Jamey & Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Fund Awards 11 Grants
Jamey and Brittney Johnson. Photo: Joseph Cash
Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Fund has made eleven grants so far this year to organizations including Hancock School District in Mississippi, First Friday Kids Support Group, The Charley Foundation, Lizana Youth Association, Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, Mane Mission, Nashville Pittie, Animal Rescue Corp, The Stepping Stone Shelter, Heart of the Motor documentary through Donate Life Kentucky Trust and the Nikki Mitchell Foundation.
Jamey Johnson donates a dollar for every ticket sold at participating shows to his fund. In addition, he donates all proceeds from the sale of a special T-shirt to his fund.
Brandi Carlile Returns To ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’
Photo: Scott Kowalchyk
Brandi Carlile returned to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier this week, where she performed “Church & State” solo on piano and spoke with the host. Carlile also performed a special web exclusive version of Alphaville’s “Forever Young.”
Carlile will continue her extensive “The Human Tour” through the fall, including stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena, Austin’s Moody Center and Santa Barbara’s Santa Barbara Bowl among many others.
Date Set For 12th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert
Photo: Courtesy of Craig Campbell’s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge
The 12th annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and Concert will take place Tuesday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6th & Peabody in downtown Nashville.
VIP tickets are available here.
Shawn Austin Signs With 604 Records
Shawn Austin has signed with 604 Records. In celebration of the announcement, Austin has released his new single, “Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the 604 Records family,” shares Austin. “’Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere’ is a song that really represents where I’m at right now – personally and creatively. It’s about staying grounded, trusting the journey, and knowing exactly who you are. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s coming next.”
“Shawn is an exceptional talent that brings a deep understanding of the dedication required to succeed in this industry,” says Emilie Pallick. “I’ve admired his work for years, and I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve together.”
“I was thrilled when I discovered that Shawn was interested in working with us,” adds Jonathan Simkin. “I was very familiar with his music and have been a fan for years. The whole team is super excited to be part of the next phase of Shawn’s career.”
Alex Miller Visits WSM Radio
Pictured (L-R): Host Charlie Mattos, Andrew Lambie (Kentucky Kowboys guitarist), Austin Clark (Kentucky Kowboys drummer), Alex Miller, host Amber Anderson and host Kelly Sutton.
Alex Miller recently visited WSM Radio/Circle Country TV ‘s “Coffee, Country & Cody” show hosted Billy Jam.
Miller and two members of his Kentucky Kowboys performed “Secondhand Smoke” from his album MORE COUNTRY THAN YOU which is out today (April 10).
Backlot Productions Makes Nashville Debut With Screening of ‘Gateway’
Pictured (L-R, back row): Leslie Fram, FEMco; Chris Barkley, Nashville Film Festival; Joseph Habedank, artist. (L-R, front row): Mary-Linden Salter, TAADAS; Beth Barcus, Porter’s Call; Dana Richie, Backlot Productions.
Backlot Productions recently celebrated the award-winning documentary Gateway, written, produced and directed by Backlot founder Dana Richie. Sponsored by the Nashville Film Festival, the film features three families impacted by opioid addiction and their journeys of heartbreak and hope.
Following the screening, FEMco’s Leslie Fram moderated a panel discussion featuring Mary-Linden Salter of TN Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services, Beth Barcus of Porter’s Call, Richie, and GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist Joseph Habedank, who shared his personal struggle with opioid addiction.
Zac Brown Band’s ‘Free’ Featured As Final Wake-Up Song For Artemis II Astronauts
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord
The Zac Brown Band‘s hit “Free” made history on Friday (April 10), serving as the final wake-up song for the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission.
Brown also sent a personal message to the astronauts: “Good morning Reed, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy. Zac from Zac Brown Band here, checking in from the USA. We hope that piece of our song, ‘Free,’ helps start your day with the right kind of lift. We just want to say how proud we are of you. It takes courage, grit, and freedom to chase the unknown. It’s the purest kind of American spirit. Millions back home are looking up and feeling more inspired because of you. Keep flying strong. Keep flying safe. We can’t wait to welcome you home. Come see us on the road.”
The band will bring that same spirit to fans across the country on their upcoming “Love & Fear Tour,” which will kick off July 17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In December 2025 and January 2026, ZBB unveiled their “Love & Fear” limited engagement at Sphere in Las Vegas, making history as the first country band to perform at the iconic venue. The residency coincided with their eighth studio album Love & Fear, a 13-track collection featuring collaborations with Dolly Parton, Snoop Dogg and Marcus King.
Drew Baldridge’s Fourth Annual The Big Baldridge And Bonfire Festival Set For September
/by Lorie HollabaughDrew Baldridge. Photo: Riley Mays
Drew Baldridge is returning to his hometown of Patoka, Illinois on Sept. 19 for the fourth annual The BIG Baldridge and Bonfire Festival, celebrating more than 300 stops of his grassroots “Baldridge and Bonfires Tour.”
The homegrown event rooted in Baldridge’s core themes of farm, faith and family launched in 2022 with three consecutive shows, and returns in 2026 after a one-year hiatus. Baldridge will headline the festival, performing his hits including his No. 1 “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” the top 10 single “Tough People” and his current radio single “Rebel,” among others. Adam Sanders is also set to join the lineup with additional acts to be announced, and tickets are available here.
“I’m so excited to bring this festival back to Patoka for its fourth year,” says Baldridge. “It means so much to give back to the people who have supported me from the very beginning. It’s truly an honor to continue this tradition and celebrate in September on the farm with my friends and family!”
The event arrives amid continued momentum for Baldridge, whose recent releases include “Deserve Her,” “Get Me Gone” featuring Emily Ann Roberts, and a new rendition of “Scars” with I AM THEY. He’s racked up more than two billion streams and impressions to date, and recently completed international runs opening for Jelly Roll across Australia and New Zealand, followed by his first headlining tour in the U.K. and Europe. Baldridge will play dates with Cody Johnson this spring and Luke Bryan this summer, and is currently working on new music set for release later this year.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThe latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a dynamic moment across the country music industry, with major award nominations, career milestones and new ventures shaping the week’s headlines. Click here to see the full edition.
Leading the charge is the announcement of nominees for the 61st annual ACM Awards, set to take place May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Megan Moroney tops the list with nine nominations, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson also make an impressive mark with seven nominations each.
Beyond the awards spotlight, the industry continues to see significant professional advancements and recognitions. Big Loud Publishing has elevated Michael Giangreco to President of A&R. Meanwhile, acclaimed songwriter and producer Jordan Reynolds has been honored by Belmont University’s School of Music with the 2026 Curtain Call Award, celebrating his achievements and influence within the songwriting community.
Adding to the week’s developments, Scott Scovill, founder of Moo TV, has expanded his creative reach with the release of his new book, Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams.
At Maverick Nashville the company announced the promotion of three team members. Tori MacDonald-Nash has been elevated to Director of Artist Projects, Ashley Negrillo steps into the role of Senior Creative Director, and Grace Foster assumes the newly created position of Manager, Marketing Strategy and Fan Engagement.
Sarah Beth Watson has launched Greener Grass Public Relations. In the artist community, Dylan Gossett has signed a management deal with TMWRK, while Sam Palladio has entered a new chapter by signing with 3686 Records.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs remains in the No. 1 spot with “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Maggie Rose Puts On Her ‘Red Shoes’ To Gear Up For New Album ‘Half Moon’
/by Lorie HollabaughMaggie Rose‘s new album, Half Moon, is set for release Aug. 14 on One Riot. The first single from the album, “Red Shoes” kicks off the new chapter for the singer-songwriter.
“Red Shoes” marks a striking evolution in Rose’s sound, and the groove-driven track blends her signature soul-infused vocals with a fierce spirit of independence. On the infectious track written by Rose, Lawrence Rothman, and Daniel Tashian, Rose’s vocals take on a joyful ferocity as she delivers an anthem of unapologetic pleasure. She immersed herself in the making of her new album with reckless abandon, and Half Moon took shape through a fluid process that began with the three musicians meeting up every few weeks to write in Tashian’s home studio.
“The sound is orchestral and wide-ranging because I was trying to capture and portray the duality within the album,” says Rose. “Like the moon, the whole of us is always there but revealed differently depending on the light.”
Rose scored back-to-back Grammy nominations for her lauded 2024 LP No One Gets Out Alive and 2025 single “Poison In My Well” and earned an Emerging Act Of The Year nod from the Americana Music Association in 2025.
Industry Ink: Jamey & Brittney Johnson, Brandi Carlile, Craig Campbell, Shawn Austin, More
/by Lauryn SinkJamey & Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Fund Awards 11 Grants
Jamey and Brittney Johnson. Photo: Joseph Cash
Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Fund has made eleven grants so far this year to organizations including Hancock School District in Mississippi, First Friday Kids Support Group, The Charley Foundation, Lizana Youth Association, Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, Mane Mission, Nashville Pittie, Animal Rescue Corp, The Stepping Stone Shelter, Heart of the Motor documentary through Donate Life Kentucky Trust and the Nikki Mitchell Foundation.
Jamey Johnson donates a dollar for every ticket sold at participating shows to his fund. In addition, he donates all proceeds from the sale of a special T-shirt to his fund.
Brandi Carlile Returns To ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’
Photo: Scott Kowalchyk
Brandi Carlile returned to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier this week, where she performed “Church & State” solo on piano and spoke with the host. Carlile also performed a special web exclusive version of Alphaville’s “Forever Young.”
Carlile will continue her extensive “The Human Tour” through the fall, including stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena, Austin’s Moody Center and Santa Barbara’s Santa Barbara Bowl among many others.
Date Set For 12th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert
Photo: Courtesy of Craig Campbell’s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge
The 12th annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and Concert will take place Tuesday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6th & Peabody in downtown Nashville.
VIP tickets are available here.
Shawn Austin Signs With 604 Records
Shawn Austin has signed with 604 Records. In celebration of the announcement, Austin has released his new single, “Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the 604 Records family,” shares Austin. “’Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere’ is a song that really represents where I’m at right now – personally and creatively. It’s about staying grounded, trusting the journey, and knowing exactly who you are. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s coming next.”
“Shawn is an exceptional talent that brings a deep understanding of the dedication required to succeed in this industry,” says Emilie Pallick. “I’ve admired his work for years, and I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve together.”
“I was thrilled when I discovered that Shawn was interested in working with us,” adds Jonathan Simkin. “I was very familiar with his music and have been a fan for years. The whole team is super excited to be part of the next phase of Shawn’s career.”
Alex Miller Visits WSM Radio
Pictured (L-R): Host Charlie Mattos, Andrew Lambie (Kentucky Kowboys guitarist), Austin Clark (Kentucky Kowboys drummer), Alex Miller, host Amber Anderson and host Kelly Sutton.
Alex Miller recently visited WSM Radio/Circle Country TV ‘s “Coffee, Country & Cody” show hosted Billy Jam.
Miller and two members of his Kentucky Kowboys performed “Secondhand Smoke” from his album MORE COUNTRY THAN YOU which is out today (April 10).
Backlot Productions Makes Nashville Debut With Screening of ‘Gateway’
Pictured (L-R, back row): Leslie Fram, FEMco; Chris Barkley, Nashville Film Festival; Joseph Habedank, artist. (L-R, front row): Mary-Linden Salter, TAADAS; Beth Barcus, Porter’s Call; Dana Richie, Backlot Productions.
Backlot Productions recently celebrated the award-winning documentary Gateway, written, produced and directed by Backlot founder Dana Richie. Sponsored by the Nashville Film Festival, the film features three families impacted by opioid addiction and their journeys of heartbreak and hope.
Following the screening, FEMco’s Leslie Fram moderated a panel discussion featuring Mary-Linden Salter of TN Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services, Beth Barcus of Porter’s Call, Richie, and GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist Joseph Habedank, who shared his personal struggle with opioid addiction.
Vince Gill Unveils Sixth EP In 50 Years From Home Series
/by Lauryn SinkVince Gill has released the sixth EP in his 50 Years From Home series. End Of The Night is out today (April 10) via MCA.
The seven track project features writing credits from Jordan Fletcher, Liz Rose, Barry Dean, HARDY and more. The project was produced by Gill at his home studio near Nashville, with engineers Justin Niebank and Matt Rausch and a core group of musicians that includes Franklin, guitarists Jedd Hughes and Tom Bukovac, bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas, keyboardists Gordon Mote and John Jarvis, and drummer Fred Eltringham.
Penned with Jason Nix and Driver Williams, “What I Love About Love” features a duet with Gill’s longtime friends, Lady A.
“I remember when we first started working on it, I said, ‘This reminds me of a Lady A song,’ and they were kind enough to come in and make it pretty cool. We had a ball,” Gill shares
“We are lifelong fans of Vince Gill,” adds Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “I’ll never forget hearing this song for the first time on Vince’s iPhone speaker backstage in Nashville last fall when he shared it with us. Being asked to be a part of this project is truly humbling and an unforgettable experience.”
End Of The Night Track List:
1. “New Kind of Lonely” (Vince Gill & Barry Dean)
2. “End Of The Night” (Vince Gill, Jordan Fletcher, Jeremy Spillman)
3. “She’s An Angel” (Vince Gill and Michael Hardy)
4. “What I Love About Love (feat. Lady A)” (Vince Gill, Jason Nix, Driver Williams)
5. “Where Will My Heart Go Now” (Vince Gill and Liz Rose)
6. “How in the World Did I Ever Lose You” (Vince Gill and Jack Schneider)
7. “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”
Ben Foster Inks With Black River Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPhoto: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Cross-genre songwriter and producer Ben Foster has signed with Black River Publishing.
“Ben has been a favorite collaborator with our roster for a long time,” says VP of Publishing Rebekah Gordon, “It was a no-brainer to partner together for this next chapter. He is as versatile and creative as they come, his songs are meaningful and captivating, and his production style brings out the best in any artist he works with.”
Originally from Iowa, Foster has spent time in Music City securing cuts with Adam Doleac, Travis Denning, Clayton Mullen, Jervis Campbell, Avery Roberson, Kylie Morgan, Brandon Ratcliff, Averie Bielski and more. Foster was previously signed to Sony Music Publishing in 2021.
“I’m excited to step into this partnership that’s made me feel at home from day one” adds Foster. “There’s something special about being part of a team that trusts you, and I can’t wait to see what songs come from it.”
Alex Hall Slates New EP ‘Turn This Love Around’ For May
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Alex Hall has released a new single “Heart Like Yours,” from his upcoming new EP Turn This Love Around, due out May 1.
Co-produced by Hall alongside Andy Skib, “Heart Like Yours” is a tender ode to his marriage and his wife’s unwavering support during the rocky times.
‘Heart Like Yours’ is about being in awe of someone who feels almost too good to be true, yet somehow they choose to love you through all your brokenness and scars,” says Hall. “Love isn’t always easy, and finding someone who stays through both the best and the worst… that’s rare. I’ve experienced it in my own life, so I know just how much it means to find a heart like that.”
“Heart Like Yours” follows previously released tracks “Let Me Go” and “We Should Probably Stop Here,” Hall’s slow-burning duet with Mae Estes. Turn This Love Around also features collaborations with Vince Gill and Tenille Townes, and came to fruition during a whirlwind of change for the singer-songwriter. Recorded as his label Monument Records was shuttered, he bucked the Nashville tradition of using session players in the studio and enlisted his own band for his most vulnerable work to date. Digging into his sobriety and his role as a family man, the songs are rooted in a more realistic depiction of love, that includes not only joy, but challenges and missteps, too.
Throughout his career so far Hall has netted over 47M global streams, and last fall, he released his holiday EP A Very Merry Christmas From Alex Hall, and shared his honky tonk-ready renditions of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In the Dark” and Lee Ann Womack’s “Solitary Thinkin’.”
Turn This Love Around EP:
1. “Heart Like Yours” (Alex Hall & Justin Lantz)
2. “We Should Probably Stop Here” (feat. Mae Estes) (Alex Hall & Clara Parks)
3. “Found It In You” (Alex Hall & Luke Preston)
4. “Let Me Go” (Alex Hall, Joe Clemmons & Pete Good)
5. “Turn This Love Around” (feat. Vince Gill & Tenille Townes) (Alex Hall, Vince Gill & Tenille Townes)
Shane Profitt Shares His Story In New Documentary Short
/by Lorie HollabaughShane Profitt. Photo: Ethan Horner
Triple Tigers Records artist Shane Profitt is sharing his journey in a new documentary short, The Story of Shane Profitt, out now.
A native of Columbia, Tennessee, Profitt takes fans through a relaxed day in his life in the short film, waking early to tend to his animals, hitting the river for some afternoon fishing and at his home, all while talking about his childhood, meeting his fiancé Chloe, and his journey from learning guitar to the record deals that changed his life. Profitt gets personal and vulnerable, opening up about the heartbreakingly true story behind his song, “You Could Do Anything” that was inspired by his father’s infidelity.
Profitt’s latest single “Long Live Country” is currently climbing the charts and he’ll appear at CMA Fest in June where he’ll be perform on the Chevy Vibes Stage then join Luke Bryan on select dates on his upcoming “Word On The Street Tour.”
Jo Dee Messina Releases ‘Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful’ From Upcoming New LP Due In June
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina. Photo: Madison Sharp
Jo Dee Messina is releasing her first new album in over a decade, Bridges, on June 5.
The second single from the new album, “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful,” is out now and follows last month’s release of “Some Bridges.” Co-written with Blessing Offor and David Spencer, “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful,” reckons with the growing pains of pushing back against unrealistic expectations, delivering a clear-eyed takedown of the pressure to conform.
“I want to give people hope instead of tearing them down – I want to encourage them to shine,” Messina says. “I’ve walked that road and felt that burn. I know the heartache of trying to be who others expect you to be.”
Messina will head out on tour this month beginning April 24 with dates in Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, Idaho, Connecticut and many more before wrapping Nov. 6 at the Truth in Nashville.