Pictured (L-R: Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait and Bruce Channel. Photo: Ed Rode
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame held its 56th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 26), welcoming six new members into the Class of 2026.
This year’s class included Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category; Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category; Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category; Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category; and the late J.I. Allison into the hall’s Legacy category.
Mark Ford, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait, Joanie Allison, Bruce Channel and Rich Hallworth. Photo: Ed Rode
“There is nothing more rewarding than welcoming six extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and celebrating the songs and stories that have touched so many lives,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It is a privilege to share this special evening with these remarkable talents, their families, friends and colleagues as we celebrate the people and the songs that make Nashville so special. There is no night quite like this one!”
NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford shared opening remarks before Robert K. Oermann took the stage to recognize J.I. Allison. BR5-49 frontman Chuck Mead honored Allison with a rendition of Rock & Roll classic “That’ll Be The Day.” Joanie Allison accepted on her late husband’s behalf.
Kix Brooks introduced Bruce Channel, followed by a performance of “Hey! Baby!” from Texas Heritage Hall of Famer Lee Roy Parnell.
“I’d like to thank all my co-writers. I thank them for their expertise and their insight, but mostly I thank them for their friendship,” Channel shared.
Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Ed Rode
Hall of Fame songwriter Brad Paisley presented Taylor Swift, who is the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s youngest inductee ever. BBR recording artist/CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson performed Swift’s signature “Love Story” in her honor.
“It’s not lost on me how crazy this is, and I will cherish it forever because Nashville is the place that honed and polished the thing about myself, and the thing about my life, that I am the most proud of and the most passionate about. So, to be here with you and to be getting to have this moment, I am truly grateful,” Swift shared.
Following dinner, all Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members in attendance were invited to the stage to honor the organization’s Career Maker Award recipient, George Strait. Dean Dillon and Gary Nicholson presented Strait with the award and a guitar autographed by each of the nearly 50 legendary songwriters on stage.
Gary Nicholson, George Strait and Dean Dillon. Photo: Ed Rode
Pat Alger introduced Lyle Lovett, and Kathy Mattea performed “If I Had A Boat.”
“The people that brought my songs to life, the musicians I have worked with over the years, I owe them everything,” Lovett said. “I am humbled and proud to be in your company.”
Jim Lauderdale presented Shawn Camp, and Verlon Thompson joined Emmylou Harris for a rendition of “Magnolia Wind.”
“If you’ve ever written a song with me, you’re as much a part of this thing as I am, and I truly appreciate you,” Camp shared.
Closing the night, Randy Owen introduced Lee Thomas Miller, and Jamey Johnson honored him with their signature “In Color.”
Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Ed Rode
Miller thanked his wife Jana and their four children, Noah, Emma, Jacy and Levi, for their unwavering support of his dedication to an often unpredictable career. After thanking the songwriters and industry members who have given him opportunities throughout his career, Miller ended by quoting the lyrics to a few of country music’s most iconic tunes, ending with “They walk away from everything just to see a dream come true, so God bless the boys who make the noise on 16th avenue.”
The evening also included a touching memorial tribute to 650 WSM AM’s Bill Cody as well as Walt Aldridge, John Anderson, Rory Bourke, Steve Cropper, Jim McBride, Joe Melson, Dolly Parton and Don Schlitz, the eight Hall of Fame songwriters who have passed away since last year’s event.
Kelly Sutton stepped in for Cody as the host of the evening.
ACM Lifting Lives Reveals 2026-2027 Board Of Directors & Officers
/by Lauryn SinkACM Lifting Lives has revealed its incoming Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term. The Board of Directors includes leaders from the non-profit and corporate sectors who serve as public directors, as well as ACM Board members who serve in representative director roles.
Board leadership includes Chair John Hickman, Vice-Chair Chandra LaPlume, Vice-President Greg Hill, Treasurer Paul Barnabee and Secretary Brooke Boyd.
Newly elected Public Directors include Chad Kudelka (Creative Artists Agency) and Diane Pearson (City National Bank). Tom Lord (Red Light Management) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) have been elected as Representative Directors. Julie Gordon, Matthew Morgan (United Talent Agency) and Casey Thomas (Lost Highway) have been elected as Public Directors-At-Large. Jackie Jones (RIAA) will serve as Representative Directors-At-Large.
2026 -2027 Complete ACM Lifting Lives Board Of Directors:
OFFICERS
Chair: John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
Vice-Chair: Chandra LaPlume, Blue Highway Records
Vice-President: Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment
Treasurer: Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Secretary: Brooke Boyd, ACM Lifting Lives
PUBLIC DIRECTORS
Sandi Borchetta, Music Has Value
Tiffany Brush, Topgolf
Kathleen Flaherty, Morgan Wallen Foundation
Julie Gordon
Shelley Grayson, FBMM
Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment
Michelle Kammerer, Amazon Music
Chad Kudelka, Creative Artists Agency
Chandra LaPlume, Blue Highway Records
Tracy Lawrence, Artist
Matthew Morgan, United Talent Agency
Diane Pearson, City National Bank
Blain Rhodes, Tape Room Music
Rondal Richardson, Music Community Foundation
Adi Sharma, The Neal Agency
Casey Thomas, Lost Highway
Sally Williams, Live Nation
REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTORS
John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Jeff Krones, Creative Artists Agency
Tom Lord, Red Light Management
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Darin Murphy, Creative Artists Agency
Storme Warren, TV and Radio Personality
PAST CHAIRS
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Debbie Carroll, Belmont University
Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
Mark Hartley
Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Tree Paine, Premium PR
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
EMERITUS DIRECTORS
Rod Essig, Creative Artists Agency
Gayle Holcomb, William Morris Endeavor
UTA Signs Chris Young
/by LB CantrellChris Young. Photo: Courtesy of UTA
United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Chris Young for global representation in all areas.
The signing comes as Young approaches nearly two decades in country music. The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter’s tenth studio album I Didn’t Come Here to Leave marked a bold new chapter, amassing over 80 million global streams to date. Over the past year, Young has played multiple headlining shows spanning North America, and also performed alongside Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, and Scotty McCreery. He has made major festival appearances at The Long Road Festival, The Calgary Stampede, Country In The Park, and YQM Country Fest. Young is set to continue his holiday tradition with the upcoming “An Acoustic Christmas Tour” this December.
“I’m very excited to move into this new chapter at UTA. I really feel like there is a plan and a vision for growth and moving forward,” Young says.
UTA Agent Brian Hill adds, “Chris is a world-class singer, songwriter, and live performer. We’re excited to welcome him to the UTA family, and we look forward to building upon the incredible foundation he’s already established. This is only the beginning!”
A member of the historic Grand Ole Opry, Young has amassed 14 No. 1 singles and 11.9 billion on-demand streams throughout his career. He has consistently achieved commercial success with 56 RIAA certifications for his recording, writing and co-producing credits, and has received numerous CMT Awards throughout his career along with a number of ACM, AMA, and CMA nominations.
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Six
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R: Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait and Bruce Channel. Photo: Ed Rode
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame held its 56th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 26), welcoming six new members into the Class of 2026.
This year’s class included Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category; Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category; Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category; Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category; and the late J.I. Allison into the hall’s Legacy category.
Mark Ford, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait, Joanie Allison, Bruce Channel and Rich Hallworth. Photo: Ed Rode
“There is nothing more rewarding than welcoming six extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and celebrating the songs and stories that have touched so many lives,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It is a privilege to share this special evening with these remarkable talents, their families, friends and colleagues as we celebrate the people and the songs that make Nashville so special. There is no night quite like this one!”
NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford shared opening remarks before Robert K. Oermann took the stage to recognize J.I. Allison. BR5-49 frontman Chuck Mead honored Allison with a rendition of Rock & Roll classic “That’ll Be The Day.” Joanie Allison accepted on her late husband’s behalf.
Kix Brooks introduced Bruce Channel, followed by a performance of “Hey! Baby!” from Texas Heritage Hall of Famer Lee Roy Parnell.
“I’d like to thank all my co-writers. I thank them for their expertise and their insight, but mostly I thank them for their friendship,” Channel shared.
Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Ed Rode
Hall of Fame songwriter Brad Paisley presented Taylor Swift, who is the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s youngest inductee ever. BBR recording artist/CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson performed Swift’s signature “Love Story” in her honor.
“It’s not lost on me how crazy this is, and I will cherish it forever because Nashville is the place that honed and polished the thing about myself, and the thing about my life, that I am the most proud of and the most passionate about. So, to be here with you and to be getting to have this moment, I am truly grateful,” Swift shared.
Following dinner, all Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members in attendance were invited to the stage to honor the organization’s Career Maker Award recipient, George Strait. Dean Dillon and Gary Nicholson presented Strait with the award and a guitar autographed by each of the nearly 50 legendary songwriters on stage.
Gary Nicholson, George Strait and Dean Dillon. Photo: Ed Rode
Pat Alger introduced Lyle Lovett, and Kathy Mattea performed “If I Had A Boat.”
“The people that brought my songs to life, the musicians I have worked with over the years, I owe them everything,” Lovett said. “I am humbled and proud to be in your company.”
Jim Lauderdale presented Shawn Camp, and Verlon Thompson joined Emmylou Harris for a rendition of “Magnolia Wind.”
“If you’ve ever written a song with me, you’re as much a part of this thing as I am, and I truly appreciate you,” Camp shared.
Closing the night, Randy Owen introduced Lee Thomas Miller, and Jamey Johnson honored him with their signature “In Color.”
Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Ed Rode
Miller thanked his wife Jana and their four children, Noah, Emma, Jacy and Levi, for their unwavering support of his dedication to an often unpredictable career. After thanking the songwriters and industry members who have given him opportunities throughout his career, Miller ended by quoting the lyrics to a few of country music’s most iconic tunes, ending with “They walk away from everything just to see a dream come true, so God bless the boys who make the noise on 16th avenue.”
The evening also included a touching memorial tribute to 650 WSM AM’s Bill Cody as well as Walt Aldridge, John Anderson, Rory Bourke, Steve Cropper, Jim McBride, Joe Melson, Dolly Parton and Don Schlitz, the eight Hall of Fame songwriters who have passed away since last year’s event.
Kelly Sutton stepped in for Cody as the host of the evening.
Riley Green To Headline New Year’s Eve Celebration Live From Niagara Falls
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green. Photo: David Higgs
Riley Green is set to headline a special live New Year’s Eve concert at Niagara Falls when it returns this year for the first time since 2019.
Produced by the Canadian Country Music Association in partnership with Niagara Parks and the City of Niagara Falls, the celebration will also feature Canadian artists The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha.
“Country music has a remarkable ability to bring people together, and there is no more spectacular backdrop for a national celebration than Niagara Falls,” says Amy Jeninga, President, Canadian Country Music Association. “The CCMA is proud to partner with Niagara Parks, the City of Niagara Falls and Bell Media for this special event, bringing the energy and spirit of country music to one of the country’s most iconic destinations. With Riley Green leading the lineup alongside Canadian favorites The Reklaws, Tenille Townes, and Sacha, we’re looking forward to an unforgettable night that connects fans and audiences across the country.”
“Bringing a live New Year’s Eve concert back to Niagara Falls is an exciting milestone for our destination and an opportunity to create a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike,” says David Adames, Chief Executive Officer, Niagara Parks. “With the CCMA joining us, Riley Green headlining, an incredible lineup of Canadian talent and Bell Media bringing the celebration to audiences across the country, we’re building on Niagara Falls’ legacy as a world-class destination for major events. We look forward to welcoming Canadians back to the brink of the Falls to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.”
The live 90-minute New Year’s Eve special streams on Crave and is also available on CP24.
Last Day To Vote: Inside The 60th Annual CMA Awards Nominees
/by MusicRow StaffToday is the last day for eligible CMA members to cast their third and final ballot for the 60th annual CMA Awards. Voting closes at 6:00 p.m. CT tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Ella Langley leads this year’s nominees with nine nods, including her first for Entertainer of the Year. She’ll compete in that category against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson. Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West have five each. This year’s class also includes 13 first-time nominees.
Get an inside look at the full list of nominees in our special edition newsletter.
The CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7:00 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Blake Whiten Extends Headlining Tour Into 2027
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Whiten. Photo: Matt Paskert
Enchntmnt/Warner Records artist Blake Whiten will extend his headlining tour into 2027 beginning Feb. 20 in Tallahassee.
The “Blake Whiten Tour 2027” with special guest Sunny Black will include stops throughout the South in Athens, Columbia, Birmingham, Fayetteville, and more through May 6. Tickets for the new shows will be available beginning with an artist presale today, (Oct. 27), followed by a local/venue presale on Oct. 28, and general on-sale on Oct. 30 at blakewhitenofficial.com.
The announcement comes as Whiten continues his “Something To Say Tour,” with 10 dates remaining this fall. Most recently, Whiten unveiled the video for “Number 7’s Gone,” from his debut album Something To Say, and his current single, “Bet On That” continues its climb up the charts, sitting at No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in the Top 30 at country radio. The track also earned Whiten his second No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown.
The rising artist has racked up more than 630 million global streams, and was recognized as Billboard‘s Up & Comer in August following a milestone year that included his Grand Ole Opry debut and national morning TV debut on NBC’s TODAY.
“Something To Say Tour” 2026 Dates:
Oct. 29, 2026 in Cambridge, Mass. at The Sinclair #
Oct. 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pa. at The Foundry at the Fillmore Philadelphia #
Oct. 31, 2026 in Washington, D.C. at The Atlantis #
Nov. 2, 2026 in New York, N.Y. at Bowery Ballroom #
Nov. 5, 2026 in Toronto, Ont. at Horseshoe Tavern #
Nov. 6, 2026 in Detroit, Mich. at El Club #
Nov. 7, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Mich. at The Intersection – The Stache #
Nov. 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga. at Terminal West #
Nov. 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at Exit/In #
Nov. 14, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at Exit/In #
# with Slater Nalley
Blake Whiten Tour 2027 Dates:
Feb. 20, 2027 in Tallahassee, Fla. at The Moon*
April 8, 2027 in Athens, Ga. at Georgia Theatre*
April 9, 2027 in Columbia, S.C. at The Senate*
April 15, 2027 in Statesboro, Ga. at The Blue Room*
April 16, 2027 in Birmingham, Ala. at Saturn*
April 17, 2027 in Oxford, Miss. at The Lyric Oxford*
May 6, 2027 in Fayetteville, Ark. at George’s Majestic Lounge*
CMA Celebrates Nominees Ahead Of 60th Annual CMA Awards
/by Lauryn SinkNominees for the 2026 CMA Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
CMA gathered the nominees for the 60th annual CMA Awards at the Grand Ole Opry for a celebratory dinner ahead of the Nov. 18 awards.
Among those attending were this year’s host, Lainey Wilson, as well as members of Old Dominion, Dave Haywood of Lady A, Thelma & James, Emily Ann Roberts, Charlie Worsham and Jenee Fleenor, as well as multiple producers, engineers, music video directors and musicians.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed attendees and invited Wilson to lead a special toast for the group. This year’s event marked the final nominee dinner Trahern will host before her retirement. “This is one of my favorite nights every year because we get to recognize everyone in the business who made great music this past year,” Trahern said on stage. “[Country music] lyrics capture the sentiment of many of us. As we continue to go forward and look at the songs that you all are writing, that you’re producing, that you’re performing, that is the special magic that we have in country music.”
“When I moved here 15 and a half years ago, I moved from the village of Baskin, which is my town in northeast Louisiana, and I really didn’t know what to expect. When I got here, I realized pretty quickly that’s exactly what this community is,” Wilson shared. “It is a village, and I think that’s why Nashville is so special and unique. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I think it takes a village to raise a dream, and y’all do that every single day.”
The evening’s menu was curated by Josh Habiger.
Photo: John Russell/CMA
Photo: John Russell/CMA
Photo: John Russell/CMA
Miranda Lambert To Headline Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show
/by Lauryn SinkMiranda Lambert. Photo: Tyler Conrad
Miranda Lambert will perform live at AT&T Stadium during the nationally televised Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Philadelphia Eagles for the 30th consecutive Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff halftime show. The game will air on Fox at 3:30 p.m. CST.
“There’s something special about how music brings people together, especially when it’s to spread joy and hope to families who need it most,” says Lambert. “The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have built an incredible tradition with the Red Kettle Kickoff, and I can’t wait to be back home in Texas this Thanksgiving to help carry it forward.”
This year marks The Salvation Army’s 136th Red Kettle Campaign. In total, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $3.4 billion.
“The Red Kettle Kickoff has become one of the Dallas Cowboys’ proudest traditions and one my family and our entire organization look forward to every Thanksgiving,” shares Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys and former national advisory board chairman for The Salvation Army. “For 30 years, incredible artists have appeared on our halftime stage to help The Salvation Army bring hope to millions of people in need. We’re grateful to Miranda Lambert for joining that legacy and helping us continue this meaningful tradition.”
Reba McEntire headlined the inaugural show in 1997, followed by artists including Destiny’s Child, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson and more.
“The Red Kettle Campaign gives people a simple way to spread joy and support their neighbors in need,” adds Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. “The Red Kettle Kickoff has brought that spirit of giving to a national audience for the last three decades. We’re grateful to the Dallas Cowboys, the Gene and Jerry Jones family, and Miranda Lambert for helping us kick off the season by bringing attention to the needs of neighbors throughout the nation.”
Earlier this month, Lambert unveiled her latest project, Crisco, which she celebrated with a performance at Nashville’s The Truth. Lambert has upcoming tour dates in California and Arizona.
Ella Langley Continues No. 1 Run On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lauryn SinkElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley sits at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter for the sixth consecutive week with her own “Be Her,” “Choosin’ Texas” and “Loving Life Again,” as well as collaborations with Morgan Wallen (“I Can’t Love You Anymore”) and Koe Wetzel (“Jaded”).
Jordan Schmidt holds his spot at No. 2 with “Be Her,” “Jaded,” John Morgan’s “Kid Myself” and Tucker Wetmore’s “Who Told You That.” ERNEST sits at No. 3 with “Jaded,” “Loving Life Again” and Gavin Adcock’s “Wannabe.”
HARDY (No. 4) and Matt Dragstrem (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
NSAI Elevates Maxwell Trotter
/by John Nix ArledgeMaxwell Trotter; Photo courtesy of NSAI
Nashville Songwriters Association International has elevated Maxwell Trotter to Songwriter Relations Manager.
In his new role, Trotter will oversee NSAI’s Remote Interactive Songwriting Education Program, manage the organization’s Member Certification Program, and continue to meet day-to-day with developing songwriters around the world to assist them with their journey and goals.
Trotter originally joined the NSAI through a summer internship in 2023 while studying at Ferris State University. After excelling and proving to be a valuable addition to the team through his ambition, skills and eagerness, he was welcomed on as a full-time Songwriter Relations Rep.
He has since become an integral part of the education team at NSAI and is an asset to songwriters in Nashville and across the globe. Moving forward in his new role, he will continue to inspire and motivate unsigned songwriters as they utilize their membership.