Kenny Chesney. Photo: Courtesy of Heart Life Music

Kenny Chesney recently went back into the studio, not to make new music this time, but to record the audio version of his upcoming new memoir, Heart Life Music, due out in November.

The new audio version of Chesney’s life story, (which was written with longtime friend and collaborator Holly Gleason), is being recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, and Chesney is strolling down memory lane once again as he reads through all of the adventures and experiences of his winding career.

“It’s funny,” marvels Chesney, “when you’re living it, it’s being in the moment. When we were writing it, it was looking back and really striving to get it right. But now, reading it, all of these stories become real again. I can see everybody, from the Turf and the Wheel, to (Capricorn Records founders) Phil Walden with all that charisma and (legendary producer) Barry Beckett telling me to ‘put a smile on it.’

“It takes a lot longer than I thought to record an audio book, or maybe it’s just I would get lost in seeing all the people and places along the way,” he continues. “In a way, it’s what I did with my summer vacation: visit all these adventures I’ve had, because when I started to hear the stories, I felt like I was living them all over again.”

Ty Herndon. Photo: Jeremy Ryan

Ty Herndon is opening his heart and pulling back the curtains on his life and career in his candid brand new memoir, What Mattered Most, set for release March 31 on Dey Street Books.

With unflinching honesty, Herndon shares his addiction and mental health struggles, the groundbreaking decision to become the first openly gay male country star, and the resilience it took to endure more than three decades in the music industry in the new book. Woven throughout his story are moments of his trademark humor, warmth and hard-earned wisdom, offering readers a tale not just of survival, but about choosing hope, authenticity and love against all odds.

“This book is my heart on the page,” explains Herndon. “This book is about the boy I was, the man I became, and the grace that carried me through it all. I hope my story reminds someone out there that they’re never alone, and that there’s always a way forward. Life has a way of knocking you down, but it also gives you a million reasons to get back up. What Mattered Most is my story of falling, rising, and finding purpose in the journey. If this book inspires even one person to keep going, then I’ve done my job.”

Herndon launched his career at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys, the group that would later evolve into hitmakers Diamond Rio. After signing with Epic Records, Herndon skyrocketed to solo fame in 1995 with the chart-topping single “What Mattered Most,” the first of his 17 Billboard charting hits. Yet behind the scenes, he was confronting addiction, mental health struggles, and the weight of hiding his true self in a traditionally conservative industry, His path wound through an arrest, marriages, lawsuits, secret relationships and a devastating relapse in 2020.

The breaking point came on New Year’s Day 2021, when Herndon nearly ended his life—a moment that led to intensive rehab and the chance to confront and release the traumas that had haunted him for decades. Out of those darkest hours emerged a renewed sense of purpose, first expressed in his most personal song, “God or the Gun,” and now revealed with uncompromising honesty and depth in his memoir. In the book, Herndon offers not only a window into his private battles, but also a story of resilience, redemption, and the hard-won healing that comes from choosing to live—and to live authentically.

“For thirty years, I’ve told pieces of my story through my music and my words — but this book has given me the chance to tell the whole truth,” adds Herndon. “This book isn’t just about the music; it’s about the journey, the struggles, the faith, and the people who shaped my life. I hope readers walk away knowing that no matter where you’ve been, you can still write a new chapter — and that’s what matters most.”

Caylee Hammack, Ian Munsick, Dylan Scott, Chandler Walters and Anne Wilson have been added as performers to the eight annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium.

They join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Kelly Archer, Drew Baldridge, Marc Beeson, Johnny Clawson, Travis Denning, Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Dorr, Aaron Eshuis, Tyler Hubbard, Lalo Guzman, Cameron Jaymes, Tony Lane, Josh Miller, Lukas Nelson, Tim Nichols, Josh Phillips, Daniel Ross, Chris Stevens, Kyle Sturrock, Chris Tompkins, Trisha Yearwood and Jimmy Yeary.

All performers will honor NSAI’s Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year, as well as the 10 Songs ‘I Wish I’d Written’ awards and celebrate this year’s Legendary Song. Additionally, performances will honor several individuals whose careers and musical contributions have left an indelible mark for music makers around the world, including ALABAMA for the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, and Brenda Lee for the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.

Tickets for the eight annual Nashville Songwriter Awards are available here.

2025 Music Teachers of Excellence. Photo: John Russell/CMA

The Nashville music community gathered on Sept. 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to honor 30 of the nation’s most dedicated music educators at the ninth Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, hosted by the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association. The evening brought together artists, students, industry leaders and local supporters to celebrate teachers.

The honorees included five teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across Tennessee and 15 representing schools in 11 states were recognized.

“Music Teachers of Excellence is about more than one night of recognition—it is a testament to the life-changing power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them, sparks their creativity, and gives them the confidence to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. This year’s honorees remind us that investing in teachers means investing in stronger communities, brighter futures, and the very heartbeat of our culture.”

The night featured a one-of-a-kind lineup of performers and speakers. Country soul artist Drake White opened the evening, leading into the performance by powerhouse gospel vocalist Nate Bean, a Metro Nashville Public Schools music teacher, performing with 4Given and the Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School Choir, led by former Music Teachers of Excellence Dee Hammonds and Christopher Blackmon. CMA Award-nominated artist Caylee Hammack took the stage, followed by motivational speaker Carlos Whittaker, who shared reflections on purpose, resilience, and the power of music in everyday life. The Cane Ridge High School Rhythmic Ravens Purple Reign Drum Line, led by former Music Teacher of Excellence Johnny Croft, energized the room, and actor/musician Charles Esten recognized all 30 honorees. After offering an intimate look at the impact of educators on creativity and careers, songwriter Nicolle Galyon made way for CMA Award-winning hitmaker Jon Pardi, who closed the night.

“It has been a true honor to celebrate these remarkable teachers,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee Chair. “The Nashville music community showed up with such generosity, and together we created a night that reflects our shared belief in the power of music education. This celebration is a reminder that our role in supporting these educators doesn’t end with Wednesday night’s event—it’s a commitment we can all carry forward, year-round, to ensure music education continues to thrive.”

Additionally, the CMA Foundation gave $5,000 to each honoree—half to help enhance their music program and half for personal use.

This year’s Music Teachers of Excellence are Justin Antos (Dwight D. Eisenhower High School), Jeremy Bartunek (Greenbrier School), Melissa Gustafson-Hinds (O’Fallon Township High School), Dr. Kathryn Spangler (Mt. Vernon High School), Brandon Dittgen (Milford High School), Hong Le (Ellsworth Hill Elementary School), Matthew Shephard (Meridian Early College High School), Eric Songer (Chaska Middle School West), Erin Althen (West Hill High School), Theresa Iacarino (Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School), Michael Antmann (Freedom High School), Nick Blue (Franklin High School), Chuck Brown (Head Magnet Middle School), Neshawn Calloway (Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts), Reggie Coleman (Rocky Fork Middle School), Jandrea Crum (Chimneyrock Elementary School), Garrett Doo (Smyrna High School), Nicholas Efstathiou (Riverdale High School), Marisa Frank (Explore! Community School) Elaina Gallas (Mill Creek Elementary School), Jason Glashauser (South Clinton Elementary School), Carolyn Hankins (Page Middle School), Elisabeth Lay (Downtown Elementary School), Anna Maria Miller (Hume-Fogg Academic High School), Dave Petrelli (Lockeland Design Center Elementary School), Allison Snyder (Hunters Lane High School), Sara Duce (Greenfield Junior High School), Megan Perdue (Sheldon High School), Ethan Chessin (Camas High School) and Haviland Gilbert (Lincoln Elementary School).