Ryman Auditorium’s Annual Community Day Set For May 25

/by

The Ryman Auditorium will host its annual Ryman Community Day on May 25.

Tennessee residents are invited to enjoy the daytime tour experience free of charge from 9-4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID. Tickets may be reserved in advance here.

As part of Ryman Community Day festivities, PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium will come alive with family-friendly offerings, including on-site printmaking from the iconic Hatch Show Print, food trucks and games and activities for children like face painting, caricatures and music crafts from the Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab.

The Ryman gift shop will also be open, offering a 10% discount to all guests with a valid Tennessee state ID. Throughout the day, free live music will take place both outside on the PNC Plaza stage and inside on the Ryman stage. The full live music schedule can be found at ryman.com/event/ryman-community-day-2025.

On the Ryman’s daytime tour, guests can experience the history of Nashville’s Mother Church and the legendary artists that have graced its stage. This year, Tennessee visitors can enhance their experience with a guided backstage tour, available for $10 day-of at the box office. Guests can also experience Ryman’s newest exhibit, “Opry 100 at the Ryman” which highlights the 100-year history of the Grand Ole Opry. The new exhibit features exclusive memorabilia and items from Opry members like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and more. The daytime tour experience includes immersive videos and star-studded exhibits, including the famed Rock Hall at the Ryman which debuted in 2022 and currently has brand new items on display that were owned or worn by Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, Mavis Staples and Sheryl Crow.

Centricity Music Elevates Five

/by

Christian record label Centricity Music has elevated five veteran staffers to its senior suite. John Mays steps into the role of President of A&R while Camy McArdle transitions to Co-General Manager/SVP, Business Affairs & Publishing alongside Andrew Lambeth who now serves as Co-General Manager/SVP, Marketing. John Stokes will assume the role of SVP of Marketing & Operations and Chad Segura will act as SVP, Publishing.

“Centricity has the best team in the industry, and I wanted to start the year by acknowledging and rewarding the team’s responsibilities and accomplishments,” says Caren Sidle, CEO. “We have had many successes in our history and these titles recognize the milestones and prepare us for continued growth and innovation in the coming years.”

Mays has worked with Centricity since 2005, previously holding the role of SVP of A&R. McArdle joined in 2022, rising from Senior Director of Business Affairs & Finance. Both Lambeth and Segura started at Centricity in 2015 serving as VP of Sales & Promotions and VP of Publishing, respectively, while Stokes joined in 2017 as VP of Marketing & Operations.

Belmont University Awards Trisha Yearwood, Hillary Lindsey Honorary Doctorates At 2025 Spring Commencement

/by

Pictured (L-R): Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones, Trisha Yearwood, Hillary Lindsey, Belmont Board of Trustees Chairman Milton Johnson and Belmont Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. Photo: Sam Simpkins

Belmont University awarded Trisha Yearwood, Hillary Lindsey and two leading entrepreneurs with honorary Doctor of the University degrees during its 2025 Spring Commencement ceremonies May 2-3 at the Curb Event Center.

President Dr. Greg Jones presided over the events and presented the honorary degrees at the ceremonies, which recognized the graduation of 2,016 students, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral candidates.

“These four extraordinary individuals exemplify what Belmont seeks to instill in its graduates,” said President Jones during the ceremonies. “We bestow this prestigious award with great discernment, recognizing it as the highest accolade the University offers. On behalf of our entire Belmont community, it is with great honor that we recognize these leaders who continue to make a tremendous impact through their commitment to faith, service and excellence in their respective fields.”

A Belmont alumna who graduated in 1986 with a degree in music business, Yearwood has been a singer, author, chef and entrepreneur for over three decades. In 1991 she became the first female country artist to have a debut single reach No. 1 with “She’s in Love with the Boy.” With 15 studio albums and over 15 million records sold, she has received multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Awards, been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and has stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville Music City Walk of Fame. She is also a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, Emmy-winning host of Trisha’s Southern Kitchen on Food Network, and philanthropist supporting Habitat for Humanity, breast cancer research and animal welfare through her charity, Dottie’s Yard.

“When I think about all of the things that allowed me to have that first song go to number one, and to get a record deal, and to get to tour the world and do all the things that I’ve been able to do in the 34 years of my career, I can’t thank Belmont enough for all of the things along the way,” said Yearwood receiving her honorary doctorate.

Hillary Lindsey, a Belmont alumna and award-winning songwriter, has had songs recorded by artists in both country and pop. Her career includes 28 No. 1 country singles, three Grammy awards, and CMA Song of the Year honors. She is well known for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and has been inducted into both the Nashville and National Songwriters Hall of Fame, one of only 400 songwriters in the National Hall of Fame and one of just a few from the country genre.

Dr. Kim Tan, a trained chemist, businessman, entrepreneur and innovative leader focused on social impact through creative business strategies, and Michael Bontrager, founder of Chatham Financial, the largest independent global financial derivatives advisory services and technology firm, also received honorary Doctor of the University degrees during the ceremony.

Country Thunder Florida Hosts 2025 Event With Riley Green, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, More

/by

Riley Green. Photo: Dale Macmillan/Country Thunder

Country Thunder Florida held its 2025 event on May 2-4 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.

Blake Shelton. Photo: Dale Macmillan/Country Thunder

Among the weekend’s highlights was Ella Langley joining headliner Riley Green for a performance of “Don’t Mind If I Do” and their smash hit “You Look Like You Love Me” on Friday night. During the set, Reba McEntire appeared on the jumbotron to surprise the duo with the ACM Award for Visual Media of the Year. Dillon Carmichael also joined Green on stage for a Toby Keith tribute of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy.” Additional Friday performers included Kevin Smiley, Abby Anderson and Owen Riegling, as well as Carmichael and Langley’s own sets.

Saturday night brought more powerhouse performances with sets from Angie K, The Kentucky Headhunters, Bayker Blankenship, Chayce Beckham, Jake Owen and a headline set from Blake Shelton.

Jelly Roll. Photo: Dale Macmillan/Country Thunder

Jelly Roll closed down the weekend with his headline set on Sunday, which included “Heart of Stone,” “Need a Favor,” “Save Me,” “I Am Not Okay” and more. He also welcomed a nine-year-old girl on to the stage for an impromptu duet of “Liar.” He was preceded by Ashley McBryde, Clint Black, Drew Baldridge, Dallas Smith and Nolan Sotillo who all brought the energy on the festival’s final day.

Another fan favorite event throughout the weekend was The Songwriters Showcase, which featured Brinley Addington, Heath Warren, Benjy Davis, Troy Cartwright, Hays, Philip Morgan, Abby Anderson, Angie K and more sharing the stories behind their songs.

Ella Langley & Riley Green. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

Jelly Roll sings “Liar” with fan. Photo: Dale Macmillan/Country Thunder

Family Alliance In Music Opens Support Grant Application

/by

The Family Alliance in Music (FAM) has opened applications for its inaugural $25,000 support grant. The application is available now through June 1 and can be found here.

FAM is an organization dedicated to supporting music professionals as they navigate the challenges of caregiving, parenting, and family life. The funding will be awarded to a music industry professional in one of the following areas:
– Fertility assistance for those pursuing parenthood.
– Needs-based grants for live touring professionals facing financial hardship due to family demands.
– Family caregiving assistance to support those balancing their careers and caring for a loved one.
– A Small business looking to provide employee benefits that support family needs.

Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae, ACM Lifting Lives, CMHOFM, More

/by

Jordan Davis Performs ‘Bar None’ On Live With Kelly & Mark

Jordan Davis with Kelly & Mark.

Jordan Davis kicked off his week performing his single “Bar None” on Live With Kelly And Mark Monday (May 5) to celebrate the recent announcement of Learn The Hard Way, his upcoming album set for release on August 15. Davis also embarks on his headlining “Ain’t Enough Road Tour” this fall, with dates across the U.S. including Los Angeles’ The Greek Theatre and New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. 

Maddie & Tae Receive Platinum Surprise At Ryman Show

Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones (RIAA), Nick Hartley (Steadfast), Maddie & Tae, Mike Harris (MCA) and Lindsey Ray (Steadfast). Photo: Jeff Johnson

Maddie & Tae played their first-ever headlining show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to a packed hometown crowd on May 1. At the show, Maddie & Tae were surprised with plaques celebrating the success of two of their hits: “Die From A Broken Heart” for 4x Platinum, and “Friends Don’t” which went Platinum. The duo just released their fourth studio album Love & Light via Mercury Nashville which features the new song “Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams.”

ACM Lifting Lives Unveils Custom Gibson Guitar Wall In Frisco Hospital

ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, kicked off the 60th ACM Awards week in Frisco, Texas by unveiling a unique guitar wall for patients, families and other hospital patrons during an exclusive event at the new Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco at PGA Parkway, which is scheduled to open July 2025. The custom wall features six Gibson guitars, all donated by Gibson Gives, displayed alongside photos of Texas-born country superstars performing at the ACM Awards over the years, including Ronnie Dunn, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, George Strait and Tanya Tucker. Additionally, each guitar is joined by a QR code, which links directly to a curated playlist that correlates to themes including “Inspire,” “Celebrate,” “Motivate,” “Heal,” “Cope,” and “Relax” – providing unique soundtracks to whatever listeners may be facing at the time of their hospital visits.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Hosts 46th Annual Words & Music Celebration

Caylee Hammack with Words & Music Night student and songwriter participants. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its 46th annual celebration in honor of Words & Music, the museum’s flagship educational program, on May 5. School-aged participants and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater, along with the evening’s host, Capitol Records Nashville artist Caylee Hammack, to hear a selection of 14 songs written by students in Nashville and its surrounding areas. Hammack closed the evening with a performance of her original song, “Family Tree.” Throughout the night, students performed their Words & Music compositions alongside their professional songwriting partners and classmates. The program was recorded and will be shared on the museum’s website later this summer.

Sierra Hull Shares Origin Story On PBS NewsHour

Singer, songwriter and award-winning mandolinist Sierra Hull was featured on a recent episode of PBS NewsHour during a deep dive interview taped earlier this year at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C. Special Correspondent Tom Casciato took viewers from Hull’s early days growing up in Byrdstown, Tennessee, to present day, including releasing her first independent album, A Tip Toe High Wire and joining Willie Nelson’s “Outlaw Music Festival Tour” later this month. Casciato and Hull discussed her genre-bending approach to music, her precision with the mandolin, and a childhood letter she wrote to hero-turned-mentor Alison Krauss.

Musicana & Hispanic Entertainment Alliance Team For Song Suffragettes Show

Song Suffragettes and Musicana & Hispanic Entertainment Alliance are partnering for a Song Suffragettes Show on May 19 featuring a Latina lineup including Alyssia Dominguez, Angie K, Karina Daza, Kat Luna, MŌRIAH and Mia Morris. “Our mission is to celebrate and uplift the Latine music community and elevate our collective presence in the music industry and beyond,” says Musicana Founder Karina Daza. “We produce public showcases and networking events, and we offer Latine artists performance opportunities, press spotlights, education, connection, and community. We believe that through representation, we can dismantle prejudices and build bridges of solidarity, compassion and empathy.”

Eli Gable Inks With Capitol Christian Music Group

Pictured (L-R): David Sylvester, Patrick Ogilvy, Ellie McKay, Tiffany Currier, Elizabeth Brock, Isabel Sardella, Katie Barolak, Garrett Davis, Zach Hayes, Eli Gable, Krystal Polychronis, Heather Carpenter, Steven Cervenka, Becca Redl, Cole Linebarger, Sarah Singleton, Aaron Stearns and Kenny Rodgers.

Singer-songwriter Eli Gable has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group. Gable’s debut single, “Holy Ghost Town,” is set for release May 16. The Ohio native has been independently releasing music and developing his mountain soul and rock sound as an artist since he moved to Nashville in 2020. This fall, Gable will join Rend Collective on the “FOLK! 2025 Fall Tour,” visiting 20+ cities beginning Oct. 17 in Portland, Maine.

AK Cody Signs With CDX Records

Pictured (L-R): Joe Kelly, President, CDX Records; AK Cody and Rick Savoie, Manager, Avalanche Music

Singer-songwriter AK Cody has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with CDX Records. Cody is a Nashville-based soulful writer who originally hails from working class roots in rural New England. He has toured extensively as an independent artist and has been writing his own songs for years, including his single “Marry Me.” His latest single “Summertime” from his upcoming EP is due out soon.

Chris Stapleton’s ‘Traveller’ Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Special Vinyl Release

/by

Chris Stapleton is celebrating 10 years since the release of his debut album Traveller on Mercury Nashville, and in celebration of the anniversary, new special-edition vinyls will be released later this summer and are available for pre-order beginning today.

Beloved by critics, fans and artists, Traveller was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A with producer Dave Cobb. It won Best Country Album at the 58th Grammy Awards, Album of the Year at both the CMAs and ACMs, and went on to become the best-selling country album of the 2010s. Following a historic turn on the 2015 CMA Awards where Stapleton became the first artist to ever win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year in the same year, Traveller became the first album in history to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at No. 1, where it stayed for two straight weeks.

With global sales over 11 million, the album is certified RIAA 7x Platinum in the U.S. and has been streamed over 11 billion times around the world. Additionally, the album has spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart – the first country album to do so. An 11x Grammy, 19x CMA and 20x ACM award-winner, Stapleton has gone on to release four more studio albums including his most recent, 2023’s Higher.

Stapleton will continue his “All-American Road Show” tour through the summer, as well as playing a series of select stadium shows with George Strait.

CMA Reveals Additional Performers For 2025 Festival

/by

The Country Music Association has unveiled more performers for CMA Fest 2025, taking place June 5-8.

K. Michelle will perform the national anthem on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium, kicking off the weekend’s nighttime shows. Opening each night at the stadium will be Charles Esten (June 5), Rita Wilson (June 6), Deana Carter (June 7) and Rodney Atkins (June 8).

Nissan Stadium shows will also feature special collaborations, with Marcus King joining Brooks & Dunn on Thursday, Carín León joining Cody Johnson on Friday, and Carly Pearce joining Rascal Flatts on Saturday. Scotty McCreery and Dylan Scott will also make special appearances throughout the weekend.

CMA is also bringing back its Platform Stage, giving rising stars the chance to perform in between stadium sets in the center of the action. Thursday will showcase Max McNown and Tigirlily Gold, Friday will spotlight Sam Barber and Kameron Marlowe, Saturday will highlight Carter Faith and Tiera Kennedy, while Sunday will close out with Avery Anna, Kashus Culpepper and Tucker Wetmore. 

In addition to the new stadium performances, Annie Bosko will play at the Hard Rock Stage on Saturday, and the Dr Pepper Amp Stage will feature a set by the United States Marine Band on Sunday.

Jenna Paulette Launches Collaboration With Justin Boots

/by

Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker

Jenna Paulette has launched her new boot line in collaboration with Justin Boots. The Sunrise and Sunset Collection is available now.

“It’s a dream come true to create this line with Justin,” Paulette shares. “It’s a cowboy boot, with a spur lip and durable sole, made for work but pretty enough to wear out on the town. The Sunrise And Sunset boot – excited to see them live up to their name!”

Crafted with honey roughout leather in Justin’s El Paso, Texas factory, the boots come in 11” and 17” heights, and are built for durability, style and function. Each pair features a spur ledge, pull holes and a traditional leather outsole.

Sunrise and Sunset Boots

Paulette will continue on her headlining “Horseback Acoustic Tour” through the summer. The tour, which initially traversed her home region of Texas and Oklahoma, will make additional stops in Wisconsin and Illinois in June. At each tour stop, fans will have a chance to enter to win a gift card valid for the purchase of one CowboyGirl shirt and pair of Justin boots, courtesy of Justin Boots and Ely Cattleman.

Ryan Aviation Group Announces Board Of Directors

/by

Pictured (L-R, top row): Bill Silva (CEO, Bill Silva Entertainment), Brent Daughrity (CEO, Gallagher & Co); (L-R, bottom row): Josh Joseph (CEO, Big Plan Holdings / Founder, Edgehill Music Publishing), Dan Ryan (Owner, Ryan Aviation Group)

Ryan Aviation Group, a Nashville-based private luxury aviation travel company, has officially announced its board of directors. The board includes some of the entertainment industry’s most notable leaders including Bill Silva, CEO of Bill Silva Entertainment, Brent Daughrity, CEO of Gallagher & Co, Josh Joseph, CEO of Big Plan Holdings/Founder of Edgehill Music Publishing, and Dan Ryan, owner of Ryan Aviation Group. Together, the board will use their expertise in different fields to advise and guide infrastructure to foster expansion and growth.

“I am incredibly proud to introduce our first-ever board of directors — a group of exceptional humans whose ethos, expertise and character embody the very spirit of Ryan Aviation Group,” says Ryan. “Each member was handpicked with great care, not only for their experience but for the synergy and alignment they bring to our shared vision. I have the utmost respect for this board, and I’m confident that together, we will elevate our service to meet the evolving needs of clients across the globe. This is more than leadership — it’s a partnership that will guide our company into its next era with integrity, innovation and purpose.”

Founded in 2017 and recently relocating to Nashville, Ryan Aviation Group provides specialist private travel services to the music and film industries in addition to its broader roster of clients. Ryan Aviation Group prides itself on not exposing clients to any long-term upfront costs, restrictive contracts, usage limits or app booking fees and setting itself apart by focusing on the human experience.