Pictured (L-R, top row): Mike Craft, Penny Railey and Alex Valentine; (L-R, bottom row): Jay DeMarcus, Danny Gokey and Jason McArthur

Grammy-nominated artist Danny Gokey has signed with Red Street Records.

Gokey’s first release under the Red Street partnership will be his upcoming original Christmas song, “The Moment The Whole World Changed,” out Nov. 7.

The three-time K-LOVE Male Vocalist of the Year and Dove Award winner first became a favorite of millions of fans as a Top 3 finalist on Season Eight of American Idol. Following Idol, Gokey dropped his first album, My Best Days, and has since celebrated five No. 1s including his followup releases Hope In Front of Me, Rise, Haven’t Seen It Yet, Jesus People and holiday albums, Christmas Is Here and The Greatest Gift.

With singles like “We All Need Jesus,” “Love God Love People,” Gold-certified “Hope In Front of Me,” “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” and “Haven’t Seen It Yet,” Danny Gokey has cemented his place on the radio charts with multi-week, multi-chart-topping runs in the U.S., Canada, and now Latin markets with the releases of Spanish singles and collaborations.

“Danny and I have been friends for many years,” shares Red Street Records Founder and CEO Jay DeMarcus. “I’ve enjoyed watching him take his career to new levels, and I’m beyond thrilled to be his partner in what I’m sure is going to be his best chapter yet. Danny is one of the greatest singers, not only in the Christian format, but in any genre, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the music he’s been working on. This is a big day for Red Street!”

“I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter,” says Gokey. “After years in this industry, I’ve learned that it’s about partnering with people who truly believe in your vision and are invested in the journey. Jay Demarcus, Jason McArthur and the team at Red Street get what I’m trying to do musically and in ministry, and having that focused support means everything. I’ve always believed that music is more than entertainment; it’s about reaching people with hope and encouragement when they need it most. This isn’t just about making music; it’s about making music that matters and reaching people in a deeper way. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”

Gokey is wrapping up his 20-city “The Ignite Tour” with Mac Powell and Colton Dixon while gearing up to join Natalie Grant for the 10th anniversary of their co-headlining “Celebrate Christmas Tour, which is packed with reimagined holiday favorites and powerful worship-filled moments and kicks off November 22 in New York City at Carnegie Hall.

Debbie Carroll.

Belmont University is launching a new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment with support from a $3 million grant from the Country Music Association.

From the grant, $1 million will go toward programming and $2 million will create the CMA endowed chair & executive director position, which will be filled by local industry leader Debbie Carroll.

The latter $2 million will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge at Belmont, an matching program funded by Belmont Board Chair Milton Johnson and his wife Denice, to create up to 20 endowed professorships.

“We are grateful for industry leaders in our community like the Country Music Association who also care deeply about the health and well-being of the entertainment industry,” shares Dr. Greg Jones, University president. “The programming and endowed position made possible by their generous gift will ensure positive change and solidify CMA and country music’s legacy of transforming industry culture.”

“As a trade association, it’s our responsibility to care for the people who make this industry thrive,” adds CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “Supporting their well-being has always been central to CMA’s mission, and through years of investments and partnerships, we’ve seen how access to care can change lives. This collaboration with Belmont allows us to take that support a step further—transforming advocacy into meaningful, long-term change. With a leader like Debbie Carroll guiding this work, we’re helping ensure a stronger, healthier music community for generations to come.”

Carroll is a licensed clinical social worker who most recently served as VP for Entertainment and Specialized Services with Onsite Entertainment and following a nearly 24-year stint as VP of Health and Human Services for MusiCares. In her new position, she will guide the Center’s strategy and impact and serve as a Professor of Practice, with a joint appointment in both the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Curb College Of Entertainment & Music Business.

“I’m honored to step into this role and help lead a transformative initiative that places mental health at the heart of the entertainment industry,” adds Carroll. “This Center represents a powerful opportunity to build a culture of care, resilience and innovation for artists and professionals across music, film, television and beyond. With Belmont’s deep commitment, and CMA’s visionary support, we’re poised to make a lasting impact, starting in Nashville and reaching far beyond.”

The new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment will be part of the Curb College Music Row campus, with the next phase encompassing the construction of a facility behind the existing Music Row footprint.

In addition to the Belmont University donation, CMA has renewed its financial support to aid five organizations delivering essential mental health services across the music industry in 2026 including Amber Health, ECCHO Live, Music Health Alliance, MusiCares and Porter’s Call.

Lainey Wilson and Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean and Lainey Wilson are among the artists set to perform at the third annual XRoads41 music festival Aug. 6-8 in Oshkosh.

Other artists on the packed lineup include Treaty Oak Revival, Wiz Khalifa, Jackson Dean, Wyatt Flores, Braxton Keith, Tracy Byrd, Josh Ross, David Lee Murphy, Preston Cooper, Lauren Watkins and Lanie Gardner. Two additions to the Main Stage lineup, including the Thursday headliner, will be announced at a later date.

“This will be the strongest lineup XRoads41 has had yet,” says XRoads41 Marketing Director Mindy Klein. “It’s already stacked with artists that sell our arenas and dominate the charts, and we’ve got two more major artist announcements still coming! The downbill is stacked with some of the most talented and talked about up and comers in the industry.”

Three-day and one-day festival tickets are on sale now, along with camping. General Admission, VIP, and Ultra VIP ticket types are available, and all ticket prices will increase on Nov. 7 at Noon. Three day passes can be purchased for less than $17 down with the no interest payment plan available at check out on Etix. Tickets and all event details are available at xroads41.com.

Ian Munsick Performs in Nashville at Busch Light Pop-Up

Ian Munsick. Photo: Busch Light

Ian Munsick recently performed in downtown Nashville at an exclusive pop-up performance on Broadway.

He performed tracks from his new album Eagle Feather, in addition to fan-favorites like “Long Live Cowgirls” and a cover of “Espresso!”

Humanable Wins First Ever Industry Award At Nashville Nights Music Festival in Denmark

Stefan Mork & Tim Wipperman. Photo: Jørgen Kulmann

Humanable was recently presented with the first ever Industry Award at the European Nashville Nights Festival in Odense, Denmark. The award was presented by Festival director Stefan Mork and honors Humanable “for supporting artists and preserving artistry.”

“This is the fifth year Odense has hosted Nashville Nights Festival, and for Stefan and the organizers to present Humanable with their first Industry Award reaffirms that we are recognized as a leading company dedicated to protecting artists, songwriters and creators worldwide,” says Humanable CEO Tim Wipperman. “AI’s encroachment on human music is not just a U.S. problem; it is impacting the industry globally.”

Get After It Media Opens Nashville Office

Photo (L-R): Otto Padrón, Jamari Brown, Joel Wertman. Photo: Chase Thompson, Get After It Media.

Get After It Media has opened new offices and studios in Marathon Village. The company’s clients include The Heartland Network, Retro TV, The Family Channel, The Action Channel, and Rev’n.

“We’re proud to open our doors and plant our flag in Nashville — a city built on creativity, collaboration, and heart. As we establish our presence here, we’re committed to building a company that empowers artists, labels, and publicists to thrive. Together with Nashville’s vibrant community, we look forward to shaping the future of music and storytelling,” says, Joel Wertman, Co-President and CEO of Get After It Media.

“We’re thrilled to join Nashville’s creative community and build lasting partnerships for years to come. From our incredible welcome by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Senior Director of Economic and Community Development, Jamari Brown, we are already experiencing the spirit of collaboration that make this city so special, adds Otto Padrón, Co-President and COO of Get After It Media. “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey together.”

Pickleball Jam Raises $50,000 for Rock Haus Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Drew Farr, Bill Barry, Randy Rogers, Kim Isom, Chelsea Rogers, Sam Kneuper, Courtney Bukowski, Dr. Taylor Cook.

The Randy Rogers Family Foundation hosted the inaugural Pickleball Jam earlier this month in downtown New Braunfels, Texas to raise funds in support of the Rock Haus Foundation. The event raised $50,000 for the foundation, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The 15th annual Randy Rogers Family Foundation Golf Jam is set for April of 2026. More information is available on the organization’s website.

Hop On A Cure’s Annual Gala Raises Nearly $750k Raised For ALS Research

Pictured (L-R): D.J. Goodman, Cyndi Thomson, John Driskell Hopkins, Kristian Bush, Levi Lowrey, Eric Paslay. Photo: Jack Parada Photography

Hop On A Cure recently celebrated this year’s Harmony for Hope Gala, which took place on Oct. 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event raised nearly $750,000 to support ALS research. The evening featured a special presentation of Song in a Hat by Eric Paslay, a Kendra Scott jewelry pop-up, a live auction and more.

Hop On A Cure was founded in 2022 founding member and songwriter of Zac Brown Band, John Driskell Hopkins (Hop), and his wife Jennifer, following his diagnosis with ALS.

NVRDUL Management Signs Tailgate Revival

Carri Hyde & Blake Billman.

Tailgate Revival has signed with NVRDUL Management.

“Tailgate Revival checks every box: songs, chops, and a show that wins the room – every time,” says Carri Hyde, Founder and CEO of NVRDUL Management. “We’re excited to amplify their momentum with strategic touring, content, and partnerships that match the size of their live impact.”

“We’ve built this from the ground up with our fans – bar stages, honky-tonks, festivals, and everything in between,” adds Tailgate Revival. “Joining NVRDUL is the next right step to scale the vision, reach more markets, and keep releasing music we’re proud of.”