Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe
The country veterans show the kiddies how it’s done in this edition of DISClaimer.
Hall of Famers Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Ricky Skaggs set the pace, and the new stars scamper to keep up. The Disc of the Day belongs to the groovy Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe collaboration.
Riley Green’s tour mate Hannah McFarland earns this week’s DISCovery Award.
PARKER McCOLLUM & LEE ANN WOMACK / “Killin’ Me”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Parker McCollum/Randy Rogers; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA
– Honky-tonk romance with steam heat. The unexpected duet is a worthy and marvelous country-music surprise. Drawn from the deluxe edition of Parker’s ACM Album of the Year.
RILEY GREEN & HANNAH McFARLAND / “Go Again”
Writer: Riley Green; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– McFarland has an ear-catching singing style with lovely, delicate, heart-in-throat vocal curlicues and catches. It’s a nice, contrasting compliment to Green’s plain-spoken country delivery. The ballad is simply produced with plenty of open space to showcase their sexy story.
JESSE WELLES / “Masks Off”
Writer: Jesse Welles; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: JW
– This road warrior, neo-folk troubadour introduces his new album with its title tune. He cranks his acoustic style up with electric guitar as he spits a political/poetic lyric about the bald-faced, shameless effrontery of America’s right-wing leadership. The Arkansan continues to be our closest modern torch bearer of the legacies of Woody Guthrie and early Bob Dylan. Welles is nominated as Artist of the Year in this year’s Americana Music Awards, to be presented in Nashville on Sept. 16.
RICKY SKAGGS / “Say a Prayer”
Writers: Ben Cooper/Gordon Kennedy; Producers: Gordon Kennedy. Ricky Skaggs; Label: Skaggs Family Records
– Skaggs looks around him and doesn’t like what he sees is happening to America. Amidst a nicely arranged contemporary instrumental stew, he sings an upbeat anthem of hope. This is the first new music from this Country Music Hall of Famer in more than a decade and is a welcome return to form.
JESSE & NOAH / “Lina Rose”
Writers: Jesse Bellamy/Noah Bellamy; Producers: Jesse Bellamy, Noah Bellamy; Label: Usonia
– David Bellamy’s sons have all it takes to achieve independent stardom. Their new LP The Sunshine Shop features this power-drill, twang-soaked country rocker with a doom-y lyric about a scary wife bent on murderous mayhem. Highly recommended. The collection also includes collaborations with Tess Frizzell (”On Again Off Again”) and Riders in the Sky (”Old Cowboys”).
ELLA LANGLEY / “Loving Life Again”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Ella Langley/Ernest Keith Smith; Producers: Ben West, Devin Dawson, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Sweet, gentle, sentimental and peaceful. When she gets down in the dumps, music and memories bring her back to loving life. Tuneful, wistful.
GAVIN ADCOCK & HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Cheap Thrills”
Writers: Gavin Adcock/Hudson Westbrook/Reid Haughton; Producers: Jay Rodgers, Ryan Youmans; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– A party-hearty stomper with jerky shifts in tempo and loads of attitude.
TUCKER WETMORE / “Who Told You That”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– His vocal might be some kind of accelerated country, but this sounds like a pop-rock song to me.
RAELYNN & RHETT AKINS / “We’re American Made”
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/Pat McManus; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Red Van Records
– Sunny and lively. They took the Oak Ridge Boys “American Made” hit from 1983 and rewrote the lyrics to be a celebration of the country. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Akins has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast, and you can bet I’ll be there when they induct him. Meanwhile, RaeLynn is kicking up her heels of the Luke Bryan tour this summer.
THE BAND PERRY & KAITLIN BUTTS / “You Lie”
Writers: Aaron Henningsen/Brian Henningsen/Clara Henningsen; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Kimberly Perry updates her 2011 hit by duetting with Butts on it. The original was better.
RANDY TRAVIS / “Fish On”
Writers: Randy Travis/Ron Avis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Perfect for summer listening. This lickety-split bopper is previously unreleased. Which is amazing, since it has more hooks than a tuna boat and Travis never sounded better than he does on this merry, breezy, octave-spanning performance. Absolutely play this.
LITTLE BIG TOWN & ASHLEY MONROE / “Sucker for a Sad Song”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Karen Fairchild/Shelby Lynne; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Groove-saturated, bluesy/moody, wafting heartbreak. Sad country song titles whisper in and out of the lyric while the sensuous rhythm swirls.
REBA McENTIRE / “Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’”
Writers: Brett Beavers/Connie Harrington/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– Roll down the windows, put the car in highway drive and crank up this delightfully bright country rocker. Rolling audio pleasure.
Music Community Introduces New Labeling Program To Distinguish Generative AI In Sound Recordings
/by Lauryn SinkIFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and Human Artistry Campaign have announced a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI in sound recordings.
Distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted,” the labels are conceived with broad, global adoption in mind, across digital music services and other partners. The labeling is designed to evolve as technology and requirements change.
“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen. Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves,” says Vikki Oakley, IFPI CEO and Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO in a joint statement.
In April, the music streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks comprised 44% of all new music delivered to its platform while Apple Music has said that more than one-third of the tracks uploaded to its platform are “100% AI.”
The AI-Generated will be given to songs if “generative AI was used to generate the entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording.” An AI-Assisted label will be used if “the recording was created substantially by humans and expresses human creativity; however, generative AI was used for some expressive elements. Humans performed the lead vocal and primary instruments.”
These labels apply to the use of generative AI in sound recordings and will be available for use in the near future. The system does not cover the use of generative AI in lyrics, composition, music videos or cover art at this point.
First Round Of Performers Unveiled For 2026 CCMA Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughCelebrating artists from coast to coast, the 2026 CCMA Awards will also shine the spotlight on the long-standing contributions Saskatchewan has made to the genre. Country music’s biggest night in Canada will feature Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws and Owen Riegling.
Also on tap for the show are homegrown Saskatchewan stars including Tenille Arts, Hunter Brothers, Kalsey Kulyk and Jess Moskaluke.
“Unveiling the first wave of performers for the CCMA Awards is always a special moment, offering an exciting glimpse into what promises to be an incredibly memorable night for country music in Canada,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “This remarkable group of artists each bring something different to the stage, and we’re thrilled that fans across the country get to experience this extraordinary, one-night-only evening live from Sasktel Centre.”<
The 2026 CCMA Awards is returning to Saskatoon for the first time in nine years, the third time the City of Bridges has hosted and welcomed the CCMA, and will deliver an evening of live performances and country music’s biggest moments, marking a highlight of Country Music Week 2026. Available exclusively on CTV and streaming on Crave through the live CTV channel, the 2026 CCMA Awards bring the artistry, identity and creative spirit of Canadian country music to a national stage for an unforgettable night.
Lauren Watkins Readies ‘If I’m Being Honest’ For September
/by Lauryn SinkLauren Watkins will release her forthcoming album, If I’m Being Honest, on Sept. 25 via Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.
Written alongside Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Nicolle Galyon, Caroline Watkins, Chase McGill, Lydia Vaughan and more, the album explores life’s hard truths across its 12 tracks. Produced by Will Bundy with co-production on select tracks from Joey Moi, the album follows her 2025 In A Perfect World and 2024 debut, The Heartbroken Record.
Watkins previewed the album today with the release of “Better Love Next Time,” which she wrote with Bundy, Hungate and Mark Trussell.
“I’ve always thought that if you look past the heartbreak, there’s something so hopeful about a goodbye,” shares Watkins. “It almost always means there’s something better out there that you just can’t see yet. That’s what I wanted ‘Better Love Next Time’ to feel like. There’s a time and a place to be sad and cry about it, but this is the moment to get back in the saddle and do all the fun, healthy things that come with moving on. It genuinely makes me smile every time I sing it, and I hope it does that for people too. I needed this when I was going through breakups, so I just wrote one myself!”
Tickets are on sale now for Watkins’ first-ever hometown headline show at Nashville’s Exit/In on Oct. 8. The newly announced show follows recent dates with Dylan Scott and upcoming dates with Luke Bryan.
If I’m Being Honest Tracklist:
1. “Pulling Weeds” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Caroline Watkins)
2. “Heartbreakaholic” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
3. “Convenient” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Emily Landis, Mark Trussell)
4. “Main Street” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lauren Hungate, Josh Miller)
5. “Daydreams” (Lauren Watkins)
6. “Better Love Next Time” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lauren Hungate, Mark Trussell)
7. “Sunshine & Daisies” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Caroline Watkins)
8. “KOA” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Mark Trussell, Lydia Vaughan)
9. “How’s Your Mama ‘N Them” (Lauren Watkins, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
10. “What I Think About You” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lauren Hungate, Mark Trussell)
11. “Prayer List” (Lauren Watkins, Mia Mantia, Chase McGill)
12. “Curtains” (Lauren Watkins, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon, Kat Higgins)
Ashland Craft Drops ‘Dive Bar Beauty Queen (Deluxe)’
/by Lorie HollabaughAshland Craft has released Dive Bar Beauty Queen (Deluxe), an expanded edition of her sophomore album featuring collaborations with some of her country friends.
The project adds several collabs to the original collection, including “Yard Sale” featuring Ashley McBryde and Mae Estes, “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” with Chase Rice and “Hangin’ Up the Honkytonk” alongside Dillon Carmichael. The deluxe edition also includes the new focus track, “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way,” a duet with Tyce Delk that showcases Craft’s ability to capture life’s complicated emotions. The additional tracks deepen the album’s themes of resilience, heartbreak, humor, and hard-earned wisdom while further highlighting the unfiltered storytelling that has become Craft’s trademark.
“Some things are even better the second go round,” shares Craft. “Dive Bar Beauty Queen Deluxe is finally here, featuring some of my favorite folks on the country scene! It was so much fun to think about who we wanted on these tracks, and watch them bring these songs to life even more. I hope y’all will crank these songs with your friends, make some good memories, and find a piece of your story in each tune!”
One of the standout tracks on Dive Bar Beauty Queen, “Kick Rocks Cowboy,” serves as a bold tribute to the real American cowboy and spent weeks in the top 40 on the MusicRow Chart. The video for the track featured viral sensation Orry “Cornbread Cowboi” Lee, reality star/country artist Logan Crosby, and country artist (and real-life saddle bronc rider) Chancey Williams – all co-starring as they vie for the top cowboy crown.
Dive Bar Beauty Queen (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” (feat. Tyce Delk) (Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Marv Green)
2. “Hangin Up The Honkytonk” (feat. Dillon Carmichael) (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Erik Dylan)
3. “Yard Sale” (feat. Ashley McBryde and Mae Estes) (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Lee Starr)
4. “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” (feat. Chase Rice) (Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Willie Morrison, Corey Elizabeth Grogan)
5. “Dive Bar Beauty Queen” (Ashland Craft)
6. “Hangin’ Up The Honkytonk” (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Erik Dylan)
7. “Lie A Little” (Kelly Archer, Bryan Simpson, Mark Irwin)
8. “Wasn’t The Chevy” (Ashland Craft, Trannie Anderson, Marla Cannon)
9. “Yard Sale” (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Lee Starr)
10. “Kick Rocks Cowboy” (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Shane Minor)
11. “Happy Drunk” (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Tori Allen)
12. “Right Damn Now” (Ashland Craft, Wyatt McCubbin, Erik Dylan)
13. “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” (Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Marv Green)
14. “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” (Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Willie Morrison, Corey Elizabeth Grogan)
15. “Morning Person” (Ashland Craft, Faren Rachels, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
Robyn Ottolini Inks With ONErpm
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): ONErpm’s Lindsey Terry, Mike Easterlin, Robyn Ottolini, ONErpm’s Emmanuel Zunz, Delmege MGMT’s Chelsea Smith and ONErpm’s Ryan Cunningham. Photo: Courtesy of ONErpm
Robyn Ottolini has signed with ONErpm.
The Canadian-born, Nashville-based artist has amassed more than 160 million streams across platforms, earned multiple Billboard Canadian Country Top 40 hits and nabbed a CCMA award. Her viral breakout track “F-150” garnered 60 million streams. Ottolini has shared stages with Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Breland and Tyler Rich, among others.
Ottolini will release her debut album, A Safe Place To Land, on Aug. 21 via ONErpm. In celebration of the announcement, she released a new track, “God Knows I Try,” available everywhere today.
“‘God Knows I Try’ represents the shift from my people-pleasing tendencies to believing that everyone’s opinions are just that, opinions,” says Ottolini. “It’s not only a declaration to others, but a reminder to myself that I’m trying my best and giving everything in my heart to this life. My effort and intentions are what define me, not where I may fall short in someone else’s eyes. Embracing circumstances for what they are and finding grace in imperfection are core themes throughout this album. That’s why I wanted to introduce my debut album with this song. It reflects the trust I’ve learned to have in myself and the belief that, no matter what happens, I can be proud knowing I gave it my all.”
The 13-track project was written alongside Matthew Morrisey, Callie Prince, Parker Graye, Lydia Vaughan and Kyle Sturrock, among others. The Lenny Pey-produced album explores healing, growth, self-discovery and the hard-won optimism that emerges on the other side of heartbreak.
A Safe Place To Land Track List:
1. “Growing Down” (Robyn Ottolini, John Frank, Lauren Vale) +
2. “God Knows I Try” (Robyn Ottolini, Matthew Morrisey, Jesse Slack) ^
3. “Wranglin’ The Wind” (Robyn Ottolini, Callie Prince, Parker Graye) ^
4. “Lovin’ You Lovin’ Her” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Callie Prince) ^
5. “If I Was A Truck” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, AJ Gatio) ^
6. “Airplane Bottle” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Tiffany Goss, AJ Gatio) *
7. “Other Girls” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Matthew Morrisey) ^
8. “Unfamiliar Heaven” (Robyn Ottolini, Mariah Dion) ^
9. “A Safe Place To Land” (Robyn Ottolini, Parker Graye, Matthew Morrisey) ^
10. “Before My Dog” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey) ^
11. “Better Not To Know” (Robyn Ottolini, Lydia Vaughan, Kyle Sturrock) ^
12. “If Hell Were A Bar” (Robyn Ottolini, John Frank, Lauren Vale) ^
13. “Life’s A Bitch (And Then You Die)” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Callie Prince, Parker Graye, Jesse Slack, Matt Morrisey) ^
Producers:
^ Lenny Pey
* Lenny Pey, Jordan Schmidt
+ Robyn Ottolini
Country Thunder Wisconsin Adds To 2026 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Lake Stage presented by 102.3 the Coyote will spotlight the next generation of local talent with more than 20 up-and-coming artists from the Wisconsin region and beyond taking the stage throughout the weekend. Joining the Lake Stage lineup are Chad Carlson, RIPLOCK, Lola Blu, Burn n Bush Roseland, Austin Hopkins, Mac O’Brien, Lara Bell, Bootjack Road, Nate Venturelli, Kelly Daniels, SJ McDonald and Noah Hicks.
The 2026 performers for the daily Songwriters Showcase, presented by American Songwriter have also been announced and will include Ryan Beaver, Neil Medley, Chase McDaniel, Benjy Davis and Trent Wayne, as well as the American Songwriter Contest Winner on Sunday (July 19).
Headlined by Gavin Adcock, Riley Green, Keith Urban and The Red Clay Strays, Country Thunder Wisconsin boasts an all-star roster featuring country’s most celebrated artists and fastest-rising newcomers. Hitmakers like Ian Munsick, Nate Smith and Shaboozey, join breakout talent like George Birge, Dasha, Corey Kent, Mae Estes and more on the four-day lineup.
Morgan Wallen Extends MusicRow Radio Chart Reign With ‘Don’t We’
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen extends his reign atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart as “Don’t We” earns a sixth consecutive week at No. 1.
The hit comes off his fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass and Charlie Handsome.
Wallen is currently on the road wrapping up his Still The Problem Tour with three final stops in Baltimore, Ann Arbor, and Philadelphia.
“Don’t We” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Mandy Barnett & Kelly Sutton To Host SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards
/by Lauryn SinkMandy Barnett and Kelly Sutton will host this year’s SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards.
The 23rd annual event, presented by Springer Mountain Farms, will take place on Aug. 25 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium. As previously announced, this year’s inductees include Debbie Cheek Carroll, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Private Practice), MusiCares, Belmont University; Paige Conners, CBS Records/Sony Music Nashville, Warner Bros. Records Nashville, Paul Worley Productions, Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257; Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville; Margie McGahey, WSM Radio/Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Association,101.7 The WORM; Sherry Oakley, BMI; and Carla Wallace, Big Yellow Dog.
Tickets for the event are on sale now. For partnership and program ad opportunities, reach out to Rachel Guttmann here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe Team For Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannLittle Big Town & Ashley Monroe
The country veterans show the kiddies how it’s done in this edition of DISClaimer.
Hall of Famers Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Ricky Skaggs set the pace, and the new stars scamper to keep up. The Disc of the Day belongs to the groovy Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe collaboration.
Riley Green’s tour mate Hannah McFarland earns this week’s DISCovery Award.
PARKER McCOLLUM & LEE ANN WOMACK / “Killin’ Me”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Parker McCollum/Randy Rogers; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA
– Honky-tonk romance with steam heat. The unexpected duet is a worthy and marvelous country-music surprise. Drawn from the deluxe edition of Parker’s ACM Album of the Year.
RILEY GREEN & HANNAH McFARLAND / “Go Again”
Writer: Riley Green; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– McFarland has an ear-catching singing style with lovely, delicate, heart-in-throat vocal curlicues and catches. It’s a nice, contrasting compliment to Green’s plain-spoken country delivery. The ballad is simply produced with plenty of open space to showcase their sexy story.
JESSE WELLES / “Masks Off”
Writer: Jesse Welles; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: JW
– This road warrior, neo-folk troubadour introduces his new album with its title tune. He cranks his acoustic style up with electric guitar as he spits a political/poetic lyric about the bald-faced, shameless effrontery of America’s right-wing leadership. The Arkansan continues to be our closest modern torch bearer of the legacies of Woody Guthrie and early Bob Dylan. Welles is nominated as Artist of the Year in this year’s Americana Music Awards, to be presented in Nashville on Sept. 16.
RICKY SKAGGS / “Say a Prayer”
Writers: Ben Cooper/Gordon Kennedy; Producers: Gordon Kennedy. Ricky Skaggs; Label: Skaggs Family Records
– Skaggs looks around him and doesn’t like what he sees is happening to America. Amidst a nicely arranged contemporary instrumental stew, he sings an upbeat anthem of hope. This is the first new music from this Country Music Hall of Famer in more than a decade and is a welcome return to form.
JESSE & NOAH / “Lina Rose”
Writers: Jesse Bellamy/Noah Bellamy; Producers: Jesse Bellamy, Noah Bellamy; Label: Usonia
– David Bellamy’s sons have all it takes to achieve independent stardom. Their new LP The Sunshine Shop features this power-drill, twang-soaked country rocker with a doom-y lyric about a scary wife bent on murderous mayhem. Highly recommended. The collection also includes collaborations with Tess Frizzell (”On Again Off Again”) and Riders in the Sky (”Old Cowboys”).
ELLA LANGLEY / “Loving Life Again”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Ella Langley/Ernest Keith Smith; Producers: Ben West, Devin Dawson, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Sweet, gentle, sentimental and peaceful. When she gets down in the dumps, music and memories bring her back to loving life. Tuneful, wistful.
GAVIN ADCOCK & HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Cheap Thrills”
Writers: Gavin Adcock/Hudson Westbrook/Reid Haughton; Producers: Jay Rodgers, Ryan Youmans; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– A party-hearty stomper with jerky shifts in tempo and loads of attitude.
TUCKER WETMORE / “Who Told You That”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– His vocal might be some kind of accelerated country, but this sounds like a pop-rock song to me.
RAELYNN & RHETT AKINS / “We’re American Made”
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/Pat McManus; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Red Van Records
– Sunny and lively. They took the Oak Ridge Boys “American Made” hit from 1983 and rewrote the lyrics to be a celebration of the country. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Akins has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast, and you can bet I’ll be there when they induct him. Meanwhile, RaeLynn is kicking up her heels of the Luke Bryan tour this summer.
THE BAND PERRY & KAITLIN BUTTS / “You Lie”
Writers: Aaron Henningsen/Brian Henningsen/Clara Henningsen; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Kimberly Perry updates her 2011 hit by duetting with Butts on it. The original was better.
RANDY TRAVIS / “Fish On”
Writers: Randy Travis/Ron Avis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Perfect for summer listening. This lickety-split bopper is previously unreleased. Which is amazing, since it has more hooks than a tuna boat and Travis never sounded better than he does on this merry, breezy, octave-spanning performance. Absolutely play this.
LITTLE BIG TOWN & ASHLEY MONROE / “Sucker for a Sad Song”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Karen Fairchild/Shelby Lynne; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Groove-saturated, bluesy/moody, wafting heartbreak. Sad country song titles whisper in and out of the lyric while the sensuous rhythm swirls.
REBA McENTIRE / “Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’”
Writers: Brett Beavers/Connie Harrington/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– Roll down the windows, put the car in highway drive and crank up this delightfully bright country rocker. Rolling audio pleasure.
Ty Herndon Signs With Universal Attractions Agency
/by Lauryn SinkTy Herndon.
Ty Herndon has signed exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency (UAA).
UAA will spearhead Herndon’s global representation across all major entertainment verticals, including live touring, film, television, theatrical Broadway productions and professional speaking engagements with Gabe Israel acting as responsible agent.
Herndon launched his career at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys. After signing with Epic Records, Herndon skyrocketed to solo fame in 1995 with the chart-topping single “What Mattered Most,” the first of his 17 Billboard charting hits. He released his memoir, What Mattered Most, on March 31 via Dey Street Books.
“Ty Herndon is a rare, generational talent whose voice, story, and artistry transcend the boundaries of a single genre,” says Israel. “From filling music venues to moving audiences with his deeply personal story of resilience, Ty’s potential across touring, television, film, and Broadway is limitless. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the UAA family and to build an expansive new chapter for an artist who has already given so much to country music and American culture.”
“I am incredibly excited to partner with the visionary team at Universal Attractions Agency,” shares Herndon. “As I look back on 30 years in this business, I feel more energized than ever to create, perform, and share my story. Whether it’s on a concert stage, a theater marquee, or a television screen, this partnership is about breaking new ground and connecting with people in ways that impact hearts and minds.”