The Grand Ole Opry celebrated the 100th anniversary tonight of its November 28, 1925 inaugural broadcast with two shows and more than 25 Opry members. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Rachael Black
The Grand Ole Opry marked its 100th anniversary on Friday (Nov. 28) with a mammoth showcase of its past, present and future.
More than two-dozen acts, including seven members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, gathered to perform. The three-hour show drew laughter, tears, standing ovations and audience sing-alongs as video screens illustrated and punctuated performances with historic footage, vintage portraits and dynamic graphics.
Vince Gill introduced and played the new exclusive Opry 100 guitar that Martin Guitars designed for the centennial anniversary and in celebration of all the music to be made in the future on the Opry. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Rachael Black
Backstage, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs, Marty Stuart and others tuned up with their dressing room doors open for visiting well-wishers. Vince Gill, who occupied Roy Acuff’s old Dressing Room No. 1, recalled that Acuff always kept his door open to greet folks, and said that he feels honored to continue that tradition. At 6:55 p.m. the call went out to take places on stage.
At 7:00 p.m. retired Opry executive Bud Wendell, 98, raised the curtain to reveal an assembled group of cast members. Ricky Skaggs began the show by playing “Tennessee Wagoner” on the same fiddle that Uncle Jimmy Thompson played. The song was one of the tunes that Thompson played on the show’s inaugural broadcast on WSM on Nov. 28, 1925.
Bill Anderson, the Opry’s longest tenured cast member in history, joined with Kathy Mattea, the cast’s newest member, to lead the assembled stars in “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Scotty McCreery, Mandy Barnettt, T. Graham Brown and Mark Wills sang the nostalgic “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” as the screens filled with images of legendary cast members who have passed on.
Gill, Stuart and Dailey & Vincent treated the fans to a spirited version of Acuff’s “Wabash Cannonball.” Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy dazzled us with his dazzling harmonica performance of “Orange Blossom Special.” Country diva Barnett (“Crazy”), McCreery (“Five More Minutes”), Dustin Lynch (“Cowboys and Angels”) and a particularly moving Jamey Johnson (“In Color”) were next.
Other highlights included Riders in the Sky harmonizing on “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Happy Trails” and The Gatlins and Brown leading audience sing-alongs to “All the Gold in California” and “Mustang Sally,” respectively. Anderson reappeared to deliver his touching elegy “Thankful” and was bathed in a long, loving standing ovation from the crowd, which moved the 88-year-old legend deeply.
Bluegrass music took the spotlight as Skaggs and Del McCoury romped through Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen.” Then Skaggs joined The Whites on The Carter Family’s “Keep on the Sunny Side,” which The Whites re-popularized in the hit film O Brother Where Art Thou. They were followed by droll, witty Don Schlitz (“The Gambler) and torch stylists Pam Tillis (“Maybe It Was Memphis”) and Lorrie Morgan (“Something in Red”).
Country comedy took the spotlight via crowd-pleasing sets by Henry Cho and Gary Mule Deer.
Stuart reminded the crowd of the old-time string-band tradition that was the backbone of the Opry’s early years by bringing out The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band and Uncle Dave Macon disciple Leroy Troy. The group then backed The Opry Square Dancers who clogged to wild audience applause.
Ricky Skaggs opened the show with a performance of “Tennessee Wagoner,” while playing the very fiddle with which Uncle Jimmy Thompson started it all 100 years ago. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Rachael Black
The Isaacs performed a stunning, a cappella, harmony-drenched treatment of “It Is Well With My Soul” to kick off a gospel segment that also featured Conlee (“Amazing Grace”) and Wills (“I’ll Fly Away”), plus a group-sung rendition of the Hank Williams classic “I Saw the Light.” Mattea joined forces with her good friend Suzy Bogguss. The latter represented the Opry’s future, since she will be inducted into the cast on Jan. 16, 2026. The two pals treated the crowd to “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Outbound Plane.”
The 100th-anniversary night was hosted by Opry announcers Charlie Mattos, Kelly Sutton and Mike Terry. Sutton related that Opry fans were polled to choose the 100 best country songs of all time. Twenty of these are on a commemorative new double LP, Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs Recorded Live on the Opry Stage. The fans’ all-time favorite is “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which Gill performed, augmented with a recitation by Anderson. Gill then brought out Sonya Isaacs to harmonize with him on an angelic “When I Call Your Name.”
Gospel superstar Steven Curtis Chapman, an Opry member since 2024, sang his “The Grand Ole Opry Stage” composition at the piano. All the stars reassembled around him to perform “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” as the finale while the audience rose in a standing ovation.
A post-show, VIP reception found the cast mingling with dignitaries and family members backstage in Studio A. Opry chief Dan Rogers greeted everyone and offered slices of 100th-birthday cake. Bill Anderson asked us to raise our glasses high for his toast, “To 100 years ago and what has been. To 100 years from now and what will be. Long live the Grand Ole Opry.” Amen to that.
Grand Ole Opry Stages A Show For The Century
/by Robert K OermannThe Grand Ole Opry celebrated the 100th anniversary tonight of its November 28, 1925 inaugural broadcast with two shows and more than 25 Opry members. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Rachael Black
The Grand Ole Opry marked its 100th anniversary on Friday (Nov. 28) with a mammoth showcase of its past, present and future.
More than two-dozen acts, including seven members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, gathered to perform. The three-hour show drew laughter, tears, standing ovations and audience sing-alongs as video screens illustrated and punctuated performances with historic footage, vintage portraits and dynamic graphics.
Vince Gill introduced and played the new exclusive Opry 100 guitar that Martin Guitars designed for the centennial anniversary and in celebration of all the music to be made in the future on the Opry. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Rachael Black
Backstage, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs, Marty Stuart and others tuned up with their dressing room doors open for visiting well-wishers. Vince Gill, who occupied Roy Acuff’s old Dressing Room No. 1, recalled that Acuff always kept his door open to greet folks, and said that he feels honored to continue that tradition. At 6:55 p.m. the call went out to take places on stage.
At 7:00 p.m. retired Opry executive Bud Wendell, 98, raised the curtain to reveal an assembled group of cast members. Ricky Skaggs began the show by playing “Tennessee Wagoner” on the same fiddle that Uncle Jimmy Thompson played. The song was one of the tunes that Thompson played on the show’s inaugural broadcast on WSM on Nov. 28, 1925.
Bill Anderson, the Opry’s longest tenured cast member in history, joined with Kathy Mattea, the cast’s newest member, to lead the assembled stars in “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Scotty McCreery, Mandy Barnettt, T. Graham Brown and Mark Wills sang the nostalgic “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” as the screens filled with images of legendary cast members who have passed on.
Gill, Stuart and Dailey & Vincent treated the fans to a spirited version of Acuff’s “Wabash Cannonball.” Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy dazzled us with his dazzling harmonica performance of “Orange Blossom Special.” Country diva Barnett (“Crazy”), McCreery (“Five More Minutes”), Dustin Lynch (“Cowboys and Angels”) and a particularly moving Jamey Johnson (“In Color”) were next.
Other highlights included Riders in the Sky harmonizing on “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Happy Trails” and The Gatlins and Brown leading audience sing-alongs to “All the Gold in California” and “Mustang Sally,” respectively. Anderson reappeared to deliver his touching elegy “Thankful” and was bathed in a long, loving standing ovation from the crowd, which moved the 88-year-old legend deeply.
Bluegrass music took the spotlight as Skaggs and Del McCoury romped through Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen.” Then Skaggs joined The Whites on The Carter Family’s “Keep on the Sunny Side,” which The Whites re-popularized in the hit film O Brother Where Art Thou. They were followed by droll, witty Don Schlitz (“The Gambler) and torch stylists Pam Tillis (“Maybe It Was Memphis”) and Lorrie Morgan (“Something in Red”).
Country comedy took the spotlight via crowd-pleasing sets by Henry Cho and Gary Mule Deer.
Stuart reminded the crowd of the old-time string-band tradition that was the backbone of the Opry’s early years by bringing out The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band and Uncle Dave Macon disciple Leroy Troy. The group then backed The Opry Square Dancers who clogged to wild audience applause.
Ricky Skaggs opened the show with a performance of “Tennessee Wagoner,” while playing the very fiddle with which Uncle Jimmy Thompson started it all 100 years ago. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Rachael Black
The Isaacs performed a stunning, a cappella, harmony-drenched treatment of “It Is Well With My Soul” to kick off a gospel segment that also featured Conlee (“Amazing Grace”) and Wills (“I’ll Fly Away”), plus a group-sung rendition of the Hank Williams classic “I Saw the Light.” Mattea joined forces with her good friend Suzy Bogguss. The latter represented the Opry’s future, since she will be inducted into the cast on Jan. 16, 2026. The two pals treated the crowd to “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Outbound Plane.”
The 100th-anniversary night was hosted by Opry announcers Charlie Mattos, Kelly Sutton and Mike Terry. Sutton related that Opry fans were polled to choose the 100 best country songs of all time. Twenty of these are on a commemorative new double LP, Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs Recorded Live on the Opry Stage. The fans’ all-time favorite is “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which Gill performed, augmented with a recitation by Anderson. Gill then brought out Sonya Isaacs to harmonize with him on an angelic “When I Call Your Name.”
Gospel superstar Steven Curtis Chapman, an Opry member since 2024, sang his “The Grand Ole Opry Stage” composition at the piano. All the stars reassembled around him to perform “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” as the finale while the audience rose in a standing ovation.
A post-show, VIP reception found the cast mingling with dignitaries and family members backstage in Studio A. Opry chief Dan Rogers greeted everyone and offered slices of 100th-birthday cake. Bill Anderson asked us to raise our glasses high for his toast, “To 100 years ago and what has been. To 100 years from now and what will be. Long live the Grand Ole Opry.” Amen to that.
‘You Got Gold – A Celebration Of John Prine’ Begins North American Theatrical Run
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Prine. Photo: Rett Rogers
The new documentary You Got Gold – A Celebration of John Prine is currently in the midst of a week-long engagement at Quad Cinema in New York that kicked off Nov. 28.
You Got Gold is a tribute to the legendary songwriter’s life and music and was filmed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Produced by RadicalMedia and Oh Boy Pictures and distributed by Abramorama, the documentary features exclusive interviews and performances by Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, The War and Treaty, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Bonnie Raitt, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, Lyle Lovett, Allison Russell & JT Nero, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Milk Carton Kids, The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir and more.
The film world premiered at the Nashville Film Festival to a sold-out audience last month. You Got Gold will screen across North America through the remainder of the year and into 2026, with more dates added each week. Fiona Whelan Prine will participate in Q&A events at upcoming screenings in Arlington, Massachusetts, on Dec 3, Chicago on Jan. 14 (with Jack Prine), Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 22, and New Orleans on Jan. 24.
You Got Gold began as a memorial concert series organized by Fiona Whelan Prine to celebrate her late husband after he passed from COVID-related complications in April 2020. The inaugural event brought together artists, friends and family to share behind-the-scenes stories and perform classics, honoring Prine’s enduring legacy. Oh Boy Pictures and RadicalMedia captured the special magic of this annual gathering by documenting the first concert in October 2022.
“When John passed, we couldn’t mourn together in the way we and his community needed to,” says Fiona Whelan Prine. “This film documents that long-awaited moment when we finally came together at the Ryman—John’s favorite stage—to honor him with his songs, music, stories and love. I’m grateful to everyone who shared their talent and their hearts to celebrate John’s legacy, and I’m thrilled that audiences everywhere will now have the chance to experience this special night.”
Luma Business Management Names Mallori Kirchenschlager As Partner
/by Lauryn SinkAdrien Good & Mallori Kirchenschlager. Photo: Jon Wadel/Post 92 Photography
Luma Business Management has elevated Mallori Kirchenschlager to partner. First joining Luma in 2023, Kirchenschlager brings nearly two decades of experience in music business and personal financial management.
Kirchenschlager holds dual degrees in Music Business and Accounting from Belmont University. Her career spans roles at FBMM, IEBA and CAA, working with recording and touring artists across multiple genres. She is an active member of the Country Music Association and a recent participant in the CMA Women’s Leadership Academy. She volunteers with organizations including Room in the Inn and Thistle Farms.
“Mallori and I have known each other and worked together in some capacity for over 20 years, and I am thrilled to officially announce her as a partner here at Luma,” shares Founder Adrien Good. “The detailed attention she gives her clients is second to none, and her integrity, professionalism and deep understanding of our industry make her an invaluable leader.”
“It’s been inspiring to watch the last five years of Luma’s growth into a much-needed space to service songwriters, producers and independent businesses,” shares Kirchenschlager. “I’m excited to continue to expand our roster and grow alongside Adrien as we shape the next chapter of Luma’s success.”
Additionally, Luma Business Management recently celebrated its fifth year in business.
Trannie Anderson Enters Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTrannie Anderson
Trannie Anderson has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long” and Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” put the songwriter at No. 19 this week.
Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the eight consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass stays at 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.
CeCe Winans Slates ‘More Than This Tour’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughCeCe Winans is returning to the road in 2026 on her “More Than This Tour” beginning in March.
The 17-time Grammy winner will visit cities across the U.S. on the spring tour, which will kick off March 29 in Nashville and visit Augusta, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, and more through May 8.
The 2026 tour follows the sold-out success of Winans’ 2025 dates, and will feature her signature blend of worship, testimony, and timeless hits. Tickets for the dates are on sale now.
“My heart for this tour is simple. I just want people to meet with Jesus,” says Winans. “When we gather to worship, something beautiful happens; walls come down, hearts open, and His presence fills the room. We’ll sing songs old and new, but more than anything, I want us to be reminded of who He is. It’s not about the music or the lights. My prayer is that every person leaves knowing His love in a deeper way.”
“More Than This Tour” Dates:
March 29, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House
March 30, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House
March 31, 2026 – Augusta, GA – Augusta Bell Auditorium
April 1, 2026 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
April 8, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
April 9, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
April 10, 2026 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium
April 15, 2026 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
April 16, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
April 17, 2026 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
April 22, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
April 23, 2026 – Ames, IA – Stephens Auditorium
April 24, 2026 – Lincoln, NE – Lincoln Berean Church
April 29, 2026 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
April 30, 2026 – Grove City, OH – The Naz Church
May 1, 2026 – Hixson, TN – Abba’s House
May 6, 2026 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
May 7, 2026 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
May 8, 2026 – Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre
BREAKING: ACM Awards Return To Las Vegas On May 17
/by Madison Hahnen“We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to MGM Grand for the 61st ACM Awards next May, a place that holds a lot of history and special memories for the Academy. It truly feels like a homecoming for us,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music. “There’s no better place to host an exciting, global Country Music celebration than fabulous Las Vegas!”
“2026 is going to be a very special year for the ACMs, and partnering with MGM Resorts strengthens our deep commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and experiences for Country Music fans and partners alike,” adds Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions.
Tickets will go on-sale in 2026, with more information coming soon.
Jon Langston To Hit The Road On ‘The Thing About Me Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkJon Langston.
Jon Langston will hit the road next spring on his headlining “The Thing About Me Tour.” Wolf Mahler, Brian Fuller and Micah Fletcher will each join on select dates.
The 19-date run will hit Texas, the Carolinas, Indiana, California and more. Ticket information will be available soon.
Langston will also release his new song, “Thing About Me” this Friday (Dec. 5). The track leans into themes of self-reflection and growth.
“This music feels like the most ‘me’ thing I’ve ever made,” Langston shares. “I wanted to write something real—something that tells the truth about the things I’ve learned, and the things that make me who I am. I am pumped to get on the road next year and bring this to the fans.”
“The Thing About Me Tour” Dates:
March 6th – Deep Ellum, TX
March 7th – Buda, TX
March 12th – Virginia Beach, VA
March 13th – Charlotte, NC
March 14th – Greenville SC
March 27th – Schenectady, NY
March 28th – Pittsburgh, PA
April 2nd – Flint, MI
April 3rd – Indianapolis, IN
April 4th – Iowa City, IA
April 17th – Tampa. FL
April 18th – Jacksonville, FL
April 23rd – Madison, WI
April 24th – Springfield, IL
April 25th – Colombia, MO
April 29th – Fontana, CA
April 30th – West Hollywood, CA
May 1st – Sacramento, CA
May 2nd – Portland, OR
Nashville Pop Singer Dolores Watson Dies At 96
/by Robert K OermannDolores Watson Seigenthaler died on Sunday (Nov. 30) at age 96 while in hospice care.
She was a regionally popular vocalist of the 1940s and 1950s on radio and television who recorded for Decca, RCA and other labels. She was married to John Seigenthaler (1927-2014). He was editor/publisher of The Tennessean in 1962-1991 who attained national notoriety as a civil rights activist, power broker and journalism icon. Nashville’s downtown pedestrian bridge spanning the Cumberland River is named for him.
Dolores Watson was born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1929. After her parents divorced, she moved with her mother to Rome, Georgia. Watson began singing at age 14 and made her first record at age 16. While attending Shorter College for Girls, she sang with local bands and on Rome’s WRGA radio.
She won the Southern Radio Queen contest, which led to engagements in Miami and Havana, which was then a popular American tourist destination. In 1946, Watson came to Nashville to perform as a vocalist with Owen Bradley’s dance band at the Club Plantation. Nashville was “dry” at the time and this 1,000-person venue was the biggest of the private clubs serving alcohol. Bradley was hired by Decca Records in 1947 and in 1954-55 built The Quonset Hut as the first business on what became known as Music Row.
Watson auditioned for WSM radio in 1948 and soon became one of the station’s most popular vocalists. She was the featured singer on WSM’s “Sunday Down South,” which was broadcast nationally on NBC.
In 1950, she recorded “Better Dead Than Wed” and “Shovin’ My Lovin’” for Decca as the vocalist in Lenny Dee & His D-Men. RCA Victor also recorded her in 1950 as the duet partner of Slim Whitman on “Let’s Go to Church (Next Sunday Morning).”
WSM launched Nashville’s first TV station that year. WSM-TV (later WSMV, Channel 4) featured her on its daily morning show The Waking Crew and weekly on its Music City U.S.A. Sunday-night program.
Radio work continued as Dolores Watson sang on such programs as “The Jim Reeves Show,” which was picked up for national airing by ABC. Chet Atkins moved to Nashville in 1950. He and Watson starred on WSM’s nightly radio show “Dreamtime.” During the early 1950s she also sang three times weekly on the variety series “Eight O’Clock Time” with a band headed by Bob Lamm.
Centennial Park staged concerts in those days. Dolores Watson starred on one in 1953. The Tennessean sent cub reporter John Seigenthaler to cover it. He met Dolores Watson and was smitten. They married in 1955. By then, she had performed with Eddy Arnold, Minnie Pearl and Whitey Ford, in addition to Reeves, Whitman, Bradley and Atkins.
After her marriage, she continued her singing career for a time. She opened for Elvis Presley in Mississippi in 1955. But son John Michael Seigenthaler was born late that year, and she soon retired from music to raise him. He eventually became an anchorman of the newscasts on NBC and MSNBC, worked for the Associated Press and entered public relations.
Dolores Seigenthaler is survived by her son and his wife, Kerry Brock; by brother, Frank Watson of Athens, Georgia; grandson Jack Seigenthaler, a Harvard Law School student; and by many nieces and nephews.
The family is requesting donations be made online in Dolores Seigenthaler’s name to the two charities where she volunteered most, Ladies of Charity and Room in the Inn.
Tracy Lawrence’s Mission: Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Raises $355K
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chris Cagle, Gretchen Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Glenn Cranfield (Nashville Rescue Mission), Eric Paslay and Halfway to Hazard. Photo: Logan Vollmers
Tracy Lawrence celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert last week, raising $355,000 to help support families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Fans gathered at Luke Combs’ Category 10 in Nashville for the benefit concert, with performances by Lawrence, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Cagle, Eric Paslay and Halfway to Hazard. New this year, the show hosted a canned food drive on behalf of Second Harvest Food Bank to help support families and individuals facing food insecurity, with one participant taking home a signed guitar from the food drive raffle.
The morning of prep led to panic after a refrigerated truck was found broken, causing 650 turkeys to spoil out of the 3,600 total allotment. Lawrence reached out to social media, news outlets, artists and celebrities asking for donations to replenish the stock in order to reach their goal of feeding 36,000 people throughout Middle Tennessee, and the result was truly a miracle, ending in over 2,400 turkeys donated, making the new total 5,350 cooked and frozen distributed turkeys.
“I cannot imagine a better 20th anniversary for the Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Concert,” says Lawrence. “What started as a day of uncertainty turned into a day of our community coming together in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Between the fry itself and the benefit concert with my friends Gretchen, Chris, Eric and Halfway to Hazard, I was blown away once again by the kindness of our neighbors.”
The event saw a record-breaking amount of money raised for Mission:Possible, totaling $355,000 from ticket sales, silent auction items, artist donations and more, with a check presented to Nashville Rescue Mission for $250,000. In addition to the artist donations from the concert, artists and celebrities came out to support the turkey fry earlier in the day, with appearances from Jamey Johnson, Tucker Wetmore, Charles Esten, Dustin Lynch, Meghan Patrick, John Crist, Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Rhett Akins, Frank Ray and more. Additional turkeys were also donated from artists like Steve Wariner, Atkins, Black, Akins, Esten, and more.
Nominations Now Open: MusicRow’s 13th Annual Rising Women On The Row Honors
/by MusicRow StaffNominations are now open for MusicRow’s 13th annual Rising Women on the Row ceremony, set for March 3, 2026 at the JW Marriott in Nashville. This breakfast event will honor six exceptional businesswomen, celebrating their significant contributions and visionary leadership within the Nashville music industry.
Click here to access the 2026 nomination form for Rising Women on the Row.
Submissions will be considered only through the official nomination process, which closes Friday, Dec. 12. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted. Multiple nominations do not increase likelihood of being selected, but you may nominate as many individuals as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are welcome.
The Class of 2026 will be revealed at the beginning of the year, along with event details and ticket sales. For questions, reach out to LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
For advertising and sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.
MusicRow Owner & Publisher Sherod Robertson held the first-ever Rising Women on the Row in 2012. He was inspired to start the beloved event when thinking of his grandmother, and how she was never honored for her accomplishments and tenacious spirit. Since its inaugural year, MusicRow has recognized over 60 deserving executives as Rising Women on the Row.
Past honorees include—2025: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Julie Sturdivant; 2024: Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman, Candice Watkins; 2023: Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Jackie Jones, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband; 2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.