‘Cody Johnson Championship Event’ Set For October

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

Cody Johnson will host his third annual “Cody Johnson Championship Event” in Belton, Texas, Oct. 6–11. Presented by Tractor Supply Company, the event will bring top ropers together to compete for the championship title and major prize money. Amateurs will also have the chance to compete for the same rewards and championship honors.

Activities include the CHAMPS FOR CHARITY GALA, presented by Ag Trust. The Gala will feature an auction and an acoustic performance by Johnson. Over the past two years, the event has raised more than $1.25 million for charities including A Different Day Foundation and Texas FFA.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s proceeds will support organizations serving military members, first responders, law enforcement officers, and youth agricultural programs. The Gala will also be catered by the Guy Fieri Foundation, which supports organizations that honor first responders and military veterans.

“I want this roping event to not only grow into a life-changing event that pays ropers a pile of money and prizes, but also generate enough for charity to change people’s lives,” says Johnson.

The full schedule can be found here.

30A Songwriters Festival Reveals 2027 Headliners

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St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, S.G. Goodman and more are set to headline the 2027 30A Songwriters Festival set for Jan. 15-18.

30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 18th year with performances on the main stage at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach with headline performances from Welch & Rawlings, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Larkin Poe, Booker T. Jones, and Tommy Emmanuel, along with Friday Festival kickoff headline performances at Seaside Amphitheater featuring Dawes, Goodman, and Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves.

Artists initially confirmed for evening performances include Robyn Hitchcock (with band), Rainbow Girls, Shawn Mullins, Gary Louris (Jayhawks), Kim Richey, Rhett Miller (Old 97’s), Jeffrey Steele, The Mammals, Danny Schmidt, Eliot Bronson, Jennifer Lynn Simpson, Erin McKeown, Gurufish, and more. Ticket information is available here.

During the festival the beach resort towns along Scenic Highway 30A on the Gulf Coast will become a music haven featuring 30 venues presenting over 160+ songwriters and 300+ solo, band, and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend. Over 160 additional artists participating will be announced this fall.

“The 30A Songwriters Festival is unlike any other music event in the region. It spans more than 20 miles, brings together 30 unique venues, and features more than 160 acclaimed songwriters from across the country,” says Jennifer Steele, Festival Co-Producer and President & CEO of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. “We’re thrilled to announce this year’s headliners, who will join that lineup in bringing the art of songwriting to unexpected places—from a town hall or converted restaurant to two iconic main stages at SEASIDE and Grand Boulevard.

“But the Festival is about more than what happens in January,” she continues. “It is the Cultural Arts Alliance’s largest fundraiser, with net proceeds reinvested in programs and services that help ensure Walton County remains a creative community year-round. To date, those funds have helped the CAA award more than $923,000 in Art For All grants and scholarships to artists, students, teachers and arts organizations. They also support Beyond Bars, which brings songwriting into Walton Correctional Institution and has engaged more than 300 participants in producing over 100 original songs – along with many other programs that expand access to the arts throughout our community.”

Owen Riegling To Release Deluxe Edition Of ‘In The Feeling’ In November

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Singer-songwriter Owen Riegling is releasing an expanded edition of his sophomore album, In The Feeling Deluxe, on Nov. 13 via Big Loud Records/Universal Music Canada.

In conjunction with the announcement, Riegling has released the new single “Me Without My Hometown,” a reflection on leaving home and the realization that the roots that shaped you never really leave you. “Me Without My Hometown” follows this summer’s single “Men Into Boys,” and arrives on the heels of  “Love Hate Love,” which peaked at No. 2 at Canadian country radio. The deluxe project includes six new tracks, including special interludes now available digitally for the very first time.

The expanded edition of In The Feeling continues a standout year for Riegling. Upon its April release, the album landed on NPR’s Best Country Albums list, and days later, Riegling made his Grand Ole Opry debut. With more than 209 million global streams, Riegling heads into the 2026 CCMA Awards with four nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans’ Choice, and Male Artist of the Year. Riegling will also take the stage on the 2026 CCMA Awards, which airs Sept. 19 on CTV and streams on Crave.

Riegling kicks off his extensive “In The Feeling North American Tour” beginning Sept. 24 in Nashville at the Exit/In, and also joins Parker McCollum for select dates this month.

In The Feeling Deluxe Track List:
1. “Phone Call From Home (Album Version)” (Owen Riegling, Ryan Kennedy)
2. “Rest Of My” (Owen Riegling, Oscar Charles, Luke Preston, Jonathan Sherwood)
3. “Taillight This Town” (Owen Riegling, Kyle Sturrock, Jimi Bell)
4. “Morris (Interlude)”
5. “Miles Away” (Owen Riegling, Mark Holman, Jonathan Singleton)
6. “Same Blood” (Owen Riegling, Oscar Charles, Luke Preston)
7. “Born Again” (Owen Riegling, Jesse Slack)
8. “Going Missing” (Owen Riegling, Oscar Charles, Jimi Bell, Jacob Davis)
9. “Love Hate Love” (Owen Riegling, Oscar Charles, Luke Preston, Luke Laird)
10. “Mailbox” (Owen Riegling)
11. “Last Thing On My Mind” (Owen Riegling, Brad Rempel, Joe Fox)
12. “Sue (Interlude)”
13. “In The Feeling” (Owen Riegling, Ryan Kennedy)
14. “Anything But Me” (Owen Riegling, Connie Harrington)
15. “Place And Space In Time” (Owen Riegling, Jesse Slack)
16. “Men Into Boys” (Owen Riegling, Ryan Kennedy)
17. “Me Without My Hometown” (Owen Riegling)
18. “Born Again (Wedding Version)” (Owen Riegling, Jesse Slack)
19. “In The Feeling (Live From Massey Hall)” (Owen Riegling, Ryan Kennedy)
20. “Old Dirt Roads (Live From Massey Hall)” (Owen Riegling)

Katlin Owen Inks With Song Hunter Publishing & Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Song Hunter’s Charlton Combs and Brian Kelley, Katlin Owen, Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s Benji Amaefule (A&R Manager) and Abigail Larsen (A&R Coordinator).
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Artist, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Katlin Owen has signed a joint-venture publishing deal with Brian Kelley‘s Song Hunter Publishing and Warner Chappell Music.

“I’ve watched Katlin put in the work on the road and in the studio, and I’ve seen his songwriting grow every step of the way,” says Kelley. “I’ve always believed in supporting your tribe and giving talented people opportunities when you know they’ve earned them, and I’m fired up to keep pushing forward with Katlin through this new partnership with Warner Chappell.”

Owen originally signed with Song Hunter in 2o24, becoming the company’s first outside songwriter.

“The team at Warner Chappell and I are thrilled to partner with Brian Kelley and Song Hunter to showcase the incredible talents of Katlin Owen,” adds Benji Amaefule, A&R Manager, WCM Nashville. “He’s been an integral part of so many standout songs in our community, whether in the writing room, on the road, or in the studio. After years of sharpening his craft, this partnership with Brian will give Katlin the platform to create at the highest level. We can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds!”

Owen has worked as a guitarist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter on projects by major artists including Florida Georgia Line, Jon Pardi, Riley Green and Chris Young, among others. He has also co-written several songs with Kelley, including “Teal,” “Quality Of Life,” “King Ranch,” and “My Kind Of Country.” Owen also produces, plays, and sings on Kelley’s records.

Hailing from Liberty, South Carolina, Owen brings the honesty and character of his upbringing to his music. He is also the flagship artist signed to Nashville South Records, an artist-first label founded by Kelley in 2021. Owen has continued to showcase his talent with songs including “Speed of a Tractor,” “Just a Hat,” and his latest release “So Many.”

Taylor Swift Notches 14th Career Country Radio No. 1

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Taylor Swift.

Taylor Swift has earned her 14th country radio No. 1 single with “I Knew It, I Knew You.” The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending two weeks at the top and has remained in the top 5 since. This also marks Swift’s first country radio No. 1 in 13 years.

The song was penned and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, and was released for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. It was released by Walt Disney Records in association with Republic Records and promoted at radio by MCA.

The tune spent two weeks at No. 1 in both the U.K. and Australia, while also topping the Canadian Hot 100 and charts in Germany. It also spent eight consecutive weeks as a radio No. 1 in the U.K., five weeks in New Zealand, three consecutive weeks in Germany, three non-consecutive weeks in Australia and two weeks in Ireland. The song also topped country radio in Australia for five weeks and Canada for one week, as well as Canada’s AC chart for two weeks. In the U.S., it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

SOURCE Hall Of Fame Member Gayle Hill Passes

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Gayle Hill

SOURCE Hall Of Fame member Gayle Hill passed away on Aug. 18 at her home in Ashland City, Tennessee. She was 90 years old.

Just three years after Hill took her first job on Music Row with producer Glen Sutton, she produced Dottie West’s famous “Country Sunshine” jingle for Coca Cola. It was the beginning of a role for Hill that integrated country music with national advertisers at a level of prominence never achieved before. Along with West, Hill also hired other stars for the Coke account including Loretta Lynn, Sonny James and the Glaser Brothers.

In 1973, she formed G Hill & Company, which was initially a PR agency that produced jingles on the side. She became a go-to-jingle producer for GMC, Miller Beer, Kraft, Rubbermaid, Stouffer’s, Pizza Hut and Mellon Bank, among others. Hill’s ability to link national advertisers with country artists and music earned her executive positions on the boards of CMA and NARAS (now the Recording Academy). In 2019, SOURCE Nashville honored Hill’s legacy by inducting her into their Hall of Fame.

Hill is preceded in death by sisters Janice Owens of Abilene and Shirley Medaris of Dallas, and brothers Delbert Berry of Glendale, Arizona and Carl Berry of Abilene. She is survived by her sister Joyce Johnson (Chuck) of Denver, her son, Bob Hill (Stephanie Reeves) of Ashland City, Tennessee. Grandchildren Lora Criner of Lebanon, Tennessee, Robert Hill of Nashville, and Gabriel Hill and Tonya Gentry of Chattanooga, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Hill will be held on Sept. 26 at 1025 Ed Burgess Road starting at 1:30 p.m., with fellowship immediately following the Celebration at Hill’s home.

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame To Honor George Strait

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George Strait

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) will honor George Strait with the Career Maker Award during the organization’s annual gala on Oct. 26 at Music City Center.

Strait will receive the award for his longtime impact on the careers of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members. The Career Maker Award recognizes individuals outside the Hall whose artistic work has helped songwriters achieve their goals of Hall of Fame induction. Strait joins Reba McEntire (2018) as the only recipients of the honor.

Throughout his more than 40-year career, Strait has recorded 264 songs, including 65 top 40 singles, written or co-written by 72 NaSHOF songwriters. Of those writers, 44 were not members of the Hall when Strait first recorded their songs.

“Throughout his phenomenal career as an artist, George Strait has played an integral role in helping more than 40 songwriters achieve induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” says Rich Hallworth, Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. “Which is why we want to express our gratitude to him on Nashville Songwriting’s Most Legendary Night.”

“Having George Strait record a song of mine, especially so early in my career, felt like nothing less than a stamp of approval from Country music itself,” shares Hall of Fame songwriter Gretchen Peters, Board Vice Chair and co-writer of Strait’s “The Chill Of An Early Fall.” “It said, ‘You belong here; you’ve earned your bona fides.’ George is so deeply rooted in the traditions of Country music, so beloved and respected and unassailable in his song choices. Every song he touches becomes, de facto, a George Strait song. To a young songwriter, that meant the world.”

“I’m so honored to be receiving the Career Maker Award from the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” adds Strait. “I look forward to being there with some of the most talented Hall of Fame songwriters I’ve been so lucky to be associated with throughout my career. You folks definitely make the world a better place through your amazing abilities as songwriters and artists. See you there.”

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala benefits the nonprofit Nashville Songwriters Foundation and honors each inductee with tributes and acoustic performances from guest artists.

Recent performers and participants have included John Anderson, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, The Del McCoury Band, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Olivia Newton-John, Thomas Rhett, John Rich, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Taylor Swift, The Isaacs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Trisha Yearwood.

BREAKING: Lainey Wilson Returns To Host The 60th Annual CMA Awards

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Disney/Robby Klein

CMA and ABC have revealed that Lainey Wilson will return to host The 60th Annual CMA Awards. This year will mark the 12-time CMA Award winner’s third consecutive year in the role and second consecutive year as solo host.

The announcement was made live on ESPN’s College GameDay, timed to the show’s own milestone 500th show on the road from Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state.

The CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 8/7c on ABC, Disney+ and will be available next day on Hulu.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary,” says Wilson. “I’ve had so much fun hosting the last two years, and this one’s going to be extra special. Can’t wait to see y’all in November!”

The 2026 CMA Awards nominees will be revealed Thursday, Sept. 10, first on ABC’s Good Morning America and then via livestream on CMA’s official YouTube channel. Tickets for the 60th annual CMA Awards go on sale Friday, Sept. 18 at CMAworld.com/tickets.

MusicRow Weekly (MusicRow Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly looks back at a busy week across Nashville’s music industry, from the announcement of the 38th annual MusicRow Awards winners to leadership changes, new business ventures, label signings and a Grand Ole Opry debut. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine revealed the winners of the 38th annual MusicRow Awards on Wednesday (Sept. 2), recognizing a wide range of artists, songwriters, executives and music industry companies. This year’s winners include Ben West, Blackbird Studio, Big Loud Records, WME, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Dan Alley, Hudson Westbrook, Ashley Gorley, Jessie Jo Dillon, “Choosin’ Texas,” Emily Ann Roberts, Carter Faith, Ella Langley, Riley Green and The Red Clay Strays.

The 2026 MusicRow Awards also recognized the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians, honoring the studio players who performed on the most albums that reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period. This year’s honorees are Jimmie Lee Sloas, Jerry Roe, Jim Cooley, Joey Moi, Jenee Fleenor, Lucas Ruge-Jones, Bryan Sutton, Dave Cohen, Justin Schipper and Wes Hightower.

Leadership Music also announced a major leadership transition, with Executive Director Debbie Linn set to retire after 15 years with the organization. Linn will remain in the role through 2027, giving Leadership Music time to plan for a smooth transition.

In the business world, BMG and Concord have completed their previously announced partnership, creating a new global music company. The transaction, first announced in April, has received all required regulatory approvals. The company will be headquartered globally in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters.

There were also several notable personnel moves across the industry. Brittani Johnson has joined MCA as VP, Streaming, while Chris Schuler, VP, Audience Development, has exited the company. At Mogul, Jeff Tobias has been named Vice President of Sales, and SESAC has promoted Abbey Watson to Manager, Creative Services.

Nashville also welcomed a new financial management firm as Breanne Miller, formerly of Martin, Allbee, Miller, Bryan & Associates LLC, launched Wayfinders, Inc. The Nashville-based company serves recording artists, songwriters, performers, producers and entertainers throughout their careers. Miller is joined by longtime colleague and Belmont University alum Kyle Malone.

On the label and publishing front, Muscadine Bloodline has partnered with Trenches Records/Republic Records, while Maggie Antone has signed with Island Records. Anna Rae has signed a management deal with Joan Of Arc Music, and Bridey Costello has joined Blue Harbor Music through a global publishing and strategic artist partnership deal.

The week also brought a milestone for Slater Nalley, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut Tuesday night (Sept. 1).

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. STELLA LEFTY takes the No. 1 spot with “Boston.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Belle Frantz To Share ‘Hymns From A Barstool’ In November

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Belle Frantz will release her debut album, Hymns From A Barstool,  on Nov. 6.

The album’s title comes from its sole original track. Written by Frantz, Roger Springer and Wyatt McCubbin, the song reflects on the reassurance of God’s presence. The idea for the project initially came when Frantz rediscovered songs she listened to as a child. Produced by Gena Johnson, the 17-track album features hymns including “He Walks With Me,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “I Saw The Light.” Wynonna Judd joins her for a rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” and Reba McEntire joins to read a passage of scripture.

Frantz recorded “Amazing Grace at Paine Memorial” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus at Paine Memorial” with just a piano in her hometown church. She then recorded “How Great Thou Art at First Assembly of God” and “Softly & Tenderly at First Assembly of God” inside the historic East Tupelo First Assembly of God Church, her great-grandfather Otis’ church in Mississippi which Elvis also attended.

Frantz made her Grand Ole Opry debut during last week’s Dolly Parton tribute show. She honored Parton during the show by singing “Where No One Stands Alone,” which earned a standing ovation. Her rendition of the track is available to stream now.

“I’ve always believed God meets you in your struggle and these songs comforted me when I needed them most so I just started recording what was on my heart. If they can make somebody else feel a little better or less alone, then that’s enough for me. I’m not trying to tell anybody how to live or pass any judgements— to me, God has always been way more of a feeling than a building anyway,” shares Frantz. “’Where No One Stands Alone’ really encapsulates the heart of the album for me. Doing this record completely independently, I often felt like I was at this alone, but I kept being reminded throughout the process that He was there, walking with me and holding my hand. There were so many moments that felt like divine providence, like Reba joining on.”

Frantz will join Carly Pearce on her upcoming “Honest Woman: Up Close” tour.

Hymns From A Barstool Track List:
Hymns From A Barstool Track List:
1. “Prelude & Prayer”
2. “He Walks With Me”- (C. Austin Miles)
3. “Amazing Grace at Paine Memorial”- (John Newton)
4. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus at Paine Memorial”- (Helen Howarth Lemmel)
5. “How Great Thou Art at First Assembly of God”- (Carl Boberg)
6. “Softly & Tenderly at First Assembly of God”- (Will L. Thompson)
7. “The Old Rugged Cross”- (George Bennard)
8. “How Great Thou Art (feat. Wynonna Judd)”- (Carl Boberg)
9. “Interlude: Taps” (Composed by: Daniel Butterfield)
10. “I’ll Fly Away”- (Albert E. Brumley)
11. “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – (Kenneth Morris)
12. “I Saw The Light” -(Hank Williams Sr.)
13. “Only Trust Him”- (John H. Stockton)
14. “Where No One Stands Alone” -(Mosie Lister)
15. “Reading of Scripture” (Reba McEntire)
16. “Hymns From A Barstool” – (Written by: Belle Frantz, Roger Springer, Wyatt Mccubbin)
17. “Reprise”