Pictured (L-R, back row): Mark Hall, Candi Staton, Cindy Richardson-Walker, Linda Hall, Rodney Hall, Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, Jason Isbell, Norbert Putnam, Museum CEO Kyle Young, Kelvin Holly and Marlin Greene; (L-R, front row): Mickey Buckins, Clayton Ivey, Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray, Bob Wray and John Paul White. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its new “Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising” exhibit at a special event last night (Nov. 13).
The over 5,000-square-foot exhibit surveys the emergence of Muscle Shoals as a recording epicenter in the 1960s and 1970s and spotlights its enduring cultural impact through today. The evening included performances by Jason Isbell, who performed “Kodachrome,” “Wild Horses” and “You Better Move On,” as well as Bettye LaVette, who performed “Choices” backed by Spooner Oldham, while Dan Penn and Oldham treated the crowd to “I’m Your Puppet.”
In the small corner of Alabama by the Tennessee River, local musicians, songwriters and producers created a swampy, Southern sound merging R&B, country, pop and more, and the new exhibit tells the story of this distinctive music and how Black and white creators found a way to work together at a time when segregation prevailed. Studios built a homemade system for cutting music dusted with grit and soul, including FAME Studio, helmed by producer Rick Hall; Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, home of the acclaimed Swampers house band; and more.
An illustrated and in-depth exhibit catalog is now available to purchase which supplements the gallery presentation, with a foreword by Jason Isbell and main essays by exhibit co-curator RJ Smith. It features photos and artifacts from the exhibit, as well as supporting essays by Ericka Blount, Rob Bowman, Warren Denney, Stephen Deusner, Michael Gonzales, Marlin Greene, Patterson Hood and Francesca Royster. The catalog will also be distributed widely in bookstores and online outlets through a partnership with the University of Illinois Press.
A Muscle Shoals: Opening Concert Celebration will be held tonight (Nov. 14) at the CMA Theater featuring artists and musicians involved in or inspired by Muscle Shoals’ musical legacy, including Jimmy Hall, Tiera Kennedy, Bettye LaVette, Wendy Moten, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, Maggie Rose, Shenandoah, Candi Staton and John Paul White.
On Nov. 15 a Songwriter Session with Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham will take place at the Ford Theater. Singer-songwriter Penn and keyboardist-songwriter Oldham first met in Muscle Shoals in the late 1950s and have been writing and playing songs together ever since.
A Panel Discussion: Making Music in Muscle Shoals with Marlin Greene, Linda Hall, Clayton Ivey and Candi Staton is set for Nov. 15, at the Ford Theater, where Greene, Hall, Ivey and Staton will discuss living and making music in Muscle Shoals.
On Nov. 16 a Musician Spotlight with Mac McAnally will be held at the Ford Theater. McAnally came to Muscle Shoals when he was a teenager in the 1970s, made his first recording as a studio musician at Wishbone Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals, and has also played on sessions at FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound studios.
ECCHO Live Wraps Annual Workshop With Nearly 500 Attendees
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.
The 14th annual ECCHO Live Workshop brought nearly 500 attendees together on Tuesday (Nov. 11) at Soundcheck Annex in Nashville. The annual event reflects ECCHO Live’s mission to support live event professionals through education, community, connection, health and opportunities. Workshops throughout the day focused on career growth, leadership development, financial wellness, safety preparedness and access to professional headshots.
The free event featured keynote speaker Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA), sharing insights from her career journey and advice on succeeding in an ever-evolving industry.
The nonprofit also announced an expansion of its All Access program to include a Financial Wellness initiative, providing up to four free financial-coaching sessions each year.
“The live event world can be challenging to navigate,” says ECCHO Live founder Chris Lisle. “We exist to give people in this industry the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Touring veteran Robin Majors was honored with the 2025 Sam “Old Skool” Harden Award, which recognizes an industry leader dedicated to mentoring and uplifting the next generation of professionals. Majors, currently serving as assistant tour manager for Kenny Chesney, began his career in the 1970s with the Marshall Tucker Band and continues to exemplify mentorship and excellence on the road.
Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.
Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.
Robin Majors and Chris Lisle. Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.
Hayden Blount Inks With Eclipse Music Group
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Anna Thiel (Creative Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing), Courtney Crist (Vice President, Eclipse Music Publishing), Penny Gattis (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Hayden Blount, Kurt Locher (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Zach Lund (Partner, Wild Child Music), Katie Vinten (Partner, Wild Child Music).
Hayden Blount has signed a publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group. Blount is managed by Wild Child Music.
The Savannah, Tennessee native garnered over five million streams and earned placements on various editorial playlists for his 2024 single “Heaven On Earth.”
“Hayden embodies everything we love about honest, roots-driven country music,” says Penny Gattis. “He’s unapologetically authentic—his songs are lived-in, his voice is unmistakable, and his perspective is entirely his own. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Eclipse family and help him continue building something truly special.”
“Not every song has to be extremely profound, but I am a big fan of substance, which is something I’ve really tried to focus on in my writing,” says Blount. “Substance allows listeners to care about songs rather than just consuming them, and Eclipse understands that, which is why I couldn’t ask for a better partner as I continue my career.”
Industry Ink: Warner Records Nashville, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Jaye King
/by Lorie HollabaughWarner Records Nashville Celebrates Rebrand With Staff
Photo: Alan Poizner
Warner Records Nashville recently celebrated its label rebrand with a special staff “re-brunch” at its Nashville headquarters.
Kenny Chesney Surprises CBS Mornings Co-Hosts
Kenny Chesney did his first interview about his memoir, Heart Life Music, with CBS Mornings, so he thought it was only fitting to surprise the morning crew and return to the show to celebrate the book becoming a New York Times bestseller with the network’s Gayle King, Nate Burleson and Vlad Duthiers. Chesney shared how the book is paying “tribute to the people who have been in the audience all these years” and why he never anticipated his book landing in the No. 1 spot during his return visit.
Brad Paisley Talks Snow Globe Town On Jimmy Fallon
Brad Paisley and Jimmy Fallon. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC
Brad Paisley made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (Nov. 13) to talk about his new Christmas album, Snow Globe Town. Paisley will return to the show on Thanksgiving to perform “Counting Down The Days” from the new project.
Jaye King Inks With Centricity Music
Pictured (L-R): John Mays, President, A&R; Camy McArdle, Co-GM / Sr. VP, Business Affairs & Publishing; Jaye King; Andrew Lambeth, Co-GM / Sr. VP of Marketing; John Stokes, Sr. VP of Marketing & Operations and Chad Segura, Sr. VP of Publishing
Singer-songwriter Jaye King has signed an exclusive, worldwide recording and publishing contract with Centricity Music. The Bradenton, Florida native’s debut digital single from the label, “Hard Place,” is available now at streaming and digital outlets everywhere.
“What really drew us to sign Jaye was certainly his remarkable musicality, but also the maturity and servant heart that he carries with him when he walks into a room,” says Matt Ewald, Centricity VP of A&R. “Jaye is a professional level drummer, bass guitar and keys player, but those gifts are more than matched by his heart for family, the local church and his mission to spread the hope of the Gospel. When you get to know Jaye you quickly encounter a person you want to get behind and be in lock step with.”
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening Of ‘Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising’ Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Mark Hall, Candi Staton, Cindy Richardson-Walker, Linda Hall, Rodney Hall, Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, Jason Isbell, Norbert Putnam, Museum CEO Kyle Young, Kelvin Holly and Marlin Greene; (L-R, front row): Mickey Buckins, Clayton Ivey, Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray, Bob Wray and John Paul White. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its new “Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising” exhibit at a special event last night (Nov. 13).
The over 5,000-square-foot exhibit surveys the emergence of Muscle Shoals as a recording epicenter in the 1960s and 1970s and spotlights its enduring cultural impact through today. The evening included performances by Jason Isbell, who performed “Kodachrome,” “Wild Horses” and “You Better Move On,” as well as Bettye LaVette, who performed “Choices” backed by Spooner Oldham, while Dan Penn and Oldham treated the crowd to “I’m Your Puppet.”
In the small corner of Alabama by the Tennessee River, local musicians, songwriters and producers created a swampy, Southern sound merging R&B, country, pop and more, and the new exhibit tells the story of this distinctive music and how Black and white creators found a way to work together at a time when segregation prevailed. Studios built a homemade system for cutting music dusted with grit and soul, including FAME Studio, helmed by producer Rick Hall; Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, home of the acclaimed Swampers house band; and more.
An illustrated and in-depth exhibit catalog is now available to purchase which supplements the gallery presentation, with a foreword by Jason Isbell and main essays by exhibit co-curator RJ Smith. It features photos and artifacts from the exhibit, as well as supporting essays by Ericka Blount, Rob Bowman, Warren Denney, Stephen Deusner, Michael Gonzales, Marlin Greene, Patterson Hood and Francesca Royster. The catalog will also be distributed widely in bookstores and online outlets through a partnership with the University of Illinois Press.
A Muscle Shoals: Opening Concert Celebration will be held tonight (Nov. 14) at the CMA Theater featuring artists and musicians involved in or inspired by Muscle Shoals’ musical legacy, including Jimmy Hall, Tiera Kennedy, Bettye LaVette, Wendy Moten, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, Maggie Rose, Shenandoah, Candi Staton and John Paul White.
On Nov. 15 a Songwriter Session with Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham will take place at the Ford Theater. Singer-songwriter Penn and keyboardist-songwriter Oldham first met in Muscle Shoals in the late 1950s and have been writing and playing songs together ever since.
A Panel Discussion: Making Music in Muscle Shoals with Marlin Greene, Linda Hall, Clayton Ivey and Candi Staton is set for Nov. 15, at the Ford Theater, where Greene, Hall, Ivey and Staton will discuss living and making music in Muscle Shoals.
On Nov. 16 a Musician Spotlight with Mac McAnally will be held at the Ford Theater. McAnally came to Muscle Shoals when he was a teenager in the 1970s, made his first recording as a studio musician at Wishbone Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals, and has also played on sessions at FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound studios.
Maddox Batson Slates ‘Live Worldwide Tour’ For Early 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughMaddox Batson. Photo: Jason Nelson
Maddox Batson‘s 46-city “Live Worldwide Tour 2026” is set to kick off in the states on Feb. 17 before heading to Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Sweden in the spring.
Baylee Lynn, Jenna Davis, Just Jayne and Timmy McKeever will support the tour on various dates. Public on-sale for the expansive tour begins today (Nov. 14) via MaddoxBatson.com, and Batson will donate $1.00 from every North American ticket sold to Music Will, the largest music education nonprofit program for schools in the U.S. Through its innovative modern band curriculum, Music Will expands student participation in school music programs and helps drive long-term academic, social and emotional growth.
“A lot of people might not remember I got my start on TikTok Live, so this tour name is a nod to those early days,” Batson shares. “We love bringing our live shows to fans – it’s crazy to me that it now means we’re playing around the world. What a blessing to share this journey and new music with y’all!”
Batson recently wrapped his 29-city I Need A Truck Tour along with supporting Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind Tour” on select dates. He also recently released the upbeat, sentimental track “Coincidence” in September via Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records.
Maddox Batson “Live Worldwide Tour” 2026 Routing:
Feb. 17 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Revolution Live
Feb. 18 | St. Petersburg, FL | Jannus Live
Feb. 20 | Atlanta, GA | Coca-Cola Roxy
Feb. 21 | Augusta, GA | Bell Auditorium
Feb. 22 | Macon, GA | Macon City Auditorium
Feb. 28 | Allentown, PA | Archer Music Hall
March 1 | Montclair, NJ | The Wellmont Theater
March 4 | Stamford, CT | The Palace Theatre
March 6 | Syracuse, NY | Landmark Theater
March 7 | Schenectady, NY | Proctors Theatre
March 8 | Providence, RI | The Strand Ballroom & Theatre
March 11 | Montreal, QC | Beanfield Theatre
March 12 | Toronto, ON | The Danforth Music Hall
March 14 | Buffalo, NY | Buffalo Riverworks
March 15 | Cleveland, OH | The Agora
March 18 | Detroit, MI | Royal Oak Music Theatre
March 20 | Chicago, IL | The Salt Shed
March 21 | Madison, WI | The Sylvee
March 22 | Minneapolis, MN | The Fillmore Minneapolis
March 26 | Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Event Centre
March 28 | Vancouver, BC | Vogue Theatre
March 31 | Portland, OR | Crystal Ballroom
April 1 | Seattle, WA | The Showbox
April 3 | Sacramento, CA | Channel 24
April 4 | San Francisco, CA | The Fillmore
April 8 | Los Angeles, CA | The Wiltern
April 11 | San Diego, CA | The Observatory North Park
April 16 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Complex
April 18 | Phoenix, AZ | The Van Buren
April 19 | Albuquerque, NM | Revel Entertainment Center
April 22 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at The Moody Theater
April 24 | Houston, TX | Bayou Music Center
April 26 | Tulsa, OK | Cain’s Ballroom
April 29 | St. Louis, MO | The Factory at The District
May 3 | Nashville, TN | The Pinnacle
May 12 | Dublin, IE | 3Olympia Theatre
May 13 | Glasgow, UK | SWG3 Galvanizers
May 15 | Manchester, UK | Manchester Academy 2
May 16 | London, UK | O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
May 19 | Cologne, DE | Die Kantine
May 20 | Amsterdam, NL | Paradiso Amsterdam
May 21 | Hamburg, DE | Gruenspan
May 23 | Oslo, NO | Vulkan Arena
May 24 | Stockholm, SE | Fryshuset Klubben
HARDY’s ‘Favorite Country Song’ Stays At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeHARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith
HARDY remains 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 returned to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (Nov. 13) for his third appearance, performing “Bottomland” for an audience of veterans and active-duty service members in honor of Veterans Day.
“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.
‘Band Together Texas’ Begins Distribution Of Funds
/by Madison HahnenThe full lineup of Texas talent joins together on-stage at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Aug. 17, for a final sing along of “On The Road Again.” Photo: Jeff Johnson
Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum‘s “Band Together Texas” has began making donations using the $8.5 million raised during the event earlier this year.
The Central Texas Community Foundation will be gifted $8 million, including a $1 million allocation to the Concho County Community Foundation. Meanwhile, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country will receive over $650,000, with resources designated to Habitat for Humanity’s “Home for the Holidays” initiative.
“These funds are more than numbers – they’re lifelines for families still recovering from this year’s floods,” shares Lambert. “We worked closely with state officials and local partners to identify where the need is greatest and ensure that every dollar supports meaningful recovery.”
“It has been amazing to see Texans, and even folks outside of Texas, come together in such a huge way,” adds McCollum. “The money raised will go a long way in helping our home recover.”
Counties with the most impact from the flooding will be prioritized for donations including Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Kerr, Concho and Tom Green to help housing, infrastructure and community rebuilding.
CMA Unveils 2025 International Award Winners
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Top Row, L-R): Lynette Garbonola, Shannon Saunders, Justin Thomson. (Bottom Row, L-R): Mattias Hansson, Morgan Wallen, Cameron Whitcomb.
The Country Music Association has unveiled the winners of this year’s CMA International Awards, which recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations driving the global growth of country music. Honorees will be celebrated at a special reception on Nov. 19, in downtown Nashville, in addition to being recognized on stage that same evening during the pre-telecast ceremony at the 2025 CMA Awards.
“This year’s honorees embody the extraordinary ways Country Music continues to transcend borders,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through radio, touring, media, or artist development, each has helped share the genre with audiences around the world. Their work not only broadens Country Music’s reach, it deepens its impact, reminding us that this community truly is global.”
Lynette Garbonola, Vice President, International, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, receives the CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
Shannon Saunders, Agent, Head of Nashville International, WME, takes home the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievements made by an individual who has significantly contributed to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States.
Justin Thomson, National Content Director, iHeartCountry Australia, receives the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.
Mattias Hansson, Radio Producer/Presenter at P4 Country, Sveriges Radio, takes the International Country Broadcaster Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country.
Morgan Wallen receives the International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.
Cameron Whitcomb takes home the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist who is originally based internationally.
Lee Brice Plots Canadian ‘Sunriser Tour’ For Spring 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Brice
Lee Brice will head to Canada next spring on a nine-date “Sunriser Tour” beginning April 10.
Joining him on the new tour, which will visit Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and more, will be Platinum Canadian artist Brett Kissel and rising star Grace Tyler.
“Man, Canada, y’all have been ridin’ shotgun with me since back before I even had a hit! That fire you lit in my soul has only burned brighter over the years, and you’ve got a permanent spot right here in this country boy’s heart,” says Brice. “You’ve watched me chase these sunrises, and I can’t wait to roll back into your towns on the ‘Sunriser Tour,’ showin’ off this new fire we’ve stoked together. Get ready friends, I’m comin’ back to y’all with all I’ve got!”
Brice’s new single “Killed The Man” just went to radio and was most added upon its release. The track follows the heartbreak anthem “Cry” and “Said No Country Boy Ever” featuring some of Brice’s famous friends (Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, Dallas Davidson and Rob Hatch, aka The Traler Park).
“Sunriser Tour” Dates:
4.10.26 | Abbotsford, BC | Abbotsford Centre*
4.11.26 | Kelowna, BC | Prospera Place
4.13.26 | Grande Prairie, AB | Bonnetts Energy Centre
4.14.26 | Edmonton, AB | Rogers Place
4.16.26 | Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Event Centre*
4.17.26 | Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Event Centre*
4.18.26 | Medicine Hat, AB | Co-Op Place
4.24.26 | Oshawa, ON | Tribute Communities Centre
4.25.26 | Kitchener, ON | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
*Without Brett Kissel
JUST IN: Nate Lowery Appointed President Of Cornman Music
/by LB CantrellNate Lowery. Photo: Courtesy of Cornman Music
Longtime executive Nate Lowery has been appointed President of the late Brett James‘ Cornman Music. He will join James’ children—Preston, Sam, Clare and David Cornelius—to carry forward their father’s legacy, ushering in the next chapter of the company.
Lowery says, “Since 2007 I’ve been honored and blessed to work with one of the greatest men and best songwriters that I’ve known, Brett James. I look forward to continuing with what Brett started and keep his legacy going along with his children. Signing amazing talent and making Cornman feel like a family is what we will continue to strive and do each day.”
Lowery previously held the role of General Manager and VP of Creative. He worked alongside James driving key partnerships and forging strong connections across the industry.
Preston, Sam, Clare and David share, “We couldn’t be happier to have Nate Lowery continue his work with Cornman Music as our new President. Nate has been instrumental in building Cornman and sustaining its success since the early days and became a dear friend to our father and us alike in the process. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service as Cornman’s General Manager and look forward to continuing to build on that success with him at the helm. We could think of no better person to carry on our father’s publishing legacy.”
Before joining Cornman, Lowery was recruited by Chris Oglesby to help establish Oglesby Writer Management, a division of 19 Entertainment, producers of American Idol. Earlier in his career, he gained foundational experience at Windswept Publishing, starting in the time-honored tradition of the Tape Copy Room and learning the craft from the ground up. With deep roots in songwriting—his father, Donny Lowery, penned hits such as “Old Flames” (Alabama) and “Why Does It Have To Be Wrong or Right” (Restless Heart)—Lowery brings a profound understanding of the creative process and an unwavering commitment to nurture creative talent.