It’s “Band Day” here at DISClaimer.
Groups tend to be pushed aside by solo stars every week, so I’m dedicating a whole column to survey what everyone’s been up to. Our entries come from Texas, Colorado, Chicago and New York, as well as Nashville.
They also come from the Americana, country, folk, rock and bluegrass fields. From the latter emerges the stellar sound of Steve Martin & Alison Brown. Joined by the everlasting troubadour Jackson Browne, they have the Disc of the Day.
Also in the hunt for our top prize this week were Needtobreahe, Shinedown, The Kody Norris Show, Flatland Calvary, The Band of Heathens and our DISCovery Award winners, the Clay Street Unit.
THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Saved”
Writers: Garrett Howell/Jack Wharff/Ryan Atchison; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Machine Records
– Chopped rhythms and steady-state guitar strumming underscore a contemporary Christian song with a plaintive lead vocal.
PARMALEE / “How Do I Let You Go”
Writers: Casey Brown/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Parker Welling; Producers: Casey Brown, David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The band pivots from the good-timey “Cowgirl” to a deeply personal song about dealing with grief. Echoey and soaring.
THE BAND OF HEATHENS / “High on Our Own Supply”
Writers: Ed Jurdi/Gordy Quist/Jesse Noah Wilson; Producers: Jim Vollentine, The Band Of Heathens; Label: BOH Records
– This genre-agnostic Austin group is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Band of Heathens has built up a solid following by doing things its own grass-rootsy way and resisting conformity. Its upcoming album will be titled Country Sides, and this is its advance track. The earthy, crunchy, earnest, folk-rock sound is enormously endearing.
HEARTLAND / “Tractor Rolls”
Writers: Harrison Kindy/Jaron Boyer/Michael Tyler; Producer: none listed; Label: Yellowhammer Music Group
– Its an anthem for/about America’s farmers. Lots of screaming electric guitars.
RATBOYS / “Anywhere”
Writers: Dave Sagan/Julia Steiner/Marcus Nuccio/Sean Neumann; Producer: Chris Walla, Ratboys; Label: New West Records
– Chicago’s Ratboys are billed as “post country.” Despite its name, the band has a female lead singer, Julia Steiner. The sound is bright, bopping, thrashy, garage rock & roll.
SHINEDOWN / “Searchlight”
Writers: Brent Smith/Dave Bassett/Eric Bass; Producer: Dave Bassett, Eric Bass; Label: Atlantic Records
– The popular rock band introduced this on the Grand Ole Opry last month. It’s pretty cool sounding, with just enough guitar jangle to tickle country lovers’ ears. A melodic delight.
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / “Dancing on the Moon”
Writers: Andrew Falco/Andrew Hall/Christopher Pandolfi/Jeremy Garrett/Jon Weisberger/Josh Shiling/Travis Book; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Americana Vibes
– These Grammy and IBMA award-winning progressive bluegrassers are haunting and minor-key on this sophisticated, offbeat melody. The lyric describes the delirium of falling in love while dobro notes dribble all around.
CLAY STREET UNIT / “Rollin’”
Writer: Sam Walker; Producer: Chris Pandolfi; Label: Leo33
– This Colorado band is renowned for its incendiary live performances. On its Leo33 debut, the group sounds relaxed and contemplative about moving on after a breakup. Steel, mandolin, banjo and guitar notes sparkle, then in mid-song, the percussion shifts the song into high gear. Highly promising. Send more.
NEEDTOBREATHE / “Where You Call Home”
Writer: Bear Rinehart; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: NEEDTOBREATHE
– Surviving life’s struggles sounds easy in this lilting, harmony-embellished, acoustic charmer. Hearty, warm and embracing. By all means, play this beautiful audio gift.
THE KODY NORRIS SHOW / “Waitress, Waitress”
Writer: Boudleaux Bryant; Producer: The Kody Norris Show; Label: Rebel Records
– I adore this band. The groovy retro stage wear, the warmly sincere vocals, and the overall attitude have always been first rate. This merry ditty about romancing a waitress comes with a built-in smile. The video was filmed at the Elliston Place Soda Shop and features cameo appearance by T. Graham Brown, William Lee Golden, John Berry and more. Bluegrass perfection.
STEVE MARTIN, ALISON BROWN, JACKSON BROWNE, JEFF HANNA / “Dear Time”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producer: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– Steve and Alison’s twin-banjo duet and droll banter during their appearance as presenters on last month’s CMA Awards were a breath of fresh air. They’ve also been promoting their new album on Jimmy Kimmel, The View, NPR, Jimmy Fallon and the IBMA Awards, which they co-hosted. The album’s track with vocalist Browne and Hannah on harmony vocals is a standout moment on the Safe, Sensible and Sane collection. Wistful, thoughtful, nostalgic, melodic and utterly enchanting. Vince Gill, The Indigo Girls, Della Mae, Tim O’brien and other guests also celebrate the album.
THE LONE BELLOW / “Islands in the Stream”
Writers: Barry Alan Gibb/Maurice Ernest Gibb/Robin Hugh Gibb; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Burly Bellow Music
– These enduring Americana favorites have always loved infectious hooks. This Kenny & Dolly oldie is packed with them. Long a fan favorite at live shows, now it’s a tuneful, trio-harmonized single. There’s also a live, acoustic video performance on YouTube. Sing along.
FLATLAND CALVARY / “Gone”
Writers: Aaron Eshuis/Cleto Cordero/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Dwight Baker; Label: Lost Highway
– This ode of a drifting vagabond is country to the core, from the fiddle solo to the twang guitar and drawled vocals. It’s another great illustration of this fine band’s “Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart” ethos. The group’s swirling sounds are brilliantly mixed and produced. Here’s toasting its new contract with Lost Highway with the sincere hope that this deserving group gets the accolades and attention it has long deserved.
BRYAN SUTTON & DOC WATSON / “Working Man Blues”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– The late Doc Watson is among the guitar heroes collaborating with six-string master Sutton on his From Roots to Branches series (also check out the Sierra Hull and Trey Hensley collabs). Doc sings, but it’s the brain dazzling acoustic guitar playing that makes this an utterly jaw dropping listening experience.
Lainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell Among New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2026 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Teddy Swims, Eagles, Rhiannon Giddens, Earth, Wind & Fire and many more are among the jam-packed lineup for the 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, set for April 23 through May 3.
More than 5,000 musicians will perform across 14 stages over eight days at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course, filling the air with everything from jazz and blues to gospel, funk, rock, and zydeco. Beyond the music, Festivalgoers can indulge in local cuisine, art, and tradition, making Jazz Fest not just an event, but a celebration of everything that makes New Orleans unforgettable.
From Katrina to Melissa, Jazz Fest stands in solidarity with the people of Jamaica and is dedicating its 2026 Cultural Exchange Pavilion to the island nation. Entitled “One Love Jamaica,” this special presentation celebrates Jamaica’s vibrant music, rich cultural traditions, and indomitable spirit in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa this fall. The lineup features some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, including Ziggy and Stephen Marley, Sean Paul, Burning Spear, Protoje, Original Koffee and Lila Iké, alongside emerging talent and the lesser-known sounds of Jamaican mento, gospel, jazz and Junkanoo.
Outside the Pavilion, festival-goers can visit the Cultural Exchange Artist Demonstration Tent, which will offer a curated selection of craft items supporting artisans affected by the hurricane, and enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine and beverages at the Cultural Exchange food stand.
Weekend passes and VIP packages go on sale today, (Dec. 12) , at 10 a.m. at nojazzfest.com, and the festival offers special payment plans starting with just $49 down. Jazz Fest also offers discounted general admission pricing for Louisiana Residents. Once again Jazz Fest 2026 will include the much-beloved “Locals Thursday” on both weekends of the event, April 23 & 30, for Louisiana residents.
NSAI Accepting Submissions For 34th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is now accepting round submissions for the 34th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, set for March 24-28.
Longstanding presenting partner Regions Bank is returning to support and celebrate songwriters alongside NSAI, and planning has begun for the annual five-day festival dedicated to honoring the art of songwriting and shining the spotlight on those who often go unseen as they craft the world’s favorite songs.
To submit a round for consideration, visit here or tinpansouth.com prior to the submission deadline of Jan. 9. Once the open submission period closes, all entries received will be reviewed by the official selection committee to confirm the official festival schedule. For any questions regarding the submission process, please contact Lindsay@nashvillesongwriters.
Keith Urban Shares Raucous Fun Of Live Shows On First-Ever Live Album ‘High And A (Live)’
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban has released his first full-length live album, High And A (Live) today (Dec. 12).
Recorded during his recently-wrapped “High And Alive World Tour,” the new album features every minute of Urban’s two-hour, 20-song concert, and gives fans a chance to experience and/or re-live one of his most explosive concert tours to date. The tour was Urban’s first in nearly three years, and the album captures screaming guitar solos, raucous crowd singalongs, and a cover of the New Radicals “You Get What You Give.”
Some of Urban’s biggest hits like “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “One Too Many,” “Somebody Like You” and “Wasted Time” are featured on High And A (Live) , including 11 of his 24 No. 1s, a mashup of “Kiss A Girl” and “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” an acoustic version of “You’ll Think Of Me,” as well as songs from his latest album High.
“Playing live is what I live to do,” says Urban. “Looking out from a stage and seeing people singing, forgetting about all the stress in their lives, cutting loose, and feeling ALIVE – that’s what it’s about for me.”
Urban has been the featured headliner on The Road, the new music series he co-produced with Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton on CBS. The show highlights Urban’s and Shelton’s journey in search of the next big musician; performing as Urban’s opening act at music venues across America. The Road finale is set to air on Dec. 21.
High And A(Live) Track List:
1. “Straight Line”
2. “Where The Blacktop Ends”
3. “Long Hot Summer”
4. “Messed Up As Me”
5. “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”
6. “Somewhere In My Car with The Way It Is”
7. “Cop Car”
8. “Chuck Taylors”
9. “Days Go By”
10. “‘Til Summer Comes Around”
11. “Heart Like A Hometown”
12. “Kiss A Girl / Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me”
13. “The Fighter”
14. “Somebody Like You”
15. “One Too Many”
16. “You’ll Think Of Me”
17. “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
18. “Wasted Time with Folsom Prison Blues”
19. “You Get What You Give”
20. “You Look Good In My Shirt”
Dylan Scott Plots ‘Till I Can’t I Will Tour’ For March
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Dylan Scott will head into spring on his new 2026 “Till I Can’t I Will Tour,” which kicks off in March.
The new tour will visit Chicago, Tampa, San Diego, Louisville, Fort Worth, Las Vegas and more, and will feature special guests 12/OC, Kelsey Hart and Lauren Watkins. General on sale begins today (Dec. 12) here.
Scott celebrated this holiday season in a special way recently, when he surprised his father with the recording and release of the original holiday song “Two Christmas Trees,” co-written by his dad in the ’80s. Out now, the track spans three generations of the Scott family men, also featuring Scott’s son, Beckett, on the final verse. Though Scott was not raised in a household with divorce, the song was frequently heard in their home growing up. The new release follows several other holiday tracks recorded by Scott, including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Scott’s single “What He’ll Never Have” is currently Top 20 and rising at country radio and was named one of ASCAP’s most-performed country songs of the year. Earlier this year “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” became Scott’s sixth career No. 1, and he began 2025 at the top of the charts with “Boys Back Home,” featuring Dylan Marlowe, and with two No. 1s in 2025 alone and another nearing the top of the chart, he is Country Aircheck’s third most-played artist at country radio this year.
“Till I Can’t I Will Tour” Dates:
March 12, 2026 in Syracuse, N.Y. at Landmark Theatre*
March 13, 2026 in Bensalem, Pa. at Parx Casino – Xcite Center
March 14, 2026 in Bangor, Maine at Cross Insurance Center*
March 20, 2026 in Orillia, Ont. at Casino Rama*
March 21, 2026 in Ottawa, Ont. at Hard Rock Ottawa*
March 27, 2026 in Tallahassee, Fla. at Kleiman Park#
March 28, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. at TBD
April 11, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at Boots In The Park#
April 16, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio at Agora Ballroom●
April 18, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. at Bulls, Boots & Barrels#
April 23, 2026 in Louisville, Ky. at The Palace Theatre●
April 24, 2026 in Mount Pleasant, Mich. at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort●
April 25, 2026 in Windsor, Ont. at Colosseum Windsor●
May 8, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at KNCI’s Country In The Park#
May 9, 2026 in Henderson, Nev. at Green Valley Ranch●
May 15, 2026 in Rosemont, Ill. at Joe’s Live●
May 29, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas at Billy Bob’s Texas+
May 30, 2026 in Helotes, Texas at Floores Country Store+
* with special guest 12/OC
● with special guest Kelsey Hart
+ with special guest Lauren Watkins
# festival
Hillary Lindsey & Ashley Gorley Headline Belmont University’s Latest Master Session
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Gorley & Hillary Lindsey.
On Nov. 5, Hillary Lindsey and Ashley Gorley returned to their alma mater, Belmont University, to speak to students at the school’s Master Session event.
The conversation focused on Lindsey’s career from interning with Patrick Joseph Music at age 19 to writing 27 No. 1 tracks. She shared the story behind songs including “Girl Crush,” which was recorded by Little Big Town and broke the record for the most weeks a band with more than three members spent at No. 1 on the country charts. Lindsey was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024, and Gorley was inducted in 2025.
She credited the community among writers in Nashville for her success. Serving as a moderator for the discussion, Gorley attributed Lindsey’s place in the songwriting community to her willingness to dive into the complexity of situations headfirst when writing.
“Hillary Lindsey’s honesty and transparency about her songwriting journey was so inspiring. Her ability to speak on the struggles that all young songwriters face made the discussion engaging and highlighted the importance of resilience in the industry,” shares Reagan Sheedy, a freshman songwriting major and event attendee.
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Banks, Brittany Schaffer, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, James Elliott, SHOF Board member/Chairman, SHOF Nashville Committee Fletcher Foster, Drew Ramsey, and Dwayne O’Brien.
Ashley Gorley & Hilary Lindsey.
Jason Aldean Hits No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeJason Aldean; Photo: Spidey Smith
Jason Aldean tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song “How Far Does A Goodbye Go.”
The track comes from his upcoming album Songs About Us and was written by Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan.
Aldean, along with Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, will help Music City ring in 2026 as headliners of New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The stars will perform live at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
“How Far Does Goodbye Go” currently sits at No. 13 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.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Alison Brown & Steve Martin Are ‘Utterly Enchanting’
/by Robert K OermannIt’s “Band Day” here at DISClaimer.
Groups tend to be pushed aside by solo stars every week, so I’m dedicating a whole column to survey what everyone’s been up to. Our entries come from Texas, Colorado, Chicago and New York, as well as Nashville.
They also come from the Americana, country, folk, rock and bluegrass fields. From the latter emerges the stellar sound of Steve Martin & Alison Brown. Joined by the everlasting troubadour Jackson Browne, they have the Disc of the Day.
Also in the hunt for our top prize this week were Needtobreahe, Shinedown, The Kody Norris Show, Flatland Calvary, The Band of Heathens and our DISCovery Award winners, the Clay Street Unit.
THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Saved”
Writers: Garrett Howell/Jack Wharff/Ryan Atchison; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Machine Records
– Chopped rhythms and steady-state guitar strumming underscore a contemporary Christian song with a plaintive lead vocal.
PARMALEE / “How Do I Let You Go”
Writers: Casey Brown/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Parker Welling; Producers: Casey Brown, David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The band pivots from the good-timey “Cowgirl” to a deeply personal song about dealing with grief. Echoey and soaring.
THE BAND OF HEATHENS / “High on Our Own Supply”
Writers: Ed Jurdi/Gordy Quist/Jesse Noah Wilson; Producers: Jim Vollentine, The Band Of Heathens; Label: BOH Records
– This genre-agnostic Austin group is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Band of Heathens has built up a solid following by doing things its own grass-rootsy way and resisting conformity. Its upcoming album will be titled Country Sides, and this is its advance track. The earthy, crunchy, earnest, folk-rock sound is enormously endearing.
HEARTLAND / “Tractor Rolls”
Writers: Harrison Kindy/Jaron Boyer/Michael Tyler; Producer: none listed; Label: Yellowhammer Music Group
– Its an anthem for/about America’s farmers. Lots of screaming electric guitars.
RATBOYS / “Anywhere”
Writers: Dave Sagan/Julia Steiner/Marcus Nuccio/Sean Neumann; Producer: Chris Walla, Ratboys; Label: New West Records
– Chicago’s Ratboys are billed as “post country.” Despite its name, the band has a female lead singer, Julia Steiner. The sound is bright, bopping, thrashy, garage rock & roll.
SHINEDOWN / “Searchlight”
Writers: Brent Smith/Dave Bassett/Eric Bass; Producer: Dave Bassett, Eric Bass; Label: Atlantic Records
– The popular rock band introduced this on the Grand Ole Opry last month. It’s pretty cool sounding, with just enough guitar jangle to tickle country lovers’ ears. A melodic delight.
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / “Dancing on the Moon”
Writers: Andrew Falco/Andrew Hall/Christopher Pandolfi/Jeremy Garrett/Jon Weisberger/Josh Shiling/Travis Book; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Americana Vibes
– These Grammy and IBMA award-winning progressive bluegrassers are haunting and minor-key on this sophisticated, offbeat melody. The lyric describes the delirium of falling in love while dobro notes dribble all around.
CLAY STREET UNIT / “Rollin’”
Writer: Sam Walker; Producer: Chris Pandolfi; Label: Leo33
– This Colorado band is renowned for its incendiary live performances. On its Leo33 debut, the group sounds relaxed and contemplative about moving on after a breakup. Steel, mandolin, banjo and guitar notes sparkle, then in mid-song, the percussion shifts the song into high gear. Highly promising. Send more.
NEEDTOBREATHE / “Where You Call Home”
Writer: Bear Rinehart; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: NEEDTOBREATHE
– Surviving life’s struggles sounds easy in this lilting, harmony-embellished, acoustic charmer. Hearty, warm and embracing. By all means, play this beautiful audio gift.
THE KODY NORRIS SHOW / “Waitress, Waitress”
Writer: Boudleaux Bryant; Producer: The Kody Norris Show; Label: Rebel Records
– I adore this band. The groovy retro stage wear, the warmly sincere vocals, and the overall attitude have always been first rate. This merry ditty about romancing a waitress comes with a built-in smile. The video was filmed at the Elliston Place Soda Shop and features cameo appearance by T. Graham Brown, William Lee Golden, John Berry and more. Bluegrass perfection.
STEVE MARTIN, ALISON BROWN, JACKSON BROWNE, JEFF HANNA / “Dear Time”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producer: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– Steve and Alison’s twin-banjo duet and droll banter during their appearance as presenters on last month’s CMA Awards were a breath of fresh air. They’ve also been promoting their new album on Jimmy Kimmel, The View, NPR, Jimmy Fallon and the IBMA Awards, which they co-hosted. The album’s track with vocalist Browne and Hannah on harmony vocals is a standout moment on the Safe, Sensible and Sane collection. Wistful, thoughtful, nostalgic, melodic and utterly enchanting. Vince Gill, The Indigo Girls, Della Mae, Tim O’brien and other guests also celebrate the album.
THE LONE BELLOW / “Islands in the Stream”
Writers: Barry Alan Gibb/Maurice Ernest Gibb/Robin Hugh Gibb; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Burly Bellow Music
– These enduring Americana favorites have always loved infectious hooks. This Kenny & Dolly oldie is packed with them. Long a fan favorite at live shows, now it’s a tuneful, trio-harmonized single. There’s also a live, acoustic video performance on YouTube. Sing along.
FLATLAND CALVARY / “Gone”
Writers: Aaron Eshuis/Cleto Cordero/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Dwight Baker; Label: Lost Highway
– This ode of a drifting vagabond is country to the core, from the fiddle solo to the twang guitar and drawled vocals. It’s another great illustration of this fine band’s “Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart” ethos. The group’s swirling sounds are brilliantly mixed and produced. Here’s toasting its new contract with Lost Highway with the sincere hope that this deserving group gets the accolades and attention it has long deserved.
BRYAN SUTTON & DOC WATSON / “Working Man Blues”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– The late Doc Watson is among the guitar heroes collaborating with six-string master Sutton on his From Roots to Branches series (also check out the Sierra Hull and Trey Hensley collabs). Doc sings, but it’s the brain dazzling acoustic guitar playing that makes this an utterly jaw dropping listening experience.
RIAA Unveils Year-End List & Class Of 2025
/by Lauryn SinkThe Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has unveiled its Year-End list of the top albums and singles as well as its Class of 2025, which is comprised of nine artists who earned their first Gold and Platinum certifications.
Taylor Swift again takes the top spot as The Life Of A Showgirl (Republic Records) surpasses 5 million RIAA-certified units for the highest certification and Top Album, while Alex Warren‘s 3x Platinum “Ordinary” (Atlantic Records) holds the Top Single spot.
Additionally, Jordan Davis (“Bar None”), Megan Moroney (“Six Months Later”), Tucker Wetmore (“Brunette” and What Not To) and Ty Myers (“Thought It Was Love”) each earned a spot on the year-end list.
“RIAA is proud to recognize the artists and their label partners who defined the year with music that exemplifies human artistry and reached remarkable milestones. From Taylor Swift and Alex Warren who earned this year’s top honors, to all the artists who have been certified this past year, we wrap 2025 with excitement for all the ways music has impacted people’s lives,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.
“Each year we spotlight artists earning their first Gold & Platinum certification, a testament to the drive and dedication it takes to truly break through. The Class of 2025 is reaching fans in exciting new ways, and this is only the beginning! Congratulations to these rising talents and the label teams supporting them – RIAA is proud to be part of the journey,” adds RIAA President & COO Michele Ballantyne.
Joe Walsh To Hold Auction For VetsAid With Julien’s Auctions
/by Lauryn SinkJoe Walsh has partnered with Julien’s Auctions to hold benefit auction for VetsAid. The “Life’s Been Good” collection features an array of unique guitars, cars, amps, ham radios, stage wardrobe, and historic rock and roll ephemera. Bidding is open now.
“One thing you find about human nature is we collect things and I have acquired too much stuff. I wanted people to have a chance to get a guitar or get something of mine that they may think is valuable. So, it’s my way of giving back. And this will help veterans as a portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to VetsAid,” says Walsh. “And now I will have more room in my warehouse so I can go get more stuff!”
A few items include a Record Plant and Design FX Location Truck API Recording Console, 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider, 1998 Eagles Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction-Worn Moschino Brick Suit with Photo, Barnstorm Debut Album – 1966 Framus Strato Gold De Luxe 12-String Electric Guitar, Sunburst, and more.
Stage Played Duesenberg Joe Walsh Signature Guitar, Gold Burst
2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider
1998 Eagles Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction-Worn Moschino Brick Suit
Record Plant and Design FX Location Truck API Recording Console with Power Supply, Patch Bays, and Spare Parts
The Conners Performance Guitars Stratocaster with Fender Channel Bound Neck, Natural
CMHOFM Unveils 2026 Interview Series Schedule
/by Lauryn SinkThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has revealed its 2026 schedule for its Poets and Prophets and Nashville Cats programs. Information about ticketing and on-sale dates can be found here.
Poets and Prophets features songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music and Nashville Cats showcases musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tour. Museum writer-editor Allison Moorer will host the Poets and Prophets programs, and museum writer-editor Jon Freeman will host the Nashville Cats programs.
Josh Osborne will kick off Poets and Prophets on Feb. 21. Osborne has earned over 30 No. 1 singles, including “Leave the Night On” (Sam Hunt), “One Man Band” (Old Dominion), “Sangria” (Blake Shelton) and “Sand in My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), among others. He is a Grammy, ASCAP and NSAI award winner.
Ashley Gorley will take the Poets and Prophets stage on May 30. With over 80 No. 1 songs, Gorley received the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade award for 2010–2019 in 2022 and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2025.
Pat McLaughlin will wrap up Poets and Prophets on Oct. 3. McLaughlin’s songs have been recorded by artists including Gary Allan, Dan Auerbach, Phoebe Bridgers, Marcus King, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack. A regular collaborator of the late John Prine, McLaughlin won a Grammy for Best American Roots Song and the Americana Music Association’s Song of the Year award for Prine’s “I Remember Everything” in 2021.
Jerry Douglas will be the first guest of the year for the Nashville Cats program, kicking it off on March 7. The Ohio native began his career with the Country Gentlemen and played with the Whites before focusing on session work. His playing can be heard on albums by Elvis Costello, Sierra Ferrell, Country Music Hall of Fame members Marty Stuart and Randy Travis and many others. Douglas is also a longtime member of Alison Krauss & Union Station and his own group, the Earls of Leicester. He has won 16 Grammys, three Country Music Association Musician of the Year honors, 10 International Bluegrass Music Association Dobro Player of the Year awards and a National Heritage Fellowship. The Americana Music Association presented him with a lifetime achievement award in 2015, and he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
Wendy Moten will join Nashville Cats on May 16. She has worked as a backing vocalist, touring with Julio Iglesias for 15 years and then with country artists Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Tim McGraw. In recent years, she has appeared as a featured vocalist on Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill’s tours. Moten has also sung on recordings by Buddy Guy, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood, among others. In 2021, she appeared on NBC’s The Voice and finished the season as the runner-up.
Rounding out the Nashville Cats lineup, John Jorgenson will take the stage on Aug. 15. As a session musician, he has played guitar on albums by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Carlene Carter, Kenny Chesney, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt and many others. Jorgenson won the Academy of Country Music’s Guitarist of the Year award in 1990, 1991 and 1992.