Louie TheSinger To Dedicate ‘One For The Hometown’ This June

/by

Louie TheSinger will release his new EP One For The Hometown on June 6 via UMG Nashville.

The eight-song project will include his recently released “Quicker Way To Jesus,” “Good Girl” and “Hometown,” featuring Chris Pérez.

“When I was younger and first started chasing this dream of music, I remember my mom telling me ‘No matter how far you get with this, never forget who you are and where you came from,’” reflects Louie TheSinger of “Hometown.” “I think of that all the time.”

Louie TheSinger is a co-writer on five of the tracks, as well as a solo-write on two. His writing partners on the project include Joe and Rob Ragosta, Rob Hatch, Justin Ebach and more.

“The last couple of years have been a dream come true,” he shares. “I’ve lived each line of every song on this EP and through them I get I pay tribute to my home, my family and the friends who love me like family. This truly is one for the hometown.”

The artist recently released the “Hometown” music video, directed and edited by Cakemaster and produced by Alex Pescosta and Moon Tower Cinema. The video was shot in the singer’s hometown of Fort Worth.

YouTube video

Louie TheSinger played sold-out venues all across the country last year and closed it out by showcasing his culture at the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville, sporting a jacket paying tribute to one of his musical heroes, Freddy Fender. In November, he was recognized for his contribution to country music as a Latino with the Origin Impact Award.

One For The Hometown Track List:
1. “Hometown” feat. Chris Pérez (Louie TheSinger, Nick Bailey, Josh Dorr)
2. “On My Way” (Louie TheSinger, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta, Mitch Allan, Aldo Ramón)
3. “Más Maria” (Louie TheSinger, Rob Hatch, Jackson Nance)
4. “Good Girl” (Nate Kenyon, Joe Ginsberg, Luis Palacios II)
5. “Quicker Way To Jesus” (Louie TheSinger, Justin Ebach, Josh Thompson)
6. “Adiós” (Louie TheSinger, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta)
7. “If I Die Tomorrow” (Louie TheSinger)
8. “Goodbye” (Louie TheSinger)

Cole Swindell Readies Fifth Studio Album, ‘Spanish Moss’

/by

Cole Swindell. Photo: Robby Klein

Multi-Platinum hitmaker and ACM Award winner Cole Swindell will release his fifth studio album, Spanish Moss, on June 27 via Warner Music Nashville.

The project follows his 2022 release Stereotype, which delivered a trio of Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1s: “Single Saturday Night,” “Never Say Never” (with Lainey Wilson) and the five-week, three-times Platinum smash “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” That track alone earned Swindell three ACM Awards, including Single and Song of the Year, plus an iHeartRadio Music Award for Country Song of the Year and a CMA nomination. He followed it up with Stereotype Broken, a deluxe edition featuring his 2023 top 10 hit “Drinkaby.”

Spanish Moss features Swindell’s current top 10-and-climbing single “Forever To Me,” written alongside Greylan James and Rocky Block as a tribute to his engagement and marriage to wife Courtney. The album’s title track—co-written with Devin Dawson, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds—drops Friday (March 28).

“Spanish Moss has been a work in progress for over two years now,” Swindell shares. “I knew it would be a tough task following up Stereotype and the success we had from that album, but sometimes a challenge can be motivating and exactly what’s needed to grow. For me, the album making process has always had a common theme … best song wins. Although it’s never that simple.

“Life has changed a lot for me in the best way since the last project and I wanted to be able write and sing about those blessings while also not forgetting where I came from and the pain from the past,” he adds. “One of the beautiful things about music is even though you may not be currently going through something at this very moment, more than likely someone out there IS. I think this album is balanced that way and has a little bit of everything from songs like: ‘Kill A Prayer,’ ‘Dirty Dancing,’ ‘Forever to Me’ to ‘Dale Jr.,’ ‘Country Boy Can’t Survive,’ and ‘Heads Up Heaven.’”

After headlining his “Win The Night Tour” last year, Swindell will embark on his first international tour dates in March opening for Cody Johnson’s “Leather Deluxe Tour” in Australia and New Zealand.

Spanish Moss Track List:
1. “Kill A Prayer” (Cole Taylor, Josh Thompson, Jesse Frasure)
2. “Dirty Dancing” (Beau Bailey, Ned Cameron, Hunter Phelps)
3. “Dale, Jr.” (Cole Swindell, Greylan James, Matt Alderman)
4. “Spanish Moss” (Cole Swindell, Devin Dawson, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds)
5. “We Can Always Move On” (Kyle Fishman, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler)
6. “Georgia (Ain’t On Her Mind)” (Cole Swindell, John Byron, Ben Johnson)
7. “Lost Heart” (Rodney Clawson, Zach Kale, Tawgs Salter, Nolen Sipe)
8. “Bottom Of It” (Cole Swindell, Jonathon Singleton, Chase McGill, Ben Simonetti)
9. “Left To Get Right” (Greylan James, Thomas Archer, Rocky Block)
10. “Longneck List” (Lindsay Rimes, Jameson Rodgers, Matt Rogers)
11. “Country Boy Can’t Survive” (Cole Swindell, Josh Osborne, Travis Wood, Jared Keim)
12. “Happy Hour Sad” (Jimmy Robbins, Micah Carpenter, Travis Wood, Lydia Vaughan)
13. “Wild” (Cole Swindell, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Rogers, Jordan Minton)
14. “One Day” (Chase McGill, Ernest K. Smith, Jordan Schmidt)
15. “Forever To Me” (Cole Swindell, Greylan James, Rocky Block)
16. “Someone Worth Missing” (Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler, Brad Rempel)
17. “First Second” (Greylan James, Josh Osborne, David Garcia, Rocky Block)
18. “’99 Problems” (Devin Dawson, Seth Ennis, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds)
19. “It Don’t Hurt Anymore” (Blake Bollinger, Trea Landon, Craig Campbell)
20. “Take Me Down” (Cole Swindell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chris Tompkins, David Garcia)
21. “Heads Up Heaven” (Cole Swindell, Chase McGill, Bobby Pinson)

Trisha Yearwood Gets Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

/by

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood got her own Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Monday (March 24) during a midday unveiling on the sidewalk in front of the historic Capitol Records building.

Yearwood was joined at the event by members of her team, her sister and brother-in-law and husband Garth Brooks, (whose own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is just a few steps away from hers.) Her star at 1750 North Vine Street in the heart of Hollywood is the 2805th to be awarded.

Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood and Carly Pearce

“It’s very surreal to be here. Such an honor,” said Yearwood, thanking those on hand. “The thing that makes it so special are the people who are here. I see a lot of faces who have been coming to see me live since 1991,” she said. “I love you, and you know that!”

Before accepting the honor, Yearwood’s reputation and persona were heralded in words from close friends and fellow artists  Carly Pearce and Reba McEntire. 

“People tell you never to meet your heroes,” shared Pearce. “But the woman that we are all celebrating today had made me and so many other aspiring country music singers think differently. I remember from a very young age becoming infatuated with Trisha’s voice. I later realized that she has a tone that is unmatched. Her God-given ability has since entertained millions for decades. For me, what matters is the impact she has continued to have on this industry, this genre, on me and all of the next generation of female country artists, and as my friend.”

“We are in the country music business where girls stick together. We have fun together. We complain and gripe to each other because you can’t do that with anybody else,” said McEntire. “Nobody else understands. So, congratulations on this today. I’m thrilled to pieces for you. I love you with all my heart. Congratulations!”

Maddox Batson Drops Debut EP ‘First Dance’

/by

Rising country artist Maddox Batson has released his new First Dance EP, via Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records.

First Dance features seven tracks including the cinematic single “Girl In Green,” the turbulent “Problem,” the romantic “It Was You” and more. Batson first connected with fans through his viral hits like “Tears In The River” and “I Wanna Know.” The new EP arrives after the standout “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” which is approaching one million Spotify streams and 2.6 million YouTube views, and follows in the wake of the buzzing “X’s,” which has already amassed over 5.7 million Spotify streams and 11 million YouTube views.

YouTube video

Raised in Birmingham, the now 15-year-old developed a fervent passion for music when he was little. Developing his songwriting chops early, he has already had cuts like a current Lana Del Rey and Quavo single “Tough,” and will make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage tomorrow (March 26). Batson is also set to hit the road once again with headlining tour dates in New York City, Dallas, Chicago and more before supporting Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind Tour” this fall.

First Dance EP Track List:
1. “I Don’t Like You Anymore” – Maddox Batson, Hunter Phelps, David Garcia and Ashley Gorley
2. “Girl In Green” – Maddox Batson, Peter Fenn and Sam Romans
3. “X’s” – Maddox Batson, Benjamin Negrin, Elysse Yulo, Jaxson Free, Josh Dorr and Nick Bailey
4. “God Talkin’” – Maddox Batson, Josh Dorr, Elysse Yulo, Tiggi, Ned Cameron and Hallie Hertrick
5. “Problem” – Maddox Batson, Johnny Simpson, Dan Henig, JKash, Jake Torrey and Sean Cook
6. “It Was You” – Maddox Batson, Andy Sheridan Josh Dorr
7. “Southbound” – Maddox Batson, Benjamin Negrin, Nick Bailey, Brett Truitt, Josh Dorr and Elysse Yulo

Lainey Wilson’s Charitable Fund Makes Major Donation To Family Alliance In Music

/by

Lainey Wilson. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Lainey Wilson is continuing her advocacy for working families in the music industry with a major gift to Family Alliance in Music (FAM) through her Heart Like a Truck charitable fund.

Wilson has supported FAM since the beginning, and this donation deepens her commitment to helping the organization transform the industry into a place where having a career and having a family aren’t mutually exclusive.

Since launching, FAM has worked to build a more supportive culture for music professionals navigating parenthood, caregiving, and family life. From raising awareness to providing critical resources, the nonprofit has made real progress—and now, thanks to Wilson’s donation, it’s taking the next step: awarding its first $25,000 grant.

The inaugural $25,000 grant 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.

“Family Alliance in Music is tackling one of the most important yet often overlooked challenges in the music industry, ensuring that those who bring so much joy and life to the world through music are supported in their own lives,” says Wilson. “I’m proud to stand behind FAM as they provide grants, raise awareness, and build a better future for families in this industry. It’s time we make caring for a family and pursuing professional dreams a reality for everyone.”

“With Lainey Wilson’s support, we’re ready to make an even greater impact,” shares Jackie Jones, FAM Co-Founder and SVP of Artist and Industry Relations at RIAA. “This first grant is a pivotal step in building a music industry that enables professionals to care for their families while also growing in their artistry and ambition. When we remove barriers to balancing family and career, we create space for more voices to rise into leadership roles, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable industry. We are deeply grateful to Lainey for believing in our mission and for her generosity.”

T.J. Martell Foundation Celebrates 50 Years

/by

The T.J. Martell Foundation is commemorating 50 years of bringing together the music industry in the battle against cancer and fueling groundbreaking progress in research and patient care. Created by music executive Tony Martell in honor of his son, T.J., the organization has supported research that has driven some of the most significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Steve Gawley, Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development at REPUBLIC Collective, will serve as the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the foundation. Gawley will shape the foundation’s future with a vision focused on four core pillars; boosting financial sustainability and fundraising innovation, expanding research funding, evolving the brand to remain at the forefront of music culture and strengthening leadership while engaging the next generation.

“For 50 years, the T.J. Martell Foundation has been at the intersection of music and medicine, turning passion into progress.” shares Gawley. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead to a future where every dollar raised, and every partnership formed brings us closer to a cure.”

“Steve Gawley’s leadership is shaping the next era of our mission,” adds Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of The T.J. Martell Foundation. “His ability to unite people, build partnerships, and drive innovation ensures we are not just preserving a legacy—we are creating a future where groundbreaking cancer research thrives.”

Combining the power of music and community, the foundation’s Board of Trustees, comprised of leaders from record labels, publishing, management, live entertainment, streaming, media and brand partnerships, has been vital in advancing its mission.

Additional members of the foundation’s executive committee includes Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group), Tom Corson (Warner Records), John Esposito (Executive Chairman), Avery Lipman (REPUBLIC Collective), Joe Schmidt (REPUBLIC Collective), Daniel Glass (Glassnote Entertainment Group), Jeffrey Harleston (Universal Music Group), Michael Huppe (Sound Exchange), Rich Isaacson (R I Entertainment), Michael Kushner (Warner Music Group), Dennis Lord (Attorney), Marc Reiter (Metallica), Darren Stupak (Sony Music Entertainment), Julie Swidler (Sony Music Entertainment), Andy Tavel (Raines Feldman Littrell LLP) and Ron Wilcox (MD Consulting, Treasurer).

“The music industry thrives on discovering and nurturing new talent before the world knows their name,” continues Gawley. “We must take the same approach to cancer research—funding the boldest, most promising ideas to help drive them toward mainstream solutions that will benefit anyone who suffers from this terrible disease. With its leadership deeply engaged, the T.J. Martell Foundation continues to expand its impact, funding the next wave of cutting-edge cancer research and providing hope to patients and families around the world.”

To celebrate its 5o years, the foundation will host an array of events supporting cancer research. Fundraising dinners will take place on April 22 at the Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville and May 22 at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California.

The annual New York Honors Gala will take place on Sept. 16 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, celebrating 50 years of impact, funding breakthroughs and showcasing industry leaders who have supported the mission.

Luke Bryan Inducted Into RodeoHouston Star Trail Of Fame

/by

Luke Bryan poses with Trail of Fame Star. Photo: Courtesy of RodeoHouston

Luke Bryan was honored as the 11th inductee into RodeoHouston’s Star Trail of Fame at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Sunday afternoon (March 23).

Bryan was celebrated in a special ceremony at the Star Trail of Fame Wall in NRG Center, where he was recognized by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Chairman of the Board, Pat Mann Phillips, and President and CEO, Chris Boleman. The Star Trail of Fame pays tribute to stars that have made a profound impact on the Rodeo.

“Luke Bryan has consistently been one of the most desired performers at RodeoHouston and his influence on our organization and our attendees is immeasurable,” says Boleman. “Bryan is a reflection of all the best of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and we are proud to induct him into the Star Trail of Fame.”

“What an honor it has been for me to perform at RodeoHouston for so many years,” says Bryan. “The dedication the Rodeo has on Texas students and the community is something I am so proud to have contributed to.”

Bryan’s 2025 performance on the star stage marked his 12th since 2012. He shares the wall with some of RodeoHouston’s most popular and honored performers, including Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Gene Autry, George Strait, Reba, Roy Rogers and Selena.

‘Opry 100’ Celebration Wins The Night As Most-Watched Program

/by

Members of The Grand Ole Opry celebrate 100th anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

The Opry 100: A Live Celebration NBC special last week celebrating the Grand Ole Opry and its impact on country music over the past century was the most-watched program of the night among all the broadcast networks against mostly original programming.

The star-studded, once-in-a-lifetime live special showcased unforgettable performances and iconic collaborations from some of the biggest names in country music, and drew 5.3 million viewers Wednesday night across NBC and Peacock. The special showed impressive growth in its first four half-hours, holding up well as its final half-hour surpassed its first.

The special featured many highlights, including Reba McEntire delivering an emotional tribute to two of country’s most beloved icons, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood honoring George Jones and Tammy Wynette with a tribute to two of country music’s most influential duos; Carrie Underwood sweetly honoring Randy Travis with some of his hits and walking down from the stage to end a song with him, and an Opry cast salute to fellow member Dolly Parton. 

Jessie Jo Dillon Leaps To No. 5 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Jessie Jo Dillon

Jessie Jo Dillon has jumped 10 spots to No. 5 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week with “Am I Okay?,” “Baggage,” “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” “Happen To Me” and “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend.”

Riley Green remains at No. 1 with solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3) and Taylor Phillips (No. 4) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Industry Ink: Luke Combs, Kelsey Hart, Sister Hazel, More

/by

Luke Combs Appears At Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s All Access Program For Students

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Writer-Editor, Dave Paulson, museum CEO Kyle Young, Luke Combs and museum Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement Katie Palmer. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted an interview and brief performance with Luke Combs as part of the museum’s All Access program for students. Combs shared his experiences and career lessons with nearly 600 local seventh through twelfth graders in the museum’s CMA Theater. Combs also performed two songs during the program — “Fast Car” and “When it Rains it Pours.”

The museum’s All Access program connects students with country music’s creative and entertainment communities and illuminates the history and culture presented in the museum galleries. Combs is currently featured in an exhibition at the museum, “Luke Combs: The Man I Am,” which traces his story from singing with his school choirs in North Carolina to headlining stadiums around the world. The exhibit runs until June 2025 and is included with museum admission.

 

Kelsey Hart’s ‘Life With You’ Goes Gold

Kelsey Hart, along with his wife Auminee Hart, the Curb Records team, Riverwood Entertainment, “Life With You” producer Blake Bollinger, Bracken Law’s Josh Bracken, “Life With You” co-writer Kyle Schlesinger and Riley Roth celebrate Hart’s RIAA Gold certification of “Life With You” at the Curb Records office in Nashville

Kelsey Hart is celebrating the RIAA Gold certification of his top 30 single and viral TikTok hit, “Life With You.” The rising star is also getting ready to hit the road with Restless Road on their “Goin’ Out Like That Tour,” which will visit 20 cities this spring. The title cut from Hart’s full-length debut, Life With You released last year and has amassed upwards of 117 million global streams and is currently top 30-and-climbing at country radio.

 

Sister Hazel Raises Over $800K At 7th Annual “Lyrics For Life” Benefit

Sister Hazel. Photo: Chris Watkins Photography

Sister Hazel hosted its seventh annual “Lyrics for Life – An Evening of Making Music Matter” event on March 8 in their hometown of Gainesville, Florida. The event raised more than $800,000 for Lyrics for Life’s Camp Hazelnut, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, and STOP! Children’s Cancer in Gainesville. The unforgettable evening featured an intimate performance by Sister Hazel, with special guest appearances by Rick Springfield and Edwin McCain. Since its founding, “Lyrics for Life” has raised more than $5 million to support children’s cancer research and treatment.

 

Jyou Signs With East Music Row Records & Deluge Music

Pictured (L-R, seated): EMR’s Johnny Gates, Deluge Music’s David Robkin, Jyou and EMR’s Austin Luther; (L-R, standing): Winona Fighter’s Chloe Kinnon, EMR artist Felicity, Deluge Music’s Stephanie Greene and Jyou’s family and friends

Alternative/urban artist Jyou has signed with East Music Row Records and Deluge Music. The signing and celebration took place last week at Deluge’s Starstruck offices.

 

Seph Schlueter Counting Blessings With Gold-Certified No. 1

Seph Schlueter and the PLG team, manager, Jon Sell / Origin Creative Co and MPM Business Management team, and booking team – Platform Artists and co-songwriters

Seph Schlueter‘s No. 1 song “Counting My Blessings” has been certified Gold. As his first major label release, this song was also No. 1 on all four Christian charts for multiple weeks and was awarded the 2024 K-Love Breakout Single of the Year, nominated for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 2024 Dove Awards, and a finalist for the 2024 Billboard Awards Top Christian Song.

In addition, Schlueter was named a 2025 Amazon Artist to Watch. He has released a new song, “Turn It To Praise,” out now. This song follows his January worship release, “Words We’ll Sing Forever” and his current radio single, “Running Back To You,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Audience Chart and currently sits in the top 2 on the Billboard and Mediabase charts.

 

Neah McMeen Inks With PLA Media

Neah McMeen. Photo: Libby Danforth

Neah McMeen has signed with PLA Media for publicity representation. Hailing from Webber, Kansas, McMeen’s sound is deeply rooted in America’s heartland. When she’s not performing, she’s a full-time sophomore at The University of Kansas, where she is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences. She recently released her somewhat salty debut single, “Bitter” and a TikTok video from her last Nashville photo/video shoot recently went viral, nearing 500,000 views within 48 hours.