Sun Records and McIntosh have teamed up to honor the legacy of Johnny Cash through the release of an 18-track vinyl of remastered and rarely heard recordings, dubbed McIntosh Sessions Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash. The reworked tracks include “Train of Love,” “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” “I Walk the Line” and many more.

“Sam Phillips had a way of capturing lightning in a bottle, and these early recordings of Johnny Cash perfectly exemplify that,” says Chase Gregory, Senior Director A&R + Sync, Sun Records. “Remastering them in high fidelity is a way of honoring that legacy with the care it deserves. This album is a glimpse into the recording session, as everything you hear was performed in one take with no overdubs. The result is a powerfully authentic, yet refined listening experience, that reminds us just how revolutionary Cash was from the very beginning.”

As part of the collaboration, McIntosh and Sun Records produced a limited-edition Sun Records MTI100 Integrated Turntable that combines a turntable, amplifier and preamplifier into one, Bluetooth-friendly design. More information on the vinyl and turntable is available here.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Capitol CMG Publishing Ryan Dahl, EJ Gaines, Be Essential Songs’ Holly Zabka, Capitol CMG Publishing’s David Gutekunst, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Ellie McKay, BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeff Pardo, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Isabel Newell, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Kelly Redfern, BMI Spotlight Award Honoree Jackie Patillo, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Brad O’Donnell, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Kent Draughon and BMI’s Mike Steinberg. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

The 2025 BMI Christian Awards honored the best in Christian music last night (June 17) at a celebration at its Nashville office on Music Row hosted by BMI’s AVP, Creative, Leslie Roberts.

The evening paid tribute to the top Christian writers and publishers behind the 25 most-performed songs of the previous year, and also revealed BMI’s Christian Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association and the GMA Foundation, was also honored during the evening with the BMI Spotlight Award for her unwavering dedication to the genre and her illustrious career.

BMI Spotlight Award honoree Jackie Patillo at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

As BMI’s Spotlight Award honoree, Patillo was celebrated as a visionary leader and for her dedication to shaping and championing the world of Christian and Gospel music. As a surprise tribute, five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant gave a compelling performance of her very first recording, “I Am Not Alone” accompanied by Bernie Herms. After receiving the Spotlight Award, Patillo thanked her family, friends, and those who have impacted the community, including BMI.

“This is more than just a business. We are all making a difference and impacting culture, and that’s what we get up for every day. I don’t know that anyone really feels worthy, but I truly feel this is what amazing grace looks like.”

BMI’s Christian Song of the Year went to “Praise,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit song from Elevation Worship’s 11th album, Can You Imagine?, spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, reached the top 20 on the Christian Airplay chart and currently has over 171 million streams on YouTube.

Leading up to Song of the Year, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year including “Good Day,” written by Forrest Frank; “I Believe” written by Chris Davenport, Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham; “Praise You Anywhere” written by Hank Bentley and Ben Fielding (APRA); “That’s My King” written by Lloyd Nicks Jr. and Jessica Patrice Russ; and “What Are We Waiting For?” written by Sean Douglas, Josh Kerr and Luke Smallbone, among others. In naming the top songs, BMI also recognized 18 first-time award winners.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeff Pardo, BMI’s Mike Steinberg and BMI’s Clay Bradley celebrate Pardo as this year’s BMI Songwriter of the Year. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year for penning five of the 25 most-performed songs including “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Heaven Changes Everything,” “Praise The Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, and “Running Home” and “Strong” with Anne Wilson. The previously-named 2023 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year and Grammy-nominated songwriter has successfully crossed genres as well, working with artists such as Lady A, Ben Rector, Tauren Wells and more.

Capitol CMG Publishing received Publisher of the Year honors for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year including BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, “Praise,” as well as “Don’t Stop Praying,” “I Believe,” “Jesus Does” and “Take It All Back,” to name a few.

Among the special moments during this year’s ceremony were Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer up to the stage to kick off the celebration with a prayer, country songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the audience a preview of his unreleased song, “Way Back,” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his uplifting hit “Counting My Blessings.”

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Be Essential Songs’ Holly Zabka, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Mike Steinberg, EJ Gaines and Capitol CMG Publishing’s David Gutekunst celebrate BMI’s Song of the Year “Praise.” Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Natalie Grant performing at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Kate Bowling

Kate Bowling has joined The Core Entertainment as Director of Creative.

In her new role, Bowling will lead all visual branding and creative direction across the management, label and publishing company, overseeing everything from photo shoots and music videos to digital content and long-term creative strategy for The Core Records roster. Bowling will report to Jamie Younger, VP of Artist Development, and will be based in The Core’s Nashville offices.

Bowling joins The Core from Warner Music Nashville, where she played a key role in creative campaigns for artists and was heavily involved in the visual direction for Bailey Zimmerman’s debut album Religiously. The Album., a collaboration that initially connected her with The Core team. While at Warner, she also directed videos and served as creative director for album artwork across multiple projects including Ashley McBryde, Avery Anna, Bailey Zimmerman, Braxton Keith, The Castellows and Redferrin.

“Kate is a powerhouse creative who understands how to translate an artist’s vision into powerful, resonant visuals,” share Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, The Core Entertainment. “Her instincts, experience, and passion for storytelling make her an incredible addition to our team. As we continue to grow The Core, bringing in talent like Kate ensures we’re building a creative infrastructure that matches the ambition of our artists.”

“Joining The Core feels like a full-circle moment,” says Bowling. “From our earliest projects together, I felt a deep creative connection with the team and their artists. I’m excited to step into this role and continue building compelling visuals and creative worlds for our artists that elevate their music and help them connect with fans everywhere.”

Bowling will work closely with The Core’s roster of artists, which includes Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Hannah McFarland and Nickelback.

Pictured (L-R, back row): John Dennis, Ryan Kohn and Brad Kennard (Concord). (L-R, front row): Lily Fine (Dennis Entertainment) and Melissa Spillman (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord

Ryan Kohn has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, in partnership with John Dennis‘ InDent Music, the publishing arm of Dennis Entertainment. The deal includes Kohn’s full catalog and future works.

“It has been my dream for many years to become a professional songwriter, and signing with a team who is so beloved and respected in this industry is such a dream come true,” says Kohn. “This team has been so warm and welcoming to me, especially my biggest champions, Melissa Spillman and John Dennis. There is no one I’d rather partner with in this ever-changing industry, I am so excited to see what lies ahead for all of us.”

The producer and songwriter first moved to Music City to study music business at Belmont University. Since graduating in 2022, Kohn has worked with Erin Kirby, Cole Goodwin, Grace Tyler, Callista Clark, Ashley Anne, Callie Prince, Randall Fowler, Stanton Langley, Emmy Moyen and more.

Kohn has also released a number of singles as an artist, including “The Man She Used to Know,” “Headed Nowhere” and “Lifetime, Lover.” His EP November Skies was released in 2021 and portrayed a vulnerable picture of post-college graduation life. This past April, he performed at Key West Songwriters Festival.

“Ryan is already so well-connected in our music community, it was easy to see the path of success in front of him,” adds Melissa Spillman, VP of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “To find someone who is so loved and respected among writers, artists and executives alike is a rare thing! He’s a joy to work with, and his passion for music is infectious. I’m thrilled to be on his team!”