T.J. Martell Foundation’s 2025 Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner Honors Joe Galante

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Photo: Courtesy of Ed Rode for The T.J. Martell Foundation

The T.J. Martell Foundation hosted its annual Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner at the Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza on Tuesday (April 22), bringing together influential leaders from Nashville’s music and wine industries for a charity auction and dinner dedicated to the fight against cancer.

The evening recognized music industry veteran Joe Galante, who received the 2025 Billy Ray Hearn Award of Excellence. Longtime Kenny Chesney manager Clint Higham presented his friend and fellow industry veteran Galante with the prestigious award, which is named in honor of the late Billy Ray Hearn, a music industry icon and founding volunteer of Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner whose legacy of faith, leadership and charity continues to inspire. The Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding professional achievement in the music and entertainment community combined with extraordinary philanthropic contributions.

“This award isn’t about fame or titles. It’s about values. It’s about honoring someone who has built a meaningful legacy not just through career accomplishments, but through how they show up for people… how they give, mentor, lift others, and leave everything better than they found it,” said Higham. “Tonight’s honoree embodies all of that.  For decades, he’s been one of the most respected and trusted figures in the music industry. But what truly sets him apart is how he’s used that influence – with humility and intention – to strengthen our community. He’s mentored generations of leaders. He’s quietly raised funds for causes close to our hearts. He doesn’t seek attention—he shows up, does the work, and changes lives.”

Music industry executives, philanthropists and artists convened for the intimate evening, which also included a fundraising auction, and in true Music City style closed with a rollicking jam session courtesy of John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Kristian Bush of Sugarland and Chase McDaniel. 

An impressive array of artists and producers filled the room to lend their enthusiastic and generous support for the Foundation including Dave Cobb, legendary Styx guitarist/co-lead vocalist Tommy Shaw, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Tim Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes, Brad Tursi of Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Hardy, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kimberly Perry, Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer, Lauren Watkins, Chase McDaniel, and Stephen Wilson Jr..

The star-studded evening raised over a half million dollars for cancer research.

Zach Top Crowned ACM New Male Artist Of The Year Ahead Of 60th ACM Awards

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Zach Top

Zach Top was surprised with his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year on Thursday night (April 24), prior to taking the stage for his sold-out show on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The news was revealed by Brooks & Dunn, (the winningest duo in ACM history), through a special video congratulating Top for winning his first ACM Award.

“I couldn’t be more honored, and I can’t say a big enough thank you to my fans for loving music and loving what we do on the road and listening to the songs every day,” says Top. “It means the world to me, I’ve always wanted to just play and sing for a living, and I get to do that now and it’s cool to be able to get a little trophy every now and then to let us know that we’re doing good doing it. So thank you so much, this is beautiful.”

Top will be celebrated for his ACM New Male Artist of the Year win at the upcoming 60th ACM Awards, which will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8.

His win comes after the success of his debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which garnered more than 3.5 million streams in its first week alone. Meanwhile, his sold-out “Cold Beer & Country Music” headline tour rolls on, featuring stops at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (two nights), New York’s Terminal 5, and Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Additionally, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his “Last Call Tour” and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” when it kicks off next month.

William Beckmann Readies Major Label Debut Album

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William Beckmann is slated to make his major label debut with the release of Whiskey Lies & Alibis, out June 20 via Warner Music Nashville. Produced by Jon Randall, the 12-song record is a layered country album that captures the sting of lost love and the clarity that follows. It is available for pre-order now.

“For me, an album is meant to be a photo album. It’s meant to capture a moment in time, and it’s supposed to last forever,” Beckmann explains. “That’s what I think we were able to do with this record. I’m confident that if I ever get to be an old man, I’ll look back on this and be like, ‘Yeah, we did it right.’”

The Texas native co-wrote eight tracks alongside songwriters including Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, Rhett Akins and more. With the announcement, Beckmann has released “Game I Like to Play,” a power ballad about diving headfirst into love, even when the odds are stacked against you.

YouTube video
Whiskey Lies & Alibis Track List:
1. “Honky Tonk Blue” (William Brice Long, Chris Stapleton)
2. “Makin’ Them Hate Me” (William Beckmann, Matt Roy, Daniel Ross)
3. “California Quake” (William Beckmann, Ryan Beaver, Chris LaCorte)
4. “Lonely Over You” (William Beckmann, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
5. “Neon Sounds” (Dean Dillon, Brass Dillon)
6. “Whiskey Lies & Alibis” (William Beckmann, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
7. “Game I Like To Play” (Jessi Alexander, Ryan Beaver, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. “Be Your Man” (William Beckmann, Neil Medley, Andrew DeRoberts, Brinley Addington)
9. “Not That Strong” (William Beckmann, Brice Long, Lindsay Rimes)
10. “Starting Over Again” (William Beckmann, Harper O’Neill)
11. “Borderline Crazy” (William Beckmann, Rhett Akins, Rian Ball)
12. “Por Mujeres Como Tú” (Enrique Yanez Guzman)

Jordan Davis Slates New Album ‘Learn The Hard Way’ For August

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Jordan Davis will wrap the summer with the release of his new album, Learn The Hard Way, on August 15 via MCA Nashville. In conjunction with the album announcement, Davis has released the title track from the new project.

Among the songs on Learn The Hard Way is Davis’ single “I Ain’t Sayin’,” which reached the top of the country chart after being the most added, and also secured eight weeks at No. 1 on the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, making the single the most weeks at No. 1 on UK Radio Charts in 2024. The album also features recent releases “Bar None” and “In Case You Missed It.”

Learn The Hard Way is the followup to his Platinum album Bluebird Days, which produced four consecutive chart-toppers, “What My World Spins Around,” “Tucson Too Late,” “Buy Dirt” and “Next Thing You Know,” and two Song of the Year award-winning hits “Next Thing You Know” (ACM) and “Buy Dirt” (CMA and NSAI) off of one album, making Davis the first artist in history to ever do that.

The project comes on the heels of Jordan’s recent tour announcement for the “Ain’t Enough Road Tour,” set to kick off in fall. Davis announced his upcoming tour in a video featuring special surprise cameos by sports legends Peyton Manning and Jim Nantz, along with his fellow tour mates.

Learn The Hard Way Track List:
1. “Her Way Or The Highway” (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Travis Wood, Josh Jenkins, Mark Holman)
2. “Bar None” (Lydia Vaughan, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
3. “Mess With Missing You” with Carly Pearce (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Travis Wood, Hillary Lindsey)
4. “In Case You Missed It” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Travis Wood)
5. “Ain’t Enough Road” (Jordan Davis, Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley)
6. “Son Of A Gun” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Kerr, Lauren Hungate)
7. “Jesus Wouldn’t Do” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
8. “Learn The Hard Way” (Paul DiGiovanni, Jon Pierce, Travis Wood)
9. “I Ain’t Sayin’” (Travis Wood, Steve Moakler, Mark Holman, Emily Reid)
10. “Good Gone Bad” (Jordan Davis, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill )
11. “Memory Don’t Mess Around” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
12. “Keeping The World Away” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
13. “Know You Like That” (Ray Fulcher, Thomas Archer, Jordan Rowe, Michael Tyler)
14. “Only All The Time” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Travis Wood, Mark Holman, Matt Roy)
15. “Turn This Truck Around” (Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson)
16. “Louisiana Stick” with Marcus King (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Ashley Gorley)
17. “Muddy The Water” (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)

Industry Ink: Troubadour, Riley Green, CeCe Winans, More

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Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum Hosts Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members

Pictured (L-R): Marie Bradshaw, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ray Fulcher; Elizabeth Lombardi, Troubadour Advisory Council chair and Ben Hall, VP, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

CMA Triple Play award-winner Ray Fulcher took the stage earlier this week at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members. Fulcher, who has co-written more than two dozen of Luke Combs’ songs, including six No. 1 hits, performed songs including “Lovin’ on You” and “When it Rains it Pours.” The goals of the Troubadour membership program are to engage young leaders, ages 21-45, in the museum’s mission, build lifelong relationships between members and the nonprofit museum, and create a special networking space that unites music lovers. The museum hosts quarterly networking events ranging from concerts to exhibition previews for Troubadour members.

 

Riley Green Raises $150K At First Annual Buford Bonds Golf Tourney

Pictured (L-R): Erik Dylan, Bobby Pinson, Riley Green, Nick Walsh and Randy Montana

Riley Green hosted the first annual Buford Bonds Fund golf tournament last week which raised $150,000 for his charitable fund, which was established in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers and supports nonprofits around the country. Following the golf tournament, Green hosted an acoustic writer’s round at The Golden Saw Music Hall (which is located at the former homesite of Green’s late great-grandparents where as a teenager he learned to play guitar and sing as part of the weekly music series) in Jacksonville, Alabama.

The round included Jamey Johnson, Randy Montana, Erik Dylan and Drake White alongside Green himself. Most recently Green’s Buford Bonds Fund has supported The Recording Academy’s fire and hurricane relief efforts, Folds of Honor, and more.

 

CeCe Winans Appears on American Idol, Releases New Rendition Of ‘Come Jesus Come’ With Cody Johnson

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Ritchie

CeCe Winans recently delivered a soul-stirring performance during American Idol’s recent “Songs of Faith” Easter special. Her powerful rendition of “Come Jesus Come” became an instant viral sensation, garnering 25 million plus views in its first 36 hours and surging to the top three on Apple Music’s All Genre Singles Chart, an extraordinary milestone for a gospel track. Now, building on that momentum, Winans has joined forces with Cody Johnson for a brand-new duet version of “Come Jesus Come,” releasing April 25 on all major streaming platforms.

The collaboration bridges the worlds of gospel and country, blending CeCe’s unmatched vocal purity with Cody’s earthy, heartfelt delivery. This marks the second year in a row Winans has made American Idol history: her 2024 performance of “Goodness of God” with Idol contestant Roman Collins was the most-viewed American Idol performance of all time, reaching over 120 million views across platforms and sparking a renewed national appreciation for gospel music.

 

Treaty Oak Revival Makes ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Debut

Treaty Oak Revival. Photo: ABC/Randy Holmes

Treaty Oak Revival recently performed their new single, “Bad State of Mind,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Global streams of the song, released in February via TOR Records, have already surpassed 35 million. The band is currently racking up 22 million streams and selling 18,000 albums per week, and is nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in the New Duo or Group of the Year category. The band is set to perform at Stagecoach on April 27.

 

Encore Luxury Coach Leasing Meets Transportation Secretary At White House

Pictured (L-R): Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s President Amanda Stophel and CEO Justin Ward, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FOX & Friends co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Photo: Hunter Pitts

Nashville-based Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s Amanda Stophel and Justin Ward met Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at The White House in an effort to understand current and future regulations forthcoming from the Dept. of Transportation.

“This was a tremendous conversation,” says Justin Ward, CEO of Encore Luxury Coach Leasing. “I was able to explain how entertainer coaches differ from school buses and how we were lumped in to the overall legislation with regards to seat belt laws. Secretary Duffy was open to learning more about helping our industry. He also mentioned getting a call from Clint Black personally to talk about driver hours and overtime/overdrives. I look forward to our next meeting in Washington, D.C.”

 

Bandit Lites Nashville Adds Michael Holmes As Chain Hoist Technician

Bandit Lites Nashville office continues its growth in Gen8 with several new hires including Michael Holmes as Bandit’s Chain Hoist Technician. Holmes began his entertainment lighting career as a rigging technician working in the steel isle. He later joined a lighting company and was certified as a motor technician. At Bandit Holmes will be responsible for all the electric chain hoists, ensuring they’re maintained and able to provide safe and operational motors for Bandit’s clients and crew. He’ll also maintain the Bandit custom motor control system and power distribution for motors.

Lulu Roman, Beloved ‘Hee Haw’ Star & Gospel Artist, Dies At 78

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Lulu Roman. Photo: Jeremy Westby

Lulu Roman, the country and gospel music singer, comedian and beloved star of the long-running variety show Hee Haw, passed away on Tuesday (April 22) in Bellingham, Washington. She was 78.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Roman was born with a thyroid condition and placed in an orphanage at birth, facing significant early-life challenges on her path to becoming one of country entertainment’s most beloved figures. Before finding fame, she worked in Dallas nightclubs under the stage name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer,” in venues owned by Jack Ruby.

In 1969, with the endorsement of country legend Buck Owens, Roman joined Hee Haw, where she quickly became known for her infectious laughter, impeccable comedic timing and soul-stirring vocals. She also starred in the Hee Haw spinoff Hee Haw Honeys, the stock car film Corky, and appeared in episodes of The Love Boat and Touched by an Angel.

Roman’s journey wasn’t without challenges. During her early years on Hee Haw, she struggled with drug addiction, which led to a temporary departure from the show in the early 1970s. Her eventual recovery and conversion to Christianity sparked a second act as a gospel artist. Her music career flourished, earning her a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove Awards. Albums like You Were There and Take Me There blended her powerful testimony with moving performances that brought hope and healing to listeners.

Over the years, Roman recorded more than a dozen albums and was inducted into both the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, she released At Last, an album of musical standards featuring duets with Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis and George Jones. She also shared her life story in her 2019 autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song.

Beyond music and television, Roman devoted her time to numerous charitable efforts, championing causes related to children’s welfare, heart health, and addiction recovery—deeply personal missions that reflected her own path to healing and redemption.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

UMPG Nashville Signs Mitch Crego

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Mitch Crego and TC Courtney (UMPG Nashville). Photo: Trey Bonner

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter and producer Mitch Crego to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.

Originally from Rome, Georgia, Crego moved to Nashville in 2018 to attend Belmont University. While still a student, he began forging connections with a rising class of songwriters, artists and music professionals.

Since graduating, he’s continued to collaborate with Nashville’s next generation of hitmakers, writing with the likes of Vincent Mason, LECADE, Colton Venner, Chase McDaniel, Trent Wayne, Matt Mulhare, Mia Mantia and more. Known on Music Row for his fast, polished production style, Crego has quickly become a go-to creative partner in both writing and studio sessions.

“As both a songwriter and producer, Mitch has built himself a brand of relentless work ethic, consistent quality, and lightning-fast efficiency. Our team is excited to partner with a songwriter whose standard of excellence is as high as ours,” says TC Courtney, Manager, A&R, UMPG Nashville.

Crego shares, “I’m so excited to work with TC and the UMPG team. Being at Universal truly feels like home, and I couldn’t be happier here. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and am eager to see where this journey takes me!”

WieRok Entertainment Acquires Amplo Records; Launches Wie3 Records

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WieRok Entertainment, the Franklin, Tennessee-based multi-genre recording, publishing and artist development conglomerate, is expanding with the acquisition of Amplo Records and the reveal of a new general market imprint, Wie3 Records.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for WieRok and reflects the natural evolution of our vision and partnership,” says Lance Wieland, Co-Founder of WieRok Entertainment Group. “In Latin, ‘amplo’ means ‘to amplify,’ and this definition underscores our purpose: to increase impact for all our artists. We are deeply grateful to Marcus and Jay for their invaluable contributions to Amplo, and we are excited to continue collaborating with them in new ways.”

The company’s flagship label, WieRok Records, launched in January with the signing of chart-topping singer-songwriter Sean Rodriguez and recently welcomed husband/wife duo Grace + Max. The label has also inked exclusive publishing agreements with songwriters Karin Simmons and Madaline Garcia, as well as writers/producers Greg “Gregatron” Williams, Daniel Macal (Sidewalk Prophets) and Tyler Moody.

The acquisition of Amplo Records brings acclaimed singer-songwriter Nathan Sheridan, noted songwriters Phoebe Scott and Kolby Koloff, and songwriters/producers Andrew Barlow and Cole Tague under the sole purview of WieRok Entertainment.

WieRok Entertainment’s new imprint, Wie3 Records, has signed Nashville-based “popera” vocalist David Ask, whose first single with the label is set to be released Friday (April 25).

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Is ‘Philosophical, Moody & Super Compelling’

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

I’m not hearing a lot of playlist essentials among this week’s DISClaimer candidates.

The highlights of the listening session included Runaway June, Bryce Leatherwood, Hardy, Dierks Bentley and our excellent Disc of the Day award winner, Cody Johnson.

The DISCovery Award winner is the aptly named Pynk Beard.

HARDY / “Favorite Country Song”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Beau Bailey/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He hears everything around him, but nothing sounds as good as the sounds of nature back home. Written with finesse and sung with fire. Hardy stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday (April 29).

CHASE MATTHEW & LAUREN ALAINA / “Heart Half Empty”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Manns/Chase Matthew/Matt McVaney/Noah West/Shaylen; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two really tear it up on this power ballad. “With a glass half full, but a heart half empty,” alcohol is ravaging a relationship as he struggles to make things right. Nicely done.

PYNK BEARD / “I Lived”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jeff Gitelman; Producers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Pynk Beard; Label: Red Bull Records
– He’s a hit songwriter with a punk-pink beard, hence his billing. Fortunately, his music is as memorable as his image. The gospel-bred native of Birmingham expertly blends soul and country in this stirring meditation. There’s something about Cole’s confident, powerful, gripping delivery that makes me think he’s probably a really charismatic pulpit performer.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Well Well Whiskey”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jordan Reynolds/Seth Ennis; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– He stares down a bottle in this frothing, driving stomper. Rising from the boiling stew of sound are his growly vocal and a hair-raising Bryan Sutton guitar solo. Excitement in the grooves.

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Shenandoah”
Writers: Bryce Leatherwood/Jeffrey East/Josh Kelley; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He brings a burnished baritone voice to this soaring, melodic country love ballad. Strings, steel, harmony vocalists and percussion bolster a brilliantly wistful performance. I’m in.

CODY JOHNSON / “The Fall”
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Philosophical, moody and super compelling. “The ride was worth the fall/The fall was worth the smile/Smiles were worth the tears…Life is worth the fall.” A superb song in the throat of a master stylist. Essential.

LANIE GARDNER / “Concrete Cowboy”
Writers: Chris Ganoudis/Katie Cecil/Lanie Gardner; Producers: Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– She has a cool, husky, drawled delivery that is perfect for this saga of a country gal whose heart is broken by a city boy. Smooth honey mixed with burning whiskey.

LITTLE FEAT / “Too High to Cut My Hair”
Writers: Fred Tackett/Scott Sharrard; Producers: Bill Payne, Scott Sharrard, Vance Powell; Label: Hot Tomato Productions
– I have always loved this band. Reunited and reinvigorated, their Nashville recorded comeback features blues-funk rhythms and stuttering horns. Plus a video shot at Eastside Bowl. Rock and Americana programmers take note.

KELSEY WALDON / “Commanche”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producers: Justin Francis, Kelsey Waldon; Label: Oh Boy Records
– The Kentucky singer-songwriter explores solitude and finds solace in her Jeep Commanche while guitars and fiddles sparkle around her.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “New Kind of Emotion”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Gorgeously produced. Flawless triplet harmonies seduce the ears as you enter this dreamy, swoon-worthy track. What a delicious dessert dish.

AVERY ANNA / “Danny Don’t”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Anna’s upcoming album is based on letters she’s received from fans who unburdened themselves of their problems. On this stripped-down acoustic ballad, she tells the tale of a child begging her dad not to be suicidal and to press ahead instead.

SAM BARBER / “Man of the Year”
Writer: Sam Barber; Producers: Joe Becker, Ryan Hewitt; Label: Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
– Cool and rootsy, with a deep-twang guitar and an echo on the chorus vocals. Kinda downbeat and doom-y, but undeniably compelling. This social-media star also has a duet out now with Avery Anna titled “Indigo.”

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/John Frank/Tom Pino; Producers: David Mescon, Tom Pino; Label: River House Artists
– A choppy groove, unison singing and a stinging electric guitar are the hallmarks of this bare-bones production. The twin-brother duo will drop its debut album, the 16-track Rhinestone Revolution, on June 6.

SOLID & IEBA Host Fourth Annual University Scholarship Competition

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Pictured (L-R): TC Courtney (SOLID), Lori Bowman (IEBA), Thomas Crabtree, Becky Parsons (SOLID), Jim Grenn, Madeline Edwards, Kayleigh Allen, Brian Wagner (IEBA) and Jason Conner (IEBA). Photo: Morgan Jerkins

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted its Fourth Annual Student Scholarship Competition on April 12-13.

Hosted by the International Entertainment Buyers Association and held at the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), this year’s competition featured guest artist Madeline Edwards. Spearheaded by SOLID Ambassadorship Chair Becky Parsons and Co-Chair TC Courtney, students from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University were challenged with creating a detailed marketing campaign tailored to Edwards’ upcoming album release. They then showcased these campaigns to Edwards and members of her team, and each student walked away with scholarship funds and a professional development toolkit.

“Getting to work with SOLID, IEBA, and the students in this competition was truly inspiring,” says Edwards. “These students brought so much creativity, intention, and thoughtfulness to the table. It’s exciting to see the next generation of music industry leaders rising up with so much passion and perspective.”

IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner, Director of Operations Jason Conner and Director of Events Lori Bowman educated students on the resources IEBA has to offer in the live entertainment space, and engaged in a networking lunch along with SOLID alumni.

“This competition is one of the most meaningful initiatives we offer,” says SOLID President Zach Green. “Watching these students gain confidence and apply what they’ve learned in such a real, impactful way speaks volumes about where our industry is headed.”