In honor of Veterans Day, CreatiVets is continuing its mission of empowering wounded veterans to heal through music with the release of Veterans Day Special, Volume VI, available now via Big Machine Label Group.

The five-song collection was co-written by U.S. Veterans through CreatiVets’ songwriting program, and all proceeds from the project will directly support the veterans featured in the collection, as well as the nonprofit’s ongoing work with veterans nationwide.

On Veterans Day Special, Volume VI each of the vets offer their own perspective through the lyrics, representing a wide range of experiences, from Normandy to Vietnam to post-9/11 service. The tracks weave a story of resilience and rehabilitation, embodying the spirit of CreatiVets’ mission. For many veterans, participating in CreatiVets’ songwriting program is a transformative experience – helping them process trauma, reconnect with loved ones and find peace through creative expression.

Among the collection’s meaningful tracks is “We Puerto Rico,” co-written by Roberto Prieto, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran from Puerto Rico, which features vocals by Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. The song honors Roberto’s service and heritage while celebrating Puerto Rican pride and strength.

“At CreatiVets, our mission is to turn veterans’ lived experiences into art that heals,” shares CreatiVets’ Co-Founder & Executive Director Richard Casper, a Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. “This collection crosses Pop, R&B, Latin, Hawaiian Island and country because healing is not one story or one sound. These are veterans telling their truths, in their own words.

“We are deeply grateful to Howie Dorough for lending his talent to this project,” he continues. “His compassion and commitment brought Roberto’s story to life in a way that honors both his service and his roots. This collaboration captures exactly what CreatiVets is all about – connection and healing through shared creativity.”

Veterans Day Special, Volume VI Track List:
1. “We Puerto Rico (feat. Howie Dorough, David Quiñones)” (Roberto Prieto, Kyle Yepsen, David Quiñones, Tyler Filmore, Chris Daniel, Seth Mosley)
2. “For The Me I Haven’t Met (feat. The Soundlings)” (Jacob Burns, Miguel Vasquez, Sonny Rey, Matt Naylor)
3. “Won’t Last Forever (featuring Ariel Lask)” (Shawn Tillman, Briana McCrae Carr, Ariel Lask, Fabio Campedelli)
4. “Na Koa Lele (The Leaping Knights Of The Hawaiian Isles) (feat. Quinn Loggins)” (Hiroshi Kato, Len Erickson, Quinn Loggins, Larry McCoy)
5. “If Freedom Was Free (feat. Johnny and Heidi)” (Irving Locker, Bart Crowe, Johnny Bulford, Heidi Bulford)

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Kelsea Ballerini is offering fans a taste of her upcoming new EP Mount Pleasant with the reflective new track “I Sit In Parks,” out today (Nov. 7.)

With an accompanying video capturing Ballerini mulling over choices, sacrifices and real-life costs as she sits on a swing in a park, “I Sit In Parks” furthers the artist’s willingness to be vulnerable and open in unpacking her world for her art. Weighing personal desires, the reality of achieving success and wondering about the things her friends are all experiencing, she sings in the track, “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart/ Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want…”

“I have always made records – whether songs, EPs or albums – to capture a moment in time,” says Ballerini about the upcoming project. “Mount Pleasant is a collection of six songs I’ve written throughout the summer, marking a chapter of heavy self-examination, longing and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year old woman.”

Ballerini recently wrapped her 35-date “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour,” at arenas across the country, and is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming 2025 CMA Awards and Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Mount Pleasant Track List:
1. “I Sit In Parks”
2. “People Pleaser”
3. “Emerald City”
4. “587”
5. “The Revisionist”
6. “Check On Your Friends”

Jason Aldean has released three new surprise tracks from his upcoming new studio album, Songs About Us, which will release on April 24 via BBR Music Group/BMG. “Help You Remember,” “Hard To Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me Too Long” are available now.

Aldean also revealed the entire 20-song track list for the new project. In addition to his Top 20 current single, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the new songs set the tone for Songs About Us, which captures some of life’s defining moments through authentic storytelling. The title track is a collaboration with Luke Bryan, and the album also features a duet with his wife Brittany on the song “Easier Gone,” which was penned by Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Jimmy Robbins and Josh Kerr. Aldean also puts his spin on David Lee Murphy’s “Dust On The Bottle” which features Murphy himself.

“Help You Remember” is inspired by Aldean’s own experience having family members going through dementia, and shines a spotlight on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and their mission.

“It means the world when one of my songs helps someone through a hard time – or celebrates their best moments,” says Aldean. “This album is about all of that – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Every track started with a real story or feeling, and together we turned those experiences into music. In the end, I realized this album is about all of us. These are songs about us.”

In addition to the new album in 2026, Aldean previously announced the extension of his 2026 “Full Throttle World Tour” which will include a first-ever headlining run in New Zealand and return to Australia after 10 years.

Songs About Us Track List:
1. “Anytime Soon” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
2. “Drinking About You” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
3. “Don’t Tell On Me” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
4. “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
5. “Songs About Us feat. Luke Bryan)” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards, John Morgan)
6. “Good Thing Going” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
7. “She’s Why” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
8. “Backroads Of My Memory” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
9. “Dust on the Bottle (feat. David Lee Murphy)” (David Lee Murphy)
10. “The High Road” (Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson)
11. “Easier Gone (feat. Brittany Aldean)” (Charles Kelley, Josh Kerr, Dave Haywood, Jimmy Robbins)
12. “Help You Remember” (Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
13. “Country Into Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
14. “What’s A Little Heartache” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
15. “One Last Look” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
16. “Fight A Fire” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
17. “Hard To Love You” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
18. “Little Hometown Left” (Jordan Gray, Ben Hayslip, Danny Majic, Cole Taylor)
19. “Her Favorite Color” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher)
20. “Lovin’ Me Too Long” (Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, Jacob Rice)

Randy & Kelly Owen Honored With American Hereford Assoc. Hall Of Merit Award

Pictured (L-R): Chad Breeding (AHA), Harper Starnes (granddaughter of Randy and Kelly Owen), Randy Owen, Kelly Owen and Jim Coley (AHA). Photo: Courtesy of Randy Owen

Alabama‘s Randy Owen and wife Kelly were honored with the American Hereford Association Hall of Merit Award on Oct. 25. The Owens received the award during the AHA’s Annual Meeting and International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The AHA Hall of Merit Award is one of the Association’s highest honors, presented annually to men and women who have significantly influenced the Hereford breed and the cattle industry overall. Randy and Kelly Owen were recognized for their lifelong commitment to the cattle industry and agricultural community.

Willie’s Remedy+ Offers New THC-Infused Shots

Willie Nelson

Willie’s Remedy+, the cannabis brand inspired by Willie Nelson’s legendary spirit and way of life, has launched 2oz THC-infused shots. Beginning this week, Willie Remedy+’s shots in mini glass bottles at both 5mg and 10mg doses are available at DrinkWillies.com and at select retail stores. The new THC-infused products join Willie’s Remedy+’s flagship 750ml bottles as well as seltzers. The tonic features flavor notes of lemon, lime, passionfruit and cannabis, and combines 5mg THC, 2mg CBD, 2mg CBG, and 200mg L-Theanine per 1.5oz shot; and is also available in a 10mg THC edition. The seltzers are available in Black Cherry Lime, Strawberry Watermelon, and a Hawaiian favorite, Passion Fruit Orange Guava.

Craig Campbell Chats With RFD-TV About Grindstone Cowboy Opening

Craig Campbell visits RFD-TV

Craig Campbell dropped by the RFD-TV Market Day Report earlier this week to chat with host Suzanne Alexander about his “Missing You” single and the upcoming grand opening of his new Grindstone Cowboy coffee shop, restaurant and music venue in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Scotty Hasting Honors Vets At Halftime Show During Cincinnati Bengals’ Salute To Service Game

Photo: Courtesy of Scotty Hasting

Black River artist and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting kicked off November with an impactful halftime performance during the NFL’s Salute To Service at his hometown Cincinnati Bengals game last weekend. Hasting recently released a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” and is releasing a video for the song on Nov. 9. On Veterans Day he’ll perform on the Grand Ole Opry and appear on the Musicians On Call “Concert For Veterans” among other appearances.

Robert Bacon Inks With CDX Records

Jon Brennan (CDX), Robert Bacon and Joe Kelly (CDX). Photo: Courtesy of CDX Records

Country artist Robert Bacon has signed with CDX Records, in partnership with Sony Orchard. Bacon’s debut single with CDX Records, “Here’s to Christmas Time,” is a nostalgic celebration of faith, family and the memories that define the holiday season.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Joe Kelly and the CDX team,” says Bacon. “They believe in the music and the message. This is the perfect home for what I want to share with the world.”