The Turtles Co-Founder Mark Volman Passes At 78

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Mark Volman, a founding member of the 1960’s pop group The Turtles, passed away in Nashville on Friday (Sept. 5) after a brief illness. He was 78.

Best known for their chart-topping evergreen smash “Happy Together,” the Turtles also released songs like “She’d Rather Be with Me,” “You Know What I Mean,” “She’s My Girl” and “Elenore” throughout their career. The group disbanded in 1970 but Volman and friend/co-founder Howard Kaylan continued to tour and record as the comedic duo Flo & Eddie. The duo toured with Alice Cooper, offered vocals on T. Rex’s album Electric Warrior, and were recruited to sing on Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart,” according to the L.A. Times.

Mark Volman (middle) is recognized at Belmont University in 2019

In his 40’s Volman graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a masters in screenwriting and in 2018 was on the faculty of Belmont University’s music business department, but two years later learned he had Lewy body dementia, according to People. He nevertheless went on to release his memoir Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures with the Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, and More” in 2023, and returned to the road on a music festival tour that same year.

He is survived by his daughters Sarina Marie and Hallie Rae Volman and his brother, Phil Volman.

Shaboozey Launches American Dogwood Record Label

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Shaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk

Shaboozey has established his own record label, American Dogwood, in collaboration with his label home EMPIRE. American Dogwood will spotlight genre-bending and boundary-pushing artists similar to Shaboozey himself.

Shaboozey, Jared Cotter and Abas Pauti. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk

Shaboozey will lead the label by discovering and mentoring artists alongside longtime collaborators Jared Cotter and Abas Pauti. EMPIRE will support the label’s global infrastructure.

“American Dogwood is a tribute to where we come from, and to the artists, storytellers, and creators who make this life remarkable,” shares Shaboozey. “Our mission is to nurture the next generation of voices and to give them a place to grow, connect, and create. This is the beginning of a new chapter – one I hope always feels like home.”

The first act signed to the label is Kevin Powers, a Nashville based artist originally hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina. He first made his mark in Music City with viral co-penned hits “Walked In” and “How You Been?” He also c0-wrote the Shaboozey & Jelly Roll collaboration “Amen.” Powers sound is often described as “Southern Pop,” blending pop, country and hip-hop.

The first single off the new label will be a collaboration between Shaboozey and Powers titled “Move On,” dropping Sept. 19.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the American Dogwood family,” adds Powers. “My first release, “Move On” featuring Shaboozey, is about what happens when a relationship ends – how some people can let go, while others hold on longer than they should. It’s a story I think a lot of people will connect with, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to begin this journey than sharing it with Shaboozey by my side.”

‘Grand Ole Opry: Live In London’ To Broadcast On BBC

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The Grand Ole Opry is set to headline its first-ever live international broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sept. 26 as part of its 100th year celebration. For U.K fans, the show will be broadcast exclusively on BBC Two and BBC Radio 2 on Oct. 2 from 7 p.m. The radio and TV programs will be available on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer respectively for 30 days after broadcast. In the United States, fans will be able to experience the show live on its flagship home, WSM Radio, which will broadcast the Sept. 26 performance in its entirety.

Special UK guest artists Mumford & Sons and Breabach are slated to appear alongside Opry members Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart. The show will be co-hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay and WSM Radio host Kelly Sutton.

“This landmark year for the Opry comes at an ideal moment, as country music experiences an extraordinary surge in global popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom,” shares Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Opry Entertainment Group parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties. “With the support of beloved Opry members and these incredible UK artists, we aim to give fans a glimpse of the magic that happens each week in Nashville. We look forward to bringing this show to people across the UK and are pleased to partner with the BBC to share this historic moment through their trusted lens.”

“The Opry is so much more than a show; it’s a community formed by artists and fans who are deeply connected through music,” adds Dan Rogers, SVP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “True to one of the Opry’s most time-honored traditions, the mix of Opry members and special guests promises to offer exclusive collaborations never heard before that will pay tribute to the genre’s past and future.”

Scooter Carusoe Inks With Endurance Music Group & Carnival Music

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Pictured (L-R): Carnival Music’s Emily McMannis and Frank Liddell, Scooter Carusoe, EMG’s Lauren Funk and Michael Martin, and Carnival Music’s Brittany Hamlin

Songwriter Scooter Carusoe has signed a worldwide joint co-publishing agreement with Endurance Music Group and Carnival Music.

Throughout his decades-long career, Carusoe has penned cuts for a variety of artists including “Better as a Memory” and “Anything but Mine” for Kenny Chesney, “Wanna Be That Song” and “Mean to Me” for Brett Eldredge, “For the First Time” by Darius Rucker and “You All Over Me” by Taylor Swift, among others. His songs have earned awards from NSAI, ASCAP and SESAC, and have been recorded by Gary Allan, Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Jordan Davis, Eli Young Band, Lady A, David Nail, Rascal Flatts, Chase Rice, Sugarland, Uncle Kracker and more.

Carusoe’s recent cuts include Eric Church’s “Hands of Time,” which reached the top 15 and is currently climbing the Billboard Country Airplay chart, as well as Dierks Bentley’s “Never You” featuring Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum’s “My Blue,” Ty Myers’ “Morning Comes” and Charles Wesley Godwin’s “Better That Way.”

“Honestly, I can’t believe we have the opportunity to join forces with Frank Liddell and Carnival Music for this next creative season with Scooter and Endurance,” says Michael Martin, EMG President and Chief Creative Officer. “The history they have together has made a significant impact on Music Row, and it’s pretty special to have it all come full circle with EMG.”

Emily McMannis, Chief of Creative at Carnival Music, adds, “I spent my childhood trying to figure out who Scooter Carusoe, the guy in my favorite CD liner notes, was, and now it’s my job to really figure out who he is. He’s an artist who evolves and creates and should never be told how or why – just given the space to do. His songs are a big reason why I love country music, and to know that he’s back at Carnival – the company he started with Frank – is beyond amazing. Scooter has what this town needs: great songs. I’m really lucky to work with him.”

“Some relationships transcend the hits, holds, and heartbreaks of this business,” says Carusoe. “That’s what this team represents to me. They are as much family as they are publishing.”

Frank Liddell, Producer and Co-Founder of Carnival Music, simply states, “Welcome home, Scooter.”

Trisha Yearwood Unveils New Holiday Album & Tour

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Trisha Yearwood will embrace the magic of the holidays this season with a new album, Christmastime, arriving Nov. 7 via Virgin Music Group and Gwendolyn Records. The project follows her recently-released The Mirror which marked the first album fully co-written and co-produced by the Grammy winner.

Produced by Grammy Award winner Don Was and featuring lush arrangements composed by the legendary David Campbell, Christmastime showcases Yearwood’s powerhouse vocals across a collection that blends beloved classics, reimagined hits and some brand new originals.

Included on the album is an orchestral update of “Christmastime Is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas, a soulful new take on Elvis Presley’s classic “Blue Christmas” and a cinematic reimagining of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as well as “My Favorite Things,” “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Simple Gifts,” “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve,” “Cool Yule,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Years” and “Candy Cane Lane.”

The album also features “Merry Christmas, Valentine,” a heartfelt original co-written and performed with Garth Brooks.

To celebrate the release, Yearwood will embark on the “Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Tour,” performing alongside local symphonies across the country. The limited run begins Dec. 2 in Nashville and will visit major cities including Newark, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Detroit before wrapping Dec. 20, in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 12.

“Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year, and these songs mean so much to me,” said Yearwood. “To be able to perform them with a full symphony brings the magic to another level. I can’t wait to share this music and celebrate the season with fans on tour.”

“Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Tour” Dates:
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Friday, December 5, 2025 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – Springfield, MA – MGM Symphony Hall
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckard Hall
Friday, December 12, 2025 – Naples, FL – Hayes Hall
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – Grand Rapids, MI – DeVos Performance Hall
Thursday, December 18, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Heinz Hall
Friday, December 19, 2025 – Detroit, MI – Orchestra Hall
Saturday, December 20, 2025 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theater

Christmastime Track Listing:
1. “Christmastime is Here”
2. “Blue Christmas”
3. “Cool Yule”
4. “My Favorite Things”
5. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
6. “Years”
7. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
8. “Merry Christmas, Valentine”
9. “Candy Cane Lane”
10. “Pure Imagination”
11. “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve”
12. “Simple Gifts”

RCA Records & Bourne Creatives Launch Joint Venture

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Dylan Bourne. Photo: Luis Garcia-Cano

RCA Records has teamed up with Bourne Creatives to sign and develop new artists across all genres.

Dylan Bourne, who formed Bourne Creatives in 2020, will helm the venture. With roots in both Los Angeles and Nashville, his background includes management, label and publishing experience.

This partnership will expand upon RCA’s A&R reach and focus on helping artists build a creative and strategic foundation from the ground up. Independent of this joint venture, Bourne Creatives will continue working with its existing management roster of artists.

“Our ability to identify and cultivate talent in their early stages, paired with the proven artist development team at RCA Records, will provide the tools to build sustainable careers with both cultural and commercial impact,” shares Bourne.

“Dylan and his team have a keen eye for talent discovery and an expertise in grassroots artist development that will enhance our capabilities across multiple genres,” adds John Fleckenstein, COO, RCA Records.

Emily Ann Roberts Readies ‘Memory Lane’ EP Due In October

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Emily Ann Roberts will release her next EP, Memory Lane, on Oct. 3, marking her debut project with RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville.

The seven-song project features “Easy Does it,” “The Fence” and “Scratching Out A Living,” which Roberts debuted earlier this year along with a few new tracks.

Robert released her latest track, “Jack and Jill Daniels,” last Friday (Sept. 5)

“As far back as I can remember I have loved hearing a good story. And while honesty is the best policy, some of the best stories stretch the truth a little bit,” shares Roberts about the song. “I was at a retreat writing with Ryan Beaver, Jeremy Spillman, and Trent Willman in January when this song was born. Ryan and Jeremy had the idea that maybe Jack Daniels was created to help him move on from Jill, and the rest is history.”

YouTube video

Memory Lane Track List:
1. “Memory Lane”
2. “Jack & Jill Daniel’s”
3. “Easy Does It”
4. “Pretty In Pink”
5. “Scratching Out A Living”
6. “The Fence”
7. “Bus to Augusta”

Luke Bell’s Unreleased Recordings Set For Release In November On ‘The King Is Back’

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Thirty Tigers is posthumously releasing Luke Bell‘s The King Is Back, a 28-song album of the unreleased recordings that would have made up Bell’s sophomore album, on Nov. 7.

Three years ago, the Wyoming-born singer/songwriter tragically passed away at age 32. The collection captures Bell in his artistic prime, spinning stories about blue-collar workers, heartbroken ramblers, and the personal struggles that bind us together. The project was assembled by Luke’s mother Carol Bell and manager Brian Buchanan, and was produced by Andrija Tokic, Stephen Daly, Justin Frances and Luke Bell, who wrote every song.

The album’s title track “The King Is Back” was just released alongside a video featuring footage of Bell and his best friend, his dog Bill, at the historic TE Ranch west of Cody, Wyoming where he lived and worked during his musical off seasons.

Bell was raised in Cody, Wyoming, and independently released two albums before signing with Thirty Tigers for his self-titled debut, which established him as one of the strongest new voices in country. Bell tragically lost his father to cancer in 2015 and began struggling with severe mental illness, which made it increasingly difficult to play shows and continue living in Nashville. He was ultimately diagnosed as bipolar, and spent the following years tirelessly grappling with his illness, leading to hospitalizations and even a stint in jail. On August 26, 2022, Bell was found dead in Tucson, Arizona, after going missing.

The King Is Back is available for pre-order including a double LP pressed on cloud colored vinyl in a deluxe gatefold jacket, and includes a 24-page lyric booklet with photos and heartfelt liner notes written by Carol Bell. All proceeds from the album release will support The Luke Bell Memorial Affordable Counseling Program, a non-profit founded by Carol and Jane Bell that supports Big Horn Basin residents by providing up to 10 therapy sessions.

“It’s a meaningful way for Luke to give back to his community,” Carol says of the album’s charitable purpose. “A lot of Luke’s songs feature brave, cocksure characters who are hiding some kind of pain, and I think Luke was writing about himself, even though the songs weren’t always autobiographical. I also see traces of Luke in funny songs like ‘Orangutang,’ which might be about a Wyoming kid who wound up in Nashville, feeling like an ape who just escaped the zoo. The willingness to be silly and ridiculous, for the sake of fun – that’s very much like Luke, too. He changed the way we see the world. He helped us see people we didn’t always notice before, and he helped remind us how much they matter.”

On Sept. 11 at AmericanaFest in Nashville, Western AF will present a tribute to Luke Bell at The Basement East featuring many of Luke’s peers as well as his sister, Jane Bell.

Noah Hicks Readies New Project ‘Small Town Does’ For October

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Noah Hicks will release his new project, Small Town Does, on Oct. 10 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. A new single from the album, “Country Tonight,” is out now.

“Country Tonight” finds Hicks itching to ditch the hustle and bustle of the city for the calm of the country, as he seethes with pent-up longing to escape from the concrete jungle and return to his red dirt roots. Infused with southern grit, Small Town Does features hard-working anthems and slow-rolling backroad ballads across its eight songs co-written by Hicks, and includes previously-released tracks “Small Town Does” and “Get Enough,” in addition to “Country Tonight.” Among the writers contributing to the album are Zach Abend, Lindsay Rimes and Jeremy Stover.

“This project means a lot to me,” shares Hicks. “It’s made up of songs I’ve written over the last couple of years, and I think it does a good job of telling you a little more about me and the life I’m living. It’s important to me to keep giving fans new music, and I’m excited to see what they think of Small Town Does!”

Next month, Hicks will embark on his headlining “Small Town Does Tour” which will kick off on the album’s release day (Oct. 10) in Nashville before visiting cities including Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia and more, and wrapping in Athens on Nov. 5.

Small Town Does Track List:
1. “Country Tonight” (Noah Hicks, Zach Abend, Troy Cartwright)
2. “Better Bad Habit” (Noah Hicks, Zach Abend, Jordan Walker, Justin Wilson)
3. “That Fire” (Noah Hicks, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover, Cole Taylor)
4. “Small Town Does” (Noah Hicks, Zach Abend, Cole Taylor)
5. “The Best For Me” (Noah Hicks, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover, Cole Taylor)
6. “Might As Well Be Gone” (Noah Hicks, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
7. “Get Enough” (Noah Hicks, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “More People Don’t” (Noah Hicks, Will Bundy, Jeremy Stover, Cole Taylor)

Weekly Register: Zach Top Breaks Into Top Five

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Morgan Wallen has maintained his spot atop the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 13 million streams this week adding to its 311 million total, while his I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 105K in total consumption.

On the albums chart, Wallen takes the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time garnering 35K in total consumption. BigXThaPlug holds the No. 3 spot with I Hope You’re Happy gaining 30K in total consumption. Zach Top takes the No. 4 spot with Ain’t In It For My Health garnering 28K in total consumption. Rounding out the albums chart is Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album with 27K in total consumption.

On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. “I Got Better” takes the No. 2 spot with 12 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” and “Just In Case” come in at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively with 11 million streams each this week. At No. 5 this week is BigXThaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman’s “All The Way” with 9.6 million streams.