Jon Pardi
Jon Pardi will launch his “GAMBLIN’ MAN TOUR 2026” this fall beginning in September with support from Alexandra Kay and Sadie Bass.
Titled after a fan-favorite track from his fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood, the tour will hit 19 arenas and amphitheaters in cities across the U.S. including Richmond, Atlantic City, Wilmington, Biloxi, Laredo, Cedar Rapids and more through Nov. 14.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, (July 24), with presale beginning tomorrow, (July 21).
With four top 5 albums under his belt, Pardi has solidified his place in country with 20 RIAA-certified singles featuring six No. 1s, and has also earned international headlining acclaim, racking up 9.3 billion global career streams and counting. The spiritual successor to his fearless breakout hits, Honkytonk Hollywood features 17 tracks including his current top 25 single and multi-week UK Radio Chart hit “Boots Off.”
“GAMBLIN’ MAN TOUR 2026” Dates:
9/17/26 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
9/18/26 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena *
9/24/26 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
9/25/26 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre
9/26/26 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
10/1/26 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
10/2/26 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
10/3/26 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
10/8/26 – Loveland, CO – Blue Arena
10/9/26 – West Valley, UT – Maverik Center
10/10/26 – Nampa, ID – Fort Idaho Center
10/23/26 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
10/24/26 – Athens, GA – Akins Ford Arena
11/5/26 – Laredo, TX – Sames Auto Arena
11/6/26 – Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater
11/7/26 – Round Rock, TX – Round Rock Amp
11/12/26 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
11/13/26 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
11/14/26 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
BREAKING: ACM Taps Andy Schuon As CEO
/by Lauryn SinkAndy Schuon. Photo: Jeff Lipsky/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music has selected Andy Schuon as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will officially take the position on Sept. 1, 2026.
Schuon has held senior leadership roles at MTV, VH1, Warner Bros. Records, Universal Music Group, Ticketmaster and CBS Radio, while launching platforms and networks including MTV2, Farmclub.com, Pressplay and REVOLT TV.
“The most rewarding moments of my career have come from building for the future and embracing innovation while honoring the artists and creative communities that make music so powerful. Throughout every chapter, from radio and television to streaming, digital media and the music business, the constant has been the transformative power of music to bring people together,” says Schuon. “The Academy of Country Music has long set the standard for recognizing excellence while championing the evolution of Country Music. The organization has a remarkable legacy of celebrating the artists, songwriters, and industry professionals who define Country Music. As the genre continues to reach new audiences around the world, I see an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the Academy’s impact, deepen engagement with our members, artists, partners and fans while ensuring the organization continues to lead the industry through its next era of growth and innovation and help shape an even brighter future for Country Music.”
“Andy Schuon’s remarkable career reflects a lifelong commitment to innovation, creativity, and serving artists. The ACM Board of Directors are excited to partner with Andy as we continue to strengthen the Academy’s impact, expand its reach, and create even greater value for our members and the Country Music community.” adds Cris Lacy, Chair of the ACM Board of Directors.
Schuon follows former CEO Damon Whiteside, who will continue to serve as the CEO Emeritus for the remainder of the year.
Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Makes History With 14th Week Atop Billboard Hot 100
/by Lauryn SinkElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has notched a 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” for the most weeks at No. 1 among non-holiday titles by women with no male-billed acts, as noted by Billboard.
Featured on her sophomore album Dandelion, “Choosin’ Texas” was co-penned by Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, with production from Langley, Lambert and Ben West.
Langley is currently amidst her her sold-out “The Dandelion Tour” through October with upcoming stops in Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and New Hampshire.
Centricity Music Elevates Matt Ewald To Head Of A&R
/by Lauryn SinkMatt Ewald.
Centricity Music has elevated Matt Ewald to Head of A&R.
Ewald joined Centricity in 2016 and serves as Vice President of A&R. In his expanded role, he will oversee the company’s A&R strategy, including artist discovery, signing, development, song selection, repertoire direction and long-term creative planning while simultaneously working closely with Centricity’s label, publishing, marketing and executive teams.
“Matt has been a trusted creative voice and steady advocate for Centricity’s artists and writers,” says Caren Seidle, CEO of Centricity Music. “He understands the heart of our mission, the importance of long-term artist development and the responsibility we carry in offering music that encourages and inspires people. His role in A&R reflects both the leadership he has already demonstrated and the vision he brings for shaping the future of our roster.”
Ewald succeeds outgoing President of A&R John Mays in leading the A&R department.
“There was so much to learn from Matt during my decade of working alongside him,” says Mays. “How to be a better A&R person, sure, but also how to be a better man. Centricity is fortunate to move into the future with Matt heading up the A&R team and contributing more involved leadership to the company’s mission, vision and direction.”
John Morgan Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJohn Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato
John Morgan has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His own “Kid Myself” along with Jason Aldean’s “Don’t Tell On Me” push the singer-songwriter to No. 10 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the 13th consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Loving Life Again.” Austin Goodloe stays at No. 2 with “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “No Need For Leavin’” and “Rocky Mountain Low.”
Joybeth Taylor (No. 3), Riley Green (No. 4) and Chase McGill (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.
Stephony Smith Inks With SMACKSongs
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Lee Krabel, Carly Sater, Stephony Smith, Robin Palmer, Jeremy Groves and Sam Sarno.
Stephony Smith has inked with SMACKSongs.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, the Grammy-nominated writer has amassed a catalog of hits including the solo penned “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, “Yes!” by Chad Brock, “How Was I To Know” by Reba McIntire, and “Perfect Love” by Trisha Yearwood. She has earned two BMI Pop awards, nine BMI Million-Air Awards, been named Billboard’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year and earned the Guild Of Music Supervisors Best Song TV Sync for “Look At Us Now,” featured in Daisy Jones and the Six.
“I’ve always been a fan of Stephony Smith’s writing and love how she keeps bringing her best into every room every day,” says Robin Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACKSongs. “We worked together a while back at EMI and it feels like we just picked up where we left off with a whole new cast of characters! We are all excited to welcome her into our SMACK family.”
“I am thrilled and excited to be at SMACK with some of the best writers on the planet!” shares Smith. “Can’t wait to do this all again with my friend Robin Palmer and the amazing crew at SMACKSongs.”
Jon Pardi To Kick Off ‘GAMBLIN’ MAN TOUR 2026′ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Pardi
Jon Pardi will launch his “GAMBLIN’ MAN TOUR 2026” this fall beginning in September with support from Alexandra Kay and Sadie Bass.
Titled after a fan-favorite track from his fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood, the tour will hit 19 arenas and amphitheaters in cities across the U.S. including Richmond, Atlantic City, Wilmington, Biloxi, Laredo, Cedar Rapids and more through Nov. 14.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, (July 24), with presale beginning tomorrow, (July 21).
With four top 5 albums under his belt, Pardi has solidified his place in country with 20 RIAA-certified singles featuring six No. 1s, and has also earned international headlining acclaim, racking up 9.3 billion global career streams and counting. The spiritual successor to his fearless breakout hits, Honkytonk Hollywood features 17 tracks including his current top 25 single and multi-week UK Radio Chart hit “Boots Off.”
“GAMBLIN’ MAN TOUR 2026” Dates:
9/17/26 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
9/18/26 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena *
9/24/26 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
9/25/26 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre
9/26/26 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
10/1/26 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
10/2/26 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
10/3/26 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
10/8/26 – Loveland, CO – Blue Arena
10/9/26 – West Valley, UT – Maverik Center
10/10/26 – Nampa, ID – Fort Idaho Center
10/23/26 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
10/24/26 – Athens, GA – Akins Ford Arena
11/5/26 – Laredo, TX – Sames Auto Arena
11/6/26 – Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater
11/7/26 – Round Rock, TX – Round Rock Amp
11/12/26 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
11/13/26 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
11/14/26 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
Ryan Kennedy Inks With Fair Trade Services & One:eight Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Bella Miller, Taylor Niemi, Alex Whiten, Derek Spirk, Ryan Kennedy, Charity Gayle, Greg Ham, Madeline Halm and Elyse Mead
Songwriter, worship leader and musician Ryan Kennedy has signed a record deal with Fair Trade Services and a management deal with one:eight entertainment.
Along with the announcement, Kennedy has released his debut single, “Be My,” marking the beginning of a new chapter as a solo artist. Written by Kennedy, Charity Gayle and LA Strother, “Be My” is a heartfelt prayer for anyone walking through uncertainty, and reminds listeners that while God never promised life would be easy, He has promised His presence, His peace and His strength through every period.
“I’ve carried these songs in my heart for nearly a decade,” says Kennedy. “There were definitely seasons when the waiting wasn’t easy, but more than anything, I wanted this record to come in The Lord’s timing, not mine. I’m incredibly grateful that the time has finally come and that this new chapter begins with ‘BE MY.’ The song is about trusting the Lord to be everything He’s promised to be and knowing that He’s present and at work all the time. The journey to releasing this record has been a testimony of that truth.”
“Ryan is one of those rare artists whose songwriting, musicianship and heart for the Church are equally compelling,” says Greg Ham, founder and owner of one:eight entertainment. “His gifts as a songwriter are well established, but what excites us most is introducing people to Ryan as an artist. The one:eight team is honored that Ryan has entrusted us with this next chapter of his career and we look forward to stewarding it well.”
‘Songwriters Under the Stars’ Returns To Cheekwood
/by Lorie HollabaughUnder the Stars Concert Series 2024. Photo: Diana Rosales
Chris DeStefano and The Warren Brothers are set to share the stories behind their biggest hits at this year’s “Songwriters Under the Stars” concert series, which returns to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville on Aug.21-22.
The writers will be accompanied by the Music City Symphony, and the concerts will also include a special tribute to the late singer-songwriter and producer Brett James, a beloved fixture of “Songwriters Under the Stars” for many years.
DeStefano is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has penned multiple No. 1s for artists including Carrie Underwood, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean.
Brothers Brett Warren and Brad Warren are Grammy, CMA, and Emmy-nominated songwriters with 10 No. 1 singles. Their songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Faith Hill and more.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for the evening while enjoying seasonal beers, wine by the bottle, craft cocktails, and offerings from local food trucks and Perenn at Cheekwood.
Tickets are on sale now.
CMA Hosts Annual Meeting Of The Members
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Samuel Harris/CMA
The Country Music Association welcomed over 300 members from across the industry to its annual Meeting of the Members last Monday (July 14), at 6th and Peabody in Nashville.
The event brought together artists and industry professionals for an evening of networking and community. Throughout the evening, CMA Members enjoyed experiences and giveaways from 6th & Peabody, The Peach Truck, Nashville Smile Bar, the Nashville Sounds, GiGi Pip + Two Roads Hat Co., Wags & Walks and Delta.
More information on CMA Membership is available here.
Photo: Samuel Harris/CMA
Photo: Samuel Harris/CMA
Photo: Samuel Harris/CMA
Photo: Samuel Harris/CMA
Photo: Samuel Harris/CMA
‘Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride’ Tribute Set For Sept. 22
/by Lorie HollabaughThe tribute show will feature performances by Darius Rucker, Pam Tillis, Neal McCoy, Pride’s son, Dion Pride, and more.
Tickets for “Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride” are on sale now, and $5 from every ticket sold will go directly to the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country music professionals in times of need with financial assistance for medical bills, emergencies and other hardships.
Pride was a lifelong admirer of the Grand Ole Opry and grew up listening to WSM radio broadcasts, and he made his Opry debut in 1967. He officially became an Opry member in 1993, and remained one of its most respected ambassadors throughout his career. As one of country’s most successful and beloved artists across more than five decades, Pride recorded 29 No. 1 hits and 52 top 10 singles throughout his career. He also earned three Grammys, sold tens of millions of records worldwide, and became one of RCA Records’ best-selling artists.
His unmistakable voice and timeless catalog, which included classics such as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me),” “Mountain of Love,” “Burgers and Fries,” and “Roll On Mississippi,” helped define country music for generations. As one of country’s first Black superstars, Pride broke barriers and opened doors for generations of artists while bringing audiences together through the universal power of his music.
“Every single night Charley Pride came home to the Opry was an event,” says Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “His performances were amazing. The crowd response was like no other. And the backstage area was always, always buzzing. Charley’s spirit and songs live on, and we’re so looking forward to celebrating both on the Opry stage in September.”