BREAKING: Academy Of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside Exiting Organization

/by

Damon Whiteside. Photo: Katie Kauss

The Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside will exit the company after six-and-a-half years of leadership. Whiteside will remain CEO through June 30, 2026 and then will continue serving as the CEO Emeritus for the remainder of this year.

During his tenure, Whiteside increased ACM membership to the largest and most diverse in its history and strengthened the organization’s profitability, with 2025 profits increasing 150% and 2026 profits projected to grow another 140%. The Academy relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville. Whiteside also expanded the ACM franchises to include ACM Our Country, ACM 60th Gala, ACM Party for a Cause Nashville, ACM Wine & Country at Hearst Castle, and the annual Charley Pride Inclusion Brunch co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios, as well as returned the ACM Honors to broadcast.

Through ACM Lifting Lives, the organization’s philanthropic partner, Whiteside helped harness the strength of the Country Music community to support industry members in need by raising and distributing over $4 million via a COVID Response Fund and generating over $1.3 Million in annual fundraising over the past year through new events and partnerships.

In addition to serving as CEO of the Academy of Country Music, Whiteside also executive produced ACM Honors, ACM Our Country and ACM Awards, which he repositioned into a streaming-first event. Most recently, he produced the sold-out 60th Anniversary ACM Awards hosted by Reba McEntire, which delivered more than 70% year-over-year live viewership growth for Amazon Prime Video and featured the final televised awards show performance by Alan Jackson.

“Damon’s forward-thinking vision and leadership not only strengthened ACM’s connection to the Country Music community and industry, but also allowed us to attract new audiences around the world. The ACM Board is beyond thankful for his partnership, dedication, and passion which have set the organization up for continued success and impact well into the future,” says Cris Lacy, Chair, ACM Board of Directors.

“I am proud of everything we have accomplished together in my time at the Academy of Country Music. I am thankful for the amazing team that I have mentored and learned from, our many strategic partners that have helped us continue to innovate, as well as the ACM and ACM Lifting Lives Boards for their leadership that will guide the Academy into its bright future,” adds Whiteside. “I believe that I am leaving ACM in a better place with stability and security that will allow the organization to continue to grow and reach new heights. I am excited for my next act as I explore my passions and continue to learn and create impact in the entertainment industry.”

ACM’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify his successor.

Ian Munsick To Open Cowboy Bar & Western Grill In Deadwood

/by

Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill Interior Rendering

Ian Munsick and The Landmark Hotel & Casino are partnering to open the Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill in August in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Built between 1894-1920, The Landmark is Deadwood’s largest historic structure at approximately 35,000 square feet. The Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill will reside within over 2,600 square feet of the building, and will feature old school bar decor along with two performance stages, indoors and outdoors, for plenty of live music. A recording studio is also being designed that will be housed in the space as well.

Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill Exterior Rendering

“Country stars and bars, it’s a tale as old as time. I’m beyond excited to announce the opening of Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill.” shares Munsick. “The brainchild of my wife, Caroline, you won’t find a better place to have a beer or three than our new oasis of the West. Live music, great food, and most importantly, all the authentic western vibes that makes everyone love a real cowboy bar. Deadwood just got a little better!”

Ian Munsick and Alec Keating (Partner, The Landmark Hotel & Casino) at The Landmark Hotel & Casino where the Ian Munsick Bar & Western Grill will open in August 2026. Photo: The Landmark Hotel & Casino

“The Landmark Hotel & Casino family welcomes Ian and his fans to a classic, best-in-region cowboy bar experience with great drinks, food and music,” says Gerard Keating, Managing Partner of The Landmark Hotel & Casino. “We’re excited to see this continue to expand, as a recording studio in adjacent space is also under design.”

The Landmark venture news comes as Munsick continues to tease a new chapter of upcoming music, recently debuting the video for his latest single, “Geronimo.” “Geronimo” is his first release via West To The Rest Records/Triple Tigers Records. He is currently in the midst of his “Eagle Flies Free Tour,” which kicked off on Feb. 13 in Charlotte and features upcoming stops in Spokane, Fargo, Durant, and more.

Drake Milligan Adds European Dates To ‘Tumbleweed World Tour’

/by

Drake Milligan. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Drake Milligan had added new European dates to his fall schedule on the “Tumbleweed World Tour,” which kicked off in November 2025.

These new stops include Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and more. Throughout the year, Milligan will play across Canada, Europe, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

He was recently joined by Shania Twain for a duet on “I’ll Be Here With You.,” which is featured on The Gray House (Original Soundtrack From the Amazon Series).

Milligan released his sophomore album, Tumbleweed, on Nov. 7. He shared stages with Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and more last year.

Additional “Tumbleweed World Tour” Dates:
Sep 6, 2026 – Antwerp, BEL – Openluchttheater Rivierenhof
Sep 8, 2026 – Stuttgart, GER – Im Wezemann
Sep 9, 2026 – Munich, GER – Tonhalle
Sep 14, 2026 – Cologne, GER – Carlswerk Victoria
Sep 15, 2026 – Utrecht, NET – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda
Sep 18, 2026 – Gronigen, NET – De Oosterpoort
Sep 19, 2026 – Copenhagen, DEN – Vega (Small Room)
Sep 20, 2026 – Stockholm, SWE – Nalen
Sep 22, 2026 – Helsinki, FIN – House of Culture
Sep 24, 2026 – Oslo, NOR – Rockefeller Music Hall
Nov 17, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
Nov 18, 2026 – Bristol, UK – Electric Bristol
Nov 20, 2026 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
Nov 21, 2026 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
Nov 22, 2026 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy Glasgow
Nov 24, 2026 – Dublin, IRE – Vicar Street
Nov 25, 2026 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall

Tucker Wetmore Extends ‘The Brunette World Tour’

/by

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore has extended his “The Brunette World Tour,” adding 17 new dates to the run.

Wetmore will be joined by Maddox Batson, William Beckmann, George Birge, Jacob Hackworth, Braxton Keith and Stella Lefty for select dates.

Tickets go on sale Friday (March 6) following the artist presale, which begins on Wednesday (March 4).

“This tour has already been more than I ever imagined,” shares Wetmore. “Getting to add more dates and head back out West to play some bucket-list venues is something I’m really grateful for and I can’t wait to keep it rolling.”

The tour extension follows Wetmore’s announcement of his upcoming track, “Sunburn,” set to release on March 13.

A full list of “The Brunette World Tour” dates is available here.

The Brunette World Tour Newly Announced Dates:
June 21, 2026 in Uncasville, Conn. at Mohegan Sun !+
July 2, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta at Cowboys Music Festival
July 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Ind. at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park !+
Aug. 14, 2026 in La Vista, Neb. at The Astro Amphitheatre %+
Aug. 20, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at Gallagher Square at Petco Park @#
Aug. 21, 2026 in Saratoga, Calif. at The Mountain Winery @#
Aug. 22, 2026 in Paso Robles, Calif. at Vina Robles Amphitheatre @#
Aug. 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. at Greek Theatre @#
Sept. 15, 2026 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Homer Hamilton Amphitheater
Sept. 18, 2026 in Chicago, Ill. at The Salt Shed @#
Sept. 19, 2026 in Detroit, Mich. at Masonic Temple @#
Sept. 20, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa. at Stage AE @#
Oct. 2, 2026 in Wichita, Kan. at WAVE $+
Oct. 3, 2026 in Waukee, Iowa at Vibrant Music Hall $+
Oct. 23, 2026 in Mesa, Ariz. at Mesa Amphitheatre +=
Oct. 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas +=
Oct. 27, 2026 in Morrison, Colo. at Red Rocks Amphitheatre +=

! with special guest Maddox Batson
@ with special guest William Beckmann
$ with special guest George Birge
% with special guest Braxton Keith
+ with special guest Jacob Hackworth
# with special guest Stella Lefty
= with surprise guest

On The Row: Rissi Palmer Shares New ‘Perspectives’

/by

Rissi Palmer recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a few songs and stories from her latest project, Perspectives.

The four-song EP marks the first project release since 2019 for the Apple Music Country show Color Me Country. Produced by Shannon Sanders, the project includes two original tracks alongside two covers.

The first original Palmer shared with the team, “Old Black Southern Woman” was inspired by a conversation with co-writer Kyshona Lamiere about realizing she is past the age her mother was when she passed away.

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Rissi Palmer; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

“I’m realizing now how much she missed,” Palmer said. “We always think about how bad it is to get old, but how lucky we are to see the people we love grow up and grow up [ourselves]. I wanted to write a song from that perspective.”

Palmer also shared, “Good To Me,” a track she started five years ago in Los Angeles with Hilton Wright II, and finished last year with Sanders.

“I was 29 when I got married and am 44 now. What 29 year old Rissi wanted [in a relationship] is very different from what 44 year old Rissi wants. I [just want the] simple, but very important things.”

Palmer and journalist Kelly McCartney are co-editors of the forthcoming children’s book, Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music, illustrated by Grammy-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens. Designed for readers ages 10 and up, the book highlights the overlooked contributions of Black women in country music, with all proceeds benefiting the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund. The book is set for release in May.

Palmer is set to share more music and tour dates in the coming months.

YouTube video

 

Megan Moroney Debuts At No. 1 On Billboard 200

/by

Megan Moroney‘s Cloud 9, released Feb. 20, has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200. This marks Moroney’s first time leading the chart.

“Not to be cliche but I’m on cloud 9!” shares Moroney. “I have to give credit to my fans, they’re the best in the world. To have them embrace an album like this is a dream come true. I can’t wait till we’re screaming these songs together on THE CLOUD 9 TOUR!”

The project clinched 147,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 78,000 album sales and 69,000 streaming equivalent album units (SEA). Cloud 9 gives Moroney her highest first-week sales to date, and also has the highest first-week in total consumption for any country artist so far this year.

Cloud 9 includes the Gold-certified hit “6 Months Later,” Billboard 100 charting single “Beautiful Things,” collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Kacey Musgraves, and viral fan favorites. The album also entered Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart at the No. 1 spot as well as was the top-selling physical album of the week.

Opry Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’

/by

All-Cast Performances of
“Angel Band” and “I’ll Fly Away”

The Grand Ole Opry, Lost Highway Records, and T Bone Burnett celebrated the 25th anniversary of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack at a special Opry evening of music on Feb. 28.

Performers for the tribute show included Opry members Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Del McCoury Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, and The Whites along with guests Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters, Mike Compton, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, The Fairfield Four, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sarah Jarosz, Chris Thomas King, Colin Linden, Tim Blake Nelson, Billy Strings, Dan Tyminski, and Molly Tuttle. 

Lost Highway marked the soundtrack anniversary by releasing a vinyl gatefold edition on Feb. 20. The anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with a series of special events and activations.

Academy Of Country Music Announces Radio Awards Nominees

/by

The ACM has revealed the Radio Awards nominees for the upcoming 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.

This year’s nods include triple nominations for KFRG-FM in Riverside, California, and double nominations for KILT-FM in Houston, KSCS-FM in Dallas, WBEE-FM in Rochester, WCKK-FM in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, and WUBE-FM in Cincinnati.

Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be announced at Country Radio Seminar March 18-20 ahead of the 61st ACM Awards, which will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17. The full list of ACM Award nominations will be announced in the coming weeks, as well as host, performers and presenters.

The 61st ACM Radio Awards Nominees:

NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
B-Dub – B-Dub Radio
Cody Alan – Highway Mornings with Cody Alan
Katie Neal – Katie & Company
Rob Stone and Holly Hutton – The Rob + Holly Show
Steve Harmon – Steve Harmon Show

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
B-Dub – B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
Big D, Bubba, Shaffer – Honky Tonkin’ with Big D & Bubba
Heather Froglear – 90’s Country with Heather
Kelleigh Bannen – Today’s Country Radio
Ryan Fox – American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET:
Angie Ward – Angie Ward – WUBL-FM – Atlanta, GA
Chris Carr & Company – Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, Dubs – KEEY-FM – Minneapolis, MN
The Coop Show – Coop – WKIS-FM – Miami, FL
Erik & Jenny –Erik Scott Smith & Jenny Lee – KCYY-FM – San Antonio, TX
Frito & Katy – Frito and Katy – KILT-FM Houston, TX
Niko + Cheyenne – Niko + Cheyenne – KMLE-FM Phoenix, AZ
Rachel Ryan – Rachel Ryan – KSCS-FM Dallas, TX

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET:
Heather Froglear – Heather Froglear – KFRG-FM Riverside, CA
Jesse & Anna– Jesse Tack, Anna Marie, Jake Thomson – WUBE-FM. Cincinnati, OH
Kelli and Anthony – Kelli Green and Anthony Donatelli – KFRG-FM Riverside, CA
Mad Dawg in the Afternoon – “Mad Dawg”  – WQDR-FM. Raleigh, NC
Maria D’Antonio – Maria D’Antonio – WDSY-FM Pittsburgh, PA

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET:
The Bee Morning Coffee Club – Billy Kidd, TJ Sharp, and Hope Breen – WBEE-FM Rochester, NY
The Doc Show with Chewy – Doc Medek, Chewy Medek – WGGY-FM Wilkes-Barre, PA
Julie and DJ in the Morning – Julie K and DJ Thee Trucker – WPCV-FM. Lakeland, FL
Mo & StyckMan – Mo & StyckMan – WUSY-FM Chattanooga, TN
Steve & Gina in the Morning – Steve Lundy and Gina Melton – KXKT-FM. Omaha, NE
Tug Cowart Show – Tug Cowart – WCKN-FM Charleston, SC

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET:
Ben & Arnie – Ben Butler, Arnie Andrews – WCOW-FM Sparta, WI
B-MO in the MO’rning – Brian “B-MO” Montgomery – WCKK-FM. Walnut Grove, MS
Dan Austin – Dan Austin -WQHK-FM Fort Wayne, IN
The Dr. Shane and Tess Show –Dr. Shane and Tess – WPAP-FM. Panama City, FL
The Eddie Foxx Show – Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx – WKSF-FM Asheville, NC

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET:
KILT-FM – Houston, TX
KSCS-FM – Dallas, TX
KSON-FM – San Diego, CA
WPOC-FM – Baltimore, MD
WXTU-FM – Philadelphia, PA

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET:
KFRG-FM – Riverside, CA
WLHK-FM – Indianapolis, IN
WMIL-FM – Milwaukee, WI
WSIX-FM – Nashville, TN
WUBE-FM – Cincinnati, OH

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET:
KUZZ-FM – Bakersfield, CA
WBEE-FM – Rochester, NY
WHKO-FM – Dayton, OH
WLFP-FM – Memphis, TN
WQMX-FM – Akron, OH

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET:
KCLR-FM – Columbia, MO
KFGE-FM – Lincoln, NE
WCKK-FM – Walnut Grove, MS
WXFL-FM – Florence, AL
WYCT-FM – Pensacola, FL
WYOT-FM – Rochelle, IL

Mary Kutter Signs With WME

/by

Pictured (L-R): Marc Oswald (OEG), Jon Folk (WME), Joey Lee (WME), Adrian Michaels (BMG/AMA), Lance Roberts (WME), Mary Kutter, Becky Gardenhire (WME), Charlie Pennachio (OEG), Laura Williams (WME) and Jacob Summers (OEG).
Photo: Courtesy of Oswald Entertainment

Mary Kutter has signed with WME for global representation.

“Mary is the kind of artist who writes and performs with conviction,” says WME’s Lance Roberts. “There’s an authenticity to her work that feels both rooted and forward-looking. She has already built a meaningful career as a songwriter, and we’re excited to help expand her live business as she steps fully into this moment as an artist.”

As a songwriter, Kutter has earned cuts with Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Alexandra Kay and Zach John King. As an artist, the Washington County, Kentucky native recently signed to BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, and her latest release, “Bed of Roses,” debuted February 13.

“Being onstage is where it all comes full circle for me,” Kutter adds. “WME is best in class when it comes to expanding live opportunities and building global audiences, and I’m ready to take these songs to more cities, more stages and more fans.”

February 28 Declared ‘Koe Wetzel Day’ In Pittsburg, Texas

/by

City Manager Clint Hardeman, Koe Wetzel and Pittsburg, Texas Mayor Abernathy in downtown Pittsburg, Texas. Photo: Michael Herrick

Koe Wetzel’s hometown of Pittsburg, Texas declared Feb. 28 “Koe Wetzel Day” in a special celebration honoring the local artist.

The singer was surprised to arrive at the full-blown celebration, which included a high school marching band and cheerleaders revving up the crowd full of family, friends and local dignitaries prior to the ceremony. The city’s mayor and city manager presented a key to the city to Wetzel along with a proclamation naming Feb. 28 “Koe Wetzel Day.” Pittsburg also debuted a mural of Wetzel located downtown to celebrate the special day.

“It’s good to be back in Pittsburg,” said Wetzel at the ceremony. “Every time we come back here it’s like we never left, with my family and my friends… it all starts there. My family sitting here – my mom, my dad, my sisters, my grandparents – my girls here, they’ve always been my No. 1 fan and they’ve gotten me where I am by doing so, but also with the help from Pittsburg, Texas and all the great people here that have made everything happen. No matter where I go in this life, no matter what country, state or city I’m in, I always know Pittsburg, Texas is home for me. And whenever I come back, you all make sure to remind me of that and treat me like I never left, and I always appreciate that.”

To further mark the decade since the release of “February 28, 2016,” Wetzel surprised fans after his Fort Worth Riot Room set by dropping a new mixtape, These Are Going Nowhere: A Mixtape by Koe Wetzel, at midnight.

These Are Going Nowhere: A Mixtape by Koe Wetzel Track List:
1. “Feel Better”
2. “GTFO”
3. “Run Away”
4. “College”
5. “Lonesome Dove”
6. “Sweet Texas Strange”