Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley wrapped her “still hungover tour” on Friday with a second sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with a set full of fan-favorites, iconic covers and surprise guests.
Before Langley took the stage, Mae Estes warmed the crowd up with a high energy set of “What I Shoulda Done,” “Roses,” “Mountain of a Man,” “Drunk On That,” “Jukebox” and more.
Photo: Caylee Robillard
“I’ve been in this town chasing that neon rainbow for ten years this year, and I sure tried to get all my crying out during soundcheck,” she quipped while speaking of her Ryman debut, which ended with a standing ovation. “I love country music with all my heart and I have my whole life. I can’t thank Ella Langley enough for this unbelievable opportunity.”
With the crowd warmed up, Langley took the stage, kicking off the set strong with “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” “better be tough” and “nicotine.”
“Cloud nine feels like an understatement. This is the only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life as long as I’ve been alive. On my first tour, I opened for Randy Houser and the last show of that tour
Gretchen Wilson & Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
was here. That’s the last time I played this stage. We’ve been thinking about as a band how far we’ve come and how hard worked to get here. This is a night I’m never going to forget, and lets make it that for you too,” Langley shared.
For the first surprise of the night, she welcomed Gretchen Wilson to the stage for a duet on “Here For The Party,” before slowing it back down with “love you tonight.”
Langley introduced her first taste of the next era with her current single, “Choosin’ Texas,” a Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor co-write that went to country radio today.
After “paint the town blue” Langley brought out the second surprise of the night, HARDY, for “Never Met Anyone Like You.”
“When people me ask my what my least favorite song to sing is, I say this song. Not because I don’t like singing it, because I do. It’s because of what its about. It reminds me of a time when I was a different version of who I am today. Sometimes looking back on that version is tough because I ask why. I’ll tell you why. Its to make you the person you are today. If anyone ever makes you feel like aren’t good enough, they aren’t for you. The person you’re supposed to be with will love you no matter what,” she said ahead of “girl you’re taking home.”
Photo: Caylee Robillard
Langley kept the energy high for one more song with “20-20” before slowing it down again for a cover of Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight.” She welcomed Estes and Thursday night’s Ryman opener Kaitlin Butts back to the stage for “cowboy friends.”
With one more surprise up her sleeve, the crowd erupted into a roar of cheers as Langley called Morgan Wallen to the stage for a rendition of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up.”
She moved into the last stretch of her set with a cover of Toby Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” her duet with Koe Wetzel “That’s Why We Fight,” and the title track of her record “hungover.”
Langley ended the night with her two No. 1 singles, “You Look Like You Love Me” and “Weren’t For The Wind.”
Langley will join Eric Church and Wallen for select dates next year.
Morgan Wallen & Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Photo: Caylee Robillard
HARDY & Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Photo: Caylee Robillard
EMPIRE Adds Two To Team [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkBri Small and Zak Waters.
EMPIRE has added Bri Small and Zak Waters to its team.
Small joins as Vice President Digital, where she is responsible for the online presence and engagement for label artists across the Nashville roster. She began her career at NBC Entertainment in Los Angeles before joining Warner Music Nashville, building a career in digital marketing. Small helped launch Warner Music Group’s first-ever HBCU Immersion Program.
“I’ve been a fan of Bri’s work for a long time, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to EMPIRE Nashville,” says Jen Way, Executive Vice President, Nashville. “She brings such a special energy and creativity to everything she does, and I know that will elevate both our team and our artists. Her vision and leadership in digital marketing, along with her proven ability to build meaningful connections, make her the perfect person to guide our digital strategy as we continue to expand our impact in Nashville.
Waters joins as Director of A&R. He is a songwriter, producer, and artist with nearly two decades of experience across pop, country, K-pop, EDM, and R&B music with millions of streams on his work to date. He has collaborated with GRAMMY-winning creators, co-written and produced multiple Gold and Platinum releases, and toured internationally as both a front-man and musical director.
“Zak is a dynamic creative who can move effortlessly between genres and speak a dozen musical languages,” adds Way. “Artists trust him because he speaks their language, no matter the genre. His versatility and instinct for storytelling represent exactly where EMPIRE Nashville is headed—artist-first, genre-fluid, and creatively fearless. I’m thrilled to welcome him to the team and know he will elevate both our roster and our creative output in Nashville.”
Small and Waters will both be based in Nashville.
ASCAP Unveils 2025 Christian Music Awards Winners
/by Madison HahnenASCAP has revealed the winners of its 2025 Christian Music Awards.
Brandon Lake was named Christian Music Songwriter of the Year, while the Christian Music Song of the Year went to “Praise.” Essential Music Publishing took home Christian Music Publisher of the Year.
This is Lake’s second trophy for Songwriter of the Year, who penned hits throughout the year including “Praise,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “That’s Who I Praise.” Lake recently notched three GRAMMY nominations last Friday (Nov. 7), including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” Best CCM Performance/Song for “I Know a Name,” and Best CCM Album for King of Hearts. Lake is also nominated at next week’s CMA Awards for CMA Musical Event of the Year.
“Praise” was co-penned by Lake and Pat Barrett, published by Essential Music Publishing and Capitol CMG Publishing, and was recorded by Elevation Worship feat. Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore. The tune hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, Christian Airplay and Christian AC charts and has been certified 2x Platinum.
Throughout the year, Essential Music Publishing’s most-played songs of the past year include “Goodbye Yesterday,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Loves Got a Way,” “Praise,” “That’s Who I Praise,” “The Cross,” “The Prodigal,” “The Truth” and “Worship Through It.”
A full list of winners for the ASCAP Christian Music Awards can be found here. All winners will be celebrated at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration on Nov. 17.
Megan Moroney On ‘Cloud 9’ With New Album In February
/by Madison HahnenMegan Moroney will release her new album, Cloud 9, on Feb. 20 via Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records.
“I am so excited for my fans and I to dive into this new world of Cloud 9 together,” shares Moroney. “Similar to the first two albums, it’s all written about honest, personal experiences, but these songs were written by the strongest, most confident version of myself I’ve ever been. My feet feel firmly planted in my artistry and it was fun to play around sonically, while still sticking to my roots of what my fans and I love. Cloud 9 is a state of mind, and I have no doubt this will be the best chapter yet.”
The first taste of the new era was shared Sunday night (Nov. 9) with a teaser video for the album.
The new project will deliver 15 tracks, and will include already released tunes “6 Months Later” and “Beautiful Things,” as well as the title track.
Moroney is up for six awards at next week’s CMA Awards, tied for the most nominations on the night. Her nominations include Single of the Year for “Am I Okay?,” Song of the Year for “Am I Okay?,” Album of the Year for Am I Okay?, Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year for her collaboration with Kenny Chesney on “You Had To Be There,” and Music Video of the Year for “Am I Okay?”
Ella Langley Wraps Tour With Two Sold-Out Nights At The Ryman
/by Lauryn SinkElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley wrapped her “still hungover tour” on Friday with a second sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with a set full of fan-favorites, iconic covers and surprise guests.
Before Langley took the stage, Mae Estes warmed the crowd up with a high energy set of “What I Shoulda Done,” “Roses,” “Mountain of a Man,” “Drunk On That,” “Jukebox” and more.
Photo: Caylee Robillard
“I’ve been in this town chasing that neon rainbow for ten years this year, and I sure tried to get all my crying out during soundcheck,” she quipped while speaking of her Ryman debut, which ended with a standing ovation. “I love country music with all my heart and I have my whole life. I can’t thank Ella Langley enough for this unbelievable opportunity.”
With the crowd warmed up, Langley took the stage, kicking off the set strong with “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” “better be tough” and “nicotine.”
“Cloud nine feels like an understatement. This is the only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life as long as I’ve been alive. On my first tour, I opened for Randy Houser and the last show of that tour
Gretchen Wilson & Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
was here. That’s the last time I played this stage. We’ve been thinking about as a band how far we’ve come and how hard worked to get here. This is a night I’m never going to forget, and lets make it that for you too,” Langley shared.
For the first surprise of the night, she welcomed Gretchen Wilson to the stage for a duet on “Here For The Party,” before slowing it back down with “love you tonight.”
Langley introduced her first taste of the next era with her current single, “Choosin’ Texas,” a Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor co-write that went to country radio today.
After “paint the town blue” Langley brought out the second surprise of the night, HARDY, for “Never Met Anyone Like You.”
“When people me ask my what my least favorite song to sing is, I say this song. Not because I don’t like singing it, because I do. It’s because of what its about. It reminds me of a time when I was a different version of who I am today. Sometimes looking back on that version is tough because I ask why. I’ll tell you why. Its to make you the person you are today. If anyone ever makes you feel like aren’t good enough, they aren’t for you. The person you’re supposed to be with will love you no matter what,” she said ahead of “girl you’re taking home.”
Photo: Caylee Robillard
Langley kept the energy high for one more song with “20-20” before slowing it down again for a cover of Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight.” She welcomed Estes and Thursday night’s Ryman opener Kaitlin Butts back to the stage for “cowboy friends.”
With one more surprise up her sleeve, the crowd erupted into a roar of cheers as Langley called Morgan Wallen to the stage for a rendition of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up.”
She moved into the last stretch of her set with a cover of Toby Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” her duet with Koe Wetzel “That’s Why We Fight,” and the title track of her record “hungover.”
Langley ended the night with her two No. 1 singles, “You Look Like You Love Me” and “Weren’t For The Wind.”
Langley will join Eric Church and Wallen for select dates next year.
Morgan Wallen & Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Photo: Caylee Robillard
HARDY & Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Photo: Caylee Robillard
Sony Music Publishing & Warner Music Group Partner For ‘SAMPCAMP’
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Cortney Riles (Sony MP), Chandel Shanklin (WMG), Oronde Jenkins (WMG), Jalen Miller (WMG), Jada Wilson (WMN), Dave Georgeff (WCM), Shaugnessy Elsroth (Sony MP) Brian Garrett (Sony MP).
Sony Music Publishing and Warner Music Group recently partnered to host SAMPCAMP, a three-day writing and production experience spotlighting the power of sampling in hip hop.
Held November 3-5 across Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell’s Nashville creative studios, SAMPCAMP brought together more than 40 producers, writers, and artists including Breland, Bandplay, Starlito, Jake and Jared Krumm, Chris Loocke, Jake Fridkis and Randy Hitz of Drumatized and Kelly Sheehan. Across the three days, the group created 70 new tracks, many built on samples and interpolations pulled directly from Sony and Warner’s catalogs.
SAMPCAMP also featured Lunch & Learn sessions on copyright, sampling, sync and AI, and two marquee events including The Mixer listening session at Sony, and The Mixdown afterparty at H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Music Evolve).
The Mixer.
Pictured (L-R): Tiger Hood, Brian Garrett (Sony), DJ Dom.
Pictured (L-R): Nicole Beaubien, Jared Krumm, Jake Krumm, Shaugnessy Elsroth (Sony Music Publishing).
Pictured (L-R): Bandplay, McIntosh, Kelly Sheehan, Jared Krumm.
Industry Ink: ASCAP, SOURCE, Ole 60, Love From Music City
/by Madison HahnenASCAP Hosts Songwriters Round At The Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Sean Oliu, CJ Solar, Ben Williams, Josh Mirenda, and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.
ASCAP hosted a songwriters round at The Bluebird Cafe last Wednesday (Nov. 5). Performers included Ben Williams, CJ Solar, Josh Mirenda and Sean Oliu.
SOURCE Nashville Hosts ‘Song Stories’ At The Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R): SOURCE Nashville board member and emcee Ashley Hertzog Embry, Cyndi Forman (Universal Music Publishing Group), Juli Griffith (Punch Bowl Entertainment) and Whitney Daane (DAANEgerous Entertainment).
SOURCE Nashville recently hosted “Song Stories: Tales from Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Songs” at The Bluebird Cafe. The event featured a discussion with Cyndi Forman (Universal Music Publishing Group), Juli Griffith (PunchBowl Entertainment), and Whitney Daane (DAANEgerous Entertainment).
The conversation gave attendees a look into how hits are made, pitched and paired with the right artists, while highlighting the critical role women in publishing, management and A&R play in the industry.
Ole 60 Visits Live At The Print Shop
Ole 60 stopped by Live at the Print Shop for a live performance and interview. The episode features live performances of “Smoke & Light, ” “Dust 2 Dust,” “Thoughts of You,” “Let You Down,” “Who We Are,” “Nancy Avenue,” “Watching Me Bleed” and a cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow.”
‘Merry & Bright: A Night of Music & Giving’ Raises Funds For Middle Tennessee Foster Children
Ian Flanigan performs at ‘Merry & Bright: A Night of Music & Giving.’ Photo: Shanda Tripp
Love From Music City hosted “Merry & Bright: A Night of Music & Giving” on Nov. 4 in Hendersonville. The night served as a fundraiser for its 14th annual Christmas party for middle Tennessee foster children and their families.
Performers for the night included Ian Flanigan and Levi & John Bowman. Funds raised from the event will provide meals for foster families and gifts from Santa’s Workshop, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, coats, hats, gloves, tennis shoes and backpacks filled with personal hygiene items.
Jessie Jo Dillon Re-Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJessie Jo Dillon. Photo: Meri Grey
Jessie Jo Dillon has jumped back into the Top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Kelsea Ballerini’s “Baggage,” Megan Moroney’s “Beautiful Things,” HARDY’s “Bottomland,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me” and Vincent Mason’s “Wish You Well” all push the songwriter to No. 9 this week.
Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the fifth consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (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.
John Berry Releases ‘Live From The Country Music Cruise’
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Berry has released his new album, John Berry: Live From The Country Music Cruise, today (Nov. 10).
Capturing the energy and fan-favorite hits from his performance aboard the Country Music Cruise, this album delivers Berry’s live show straight to listeners. This album contains 14 songs, including “You And Only You,” “She’s Taking A Shine,” “Kiss Me In The Car,” “Your Love Amazes Me,” and more.
“The Country Music Cruise is a one-of-a-kind experience for us all, and this album captures it,” shares Berry. “From the moment everyone steps on the ship, there’s live music. It’s almost 24/7, and it’s an absolute blast! We are all simply fans together. You never know who will be in the audience, either. There’s nothing like it, and I believe you can tell with this album. So, if you’d never been on a Country Music Cruise….what are you waiting for!?”
Berry will kick off his 29th Annual “Christmas With John Berry Tour” on Nov. 28 in Sugar Hill, Georgia, which runs through the holiday season.
John Berry: Live From The Country Music Cruise Track List:
1. “I Think About It All The Time”
2. “A Mind Of Her Own”
3. “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye”
4. “I Will If You Will”
5. “You And Only You”
6. “Gotta Lotta Love”
7. “Kiss Me In The Car”
8. “The Richest Man”
9. “She’s Taken A Shine”
10. “More Than Just A Little”
11. “Annie’s Song (feat. Jimmy Fortune)”
12. “If I Had Any Pride Left At All”
13. “What’s In It For Me”
14. “Your Love Amazes Me”
Ricky Skaggs Unveils Christmas Tour With Kentucky Thunder
/by Lorie HollabaughRicky Skaggs. Photo: Courtesy of Skaggs Family Records
Ricky Skaggs has revealed his 2025 holiday tour, “Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas,” which will kick off Dec. 4 at Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder will perform eight Christmas concerts throughout the month of December in Owensboro, Kentucky; Steelville, Missouri; Birmingham; Nashville, Indiana; Cincinnati, and Bristol, Virginia. The show, which will stop in Nashville on Dec. 7 at The Fisher Center at Belmont University, will feature a mix of holiday favorites, new arrangements.
“I’d like to invite you all to our Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas Show this December,” says Skaggs. “You’ll hear some great old Christmas favorites, some newer Christmas songs and some great instrumentals too. Come on out and see this fun family show. I promise you’ll have a great time.”
“Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas” Tour Dates:
Dec. 4 – Philadelphia, MS – Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music / Ellis Theater
Dec. 5 – Owensboro, KY – Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum / Woodward Theatre
Dec. 6 – Steelville, MO – Meramec Music Theatre
Dec. 7 – Nashville, TN – The Fisher Center at Belmont University
Dec. 8 – Birmingham, AL – Lyric Theatre
Dec. 11 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Dec. 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall OTR
Dec. 13 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Live Bristol
The Listening Room To Host 20th Anniversary Show At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Listening Room will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a show at the Ryman Auditorium on March 3.
The show will include performances by Hardy, Blessing Offor, Mitchell Tenpenny, Phil Barton, Brian Davis, J.T. Harding, Jo Dee Messina, Matt Jenkins, Wendell Mobley, James Slater, and more to be announced, along with special surprise guests.
“Celebrating 20 years of The Listening Room at the historic Ryman Auditorium is more than just an anniversary—it’s a full-circle moment,” shares The Listening Room’s Owner and Founder, Chris Blair. “When I started this back in 2006, I just wanted to create a place where the song and the songwriter came first. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless artists take that stage, share their stories, and grow into some of the biggest names in country music. Now, to have so many of them come back to celebrate this milestone with us on one of the most iconic stages in the world – it’s emotional in the best way.
“This night isn’t about me; it’s about the incredible songwriters, artists, and team members who’ve made The Listening Room what it is today,” he continues. “I’ve always said, ‘Music is the universal language of the world. Music comes to us through song. And every song has a songwriter.’ That belief has guided us from day one, and it’s what continues to drive everything we do. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has believed in this vision and been part of the journey. It’s going to be an unforgettable night celebrating the songs, the stories, and the community that started it all.”
The Listening Room’s “In The Round” presale starts on Nov. 12 at listeningroomcafe.com/