Tanya Tucker & Dennis Quaid Make Opry History With First-Ever Video World Premiere
Dennis Quaid and Tanya Tucker at the “On My Way to Heaven” after-party at Robert’s Western World. Photo: Caleb Herring
Country Music Hall of Fame member Tanya Tucker and actor and singer-songwriter Dennis Quaid joined fans on June 20 for the first video world premiere event in the Opry’s 100-year history with the debut of the video for “On My Way to Heaven.” The video and audio project was a historic collaboration which featured one of Kris Kristofferson’s final filmed performances before his passing in 2024.
The evening included Quaid singing “Fallen” from his Gaither Music project, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners, and Tucker singing “Texas (When I Die).” Tucker also performed her unreleased version of “Moment of Forever” (written by Kristofferson and Danny Timms) in honor of Kristofferson’s birthday on June 22. In the finale, a performance of Tucker’s signature song, “Delta Dawn,” she was joined on stage by Quaid, T. Graham Brown, and Presley Tanita Tucker. Gaither Music Group and Sun Label Group hosted an after-party event at Robert’s Western World’s Green Room where Quaid and Tucker shared the backstory of the project, and the vision for this video and song in 2019.
Blake Whiten Receives International Gold For ‘Rollin’ Stone’
Pictured (L-R): John Turpin (Management), Lisa Grossi (Director, National Radio and Media Relations, WMC), Dave Stelling (Director, Communications, WMC), Blake Whiten, Ken Boyer (Senior Marketing Manager, WMC) and Madelaine Napoleone (Co-GM, WMC).
Rising country star Blake Whiten was presented with his first international Gold plaque for the hit single “Rollin’ Stone” on June 18 by Warner Music Canada. The presentation followed an exclusive, sold out fan event at the WMC office that drew people from as far as five hours away. Canada remains the first international territory to certify “Rollin’ Stone” Gold.
Brittney Spencer Shares ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ For Songs Of The U.S. Series
Brittney Spencer. Photo: Bella Sgarlata
Brittney Spencer has shared a soulful cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” along with an in-depth interview for Salt Lick’s new “Songs of U.S. Series.” She also released a cover of Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me.” followed by a performance of her original song “Bigger Than The Song” on June 24. The trio of performances and her interview reflect on how music reveals the evolving concept of what home and comfort look like in America. “Songs of U.S.” brings together musicians from across genres to reinterpret songs that have shaped the country’s cultural identity while exploring what belongs in the American songbook today.
Chandler Walters’ Western Wednesday Returns With Jamey Johnson, Travis Denning, More
Jamey Johnson joins Chandler Walters for Walters Western Wednesday on June 24 at Riley Green’s Duck Blind. Photo: Devin Flanagan
Chandler Walters has brought back his Western Wednesday celebrating honky tonk and western music, and kicked things back off this week at Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Midtown Nashville. He welcomed a plethora of special guests at the event’s return, including Jamey Johnson, Travis Denning, Kenny Whitmire and Dalton Davis.
Riley Downing Signs With Oh Boy Records
Riley Downing
Riley Downing is releasing his new album, Landfill Poetry, his second solo LP and first on Oh Boy Records on Aug. 28. When off the road, Downing spent downtime at his Grandparents’ house workshopping what was to become Landfill Poetry. In the home of the same couple who used to drag their young grandson to hear live honky tonk music at rural dance halls and barn parties, Downing spent his nights writing songs rife with influences beginning all the way back then, and bringing them to life. The title track and video from the new project are out today.
Riley Thomas Inks With ONErpm Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Thomas has signed with ONErpm Nashville. The rising singer-songwriter has released his new single “Blood on the Vinyl” today (June 26.)
Thomas first broke through with “Cowboys Did Cocaine,” a viral hit that has now surpassed 80 million streams worldwide, earned him a SiriusXM Highway Find designation, and built him a following across hundreds of shows. He has also written and produced for Jelly Roll, among others.
“Riley is a prolific songwriter with an unmistakable voice and a rare gift as a musician,” says Mike Easterlin, Managing Director of ONErpm Nashville. “We believe his greatest chapters are still ahead, and we’re honored to be part of the journey.”
“You meet enough suits in this business to know not every handshake means something,” says Thomas. “This one does. I’m grateful to Mike and the team at OneRPM for believing in the music, the vision, and the man behind it. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and thankful to have these good people in my corner.”
CAA Unveils New Office At Nashville Yards
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of CAA
CAA has opened its new office at Nashville Yards. The anchor tenant in the CAA Creative Office Building at 955 Church Street, CAA will occupy 75,000 square feet across two floors of the building.
The company hosted a series of gatherings this week welcoming colleagues, guests and clients to the new office. The space is outfitted with artist and athlete hospitality areas, creative lounges, dedicated recording and content-capture studios and more.
Employees will begin working out of the new space on July 6.
“We’re incredibly proud to open the doors of our new Nashville home,” says CAA Sports Co-Head and CAA Managing Director Howie Nuchow. “Our office reflects both the tremendous growth of our business and our long-term commitment to the community, bringing colleagues and clients together in a collaborative environment that embodies the creative energy and vibrant culture that distinguish both CAA and Nashville today.”
“This move begins an exciting new chapter for the agency after more than 35 years in the city,” adds CAA Head of Nashville Music Jeff Krones. “Nashville is home to an extraordinary ecosystem of artists, songwriters, athletes, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. We’re grateful for the relationships and trust that have helped shape our presence here and look forward to building on that foundation for our people and our clients.”
Photo: Courtesy of CAA
Photo: Courtesy of CAA
Photo: Courtesy of CAA
Reba Releases Latest In Capsule Collection, ‘Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’
/by Lorie HollabaughReba has dropped the third EP in her music capsule collection with the Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin‘ EP, out today.
The superstar isn’t letting the road get in the way of a full-throttle romance in the title track of the release, which was penned by Brett Beavers, Connie Harrington, and Kelley Lovelace, and produced by Dave Cobb. The song jump-starts the road trip-ready collection which features some of McEntire’s best songs for driving with the windows down throughout her five-decade journey.
Rolling out a new music capsule each month beginning with One Night In Tulsa – EP and Hurt Like That – EP, the thematically curated batch pairs a newly recorded song with carefully selected tracks that span five legendary decades. Launching a tailored playlist in tandem with each music capsule, “The Reign Of Reba” Playlist drops July 1, and follows McEntire as she dominates the ‘90s with fearless storytelling and unforgettable hits.
McEntire also unearthed two never-before-released songs earlier this week, from her critically acclaimed lead performance as “Annie Oakley” in the Irving Berlin classic, Annie Get Your Gun. Delivered 25 years to the day that she took her final bow on Broadway, Reba McEntire: Songs from Annie Get Your Gun features “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun” and “I Got Lost In His Arms.”
Next Saturday (July 4), McEntire will make the TV performance debut of “Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’” during Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash. Honoring America turning 250 with a one-of-a-kind celebration, the special programming airs live coast-to-coast 8 -11:00 p.m. ET across ABC, Disney+, ESPN App, Freeform, FX, Hulu, and NatGeo.
Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’ EP Track List:
1. “Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’” (Brett Beavers, Connie Harrington, Kelley Lovelace)
2. “I’d Rather Ride Around With You” (Mark D. Sanders, Tim Nichols)
3. “Love Will Find Its Way To You” (J.D. Martin, Dave Loggins)
4. “We’re So Good Together” (Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill, Annie Roboff)
5. “Wrong Night” (Josh Leo, Rick Bowles)
The Braymores Sign With Red Light Management & ROAM Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Braymores
Indie-rock band The Braymores have signed with Red Light Management Nashville and the ROAM Agency for representation.
Formed in 2022, The Braymores, Matt Tilles (vocals, guitar), Keegan Melaniphy (guitar), Russell Oren (drums), and Connor Kohanzo (bass), have spent the last three years quietly building one of the Midwest’s most promising grassroots success stories. Their 2023 debut EP, Talking to Trees, introduced a sound blending indie rock, folk influences, surf-inspired guitar work, and hook-driven songwriting. The project’s breakout attention on social platforms helped establish an early streaming audience and positioned The Braymores within Chicago’s thriving independent music scene. With the release of their sophomore album When The Lights Went Out on the horizon and a milestone hometown appearance at Lollapalooza ahead, the band continues to emerge as one of Chicago’s fastest-rising independent acts.
“We’re thrilled to welcome The Braymores to Red Light Management, says Neil Mason at Red Light Management. “This is a band that’s done things the right way – 100% independent, building a loyal following in the process. Their new album, When The Lights Go Out, is a standout, and they’ll be hitting the road all summer and fall to support it thanks to the hard work of Brandon and the ROAM Artists team. We’re excited to be a part of their next chapter.
“The Braymores have something really special building in the live space and we are ROAM are so excited to be a part of telling that story,” adds Brandon Hughes at ROAM Artists. “The sky is truly the limit for this band and we’re looking forward to working alongside Neil and the team at Red Light to help this band reach their full potential.”
Nicole Alexis Signs To Hardworking Record Company
/by Lauryn SinkNicole Alexis.
Nicole Alexis has signed to Hardworking Record Company.
The Nashville-based alternative singer-songwriter first garnered attention with social media covers of New Found Glory, Kelly Clarkson, Smashing Pumpkins and more. She released her debut EP Mirrors & Smoke earlier this year.
In celebration of the announcement, she has released her debut track on the label, “Goodbye.”
“’Goodbye’ is really about mourning an older version of yourself,” she says. “It’s about outgrowing patterns, relationships, and identities that once felt safe, even when they were hurting you. I wanted the song to capture that emotional tension between wanting to move forward while still desperately trying to hold onto what’s familiar.”
Artist Action: Tanya Tucker & Dennis Quaid, Blake Whiten, Brittney Spencer, More
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker & Dennis Quaid Make Opry History With First-Ever Video World Premiere
Dennis Quaid and Tanya Tucker at the “On My Way to Heaven” after-party at Robert’s Western World. Photo: Caleb Herring
Country Music Hall of Fame member Tanya Tucker and actor and singer-songwriter Dennis Quaid joined fans on June 20 for the first video world premiere event in the Opry’s 100-year history with the debut of the video for “On My Way to Heaven.” The video and audio project was a historic collaboration which featured one of Kris Kristofferson’s final filmed performances before his passing in 2024.
The evening included Quaid singing “Fallen” from his Gaither Music project, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners, and Tucker singing “Texas (When I Die).” Tucker also performed her unreleased version of “Moment of Forever” (written by Kristofferson and Danny Timms) in honor of Kristofferson’s birthday on June 22. In the finale, a performance of Tucker’s signature song, “Delta Dawn,” she was joined on stage by Quaid, T. Graham Brown, and Presley Tanita Tucker. Gaither Music Group and Sun Label Group hosted an after-party event at Robert’s Western World’s Green Room where Quaid and Tucker shared the backstory of the project, and the vision for this video and song in 2019.
Blake Whiten Receives International Gold For ‘Rollin’ Stone’
Pictured (L-R): John Turpin (Management), Lisa Grossi (Director, National Radio and Media Relations, WMC), Dave Stelling (Director, Communications, WMC), Blake Whiten, Ken Boyer (Senior Marketing Manager, WMC) and Madelaine Napoleone (Co-GM, WMC).
Rising country star Blake Whiten was presented with his first international Gold plaque for the hit single “Rollin’ Stone” on June 18 by Warner Music Canada. The presentation followed an exclusive, sold out fan event at the WMC office that drew people from as far as five hours away. Canada remains the first international territory to certify “Rollin’ Stone” Gold.
Brittney Spencer Shares ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ For Songs Of The U.S. Series
Brittney Spencer. Photo: Bella Sgarlata
Brittney Spencer has shared a soulful cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” along with an in-depth interview for Salt Lick’s new “Songs of U.S. Series.” She also released a cover of Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me.” followed by a performance of her original song “Bigger Than The Song” on June 24. The trio of performances and her interview reflect on how music reveals the evolving concept of what home and comfort look like in America. “Songs of U.S.” brings together musicians from across genres to reinterpret songs that have shaped the country’s cultural identity while exploring what belongs in the American songbook today.
Chandler Walters’ Western Wednesday Returns With Jamey Johnson, Travis Denning, More
Jamey Johnson joins Chandler Walters for Walters Western Wednesday on June 24 at Riley Green’s Duck Blind. Photo: Devin Flanagan
Chandler Walters has brought back his Western Wednesday celebrating honky tonk and western music, and kicked things back off this week at Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Midtown Nashville. He welcomed a plethora of special guests at the event’s return, including Jamey Johnson, Travis Denning, Kenny Whitmire and Dalton Davis.
Riley Downing Signs With Oh Boy Records
Riley Downing
Riley Downing is releasing his new album, Landfill Poetry, his second solo LP and first on Oh Boy Records on Aug. 28. When off the road, Downing spent downtime at his Grandparents’ house workshopping what was to become Landfill Poetry. In the home of the same couple who used to drag their young grandson to hear live honky tonk music at rural dance halls and barn parties, Downing spent his nights writing songs rife with influences beginning all the way back then, and bringing them to life. The title track and video from the new project are out today.
Musicians On Call Adds Two, Elevates Eight
/by Lauryn SinkGabrielle Chapple & Madison Tenney. Photo: Courtesy of MOC
Musicians On Call has added two new team members and elevated eight.
Gabrielle Chapple has joined as Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Madison Tenney was added as Development Coordinator.
In her role, Chapple leads the development and stewardship of corporate partners. Her previous development roles include the Magic Theatre in San Francisco and the Nashville Ballet, where she helped cultivate partnerships that supported artistic programming and community engagement.
Tenney supports the entire development department by managing donor portfolios and supporting the execution of fundraising events, auctions and activations. Her previous roles include working on individual development, events, and accounting for the Community Resource Center in Nashville. Prior to that, she oversaw all marketing, communications and storytelling for Center for Craft in Asheville, North Carolina.
Additionally, MOC team members who received promotions include Kat Weeks to SVP of Marketing & Development, PJ Cowan to Senior Director of Programs, Sasha Arnkoff to Senior Program & Volunteer Recruitment Manager, Kelli Bruno to Senior Manager of Volunteer Cultivation, Emiley Roye to Program Manager, Abby Tannler to Program & Activations Manager, Ella Hunt to Program Manager and Katie Trent to Development Manager.
“As Musicians On Call works to strengthen our partnerships and deepen our community impact, we are delighted to have Gabrielle leading the charge, with Madison joining the development team to provide vital administrative support. Their roots in the arts and philanthropy are exactly what we need to elevate both our corporate partnerships and overall fundraising,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “It’s also an honor to celebrate MOC’s latest promotions, which recognize the heart and soul this team pours into our mission every day. Their dedication is the reason we’re able to bring the healing power of music into more hospitals, providing that critical sense of comfort and connection to patients when they need it most.”
Zach John King Readies Debut Album For August
/by Lauryn SinkZach John King will release his debut album, I’m What You Get, on Aug. 28 via Sony Music Nashville.
Co-produced by Ryan Wilson and King, the 20-track project serves as an authentic introduction to King. Written alongside Jimmy Robbins, Kyle Sturrock, Tofer Brown, Randy Montana, Sasha Alex Sloan, Steph Jones and more, the project features tracks with Brooks & Dunn and Brent Cobb.
“I wanted to make a project that took all the good and the bad parts of me and just laid it out there,” says King. “I just really wanted to write about exactly who I am — some people might love it, and some people might not and that’s fine. And I’ve gotten more comfortable with that too. I think this project makes a statement of ‘take it or leave it, this is me.’ There’s parts of me that I really love on this record, but there’s also parts of me that I regret. In every song, there’s a piece of my story I wanted to share. When I was in the writing process, my hope was that anyone could listen to this record from start to finish and see that it’s 100% me.”
King has previewed the album today with “Run For Them Hills,” which he wrote alongside Josh Phillips, Jaxon Free and Matt Dragstrem.
“Run For Them Hills is a dead honest song. It started with a phone call to my dad. I’d been living really hard for about eight months, and I was just telling him about it. I couldn’t keep up with where I was, what day of the week it was. I just needed something to ground me again,” King shares. “The next week we wrote a song around the phrase ‘run for them hills,’ which is usually a warning, a negative thing. We flipped it on its head and turned it into something positive, about wanting to get back home, back to what keeps you right.”
King is on Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Tour” this summer before joining Luke Bryan, Riley Green and Thomas Rhett on the road later this year.
I’m What You Get Track List:
1. “I’m What You Get” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Jimmy Robbins)
2. “Run For Them Hills” (Zach John King / Josh Phillips / Jaxson Free / Matt Dragstrem)
3. “Whiskey Lying” (Zach John King / Rodney Clawson / Sasha Alex Sloan / Chris LaCorte)
4. “Way To Go (ft. Brooks & Dunn)” (Zach John King / Rodney Clawson / Jimmy Robbins / Sasha Alex Sloan)
5. “How To Not” (Zach John King / Kyle Fishman / Randy Montana / Sasha Alex Sloan)
6. “Get To Drinkin'” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Thomas Archer / Kyle Fishman / Kyle Sturrock)
7. “Beneath The Pines” (Zach John King / Rodney Clawson / Michael Lotten)
8. “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” (Zach John King / Josh Kerr / Seth Ennis)
9. “Mama’s Prayin” (Zach John King / Steph Jones / Tofer Brown)
10. “Backwoods” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Beau Bailey / Michael Lotten)
11. “Little Bit Stronger” (Zach John King / Randy Montana / Sasha Alex Sloan / Matt Dragstrem)
12. “Choppin Wood (ft. Brent Cobb)” (Zach John King / Matt Roy / Paul Sikes )
13. “Lose You” (Zach John King / Alex Hope / Sasha Sloan)
14. “Homegrown Heaven” (Zach John King / Chris Tompkins / Jimmy Robbins / Josh Miller)
15. “Sunsets In Georgia” (Zach John King / Billy Dawson / Reid Isbell / Rob Pennington)
16. “Life Behind Bars (ft. Bayker Blankenship)” (Zach John King / Jordan Reynolds / Heath Warren)
17. “High Like Her” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Jimmy Robbins / Chris Tompkins)
18. “Happy For You” (Zach John King / Chris La Corte / Justin Wilson)
19. “Space” (Zach John King / Michael Lotten / Blake Pendergrass)
20. “What I’m Giving Up” (Zach John King / Brad Rempel / Josh Jenkins / Casey Beathard)
McCoy Moore Releases ‘Sunshine State Deluxe’
/by Madison HahnenMcCoy Moore has released the deluxe version of his debut album, Sunshine State.
The new edition features two new tracks, “Forget We Ever Met” and “Had To Be There.” Moore co-penned both tracks, with Smith Ahnquist and Will Bundy on “Forget We Ever Met” and Thomas Archer, Aaron Eshuis and Nick Walsh on “Had To Be There.” Alongside the new tracks, Moore has also released the official music video for “Forget We Ever Met.”
Moore is currently on tour supporting HARDY, with support dates for Ashley Cooke coming in the fall. He will also make festival appearances at Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Boots On The Bend, Rock The Country and more.
Sunshine State Deluxe Track List:
1. “Sunshine State” (McCoy Moore, Thomas Archer, Johnny Clawson)
2. “Every Single Summer” (McCoy Moore, Thomas Archer, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Tyler)
3. “In Here, Out There” (with Cole Swindell) (McCoy Moore, Jessi Alexander, Sam Ellis, Nick Walsh)
4. “Not Even Close” (McCoy Moore, Sam Ellis, Blake Pendergrass)
5. “Went to the Bar” (McCoy Moore, Aaron Eshuis, Colton Venner, Nick Walsh)
6. “Something to You” (McCoy Moore, Johnny Clawson, Colton Venner, Will Weatherly)
7. “Chesney on a Beach” (McCoy Moore, Brinley Addington, Colton Venner)
8. “Bible and a Bar” (McCoy Moore, Jenn Schott, Jason Saenz)
9. “Memories We Never Made” (McCoy Moore, Blake Bollinger, Colton Venner, Nick Walsh)
10. “Prayin’ For Me” (McCoy Moore, Matt Dragstrem, Seth Ennis)
11. “John Deere Blue” (McCoy Moore, Shane McAnally, Johnny Clawson)
12. “Dyin’ On the Hill” (McCoy Moore, Johnny Clawson, Adam James, Matt McKinney)
13. “Beer I Never Shoulda Bought” (McCoy Moore, Andrew Beason, Adam James, Matt McKinney)
14. “Left Alone” (Nick Walsh)
15. “Forget We Ever Met” (McCoy Moore / Smith Ahnquist / Will Bundy)
16. “Had To Be There” (McCoy Moore / Thomas Archer / Aaron Eshuis / Nick Walsh)
Morgan Wallen Claims A Fourth Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen notches his fourth consecutive week at No.1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his hit “Don’t We.”
The track comes from his fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass and Charlie Handsome.
Tommy Wallen, Morgan’s dad, has launched a new faith-based show on SiriusXM’s Morgan Wallen Radio (Ch. 64). The weekly series, “Tommy’s Sunday Seven,” will feature seven-minute devotionals and debuted on June 21.
“Don’t We” currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 4 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.