Ava Liv Mabry Inks With Reservoir [Exclusive]

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Photo: Courtesy of Reservoir Media

Folk-pop singer-songwriter Ava Liv Mabry has signed a publishing deal with Reservoir Media. The deal includes her catalog and future works. 

Mabry is the youngest-ever recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Abe Olman Award, which recognizes promising young songwriters. She has released four EPs, most recently 2025’s Magnolia. Her debut album, All American Girl Doll, is set for release next year and includes the previously released singles “For the Records,” “Dreamboat,” “Heather,” “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and “Audrey.” This fall, she will hit the road with Jenna Raine, Jenna Davis, and Parachute after selling out her first headline show at Nashville’s Cannery Hall in July.

Raised on gospel music in Franklin, Tennessee, Mabry began her career busking around her hometown and released her first song at 13. Her songwriting draws from her own experiences, with themes of relationships, family, faith and home. Her music has also been featured in Netflix’s Calabasas Confidential and several Hallmark movies. Earlier this year, Spotify featured Mabry on its Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds Country playlists, following three Apple Music editorial features.

“Ever since I moved to Nashville and started learning the art of songwriting, I have realized just how much companies like Reservoir do for songwriters like me,” says Mabry. “It’s a dream come true partnering with innovators like Greg Gallo and John Ozier at Reservoir! I feel like I get to join a club of people that inspire me most.”

“Ava is an incredible singer-songwriter with a huge amount of well-deserved buzz around her right now,” adds Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “She’s the kind of songwriter A&Rs dream of discovering this early in her career. We’re proud to be her publishing home and support her as she launches her debut album, and we can’t wait for the world to hear what’s next.”

She is managed by fellow Reservoir songwriter Sam Tinnesz, and recently signed a record deal with Blue Highway Records.

Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Canadian Country Music Oct. 29

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The Grand Ole Opry will honor Canada’s country music community on Oct. 29 with “Grand Ole Opry: Celebrating 50 Years of the CCMA,” marking the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Country Music Association. The event will spotlight Canadian country artists from multiple generations, including Opry member Terri Clark, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Gord Bamford, Paul Brandt, Tami Neilson, Brett Kissel and Tenille Arts.

Radio personalities Jackie Rae Greening and four-time CCMA Award winner Shannon Ella will serve as special guest announcers. The celebration will also feature a special moment for Jess Moskaluke, who was invited by Ella to make her Opry debut during the event.

The event will celebrate the artists who have shaped Canadian country music and the connection between the Canadian country community and the Grand Ole Opry.

iHeartRadio | Pure Country Radio will broadcast the celebration across Canada on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. local time.

Riley Green Celebrates ‘Change My Mind’ With No. 1 Party

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Riley Green (BMI) is presented with a plaque celebrating his RIAA-PLATINUM certified seventh No. One hit “Change My Mind.” Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

Riley Green and his team gathered at BMI yesterday (Sept. 22) to celebrate his chart-topper, “Change My Mind.” The track was written by Green, Erik Dylan and Randy Montana, and produced by Dan Huff, Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen.

BMI’s Leslie Roberts welcomed industry members, friends and family to the celebration, noting that “Change My Mind” was Green’s seventh No. 1 single, Dylan’s second No. 1 and Montana’s 12th.
50 Egg Music’s Tali Canterbury, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule and Warner Chappell and Perfect Game Creative’s Jessi Stevenson each took the microphone to honor the songwriters and the team behind the track.

Stevenson remembered the first time she watched Green perform it live. “The first time I got to see it in person was at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and the air in the room changed,” Stevenson shared. “Everyone got so electrified and were having so much fun. It was really fun to watch it come in from a work tape to then being recorded and then being played live.”

Studio Bank’s Ron Cox also took a moment to highlight the donation made in honor of the No. 1 to Green’s Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, an organization founded by Green to honor his grandfathers and serve the needs of veterans.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Borchetta and Harnen then celebrated Green’s continued growth, with Harnen sharing that “Change My Mind” had been certified Platinum.

Huff then took the mic, reflecting on his time working with Green and the impact he has had on him creatively.

“I think I’ve received more working with Riley than I give,” Huff shared. “And I’m so appreciative of it because you think when you’ve done something for a long time, there’s less and less that you have to learn. And the way he writes music and records music has taught me a bunch of new things in the last couple of years and I’m very thankful for that because it reengages me with music.”

Dylan and Montana each thanked the team behind the single and Green for his boldness in cutting songs that no one else will.

Finally, Green took the microphone, first speaking as Dylan’s co-publisher before thanking Montana, Huff, Borchetta, Harnen and the members of his team who helped get the song to No. 1.

“I think that when you sit down in a room and it doesn’t feel like you’re at work, it always comes out to be a better song and it’s always the case with these people,” Green said. “It takes a whole bunch of folks. So this is everybody’s win here today. Appreciate y’all.”

Roger Miller’s Career Highlighted In Upcoming New CMHOFM Exhibit

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The life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member Roger Miller will be explored in a new exhibit. “Roger Miller: Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder,” opening Nov. 6 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The exhibit follows the story of the renowned singer-songwriter whose multifaceted career earned him accolades and widespread affection from the public. Miller became a country-pop superstar in the 1960s with self-penned crossover hits like “Dang Me” and “King of the Road.” At the height of the British Invasion, Miller won 11 Grammys, and was the first country artist to win a Tony. A true renaissance man, he mastered multiple crafts as a songwriter, singer, fiddler, guitarist, drummer, film and TV star, Las Vegas headliner, and Broadway composer.

Beloved for his quick wit, Miller’s natural comedic ability was so sharp that Nashville songwriters were known to trail him around town, hoping to collect lines that flew from his mouth. He counted songwriting giants Bill Anderson and Willie Nelson among his closest friends, and has influenced countless others, including John Prine, Toby Keith and Kacey Musgraves. Miller passed in 1992, and was inducted posthumously into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995.

The exhibit will feature a short film produced by the museum and narrated by Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart. Visitors will see clothing, awards, handwritten notes, song manuscripts, instruments and rare footage of Miller’s TV appearances and performances. The exhibit, supported by All Access Coach Leasing, is included with museum admission and runs through March 2028.

“Roger Miller was a singular creative force,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Though considered a musical genius and humorist, his greatest gift may have been his ability to connect with people. He channeled his many sides into fantastically absurd, touching and astute songwriting that still resonates today.”

Industry Ink: BMI, Vanderbilt, CRS, Rhino Staging, CMHOFM

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BMI Holds Inaugural Sunseeker Resort Festival In Florida

Pictured (L-R): Ben Burgess (BMI), BMI’s Mason Hunter, Summer Overstreet (BMI), BMI’s Rachel Morgan, Shane Minor (BMI), Sunseeker Resort’s Chloe Hollander, Anthony Smith (BMI), and Marti Frederiksen (BMI) pose at the inaugural Sunseeker Resort Songwriter series presented by BMI.

BMI hosted its first-ever Sunseeker Resort Songwriter Series at the Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast in Port Charlotte, Florida on Sept. 5-6. The resort hosted two nights of stories and songs at Estuary’s Edge, its dedicated indoor event space, with Saturday performances from hitmakers Shane Minor and Anthony Smith, and Sunday’s closing entertainment featuring Marti Frederiksen, Summer Overstreet and Ben Burgess.

 

Vanderbilt University’s Lecture On The Lawn Series Hosts WME, Neon Coast, Lost Highway, Sony Publishing & More

Vanderbilt hosted Lecture on the Lawn, one of Nashville’s largest student-run benefit concert series, on Sept. 22 at Vanderbilt’s Alumni Hall. The event brought together six music and entertainment professionals with students to give the next generation of the industry a direct line to the people already building careers on Music Row.

The event was moderated by Professor Deanna Walker, Senior Lecturer of Songwriting at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music and a songwriter, pianist, composer and producer, and featured Jess Tomlins, Project Manager and Day-to-Day Artist Manager, Neon Coast; Lauren Cunningham, Music Agent, WME; David Sharp, Senior Director, North American Synchronization License Administration, Sony Music Publishing; Leah Ducey, Head of US Social, Beautiful Digital; Vinny Masino, Manager, Audience Development and Content Strategy, Lost Highway; and Nikki Romolo, Managing Director, Venues and Events, Vanderbilt Enterprises. The event was co-sponsored by the Vanderbilt Career Center and open to all Vanderbilt students interested in music and entertainment careers, regardless of major.

 

Early Bird Registration For CRS 2027 Closes Today

Early Bird Registration for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2027 is now open for two days only, through the end of day today (Sept. 23.) Country radio and music industry professionals are encouraged to act quickly to secure the special $699 Early Bird rate before registration increases to $799. Registration is available through crs2027.eventbrite.com. Set for March 17–19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, CRS 2027 will once again bring together members from across the country radio and music communities for three days of education, networking, discovery, and live entertainment.

 

Rhino Staging Opens New Nashville Office

Celeste Brown

Rhino Staging has opened a new office in Nashville. The new facility, led by Tennessee Operations Manager Celeste Brown, moves Rhino Staging closer to downtown Nashville, enhancing day-to-day synergies with top client venues by allowing Rhino management to more easily conduct physical, in-person check-ins and reinforcing their commitment to hands-on client service.

The central location also allows scheduling and other staff more opportunities for valuable face-to-face interaction with Rhino’s stagehand cohort. The office is located in the same complex as industry partners Go West Creative and Worley Sound, further strengthening Rhino’s local operational ties.

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening Of *uter(us) By 2026 Hatch Show Print Visiting Artist Sarah Matthews

Director of Hatch Show Print Celene Aubry, Sarah Matthews and Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Haley Gallery celebrated the opening *uter(us), an art exhibit showcasing the works of printmaker Sarah Matthews, who is also serving as the 2026 Hatch Show Print Visiting Artist. The Hatch Show Print Visiting Artist series invites regionally, nationally or internationally recognized visual artists to explore Hatch Show Print’s collection of type and imagery and collaborate with the shop’s designer-printers to make new work.

Free and open to the public through Nov. 13, the exhibit examines women’s health through the language of medicine, exploring the words and phrases physicians and nurses use when speaking to patients. It also addresses critical issues including period poverty, the maternal mortality crisis, the pink tax and reproductive healthcare. By transforming medical language into visuals, the exhibit invites viewers to confront these disparities, amplifying conversations about bodily autonomy, informed consent and equitable healthcare for all women.

Garth Brooks To Bring His ‘Blame It All On My Roots Tour’ Home To Oklahoma In October

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Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks’ “Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour” is heading back to his home state for three shows this October.

He’ll take the stage for back-to-back shows in Tulsa Oct. 23- 25 at the BOK Center. Performing in the round, Brooks has fans on their feet from the opening note through the final song, as the sold-out crowd sings along to a career-spanning set of fan favorites and iconic hits. General on sale for the dates begins Oct. 2 here.

“Nothing means more than meaning something to the place where you’re from,” Brooks says about the Oklahoma show.

Brooks will head to Orlando this weekend for three dates Sept. 25-27, and will perform four shows in Salt Lake City in October.

Neal McCoy Receives Opry Member Invitation During ‘Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride’

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Allyson Shaheer/Charley’s neice, Rozene Pride, Neal McCoy and Pam Tillis. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry.

Neal McCoy was invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry family last night (Sept. 22) during “Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride,” a special show celebrating the life, music and legacy of the Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member.

During his set, McCoy performed three Pride classics and reflected on Pride’s friendship and mentorship, revealing that in the very early days of his career he would mow yards for a living during the week and travel with Pride on the weekends, opening his shows.

Following her performance, Opry member Pam Tillis welcomed Pride’s wife Rozene Pride to the stage to share memories of her late husband, and Mrs. Pride asked McCoy to escort her onstage. As she concluded her thoughts, she shared, “Charley would be so happy with what you’re going to do next, Pam,” as Tillis stepped in with an official member invitation for McCoy on behalf of Charley and Rozene Pride and the entire Opry family.

“Oh my gosh,” McCoy said. “What a great night. What a great night to be invited.”

McCoy has often credited Pride’s guidance, encouragement and example with helping shape his career and his approach to entertaining, and in 2013, McCoy released the album Pride: A Tribute To Charley Pride to honor his longtime friend and mentor.

“Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride” also featured performances by Opry member Darius Rucker, Pride’s son Dion Pride, Tony Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, and The War & Treaty.

McCoy will officially join the Opry family later this year on a date to be announced.

Artist Action: Riley Green, Zac Brown, Ian Munsick, Alli Walker

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Duck Club Bourbon Introduces New Expression

Duck Club Bourbon, the Official Bourbon of Ducks Unlimited, has introduced Wetlands, a limited-edition bourbon created in partnership with Ducks Unlimited. The release is the first in Duck Club Bourbon’s new conservation series, with proceeds supporting Ducks Unlimited’s efforts to conserve and restore wetlands and wildlife habitats. Bottled at 107 proof, Wetlands is a blend of seven- to nine-year straight bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee.

“Being outdoors and spending time in the woods and on the water has always been a big part of my life, so being able to create something that gives back to the places and wildlife we care about means a lot to me,” says Riley Green, Co-Founder of Duck Club Bourbon. “Wetlands is a special release for Duck Club Bourbon because every bottle helps support Ducks Unlimited and the important work they’re doing to protect these habitats for generations to come. We wanted this bourbon to be something you can enjoy with good friends after a day outside while also knowing you’re giving back to something bigger than yourself.”

 

Zac Brown Named Godfather of Margaritaville At Sea’s All-New Beachcomber

Zac Brown

Margaritaville at Sea has named Zac Brown as the official Godfather of its new ship, Beachcomber. The partnership builds on Brown’s work with the cruise line, including his collaboration on Beachcomber’s live music venue and Margaritaville at Sea’s role as presenting sponsor of Zac Brown Band’s current “Love & Fear U.S. Tour.” Brown will officially christen Beachcomber in Miami on Jan. 9, 2027, before performing for guests ahead of the ship’s inaugural sailing.

“It’s been so much fun working with the Margaritaville at Sea family to bring Same Boat on Beachcomber to life,” says Brown. “I’m really proud of what we’ve created together, and being named Godfather of Beachcomber is a true honor. I’m also really thankful for their support of the tour and for how this partnership has grown. What I love most is knowing that people are going to step on this ship with their families and friends, have an amazing time and make memories they’ll have forever. I’m just really excited to be a part of it and can’t wait for people to experience her.”

 

Ian Munsick Celebrates Grand Opening Of Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill

Ian Munsick. Photo: Austin Friedline

Ian Munsick celebrated the end of his “Road to The Mountain Goat Tour” on Sept. 18 with the grand opening of Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill in Deadwood, South Dakota. The opening drew large crowds and featured sponsor activations, a live radio broadcast and apperances from Munsick’s friends, family and fellow artists, including Philip Bowen, Ross Cooper, Ashland Craft, Kylie Frey, Jenna LaMaster, The Munsick Boys, Tyler Nance, Faren Rachels, Kellen Smith, Kasey Tyndall, Jeremy Spillman and Mike Robinson.

“Most importantly, thank you guys for being here,” Munsick said to fans in attendance. “I know a lot of you drove hours and hours, or had to hop on airplanes, to be here. So thank you.”

 

Alli Walker Celebrates Habitat For Humanity Home Project Groundbreaking

Photo: Eric Paul

Alli Walker joined Cornerstone Building Brands and Habitat for Humanity Niagara to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new nine-townhome development in Welland, Ontario, marking the launch of Cornerstone Building Brands’ Home for Good Project in Canada. Walker is the first Canadian country artist to join the initiative, which has contributed more than $4.5 million in products and resources to support more than 930 homes across 175 communities since 2016. The project’s involvement comes alongside Walker’s new single “ONE STORY HOUSE,” which explores themes of home and resilience, and the announcement of her upcoming EP, PRETTY ROUGH: VOL. 1, due Oct. 9.

“‘ONE STORY HOUSE’ is about the life my husband and I have built together and the love and foundation that have carried us through every change,” says Walker. “Partnering with Habitat for Humanity Canada is a meaningful way to bring the heart of this song to life by supporting more families as they build not only a house, but a place where their own stories can begin.”

Craig Morgan’s New 11-Song Project ‘My Country’ Due In November

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Craig Morgan is celebrating the heart, soul, and sounds of America on his latest album My Country, due out Nov. 6 ahead of Veterans Day via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

The 11-song album highlights Morgan’s unwavering patriotism for the Stars and Stripes with songs like “Long May You Wave” and honors his late friend, Toby Keith, with a passionate and personal cover of “American Soldier.” A new track from the album, “I’m Country Music,” is available now ahead of the album’s release. The new single pays tribute to die-hard music fans and all the ways country music speaks to our hearts, hopes, fears, tears, and celebrations.

“This new album brings together two things I love – my country and country music – and it’s created to celebrate both,” shares Morgan. “You’ve been hearing ‘I’m Country Music’ in my shows lately and I’m excited to finally release it today. And I’m privileged too to have the blessing of my friend Toby Keith’s family to record and release my own version of his iconic song, ‘American Soldier,’ on the project too. I can’t wait for everyone to listen!”

Morgan will perform a headlining show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 7, and the Grand Ole Opry member will host his Veterans Day 5K, supported by Humana, that morning at the Grand Ole Opry House. 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.

My Country Track List:
1. “I’m Country Music” (Phil O’Donnell, Teddy Robb, Josh London)
2. “American Soldier” (Toby Keith, Chuck Cannon)
3. “The Will” (Jessi Alexander, Josh Phillips)
4. “Long May You Wave” (Craig Morgan, Scotty Hasting, Phil O’Donnell, Houston Phillips)
5. “That Ain’t Gonna Be Me” (Craig Morgan, Wade Kirby, Trent Willmon, Phil O’Donnell)
6. “Blue Collar Prayer” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Matt Willis)
7. “Soldier” (Gavin DeGraw)
8. “That’s What I Love About Sunday” (Adam Dorsey, Mark Narmore)
9. “Almost Home” – Craig Morgan & Jelly Roll – (Craig Morgan, Kerry Kurt Phillips)
10. “International Harvester” – Craig Morgan & Lainey Wilson – (Danny Myrick, Jeffrey Steele, Shane Minor)
11. “God, Family, and Country” (Craig Morgan, Craig Morris, Lance McDaniel)

BREAKING: NSAI Crowns 2026 Nashville Songwriter Awards Winners [Full List]

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Songwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 22) for NSAI’s ninth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank.

Along with a night full of moving performances, the event celebrated winners in the Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year categories, among others, including the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honors.

Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley and Joybeth Taylor earned Song of the Year for global smash hit “Choosin’ Texas” recorded by Langley. Blake Pendergrass was named Songwriter of the Year, and Riley Green took home Songwriter-Artist of the Year.

The evening also saw NSAI present the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award to country legend Vince Gill, while Paul Williams received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.

The Legendary Song award—which honors a song that has achieved timeless status—went to Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” solo-penned by Don Schlitz.

The full list of winners for the ninth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is below:

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Choosin’ Texas” Written by Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Blake Pendergrass

SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Riley Green

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.
Vince Gill

NSAI PRESIDENT’S KEYSTONE AWARD
Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President.
Paul Williams

LEGENDARY SONG
“The Gambler” Written by Don Schlitz

“10 SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN” AWARDS
Each year, the highly-coveted ‘10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards’ are voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the Top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. The NSAI Song Of The Year is the highest vote-getter.

“20 Cigarettes”
Written by: Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)

“Bar None”
Written by: Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Lydia Vaughan
(recorded by: Jordan Davis)

“Backseat Driver”
Written by: Jacob Davis, Jordan Walker
(recorded by: Kane Brown)

“Be Her”
Written by: Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy, Ella Langley, Jordan Schmidt
(recorded by: Ella Langley)

“Country Song Came On”
Written by: Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver, Neil Medley
(recorded by: Luke Bryan)

“Don’t Mind If I Do”
Written by: Riley Green
(recorded by: Riley Green ft. Ella Langley)

“I’m The Problem”
Written by: Grady Block, Charlie Handsome, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)

“Just In Case”
Written by: Alex Bak, John Byron, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson, Morgan Wallen
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)

“Somewhere Over Laredo”
Written by: Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
(recorded by: Lainey Wilson)

“The Fall”
Written by: Ray Fulcher, Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover
(recorded by: Cody Johnson)

“Weren’t For The Wind”
Written by: Johnny Clawson, Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor
(recorded by: Ella Langley)