Amazon MGM Studios Hosts Third Annual ‘I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion’

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Pictured (L-R): James Marsh Jr., Director of Accounts, Warner Records Nashville, Beverly Keel, MŌRIAH, Randy Savvy, Joseph Hudak, Deputy Editor, Head of Country, Rolling Stone and Stephanie Davenport, Senior Director A&R, Warner Music Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios, in partnership with Amazon Music and the Academy of Country Music, hosted the third annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” at Luchini Italian Restaurant at MGM Grand Las Vegas on Friday (May 15).

This year’s celebration recognized the Compton Cowboys, an equestrian collective, MŌRIAH, a Latin-Country artist, Joseph Hudak, Deputy Editor and Head Of Country at Rolling Stone, Beverly Keel, a music journalist and Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, James Marsh, National Account Director at Warner Music Nashville, and Stephanie Davenport, Vice President of A&R at Warner Music Nashville.

Hosted by Marcus K. Dowling, the program featured a special performance by artist MŌRIAH and guests enjoyed a curated portrait studio experience photographed by G L Askew II.

The brunch is part of ACM Awards Week, leading up to last night’s ACM Awards.

Prior honorees include Brittney Spencer, Cameo Carlson, Marcus Dowling, Mickey Guyton, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Alicia Warwick, Armand Hutton, Rissi Palmer, Shannon Sanders, The War and Treaty, Tiera Kennedy and more.

MŌRIAH. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Joseph Hudak. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Pictured (L-R): Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Head of Country Music, Amazon Music, Marcus K. Dowling, James Marsh Jr., Director of Accounts, Warner Records Nashville and Chuck Aly. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Miranda Lambert Leaps Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Robert Ascroft

Miranda Lambert has entered the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter chart. Her Ella Langley collaboration “Butterfly Season” and the ACM Single and Song of the Year “Choosin’ Texas,” as well as her collaboration with Kacey Musgraves “Horses and Divorces” put the singer-songwriter at No. 11 this week.

Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “You & Me Time.”

Randy Montana (No. 3), Austin Goodloe (No. 4) and HARDY (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.

MercyMe Plots New 24-City Fall Tour

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MercyMe is set to return to the road this fall on the “MercyMe LIVE Tour,” which will kick off in October.

Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons, and Sam Wesley will join the band on the new dates as they visit 24 cities across the country, including Charleston, Baton Rouge, Colorado Springs, Louisville, Minneapolis, and more through Nov. 15, with a Nashville date set for Oct. 18.

Tickets go on sale this Friday (May 22).

Since launching their breakout single “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe has propelled nearly 30 songs to the top of the charts, resulting in more than 65 multi-format No. 1 hits. Holding the record for the most No.1s on Billboard’s Christian Airplay and Christian AC Airplay charts, the collective has accrued a shelf full of accolades including numerous Artist of the Year wins, GMA Dove Awards, K-LOVE Fan Awards, American Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award.

MercyMe made history in 2014 when “I Can Only Imagine” exceeded 2 million digital downloads, making the now 5x-Platinum hit the first song in Christian music to ever be certified Platinum and double-Platinum digitally.

“MercyMe LIVE Tour” Dates:
October 8 – Columbus, GA
October 9 – North Charleston, SC
October 10 – Tallahassee, FL
October 11 – Charlotte, NC
October 15 – Brandon, MS
October 16 – Duluth, GA
October 17 – Pikeville, KY
October 18 – Nashville, TN
October 22 – Greenville, SC
October 23 – Baltimore, MD
October 24 – State College, PA
October 29 – Rogers, AR
October 30 – Baton Rouge, LA
October 31 – The Woodlands, TX
November 1 – Fort Worth, TX
November 5 – Colorado Springs, CO
November 6 – Park City, KS
November 7 – Springfield, MO
November 8 – Oklahoma City, OK
November 12 – Fishers, IN
November 13 – Louisville, KY
November 14 – Kansas City, MO
November 15 – Minneapolis, MN

Drew Baldridge Offers Fans Chance To Win Private Farm Concerts

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Drew Baldridge. Photo: Riley Mays

Drew Baldridge is offering fans a chance to win free private concerts on their own farms.

Baldridge first launched the idea during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when he began performing intimate backyard concerts for fans across the country, playing more than 400 shows.

Fans can enter here for a chance to win.

“A few years ago, I posted on social media asking if anyone wanted me to come play in their backyard,” says Baldridge. “Over the span of three years, I received more than 20,000 messages. I only intended to do a few shows, but it grew beyond my wildest dreams. I miss those personal, intimate performances, so being able to give back to the fans who supported me during that time is something I can’t wait to do. We want to visit farms and small towns that may not regularly get concerts at theaters, amphitheaters, or arenas — people who grew up in communities just like I did.”

The select farm concerts will be woven into Baldridge’s 14-date headlining “Farm Faith Family Tour,” which kicks off June 11 in Omaha and runs through October.

In addition to the “Farm Faith Family Tour,” Baldridge will also support Luke Bryan and Cody Johnson on select dates, in addition to appearances at fairs and festivals nationwide. He will also bring the spirit of “Farm Faith Family” back home to Patoka on Sept. 19 for the fourth annual “The BIG Baldridge and Bonfire” festival.

Gary Stewart LP Of Rare Unreleased Tunes, ‘One Track Mind,’ Due In July

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Gary Stewart fans can discover an untold chapter of his incredible story more than two decades after his passing on One Track Mind, a collection of rare and previously unreleased recordings from Delmore Recording Society which will be released July 17.

The first preview track from the album, “Iron Bar Motel,” is available now. The songs on One Track Mind showcase the roots of Stewart, a musician born well outside the realm of Nashville’s Music Row who became one of the singular voices of the country genre in the 1970s. The CD/streaming versions of the project include four bonus tracks and rare country covers of Motown favorites.

One Track Mind finds Stewart toward the beginning of his career as a songwriter, newly arrived in Nashville, signing first with Cedarwood and then Forrest Hills publishing. These songwriting demos, an informal home tape, and even a lone acetate have been preserved from archival sources by producer Mark Linn and Stewart’s close friend Tommy Schwartz. Working primarily with early songwriting partner Bill Eldridge, several songs on the collection were cut, including Del Reeves (“One Track Mind”), Cal Smith (“You Can’t Housebreak a Tomcat”), Jack Greene (“There’s a Whole Lot About a Woman (A Man Don’t Know)”) and Nat Stuckey (“The Snuff Queen”).

Fans who know Stewart through his near-decade run as a recording artist for RCA Victor in the ‘70s and ‘80s will find unique and revealing detours on One Track Mind. The version of “The Snuff Queen” features just Stewart’s voice and guitar, digging into a dark country-blues groove. “Beautiful River” is an unfinished ballad recorded in the trailer he shared with Mary Lou, his beloved wife of more than 40 years, with fingerpicked guitar and a soft, drifting whistle throughout. The vinyl album’s closing track “Williamson County” is a ghostly murder ballad with the singer’s voice stretched into an anguished howl.

Last month, a definitive biography, Gary Stewart: I Am From the Honky-Tonks, was published from writer Jimmy McDonough.

One Track Mind Track List: (previously unreleased except where noted)
* denotes CD/streaming bonus track
1. “One Track Mind”
2. “Kings and Queens”
3. “Woman Will Tear the Heart Right Out of a Man”
4. “Big Bad Train”
6. “Living the Life of a Dog”
7. “Don’t Put a Poor Hand on Me”
8. “Her Apple Pie”
9. “My Mind is on You”
10. “Iron Bar Motel”
11. “The Bottom of the Pile”
12. “There’s a Whole Lot About a Woman (A Man Don’t Know)”
13. “If You Come Back Darling”
14. “You Can’t Housebreak a Tomcat”
15. “The Snuff Queen”
16. “Beautiful River”
17. “WIlliamson County”
18. “Morbid the Great” *
19. “Baby I Need Your Loving” (released on Delmore Recording Society 7″ single DE028, 2018) *
20. “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday” (released on Delmore Recording Society 7″ single DE028, 2018) *
21. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” *

Neil Medley Renews Global Deal With River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Lauren Lieu, Zebb Luster, Neil Medley and Kayla Adkins. Photo: Katie Levine

Neil Medley has renewed his global publishing agreement with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing.

Medley has penned multiple No. 1 hits, including the recent Hudson Westbrook chart-topper, “House Again,” as well as Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” and Jake Owen’s “Made For You.” Medley has earned additional cuts with Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Cody Johnson, Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, Josh Abbott Band, Brent Cobb and more.

“Ever since I signed, Zebb, Kayla [Adkins] and Lauren [Lieu] have worked tirelessly to put me in the best situations to write my best songs,” shares Medley. “I couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved over the past four years and I’m excited about what we’re going to accomplish in the future.”

“Neil is like family to our staff and our writers,” says EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “He brings a level of experience to the writing room that always improves the song they are crafting. We couldn’t be prouder to continue our partnership with Neil. He is a major asset to what we have built at River House.”

“Neil is an exceptional songwriter and a trusted collaborator who consistently elevates the creative process,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “His continued success is a testament to his incredible work ethic and love of great songs, and we’re excited to champion his next chapter.”

Keith Urban Headlines ‘ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash’

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Keith Urban. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for ACM

Keith Urban took the stage on Saturday (May 16) at Mandalay Bay Beach for “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash.”

The event featured performances from Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith and Tucker Wetmore, as well as members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026 including Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts and Hudson Westbrook. Urban surprised the crowd with Little Big Town.

The event took place ahead of last night’s ACM Awards, held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Wetmore took home New Male Artist of the Year.

Pictured (L-R): Willow Avalon, Dasha, Vincent Mason, Tyler Braden, Hudson Westbrook, Ashley Cooke, Graham Barham, Emily Ann Roberts, Alexandra Kay. Photo: Courtesy of Chris Hollo

Keith Urban & Little Big Town. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for ACM

Braxton Keith To Launch ‘Real Damn Deal Tour’ In July

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Braxton Keith

Braxton Keith will kick off his new “Real Damn Deal Tour” on July 25 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The tour will visit over a dozen cities across the country through early fall including Richmond, Wichita, Buffalo, Nashville, and more, wrapping with a special hometown show in Midland, Texas on Oct. 3.

Tickets for the new tour go on sale Thursday (May 21) here.

Keith released his debut album Real Damn Deal last week. Produced by Alex Torrez and David Dorn, the collection showcases his high-and-lonesome twang across a mix of dancehall-ready anthems, heartbreak ballads and timeless country storytelling, with Keith co-writing 10 of the album’s 15 tracks.

Ahead of the “Real Damn Deal Tour” in July, Keith will finish out the “This Ain’t My First Tour” and hit several summer festivals. He’ll also make his CMA Fest debut on June 6 at Nashville’s Chevy Riverfront Stage.

“Real Damn Deal Tour” Dates:
7/25 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
7/26 – Richmond, VA – The National
7/31 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
8/13 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion Ballroom
8/22 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
8/29 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
9/3 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
9/11 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
9/25 – Round Rock, TX – Round Rock Amp
9/26 – Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Rodeo
10/2 – Waco, TX – Foster Pavilion
10/3 – Midland, TX – Momentum Bank Ballpark

Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna & More Perform at ‘ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends’

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Riley Green. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna, Randy Houser and Rodney Atkins took the stage at Topgolf Las Vegas on Friday (May 15) for “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends.”

All ticket proceeds from the event benefited ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music which is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. In honor of the 20th anniversary of ACM Lifting Lives, Topgolf donated $20,000 to support the ongoing work of the organization.

The event took place ahead of last night’s ACM Awards, held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Anna took home New Female Artist of the Year and Green earned Music Event of the year for his duet with Ella Langley, “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Avery Anna. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Lauren Alaina. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Rodney Atkins. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Randy Houser. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Dan + Shay To Embark On ‘The Young Tour’ This Fall

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Dan + Shay.

Dan + Shay are set to hit the road across North America on “The Young Tour” this fall.

The tour will feature support from Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross on most dates.

The 26-date run kicks off Sept. 11 in Noblesville, Indiana and makes stops in New York, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Texas and more, before wrapping Nov. 7 in Mountain View, California. General on sale begins Friday (May 22) following pre-sale opportunities this week. More information on tickets and VIP packages can be found here.

The tour supports the duo’s upcoming album, Young, which is set to be released Aug. 21 via Warner Records Nashville. Last night (May 17), Dan + Shay gave the live debut performance of “Say So” at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where they were also nominated for Duo of the Year.