Rita Cossette, Holly Gleason and Jensen Sussman
NY Times No. 1 best-selling author Holly Gleason recently celebrated six awards from the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, including top honors for Diversity in the Music/Performing Arts/Arts Industry for Print for “Shaboozey’s Evolution,” as well as second place for Independent Journalist of the Year.
Gleason also earned Second Places for Obituary/Appreciation, Film Personalities (Print/Online), Commentary Analysis/Trend (Print), and Music/Performing Arts Feature Under 1000 Words (Print), in addition to Third Place for Best Arts or Entertainment Limited Series Podcast for “The Boar’s Nest: Sue Brewer & the Birth of Outlaw Country.” Gleason’s stories were placed in a myriad of outlets including the New York Times, PASTE, POLLSTAR, HITS and her own website.
The honors come as the book HEART LIFE MUSIC, co-authored with Kenny Chesney, spends its fifth week on The New York Times best seller lists. Returning to the top five after a No. 1 debut, it is No. 4 Nonfiction, Hardcover and No. 5 Nonfiction, Hardcover and E-Book.
“I am both amazed and proud of my partner in this book,” Chesney says of her journalism awards. “She works to tell stories she believes are important; she digs in to make sure she gets what matters and not just what’s obvious. How much she cares about getting to the story’s heart is clear in the work.”
“Of all the awards, being recognized for diversity coming from country in what is a very fast, all the biggest magazines and newspapers across the nation, makes me very proud,” adds Gleason. “Shaboozey’s story is powerful, and country music is better for what he creates. Here’s to Nashville being recognized like this in a year with really powerful, political, cultural and sociological entries.”
Holly Gleason Receives National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughRita Cossette, Holly Gleason and Jensen Sussman
NY Times No. 1 best-selling author Holly Gleason recently celebrated six awards from the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, including top honors for Diversity in the Music/Performing Arts/Arts Industry for Print for “Shaboozey’s Evolution,” as well as second place for Independent Journalist of the Year.
Gleason also earned Second Places for Obituary/Appreciation, Film Personalities (Print/Online), Commentary Analysis/Trend (Print), and Music/Performing Arts Feature Under 1000 Words (Print), in addition to Third Place for Best Arts or Entertainment Limited Series Podcast for “The Boar’s Nest: Sue Brewer & the Birth of Outlaw Country.” Gleason’s stories were placed in a myriad of outlets including the New York Times, PASTE, POLLSTAR, HITS and her own website.
The honors come as the book HEART LIFE MUSIC, co-authored with Kenny Chesney, spends its fifth week on The New York Times best seller lists. Returning to the top five after a No. 1 debut, it is No. 4 Nonfiction, Hardcover and No. 5 Nonfiction, Hardcover and E-Book.
“I am both amazed and proud of my partner in this book,” Chesney says of her journalism awards. “She works to tell stories she believes are important; she digs in to make sure she gets what matters and not just what’s obvious. How much she cares about getting to the story’s heart is clear in the work.”
“Of all the awards, being recognized for diversity coming from country in what is a very fast, all the biggest magazines and newspapers across the nation, makes me very proud,” adds Gleason. “Shaboozey’s story is powerful, and country music is better for what he creates. Here’s to Nashville being recognized like this in a year with really powerful, political, cultural and sociological entries.”
Mtheory’s Equal Access Unveils Changes To Its Signature Equity Initiative
/by Madison Hahnenmtheory’s Equal Access program will undergo changes to its programming by focusing on previous members instead of naming a new cohort. Staring in 2026, Equal Access will give one additional year of their artist services to two previous members that will be announced soon. In addition, mtheory will also offer an ongoing training curriculum for all former managers.
“We’re extremely proud of the remarkable progress we’ve made over the past four years with Equal Access,” says Tiffany Provenzano, Executive Director, Equal Access. “We’ve helped so many individuals achieve career milestones during our program, and look forward to expanding our support to serve our existing members in an even greater capacity. We will also actively fundraise throughout the next year with plans to return in 2027 with a full funding structure back in place.”
First introduced in 2022, Equal Access was created to address inequities in country music. Through the program, artists and managers have received funding, support, and monthly partner meetings with industry leaders to help build their careers. Equal Access collaborations include CMT, CMA, ACM, Opry Entertainment, RIAA, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Sirius + Pandora, BMI, CRS, Music Business Association, The MLC, Warner Music Nashville, River House Artists, Americana Association and more.
To explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Provenzano at tiffany@mtheory.com.
Chandler Walters’ Hosts First Annual ‘Walters Western Christmas’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughChandler Walters and SSG Adam Peacock. Photo: Devin Flanagan
Singer-songwriter Chandler Walters hosted the first annual “Walters Western Christmas” in partnership with Barstool Nashville on Dec. 11.
Through the event and its donations, Walters Western Christmas gifted a track chair (an all-terrain motorized wheelchair) to SSG Adam Peacock so he can enjoy the outdoors with the chair’s all-terrain capability. Proceeds from the special show went to The USO and The Independence Fund, while a simultaneous toy drive collected gifts for military families via the USO’s Holly Jolly Holiday Program. Donations are open now through the end of December here.
“It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to give back as part of something bigger than myself,” shares Walters. “My grandpa is a veteran, and I love the outdoors and think it’s something every person deserves the chance to enjoy. I hope the veteran donation and toy drive is a tradition we can keep going for years to come.”
Signed to ERN’s Cadillac Music/DeVille Records, Walters is a seasoned steel-guitar player and multi-Platinum, No. 1 songwriter who co-penned Post Malone’s 5x Platinum No. 1 “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen).” He earned six cuts on Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion, and has penned tracks for Ernest (“I Went To College, I Went To Jail” (feat. Jelly Roll)), Bailey Zimmerman (“Is This Really Over?”), Charles Wesley Godwin (“Dead To Rights”) and more.
Anzie Blue To Host First New Year’s Eve Event Headlined By Chris Isaak
/by Lorie HollabaughAnzie Blue will wrap the year with its first-ever New Year’s Eve event, “Anzie Blue New Year’s Eve Live” presented by Honda Powersports, featuring a genre-spanning lineup headlined by Platinum singer and actor Chris Isaak.
Sponsored by Visit Music City and Dreamliner, the event will also feature performances from Maggie Rose, John Carter Cash and his wife Ana Cristina Cash, Pynk Beard, (who will also serve as host of the livestream), Taylor Acorn, Julia Cole, Alyssa Flaherty, Stella Prince, and more.
“Get ready for an ‘only in Nashville’ NYE party with a diverse lineup of artists representing the very best of Music City,” says Marcie Allen, Co-Owner Anzie Blue. “We’re thrilled to team up with Honda Powersports, Visit Music City and Dreamliner to showcase Nashville’s finest right here on the Anzie Blue stage to music fans worldwide.”
The celebration will stream live on Dec. 31 from 2-8 p.m. CT exclusively on CNN’s new streaming subscription platform, available to subscribers, with select performances, including Isaak’s, airing live on CNN as part of its planned daytime coverage of New Year’s Eve from cities around the world.
Jeremy Stover Lands In Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJeremy Stover
Jeremy Stover has jumped into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Cody Johnson’s “The Fall” and Justin Moore’s “Time’s Ticking” place the songwriter at No. 10 this week.
Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the 11th consecutive week with “Change My Mind” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill stays at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.”
Ty Myers (No. 3), Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Phil Wickham Breaks Mediabase Record With ‘What An Awesome God’
/by Lorie HollabaughFair Trade Services artist Phil Wickham‘s single “What An Awesome God” has officially become the longest-running No. 1 song in history on Mediabase’s Christian Audience chart, holding the top spot for 21 consecutive weeks.
“What An Awesome God” breathes new life into a beloved worship anthem, resonating with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. Co-writers Wickham and Jonathan Smith created the song with fresh verses to the chorus of the world-renowned Rich Mullins song, “Awesome God.”
“Singles like this are rare and special,” says Kai Elmer, VP of National Promotions at Fair Trade Services. “This achievement is a testament to the entire team involved. Ultimately, it was the radio that sought this song out – even before it was an official single. The listener response was instant, and we’re incredibly thankful for that partnership.”
“We knew this song was special the moment we heard the demo and were excited to share it with radio,” says Jeff Moseley, Founder & Principal of Fair Trade Services. “Phil and Jonathan did an incredible job of creating something that honors an iconic song while giving it renewed meaning and relevance for today.”
The record-breaking song was featured on Wickham’s latest album, Song Of The Saints, which debuted as the largest release of his career. He’ll close out the year with the debut of Hallelujah! It’s Christmas! With Phil Wickham & Friends, a holiday worship and music special on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. CST exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, and runs through Christmas Day.
Chantrel Reynolds Launches Chantrel & Co
/by Lauryn SinkChantrel Reynolds. Photo: K.Renee
Chantrel Reynolds has launched Chantrel & Co, offering creative strategy, design and video production services.
Born in Augusta, Georgia, raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina and now based in Nashville, Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in Communications with a concentration in Advertising from Syracuse University.
She most recently served as Manager of the Equal Access Development Program at mtheory, where she designed curriculum, produced industry-facing events, and worked closely with artists, managers, and partners, aiming to create sustainable pathways for underrepresented talent in country music. She previously spent several years at Sony Music Entertainment’s RCA Inspiration, managing budgets and operations while contributing creatively through visual development, pitch design, and artist content.
Reynolds can be reached here.
Adam Sanders Wins The First Season Of ‘The Road’
/by Lauryn SinkAdam Sanders.
Adam Sanders has been crowned the winner of the first season of The Road, earning a cash prize or $250,000, as well as a slot at Stagecoach and the Red Bull Jukebox show at The Pinnacle in Nashville in 2026.
Sanders competed as one of the 12 artists on the new CBS & Paramount+ music competition docu-series TV show opening for Keith Urban. Produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton, the show premiered earlier this fall.
The Lake City Florida native is currently signed to Liz Rose Music Publishing. He has earned two No. 1 hits with Dustin Lynch’s “Hell of a Night” and Cole Swindell’s “You Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” and additional cuts from Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and Drew Baldridge. He has toured with Lynch, Bryan, Swindell, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett and Justin Moore, among others.
His current singles, “Cat In A Hat” and “Bible In A House Fire” are out now, with a full length project slated to be released in 2026.
Sanders earned praise from the judges of the competition, with Urban stating, “He always performs in such a way that he makes it look like everyone else on The Road is opening for him.”
Gretchen Wilson, who served as the tour manager during the competition, says, “Adam has a lot of confidence. As far as stage presence, vocal ability, his songwriting ability he’s got it down.”
Opry Entertainment Group Reveals New Year’s Eve Celebrations
/by Madison HahnenFor tickets, full schedules and more details on New Year’s Eve events, visit Olered.com, Category10.com and Ryman.com.
OEG’s New Year’s Eve Lineup:
Ole Red, New Year – Dec. 31
Ole Red Nashville (300 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201)
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Kick off 2026 at Ole Red Nashville with live performances from some of the venue’s hottest artists, a DJ set on the rooftop and Southern-style, scratch-made food and drinks.
VIP Options: Ole Red’s “Skip the Line” pass includes guaranteed entry until 11:00 p.m. with access to all floors.
CBS New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash Watch Party – Dec. 31
Category 10 (120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201)
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Join Category 10 for the official New Year’s Eve Live: Big Bash watch party, broadcasting nationwide from Music City on CBS. Fans can enjoy performances from country icons Dwight Yoakam and Marcus King, along with special appearances by Cody Alan and Caylee Hammack, all streamed live on the big screen inside Hurricane Hall.
VIP Options: The event is open to the public with no cover charge. Category 10’s “Guaranteed Entry” until 7:30 p.m. passes are available for purchase.
New Years at Ryman Auditorium – Dec. 30 – 31
Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219)
As part of the Ryman’s year-end holiday programming, fans can enjoy Old Crow Medicine Show on Dec. 30 and 31, making the iconic Mother Church a centerpiece of their New Year’s Eve weekend.
Songwriter Paul Kennerley Unearths Raw Work Tapes On New ‘Demos 1979-2005’ Double CD
/by Lorie HollabaughSongwriter Paul Kennerley has released a new double CD of his original recordings, Paul Kennerley Demos 1979-2005.
The 30-song collection features Kennerley’s homemade versions of demos that went on to be recorded by artists such as Emmylou Harris, to whom he dedicates the project (Kennerley and Harris were married from 1985-1991 and still share a 45-year friendship).
Other artists of note who have recorded Kennerley’s songs include Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, The Judds (who recorded seven of his songs, including four No. 1 singles), Marty Stuart, Glen Campbell, Ray Charles and many more. Several of these became No.1 and top 5 singles on the Billboard Country charts, ultimately garnering over 16 million plays.
Kennerley was BMI’s 1989 Songwriter of the Year and has won 22 BMI awards throughout his career. On the collection fans will discover how Marty Stuart’s “Hillbilly Rock” found its vibe and groove, which is also the case for Patty Loveless’s “The Blue Side of Town” and for the four singles by The Judds, whose music was very acoustic driven. Kennerley’s music is still being celebrated and performed, with Ringo Starr recently performing “Time on My Hands” (co-written by Kennerley, Daniel Tashian and T-Bone Burnett) from Starr’s 2025 country album, Look Up, on the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry stages.