Sheryl Crow. Photo: Dove Shore/Courtesy of BMI

BMI will honor Sheryl Crow with the Troubadour Award during a private event, hosted at BMI’s Nashville office.

“Sheryl Crow is the pinnacle of songwriting excellence,” shares Clay Bradley, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville. “She has inspired generations of songwriters with her honesty and musicianship while creating a blueprint for creators who are navigating authentic careers. BMI is proud to recognize the mark she has made on American music and her songs that have become part of our lives.”

Crow has sold more than 50 million albums globally with multi-genre hits including “All I Wanna Do” and “If It Makes You Happy.” She has earned more No. 1 singles on the Billboard Triple A chart than any other female artist in history. Since affiliating with BMI in 1991, Crow has garnered prestigious accolades, including the 1997 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, 12 BMI Awards and eight BMI Million-Air awards.

Crow joins prior Troubadour Award recipients John Fogerty, Billy F Gibbons, John Hiatt, Robert Earl Keen, John Oates, John Prine and Lucinda Williams.

Jarrod Holley, Adam Hale and Chris Kappy. Photo: Madelyn McGee

Make Wake Artists has formed a partnership with One Twenty One Management, founded by Adam Hale. The company’s roster includes Muscadine Bloodline, Ben Chapman and Josh Weathers.

Hale spent six years in the Ohio Army National Guard, including a 2011–2012 deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After moving to Nashville, he spent eight years on the road with Newsboys, Colt Ford, Kip Moore, Brad Paisley and others, gaining experience in artist operations, production and logistics. During that time, he met Muscadine Bloodline’s Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton and became the duo’s manager in 2019.

Since then, Hale has overseen multiple releases, headline tours and major support opportunities, including the duo’s first ACM nomination for Duo of the Year. He later launched One Twenty One Management and expanded its roster to include Weathers and Chapman.

“[Chris] Kappy and I first met years ago in the UK while I was tour managing Kip Moore and he was helping build Luke Combs’ career,” Hale says. “I’ve admired how he’s grown Make Wake with a fan-first mindset, and I believe that philosophy pairs naturally with my artist-first approach built on integrity, communication and execution. On top of that, Jarrod Holley has been one of my closest friends for more than 20 years. We talk every single day, bouncing ideas off each other and helping each other navigate this business, so at some point it just made sense to be working under the same roof. Between that relationship and the resources Make Wake brings to the table, I couldn’t be more excited about what this partnership means for our artists and everything that’s ahead.”

“Some partnerships are special because of the artists, and some are special because of the people – this is both,” shares Make Wake’s Holley. “Adam has been one of my closest friends for more than 20 years, so getting the chance to work together at this stage of our careers is a lot of fun. Watching what he, Charlie, Gary and the team have built independently has been phenomenal, and we’re honored they’ve trusted Make Wake with what’s next.”

“I’ve always believed that the best partnerships are built on shared values before shared success,” adds Kappy, Founder of Make Wake Artists. “Adam Hale and the Muscadine Bloodline team have built something authentic by staying true to who they are, and that’s exactly the kind of artist and people we want to be in business with. At Make Wake Artists, we’re focused on helping exceptional talent create long-term careers without sacrificing their identity. Adam’s vision, leadership and commitment to the band make this a natural fit, and we’re excited to work alongside him as Muscadine Bloodline continues to reach new heights. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Make Wake family.”

Ivan “Churro” Haro is also joining the partnership and serves as day-to-day manager for Muscadine Bloodline, Weathers and Chapman. Haro previously worked with artists including Morgan Wallen, Tyler Rich and Matt Stell. He also manages Glasslands, a metalcore band he is helping develop from the ground up.

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Luke Laird, Cole Brown, Brandon Gill, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin. (Front Row, L-R): Abby Holcomb, Beth Laird, Hampton Hall, Alex Albanese Graham, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns

Hampton Hall has inked with Creative Nation.

Influenced by the sounds of Keith Urban, Eric Church and John Mayer, Hall began playing gigs in and around his hometown in North Alabama at nine years old. He will release his debut single on CN Records, “Run From It,” on Aug. 21.

“It’s such a blessing to have Creative Nation in my corner. It’s everything I was looking for in a team and I cannot wait to see what we will be able to accomplish together,” Hall says.

“The most exciting songs often come from artists who have something to prove and Hampton is ready to do just that. His drive, work ethic, and passion for songwriting is admirable. We’re so excited to have him at Creative Nation,” says Creative Manager, Alex Albanese Graham.

“We’re all so excited to have Hampton on the team. He brings a unique way of storytelling to his music and his drive as both a songwriter and an artist would make anyone excited to work with him,” adds Publishing, Management & Records A&R, Cole Brown.

Sugarland. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Sugarland will embark on their new “The Ride or Die Tour” celebrating the 20th anniversary of Enjoy the Ride, the album that cemented Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush as one of country’s most beloved duos, beginning in October.

The 26-city trek kicks off Oct. 1 in St. Augustine and will visit markets across the country including Charleston, Green Bay, Atlantic City, Toledo, and more, wrapping Nov. 21 in Dallas. Details on fan pre-sales, local on-sale dates, and VIP upgrades more can be found here.

“Enjoy the Ride was such a turning point album,” says Nettles. “It literally catapulted us onto the ride of our lives with a carnival of hits and a life on The Road. We couldn’t let its anniversary pass without marking it as something special with our fans, live and on tour!”

“There is truly nothing more satisfying than the lights going up on the Sugarland stage and feeling our songs rumble out of the speakers,” adds Bush. “I’m excited just thinking about it and even more thrilled to be celebrating the anniversary of Enjoy The Ride.”

Since forming in 2002, Sugarland has sold nearly 10 million albums and racked up seven No. 1s and nearly 2 billion streams to date. Their hits include Platinum-certified “All I Want to Do” and “Stay,” double Platinum “Stuck Like Glue” as well as Gold-certified “Baby Girl,” “It Happens,” “Settlin’,”“Something More” and “Want To.” In addition to the global stardom with Sugarland, both Nettles and Bush have achieved success with their solo work.

Most recently, Nettles wrote the book, lyrics, and score for the new off-Broadway musical Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo, in which she starred as the title character. The show world premiered in Summer 2026 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center in New York.

As a producer, Bush has earned multiple CMA and ACM Award nominations and topped Billboard‘s Country Producers chart. He has produced chart-topping projects for Megan Moroney, including her most recent Billboard 200 No. 1 album Cloud 9, as well as work for Lanie Gardner, K. Michelle, and Runaway June. Through his work with Moroney, Bush has also produced recordings featuring Brooks & Dunn, Ed Sheeran, Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, and Kacey Musgraves.

“The Ride or Die Tour” Dates:
10.1 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
10.2 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
10.3 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
10.8 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center
10.9 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
10.10 – La Crosse, WI – La Crosse Center
10.13 – Sioux City, IA – Tyson Event Center
10.16 – Rapid City, SD – Summit Arena
10.17 – New Town, ND – 4 Bears Casino
10.18 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center
10.20 – Duluth, MN – ASMOIL Arena
10.22 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
10.23 – Rockford, IL – BMO Harris Bank Center
10.24 – Battle Creek, MI – Firekeepers Casino
11.3 – Clarksville, TN – F&M Bank Arena
11.5 – Youngstown, OH – The Covelli Center
11.6 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
11.7 –Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
11.11 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
11.12 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
11.13 – Atlantic City, NJ – The Borgata Casino
11.14 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
11.17 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
11.19 – St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena
11.20 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino
11.21 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theater

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Spotlights ‘Nashville Cat’ John Jorgenson

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and John Jorgenson at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured musician John Jorgenson for its in-depth interview series, Nashville Cats over the weekend. The series spotlights renowned musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the studio or on concert tours. The interview was moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. Rodney Crowell accompanied Jorgenson during his performance.

BMI Stage At Lollapalooza Celebrates 20th Year Of Spotlighting Rising Talent

Elizabeth Nichols performs on the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL on July 30, 2026. Photo: Brandy Fik for BMI

Randy Owen’s ‘My Home’s In Alabama: The Randy Owen Story’ Now Available Online

My Home’s in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story is now available to watch online via YouTube, giving fans the opportunity to explore the life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member and ALABAMA co-founder Randy Owen. The documentary made its broadcast premiere Saturday night on Alabama Public Television (APT). Produced by Jacksonville State University, the film follows Owen’s journey from his upbringing in Fort Payne, Alabama, to becoming the frontman of one of country music’s most successful and influential bands.

Featuring scenic footage of the Alabama landscapes that shaped Owen’s life, the documentary combines personal reflections, career highlights and conversations with family, friends and fellow artists. ALABAMA founding member Teddy Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green and others offer insight into Owen’s career and lasting impact on country music. Throughout the film, Owen reflects on the people, places and values that have guided him while highlighting his enduring connection to the Alabama community he has always called home.

Concord & Stax Music Academy Mark Five-Year Partnership Investing In Music Education

Concord Executive and Stax Artists and Family with the 2025 SMA Concord Stax Scholarship Recipients

Concord and Stax Music Academy have marked five years of their partnership, investing over 1.3 million in music education. In 2021, Concord made a five-year financial commitment to Stax Music Academy in Memphis and the broader music community. Concord, which owns Stax Records, pledged one million dollars over five years to provide scholarships and financial support to students in under-resourced communities.

As of January 2026, that pledge has been exceeded with contributions totaling more than $1.3 million, reflecting Concord’s investment in SMA, its students, and its mission. Over the course of the partnership, Concord has funded 100 scholarships for SMA students. A defining measure of the Academy’s success is its 100% college acceptance rate. The partnership has also connected students with industry professionals, as Concord staff, artists, and songwriters including Noah Goldstein and Varren Wade have regularly participated in online masterclasses and in-person workshops.

CRS360 Releases Webinar On ‘Perfectly Legal: How Air Talent Gains Leverage Before Sitting Down to Negotiate’ 

Country Radio Broadcasters has released the latest installment of its CRS360 webinar series, “Perfectly Legal: How Air Talent Gains Leverage Before Sitting Down to Negotiate,” available to stream on demand. The webinar features Denise Shackelford, founder of The Primacy Firm, CRB’s legal counsel, and Associate Professor in Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Department of Recording Industry within the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.

A respected entertainment attorney and educator, Shackelford has spent more than three decades in the Nashville music industry, including early-career roles with Arista Records and artist management executive Clarence Spalding, before launching her boutique entertainment law practice in 2010. Today, she represents creative professionals and businesses across the music industry while helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders in the classroom. In the session, Shackelford shares valuable insights to help on-air talent better understand employment agreements, recognize their negotiating leverage, identify key contract considerations, and protect one of their greatest professional assets – themselves.