Leadership Music has unveiled 46 new members for its class of 2026. The new members will embark on an eight month program beginning in October and gives a deep exploration into the music industry with cross-function understanding and networking.
“The Leadership Music selection committee is committed to assembling a group of distinguished professionals who not only excel in their fields but also represent the rich diversity of the music industry across the country. The Class of 2026 upholds this tradition, and we’re thrilled to welcome them this fall,” says Kelli Haywood, Leadership Music Past President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee.
Established in 1989, Leadership Music has hosted over 1,400 members and has brought together leaders from every industry sector.
“Each year, the selection committee approaches the process with intention and precision, carefully evaluating candidates based on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and community impact. Equally important is our commitment to building a class that reflects the diversity of the music industry,” adds Scott Gerow, Leadership Music Board President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “We’re incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals chosen for our 36th class and look forward to seeing how the Leadership Music Class of 2026 comes together and makes its mark.”
Leadership Music Class of 2026:
1. Charles Alexander, Founder/CEO, ViNIL & Launcher Music
2. Brendon Anthony, Vice President, Big Loud Texas (Austin, TX)
3. Aftyn Behn, State Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
4. Ben Carter, VP, Live Events & Production, Academy of Country Music
5. Thomas Clees, SVP, Federal Public Policy, RIAA (Washington, DC)
6. Brent Daughrity, National Dir. Music Entertainment, Gallagher
7. Sarah D’Hilly, Music Business Partnerships, Apple Music
8. Stevie Escoto, Senior Managing Director, Girlilla Marketing
9. Michael Farris, Sr. Director, Business Strategy and Insights, Country Music Association
10. Kerri Fox-Metoyer, Head of Entertainment Services, Gabb
11. Anna Frick, Mastering & Restoration Engineer, Ally Sound (Niwot, Colorado)
12. Eboni Funderburk, Founder & CEO, EFG Promotions & Consulting
13. Alex Hall, Singer/Songwriter, Blue Harbor Publishing
14. Mathias John, Principal Designer, The Intellectual Phase Design Group
15. Ashley Joyce, SVP, Legal & Business Affairs, National Music Publishers’ Association (Washington, DC)
16. Joe Keeley, Principal, Keeley Law and Policy (Washington, DC)
17. Lauren Kilgore, SVP, Legal and Business Affairs, Sony Music Nashville
18. Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC Performing Rights (Santa Monica, CA)
19. Anna Kolander, Senior Artist Manager/Head of A&R, Activist Artists Management
20. Lee Krabel, Senior Vice President, SMACKSongs
21. Betsy Lamb, Contractor, Nashville String Machine
22. Michelle Lewis, CEO, Songwriters of North America (SONA)/The SONA Foundation (Encino, CA)
23. Wayne Linder, Chief Sales Officer, Pioneer Coach
24. Sloane Logue, Partner – Head of Client Strategy, WME
25. Zebb Luster, Executive Vice President & Artist Manager, River House Artists
26. Fount Lynch, SVP, Publicity, Warner Music Nashville
27. Xenia Manning, Director of Global Music Policy, Spotify (Washington, DC)
28. Rick Marshall, General Counsel, The MLC
29. Maynard, EVP Programming, iHeartMedia
30. Marne McLyman, Manager, Maverick Nashville
31. Rev. Moose, Managing Partner/Co-Founder, Marauder (New York, NY)
32. Kiely Mosiman, Agent, Wasserman Music
33. Katie Neal, Host of Katie & Company, Audacy
34. Mallory Pascal, Partner/Business Manager, KBFM, LLC
35. Jason Plum, Relationship Manager & Vice President, City National Bank
36. Keyana Pusey, VP and Assistant General Counsel for Intellectual Property, National Association of Broadcasters (Washington, DC)
37. Shawn Radley, Partner / Lead Buyer, Kendall Booking (Cambridge, MA)
38. Rachel Rodriguez, CEO/Artistic Director, RR Productions
39. Marc Rucker, Associate Director, Artist & Industry Relations, SoundExchange
40. Eric Scott, EVP, Rights & Royalties, BMG
41. Emily Stephenson, President, Downtown Music Publishing
42. Bryan Todd, Owner | Producer | Songwriter, BT MUSIC, LLC
43. Dave Tough, Professor, Audio Engineering Technology, Belmont University
44. Jeff vom Saal, Chief Operating Officer, Nashville Symphony
45. Reid Wick, Director, Regional Advocacy & Member Engagement, The Recording Academy (New Orleans, LA)
46. Carin Zaleski, Director of Development, Ryan Seacrest Foundation
TikTok Launches New Insights Platform For Artists
/by Madison HahnenTikTok has launched its new platform, TikTok For Artists. The new program will allow artists and their labels/team members with data that can allow them to reach the global TikTok community, promote music and earn success on and off the app.
Example of Jordan Adetunji’s TikTok for Artist’s dashboard using mock data for illustrative purposes
The platform will include a dashboard that is updated daily that includes insights for song performance, post performance, follower insights and guides for TikTok’s tools and features. Included with the launch is also the Pre-Release Tool, which will give artists promotional tools to promote an upcoming album on TikTok, including the ability to pre-save the album directly from the app.
“TikTok is already well known for being the world’s best platform for music discovery and promotion, and with the launch of TikTok for Artists, all tiers of artists will gain insights on TikTok that they can use to take their careers to a whole new level,” says Tracy Gardner, TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development. “We built the platform to give artists transparent access to useful, actionable data about their music and their fans, to help them better engage with the TikTok community and supercharge their careers both on and off the platform.”
“My team and I rely on TikTok for Artists daily, sometimes even hourly,” adds early tester Cyril Riley. “In such a rapidly evolving industry, it’s crucial for us to consistently monitor and review the analytics of my account.”
TikTok for Artists is available now for all artists with a certified TikTok Artist Account. Artists are also able to provide account access to their artist teams and to label teams.
Example of Tate McRae’s pre-release campaign
Industry Ink: Carrie Underwood, Riley Green, Ole 60, Preston Cooper, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood Unveils Special Opry 100 Rhinestone Mic Stand
Opry member Carrie Underwood unveiled the Opry 100 rhinesteone-designed Opry mic stand on Tuesday night’s Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Longtime Opry member Carrie Underwood gave fans a sneak peek of the custom rhinestone-themed Opry 100 mic stand during a performance at her fan club party at the Opry House on Tuesday afternoon (June 3), where she was also celebrating the two-year anniversary of her SiriusXM channel, Carrie’s Country. Later that evening, Underwood revealed the specially-designed mic stand during her performances in both Opry shows.
The stand was commissioned exclusively for the Opry’s 100th year and will be used for special performances throughout the Opry’s centennial celebration. During the Tuesday night Opry show kicking off CMA Fest, Underwood also surprised the audience by joining Ben Fuller during his set for their duet of “If It Was Up To Me.” On Thursday-Sunday, the Opry 100 Rhinestone mic stand will be at the Grand Ole Opry booth at CMA Fest in downtown Nashville, where fans can stop by and get a 360 “glam cam” photo with it.
Riley Green’s Buford Bonds Fund Donates $75,000 To Folds of Honor
Riley Green donates $75,000 to Folds of Honor
Riley Green donated $75,000 to Folds of Honor through his Buford Bonds Fund during the Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball game on June 2. Established in honor of his grandfathers, Green’s charitable fund supports nonprofits around the country, and this marks Green’s fifth consecutive year participating in the event, which raises funds to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.
The cause is especially meaningful to Green, whose grandfathers proudly served in the military. Green’s Buford Bonds Fund most recently also supported The Recording Academy’s fire and hurricane relief efforts, hosted its first annual golf tournament which raised over $150,000 for the fund, and more.
Ole 60 Celebrates Platinum ‘Smoke & A Light’
Ole 60. Photo: John Park
Kentucky’s independent six-piece Ole 60 is soaring to new heights, earning Platinum-certification on their breakout single “Smoke & a Light.” The bad was recently highlighted by Billboard in their 2025 Country Power Players issue, and last weekend, Ole 60 played for a packed-out Railbird Music Festival in their home state.
“It’s surreal – we haven’t been doing this even 18 months. Hitting these milestones as an independent band from small town Kentucky is a really cool, crazy thing to experience and celebrate” the band shares collectively. “We have the greatest fans in the world, and this proves it.”
Preston Cooper Previews ‘Toledo Talkin” For Fans, Industry Crowd
Pictured (L-R, back row): Fusion Music’s Daniel Miller, Red Light Management’s Zach Sutton, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner and Brett Warren; (L-R, middle row): The Valory Music Co.’s Ashley Sidoti, Preston Cooper, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Borchetta and Fusion Music’s Chris Ferren; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and Brad Warren. Photo: Nick Rau for The Valory Music Co.
Preston Cooper celebrated his new album at a special preview party last week. Cooper took the stage at Skinny Dennis to share a sneak peek of his upcoming debut album, Toledo Talkin’, which is set to drop on Aug. 29. More than 200 fans and industry partners came out to support Preston and experience the preview of what’s to come from the rising artist.
Markus Koger Launches Black Horse Pike Media Podcast Distribution Company
Markus Koger has officially launched Black Horse Pike Media (BHP Media), a podcast distribution company headquartered in Nashville. BHP Media will serve as the home and distributor for the widely followed Smoking Section Podcast and three brand-new original shows: YaNoFershure, Talk Dat Sh*t and Nashville Noise Podcast. BHP Media is stepping into the digital audio arena with a mission to spotlight culture-shifting dialogue, authentic storytelling and the kind of unfiltered perspectives that resonate with real listeners.
“Black Horse Pike Media is more than just a distributor — it’s a movement,” says Koger, Founder and CEO of BHP Media. “We’re here to shake things up. Whether you’re tuning in for the raw truth, the real laughs, or the rhythm of culture, BHP Media is your destination.”
Tristan Roberson Inks With The Kirby Organization
Tristan Roberson and TKO’s Michael Kelley. Photo: Natalie Roberson Photography
Tristan Roberson has signed with The Kirby Organization (TKO) booking agency. The 17-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Frisco, Texas, will be represented by veteran agent Michael Kelley. Roberson has distinguished himself as one of the genre’s most compelling new voices, and since releasing his debut single in May 2024, he has amassed over six million streams across platforms, driven by the viral success of his breakout track, “Somewhere in Texas,” which soared to No. 1 on the Texas radio charts in just 17 weeks.
Big Machine Records To Host Star-Studded 20th Anniversary Bash In August
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Machine Label Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special Big Machine 20 Concert in downtown Nashville on Aug. 29 to kick off the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix Weekend.
The free concert will feature performances from Riley Green, Sheryl Crow, Brett Young and Preston Cooper, joined by stars from throughout BMLG’s 20-year history, including The Band Perry, RaeLynn, Danielle Peck, Danielle Bradbery, Jack Ingram and Jimmy Wayne.
Big Machine 20 will toast to two decades of chart-topping hits and genre-defining talent, and serves as the official kick-off party for the newly rebranded Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix NTT Indycar Series Championship weekend. The event will also include the fifth annual Freedom Friday event, honoring members of the Military, Police, Fire, First Responders and Frontline Heroes. Last year’s Freedom Friday concert saw more than 118,000 attendees. VIP viewing tickets for Big Machine 20 are available here.
“This year’s event has even more meaning as we celebrate 20 years of Big Machine,” shares BMLG Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “Nobody could’ve predicted our incredible success in a city we love so much. This is our thank you to Nashville and all the fans of our amazing artists and their music. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event and one we’ll never forget!”
Founded by Borchetta on September 1, 2005, Big Machine Label Group has sold more than 226 million albums and tallied 185 No. 1 songs with more than 400 RIAA-certified tracks. Artists on the label’s roster have scored 76 Grammy nominations, 54 ACM Awards wins and 28 CMA Awards wins, as well as multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Awards and more.
Presley Barker Inks With UMPG
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, front row): Missy Roberts (UMPG Nashville) and Presley Barker. (L-R, back row): Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Fields) and Troy Tomlinson (UMPG Nashville). Photo: UMPG Nashville
Presley Barker has inked an exclusive publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
The North Carolina native began playing festivals around the south at age seven and has made appearances on The Today Show and the Grand Ole Opry, and has shared the stage with Billy Strings, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and Brad Paisley.
“Presley has the voice and songwriting prowess to usher classic country music into the future. His vocals and songs showcase a soul beyond his years, growing a fanbase that spans generations. Presley is a rare and special talent. I am honored to be a part of what is a very bright future ahead,” shares Missy Roberts, VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.
“I’m incredibly grateful and honored to be joining the Universal Music Publishing family,” adds Barker. “From the very beginning, the team has made me feel right at home, and I couldn’t ask for a more passionate, talented and supportive group of people to work with and who love country music. Their belief in me and my vision means the world, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead!”
Hudson Westbrook Signs Record Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Zebb Luster (EVP / Artist Manager, River House Artists), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair / Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Hudson Westbrook, Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair / Co-President, Warner Music Nashville) and Lynn Oliver-Cline (Founder / Owner, River House Artists). Photo: Emma Kate Golden
Breakout Texas country artist Hudson Westbrook has signed a record deal with River House Artists / Warner Music Nashville. The news was celebrated last night (June 3) at River House Artists’ Whiskey Jam takeover at Whiskey Row, where the young artist was surprised with a plaque presentation for his newly-minted RIAA Gold certified single “House Again.”
Westbrook just announced his debut album, Texas Forever, will release on July 25. It includes his top 30-and-climbing single “House Again” as well other buzzworthy tracks like “Sober,” “Mine Tomorrow” and “Dressed Down.”
A native of Stephenville, Texas, Hudson made his debut in 2024 with his viral first release “Take It Slow,” Westbrook quickly strung together a series of grassroots hits while enrolled at Texas Tech University, including debut Texas radio single and chart-topper, “Two Way Drive” and “House Again.” Amassing 400 million global streams in his first year as an artist and averaging over 20 million streams per week, Westbrook was named Billboard’s December Country Rookie of the Month and a 2025 Artist to Watch by Country Now, Holler, The Country Wire and more.
He takes the stage across CMA Fest this week, with performances slated at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Spotify House, Warner Music Nashville’s Heatwave House and more.
Frank Ray Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Kenley Flynn, Frank Ray, Rusty Gaston and Oscar Chavira.
Country singer-songwriter Frank Ray has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
“I can’t express how excited I am to be a part of the Sony familia! It’s always been a dream of mine to write songs for a major publishing company in the heart of music city and now I get to say that out loud,” says Ray. “I’m grateful to the Sony team and the writers for helping me tell my story and to hone the craft of songwriting when I’m blessed enough to share someone else’s. I’d also like to express my appreciation for my manager, Oscar Chavira, without whom this dream wouldn’t be possible!”
Currently signed with BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records, Ray has earned a No. 1 on Texas Country Radio, and has received praise from Country Radio Seminar (CRS), Rolling Stone, CMT, TIME, Good Morning America and more. His hit breakout single “Country’d Look Good on You” scaled the country airplay charts, leading him to his 2022 Grand Ole Opry debut.
Ray has cemented his Mexican American roots into modern country music and songwriting, paving a path for the next generation of Latino country artists. His fan favorites “Streetlights” and “Uh-huh (Ajá)” have grown his fan base, leading him into performances with Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, Kip Moore and Brett Eldredge. His latest single “Miami In Tennessee” has amassed over 42,000 Spotify streams to date.
“Frank is a one-of-a-kind talent, and his authenticity shines through in every song he writes,” shares Vice President, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville Kenley Flynn. “We are thrilled to welcome Frank to the SMP family and can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for him.”
Lukas Nelson To Receive Music Heals International Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Lukas Nelson will be honored as the first-ever annual recipient of the MHI Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award in partnership with Gibson Gives at a special one-night-only event on June 18.
The event at Gibson Garage Nashville will also feature live performances from Nelson and Friends, including Paul Beaubrun from Arcade Fire. Music Heals International’s global mission is to bring music and musicians to children in need to rebuild communities and inspire resilience and creativity. MHI is recognizing Nelson, whose commitment to music and its healing power beautifully reflects the spirit of this award, at the inaugural event.
“Music Heals International is proud to honor Lukas for his incredible contributions to our work and mission over the past decade by presenting him with the first-ever Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award, alongside our wonderful partner, Gibson Gives,” says Sara Wasserman, Founder and Executive Director, MHI. “This award is especially meaningful-not only does it celebrate Lukas as an extraordinary artist and musician whose gifts uplift the world, but it also honors the enduring legacy of my father, which continues to live on through the work of MHI.”
“Gibson Gives is proud to support the remarkable programs and mission of Music Heals International,” adds Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We are especially excited to honor Gibson artist Lukas Nelson with the inaugural Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award at our Gibson Garage in Nashville–celebrating not only his artistry, but the profound impact he and Music Heals International continue to make through the power of music.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit Music Heals International, and tickets for the event are limited and on sale now here.
Following Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010, Music Heals International Founder and Executive Director Sara Wasserman began volunteering in the country through J/P Haitian Relief Organization, now CORE. After seeing the unmistakable impact of music as a tool to help children cope and find joy after this traumatic uprooting, she started Music Heals International as a way to bring music education to the children of Delmas 32 and communities beyond.
Leadership Music Reveals Class Of 2026
/by Madison Hahnen“The Leadership Music selection committee is committed to assembling a group of distinguished professionals who not only excel in their fields but also represent the rich diversity of the music industry across the country. The Class of 2026 upholds this tradition, and we’re thrilled to welcome them this fall,” says Kelli Haywood, Leadership Music Past President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee.
Established in 1989, Leadership Music has hosted over 1,400 members and has brought together leaders from every industry sector.
“Each year, the selection committee approaches the process with intention and precision, carefully evaluating candidates based on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and community impact. Equally important is our commitment to building a class that reflects the diversity of the music industry,” adds Scott Gerow, Leadership Music Board President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “We’re incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals chosen for our 36th class and look forward to seeing how the Leadership Music Class of 2026 comes together and makes its mark.”
Leadership Music Class of 2026:
1. Charles Alexander, Founder/CEO, ViNIL & Launcher Music
2. Brendon Anthony, Vice President, Big Loud Texas (Austin, TX)
3. Aftyn Behn, State Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
4. Ben Carter, VP, Live Events & Production, Academy of Country Music
5. Thomas Clees, SVP, Federal Public Policy, RIAA (Washington, DC)
6. Brent Daughrity, National Dir. Music Entertainment, Gallagher
7. Sarah D’Hilly, Music Business Partnerships, Apple Music
8. Stevie Escoto, Senior Managing Director, Girlilla Marketing
9. Michael Farris, Sr. Director, Business Strategy and Insights, Country Music Association
10. Kerri Fox-Metoyer, Head of Entertainment Services, Gabb
11. Anna Frick, Mastering & Restoration Engineer, Ally Sound (Niwot, Colorado)
12. Eboni Funderburk, Founder & CEO, EFG Promotions & Consulting
13. Alex Hall, Singer/Songwriter, Blue Harbor Publishing
14. Mathias John, Principal Designer, The Intellectual Phase Design Group
15. Ashley Joyce, SVP, Legal & Business Affairs, National Music Publishers’ Association (Washington, DC)
16. Joe Keeley, Principal, Keeley Law and Policy (Washington, DC)
17. Lauren Kilgore, SVP, Legal and Business Affairs, Sony Music Nashville
18. Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC Performing Rights (Santa Monica, CA)
19. Anna Kolander, Senior Artist Manager/Head of A&R, Activist Artists Management
20. Lee Krabel, Senior Vice President, SMACKSongs
21. Betsy Lamb, Contractor, Nashville String Machine
22. Michelle Lewis, CEO, Songwriters of North America (SONA)/The SONA Foundation (Encino, CA)
23. Wayne Linder, Chief Sales Officer, Pioneer Coach
24. Sloane Logue, Partner – Head of Client Strategy, WME
25. Zebb Luster, Executive Vice President & Artist Manager, River House Artists
26. Fount Lynch, SVP, Publicity, Warner Music Nashville
27. Xenia Manning, Director of Global Music Policy, Spotify (Washington, DC)
28. Rick Marshall, General Counsel, The MLC
29. Maynard, EVP Programming, iHeartMedia
30. Marne McLyman, Manager, Maverick Nashville
31. Rev. Moose, Managing Partner/Co-Founder, Marauder (New York, NY)
32. Kiely Mosiman, Agent, Wasserman Music
33. Katie Neal, Host of Katie & Company, Audacy
34. Mallory Pascal, Partner/Business Manager, KBFM, LLC
35. Jason Plum, Relationship Manager & Vice President, City National Bank
36. Keyana Pusey, VP and Assistant General Counsel for Intellectual Property, National Association of Broadcasters (Washington, DC)
37. Shawn Radley, Partner / Lead Buyer, Kendall Booking (Cambridge, MA)
38. Rachel Rodriguez, CEO/Artistic Director, RR Productions
39. Marc Rucker, Associate Director, Artist & Industry Relations, SoundExchange
40. Eric Scott, EVP, Rights & Royalties, BMG
41. Emily Stephenson, President, Downtown Music Publishing
42. Bryan Todd, Owner | Producer | Songwriter, BT MUSIC, LLC
43. Dave Tough, Professor, Audio Engineering Technology, Belmont University
44. Jeff vom Saal, Chief Operating Officer, Nashville Symphony
45. Reid Wick, Director, Regional Advocacy & Member Engagement, The Recording Academy (New Orleans, LA)
46. Carin Zaleski, Director of Development, Ryan Seacrest Foundation
‘Darius And Friends’ Wraps 16th Annual Benefit Concert
/by Lauryn SinkDarius Rucker. Photo: Catherine Powell
Darius Rucker hosted the 16th annual “Darius and Friends” concert on Monday (June 2) at the Ryman Auditorium benefiting St. Jude. The event featured performances from Rucker as well as special guests including Morgan Wallen, Tyler Braden, Luke Bryan, Kashus Culpepper, Lanie Gardner and Austin Williams.
Lanie Gardner. Photo: Catherine Powell
After a live auction and donation round, Rucker kicked off the main event with a newly-written song plus a duo of fan favorite hits including his 10th and most recent No. 1 single “Beers and Sunshine” plus “Radio.” He then introduced the first friend of the evening, with rising star Williams, who will join Rucker on tour this fall, taking the stage to perform his popular “90s Rap Mashup” as well as his latest single, “Crazy Over You.” Culpepper, who is also set to tour with Rucker this fall, received a standing ovation from the packed house for a set featuring his own “Southern Man” and “Pour Me Out” as well as a cover of The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See.” Appalachian singer-songwriter Gardner added heartfelt performances of “Six Feet Deep” and “Cry” as well as “Takin’ The Slow Ride” off her forthcoming EP Polaroids, arriving this Friday, June 6.
As is customary at the annual event, Rucker also returned to the stage between each guest set, treating fans to hits ranging from his Country Airplay No. 1 songs to ’90s covers.
Country-rock standout Braden, another of Rucker’s tourmates this fall, added to the festivities with Platinum-certified breakout “Devil You Know” and the introspective “Right on Track” before Luke Bryan took the stage for “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “Play It Again” and “Country Song Came On.”
The final guest of the evening, Wallen, brought “20 Cigarettes” and “More Than My Hometown” to the crowd.
The night wrapped as per tradition with Rucker joined by the sold-out Ryman crowd plus Culpepper, Gardner and Williams for a “Wagon Wheel” singalong.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Catherine Powell
“Every time I visit St. Jude, I’m blown away. You walk in expecting it to feel heavy, but there’s so much joy, so much hope,” shared Rucker following the event. “The work they’re doing – the research, the breakthroughs – it’s incredible. But what gets me every time is knowing that families never get a bill. Not for treatment, travel, housing or food. That kind of support changes everything for these families, and I’m proud that me and my friends here tonight can be part of that.”
In addition to Monday evening’s concert, celebrity friends Drew Baldridge, Priscilla Block, Braden, NFL Pro Bowler Randall Cobb, Travis Denning, Hannah Ellis, Walker Hayes, NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick, Tracy Lawrence, Bryce Leatherwood, Vincent Mason, Drake Milligan, Walker Montgomery, John Morgan, Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney, Restless Road’s Garrett Nichols & Colton Pack, Eric Paslay, Shane Profitt, Michael Ray, Lily Rose, Schmitty, Matt Stell, Nick Wayne, Mark Wills and Scott Wolverton joined Rucker for the corresponding golf tournament June 3, with the total raised across both events adding to the more than $5 million raised to date.
Austin Williams. Photo: Catherine Powell
Kashus Culpepper. Photo: Catherine Powell
Morgan Wallen. Photo: Catherine Powell
Tyler Braden. Photo: Catherine Powell
Gustavo Mioto Signs With WME
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L to R): Rob Markus, Marcos Mioto, Cesar Figueiredo, Gustavo Mioto, Shannon Saunders, Nate Towne. Photo: Courtesy of WME
Gustavo Mioto has signed a deal for global representation with WME, becoming the first Brazilian sertanejo artist to join its international roster.
Mioto has garnered 3.9 billion views on YouTube, 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify and multiple nationwide hits. In addition, he has released nine albums, three DVDs and collaborated with top Brazilian artists such as Anitta, Jorge & Mateus, Fábio Jr., Mari Fernandez, Wesley Safadão, Matheus & Kauan and Menos é Mais. His original projects, MiotoTerapia and the “Atemporal Tour” reflect his artistic range and modern take on sertanejo.