
Nate Smith. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Nate Smith will launch his most extensive North American run, the “Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour,” beginning in March. Special guests Josh Ross, Brandon Wisham and Just Jayne will join him on the 23-date trek.
Kicking off on Mar. 26 at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom, the new tour will include stops in Raleigh, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Reno, New York City and more, wrapping with a two-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium June 17-18. Tickets are available now here.
Smith will head into the New Year as direct support for Jason Aldean on the upcoming 2026 leg of his “Full Throttle Tour.” He capped off the year by earning his fourth consecutive No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” before recently gaining major traction with the celebratory anthem “After Midnight,” his brand-new collaboration with Tyler Hubbard.
2026 Dates For Nate Smith’s “Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour”:
March 26 | Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom ^ #
March 27 | Norman, OK – Riverwind Casino ^ #
March 28 | Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas ^ #
April 2 | Wallingford, CT – The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre *^
April 3 | Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring *^
April 4 | Raleigh, NC – The Ritz *^
April 9 | Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues Orlando *^
April 10 | Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre *^
April 11 | Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s *+ #
April 16 | Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall *^
April 17 | Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre *^
April 18 | Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center *^
April 23 | Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live ^
April 25 | Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort *+ #
May 7 | Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha *^
May 8 | Columbia, MO – 9th Street *^
May 14 | Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center *^ #
May 15 | Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *^
May 16 | Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit *^
May 28 | New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *^
May 29 | Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues *^
June 17 | Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium *^ #
June 18 | Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium *^ #
* Support: Josh Ross
^ Support: Brandon Wisham
+ Support: Just Jayne
# Non-Live Nation Date
Jordan Reynolds & Summer Overstreet Jump Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJordan Reynolds & Summer Overstreet
Jordan Reynolds and Summer Overstreet have both reached the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Both writers are represented on the chart with Tucker Wetmore’s “3,2,1,” which recently reached No. 1 on country radio.
Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the tenth consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill stays at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.”
Josh Miller (No. 3), Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (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.
ECCHO Live Adds Six New Board Members
/by Lauryn SinkECCHO Live has expanded its Board of Directors, adding Joe Birdsong (CFO, Premier Global Productions), Joseph Logsdon (Account Rep, 3G Productions), David Schultz (Tour Manager, Parmalee), Aaron Siebert (VP Global Projects, Tait), Marni Wandner (Founder, Future Present) and Taylor Watson (Tour Manager, Hardy).
“ECCHO Live is continuing to expand our reach as we grow our mental health and financial coaching initiatives and beyond,” says Chris Lisle, Founder of ECCHO Live. “These new board members deeply understand the challenges and needs of the live event industry. Their knowledge and passion will help us continue to serve this community in meaningful ways.”
The board expansion follows the recent hiring of a new Program Manager and Director of Marketing.
Riley Green Earns Sixth No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green & Ella Langley
Riley Green has landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Country Chart, and Canada Country Radio with “Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley).”
This marks Green’s sixth career chart-topper and his second consecutive self-penned chart-topper this year, following “Worst Way.” With “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” both reaching No. 1, Green becomes the first country artist to earn back-to-back solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift topped the charts with “Sparks Fly” (2011) and “Ours” (2012).
Green recently released Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), an expanded edition of his 2024 album that adds six new tracks. In 2026, his headlining “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” will take him to cities across the country including Nashville, Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, Salt Lake City, and more, with a lineup of special guests joining him on select dates, including Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Adam Hood, Hannah McFarland, and Zach John King,
Robert Earl Keen & Flatland Cavalry To Headline Troubadour Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughRobert Earl Keen & Flatland Cavalry
Robert Earl Keen and Flatland Cavalry are set to headline Troubadour Festival in Bryan, Texas March 27-29.
The weekend begins March 27 with a free kickoff party at The Palace Theater in Downtown Bryan, featuring performances by American Aquarium and Shelby Stone. The main festival will take place March 28, at Midtown Park with Keen and Flatland Cavalry, plus Waylon Wyatt, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Tyce Delk, Taylor Hunnicutt, The Kruse Brothers, and Julianna Rankin.
The weekend concludes March 29, with a BBQ Brunch at The Palace Theater featuring an acoustic set from Jason Boland in honor of the 25th anniversary of Jason Boland & The Stragglers. In addition to live music, attendees can explore food from 30 award-winning barbecue restaurants from across Texas.
Tickets go on sale on Friday (Dec. 19) here.
“We can’t wait to bring Troubadour Festival to Midtown Park in Bryan in 2026,” says Chase Colston, festival promoter and Co-Owner of Double Tap Entertainment. “We had three great years at Aggie Park, but we are excited to curate an entire weekend of events in Bryan with our pre-party, festival and Sunday brunch. The barbecue and music lineups are top-notch in all aspects. The overall experience is going to be bigger and better than we’ve had before in Bryan-College Station. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
A portion of the proceeds from the Troubadour Festival will benefit Hogs for the Cause, the festival’s official charity partner that provides financial assistance to families across the country with children undergoing treatment for brain cancer. To date, the organization has distributed more than $15 million to families and hospital programs.
Industry Ink: Laura Veltz, ASCAP, Anne Murray
/by Lauryn SinkLaura Veltz Celebrates Two End-of-Year Honors
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Laura Veltz, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle and Mike Molinar. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music
Laura Veltz has earned two year-end honors.
Mediabase/Aircheck has named “High Road,” performed by Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph, the Top Country Airplay Song of the Year following its five-week run at No. 1 on Billboard Country Airplay earlier in 2025 and its 3X RIAA Platinum certification.
Additionally, “Blue Strips,” performed by country-pop sensation Jessie Murph, has achieved RIAA Platinum status.
ASCAP Hosts GPS Project Live Showcase
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Bryce Cain, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Dylan Rockoff, Aaron Pollock, Fran Litterski, John Frank. (Front Row, L-R): Jillian Dawn, Daniella Spadini, Maggie Reeves, Bri Fletcher, ASCAP’s Emilia James. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP.
ASCAP recently hosted a showcase featuring songwriters from its 2025 Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters Project including Aaron Pollock, Bri Fletcher, Bryce Cain, Daniella Spadini, Dylan Rockoff, Fran Litterski, Jillian Dawn, John Frank and Maggie Reeves.
The ASCAP GPS Project connects unsigned songwriters with publishers for writing critiques and advice.
Special Holiday Screening Of ‘Anne Murray: Full Circle’ Available December 15–30
Anne Murray. Photo: Katyann.
The Anne Murray: Full Circle documentary will be available to stream for free Dec. 15-30. Featuring rare archival footage, personal reflections and conversations with admirers and collaborators, it can be accessed here.
“We’re pleased to share the documentary with you as our holiday gift,” says Murray’s longtime manager Bruce Allen. “The response to Here You Are, along with the heartfelt applause and emotion felt at the sold out Grand Opry House tribute, reminded us how deeply Anne’s music continues to connect with people. This is a small way of saying thank you.”
Tennessee Songwriters Week Sign-Ups Open
/by Lauryn Sink2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase.
The sign-ups for the 2026 Tennessee Songwriters Week are now open. More information is available here.
Songwriters in all genres can sign up to perform in qualifying rounds to compete for a chance to play their original music at one of seven showcases during Tennessee Songwriters Week.
Qualifying rounds begin in late January at more than 60 participating music venues across the state. Songs will be judged by quality and performance.
Select songwriters will advance to perform during Tennessee Songwriters Week, which is slated for Feb. 23-28. The showcase events highlight seven distinct musical regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee. One finalist from each showcase will be chosen to perform at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March.
Tennessee Songwriters Week Schedule:
Monday, February 23, 2026 – Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge
Monday, February 23, 2026 – The Reserve in Kingsport
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Barrelhouse Ballroom in Chattanooga
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Franklin Theatre in Franklin
Friday, February 27, 2026 – Temple Theatre in Portland
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – The Bijou in Knoxville
Deluxe Edition Of Tony Joe White’s Lost Album, ‘The Real Thang’ Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughA deluxe edition of the late Tony Joe White’s The Real Thang is out now.
The Real Thang Deluxe Edition includes two new songs, “Fine Country Woman” and “Gringo,” in addition to the 18 tracks from the original album which featured a helping of never-before-heard recordings from that era.
“Fine Country Woman” is an ode to White’s wife, Leann, with White’s guitar sounding more 90s country than any of his previous work.“Gringo” is a rare instrumental written by White and his friend Waylon Jennings. Filled with the iconic Jennings phase-shifted telecaster tone and acoustic lead playing from White, “Gringo” is a prime example of the pair’s musical friendship.
“Nobody really knows the story behind this song, as these two men took it to their graves,” says his son and de facto archivist, Jody White. “Apparently, it was recorded one night while they were just hanging out and buried deep in the archives of the Tony Joe White audio tapes.”
Fans can stream or purchase The Real Thang Deluxe Edition here, and obtain more information or purchase a physical copy of The Real Thang on vinyl or CD at tonyjoewhite.com.
White was a performer and storyteller for five decades, and his catalog offers classics such as “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.” His songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Kenny Chesney, Waylon Jennings, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield and Tina Turner.
The Real Thang (Deluxe Edition) Track List:
1. “Goodbye LA”
2. “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to be Babies”
3. “Cowboy Singer”
4. “It Just Don’t Get It No More”
5. “Redneck Women”
6. “I Came Here to Party”
7. “That’s the Way a Cowboy Rocks n Rolls”
8. “Let’s Trade Heartaches”
9. “She Sits Close to the Driver”
10. “Pour Me Another Memory”
11. “Hangin’ On”
12. “Alligator Stomp”
13. “Swamp Rap”
14. “I Get Off On It”
15. “Grounded”
16. “Even Trolls Love Rock n Roll”
17. “Polk Salad Annie”
18. “Disco Blues”
19. “Fine Country Woman”
20. “Gringo”
Back Blocks Music Elevates One, Adds Two
/by Madison HahnenElizabeth Cook, Megan Clemens & Laine Lonero
Back Blocks Music has promoted Elizabeth Cook to Creative Director, and has added Megan Clemens as Director of Digital Marketing and Laine Lonero as Marketing Coordinator.
Cook joined Back Blocks in 2023 as Creative Coordinator while attending Belmont University. As Creative Coordinator, she worked on A&R admin, pitching songs, managing interns, coordinating writers’ calendars and retreats and more. She played a key role in the writing process for Tucker Wetmore’s What Not To, and was recently named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Industry Directory. In her new role, she will lead creative development, calendars and catalog management, supporting artists like Ashley Cooke, Tucker Wetmore and Ethan Burdick.
Clemens joins Back Blocks from previously serving as Head of Digital at CSM Management, where she worked with Chris Isaak, Def Leppard, Fleetwood Mac, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Nicks and more. In her new role, she will lead Back Blocks’ digital strategy for the company’s roster of artists and will focus on creating genuine fan relationships, through content.
In her new role, Lonero will oversee a wide range of marketing and digital initiatives, including content creation, website management, scheduling, data analysis and social media management. Lonero was previously an intern for the company in 2024, and recently graduated from Belmont University, where she studied media and entertainment industries and music. She has also held internships at Fort Nash and PEG Music.
“I am thrilled to welcome Megan and Laine to the Back Blocks team, while also celebrating the well-deserved promotion of Elizabeth, whose leadership has been instrumental in the growth for our writers over the past year,” says Founder/CEO Rakiyah Marshall. “Our team is entering a new season of growth and we’re sharpening our focus on long-term artist and songwriter development. Each of these women represent the caliber of leadership, passion and expertise that aligns with Back Blocks’ vision as we look ahead to 2026.”
Cody Jinks Celebrates Re-Release Of ‘Adobe Sessions’ Album With Special Commemorative Editions
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Jinks. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins
Cody Jinks is celebrating the re-release of his Adobe Sessions album and the project’s 10-year anniversary with a special commemorative edition featuring an array of collectible formats and special packaging.
Each edition showcases premium design details, including a dimensional embossed metallic copper foil stamp, and includes the previously unreleased track “Everything,” recorded during the original Adobe Sessions but never before shared with fans and exclusively released on these physical products only.
The deluxe vinyl release features dual-sided gatefold artwork, while the CD comes in a striking digipack format. With ultra-limited autographed pressings, indie-exclusive colorways, and premium variants, the anniversary collection celebrates a decade of Adobe Sessions while offering something special for both longtime collectors and new listeners alike.
The D2C Limited Edition ($65) features a one-of-a-kind hand-splattered vinyl in a custom color combination, no two copies alike alongside a hand-signed insert by Jinks and deluxe gatefold packaging. The D2C Exclusive Edition ($40) offers a vibrant metallic copper vinyl pressing housed in a reversible dual-cover gatefold. The Independent Retail Exclusive ($40) will be available at participating indie record stores and includes the “Adobe Sunset” translucent swirl vinyl in matching deluxe packaging. Rounding out the collection, the CD Edition ($13) features a reversible dual-cover digipack, delivering an accessible yet premium option for fans and collectors alike.
Jinks has sold over five million tickets to date, and recently wrapped his co-headlining “Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour” with Ward Davis. In 2026, Jinks will play various festivals including Outlaws And Legends Music Fest, Arizona Bike Week, Boots In The Park, Under The Big Sky Festival, and more.
Nate Smith To Kick Off ‘Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour’ This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughNate Smith. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Nate Smith will launch his most extensive North American run, the “Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour,” beginning in March. Special guests Josh Ross, Brandon Wisham and Just Jayne will join him on the 23-date trek.
Kicking off on Mar. 26 at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom, the new tour will include stops in Raleigh, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Reno, New York City and more, wrapping with a two-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium June 17-18. Tickets are available now here.
Smith will head into the New Year as direct support for Jason Aldean on the upcoming 2026 leg of his “Full Throttle Tour.” He capped off the year by earning his fourth consecutive No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” before recently gaining major traction with the celebratory anthem “After Midnight,” his brand-new collaboration with Tyler Hubbard.
2026 Dates For Nate Smith’s “Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour”:
March 26 | Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom ^ #
March 27 | Norman, OK – Riverwind Casino ^ #
March 28 | Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas ^ #
April 2 | Wallingford, CT – The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre *^
April 3 | Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring *^
April 4 | Raleigh, NC – The Ritz *^
April 9 | Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues Orlando *^
April 10 | Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre *^
April 11 | Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s *+ #
April 16 | Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall *^
April 17 | Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre *^
April 18 | Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center *^
April 23 | Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live ^
April 25 | Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort *+ #
May 7 | Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha *^
May 8 | Columbia, MO – 9th Street *^
May 14 | Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center *^ #
May 15 | Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *^
May 16 | Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit *^
May 28 | New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *^
May 29 | Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues *^
June 17 | Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium *^ #
June 18 | Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium *^ #
* Support: Josh Ross
^ Support: Brandon Wisham
+ Support: Just Jayne
# Non-Live Nation Date