Lee Brice. Photo: Chase Lauer
Country music is experiencing a tidal wave of new artists these days as the genre shifts into a new audio era.
We have several of these promising baby acts in the column today, including NEEDTOBREATHE, Ryan Langdon with Randy Savvy, Mae Estes and our DISCovery Award winner, Wyatt Flores.
Among the established artists, Joe Nichols, Jordan Davis, Ne-Yo and Trace Adkins all posted worthy new sounds. By harking back to classic country, Lee Brice earns a Disc of the Day honor.
MAE ESTES / “The 90s Called”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Benjy Davis; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Blue Highway Records
– The nostalgia for ‘90s country now has an official theme song. The sprightly country rocker has dance-floor beats and witty lyric that references Brooks & Dunn, Billy Ray and the hats, jeans, mullets, boots, pickup trucks and other touchstones of the era. Cute & catchy.
MARSHMELLO & KELSEA BALLERINI / “Another Drink”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Earwulf/Jessi Jo Dillon/Joel Castillo/Kelsea Ballerini/Marshmello; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Earwulf, Marshmello; Label: Mercury Records
– Electronic gobbledygook clatters and clutters around Ballerini’s exhausting repetition of the same phrase over and over again.
WYATT FLORES / “Scared of Heights”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Gian Stone/Jacob Kasher Hindlin/Wyatt Flores; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Gian Stone, Jacob Kasher Hindlin; Label: Island Records/MCA
– He screws up every potential romance because he’s terrified of commitment. The echoey production is lovely, and his vocal performance has great dynamics, from husky whispering to plaintive tenor soaring.
JORDAN DAVIS / “Let It Go”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– No, it’s not the Frozen movie anthem with this title. Quite the contrary, the moody tune is about the crumbling of a relationship and the resigned realization that it’s time to leave the past behind. As always, Davis is a superb communicator. I remain a huge fan.
LEE BRICE / “Dogs Are Barking”
Writers: Jeff Hyde/Jimi Bell/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Cody LaBelle, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice; Label: Curb Records
– Very cool. I love a good country murder ballad, and this one’s a dandy. The trucker returns from his run a day early and realizes that she’s been having an clandestine affair. The Cadillac-driving town banker mysteriously disappears after our boy catches the cheaters red handed.
NE-YO / “Up Out & Gone”
Writers: David Tomasek/Louis York/Milan Modi/Shaffer Smith; Producers: Curtis “Sauce” Wilson, Yung Lan; Label: Compound Ent/HSG
– The r&b hit maker has been spending time in Nashville’s songwriting community, and the result is his first “country inspired” album, Highway 79. This single from it is a bright, good-timey ode to an all-night party on the town. It’s already an r&b hit, and I hear to reason why this couldn’t enliven a country playlist as well. Well done.
NEEDTOBREATHE / “Last Drink”
Writer: William Rinehart; Producers: NEEDTOBREATHE, Phillip Smith; Label: NEEDTOBREATHE
– I dig the shuffling, shambling rhythm pattern and the drowsy instrumental accompaniment. The mix is a bit muddy, but this midtempo groover has definite charm.
SHANIA TWAIN & JOSH HOMME / “Faded Blue Jeans”
Writer: Shania Twain; Producer: Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– Between the beats, the audio mush and the background noise, I can’t tell you what this lyric actually says. I can tell you this: It’s her bopping performance all the way, and Queens of the Stone Age member Homme adds nothing to the proceedings.
CRYSTAL SHAWANDA / “Come Unto Me”
Writers: Allen Miller/Raul Malo; Producer: none listed; Label: New Sun Music
– The Canadian native-American pays homage to the late Raul Malo with an able assist from Mavericks guitarist Eddie Perez. She wails with power and bluesy grit while a Tex-Mex flavored track rumbles around her. Twang abounds.
TRACE ADKINS / “American Made”
Writers: Johnny Cummings/Krista Marie/Trace Adkins; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: TA
– Adkins premiered this during the Capitol Fourth PBS-TV celebration. It salutes the hard-working everyday people who have built the nation. The vibe is positive and uplifting.
RYAN LANGDON & RANDY SAVVY / “Bring It”
Writers: Andrew Martino/Brian Rivlin/Dan Bewick/Jason Paul Bonilla/Leonard Ian Dalsemer/Nicholas James Maker/Randy Savvy/Ryan Langdon/Stephen Molella; Producers: Andrew Martino, Brian Rivlin, Stephen Molella, TEMLO; Label: The Elements Music
– Ever since Crown Royal whiskey introduced this number in its new ad campaign a couple of weeks ago, I have been unable to get the insanely catchy tune out of my head. It turns out that it’s by two Canadian country artists, Langdon and Compton Cowboys member Savvy. The original track rocks just as splendidly as the ad snippet does. And, yes, there is an official line dance, just like in the ad.
JOE NICHOLS / “Say La V”
Writers: Brett Warren/Jason Sellers/Lance Miller; Producers: Jason Sellers, Joe Nichols; Label: Quartz Hill
– Sunny, shiny brass notes herald a feel-good, sing-along bopper featuring some background revelers and a dance-along tempo. A beefy, twangin,’ bass guitar solo, merry-making kiss-off lyrics, plus a woh-oh-oh finale are the ingredients of this audio pleasure. It goes without saying that Nichols sings the tongue-in-cheek ditty like a honky-tonk angel.
PHIL MADEIRA / “Hippie Chick Singer”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: PM
– This abundantly talented songwriter, singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist is a longtime veteran of Emmylou Harris’s band. With harmony vocals by The McCrary Sisters and Vince Gill, Madeira unspools a happy ode to a musician’s life on the road. Steel guitar and fiddle romp along on this snappy country rocker.
Larry Fleet Plots ‘From A Barstool’ Fall Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughLarry Fleet. Photo: Matt Paskert
Larry Fleet is set to launch his “From A Barstool” tour this fall.
Newly confirmed dates include stops in Lexington, Des Moines, Green Bay, Hattiesburg and Springfield, among others.
Tickets for the new dates are on sale now.
The tour follows the release of Fleet’s new album, Another Year Older, his first project released in partnership with Stellar Way Records/EMPIRE. The eleven-track album produced solely by Fleet finds him reflecting on growth, gratitude and the importance of staying grounded. The album also inspired Fleet’s “Live From A Bar Stool” series, which the tour is named for, featuring intimate performances of songs including “If I Still Was,” “More Of That,” “Baseball On The Radio” and “Hotel Bible.”
“From A Barstool” Tour Dates:
September 18—Lexington, KY—Lexington Opera House
September 19—Noblesville, IN—TradeUP Fest
September 24—Troy, NY—Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
September 25—Keene, NH—Colonial Theatre
September 26—Portland, ME—State Theatre
November 5—Philadelphia, MS—Ellis Theater
November 6—Dothan, AL—Dothan Opera House
November 7—Hattiesburg, MS—Saenger Theater
November 12—Springfield, MO—Gillioz Theatre
November 13—Des Moines, IA—Hoyt Sherman Place
November 14—Green Bay, WI—Meyer Theater
Brad Paisley Unveils ‘Tacklebox -Disc 1’
/by Lauryn SinkBrad Paisley has released his Tacklebox – Disc 1 project today via MCA.
The 13-track project includes songs from his catalog of unreleased and unrecorded songs dating back to the 90s as well as recently written tracks. Sonically, the album was shaped by the 90s sound of Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn and Alabama, as well as 80s-influenced productions reminiscent of those of George Strait, Garth Brooks and others.
“In this digital age, I have every song I’ve ever written at my fingertips,” Paisley says. “There was such freedom in rediscovering the songs for Tacklebox, the new ones we wrote, and the order we released them. They came from or were written about a nostalgic time period, a style of writing, and a sound. We wanted to give listeners that special feeling of playing a vinyl album or CD all the way through, if you listened to it top to bottom.”
The “Brad Paisley Live” Tour will launch on Aug. 27 with special guests Jake Worthington, Charles Worsham, Hannah Harper, Laci Kaye Booth, The Band Loula and Mackenzie Carpenter.
Tacklebox – Disc 1 Track List:
1. “Fallin’” (Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers)
2. “This Town Ain’t Small Enough” (Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois)
3. “Without You” (Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois)
4. “Hi Ho Silverado (feat. David Lee Murphy)” (Brad Paisley, Clint Lagerberg, David Lee Murphy)
5. “Overnight Low” (Brad Paisley, David Ball)
6. “Helen Back” (Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois, Clint Lagerberg)
7. “Someone Else’s Arms” (Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois)
8. “Treading Whiskey” (Brad Paisley, Chris Dubois)
9. “Out Of The Picture” (Brad Paisley, Lee Thomas Miller)
10. “Home Sweet Hotel” (Brad Paisley and Lee Thomas Miller)
11. “Who Knew” (Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers)
12. “Tell Them Your Life Story” (Brad Paisley)
13. “It’s Still Goodbye” (Brad Paisley)
Wyatt McCubbin Inks With Lucille Records
/by Lauryn SinkWyatt McCubbin and Dave Cobb. Photo: Evan Harney
Wyatt McCubbin has inked with Dave Cobb‘s Lucille Records.
Originally from a four-way-stop town in Ohio, McCubbin has spent the last 16 years honing his craft and writing nearly 2,000 songs. He has three songs currently climbing the country radio charts including Riley Green’s “Think As You Drunk,” Cody Johnson’s “Horseback” and Jon Pardi’s “Boots Off.” Next month, McCubbin will support Zach Top on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” making stops in Ottawa, San Diego, Anaheim, San Antonio and more.
“Working with Dave Cobb has been the most inspiring chapter of my journey creatively,” he shares. “He knows how to put a microphone on the heart of an artist and capture more than just a voice. Dave is a country song’s best friend.”
“I’ve always believed it all starts with a song. I loved Wyatt because he truly follows in the legacy of great songwriter-artists like Don Williams and Kris Kristofferson,” Cobb says.
Alongside the announcement, he released his new single “Andy Griffith,” which was produced by Cobb and co-written by McCubbin alongside Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and Conner Smith.
“‘Andy Griffith’ is a reminder that simple is not lost and it shows us that we do not have to go back in time to feel like we went back in time. This song is everything I want my life to be,” adds McCubbin.
Morgan Wallen Adds A Seventh Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen adds another week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart as “Don’t We” tops the chart for a seventh consecutive week.
The hit comes off his fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass and Charlie Handsome.
Wallen is currently on the road wrapping up his Still The Problem Tour with three final stops in Baltimore, Ann Arbor and Philadelphia.
“Don’t We” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Industry Ink: MRGLT, Megan Moroney, Bill Anderson, Belmont University, Chris Janson, Russell Dickerson
/by Lauryn SinkDroplight, Citrin Cooperman, Ascap, Tim Mcgraw & Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply Join Presenting Sponsor Keith Urban In Support Of Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament
Photo: Courtesy of MRGLT
Droplight, Citrin Cooperman, Ascap, Tim Mcgraw and Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply have joined presenting sponsor Keith Urban in support of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The event is set for Aug. 10 at Old Natchez Country Club.
The organization has opened sales for the annual T-Shirt sponsorship opportunity. Registration for the 2026 MRLGT is also now open.
Megan Moroney Releases Debut Fragrance
Megan Moroney has released her debut fragrance, Calliope, created in partnership with Scent Beauty, Inc. Calliope will debut on FragrancebyMeganMoroney.com and Scentbeauty.com as well as select national retail partners starting July 15. It will launch in-store in the US on Aug. 15 at retailers including Walmart, JCPenney, CVS, Urban Outfitters and more.
“I’ve spent the last year and a half hand crafting Calliope, my debut fragrance. The heart-shaped bottle felt very me, of course. But beyond the heart, it’s inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi—the centuries-old practice of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver, embracing its’ cracks rather than hiding them. It’s a reminder that our imperfections and experiences become part of what makes us unique. For me, my songs are sometimes the most broken pieces reshaped into something that I’ve seen heal me and so many of you. The fragrance itself is fresh, effortless, and meant to be an everyday signature. On the back of the bottle, I added the handwritten lyrics ‘You Shine’ because I truly believe the world can be hard on beautiful things. The most beautiful things come from broken pieces, and I hope this fragrance serves as a reminder that your light shines even brighter because of everything you’ve been through.” shares Moroney.
SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse To Honor Bill Anderson’s Grand Ole Opry Anniversary
SiriusXM is celebrating Country Music Hall of Fame member and the Grand Ole Opry’s longest-serving member Bill Anderson with “65 Years and Still Whisperin’: A Bill Anderson Weekend on SiriusXM,” commemorating his 65th anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry. As part of the special programming, a four-hour edition of Country’s Family Reunion will air on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19 on Willie’s Roadhouse.
Originally recorded during his 50th Grand Ole Opry anniversary, the program features performances, heartfelt tributes and stories highlighting his career.
Belmont University’s Center For Mental Health In Entertainment Hosts Inaugural Leadership Cohort For Industry Changemakers
Photo: Sam Simpkins/Courtesy of Belmont University
The Center for Mental Health in Entertainment at Belmont University hosted The Collective: A Leadership Cohort Workshop for Industry Changemakers on July 13 in Nashville, in partnership with the Country Music Association (CMA).
The half-day workshop brought together leaders from organizations that each serve a different piece of the entertainment mental health landscape, including MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Porter’s Call, Sweet Relief, ACM Lifting Lives, ECCHO Live, Amber Health and Backline.
The workshop, themed “Beyond Awareness: Building a Stronger Support Ecosystem for Entertainment,” centered on the question, “what does a healthy entertainment industry actually look like?” Much of the conversation focused on collaboration, specifically how organizations doing similar work can support each other rather than duplicate it.
“Our goal was to create space for connection among those doing this important work, while also exploring ways we can collectively strengthen support systems across the industry,” says Debbie Carroll, LCSW, CMA endowed chair and executive director of the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. “So much of our work is about convening, bringing people and organizations together in the same place. This work is big enough for all of us, and when we work together, our impact multiplies. We can reach further together than any of us can alone.”
Chris Janson Concert Kicks Off Cvent CONNECT Conference
Chris Janson.
Chris Janson shut down a block of Broadway in downtown Nashville earlier this week for a performance that kicked off the Cvent CONNECT Conference. Thousands of conference attendees filled lower Broadway for the show.
“This was an epic moment for me to be able to play in the street for thousands of people. It wasn’t that long ago I came to town, slept in my car and played the bars on Broadway. Dreams do come true and last night was another reminder,” says Janson.
Russell Dickerson Appears On “The Great American Sandwich Show”
Russell Dickerson recently made an appearance on “The Great American Sandwich Show” YouTube series.
Dickerson shares stories from life on tour, debates what makes a great sandwich and reveals the surprising meals that fuel him on the road.
Nashville Symphony Taps J. Mark Cantrell As President & Chief Executive Officer
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Nashville Symphony
The Nashville Symphony has tapped J. Mark Cantrell as the next President & Chief Executive Officer. Cantrell will assume the role on Aug. 1 succeeding Alan D. Valentine.
Cantrell most recently served as President & CEO of the Colorado Symphony, where he strengthened the organization’s financial position, negotiated successful collective bargaining agreements, and helped secure a $90 million city bond commitment for the future renovation of Boettcher Concert Hall through partnerships with civic leaders. Previously, he served as President & CEO of The Florida Orchestra, CEO of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Executive Director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Before moving into executive leadership, Cantrell enjoyed a distinguished 20-year career as a bass trombonist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet and Boston Lyric Opera.
“This is an exciting day for the Nashville Symphony,” says Mary Cavarra, Chair of the Nashville Symphony Board of Directors. “The Board was looking for a leader who could build on the Symphony’s extraordinary legacy while guiding us into our next chapter. We found that leader in Mark Cantrell. He brings the experience, integrity, and vision to strengthen this organization, support our musicians and staff, and deepen our connection with the community we serve.”
“Mark distinguished himself through his record of financial leadership, fundraising success, and thoughtful, collaborative approach,” adds Teresa M. Sebastian, Chair of the Board’s CEO Search Committee. “He is an accomplished musician who understands orchestral life from the stage as well as the executive office. That combination gives him a unique perspective, and we’re confident he is the right leader to guide the Nashville Symphony into its next era.”
“This orchestra has earned an extraordinary reputation for artistic excellence, innovation, and service throughout Middle Tennessee,” Cantrell says. “I look forward to getting to know this community, working alongside Music Director Leonard Slatkin, our exceptional musicians and staff, the Board of Directors, and the many supporters whose passion has made the Symphony such an important part of Nashville’s cultural life. I’m excited to build on that foundation together.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Lee Brice Is ‘Dandy’
/by Robert K OermannLee Brice. Photo: Chase Lauer
Country music is experiencing a tidal wave of new artists these days as the genre shifts into a new audio era.
We have several of these promising baby acts in the column today, including NEEDTOBREATHE, Ryan Langdon with Randy Savvy, Mae Estes and our DISCovery Award winner, Wyatt Flores.
Among the established artists, Joe Nichols, Jordan Davis, Ne-Yo and Trace Adkins all posted worthy new sounds. By harking back to classic country, Lee Brice earns a Disc of the Day honor.
MAE ESTES / “The 90s Called”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Benjy Davis; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Blue Highway Records
– The nostalgia for ‘90s country now has an official theme song. The sprightly country rocker has dance-floor beats and witty lyric that references Brooks & Dunn, Billy Ray and the hats, jeans, mullets, boots, pickup trucks and other touchstones of the era. Cute & catchy.
MARSHMELLO & KELSEA BALLERINI / “Another Drink”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Earwulf/Jessi Jo Dillon/Joel Castillo/Kelsea Ballerini/Marshmello; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Earwulf, Marshmello; Label: Mercury Records
– Electronic gobbledygook clatters and clutters around Ballerini’s exhausting repetition of the same phrase over and over again.
WYATT FLORES / “Scared of Heights”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Gian Stone/Jacob Kasher Hindlin/Wyatt Flores; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Gian Stone, Jacob Kasher Hindlin; Label: Island Records/MCA
– He screws up every potential romance because he’s terrified of commitment. The echoey production is lovely, and his vocal performance has great dynamics, from husky whispering to plaintive tenor soaring.
JORDAN DAVIS / “Let It Go”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– No, it’s not the Frozen movie anthem with this title. Quite the contrary, the moody tune is about the crumbling of a relationship and the resigned realization that it’s time to leave the past behind. As always, Davis is a superb communicator. I remain a huge fan.
LEE BRICE / “Dogs Are Barking”
Writers: Jeff Hyde/Jimi Bell/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Cody LaBelle, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice; Label: Curb Records
– Very cool. I love a good country murder ballad, and this one’s a dandy. The trucker returns from his run a day early and realizes that she’s been having an clandestine affair. The Cadillac-driving town banker mysteriously disappears after our boy catches the cheaters red handed.
NE-YO / “Up Out & Gone”
Writers: David Tomasek/Louis York/Milan Modi/Shaffer Smith; Producers: Curtis “Sauce” Wilson, Yung Lan; Label: Compound Ent/HSG
– The r&b hit maker has been spending time in Nashville’s songwriting community, and the result is his first “country inspired” album, Highway 79. This single from it is a bright, good-timey ode to an all-night party on the town. It’s already an r&b hit, and I hear to reason why this couldn’t enliven a country playlist as well. Well done.
NEEDTOBREATHE / “Last Drink”
Writer: William Rinehart; Producers: NEEDTOBREATHE, Phillip Smith; Label: NEEDTOBREATHE
– I dig the shuffling, shambling rhythm pattern and the drowsy instrumental accompaniment. The mix is a bit muddy, but this midtempo groover has definite charm.
SHANIA TWAIN & JOSH HOMME / “Faded Blue Jeans”
Writer: Shania Twain; Producer: Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– Between the beats, the audio mush and the background noise, I can’t tell you what this lyric actually says. I can tell you this: It’s her bopping performance all the way, and Queens of the Stone Age member Homme adds nothing to the proceedings.
CRYSTAL SHAWANDA / “Come Unto Me”
Writers: Allen Miller/Raul Malo; Producer: none listed; Label: New Sun Music
– The Canadian native-American pays homage to the late Raul Malo with an able assist from Mavericks guitarist Eddie Perez. She wails with power and bluesy grit while a Tex-Mex flavored track rumbles around her. Twang abounds.
TRACE ADKINS / “American Made”
Writers: Johnny Cummings/Krista Marie/Trace Adkins; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: TA
– Adkins premiered this during the Capitol Fourth PBS-TV celebration. It salutes the hard-working everyday people who have built the nation. The vibe is positive and uplifting.
RYAN LANGDON & RANDY SAVVY / “Bring It”
Writers: Andrew Martino/Brian Rivlin/Dan Bewick/Jason Paul Bonilla/Leonard Ian Dalsemer/Nicholas James Maker/Randy Savvy/Ryan Langdon/Stephen Molella; Producers: Andrew Martino, Brian Rivlin, Stephen Molella, TEMLO; Label: The Elements Music
– Ever since Crown Royal whiskey introduced this number in its new ad campaign a couple of weeks ago, I have been unable to get the insanely catchy tune out of my head. It turns out that it’s by two Canadian country artists, Langdon and Compton Cowboys member Savvy. The original track rocks just as splendidly as the ad snippet does. And, yes, there is an official line dance, just like in the ad.
JOE NICHOLS / “Say La V”
Writers: Brett Warren/Jason Sellers/Lance Miller; Producers: Jason Sellers, Joe Nichols; Label: Quartz Hill
– Sunny, shiny brass notes herald a feel-good, sing-along bopper featuring some background revelers and a dance-along tempo. A beefy, twangin,’ bass guitar solo, merry-making kiss-off lyrics, plus a woh-oh-oh finale are the ingredients of this audio pleasure. It goes without saying that Nichols sings the tongue-in-cheek ditty like a honky-tonk angel.
PHIL MADEIRA / “Hippie Chick Singer”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: PM
– This abundantly talented songwriter, singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist is a longtime veteran of Emmylou Harris’s band. With harmony vocals by The McCrary Sisters and Vince Gill, Madeira unspools a happy ode to a musician’s life on the road. Steel guitar and fiddle romp along on this snappy country rocker.
2026 CCMA Awards Nominations Revealed
/by Lorie HollabaughTopping this year’s nominations with seven nods each are Josh Ross (Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans’ Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Musical Collaboration of the Year, Video of the Year), and Cameron Whitcomb (Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans’ Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN).
Artists earning five nods apiece include James Barker Band (Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans’ Choice, Group or Duo of the Year, Single of the Year), Thelma & James (Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year, Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre, Video of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN), and Tenille Townes (Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre, Musical Collaboration of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN) each earn five.
Owen Riegling is celebrating four nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans’ Choice, and Male Artist of the Year, with first time nominee Morgan Griffiths (Fans’ Choice, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by FACTOR, Single of the Year), Nate Haller (Single of the Year, Musical Collaboration of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN), Brett Kissel (Entertainer of the Year, Fans’ Choice, Video of the Year), and Meghan Patrick (Female Artist of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, Video of the Year) boasting three apiece.
Now in its second year, the Francophone Artist of the Year presented by Spotify category will be awarded to a Francophone act (solo, duo, or group) that has demonstrated exceptional achievements within the current eligibility period. This year’s nominees are Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Gab Forest, Vince Lemire and Laurence St-Martin.
Country Music Week 2026 kicks off in Saskatoon on Sept. 16, offering fans the opportunity to celebrate the magic of country music and the genre’s brightest homegrown stars, all culminating with the 2026 CCMA Awards on Sept. 19, featuring previously announced performances from Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, and homegrown Saskatchewan stars including Weyburn’s Tenille Arts, Shaunavon’s Hunter Brothers, Hudson Bay’s Kalsey Kulyk, and Jess Moskaluke, with more announcements to come.
See the full list of the 2026 CCMA Award Nominees here.
Willie Nelson Shares Secrets On Creativity & Devotion In ‘The Last Leaf’ Due In November
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson’s new book The Last Leaf: Reflections on Late-Life Creativity – and My Longest Love Affair, is set to be released from Penguin Press on Nov. 10.
In the new book Nelson shares his well-earned wisdom about reaching an astonishing creative flourishing, and an even deeper union with the love of his life for four decades, Annie. At 93, Nelson has not been slowing down. In the past 12 years, he has recorded 21 new albums, written more than 50 new songs and seven books, and headlined over 800 live shows. With his trademark wit, he opens up and brings readers in touch with the same inexhaustible, vital stream of energy he has learned how to stay tapped into. The book also flashes back to life-altering moments, including the facing of almost certain death during COVID and what Nelson gained from that.
Woven into his recollections of his own life as an artist is the beautiful and often hilarious account of how the fiery spirit of Annie, his wife/best friend, has matched his own. In the book he shares how that love for her has deepened with time into the pure harmony of sustained partnership.
“The backbone of this book is a love story,” says Nelson. “The heroine is my wife, Annie, who kept me alive when I was sure I was gone. COVID nearly got me. I was hurting so bad I wanted out. But Annie wouldn’t let me go. The years I’ve lived since then are because of Annie. And so is this book.”
Jackson Wendell Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Perfect Game Creative
/by Madison HahnenAusten Adams (President, WCM), Jackson Wendell, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Perfect Game Creative) and Phil May (VP & GM, WCM). Photo: Grace Hartrick
Texas singer-songwriter Jackson Wendell has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative.
Hailing from Lufkin, Texas, Wendell’s passion for music began at an early age. After picking up a guitar as a child and playing on his church’s worship team, he started writing songs of his own, penning his first original “Ain’t Coming Home” at just 14 years old.
As a homeschool student, Wendell had the freedom to focus on music while traveling with his family, experiences that helped shape his songwriting. During his senior year of high school, he planned to attend Ole Miss, but an opportunity to open for Scotty McCreery in his hometown changed everything. Inspired to pursue music full-time, he instead enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University, balancing college with performing across the Texas music scene before leaving school after two years to dedicate himself to touring and songwriting.
Since then, Wendell has shared the stage with artists including Parker McCollum, Tucker Wetmore, Flatland Cavalry, Randy Rogers and William Beckmann. Named to Pandora’s and One Country’s 2026 Artists to Watch lists, he is known for heartfelt storytelling, classic country influences, and a fresh, modern sound. His 2025 single, “Drunk Words Are Sober Thoughts,” has earned nearly three million global streams.
“Songwriting has always been the foundation of my passion and getting to call it a career is such a blessing,” says Wendell. “I am beyond grateful to be starting this next chapter with Perfect Game and Warner Chappell. Having a team that not only is passionate but also pushes me creatively means more than I can put into words.”
“Jackson is a rare talent who captivates listeners with his sharp songwriting and authentic storytelling,” shares Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “His ability to blend traditional country roots with a fresh, contemporary edge is exactly what makes him stand out, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Warner Chappell alongside our partners at Perfect Game Creative.”
“I am so thrilled to be working with Jackson,” adds Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Founder, Perfect Game Creative. “I love the raw emotion, honesty, and vulnerability he brings to his songwriting and artistry. Those authentic qualities have helped him build a rapidly growing fan base that deeply connects with him and his music. I can’t wait to champion his career and build something meaningful together alongside our incredible partners at Warner Chappell.”