Mark Chesnutt Slates ‘Redemption Tour’ Celebrating Life and Sobriety

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Mark Chesnutt. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott

Mark Chesnutt has announced his “2025 Redemption Tour” in celebration of health, recovery and sobriety, and is going public with the disclosure of multiple health scares which almost ended his life.

The nearly 40-date tour will kick off May 3 in Texas and visit Little Rock, Columbus, New Braunfels and many more cities through October.

With 14 No. 1s and more than 12 million albums sold, Chesnutt was one of the ‘90s most known hitmakers. In recent years, he underwent invasive spine surgery, years of alcoholism, rehab and open heart surgery in succession, all of which cost time he intended to spend strengthening his career. Chesnutt’s struggle began in his early 20s when he fractured his spine. He lost the ability to walk and fell down an escalator at the Houston airport.

“My surgery was a major major one,” he says, explaining doctors scraped scar tissue off his nerves and that he now has two titanium rods in his back. “I couldn’t work. I was laid up, didn’t drive, couldn’t walk, couldn’t do anything.”

Even though he returned to touring, he still struggled with balance and frequently fell, then got sick from alcohol and had to go back to the hospital. Doctors gave Chesnutt four blood transfusions that night and told him he probably wouldn’t survive the following two days from bleeding.

Chesnutt took his final drink on November 1, 2023. Five months later, he faced emergency quadruple bypass surgery, the latest hurdle in years of health challenges.

“I’m so happy about my Redemption Tour,” says Chesnutt. “I’m going out with excitement and a renewed energy for all aspects of performing and possibly recording. I love being on stage and seeing and hearing the crowd. I now realize that’s what I love about being in this business. I’m back and doing better than ever. My diet is better. I’m more active, and I feel better than I did in my 30s. I’m excited about the whole process of going on the road. I’m excited every night to go on stage. I have the energy I wish I had throughout the ’90s.”

Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

“Redemption Tour” Dates:
May 3 – Forney, TX – Talia
May 10 – Ocala, FL – Florida Horse Park (Rock The Country)
May 23 – Katy, TX – Mo’s Place
May 24 – Buda, TX – Buck’s Backyard
May 25 – Bandera, TX – 11th Street Cowboy Bar
May 30 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
May 31 – York, PA – York Fairgrounds & Expo Center (Rock The Country)
June 6 – Elizabethtown, KY – Historic State Theater
June 7 – Benton, KY – The Kentucky Opry
June 14 – Hastings, MI – Barry Expo Center (Rock The Country)
June 19 – Lawton, OK – Apache Casino Hotel Event Center
June 20 – Little Rock, AR – Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Rock The Country)
June 21 – Sesser, IL – Sesser City Park
June 26 – Ponaka, AB, Canada – Ponoka Stampede & Exhibition
June 28 – Moose Jaw, SK, Canada – Moose Jaw Event Center
June 29 – Dauphin, MB, Canada – Dauphin’s Countryfest
July 11 – Roanoke Rapids, NC – Weldon Mills Theatre
July 12 – Ashland, KY – Boyd County Fairgrounds (Rock The Country)
July 18 – Eau Claire, WI – Country Jam USA
July 19 – Sioux Falls, SD – WH Lyon Fairground (Rock The Country)
July 25 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
July 26 – Anderson, SC – Anderson Sport & Entertainment Center (Rock The Country)
Aug 2 – New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheater
Aug 8 – Batesville, MS – Batesville Civic Center
Aug 9 – Jeffersonville, IN – RiverStage
Aug 15 – Fruita, CO – James M. Robb, Colorado River State Park
Aug 23 – Canton, GA – Etowah River Park
Sept 6 – Van Alstyne, TX – Downtown Stage
Sept 13 – Temple, TX – MLK Festival Grounds
Sept 27 – Christoval, TX – Cooper’s Bar-B-Q
Oct 22 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Oct 23 – Clarksburg, WV – The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
Oct 25 – New Philadelphia, OH – Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas

Eric Church Slates Arena Tour For Fall

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Eric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

Eric Church is set to launch his 22-date “Free The Machine Tour” on Sept. 12. Church will be joined across varying dates by special guests Elle King, Marcus King Band and Charles Wesley Godwin. The tour will kick off in Pittsburgh and visit Boston, Lexington, Sacramento and more before wrapping on Nov. 15.

“From front to back, these shows will be different than anything you’ve ever seen or heard from us before,” shares Church in a video message sent directly to Church Choir members. “I cannot wait to see you on the road for this tour.”

Tickets to most shows are available to the general public beginning next Friday (May 9) at 10 a.m. local time, with the Philadelphia date on sale May 16. Fan club pre-sale begins May 5 at 10 a.m. local time. In an effort to protect fans from scalpers, Church is reserving all pit tickets on the “Free the Machine Tour” for premium Church Choir members. Pit tickets will be will-call only to deter resale.

The announcement comes just before the release of Church’s highly anticipated record, Evangeline vs. The Machine, which is available Friday (May 2).

Church will also bring the new music and his esteemed catalog to life onstage later this spring and summer with a run of high-profile shows, kicking off with two “To Beat The Devil” residency shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 16-17 before a sold-out, two-night takeover of Nashville’s The Pinnacle May 23–24 for “Evangeline vs. The Machine Live.” In July, he heads west to Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where fans can expect a unique set each evening across three sold-out shows: “Eric Church vs. The Machine,” “Eric Church vs. The ECB” and “Eric Church vs. The Guitar.”

“Free the Machine Tour” Dates:
*on sale Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. local time
Sept. 12 || Pittsburgh, Penn. || PPG Paints Arena || Elle King
Sept. 13 || Columbus, Ohio || Nationwide Arena || Elle King
Sept. 18 || Philadelphia, Penn. || Wells Fargo Center || Elle King*
Sept. 19 || Boston, Mass. || TD Garden || Elle King
Sept. 20 || Brooklyn, N.Y. || Barclays Center || Elle King
Sept. 25 || Green Bay, Wisc. || Resch Center || Marcus King Band
Sept. 26 || Milwaukee, Wisc. || Fiserv Forum || Marcus King Band
Sept. 27 || Des Moines, Iowa || Wells Fargo Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 2 || Detroit, Mich. || Little Caesars Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 3 || Lexington, Ky. || Rupp Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 9 || Indianapolis, Ind. || Gainbridge Fieldhouse || Marcus King Band
Oct. 10 || Grand Rapids, Mich. || Van Andel Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 11 || Cleveland, Ohio || Rocket Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 23 || Salt Lake City, Utah || Delta Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Oct. 24 || Boise, Idaho || ExtraMile Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Oct. 25 || Spokane, Wash. || Spokane Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 6 || Vancouver, B.C. || Rogers Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 7 || Portland, Ore. || Moda Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 8 || Seattle, Wash. || Climate Pledge Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 13 || Sacramento, Calif. || Golden 1 Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 14 || Fresno, Calif. || SaveMart Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 15 || Inglewood, Calif. || Intuit Dome || Charles Wesley Godwin

Whitaker Elledge To Head Dualtone

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Whitaker Elledge

Dualtone’s GM and Senior VP Whitaker Elledge has officially stepped into the lead role at the Nashville-based label, which is a division of MNRK Music Group, following the passing of President Paul Roper after his long battle with cancer.

Since joining Dualtone in 2018, Elledge has held multiple roles in A&R and Artist Development before being promoted to GM/SVP in 2023. Elledge will remain based in Nashville and will now report directly to MNRK’s COO Chris Moncada.

“Paul Roper was one of the great human beings and fiercest artist advocates of our time,” says Elledge. “Because of him, we confidently stride forward, knowing that authenticity and kindness can win the day in this business. Paul said, ‘Pursue art before the pursuit of commerce. Treat people fairly. Be transparent. Work hard. Don’t take yourself too seriously.’ We’re filled with reverence and a roaring fire to continue innovating and being peerless partners for our artists and music community.”

“Whitaker’s impressive track record, unwavering passion, and strategic vision position him to guide Dualtone into an exciting new chapter, where the company will continue to champion exceptional talent and creators,” says MNRK CEO and President Sean Stevenson. 

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Nashville, the label’s current roster includes The Lumineers, Langhorne Slim, Gregory Alan Isakov, Houndmouth, Shakey Graves, Kathleen Edwards, Wilder Woods, The Dip, Jack Van Cleaf, Gatlin, flipturn, Abraham Alexander, Futurebirds, Shovels & Rope and more. Dualtone’s catalog includes celebrated releases from Chuck Berry, Guy Clark, June Carter Cash, Delta Spirit, Mt. Joy and Brett Dennen. The company also owns and operates Magnolia Record Club, a vinyl subscription club and online record store. Since its inception, Dualtone has received 16 Grammy nominations and secured four wins.

Kacey Musgraves Inks With Lost Highway Records

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Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Danny Clinch

Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves has signed with Lost Highway Records, marking her as the flagship signing to the recently relaunched label. This also marks a full circle moment for Musgraves and the label, as she was the final artist signed in 2011 before Lost Highway was absorbed by Mercury Nashville a year later.

“Lost Highway was always a musical stable for artists who might be considered outliers or outlaws; those who live on the fringe,” shares Musgraves. “In 2011, when other record labels questioned my songwriting and my more traditional country sound, Lost Highway believed in me, signing me to my first label deal and helped me take my music around the world. That journey has now come full circle in such a special way with John Janick and Interscope and I’m deeply honored to be able to once again call Lost Highway my musical home.”

To celebrate the signing, Musgraves has released her version of Leon Payne’s “Lost Highway,” which the label is named after. Musgraves co-produced her version, alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk.

YouTube video

“Kacey exemplifies the kind of culture- shifting, left-of-center artists that Lost Highway has always been known for,” says Janick, Chairman & CEO, Interscope Capitol and IGA. “Given the close relationship she’s had with both Lost Highway and Interscope, it seemed only natural for her to be the first artist signed in this new chapter.”

“For 20 years, my job was to run Mercury and MCA labels, which were primarily mainstream country endeavors,” adds Luke Lewis, Founder of Lost Highway in 2000. “The last 10 years of my time there were passionately dedicated to starting and leading Lost Highway, which was the most rewarding time of my entire career. The label went on to cultivate some of the greatest singer/songwriters I have had the honor to work with, and I am extremely proud to have helped them further their amazing musical journeys. I am beyond grateful that this very special label is now in the hands of John Janick, Robert Knotts, Jake Gear and the Interscope team, and I am certain Lost Highway will have an incredible second inning.”

Musgraves released her fifth studio album Deeper Well last year, and it became her biggest debut sales week of her career thus far. It topped five Billboard charts, including the Top Album Sales, Top Country Albums and Americana/Folk Albums. She embarked on her “Deeper Well Tour” last year, playing to sold-out crowds across the world, before winning the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Country Song with the album’s “The Architect.”

Morgan Wallen Launches Wilder Music; Signs Flagship Songwriter Jared Mullins

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Pictured (L-R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (WCM), Jared Mullins, Morgan Wallen and Phil May (WCM). Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen has established his own publishing company, Wilder Music. The first songwriter on the company’s roster is hitmaker Jared Mullins, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

“I’ve been lucky enough to know Morgan for over a decade,” shares Mullins. “As an artist, he’s obviously one of the greatest of all time, but he’s also one of the best writers in the world. I’m extremely grateful and incredibly humbled that he believes in me enough to make me the first signing of Wilder Music.

“Warner Chappell is known for championing great songs and for signing and re-signing some of the best writers ever to put words and melodies together,” he continues. “Working with Jessi [Vaughn Stevenson] and getting to know the rest of the WCM crew has been amazing. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us.”

Splitting his childhood between Maryland and West Virginia, Mullins moved to Nashville in 2013 to write country music. By forging connections and honing his craft, Mullins has established himself as a hitmaker on Music Row, penning multiple No. 1 hits including Kane and Katelyn Brown’s “Thank God,” Jake Owen’s “Homemade” and more. He has also had cuts by Wallen, Little Big Town, Mitchell Tenpenny, Cole Swindell, Justin Moore, Granger Smith, Runaway June, Parmalee and Locash, among others.

“I’ve seen first hand the amount of talent Jared has as a writer. He brings passion, authenticity and fresh ideas in every write he’s in. It’s undeniable,” says Wallen. “I’m humbled to be launching this new venture with Warner Chappell, and even more excited that Jared is the first signing at Wilder Music.”

“It is incredibly exciting to be working with Jared,” adds Vaughn Stevenson, VP, A&R and Digital at Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His talent is vast and varied, and to be partnering with Morgan is the cherry on top.”

Industry Ink: Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Grand Ole Opry, More

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Brad Paisley Closes Out 2025 NFL Draft With Headline Performance

Brad Paisley. Photo: Courtesy of NFL

Brad Paisley headlined the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light on April 26, closing out three days at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. As the grand finale to Draft weekend, Paisley took the stage at the Draft Theater near Lambeau Field for a free concert following the conclusion of Round 7 of the Draft. Paisley dazzled the enthusiastic crowd with hits from his career and a blistering guitar-solo tribute to Prince.

He’ll launch his “Truck Still Works Tour” on May 21.

 

Eric Church & Willie Geist Talk ‘Evangeline vs. the Machine’ on ‘Sunday TODAY’

Eric Church joined Willie Geist on NBC’s Sunday TODAY. Photo: Courtesy of NBC

Eric Church sat down with Willie Geist on NBC’s Sunday TODAY over the weekend to discuss his nearly two-decade journey defined by consistent risk-taking and rule-breaking as he enters a bold new chapter with his most sonically ambitious project yet, his new album Evangeline vs. the Machine, due out May 2. Church also talked the album’s themes during a separate appearance on The Steam Room podcast with basketball icons Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson, noting, “Everything I look at today involves kids on iPads and kids doing whatever they do on ‘machines,’ and it’s a little bit of a crux between creativity versus the ‘machine’ that tries to manipulate that creativity.”

 

Grand Ole Opry Centennial Honored By Tennessee State Legislature

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry SVP and Executive Producer Dan Rogers, Rep. Jeremy Faison; Opry Entertainment Group CEO Patrick Moore, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed, Opry Members Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent and guests

The Grand Ole Opry was recognized April 14 by the Tennessee House of Representatives in a special session held at the Tennessee State Capitol in honor of the Opry’s 100th anniversary. Introduced by Representative Jeremy Faison, the resolution recognized the Opry’s century-long impact on American music and Tennessee culture, calling it “the heartbeat of Nashville.” Following the resolution, Opry members Dailey & Vincent performed the fan-favorite tribute to their home state, “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” live on the chamber floor. “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” was written by Karen Staley and was named an official Tennessee State Song in 2022.

 

James Bay & Sheryl Crow Perform New Single At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

James Bay and Sheryl Crow

Multi-Platinum singer, songwriter and guitarist James Bay brought out Sheryl Crow at his Brooklyn Bowl Nashville show last weekend to perform their new single “You and Me Time.” “You and Me Time” is off Bay’s Changes All The Time (Deluxe) album, available now via Mercury Records.

 

Micah Christopher Signs With Integrity Music

Micah Christopher with the Integrity Music Team + BrickHouse Entertainment

Micah Christopher has signed to Integrity Music. “Our team first met Micah a few years ago as a staff worship leader at The Bridge Church locally just south of Nashville,” explains Blaine Barcus, President of Integrity Music. “His genuine love for people and Jesus is obvious the minute you meet him. It’s that authenticity and big heart that made him a perfect fit to join our artist family. I have no doubt that Micah is going to sing songs that will impact the nations for the Kingdom!”

“I’m eager to start working with my friends at Integrity Music,” says Christopher. “For years, I have led worship songs by Integrity Music artists, and it’s just the absolute kindness of the Lord to let me now be a part of Integrity. From President Blaine Barcus to everyone at Integrity, I’ve already experienced such incredible support, belief, and encouragement. I fully trust that the Lord will be honored by our efforts to make Jesus known through the songs we write and sing.”

Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert Set For June 3

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Craig Campbell’s 11th annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge will take place during CMA Fest week on June 3 at 6th & Peabody in downtown Nashville.

Fans can bid to partner with one of 16 teams to compete for a trophy and bragging rights. Campbell will perform a free concert immediately follow the trophy presentation, and proceeds benefit the Kenny Campbell Foundation. Jerrod Niemann, who has competed in all 10 tournaments, returns to defend his 2024 victory, and Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox makes his debut appearance to challenge him this year.

Fans can place bids here beginning May 3 to compete on one of the teams alongside: Bigg Vinny, Bryan Martin, Craig Wayne Boyd, Dillon Carmichael, Dylan Marlowe, Hannah Dasher, Kinni Campbell, Mindy Campbell, Noah Peters, Preslee Campbell, Sammy Arriaga, The Swon Brothers, and Taylor Holder. 

A very limited number of 25 VIP tickets packages are available for $250 each for the event here. Each VIP ticket includes an exclusive viewing area, a meet and greet group photo with the celebrities, two drink tickets, and a Sponsor Swag Bag.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Reclaims Top Spot On Country Streaming Charts

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen reclaims his spot atop the country streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His new track “I Ain’t Coming Back” featuring Post Malone holds the No. 1 position with 18 million streams. Wallen maintains No. 1 on the country albums chart as well with his 2023 album One Thing At A Time garnering 48K in total consumption.

The next four spots on the albums chart are Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album at the No. 2 spot earning 35K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion at No. 3 with 24K in total consumption, Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken with 20K and Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak at No. 5 with 19K.

On the songs chart, BigXThaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “All The Way” drops to No. 2 this week earning 17 million streams, Wallen’s “Just In Case” comes in at No. 3 with 14 million streams, his track “I’m The Problem” at No. 4 with 14 million streams, and Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at No. 5 with 13 million streams.

Mark Wills’ ‘Greatest Hits’ Album Gets Vinyl Treatment For First Time June 6

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Mark Wills’ Greatest Hits will soon be available on red vinyl, bringing 11 of his ’90s classics together on vinyl for the first time on June 6 via MCA Nashville/UMe.

Reviving the warmth of Wills’ vocal and classic-contemporary sound, the set features his debut single “Jacob’s Ladder,” chart-toppers like 1999’s “Wish You Were Here,” “I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You” (featuring Jamie O’Neal) and more.

The Platinum singer and ACM award-winning Georgia native and 218th member of the Grand Ole Opry released his Greatest Hits album in 2002 in the CD age, resulting in his second No. 1 country hit, “19 Something’,” recorded specially for the collection. Greatest Hits was previously released only on CD (and later via streaming platforms), although all tracks except “When You Think Of Me” were eventually released as 7” singles, and this marks the first time his hits have been collected and shared as a vinyl compilation.

Greatest Hits Track List:
Side 1
1. “Jacob’s Ladder”
2. “Places I’ve Never Been”
3. “I Do (Cherish You)”
4. “Don’t Laugh At Me”
5. “Wish You Were Here”
6. “She’s In Love”

Side 2
1. “Back At One”
2. “Almost Doesn’t Count”
3. “I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You” (Duet with Jamie O’Neal)
4. “19 Somethin’”
5. “When You Think Of Me”

Songwriters Hall Of Fame Reveals 2025 Scholarship Recipients

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(L-R, top row): Ella Boh, Daphne Browdy, Elizabeth McKenna Campbell, Elby Faser and Mint Herrmann. (L-R, second row): Caleb Hinojosa, Yeji Kim, Dawoyne Lawson, Michele Lu, Justin Miller and Emmy Moyen. (L-R, third row): Luke Naphat, Allie Nixon, Sam Opoku, Mōriah Peters, Sydney Rose and Oscar Santander. (L-R, bottom row): Greg Sekeres, Carmen Thomassiny, Mia Vrablic, Sam Westhoff and Waylon Wyatt.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled the recipients of its eight 2025 scholarship programs.

The Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting, established in 1990 by the family of Olman, who was a noted songwriter, music publisher and hall of fame founder, honors emerging talents selected by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. This year’s recipients are Ella Boh (BMI), Daphne Browdy (SESAC), Elby Faser (SESAC), Dawoyne Lawson (SESAC), Allie Nixon (ASCAP), Sam Opoku (ASCAP), Mōriah Peters (ASCAP), Sydney Rose (BMI), Oscar Santander (BMI), Greg Sekeres (BMI) and Sam Westhoff (ASCAP).

The Belmont University Songwriting Scholarship honors songwriting majors who show outstanding potential and uplift their peers and the songwriting community. The 2025 recipients are Emmy Moyen and Mia Vrablic.

The NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award, awarded to Elizabeth McKenna Campbell and Caleb Hinojosa, recognizes composition students whose work shows strong potential and captures the art and individuality of great songwriting.

The USC Thornton School of Music Scholarship is awarded to student songwriters who show exceptional promise in their craft and character, selected by faculty. The 2025 recipients are Yeji Kim and Michele Lu.

The Curtis Mayfield Scholarship, established by his family, honors a rising singer-songwriter whose work embodies Mayfield’s spirit, soul and legacy. This year’s honoree is Justin Miller.

The Bill Withers Scholarship, awarded to Carmen Thomassiny, honors a songwriter whose work reflects the eloquence, spirit and soul of Bill Withers’ music.

The Songwriters of Tomorrow Scholarship supports NYC public high school seniors with songwriting talent and ambition, selected for their original work. This year’s awardees are Mint Hermann and Luke Naphat.

New this year, The Songwriters Hall of Fame/John Titta Scholarship honors a student songwriter with outstanding talent and character, reflecting the legacy of Titta. The inaugural recipient is Waylon Wyatt, an innovative singer-songwriter on the rise.