Pat Enright
Grammy winning musician Pat Enright died last week at age 81.
He was best known as the co-founder of The Nashville Bluegrass Band. The group is the most awarded ensemble in bluegrass-music history. Enright was also a member of The Soggy Bottom Boys in the O Brother Where Art Thou film and its Grammy-winning Album of the Year soundtrack.
Pat Enright was an Indiana native who took up acoustic guitar in high school. The folk-revival movement of the 1960s led him to bluegrass music. He moved to the Bay Area in 1969 and formed Phantoms of the Opry with future West Coast bluegrass star Laurie Lewis.
In Boston, he joined Tasty Licks alongside Béla Fleck, Mark Schatz, and Jack Tottle. The group recorded two Rounder albums in 1978-79. He formed the Dreadful Snakes in Nashville in 1983. Other luminaries in that band included Jerry Douglas, Blaine Sprouse and Mark Hembree, along with veteran Roland White. The band was primarily a part-time endeavor, although its shows at The Station Inn and its album, Snakes Alive, were delightfully influential.
The following year, Enright co-founded The Nashville Bluegrass Band. The act was initially formed as the backing band for a Minnie Pearl tour. Alan O’Bryant (banjo), Mike Compton (mandolin), Mark Hembree (bass) and Stuart Duncan (fiddle) became the core of the group with Enright.
The band became instantly popular with its tight, a cappella harmonies and eclectic repertoire. Enright was a diligent song finder, drawing material from Black gospel sources, folk tunes, vintage bluegrass numbers and Music Row country songs. His earnest, wry, sweet-yet-soulful vocals and effortless yodeling set him apart from other singers. Enright’s clear, warm, playful diction echoed that of his favorite singer, Jimmie Rodgers. He also cited Jimmy Martin and Hank Williams as influences.
Enright and O’Bryant fronted The Nashville Bluegrass Band through 10 Rounder and Sugar Hill albums and multiple lineup changes. During its international touring career, NBB became the first bluegrass group to perform in the People’s Republic of China. It has also staged shows in Brazil, Israel, Crete, Egypt, Bangladesh, Japan, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey and the Azores, not to mention Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and England.
On disc, NBB collaborated with Johnny Cash, Clint Black, The Fairfield Four, Peter Rowan, Maura O’Connell and Bernadette Peters. NBB won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album twice, for Waitin’ for the Hard Times to Go (1993) and Unleashed (1995). In addition, NBB won the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award four straight years (1990–1993). Enright also took home IBMA Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year in 1997 for the tribute album True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe (Sugar Hill).
In 2000, Pat Enright was hired to sing as one of the Soggy Bottom Boys alongside Dan Tyminski and Harley Allen for the O Brother, Where Art Thou movie soundtrack. It became a million-selling phenomenon that won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002. The Nashville Bluegrass Band became part of the “Down From The Mountain” tour, inspired by the film and the soundtrack’s success.
The Nashville Bluegrass Band dissolved in 2005. It is slated for induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame this fall.
In retirement, Pat Enright occasionally performed solo or as a rhythm guitarist at The Station Inn. He died on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Bluegrass Great Pat Enright Passes
/by Robert K OermannPat Enright
Grammy winning musician Pat Enright died last week at age 81.
He was best known as the co-founder of The Nashville Bluegrass Band. The group is the most awarded ensemble in bluegrass-music history. Enright was also a member of The Soggy Bottom Boys in the O Brother Where Art Thou film and its Grammy-winning Album of the Year soundtrack.
Pat Enright was an Indiana native who took up acoustic guitar in high school. The folk-revival movement of the 1960s led him to bluegrass music. He moved to the Bay Area in 1969 and formed Phantoms of the Opry with future West Coast bluegrass star Laurie Lewis.
In Boston, he joined Tasty Licks alongside Béla Fleck, Mark Schatz, and Jack Tottle. The group recorded two Rounder albums in 1978-79. He formed the Dreadful Snakes in Nashville in 1983. Other luminaries in that band included Jerry Douglas, Blaine Sprouse and Mark Hembree, along with veteran Roland White. The band was primarily a part-time endeavor, although its shows at The Station Inn and its album, Snakes Alive, were delightfully influential.
The following year, Enright co-founded The Nashville Bluegrass Band. The act was initially formed as the backing band for a Minnie Pearl tour. Alan O’Bryant (banjo), Mike Compton (mandolin), Mark Hembree (bass) and Stuart Duncan (fiddle) became the core of the group with Enright.
The band became instantly popular with its tight, a cappella harmonies and eclectic repertoire. Enright was a diligent song finder, drawing material from Black gospel sources, folk tunes, vintage bluegrass numbers and Music Row country songs. His earnest, wry, sweet-yet-soulful vocals and effortless yodeling set him apart from other singers. Enright’s clear, warm, playful diction echoed that of his favorite singer, Jimmie Rodgers. He also cited Jimmy Martin and Hank Williams as influences.
Enright and O’Bryant fronted The Nashville Bluegrass Band through 10 Rounder and Sugar Hill albums and multiple lineup changes. During its international touring career, NBB became the first bluegrass group to perform in the People’s Republic of China. It has also staged shows in Brazil, Israel, Crete, Egypt, Bangladesh, Japan, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey and the Azores, not to mention Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and England.
On disc, NBB collaborated with Johnny Cash, Clint Black, The Fairfield Four, Peter Rowan, Maura O’Connell and Bernadette Peters. NBB won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album twice, for Waitin’ for the Hard Times to Go (1993) and Unleashed (1995). In addition, NBB won the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award four straight years (1990–1993). Enright also took home IBMA Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year in 1997 for the tribute album True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe (Sugar Hill).
In 2000, Pat Enright was hired to sing as one of the Soggy Bottom Boys alongside Dan Tyminski and Harley Allen for the O Brother, Where Art Thou movie soundtrack. It became a million-selling phenomenon that won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002. The Nashville Bluegrass Band became part of the “Down From The Mountain” tour, inspired by the film and the soundtrack’s success.
The Nashville Bluegrass Band dissolved in 2005. It is slated for induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame this fall.
In retirement, Pat Enright occasionally performed solo or as a rhythm guitarist at The Station Inn. He died on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Stella Lefty To Kick Off 2027 With Headlining ‘Long Way Home Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughStella Lefty. Photo: Jack Balaban
Stella Lefty will launch her 2027 headlining “Long Way Home Tour” across North America beginning Jan. 9 in Detroit.
The new tour will include stops in Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, San Francisco and more, wrapping with a hometown show at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom on Feb. 20. The artist pre-sale begins on Aug. 27, followed by general on-sale starting Aug. 28 at stella-lefty.com.
The tour announcement comes on the heels of the release of Lefty’s debut album, Long Way Home, which features seven new songs in addition to seven previously released tracks including the hit singles “Boston” and “Thinking ‘bout You.” “Boston” has amassed more than 400 million streams and over a billion video views, while reaching the Top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track has dominated the charts for the last 19 weeks, while gaining at both country and pop radio.
Lefty made her late night debut with “Boston” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and performed it last weekend with Marcus Mumford on stage at Madison Square Garden, and the song also just received a MTV Video Music Awards nomination in the Best Country category, in addition to her nomination for Best New Artist.
“Stella Lefty: Long Way Home Tour” 2027 Dates:
Sat, Jan 9 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore Detroit
Sun, Jan 10 — Columbus, OH — Kemba Live!
Tue, Jan 12 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY
Fri, Jan 15 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
Sun, Jan 17 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Tue, Jan 19 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
Fri, Jan 22 — Philadelphia, PA — The Met
Sat, Jan 23 — Washington, DC — The Anthem
Mon, Jan 25 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore Charlotte
Tue, Jan 26 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle
Thu, Jan 28 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom
Sat, Jan 30 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
Sun, Jan 31 — Austin, TX — ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Tue, Feb 9 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
Fri, Feb 12 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center
Sat, Feb 13 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
Wed, Feb 17 — Nashville, TN — Ryman Auditorium
Sat, Feb 20 — Chicago, IL — Aragon Ballroom
Jo Dee Messina Adds 2027 Dates To ‘Bridges Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina. Photo: Madison Sharp
Jo Dee Messina has added several new dates to her “Bridges Tour – Celebrating 30 Years of Jo Dee Messina,” which is set to run through April of 2027.
Newly added dates include shows in Indiana on Jan. 29, Ohio on March 5, Arizona on April 22, and Nevada April 24. The newly announced shows will go on sale this week beginning with a fan club presale on Aug, 25, artist presale on Aug. 26, and public on-sale on Aug, 28.
The dates come as momentum continues to build following the release of Messina’s most recent album, Bridges, which released earlier this summer. Her current radio single “Message in a Bottle” continues to climb at radio as well for a 7th straight week.
“Bridges Tour” Dates:
09/25/26 – Shooting Star Casino, Hotel & Entertainment – Mahnomen, MN
09/26/26 – Mayo Clinic Health Center Event Center Grand Hall – Mankato, MN
09/27/26 – Washington Pavillion – Sioux Falls, SD
10/10/26 – GreyStone Amphitheater – Douglasville, GA
11/06/26 – The Truth – Nashville, TN
01/16/27 – Renaissance Theatre – Mansfield, OH
01/29/27 – French Lick Resort & Casino – French Lick, IN
03/05/27 – Lori’s Roadhouse – Liberty Township, OH
03/06/27 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, WI
04/22/27 – Gila River Hotels & Casino Wild Horse Pass – Chandler, AZ
04/24/27 – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino – Grand Theatre – Reno, NV
Rhonda Vincent’s New Album ‘A Possibility’ Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughRhonda Vincent has released her latest album, A Possibility, today (Aug. 24), featuring some friends and special guests.
Steeped in bluegrass tradition with a contemporary flair, A Possibility showcases Vincent’s unmistakable vocals and musicianship across 12 tracks, including a number of special collaborations, including Sierra Ferrell on “Would You Like to Buy Some Flowers.” The album’s original title track features Dan Tyminski on duet vocals, along with his signature guitar style.
Additional guests on the project include Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band, guitarist Bryan Sutton, banjo master Ron Stewart, and Kelsi Harrigill of Flatt Lonesome. Vincent is also joined by members of her acclaimed band The Rage, as well as her brother and longtime musical collaborator Darrin Vincent of Dailey & Vincent, among others.
“It was a fun new process creating A Possibility,” says Vincent. “I loved having a co-producer, Adam Haynes, who challenged my skills and brought ideas I would have never thought of. And a wonderful surprise was getting the call that Sierra Ferrell would sing on the project the very next day,” Vincent recalls. “We didn’t have a track yet, so we stayed up all night recording ‘Would You Like to Buy Some Flowers.’ I was amazed to hear the vocal blend of Sierra Ferrell and I.”
A Possibility Track Listing:
1. “Far Away From Home”
2. “Any Other Color Than Blue”
3. “A Possibility” (featuring Dan Tyminski)
4. “Thank You For Dreaming of Me”
5. “Scenic Route”
6. “Even If I Tried”
7. “Lonesome Heartsick Blues”
8. “Would You Like to Buy Some Flowers” (featuring Sierra Ferrell)
9. “Vesper Thompson”
10. “Make It Blue”
11. “Long Black Lincoln Dream”
12. “Something You’ll Get Through”
Riser House Entertainment Adds Anna Widmer As VP Of Promotion
/by Lauryn SinkAnna Widmer. Photo: Courtesy of Riser House Entertainment
Riser House Entertainment has added Anna Widmer as VP of Promotion, effective at the beginning of September.
A graduate of Belmont University’s Music Business Program, Widmer began her career at Cold River Records before joining MCA Nashville as Director of Promotion – West. Widmer joins Riser House Entertainment from Sony Music Nashville, where she served as Director of Radio Marketing and Promotion – Midwest, following her previous role as Director of Promotion and Artist Development – Southeast.
“Anna is an absolute superstar who works tirelessly on behalf of her artists and radio partners, and her body of work is truly a benchmark for excellence,” shares Shane Allen, EVP of Promotion & Artist Brand Strategy. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to the Riser House Entertainment family.”
“I’m so excited to join the incredible Riser House team and work alongside the best in the business, Jennifer Johnson and Shane Allen,” adds Widmer. “The artist roster continuously delivers compelling music, and I can’t wait to share it with our radio partners.”
Widmer joins Riser House Entertainment’s growing promotion team alongside VP of Promotion Jeff Davis and Director of Regional Promotion Paul Grosser.
Bailey Zimmerman To Headline Wags & Walks Nashville’s Third Annual Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Julia Robert, RUNCLUB Creative
Bailey Zimmerman is set to headline the third annual Wags & Walks Nashville Benefit Concert on Oct. 21 at Skydeck.
Lanie Gardner, and Fancy Hagood are also set to perform at the annual benefit, which unites artists, supporters and animal advocates to raise critical funds for Wags & Walks. Proceeds will directly support the rescue, medical care, foster placement and adoption of dogs in need, and will also support Wags for Good, the organization’s community care initiative that provides accessible veterinary resources to local dog owners, including free and low-cost spay/neuter services, vaccines and veterinary care.
“Nashville has shown up for Wags & Walks in such an incredible way, and this event represents so much of what makes this community special,” says Kathryn Hurley, Wags & Walks Nashville Founder. “Bringing together artists, partners, and animal lovers for a night of great music allows us to celebrate the thousands of dogs whose lives have been changed while raising critical funds that make our work possible. We’re incredibly grateful to Bailey, Lanie, Fancy and everyone lending their time and talent to help us save more dogs.”
General Admission tickets are currently available for $45, with VIP packages starting at $200, and are available here.
Scott Borchetta Launches Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkScott Borchetta has launched Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. (BSBC), a Nashville-owned and operated parent company that brings together five Tennessee spirit brands and three destinations. As part of its debut, the company’s downtown Nashville location, formerly known as Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, will be renamed The Borchetta Bourbon Experience, effective Wednesday (Aug. 26).
BSBC will oversee the company’s growing family of spirit brands including Pickers Vodka, Borchetta Bourbon, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey and Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka. Each brand will continue to operate under its own identity while drawing on shared resources, distribution and strategic direction from BSBC.
“We approach our portfolio of spirit brands the same way we’ve built our award-winning record company, its artists, and our championship-winning motorsports teams – lifestyle, quality, passion, individuality, and experience,” says Borchetta, Founder of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. “Those key attributes apply to and are the center of Borchetta Bourbon, Pickers Vodka, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey, and Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka. Now these five great brands are the celebrated focus of our newly launched Borchetta Bourbon Experience location at 122 3rd. Avenue South in Downtown Nashville.”
Big Machine Distillery & Tavern in Berry Hill will continue operating under its current name. Big Machine Distillery in Lynnville, Tennessee, where the company’s spirits are produced and packaged, will also retain its name.
“What started as Big Machine Distillery has grown into something much bigger, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built,” says Jeff Pennington, Executive Vice President of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. “BSBC reflects where we are today and gives us the opportunity to bring our brands together under one company while continuing to grow, build and create new experiences for our consumers. We have a lot of exciting things ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we take it next.”
JUST IN: Ryan Beuschel Elevated To Co-Head At The Neal Agency
/by Madison HahnenRyan Beuschel. Photo: Nathan Chapman
Ryan Beuschel has been promoted to Co-Head at The Neal Agency after three years of serving as General Manager. He joins co-heads Adi Sharma and Founder/CEO Austin Neal.
During his time as GM, Beuschel helped grow the company’s roster to more than 30 clients and launched TNA Music Publishing and artist development arm, Cervidae Records. In his new role, he will help lead office operations and oversee teams focused on touring, film, television and brand partnerships. He will also continue to oversee the publishing and artist development departments he helped build.
“Working alongside Adi, Ryan has been instrumental in accelerating growth for our roster while significantly elevating the tools and services at our clients’ disposal,” shares Neal.
“Ryan’s dedication to our artists and his work expanding our agency offerings have driven some of our greatest successes,” says Sharma. “His focus provides a distinct advantage for our clients and their continued growth, and we’re honored to elevate him to co-head.”
“It’s an honor to work at an agency and with a team that thinks so differently yet remains collectively proactive for the client, and it starts with leadership’s empowerment to do just that,” adds Beuschel. “There are so many opportunities now for artists at all levels, and we’re just getting started.”
Originally from Michigan, Beuschel began his career as an A&R Manager at Universal Music Group. He later worked at ASCAP as Associate Director of Membership and at Warner Chappell Music as Vice President of A&R.
While at Warner Chappell, Beuschel was named to Billboard’s 40 Under 40 list for signing some of country music’s fastest-rising artists. He also worked with established artists and songwriters, including TNA clients Riley Green and Bailey Zimmerman.
TNA’s roster includes ADHD, Palmer Anthony, Aidan Canfield, Preston Cooper, Country Night, ERNEST, Riley Green, Jacob Hackworth, HARDY, Zach John King, Rob Langdon, Ella Langley, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore, Ole 60, Chase Rice, Schmitty, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Will Terry, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins, Matthew West, Kenny Whitmire, Landon Wilks, Anne Wilson, Scott Wolverton, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, as well as entertainment brand Whiskey Jam.
Bailey Zimmerman Notches Sixth Career No. 1
/by Lauryn SinkBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Masonn1k
Bailey Zimmerman has notched his sixth career No. 1 with “Chevy Silverado.”
The track appears on his 2025 Different Night Same Rodeo LP, which debuted in the Top 15 of Billboard’s Top 200 All Genre chart and Top 3 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. Produced by Austin Shawn, Zimmerman wrote the track alongside Tucker Beathard, Ilsey Juber, Gavin Lucas and Heath Warren.
Zimmerman recently wrapped the sold-out North American leg of his debut headlining arena tour, “The Different Night Same Rodeo Tour.” In March, he kicked off his next chapter with the release of “Just Believe” with six-time Grammy-award winning artist Brandon Lake.
In celebration of the achievement, Zimmerman surprised fans today with the official music video for “Chevy Silverado.”
BREAKING: Legendary Entertainment Executive & Artist Manager Dale Morris Passes Away
/by Lauryn SinkDale Morris. Photo: Courtesy of Morris Higham Management
Legendary entertainment executive and artist manager Dale Morris has passed away at the age of 89.
A Nashville industry leader for almost seven decades, Morris found his initial success as a songwriter, landing Johnny Paycheck in the Top 5 with “Don’t Monkey With Another Monkey’s Monkey.”
Over the years, Morris signed and worked with many of country music’s top acts, including Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Alabama and Kenny Chesney, through his company, Dale Morris & Associates. Inducted into the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s Hall of Fame in 2010, Morris built an internationally renowned staging company, known as Morris Light & Sound, to ensure cutting-edge production elements for his artists. In 2018, Morris sold the Dale Morris Agency to Paradigm, now known as The·Team, retaining autonomy for his agents in the process.
Morris was married to his wife Earline for 68 years and the couple had one son, Tim, who preceded him in death. They loved and took great pride in being involved in the lives of their daughter-in-law Jennifer, their grandchildren Zack, Colton (and wife Mary Blair), Nick (and wife Shelby) and Kendall, and great-grandchildren Mary Dee and Gus.
A Celebration for Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“Nobody loved life, people, the chase more than Dale,” the family shares. “But above all that, he loved his family most of all. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he created a world where we felt safe, supported and ready to shine…We will miss him every day and carry his love with us always.”
“He was larger than life, and never met a dream he couldn’t build,” says Morris Higham Management President Clint Higham, who joined Dale Morris & Associates while still a student at Belmont University. “Dale Morris gave me my first internship, and I never wanted to go anywhere else. He saw things in people, in me, in Kenny, and inspired everyone to reach beyond what we thought possible. Maybe it’s how much he loved life, loved his family, loved us. He lived a big, bold, beautiful, blessed life, and I’m holding onto that right now. It’s the end of an era.”