Dallas Wilson Signs With Warner Chappell Music & The Core Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Rush Hicks, Esq. (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC), Bryce Gravitt (WCM), Chief Zaruk (The Core), Dallas Wilson, Simon Tikhman (The Core), Jamie Sudhalter (The Core), Austen Adams (WCM).

Dallas Wilson has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, in partnership with The Core Entertainment.

To date, Wilson has penned four No. 1 country radio hits, including Dylan Scott’s “Can’t Have Mine” and “Nobody,” as well as Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-nominated single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” He wrote five tracks on Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-winning album, Bell Bottom Country, including “Heart Like a Truck,” which earned Song of the Year at the 2023 NSAI Awards. Most recently, he co-wrote her current single, “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” which features John Mayer. He has also earned cuts with Teddy Swims, Mitchell Tenpenny, ERNEST, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, LOCASH, Alana Springsteen, Meghan Patrick, Filmore, Pitbull, The Beach Boys, Colbie Caillat and T-Pain, among others.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join The Core/Warner Chappell,” shares Wilson. “Their energy, culture, and track record are second to none. Getting to know Jamie Sudhalter and Bryce Gravitt has been a highlight — they’re deeply passionate about great songs and songwriters, and they work seamlessly as a team. Chief [Zaruk] and Simon [Tikhman] have built something really special at The Core, and it’s clear how much they care about the people and the music. Big shout to Austen Adams and the way he leads at Warner Chappell — he’s got a great feel for creatives and how to support them. I’m fired up for what’s ahead!”

“We’re excited to team up with The Core to welcome Dallas Wilson to our global roster,” says Bryce Gravitt, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “Dallas is a remarkable talent; his songwriting instincts and production choices are incredibly well crafted. The network he’s built in Nashville and beyond speaks to his relentless work ethic and drive. We can’t wait to see what we’ll create together and to capitalize on the momentum he has already built.”

“I was a fan of Dallas’ work long before we met, but what sealed it was getting to know him as a person and a collaborator,” adds Jamie Sudhalter, Head of A&R, The Core Entertainment. “He’s got the rare combination of instinct, range, and work ethic that makes him a true career songwriter. We’re thrilled he’s chosen to build the next chapter with The Core in partnership with Warner Chappell Music.”

Universal Music Publishing Group And One4 Music Form Joint Publishing Venture

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Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson (UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO), Hunter Flynn, Brian Wright (ONE4 Co-Founder and Managing Partner) and Katherine Godwin (ONE4 Creative Director). Photo: Michael Jordan

Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville and ONE4 Music have partnered to form a new joint publishing venture. Hunter Flynn has joined as the flagship signing.

Hailing from Eastern Kentucky, Flynn attended Eastern Kentucky University studying biomedical sciences before a 2021 car accident led him to focus on art and music. Over the last two years, Flynn has played nearly 200 shows across the United States and Europe. In 2025, he was named Artist in Residence at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and he recently signed with Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment and WME.

“Troy (Tomlinson) and I share a deep respect for great songs and the people who write them, and our shared passion for developing great songwriters is at the core of ONE4 Music,” shares ONE4 Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Brian Wright. “Hunter is exactly the kind of songwriter we want to champion, a storyteller with a unique perspective and a gift for connecting with listeners. We’re proud to welcome him as our first signing.”

“ONE4 Music is built on a long-standing friendship and a shared belief in putting songwriters first,” shares Troy Tomlinson, UMPG Nashville’s Chairman and CEO. “What drew us to Hunter is the honesty in his writing. His foundation is strong, and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he continues to develop his voice as a songwriter.”

 

Industry Ink: Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Ryan Seacrest, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, More

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Luke Combs Breaks Attendance Record At Ullevi Stadium

Photo: Courtesy of Live Nation

Luke Combs broke the attendance record as the largest country music concert ever held in the Nordic region on Saturday during his stop at Ullevi Stadium on the “My Kind of Saturday Night Tour” with a crowd of 60,826 people.

The European tour continues on July 7 with a stop in Paris.

 

Ashley McBryde Appears On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

Youtube video

Last week, Ashley McBryde made an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show for a chat and a performance of “Lines In The Carpet” from her fifth studio album, Wild.

The discussion included McBryde’s sobriety journey and Redemption Bar, vulnerability in making music and more.

 

Ryan Seacrest Visits Nashville Seacrest Studio

Photos: Donn Jones/Courtesy of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Ahead of hosting Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash on Saturday, Ryan Seacrest made a surprise visit to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation’s Seacrest Studio location at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Seacrest visited with patients, families and interns and played a game of “Younger or Older: America Edition.”

 

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Spotlights Kix Brooks On Latest ‘Thank a Songwriter’ Podcast Episode

Rusty Gaston and Kix Brooks. Photo: Kamren Kennedy

Sony Music Publishing Nashville recently released the latest episode of its Thank a Songwriter podcast, featuring award-winning artist Kix Brooks. The episode is available on all major streaming platforms.

“The reason we started this podcast was to capture hall of fame stories about songwriting, and having this conversation with Kix in the same building where Brand New Man was recorded 35 years ago made the moment feel especially significant. It is an honor to champion Kix and celebrate the lasting impact of his songs,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

 

Country For A Cause Raises $45,000 For Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital At Vanderbilt

Pictured (L-R): Sherri Forrest, Scott Sexton, Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, Bev Moser

Country For A Cause recently raised $45,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt during the CMA Fest 2026 concert at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.

Hosted by T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, along with Devon O’Day, performers and special guests included Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Moe Bandy, John Berry, Trey Calloway, Allie Colleen, Linda Davis, Hannah Dasher, Ty Herndon, Jake Hoot, Dani-elle Kleha, The Kody Norris Show, The Malpass Brothers, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, Makenzie Phipps, and Mark Wills, along with surprise guests Chad Brock, Aubrey Nicole, Thompson Square and Billy Yates.

“Kelly and I are once again honored to have been asked to host Country For A Cause,” says Sheppard and Lang. “It truly is one of our favorite concert events of the year and a special way to kick off CMA Fest. Thanks to everyone who gave their time, talent, and support to make our 12th annual benefit concert such a tremendous success. With twenty incredible artists donating their performances for a great cause, it’s easy to see why this event continues to be so special. These folks have some of the biggest hearts in the music industry. This year’s Country For A Cause was absolutely the best ever, and we are grateful for everyone who helped make it another sold-out event. We hope to see everyone again next year.”

 

Charles Esten Visits With Veterans In Honor Of July 4th

Photo: Kayla Eileen

During a recent Musicians On Call visit, Charles Esten performed for dozens of Veteran patients and staff at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro. During the visit, he was joined by former Grand Ole Opry member John Frost for a rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Following the auditorium performance, Esten continued Musicians On Call’s bedside program, bringing live music directly to Veterans receiving care who were unable to attend.

 

Warren Zeiders Announced As Investor In Premier Lacrosse League

Warren Zeiders.

Warren Zeiders, along with others including Glen Powell, Rob McElhenney, Tony Cavalero and more, recently invested in the Premier Lacrosse League.

Proceeds from the financing will be directed across four priorities including expanding media distribution and original storytelling; growing sponsorship and commercial partnerships; deepening investment in the Women’s Lacrosse League; and broadening access to youth lacrosse to make the game more affordable and available.

Jordan Schmidt Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Cait McNaney

Jordan Schmidt has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley‘s “Be Her” and John Morgan’s “Kid Myself” put the songwriter at No. 10 this week.

Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the 11th consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Loving Life Again.” Austin Goodloe stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “No Need For Leavin'” and “Rocky Mountain Low.”

Joybeth Taylor (No. 3), HARDY (No. 4) and Riley Green (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.

Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! America 250 Celebration Draws Record Crowd Of 400,000

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Photo: Alan Poizner/Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event drew a record-breaking estimated crowd of 400,000 downtown to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

The talent-packed celebration featured a multi-star lineup of The All-American Rejects, Boyz II Men, Brothers Osborne, Lauren Daigle, NE-YO, Nick Jonas, Sublime and more. Rising country artists Elizabeth Nichols and Emily Ann Roberts appeared as special guest performers.

The performances anchored a three-hour national TV special, Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash, with host Ryan Seacrest, which aired coast to coast live. The TV broadcast included performances from Little Big Town, Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw, with Roberts also serving as backstage correspondent, and comedian John Crist joining the show as the broadcast’s man-on-the-street reporter.

The concert culminated with the July 4th Fireworks and Drone Show, the largest fireworks and aerial drone light display in Nashville history. For the first time, Nashville’s fireworks display featured 12-inch shells, the largest ever launched in the city. The show also included more than 1,000 floating flares, creating the illusion of lights suspended above the Cumberland River, and the two-minute finale once again ranked among the most powerful in the country, featuring thousands of fireworks, more than 1,000 salute “boomers” and a vibrant spectrum of colors. The show was synchronized to a live performance from the Nashville Symphony.

Craig Morgan To Host Veterans Day 5K

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Craig Morgan is set to host the inaugural Veterans Day 5K run supported by Humana at the Grand Ole Opry House on Nov. 7, prior to his headlining show that evening at Ryman Auditorium.

The Veterans Day 5k will celebrate the courage, sacrifice and service of our nation’s veterans while bringing together runners, walkers, active-duty service members, military families, and supporters for a special morning of community and patriotism. Participants will enjoy a 5K race, commemorative race swag, a patriotic finish line celebration, and opportunities to support organizations dedicated to serving veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.

Registration is open now, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Opry Trust Fund, Operation Finally Home, the USO and the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation.

“We celebrate Veterans Day each year to honor the men and women who have served our great nation in our U.S. military,” says Morgan. “I am inviting you to join me on Nov. 7 to run, honor and remember our Veterans during this first-ever race and give back to those who have already given us so much.”

Morgan recently released his latest single “Blanket of Stars,” which honors the sacrifice and dedication of the men and women who serve our country.

Eli Young Band To Launch ‘Keep On Dreaming Tour’ In August

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Eli Young Band. Photo: Jeff Ray

Eli Young Band is set to kick off the “Keep on Dreaming Tour” at The Bullpen in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 6.

The headlining tour will include shows throughout the U.S., including stops in Abilene, Vancouver, Bozeman, Monterey, Baton Rouge and more through October, and tickets go on sale this Friday, (July 10) here.

The tour follows the release of the band’s Life At Best (15 Years Deluxe) project. They recently launched a new era with their latest album Strange Hours. As the band’s first independently released album via UnLevel Records, Strange Hours features 13 tracks, and introduces a new chapter driven by experience and a million miles of wisdom from a band of brothers who grew from hometown heroes into globe-trotting, chart-topping pioneers.

“Keep on Dreaming Tour” Dates:
Aug. 6 The Bullpen || Washington, D.C.
Aug. 7 Reverb || Reading, PA
Aug. 8 Ulster County Fair || New Paltz, NY
Aug. 9 Bottle & Cork || Dewey Beach, DE
Aug. 13 River Rhythms Series || Albany, OR
Aug. 14 Umatilla County Fair || Hermiston, OR
Aug. 15 Red Truck Series || Vancouver, BC
Aug. 21 Iowa State Fair || Des Moines, IA
Aug. 22 Abilene Christian University || Abilene, TX
Aug. 27 Latitude 39 || Truckee, CA
Aug. 28 Music on the Mountain || Weston, OR
Aug. 29 Alpenglow Festival || Bozeman, MT
Sept. 3 Monterey County Fair || Monterey, CA
Sept. 6 Camp Margaritaville || Crystal Beach, TX
Sept. 11 Canterbury Park || Shakopee, MN (with LANCO)
Sept. 18 Ojibwa Casino || Marquette, MI
Sept. 19 Hero Fest || Houma, LA
Sept. 26 Battle of Smoke & Sound || Dumas, TX
Oct. 1 Quarry Park || Rocklin, CA
Oct. 2 Siesta Valley Bowl || Orinda, CA
Oct. 3 Temecula Stampede || Temecula, CA
Oct. 4 Barrelhouse || Paso Robles, CA
Oct. 9 RC McGraws || Manhattan, KS
Oct. 10 Nite Life || Alva, OK
Oct. 15 Texas Club || Baton Rouge, LA
Oct. 16 Shrimporee || Aransas Pass, TX
Oct. 17 Jack’s Backstage || Ruidoso, NM
Oct. 23 Hollywood Casino || Aurora, IL

Charlie Worsham Inks With ONErpm

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Charlie Worsham. Photo: PJ Brown

Charlie Worsham has signed with ONErpm for the release of his upcoming album, Once Upon A Second Time Around.

The project, due Aug. 7, marks Worsham’s first independent album. As a songwriter, Worsham has earned cuts with Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs and Dierks Bentley. He earned the 2024 CMA Musician of the Year and CMA Touring Musician of the Year, and is two-time ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year.

“Charlie is one of the most respected musicians, songwriters, and artists in Nashville. His talent, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to his craft have earned him the admiration of both fans and his peers. Everyone at ONErpm is honored that Charlie has chosen us as his partner, and we’re excited to support the next chapter of an already remarkable career,” shares Mike Easterlin, Managing Director-Nashville, ONErpm.

“A few weeks ago, I sat down to breakfast with Mike Easterlin and my management team, knowing there was a chance we’d partner on the release of Once Upon A Second Time Around. We spent the morning talking about family, the perspective that comes with time in this business, mentors, and what really matters. What struck me most was what we didn’t talk about. We never picked apart the music. It was simply understood that the music was the foundation, and the goal was to support it and give it every opportunity to find its audience,” adds Worsham.

Worsham has previewed the album with two versions of his single, “Wrap My Porch Around,” one accompanied by The Travelin’ McCourys.

“Wrap My Porch Around is one of the most autobiographical songs on the new record, and it felt like the perfect candidate to represent both my love of modern country music AND my love of bluegrass,” says Worsham. “Of course, I pulled a page from the book of Vince Gill. It was his example, recording two versions of High Lonesome Sound, that inspired me to do the same with Porch. In a full-circle moment, we cut the bluegrass version at Vince’s house. I didn’t even pull my dreadnought out of the case that day, opting for one of Vince’s old D18s.”

Worsham has upcoming shows in Florida, Mississippi and more.

Summerfest Wraps 2026 Festival

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Ben Krebs

Summerfest has wrapped its 2026 festival after three weekends of live music from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Garth Brooks kicked off the festival with two nights at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on June 16-17. Brooks treated fans to a 20-song set spanning fan favorites and deep cuts, including “The Beaches of Cheyenne,” “Two of a Kind, Workin’ on a Full House” and “The River,” as well as a surprise cover of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page.”

The first weekend (18-20) also featured performances from Megan Moroney, Passion Pit, Third Eye Blind, Holly Humberstone, Cameron Whitcomb, Evan Honer, Carín León, Aspen, flipturn, Connor Price, Nate Smith and others.

Weekend two (June 25-27) continued with sets from headliners Ed Sheeran, Post Malone and Cody Johnson, along with The Marcus King Band, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore, Carter Faith and more.

The festival wrapped this weekend (July 2-4) with performances from Noah Cyrus, Whiskey Myers, Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard and many more.

Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

Carter Faith. Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

Sam Barber. Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

Jelly Roll. Photo: Courtesy of Summerfest

David Spencer Re-Signs With Essential Music Publishing

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David Spencer re-signs with Essential Music Publishing

Platinum-selling songwriter and producer David Spencer has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Essential Music Publishing.

Spencer has over a billion streams to his credit, and his work consistently lands on the radio and streaming charts. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists from various genres, and in 2026 alone, he will celebrate the release of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Carly Simon’s new single “Howl” from her new album, as well as co-writing and producing Jo Dee Messina’s album Bridges, and working with breakout viral artist Neoni on their new album on Virgin Music Group.

In 2023, Spencer earned ASCAP Song of the Year for “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” a nine-week No. 1 that set the record for the longest-running debut single by a female artist in CCM history. He followed with another No. 1, “Who I Am” by Ben Fuller. He has since had additional cuts by artists like Seph Schlueter, Jamie McDonald, Sanctus Real, and Zach Williams, with his top 5 Billboard hit, “Jesus Loves.” In addition to his chart success, Spencer plays a key role in artist development, serving as a key writing and producing partner for Neoni and helping shape the duo’s evolving sound and global reach. The viral Gold hit “Darkside” marked a breakout moment with hundreds of millions of streams, and his ongoing work continues to define the duo’s evolving musical identity.

Spencer’s music has also been featured in major cultural moments, including the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He most recently secured a worldwide sync placement with Adobe featuring “Pocket Size” by Sansol the Artist, highlighting his continued impact across both creative and commercial spaces.

“It’s no surprise that David has risen to be one of the most sought-after writers and producers across CCM, country, and sync – his talent has always been undeniable,” shares Jamie Rogers, VP, Essential Music Publishing. “But beyond the accolades, David is simply someone you love being in this business with. We’re genuinely excited and deeply grateful to extend our partnership with him,and we couldn’t be more honored to run alongside him as he continues to create genre-defining music.”