Braxton Keith To Embark On ‘This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued’ Next Year

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Braxton Keith.

Braxton Keith is set to hit the road on his “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued” in January.

The run will hit over 20 cities, with stops in Colorado, Texas, Alabama and more. Keith will head to Australia for six shows in March before wrapping the tour in South Carolina.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now.

The Warner Records Nashville artist made his Grand Ole Opry debut on October 28th. Keith was surprised on-stage with a plaque to commemorate a career-first Gold certification for his single “Cozy.” The hit track has amassed over 100 million streams worldwide. He released his debut EP, Blue, last year.

2026 “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued…” Dates:
January 3 — Albuquerque, NM — Dirty Bourbon
January 5-10 — Steamboat Springs, CO — MusicFest
January 15 — Denver, CO — Mission Ballroom
January 16 — Cheyenne, WY — The Lincoln
January 17 — Deadwood, SD — Deadwood Mountain Grand
January 23 — Little Rock, AR — The Hall
January 24 — Terrell, TX — Silver Saloon
January 29 — Tuscaloosa, AL — Two Dimes
January 30 — Starkville, MS — Ricks
February 6 — Baton Rouge, LA — Texas Club
February 7 — Rosenberg, TX — That Mexican OT Day
February 12 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater
February 13 — St. Louis, MO — Hot Country Nights
February 14 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air Ballroom
February 21 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s
March 13 — Melbourne, AUS — Margaret Court Arena
March 14 — Melbourne, AUS — Margaret Court Arena
March 16 — Sydney, AUS — Hordern Pavilion
March 17 — Sydney, AUS — Hordern Pavilion
March 20 — Ipswitch, AUS — CMC Rocks
March 21 — Ipswitch, AUS — CMC Rocks
March 29 — Isle of Palms — Windjammer

The Lucky Classic All-Star Celebrity Softball Game Is A Hit

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Photo: Joanna Morris

The Burger Family Foundation’s The Lucky Classic MLB All-Star and Celebrity Softball Game brought together some of the biggest names in sports and music at First Horizon Park on Nov. 16 for a day of fun, community and giving back.

MLB All-Stars Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Corey Seager and more joined artists like Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, Colbie Caillat, Tucker Wetmore and more on the field to raise funds for families of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities.The day was filled with unforgettable moments, beginning with Bryce Harper launching a home run to open the game and continuing as every single honorary player not only got on base, but crossed home plate – each one cheered on and embraced by athletes and artists who showed warmth and enthusiasm.

“Seeing so many of my baseball peers and friends from the Nashville community come together for this cause means the world to me,” says Jake Burger. “This event is about more than just a game – it’s about celebrating inclusion, supporting families, and spreading love to kids who inspire us every day. Having everyone out here, from MLB All-Stars to country artists and celebrities, all playing for something bigger than ourselves, is what makes The Lucky Classic so special.”

The Burger Family Foundation was inspired by the Burger’s daughter, Penelope, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and has turned into a mission to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and support families like the Burger’s in meaningful ways. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, The Burger Family Foundation is building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging. As the only active MLB player with a child with Down Syndrome, Jake kicked off his tenure with the Rangers by changing his jersey number to 21 to represent Trisomy 21 and the extra copy of the 21st chromosome those with Down Syndrome carry.

Musicians On Call & Opry Deliver Healing Power Of Music To Veterans

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Scotty Hasting, an Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient himself, performs for hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. as part of Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call recently teamed with the Grand Ole Opry for a second year in a row to present its Concert For Veterans.

The live music experience brought music directly from the Opry stage to the bedsides of Veterans, showing gratitude for their commitment to the country.

Hosted by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson, co-hosts of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast and WSM Radio personalities, from backstage at the Opry, the Concert For Veterans virtual concert features an all-star lineup of performances and special messages from Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Army Veteran and current Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, John Fogerty, Mickey Guyton, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, Scotty McCreery, Charles Esten, Veteran Scotty Hasting, Margo Price, Bailey Zimmerman, Shinedown, Michael Ray, Josh Ross, Elizabeth Nichols, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Ruston Kelly, and more.

Aliyah Good performs for hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. during Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Veterans, their families and caregivers at the Murfreesboro VA Community Living Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee enjoyed a special live performance complete with the Opry microphone stand and replica circle by Hasting, Minnie Murphy and Aliyah Good. Following the performance, Murphy and Good visited the bedsides of the veterans. MOC volunteers also spent time performing at veterans’ bedsides throughout the facility.

“Honoring our veterans is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “The patients, caregivers and military families we meet in VA facilities have given so much in service to others, and music allows us to give something meaningful back — a moment of connection, comfort, and gratitude. Thanks to the Grand Ole Opry and our incredible partners and the talented artists who joined us this year, we were able to share the healing power of music with thousands more Veterans across the country and remind them how deeply they are valued.”

The concert is available for veterans nationwide to watch throughout the month of November through the MOC Virtual program.

Minnie Murphy, Aliyah Good and Scotty Hasting performed for and visited the bedsides of hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. as part of Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Minnie Murphy performs for hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. as part of Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Minnie Murphy and Aliyah Good perform at the bedsides of hospitalized Veterans in Murfreesboro, Tenn. during Musicians On Call’s Concert For Veterans. Photo: Courtesy of Musicians On Call

The Jack Wharff Band To Launch ‘From The Hills To The Holler Tour’ In January

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The Jack Wharff Band. Photo: Alexa Campbell

The Jack Wharff Band will kick off the New Year with their headlining “From The Hills To The Holler Tour,” beginning Jan. 21 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The 13-date trek,  the band’s debut headline run, will visit Minneapolis, Knoxville, Lexington, Birmingham, Oxford, and more, wrapping in Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 21. General tickets are on sale now here.

“It’s unreal to think we’re about to head out on our headline tour,” shares the band. “We’ve been playing shows together for the past two years, and we can’t believe that we get to play these rooms all on our own. We’re going to bring the energy every night – can’t wait to see y’all soon!”

JWB recently wrapped their run as support on select dates of Max McNown’s “Forever Ain’t Long Enough Tour” and Ole 60’s “U.S. Tour 202,” and once their headlining “From The Hills To The Holler Tour” concludes, they’ll hit the road again on select dates of 49 Winchester’s “2026 Spring Tour.”

“From The Hills To The Holler Tour” Dates:
1/21 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
1/22 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
1/23 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
1/24 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel
1/29 – Statesboro, GA – The Blue Room
1/30 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
2/4 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
2/5 – Birmingham, AL – WORKPLAY Theatre
2/6 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larrys
2/7 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
2/19 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
2/20 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe & Music Hall
2/21 – Columbus, OH – Woodlands Tavern

MerleFest Unveils 2026 Lineup

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Pictured (clockwise): Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Blackberry Smoke and Charles Wesley Godwin.

MerleFest, taking place April 23-26 at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC, has revealed its initial lineup for the four-day event.

Alison Krauss & Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin and Blackberry Smoke will serve as the event headliners. Additional performers include Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor, Sam Bush, The Jerry Douglas Band, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Creekers, Trey Hensley, Sister Sadie, Jake Shimabukuro, Hogslop String Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Melissa Carper, Leon Timbo & The Family Band, DUG, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Waybacks, Amelia Day, Andy May, Banknotes, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, The Knackered Ramblers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson and Wayne Henderson. Additional artists will be announced in December.

MerleFest is designed the pay tribute to North Carolina music legend Doc Watson, as well as uplift rising voices across musical genres. During the festival, Old Crow Medicine Show will host the Saturday Night Late Night Jam. This event is ticketed separately from festival passes, and will include special collaborations.

Also during MerleFest will be the annual Silent Auction, hosted by The WCC Foundation. Online bidding will be permitted with the chance to view items on the event grounds. Proceeds will go towards the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals.

MerleFest 2026 tickets are available here.

Whiskey Myers Wrap Inaugural ‘Moon Crush: Whiskey Moon’

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Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage

Whiskey Myers held their inaugural “Moon Crush: Whiskey Moon” destination event on Florida’s Emerald Coast on Nov. 7-9.

Throughout three nights of headline performances, Whiskey Myers delivered a set of their own hits alongside a full set of covers. Fans were treated to “Gimme Shelter” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones, “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, “That Smell” and “Gimme Back My Bullets” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “With A Little Help From My Friends” by Joe Cocker. As for their own tunes, performances of “Gasoline,” “Broken Window Serenade,” “The Wolf,” “Bury My Bones,” “John Wayne,” “Glitter Ain’t Gold” and “Stone,” among many others, were performed on stage.

Alongside Whiskey Myers, additional performers throughout the weekend included Charley Crockett, Shane Smith & The Saints, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Josh Meloy, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Record Company, Kashus Culpepper, The Droptines, Noeline Hoffmann and Angel White.

The band will wrap 2025 with their seven date “Whiskey Myers & Friends Acoustic Tour,” which will hit Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Montclair, Scranton, Wallingford, Albany and Boston.

Josh Meloy. Photo: Khris Poage

Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Khris Poage

St. Paul & the Broken Bones. Photo: Khris Poage

Charley Crockett. Photo: Khris Poage

Shane Smith & The Saints. Photo: Khris Poage

Kashus Culpepper. Photo: Khris Poage

Noeline Hoffmann. Photo: Khris Poage

The Record Company. Photo: Khris Poage

Angel White. Photo: Khris Poage

Filmore Readies New Album Due In February

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FILMORE will release his new album, Atypical, on Feb. 20 via Mr. 305 Records.

FILMORE co-wrote on all 21 tracks on the project alongside Trannie Anderson, Jordan Minton, Geoff Warburton, Lydia Sutherland and Zach Abend, among many others, reflecting on the time he stepped away from music to focus on his family. He earned co-producer credits on 16 of the tracks.

He signed with Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records last year. This marks his debut on the label.

“Working with Pitbull these last few years has truly made me a better artist,” shares FILMORE. “I’ve learned so much from him and I now consider him family. I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with him and be a part of the Mr. 305 Records family!”

Following previously released album tracks “If I Was You,” “South On Me,” “Betcha Gonna,” “Hola” and “Love Lovin You,” he gave fans taste of new music with “365” released last week.

“The song started off with the title and once we realized we loved ‘365’ we built the concept around that,” he says. “It was inspired by reflecting on real-life experiences from my past while thinking about how we all look to a midnight countdown for a fresh start. As we do with New Year’s resolutions, I wanted to share that feeling of letting go of who I was and striving to be better next year.”

Atypical Track List:
1. “Blame a Country Song” (Tyler Filmore, Danny Majic, Trannie S Anderson)*
2. “Betcha Gonna” (Tyler Filmore, Matt Dragstrem, Jordan Minton, Geoff Warburton)+
3. “Beach Bar” (Tyler Filmore, Michael Whitworth, Matt Thomas, Kevin Bard)*
4. “Hola” (Tyler Filmore, Kyle Clark, Sam Bergeson)^
5. “Yeehaw” – FILMORE x Pitbull (Tyler Filmore, Armando C. Pérez, Jose Carlos Garcia, Justin Ebach, Elijah Pérez)&
6. “Love at First Fight” (Tyler Filmore, Lindsay Rimes, Josh Hoge)*
7. “Dark Side of Drinking” (Tyler Filmore, Tim Nichols, Chris Loocke)*
8. “Breakup Tattoos” (Tyler Filmore, Devin Dawson, Zach Abend, Geoff Warburton)*
9. “Reality” (Tyler Filmore, John-Luke Carter)*
10. “The Moon” (Tyler Filmore, Justin Ebach, Kyle Fishman)*
11. “Picture Perfect” (Tyler Filmore, Matt Rogers, Lindsay Rimes)*
12. “Cost of Living” (Tyler Filmore, Conor Matthews, Andrew Baylis)*
13. “Only Heaven” (Tyler Filmore, John-Luke Carter, Brandon Day)#
14. “Reel Life” (Tyler Filmore, Tim Nichols, Sam Bergeson)*
15. “South On Me” (Tyler Filmore, Zach Abend, Jared Mullins, Geoff Warburton)^
16. “Made for the Summer” (Tyler Filmore, Kyle Clark, Jason Massey)*
17. “If I Was You” (Tyler Filmore, Conor Matthews, Riley Thomas, Sam Bergeson)^
18. “Love Lovin You” (Tyler Filmore, Kyle Clark, Sam Bergeson)**
19. “God Knew Best” (Tyler Filmore, John-Luke Carter, Mackenzie Thoms)*
20. “Nobody Ever Loved You” (Tyler Filmore, Riley Thomas)*
21. “365” (Tyler Filmore, Lydia Sutherland, Brandon Day)#
* Produced by John-Luke Carter and Tyler Filmore
+ Produced by Zach Abend and Tyler Filmore
^ Produced by Zach Abend
& Produced by Justin Ebach and Elijah Pérez a/k/a EL1
# Produced by John-Luke Carter, Tyler Filmore, Brandon Day
** Produced by Zach Abend and Rob Persaud

Intervention Records To Release Deluxe Vinyl Of ‘Johnny Cash With His Hot And Blue Guitar!’

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Intervention Records is continuing its Sun Records Hi-Fi Series featuring classic titles mastered to vinyl from original tapes in the Sun vaults with Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!, due out Feb. 20.

The first long-playing record from Cash, the album includes tracks like “I Walk The Line,” “Cry, Cry, Cry” and “Folsom Prison Blues” mastered to vinyl in an all-analog process, plus restored artwork featuring new liner notes. Originally released in 1957, Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! showcases the stripped-down sound that would make Cash one of the most enduring musicians of the 20th century. Backed by his “Tennessee Two” (Luther Perkins on lead guitar and Marshall Grant on upright bass) and augmented by Sam Phillips’ signature studio slapback “boom-chicka-boom” sound, Hot and Blue Guitar! is the album that introduced Cash’s baritone.

The project features Cash’s first three single A-sides for Sun, all self-penned: “Cry, Cry, Cry,” (a No. 14 hit), “So Doggone Lonesome” (which reached No. 4 on the charts) and Cash’s signature “I Walk The Line,” which was a No. 1 country smash for six non-consecutive weeks before crossing over into the Top 20 of Billboard’s pop charts. It also includes Cash’s renditions “The Wreck Of The Old 97” and “Rock Island Line,” as well as a fourth original, “Folsom Prison Blues,” which topped the country charts more than a decade later when Cash performed it as part of his landmark 1968 live album At Folsom Prison.

“I never imagined that I’d hear the iconic voice of Johnny Cash on Intervention Records!” says Shane Buettner, Intervention Records’ founder. “And I don’t think music fans around the world have ever heard Johnny’s voice, or Sam Phillips’ famous Sun Studio sound, as clearly and definitively as they will on this new 45 RPM mono cut. This is as close you can get to a time machine back to Memphis in the 1950s!”

Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! is the second title in Intervention’s Sun Records Hi-Fi Series, and follows the debut release in the series (and Sun’s second LP), Dance Album of Carl Perkins, which will be available in December.

Industry Ink: Eric Church, CMHOFM, LOCASH, Vincent Mason, More

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Eric Church Performs ‘Bleed On Paper’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

Eric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

Eric Church recently performed “Bleed On Paper” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! ahead of the live track release on Friday. Watch the full performance here.

Church will release his Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive film in IMAX theaters for limited showings on Feb. 11 and Feb. 14. The show was filmed during his dates at Nashville’s The Pinnacle earlier this year. The accompanying 19-track live album, Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is set to be released on Friday, Feb. 13.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Celebrates New Exhibition ‘Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising’

Photo: Jason Kempin/Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum held a sold-out concert celebrating its new exhibition, “Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising.” Performers included Jimmy Hall, Tiera Kennedy, Bettye LaVette, Wendy Moten, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, Maggie Rose, Shenandoah, Candi Staton and John Paul White. The band for the evening included bandleader Will McFarlane (guitar), Mark Beckett (drums), Mickey Buckins (percussion), Kelvin Holly (guitar), Clayton Ivey (keys), Shoals Sisters Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson-Walker (background vocals), Bob Wray (bass) and Brad Guin, Steve Herrman, Jim Hoke and Charles Rose (horns).

The exhibit is now open and included with museum admission through March 2028.

 

LOCASH Performs At Thursday Night Football Halftime Show

Pictured (L-R): Gordon Gronkowski, Preston Brust (LOCASH), Rob Gronkowski,
Camille Kostek, Chris Lucas (Locash). Photo: Big Red

LOCASH took the stage for the Thursday Night Football halftime show last week when the New England Patriots brought home a win against the New York Jets. The duo performed a six song medley.

 

Vincent Mason Makes His Morning Show TV Debut On ‘Today’

Vincent Mason performed “Wish You Well” on yesterday’s episode of TODAY, marking the Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup artist’s morning show debut.

Mason also recently announced his newest headline run “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Vincent Mason There I Go,” which begins in early 2026. He will also join Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Tour” on select dates next year.

 

Caroline Jones Hosts Album Preview

Photo: Edgar Evan

Caroline Jones recently hosted an album preview at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville for her fourth studio album, Good Omen, due Feb. 13.

The night featured intimate performances and songwriting conversations alongside album co-writers Eric Paslay, Sarah Buxton and Brandon Ratcliff.

 

Big Loud Rock Adds Three To Promotion Team

Brien Terranova, Dave Derkowski and Nick Marquez

Big Loud Rock has added three new members to its Promotion department under the leadership of SVP, Promotion Dave Barbis. Joining are Brien Terranova (Los Angeles) as Sr. Director, Radio Promotion, Dave Derkowski (Chicago) as Sr. Director, Radio Promotion and Nick Marquez (New York) as Director, National Radio Promotion.

“As Big Loud Rock’s roster continues to grow, our promotion strategy and presence need to follow suit. Brien, Dave, and Nick bring an outstanding depth of radio relationships and unique experience to the Promo team,” says Big Loud Partner/President Joey Moi. “I’m thrilled to continue building a national team that expands our footprint and ensures our artists take over the airwaves across the country.”

 

Fort Nash & The 615 House Host First Women in Country Music Event – Award Show Edition

Fort Nash and The 615 House hosted their first annual “Women in Country Music” event – Award Show Edition earlier this week on Music Row. Kailey Dickerson kicked off the morning with a devotional and prayer. The over 200 attendees also enjoyed “Puppies & Portraits,” smoothies, skincare consultations, cocktails and more before the event concluded with an intimate acoustic performance from Shantaia.

2025 BMI Country Awards Honors Clint Black, Top Songwriters & Publishers

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Mike O’Neill, President/CEO, BMI, Clint Black and Clay Bradley, Vice President, Creative, Nashville, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

The 2025 BMI Country Awards took over Music Row last night (Nov. 18), honoring the prolific career of BMI Icon Award recipient Clint Black, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.

Taking place once again at BMI’s Nashville headquarters, the 73rd annual event also celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music. BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the evening alongside Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, and Nashville’s VP, Creative, Clay Bradley.

Throngs of guests mixed and mingled at the last PRO award show of the season, and dined on a platted dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, asparagus and a chocolate fudge dessert. After much merry-making, the evening began with some words from O’Neill about the work BMI has been doing for songwriters.

Pictured (L-R): Shannon Sanders, Austen Adams, Charlie Handsome, Katie Welle, ERNEST, Chandler Walters, Seth England and Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Throughout the evening, BMI recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year, calling up songwriters and publishers to take a photo on stage while the crowd cheered them on.

Between the awards being given out, Black was honored with several performances and video tributes.

Since his affiliation with BMI in 1993, Black has achieved 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he either wrote or co-wrote himself. He has received 20 BMI Country Awards throughout his career, and at this year’s awards ceremony, he joined an elite group of songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations, including Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Randy Owen, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, Jr.

To honor Black, Midland opened the ceremony with his debut chart-topper “Better Man.” Later in the evening, Jamey Johnson performed “Untanglin’ My Mind,” Wynonna Judd and Randy Houser brought the house down on “A Bad Goodbye,” and Riley Green closed the tribute with “Killin’ Time.”

The Warner Chappell Nashville team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

When Black accepted the honor, he spoke about his love for songwriting and the Nashville community, and the hard work of his team.

“You don’t get up here and do what we do without a long train of people behind you, pushing you up the hill,” he said. “There’s been a lot of people in my life who are as much responsible for this moment as I am.”

After visiting the stage multiple times to collect awards for many of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, Charlie Handsome was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Handsome co-wrote five of BMI’s most-performed songs in country music including Post Malone featuring Luke Combs’ “Guy For That,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Post Malone featuring Wallen on, “I Had Some Help,” and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton on “Pour Me A Drink.”

Charlie Handsome speaks onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Handsome thanked his wife, friends, publishers at Sony, friends at Big Loud and frequent collaborators.

“I Had Some Help” performed by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen was named the 2025 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and written by Handsome, Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.

The 2025 BMI Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., which published 32 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year.

Marking a record-breaking year, 38 first-time award winners were recognized including Seth Ennis’ for Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott’s “Boys Back Home,” Thomas Eriksen for Kane Brown’s “Miles On It,” Mackenzie Carpenter for Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” Travis Heidelman for Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’), Carrie Karpinen for Koe Wetzel’s “High Road,” Chase Matthew for his hit “Love You Again,” Nevin Sastry for Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Zach Top for his hit “I Never Lie” and Tucker Wetmore for his hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.”

For a complete list of the 2025 BMI Country Awards winners, click here.