Industry Ink: Thomas Rhett, Chris Janson, Laura Veltz, Bobby Bones, More

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Thomas Rhett Previews New Songs For WME At Special Acoustic Performance

Pictured (L-R): Samantha Thornton (G Major), Taylor Venis (G Major), Joey Lee (WME), Thomas Rhett, Virginia Bunetta (G Major), Sloane Logue (WME) and Madeline Lary (G Major)

Thomas Rhett stopped by WME Nashville this week to share new music, treating the office to a stripped-down acoustic performance and a preview of unreleased songs, including his upcoming single “Be There In A Minute,” out now. Sitting down with WME Nashville Co-Head Joey Lee, Rhett shared the stories behind the songs and reflected on a career that’s taken him from opening act to arena and stadium headliner since first signing with WME in 2011.

 

Chris Janson Headlines Palmetto Freedom Fest

Chris Janson. Photo: Second Floor Media

Chris Janson returned to headline the 5th Annual Palmetto Freedom Fest on Oct. 30, helping the event exceed $1 million in donations for the second consecutive year. Held on the Grand Lawn at Credit One Stadium, the evening benefited the Palmetto State Chapter of Folds of Honor. Themed “Good Vibes for a Great Cause” the event brought together live music, live and silent auctions and moments highlighting the families served by Folds of Honor.

All proceeds benefit the Palmetto State Chapter’s mission to provide scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving. During the 2025–2026 academic year, the chapter awarded 246 scholarships and provided more than $1.1 million in educational support to South Carolina families.

 

Laura Veltz Hosts Special Listening Room Show With Ashley McBryde & More 

Pictured (L-R): Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz, Luke Dick, and Chris Blair (Owner & Founder, The Listening Room). Photo: Ashlee Cooney

Songwriter Laura Veltz hosted a special night of music and storytelling for a cause at The Listening Room Cafe on Nov. 4. The songwriter round featured performances from Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde and Luke Dick, and served as a fundraiser in support of sending local Nashville 12U baseball team The M.A.D. Mavericks to Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York next year. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, exclusively reserved for 12-year-old athletes, includes a week of youth baseball at Cooperstown Dreams Park and special access to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

 

Bobby Bones To Host ‘Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic’ At Daytona International Speedway

Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones has been tapped to host the inaugural “Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic” at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Presented by Ford, in collaboration with NASCAR, IMSA, HSR and Blue Star Families, the first-of-its-kind military tribute race and concert will unite racing, music and service in support of the nation’s military community. The race and performances will air live from 8-10 p.m. ET on USA Network, Fandango and TikTok Live.

The race will be paired with musical performances, headlined by Zac Brown Band featuring Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer, and Warren Zeiders. Proceeds will benefit six nonprofits: Blue Star Families, Camp Southern Ground, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Team Rubicon, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and The Travis Manion Foundation.

Randy & Chelsea Rogers Receive New Braunfels Community Foundation’s Philanthropist Of The Year Award

Photo: Kaitlynn Hutchins/New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Randy and Chelsea Rogers were honored with the New Braunfels Community Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year award, also known as the Eager award, during the fifth annual Champions of Charity luncheon Tuesday. The couple was selected for the award for their charitable work through their nonprofit, the Randy Rogers Family Foundation. RRFF supports nonprofits through its Golf Jam and Pickleball Jam events. In April, RRFF held Golf Jam at Landa Park Golf Course and on the Wurstfest grounds, raising over $720,000 to be donated the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation. Last month, RRFF raised $50,000 for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area through Pickleball Jam.

 

Connor McCutcheon Inks With The Loop Group 

Dan Battaglia, Connor McCutcheon and John Cantu

Connor McCutcheon has signed with the Loop Group for booking, label, and artist services. McCutcheon released his new single, “Dopamine,” a feel-good country-pop anthem today (Nov. 6) via Loop Artist Services.

“I’m so excited and blessed to join the Loop family,” says McCutcheon. “I’ve been writing my best music with my favorite people, and Dan, John, and the rest of the Loop team are the perfect fit to take it all to the next level. We’ve got a ton of exciting plans for 2027, and my next single ‘Dopamine’ is just the beginning.”

Joe Noto Signs With Off Road Records

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Pictured (L-R): Madison McCay (Director, Marketing & Brand Partnerships, Off Road Records), David Fanning (President, Off Road Records), Joe Noto, Jamie Graves (SVP, Marketing & Promotion, Off Road Records) and Becca Bradshaw (Director, Digital Marketing, Off Road Records). Photo: Noah Sties.

Joe Noto has signed with Off Road Records, the Nashville-based label founded by David Fanning in partnership with Reservoir.

Proud of his Italian heritage and raised on the coast of Florida, Noto moved to Music City in 2021. Since then, he has opened for Jake Owen, Russell Dickerson, Mitchell Tenpenny and Craig Morgan. He made his label debut with the October release of “Gotta Know About That.”

“Country music has always been about telling stories, but I’ve never believed it needs to sound one way to feel like country music,” says Noto. “My goal has always been to bring my own influences and stories to the table, and to sound like nobody other than myself. From day one, everyone at Off Road understood that. We want to push boundaries and embrace what makes my version of country music different. I’m incredibly grateful to have a team that believes in doing things our own way, and I’m stoked for everyone to hear what we’ve got coming.”

“From the moment we first met Joe I knew he would be a perfect fit for Off Road Records,” shares Fanning, President of Off Road Records.”It’s a pleasure to work with an artist who is so passionate and knows who he is. We are excited to start this journey together.”

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly covers several notable changes across the country music industry, including staff departures at Warner Records Nashville and Triple Tigers Records, new team additions at THE PRNT COMPANY and a series of artist signings and publishing deals. Click here to see the full edition.

Warner Records Nashville is making staff changes that will see several team members depart the label, including Fount Lynch, SVP of Publicity, and Torie Mason, SVP of Marketing. At Triple Tigers Records, Annie Ortmeier has stepped down as Co-President, with Raffaella Braun named as her successor.

THE PRNT COMPANY has expanded its team with four new hires. Townsend Hoffman joins as Head of Tour Operations, while Mary Chandler Hicks takes on the role of Marketing Coordinator, Campaign Development & Strategy. Jenna Davis joins as Marketing Coordinator, Digital & Fan Engagement, and Bailey Barham has been named Administrative Coordinator.

The week also brought several new deals and partnerships. Lauren Daigle has signed with Interscope/Capitol/CCMG, while Tenille Arts has joined Muse Creative Management. Chase Wright has signed a deal with Lady Luck Songs, which also welcomed Chris Andreucci to its publishing roster through a deal with Lady Luck Songs/Losers Publishing. Andreucci has also signed a management deal with Cypress MGMT.

Karleigh Schmidt has signed a publishing deal with Big Loud Texas Publishing, while Park Chisolm has inked a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with River House Artists.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Rethink Some Things.” 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.

Wynonna Judd To Be Honored With ASCAP Golden Note Award

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Wynonna. Photo: Thomas Crabtree

ASCAP will present Wynonna Judd with its Golden Note Award at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriter Awards on Nov. 16.

The award recognizes significant career achievements by songwriters, composers and artists. Previous recipients include Garth Brooks, Tom Petty, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson and Don Williams, among others.

“Wynonna’s legendary career is defined by a singular, powerhouse voice and a rich body of work that has permanently shaped the landscape of American music,” says ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “As we honor her with the ASCAP Golden Note Award, we celebrate a true trailblazer whose soulful, unmistakable sound continues to inspire generations of music creators.”

Judd launched her solo career in 1992 with the release of her self-titled debut album, quickly establishing herself as a standout voice in country music. Throughout her career, she has earned five Grammy Awards, released multiple platinum-selling albums and toured to sold-out crowds. Building on the traditional country sound she developed with The Judds, she went on to explore a range of styles, earning success on both the country and dance charts.

Her early solo albums, the 5x Platinum Wynonna and platinum-selling Tell Me Why, featured hits including “No One Else on Earth,” “Tell Me Why,” “She Is His Only Need,” “Girls with Guitars” and “I Saw the Light.”

Most recently, Judd released The Hard Truth via ANTI-Records. The 10-track album marked her first project featuring her own co-writes and draws on personal experiences. The album earned more than 1.3 million streams in its first week and debuted in the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. She is currently touring North America on “The Hard Truth Tour.”

Maddie Font Makes Solo Debut With New EP

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Maddie Font, formerly of the multi-Platinum selling duo Maddie & Tae, has released her debut solo EP, Drive Me Around.

“Stepping into this new chapter on my own has been equal parts exciting and scary, but the love and encouragement I’ve felt along the way has meant more than I could ever put into words,” says Font. “I’m so grateful for the friends, family and every single one of you who have cheered me on and made this new beginning feel a little less scary and a whole lot sweeter.”

Produced by Jonathan Singleton and Chip Matthews, the collection features four tracks all co-written by Font alongside Brent Anderson, Kelly Archer, Anna Vaus and more.

“I wrote this EP with some of my best friends and learned so much about myself and my writing process along the way,” continues Font. “These songs hold such a special place in my heart, and I hope fans find a little piece of themselves in them, too.”

Font has two upcoming tour dates in Poway, California.

Drive Me Around Track List:
1. “Drive Me Around” (Maddie Font, Jonathan Singleton, Brent Anderson)
2. “Make It Up To Me” (Maddie Font, Justin Ebach, Kelly Archer)
3. “All The Red In California” (Maddie Font, Jonathan Singleton, Brent Anderson, Anna Vaus)
4. “When A Woman Stops Crying” (Maddie Font, Anna Vaus, Taylor Kerr)

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening Of Roger Miller Exhibit

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Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Roger’s wife Mary Miller and Museum CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the life and career of the late Country Music Hall of Fame member Roger Miller at the opening of its newest exhibit, “Roger Miller: Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder,” last night (Nov. 5).

The evening featured Grammy-winning artist Dwight Yoakam performing Miller’s songs “Dang Me” and “Invitation to the Blues,” and Yoakam’s own “It Only Hurts Me When I Cry,” which he penned with Miller.

The exhibit follows the story of Miller, whose multi talents earned him a flood of accolades and widespread affection from the public, and includes a short film produced by the museum and narrated by Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart. Visitors will see clothing, awards, handwritten notes, song manuscripts, instruments, Miller’s motorcycle and rare footage of Miller’s TV appearances and performances. An illustrated and in-depth exhibit catalog supplements the gallery presentation, featuring historical photos and artifacts from the exhibit and a foreword by Yoakam and is available to purchase through the Museum Store.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum will hold a panel discussion tomorrow (Nov. 7), featuring the late musician’s wife, Mary Miller, a former member of Kenny Rogers’ group the First Edition; Country Music Hall of Fame member and Miller’s close friend Bill Anderson, who first met Miller in the 1950s when both were struggling songwriters; and Randy Hart, Miller’s musical director/ bandleader who currently serves as staff pianist and assistant music director at the Grand Ole Opry.

A Songwriter Session with Miller’s son Dean Miller will also take place on Feb. 6. Other public programs and arts and crafts programming for families will be held throughout the life of the exhibit.

Clay Walker Heads Into The Holidays With New Family Christmas Album, Tour

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A Clay Walker Family Christmas, a new holiday collection featuring Walker, his wife Jessica, and their five children, is out now.

The album features the Walkers including Will (18), Mary-Elizabeth (16), Eli (13), Ezra (8), and Christian (5) on timeless classics such as “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and more, as well as an original holiday single, “All Wrapped Up in You.”

“There is nothing more special than the moments we share as family at Christmastime,” says Walker. “Music is a huge part of those memories, and I’ve dreamed about recording with my kids for years. Now that they are learned in the art, it just made perfect sense. The album will be here long after I am gone, and they will have it to play for their kids and grandkids, and the thought of that warms me to the core.”

Following the album’s release, the first-ever “A Clay Walker Family Christmas Tour” will kick off Nov. 27 in Warren, Ohio, wrapping Dec. 22 with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Select shows will include a toy drive, encouraging fans to spread holiday cheer by bringing a toy for a child in need. The tour will also feature special holiday tour merchandise and appearances by Santa.

A Clay Walker Family Christmas Track List:
1. “Jingle Bell Rock” (performed by Clay Walker)
2. “Frosty The Snowman” (Clay Walker)
3. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (Will Walker)
4. “Feliz Navidad” (Clay Walker)
5. “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” (Mary-Elizabeth Walker)
6. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Mary-Elizabeth Walker)
7. “All Wrapped Up In You” (Clay Walker)
8. “Please Come Home For” Christmas (Eli Walker)
9. “Holly Jolly Christmas” (Clay Walker)
10. “Little Drummer Boy” (Mary-Elizabeth Walker, Ezra Walker)
11. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (The Christmas Story) (Clay, Jessica, Will, Mary-Elizabeth, Eli, Ezra and Christiaan Walker)

The Band Perry Celebrates The Holidays On New EP

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The Band Perry is celebrating the holidays with the release of their new EP, A Very Band Perry Christmas, out now.

Produced by Beau Bedford, the project features renditions of “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Blue Christmas,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”

The project adds to the band’s previous holiday releases, which include their Billboard Hot Country Songs-charting version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” as well as their 2011 feature on Justin Bieber’s “Home This Christmas.” This year, the band unveiled their first new music in nine years with the release of “PSYCHOLOGICAL,” “You Lie (Forever Version)” and “Pistol.”

The band is gearing up for a trio of holiday shows at Big Machine Distillery in Nashville on Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. They will also appear at Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry House on Dec. 2.

A Very Band Perry Christmas Track List:
1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff)
2. “Blue Christmas” (Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson)
3. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (Public Domain)
4. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” (Johnny Marks)

Hot Country Knights Bring Some Fun To The Holidays With New Collection ‘O Holy Knight’

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The Hot Country Knights are focusing their fun-filled zaniness on the season with their new four-song holiday soundtrack, O Holy Knight, due out Nov. 20.

The collection’s leadoff track “Mrs. Claus” is equal parts classic cheating song and North Pole scandal, following Doug Douglason’s reunion with an old flame while her husband is away making his annual deliveries. Douglason knows the affair is wrong, but some temptations are worth checking twice, and fans can see how things turn out in the new video here.

On O Holy Knight, Douglason and the boys unwrap the season’s more questionable traditions, trading mistletoe kisses, yuletide indiscretions and post-Christmas confusion for anything but a silent night. Dierks Bentley returns as producer along with longtime collaborator Jim Beavers as co-producer on the project, which opens with “Call Me Santa,” featuring Deez Chest-Nutz, a not-so-subtle proposition to put the romance back in Christmas. Hoping to take some stress out of the season, Douglason promises to make Christmas wishes come true with a few caveats, including a cold beer and the possibility of the boys showing up once the game comes on.

On “Mr. Mistletoe,” Hot Country Knights take a more entrepreneurial approach to holiday romance, turning a sprig of seasonal greenery into a personal calling card at the honky-tonk. Sporting mistletoe on his cowboy hat and keeping an eye on the jukebox, Douglason is ready to offer any country girl a Christmas kiss. Closing out the festivities, “Happy Holitaint” takes on that notorious stretch between Christmas and New Year’s Eve when the bottles are empty, the stockings are un-hung and nobody quite knows what day it is. With the family finally gone and the holiday obligations behind, Marty Ray “Rayro” Roburn sings about the perfect occasion for a little alone time.

“I have nothing but respect for Mariah Carey, but it’s time somebody gave her a little competition,” explains Douglason. “I’ve got the whole package: the pipes, the presence, the staying power and let’s just say I’ve never had any complaints about my Christmas performance. The world is ready for a new holiday tradition, and O HOLY KNIGHT is here to make spirits rise and stockings come down for many years to come.”

O Holy Knight Track List:
1. “Call Me Santa” (ft. Deez Chest-Nutz)
2. “Mrs. Claus”
3. “Mr. Mistletoe”
4. “Happy Holitaint”

Luke Combs Reaches No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Luke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein

Luke Combs has reached the top of the MusicRow Radio Chart with his track “Rethink Some Things.”

The song comes off of Combs’ sixth studio album, The Way I Am, and was written by Combs, Jacob Davis, Dan Isbell, and Reid Isbell.

Combs notched three nominations for the 60th Annual CMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.

“Rethink Some Things” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.