Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum Hosts Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members

Pictured (L-R): Marie Bradshaw, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ray Fulcher; Elizabeth Lombardi, Troubadour Advisory Council chair and Ben Hall, VP, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
CMA Triple Play award-winner Ray Fulcher took the stage earlier this week at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members. Fulcher, who has co-written more than two dozen of Luke Combs’ songs, including six No. 1 hits, performed songs including “Lovin’ on You” and “When it Rains it Pours.” The goals of the Troubadour membership program are to engage young leaders, ages 21-45, in the museum’s mission, build lifelong relationships between members and the nonprofit museum, and create a special networking space that unites music lovers. The museum hosts quarterly networking events ranging from concerts to exhibition previews for Troubadour members.
Riley Green Raises $150K At First Annual Buford Bonds Golf Tourney

Pictured (L-R): Erik Dylan, Bobby Pinson, Riley Green, Nick Walsh and Randy Montana
Riley Green hosted the first annual Buford Bonds Fund golf tournament last week which raised $150,000 for his charitable fund, which was established in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers and supports nonprofits around the country. Following the golf tournament, Green hosted an acoustic writer’s round at The Golden Saw Music Hall (which is located at the former homesite of Green’s late great-grandparents where as a teenager he learned to play guitar and sing as part of the weekly music series) in Jacksonville, Alabama.
The round included Jamey Johnson, Randy Montana, Erik Dylan and Drake White alongside Green himself. Most recently Green’s Buford Bonds Fund has supported The Recording Academy’s fire and hurricane relief efforts, Folds of Honor, and more.
CeCe Winans Appears on American Idol, Releases New Rendition Of ‘Come Jesus Come’ With Cody Johnson

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Ritchie
CeCe Winans recently delivered a soul-stirring performance during American Idol’s recent “Songs of Faith” Easter special. Her powerful rendition of “Come Jesus Come” became an instant viral sensation, garnering 25 million plus views in its first 36 hours and surging to the top three on Apple Music’s All Genre Singles Chart, an extraordinary milestone for a gospel track. Now, building on that momentum, Winans has joined forces with Cody Johnson for a brand-new duet version of “Come Jesus Come,” releasing April 25 on all major streaming platforms.
The collaboration bridges the worlds of gospel and country, blending CeCe’s unmatched vocal purity with Cody’s earthy, heartfelt delivery. This marks the second year in a row Winans has made American Idol history: her 2024 performance of “Goodness of God” with Idol contestant Roman Collins was the most-viewed American Idol performance of all time, reaching over 120 million views across platforms and sparking a renewed national appreciation for gospel music.
Treaty Oak Revival Makes ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Debut

Treaty Oak Revival. Photo: ABC/Randy Holmes
Treaty Oak Revival recently performed their new single, “Bad State of Mind,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Global streams of the song, released in February via TOR Records, have already surpassed 35 million. The band is currently racking up 22 million streams and selling 18,000 albums per week, and is nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in the New Duo or Group of the Year category. The band is set to perform at Stagecoach on April 27.
Encore Luxury Coach Leasing Meets Transportation Secretary At White House

Pictured (L-R): Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s President Amanda Stophel and CEO Justin Ward, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FOX & Friends co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Photo: Hunter Pitts
Nashville-based Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s Amanda Stophel and Justin Ward met Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at The White House in an effort to understand current and future regulations forthcoming from the Dept. of Transportation.
“This was a tremendous conversation,” says Justin Ward, CEO of Encore Luxury Coach Leasing. “I was able to explain how entertainer coaches differ from school buses and how we were lumped in to the overall legislation with regards to seat belt laws. Secretary Duffy was open to learning more about helping our industry. He also mentioned getting a call from Clint Black personally to talk about driver hours and overtime/overdrives. I look forward to our next meeting in Washington, D.C.”
Bandit Lites Nashville Adds Michael Holmes As Chain Hoist Technician

Bandit Lites Nashville office continues its growth in Gen8 with several new hires including Michael Holmes as Bandit’s Chain Hoist Technician. Holmes began his entertainment lighting career as a rigging technician working in the steel isle. He later joined a lighting company and was certified as a motor technician. At Bandit Holmes will be responsible for all the electric chain hoists, ensuring they’re maintained and able to provide safe and operational motors for Bandit’s clients and crew. He’ll also maintain the Bandit custom motor control system and power distribution for motors.
103.3 Country & 95.5 Nash Icon To Kick Off CMA Fest Week With ‘Country Kickoff Concert’
/by Lorie HollabaughJustin Moore, Brothers Osborne, Dasha and Preston Cooper will perform at the Cumulus Media 103.3 Country and 95.5 Nash Icon’s annual “Country Kickoff Concert” during CMA Fest Week on June 3.
The concert will be held at downtown Nashville’s rooftop stage, Skydeck on Broadway. Doors to Skydeck on Broadway open at 6 p.m. CT on June 3 and tickets are on sale now at 1033country.com or 955nashicon.com.
“What began as a boutique showcase of artists has evolved into unforgettable performances with Nashville’s Broadway as the backdrop,” says Travis Daily, Vice President of Country, Cumulus Media, and Operations Manager, 103.3 Country and 95.5 Nash Icon. “We are immensely grateful to our friends and colleagues at The Valory Music Co., EMI Records Nashville, and Warner Records, along with their incredible artists Justin Moore, Brothers Osborne, Dasha, and Preston Cooper, for supporting live and local stations like 103.3 Country and 95.5 Nash Icon.”
MusicRow Weekly (UMG Rebrands, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThe latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major headlines that speak to both the legacy and evolution across Nashville’s music landscape. Click here to see the full edition.
The most high-profile news of the week is Universal Music Group’s rebranding of its Nashville operations under the name Music Corporation of America (MCA). Spearheaded by President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the relaunch of the MCA brand emphasizes Nashville’s crucial role in shaping the global music narrative.
The industry also mourned the loss of three legendary figures. Renowned entertainment attorney Joel Katz passed away at the age of 80. A towering figure in entertainment law, Katz was instrumental in guiding the careers of artists, producers and executives, and was the founding chairman of Greenberg Traurig’s global entertainment and media practice. Also lost this week was David Briggs, a musical titan whose work as a keyboardist and producer made him a staple of Nashville’s recording history. In another notable farewell, Lulu Roman, the iconic country-gospel singer and comedian best known for her role on Hee Haw, passed away at 78.
On the business front, longtime UMG Nashville executive Dawn Gates is stepping into a new chapter, launching her own firm, Seven Note Enterprises, after nearly two decades with the company. Meanwhile, LeAnn Bennett has joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President of Label Services and Dusty Miller brings his financial expertise to FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager.
Elsewhere, promotions took place across several organizations. Curb Records elevated Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives. AEG Presents named Trent Allison Senior Director of Sales and Special Events for Georgia and Tennessee venues. And Messina Touring Group has promoted six team members, including Nick Ayoub to Head of Digital Strategy and Operations and Kara Smoak to Director of Digital Marketing.
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) is gearing up for two powerful events during ACM Awards week. The 60th Anniversary Gala, “Play Something Country”, will pay tribute to Brooks & Dunn on May 7. The night before, the second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” will spotlight trailblazers like Mickey Guyton, Lionel Richie, Brittney Spencer, Opal Lee and more in a heartfelt evening hosted by Guyton herself.
John Morgan has landed his first No. 1 at country radio with “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean. Rising talent Caiden Wallace has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with hitmaker Marv Green. Ethan Escue inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Ignition Nashville, while Mitch Crego joined the songwriting family at Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
Veteran entertainment publicist Shelby Paul has unveiled her new firm, Evolvance PR. The agency will focus on strategic media relations, award campaigns and storytelling across entertainment platforms
Milk & Honey Music + Sports has launched a standalone Nashville publishing arm, kicking off with the signing of Gabriella Scotto. This marks the company’s formal entry into publishing after years of working through partnership models.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot this week with “Weren’t For The Wind.” Explore more chart data here.
MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
On The Row: Scotty Hasting Shares Moving Journey & New Music
/by LB CantrellScotty Hasting. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment artist Scotty Hasting stopped by the MusicRow office last week to share a few songs and his remarkable story. The Purple Heart recipient was friendly and open as he talked about his journey from military service to music.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge; Scotty Hasting; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and LB Cantrell
Hasting performed “’Til The Last Shot’s Fired,” a song that held deep personal meaning during his recovery after being shot 10 times while serving in Afghanistan. Originally recorded by Trace Adkins, the track became a source of strength for Hasting during his time at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His powerful version—featuring country mainstay Lee Brice and the legendary Dolly Parton—honors the impact it had on his journey.
In 2023, a serendipitous encounter in Nashville led Hasting to Doug Johnson, one of the song’s co-writers and Black River’s VP of A&R. That meeting opened the door to Hasting’s signing with the label and launched his music career.
“I used music as a form of therapy,” Hasting said. “I am blessed to now have the platform to hopefully help people who struggle the way that I do find something they can relate to.”
During the visit, he also played “Whiskey in the Bottle,” a reflection on living life to the fullest, and his current single “Pro Beer,” a fun-loving anthem about embracing the good times.
As he looks ahead, Hasting is excited to share more music that captures his full personality—balancing lighthearted moments with the healing power of storytelling.
T.J. Martell Foundation’s 2025 Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner Honors Joe Galante
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Ed Rode for The T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation hosted its annual Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner at the Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza on Tuesday (April 22), bringing together influential leaders from Nashville’s music and wine industries for a charity auction and dinner dedicated to the fight against cancer.
The evening recognized music industry veteran Joe Galante, who received the 2025 Billy Ray Hearn Award of Excellence. Longtime Kenny Chesney manager Clint Higham presented his friend and fellow industry veteran Galante with the prestigious award, which is named in honor of the late Billy Ray Hearn, a music industry icon and founding volunteer of Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner whose legacy of faith, leadership and charity continues to inspire. The Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding professional achievement in the music and entertainment community combined with extraordinary philanthropic contributions.
“This award isn’t about fame or titles. It’s about values. It’s about honoring someone who has built a meaningful legacy not just through career accomplishments, but through how they show up for people… how they give, mentor, lift others, and leave everything better than they found it,” said Higham. “Tonight’s honoree embodies all of that. For decades, he’s been one of the most respected and trusted figures in the music industry. But what truly sets him apart is how he’s used that influence – with humility and intention – to strengthen our community. He’s mentored generations of leaders. He’s quietly raised funds for causes close to our hearts. He doesn’t seek attention—he shows up, does the work, and changes lives.”
Music industry executives, philanthropists and artists convened for the intimate evening, which also included a fundraising auction, and in true Music City style closed with a rollicking jam session courtesy of John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Kristian Bush of Sugarland and Chase McDaniel.
An impressive array of artists and producers filled the room to lend their enthusiastic and generous support for the Foundation including Dave Cobb, legendary Styx guitarist/co-lead vocalist Tommy Shaw, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Tim Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes, Brad Tursi of Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Hardy, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kimberly Perry, Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer, Lauren Watkins, Chase McDaniel, and Stephen Wilson Jr..
The star-studded evening raised over a half million dollars for cancer research.
Zach Top Crowned ACM New Male Artist Of The Year Ahead Of 60th ACM Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Top
Zach Top was surprised with his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year on Thursday night (April 24), prior to taking the stage for his sold-out show on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The news was revealed by Brooks & Dunn, (the winningest duo in ACM history), through a special video congratulating Top for winning his first ACM Award.
“I couldn’t be more honored, and I can’t say a big enough thank you to my fans for loving music and loving what we do on the road and listening to the songs every day,” says Top. “It means the world to me, I’ve always wanted to just play and sing for a living, and I get to do that now and it’s cool to be able to get a little trophy every now and then to let us know that we’re doing good doing it. So thank you so much, this is beautiful.”
Top will be celebrated for his ACM New Male Artist of the Year win at the upcoming 60th ACM Awards, which will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8.
His win comes after the success of his debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which garnered more than 3.5 million streams in its first week alone. Meanwhile, his sold-out “Cold Beer & Country Music” headline tour rolls on, featuring stops at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (two nights), New York’s Terminal 5, and Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Additionally, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his “Last Call Tour” and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” when it kicks off next month.
Ella Langley Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeElla Langley; Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley rises to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with her track “Weren’t For The Wind,” marking her second No. 1 on the chart.
The song is off of the deluxe version of her debut studio album Hungover, titled Still Hungover and was written by Langley, Johnny Clawson and Joybeth Taylor.
Langley has also topped this year’s ACM Award nominations with eight total, including in categories such as Song, Female Artist, New Female Artist, Music Event and Video of the Year.
“Weren’t For The Wind” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 11 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
William Beckmann Readies Major Label Debut Album
/by Lauryn SinkWilliam Beckmann is slated to make his major label debut with the release of Whiskey Lies & Alibis, out June 20 via Warner Music Nashville. Produced by Jon Randall, the 12-song record is a layered country album that captures the sting of lost love and the clarity that follows. It is available for pre-order now.
“For me, an album is meant to be a photo album. It’s meant to capture a moment in time, and it’s supposed to last forever,” Beckmann explains. “That’s what I think we were able to do with this record. I’m confident that if I ever get to be an old man, I’ll look back on this and be like, ‘Yeah, we did it right.’”
The Texas native co-wrote eight tracks alongside songwriters including Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, Rhett Akins and more. With the announcement, Beckmann has released “Game I Like to Play,” a power ballad about diving headfirst into love, even when the odds are stacked against you.
1. “Honky Tonk Blue” (William Brice Long, Chris Stapleton)
2. “Makin’ Them Hate Me” (William Beckmann, Matt Roy, Daniel Ross)
3. “California Quake” (William Beckmann, Ryan Beaver, Chris LaCorte)
4. “Lonely Over You” (William Beckmann, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
5. “Neon Sounds” (Dean Dillon, Brass Dillon)
6. “Whiskey Lies & Alibis” (William Beckmann, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
7. “Game I Like To Play” (Jessi Alexander, Ryan Beaver, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. “Be Your Man” (William Beckmann, Neil Medley, Andrew DeRoberts, Brinley Addington)
9. “Not That Strong” (William Beckmann, Brice Long, Lindsay Rimes)
10. “Starting Over Again” (William Beckmann, Harper O’Neill)
11. “Borderline Crazy” (William Beckmann, Rhett Akins, Rian Ball)
12. “Por Mujeres Como Tú” (Enrique Yanez Guzman)
Jordan Davis Slates New Album ‘Learn The Hard Way’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis will wrap the summer with the release of his new album, Learn The Hard Way, on August 15 via MCA Nashville. In conjunction with the album announcement, Davis has released the title track from the new project.
Among the songs on Learn The Hard Way is Davis’ single “I Ain’t Sayin’,” which reached the top of the country chart after being the most added, and also secured eight weeks at No. 1 on the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, making the single the most weeks at No. 1 on UK Radio Charts in 2024. The album also features recent releases “Bar None” and “In Case You Missed It.”
Learn The Hard Way is the followup to his Platinum album Bluebird Days, which produced four consecutive chart-toppers, “What My World Spins Around,” “Tucson Too Late,” “Buy Dirt” and “Next Thing You Know,” and two Song of the Year award-winning hits “Next Thing You Know” (ACM) and “Buy Dirt” (CMA and NSAI) off of one album, making Davis the first artist in history to ever do that.
The project comes on the heels of Jordan’s recent tour announcement for the “Ain’t Enough Road Tour,” set to kick off in fall. Davis announced his upcoming tour in a video featuring special surprise cameos by sports legends Peyton Manning and Jim Nantz, along with his fellow tour mates.
Learn The Hard Way Track List:
1. “Her Way Or The Highway” (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Travis Wood, Josh Jenkins, Mark Holman)
2. “Bar None” (Lydia Vaughan, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
3. “Mess With Missing You” with Carly Pearce (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Travis Wood, Hillary Lindsey)
4. “In Case You Missed It” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Travis Wood)
5. “Ain’t Enough Road” (Jordan Davis, Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley)
6. “Son Of A Gun” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Kerr, Lauren Hungate)
7. “Jesus Wouldn’t Do” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
8. “Learn The Hard Way” (Paul DiGiovanni, Jon Pierce, Travis Wood)
9. “I Ain’t Sayin’” (Travis Wood, Steve Moakler, Mark Holman, Emily Reid)
10. “Good Gone Bad” (Jordan Davis, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill )
11. “Memory Don’t Mess Around” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
12. “Keeping The World Away” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
13. “Know You Like That” (Ray Fulcher, Thomas Archer, Jordan Rowe, Michael Tyler)
14. “Only All The Time” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Travis Wood, Mark Holman, Matt Roy)
15. “Turn This Truck Around” (Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson)
16. “Louisiana Stick” with Marcus King (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Ashley Gorley)
17. “Muddy The Water” (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
Industry Ink: Troubadour, Riley Green, CeCe Winans, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall of Fame And Museum Hosts Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members
Pictured (L-R): Marie Bradshaw, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ray Fulcher; Elizabeth Lombardi, Troubadour Advisory Council chair and Ben Hall, VP, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
CMA Triple Play award-winner Ray Fulcher took the stage earlier this week at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members. Fulcher, who has co-written more than two dozen of Luke Combs’ songs, including six No. 1 hits, performed songs including “Lovin’ on You” and “When it Rains it Pours.” The goals of the Troubadour membership program are to engage young leaders, ages 21-45, in the museum’s mission, build lifelong relationships between members and the nonprofit museum, and create a special networking space that unites music lovers. The museum hosts quarterly networking events ranging from concerts to exhibition previews for Troubadour members.
Riley Green Raises $150K At First Annual Buford Bonds Golf Tourney
Pictured (L-R): Erik Dylan, Bobby Pinson, Riley Green, Nick Walsh and Randy Montana
Riley Green hosted the first annual Buford Bonds Fund golf tournament last week which raised $150,000 for his charitable fund, which was established in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers and supports nonprofits around the country. Following the golf tournament, Green hosted an acoustic writer’s round at The Golden Saw Music Hall (which is located at the former homesite of Green’s late great-grandparents where as a teenager he learned to play guitar and sing as part of the weekly music series) in Jacksonville, Alabama.
The round included Jamey Johnson, Randy Montana, Erik Dylan and Drake White alongside Green himself. Most recently Green’s Buford Bonds Fund has supported The Recording Academy’s fire and hurricane relief efforts, Folds of Honor, and more.
CeCe Winans Appears on American Idol, Releases New Rendition Of ‘Come Jesus Come’ With Cody Johnson
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Ritchie
CeCe Winans recently delivered a soul-stirring performance during American Idol’s recent “Songs of Faith” Easter special. Her powerful rendition of “Come Jesus Come” became an instant viral sensation, garnering 25 million plus views in its first 36 hours and surging to the top three on Apple Music’s All Genre Singles Chart, an extraordinary milestone for a gospel track. Now, building on that momentum, Winans has joined forces with Cody Johnson for a brand-new duet version of “Come Jesus Come,” releasing April 25 on all major streaming platforms.
The collaboration bridges the worlds of gospel and country, blending CeCe’s unmatched vocal purity with Cody’s earthy, heartfelt delivery. This marks the second year in a row Winans has made American Idol history: her 2024 performance of “Goodness of God” with Idol contestant Roman Collins was the most-viewed American Idol performance of all time, reaching over 120 million views across platforms and sparking a renewed national appreciation for gospel music.
Treaty Oak Revival Makes ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Debut
Treaty Oak Revival. Photo: ABC/Randy Holmes
Treaty Oak Revival recently performed their new single, “Bad State of Mind,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Global streams of the song, released in February via TOR Records, have already surpassed 35 million. The band is currently racking up 22 million streams and selling 18,000 albums per week, and is nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in the New Duo or Group of the Year category. The band is set to perform at Stagecoach on April 27.
Encore Luxury Coach Leasing Meets Transportation Secretary At White House
Pictured (L-R): Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s President Amanda Stophel and CEO Justin Ward, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FOX & Friends co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Photo: Hunter Pitts
Nashville-based Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s Amanda Stophel and Justin Ward met Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at The White House in an effort to understand current and future regulations forthcoming from the Dept. of Transportation.
“This was a tremendous conversation,” says Justin Ward, CEO of Encore Luxury Coach Leasing. “I was able to explain how entertainer coaches differ from school buses and how we were lumped in to the overall legislation with regards to seat belt laws. Secretary Duffy was open to learning more about helping our industry. He also mentioned getting a call from Clint Black personally to talk about driver hours and overtime/overdrives. I look forward to our next meeting in Washington, D.C.”
Bandit Lites Nashville Adds Michael Holmes As Chain Hoist Technician
Bandit Lites Nashville office continues its growth in Gen8 with several new hires including Michael Holmes as Bandit’s Chain Hoist Technician. Holmes began his entertainment lighting career as a rigging technician working in the steel isle. He later joined a lighting company and was certified as a motor technician. At Bandit Holmes will be responsible for all the electric chain hoists, ensuring they’re maintained and able to provide safe and operational motors for Bandit’s clients and crew. He’ll also maintain the Bandit custom motor control system and power distribution for motors.
Lulu Roman, Beloved ‘Hee Haw’ Star & Gospel Artist, Dies At 78
/by LB CantrellLulu Roman. Photo: Jeremy Westby
Lulu Roman, the country and gospel music singer, comedian and beloved star of the long-running variety show Hee Haw, passed away on Tuesday (April 22) in Bellingham, Washington. She was 78.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Roman was born with a thyroid condition and placed in an orphanage at birth, facing significant early-life challenges on her path to becoming one of country entertainment’s most beloved figures. Before finding fame, she worked in Dallas nightclubs under the stage name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer,” in venues owned by Jack Ruby.
In 1969, with the endorsement of country legend Buck Owens, Roman joined Hee Haw, where she quickly became known for her infectious laughter, impeccable comedic timing and soul-stirring vocals. She also starred in the Hee Haw spinoff Hee Haw Honeys, the stock car film Corky, and appeared in episodes of The Love Boat and Touched by an Angel.
Roman’s journey wasn’t without challenges. During her early years on Hee Haw, she struggled with drug addiction, which led to a temporary departure from the show in the early 1970s. Her eventual recovery and conversion to Christianity sparked a second act as a gospel artist. Her music career flourished, earning her a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove Awards. Albums like You Were There and Take Me There blended her powerful testimony with moving performances that brought hope and healing to listeners.
Over the years, Roman recorded more than a dozen albums and was inducted into both the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, she released At Last, an album of musical standards featuring duets with Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis and George Jones. She also shared her life story in her 2019 autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song.
Beyond music and television, Roman devoted her time to numerous charitable efforts, championing causes related to children’s welfare, heart health, and addiction recovery—deeply personal missions that reflected her own path to healing and redemption.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.