Kenny Chesney Talks Sphere Shows With Jimmy Fallon
Kenny Chesney joined NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as lead panel guest. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC
Kenny Chesney recently stopped by The Tonight Show to chat about what made him take on the challenge of being the first country artist to play the Sphere and more. Chesney made the Sphere announcement at the start of TODAY’s 8:30 a.m. half hour, and tickets for the Sphere shows go on sale to the general public on Jan. 31.
“The great thing about Jimmy [Fallon],” says Chesney, “is he’s so musically curious, he always takes the conversation places you don’t see coming. That’s the reason when we made the decision to go into this new dimension with our live experience, and I knew I wanted to dig into it with Jimmy Fallon. He not only wanted to understand what the work was to create something that required being built from the ground up, he wanted to know what it feels like to be at one of our shows.”
Drew Green Celebrates Gold, New Single With Friends, Family
Pictured (L-R): Nate Lowery, Mark Trussell, Lee Starr, Drew Green, Brett James, Josh Miller and Chris Owen. Photo: Courtesy of RECORDS Nashville
Drew Green recently joined industry members, friends and family in Nashville to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Comin’ In Country.” During the get together, Green and his co-writers were surprised with plaques for their song “Good Ol’ Man,” which was recently certified RIAA Gold.
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation & Norman’s Rare Guitars Team To Help L.A. Animals
Miranda Lambert pictured during a recent animal shelter visit. Photo: Bralyn Kelly
Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation has partnered with legendary guitar dealer Norm Harris of Norman’s Rare Guitars to help Los Angeles-area animal shelters with wildfire recovery. Harris is as widely known for his compassion and generosity as he is for his knowledge of guitars, which is on display in the Netflix documentary Norman’s Rare Guitars. He and a close friend have each donated a one-of-a-kind Gibson R9 1959 Les Paul Reissue Custom Shop Murphy Lab guitar for auction to benefit animals. The auction is live here through Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. CT. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the auction will benefit L.A. area animal shelters.
“Although I haven’t met Norm, I’ve heard about him and his guitar store for years and the next time I’m in L.A., it will be my first stop,” says Lambert. “There’s nothing better than finding another like-minded music and mutt-loving person and I’m really honored that he chose to partner with MuttNation.”
Collin Citron Joins 2b Entertainment Team
Collin Citron. Photo: Aric Van Halen
Publicist Collin Citron has joined 2b Entertainment on Bobbie Gale and Luke Burland’s team based in Los Angeles. Most recently, Citron was a Senior Director of Publicity at Elektra Records, a role he held since 2018. There, he led national publicity campaigns for artists including Bailey Zimmerman, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, Needtobreathe and Fitz and The Tantrums among others. The move serves as a homecoming for Citron, who began his career in 2014 with BB GUN Press – which merged with MixedMediaWorks in 2023 to form 2b Entertainment.
“I’m thrilled to reunite with Bobbie and Luke, both of whom I consider mentors and friends,” shares Citron. “I’ve been so impressed with how they’ve grown 2b Entertainment, navigated the endlessly evolving media landscape, and gone above and beyond for their first-in-class roster. I’m grateful to join this talented team and look forward to helping to tell the stories of their incredible clients.”
Listening Room Hosts Soles4Souls Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Vincent Williams, Wyatt Durrette, Tim Nichols and James Otto. Photo: Courtesy of The Listening Room
The Listening Room Cafe’ hosted Soles4Souls featuring D. Vincent Williams, Wyatt Durrette, Tim Nichols and James Otto on Jan. 14 as part of the venue’s monthly Sound Good, Do Good initiative where they partner with one 501c3 organization each month and 100% of the ticket sales go to the organization at the end of the show.
CMA Invests $600k In Music Industry Mental Health Organizations
/by John Nix ArledgeThe Country Music Association has unveiled a $600,000 investment to aid six music industry-affiliated mental health organizations including Amber Health, Backline, ECCHO Live, Music Health Alliance, MusiCares and Porter’s Call. Each organization will receive a $100,000 investment to help meet growing demand for mental health resources.
A 2019 study conducted by Amber Health, in which over 1,400 touring professionals were surveyed, revealed significant mental health challenges within the industry. Among respondents, 34% reported suffering from clinical levels of depression, compared to just 7% in the general population. Touring was cited as a major strain on personal relationships, with 74% acknowledging its impact. Alarmingly, 26% reported serious suicidal ideation, including past suicide attempts or recent considerations. Additionally, 58% had lost a tour colleague to suicide, highlighting the industry’s emotional toll. While 45% reported drinking alcohol regularly, only 17% attended therapy at least monthly, underscoring a gap in access to or utilization of mental health resources.
“We strongly believe in supporting the heart of our industry—our people,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This investment demonstrates CMA’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for mental health resources within our business, whether that means counseling, healthcare advocacy, financial guidance, substance abuse care, disaster relief or even basic living needs. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation and emotional impact caused by the recent Los Angeles wildfires and the catastrophic flooding brought on by hurricanes in parts of North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida a few months ago.The organizations we’ve partnered with are on the front lines of all aspects of mental health, and by partnering with each of them, we’re doing our part to support the vital work they do every day.”
Trahern adds, “Our hope is that this not only provides meaningful support but also sparks broader awareness and action around sustaining mental health resources in our format. Together, we are shaping an industry that prioritizes health, humanity, and creativity, ensuring that the business can continue to flourish without compromising the well-being of its people.”
In an industry that thrives on emotional expression, touring and creating, CMA recognizes that mental health resources are no longer optional, but essential. With these investments, the organization hopes to build a more sustainable and supportive future for the people at the heart of country music. CMA’s initiative looks to reaffirm its role as not only a leader in the genre’s artistry, but in safeguarding the individuals who make it thrive.
Additionally, today (Jan. 22), CMA launched its mental health hub at CMAmember.com/mentalhealth, serving as a portal for industry members that offers information on accessing mental health and wellness support through its partnered organizations. Visit the hub to find tailored mental health and wellness resources.
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Drew Green, MuttNation, Collin Citron, Soles4Souls
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney Talks Sphere Shows With Jimmy Fallon
Kenny Chesney joined NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as lead panel guest. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC
Kenny Chesney recently stopped by The Tonight Show to chat about what made him take on the challenge of being the first country artist to play the Sphere and more. Chesney made the Sphere announcement at the start of TODAY’s 8:30 a.m. half hour, and tickets for the Sphere shows go on sale to the general public on Jan. 31.
“The great thing about Jimmy [Fallon],” says Chesney, “is he’s so musically curious, he always takes the conversation places you don’t see coming. That’s the reason when we made the decision to go into this new dimension with our live experience, and I knew I wanted to dig into it with Jimmy Fallon. He not only wanted to understand what the work was to create something that required being built from the ground up, he wanted to know what it feels like to be at one of our shows.”
Drew Green Celebrates Gold, New Single With Friends, Family
Pictured (L-R): Nate Lowery, Mark Trussell, Lee Starr, Drew Green, Brett James, Josh Miller and Chris Owen. Photo: Courtesy of RECORDS Nashville
Drew Green recently joined industry members, friends and family in Nashville to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Comin’ In Country.” During the get together, Green and his co-writers were surprised with plaques for their song “Good Ol’ Man,” which was recently certified RIAA Gold.
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation & Norman’s Rare Guitars Team To Help L.A. Animals
Miranda Lambert pictured during a recent animal shelter visit. Photo: Bralyn Kelly
Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation has partnered with legendary guitar dealer Norm Harris of Norman’s Rare Guitars to help Los Angeles-area animal shelters with wildfire recovery. Harris is as widely known for his compassion and generosity as he is for his knowledge of guitars, which is on display in the Netflix documentary Norman’s Rare Guitars. He and a close friend have each donated a one-of-a-kind Gibson R9 1959 Les Paul Reissue Custom Shop Murphy Lab guitar for auction to benefit animals. The auction is live here through Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. CT. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the auction will benefit L.A. area animal shelters.
“Although I haven’t met Norm, I’ve heard about him and his guitar store for years and the next time I’m in L.A., it will be my first stop,” says Lambert. “There’s nothing better than finding another like-minded music and mutt-loving person and I’m really honored that he chose to partner with MuttNation.”
Collin Citron Joins 2b Entertainment Team
Collin Citron. Photo: Aric Van Halen
Publicist Collin Citron has joined 2b Entertainment on Bobbie Gale and Luke Burland’s team based in Los Angeles. Most recently, Citron was a Senior Director of Publicity at Elektra Records, a role he held since 2018. There, he led national publicity campaigns for artists including Bailey Zimmerman, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, Needtobreathe and Fitz and The Tantrums among others. The move serves as a homecoming for Citron, who began his career in 2014 with BB GUN Press – which merged with MixedMediaWorks in 2023 to form 2b Entertainment.
“I’m thrilled to reunite with Bobbie and Luke, both of whom I consider mentors and friends,” shares Citron. “I’ve been so impressed with how they’ve grown 2b Entertainment, navigated the endlessly evolving media landscape, and gone above and beyond for their first-in-class roster. I’m grateful to join this talented team and look forward to helping to tell the stories of their incredible clients.”
Listening Room Hosts Soles4Souls Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Vincent Williams, Wyatt Durrette, Tim Nichols and James Otto. Photo: Courtesy of The Listening Room
The Listening Room Cafe’ hosted Soles4Souls featuring D. Vincent Williams, Wyatt Durrette, Tim Nichols and James Otto on Jan. 14 as part of the venue’s monthly Sound Good, Do Good initiative where they partner with one 501c3 organization each month and 100% of the ticket sales go to the organization at the end of the show.
SmithField To Showcase Love On Valentine’s Day EP
/by Madison HahnenCountry duo SmithField will release their new EP, Love You To The Moon, on Feb. 14.
Comprised of lifelong friends Jenn Fielder and Trey Smith, the pair’s four track project will feature tracks crafted for their own weddings, along with new renditions of beloved fan favorites. SmithField hopes these songs become a meaningful part of even more fans’ special moments. With this album, they invite listeners to celebrate love through music that is sure to resonate deeply.
“‘If It Ain’t You’ and ‘We’ll Figure It Out’ have been a part of thousands of weddings,” they share. “Whether it be the first dance song, a bride walking down the aisle, or us getting hired to play for the big special day. We are excited to give them actual ‘wedding versions’ of those beloved songs, plus two that were from our own weddings. We hope with this music we get to celebrate together and be a part of even more wedding days in the future with this special project.”
Produced by Smith, Love You To The Moon is a heartfelt celebration of love in all its forms. This EP takes listeners on an intimate journey through the moments and emotions that have shaped the duo’s most personal relationships. From the lyrics in tracks like “Never Gonna Get Married” and to the melodies in “To The Moon,” the EP works to encapsulate the essence of love and connection for a global audience.
It also includes newly crafted wedding versions of fan-favorite songs “If It Ain’t You” and “We’ll Figure It Out.” Over the past two weeks, “If It Ain’t You” has amassed 2.5 million views on Instagram and TikTok, while the original version has racked up over 15 million streams across platforms. “We’ll Figure It Out” has garnered 20 million streams, 100 million views, and 600,000 shares across TikTok and Instagram, alongside more than 10,000 pieces of user-generated content.
Love You To The Moon Track List:
1. “To the Moon”
2. “If It Ain’t You – Wedding Version”
3. “Never Gonna Get Married”
4. “We’ll Figure It Out – Wedding Version”
Zach Top, Red Clay Strays, More To Play Georgia & Auburn Rodeos
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (clockwise): Zach Top, Maggie Antone and The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Cameron Whitcomb, Maggie Antone and Gabriella Rose are set to perform at the 2025 Georgia Rodeo and Auburn Rodeo this spring.
The Georgia Rodeo kicks off on April 11 at the Athens Fairgrounds in Winterville, Georgia, followed by The Auburn Rodeo on April 12 at Sistrunk Farms in Auburn, Alabama. Tickets are on sale now at theauburnrodeo.com and atthegeorgiarodeo.com.
“We are so excited that the Georgia Rodeo is returning to Athens this spring,” says Hannah Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications for Visit Athens. “We saw so much engagement last year from fans from the Athens area and throughout the region and can’t wait to welcome them back. Athens and its storied music heritage are a great fit for such a marquee live music event.”
“We are beyond excited to return to both Auburn and Athens with such a strong lineup,” says Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment and Shane Quick, Partner and President of Live Events. “These events are tailored to the fans who make them special year after year, and we’re proud to bring this incredible mix of music and rodeo action to these vibrant communities.”
Dustin Labbe Joins Peachtree Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenDustin Labbe. Photo: Courtesy of Peachtree Entertainment
Dustin Labbe has joined Peachtree Entertainment as Senior Vice President of Talent Booking for the Northeast region.
Labbe brings extensive experience to the company, having spent more than a decade with Live Nation’s Boston office, where he was a key member of the Crossroads Presents team. Throughout his tenure, Labbe managed bookings for House of Blues – Boston and led the clubs division for New England. His achievements include setting single-show attendance records at venues like Brighton Music Hall and Paradise Rock Club, solidifying his reputation as a major influence in the Boston music scene and beyond.
In his new role, Labbe will manage all booking operations for Peachtree Entertainment in the Northeast, leveraging his expertise in artist development, venue partnerships and market strategy to drive regional growth. His proven track record of booking over 1,000 shows and ensuring the operational success of the venues under his leadership will play a crucial role in Peachtree’s impact and expansion in the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dustin Labbe to the Peachtree Entertainment family as our new Senior Vice President overseeing the Northeast region,” shares Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment. “Dustin’s extensive experience with Live Nation, including managing the House of Blues calendar in Boston, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, makes him a perfect fit for our team. We can’t wait to see him bring his energy and expertise to Peachtree as we set our sights on an incredible 2025 and beyond.”
Chris Janson Receives Multi-Platinum Recognition During RIAA Event
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Chris Janson, RIAA Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens and Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. Photo: Dan Swartz
Chris Janson received a plaque celebrating the five-times Platinum certification of his hit “Buy Me a Boat” from the RIAA during a special presentation on Monday (Jan. 20) at the RIAA’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier and Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens joined Janson at the event celebrating the Presidential Inauguration to benefit Musicians On Call. Janson has become a vocal advocate for protecting creators’ rights and his visit to the nation’s capital not only celebrated the enduring success of his first No. 1, but also offered policymakers a taste of why music and those who make it need protection from unethical uses of AI.
Chris Janson performs at RIAA. Photo: Dan Swartz
Janson performed a high-energy set during the event featuring “Fix a Drink,” “All American Guy,” “Good Vibes,” “All I Need is You” and his upcoming single “Stay Rowdy,” along with some covers and a medley of “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue” and “God Bless the USA.”
“We don’t take these moments for granted … to recognize the incredible hard work and creative talent of an artist like Chris Janson. Congratulations on the now five-times Platinum hit ‘Buy Me a Boat!’” Glazier shared. “RIAA is honored to acknowledge not only this single, but his drive to ensure that all musicians can thrive. From the ELVIS Act in Tennessee to the federal NO FAKES Act, which protect the fundamental uniqueness of a person’s voice and likeness from irresponsible AI, we are proud of Chris’s continued advocacy.”
Last March, Janson gave a fiery speech in support as Tennessee Governor Bill Lee officially signed the ELVIS Act into law. The bipartisan legislation updates the state’s existing right of publicity while establishing protections for every person’s unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones. He continues to support beyond his home state as the federal bipartisan, bicameral NO FAKES Act fuels momentum for fundamental human protections in the wake of exploitive and irresponsible AI.
“It was an awesome time in the RIAA house and a complete surprise receiving the five-times Platinum award for ‘Buy Me A Boat,'” says Janson. “I’m totally humbled and grateful. The ELVIS Act and NO FAKES Act are near to my heart and something I take very seriously. I’m proud to stand firmly behind each—helping protect artists and songwriters in a big way.”
Zac Brown Band To Play Back-To-Back Pinnacle Shows In April
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is set to play two back-to-back shows at new Nashville venue The Pinnacle April 1-2.
Tickets for the pair of shows go on sale this Friday, Jan. 24, via thepinnaclenashville.com/
“We are so excited to hit the stage at The Pinnacle and play for our incredible fans,” says Brown. “Nashville is a city that’s always felt like home to us, and we can’t wait to be a part of the incredible energy this new venue is bringing to the city.”
Over the last decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200, and five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three Grammys, sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 No. 1 radio singles, and are the second act to top both the country and active rock formats.
Rick Myers Joins O’Neil Hagaman, LLC As Principal
/by LB CantrellRick Myers
Rick Myers has joined O’Neil Hagaman, LLC as a Principal. In his new role, Myers will contribute to key decisions driving the firm’s growth while addressing the business and financial needs of its clients.
With over two decades of experience in financial strategy, business management and music industry leadership, Myers served as SVP, Finance and IT for HYBE’s Big Machine Label Group for the past three years. Other career accomplishments include serving as Managing Director/COO of Courage Music, founding 12 South Financial and serving as VP/Corporate Controller & PMO for Integrity Music. He is a graduate of Belmont University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.
“Opportunities to bring someone of Rick’s character and expertise into the firm don’t happen very often,” shares Legina Chaudoin, Partner at O’Neil Hagaman. “We’re pleased to welcome Rick into the O’Neil Hagaman family.”
Gretchen Wilson Is ‘Still Here For The Party’ On New Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughGretchen Wilson. Photo: Grace McKinney
Gretchen Wilson has launched the “Still Here For The Party Tour.”
She will visit Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin and more on the 20-date trek, her first headline tour in several years. More dates will be added to the tour soon.
“Seeing fans lose their minds at every tour stop and on the two performances at CMA Fest last year really gave me the spark I needed to get back out on the road,” Wilson says. “My band and I have been rehearsing like crazy, and I can’t wait to share this music with old fans and make some new ones. I’m also digging deep in my catalog and playing songs from those early albums that I haven’t played in a while. People ask me about songs like ‘Pocahontas Proud,’ ‘Trucker Man’ and ‘All Jacked Up,’ so were breaking those out, too.”
Wilson spent last year touring with her buddies Big & Rich and their Muzik Mafia family. She also celebrated the 20th anniversary of her multi-week No. 1 “Redneck Woman” and multi-Platinum Here For The Party album.
“Still Here For The Party Tour Dates:
Jan. 18 – Lincoln City, OR
Feb. 15 – Jackson, MS
Apr. 4 – Quapaw, OK
Apr. 12 – Gonzales, TX
May 10 – Natchitoches, LA
June 14 – Martinsville, IN
June 26 – Cadott, WI
June 27 – Melvin, IL
July 11 – Rhinelander, WI
July 12 – Manistee, MI
July 26 – Maquoketa, IA
Aug 2 – Elkhorn, WI
Aug 9 – Detroit Lakes, MN
Aug 15 – Tulsa, OK
Aug 16 – Ft. Worth, TX
Aug 30 – Woodstock, CT
Brittany Moore Receives Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship From NSAI
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Bart Herbision (NSAI Executive Director), Brittany Moore and Jill Moody (NSAI, Director of Songwriter Relations).
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has revealed that singer-songwriter Brittany Moore is the latest recipient of the annual Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship.
Moore, an Arkansas native, started writing songs at the age of 15 and moved to Nashville in 2018 to further pursue her music career. She became a member of NSAI during her first year in the city, and over the past six years, her songwriting abilities have continued to evolve.
NSAI has supported and celebrated Moore’s raw authenticity, as she boldly tackles often overlooked subjects like diet culture and mental health. Her genuine storytelling strikes a chord with listeners worldwide, earning her multiple viral songs on social media, a feature on the Bobby Bones Show and a fully crowdfunded EP set to release later this year.
“I couldn’t think of a more deserving songwriter for us to recognize with this Todd Givens Scholarship than Brittany,” shares Bart Herbison, Executive Director of NSAI. “Todd was a beloved friend and staff member of NSAI, and an avid supporter of songwriters with the spirit that Brittany embodies. I personally choose the recipient of this honor every year with Todd in mind, and I know that he would have been a huge fan of her talents.”
Scholarship recipients are awarded a complimentary NSAI membership, access to a premium NSAI educational event and personalized support from the NSAI creative team throughout the year to help guide them in achieving their career goals.
Moore will officially be presented with the honor at the annual NSAI Member Awards, scheduled for March 26 at 3rd & Lindsley, as part of NSAI’s Tin Pan South week.