Musician/Producer/Exec Jerry Kennedy Passes

Jerry Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum

Jerry Kennedy, one of the great Nashville record men, has died at age 85.

He was a consummate guitarist, producer, songwriter and record executive. Kennedy was a key figure in the creation and development of the Nashville Sound. He produced classic records by Country Music Hall of Fame members Roger Miller, The Statler Brothers, Reba McEntire, Jerry Lee Lewis and Tom T. Hall. He was the chief of Mercury Records on Music Row in 1969-84.

As an instrumentalist, Kennedy was heard on Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde LP (1966), as the driving guitar lick on Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” (1964), on the dobro passages that answer Jeannie C. Riley’s vocal on “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (1968) and in the distinctive guitar intro of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” (1968), among many other immortal Nashville records.

Born Jerry Glenn Kennedy, he was a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a child prodigy who was signed by RCA at age 11. By age 16, he was a staff guitarist on the city’s famed Louisiana Hayride country show. He backed Faron Young, Johnny Horton, and the show’s other stars. He also began to record, backing blues artists Jimmy McCracklin and Guitar Junior on discs.

Encouraged by promotion man Shelby Singleton, Jerry Kennedy moved to Nashville in 1961 to become a session musician. In 1963, he became Singleton’s assistant at Mercury.

But he continued to work as a picker on recording sessions by Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Ringo Starr, Stonewall Jackson and George Jones, among others. His earliest Nashville success was backing Rex Allen on the 1962 hit “Don’t Go Near the Indians.” His work backing Elvis Presley included 1962’s “Good Luck Charm.” He was also in the band as well as the producer’s chair for “King of the Road” and the other hits that earned Roger Miller 11 Grammy Awards in 1964-65. His works with Orbison, Wynette, Riley and Dylan were also during this period of his career.

Singleton kept promoting Kennedy at Mercury. Jerry Kennedy became the head of the Nashville label in 1969. In that role, he discovered McEntire and signed her to her first major-label contract (1976). He also launched the career of Tex/Mex stylist Johnny Rodriguez (1972). He brought Tom T. Hall to fame. Kennedy’s productions guided Jerry Lee Lewis’s transition from rock to country and found him such song hits as “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous” and “Another Place, Another Time.”

His other Mercury roster artists included Patti Page, Bobby Bare, Brook Benton, Leroy Van Dyke, Ray Stevens, Roy Drusky, George Burns, Charlie Rich, Dave Dudley, Faron Young and Mickey Newbury. Jerry Kennedy also recorded seven instrumental albums, himself.

In 1984, he formed JK Productions. Under this imprimatur, he continued to produce Hall and the Statlers, as well as new clients such as The Maines Brothers and Connie Smith. In 1984-89 he produced a string of hits for Mel McDaniel on Capitol Records. Jerry Kennedy was noted for his low-key, easy-going manner as a studio professional.

“Jerry Kennedy was soft-spoken and understated, but his permanent impact on American music was anything but quiet,” eulogized CEO Kyle Young of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1992, Kennedy was presented with the Nashville Entertainment Association’s Master Award. Jerry Kennedy was an inaugural inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007, and the museum’s theater is named in his honor. In 2008, he was saluted in the “Nashville Cats” series presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame. During his career, he earned four Grammy Awards as a producer.

Son Bryan Kennedy became the opening act for Garth Brooks on tour and cowrote the superstar’s hits “American Honky Tonk Bar Association,” “Beaches of Cheyenne” and “Good Ride Cowboy.” He co-wrote and starred in the popular musical Toe Roaster.

Son Shelby Kennedy became an ASCAP executive, a record producer and the writer of songs recorded by Ray Charles, Randy Howard and others. He co-wrote “I’m a Survivor,” the theme song of the long-running TV sitcom Reba. He was also an executive at Lyric Street Records. He has sung backup on records by Jamey Johnson, Mila Mason, Mel McDaniel, Ashton Shepherd, Boxcar Willie and Johnny Rodriguez. He helped to launch the careers of SheDaisy and Alan Jackson.

Son Gordon Kennedy was a member of the CCM band WhiteHeart and co-wrote Eric Clapton’s “Change the World,” which won the 1996 Song of the Year Grammy Award. Gordon Kennedy’s songs have also been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, Peter Frampton, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Wynonna, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Charlie Daniels and others.

Jerry Kennedy passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 7 at 7 p.m. CT at Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Showroom (5724 River Rd, Nashville, TN 37209).

Mary Kutter Inks With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

Pictured (L-R, front row): Peter Strickland, JoJamie Hahr, Mary Kutter, Jon Loba and Adrian Michaels. (L-R, back row): Steven Fuller, Charlie Pennachio, Jacob Summers, and Marc Oswald. Photo: Kevin Grace

Mary Kutter has inked with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

The Kentucky native has earned charting cuts by Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and Zach John King. She has amassed over one million followers across platforms.

In celebration of the announcement, Kutter has released her newest track, “Bed of Roses.” Kutter wrote the song alongside John Frank and Tom Pino, and it was produced by Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy.

“‘Bed of Roses’ lives in the kind of storytelling country I grew up loving,” says Kutter. “I love songs that make you lean in, raise an eyebrow, and maybe laugh at the wrong moment. This song has teeth. It’s playful with its dark humor, and it doesn’t ask permission. Those are the songs that made me fall in love with this genre in the first place.”

Kutter is slated to play a run of festival shows later this year.

ASCAP Posts Record-Breaking $1.945 Billion In Revenue

ASCAP has announced its revenue collections and royalty distributions for 2025, sharing that the PRO delivered a record-breaking $1.945 billion in revenue in the calendar year, an increase of $110 million, or 6.0% over 2024 with $1.759 billion available for royalty distributions to its ASCAP music creator and publisher members, an increase of $63 million, or 3.7%.

This is the highest amount of revenue and royalty distributions ever reported by ASCAP. ASCAP operates without debt and has the lowest overhead rate in the US at 10%. As the only US PRO not owned by private equity or outside investors, ASCAP’s songwriter, composer and publisher members are the sole beneficiaries of ASCAP’s financial growth.

ASCAP delivers 90 cents of every dollar collected back to its members as royalties and does not charge a commission or take a profit. Instead, according to its unique governance and operating principles, after deducting expenses, ASCAP then distributes remaining dollars as royalties to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members. Read the full ASCAP 2025 Annual Report here.

“ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape. While creators are under attack globally by disruptive technologies and opportunistic private businesses, ASCAP’s sole focus is to serve our members. We deliver on that mission every single day,” says ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams shares, “ASCAP once again delivered historic record-breaking revenues and distributions. We showed the world that our fierce commitment to putting creators first is our number one imperative. Songwriters know they belong at ASCAP and that we always have their back.”

In addition to this news, ASCAP also announced that it has launched a new virtual care offering as part of its ASCAP Wellness Program, which includes a broad range of health and well-being benefits provided exclusively to its members. Through a collaboration with MD Live by Evernorth, a leading provider of virtual health care services in the U.S., ASCAP members and their eligible dependents can engage in virtual visits with board-certified MD Live clinicians for mental health, dermatology, or 24/7 urgent care—all at discounted pricing.

“We know that health and wellness are foundational to creative work and longevity in our industry, but many music creators struggle to access and afford health insurance,” says ASCAP Chief Strategy and Digital Officer Nick Lehman. “That is why it’s important for us to launch this service for our members, providing easy access to high-quality care at very reasonable costs – regardless if they have insurance or not. As the only truly creator-first PRO in the US, our commitment to our members is to support them with the resources they need to be at their creative best.”

MD Live has a national network of board-certified doctors, pediatricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists and therapists who provide personalized care for medical and mental health needs. ASCAP members can sign up for access to MD Live virtual care services through the ASCAP Member Access portal.

“Virtual care is a huge benefit for people with busy lives who want to stay on top of their health,” shares Vontrelle Roundtree, MD, MPT, Associate Chief Medical Officer, MD Live. “By connecting with doctors via phone or video calls, we can empower ASCAP members to take control of their health without sacrificing convenience.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Charles Kelley & Maren Morris Team For Disc Of The Day

Charles Kelley & Maren Morris

Any playlist smorgasbord that includes such diverse talents as Megan Moroney, The Grascals and Jim Lauderdale is fine with me.

All of them are on board the DISClaimer train this week, as are such worthy folks as Ashland Craft, Chris Janson, Ingrid Andress and Zach John King.

My Disc of the Day is the Charles Kelley/Maren Morris duet. The DISCovery Award goes to Bradley Gaskin.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Now I Know”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis; Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Wistful romantic aftermath, finding strength through the tears. The production has a glistening pop sheen. Her singing is, as usual, flawless.

CHRIS JANSON / “Easy to Love, Harder to Hold”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Roland/Pat Bunch; Producer: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– Janson sketches a portrait of a free-spirited woman while guitars churn and the rhythm section kicks up dust. Highly engaging.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Get to Drinkin’”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Kyle Sturrock/Rhett Akins/Thomas Archer/Zach John King; Producer: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– “The whiskey whispers that your heart’s still mine.” He’s fine after the breakup, until he drinks. Then all the feelings come rushing back. The jittery rhythm and his plaintive delivery both work splendidly here.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Cloud 9”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Laird/Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– Can we just crown her World’s Most Adorable Human right now? The title tune of Moroney’s forthcoming album is a lilting, lovely watercolor of romantic bliss. Her voice has that magically relatable quality that is impossible to resist.

DALTON DAVIS / “Redneck and You Know It”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Dalton Davis/Ross Ellis; Producer: David Mescon; Label: Republic Records
– Points for rhyming “blue collar,” “holler,” “dollar” and “swaller.”

JIM LAUDERDALE / “Everybody’s Got a Problem”
Writers: Jim Lauderdale; Producer: Jim Lauderdale; Label: Sky Crunch Records
– Lauderdale is gearing up to release his 38th (!) album with this classic-country barroom lament. Honky-tonk piano, piercing steel, deep-twang guitar and the vocalist’s bent-note drawl take ya to Hillbilly Heaven. On March 2, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee begins a residency at the groovy East Nashville venue Skinny Dennis. Be there.

RISSI PALMER / “Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missing Tonight)”
Writers: Lola Jean Dillon; Producer: Dan Nobler; Label: RP
– Palmer dropped a new EP titled Perspectives last weekend and did a media blitz on WSM’s “Coffee Country and Cody,” the Grand Ole Opry and her “Color Me Country” Apple radio show to promote it. The set includes her sweet cover of this 1976 Loretta Lynn chart topper.

CHARLES KELLEY & MAREN MORRIS / “Can’t Be Alone Tonight”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Jon Green/Sam Ellis; Producer: Sam Ellis; Label: Southern Accent Entertainment
– The track’s groove has a sexy, R&B feel, and both vocalists are giving it their sensuous best. Swoon worthy.

OWEN RIEGLING / “Born Again”
Writers: Jesse Slack/Owen Riegling; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Universal Music Canada
– He’s an award winning Canadian country star who has been knocking on Music City’s door for several months now. This sparely produced ode to marital love showcases his earnest vocal delivery. I dig the open-air quality of the harmonica-embellished track

THE GRASCALS / “Bend In the River”
Writers: Billy Droze/Michael Wright; Producer: Ben Isaacs, The Grascals; Label: Billy Blue Records
– On the surface, this banjo-driven tune seems like a happy bluegrass ditty. But in the lyric, the lovers break each others’ hearts and murder ensues. Vocal and instrumental grooves abound.

BRADLEY GASKIN / “Bout Damn Did”
Writers: Landon Parker/Lee Starr/Ryan Rossebo; Producer: Robert Keith Stegall; Label: 30a Life Records
– Gaskin has a hearty, potent singing voice, and he puts it to good use on this well-written catalog of regrets. This is strong stuff all the way around, from production to lyric to performance. Listen and believe.

ASHLAND CRAFT & CHASE RICE / “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Corey Elizabeth Grogan/Jess Grommet/Willie Morrison; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– I love her voice. He keeps pace by offering his own verse and harmonies. It seems that Mom used to pray because she was worried about her kids, but nowadays they’ve settled down, and she prays in thanks. Very nice work by everyone.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Country Music”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– I don’t know what this mess is, but it is most certainly not “Country Music.”

Riley Green Celebrates Two Historic Solo-Written No. 1s At BMI

BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and NHRE’s Jimmy Harnen and Ryan Dokke presented BMI’s Riley Green with No. 1 plaques for “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way,” along with a Gold plaque for “Change My Mind,” his current single and fastest-rising track at country radio to date. They also announced that “Worst Way” is now certified 3X Platinum by the RIAA. ; Photo Credit: Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI brought Riley Green and his team together on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 11) to celebrate the artist’s historic back-to-back No. 1 hits, “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Industry members, friends, and family gathered in the BMI lobby and received a warm welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley. Gathered on stage were Green and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen.

Bradley began by highlighting the rare nature of the achievement, noting that Green is the first country artist to land consecutive solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift.

“This marks the first time a country artist has landed back to back solo written number one singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since Ms. Taylor Swift, I think someone else here had something to do with that as well that deserves a big hand,” said Bradley. “Riley has accomplished what very few have ever done. He wrote two number one songs entirely by himself. That’s not just a milestone, it’s a reminder of a lost art form.”

Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson was the next to step to the mic, recalling a moment at a previous party where she predicted this very moment. “Most of you will not remember this, but a few years ago at the ‘Different Round Here,’ No. 1 party, I stood upstairs and I told Riley in front of his co-writers on the song that I really, really love his solo written songs even more,” laughed Stevenson. “Watching your live show, growing to what it is, hearing your songwriting continue to level up and seeing the shift from rising star to one of the most in-demand artists in the format, it’s been really incredible.”

Pictured: L to R: MusicRow‘s John Nix Arledge, Riley Green, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Photo: Larry McCormack

Studio Bank’s Ron Cox also took a moment to highlight Green’s Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, an organization founded by Green to honor his grandfathers and serve the needs of veterans. In honor of the two No. 1s, Studio Bank made a donation to the fund.

Before Green spoke, Borchetta and Harnen praised his work ethic and authenticity. Harnen reminded everyone that both singles were certified Platinum before even reaching the top of the radio charts, and Borchetta said Green was the “epitome of Southern culture.”

The producer of the two tracks, Dann Huff, was unable to attend, but was praised by Bradley as “The Maestro” for his work in the studio. “Dan Huff the Maestro, is arranging and producing these records. They sound amazing,” Bradley said.

Finally, Green closed the afternoon out, offering his gratitude to his team, his parents, and his fans.

“I wanna thank all my co-writers for … oh nevermind….” joked Green. “I figured out you get even more if you write it by yourself. It’s easier that way. You don’t have to deal with a bunch of people in the room!”

Green then thanked collaborator Ella Langley for her part on “Don’t Mind If I Do.” “It was such a cool thing to have two giant songs with another artist out on the road and being able to play it together every week,” said Green.

“Something like this is really motivating. I think that as a songwriter it’s nice to have some type of recognition and get a pat on the shoulder from all of you and say what you’re doing is working.”

Corey Kent Celebrates Chart-Topper ‘This Heart’

Pictured (L-R, back row): Kari Barnhart, Shaina Botwin, Dennis Reese, George Couri, Chris Fox, Mason Hunter, Laura Alexander, Shannan Hatch, Bethany Mako, Kos Weaver, Keithan Melton and Sam Shelton. (L-R, front row): Jacob Hackworth, Thomas Archer, Corey Kent, Michael Tyler, Blake Bollinger and Chris Farren. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Corey Kent gathered the Nashville music industry at the BMI office on Tuesday (Feb. 10) to celebrate his chart-topping hit, “This Heart.”

Hosted by BMI and SESAC, the celebration reunited Kent with his collaborators, including songwriters Thomas Archer, Jacob Hackworth, Blake Bollinger, Michael Tyler and producer Chris Farren.

Emceed by BMI’s Mason Hunter, Boom Music Group’s Shaina Botwin, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese, Young Guns Publishing’s Laura Alexander, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako, Combustion’s Keithan Melton and Goat Island Sound’s Sam Shelton each took the stage to honor the team behind the track.

Many echoed the same sentiments, thanking Kent and his team for their continued belief in the song and their commitment to pushing it all the way to the top of the charts.

Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Kari Barnhart presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to the Tim Tebow Foundation.

During the party, Kent gifted the songwriters and producer a commemorative bat to acknowledge the song’s success. To celebrate BMI’s new partnership with Green River Whiskey, Kent and each songwriter were each gifted a special single barrel bourbon.

The track marked Archer’s sixth No. 1, Hackworth’s second No. 1, Bollinger’s first No. 1 and Tyler’s seventh No. 1.

Each writer spoke of their long-time friendship and how proud they were to share this accomplishment with one another, thanking their families and teams for their hard work and sacrifices.

“This accomplishment in my mind is entirely a Sony radio team, a songwriter’s accomplishment and a producer accomplishment,” Kent shared during the event. “I’m just fortunate to be the artist that got to be on this song. I’ve never really changed musically what I’ve been doing. The only thing that has ever changed is that God decided to bless it, and so I want to give one-hundred percent of the credit to the hard-working people in this room and to Jesus Christ for changing my life.”

Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

BREAKING: Scott Borchetta Exiting HYBE AMERICA, Will Reacquire Big Machine Records Brand [Updated]

Scott Borchetta

Scott Borchetta is exiting HYBE AMERICA.

Borchetta founded Big Machine Records in 2005. Under his leadership, the company has developed and supported some of the music industry’s most successful artists of the past two decades. He has served as the CEO of Big Machine Label Group since HYBE’s purchase of Ithaca Holdings in 2021.

Borchetta will continue to use the Big Machine Records brand for his future ventures. HYBE AMERICA will retain assets, the distribution deal, the publishing company Big Machine Music and a number of talent currently on the label’s roster including Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes.

The HYBE-run company will operate under a new label name, and an announcement on the label’s new leadership will be made in the upcoming days. Additionally, The Valory Music Co. will be folded under the new company.

“Scott has made a lasting mark on the music industry with his sharp eye for talent and his unique vision,” says Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE AMERICA. “He recently approached us to ask for our support as he works to pursue a new, independent and entrepreneurial stage of his career, working to advance the Big Machine brand separately from HYBE. While we are sad to see Scott go, we understand – and want him to pursue his passions, and are grateful for all he did for the company.”

“I am incredibly appreciative of my partnership with HYBE over these last five years,” Borchetta adds. “Chairman Bang often talks of his fondness for entrepreneurs and he, Isaac, and the HYBE leadership team have extended that belief with this incredible showing of support by allowing me to continue to build upon my vision of the Big Machine Records brand. For that, I am forever grateful and wish them nothing but continued and incredible global success.”

“HYBE AMERICA will continue to support our artists’ interests across music, film, television, brands and culture in the U.S. market and beyond,” shares Lee. “We are beyond excited for our future in Nashville and will make further announcements in due course.”

According to an interview with Billboard, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, The Jack Wharff Band, Aaron Lewis, Cole Goodwin and MacKenzie Carpenter are among the artists going with Borchetta. With Riley Green being at Nashville Harbor, he is also staying with him. The distribution deal with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment will remain with HYBE.

As for employees, the interview reveals that Sandi Spika Borchetta will join him, as well 16 other staff members and the Nashville Harbor team. They will stay at the Big Machine offices on Music Row, and he expects that, “HYBE’s intention is to have their own standalone space which they will announce when they are ready.”

Borchetta also shares that he intends to start a new publishing company, as Big Machine Music will stay with HYBE.

Industry Ink: Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, Salute To 90s Country, Redferrin, More

Ella Langley Stars in American Eagle’s New Jeans Country Campaign

Ella Langley. Photo: Courtesy of American Eagle

Ella Langley is appearing in American Eagle’s newest brand campaign, American Eagle Jeans Country. As part of the launch, Langley, named the brand’s “Denim Darling,” has also debuted a curated shop on AE.com, featuring her personal favorites across denim, easy tees, layering pieces, and everyday accessories, all styled the way she actually wears them on and off stage.

 

Chris Stapleton Unveils Traveller Whiskey Full Proof

Chris Stapleton. Photo: David McClister

Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley have unveiled Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, a bold evolution of the original Blend No. 40, and the award-winning brand’s first line extension since its January 2024 debut.

“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” Stapleton shares. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land. One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”

 

‘All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country’ Welcomes Over 30 Country Legacy Faves

Pictured (L-R, front row): John Berry, Deana Carter, Carlene Carter, Lee Roy Parnell, Paulette Carlson, Bryan White; (L-R, second row): Keith Bilbrey, Lee Greenwood, Rick Trevino, Tony Rich, Eric Blankenship, Ty Herndon, Michelle Wright, T. Graham Brown, Lorrie Morgan, Ken Mellons, Janie Fricke, Jamey Johnson; (L-R, third row): Richard Young, Fred Young, Doug Phelps, Greg Martin, Mark Wills, Andy Griggs, Paul Overstreet, Terry McBride, Christy Forester, June Forester, Kathy Forester, Kim Forester; (L-R, fourth row): Billy Dean, Lionel Cartwright, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Neal McCoy, Heath Wright, Darryl Worley, Tracy Byrd, Michael Peterson, Aaron Tippin, Larry Stewart, Tim Rushlow, Richie McDonald. Photo: Bud Gambrell Photography

The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama hosted the “All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country: Honky Tonk Time Machine” on Feb. 5 with over 30 artists performing their hits for a sold-out crowd. The audience ranging in ages from 5 to 85 were on their feet most of the night dancing in the aisles and singing to songs that helped shape their lives. The event was filmed for an upcoming TV broadcast, and featured Billy Dean, Lionel Cartwright, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Lee Roy Parnell, Bryan White, Ty Herndon, and many more country favorites. The night included 17 chart-topping performances with special tributes to Daryle Singletary, Kevin Sharp, Randy Travis and George Jones; as well as three historic throwback moments from artists Janie Fricke (Female Vocalist of the Year), Lee Greenwood (Male Vocalist of the Year), and The Forester Sisters (Group of the Year).

 

Redferrin Surprised With Platinum For Viral Smash ‘Just Like Johnny’

Redferrin, The William Gerard Group, Warner Records Nashville. Photo: Madelyn Ormond

Warner Record Nashville’s Redferrin visited the label’s office on Feb. 5 to toast the release of his new song “If I Was California” and received a surprise from the label and his management during the celebration. Cris Lacy, Warner Records Nashville Chair & President, presented the hitmaker with a Platinum plaque commemorating his viral smash “Just Like Johnny,” which appeared on Redferrin’s debut EP, Old No. 7.

Redferrin is credited as both a co-writer and co-producer on the Platinum song. His new track “If I Was California” is available now and serves as the first release off his upcoming 2026 project, showcasing a different side from the Tennessee son.

 

Tess Kerksen Named Digital Marketing & Account Manager At Noise New Media

Tess Kerksen

Tess Kerksen has joined Noise New Media as Digital Marketing and Account Manager. Kerksen brings more than a decade of experience leading integrated marketing, public relations, and communications efforts for large-scale, high-visibility organizations. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at Wisconsin State Fair Park, where she oversaw comprehensive marketing and communications strategies spanning paid media, brand campaigns, digital platforms, media relations, and crisis communications. In addition, she completed the IAFE’s Institute of Fair Management (IFMG) certification in 2023.

 

Brooke Lee Talks Chevy Campaign On ‘Ward Guenther Show’

Brooke Lee, Ward Guenther. Photo: Courtesy: Apple Music

Spirit Nashville Recordings/2Mix Music artist and songwriter Brooke Lee joined “The Ward Guenther Show” on Apple Music in the studio this week for a conversation about her new music, including her song “Burn To Black,” and what it was like to sing from the top of Castle Rock while filming the newly launched “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” campaign.

She Is The Music To Honor Megan Moroney At Second Annual Sharing The Spotlight Event

Megan Moroney. Photo: Amber Asaly

She Is The Music’s second annual Sharing the Spotlight event, a powerful evening to celebrate impactful women in the music industry, will honor Megan Moroney and music industry executive Sylvia Rhone on Feb. 18 in Los Angeles.

Co-founded by superstar Alicia Keys, UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, recording and mix engineer Ann Mincieli and UTA’s Co-Head of Music Sam Kirby Yoh, SITM will bring together music’s leading artists, executives, and advocates at the event. In a unique twist that embodies SITM’s mission of increasing the number of women working in music, SITM has selected a group of elite music industry powerhouses who will each invite a female in the music business with whom to share their spotlight. The special event reinforces the importance of lifting each other up and creating meaningful connections.

Multi-Platinum hitmaker Megan Moroney is the Artist Spotlight, recognizing not only her chart-topping success but the intentional, gender-balanced approach she brings to every collaboration, from the studio to the stage. Moroney’s commitment to working with diverse, female-led teams demonstrates that excellence and equity can and should go hand in hand. Alicia Keys will present the Artist Spotlight to Moroney.

“Megan represents something so important for this moment in music—the way she builds her teams and shows up for other women is leadership,” says Keys. “Sylvia has been doing this for decades, and tonight is about recognizing that none of us get here alone, and when we share our spotlight, we make the whole industry brighter.”

“I’m so honored to receive this recognition from She Is The Music. I wouldn’t be where I am today, in my career and in life, without the support of all the incredible females around me,” shares Moroney. “Knowing that some of the most talented women in the business always have my back gives me the creative space to focus on my artistry and for this I’m beyond grateful.”

Music industry icon Sylvia Rhone will be honored as the Trailblazer Spotlight for her extraordinary four-decade career breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women across the business. As Chairperson and CEO of Epic Records, Rhone championed countless artists while paving the way for future generations of female executives. She is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential figures in music history, with a legacy that includes nurturing the careers of artists from Missy Elliott to Travis Scott while maintaining an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Throughout my career, I’ve believed that real power is about using it to create opportunity for others,” says Rhone. “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by an organization that understands progress requires both vision and action.”

“We are honoring Megan and Sylvia for using their platforms and influence to broaden the path for other women,” says Gerson, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group and She Is The Music Co-Founder. “We are also thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director Laura Segura, as this is her first big SITM community event.”

Kylie Morgan To Embark On ‘Healed Cowgirl Tour’

Kylie Morgan.

Kylie Morgan will embark on her headline “Healed Cowgirl Tour” this spring with dates in the United States and internationally.

The run will hit Pennsylvania, Alabama, Texas and many more cities through June. Ticket information can be found here.

The tour announcement follows the release of Morgan’s new single, “Like My Own.”

“This video is the most honest reflection of my life right now,” she says of the track. “It captures the love, the surprises, and the joy that inspired this song. I hope people see their own families in it- however they’re built.”

2026 Tour Dates:
February 12- Nashville, TN
March 8- Berlin, Germany
March 9- Newcastle, UK
March 10- York, UK
March 13- Birmingham, UK
March 14- Dorset, UK
March 26- Colorado Springs, CO
April 2- Boston, MA
April 3- Leesburg, VA
April 9- Pittsburgh, PA
April 10- Indianapolis, IN
April 24- Champaign, IL
April 25- Cullman, AL
April 29- Seattle, WA
April 30- Portland, OR
May 1- Folsom, CA
May 2- Fontana, CA
May 7- Madison, WI
May 8- Peoria, IL
May 9- Omaha, NE
May 21- The Woodlands, TX
May 22- Dallas, TX
June 19- Washington, DC
June 20- Bloxom, VA