while also being aware of the present moment. Music does that for me, and this collection of songs was made with that in mind,” Cyrus says. “I want to evoke that feeling of a comforting friend that a song can be — and allow us all to heal.”

The record speaks of finding independence in adulthood, while finding ways to honor the roots of family. In “Don’t Put It All On Me,” Noah records a song her brother Braison Cyrus wrote for her, and turns it into a collaboration with Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, one of Braison’s favorite bands. She also brings to life the very first song her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, ever wrote on “With You.”

“For a long time, I couldn’t really trust in my own choices. I had to learn how to make decisions for myself and make that transition into adulthood,” she adds. “But I’ve found who I am, I know who I am, and this record shows what I had inside me all this time. This album is me.”

I Want My Loved Ones To Go With Me Track List: 
1. “I Saw The Mountains”
2. “Don’t Put It All On Me” (Feat. Fleet Foxes)
3. “What’s It All For?”
4. “Way Of The World” (Feat. Ella Langley)
5. “New Country” (Feat. Blake Shelton)
6. “Long Ride Home”
7. “Apple Tree”
8. “Man In The Field”
9. “With You”
10. “Love Is A Canyon”
11. “XXX” (Feat. Bill Callahan)