Lady A.
Lady A is welcoming the holiday season with On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2), their first full-length Christmas album in more than a decade, released this fall via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
The acclaimed trio composed of Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood has amassed 11 No. 1 hits and over 9 billion digital streams. Known for hits such as their 12x Platinum “Need You Now,” which is the highest certified song by a country group, they have earned ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year trophies, seven Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nod, among other honors.
The album arrives alongside the group’s first-ever Christmas tour, making this season a particularly special one for Lady A. The project serves as both a continuation and a reflection of the group’s 2012 original release of On This Winter’s Night. 
“Every time that Christmas comes around and we hear from fans about how much that first project is a part of their holiday and Christmas traditions, we think it’d be fun to lean into that,” Haywood tells MusicRow. Volume 2 became an opportunity not only to revisit those traditions but also to take them on the road and share them live.
The idea for On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2) grew naturally out of conversations surrounding a potential holiday tour. “When [the idea of a Christmas tour] started to really come together as a possibility, we felt like it was a really great time to add to our already existing album,” says Scott. With so many holiday songs they love, the group felt they had more to say than they were able to capture the first time around. “Because there’s such a long list of holiday and Christmas songs that we love, and we couldn’t get all of them in the first go round, we just started putting a list together.”
When it came to selecting which songs to cut, balance was key. The band wanted to include tracks that feel instantly recognizable while also introducing listeners to songs that are less commonly covered. “It’s always trying to balance out songs that feel familiar while also picking some that maybe not many people have done versions of,” Kelley explains. One standout example is their take on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” which they approached with both excitement and caution.
“I was 50/50… we’re either gonna fail this miserably, or it’s gonna work,” Kelley says. Ultimately, the band felt they were able to make it their own while keeping it distinct from the original.
While the first On This Winter’s Night album leaned heavily into lush production, horns, and sweeping arrangements, Volume 2 takes on a slightly different feel. “The first Christmas album was highly produced, a ton of horns,” Haywood says, adding that while those elements still appear, the new album is “a much more organic Christmas record for us.” That organic approach allows the trio’s harmonies to remain front and center, giving the songs warmth and intimacy.
In addition to the classic covers, the album also features original material, something Lady A felt was essential to the project. One original that stands out deeply for the band is “Why We Sing Noel.”
“We wrote that with our producer Nathan Chapman and his wife, Stephanie,” Scott shares. The song was written in Haywood’s home studio and centered on the story of the birth of Jesus. For Scott, the song carries an especially personal meaning. “I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now three months old,” she says. “There was definitely a different layer of just realness from that for me … just connecting to Mary and getting to tell that miracle story.” Ricky Skaggs joined the band to play mandolin and sing harmony on the track.
Another notable collaboration comes on “Silent Night,” which features Chris Tomlin. Lady A’s first Christmas album included a version of “Silent Night” with special additions to the lyrics that Kelley wrote more than a decade ago. For Volume 2, they revisited the song in a stripped-down form and invited Tomlin to sing those answers. “He was at the top of our list to try to pull in for a collaboration,” Haywood said. “What an amazing Christian artist… this was a big honor for us.”
While the live show leans heavily into the Christmas spirit, it still carries the heart of what fans expect from a Lady A performance. The trio have emphasized that the goal is to fully embrace the season while still delivering the warmth, connection and familiarity that define their live shows.
Throughout the night, the band is intentionally creating a variety of moments that shift in tone and energy. Some sections invite fans to sing along, leaning into the joy and nostalgia of classic Christmas carols, while other moments are intentionally more intimate. Those quieter portions of the show are designed to feel like “sitting around a campfire, singing Christmas carols,” allowing the music and harmonies to take center stage. Songs like “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” one of the album’s original tracks, are especially exciting for the band to perform live.
As the tour enters its final stretch, Lady A is preparing to bring the experience home. The “This Winter’s Night Tour” is set to conclude with three special shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, a venue that holds deep significance for the group. Ending the run close to home adds another layer of meaning, particularly during the holiday season, when family is at the forefront.
The final performance, a matinee show on Dec. 23, is intended to feel celebratory and personal. With a total of nine kids among the band members, they have even envisioned bringing everyone on stage together for what they describe as a “perfectly chaotic moment.”
Beyond the songs, the band hopes the album as a whole provides listeners with a sense of comfort. “I hope that this album just brings the warmth of the season into their cars, into their homes,” Scott shares.
As with any Christmas project that includes original music, the band admits there’s always a hopeful thought in the back of their minds. “What if we have just written something that might become another Christmas classic?” Kelley says. While they joke about not reaching Mariah Carey levels, the dream remains that these songs will live on and become part of listeners’ holiday traditions for years to come.
Tickets for the remaining dates of the “This Winter’s Night Tour” are available here.
SOLID Raises Over $65,800 In Non-Profit Support
/by Lauryn SinkSOLID Board.
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) wrapped up 2025 following a year of nonprofit-focused events and industry engagement. The group of young music industry professionals raised over $65,800 in total donations for fellow non-profit groups this year and executed over 40 educational and social events.
Throughout the year, SOLID hosted panels including “Life Happens: Are You Ready?” with Family Alliance in Music (FAM) and Team Behind the Artist with Jay Harren (artist manager), Nate Yetton (VP of A&R at Big Loud), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R at Big Loud) and Benji Amaefule (Manager, A&R at Warner Chappell), members of Kashus Culpepper‘s team.
The organization’s 39th Annual SOLID Turkey Bowl flag football competition, held Nov. 15 at Maplewood High School, raised over $18,000 for the 2025 SOLID Shares nonprofit partners and collected more than 2,200 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.
SOLID leadership presented the 2025 Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award to alumna Brittany Schaffer. During the annual holiday party, SOLID honored Chandel Shanklin (Warner Music Group) as the 2025 Member of the Year.
BMI Hosts Conversation With Clipse At Nashville’s Analog
/by Lauryn SinkClipse. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI
BMI hosted a conversation with Clipse at Nashville’s Analog on Wednesday (Dec. 17).
The hip-hop duo, composed of Pusha T and Malice, discussed their GRAMMY-nominated album, Let God Sort Em Out, with moderator and industry veteran Phil Thornton.
Hosted by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Thornton led the discussion diving into the duos’ co-writing process and five GRAMMY nominations including Album of the Year, Rap Album of the Year, Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” Best Rap Song for “The Birds Don’t Sing,” and Best Music Video for “So Be It.” The evening concluded with a screening of Clipse’s latest music video for “P.O.V.,” featuring Tyler, The Creator.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Jackson Kiger and Shannon Sanders, Clipse’s Pusha T, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Clipse’s Malice, BMI’s Rafael Martinez, Nina Carter and Claire Dodelin. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI
Phil Thornton & Clipse. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Clipse, BMI’s Rafael Martinez, Phil Thornton. Photo: Jessica Amerson for BMI
Ella Langley Leaps To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley tops the last MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart of 2025 with “Choosin’ Texas,” which leaped from No. 8 to the top spot.
The breakout star co-wrote the track with Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor.
Langley performed “Choosin’ Texas” at the 2025 CMA Awards in November, where she collected three awards for Single, Song and Music Video of the Year with “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.
“Choosin’ Texas” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
John Michael Montgomery Caps Off 30-Year Touring Career With Triumphant Rupp Arena Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Michael Montgomery
John Michael Montgomery said goodbye to the road life and wrapped his 30-plus year touring career in front of a sold-out crowd in a special farewell show at Lexington, Kentucky’s Rupp Arena on Friday night (Dec. 12.)
The heartfelt evening was a full-blown family affair as well, with John Michael’s son-in-law Travis Denning opening the night of performances, followed by John Michael’s son Walker Montgomery, and Montgomery Gentry, featuring Eddie Montgomery, John Michael’s brother.
Loyal fans, family and friends gathered in Lexington for the superstar’s sendoff, and as Montgomery took the stage and began performing hit after hit, he was interrupted mid-show by Walker, who stepped onstage behind his father and said, “Hey Dad, you never left Kentucky… you never moved to Nashville… Kentucky has been your home for all of your life… so we are going to have a special surprise for you.”
The rest of the family then joined Walker onstage along with Rupp Arena’s General Manager Brian Sipe, who made an incredible presentation to the country icon by unveiling a permanent banner that will hang in the arena commemorating John Michael’s iconic career and The Road Home Tour, The Final Concert at Rupp.
“Well I certainly didn’t expect that tonight! As much as I have come here to watch the Cats play, and just absolutely loved seeing those banners, all of those decades and years of greatness hanging from the ceiling of this place, I don’t even have words… I cannot believe it, but I’ll tell you what… That’s the most special thing that’s happened to me in my career!” exclaimed Montgomery, who was genuinely surprised.
The consummate professional continued the show performing many more of his epic hits before ending the night with a rousing encore of “SOLD,” which he invited everyone back onstage to perform with him.
“Congratulations to John Michael Montgomery on a legendary career,” said Outback Presents CEO Mike Smardak. “Working with him and his team on such an unforgettable event was truly an honor.”
“What an unforgettable night celebrating Kentucky’s own John Michael Montgomery,” added Sipe of Rupp Arena. “We were honored that he chose our venue for his final concert, and it was a true privilege for our entire team to raise his name into the rafters at Rupp Arena, cementing his legacy forever,”
Lady A Embraces The Holiday Season With ‘On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2)’ [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkLady A.
Lady A is welcoming the holiday season with On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2), their first full-length Christmas album in more than a decade, released this fall via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
The acclaimed trio composed of Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood has amassed 11 No. 1 hits and over 9 billion digital streams. Known for hits such as their 12x Platinum “Need You Now,” which is the highest certified song by a country group, they have earned ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year trophies, seven Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nod, among other honors.
The album arrives alongside the group’s first-ever Christmas tour, making this season a particularly special one for Lady A. The project serves as both a continuation and a reflection of the group’s 2012 original release of On This Winter’s Night.
“Every time that Christmas comes around and we hear from fans about how much that first project is a part of their holiday and Christmas traditions, we think it’d be fun to lean into that,” Haywood tells MusicRow. Volume 2 became an opportunity not only to revisit those traditions but also to take them on the road and share them live.
The idea for On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2) grew naturally out of conversations surrounding a potential holiday tour. “When [the idea of a Christmas tour] started to really come together as a possibility, we felt like it was a really great time to add to our already existing album,” says Scott. With so many holiday songs they love, the group felt they had more to say than they were able to capture the first time around. “Because there’s such a long list of holiday and Christmas songs that we love, and we couldn’t get all of them in the first go round, we just started putting a list together.”
When it came to selecting which songs to cut, balance was key. The band wanted to include tracks that feel instantly recognizable while also introducing listeners to songs that are less commonly covered. “It’s always trying to balance out songs that feel familiar while also picking some that maybe not many people have done versions of,” Kelley explains. One standout example is their take on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” which they approached with both excitement and caution.
“I was 50/50… we’re either gonna fail this miserably, or it’s gonna work,” Kelley says. Ultimately, the band felt they were able to make it their own while keeping it distinct from the original.
While the first On This Winter’s Night album leaned heavily into lush production, horns, and sweeping arrangements, Volume 2 takes on a slightly different feel. “The first Christmas album was highly produced, a ton of horns,” Haywood says, adding that while those elements still appear, the new album is “a much more organic Christmas record for us.” That organic approach allows the trio’s harmonies to remain front and center, giving the songs warmth and intimacy.
In addition to the classic covers, the album also features original material, something Lady A felt was essential to the project. One original that stands out deeply for the band is “Why We Sing Noel.”
“We wrote that with our producer Nathan Chapman and his wife, Stephanie,” Scott shares. The song was written in Haywood’s home studio and centered on the story of the birth of Jesus. For Scott, the song carries an especially personal meaning. “I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now three months old,” she says. “There was definitely a different layer of just realness from that for me … just connecting to Mary and getting to tell that miracle story.” Ricky Skaggs joined the band to play mandolin and sing harmony on the track.
Another notable collaboration comes on “Silent Night,” which features Chris Tomlin. Lady A’s first Christmas album included a version of “Silent Night” with special additions to the lyrics that Kelley wrote more than a decade ago. For Volume 2, they revisited the song in a stripped-down form and invited Tomlin to sing those answers. “He was at the top of our list to try to pull in for a collaboration,” Haywood said. “What an amazing Christian artist… this was a big honor for us.”
While the live show leans heavily into the Christmas spirit, it still carries the heart of what fans expect from a Lady A performance. The trio have emphasized that the goal is to fully embrace the season while still delivering the warmth, connection and familiarity that define their live shows.
Throughout the night, the band is intentionally creating a variety of moments that shift in tone and energy. Some sections invite fans to sing along, leaning into the joy and nostalgia of classic Christmas carols, while other moments are intentionally more intimate. Those quieter portions of the show are designed to feel like “sitting around a campfire, singing Christmas carols,” allowing the music and harmonies to take center stage. Songs like “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” one of the album’s original tracks, are especially exciting for the band to perform live.
As the tour enters its final stretch, Lady A is preparing to bring the experience home. The “This Winter’s Night Tour” is set to conclude with three special shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, a venue that holds deep significance for the group. Ending the run close to home adds another layer of meaning, particularly during the holiday season, when family is at the forefront.
The final performance, a matinee show on Dec. 23, is intended to feel celebratory and personal. With a total of nine kids among the band members, they have even envisioned bringing everyone on stage together for what they describe as a “perfectly chaotic moment.”
Beyond the songs, the band hopes the album as a whole provides listeners with a sense of comfort. “I hope that this album just brings the warmth of the season into their cars, into their homes,” Scott shares.
As with any Christmas project that includes original music, the band admits there’s always a hopeful thought in the back of their minds. “What if we have just written something that might become another Christmas classic?” Kelley says. While they joke about not reaching Mariah Carey levels, the dream remains that these songs will live on and become part of listeners’ holiday traditions for years to come.
Tickets for the remaining dates of the “This Winter’s Night Tour” are available here.
Inaugural Deep Tropics Equinox Spring Gathering Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughDeep Tropics
Deep Tropics, a cornerstone of Nashville’s electronic music scene, has launched Deep Tropics Equinox, a new spring gathering set for March 20–21 at the Bicentennial Park Amphitheater.
The genre-spanning lineup will feature Of The Trees, Jade Cicada, Barclay Crenshaw, Ivy Lab (DNB Set), It’s Murph, Claude VonStroke, Tinjo + Jojo, RaeCola and more. Equinox also features a dedicated late-night program, with Friday headlined by G Jones b2b Eprom, and Saturday invites iconic house artist Green Velvet for a four-hour set.
In creating Equinox, the Deep Tropics team set out to design a gathering where music, community, and cultural evolution move as one, and the gathering is a ritual moment for artists, fans, and the Nashville community to step into a new season together. Conceived as a more intimate, community-driven extension of their flagship Labor Day Weekend festival, it embodies the spirit of the spring equinox ,and with nature-rooted symbolism, intentional curation, and an ongoing commitment to environmental leadership, the inaugural Equinox marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Deep Tropics story. Tickets go on sale to the general public today (Dec. 18).
Abby & Dan Smyers To Match Wags & Walks Donations
/by Madison HahnenDan & Abby Smyers. Photo: Courtesy of Wags & Walks
Abby and Dan Smyers will support Wags & Walks Nashville and its Home For The Holidays campaign by matching all donations up to $25,000.
Additionally, Wags & Walks Nashville celebrated 1,500 dogs saved in 2025, the most in the organization’s history. Dogs saved include critical medical cases, pregnant moms, puppies, seniors and more. Each dog received comprehensive veterinary care, individualized support, and the resources needed to find their forever home.
“Shelters across the region are facing unprecedented overcrowding, and this milestone reflects the hard work required to meet the need,” says Kathryn Hurley, Founder of Wags & Walks Nashville. “Every dog we saved this year represents countless hours of care, advocacy, and community support, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
“Supporting rescue work has always been close to our hearts, and I have been honored to work closely with Wags & Walks Nashville over the years,” shares Abby Smyers. “We are so happy to be able to contribute to the meaningful, hands-on work they are doing for dogs and our community.”
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to help amplify their impact and encourage others to get involved this holiday season,” adds Dan Smyers. “1,500 lives saved in a single year is truly incredible, and we are proud to support such a great organization.”
For more information or to donate, click here.
Industry Ink: Bailey Zimmerman, CRS, Cumulus Media, Nashville Cats Cocktails, More
/by Lauryn SinkBailey Zimmerman & Raising Cane’s Partner For Children’s Bike Giveaway
Photo: Courtesy of Raising Cane’s.
Bailey Zimmerman recently partnered with Raising Cane’s to donate 100 children’s bikes and helmets to Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee. Zimmerman helped distribute the bikes on Wednesday (Dec. 17) at the Nashville Raising Cane’s location.
Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. & iMAR Entertainment Partner For CRS 2026 Opportunity
Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) has partnered with iMAR Entertainment for the second consecutive year, once again offering radio stations and programmers an exclusive opportunity to attend Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026 in Nashville through a 100% barter model, with no cash required.
“CRS continues to be a must-attend event for radio,” shares CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. “At the same time, we understand the financial constraints many stations are navigating. Our partnership with iMAR offers a thoughtful solution, providing a premium, all-inclusive CRS experience without added stress. We’re thankful for iMAR’s partnership and look forward to welcoming our radio partners through this unique offering.”
Space is limited and more information can be found here.
Cumulus Media’s KIX 106 Raises $535,209 For St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital During Annual St. Jude Kids Radiothon
KIX 106 Team.
Cumulus Media Country station, KIX 106 (WGKX-FM) in Memphis raised a total of $535,209 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon. This marks the largest amount ever raised by the station during the annual one-day on-air and online fundraiser.
“This is what local radio is all about — connecting with our listeners and making a real difference,” says Morgan Bohannon, Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus Memphis. “We’re beyond proud of our team and grateful to our listeners for stepping up in such a big way in this extraordinary show of generosity and community spirit. St. Jude is a beacon of hope for families everywhere, and we’re honored to support their mission.”
“This community never fails to amaze us,” adds Argo, Program Director for KIX 106. “Every dollar raised helps St. Jude continue its lifesaving mission, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of the Mid-South.”
Nashville Cats Vodka Cocktail Launches In Las Vegas
Pictured (L-R): Rod Essig, Stacie Kinder, Tim McGraw. Photo: Tyler Conrad
Nashville Cats Vodka Cocktail recently launched in Las Vegas during Tim McGraw’s show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The company plans to expand into into additional Caesars Entertainment properties, including Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
“Partnering with Caesars Entertainment was a natural fit for the Tim McGraw concert series this month,” says Rod Essig. “Tim is a legendary performer and it only makes sense that a cocktail celebrating legends would debut alongside someone of his stature. We’re thrilled to bring the spirit of Nashville to the heart of Las Vegas with Nashville Cats Cocktails at The Colosseum.”
The Fire Place Fellowship Hosts 14th Annual ‘A Music City Christmas’
Pictured (L-R): Kaden Hesse, Sonic The Hedge Hog, Joey, Hannah Hesse, Juna, Pastor Shanda Tripp-Hill, Pastor Randy Hill, Santa Claus. Photo: Ranger Garrett
On Sunday (Dec. 14), The Fire Place Fellowship hosted its 14th annual “A Music City Christmas” serving approximately 300 foster children and their families from across Middle Tennessee.
The event featured photos with Santa, complimentary treats provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes, lunch served to all the children and a performance from Juna N Joey. Each foster child received at least five brand-new gifts, along with winter clothing, shoes, toys, bedding and personal care items.
“We are incredibly grateful to the businesses, volunteers, and families who donated their time and resources to make this possible,” says Founder Shanda Tripp, who established Love From Music City following the event’s beginnings at The Fire Place Fellowship. “Fourteen years ago, we chose to honor foster families by focusing our Christmas efforts on the children who need it most.”
Jamey Johnson & Megan Moroney Team For Special Birmingham MOJO Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJamey Johnson and Megan Moroney
Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney are teaming up for MOJO, a one-night-only acoustic benefit show at The Fennec in Birmingham, Alabama on Jan. 15.
Johnson and Moroney are uniting for a night of talent and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on their communities through the special show, which will benefit their respective charities, Give It Away Foundation and The Megan Moroney Foundation.
The two close friends have previously shared stages through the years, including Johnson’s birthday show at the Grand Ole Opry and most recently on The Hallmark Channel’s A Grand Ole Opry Christmas Movie. Johnson was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Moroney, inviting her to join his “What A View Tour” in 2022. Johnson and Deana Carter issued the official invitation for Moroney to make her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023.
Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation supports charities close to their hearts that help communities during times of crisis, and The Megan Moroney Foundation is focused on supporting initiatives to combat bullying and promoting mental-health well-being. More information on the evening can be found at giveitawayfoundation.org
Billy Montana & David Tolliver Partner For ‘Tennessee Sound Sites’ Program
/by Lauryn SinkBilly Montana & David Tolliver.
Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Billy Montana and David Tolliver have recently collaborated on the “Tennessee Sound Sites” program, a new initiative from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), and developed in partnership with VML, that is redefining accessibility for blind and visually impaired travelers.
Tennessee Sound Sites replaces standard image descriptions, known as alt-text, on TNVacation.com with songwriter-crafted lyrics that capture the landscapes, culture, and character of the state. Montana and Tolliver served as lead writers for the project, collectively crafting 500 original descriptions alongside a team of ten contributing songwriters including Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Michael Farren.
“This project means more than just words on a page,” shares Montana, “It’s about making Tennessee welcoming and alive for everyone, regardless of how they experience the world.”
Tolliver adds, “We’ve always believed in the power of a song to tell a story. Now we get to help tell the story of our state in a whole new way.”