CRS 2026 Day One: ‘Y’all Means All,’ Cycle of A Song, CRS Honors, More

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Country Radio Seminar kicked off Wednesday (March 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

‘Y’all Means All: Expanding The Audience’ Kicks Off CRS Week

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS 2026 kicked off yesterday with the “Y’all Means All: Expanding The Audience” breakfast. Moderated by Amber Anderson, the event featured Al Farb, Ty Herndon, James Marsh and MŌRIAH.

 

Streaming Experts Share Findings On Teen Music Listeners

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CMA presented findings from its recently completed teen-focused research study, a custom project designed to better understand the next generation of country music listeners. Following the data presentation, a panel composed of radio and streaming programmers, as well as Conner Smith, discussed the future audience pipeline for the genre.

 

‘Cycle of A Song’ Highlights ‘Single Again’

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

As part of the “Cycle of A Song” series, Wednesday’s session focused on Josh Ross‘ chart-topper “Single Again.” Panelists Damon Moberly, Julia Robert, Jackie Augustus, Tracy Martin, Julie Adam and Justin Cole joined Ross to explain the journey the song took to become a hit, showcasing the vital roles social media, streaming platforms, radio play and touring can play in building an artist’s audience.

 

Warner Music Nashville Luncheon

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

CRS attendees enjoyed lunch and good music at the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon. This year’s edition featured performances from Ashley McBryde, Blake Whiten, Gabby Barrett, The Band Loula and The Creekers.

 

CRS Honors Recognizes Industry Professionals

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 were announced during CRS Honors. This year’s honorees include Chris Carr, Michael J, Rick Jackson, Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan and John Marks. CRS also presented four prestigious scholarships during the event, including the Rusty Walker Scholarship, the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship and the Whitney Allen “Hot Mic” Scholarship.

The event featured performances from Frank Ray and HARDY, and Parker McCollum joined to help unveil the honorees.

 

Amazon Music Presents ‘Country Heat’ at CRS 2026

Photo: Courtesy of CRS

To end the Digital Music Summit on day one of CRS, Amazon Music brought the party of their “Country Heat” show. Attendees were treated to music from headliner Parker McCollum along with Max McNown, Carter Faith and Zach John King.

Industry Ink: The Band Perry, Winner’s Circle, Evelyn Cormier, Aaron Robertson

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The Band Perry Guests On Bobby Bones’ ‘The Bobbycast’

Kimberly Perry.

The Band Perry, now comprised of Kimberly Perry and her husband Johnny Costello, was a guest on Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast this week, talking about the band’s return to the limelight, their elopement in Las Vegas, and the realities of parenthood.

Winner’s Circle Launches New Rehab Program At Trousdale Turner Correctional Center

Shelley Winner & Struggle Jennings

Winner’s Circle, a comprehensive digital personal development and workforce readiness program, is now available to residents at CoreCivic’s Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville, Tennessee. The program kicked off with an event at Trousdale on March 10, featuring program creator Shelley Winner and Struggle Jennings, the grandson of country star Waylon Jennings. Winner and Jennings spoke to over 400 residents about their experience and how they were able to overcome adversity. Jennings also performed several songs featuring his life story, his incarceration and how he changed his life. Due to drug use, Winner faced a 10-year prison sentence, but during her time in prison, participated in rehabilitative programs and turned her life around. Now, she uses her experience to teach and inspire others through Winner’s Circle.

Evelyn Cormier Inks With BEC Recordings

Evelyn Cormier

Singer-songwriter Evelyn Cormier has signed with BEC Recordings. The New Hampshire native’s reflective folk-pop sound and faith-driven storytelling are resonating with listeners, and her introductory label single, “Like Me Better,” is quickly gaining traction, amassing more than 1.5 million streams in just eight weeks. The synth-laced track features her signature airy vocal and a message of freedom from unhealthy relationships and people-pleasing.

Aaron Robertson Signs With Integrity Music

(L-R, front row): Blaine Barcus (president, Integrity Music), Aaron Robertson (songwriter) and Stone Meyer (vice president, music publishing). (L-R, back row): Ben Wolverton (senior manager, Integrity Worship), Jonathan Lane (vice president, music administrations and contracts), Taylor Agan (creative director, music publishing) and Ashley Prigge (A&R/publishing coordinator).

Aaron Robertson has signed a publishing deal with Integrity Music. Best known for his work as a songwriter, producer and keyboardist with Elevation Worship, Robertson has collaborated with leading national and international CCM and worship artists including Phil Wickham, Cody Carnes, Tauren Wells, Pat Barrett, Red Rocks Worship, Jamie MacDonald, Chandler Moore, Christine D’Clario, and Leanna Crawford. Robertson is a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award and Billboard award-winning producer and writer, and his songs have collectively been streamed more than two billion times.

Industry Veteran Cliff Blake Passes

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Cliff Blake

Industry veteran Cliff Blake passed away March 16 following a battle with ALS. He was 73.

Blake enjoyed a 47-year career working both in radio and at various record labels. His radio career included time at WZZK/Birmingham, WMZQ/Washington, KFKF/Kansas City and WOKQ/Portsmouth, NE, and he also had stints at Warner Bros., Republic Nashville and Arista throughout his career. He retired as Columbia Dir./Northeast Regional Promotion in 2018, then joined Good Company Entertainment in a regional promotion capacity later that year.

Services for Blake have not been announced, but on March 13, his community in Dover, New Hampshire held a “Cliffabration” parade in his honor, with friends and neighbors gathering in a park and walking past his home holding signs of support. The Blake Family posted on Cliff’s Facebook page, requesting that in his memory people donate to their local arts organization, local library, or the Compassionate Care ALS organization.

JUST IN: Triple 8 Management Elevates Aaron Sawyer To Partner

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Aaron Sawyer. Photo: Ashtin Paige

Triple 8 Management has elevated Aaron Sawyer from Artist Manager to Partner.

Sawyer joined the Triple 8 team in 2023, alongside longtime colleague and artist manager Hannah Boren. Under the Triple 8 banner, Sawyer, Boren and management coordinator Evy Daunic represent Sierra Ferrell, I’m With Her, Julian Lage, Madison Cunningham, Nickel Creek, Vincent Lima, Watkins Family Hour, along with Sean and Sara Watkins.

“Aaron is on an incredible run, building a remarkable roster while also being a truly outstanding teammate across the company. We are not ever silo’d here at Triple 8, and Aaron has fully embraced that culture,” shares CEO/Founder George Couri.

“Beyond the success of the artists he represents, Aaron has shown up again and again for this company – helping close deals for other teams, jumping in wherever needed, and consistently bringing a steady, thoughtful and generous spirit to the work,” adds Paul Steele, Executive Partner.

“Paul has been a champion of my management journey for nearly 20 years, while George’s help, encouragement and steady ear for endless advice was present on my first day at Triple 8,” says Sawyer. “I’m thrilled and honored to deepen my partnership with Triple 8 and continue to invest not only in my roster, but in the leadership of the company and staff.”

Prior to joining Triple 8’s team, Sawyer served as an artist manager at Red Light Management.

Sawyer can be reached here.

Hadlie Jo Inks Publishing Deal With Sony Music Publishing Nashville In Partnership With GREAT DAANE MUSIC

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Singer-songwriter Hadlie Jo has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Whitney Daane‘s GREAT DAANE MUSIC.

“Hadlie Jo writes songs with an authentic heart and delivers them with a traditional honesty that reminds you why you fell in love with country music,” shares Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “We couldn’t be more excited to champion Whitney and Hadlie Jo as they bring her unique songs to life.”

Hailing from Jena, Louisiana and growing up in Midland, Texas, she played music with her dad and began writing songs at 12 during COVID, where she honed in on her guitar skills. She also plays piano, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. In 2025, she graduated with honors with a degree in Commercial Music from South Plains College, majoring in Voice.

She soon after moved to Nashville, where she began working with songwriter/producer Jimmy Melton and A&R exec Renee Bell. Jo has collaborated with Vince Gill and Sharon Vaughn, co-penning Gill’s “Nothing Like They Used To Be.”

“I am beyond excited that I get to work with Rusty Gaston, Chelsea Kent, and the whole amazing Sony Music Publishing team, as well as with my ‘fairy song mother’, Whitney at GREAT DAANE MUSIC,” says Jo. “Getting to write with so many incredible songwriters, many of whom I have idolized for years, is literally a dream come true, and the fact that my first big cut is by one of my musical heroes, Vince Gill, and that I got to write it with Sharon Vaughn and him blows my mind! Now I’ve got to get to work to prove all of them right for taking a shot on a young artist and writer that just got to town with her Gibson guitar and her medical support dog, Lucy!”

Jo has a rare genetic immune deficiency, hypogammaglobulinemia, with an Antibody Deficiency. “My hope is that I can bring awareness to my unique condition and normalize having to work around illness or special needs for other kids,” she explains. “Participating in the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and Musicians on Call is one of my goals for 2026 now that I am 18. Sometimes it can be challenging, but I never let it hold me back, and Lucy, my medical support dog, makes that possible… and she has her own headphones!”

Her new single “Things” will release this Friday (March 20). It was co-penned alongside Melton and Mike Mobley, and is a homage to the floods in Texas last summer, and her first night in Nashville spent sheltering in an Airbnb bathtub for hours during a tornado.

“You can’t replace your loved ones, but losing your home, all your belongings, all your photos and memories is devastating,” says Jo. “It’s like erasing your life and starting over. My heart goes out to everyone who has suffered that kind of loss… ‘they’re not just THINGS.’”

Cori Kennedy Signs With WME

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Cori Kennedy. Photo: Jana Claire Hopkins

Rising country artist and viral songwriter Cori Kennedy has inked with WME for worldwide representation.

Originally from West Concord, Minnesota, Kennedy combines her vocals with story-driven songwriting with themes of small-town life. Her track “Water Tower Johnny Cash” first gained traction on TikTok, earning more than 12 million views and catching the attention of producers from The Voice. She later joined Season 28 as part of Team Reba McEntire.

“There’s nothing like the experience of playing live, and I’m ready to do a lot more of it,” says Kennedy. “I’ve been building this one song and one show at a time, and signing with WME gives me the opportunity to reach more fans and get out in front of new crowds. I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”

Since her appearance on The Voice, has gained 205,000 followers on TikTok and 110,000 on Instagram, generating over 100 million impressions. In Minnesota, Kennedy peformed across the state while still sharing her songwriting online.

“Her voice carries both power and honesty, and her songwriting feels lived-in and real. She’s already built an organic connection with fans, and we’re excited to help expand her live presence as her career continues to build,” share WME agent Carter Green and WME Senior Partner and Co-Head Becky Gardenhire.

“Cori is a true artist in every sense,” add the WME team. “Her voice, her writing, and her ability to connect with fans in such a genuine way immediately stood out to us. She has already built an incredible foundation, and we are excited to help grow her live career as she steps into this next chapter.”

Kennedy is represented for management by Nick Groff and Michele Ronzon at Rare Society. She will hit the road starting this May for a run of live shows through August, with more dates to be announced.

ACM Awards Unveils First Round of Performers

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Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson & Riley Green. Photo: Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music has unveiled the first round of performers for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.

This year, Cody Johnson will take the stage following his 2025 win for ACM Song of the Year. Reigning Entertainer of the Year and 16-time ACM Award recipient Lainey Wilson returns to the ACM Awards stage with the world premiere performance of “Can’t Sit Still.” Four-time ACM Award winner Riley Green, will deliver a performance of “Change My Mind.”

Tickets for the awards are available now. Previously announced ACM Awards week events include “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” and “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash.”

The 61st ACM Awards are set for Sunday, May 17 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ella Langley Celebrates ‘Weren’t For The Wind’ & ‘Choosin’ Texas’ At Double No. 1 Party

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(L-R, back row): Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Columbia Records’ Joe Gallo, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart and BMI’s Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Joybeth Taylor, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Little Louder’s Arturo Buenahora; Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

BMI’s lobby was standing-room only on Tuesday afternoon (March 17) as industry members gathered to celebrate Ella Langley and her chart-toppers “Weren’t For The Wind” and the record-breaking “Choosin’ Texas.”

BMI’s Clay Bradley kicked off by highlighting Langley. “We have been brought here by a maverick, a trendsetter, someone who broke the mold by refusing to go without permission,” said Bradley. “Her success is proof that when you take action and write your own story, the world starts to listen.”

(L-R): Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, SMACK’s Sam Sarno, Johnny Clawson, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Ella Langley, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Joybeth Taylor, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Columbia Records’ Joe Gallo and BMI’s Clay Bradley; Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

The first half of the afternoon focused on “Weren’t For The Wind,” co-written by Langley, Joybeth Taylor and Johnny Clawson. BMI’s Leslie Roberts welcomed the writers, sharing her history with the writers that dates back to before they signed their first publishing deals.

SMACK’s Sam Sarno and Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart also stepped to the mic to offer congratulations. Barnhart announced that in honor of the No. 1, Studio Bank made a donation to The Positive Rescue Division, a charity focused on dog rescue and rehabilitation.

Clawson, who was named MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year last year, spoke about writing the song during a 2023 bus ride through Wyoming and thanking God, his family and his teams for their support. “Ella and Joybeth are individually just two of the best songwriters that this town’s got. And their magic is only magnified when they’re together.”

The celebration then moved to “Choosin’ Texas.” Co-written by Langley, Taylor, Luke Dick, and Miranda Lambert, the track recently notched its third week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and fifth week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.

Billboard’s Russ Penuell took the mic to speak about the song’s historic run on the charts, explaining that Langley is the second woman in the history of the chart to achieve such a feat with a country song, tying Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston stepped on stage to tout the songwriters, calling Lambert a mentor for the next generation and describing Langley as “an electrifying ‘Roman candle’ of an artist” Other industry leaders who spoke included Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, and Columbia Records’ Joe Gallo.

Dick was the first co-writer to speak, sharing a story of seeing a man in a “Choosin’ Texas” hat at a dumpling shop in San Francisco, shocking him with the song’s massive reach. Taylor spoke next, directing her thanks to Langley, “Thank you Ella for believing in these songs, believing in me, and being my best friend.”

Next, Lambert expressed her admiration for Langley saying, “She is truly one of a kind. There is no one else like her.”

Langley closed the afternoon by expressing her gratitude for the team that took a chance on her when no one else would. As she celebrated her historic run, she briefly brought up “You Look Like You Love Me” co-writer Aaron Raitiere to join the writers on stage, finishing the celebration with the track “that started all of it.”

Ashley McBryde Hails Her Untamed Spirit On New LP ‘Wild’

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Ashley McBryde will release her fifth studio album, Wild, on May 8 via Warner Records Nashville. McBryde will offer fans another taste of the new project with “Bottle Tells Me So,” out tomorrow (March 20).

Wild was produced by Lindeville collaborator John Osborne of Brothers Osborne and recorded with McBryde’s live band, Deadhorse, the project explores McBryde’s journey with sobriety, the impacts of a fundamentalist upbringing and the realities of generational traumas.

“When people hear this record, I hope it wakes up the part of them that I’m singing about in Wild—the part that still believes in those unrealized dreams and untaken risks,” says McBryde. “I believe that wild little kid is still alive inside of all of us, and that’s the version of everyone that I want to sing to.”

“Ashley McBryde is a rare gem,” shares Osborne. “There are people out there with natural ability and there are people that dedicate every waking hour to honing their craft. Ashley is both. Never settling. Always reaching. The perfect combination of vulnerable and fearless.”

Wild is previewed by early releases “Rattlesnake Preacher,” “Arkansas Mud” and current single, “What If We Don’t,” which was the No. 1 most-added single of the week upon impact and earned McBryde the biggest add date of her career.

Tonight (March 19) and tomorrow night, McBryde returns to her Redemption Residency at Chief’s Neon Steeple in Nashville for a second set of sold-out “Just Me and My Shadow” solo acoustic shows.

Willie Nelson’s New Album ‘Dream Chaser’ Due In May

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Willie Nelson will release his new studio album, Dream Chaser, on May 29 via Legacy Recordings. The project’s first single, the title track, is available now.

Dream Chaser marks Nelson’s 79th solo studio album and features a collection of reflective, story-driven tracks that focus on relationships, personal growth, and life on the road, touching on themes of perseverance, timing, and clarity. The project continues Nelson’s long‑running creative partnership with producer and co‑writer Buddy Cannon, a collaboration that has yielded nearly 20 albums over the past 13 years. The two co-wrote six songs on the new album, half of which were written with Bobby Tomberlin.

The album announcement coincides with Willie’s annual Luck Reunion, which takes place today (March 19) at Nelson’s ranch in Texas. Held during SXSW, the Luck Reunion features special events, a songwriters’ roundup, and a stacked lineup of friends and collaborators. This year’s event includes Booker T. Jones, Robert Lester Folsom, Trampled by Turtles, St. Vincent, and Willie Nelson & Family.

Dream Chaser Track List:
1. “Dream Chaser” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin, Willie Nelson)
2. “Fly Away” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Whitlock)
3. “We’d Make A Good Movie” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin)
4. “I Can’t Read Your Mind” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon, Bob Dylan)
5. “Whiskey Wants Me To” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin)
6. “Wonder What I’m Gonna Do” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon)
7. “After All” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon)
8. “Love Overdue” (Mickey Raphael, Donald W. Poythress, Anna Lisa Graham)
9. “I Don’t Think I’ve Cried Today” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin, Willie Nelson)
10. “Developing My Pictures” (Earl Montgomery)