Ernest Tubb Record Shop Returns After Renovation, Expansion

Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Nashville’s legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop made its historic return to Lower Broadway last week with a grand opening celebration on Nov. 13.

A treasured country landmark where icons including Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley once performed, the shop has been restored to preserve its original charm and also expanded with new additions, including a four-story bar, rooftop honky-tonk and an exclusive lounge, The Forty Seven.

Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop

The original Ernest Tubb Record Shop was established in 1947, and was not only a bustling spot for vinyl, 8-tracks and songbooks but also came alive at night with impromptu performances during Tubb’s famed Midnight Jamboree. After playing the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, artists would head over for late-night sets broadcast live on WSM radio across the Midwest and Southeast.

Preserving the spot’s rich history was key, and in late 2023, the Kenney Brothers, co-founders of Tusk Brothers and creators of Never Never and Reunion Bar & Hotel, teamed up with musician Ilya Toshinskiy for the project. Working closely with Ernest Tubb’s grandson Dale Tubb, they worked tirelessly for two years to honor the shop’s legacy while giving it a fresh, modern revival. Carefully curated memorabilia from Dale Tubb and original architectural details from the building are paired with new and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

The main level will feature a Broadway-style honky tonk featuring an atmosphere that honors the past, complete with Ernest Tubb memorabilia from the private Ernest Tubb Collection. With two full stages featuring live bands every night, the spirit of Tubb’s Midnite Jamboree will live on loud and proud.

Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop

On the second floor guests will step into a carefully restored version of the original Ernest Tubb Record Shop, complete with rows of vinyl displayed on wooden shelves. The space will also host live acoustic performances in an intimate setting that echoes the shop’s legendary roots. The third floor private event venue is tailored for intimate industry showcases, album release parties, and label events.

An open-air rooftop bar will feature views of Lower Broadway where guests can soak in the Nashville skyline, and the basement features the Forty Seven, an exclusive lounge with velvet seating, wood-paneled walls and vintage accents. The lounge offers a stylish space for guests while paying homage to 1947 – the year the Ernest Tubb Record Shop was founded.

“We’re beyond honored to bring back Ernest Tubb’s legacy to Broadway,” says Jamie Kenney, co-founder of Tusk Brothers. “This space was more than a record store: it was a gathering place, a stage, and a symbol of what makes country music special. We’ve worked closely with Dale Tubb to make sure every inch of the space honors that tradition while creating something new and exciting for today’s Nashville.”

The Band Perry’s ‘If I Die Young’ Reaches Diamond Status

Pictured (L-R): RIAA’s Mitch Glazier, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry, NHRE’s Jimmy Harnen and RIAA’s Erin Burr. Photo: Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

The Band Perry’s breakout hit “If I Die Young” has achieved RIAA Diamond status, and TBP was honored with a special plaque commemorating the achievement on Wednesday night (Nov. 19) on stage following their performance at the Big Machine CMA after party at the Bell Tower in Nashville.

Big Machine Label Group executives Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen joined RIAA’s Mitch Glazier and Erin Burr on stage to surprise Kimberly Perry with the official presentation of the prestigious Diamond Award, which marks 10 million in sales.

“From the very beginning, ‘If I Die Young’ was destined to make a mark: topping radio charts, earning countless accolades and enchanting fans with Kimberly Perry’s poignant lyrics and rich vocals,” says Glazier. “RIAA is now proud to celebrate a new milestone for The Band Perry—their first Diamond single—and congratulations to the Big Machine Label Group team on helping bring this one to 10 million new audiences.”

“Hearing ‘If I Die Young’ for the first time was one of those moments in my career that truly stopped me in my tracks,” shares Borchetta. “When Kimberly and the boys came into our conference room and dropped the song on us, immediately it was ‘we have to have them.’ To see the song reach #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2010, become CMA’s Song of the Year in 2011, turning evergreen, and now attain RIAA Diamond certification is a tribute to the enduring impact of the song and Kimberly’s razor-sharp creativity. Huge congratulations are in order for this historic milestone! We look forward to sharing the next chapter of incredible music from The Band Perry soon.”

“I wrote ‘If I Die Young’ from a place of innocence, curiosity, and faith in the poetry of everyday life. Its journey to Diamond is a gift I’ll never take for granted,” Kimberly adds. “To everyone who has sung it at weddings, funerals, festivals, or alone in their car—you’ve made this song larger than me. Thank you for growing with us. The next era starts now.”

Penned by Kimberly and originally released on the Grammy winners’ self-titled debut album in 2010, the CMA Song and Single of the Year-winning smash was re-issued earlier this year via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in honor of its 15th anniversary. The feat makes Kimberly the only female artist to solo-write a Diamond-certified country song.

“If I Die Young” was named one of the “200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time” last year by Rolling Stone, and its memorable, CMT Award-winning video has been viewed over 265 million times on YouTube alone.

CMA Hosts Official After Party

Cody Johnson. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA

The Country Music Association hosted the official after party for its CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 19), welcoming more than 1,400 CMA members, artists and industry professionals.

Emceed by Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther, the evening began with guests stepping onto the Official CMA Awards Red Carpet for photo moments. Inside, attendees enjoyed sets from DJ KO and Rosie & The Revival, featuring members of Kenny Chesney’s touring band.

The CMA Trophy Engraving Lounge presented by Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey offered an up-close look as newly crowned winners received their personalized trophies. Cody Johnson, The Red Clay Strays, John Park and Wales Toney were among the winners who stopped by to pick up their engraved trophies, celebrating their wins alongside fellow industry members. The Artist Lounge presented by Dreamliner Luxury Coaches provided space for artists and their teams.

Additional activities included a permanent tattoo station curated by EqualizeHer, a speakeasy and portrait studio presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and a concrete mixer transformed into the World’s Largest Cocktail Shaker serving Monkey Shoulder drinks. Guests also enjoyed a dedicated Mingle Mocktails Bar offering festive non-alcoholic cocktails, a Dutch Bros Coffee cornhole challenge and drink station with cold brew and energy drinks, classic arcade games courtesy of Dave & Buster’s, gifts from Teleties, and a full golf simulator paired with a 360-degree photo experience from GolfNow.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards is streaming now on Hulu.

The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA

The Mavericks To Honor Raul Malo With ‘Dance The Night Away’ Tribute Shows At The Ryman

Raul Malo. Photo: Michael Weintrob

The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo will be honored during two special “Dance The Night Away” shows at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Dec. 5-6.

A celebration of the band’s decades-long history and contribution to American and Latin music, “Dance The Night Away” will feature a lineup of the band’s friends and fellow artists backed by the Mavericks performing songs from the band’s 35-year catalog. Over two dozen artists will pay tribute to Malo during the shows, including Chuck Mead, Hector Tellez Jr., Jaime Hanna, James Otto, Jamey Johnson, JD McPherson, Jeff Hanna, Jesse Dayton, Jim Lauderdale, Jimmie Vaughan, Joshua Ray Walker, Maggie Rose, Mandy Barnett, Marty Stuart, Nikki Lane, Patty Griffin, Ray Benson, Steve Earle, Wade Hayes, Waylon Payne, Wendy Moten, and more. While Malo is not able to perform, he will be present and honored throughout both nights.

“I’m really looking forward to these two nights at the Ryman,” says Malo. “The overwhelming support and love from my musician friends, fans, friends and family will prove these shows to be something special.”

The Mavericks continued to tour this last year in support of their 2024 album Moon & Stars after Malo announced he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Following an update in September that he had developed LMD (leptomeningeal disease), the band cancelled their tour dates for the remainder of the year.

This special two-night-only celebration will honor the group’s legacy and celebrate the lasting impact of their fearless leader. A portion of proceeds will benefit Stand Up To Cancer. Tickets originally purchased for The Mavericks’ headlining Ryman Auditorium shows will be honored, and more information can be found here.

HARDY Notches Third Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

Hardy. Photo: Ryan Smith

HARDY keeps his place at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “Favorite Country Song.”

The song is the lead single from his recent, fourth studio album Country! Country! and was written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Nate Smith.

HARDY will embark on his “Country! Country! Tour!” beginning in February in Ontario and running through August. Cameron Whitcomb, Tucker Wetmore, Mitchell Tenpenny, Muscadine Bloodline, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore will join for select dates on the new tour, which will include stops in Green Bay, Omaha, Charleston, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Virginia Beach and more.

“Favorite Country Song” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

EMPIRE Nashville & American Dogwood Host CMA After Party

EMPIRE Nashville Team. Photo: Becca Mitchell

EMPIRE Nashville and Shaboozey‘s American Dogwood hosted their CMA After Party on Wednesday night (Nov. 19).

Attendees included Ne-Yo, BigXthaPlug, Russell Dickerson, Randy Houser, Tay Keith, Melanie Fiona, Kevin Powers, Jake Banfield, Don Louis, Sophia Scott, CeCe, Josh Tatofi, Dawson Anderson, Johnny Manziel, Shaboozey’s managers Jared Cotter (Range Media Partners) and Abas Pauti (American Dogwood), and Ghazi (EMPIRE Founder/CEO).

Abas Pauti & Jared Cotter. Photo: Becca Mitchell

BigXthaPlug, Ne-Yo, & Shaboozey. Photo: Becca Mitchell

CeCe. Photo: Becca Mitchell

Dawson Anderson & Don Louis. Photo: Becca Mitchell

Eric Hurt & Josh Tatofi. Photo: Becca Mitchell

Ghazi & Sophia Scott. Photo: Becca Mitchell

Photo: Becca Mitchell

Tay Keith. Photo: Becca Mitchell

WME Hosts CMA Awards After Party

Pictured (L-R): Mark Shapiro (WME Group President & Managing Partner), Zach Top and Jay Williams (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Eli Greiss for WME

WME hosted its annual CMA Awards After Party at Fifth + Broadway’s Sixty Vines and One More Cocktail Club in Nashville last night (Nov. 19), with Morgan Stanley Global Sports + Entertainment as the presenting sponsor of the event.

The agency celebrated clients taking home trophies for Entertainer, Album, Female, Duo, Group and New Artist of the Year. WME’s Lainey Wilson took home awards for Album, Female and Entertainer of the Year, on top of her hosting duties.

Icons Brooks & Dunn won Duo of the Year, marking their 20th CMA Award and extending their record as the most-awarded artist in CMA history. Zach Top and The Red Clay Strays earned their first CMA Awards, winning New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year, respectively.

Guests celebrated the evening with handcrafted cocktails and enjoyed wood-fired pizzas, elaborate charcuterie grazing tables, seafood and a vast selection of small plates.

Pictured (L-R): Kanan Vitolo (WME Agent), Drew Nix (The Red Clay Strays), Brandon Coleman (The Red Clay Strays), Cody Payne (All For One Management), Alex Collignon (WME Agent), Jay Williams (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office), Zach Rishel (The Red Clay Strays) and Sevans Henderson (The Red Clay Strays). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Christian Muirhead (WME Co-Chairman), Coran Capshaw (Founder, Red Light Management), Joey Lee (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office) and Becky Gardenhire (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Braeden Rountree (WME Agent), Carrie Murphy (WME Agent), Tucker Wetmore and Jay Williams (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Lara Christie (WME Agent), Chris Hrovat (WME Agent), Kaitlin Butts, Mae Estes, Mark Noel (Triple 8 MGMT) and Becky Gardenhire (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Emily Crews (Big Loud), Rakiyah Marshall (Founder/CEO Back Blocks Music), Ashley Cooke and Carrie Murphy (WME). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Vince Gill & Carly Pearce Share Disc Of The Day

Vince Gill & Carly Pearce

Fall is in the air, and so is a gust of new country sounds.

Vince Gill and Carly Pearce lead the way with ballads that share this week’s Disc of the Day award. Cali Tucker is our DISCovery Award winner.

But be sure and also check out this week’s offerings from Randy Houser, Ne-Yo, Priscilla Block and Emily Ann Roberts. They also have something to say that you’ll want to hear.

CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Come Home To You”
Writers: Jim McCormick/Makayla Parry/Michael Wayne Wilkes; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. Sad country music is always in fashion, and this is a pluperfect example of just how aching it can be. This woman is gem.

RANDY HOUSER / “Back In The Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Blake Chancey, Randy Houser; Label: Magnolia Music Group
– This mighty voice stopped the show at this week’s BMI Awards. Houser’s ferocious vocal attack lights a fire under this propulsive drinking song as his new single. Play and become a believer—he’s one of country’s true treasures.

NE-YO / “Simple Things”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Motown
– If you are wondering what this Grammy-winning, Platinum-selling R&B star was doing at the CMA Awards, here’s your answer. Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith) applies his lustrous, fluttery tenor voice to a super catchy romance tune with a terrific acoustic track. He totally crushes it. Country? You bet.

LUKE COMBS & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Pray Hard”
Writers: Bandplay/Dave Cohen/Jon Robert Hall/Krishon Gaines/Luke Combs/Mark Nilan Jr/Nick Monson/Tony Coles/Xavier Landum; Producers: Bandplay, Dave Cohen, Mark Nilan Jr, Nick Monson, Tony Coles; Label: UnitedMasters
– It’s about faith and perseverance. Like most country-rap collaborations, it’s quite repetitive.

PAUL KENNERLEY / “Born to Run”
Writer: Paul Kennerley; Producer: Paul Kennerley; Label: PK
– Songwriting legend Kennerley has released a 30-track compilation of his demos. This tune was a hit for Emmylou in 1982, and it’s fascinating to hear the acoustic, strummy, raw, rootsy version that she would have learned it from. On this album, you’ll listen to “Hillbilly Rock,” “Have Mercy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep,” “Heaven Only Knows,” “Give a Little Love” and other hit tunes with fresh ears. This whole project is a keeper.

NICKELBACK & SHENANDOAH / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob Di Piero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This rocks. The two bands merge nicely, thanks largely to Nickelback’s genuine commitment to a country sound. As unlikely as it seems, this collab works splendidly.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Brunette”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA
– His “3,2,1” single continues to climb, and now he’s issuing a cowboy-themed video to promote this new bopper. He’s through with Southern blonde heartbreakers and is out to find a brunette from north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Castle in the Sky”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Gigi Rich/Hallie Hertrick/Paul Wrock; Producer: Hallie Hertrick; Label: Neon Holler
– Shaky fiddling and snappy handclaps underscore this uptempo reflection on the afterlife. They’ve done better.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Perfect Man”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Hummel/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Drowsy musing in search of a hook.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Things You Didn’t See”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Priscilla Block; Producer: Dave Cohen, David Garcia; Label: MCA
– “Everybody’s got a hurting heart they’re hiding underneath.” I have come to expect nothing but emotional Truth from this talented artist, and she has never let me down. This tuneful, insightful, autobiographical single is one more reason to love her.

LACOSTA TUCKER / “Woman Behind the Wheel”
Writers: Cathy Majeski/Stephony E. Smith/Sunny Russ; Producer: Roger Ball; Label: LT
– Women make the world go ‘round, says LaCosta in this midtempo ditty. Twangy retro guitars back the stacked vocal harmonies. Tanya’s sister is best known for a string of charters back in the ‘70s, including “Get on My Love Train.”

CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– LaCosta’s daughter and Tanya’s niece also has a new single. It’s a languidly paced pop-leaning tune of reclaiming her independence. Like her better-known family members, she’s a strong and assured vocalist.

VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.

MCA Celebrates CMA Awards With After Party

Pictured (L-R): Brian Wright (ONE4), Monte Lipman (Founder, REPUBLIC) George Strait, Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group), Vince Gill, Stephanie Wright (EVP/Head of A&R, MCA) and Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA). Photo: Chris Hollo

MCA celebrated the 59th Annual CMA Awards with artists, staff and industry friends at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville last night (Nov. 19).

Many of the label’s artists were featured in performances, special collaborations and appearances throughout the 59th Annual Country Music Awards including Vince Gill (Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award), Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and more.

Attendees included Gill, George Strait, Tucker Wetmore, Little Big Town, Brothers Osborne and more with integrated moments from Bud Light, Justin Boots, Meta, Raising Canes, Red Bull and Victrola.

Pictured (L-R): Rob Femia (COO/EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Jessie Jo Dillon (MCA Song Buddy), Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Tucker Wetmore, Carter Faith, Priscilla Block, Kassi Ashton, Kimberly Schlapman, Tyler Hubbard, Katie McCartney (EVP/GM, MCA), TJ Osborne, Dalton Davis and John Osborne. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MCA

Pictured (L-R): Avery Lipman (Founder, REPUBLIC), Boyd Muir (COO, Universal Music Group), Dave Cobb (Chief Creative Officer, MCA), Jessie Jo Dillon (MCA Song Buddy), Monte Lipman (Founder, REPUBLIC), Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group), Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA) and Katie McCartney (EVP/GM, MCA). Photo: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): George Strait, Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): Dave Cobb (Chief Creative Officer, MCA), Jessie Jo Dillon (MCA Song Buddy), Billy Bob Thornton and Carter Faith. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, John Osborne, Madden Metcalf and Jon Pardi. Photo: Chris Hollo

Sony Music Nashville Hosts CMA After Party At Category 10

Sony Music Nashville staff and artists. Photo: Alexander Wieland

Sony Music Nashville celebrated the CMA Awards last night with a celebration at Category 10 in downtown Nashville.

Brooks & Dunn took home their record-extending 16th trophy for Vocal Duo of the Year, cementing their status as the most decorated artist in CMA history and the most wins in the category.

Luke Combs opened the evening’s broadcast with his No. 1 hit “Back In The Saddle” and later joined BigXthaPlug for their collaboration “Pray Hard.” Megan Moroney performed her viral track “6 Months Later” and Old Dominion celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their debut with a medley that included “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snapback.”

Mitchell Tenpenny, Luke Combs, Ian Harrison, Emily Ann Roberts, McCoy Moore, Tigirlily Gold , Kat Luna, Kameron Marlowe, Kayley Green, Benny G, Zach John King, Graham Barham and more attended the event.

Pictured (L-R): Ian Harrison, Emily Ann Roberts, McCoy Moore, Tigirlily Gold (Krista Slaubaugh and Kendra Olson), SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, SMN President and COO Ken Robold, Kat Luna, Kameron Marlowe, Kayley Green, Benny G, Zach John King, Graham Barham. Photo: Alexander Wieland

Pictured (L-R): SMN President and COO Ken Robold, Mitchell Tenpenny, SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey. Photo: Alexander Wieland

Pictured (L-R): SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, Luke Combs, SMN President and COO Ken Robold. Photo: Alexander Wieland

Pictured (L-R): SMN President and COO Ken Robold, Columbia Records President Jenifer Mallory, SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, Columbia Records Chairman and CEO Ron Perry. Photo: Alexander Wieland