ACM Unveils 2026-2027 Board Of Directors & Officers

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The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its 2026-2027 Board Of Directors and Officers.

The officers include Chair Jeff Krones (CAA), President Becky Gardenhire (WME), Vice President Rusty Gaston (Sony Publishing), Treasurer Carmen Romano (FBMM), Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb (WME), Parliamentarian Duane Clark (FBMM) and Secretary Haley Montgomery (Academy of Country Music).

“The Academy of Country Music is proud to bring together leaders from across the industry who share a commitment to advancing Country Music and supporting the artists, songwriters and professionals who make this community so special,” says Andy Schuon, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 term, this Board’s collective experience, passion and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Academy’s impact, create new opportunities for our members and celebrate the music and people at the heart of our industry.”

For this term, 12 directors-at-large were appointed and 19 directors were elected to the ACM Board of Directors. This year, qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.

ACM Board Of Directors 2026-2027:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board: Jeff Krones, CAA
President: Becky Gardenhire, WME
Vice President: Rusty Gaston, Sony Publishing
Treasurer: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Secretary: Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music

**
AFFILIATED
Chappel McCollister, The.Team (formerly Wasserman)
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Jackie Campbell, Results Global
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Jeremy Holley, By Design Music

ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Ashley McBryde, Artist
Carly Pearce, Artist
Dave Cohen, Musician
Derek Wells, Spirit Music/Producer/Songwriter
TJ Osborne, Artist

DIGITAL MARKETING/DISTRIBUTION
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Tim Foisset, Spotify

MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment
Martha Earls, Neon Coast

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Warner/Consultant
Shannan Hatch, SESAC PRO

RADIO
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Mike Moore, Cumulus
Tim Roberts, Audacy

RECORD COMPANY
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Candice Watkins, Capitol Records Nashville
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Katie Dean, Leo33
Stephanie Wright, MCA

SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller, Songwriter

TALENT AGENT
Andrew McWilliams, Evergreen
Nate Towne, WME

TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment

VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production

TOURING
Scott Scovill, Moo TV

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Amy Bryan-Fosgate, Activated Events
Andy Moats, Pinnacle
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
BJ Hill, Warner Chappell
Brian Wolf, Maverick
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC / The Touring Career Workshop
Curt Motley, United Talent Agency
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Ian Cripps, Atlantic Outpost
Jake Basden, Blue Highway
Jodi Dawes, Blue Highway
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music
Meredith Jones, CAA
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Randi Tolbert, Qprime
Robert Knotts, Lost Highway
Rod Phillips, iHeartMedia
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Storme Warren, TV and Radio Personality
Tom Lord, Redlight Management
Ward Gunther, Whiskey Jam

PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Radio Industry
Mark Hartley
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA

Back Row Music Launches Management & Label Divisions

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Chris Koegen, Alexa Fasulo, Michael Kozelj and Adam Skuse. Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Music

Back Row Music, the Nashville company behind Back Row Publishing, has launched its artist management and record label divisions.

Chris Koegen will serve as President, Artist Services and Alexa Fasulo joins as Vice President, Artist Development and Marketing. Co-Founder and artist manager Michael Kozelj will work alongside the growing team as President, with Adam Skuse serving as CEO.

Based in Nashville, Koegen brings 20 years of label and artist experience in the U.S. and abroad. His prior experience includes Amazon, Big Machine and WHY&HOW, working with artists such as Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Georgia Ku, Tyler Braden and more.

“Truly extraordinary creators possess ambitions that extend far beyond regional boundaries, requiring a dedicated partner to realize that potential. Having navigated the label, digital, and management sectors across both North America and Europe, experience has proven that exceptional music relies on a cohesive team to reach global audiences. Reuniting with Alexa and joining forces with Adam, Michael and team provides a phenomenal base. Together at Back Row, we are establishing an artist-centric hub designed to support our roster wherever their vision leads,” shares Koegen.

Based in New York, Fasulo is the founder of THRVE Music Co. and brings nearly a decade of experience across the label, management and live sides of the business. After early stints at Republic Records, Live Nation and Bravado, she joined Universal Music Group’s eCommerce & Label Services team in 2020. Following the 2025 launch of THRVE Music Co., she built and executed release strategy, paid and social campaigns, direct-to-fan programs and tour marketing, growing a client roster, including KALEO, Cole Phillips, Angel White and Georgia Ku, among others.

“Reuniting with Chris and joining Adam, Michael and the incredible Back Row family, where everyone shares the same artist-first mindset, is exactly what drew me in,” says Fasulo. “It all starts with the artist’s vision, and our job is to bring it to life. We each bring something different to the table, and in an industry that’s always changing, that lets us stay ahead and set our artists up to win. I’m so excited to build out this team and start this next chapter. We’re ready to champion our artists, help them make some noise and create something special together.”

Kozelj, a Nashville-based artist manager and entrepreneur, is also president of Starseed Entertainment, where he manages Dean Brody, The Reklaws and Nate Haller.

“I couldn’t be more excited to dig in alongside this group of world-class people and build Back Row together,” adds Kozelj. “We all share the same belief that the best artist development happens when everyone is pulling in the same direction, with the artist and their vision at the center of every decision. There’s an incredible amount of experience, creativity and relationships around this table, and I’m fired up about what we’re building together and the opportunities we can create for our artists.”

‘Alan Jackson: The Last Show’ Live Album & Television Special Slated For December

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Alan Jackson. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty

Alan Jackson’s live album and television special, both recorded at Jackson’s June 2026 final full-length concert at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, will be released in December.

The 25-track live album, Alan Jackson: The Last Show “One More for the Road – The Finale” (Live from Nashville), will be released Dec. 4 via ACR/MCA. In addition to streaming, the project will be released on CD and vinyl. The track list spans Jackson’s entire set with tracks including “Gone Country,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” “Remember When” and “Where I Come From.” The album is produced by Robert Keith Stegall.

The television special, Alan Jackson: The Last Show, will air on NBC on Dec. 8 from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will honor Jackson’s enduring legacy with performances and appearances from Jackson, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright.

The special is produced by Joan of Arc StudioWorks and EverWonder Studio. Executive producers include Cindy Mabe, Dawn Gates and Harper Grae for Joan of Arc StudioWorks and Mike Antinoro and Raj Kapoor for EverWonder Studio, as well as executive producers Alan Jackson, Debbie Doebler and RAC Clark. Co-executive producers include Allison Roithinger, Victoria Chamlee and Danny Meiseles for EverWonder Studio. Alan Jackson: The Last Show is directed by Sam Wrench.

Sam Barber Slates New EP ‘Outlier’ For November

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Sam Barber is gearing up for the release of his new EP, Outlier, on Nov. 6 via Atlantic Outpost.

Produced by Joe Becker, Outlier features six new tracks and follows the release of Barber’s sophomore album, Broken View, which dropped earlier this spring. The project continues a standout year for Barber, who won Breakthrough Country Artist at the 2026 American Music Awards and is in the midst of his extensive “The American Route Tour.”

Barber has racked up over 3.4 billion global streams, and his debut album Restless Mind earned RIAA Gold certification. The project featured several standout singles including the double Platinum-certified “Straight and Narrow” and Platinum “Indigo (Feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has amassed over 828.4 million global streams.

Outlier Track List:
1. “Outlier” (Sam Barber, Joe Becker)
2. “If I May” (Carrie K, Joe Becker, Sam Barber)
3. “Turn The Light Off” (Carrie K, Joe Becker, Sam Barber)
4. “Good Faith” (Sam Barber, Joe Becker)
5. “Northern Weeds” (Sam Barber, Joe Becker)
6. “Settle In” (Sam Barber, Joe Becker)

Brendan Walter Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Brendan Walter. Photo: Jared Tadlock

RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville artist Brendan Walter made his Grand Ole Opry debut last week.

Walter performed his songs “Asking For A Friend” and “Pipe Dream” during his appearance on the iconic stage.

“What an incredible night at the Grand Ole Opry,” says Walter. “These are the kind of nights that make it all make sense. Thank you to everyone who has made my dreams come true, it is such an honor to be a part of this family.”

The debut follows the recent release of Walter’s new track, “Model Maniac.” The rising artist has toured with Wyatt Flores and Evan Honer, and released the track “If A Song Could Change Your Mind” with Low Gap. His debut album, Disappearing Days, is available now.

Pictured (L to R): Stacey Cato (Grand Ole Opry), Grady Smith, Lexi Lampkin (Grand Ole Opry), Brendan Walter, Tom Lord (Red Light Management) and Reid Alexander (Red Light Management). Photo: Jared Tadlock

RESULTS GLOBAL Adds Three

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Raegan Meguiar, Sean Worth and Austin Spero. Photo: RESULTS GLOBAL

RESULTS GLOBAL has added three hires in graphic design, digital marketing and social media.

Raegan Meguiar joins as a Digital Marketing Coordinator, bringing three years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, social media strategy and promotion. A Kentucky native and 2026 communications graduate, her previous experience includes roles with the Louisville Orchestra, Fourth Street Live!, Live Nation and Rewired Talent Management.

Sean Worth has been added as a Graphic Designer & Content Specialist. Worth is a 2025 graduate of Lipscomb University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. He held creative internships with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Universal Music Group’s °1824, and led design and branding for the 2023 exhibition Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones. Worth began his career as Visual Content Manager at Crowd Surf, producing photo, video, and design content for leading music and entertainment clients, including Donny Osmond, TLC and Backstreet Boys.

Austin Spero joins RESULTS GLOBAL in a New York-based social media role supporting the DOLLY: A True Original Musical on Broadway. Spero has served as the social media director for several theatrical productions including Oh, Mary! on Broadway and tour, Liberation, John Proctor Is the Villain and The Rocky Horror Show. His Off-Broadway credits include Prince Faggot, ta-da!, and the upcoming revival of Spring Awakening.

Laci Kaye Booth To Kick Off ‘Love Letters To Texas’ Tour In February

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Laci Kaye Booth; Photo Credit: Natalie Sakstrup

Laci Kaye Booth is set to show some love to her home state on the “Love Letters to Texas” tour, beginning Feb. 10 at House of Blues in Dallas. Subsequent shows take her across Texas with stops in Houston, The Woodlands and Austin.

In addition to her headline dates, Booth will perform at the St. Pete Country Fest 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida on Nov. 20 and at the 2027 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA. She will also open for Megan Moroney on her spring 2027 tour of Australia.

The artist ticket pre-sale for the “Love Letters to Texas” tour begins tomorrow (Oct. 28) at 10 a.m. local time here. The general on-sale will begin Friday, Oct. 30, at 10:00 AM local time.

Laci Kaye Booth – Tour Dates:
2026
11/20 – St. Petersburg, FL – St. Pete Country Fest 2026

2027
2/10 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues, Cambridge Room
2/11 – Houston, TX – House of Blues, Bronze Peacock
2/12 – The Woodlands, TX – Dosey Doe
2/13 – Austin, TX – The Continental Club
4/23-25 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Festival
5/8 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena +
5/11 – Sydney, AU – Afterpay Arena +
5/14 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre +
5/15 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre +

+ supporting Megan Moroney

McCoy Moore To Embark On First Headline Run In January

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McCoy Moore. Photo: Matt Paskert

McCoy Moore will hit the road on his first-ever headline tour next January.

The “TYIN’ ONE ON TOUR” kicks off in Gainesville, Florida on Jan. 28 with additional stops in the Carolinas, Georgia and more. Tickets go on-sale tomorrow (Oct. 28).

“I’ve had so much fun touring with HARDY and Ashley Cooke this year, and I’ve gotten to go see some incredible places and meet some incredible people,” shares Moore. “I’m so excited to announce my first official headline tour, the TYIN’ ONE ON TOUR, in 2027. See y’all out there!”

Moore will wrap his opening stint on HARDY’s “COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR” this weekend with a double-header in Nashville. He is joining Ashley Cooke for select dates of the “baby blues world tour.”

“TYING ONE ON TOUR” 2027
January 28 / Gainesville, FL – Heartwood Sound Stage
January 29 / Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
January 30 / Charleston, SC – Limbo at The Refinery
February 18 / Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
February 19 / Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
February 20 / Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds
February 25 / Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
February 26 / Milwaukee, WI – The Rave / Eagles Club
February 27 / Plain City, OH – The Grainery

Country Cares For St. Jude Kids 2026 Seminar Celebrates ‘Hope On Repeat’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Russell Dickerson, Kailey Dickerson, St. Jude patient Sawyer, St. Jude patient Faith, Randy Owen; (L-R, front row): St. Jude patient Declynn, St. Jude patient Annzie, St. Jude patient Reagan. Photo: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Country Cares for St. Jude Kids hosted its 36th annual event on Oct. 20–21 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis to celebrate the country music community’s support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year was the first seminar since the program switched to a bi-yearly format in 2024, and featured performances from Hardy, Anne Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Deerock and St. Jude cancer survivor Darren Warren across the two days. Russell and Kailey Dickerson were also honored as the 2026 Angels Among Us recipients. St. Jude awards the Randy Owen Angels Among Us award each year in his name, recognizing a country music artist who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to St. Jude.

“What have Russell and Kailey Dickerson done to deserve this beautiful award?” said Russell Dickerson from stage. “I’m not the biggest superstar in country music by any means, nor am I the biggest donor to St. Jude by any means either. And the only thing I can really think of why it would be us up here is the word ‘yes.’

“We get pulled in a lot of directions in this industry and business,” he continues. “We get a lot asked of us to be there, fly there, play here, call here. And honestly, as we have built a family, it’s become a lot more ‘no’s.’ But if I ever hear the two magical words ‘St. Jude’ – yes. And it’s that same ‘yes’ that these St. Jude families get every day. St. Jude is going to do everything within their world class power to make sure there are as many ‘yeses’ while you’re here as possible.”

“Country music carries stories of family, faith, resilience and hope from one generation to the next,” says Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude. “In many ways, that is what you are creating tonight. Every gift to St. Jude creates something lasting – not for a single quarter or a fiscal year, but for generations. When you support St. Jude and share our story with your audiences, that generosity does not stop with a single patient. It fuels research, clinical trials, technology, global partnerships and future breakthroughs we cannot yet imagine. One act of kindness becomes many acts of healing. And ultimately, it becomes a legacy carried forward in every birthday celebrated, every milestone reached and every child who grows up and gets the chance to dream about their future.

Greylan James Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Greylan James. David Cohn

Greylan James into the hallowed circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut last Saturday (Oct. 24).

During his performance, the Knoxville native performed his Top 15-and-climbing single “Water At A Wedding” and his 2023 debut single “Young Man,” dedicated to his late Papaw who gifted James his first guitar.

“My Papaw told me I couldn’t say ‘I made it’ until I stood in that circle,” he shared. “I got to talk about him with the most famous hardwood in the world under my boots. I will never forget any second of my debut. God bless the Grand Ole Opry, and God bless country music.”

His Opry debut came just two weeks before James will embark on his first-ever headlining “Wedding Season: The Tour” which sold out its Knoxville and Cleveland dates during pre-sale, prompting a second date to be added in Knoxville. James’ debut album Greylan James featuring 13 original tracks all co-written by James and a special Dolly Parton cover, is due out Nov. 13.