Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts Musician Spotlight With Mac McAnally
Ben Ford and Mac McAnally. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally participated in a Musician Spotlight program at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sept. 13.
During Musician Spotlights, artists perform, share inside stories and discuss their creative process and technique. McAnally is a 10-time CMA Musician of the Year. Kenny Chesney has recorded two tracks from McAnally’s 1990 album, Simple Life including “Back Where I Come From” and “Down the Road,” a duet with McAnally. He also penned “All These Years” and “Thank God for You” for Sawyer Brown, “Old Flame” for Alabama and “Two Dozen Roses” for Shenandoah. He is also a longtime member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.
Joe Nichols Celebrates Triple Platinum Certification For ‘Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off’ At Billy Bob’s Texas
Mike Nash, Joe Nichols and Kendra Whitehead. Photo: Jessica Crans
Joe Nichols was recently surprised with a plaque celebrating the Triple Platinum certification of his No. 1 hit “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” at his show at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. The song has surpassed three million in sales, and rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard Country Airplay Chart and the Radio & Records Country National Airplay Chart.
Nichols, whose catalogue recently surpassed three billion streams, continues to climb the charts with his latest single “Say La V,” which earned Nichols the biggest radio impact date of his career.
Bobby Bones, Dollar General & iHeartRadio Give Back To Mountain Pine School District
Bobby Bones reads to students during school visit.
Bobby Bones, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and iHeartRadio recently visited Bones’ hometown in Mountain Pine, Arkansas to give back to his former schools in the Mountain Pine School District during National Literacy Month in September. The event included a surprise $50,000 donation from Dollar General’s Reading Revolution program, which may be used to purchase books, technology programs, computers and education supplies or resources needed to advance literacy gains. Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio provided more than 700 free new books for students’ personal libraries. Additional donations included DG gift cards for supplies and materials for all teachers and staff from Dollar General as well as a copy of Bones’ children’s book, Stanley The Dog: The First Day of School for each elementary student and a copy of Bones’ bestselling motivational memoir, Fail Until You Don’t: Fight. Grind. Repeat for all Mountain Pine High School students.
“Growing up in Mountain Pine, books and education gave me the opportunity to believe bigger things were possible,” says Bones. “Every student deserves that same chance. Being able to come back home, put books into students hands and help invest in these schools means a lot. I’m grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and iHeartRadio for joining me in supporting the next generation of kids in Mountain Pine.”
The Listening Room Launches New Sunday Singin’ Faith-Based Series
The Listening Room is hosting a new monthly “Sunday Singin‘” series. The event is centered around sharing hymns and messages of faith. The first installment, hosted by Rebecca Lynn Howard, will feature Tommy Sims and Chuck Cannon on Sept. 27.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Showcase Photo Exhibit From Lawson Little
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled a new photo exhibit, “Grit and Glory: The Photography of Lawson Little,” featuring a selection of photos from Little’s career. The exhibit is free and will be open to the public until August 2027 in the museum’s first-floor gallery.
Mentored by a local street photographer while he was growing up, Little attended the Rhode Island School of Design and photographed musicians for commercial work in Southern California and Nashville. Highlights of photographs on display include Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess and staff of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville (1972), Roy Acuff performing a yo-yo trick onstage at the Ryman in Nashville (1972), Tammy Wynette backstage at the Ryman (1972), Dwight Yoakam at the Exit/In in Nashville (2000), Billy Joe Shaver on the floor of the Opry in Nashville (2001) and more.
Lee Newton Inks With Wildhorse Records
Photo: Courtesy of Wildhorse Records
Lee Newton has signed with Wildhorse Records. Lee is Josie Music Awards winner, an ISSA Entertainer of the Year and received the 2025 ISSA Song of the Year for “Meant To Be.”
“Lee is an incredibly talented artist with a genuine love for country music, and we are excited to work alongside her on select songs and upcoming projects,” says Brian Orr, Founder and CEO of Wildhorse Records. “This partnership brings together Lee’s unmistakable voice and talent with Wildhorse Records’ commitment to creating and promoting great country music. We believe this is the beginning of something special. Stay tuned! There’s much more to come!”
Tape Room Music Holds 12 Singles In Top 40 On Country Airplay Charts
/by Madison HahnenTape Room Music continues to make an impact on the country charts, with 12 songs currently in the Country Airplay top 40. More than half of those songs are also inside the top 20.
Kenny Chesney’s “Carry On,” written by Matt Jenkins, is nearing the top of the chart. Morgan Wallen’s “Been By Now,” written by Taylor Phillips, and Lauren Alaina’s “All My Exes” featuring Chase Matthew, written by Ben Johnson, are also climbing. Phillips and Johnson recently celebrated another No. 1 with Kane Brown’s “Woman,” which remains in the top 20. Phillips also has Brantley Gilbert’s “GOOD DAMN” continuing its climb.
Wyatt McCubbin has three songs in the top 40, including Riley Green’s “Think As You Drunk,” which is approaching the top 10, along with Jon Pardi’s “Boots Off” and Cody Johnson’s “Horseback.” Beau Bailey, who earned back-to-back No. 1s earlier this year, has reached the top 20 with Hudson Westbrook’s “Painted You Pretty.” Russell Dickerson’s “Worth Your Wild,” written by Casey Brown, is also in the top 25.
Tucker Wetmore’s “Who Told You That,” written by Hunter Phelps, and Gavin Adcock’s “Wannabe,” written by Brad Clawson, round out Tape Room’s songs in the top 40.
Phillips and Tape Room Founder Ashley Gorley recently joined co-writers to celebrate Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” at a double No. 1 party at Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville.
Tape Room Music Singles in the top 40:
No. 3 – “Carry On” – Kenny Chesney (Matt Jenkins)
No. 4 – “Been By Now” – Morgan Wallen (Taylor Phillips)
No. 6 – “All My Exes” – Lauren Alaina ft. Chase Matthew (Ben Johnson)
No. 11 – “Think As You Drunk” – Riley Green (Wyatt McCubbin)
No. 18 – “Painted You Pretty” – Hudson Westbrook (Beau Bailey)
No. 19 – “Woman” – Kane Brown (Taylor Phillips, Ben Johnson)
No. 20 – “Boots Off” – Jon Pardi (Wyatt McCubbin)
No. 23 – “Worth Your Wild” – Russell Dickerson (Casey Brown)
No. 26 – “Horseback” – Cody Johnson (Wyatt McCubbin)
No. 34 – “GOOD DAMN” – Brantley Gilbert (Taylor Phillips)
No. 35 – “Who Told You That” – Tucker Wetmore (Hunter Phelps)
No. 38 – “Wannabe” – Gavin Adcock (Brad Clawson)
Gene Simmons To Receive IEBA Lifetime Achievement Award In October
/by Lorie HollabaughGene Simmons
Musician, entrepreneur and KISS co-founder Gene Simmons will be honored with the IEBA’s (International Entertainment Buyers Association) Lifetime Achievement Award during the IEBA 2026 Honors & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 6 at The Pinnacle Nashville.
Simmons has been one of rock’s most recognizable and influential figures for over five decades. As co-founder, bassist and vocalist of KISS, he helped transform the band into a global phenomenon, combining music, spectacle, branding and a live experience that influenced generations of artists and reshaped expectations for the rock concert. KISS was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
“Gene Simmons embodies the kind of lasting impact the IEBA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize,” says Brian Wagner, Executive Director of IEBA. “KISS didn’t simply build a catalog of iconic music; they changed the scale and possibilities of the live concert experience. Gene’s vision for connecting music, performance, spectacle and brand has influenced generations of artists and live entertainment professionals, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate that legacy at IEBA 2026.”
The IEBA Honors & Awards Ceremony recognizes outstanding achievement across the live entertainment business, with IEBA members selecting winners in categories including Club, Casino, Theater, Arena, Amphitheater, Fair/Expo and Festival of the Year, as well as awards recognizing leading talent buyers, agents, promoters, venue executives, young professionals and music and entertainment industry educators.
The ceremony will also celebrate the 2026 IEBA Hall of Fame class, with inductions honoring Chubby Checker and Gil Cunningham. Established in 2010, the IEBA Hall of Fame recognizes those whose lasting contributions have helped shape the live entertainment industry. The Honors & Awards cap three days of programming, bringing together the professionals who drive the live entertainment business at IEBA 2026, Oct, 4–6.
Elevation Nights Announces West Coast Winter Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Elevation Nights Winter 2027 Tour,” featuring Elevation Worship, Pastor Steven Furtick and Elevation Rhythm, is returning this winter beginning Feb. 25.
The West Coast run of the tour will include stops in Spokane, Oakland, San Diego, Phoenix, and more, through March 7. Elevation Worship will lead fan favorites including “Praise,” “Trust In God” and “Rattle!” alongside new music including “Jesus Be The Name” and “God I’m Just Grateful.” Elevation Rhythm will also take the stage with songs including “Goodbye Yesterday” and their latest release, “Washed.”
Tickets for the Winter 2027 tour go on pre-sale Sept. 18 with the code ALLELUIA, and on sale for the public begins Sept. 19.
Elevation Nights is also gearing up for its fall tour, with October stops at eight arenas across the Midwest, and tickets for select fall dates are still available. Elevation Worship have released 18 albums, and their latest album So Be It is on track to be the group’s biggest solo album to date. It includes standout singles, “Jesus Be The Name”, “God I’m Just Grateful,” and the title track.
BMI Launches BMI Health Connect Healthcare Coverage Service
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI has launched a new free service, BMI Health Connect, designed to help its music creators find healthcare coverage.
The service is available exclusively for its U.S.-based songwriters and composers, and makes it easier to find the right healthcare coverage for them and their immediate families. Created in collaboration with Gallagher Alternative Health Solutions, a global leader in insurance brokerage, the program connects creators with advisors who provide personalized, one-on-one guidance to help understand options and choose the best healthcare coverage that fits their individual needs, circumstances and budget.
Through BMI Health Connect, music creators will be able to understand and compare nationally recognized health coverage options, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange plans, private off-exchange plans and Medicare, as well as dental, vision and other types of insurance offerings. They can also get answers to questions from independent and unbiased healthcare insurance experts who have access to hundreds of insurance plans, including those not available on state exchanges, and whose goal is to help find the best insurance options available.
“Supporting our music creators is at the heart of everything we do at BMI,” says Mike O’Neill, CEO, BMI. “We know first-hand from our affiliates that finding the right healthcare coverage can be overwhelming and isn’t a one size-fits-all experience, especially for music creators and their families. BMI Health Connect was created to help bring clarity to an often-complex process and connect our songwriters and composers with a trusted resource so they can spend less time navigating health coverage and more time doing what they do best – creating the world’s best music.”
BMI Health Connect is available right now, and BMI affiliates are encouraged to contact an advisor before open enrollment begins for ample time to ask questions and go over available options. BMI Affiliates in need of immediate coverage can enroll in short-term medical plans right now or enroll in other plans with a Qualifying Life Event. Click here to learn more or call (833) 997-5805.
Enrollment deadlines for 2027 coverage:
Medicare Open Enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
ACA Open Enrollment: Nov. 1 – Dec. 15
Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers & Chris Stapleton To Open 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards Show
/by Lorie HollabaughTom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty‘s Heartbreakers band will reunite tonight (Sept. 16) in Nashville for a history-making performance featuring Chris Stapleton at the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium.
The original members of the Heartbreakers—Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch and Ron Blair—will open the show with the special reunion performance, and will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during tonight’s ceremony. Heartbreakers Steve Ferrone and Scott Thurston will join onstage for a final song. Doors open at the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at 5 p.m. CT, and show time is 6:30 p.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Heartbreakers will also discuss the legacy of the band during the panel, “Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: 50 Years,” at the AMERICANAFEST Business Conference at the Embassy Suites Downtown Nashville on Thursday (Sept. 17). AMERICANAFEST Wristband or Conference Day Passes can be purchased here.
Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum & Integrity Toys Launch New ‘Dolly Dolls’ Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of the Dolly Parton Estate
Dolly Parton is being commemorated in a series of new collector Dolly Dolls in conjunction with Integrity Toys and her new Life of Many Colors Museum.
Dolly and her team had been working on the new Dolly Dolls for more than a year alongside Integrity Toys, and Dolly can be seen joking and playing with one of the dolls in a recently released video snippet as part of behind-the-scenes footage for her Life of Many Colors Museum. This latest iteration of Dolly Dolls marks a new chapter in a long history of Dolly-inspired dolls, dating back to the 1970s.
The first three Dolly Dolls feature Dolly recreated in 1:6 (12-inch) scale, with a vinyl, poseable body. The outfits are all based on looks from her personal fashion archive, and each doll’s outfit and accessories are handcrafted with luxurious details and couture styling. Each doll’s makeup palette has also been created to match specific products in Dolly’s “Dolly Beauty” line.
The Dreamin’ in Gingham Dolly Doll features a gingham and denim look with custom embroidered roses and a blinged-out custom-designed guitar that matches one played by Dolly on stage, as well as fabulous shoes and jewelry, including a Dolly signature necklace.
The World on Fire Dolly Doll features a fashion reminiscent of the one Dolly wore to the 2023 ACM awards, with a custom top with zip front and tails, crystal rhinestone and glittered embellishments, buckle details and a decorative cross zipper pull, custom matching rhinestone pants and a custom faux-leather capelet with buckles. The doll has a removable massive overskirt printed with a graphic of the world map, and also comes with a mic stand with a detachable wireless mic and jewelry and shoes.
The Diamond in a Rhinestone World Museum-Exclusive Dolly Doll is only available in person at the Life of Many Colors Museum and features an elaborate custom rhinestone-embellished white suit styled to match one of Dolly’s fashions visitors will see at the Museum. The look features a miniature of Dolly’s butterfly “jeweled” necklace among other jewelry, sparkling shoes, and an embellished electric guitar with neck strap.
“I have come a long way from that cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, but I am still the same girl of many colors that I was then,” Dolly said in a statement that has been included on the dolls’ package. “I am so excited to have my newest tiny tassel top to share with all of you. Her corn silk colored hair has come a long, long way too! Integrity Toys, along with my archive team, has lovingly created a beautiful collection of brand new Dolly Dolls. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.”
“There is no celebrity who is more beloved than Dolly Parton,” says Carol Roth, who helped put together and manage the collaboration for Integrity Toys. “She is not only a global pop culture icon, entertainer, fashionista and philanthropist, but she is an ambassador to being beautiful inside and out. It is the Integrity Toys team’s complete honor and privilege to have worked with Dolly and her incredible, thoughtful team on carefully crafting a museum-worthy, beautiful tribute in doll-size that captures Dolly’s essence and unique style and that collectors and fans alike can proudly display and love for decades to come.”
The Dreamin’ in Gingham and World on Fire dolls have limited quantities available at the Life of Many Colors Museum online store here and also have quantities available in the Museum store in person for visitors. Diamond in a Rhinestone World is available exclusively in-person at the Museum store for Museum visitors. Fans and collectors desiring more information on these or future Dolly Dolls can join the email notification list at integritytoys.com/dollydolls.
Ava Liv Mabry Signs With Blue Highway Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, front row): Blue Highway Records CEO Jake Basden and Ava Liv Mabry. (L-R, back row): Blue Highway Records’ Megan Joyce, Ashley Sidoti, Sam Lockhart, Chandler Nicole Sherrill and Darielle Carroll. Photo: Meg Reynolds
Singer-songwriter Ava Liv Mabry has inked with Blue Highway Records.
Mabry began pursuing music as a teenager, busking on the streets of her hometown. Now based in Franklin, Tennessee, she has built her career independently, writing much of her own material and developing her sound on her own terms.
In 2024, Mabry became the youngest-ever recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Abe Olman Scholarship for Songwriting Excellence. The award has previously gone to songwriters including Lori McKenna, Jordan Davis, Bebe Rexha, Madi Diaz, John Legend and Amy Allen.
At 20, Mabry continues to draw attention with songs like “Dreamboat,” “Roman Empire,” “Generations” and “Five Year Plan.” Her music has appeared on editorial playlists such as Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Apple Music’s Breaking Singer-Songwriter, along with sync placements with Hallmark and Netflix. She has also worked with established writers including Dave Barnes, Mags Duval, Sam Tinnesz and Casey Smith.
“I started singing on the street in downtown Franklin when I was 13 years old, multiple times per week, with the goal of making just one person stop,” shares Mabry. “I’ve thought about those moments often during the process of signing with Blue Highway, especially when I heard the name was inspired by the backroads across America, and the paths less taken. Singing my songs on the street, sometimes even in the pouring rain, has been the ‘blue highway’ that brought me here. And now, this feels like the start of a new road for me. I couldn’t love my team more, and I am over the moon excited to start this journey with them.”
“Ava’s voice represents the heart of the future,” adds Blue Highway Records CEO, Jake Basden. “Honest, hopeful and willing, she leans into small moments and delivers whole worlds where almost everyone has taken up residence. Whether the recognition of established adults or young people making their way in the world, I believe this is an important young voice who’s destined to define the things that matter to her peers and generation.”
Mabry’s first release on the label, “Audrey,” will be this Friday (Sept. 18). She recently sold-out her first-ever headline show at Cannery Hall in Nashville, and will support Jenna Raine and Jenna Davis on upcoming dates in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta and more.
Jeremy Lister Inks With Jody Williams Songs & Warner Chappell Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Tenasie Courtright (JWS Director, Creative & A&R), Nina Fisher (JWS VP/GM), Sophie Hopkins (Warner Chappell Music Senior Director, Sync) and Jody Williams (JWS Founder and CEO) (L to R, front row): Jeremy Lister and Jonah Gordon (JWS Manager, Sync/A&R). Photo: Anna Norwood
Jeremy Lister has signed a global publishing deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
A Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter and producer, Lister has built a strong track record of music placements across film, television and advertising. His work has been featured on shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Found and All American, as well as in campaigns for Jeep, Toyota, Google and T-Mobile.
Lister is also an accomplished recording artist, having performed with vocal group Street Corner Symphony and as a solo artist with Nashville songwriter collective Ten Out Of Tenn. He has most recently toured as a background vocalist for Post Malone. His solo releases and collaborations with Alison Krauss are among his career highlights. At Jody Williams Songs, Lister will serve as the company’s first dedicated sync writer while also writing for artists across multiple genres.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to JWS,” shares Jonah Gordon, Jody Williams Songs Manager, Sync/A&R. “He embodies all of the talent and skill for JWS to excel in the sync area and beyond.”
“Jonah’s first signing at JWS is a perfect fit for us,” says Nina Fisher, Jody Williams Songs VP/GM. “Jeremy is a master of his craft, and we are excited to help him build the next chapters of his career.”
“I’ve known Jody for almost my entire 23 years in Nashville, and I’m honored to finally be working with him,” adds Lister. “I’m also thrilled to be back with my longtime sync wizard and pal Jonah Gordon from my Big Yellow Dog years. Over the last few months, I’ve gotten to know Nina, Tenasie [Courtright] and the rest of the JWS team, and I’ve been so impressed by how much time they pour into their writers, their warmth, and the family atmosphere there. I can’t wait to add something new to their already incredible catalog.”
JUST IN: CMA To Produce Two-Hour Live TV Special Honoring Dolly Parton
/by Madison HahnenDolly Parton.
The Country Music Association will honor Dolly Parton with a two-hour television special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The event will air live on ABC and Disney+ internationally on Oct. 21 from 8-10 p.m. CST. It will also be available the following day on Hulu.
The special will celebrate Parton’s life and career through live performances, archival footage and personal stories. It will highlight her work as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur, as well as her lasting impact on generations of fans.
Robert Deaton is executive producer of the project. The special is being produced through a partnership between CMA and Belmont University and will be filmed live at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
“Dolly Parton belonged to the whole world, but she was born of this industry, and this industry owes her a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot repay,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As the organization built to serve and celebrate country music, honoring her legacy is not just an opportunity, it is our responsibility. This special is our way of saying thank you, on behalf of every artist, industry member and fan who found a piece of themselves in her music.”
“Dolly gave Country Music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor,” adds Deaton. “My hope is simply that we do right by her story, her music and the people who love her, so that this evening feels like the tribute my friend deserves.”
The tribute is part of Belmont University’s ongoing work with Parton. Their partnership previously included the 2025 premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, along with the creation of DOLLY U. The educational program gave students opportunities to gain real-world experience in entertainment, media and other creative fields while working with professional artists, producers and industry leaders.
“Dolly Parton’s impact extends far beyond music. She represents creativity, generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to lifting others up, qualities that have inspired generations and resonate deeply with Belmont’s mission,” shares Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University. “It was an honor for Belmont to partner with Dolly through the launch of DOLLY U and the world premiere of her musical at the Fisher Center. Now, it is a privilege to welcome artists, friends and fans from around the world to celebrate her extraordinary life and legacy from this stage in Nashville, honoring a woman whose love for Tennessee was woven into everything she did.”
CMA and Belmont University will donate a portion of the proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides children with a free book each month in an effort to encourage a love of reading from an early age. Disney will also support the Imagination Library.
More information about the special, including the performers, ticket details and additional partners, will be shared in the coming weeks. Sign up for ticketing updates here.
Industry Ink: Mac McAnally, Joe Nichols, Bobby Bones, The Listening Room, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts Musician Spotlight With Mac McAnally
Ben Ford and Mac McAnally. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally participated in a Musician Spotlight program at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sept. 13.
During Musician Spotlights, artists perform, share inside stories and discuss their creative process and technique. McAnally is a 10-time CMA Musician of the Year. Kenny Chesney has recorded two tracks from McAnally’s 1990 album, Simple Life including “Back Where I Come From” and “Down the Road,” a duet with McAnally. He also penned “All These Years” and “Thank God for You” for Sawyer Brown, “Old Flame” for Alabama and “Two Dozen Roses” for Shenandoah. He is also a longtime member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.
Joe Nichols Celebrates Triple Platinum Certification For ‘Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off’ At Billy Bob’s Texas
Mike Nash, Joe Nichols and Kendra Whitehead. Photo: Jessica Crans
Joe Nichols was recently surprised with a plaque celebrating the Triple Platinum certification of his No. 1 hit “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” at his show at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. The song has surpassed three million in sales, and rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard Country Airplay Chart and the Radio & Records Country National Airplay Chart.
Nichols, whose catalogue recently surpassed three billion streams, continues to climb the charts with his latest single “Say La V,” which earned Nichols the biggest radio impact date of his career.
Bobby Bones, Dollar General & iHeartRadio Give Back To Mountain Pine School District
Bobby Bones reads to students during school visit.
Bobby Bones, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and iHeartRadio recently visited Bones’ hometown in Mountain Pine, Arkansas to give back to his former schools in the Mountain Pine School District during National Literacy Month in September. The event included a surprise $50,000 donation from Dollar General’s Reading Revolution program, which may be used to purchase books, technology programs, computers and education supplies or resources needed to advance literacy gains. Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio provided more than 700 free new books for students’ personal libraries. Additional donations included DG gift cards for supplies and materials for all teachers and staff from Dollar General as well as a copy of Bones’ children’s book, Stanley The Dog: The First Day of School for each elementary student and a copy of Bones’ bestselling motivational memoir, Fail Until You Don’t: Fight. Grind. Repeat for all Mountain Pine High School students.
“Growing up in Mountain Pine, books and education gave me the opportunity to believe bigger things were possible,” says Bones. “Every student deserves that same chance. Being able to come back home, put books into students hands and help invest in these schools means a lot. I’m grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and iHeartRadio for joining me in supporting the next generation of kids in Mountain Pine.”
The Listening Room Launches New Sunday Singin’ Faith-Based Series
The Listening Room is hosting a new monthly “Sunday Singin‘” series. The event is centered around sharing hymns and messages of faith. The first installment, hosted by Rebecca Lynn Howard, will feature Tommy Sims and Chuck Cannon on Sept. 27.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Showcase Photo Exhibit From Lawson Little
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled a new photo exhibit, “Grit and Glory: The Photography of Lawson Little,” featuring a selection of photos from Little’s career. The exhibit is free and will be open to the public until August 2027 in the museum’s first-floor gallery.
Mentored by a local street photographer while he was growing up, Little attended the Rhode Island School of Design and photographed musicians for commercial work in Southern California and Nashville. Highlights of photographs on display include Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess and staff of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville (1972), Roy Acuff performing a yo-yo trick onstage at the Ryman in Nashville (1972), Tammy Wynette backstage at the Ryman (1972), Dwight Yoakam at the Exit/In in Nashville (2000), Billy Joe Shaver on the floor of the Opry in Nashville (2001) and more.
Lee Newton Inks With Wildhorse Records
Photo: Courtesy of Wildhorse Records
Lee Newton has signed with Wildhorse Records. Lee is Josie Music Awards winner, an ISSA Entertainer of the Year and received the 2025 ISSA Song of the Year for “Meant To Be.”
“Lee is an incredibly talented artist with a genuine love for country music, and we are excited to work alongside her on select songs and upcoming projects,” says Brian Orr, Founder and CEO of Wildhorse Records. “This partnership brings together Lee’s unmistakable voice and talent with Wildhorse Records’ commitment to creating and promoting great country music. We believe this is the beginning of something special. Stay tuned! There’s much more to come!”