Luke Combs Radio Launches On SiriusXM

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Luke Combs and SiriusXM have launched Luke Combs Radio, an exclusive new pop-up channel celebrating Combs’ upcoming new album, The Way I Am and “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour.”

Available in cars on channel 79 until March 20, then on channel 57 March 20-27, Luke Combs Radio will also be available on the SiriusXM app March 7 until April 5. Curated and presented by Combs himself, the channel features the music that has personally shaped him, spanning country, rock and beyond. and also spotlights the music his parents shared with him growing up in North Carolina, taking listeners on a deep dive into his personal soundtrack of ’70s and ’80s classic rock and ’90s and 2000s country.

Fans can expect to hear artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Alan Jackson, George Strait and many more that have left a lasting impact on the superstar, and the channel will also play all of Combs’ chart-topping hits, such as “Back in the Saddle,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart” and more, along with album cuts and one-of-a-kind collaborations with artists across genres that have punctuated his career over the past decade.

Combs recently made history as the first country artist with two songs earning a billion streams on Spotify, the first with four singles certified RIAA Diamond, and recently extended his record for the most consecutive No. 1 singles at country radio as he earned his 20th chart-topper with “Back in the Saddle.” His new album The Way I Am is due out March 20.

Ethan Garner Inks With WME & Champ Management/Red Light Management

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Pictured (L-R, front row): WME’s Carrie Murphy, Ethan Garner and WME’s Adam Fisher. (L-R, back row): WME’s Caleb Fenn, Champ Management’s Matt Musacchio, Champ Management’s Evan Miller and WME’s Carter Green. Photo: Courtesy of WME

Ethan Garner has inked with WME and Champ Management, led by Matt Musacchio under the Red Light Management umbrella.

Inspired by the sounds of Elvis Presley and The Eagles, the Athens, Georgia native moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. He is signed to a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music.

“My favorite part about music, without a doubt, is playing live shows. I feel like what I do really comes to life in front of an audience. I love to entertain, and I always have,” shares Garner. “When I met my team at WME and Champ Management, I knew they were the right fit for me from the start. I’m so thankful for them and their belief in me. I’m excited to get out there and play some music!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ethan Garner to WME! Ethan has an undeniable presence and an ability to connect with everyone he meets,” adds the WME team. “Combined with his talent, effortless charisma, and work ethic, he has a bright future ahead, and we’re very excited to be part of his musical journey.”

MCA Teams With Island Records For Wyatt Flores’ Upcoming Releases

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Wyatt Flores. Photo: Natalie Rhea

MCA and Island Records have partnered to support Wyatt Flores’ upcoming releases.

Flores released his debut album, Welcome To The Plains, in 2024 and has amassed over one billion career streams. He released his first live album, Live At Cain’s Ballroom, last year. Flores has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NPR’s Tiny Desk, Austin City Limits, and CBS Mornings’ Saturday Sessions, while earning recognition from Rolling Stone (Future of Music), the Americana Awards, Amazon Music, Spotify’s Hot Country Class of 2024, and the Opry NextStage program.

Flores is set to embark on the “Drive All Night Tour” later this month, an eleven-date headline run. He is slated to release new music later this year.

Thomas Rhett Slates ‘Soundtrack To Life Tour’ For Summer

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Thomas Rhett will kick off his “The Soundtrack To Life Tour” in July, visiting more than 20 cities across the country.

Ernest, Kashus Culpepper, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Conner Smith will support in rotating slots on the dates, with Emily Ann Roberts kicking off each show. The tour launches July 9 in Nashville and will include stops in Grand Rapids, Louisville, Austin, Sacramento, Kansas City and more through October. Ticket pre-sales begin this Wednesday (March 11) with the general on sale beginning March 13 at ThomasRhett.com.

“I’ve always believed a great song can take you right back to a moment—your first love, the last day of school, that summer you never wanted to end—and that’s what I hope the fans take away from our shows this summer,” says Rhett. “And for me, there couldn’t be a better way to kick off tour than at home in Nashville. I can’t wait to hit the road with this crew of insanely talented artists and make some memories.”

Along with his own tour, this summer Rhett will join Morgan Wallen for four dates on the “Still The Problem Tour” and will make his return to the U.K., appearing with Luke Combs for a three-night run at Wembley Stadium.

“The Soundtrack To Life Tour” Dates:
7/9 – Nashville, TN – TBA
7/11 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena * ~
7/16 – Hartford, CT – The Meadows Music Theatre * ~
7/17 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion * ~
7/18 – Hershey, PA – TBA
8/13 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion * ~
8/14 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts * ~
8/20 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center + ~
8/22 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater + ~
9/10 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center ^ ~
9/11 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center ^ ~
9/12 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center ^ ~
9/17 – Austin, TX – Moody Center # ~
9/18 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center # ~
9/19 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center # ~
10/1 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum ! ~
10/2 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center ! ~
10/3 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center ! ~
10/9 – Albuquerque, NM – First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater ! ~
10/10 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ! ~
10/22 – Des Moines, IA – Casey’s Center # ~
10/23 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater # ~
10/24 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center # ~

! ERNEST
* Kashus Culpepper
# Zach John King
^ Vincent Mason
+ Conner Smith
~ Emily Ann Roberts

MŌRIAH Signs With CAA

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Pictured (L-R): John Huie, CAA; MŌRIAH, and Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment (Management).

MŌRIAH has inked an exclusive agency agreement with CAA for music and acting. She will be represented by music agents John Huie and Kara Enos (Nashville), Dan Kim (Los Angeles) for acting, and Omar Garcia (Los Angeles) for Latin music.

“MŌRIAH is the total package. She has everything it takes to be a worldwide star on stage and screen,” says Huie.

In 2025, MŌRIAH was named a 2025 CMT Next Woman of Country, and opened CMA Fest with a Mariachi-backed performance. In the fall, she released her debut country Latin EP NICE LIFE/BUENA VIDA, released in English and Spanish. She also made her Grand Ole Opry debut. This summer, MŌRIAH will shoot a film with Sony Pictures and will perform during a Nashville July 4 celebration.

On screen, she held the starring role in Because of Gracia, and portrayed Loyce Whitman in the Ronald Reagan biopic, Reagan. She made her theatrical debut in Journey to Bethlehem, a musical starring Antonio Banderas which premiered worldwide in November 2023. She has also appeared in The Chosen and MIMICs.

MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly highlights a powerful moment for Nashville’s music community, as well as major industry developments across publishing, management, touring and artist signings. At the center of the week’s news is the continued celebration of the women helping shape Music City’s present and future. Click here to see the full edition.

The 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast once again demonstrated the extraordinary spirit of Nashville’s music industry. Hosted by MusicRow Magazine, the event welcomed its largest crowd yet, more than 750 attendees, while maintaining the intimate, supportive atmosphere that has made it a hallmark gathering each year. The celebration took place at JW Marriott Nashville, where the industry gathered to honor six standout female executives: Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana. Keynote speaker Ebie McFarland delivered remarks reflecting on her two decades guiding some of country music’s most enduring careers, underscoring the impact of leadership, mentorship and resilience within the industry.

The celebration of female leadership continues in the pages of MusicRow Magazine’s newly released Women of Music Row Issue, the publication’s second edition dedicated entirely to the women influencing Nashville’s music ecosystem. This year’s cover star is BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist Alexandra Kay. Inside the issue, a number of artists and executives offer insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry today. Kay joins Emily Ann Roberts, Kassi Ashton, Lauren Watkins and MacKenzie Carpenter for a candid roundtable discussion on navigating the modern music business. The issue also features industry veteran Lou Taylor discussing the recently appointed all-female C-suite at Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, while Sound Emporium’s Juanita Copeland reflects on her 30-year tenure leading one of Nashville’s most iconic recording facilities. Tucker Wetmore also shares perspective alongside his female-led team about the key role women have played in his rapid ascent. The issue additionally includes insights from McFarland and recognizes the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026.

Elsewhere in industry leadership news, Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside has announced he will step down after six and a half years leading the organization. Whiteside will remain CEO through June 30, 2026, before transitioning into the role of CEO Emeritus for the remainder of the year.

The Country Music Association also revealed the recipients of its 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards, set for April 13 in Nashville. Hosted by songwriter Jim Beavers, the ceremony will recognize 16 songwriters who achieved the feat of writing three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period. This year’s honorees include Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. In addition to the Triple Play honorees, CMA will celebrate more than 40 songwriters who have earned their first No. 1 country single since the last ceremony. Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, will also be honored with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.

The week also brought several notable industry signings. Mary Kutter has joined WME for global representation. Rising country artist Walker Montgomery has signed a new label deal with Red Street Records. Nathan Wallace has signed with Concord Music Publishing, while Ella Gibson has joined G Major Management.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Dylan Scott takes the No. 1 spot with “What He’ll Never Have.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

CRS 2026 Unveils Workshop Alley Agenda

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CRS 2026 has unveiled the agenda for Workshop Alley. The series will feature three tracks including AI Classroom, 360° Approach to Being a Jock, and Sales: Acoustic. Workshop Alley is set for March 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Industry experts participating across the tracks include Phil Becker, Stan Marczewski, Bo Matthews, Jess Jennings, Nikki Thomas and Sarah Frazier, among many others.

CRS 2026 is set for March 18–20 in Nashville. Online registration for the conference has closed. On-site registration will be available in Nashville at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event.

Full Workshop Alley Agenda:
AI Classroom: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Music Row 1
9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. – “Efficiency Tools” – Phil Becker (Alpha Media)
9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. – “Creative Tools” – Nick Steele (Audacy)
10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. – “Prompt Writing” – Stan Marczewski (BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records)
11:15 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. – “30 Tech Tools in 30 Minutes” – Clay Walker (Audacy)
360° Approach to Being a Jock: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Music Row 3
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – “Fix Your Feed” – Bo Matthews (Super Hi-Fi) & Izzy Guti (Disruptive Soul)
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – “Boosting Your Leverage in Contract Talks”
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – “From Sold to Sound: Imaging & Promos” – Neil Wilson (Neil Wilson Voiceovers), Jess Jennings (iHeartMedia), Cowboy Kyle (iHeartMedia)
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – “Breaks That Land: Relatable, Real, Zero Clichés” – MoJoe Roberts (iHeart)
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – “Make the Music Work for You: Music Scheduling” – Nikki Thomas (Bristol Broadcasting Company)
Sales: Acoustic: 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Level 4 – Acoustic Room
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – “Cycle of an Ad: Everyone is in Sales” – Moderated by Sarah Frazier (Audacy)

Humanable Expands AI-Free Certification Process

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Humanable has began execution of Phase 2, expanding their human-created art certification to all other art forms. This includes podcasts, short form videos, audiobooks, movies, and photography. Humanable’s goal is to distinguish Generative AI created material from fully human-made art.

“Our team is so excited to be expanding to other art forms,” shares Lili McGrady, President and Co-Founder, “This growth will allow artists and arts industries to protect their human-made creativity and its appreciation across different mediums. Humans will no longer have to wonder whether what they are seeing or hearing is made fully by humans or if it is AI slop or something in between. Humans will be able to find human artists and human artwork. Together, we can preserve a human future!”

Launched in 2024, Humanable ensures consumers, curators, distributors, PROs, DSPs, buyers, and other artists are able to know if their consumption is fully human created, without the use of Generative AI. Their industry-wide standard certification provides a unique, individual identifier that helps prevent GenAI art from erasing royalties of composers, musicians, and artists.

Kelsea Ballerini Added To Grand Ole Opry Carnegie Hall Show

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Opry member Kelsea Ballerini has been added to the all-star lineup for “An Evening with the Grand Ole Opry” on March 20 at Carnegie Hall.

The one-night-only event is part of Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 festival, which celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and marks the continuation of the Opry’s 100th year with unforgettable performances. This special performance also features Opry members Scotty McCreery, Rhonda Vincent and Henry Cho, and special guests Wyatt Flores and The War and Treaty.

The show will mark the Opry’s fourth headlining performance at Carnegie Hall. The Opry made its Carnegie Hall debut in 1947 under the billing “Ernest Tubb and the Grand Ole Opry Stars” with a sold-out performance also featuring the “King of Country Music” Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Minnie Pearl, Red Foley, Eddy Arnold, and The Carter Sisters with Mother Maybelle Carter.

A return performance in 1961 benefited the Musician’s Aid Society and was headlined by superstar Patsy Cline in her first and only Carnegie Hall appearance among other all-stars. The Grand Ole Opry’s 2005 performance, marking its 80th anniversary, showcased Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood along with longtime Opry members Charley Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Bill Anderson.

Tickets for the March 20 show are available here.

Industry Ink: Toby Keith, Megan Moroney, The Band Loula, ASCAP

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Toby Keith Honored By Oklahoma State Legislature With Turnpike Naming

Shelley, Tricia and Stelen Covel and Krystal Keith official honored with the naming of a new turnpike the Toby Keith Expressway, with Oklahoma Turnpike Authority members raising Red Solo Cups in recognition of the superstar.

Toby Keith has been honored by the Oklahoma State Legislature with a turnpike named in his honor. On March 3, Keith’s family attended the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s monthly meeting to be officially recognized for the State Legislature’s recent resolution to name the new turnpike the Toby Keith Expressway.

Last month, Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman presented the resolution, which honors Keith’s life, patriotism and enduring contributions to Oklahoma and the nation. The measure was adopted by both houses of the Legislature, and was met with a standing ovation on the Senate floor. The Toby Keith Expressway will be a 28-mile east-west connector turnpike from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35 near Indian Hills Road, continuing east and north to Interstate 40 at the Kickapoo Turnpike.

 

Megan Moroney Brings Good ‘Medicine’ To Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon and Megan Moroney. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC

Megan Moroney performed this week on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, her second performance on the late night talk show. She delivered a rowdy rendition of “Medicine” on the show from her stratospheric new album Cloud 9, which recently debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Continuing the jet-force momentum behind Cloud 9, Moroney is now gearing up for her debut appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, airing next Wednesday (March 11).

 

The Band Loula Rocks Station Inn Residency With Some Swampgrass

The Band Loula

Rising country/roots duo The Band Loula kicked off their three-night Swampgrass Nights residency with Gary Nichols at Nashville’s legendary The Station Inn with two sold-out performances. Both nights featured performances with surprise guests including John Osborne, Ashley McBryde, Shelly Fairchild and Rob and Ronnie McCoury (Del McCoury Band).

The Band Loula will be back for their final performance on March 29 and is also preparing to release their next new song, “Mother’s Mother,” on March 20. During opening weekend at The Station Inn, producer John Osborne joined them onstage to perform the song in a full-circle moment that gave fans a glimpse into the band’s upcoming release. Before the new music drops, The Band Loula will be busy on the road, starting with a stop at the Warner Records Nashville CRS luncheon. They’ll also head to Austin for a series of high-profile performances at SXSW.

 

ASCAP Hosts Bluebird Songwriters Round

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Emmy Moyen, Julia Morey, Gavin Lucas, Cyrena Wages and ASCAP’s Emilia James

ASCAP hosted a songwriters’ round at the Bluebird Cafe’ in Nashville on March 4 as part of their monthly showcase series dedicated to supporting emerging storytellers. ASCAP members Cyrena Wages, Emmy Moyen, Gavin Lucas and Julia Morey took the stage at the iconic Music City venue to share some of their songs and stories.