Music Community Joins Forces For New St. Jude T-Shirt Campaign

Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Cody Johnson, Ashley Cooke, Riley Green, Ella Langley. (Bottom Row, L-R): Lauren Alaina, Bailey Zimmerman, Priscilla Block, HARDY. Photo: Alyssa Barker

Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, Bailey Zimmerman, Ella Langley, Old Dominion and more are sporting a new T-shirt to help support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Music Gives to St. Jude Kids shirt.

The new shirt joins the iconic This Shirt Saves Lives tee, and both are exclusively available to St. Jude monthly donors. More than 200 radio stations around the nation are hosting events throughout December to support the campaign, asking listeners to become a Partner in Hope, where a monthly donation of $19 to St. Jude earns them a Music Gives tee.

Cumulus, The Bobby Bones Show, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, iHeartMedia, Audacy, TelevisaUnivision/UFORIA, along with other ownership groups are all taking part in the campaign, along with additional artists including Riley Green, Sting, Brandon Lake, Shaggy, Marco Antonio Solis, Tucker Wetmore, Jordan Davis, Dan + Shay, Anne Wilson, Chris Janson, Andres Cepeda, Zach Top and more.

As the movement nears the 10th anniversary, the digital fundraising program has grown to involve thousands of supporters taking to their socials to share posts to raise awareness and funds for research and treatment at St. Jude. The movement became a social media sensation upon its 2017 launch, with more than one million shirts distributed to date. The annual series of nationwide events is part of the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids program that connects music lovers to the mission of St. Jude. Funds raised by programs like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

Megan Moroney To Bring ‘Cloud 9’ On The Road

Megan Moroney. Photo: Amber Asaly

Megan Moroney has slated “The Cloud 9 Tour,” kicking off May 29 in Columbus.

The 43 date run will see Moroney playing major arenas across the U.S. before heading overseas. Stops include Chicago’s United Center, Boston’s TD Garden, Portland’s Moda Center, and the final U.S. stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 21.  Internationally, Moroney will visit Oslo, Paris, Glasgow and more before wrapping up the tour on Oct. 1 in Belfast.

Tickets for “The Cloud 9 Tour” will go on sale Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. local time here.

Additionally, Moroney will receive Storyteller of the Year honor at Variety’s Hitmakers event this Saturday (Dec. 6) in Los Angeles. Other honorees during the evening include Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Addison Rae, Rosé and more.

“The Cloud 9 Tour” Dates:
May 29 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
May 30 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
June 2 – Chicago, IL – United Center
June 5 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
June 6 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
June 8 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
June 12 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
June 13 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
June 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
June 18 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
June 19 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
June 20 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
July 7 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
July 9 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
July 10 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
July 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
July 14 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
July 16 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
July 17 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
July 18 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
July 24 – Monticello, IA – Great Jones County Fair
July 25 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
July 26 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
July 28 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Aug. 1 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Aug. 2 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Aug. 5 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Aug. 7 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Aug. 11 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Aug. 14 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Aug. 15 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Aug. 16 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Aug. 18 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Aug. 21 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Sept. 13 – Oslo, NO – Sentrum Scene
Sept. 15 – Stockholm, SE – Annexet
Sept. 18 – Cologne, DE – Carlswerk Victoria
Sept. 19 – Tilburg, NL – 013 Poppodium
Sept. 21 – Paris, FR – Le Trianon
Sept. 23 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
Sept. 26 – Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
Sept. 27 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy
Oct. 1 – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Offer Pay-What-You-Want Admission To Locals Throughout January

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is offering Nashville area residents pay-what-you-want admission throughout the month of January.

The pay-what-you-want offer will provide an opportunity for locals to explore the museum and the history of country music, and applies to those living in Nashville/Davidson County and its bordering counties – Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.

Museum visitors will be able to explore current exhibits including American Currents: State of the Music; Country’s Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100; Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker; Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails; Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising and Rosanne Cash: Time is a Mirror.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and offers a variety of family and public programs, which are included with pay-what-you-want admission and based on availability. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance, and more information can be found on the museum’s website for locals, which includes info on reserving tickets and parking, as well as upcoming programs included with pay-what-you-want admission.

Visitors can park at Walk of Fame Park Garage (161 4th Ave. S.) or the SoBro Tower Garage (210 3rd Ave. S.) for a flat rate of $15 (up to 3 hours) or $25 (up to 6 hours). This offer is valid daily between the hours of 9 a.m.-6 p.m. with validation from the museum available at its Information Desk. Museum members will receive an additional $5 off the already discounted rate ($10 up to 3 hours, $20 up to 6 hours).

Country Radio Seminar Announces Special Rates for CRS 2026

Country Radio Seminar has announced special registration rates for CRS 2026, including day passes, student and unemployed rates, and a dedicated rate for members of Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA), the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) and the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID).

This year’s student registration is $199. For those who have experienced job loss within the past year, the Unemployed Professional Rate is $299. Day passes are available for $349, with a limit of two per person. Members of WMBA, IBA, and SOLID can also take advantage of a dedicated $450 industry organization rate.

Applications for the Student and Unemployed rates must be submitted by February 18, 2026, through the CRS registration portal. Applicants should select the appropriate registration type and upload any required documentation.

General Registration for CRS 2026 is currently available for $698 per person for those not applying for discounted rates. Information about all registration can be found here.

Tickets for the New Faces of Country Music Showcase are sold separately for $100 and are limited.

Morgan Pitt Named Director Of Booking For Geodis Park & Nashville SC

Morgan Pitt.

Morgan Pitt has been named Director Of Booking for Geodis Park and the Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium, home of the Nashville Soccer Club.

Most recently, Pitt served as Senior Concerts Booking Manager for Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, helping secure performances from Ed Sheeran, Marcus Mumford, Mitski, Bob Weir, Goose, Sierra Ferrell, and others. Prior to joining the Ryman team, she gained experience in multiple roles across the sports and entertainment industry including time with the Boston Red Sox, the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG), and NBC News.

“I am thrilled to join GEODIS Park and Nashville SC to continue growing our world-class venue as a premier destination for artists and entertainers,” shares Pitt. “As a native Nashvillian I am incredibly passionate about supporting the music and entertainment industry in Middle Tennessee, and I look forward to many unforgettable shows and events at GEODIS Park.”

Pitt can be reached here.

Trisha Yearwood Warms A Cold Nashville Night With Symphony Holiday Performance

Trisha Yearwood performs at the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn

Three-time Grammy winner Trisha Yearwood brought her signature warmth to a cold night at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Center on Tuesday (Dec. 2), launching her “Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Symphony Tour” with a festive, elegant performance alongside the Nashville Symphony, led by conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez.

Across the evening, Yearwood interwove selections from her new holiday album, Christmastime, with a handful of her own timeless hits. She sparkled on whimsical Christmas favorites such as “Christmastime Is Here,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Cool Yule.” She also laughed about adding songs to the album that aren’t technically Christmas songs—because, as she noted, “you can do that when it’s your album”—before delivering crowd-pleasing renditions of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music and “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Trisha Yearwood performs at the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn

The audience especially loved her symphonic take on “Take a Walk Through Bethlehem” from her 1994 holiday project The Sweetest Gift, as well as “The Man with the Bag” from her 2016 holiday album with Garth Brooks, Christmas Together.

One of the night’s standout moments came with “Merry Christmas, Valentine,” a newer song she and Brooks wrote together over the years. Before performing it, Yearwood shared how, in her 20s, someone once told her she wasn’t a songwriter, and how reclaiming that part of her artistry has shaped both of her 2025 albums, Christmastime and The Mirror. Another emotional high point followed with a moving performance of “When October Settles In” from The Mirror.

Of course, no Yearwood show would be complete without a few of her country classics. She had the crowd on their feet with an energized “Wrong Side of Memphis,” boosted even further by the full orchestra, and kept the room dancing with “She’s in Love with the Boy.”

Throughout the evening, Yearwood took time to recognize the people who’ve shaped her career from the ’90s to today. She frequently applauded her band and the Nashville Symphony, reflecting on what a true gift they are to the city.

She closed the night with a gorgeous, heartfelt “Over the Rainbow,” sending the audience back into the blustery evening wrapped in the glow of the season.

Country Vs. Cancer Raises Over $350,000

HARDY. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for American Cancer Society

The 2025 Country vs. Cancer concert held last night (Dec. 2) at Nashville’s The Pinnacle brought together artists and thousands of fans to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Presented by The HARDY Fund and Whiskey Jam, the evening was emceed by Ward Guenther and featured performances by HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Lanie Gardner and McCoy Moore.

“It was an honor to be part of Country vs. Cancer this year,” shares HARDY. “Music brings people together, and we united for a great cause on Dec. 2. I’m so thankful I was able to be part of this event and help raise money for people who are battling cancer.”

“Nashville and the country music community showed up in an incredible way for cancer patients and their families on Giving Tuesday. Country vs. Cancer is a reminder that when we stand together, cancer doesn’t stand a chance,” says Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “We are deeply grateful to these artists and this community for helping us ensure that every life impacted by cancer has hope.”

The event raised over $350,000 for the cause. More information about donations can be found here.

Miranda Lambert. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for American Cancer Society

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Getty Images for American Cancer Society

Lanie Gardner. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for American Cancer Society

Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Rocky Block, Randy Montana and Chase McGill. Photo: Getty Images for American Cancer Society

McCoy Moore. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for American Cancer Society

Spotify Debuts 2025 Wrapped

Spotify has released its 2025 Wrapped, the annual year-end tradition that allows Spotify users an opportunity to view the analytics about their top played music throughout the year.

This year, Spotify gave fans nearly a dozen new statistics. A few of these options include listening age, top albums, top audiobook genre, your author clip, fan leaderboards and more.

Spotify also released the top music, audiobooks and podcasts across the platform.

In the United States, I’m The Problem by Morgan Wallen takes the top album spot, followed by SOS Deluxe: LANA by SZA, and DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift, Drake and Wallen hold the top three artists positions respectively.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny, KPop Demon Hunters by KPop Demon Hunters Cast, HUNTR/X, Saja Boys, and HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish hold the top global album spots. Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd took the top three global artist spots.

More information on Spotify Wrapped is available here.

Tracy Lawrence To Return To The Ryman In May

Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Evan DeStefano

Tracy Lawrence has announced he’ll return to the Ryman Auditorium for a headlining show on May 3.

Lawrence has sold out the iconic venue for back-to-back years, first making his Ryman headline debut in 2024. General on sale for the show begins Dec. 5 here. At his 2024 show, Lawrence surprised the crowd with special guest Trey Lewis, and followed that up earlier this year with special guest Marcus King. Fans can expect surprise guests at the 2026 show as well.

Lawrence has had a busy touring year this year playing dates across the country with Josh Turner as well as his own headline shows. He’ll headline Resorts World Theatre this Friday (Dec. 5) in Las Vegas for NFR, with special guests Easton Corbin and Dalton Davis.

Last week, Lawrence supported those in need in a massive way with his 20th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert, which raised $355,000 and provided 50,000+ meals provided for those in need.

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Studio Bank & BMI, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Cooke

Kenny Chesney Appears On The Howard Stern Show

Kenny Chesney appears on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show at SiriusXM Studios on December 02, 2025 in New York City. Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Kenny Chesney stopped by The Howard Stern Show yesterday (Dec. 2). During the two hour conversation, they discussed HEART LIFE MUSIC, including inspiration, alienation, unthinkable moments and notions, mutual friends, the creative process and more.

“It was absolutely my most favorite two hours of radio I’ve ever done,” says Chesney. “It was so fast and so engaged with what we’d written, it made me rethink in a wonderful way so much of what went into the book. To hear someone love your life and journey like that, it makes you realize how much we all inspire each other – and I can’t think of a better gift after the last month of incredible media, book events and the love I’ve received on social media than spending two hours with Howard Stern talking about music, songs and life.”

 

Studio Bank & BMI Celebrate Nashville Songwriters

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Brad Warren (BMI), Brett Warren (BMI), Studio Bank CEO Aaron Dorn, Liz Rose (BMI), Phil Barton (BMI), Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Samad Dimble Jr. for BMI

Studio Bank and BMI recently brought together some of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters for an exclusive songwriter round at BMI’s Music Row office. The round featured Liz Rose, Brett and Brad Warren and Phil Barton. Studio Bank Founder, Chairman and President Aaron Dorn, along with Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and BMI’s Clay Bradley also spoke during the event.

“Our partnership with BMI gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the songwriters who are the creative force behind Nashville’s music industry,” said Dorn. “These are the creators behind the songs we all know and love, and we’re honored to continue our ongoing partnership with BMI to celebrate their incredible contributions.”

 

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Honors Horse Haven Of Tennessee

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Madeleine Rosenthal

Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation has awarded Horse Haven of Tennessee with the 2025 Idyllwind Award, which also includes a $25,000 donation. The award, named in honor of Lambert’s first horse, Idyllwind Ellund, recognizes a U.S. equine rescue or sanctuary that rehabilitates and/or rehomes horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, while also educating the public about the difficult conditions horses face.

“One thing that really stood out about Horse Haven of Tennessee is that they’re available for emergency equine rescue to all 95 counties in the state – that’s huge,” shares Lambert. “And, of course, the amazing work they do to help rehabilitate and rehome the animals that come into their care.”

 

Ashley Cooke Hosts Writer’s Round For ACM Lifting Lives

Pictured (L-R): Taylor Wolf (Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives), Kyle Sturrock, Ashley Cooke, Vincent Mason, McCoy Moore, and Brooke Boyd (ACM Lifting Lives). Photo: Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

Ashley Cooke teamed up with ACM Lifting Lives and The Listening Room for a writer’s round fundraiser on Monday night (Dec. 1). The round featured Cooke, Vincent Mason, McCoy Moore, and Kyle Sturrock, and raised $13,000 for ACM Lifting Lives.

“This Giving-Tuesday-inspired show was a perfect representation of the generosity and spirit of community that Country Music fosters,” says Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. “We were lucky to witness both the musical prowess and camaraderie of Ashley, Vincent, McCoy, and Kyle on The Listening Room stage for a night of heartfelt songs, laughs, and storytelling. Thank you to the artists, the Listening Room, and the fans who so generously fueled the evening.”