Sandy Knox. Photo: Libby Danforth
Grammy-nominated songwriter Sandy Knox is entering a bold new creative chapter with Weighting: My Life If It Were A Musical, a first-of-its-kind audiobook musical set for release June 24. Known for penning hits for artists like Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick and Liza Minnelli, Knox brings her signature wit and emotional depth to a deeply personal and genre-blending project nearly three decades in the making.
Told through narration and 21 original songs, all co-written by Knox, Weighting follows a woman’s transformative stay at Foundation House—a fictional weight-loss retreat where stories, friendships, and hard truths unfold. Listeners meet a cast of richly drawn characters whose struggles with body image, identity and self-worth mirror the emotional journeys so many face behind closed doors.
“It all started after a bad breakup,” Knox tells MusicRow in an exclusive interview. “I took a trip to a diet center, and the people I met there—their stories, their reasons for being there—were fascinating. I couldn’t stop thinking about it on the drive home, and I realized: this wasn’t just one song. This was a musical.”
Though life and career commitments pulled her in other directions over the years, the idea never let go. “Song ideas and hooks just kept coming to me,” she says. “When I finally framed it as an audiobook musical—something I could narrate and shape like a theatrical piece—it all started pouring out.”
Knox serves as narrator and central storyteller, introducing listeners to characters voiced by a cast of acclaimed performers including Wendy Moten, Kyndle Wydle and Evan Doan Jenkins. Jenkins, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, also co-wrote two of the songs and voices one of the project’s key characters.
The music spans styles—from R&B and pop to classic show tunes—delivered with theatrical flair and emotional nuance. A preview track, “There Could Never Be Enough Of You,” featuring Jenkins, will be released Friday (June 20).
To help shape the story’s emotional layers, Knox consulted psychotherapist Courtney Grimes, who specializes in body image.
“She really helped me dig into the psychological side of it,” Knox explains. “Because it’s not just about weight—it’s about how we see ourselves, how we think others see us, and what we believe we deserve.”
In total, over 100 people contributed to the project—including musicians, engineers, actors, designers, and creative collaborators. “Everyone had to sign an NDA,” Knox says. “But as soon as I explained the story, nearly every person came back to me with their own story. That’s when I knew it was bigger than me.”
With humor, honesty, and heart, Weighting offers an unflinching look at the messages we absorb about our bodies and the pressure we place on ourselves.
“My dream is that people give themselves a break,” Knox says. “Enjoy the story. Enjoy the music. Let it speak to you, but don’t let all that other noise define you.”
Pre-save and pre-order Weighting here.
Red Clay Strays Add Dates To ‘Get Right Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman
The Red Clay Strays have added extra dates to their 2025 “Get Right Tour” due to overwhelming demand.
The tour, which kicks off next month, will make stops across North America and Europe through the summer and fall, with new dates announced for Sept. 6 in Cincinnati, Oct. 2 in Pikeville, Kentucky, Oct. 9 in Macon, Georgia and Oct. 15 in Huntsville, Alabama.
Tickets for the new tour dates will be available via select pre-sales starting today (June 17) through June 19, with general on-sale beginning June 20 at redclaystrays.com/tour.
The band embarked on their first-ever “Australian Tour” in May, in addition to festival stops at Railbird Music Festival and Bonnaroo, and earlier this month played to their biggest crowd yet at CMA Fest, performing at Nissan Stadium. They were also nominated for Favorite Country Duo or Group at the 2025 American Music Awards, and took home their first ACM Award for New Duo or Group of the Year.
Katie Pruitt Slates Acoustic Fall Tour
/by Lauryn SinkKatie Pruitt. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Katie Pruitt will hit the road this fall for a special run of acoustic shows. The tour kicks off Sept. 4 in Decatur, Georgia and makes stops in Nashville, Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia and more before wrapping Oct. 25 in Woodstock, New York. Each show will feature Jess Nolan as support.
Pruitt will be touring on the heels of her recently released album, Mantras (Deluxe), which includes reimagined versions of three tracks from Mantras, her first record in five years, and features from SG Goodman and Ruston Kelly.
Katie Pruitt Tour Dates:
September 4 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
September 5 – Asheville, NC – Diana Wortham Theatre
September 6 – Nashville, TN – The Blue Room at Third Man Records
September 9 – Newport, KY – The Southgate House Revival – Sanctuary
September 10 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
September 11 – Evanston, IL – SPACE
October 14 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
October 15 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
October 16 – New York, NY – Joe’s Pub
October 17 – Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church
October 18 – State College, PA – The State Theatre
October 20 – Providence, RI – Fete Lounge
October 21 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall
October 23 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square
October 24 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
October 25 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
Sandy Knox Introduces Audiobook Musical ‘Weighting: My Life If It Were A Musical’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellSandy Knox. Photo: Libby Danforth
Grammy-nominated songwriter Sandy Knox is entering a bold new creative chapter with Weighting: My Life If It Were A Musical, a first-of-its-kind audiobook musical set for release June 24. Known for penning hits for artists like Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick and Liza Minnelli, Knox brings her signature wit and emotional depth to a deeply personal and genre-blending project nearly three decades in the making.
Told through narration and 21 original songs, all co-written by Knox, Weighting follows a woman’s transformative stay at Foundation House—a fictional weight-loss retreat where stories, friendships, and hard truths unfold. Listeners meet a cast of richly drawn characters whose struggles with body image, identity and self-worth mirror the emotional journeys so many face behind closed doors.
“It all started after a bad breakup,” Knox tells MusicRow in an exclusive interview. “I took a trip to a diet center, and the people I met there—their stories, their reasons for being there—were fascinating. I couldn’t stop thinking about it on the drive home, and I realized: this wasn’t just one song. This was a musical.”
Though life and career commitments pulled her in other directions over the years, the idea never let go. “Song ideas and hooks just kept coming to me,” she says. “When I finally framed it as an audiobook musical—something I could narrate and shape like a theatrical piece—it all started pouring out.”
Knox serves as narrator and central storyteller, introducing listeners to characters voiced by a cast of acclaimed performers including Wendy Moten, Kyndle Wydle and Evan Doan Jenkins. Jenkins, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, also co-wrote two of the songs and voices one of the project’s key characters.
The music spans styles—from R&B and pop to classic show tunes—delivered with theatrical flair and emotional nuance. A preview track, “There Could Never Be Enough Of You,” featuring Jenkins, will be released Friday (June 20).
To help shape the story’s emotional layers, Knox consulted psychotherapist Courtney Grimes, who specializes in body image.
“She really helped me dig into the psychological side of it,” Knox explains. “Because it’s not just about weight—it’s about how we see ourselves, how we think others see us, and what we believe we deserve.”
In total, over 100 people contributed to the project—including musicians, engineers, actors, designers, and creative collaborators. “Everyone had to sign an NDA,” Knox says. “But as soon as I explained the story, nearly every person came back to me with their own story. That’s when I knew it was bigger than me.”
With humor, honesty, and heart, Weighting offers an unflinching look at the messages we absorb about our bodies and the pressure we place on ourselves.
“My dream is that people give themselves a break,” Knox says. “Enjoy the story. Enjoy the music. Let it speak to you, but don’t let all that other noise define you.”
Pre-save and pre-order Weighting here.
Brandon Lake Releases New Album ‘King Of Hearts’
/by Lauryn SinkBrandon Lake released his King Of Hearts album on Friday (June 13). The new project features Platinum-certified single “Hard Fought Hallelujah” ft. Jelly Roll as well as other fan-favorite tracks “SEVENS,” “Daddy’s DNA” and “That’s Who I Praise.”
The 16-song record includes collaborations with Grammy-award winner CeCe Winans, Hulvey and Hank Bentley, and has been featured on American Idol, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NPR, Forbes, Billboard, American Songwriter and more. Lake recently surprised the CMA Fest Night 2 crowd at Nissan Stadium for a performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Jelly Roll. “That’s Who I Praise” recently won him Worship Song of the Year at the fan-voted K-LOVE Fan Awards along with Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Lake is set to continue on the road with his Summer Worship Nights before he kicks off the “King Of Hearts Tour” this fall.
King Of Hearts Track List:
1. “Plans” (Brandon Lake, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley, Jordan Colle)
2. “King Of Hearts” (Brandon Lake, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley)
3. “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Jelly Roll (Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Chris Brown, Jason Bradley DeFord)
4. “Daddy’s DNA” (Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter)
5. “I Know A Name” with CeCe Winans (Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley)
6. “As For Me & My Home” (Brandon Lake, Benjamin William Hastings, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley)
7. “The Great I Am Can” (Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols)
8. “Remember The Miracles” with Hank Bentley (Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Jordan Colle, Brandon Breitenbach)
9. “Right In The Middle” with Hulvey (Brandon Lake, Chris Hulvey, Micah Nichols, Zac Lawson, Benjamin William Hastings)
10. “But God” (Brandon Lake, Micah Nichols, Benjamin Williams Hastings, Zac Lawson)
11. “Watch This!” (Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter)
12. “Spare Change” (Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols)
13. “Ghost Stories” (Brandon Lake, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley, Jordan Colle)
14. “SEVENS” (Brandon Lake, Micah Nichols, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Steven Furtick)
15. “That’s Who I Praise” (Brandon Lake, Benjamin William Hastings, Micah Nichols, Zac Lawson, Steven Furtick)
16. “The Half Has Not Been Told” (Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Jason Ingram)
Brad Paisley Adds Canadian Run To ‘Truck Still Works World Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Sean O’Halloran
Brad Paisley has extended his “Truck Still Works World Tour” into Canada in November and December.
Special guests for the Canadian leg will be announced soon, and fan club presale runs June 17-19, with public on sale launching June 20 at BradPaisley.com. The “Truck Still Works World Tour” will offer a VIP package and experience for fans including premium tickets, a guided backstage tour, a VIP-exclusive gift item and more.
The first leg of the tour resumes in July with Walker Hayes as the special guest along with opener Alexandra Kay, and will visit Richmond, Wilmington, Savannah, Clearwater and more through Aug. 31.
Canada Leg of “Truck Still Works World Tour”
11/4 — Abbotsford, BC — Abbotsford Centre
11/5 — Kelowna, BC — Prospera Place
11/7 — Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place
11/8 — Lethbridge, AB — VisitLethbridge.com Arena
11/14 — Winnipeg, MB — Canada Life Centre
11/15 — Saskatoon, SK — SaskTel Centre
12/11 — London, ON — Canada Life Place
12/12 — Hamilton, ON — Hamilton Arena
12/13 — Ottawa, ON — Canadian Tire Centre
Riley Green Notches Fifth Career No. 1
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan
Riley Green has notched his fifth career No. 1 hit with his solo-penned “Worst Way.” The track holds the top spots on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Canada Country Airplay Chart and UK Country Radio Airplay Chart.
“Worst Way” is the second solo written song by the performing artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart since 2012, making Green the sixth artist to reach this milestone in the past 20 years. Along with the No. 1 marking, the track is also now RIAA 2x Platinum certified.
To celebrate the achievement, Green has unveiled details for his second annual “Duckman Jam” concert in Little Rock, Arkansas on Nov. 22. The show will feature performances from Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Lauren Watkins. Tickets go on sale this Friday (June 20) at 10 a.m. local time. $5 from each ticket will be donated to Ducks Unlimited, in support of conserving North America’s wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them.
Luke Combs Celebrates Fourth Diamond Single
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Sophia Sansone (Make Wake Artists), Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Rob Snyder (Songwriter), Luke Combs, Ken Robold, President & COO, SMN) and Chris Kappy (Make Wake Artists). Photo: David Bergman
Luke Combs has notched 34 new RIAA certifications, adding to his total of over 155.5 million RIAA certified units, including his solo work, features and collaborations. This feat makes Combs the second highest country artist behind Garth Brooks.
Additionally, Combs has also received another Diamond-certified record for “She Got The Best of Me,” making him the only artist to have four Diamond-certified country singles.
The accomplishments were celebrated after Combs’ historic performance as the first country artist to headline Bonnaroo this past Thursday.
Additional RIAA Certifications:
SINGLES:
“Beautiful Crazy” – 14x Platinum
“When It Rains It Pours” – 12x Platinum
“Hurricane” – 11x Platinum
“Forever After All” – 8x Platinum
“Beer Never Broke My Heart” – 8x Platinum
“Fast Car” – 7x Platinum
“The Kind of Love We Make” – 6x Platinum
“One Number Away” – 6x Platinum
“Better Together” – 5x Platinum
“Even Though I’m Leaving” – 4x Platinum
“Where The Wild Things Are” – 4x Platinum
“Going, Going, Gone” – 3x Platinum
“Love You Anyway” – 3x Platinum
“Must’ve Never Met You” – 3x Platinum
“Does To Me” – 3x Platinum
“Lovin’ On You” – 3x Platinum
“1, 2 Many” – 2x Platinum
“Cold As You” – 2x Platinum
“Growin’ Up & Gettin’ Old” – Platinum
“Nothing Like You” – Platinum
“5 Leaf Clover” – Platinum
“Beer Can” – Platinum
“I Got Away With You” – Platinum
“Tomorrow Me” – Platinum
“What You See Is What You Get” – Platinum
“Remember Him That Way” – Gold
“The Man He Sees In Me” – Gold
“Outrunnin’ Your Memory” – Gold
“Every Little Bit Helps” – Gold
“New Every Day” – Gold
“The Other Guy” – Gold
ALBUMS:
Gettin’ Old – 2x Platinum
This One’s For You – 7x Platinum
CMHOFM To Feature Dennis Morgan In ‘Poets and Prophets’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan has been a songwriter for more than 40 years, and his catalog includes more than 20 No. 1 singles, with songs topping the charts globally in multiple genres. Morgan found early success as a session guitarist and jingle writer, penning national campaigns for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Opryland, Rubbermaid and “Pull for America,” a 1976 U.S. bicentennial campaign featuring William Shatner.
In 1978, Morgan and fellow songwriter Kye Fleming forged a partnership that led to pop-country hits for Barbara Mandrell (“Crackers,” “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed”), Ronnie Milsap (“I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World,” “She Keeps the Home Fires Burning,” “Smoky Mountain Rain”), Sylvia (“Nobody,” “Snapshot”), Steve Wariner (“All Roads Lead to You”) and many others.
The interview will be moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and will be accompanied by photos, film and recordings. Tickets can be reserved here.
Eric Paslay Inks With Liz Rose Music & Sheltered Music Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Sheltered Music Publishing’s Freeman Wizer and Darrell Franklin; Eric Paslay; Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose, Scott Ponce, Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass and Kate Shirley
Liz Rose Music and Sheltered Music Publishing have teamed up to sign Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Paslay.
Known for penning “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love and Theft), “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band) and more, his own catalog as an artist includes “Friday Night,” “Song About a Girl” and “She Don’t Love You.”
“Eric Paslay is a master storyteller whose songs have left a lasting mark on country music. His voice, both as a writer and artist, embodies the kind of talent we’ve always believed in at Liz Rose Music,” says Scott Ponce, co-founder of Liz Rose Music. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the roster — and to partner with Sheltered Music Publishing as we support Eric in this next chapter.”
“I’ve known Eric and his music since he first came on the scene and the integrity, depth, and diversity of his songwriting and artistry has only continued to grow and expand,” adds Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President at Sheltered Music Publishing. “To get to work with Eric in this partnership with the energy and passion that the Liz Rose Music team brings is going to be so much fun.”
Charlie Handsome Stays Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenCharlie Handsome.
Charlie Handsome remains at the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The songwriter’s current credits include “What I Want,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “Superman,” “TN,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Kick Myself,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Smile,” “Falling Apart,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Missing,” “Don’t We,” “Genesis,” “Miami,” “Interlude” and “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do.”
Morgan Wallen stays at No. 2 with “What I Want,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “Superman,” “TN,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Kick Myself,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Smile,” “Falling Apart,” “Missing,” “Don’t We,” “Genesis,” “Miami,” “Interlude” and “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do.” Riley Green moves to No. 3 with his newly crowned No. 1 hit “Worst Way.”
Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and John Byron (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.