Pictured (L-R): Previous Poets and Prophets honoree Gary Burr, museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, Steve Earle, Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris, museum Circle Guard member Jay Orr and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray at the museum. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted an in-depth interview last weekend with Steve Earle for its “Poets and Prophets” series.
The series highlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music, and Earle performed a few songs during the program, which was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer and accompanied by photos, film and songs.
One of American roots music’s most enduring and influential artists, Earle is a singer-songwriter, producer, author, playwright, radio host, actor, and activist. His catalog includes songs recorded by Joan Baez, the Highwaymen, Miranda Lambert, Kathy Mattea, Bob Seger, Emmylou Harris, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs and more. He has recorded 22 albums, written a book, a novel and a play, and produced albums for other artists including Lucinda Williams’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. Earle is also the host of the “Hardcore Troubadour” radio show, has appeared in several films, and has had recurring roles on two HBO series, The Wire and Treme. He has won three Grammys for Best Contemporary Folk Album, was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, and joined the Grand Ole Opry in September.
The “Poets and Prophets” program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Steve Earle Featured In Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s ‘Poets & Prophets’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Previous Poets and Prophets honoree Gary Burr, museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, Steve Earle, Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris, museum Circle Guard member Jay Orr and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray at the museum. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted an in-depth interview last weekend with Steve Earle for its “Poets and Prophets” series.
The series highlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music, and Earle performed a few songs during the program, which was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer and accompanied by photos, film and songs.
One of American roots music’s most enduring and influential artists, Earle is a singer-songwriter, producer, author, playwright, radio host, actor, and activist. His catalog includes songs recorded by Joan Baez, the Highwaymen, Miranda Lambert, Kathy Mattea, Bob Seger, Emmylou Harris, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs and more. He has recorded 22 albums, written a book, a novel and a play, and produced albums for other artists including Lucinda Williams’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. Earle is also the host of the “Hardcore Troubadour” radio show, has appeared in several films, and has had recurring roles on two HBO series, The Wire and Treme. He has won three Grammys for Best Contemporary Folk Album, was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, and joined the Grand Ole Opry in September.
The “Poets and Prophets” program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Big Machine Label Group Elevates Jay Cruze
/by Madison HahnenJay Cruze
Big Machine Label Group has promoted Jay Cruze from Director, Southeast Promotion & Marketing to National Director, Radio Strategy for Big Machine Records. In the new role, Cruze will support national radio strategy for Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
“Jay was an exceptional addition to Big Machine Records three years ago and his impact has only continued to expand across the entire label group,” says Kris Lamb, EVP/General Manager, Big Machine Records. “His deep understanding of national programming, paired with the trust and relationships he has built at radio, has become a powerful asset for our company. I am proud that the full label group will now benefit from Jay’s insight as he steps into this next chapter.
“I’m beyond grateful to Scott, Kris and the entire Big Machine team for the trust they’ve placed in me,” adds Cruze. “I’ve been lucky to learn from and work with some of the best people in radio and records over the last three years, and I cannot wait to expand that by working with the entire label group in 2026. Let’s go!”
Cruze first joined Big Machine Records in 2023 from iHeartMedia where he led the shaping and execution of national programming of country platforms. His previous stops also include Average Joes Entertainment and Bigger Picture Group.
JUST IN: CRS Reveals New Faces Of Country Music Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Chase Matthew, Ella Langley, John Morgan, Josh Ross, Kelsey Hart and Meghan Patrick.
Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music Show at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026. This year’s showcase will feature performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.
Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the New Faces of Country Music Show will take place during CRS 2026, scheduled for March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Tickets for the New Faces of Country Music Show are sold separately from general CRS registration for $110 and are limited.
The New Faces of Country Music show has spotlighted emerging artists who have demonstrated notable success and momentum at Country Radio during the qualification period since its inception in 1970.
Gabby Barrett & Sara Evans To Headline Country Jam Naples In April
/by Lorie HollabaughGabby Barrett & Sara Evans
Country Jam Naples is returning with its all-female, all-country lineup to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on April 18.
Gabby Barrett and Sara Evans will co-headline the second annual festival, with additional lineup announcements to come. Tickets can be purchased at CountryJamNaples.com, and for a limited time, general admission tickets are available at a special early rate of $55 with promo code CJN2026 before the price increases to $79. STARability has been named the official charity partner for Country Jam Naples, with a portion of concert ticket sales directly benefiting the local nonprofit and its work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We’re beyond excited to unveil this year’s groundbreaking all-female, all-country, all-star lineup. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re confident this one-of-a-kind show will be a true cultural highlight for the greater Naples community,” says Kevin Janeway, founder and CEO of 239 Presents, and producer-promoter of Country Jam Naples.
Looking For A New Job In 2026? Check Out MusicRow’s Job Board
/by MusicRow StaffWith another year upon us, new job opportunities are opening up.
MusicRow wants to encourage its readers who are either looking for a music industry job or have an open position to fill to check out its Job Listings Board, located in the top menu bar on the MusicRow website.
Those who have full-time, part-time or temporary job opportunities can submit a form to list a job on the Job Listings Board. All job listings are free-to-list and will be posted for 60 days. Listings are accepted and published at the discretion of MusicRow.
Kimberly Holcombe Joins CTM Outlander
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Jitze de Raaff (CTM), André de Raaff (CEO, CTM Outlander), Kimberly Holcombe, Thomas Deelder (CTM).
Kimberly Holcombe has joined CTM Outlander as Vice President, Copyright & Administration.
In her new role, Holcombe will be the point of contact for CTMO’s copyright and royalty activities in the US. She will also serve as the dedicated contact for the Nashville writers for related matters.
With over 15 years of experience in music publishing and administration, Holcombe most recently served as Senior Manager, Portfolio Management & Analysis at Sony Music Publishing, with previous stops at Sentric Music (Senior Client Manager, US), and Kobalt Music Publishing (Director, Writer & Publisher Relations and Contract Administration).
Attorney Jake Farbman Joins Hall Booth Smith’s Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Farbman
Jake Farbman has joined Hall Booth Smith’s Nashville office as an attorney in its Entertainment Practice group.
Farbman’s passion for music began long before practicing law. In 2014, he co-founded the rock band The Catching as its guitarist and songwriter. He played more than 500 shows across 43 states with the band and shared stages with artists including Shawn Mendes, Alessia Cara, Plain White T’s and 311. After the band broke up in 2019, Farbman earned his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law concentrating on music law, IP, and antitrust.
During law school he authored a law review article analyzing concert ticket affordability and the Live Nation/Ticketmaster market structure that was published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Law, and worked as a Law Clerk and Summer Associate at Hall Booth Smith, P.C. in Nashville; as a legal extern at the Law Office of Allen Jacobi / Pyramid Records in Miami; and as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Laura Maria Gonzalez-Marques of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
At Hall Booth Smith Farbman handles entertainment transactions, intellectual property matters and general litigation, with a developing focus on music industry contracts, catalog rights, licensing, royalty analysis and entertainment-related civil litigation.
Josh Weathers Inks With Sea Gayle Music
/by Lauryn SinkJosh Weathers & Sea Gayle Music team.
Josh Weathers has inked with Sea Gayle Music.
A Texas native, Weathers released his most recent project, Neon Never Fades, on Friday (Jan. 2). Alongside his wife Kady, Weathers founded the Love Like You Mean It Foundation, dedicated to combating human trafficking in India and El Salvador.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Josh Weathers to the Sea Gayle family,” says Chris DuBois, President of Sea Gayle Music. “Josh is a truly generational talent and one of the finest vocalists you’ll ever hear. His ability to make a 500-seat venue feel like a stadium show is unmatched. We’re excited to partner with him on this next chapter and can’t wait for the rest of the world to experience his music.”
“I’m truly honored and excited to begin this next chapter with Sea Gayle Music,” adds Weathers. “Their care and integrity in crafting great songs with world-class songwriters is unparalleled. There’s no place I’d rather be. Sincere thanks to Chris DuBois and the incredible Sea Gayle team for their trust and support.”
Industry Ink: Chris Young, Tucker Wetmore, Neal McCoy
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young Performs On Live With Kelly & Mark
Chris Young. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Chris Young returned to Live With Kelly & Mark to perform “I Didn’t Come Here To Leave,” the title track to his recently-released tenth album via Black River Entertainment. He recently wrapped the final four stops of his first-ever holiday tour, the “It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young” Tour, which featured Young performing a mix of holiday songs, including the recently released “Christmas Ain’t Christmas” and “Silver Bells,” along with fan-favorite hits.
Tucker Wetmore Rings In 2026 On Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Courtesy of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
Tucker Wetmore rang in 2026 with a milestone national TV performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, kicking off the new year with a high-energy mashup of his first No. 1, “Wind Up Missin’ You” and his fan-favorite track, “Brunette.” Wetmore enters 2026 following a banner 2025 that included back-to-back No. 1 singles, making him the 14th artist in chart history to land his first two singles at No. 1 within the same calendar year; his debut album, What Not To, which made history as the biggest country album debut from a new artist in 2025; and a year of touring across the U.S. and abroad. He is set to launch “The Brunette World Tour” in February.
Neal McCoy To Receive “Spirit of Texas” Award During Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy will be honored with the “Spirit of Texas” award during the 2026 Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Billy Bob’s Texas on March 25. The evening will feature cocktails, a silent auction, and a cowboy-inspired dining experience leading up to the induction ceremony. In addition, McCoy has partnered with Allied Flag, America’s premium manufacturer of 100% American-made flags, to launch a limited-edition Premium American Flag as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The partnership aligns with a major milestone for McCoy, as on Jan. 7, McCoy will mark the 10-year anniversary of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance live every day to his followers, a commitment he has maintained without missing a single day. Allied Flag will begin shipping the limited-edition flags on Jan. 7 in honor of that anniversary. To celebrate that milestone, McCoy will appear on FOX & Friends on Sunday, January 4.
Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean & Bailey Zimmerman Headline ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Alan Poizner/Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman, CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers took the stage at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Wednesday night (Jan. 31) to ring in 2026 at “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.”
Wilson kept the energy high, performing a set of hits including “4x4xU,” “Hang Tight Honey,” “Whirlwind,” “Country’s Cool Again” and “Heart Like A Truck.” She was joined onstage by television program co-host Hardy for “Wait In The Truck.”
Aldean delivered a set of fan-favorites with “My Kinda Party,” “Whiskey Drink,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” “She’s Country” and more.
Zimmerman lit up the stage with his dynamic set of “New To Country,” “Where It Ends,” “Holy Smokes,” “Rock and A Hard Place,” “Religiously” and “Fall In Love.”
With an estimated crowd of 205,000 people, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Dwight Yoakam also performed across the city during the CBS broadcast, which is available for streaming on Paramount+.