Mark Wills’ ‘Greatest Hits’ Album Gets Vinyl Treatment For First Time June 6

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Mark Wills’ Greatest Hits will soon be available on red vinyl, bringing 11 of his ’90s classics together on vinyl for the first time on June 6 via MCA Nashville/UMe.

Reviving the warmth of Wills’ vocal and classic-contemporary sound, the set features his debut single “Jacob’s Ladder,” chart-toppers like 1999’s “Wish You Were Here,” “I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You” (featuring Jamie O’Neal) and more.

The Platinum singer and ACM award-winning Georgia native and 218th member of the Grand Ole Opry released his Greatest Hits album in 2002 in the CD age, resulting in his second No. 1 country hit, “19 Something’,” recorded specially for the collection. Greatest Hits was previously released only on CD (and later via streaming platforms), although all tracks except “When You Think Of Me” were eventually released as 7” singles, and this marks the first time his hits have been collected and shared as a vinyl compilation.

Greatest Hits Track List:
Side 1
1. “Jacob’s Ladder”
2. “Places I’ve Never Been”
3. “I Do (Cherish You)”
4. “Don’t Laugh At Me”
5. “Wish You Were Here”
6. “She’s In Love”

Side 2
1. “Back At One”
2. “Almost Doesn’t Count”
3. “I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You” (Duet with Jamie O’Neal)
4. “19 Somethin’”
5. “When You Think Of Me”

Songwriters Hall Of Fame Reveals 2025 Scholarship Recipients

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(L-R, top row): Ella Boh, Daphne Browdy, Elizabeth McKenna Campbell, Elby Faser and Mint Herrmann. (L-R, second row): Caleb Hinojosa, Yeji Kim, Dawoyne Lawson, Michele Lu, Justin Miller and Emmy Moyen. (L-R, third row): Luke Naphat, Allie Nixon, Sam Opoku, Mōriah Peters, Sydney Rose and Oscar Santander. (L-R, bottom row): Greg Sekeres, Carmen Thomassiny, Mia Vrablic, Sam Westhoff and Waylon Wyatt.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled the recipients of its eight 2025 scholarship programs.

The Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting, established in 1990 by the family of Olman, who was a noted songwriter, music publisher and hall of fame founder, honors emerging talents selected by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. This year’s recipients are Ella Boh (BMI), Daphne Browdy (SESAC), Elby Faser (SESAC), Dawoyne Lawson (SESAC), Allie Nixon (ASCAP), Sam Opoku (ASCAP), Mōriah Peters (ASCAP), Sydney Rose (BMI), Oscar Santander (BMI), Greg Sekeres (BMI) and Sam Westhoff (ASCAP).

The Belmont University Songwriting Scholarship honors songwriting majors who show outstanding potential and uplift their peers and the songwriting community. The 2025 recipients are Emmy Moyen and Mia Vrablic.

The NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award, awarded to Elizabeth McKenna Campbell and Caleb Hinojosa, recognizes composition students whose work shows strong potential and captures the art and individuality of great songwriting.

The USC Thornton School of Music Scholarship is awarded to student songwriters who show exceptional promise in their craft and character, selected by faculty. The 2025 recipients are Yeji Kim and Michele Lu.

The Curtis Mayfield Scholarship, established by his family, honors a rising singer-songwriter whose work embodies Mayfield’s spirit, soul and legacy. This year’s honoree is Justin Miller.

The Bill Withers Scholarship, awarded to Carmen Thomassiny, honors a songwriter whose work reflects the eloquence, spirit and soul of Bill Withers’ music.

The Songwriters of Tomorrow Scholarship supports NYC public high school seniors with songwriting talent and ambition, selected for their original work. This year’s awardees are Mint Hermann and Luke Naphat.

New this year, The Songwriters Hall of Fame/John Titta Scholarship honors a student songwriter with outstanding talent and character, reflecting the legacy of Titta. The inaugural recipient is Waylon Wyatt, an innovative singer-songwriter on the rise.

Cole Swindell Notches 13th No. 1 With ‘Forever To Me’

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Cole Swindell. Photo: Robby Klein

Cole Swindell has earned his 13th No. 1 on country radio with “Forever To Me.” Penned by Swindell, Greylan James and Rocky Block, the personal tune about finding your forever person is included on Swindell’s upcoming album Spanish Moss, releasing June 27.

“Anytime you get to celebrate a No. 1 song it’s always special for so many reasons,” says Swindell. “Over the years I’ve found the main reason for me is getting to share it with all the folks that make it possible. A huge thank you to country radio for supporting me through the years and especially for the love on a song that means so much to me and my wife.

“I’m thankful to have written this one with my buddies Greylan James & Rocky Block on a last minute trip to Texas for the National Championship in early 2024,” he continues. “We didn’t really set out to write our wedding song, but I remember them asking me about Courtney and me simply saying “she’s forever to me.” As soon as I said that, we knew that was what we had to write and the rest is history!”

Swindell’s previous No. 1 hits as an artist include “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” “Break Up In The End,” “Flatliner” and more. He has also rang in 14 No. 1 hits as a songwriter, including Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some of That”, Luke Bryan’s “Roller Coaster”and Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Roll.”

Brian Kelley To Celebrate Summer On ‘Sunshine State Of Mind Tour’

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Brian Kelley. Photo: Ben Christensen

Brian Kelley will embark on his new “Sunshine State of Mind Tour” beginning July 24 in Savannah.

The 19-date run will visit Myrtle Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Chattanooga, Norfolk and more through the summer before wrapping up on Sept. 7 in Raleigh.

Teasing the tour news first with fans on the Brian Kelley Fan Club app, Kelley created a unique place for exclusive content, concert presales and VIP discounts. With different membership tiers available, the app is the best way to connect directly with Kelley, hear unreleased music, join in on livestreams and more. Full details about the Brian Kelley Fan Club app are available here.

The “Sunshine State of Mind Tour” is a nod to Kelley’s Sunshine State Of Mind, Season One album. Season Two, Chapter One of that project is already on the way, with the first release “Palm Tree Country.” Mixing twang and tan lines for a getaway anthem, the ballad penned by Kelley with Jake Rose, Blake Redferrin and Canaan Smith is packed with tropical imagery and Kelley’s signature turn of phrase first made famous on the Diamond-selling “Cruise,” and is all about checking out of the everyday grind, and getting into an all-inclusive headspace.

Tickets for the tour are first available via an exclusive fan presale on Kelley’s mobile app beginning today (Apr. 28) with a general public on-sale beginning Friday (May 2).

“Sunshine State Of Mind Tour” Dates:
July 24 – Savannah, GA – Victory North
July 25 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
July 26 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Boathouse
July 27 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
August 1 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – The Parker
August 2 – Melbourne, FL – King Center for the Performing Arts
August 3 – Fort Myers, FL – The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon
August 7 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
August 8 – Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
August 9 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
August 21 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
August 22 – Macon, GA – Capitol Theatre Macon
August 23 – Gainesville, GA – Boot Barn Hall
August 28 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
September 2 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork
September 4 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
September 5 – Cornelius, NC – The Boatyard
September 6 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Bristol
September 7 – Raleigh, NC – Bowstrings Brewyard

Listening & Lifting: David Conrad To Be Honored At CMA Triple Play Awards [Interview]

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David Conrad. Photo: John Chiasson

At the 15th annual CMA Triple Play Awards tonight (April 29), legendary music publisher David Conrad will receive the Songwriter Advocate Award. Alongside this honor, CMA will recognize 16 songwriters who have penned three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period.

The Songwriter Advocate Award aims to honor individuals who have significantly supported and furthered the art of songwriting and the careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on country music and the songwriting community as a whole. Conrad will be the fourth person to receive this award behind Bob DiPiero in 2020, Jody Williams in 2022 and Troy Tomlinson in 2024.

“This award is really uplifting. It is very kind of them to think of me—especially since I’ve been out of circulation for a while now,” shares Conrad with a laugh. “To be held in the same regard as people like Bob, Jody and Troy, it is three times the honor for me. Those are some of my favorite folks and, more than that, they are great songwriter champions.”

Conrad’s journey in Nashville began nearly 60 years ago, in 1967, after growing up in a musical family in North Carolina. A chance meeting with his own advocate, Chet Atkins, helped open doors, and after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill and serving a four-year stint in the Army—where he played guitar for the Third Army Soldier Show—he returned to Music City. Over time, he shifted from performing to the publishing side of the industry. “I always like to say that dreams do come true, just not always in the way you dream them.”

In 1974, he joined Pi-Gem Music, where he learned the publishing business from some of the best songwriters in town, who, he says, “taught [him] far more than [he] taught them.” Over the next few decades, he built a reputation for his sharp ear and support of writers, working with iconic acts such as Emmylou Harris, Bruce Springsteen, Waylon Jennings, Don Schlitz, Gillian Welch and Jimmy Buffett.

“After all these years, I still try to be an advocate,” says Conrad. “You always want good people to end up in a good spot, because you admire the people setting up in Nashville and you admire the man or woman you advocate for. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Throughout his career, Conrad has found that the “lifting” part of being an advocate typically follows the most important thing—listening.

“’Lifting’ is a word we use all the time, but we are in the business of listening. In terms of songwriters, guitarists or singers, you advocate by listening—really hearing them—not just waiting for them to finish. Then, you lift them up, you make good on what they are doing and look for a way to help them move forward.”

Conrad continues to advocate for the next generation of songwriters, even if it is cheering from the sidelines. “I still get excited that young people continue to dream of coming to Nashville to write songs. The thought of someone out there sharing what I felt the first time Gillian Welch played me ‘Orphan Girl’ or Kent Robbins sang ‘Love Is Alive’ is really amazing.

“Though the players have changed in the game, Nashville, I am proud to say, is still a community—a culture—of advocates,” Conrad sums. “It seems to me that it is built into the DNA of country music.”

Gretchen Wilson Joins CBS Competition ‘The Road’

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Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Blake Shelton.

Gretchen Wilson has joined CBS’ new music competition series The Road in the special role of “Tour Manager.”

Wilson will provide support and guidance to the emerging musicians while they make their way across America, while sharing her own expertise and experiences on the road as a touring artist. Wilson will also deliver a performance of her own as part of the new show.

“Stepping into the role of ‘tour manager’ for The Road has allowed me to take everything I’ve learned over all of my years of touring and pour it right back into these emerging musicians. Helping them sharpen their talents to capture the attention of these crowds across America, and guiding them through the real and raw grind of life on the road, has been a highlight of my career,” says Wilson. “Working with Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Taylor Sheridan and the rest of the team and our incredible crew was absolutely amazing. It was an honor to be a part of this team and I can’t wait for the world to watch!”

The Road highlights Urban, (who also serves as the headlining superstar for the series,) and Shelton’s journey to discover the next big musician, with emerging talents opening for Urban across America. The series offers viewers a backstage pass into the gritty life of a touring musician. With exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, viewers will see what happens when up-and-coming performers pile into a tour bus and tackle a grueling schedule in pursuit of their dreams.

The Road is set to premiere in fall 2025 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Dolly Parton To Publish Third Children’s Book Featuring Her God-Dog, Billy The Kid

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Dolly Parton will release Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out, the third standalone children’s book in her New York Times-bestselling series featuring her god-dog, the French bulldog Billy the Kid, on Dec. 2.

In the new Penguin Workshop book, French bulldog and musical superstar Billy the Kid faces one of his biggest fears: dancing in front of an audience. To prepare for his gig opening for Dolly Parton’s Doggy Dance Pawty, Billy enrolls in dance lessons and is paw-struck by his teacher, Bella, who is as graceful as she is beautiful. But trying to win Bella’s attention causes Billy to stumble even more—can he nail the dance routine and catch Bella’s eye, all before the big dance pawty? Parton penned an original song “Bella” specifically for the book, available on Dec. 2 in tandem with the book release.

“I am excited to introduce Bella into Billy’s life in our new book!” exclaims Parton. “Creating stories that are fun, real, and carry life lessons hopefully makes it meaningful for children and their parents to experience the joy of reading together.”

“There is no greater joy than working with Dolly on a book about dogs, dancing, and love!  And to get a brand-new song from Dolly in the process has been a dream come true,” says Francesco Sedita, President & Publisher, Penguin Workshop. “We’re so excited to give Dolly—and her god-dog Billy—a brand new stage.”

Parton’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009). In 2023, she introduced the beloved new character Billy the Kid in Billy the Kid Makes It Big. The book was an instant New York Times bestseller and inspired her festive 2024 follow-up, Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas. 

The book will be available both in hardcover and as an audiobook narrated by Parton herself.

Stagecoach Wraps 2025 Festival

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Luke Combs

The famous California country music festival Stagecoach held its 2025 event over the weekend, taking place April 25-27.

Jelly Roll

On Friday night (April 25), Abi Carter, Tigirlily Gold, Bryan Martin, 49 Winchester, Tucker Wetmore, Dylan Scott, Carly Pearce and Brothers Osborne all performed on the Mane Stage before a headline set from Zach Bryan. Additional performers on other stages throughout the day included T-Pain, Noeline Hofmann, Tanner Usrey, Drake Milligan, Nikki Lane, Sierra Ferrell, Whiskey Myers, Lana Del Rey, Mae Estes, Carter Faith, John Morgan, Avery Anna, Moonlight and Alana Springsteen. Surprise guests also kicked off the weekend, with Kesha joining T-Pain on stage, Kate Hudson joining Brothers Osborne for a special moment, and Mumford & Suns adding to the Stagecoach fun with a surprise set.

Zach Bryan

Saturday (April 26) saw performances from Tiera Kennedy, Annie Bosko, Louie TheSinger, Dasha, Niko Moon, Shaboozey, Ashley McBryde, Sturgill Simpson and Jelly Roll on the Mane Stage. Jelly Roll’s set treated the crowd to a slew of his friends joining him on stage, including Lana Del Rey, Wiz Khalifa, Alex Warren and Machine Gun Kelly. Kashus Culpepper, Myles Kennedy, Crystal Gayle, Tommy James & The Shondells, Dylan Gossett, Koe Wetzel, Nelly, Creed (joined by special guest Tori Kelly), Lanie Gardner, Colby Acuff, Maddox Batson, The Castellows, Lavish Life, Tiera Kennedy and George Birge also treated festival goers to sets.

Luke Combs closed out the festival on Sunday (April 27) night, with special guest appearances from Garth Brooks, Good Charlotte and Bailey Zimmerman. Combs was preceded by Flatland Cavalry, Scotty McCreery, Conner Smith, Chayce Beckham, Austin Snell, Alexandra Kay and Abby Anderson on the Mane Stage. Midland also played the Mane Stage on Sunday, bringing out special guests Noah Cyrus, Marcus King and Mackenzie Carpenter. The final day also featured sets from Waylon Wyatt, Angel White, The Bacon Brothers, Treaty Oak Revival, Tracy Lawrence, Goo Goo Dolls, Sammy Hagar, Backstreet Boys, Blessing Offor, Anne Wilson, Vincent Mason, The Wilder Blue, Chase Manhattan and Brent Cobb.

Diplo also hosted his annual Diplo’s Honkytonk throughout the three nights, featuring appearances from Coral, Kermie J Rock, Paris Hilton, Vavo, Chase Manhattan, Famous Dave, Shaddix, 30Rack, Chromeo, Honky Tonkin’ Queens, Rick, Lauren, Kevin Bolt, Sidepiece, Sofi Tukker, DJ Pee .Wee, Slim McGraw and a set from Diplo himself.

Midland

TJ Osborne of Brothers Osborne

Strugill Simpson

Nelly

Sammy Hagar

Carly Pearce. Photo: Jamie Wendt

Dasha. Photo: Christina Bryson

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: BFA for NYLON

Sierra Ferrell. Photo: Bobbi Rich

Pictured (L-R): Adam Weiser, Chase Cooper, Jeb Hurt, Julie Sturdivant, Jeff Krones and Chad Kudelka attend the 2025 CAA Stagecoach Brunch at Zenda Estate on April 26, 2025 in Indio, California. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Creative Artists Agency

Pictured (L-R): Sandbox’s Jake Basden, T.J. Osborne, Kate Hudson, John Osborne and Q Prime’s Randi Tolbert.

Ole 60 Plots ‘U.S. Tour 2025’

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Ole 60. Photo: John Park

Ole 60 has added 35 headline dates to its 2025 tour schedule. Hailing from Hancock County, Kentucky, the band is set to perform at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s and more. In addition to its headline tour, Ole 60 is slated for performances at notable festivals like Lollapalooza, Born & Raised Fest, Calf Fry, Sand In My Boots, Harley-Davidson Homecoming, Country Concert and BST Hyde Park opening for Zach Bryan this year.

The band is currently on its spring “Outta My Way Tour,” which has already sold over 31,000 tickets.

Ole 60 2025 Tour Dates:
5/1: Stillwater, OK – Calf Fry 2025
5/2: Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater^
5/7: Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore+
5/8: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom+
5/9: Jordan, NY – Kegs Canalside+
5/10: Mckees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre+
5/16: Gulf Shores, AL – Sand In My Boots
5/17: Meridian, MS – Jimmie Rodgers Festival
5/30: West York, PA – Rock The Country
6/1: Lexington, KY – Railbird Music Festival
6/6: Clinton, IA – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
6/12: Bloomington, IL – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
6/13: Beaver Dam, KY – Beaver Dam Amphitheatre+
6/14: Pineville, KY – Laurel Cove Music Festival
6/18: Filer, ID – Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest
6/20: Cullman, AL – Rock The South
6/21: Lewisburg, WV – State Fair of West Virginia
6/28: London, U.K. – BST Hyde Park*
6/29: London, U.K. – BST Hyde Park*
7/9: Ft. Laramie, OH – Country Concert
7/10: Kansas City, MO – KC Live!+
7/11: Milwaukee, WI – Harley-Davidson Homecoming
7/12: Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom+
7/17: Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo+
7/18: Redmond, OR – Farewell Music Fest
7/19: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory+
7/24: Three Forks, MT – Headwaters Jam
7/25: Boise, ID – Knitting Factory+
7/26: Yerington, NV – Night in the Country
8/2: Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
8/7: Sikeston, MO – Sikeston Booth Rodeo
8/8: Council Groves, KS – Washunga Days
8/9: St. Louis, MO – The Factory+
8/22: Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall+
8/28: Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy+
8/29: Statesboro, GA – Blue Room (Outdoors)+
9/4: Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork+
9/5: Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall+
9/6: Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron+
9/11: Pryor, OK – Born & Raised Festival
9/13: Fishers, IN – Nickel Plate Amphitheater+
9/18: Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues+
9/19: Anderson, SC – Wendells+
9/20: Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall+
9/26: Columbus, OH – The Bluestone+
9/27: Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Theater+
9/29: Nashville, TN – The Ryman+
10/10: Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s+
10/16: Wichita, KS – The Cotillion+
10/17: Broken Bow, OK – Hochatown Saloon+
10/24: Helotes, TX – Floore’s County Store+
11/21: St. Petersburg, FL – St. Pete Festival

* supporting Zach Bryan
^ supporting Gavin Adcock
+ U.S. Tour 2025 headline date

Dustin Lynch And Scotty McCreery Announce Co-Headlining ‘Two For The Road Tour’

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Dustin Lynch & Scotty McCreery. Photo: The Dwyers

Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery are set to hit the road this fall on the “Two For The Road Tour.” With support from Walker Montgomery and Sons of Habit, the 12-date co-headlining tour will kick off Nov. 6 in Michigan and includes stops in Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky and more.

Tickets are available via an exclusive fan presale beginning Wednesday (April 30) at 10 a.m. local time. The tour’s public on-sale begins Friday (May 2) at 10 a.m. local time. To purchase tickets, visit Lynch and McCreery’s websites.

Lynch recently made his headline debut at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. The multi-platinum “Cowboys and Angels” singer is currently in the midst of his Wynn Nightlife Las Vegas Residency.

McCreery kicked off the year supporting Kane Brown on “The High Road Tour” before making an appearance at Stagecoach this weekend. He is set to release Seasons Change: Platinum Edition on June 20.

“Two For The Road Tour” Dates:
November 6 – Saginaw, MI – Dow Event Center*
November 7 – Bloomington, IL – Grossinger Motors Arena*
November 8 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center*
November 13 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena*
November 14 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena*
November 15 – Canton, OH – Canton Memorial Civic Center*
November 20 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Coliseum+
November 21 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena+
November 22 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena+
December 4 – Ralston, NE – Liberty First Credit Union Arena+
December 5 – Fargo, ND – SCHEELS Arena+
December 6 – Duluth, MN – AMSOIL Arena+

* Walker Montgomery
+ Sons of Habit