Jelly Roll Celebrates Chart-Toppers With 3x No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Tape Room Music’s Katherine Godwin, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Big Machine Music’s Tim Hunze, Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt, Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson and Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn. (L-R, front row): BMG Americas’ Jon Loba, Blake Pendergrass (BMI), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Jelly Roll (BMI), Zach Crowell (ASCAP/Producer), Ben Johnson (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

BMI and ASCAP hosted a No. 1 party yesterday (March 10) celebrating Jelly Roll’s latest three chart-toppers, “Liar,” “Heart of Stone” and “Halfway to Hell.”

The event took place at the Grand Ole Opry’s Studio A, before Jelly Roll’s member induction.

Emceed by BMI’s Clay Bradley, the evening began by inviting the hitmakers behind the six-week No. 1 “Liar” to the stage. Produced by Zach Crowell, the song was co-written by Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Taylor Phillips and Ashley Gorley, who all shared grateful remarks. Next, Jelly Roll’s co-writers behind the multi-week No. One “Heart of Stone,” Crowell and Blake Pendergrass, shared their praises about the song’s success while giving a nod to their co-writer, Shy Carter.

To end the night, Jelly Roll gave a nod to the songwriters of the 2025 BMI Country Award-winning song “Halfway to Hell”, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure and Matt Jenkins.

In celebration of his first No. 1 party as a BMI songwriter, Bradley presented Pendergrass with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar. Jon Loba presented the songwriters with plaques celebrating their milestones.

The evening was sponsored by Studio Bank, who made a charitable contribution on behalf of Jelly Roll and the songwriters to the Judge Dinkins Educational Center.

Kacey Musgraves Explores ‘Middle Of Nowhere’ On New Album

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Kacey Musgraves will release her sixth studio album, Middle Of Nowhere, on May 1 via Lost Highway. The first single off the project, “Dry Spell,” was released today (March 11).

Middle of Nowhere was produced by Musgraves alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. Musgraves co-penned all 13 tracks on the album. The record also features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, and Gregory Alan Isakov.

The album was inspired by the sounds, stories, and sensibilities of her Texas upbringing. Its title comes from a real sign in her tiny hometown of Golden, Texas, with a population under 300, that reads, “Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere.”

The project was made during a period of reflection following a breakup, with pedal steel, accordion, and Texas dancehall rhythms backing the sound, and draws in touches of bluegrass, pop, Norteño, and Zydeco.

“The bulk of this record was made during the longest single period of my life,” says Musgraves. “And I found that for the first time, it actually felt incredible being alone and existing in a space not defined by anyone else. I became fascinated with the concept of liminal space, both geographical and emotional. We don’t linger in these transitional, empty spaces long enough and rush to define where or whatever is next. I became so at ease with being in the ‘middle of nowhere’ in many senses and sitting in the un-comfort of the undefined. I had a lot of time for creative ambling and leaning into myself in different ways; horses, humor, writing with my early collaborators again, and living out my very simple, inspired life between Texas, Tennessee, and Mexico.”

Middle of Nowhere Track List:
1. “Middle of Nowhere” (Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk)
2. “Dry Spell” (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
3. “Back on the Wagon” (Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk)
4. “I Believe in Ghosts” (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
5. “Abilene” (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)
6. “Coyote” (feat. Gregory Alan Isakov) (Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Rick Nowels)
7. “Loneliest Girl” (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
8. “Everybody Wants To Be a Cowboy” (feat. Billy Strings) (Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk)
9. “Horses and Divorces” (feat. Miranda Lambert) (Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Miranda Lambert)
10. “Uncertain, Texas” (feat. Willie Nelson) (Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian)
11. “Rhinestoned” (Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Scotty Emerick)
12. “Mexico Honey” (Kacey Musgraves, Steph Jones, Luke Laird)
13. “Hell on Me” (Kacey Musgraves, Steph Jones, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally)

Whiskey Myers Adds Summer Headlining Dates

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Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage

Whiskey Myers has added some headline dates to their summer tour schedule, bringing their show to even more cities across the country.

The new shows will sandwich the band’s extensive dates co-headlining the “Southern Hospitality Tour” with The Black Crowes, and will include stops in Wichita, Las Vegas, Reno, Little Rock, Council Bluffs, and more through Sept. 11. Ticket pre-sales begin today, (March 10) with public on sale beginning March 13 via WhiskeyMyers.com. Southall joins as support on most dates.

The run continues to spotlight new music from the band’s latest album, Whomp Whack Thunder. Their signature fusion of Southern rock, country grit and blues-soaked swagger has already earned the indie band over 4.5 billion global streams, more than seven million monthly listeners on Spotify, and multiple RIAA certifications.

Whiskey Myers is also set to appear at numerous festivals throughout the summer, including the Basin Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival, the Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival, Summerfest in Milwaukee, and more.

Newly Announced Dates:
Southall joins on all dates as support unless otherwise noted.
May 22 – Robinsonville, MS – Horseshoe Bluesville (no direct support)
May 29 – Cocoa, FL – Cocoa Riverfront Park
June 14 – La Fayette, NY – Beak & Skiff
June 18 – Sidney, ME – Bowl in the Pines
July 2 – Arnolds Park, IA – Arnolds Park Amusement Park (support TBA)*
July 26 – Wichita, KS – Wave
July 31 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s
Aug. 14 – Las Vegas, NV – PH Live
Aug. 21 – Friant, CA – Table Mountain Casino
Aug. 22 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort
Aug. 23 – Jacksonville, OR – Britt Festival Pavilion*
Aug. 24 – Toppenish, WA – Legends Casino (no direct support)
Sept. 10 – Little Rock, AR – First Security Amp (The Record Company)
Sept. 11 – Camdenton, MO – Lake Ozarks Amp (The Record Company)

* Tickets on sale to the public Friday, March 27

Symphonic Launches Fifth Annual Women Empowered+ Mentorship Program

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Symphonic, the music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, has launched its Fifth Annual Women Empowered+ Mentorship Program and is now accepting applications.

Mentees can apply today through March 23 to be paired up with established professionals in their area of focus. Those who are interested in applying as mentors or mentees can read more about the program requirements and submit their application here.

Mentors participating in this year’s program include Kassandra Robinson, Associate Manager, Label Partnerships, Spotify, Sarah Davis, Director, Global Client Services & In-House Forensic Musicologist, Downtown Music Publishing, Mayra Vargas, VP, Publishing Sync, Concord Music Publishing, Bianca Alarcon, VP of Content Development, Spanish Broadcasting System, Juliette Leparrée, Business Development Manager, Music Story, Bilarys Ramirez, Comptroller (Accounting), Rimas Publishing, Ellen Truley, Chief Marketing & External Affairs Officer, The MLC, Isabel Echeverri, Strategic Partner Manager, Music Label Partnerships, Meta and Laurie Jakobsen, Founder & President, Jaybird Communications. Additional mentors will also participate from companies including Audiomack, Chartmetric, Cinq Music, FUGA, M for Montreal, Sony, We Make Noise, and more. Mentors and mentees will be selected in April.

“Five years into running this mentorship program, I am incredibly proud of the meaningful connections we’ve been able to facilitate across the music industry,” says Janette Berrios, VP of Corporate Marketing at Symphonic. “What started as an idea that Ana Maria Gamboa and I launched together has grown into a global community of women supporting one another through mentorship, guidance, and shared experience. The feedback we receive each year reinforces how important it is to continue expanding the program and advocating for female empowerment.”

The Women Empowered+ mentorship program has welcomed 1,011 total participants, connecting 306 mentors from companies across the music industry with 705 mentees spanning 181 cities and 46 countries across the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, South America, Europe, Canada, Asia and Africa.

NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation To Offer Free Tax Preparation Services For Songwriters

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The NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation (Supporting Our Next Generation of Songwriters) is partnering with H&R Block to provide free tax services to songwriters based in Nashville and Los Angeles.

The program, which began in 2019, enables songwriters to visit select H&R Block locations to receive assistance with both federal and state tax returns.

“As self-employed individuals, one of the biggest challenges songwriters face annually is dealing with taxes. By offering this free service through H&R Block our hope is that songwriters experience a sense of relief and find more time to dedicate to their craft,” shares NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation President David Israelite.

The application is available here.

IBMA Recognizes 2026 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates

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Official Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2026 photo

The International Bluegrass Music Association has revealed the 2026 graduating class of IBMA Leadership Bluegrass.

The 2026 program took place March 2-4 at CMA with Jeff Westerinen serving as course facilitator and Nancy Posey serving as assistant facilitator. The three-day program provides participants with in-depth learning, networking opportunities, and the tools to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the bluegrass music industry.

Each year, participants are chosen through a selection process, with both current and future leaders from the bluegrass community. The 2026 class includes representatives from Québec, British Columbia, Switzerland, Australia, and across the U.S. Marking the 25th year of the program, IBMA Leadership Bluegrass has a network of more than 500 alumni.

The 2026 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates:
Chassady Abernathy – Sound Biscuit / Appalachian Road Show / ETSU (Ellijay, GA)
Evie Andrus – East Tennessee Bluegrass Association, President / University of Tennessee, Lecturer of Appalachian Music / Pellissippi State Community College, Adjunct Music Faculty / Laurel Theater, Managing Director (Knoxville, TN)
Jessica Blankenship – Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum (London, KY)
Kathryn Boucher – Spartanburg Philharmonic (Spartanburg, SC)
Madeleine Cody – The Cody Sisters (Brooklyn, NY)
Amy Sue Combs – International Bluegrass Music Association (Bowling Green, KY)
Joe Dan Cornett – North Chapel Music (White House, TN)
Gina Dilg – Square Dance Agency (Radford, VA)
Helen Foley – California Bluegrass Association (Sonoma, CA)
Tanya Guenther – NimblePie Creative Co. / NimbleFingers Bluegrass & Old-Time Workshops & Festival (Mile Ranch, British Columbia, Canada)
Byron Hill – Byron Hill Music (Franklin, TN)
Tyler Hughes – The Crooked Road (Big Stone Gap, VA)
Stephen M. Johnson – Represent / GPA Government and Public Affairs (Owensboro, KY)
Sarah W. Larsen – Black-Eyed Suzies / Little Fiddle Studio (Stevesville, MD)
Joanne Ledesma – Musicbizgal.com (Glendora, CA)
Isaac McCarthy – The Ohio State University / Bluegrass Pride (Gerrardstown, WV)
Will McSeveney – Skyline Records (Nashville, TN)
Bridget Rees – Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival (Megan, New South Wales, Australia)
Benjamin Russell – Gordon Rees / Delta Hayride Association (Nashville, TN)
Mark R. Schuster – IBMA Foundation (Langley, WA)
Elliot Siff – The Bluegrass Journeymen Academy / Elliot Siff Productions (Golden, CO)
Carly Speno – Bonfire Entertainment (Laval, Québec, Canada)
Randy Steele – tnjams.com (Chattanooga, TN)
Shelly Surdoval – The Recording Academy (Franklin, TN)
Urs-Rainer von Arx – Swiss Bluegrass Music Association / Country Ramblers (Zürich, Switzerland)
Liz Wolfe – BluegrassJamsNearMe.com (New York, NY)

The 2026 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee included Greg Blake, Jeff Burke, Dustin Boyd, Dave Howard, Jordan Laney, Erin Moorman, and IBMA Staff Liaison Haley Grimm.

Conner Smith To Share ‘Stories I’ve Never Told’

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Conner Smith will release his new project STORIES I’VE NEVER TOLD – ACOUSTIC TAPES this Friday (March 13).

The 10 track collection features Smith’s most personal work to date. Solo-penning six of the 10 tracks, Smith also collaborated with Benjy Davis, Josh Phillips, Matt Jenkins and more. The project also features a cover of Zac Brown Band’s “Free.”

“I’m incredibly proud of these songs – they’re real, they’re honest and a true representation of my artistry and songwriting,” says Smith. “Last year, I found myself getting back to the basics and wrote hundreds of songs alone with my guitar. This project is ten of my favorites from that time, recorded exactly as they were written. Just me and my guitar.”

Smith is also gearing up to release more new music throughout the year and will join Thomas Rhett for select dates on the “The Soundtrack Of Your Life Tour” this summer.

STORIES I’VE NEVER TOLD – ACOUSTIC TAPES Track List:
1. “Ain’t Got Enough Faith” (Conner Smith, Josh Phillips, Jordan Reynolds)
2. “South Of It” (Conner Smith, Matt Jenkins, Chris LaCorte, Josh Miller)
3. “Why Do We Do This?” (Conner Smith)
4. “Never Be Gone” (Conner Smith)
5. “Man I Was Made To Be” (Conner Smith)
6. “All The Way Down” (Conner Smith)
7. “The Reason” (Conner Smith)
8. “Callin’ While I Can” (Conner Smith, Jack Rauton, Benjy Davis)
9. “Industry Plant” (Conner Smith)
10. “Free (cover)” (Zac Brown, Zac Brown Band)

Zac Brown Band & Megan Moroney Among March Madness Music Festival Lineup

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Zac Brown Band & Megan Moroney

Zac Brown Band and Megan Moroney are among this year’s March Madness Music Festival lineup, which is set for April 3–5 at American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis.

On April 3, Twenty One Pilots will headline the AT&T Block Party. Keshi and Joey Valence & Brae will also take the stage at the event.

Zac Brown Band will headline Coca-Cola LIVE! Stage on April 4, joined by Ravyn Lenae and BRELAND.

The festival will end with a surprise headliner on April 5, following performances from Moroney and Dominic Fike.

More information about the festival is available here.

Tammy Wynette Tribute ‘Forever Yours’ Set For March 30 At Ryman

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Tammy Wynette will be honored with a star-studded tribute concert, “Forever Yours,” on March 30 at the Ryman that will be recorded for broadcast on PBS Great Performances.

The special event will feature some of the biggest voices in country performing Wynette’s most iconic hits, and the lineup includes Wynonna Judd performing “Woman to Woman” and joining Randy Houser for the classic duet “We’re Gonna Hold On;” The War and Treaty delivering “Golden Ring” and Ann Wilson of Heart performing the classic “Stand by Your Man.”

The show will also include Gretchen Wilson performing “Til I Get It Right,” KT Tunstall performing “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” Terri Clark singing “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” and much more.  Wynette’s daughter, Georgette Jones, will also perform a special tribute to honor her mother with “I Hope You Knew.” Tickets and more details can be found here, with more details on an airdate to be announced soon.

Wynette rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential voices in country music history. Known as the “First Lady of Country Music,” she moved to Nashville in 1966, where producer Billy Sherrill signed her and helped launch a string of landmark recordings including the timeless hits “Stand by Your Man” and “Apartment No. 9.” The country queen earned multiple Grammys, three CMA Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, and sold more than 30 million records worldwide throughout her career.

Kathlyn Jeffords Joins Neon Coast

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Kathlyn Jeffords. Photo: Courtesy of Neon Coast

Kathlyn Jeffords has joined Neon Coast as Management Assistant.

In this role, Jeffords will work with the company’s roster of managers and artists, which includes Kane Brown, Restless Road, Randall King, Julia Cole, Dylan Schneider, Kat Luna and Alyssa Flaherty.

A Nashville native, Jeffords graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in August 2025 with a degree in Digital Marketing. She previously interned with Neon Coast before joining the company full-time shortly after graduation.