River House Artists has promoted Kayla Adkins to Senior Director, Creative/A&R, and hired Lauren Lieu as Director, Creative.

Rising to her new position from Creative Director, Adkins joined River House in 2018 and has played a pivotal role in the career development of the River House publishing roster and artists like Pillbox Patti, Austin Snell, Hudson Westbrook, Zach Seabaugh, Knox and more.

Lieu joins the publishing team alongside Adkins and Creative Coordinator Hailey Rama to help support the roster. Originally from Athens, Georgia, Lieu graduated from MTSU in 2016 and joined Ole Music as Creative Coordinator in 2018. In 2021, she joined Play It Again, where she oversaw the publishing department. She has worked with writers and artists including Dallas Davidson, Dylan Marlowe, John Morgan, Kyle Fishman, Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Justin Wilson and John Edwards.

“We are so excited to announce Kayla’s new position and the addition of Lauren to the team,” says Lynn Oliver-Cline, River House Artists President and Founder. “Kayla’s relationships with our writers and her peers are more than impressive. She has an innate sense for music publishing and has been an essential part of the growth of our roster. Lauren’s experience and passion for songs and writers perfectly complement the reputation RHA has built in our ever-expanding industry. I appreciate them trusting Zebb and me in the process of achieving more than we could have imagined!”

“Zebb and Lynn were two of the first people I connected with when I started my career in publishing, and I have always admired their vision for songwriters and creatives,” says Lieu. “I’m excited to join RHA and can’t wait to be a part of their incredible growth!”

A new documentary on the life and influence of country legend Keith Whitley from Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment and Anomaly Content & Entertainment is set to begin filming in January.

Produced by Blake Shelton and Lee Metzger of Lucky Horseshoe Productions, along with ACE Partner Evan Hayes (Free Solo) and ACE Partner and CEO Justin Barocas serving as Executive Producer, the film aims to unveil the personal and professional journey of one of country’s most influential figures. Zach Heinzerling, an Academy Award-nominated director known for his work on projects like Cutie and the Boxer and McCartney 3,2,1 is set to direct the film.

Whitley passed away at 34, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists like Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Alison Krauss, Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire, who was a backup vocalist on Whitley’s debut album. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2023. The new film will delve into Whitley’s life, his struggles with addiction, his love for fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan and the impact of his music on the industry.

The documentary will feature extensive archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame and personal collections from Morgan, providing a rich tapestry of Whitley’s life and career. It will also explore the small town of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, where Keith grew up, and include reflections from Morgan as well.

“Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans,” says Shelton. “Gwen and I love to watch music documentaries, and I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.”

“Thanks to Blake, we finally have the chance to uncover the truth behind the legend that is Keith Whitley: a layered and heartbreaking story of talent, hardship, and love that is long overdue,” shares Heinzerling.

“It’s an honor to bring Keith’s story to a wide audience,” adds Metzger. “He’s the kind of singer everyone knows the songs when they hear them but doesn’t know the story of the singer who performed them.”

Spotify & RIAA Celebrate Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’

Brenda Lee was recently recognized with plaques for notable milestones for her holiday hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Spotify and the RIAA. Spotify celebrated Lee for hitting one billion streams with the song, which is the only holiday single by a female country artist to enter Spotify’s Billions Club.

The hit, which broke multiple records last year’s holiday season, currently sits at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 50 U.S. chart. Lee was also honored for reaching the seven-times Platinum mark by the RIAA for “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” This gives Lee the second-highest Christmas title certified in 2024 to date, and the second-highest certified Christmas title (song or album) in RIAA history.

 

Nate Smith Receives Platinum Nods At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

Nate Smith celebrated additional new RIAA certifications at his sold-out Brooklyn Bowl show in Nashville on Thursday (Dec. 5). Smith was presented with plaques commemorating his multi-week No.1 Single, “Whiskey On You” hitting triple-Platinum status, his multi-week No. 1 hit “Bulletproof” achieving Platinum, as well as fan favorite “Wreckage” reaching Platinum as well.

 

Christmas At Belmont To Air On Prime Video, Twitch

Over 600 student musicians and vocalists from Belmont University’s College of Music & Performing Arts recently performed in “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville,” showcasing traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites. The 90-minute special will begin streaming live for the first time on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music on Twitch beginning Dec. 11, remaining available via streaming throughout the holiday season.

 

Origins Impact Awards Hosts Inaugural Event In Nashville

The Origins Impact Awards celebrated the contributions of Black and Brown artists in country music on Nov. 21 at the National Museum of African American Music. The event included appearances and performances from O.N.E The Duo, Chapel Hart, Leah Galván Turner and Alejandro Medina III, Michael Salgado, Mike Parker, Louie TheSinger, Shy Carter and more.

Following numerous presentations, the event culminated in a special recognition of Alice Randall—Music City author, educator, speaker and the first Black woman to write a No. 1 country song, presented by Corey Jones. Randall’s multifaceted and unprecedented career and vision underscores the importance of storytelling and cultural representation in music.

 

Soundscape App U.S. Subscriptions To Benefit Musicians On Call

Soundscape, the personalized audio experience platform, has announced it will donate a portion of every U.S.-based subscription directly to Musicians On Call to support MOC’s programs that deliver live music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare settings.

“At Soundscape, we share Musicians On Call’s deep belief in the healing power of music. Music has the ability to bring comfort, hope, and strength in ways few other things can. We are honored to partner with an organization that uses this power to make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Samuel Cyprian, CEO and Co-founder of Soundscape.

“Every day through our bedside and virtual programs we see how profoundly music can impact someone in a stressful environment like a hospital. With just one song, Musicians On Call volunteers bring a sense of relief that has proven physical, mental and emotional benefits for patients, their loved ones and hardworking caregivers,” says MOC President & CEO Pete Griffin. “We are grateful to Soundscape for using their subscriptions to help support our programs.”

Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Old Crow Medicine Show, 3 Doors Down, Bailey Zimmerman, Shelly West and Ben Chase are participating in this year’s Christmas 4 Kids 2024 Tour Bus Show on Dec. 16 at its new location at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Nancy Jones, widow of George Jones, will also meet fans at this year’s event, which will feature over 50 entertainers onsite. The event provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look into an artist’s home away from home, and fans can speak one-on-one, take photos and receive autographs with any of the participating celebrities. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Prevost will also be providing a replica of its original tour bus, which will be available for onsite interior touring.

Admission to the event is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 2-12 and $20 for a family pass. Admission for children under two is free. Tickets may be purchased on-site the day of the event. All proceeds from the nonprofit’s tour bus show and annual benefit concert at the Ryman go towards giving hundreds of underprivileged children a better Christmas.

On Dec. 17, over 400 children from 30 different elementary schools around Middle Tennessee will participate in a day-long shopping excursion on a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus with dinner and a party hosted by Santa. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to Walmart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat and $175 to spend on anything they like.