Dustin Lynch celebrating his 10 No. 1s onstage. Photo: Riley Mau

Dustin Lynch celebrated his 10 career chart-toppers at Skydeck on Broadway in Nashville on Wednesday night (Oct. 30).

A slight breeze swept through the air as BMI’s MaryAnn Keen welcomed industry members to the rooftop as the celebration kicked off with a double plaque presentation commemorating his latest No. 1 hits, “Stars Like Confetti” and “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll).” ASCAP, BMI, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Almo Music Corp., MV2 Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing, Studio Bank, UMPG Nashville and Warner Chappell Music teams toasted Lynch and producer Zach Crowell. Crowell also co-wrote “Stars Like Confetti” alongside Josh Thompson and Thomas Rhett, both of whom were unable to attend the event.

“Chevrolet” writers Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Hunter Phelps were then praised alongside Lynch, producers Crowell and Ben Phillips, who was not present, and the late Mentor Williams. Williams received a writer credit as the hit samples his classic “Drift Away.”

Keen acknowledged Williams, noting that “his legacy is alive and well” in the tune, due to the respectful way in which Lynch and its creators brought “Drift Away” to new ears. She then handed the mic to BMG’s Jon Loba.

“You’re always grinding, always looking for or trying to write that next hit,” Loba said to Lynch. “Thank you for all of your work on this, and Zach, you’ve been right there with him.”

He faced the crowd and continued, “I won’t say where we’re headed or what’s on the horizon, but I will say that I haven’t been this excited about Dustin’s career in years. We have some really big, compelling, genre-changing music and events coming, and I can’t wait to reveal them.”

Pictured (L–R): Hunter Phelps, Jessi Alexander, Dustin Lynch, Zach Crowell and Chase McGill. Photo: Riley Mau

Crowell, McGill, Alexander and Phelps all expressed their genuine gratitude for every team involved in the success of “Chevrolet,” as well as their friends and families, with McGill sharing that the idea for the reimagined number was sparked while listening his wife’s beach playlist.

The man of the hour then took the floor, first thanking the Sweet Talk Publicity squad for organizing the celebration. Lynch moved on to thank the writers and his label, acknowledging all of the sacrifices that its team members have made, as well as Jelly Roll, who couldn’t make it, and the rest of his crew.

“[This job] is easier when you get to share the stage, studios and writing rooms with the best in the world. I’m just so honored to be up here with you guys,” he said to his collaborators. “These two songs are a testament to the creative community.”

Lynch added, “I’m so excited for this next chapter of music and life. Tonight is about being present and celebrating—not just me, but all of us.”

As the party opened to the public, he took the stage to honor the smash singles in order, starting with Platinum “Where It’s At” and ending with “Chevrolet,” pausing at one point to take a shot with a crowd member. The 11-song set featured his history-making, six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” which was recognized mid-show with a surprise presentation made by BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Peter Strickland of a double-Platinum certification plaque. Lynch also played his Platinum, two-week No. 1 “Ridin’ Roads;” Platinum “Good Girl;” triple-Platinum, four-week chart-topper “Small Town Boy;” Gold “Seein’ Red;” Gold “Mind Reader” and Gold “Hell Of A Night.” In addition to the No. 1 hits, Lynch treated everyone to his Platinum breakout “Cowboys and Angels,” sharing a touching note about his grandparents, who inspired the tune.

Megan Moroney. Photo: CeCe Dawson

Megan Moroney kicks off the holiday season with Blue Christmas …duh—a surprise EP featuring two new original songs and a rendition of the timeless holiday heartbreak classic “Blue Christmas.”

With its title nodding to the signature color for Moroney’s blockbuster sophomore album Am I Okay?, Blue Christmas …duh begins with the hip-swinging anthem “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy,” which was written by Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter and Micah Carpenter, and serves up a bit of feel-good holiday honky-tonk as Moroney reveals what’s at the top of her wishlist.

The collection also includes the slow-burning ache of “Christmas Morning,” a new addition to country’s time-honored lineage of holiday heartbreak songs, and closes out with Moroney’s cover of “Blue Christmas.”

Each song is accompanied by a specially-created lyric video, and the EP follows the recent release of Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine), the deluxe edition of Moroney’s sophomore album. A No. 1 hit on Apple Music’s Top Country Albums chart (and No. 3 hit on Apple Music’s all-genre Top Albums chart), Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) includes three new tracks, “Bless Your Heart,” “I’ll Be Fine” and “Break It Right Back”—a piano-laced ballad streamed over a million times on its very first day of release.

Blue Christmas…duh Track List:
1. “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter)
2. “Christmas Morning” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter)
3. “Blue Christmas” (Billy Hayes, Jay Johnson)

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley at the 2023 Toy Store. Photo: Derek Cressman

The Store will host its second annual Toy Store presented by Edward Jones in mid-December.

The free, referral-based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will help more than 800 families facing food insecurity currently supported by the Store shop choose toys for their family through generous donations from sponsors and donors across the U.S. Those in attendance at the event will also be treated to on-site gift wrapping and holiday party festivities for all ages.

More than 5,000 toys, countless rolls of wrapping paper, tape, bows and other supplies are needed to ensure families enjoy a day filled with holiday shopping and dignity. The Store is once again partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to support some of the toys needed for the younger kids, but many needs still exist.

The donation drive launches today and contributions can be made in three ways: purchasing items from the wish list, donating financially at thestore.org or volunteering your time. Toys and gift-wrapping supplies may also be purchased and dropped off at The Store by Dec. 11.

“We were so thrilled to see the success of the Toy Store last year. We appreciate the help and support from the community and our partners who worked together to make it a reality,” share the couple. “With this continued generosity our hope is to aid the families we serve with toys every year.”

The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. The Store regularly serves over 700 households weekly and recently announced expansion to a second location on Tri-Star Centennial’s campus opening summer 2025.

Pictured (L–R): Brian Carothers, Kelly King, Preston James, Logan Wall and Evan Kantor

Country singer-songwriter Preston James has signed with The Neal Agency for booking representation.

“From the moment we all heard the music, we were sold on Preston’s talent,” says Evan Kantor, Agent, The Neal Agency. “What’s been even more exciting is seeing how incredible the live show is. We’re honored to be a part of brining that to the masses.”

Originally from Cheatham County in Tennessee, the 23-year-old has captured fans with his soulful, southern voice. Signed to King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music for publishing, James hopes to make waves in Music City with his storytelling skills.

His debut EP, White Trash From Wayback, is out today (Nov. 1). On the project, James tells stories of small-town life, love and the experiences that have made him the artist he is today. The tracks aim to mix honest lyrics and catchy melodies to mirror his rural roots.

“Preston is sitting on an unbelievable debut EP. I’ll never forget the day he played it for everyone at The Neal Agency,” adds Brian Carothers, Agent, The Neal Agency. “The excitement in the room was special, and we’re all thrilled to be working with him.”

Kelly King, CEO/Owner, King Pen Music, shares, “We couldn’t be prouder of Preston and his new EP, White Trash From Wayback. To watch he and Logan Wall bring this project to life has been magic, and what an honor it is to partner alongside The Neal Agency in its release! There’s so much talent surrounding this collection of songs, and I can’t wait for listeners to fall in love with it like I have.”