MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly recaps a monumental night in country music and highlights significant developments across the Nashville industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas yesterday (May 8), with legendary entertainer Reba McEntire returning to host.

Lainey Wilson stole the show, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award along with Album of the Year for Whirlwind. She also picked up Artist-Writer of the Year, reinforcing her standout year on multiple fronts. Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, while Old Dominion earned their ninth consecutive Group of the Year win, officially becoming the most decorated group in ACM history. Brooks & Dunn continued their legacy with another Duo of the Year trophy.

Several winners were revealed ahead of the broadcast, including Ella Langley, who was named New Female Artist of the Year. She also shared a Visual Media of the Year win with Riley Green for their “You Look Like You Love Me” video. Zach Top was awarded New Male Artist of the Year, and The Red Clay Strays earned New Duo or Group. Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year, and Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap,” penned by Josh Phillips, earned Song of the Year.

Elsewhere in the industry, leadership changes made headlines. Lori Christian stepped down from her role as Executive Vice President of Marketing at UMG Nashville after 13 years. Meanwhile, Heather Vassar exited her post as SVP of Operations at EMPIRE Nashville.

Belmont University celebrated its 2025 Spring Commencement with a star-studded list of honorary doctorate recipients, including Trisha Yearwood and songwriter Hillary Lindsey. President Dr. Greg Jones presided over the ceremonies, honoring more than 2,000 graduates.

Big Loud Texas continues its expansion with the launch of Big Loud Texas Publishing. With Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall at the helm, the new division has signed Timothy Allen as its first songwriter and appointed Lizzy Rector as Publishing Director.

Endurance Music Group also made strategic moves this week, expanding its partnership with Raven Music Partners through a music services agreement. EMG’s Michael Martin has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, while Mark Ahlberg steps up as Co-President and General Manager.

On the performance front, Hardy made his long-awaited Grand Ole Opry debut on April 29. Introduced via video by Lainey Wilson, Hardy took the stage with fellow rising star Ella Langley to perform “Wait In The Truck,” a collaboration originally with Wilson.

More career moves followed across the city. WME has created a new role, Senior Director, External Relations, for Alexis Rosenberg in their Nashville office. Additionally, veteran Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staffer Alan Stoker was celebrated upon his retirement after more than five decades of service.

Talent management firm Dynamic Talent International announced its expansion into Nashville, opening a new office on Commerce Street. The local team will represent a slate of rising and established artists, including Danielle Bradbery and Kaylee Bell, and engage in community partnerships and charitable initiatives.

Publishing signings also rounded out the week’s industry news. Lalo Guzman extended his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs following his second No. 1 with Blake Shelton’s “Texas.” Singer-songwriter Grace Tyler joined Concord Music Publishing, while Will Terry signed with both Prescription Songs and 7Hills Music for publishing, as well as Amigo Records for future releases.

This week’s My Music Row Story features an insightful conversation with TheGreenRoom’s Tyne Parrish.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot this week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Rising Artists At ‘Opry NextStage Live From Texas’

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Danielle Piazza

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated members of its Opry NextStage Class of 2025 on Wednesday (May 7) with a sold-out “Opry NextStage Live From Texas” event held at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall. Just ahead of the 60th Annual ACM Awards, the event was hosted by Jelly Roll and featured performances from members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2025: Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore. Special guests included Riley Green (NextStage Class of 2019), Ella Langley (NextStage Class of 2024) and Priscilla Block (NextStage Class of 2021).

Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage artists have achieved a combined 33 No. 1 hits, spending a total of 43 weeks atop the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. The program has introduced fans to rising stars such as Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tenille Townes, all of whom went on to win ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year after their NextStage inclusion. Wilson also made history as the first Opry NextStage alum to become an Opry member.

Priscilla Block.

Riley Green.

Ed Schulte Promoted To Sr. Director Facilities, Operations & Sustainability At CMHOFM

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Ed Schulte & Leigh Anne Wise. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ed Schulte has been promoted to Senior Director of Facilities, Operations and Sustainability at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, succeeding Leigh Anne Wise, who previously served in the role and is retiring after 41 years with the organization.

In his senior staff role, Schulte will oversee facilities maintenance, building projects, building operations including security, housekeeping and event set up, as well as sustainability initiatives. He joined the museum in 2023 as Director of Facilities, overseeing operating systems for the museum’s more than 350,000-square-foot building.

During his time with the museum, Schulte has collaborated on significant projects as facilities liaison, including the recent renovation of the museum’s retail spaces and facility updates related to the museum’s core and temporary exhibit spaces. With nearly 40 years of facilities management experience, Schulte previously worked as Director of Facilities for Nickelodeon Studios Orlando and most recently served as Director of Facilities at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Wise is retiring from her senior staff role June 6. She joined the museum in March 1984 as a tour guide, moving to accounting and then operations. Most recently, she oversaw all facility management and operations for the museum and led the growth of its award-winning sustainability program, which diverted more than 100 tons of trash from landfills last year through composting and other initiatives. During her tenure, Wise managed the museum’s move downtown in 2001 from its original location on Music Row. She also served as emergency response lead during the Nashville flood of 2010, safeguarding the museum’s facilities and restoring operations. She oversaw building construction as the facilities and operations liaison during the museum’s expansion, as well as served as emergency response lead for building and staff safety protocols during COVID-19.

“Leigh Anne has been a key sounding board and trusted partner through many major milestones of our museum,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Her determination and resolve to improve our facility can be felt in every aspect of our operations. We’re grateful for her incredible 41 years of service, and we look forward to Ed’s steady leadership and expertise as we continue to serve our community and museum visitors.”

Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey Becomes First Official Whiskey Of MLB

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A detail shot of Traveller Whiskey during the Traveller Whiskey content shoot at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. Photo: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller Whiskey, co-created with Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, has been named the Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball.

The new multi-year partnership solidifies the most awarded super premium whiskey release of 2024 as the first whiskey ever designated by MLB as its Official Whiskey. The marketing partnership will promote the brand across game broadcasts, custom social and digital content such as MLB Power Rankings, and in stores across the U.S.

Traveller will also set up fan activations on-site at 2025 MLB All-Star Week and the MLB Speedway Classic, and plans to give fans 21+ the opportunity to attend the events via sweepstakes and giveaways in conjunction with MLB.

“Whenever we’re on the road and it happens to line up, we go to baseball games,” says Stapleton. “It’s become a bit of a tradition over the years. We love to experience all the different ballparks and enjoy the culture of whatever baseball town we happen to be in. My wife and I even went to Game Six of the World Series once on our anniversary. Needless to say, I’m thrilled Traveller Whiskey is going to be the Official Whiskey of MLB.”

“Like a perfect swing or a game-changing slider, developing a great whiskey is an art form that demands passion, time and dedication to master,” adds Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director for Traveller Whiskey. “Starting this summer, we’re bringing that same spirit to ballparks across the country – where unforgettable moments, world-class whiskey and America’s pastime come together. We’re excited to introduce MLB fans to baseball’s newest tradition, Traveller Whiskey.”

 

Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley Dominate At The 60th ACM Awards [Recap]

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Lainey Wilson onstage at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards took place last night (May 8), streaming live from The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Reba McEntire returned as host for the milestone event, which was broadcast internationally via Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

The show opened with an electric, 12-minute medley celebrating 60 years of ACM Song of the Year winners. Reba kicked it off with “Okie from Muskogee,” followed by Clint Black on “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Wynonna Judd with “Why Not Me,” LeAnn Rimes on “Blue,” Little Big Town with “Girl Crush” and Dan + Shay with “Tequila.” The segment set the tone for a night full of nods to the genre’s past while spotlighting the current generation of hitmakers.

Ella Langley at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Texas native Cody Johnson took home the first award of the night: ACM Song of the Year for “Dirt Cheap.” The song’s sole writer, Josh Phillips, joined him on stage to accept.

Eric Church delivered a moody performance of his new single “Hands of Time” before Miranda Lambert offered “Run,” then welcomed Ella Langley onstage for a fiery rendition of “Kerosene” to mark the 20th anniversary of the hit. Langley paid tribute to the song’s original music video by wearing a white tank top emblazoned with “Mama Tried.”

Zach Top followed with a strong acoustic take on “Use Me,” holding the arena’s attention with a stripped-down setup.

Old Dominion won ACM Group of the Year for the eighth year in a row, breaking Rascal Flatts’ record for most consecutive wins in the category. The award brings their ACM tally to 10.

Blake Shelton performed his recent No. 1 “Texas” before Lainey Wilson delivered “Whirlwind,” showcasing her power as a live performer.

Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Chris Stapleton earned ACM Male Artist of the Year for the second year running, and fifth time overall. He dedicated the award to the late Ben Vaughn, the beloved music executive who passed earlier this year.

In a brief in-show memorial, McEntire recognized those the country community lost in the past year, including Joe Bonsall, Melba Montgomery, Vaughn and Karl Dean.

Brooks & Dunn were named ACM Duo of the Year—marking their first win in the category in 15 years and extending their record to 17 total wins in the category. They expressed heartfelt thanks during their speech, joking that the fans had been “paying [our] rent for the past 30 years.”

Kelsea Ballerini performed “Baggage,” and Stapleton returned to the stage with Morgane Stapleton for a duet on “It Takes A Woman.” Langley reappeared for a performance of “Weren’t For The Wind.”

Shortly after, she took home ACM Single of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me,” which had already won Visual Media of the Year ahead of the livestream. Langley, Riley Green and producer Will Bundy accepted the award together, marveling at the success of a song with “talking in the verses.”

Alan Jackson onstage at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Alan Jackson was honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. He performed “Remember When” and gave a gracious speech reflecting on his journey: “I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream…. all these years later, receiving an honor like this is mind-blowing.”

Wilson later picked up ACM Female Artist of the Year for the third consecutive year. She thanked her fellow nominees and added, “The girls are kicking down some barn doors—and I love it.”

Jelly Roll gave a gospel-infused performance of “Heart of Stone” before joining Shaboozey, who celebrated his birthday on show day, for a performance of “Amen.”

Later in the show, Stapleton, Megan Moroney and Brothers Osborne honored Keith Urban with a tribute performance featuring “Stupid Boy,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Where the Blacktop Ends”—the latter featuring Urban himself joining in. Urban was recognized with the ACM Triple Crown Award, which celebrates artists who’ve won New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

Keith Urban at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Lainey Wilson also won ACM Album of the Year for Whirlwind.

Cody Johnson returned to perform “The Fall,” then joined Brooks & Dunn for a duet on “Red Dirt Road.”

Langley and Green reappeared once more to accept ACM Music Event of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me.”

Toward the end of the show, McEntire, Lambert and Wilson debuted their collaborative track “Trailblazer” live for the first time.

Wilson was then named ACM Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row, making her the third woman in ACM history to earn back-to-back wins in the category. In her speech, she acknowledged that she was feeling imposter syndrome and said she’s learning to receive recognition with an open heart.

The show closed on a high-energy note with a surprise set from Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys, who teamed up for a medley that included “What Hurts the Most,” “I Dare You,” “Larger Than Life” and “Life is a Highway.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trisha Yearwood Delivers A ‘Deliciously Bluesy Rocker’

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Trisha Yearwood

It might be rainy in Music City these days, but the country stars are bringing summer sunshine in this edition of DISClaimer.

Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs, Dale Ann Bradley, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum and Cole Swindell lead an upbeat parade of shiny new sounds for the season.

Setting the pace is superstar Trisha Yearwood, who nails down a Disc of the Day prize.

This week’s DISCovery Award winner is Zandi Holup.

SOMETHING OUT WEST / “Bipolar Heart”
Writers: Brendan Cooney/Drew Arthur/TJ Courtney; Producer: Julian Raymond; Label: Big Machine Records
– Probably the first country song to use the term “bipolar” as its chorus hook. Otherwise, it’s a fairly straightforward gathering of routine heartbreak couplets. The act is a duo composed of Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur. Hanks, who sings lead, is the son of Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN & LUKE COMBS / “Backup Plan”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jon Sherwood/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
– This one’s a righteous outlaw stomper that advises you believe in yourself and your ambitions. Both men sing with chesty authority. If life knocks you down, “Gettin’ back up is the only backup plan you need.”

KAREN WALDRUP / “Blue Cowboy Boots”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KW
– It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from this former contender on The Voice. This outing is a frothing country rocker with a band kicking butt behind her frisky vocal. The lyric is about getting over him by having a big night on the town in her feel-good footwear.

COLE SWINDELL / “We Can Always Move On”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producers: Jimmy Robbins, Kyle Fishman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– A gently rhythmic track gives this a breezy vibe. Swindell’s vocal sounds kinda processed as he offers an aching invitation to have one last night together before breaking up for good. Very, very listenable.

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “What We Had”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– The esteemed Nashville duo appeared on Stephen Colbert’s show on Tuesday night performing music from Woodland, which won a Best Folk Album Grammy in February. This wistful track augments the team’s guitar-and-voice sonic palate with a lovely wash of echoey strings. Dreamy. Sublime.

THOMAS RHETT & TUCKER WETMORE / “Small Town Girls”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Ian Franzino/John Byron/Josh Kerr/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta/Rocky Block/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Josh Kerr, Julian Bunetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Sounds like summer to me. The steady, thumpy groove is punctuated by echo-twang effects and country-rap passages. The title phrase is repeated and repeated and repeated.

PHIL VASSAR / “All American Summer”
Writers: Phil Vassar/Tony Mullins; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: American Soul
– Vassar is singing in a striking, throaty lower register on this galloping rocker. Rather than his trademark piano playing, the track is dominated by electric guitar.

MADDIE & TAE / “Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams”
Writers: Anna Vaus/Josh Kerr/Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This vibrant, vivacious team released Love & Light as its new album last week. Now there’s a sweet CMT music video for this enchanting ditty about family love. Swirly, shiny and sunny.

SAPPHYRE BLU / “Burn Me”
Writer: Arielle “Sapphyre Blu” White; Producer: James “Xzaviar” Ashcroft; Label: HRDRV
– Okay I get it: You have blue hair and blue flowers and your name is Sapphyre Blu. Raised in Nashville, this L.A. artist gives this slow bluesy number some vocal fire with soprano soaring and dramatic alto dips. She cites country stars as her inspirations, but this leans much more toward R&B.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Big Sky”
Writers: Charlie Magnone/Jarrod Morris/Parker McCollum; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– The rocking “What Kinda Man” remains the single, but this new track from his forthcoming album has a lot to recommend it. His vocal performance is first-rate on the rolling melody and the traveling track moves right along. He loves the wide open spaces but is a lonely, wandering man.

ZANDI HOLUP / “Mountain Man”
Writers: Daniel Leathersitch/Zandi Holup; Producers: Ryan Hadlock, Zandi Holup; Label: Big Loud Records
– She has an attractive rasp in her drawling delivery. In the lyric of this languid, folk-y song, she’s smitten with an outdoorsy guy who won’t stick around long. Interesting sound. I’m intrigued. Send more.

TRISHA YEARWOOD / “The Wall or the Way Over”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Maia Sharp/Trisha Yearwood; Producers: Chad Carlson, Trisha Yearwood; Label: Virgin Music Group/Gwendolyn Records
– Produced with crystal clarity and dynamic tension, this exudes energy. As usual, this goddess has few peers as a supreme vocalist. The deliciously bluesy rocker is drawn from Yearwood’s upcoming The Mirror, her first self-penned collection. I love this. Can’t wait to hear the rest.

DALE ANN BRADLEY / “Uncle Jake”
Writer: Dale Ann Bradley; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle Records
– Bradley is a six-time winner as Female Vocalist of the Year of the IBMA. This just-released story song tells the tale of a Kentucky fellow who lives “off the grid” and has  a loving, blessed, simple life as an Appalachian wood carver. The track is an acoustic delight of rippling guitar and mandolin. Beautifully written and performed.

Industry Ink: Dylan Scott, Phil Vassar, John Lomax, More

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Dylan Scott Earns Pandora Billionaire Plaque

Pictured (L-R): John Chapman (Curb), Victoria Alfonso (SiriusXM), Johnny Chiang (SiriusXM), Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment), Dylan Scott, Trapper John (SiriusXM), Allyson Gelnett (Massey) (Curb), Benson Curb (Curb), Emma Gribbon (SiriusXM) and Kathleen St. Clair (SiriusXM)

Chart-topping country hitmaker Dylan Scott was recently awarded with a Pandora Billionaire plaque, commemorating his music being streamed over one billion times on Pandora. The plaque presentation took place Friday, April 25 in Indio, California ahead of Scott’s Stagecoach performance on the Mane Stage.

“Thank you to Pandora for all their amazing support for Dylan Scott’s music,” says Benson Curb, SVP of Commercial Partnerships, Streaming & Revenue at Curb Records. “The team at Pandora have been big believers in Dylan from the start and now there are a Billion reasons to celebrate this huge achievement.”

 

Phil Vassar Rocks At St. Jude Heroes Honky Tonk

Pictured (L-R): Torrey Wayland (St. Jude), Jordan Turri Andrews (St. Jude), Phil Vassar, Taylor Ratcliff (St. Jude), Lynn Page (St. Jude)

Phil Vassar performed at St. Jude Heroes Honky Tonk, a private event for St. Jude Heroes who were top fundraisers for the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Nashville, on April 25.

 

John Lomax Guests On Stories Round The Table With Hudson And Joni

Youtube video

John Lomax is the special guest with Hudson James and Joni Harms on the podcast Stories Round the Table with Hudson and Joni today (May 8.) His interview airs on the show’s website as well as Spotify, YouTube, iHeart and others. He talks with Hudson and Joni about his family’s legacy in collecting and preserving folk songs and recalls stories from his own music career as a well-known music journalist, author and manager for artists like Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle.

Lomax also talks about  “Lomax on Lomax,” a concert he pulled together exploring the many valuable songs his family saved as they journeyed through hills and plains to conduct field recordings of music that might have otherwise been lost. He will present his show “Lomax on Lomax” at the Green Hills Library in Nashville on May 15 at 5 p.m.

 

WWII Hero Don Graves Honored At 100th Birthday With Recording Of His Song ‘The Sand of Iwo Jima’

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s LuAnn Davidson, songwriters Frank Myers and Jason Sever, Airpower Foundation’s Don Weatherby, WWII Veteran Don Graves. Photo: Anthony Sweeton

World War II hero Don Graves, one of the last living survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the only Flamethrower to make it off the island, celebrated his 100th birthday in Nashville this week with a historic and heartfelt tribute. To mark the occasion, Graves collaborated on a powerful new song, “The Sand of Iwo Jima,” alongside songwriters Frank Myers and Jason Sever. The track was recorded at Starstruck Studios, with vocals by John Rich and Lee Greenwood and production by Myers and Jimmy Nichols.

In addition to this moving musical milestone, Graves officially signed with BMI as a songwriter while in Nashville. His journey continues as he travels to Washington, D.C. forMemorial Day, where he will be featured on the National Memorial Day Concert PBS special.

 

Omer Netzer Shares New Single at Country Music Association New Member Welcome

Pictured (L-R): Kate Richardson (Partner, Richlynn Group), Kate Kaltenbach (Director, Industry Relations, CMA), Kayleigh Bentley (Manager, Member Experience, CMA), Tyler Phillips (Richlynn Group), Omer Netzer, Mia Jones (Senior Director, Industry Relations & Inclusion, CMA) and Oscar Chavira (Netzer’s Manager, White Knuckle Productions). Photo: Courtesy of the CMA

Singer-songwriter Omer Netzer activated his Country Music Association membership with an artist welcome meeting recently. Israel native Netzer, who is now based in Nashville, shared his story with the Member Relations and International teams at the CMA office on Music Row and treated the staff to an acoustic performance of his upcoming single “Midnight Blue,” out May 30.

 

Val Storey Signs With Mighty Cord Records

Val Storey and Larry Cordle

Val Storey has signed with Mighty Cord Records, led by Larry Cordle. Storey’s new bluegrass single, “I’ve Just Seen A Face,” has just been released to radio. Fans can catch Storey live every Monday night at the legendary Station Inn as part of “New Monday” with Carl Jackson and Cordle—a celebrated weekly show featuring harmony-rich bluegrass, country and Americana. She also leads Sunday Gospel with Val Storey, Larry Cordle and Mike Rogers & Friends, a heartwarming tradition filled with uplifting gospel songs and soul-stirring performances.

Country Icon Jeannie Seely Shares Health Update

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Jeannie Seely. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby

Country music legend and Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely has shared an updated on the status of her health following multiple surgeries over the past few weeks.

“Over the past several weeks, I’ve received so many wonderful messages of love and concern about being missed on the Grand Ole Opry and on Sundays with Seely on Willie’s Roadhouse,” Seely explains. “Thank you for those, and I assure you that I miss you just as much! Hopefully I can count on that support as I struggle through this recovery process from multiple back surgeries in March, as well as two emergency abdominal surgeries in April, followed by 11 days in the intensive care unit and a bout with pneumonia. Rehab is pretty tough but each day is looking brighter and last night, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. And it was neon, so I knew it was mine! The unsinkable Seely is working her way back.”

Once fully recovered, Seely plans to continue performing regularly on the Opry stage, recording her weekly show, Sundays with Seely, on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and release new music.

Alabama & Brenda Lee To Be Honored At Eighth Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards

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Brenda Lee, Alabama

Alabama and Brenda Lee have been revealed as the first announced honorees at the eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards set for Sept. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Both Alabama and Lee have earned two of the organization’s highest honors and will be celebrated with special segments during the night’s festivities. With the return of presenting partner City National Bank, the evening will be a celebration filled with stories and performances honoring the faces behind the industry and the music made in Music City.

Alabama will receive NSAI’s pinnacle honor, the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of the band’s contributions to the American songbook. Charting 43 No. 1s and selling over 80 million records, Alabama is undisputedly one of country’s most influential bands, whose work continues to inspire the careers of songwriters and artists to this day. Previous Kris Kristofferson award recipients include Alan Jackson (2024), Bobby Braddock (2023), Garth Brooks (2022), Bill Anderson (2018), and Willie Nelson (2013).

Brenda Lee will be awarded with the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, a recognition bestowed to an individual that has given significant contributions to the industry for the betterment of all songwriters. Lee was personally selected by NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller in honor of her incredible achievements, record-breaking career, and undeniable place she has earned in music history. Lee signed her first record deal at the age of 11, has sold over 100 million albums, was the first woman inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Country Music Hall of Fames, and also holds the record for longest gap between No. 1 charting hits, with her first in 1960 (“I’m Sorry”) and the most recent in November 2023 (“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”).

“At City National Bank, we recognize the incredible talent and creativity that fuels the songwriters of Nashville and across the nation,” says Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, Co-Managers of City National Entertainment in Nashville. “That’s why we’re proud to return as the presenting sponsor of the Nashville Songwriter Awards, which recognize individuals for their artistry, storytelling and impact in music.”

Lainey Wilson & Jessie Jo Dillon Nab Early ACM Wins

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Lainey Wilson is surprised by Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert

The winners of the ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Songwriter of the Year categories were revealed yesterday (May 7), ahead of tonight’s 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, which airs live at 7 p.m. CST from Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas.

Lainey Wilson, who is one of the night’s top nominees with seven nods, earned her first ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award in a backstage surprise from Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert. The three will debut their forthcoming collaboration, “Trailblazer,” at the ACM Awards.

Kelsea Ballerini and Jessie Jo Dillon

Wilson, who penned this new track with Lambert and Brandy Clark, also co-wrote every track on her latest album, Whirlwind, a 14-track project that is not only nominated for the coveted ACM Album of the Year Award this year but also features her hit single “4x4xU,” which earned her two nominations in this year’s ACM Song of the Year category as a songwriter and artist. This marks Wilson’s 13th ACM Award win.

For the second year in a row, Jessie Jo Dillon earned the ACM Songwriter of the Year Award in an on-stage surprise from her frequent collaborator and ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee, Kelsea Ballerini, during ACM Country Kickoff. This honor arrives after Dillon co-penned multiple tracks on three of the five projects vying for Album of the Year at tonight’s ceremony.