3rd & Lindsley To Celebrate 35th Anniversary With Special Show

Nashville mainstay 3rd and Lindsley is celebrating its 35th anniversary as an integral part of the Nashville club scene with a special show on Jan. 3 featuring performances from Jack Pearson, Gary Nicholson, Jonell Mosser and Ashley Cleveland.

3rd & Lindsley opened its doors in 1991, when there was no internet, no cell phones, and they booked acts over the phone in the afternoons. The club’s first weekend featured the Bobby Bradford Blues Band and Deford Bailey Jr., both of whom sold out the 220-capacity corner side-door stage. Jonell Mosser & Enough Rope, Gary Nicholson & The Change, Pearson, and Cleveland were among the first to take the stage and lend the venue credibility with their artistry and musicianship.

More information on the special anniversary show including tickets, can be found here.

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Scotty McCreery & Dustin Lynch, Randy Rogers, More

Kenny Chesney Tapes Conversations with Our Curator Podcast At Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch

Kenny Chesney recently headed to Monmouth University in New Jersey to tape a special edition of their Conversations with Our Curator series with the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music Director of Curatorial Affairs and Director of Public History Melissa Ziobro. With the actual Center in the final stages of construction for their late spring 2026 opening, the recent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee combined the book talk with touring the facility before it was ready for installations.

 

Scotty McCreery & Dustin Lynch Receive Fargo Force Jerseys During ‘Two for the Road Tour’

Scotty McCreery and Dustin Lynch with Scheels Arena staffers. Photo: Lily Voges/Scheels Arena

Triple Tigers Records artist Scotty McCreery and Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch were presented with Fargo Force hockey jerseys by staffers at Scheels Arena in Fargo, North Dakota prior to their recent show there. The show was part of McCreery and Lynch’s co-headlining “Two for the Road Tour,” which took place over November and December and wrapped last Saturday in Duluth, Minnesota.

 

Randy Rogers Family Foundation Makes Donation To New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ Kids Club

Pictured (L-R, back row): Chelsea Rogers, Randy Rogers, Jim Wesson (CEO, New Braunfels Christian Ministries), Courtney Bukowski (RRFF Staff) and Slate Angel (RRFF Supporter). (L-R, front row): Kids from Kids Club, a program of New Braunfels Christian Ministries.

Randy Rogers, his wife Chelsea, and the Randy Rogers Family Foundation Staff personally delivered hundreds of hygiene items to the New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ Kids Club for local children on Dec. 9. Donations were gathered from fans who attended Rogers’ acoustic show at the historic Freiheit Country Store on Dec. 7. The generosity of concert goers led to the collection of nearly 1,600 much-needed items to Kids Club, including toothbrushes, pairs of socks, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and various other hygiene items.

 

Isabella Kaufman Joins Christian Barker & Co. As Associate Attorney

Isabella Kaufman and Christian Barker

Isabella Kaufman has joined Christian Barker & Co. as Associate Attorney. Kaufman previously served as a law clerk with the firm, and earned her J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2025. Her achievements include advancing to the semi-finals in Moot Court, competing nationally on the ABA National Moot Court Team, and induction into the Order of the Barristers. She also completed more than 100 pro bono hours, received the GOOD Pro-Bono Award, and gained hands-on litigation experience while clerking for a judge in Tennessee’s 16th Judicial District.

 

Makenzie Phipps Returns To Hometown Of Bluefield, VA For Special Honors

Photo: Bluefield Daily Telegraph / Tara Wyatt

Makenzie Phipps was recently honored by her hometown of Bluefield, Virginia, together with Southwest Virginia Community College and Graham High School in a special recognition ceremony honoring her musical talent and her unwavering community spirit. Bluefield proudly presented Phipps with the Key to the Town, the Outstanding Citizen Award, and a formal proclamation formally declaring December 6, 2025 as “Makenzie Phipps Day.”

Brad Moist Joins Integrity Music As Vice President Of A&R & Development

Brad Moist.

Brad Moist has joined Integrity Music as Vice President of A&R & Development. In this role, Moist will scout and develop new talent, continue to grow existing relationships with Integrity Music’s artist roster, and shape the label’s creative direction.

“I am honored to join Integrity Music and bring my background and experience to the label,” Moist says. “Blaine Barcus is an industry colleague I have admired for a long time, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join his team. The label’s heart for helping people encounter the power of music that points to the King is paramount. With a rich history that speaks for itself and a top‑notch team, Integrity has been rebuilding its artist roster, which I am privileged to serve. I am equally excited about the future of the label and the bold steps they are willing to take to get there.”

Moist brings more than 24 years of experience in the music business. Most recently, he served as senior A&R, brand, and marketing manager for Gotee Records. He created and ran the Mono Vs Stereo imprint label at Gotee, developing The Showdown, Chasing Victory, Maylene & the Sons of Disaster and others.

“As Integrity Music continues to expand its footprint, our ability to attract talent and develop artist relationships are more important than ever,” shares Barcus, president of Integrity Music. “Brad has the broad experience in A&R, development and promotion that will make a positive impact immediately. His heart is aligned with our mission of impacting the world with excellent music that points listeners to Jesus.”

Moist will report to Barcus and lead the A&R team, consisting of Gilbert Nanlohy, Senior A&R and Global Partnerships Director, and Taylor Brady, A&R Director.

Matt McKinney Signs With Position Music

Pictured (L-R): Mark Chipello (President, Position Music), Chandler Thurston (Position Music, A&R), Matt McKinney and Tyler Bacon (Founder & CEO, Position Music).

Matt McKinney has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Position Music, joining the Nashville based roster of Dave Cohen, Matt Geroux, Khal Yassein, Steve Solomon and Zach Skelton.

“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this roster and team at Position moving forward in my career, and thankful to have a champion like Chandler [Thurston] in my corner as we turn a page to this exciting chapter,” shares McKinney.

Hailing from Augusta, Georgia, McKinney moved to Nashville after graduating from the University of Georgia and signed his first publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. He has earned cuts with Jordan Davis, Elle King, Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Ernest and more.

“I’m very excited to welcome Matt to the Position roster,” adds Thurston, A&R at Position Music. “His songwriting is honest, authentic, and genuine. He has all the qualities of a great storyteller. Can’t wait to help shape this next chapter of his career.”

“We are proud to welcome Matt McKinney to Position Music and our team is excited and ready to lean in to help unlock new opportunities for him,” says Mark Chipello, President of Position Music.

Pandora Unveils 2026 Country Artists To Watch [Exclusive]

Pandora has named its 2026 Artists To Watch-Country list.

For 11 years, Pandora has annually recognized rising country artists, continuing to change the way new music is consumed. The 10 artists that Pandora expect to have a major impact in 2026 include Atlus, Blake Whiten, Brandon Wisham, Elizabeth Nichols, Gavin Adcock, Greylan James, Jackson Wendell, Kevin Powers, Thelma & James and Zach John King.

Atlus began writing songs while working as a commercial truck driver, crafting lyrics on the road to support his family and pay for studio time. That grind helped him build a devoted underground following, now boasting millions of streams, millions of followers, and a Platinum single. His label debut EP with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Secondhand Smoke, arrived in October, with breakout track “Devil Ain’t Done” already gaining traction.

Whiten pairs gritty authenticity with a modern edge. His breakout single “Rollin’ Stone” has topped 27 million streams on Pandora, earning him a devoted fan base and spins on Pandora’s The 615: Today’s Country. Featured on his debut EP Six Mile, the track showcases Whiten’s gift for transforming personal stories into universally resonant songs. His newest release, “Hard to Break,” continues that momentum.

At just 22, Wisham is armed with raw talent and a natural storyteller’s instinct. He wrote his very first song, “Pain Won’t Last,” at 19, a track that caught the attention of Bailey Zimmerman, who recorded it for his multi-platinum Religiously. The Album. and brought Wisham on his 2024 U.S. tour. Wisham kicked off 2025 with a string of new singles that helped earn him the title of SiriusXM Highway Find and strong support across Pandora. His latest release, “Growin’ Up,” is climbing The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown as he continues a packed touring schedule, joining major acts like Tyler Hubbard, Lakeview, Chase Matthews, Nate Smith, Austin Snell, and landing coveted festival slots at Stagecoach and Tortuga in 2026.

Within months of moving to Nashville, Nichols racked up over a million Pandora streams across stations like Blue Sky: Country Pop. Known for her sharp wit and candid take on modern life, she first captured attention with the viral hit “I Got a New One.” Her debut EP, Tough Love, arrived in June, followed by new standouts like the emotional “Daughter” and “Little Birds.” In less than a year, Nichols has played her first live show, toured with top country artists, made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and performed at iconic venues and events such as the Bluebird Café, CMA Fest, and even the Kentucky Derby.

With more than 135 million Pandora streams and major support from The 615: Today’s Country and Country Grit, Adcock is quickly becoming the face of country rock’s resurgence. SiriusXM’s The Highway has championed five of his releases, and his explosive 2025 momentum has made him one of the genre’s fastest-rising, most talked-about newcomers. Personally selected by Morgan Wallen as direct support on his 2025 and 2026 tours, Adcock brings a high-octane blend of Southern rock grit, bold lyricism, and rowdy energy. Known for his viral breakout and electric live shows, Adcock channels the raw spirit of the South into every performance.

Since moving to Nashville eight years ago, James has become a sought-out songwriter, earning cuts from Kenny Chesney, Morgan Wallen, Cole Swindell, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Bailey Zimmerman, and BRELAND, among others. His catalog includes three No. 1 hits and an ACM Song of the Year win for co-writing Jordan Davis’ smash “Next Thing You Know.” Pandora has driven more than 24 million streams across The 615 Today’s Country and Backroads, while SiriusXM’s The Highway has played seven of his songs in the past two years.

Wendell is a rising Texas singer-songwriter known for pairing heartfelt storytelling with a fresh, youthful edge. Raised in Lufkin, Texas, he wrote his first song at just 14 and has been refining his craft ever since. His music blends traditional country instrumentation with honest reflections on love, loss, and growing up—creating a sound that resonates far beyond his years. Wendell’s songs continue to find a welcoming home on Pandora, where “Devil’s Hardwoods” has received dedicated platform support.

Powers is redefining modern country as the first artist signed to Shaboozey’s American Dogwood Records, blending genre-bending production with heartfelt storytelling. Both a standout songwriter and a dynamic artist, Powers co-wrote the hit “Amen” by Shaboozey and Jelly Roll before releasing his own rising single “Move On,” which has already surpassed 8 million global streams since its September debut and is gaining momentum on Pandora. With new music coming, an EP slated for April 2026, and a spot on “The Great American Road Show Tour”, Powers is solidifying himself as one of country music’s most exciting new breakout acts.

Thelma & James, married Nashville singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, are emerging leaders in country and Americana’s modern renaissance, blending rootsy instrumentation with polished, genre-stretching songwriting. The duo formed organically after an impromptu writing session and performance video that drew praise from John Mayer, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile, and more. Their breakout song “Happy Ever After You” has earned over 17 million streams and strong Pandora support across stations like The Nashville Dive and This Year in Americana. In 2025, the pair signed with Big Loud Records and released their debut EP Starting Over.

Fusing the introspection of a roots poet with the raw edge of alt-rock, Sony Music Nashville artist King is pushing country music into bold new territory, unfiltered, emotional, and unmistakably his own. The past 18 months have been transformative for King. He released his latest EP Slow Down, toured as an opener on Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem Tour,” joined Luke Bryan’s “2025 Farm Tour,” and hit the road with Dylan Scott and Gavin Adcock. In 2026, he’ll reunite with Morgan Wallen for the “Still The Problem Tour,” perform at Stagecoach, and tour with Riley Green.

Jelly Roll Invited To Be Grand Ole Opry Member

Jelly Roll. Photo: Jacob Distasio

During an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Jelly Roll was given the surprise of a lifetime when Craig Morgan invited him to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry via video message.

Jelly was overcome with emotion, sharing in a social media post, “I’m honored beyond words and I can’t stop pinching myself. To everyone at the Opry, y’all are like family to me.

“To Craig Morgan, no matter how many times I say it i’ll never be able to tell you enough how much this has all meant to me. I love you Joe Rogan.”

 

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Jelly Roll made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 and has become an Opry fan favorite and beloved by not only the fans, but many of its members over the years. Jelly Roll has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry NextStage program, and serving as host of Opry NextStage Live shows in Texas.

A four-time Grammy-nominated, award-winning Nashville native, Jelly Roll continues to redefine the word entertainer. With the release of his 2024 album, Beautifully Broken, he topped the Billboard 200 all-genre chart and earned his second No. 1 Billboard Country Album chart debut. Beautifully Broken features his No. 1 songs like the Grammy-nominated “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar” that dominated the country radio chart for six-straight weeks and latest chart-topper “Heart of Stone.”

With numerous nominations and award wins, eight consecutive No. 1s at country radio as well as hits on the rock and Christian charts, and a landmark appearance as the musical guest on SNL’s 50th Anniversary Season Premiere episode, Jelly Roll has solidified his place as one of music’s most authentic and powerful voices.

CAA Elevates Ella Fernandez

Ella Fernandez.

CAA has elevated Ella Fernandez to Executive in the Global Touring department’s Marketing division.

Based in Nashville, Fernandez joined CAA in 2022 as a Tour Marketing Assistant before being promoted to Professional in 2023. She previously worked as a Social Media Assistant at iHeartMedia and graduated from Belmont University.

CAA has also promoted Jack Belkin, Carly Damelio, Rhys France, Todd Matsumoto and Sydney Weltman, all within the Global Touring department and based in various offices around the world.

Industry Ink: CMHOFM, Gabby Barrett, Lily Rose, Hope In The Hills, More

CMHOFM Hosts Songwriter Session With HARDY

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently held a songwriter session with HARDY in the museum’s CMA Theater.

An ACM, CMA and CMA Triple Play winner, HARDY has written songs for Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, LoCash, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen and more. He has earned Top 10 singles as an artist with “Truck Bed,” “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, and “Wait in the Truck,” a collaboration with Lainey Wilson.

This program is presented in support of the exhibition American Currents: State of the Music, which currently features HARDY.

 

Gabby Barrett Co-Hosts & Performs At The 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting

Gabby Barrett & Matthew West. Photo: Great American Media

Gabby Barrett co-hosted alongside Matthew West and performed at the 103rd National Christmas Tree Lighting. The full lineup included Alana Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Jillian Cardarelli and Warren Zeiders.

Barrett performed a rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?,” accompanied by the U.S. Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble.

 

Lily Rose Earns Platinum Certification For ‘Villian’

Pictured (L-R): Claire Karliak, Nicolette McCann, Daniel Miller, Stacy Blythe, Rakiyah Marshall-England, Daira Williamson, Lily Rose, Matt Morrissey, Matt Cottingham, Austin Wells, Hunter Reynolds, Phil Day. Photo: Justice Lowe

Lily Rose was presented with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Platinum certification of her breakthrough single “Villain” last week at the Grand Ole Opry.

Written by Rose alongside Mackenzie Carpenter and Kyle Clark, produced by Matt Morrissey, and tallying more than 160 million global streams to date, “Villain” charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, Country Digital Song Sales, and Emerging Artist charts.

 

Hope In The Hills Distributes Over Half A Million Dollars To Recovery Initiatives Across Appalachia, Welcomes Logan Terry As Executive Director

Pictured (L-R): Logan Terry (Hope in the Hills), Charlie Hatcher (Hope in the Hills), Casey Michalovic (AppalRed Legal Aid), Justin Apperson (AppalRed Legal Aid).

Hope In The Hills has presented grants to recovery organizations across Kentucky, distributing checks funded by a portion of proceeds from this year’s Healing Appalachia Music Festival. The grants totaled over $650,000, supporting recovery housing, peer services, legal aid, harm reduction, youth programming, and linkage-to-care initiatives across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and the greater Appalachian region.

Additionally, Logan Terry has been named Executive Director of Hope In The Hills. A White House, Tennessee native, Terry began his recovery journey in 2018.

“Saturday was a really special day for us,” says Terry, Executive Director. “Presenting grants to multiple amazing Kentucky-based organizations showed exactly why Healing Appalachia exists.” He added, “This year, we distributed more than $630,000 in support of recovery programs, increasing linkages to care, music therapy, and workforce development across the region, thanks to the more than 25,000 people who showed up and believed in this work. Moments like this prove that everything we pour into the festival, all year long and on festival weekend, is worth it. We are incredibly grateful to the artists, sponsors, and volunteers who make this possible, and the next chapter for Healing Appalachia is about building on that momentum and making sure these resources continue to reach the communities that need them most.”

 

ECCHO Live Adds Two

Pictured (L-R): Lizzie Maranto and Anastasia Zivic Demirci.

ECCHO Live has added two members to its team. Lizzie Maranto will join as Program Manager and Anastasia Zivic Demirci is joining Marketing Manager.

“Lizzie and Anastasia bring experience that strengthens every part of our mission,” says ECCHO Live Founder Chris Lisle. “Their leadership will help us better support and advocate for the people who make live events possible.”

 

Gaither Music & The National Museum of African Music Host ‘Chris Blue & Friends’

Pictured (L-R): Chris Blue, Paul Sizelove (Sun Label Group & Gaither Music), Bill Jeffries (NMAAM) and Dr. Pierce (NMAAM).

Gaither Music and The National Museum of African Music recently hosted “Chris Blue & Friends,” an evening of stories and songs from Blue, Byron Chambers (Mr. TalkBox), Tamara Bodie, and members of the Gaither Vocal Band including Reggie Smith, Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles. Blue is the Season 12 winner of NBC’s The Voice and the first African American artist to win since Season 2.

The night kicked off with a VIP Q&A with Blue, followed by the unveiling of a new museum case with artifacts from the TV show, a reception and the live performances.

 

Sharayah Daves Signs With Anotherland

Sharayah Daves and team.

Sharayah Daves has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Anotherland.

A Teneessee native. Daves is a recent graduate of Belmont University where she studied songwriting.

“I’m beyond grateful to have found my champion in Karrie Dawley and get to partner with the Anotherland team” says Daves. “These past four years in Nashville have taught me that doors open when you stay authentic to who you are, work tirelessly on your craft, and walk in bold obedience to the Lord. There are some things only God can do, and this is one of those markers in my life.”

“From the day we met with Sharayah, we knew she carried something truly special” shares Head of Creative, Karrie Dawley. “She’s the perfect blend of talent, ambition, and a genuine willingness to learn- a combination that makes for a beautiful partnership. We can’t wait to see all the songs Sharayah creates and all the hearts she’s destined to touch.”

GMA Dove Awards To Return To Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 6th, 2026. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday (Dec. 15).

The Music City Fan Experience package tickets are available now, and include a night of worship at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, a new artist showcase, exclusive previews, a riverboat lunch cruise with performances, a three-night stay at the Sheraton Grand in downtown Nashville, round-trip transportation to all Fan Experience events and premium seating at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

Earlier this year at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, Brandon Lake was most awarded with five wins including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” honoring songwriters Lake, Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings. Artist of the Year went to Forrest Frank and New Artist of the Year went to Leanna Crawford. CeCe Winans took home two awards including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar.

Sony Music Publishing Signs Global Deal With BigXthaPlug

Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Publishing, Ari Gelaw, VP, Creative, Sony Music Publishing and BigXthaPlug. Photo: Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI

Award-winning, multi-Platinum breakout star BigXthaPlug has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.

BigXthaPlug has broken ground with his sound that delves into his Texas roots, earning him widespread acclaim across rap, hip-hop and country. With a catalog that includes celebrated albums like Amar (2023) and Take Care (2024), his hits include “Texas” (double-Platinum), “Mmhmm” (triple-Platinum), “Levels” (double-Platinum) and “The Largest” (Platinum).

His latest album, I Hope You’re Happy, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country and Top Rap Album charts and landed at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. It features collaborations with country powerhouses like Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll and Shaboozey. BigXthaPlug’s single “All The Way” with Bailey Zimmerman hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first track to claim No. 1 spots on both Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Country Songs charts simultaneously.

BigXthaPlug recently surprised fans with his brand-new single “Cold” featuring Post Malone, released in tandem with the deluxe version of I Hope You’re Happy.

Of the publishing news, BigXthaPlug shares, “Sony Music Publishing gets my vision and believes in my music, and I’m excited to be working with them. I look forward to all the great music that’s ahead.”

Ari Gelaw, Vice President, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing, says, “BigXthaPlug is a generational talent whose voice resonates on such a deep level. His ability to speak truth through his music is inspiring. It’s an honor to be partnering with him and his team and we look forward to championing his success into the future.”