Toby Keith’s Golf Classic Raises Over $3.1 Million For 20th Anniversary

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Backstage with OK Kids Korral families at the 20th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic. Photo: Ahh Shoot! Photography for OK Kids Korral

The 20th anniversary of Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, which took place May 31 and June 1, set a new fundraising mark this year. Between the golf tournament and a new endowment, the event raised more than $3.1 million.

As in prior years, the event included an opening gala and silent auction followed by a shotgun start golf tournament the next day. Among this year’s top selling auction items were custom guitars featuring the logo from each year of the event that sold twice for $90,000; two paintings by KWTV’s Robin Marsh which sold for $125,000; two guitars painted by Johnny Smith that sold for more than $100,000; a hand-drawn play by former OU head football coach Bob Stoops that sold for $35,000; and a VIP experience with baseball Hall of Famer Roger Clemens which auctioned for $40,000.

Keith’s former classmate Scott Fulkerson brought the crowd to its feet with a donation to push the auction total beyond $1 million. With 2024’s event surpassing $1.6 million, Keith and his friends have raised just shy of $20 million since the event’s inception.

Newly established this year, The Toby Keith Foundation announced the goal of creating a $10 million endowment and received pledges of more than $1.5 million during the gala. Hosts Stoops and Jim West welcomed Keith’s family and nine Korral families onstage during the event, which was headlined by the Eli Young Band, who were formerly signed to Keith’s Show Dog Nashville record label.

Despite the absence of its namesake, the event demonstrated the continued commitment to The Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral in support of children and families dealing with critical illnesses.

Lily Rose Slates ‘Runnin’ Outta Time’ Tour For August

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Lily Rose. Photo: Cal & Aly

Lily Rose is kicking off her new “Runnin’ Outta Time” tour this August in Savannah, Georgia. Newcomers Jordan Gray, Michael Warren, Payton Smith and Harper Grace will join her on the dates.

The headlining tour spans 23 cities across the country this summer and fall, visiting Charlotte, Birmingham, Athens, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, Boston and more through November 9. Tickets for the shows go on sale this Friday, June 14 at lilyrosemusic.net.

“After being able to open up for incredible artists like Sam Hunt, Shania Twain and Luke Bryan, I’m so excited to give the fans a full 90-minute set on the headlining tour,” shares Rose. “I feel like we’ve gained so many new fans while playing in amphitheaters and arenas, so I’m excited to see old and new faces for some headlining sets!”

Rose is fresh off of a successful CMA Fest with performances at the Chevy Riverfront Stage and Spotify House, where she hosted all weekend long. She’s heading into a busy summer performing on tour with Bryan and Cole Swindell before taking her just-released EP, Runnin’ Outta Time to fans across the country on the fall tour.

“Runnin’ Outta Time” Tour Dates:
8/22- Savannah, GA. – Victory North *
8/23- Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s *
8/24- Anderson, SC – Wendell’s Dippin Branch *
9/19- Birmingham, AL – Iron City °
9/20- Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre °
9/21- Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre °
9/26- Toronto, Ont., Canada – Opera House °
9/27- Rootstown, OH – Dusty Armadillo °
9/28- Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon °
10/3- Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation ^
10/4- Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live ^
10/5- West Peoria, IL – Crusens ^
10/10- Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine +
10/11- Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall +
10/12- Columbus, OH – The Bluestone +
10/17- Columbia, MO – The Blue Note °
10/18- Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall °
10/24- Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club °
10/25- Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live °
10/26- Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall °
11/7- Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille ^
11/8- Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works ^
11/9- Jordan, NY – Kegs Canal Side ^
* with Jordan Gray
° with Michael Warren
^ with Payton Smith
+ with Harper Grace

Industry Ink: Peter Frampton, Craig Campbell, Micah Christopher, More

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Peter Frampton Honored With 2024 Les Paul Spirit Award

Michael Braunstein & Peter Frampton. Photo: Mitch Conrad

On Sunday (June 9), the 109th birthday of Les Paul, legendary musician Peter Frampton was presented with the 2024 Les Paul Spirit Award at the Gibson Garage Nashville, in partnership with Gibson Gives. The one-of-a-kind award was crafted from a piece of wood taken from Les Paul’s acoustic wall at his Mahwah home, and was hand-carved by Les and his son Rusty.

 

 

Craig Campbell Celebrates 10th Annual Cornhole Challenge With The Kinkead Entertainment Agency

Pictured (L–R): Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Ben Costello, Greg Scott, Craig Campbell, Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Bob Kinkead, Julie Devereux, Remi Heitzman and Maddog Management’s Maddy Grossl. Photo: Bill McClintic

Craig Campbell kicked off CMA Fest week by raising over $28,000 at his 10th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 4. Among those in attendance were members of the The Kinkead Entertainment Agency team.

The event wrapped with a performance by Campbell at the Dr. Pepper AMP Stage on Sunday (June 9).

 

 

Newcomer Micah Christopher Inks With Jeff Roberts Agency

Micah Christopher

Nashville based singer-songwriter Micah Christopher has signed with Jeff Roberts Agency (JRA) for booking representation in preparation for brand new music. In addition to booking with JRA, he is also managed by BrickHouse Entertainment

“From our first meeting with Micah, it was readily evident how talented and capable he was to become a special artist in the faith-based genre,” shares Matt Roberts, JRA General Manager. “He has roots that are tied into the local church and writes songs that come from those authentic experiences. We’re honored and excited to partner with both BrickHouse Entertainment and Micah Christopher.”

BrickHouse Entertainment’s Chase Swayze adds, “Alongside JRA, BrickHouse is excited to be working with Micah Christopher and looking forward to all his future endeavors. We are continually honored to partner with incredible artists like Micah to advance the Gospel through music.”

The Missouri native served in a local church as a worship leader for more than a decade before relocating his family to Nashville to pursue music. His goal is to point people to Jesus through his music and life. Through his partnership with JRA, he will be on the road this summer as a part of a “Community Worship Nights” tour.

 

 

Synapse Publishing & Entertainment Expands Roster

Sarah Harralson

Recording Academy member Sarah Harralson has signed a multi-year publishing and recording deal with Synapse Publishing & Entertainment.

The multi-instrumentalist and Knoxville native has penned multiple albums as well as an original children’s book, Turtle Tears. Harralson has contributed to various philanthropic endeavors, including The America for Bulgaria Foundation, Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Musicians On Call (MOC). She was recently honored by the latter with the Don Solomon Golden Ukulele Award presented to her for providing nearly 20,000 visits to patients over the past ten years.

In addition to this, Synapse’s Delaney Ann has completed another week-long tour promoting her music in Texas. Her recent track, “This Ain’t Country Club,” has garnered over 20,000 streams, 500,000 TikTok views and will released to radio later this month.

Kashus Culpepper Signs With Big Loud Records

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Seth England (CEO / Partner, Big Loud), Kashus Culpepper and
Jay Harren (Manager); (L-R, back row): Patch Culbertson (EVP / GM, Big Loud Records), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Nate Yetton (VP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Stacy Blythe (SVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records) and Jeff Tanner (SVP of Business Affairs, Big Loud). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Rising country crooner Kashus Culpepper has signed with Big Loud Records.

“Truly honored to be a part of the Big Loud family,” Culpepper shares. “They’ve believed in my music and songs since the beginning. Their intense love of music, and the rich history of it all matches mine, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by like-minded people. I’m so excited to be part of this lineup of artists that I’ve listened to for so long. Once again, thank you for believing in my music! Much love!”

Raised in east central Alabama, Culpepper has turned heads with his unique sound that blends country, soul, blues, folk and rock. After finding his voice in church, his growling delivery was curated by studying the likes of Robert Johnson, Louis Armstrong, The Avett Brothers, Ray LaMontagne, Stevie Wonder, Howlin’ Wolf, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Sr., Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers, Nina Simone and more.

During a U.S. Navy deployment in Rota, Spain in 2020, Culpepper picked up the guitar and started playing cover songs requested by his platoon mates around bonfires on base. Once he started writing his own original tunes, he was off to the races.

“The moment I heard Kashus Culpepper’s powerhouse voice I passionately knew that I wanted to work with him,” says Nate Yetton, Big Loud Records VP of A&R. “Kash has vast knowledge and enthusiasm for various genres of music both past and present, and we quickly saw how the combination of immense talent and exceptional taste would be distinguishable pillars of his artistry. I’m beyond thrilled for Big Loud Records to have formed a creative partnership with Kashus Culpepper.”

“Kash is a one-of-one artist,” adds Seth England, Big Loud CEO/Partner. “He’s got raw ability and star quality, and the songs to back all of that up. We’re proud to partner with Kash and help introduce him to the world.”

Culpepper will release the first single of his career, “After Me?,” on June 21. After notching his first headlining home-state show at Mobile’s Soul Kitchen Music Hall, Culpepper impressed across several CMA Fest performances last week. Throughout the summer he will join Needtobreathe’s national touring run and Charley Crockett’s “$10 Cowboy Tour” as well as The Marcus King Band Family Reunion 2024.

Culpepper is represented by CAA’s Jeff Krones, Jacob Lapidus and Chris Burrus, and managed by Jay Harren.

Jelly Roll’s ‘Halfway To Hell’ Hits No. 1 On Country Radio Charts

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Jelly Roll‘s “Halfway To Hell” hit No. 1 on the country radio charts this week.

Featured on his debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel, the song marks the award-winning artist’s fifth consecutive No. 1 and fourth at country radio via Stoney Creek Records. He announced the news during his live performance at Nissan Stadium, where he co-hosted the CMA Fest concert special set to air on June 25.

“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from my fans and country radio,” said Jelly Roll. “It’s a testament to the power of music that I am here at all and I’ve never been more inspired to keep creating. Thank you to everyone that has made this possible. I’m ready to share more music soon…very soon,” he added.

Additionally, Jelly Roll released his new song, “I Am Not Okay,” today (June 12) and will kick off his “Beautifully Broken Tour” in August.

Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, More Among Country Bay Music Festival Lineup

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Pictured (L-R, clockwise) Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Diplo. Photo: Courtesy of AR Entertainment

Zac Brown Band and Carrie Underwood top the lineup for this year’s upcoming Country Bay Music Festival Nov. 9-10 at the Miami Marine Stadium.

This year’s lineup has been expanded and will also include Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Gabby Barrett, Chayce Beckham, Niko Moon, and Redferrin. Rounding out the festival roster are rising stars such as Chase Matthew, Willie Jones, RVSHVD, Owen Riegling, Dee Jay Silver, Orlando Mendez, Ryan Montgomery and DJ ILLMANIK.

“The success of last year’s Country Bay Music Festival was immensely rewarding,” says Nelson Albareda, CEO of Loud And Live. “As a first-year festival, we not only hosted a premier country music festival in Miami featuring stellar artists, but also provided an exceptional experience for our music fans and partner sponsors. The festival reaffirmed our city’s reputation as a vibrant playground and established Miami as a must-visit destination for country music enthusiasts from around the world.”

In addition to the main stage performances, festival goers can immerse themselves in a variety of activities and food vendors including the new Country Carnival, offering breathtaking views from the southern swings and plenty of fun-filled games, sweets and treats. Apart from the rides, festival attendees can put their line dancing skills to the test or challenge the mechanical bull at the revamped Saloon. The Boots and Beer Garden serves up a chill sports bar vibe while at the GrubMarket you can indulge in a food lover’s paradise.

Country Bay Music Festival Tickets will be available for purchase beginning June 14 at 9 a.m. CT.

Weekly Register: Shaboozey Shakes Up Country Albums Chart With New Project

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Shaboozey

Shaboozey‘s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going shakes up the country albums chart this week, debuting at No. 2 with 50K in total consumption (7.8K album only/49 million song streams) according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time maintains its No. 1 streak with 71K (1.2K album only/90 million song streams), while his Dangerous: The Double Album drops to No. 3 with 43K (443 album only/56 million song streams). Zach Bryan‘s self-titled album shifts down to No. 4 with 36K (3.1K album only/43 million song streams), followed by his American Heartbreak at No. 5 with 31K (1K album only/40 million song streams).

On the country streaming songs chart, Wallen and Post Malone‘s “I Had Some Help” continues to hold the top slot with 40 million new streams, adding to 215 million ATD. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” takes No. 2 again with 33 million streams, adding to 254 million ATD, as Bryan’s “Pink Skies” stay at No. 3 with 27 million new streams, adding to 58 million ATD. Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 4 with 14 million streams, adding to 787 million ATD, while Dasha‘s “Austin” returns to No. 5 after three weeks with 13 million new streams, adding to 149 million ATD.

Jon Pardi & ‘Your Heart Or Mine’ Creators Commemorate No. 1 At The Nashville Palace

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul, Capitol Records Nashville’s Chris Schuler, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, UMPG’s Missy Roberts and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad;(L-R, front row): Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Ryan Gore, Justin Ebach, Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and John Pierce. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Members of the music community came together to commemorate Jon Pardi‘s sixth No. 1, “Your Heart Or Mine,” yesterday (June 10) at The Nashville Palace.

The Capitol Records Nashville artist and Ryan Gore co-produced “Your Heart Or Mine” with Bart Butler, who co-wrote the tune alongside Justin Ebach and John Pierce. The song is featured on Pardi’s latest studio album, Mr. Saturday Night, and serves as the follow-up to fellow chart-topping track “Last Night Lonely.”

With a silver disco ball glittering above, the rustic music venue housed rowdy energy as the five collaborators took their seats onstage. The BMI, ASCAP and SESAC-hosted celebration was emceed by BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, who kicked off the party by welcoming the “Your Heart Or Mine” crew and sharing a few words about Pardi, Gore and Butler. Keen then introduced ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, who took the mic to talk about Pierce, before handing it off to SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill. After speaking about Ebach, Cahill invited Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul to stage.

Presentations were then made by both UMPG Nashville’s Missy Roberts and event sponsor Studio Bank’s Rox Cox. Cox shared that Studio Bank had made a special donation to The Starlight Fund on behalf of the artist and songwriters. Created by Pardi and his wife Summer, The Starlight Fund seeks to support youth enrichment in trade, agriculture and construction.

Another presentation was made by Capitol Records Nashville’s Chris Schuler before Gore had the floor to make his remarks and express his gratitude. Butler, Ebach and Pierce followed by giving thanks to all those involved in the hit. Lastly, Pardi was passed the mic and thanked his record label for giving him creative freedom as well as all of the party attendees, his band and everyone who has ever pitched him a song—regardless of whether or not he has recorded it.

“It’s always fun celebrating a No. 1 song, and it always means so much to songwriters and publishers. That’s why I record songs I wrote and that’s why I record songs I didn’t, because I see what it does for everybody,” he stated, adding, “I ain’t done yet. I want more No. 1s, we can get more. I start writing in August, so send me some dates.”

The MLC Seeking Songwriter Candidate Suggestions For Board Of Directors & Committees

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is seeking suggestions for songwriter candidates for its Board of Directors, Dispute Resolution and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight committees.

There is one songwriter representative position on the Board of Directors. The candidate will sit for three-year terms with the opportunity to be re-elected. Seats are filled in accordance to The MLC’s bylaws.

Additionally, the MLC has three committee songwriter seats open. One is on the Dispute Resolution Committee, where they will recommend policies and procedures to the board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership. The two seats on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee will recommend policies and procedures to the board pertaining to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties. Elected committee candidates will serve for three-year terms and are eligible for re-election.

The board and committees meet regularly, with all meetings taking place virtually so travel is not required. More information on the Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here.

Suggestions for songwriter seats will be accepted until July 11.

Austin Jenkins Named Vice President, A&R At Island Records

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Austin Jenkins

Austin Jenkins has been named Vice President, A&R at Island Records.

Since joining Island in 2023, he has played a key role in the signing and development of artists such as Wyatt Flores and Medium Build, among others. In his new position, Jenkins will continue to lead the label’s Nashville operations while identifying, signing and cultivating talent.

“Austin’s love of music and the creative community is infectious,” state Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-CEOs of Island Records. “He’s a magnet for artists and his presence is critical to the label’s culture and future. We’re thrilled he’ll continue his work at Island in an elevated role representing the label in Nashville and beyond.”

“Justin and Imran have architected an environment where true artistry flourishes and risk-taking isn’t just encouraged; it’s championed,” says Jenkins. “We have the latitude to really make some noise and amplify the voices of incredible and innovative artists. I’m looking forward to what the future holds in this position.”

The Weatherford, Texas native’s industry experience ranges from being a performer and songwriter, to producer and label executive. He founded and served as the guitarist and songwriter for Texas band White Denim. In 2014, Jenkins stepped away from the group and co-founded the Niles City Sound recording studio in Fort Worth with Josh Block and Chris Vivion. He and Block then discovered Leon Bridges and co-produced, recorded and mixed his Platinum-certified full-length debut album, Coming Home, under the Niles City Sound name. Jenkins toured as part of Bridges’ band in addition to playing guitar and bass on the Grammy-nominated collection.