MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More)

/by

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a season of reinvention and momentum across Nashville’s country music landscape. From major label rebrands and executive appointments to new publishing deals, venue launches and industry honors, the headlines reflect a town constantly evolving. Click here to see the full edition.

One of the biggest stories comes from HYBE AMERICA’s Nashville-based country, Americana and roots rock division, which has officially rebranded as Blue Highway Records, formerly BMLG. The move signals a new chapter for the powerhouse roster, which includes Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes. The label also oversees distribution for Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry and Greylan James under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.

At the helm of the newly minted Blue Highway Records is industry veteran Jake Basden, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. The Valory Music Co. will fold into Blue Highway Records as part of the transition, further consolidating the operation’s artist-facing efforts, while Big Machine Music will remain under the HYBE AMERICA umbrella.

Meanwhile, Lower Broadway is preparing to welcome another artist-branded venue to its neon-lit strip. Kane Brown is partnering with Detroit-based Elia Group to open Kane Brown’s On Broadway this summer. The venue will take over the historic building that previously housed The Valentine.

On the publishing and label front, it was a week filled with fresh ink and forward motion. Mary Kutter has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Regan Rousseau has entered into a new agreement with Sony Music Publishing. In a joint venture move, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, alongside Kane Brown and Verse 2 Music, has signed singer-songwriter Jonny Capeci to a global publishing agreement.

Big Loud Publishing also made headlines with the additions of Matt McCartney and Max Martin to its roster. Jaron Boyer has signed a global exclusive publishing deal with Young Guns Publishing.

Ticketek Entertainment Group has appointed Brad Turcotte as Senior Vice President of Country at TEG Live.

Jelly Roll will receive this year’s Artist Humanitarian Award presented by Country Radio Broadcasters, an honor that acknowledges his charitable efforts and community impact alongside his chart success.

Finally, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has announced a series of internal promotions across its guest relations, human resources and marketing teams. Maggie Banker has been elevated to Senior Director of Marketing, Meredith Rife to Associate Director of Social Media, Denise Alvis to Director of Human Resources and Nancy Cason to Associate Director of Guest Experience.

This week’s edition also features conversations with Concord’s Courtney Allen and Make Wake Artists’ Sophia Sansone.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis remain in the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week with “Ain’t A Bad Life.” 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.

Stagecoach Unveils Lineup For Diplo’s Honkytonk 2026

/by

Stagecoach has revealed the lineup for this year’s Diplo‘s Honkytonk, now in its fourth year.

Alongside Diplo, performances will take place from, Dillstradamus (Dillon Francis + Flosstradamus), Emo Nite feat. Ashlee Simpson, Juicy J, Loud Luxury, Marshmello, DJ Pauly D, Rebecca Black, Theo Von b2b Caleb Pressley, Two Friends, Wuki, ADHD, Country Night, Disko Cowboy, Flying Mojito Bros, Scooter, Y.O.G.A., 30Rack, Bad Ash, Jeffro, Kevin Bolt, Kermie J Rock, Lauren, Shaddix, Slim McGraw and Rick.

The festival will feature headlining sets from Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone, as well as performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Red Clay Strays, Journey, Hootie & the Blowfish, Pitbull, Little Big Town, and many more on April 24-26.

Industry Ink: Culture At Large, Guitar Center, Jerry Bridges, CMHOFM, More

/by

Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf & Young Buck Featured On ‘Culture At Large’ Podcast

Pictured (L-R): Marcus K. Dowling, Struggle Jennings, Young Buck, Yelawolf. Photo: iamjohnjo

Marcus K. Dowling welcomed Nashville rappers Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf and Young Buck to his weekly podcast, Culture At Large. Taped at Nashville’s Anzie Blue in Hillsboro Village, the conversation is available now.

Sponsored by H Bar C, Vinyl Ranch, and Visit Music City, the next live taping will take place at Anzie Blue on February 23, with Craig Havighurst.

 

Guitar Center Named Official Music Gear Retailer & AV Integrator For New Nissan Stadium


Guitar Center has been named the Official Music Gear Retailer of the Tennessee Titans, and Audio Visual Design Group (AVDG), the company’s premium integration brand within Guitar Center Business Solutions, is an Official AV Integrator for the new Nissan Stadium.

As part of the partnership, Guitar Center’s live performance stage and community initiatives at Nissan Stadium are scheduled to debut in spring 2027.

“We’re evolving Guitar Center beyond just retail to playing an active role in music culture,” says Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. “Bringing our legendary gear and service into what will become a legendary venue for live music is a natural extension of that commitment.”

 

Jerry “Jigger” Bridges Honored By Alabama Music Hall Of Fame

Jerry “Jigger” Bridges.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame recently unveiled a Bronze Star on the Walk of Fame for celebrated musician, producer, and songwriter Jerry “Jigger” Bridges.

Throughout his career, Bridges has performed or recorded with a a large roster of artists, including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Jessie Colter, Shooter Jennings, Glen Campbell, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr., Buddy Holly’s Crickets, Chuck Berry, Johnny Rodriguez, John Anderson, Billy Joe Shaver, Harry Chapin, Gordon Lightfoot, and Tony Joe White.

He continues to write, produce and perform with Waymore’s Outlaws.

 

Haley Gallery to Present New Art Exhibition “Kalup Linzy: Chronicles. Interludes. Testaments”


The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will present “Kalup Linzy: Chronicles. Interludes. Testaments.,” an art exhibition showcasing new works by video and performance artist Kalup Linzy. The exhibition is guest-curated by Paul Barrett.

The exhibition is free and open to the public, beginning the evening of March 19 and running through May 7. Core to the presentation are video works, including a piece that is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. In conjunction with the exhibition, Linzy will debut a limited-edition vinyl pressing of the soundtrack to one of his videos, The Real Housewives in Tulsa.

 

Bailey Aldrich Elevated To Senior Marketing & Event Specialist at KHS America

Bailey Aldrich.

Bailey Aldrich has been elevated to Senior Marketing & Event Specialist At KHS America.

In her new position, Aldrich will lead content and advertising deployment for all KHS America brands, implement digital marketing strategies alongside the Educational Brand Management team, and direct the administrative operations of major trade shows and industry events.

“Since she started with KHS America, Bailey has consistently stood out for her exceptional initiative, organization, and team support,” says Ryan Rehnborg, Creative & Marketing Communications Manager. “She has already been performing all the functions of this expanded role since early last year. Our brands, events, and team members have benefitted greatly from her proactive, process-driven approach.”

Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion In March Announces 2026 Lineup

/by

Photo: Courtesy of Luck Reunion

The lineup has been announced for the 14th annual Luck Reunion at Willie Nelson’s famed “Luck, Texas” ranch on March 19.

The beloved annual musical event will feature over 45 performances from celebrated legends as well as rising talents in country, Americana, indie rock, folk and more, with performances from Willie Nelson and Family, St. Vincent, Lukas Nelson, Booker T. Jones, Trampled by Turtles, James McMurtry, Dale Watson, Joshua Ray Walker and many more, as well as some surprise special guests. 

In addition to the lineup, Luck Reunion will also feature unique culinary experiences, local artisans and one-of-a-kind merchandise and talks, workshops, and interactive activities led by musicians, scientists and experts. The week’s events will also include Potluck on March 17, which serves as the official culinary kickoff to Luck Reunion. The 11th annual benefit brings together guests at Willie’s ranch for an intimate family-style dinner with ingredients from local family farms guided by Luck Chef Ambassador Michael Fojtasek, with participating chefs to be announced soon. Proceeds benefit the Luck Family Foundation, supporting food education, access and agricultural resilience through partnerships with organizations including Farm Aid and the Texas Food & Wine Alliance.

This year, Luck Presents is also hosting a special Todd Snider Rules! Tribute on March 20. This special show will be a multi-artist tribute to the beloved musician, held in partnership with Todd’s family to honor and celebrate the music of the songwriting visionary in the Texas Hill Country, where his ties run deep. The lineup of artists with links to Todd and his music will be announced soon, and a limited number of presale tickets will be available beginning today (Feb. 19).

“We’re thrilled to welcome our Luck Family back home to Willie’s backyard for another incredible year,” says Matt Bizer, CEO and Founder of Luck Presents. “Fourteen years in, Luck Reunion continues to be about bringing people together in meaningful ways. This year’s lineup beautifully represents that spirit, with legendary artists who’ve been part of our story from the beginning, new voices we’re excited to introduce to our community, and more than a few surprise guests that we can’t wait to reveal.”

Troy Vollhoffer Honored By TJ Martell Foundation At L.A. Wine Dinner

/by

Marc Reiter and Troy Vollhoffer

Troy Vollhoffer, President of Country Thunder Music Festivals, Big Valley Jamboree and Premier Global Productions, was honored by the TJ Martell Foundation on Jan. 28 at the organization’s annual Los Angeles Wine Dinner for his contributions toward finding a cure for cancer.

Vollhoffer, who served on the board of the TJ Martell Foundation, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to advancing the foundation’s mission. The event brought together philanthropists, music executives, and supporters of cancer research for a special evening of celebration. Vollhoffer was honored at the dinner alongside fellow honoree, Max Duley, Vice President of the V Foundation.

Raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Vollhoffer went from working in his father’s local theater to spending more than a decade playing minor and junior professional hockey before using a Pittsburgh Penguins signing bonus to launch Premier Global Production, which supported major tours for Rod Stewart, Def Leppard, Metallica and more. In 2005, he took ownership of the longest-running music festival event in North America, leading it as the Craven Country Jamboree for twelve years before bringing it into the Country Thunder family in 2017.

During that time, he expanded the brand by acquiring Country Thunder Arizona and Wisconsin in 2009 and launching Country Thunder Alberta in 2016 and Country Thunder Florida in 2019, which will move to the beach for the first time in 2026—occupying the largest footprint of any Country Thunder festival and overlooking the crystal clear waters of The Gulf. His leadership has earned multiple ACM Festival of the Year honors, prestigious awards from the ACM and CCMA, and recognition on Billboard’s Touring Power Players list. A dedicated philanthropist and host of On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer, he continues to shape the future of live music with the same passion that launched his career.

The Red Clay Strays Add Additional Tour Dates

/by

The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman

The Red Clay Strays have added more dates to their 2026 tour schedule.

The newly included stops include Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 30, TD Garden on Aug. 1, and State Farm Arena on Nov. 13. Special guests on the new dates will include The Revivalists and Haley Reinhart (July 30, Aug. 1), as well as Travis Tritt and Brent Cobb (Nov. 13).

Diehard Strays Pre-sales begin Feb. 25 at 9:00 a.m. local time. Verified Strays Pre-sales follow on the same day at 12:00 p.m. local time. Strays Fanclub Presale starts Feb. 26 at 9:00 a.m. local time. Local/Ticket Platform/Promoter/ETC Pre-sales begin the same day at 12:00 p.m. local time. All remaining tickets go on sale to the general public on Feb. 27 at 9:00 a.m. local time.

This year’s headline run includes performances at Two Step Inn, Stagecoach, and Bourbon & Beyond, as well as headline shows at Madison Square Garden and Bridgestone Arena. Additionally, they will host The Red Clay Strays Fan Fest 2026, in Rexford, Montana on June 24-28.

The Red Clay Strays 2026 Tour Dates:
3/17 – Houston, TX – Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
4/19 – Georgetown, TX – Two Step Inn †
4/24 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach †
5/1 – Memphis, TN – RiverBeat Music Festival
5/24 – Norfolk, VA – Patriotic Festival
6/13 – Columbus, OH – Buckeye Country Superfest †
6/24-28 – Rexford, MT – “The Red Clay Strays Fan Fest 2026” at Abayance Bay Marina
6/26 – Calgary, AB – Country Thunder Alberta †
7/11 – St. Paul, MN – Minnesota Country Club †
7/17 – Twin Lakes, WI – Country Thunder Wisconsin †
7/19 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days
7/30 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion *
8/1 – Boston, MA – TD Garden *
8/9 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden **
8/15 – Des Moines, IA – Iowa State Fair Grandstand
9/6 – Aspen, CO – Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience †
9/26 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond
10/22 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena ^
10/23 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena ^
11/13 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena ^^
† Festival Appearance
* w/ Special Guests The Revivalists and Haley Reinhart
** w/ Special Guests The Revivalists and Brent Cobb
^ w/ Special Guests Sierra Ferrell and Brent Cobb
^^ w/ Special Guests Travis Tritt and Brent Cobb

Lee Brice Tips His Hat To Those Up-Before-Dawners On New LP ‘Sunriser’

/by

Lee Brice will release his new 16-song album, Sunriser, on June 5. A brand new track from the project, “Country Nowadays,” is out now.

“Country Nowadays” finds Brice longing for simpler times and lamenting the current state of America. Sunriser features a collection of reflections on love, faith and heartbreak for all “sunrisers”—from firefighters, nurses and truck drivers, to blue-collar workers clocking out of graveyard shifts and tired parents waking up to take care of little ones.

“Country Nowadays” follows a reflective first single from the project, “Killed the Man,” that was released in October. Brice is also gearing up for a new Canadian tour in April that will visit British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

Sunriser Track List:
1. “Sunriser” (Lee Brice, Cooper Bascom, Jerrod Niemann)
2. “Killed The Man” (Michael Whitworth, Jared Conrad, Troy Cartwright, Chandler Baldwin)
3. “Me and Whiskey” (Lee Brice, Matt Alderman, Nate Kenyon)
4. “Country Nowadays” (Lee Brice, Matt Alderman, Nate Kenyon)
5. “Devil’s At It Again” (Lee Brice, Matt Alderman, Nate Kenyon, Lewis Brice)
6. “She Wasn’t Like That” (Tom Douglas)
7. “Bury The Dead” (Lee Brice, Billy Montana, David Tolliver, Brent Rupard)
8. “Truck Bed Mixtape” (Lee Brice, Andy Sheridan, Brian Davis)
9. “What You Know About That” (Lee Brice, Brian Davis, Andy Sheridan)
10. “Said No Country Boy Ever” (Lee Brice, Brock Berryhill, Cole Taylor, Brian Davis)
11. “All The Way Down” (Lee Brice, Adam Wood, Cooper Bascom)
12. “Drinkin’ Buddies” (Justin Wilson, Zach Kale, Chris DeStefano)
13. “Old Men” (Adam Wood)
14. “Cry” (Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip, David Garcia)
15. “Daddy Don’t Care” (Lee Brice, Adam Wood, Billy Montana)
16. “When The Kingdom Comes” (Lee Brice, Sara Brice, Billy Montana, Jon Stone)

Amy Grant Readies First Album In Over A Decade

/by

Amy Grant will release her first collection of all-original songs in 13 years, The Me That Remains, on May 8 via Thirty Tigers.

The 10-track project was produced by Mac McAnally, and reflects on healing, connection, endurance and grace. Grant previewed the project last month with the release of “The 6th of January (Yasgur’s Farm).” The project features collaborations with Ruby Amanfu, Vince Gill, Sarah Cannon and Corrina Gill. Grant released the title track, which she wrote alongside McAnally, today. The track reflects directly on the profound health challenges Grant has faced in recent years, including open heart surgery and a life-altering bike accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

“The older I get, the more aware I am that we all live long enough to see versions of ourselves pass away,” Grant shares. “Given time to process decades of a life – one that was both exciting and difficult – I’ve needed to remember and release the younger Amy Grant. There are fewer bells and whistles around this deeper work now, but life’s discoveries and mysteries are even more compelling to me. I’m thankful for each day and curious to find connection and purpose, and how the Love that made us all will emerge and express itself in and through me today.”

Across her career, Grant has garnered over 2.2 billion global streams, sold more than 30 million albums, and became the first artist in Contemporary Christian Music to achieve a platinum record, reach No. 1 on the pop charts, and perform at the Grammy Awards.

In celebration of the album, Grant will headline the Ryman Auditorium on May 8. Tickets go on sale February 27.

The Me That Remains Tracklist
1. “The 6th of January (Yasgur’s Farm)”
2. “How Do We Get There From Here (feat. Ruby Amanfu)”
3. “Please Don’t Make Me Beg”
4. “The Saint”
5. “Beautiful Lone Companion”
6. “The Me That Remains”
7. “‘Til We Get It Right”
8. “(Nothing Like A) Sunny Day”
9. “Friend Like You (with Vince Gill)”
10. “The Other Side Of Goodbye (with Sarah Cannon & Corrina Gill)”

Keller Cox Pulls Back The Curtain On His Creative Process On New Deluxe Version Of ‘Care To Look’

/by

Texas singer-songwriter Keller Cox is dropping a deluxe version of his recent EP Care To Look (Between The Lines) today (Feb. 20).

Recorded at Matchbox Recording Studio in Austin with Dwight A. Baker and released independently with the help of Make Wake Records, the 11-track project pairs each song from the original EP with an accompanying “Between The Lines” commentary track. Cox pulls back the curtain on his creative process of writing more than 100 songs for the original project, revealing the late-night writing sessions, the collabs with writers like Josh Abbott, Jason Earley and Delaney Ramsdell, and the moments of clarity that turned rough drafts into polished songs.

The deluxe EP also includes “Selling Songs (Work Tape),” an unreleased track that showcases the purity of Cox’s songwriting. The rising artist has already amassed over 4.5 million global streams and landed two top 10 singles at Texas country radio, and heads into spring with support dates for William Beckmann, Flatland Cavalry, and William Clark Green.

“When I first put out Care To Look last year, my hope was that it would inspire my listeners to look between the lines of this life we’ve been given as a gift to live,” says Cox. “There was a time when I took everything at face value but as I’ve grown and stepped into the world of songwriting, I’ve come to realize that the best things in life are often the ones we miss the first time around.”

Raised on 2000’s country, Cox discovered his passion for performing while attending Texas A&M University, where he became a regular at the iconic Hurricane Harry’s dancehall. Over the past three years, Cox has performed across Texas and beyond, opening for Willie Nelson, Corey Kent, Flatland Cavalry, The Castellows, and Josh Abbott Band. In early 2024, he released his second full-length album, Good Again, Amen, and the album’s lead single “Damn Good Friends” (featuring Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry) peaked at No. 9 on the Texas country radio charts.

Care To Look (Between The Lines) Track Listing:
1. “Care To Look – Between The Lines”
2. “Care To Look” (Keller Cox, Luke Stevens, Kerr Rudge)
3. “All American – Between The Lines”
4. “All American” (Keller Cox, Josh Abbott)
5. “5×7 Rug – Between The Lines”
6. “5×7 Rug” (Keller Cox, Jason Earley, Delaney Ramsdell)
7. “Sunday Morning Matinee (Without You) – Between The Lines”
8. “Sunday Morning Matinee (Without You)” (Keller Cox)
9. “I Bet You Do Too – Between The Lines”
10. “I Bet You Do Too” (Keller Cox, Reid Morris, Brandon Ashley)
11. “Selling Songs (Work Tape)” (Keller Cox, Jason Earley, Braden Jamison)

Sun Records To Release ‘Pure Johnny Cash’ Digitally With Qobuz Exclusive

/by

Sun Records is digitally releasing Pure Johnny Cash, 18 rare recordings from Cash’s formative years at Sun Records, today (Feb. 20) via Qobuz, the independently-owned streaming platform.

Originally released as a vinyl collection in partnership with McIntosh, Pure Johnny Cash features seldom-heard recordings from Cash’s formative years at Sun, remastered from the original analog tapes to preserve the immediacy, warmth, and unvarnished power that defined Cash’s earliest sessions. Featuring alternative takes and standout versions of classics including “Train of Love,” “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” and “I Walk the Line,” the collection offers an intimate window into Cash at the beginning of his legendary run.

To mark the digital debut, Sun Records is premiering a new lyric video for “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.” Pure Johnny Cash will receive a wide streaming release March 6.

“Sam Phillips had a way of capturing lightning in a bottle, and these early recordings of Johnny Cash perfectly exemplify that,” says Chase Gregory, Senior Director A&R + Sync, Sun Records. “Releasing Pure Johnny Cashdigitally, in partnership with Qobuz and the HiFi digital platform they offer, is another way to honor what makes these performances so special. Everything you hear was performed in one take with no overdubs. It’s a direct line to the room, the moment, and the voice that changed American music.”