Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening Of ‘Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising’ Exhibit

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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. 

Maddox Batson Slates ‘Live Worldwide Tour’ For Early 2026

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Maddox 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

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HARDY. 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

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The 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

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Pictured (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

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Lee 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

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Nate 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.

Reba McEntire Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of First Record Deal With MCA Team

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Pictured (L-R): Michael Hanel, Kevin Abbott, Mindy Schultheis, Julie Abbott, Franco Bario, Lauren Tinnin, Cooper Smith, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, Melissa Peterman, Belissa Escobedo, Reba McEntire, Rex Linn, Katie McCartney, Justin McIntosh, Stephanie Wright, Mike Harris, Bruce Resnikoff.

On Tuesday (Nov. 11), Reba McEntire marked the 50th anniversary of her first record deal with Mercury Records, which she signed on Nov. 11, 1975.

Current MCA executives surprised her in front of a studio audience at Happy’s Place, presenting her with a 50th Anniversary plaque to commemorate accomplishment.

MCA CEO Mike Harris reflected on the milestone, saying, “Reba’s impact on country music is immeasurable. For fifty years, she’s set the standard for artistry, authenticity, and work ethic — inspiring generations of artists and fans alike. It’s an incredible honor for all of us at MCA to celebrate this milestone with her and continue the journey with one of the most defining voices in our genre.”

McEntire has released 32 studio albums and sold over 58 million records across the globe with hits including “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” and “Whoever’s in New England.” She is the only female country solo artist to have a No. 1 hit in four consecutive decades. McEntire recently earned a GRAMMY nomination for “Trailblazer” collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Laney Wilson, marking her 18th career nomination.

Reba and team.

Clay Walker Fulfills Bucket List Wish With Ryman Debut

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Clay Walker.

Clay Walker made his headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday (Nov. 9) in a show featuring some special guests and unforgettable moments.

The Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer performed fan favorite hits, “If I Could Make A Living,” “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” “What’s It to You, and the self-penned “Live Until I Die,” to the sold-out crowd of all ages, bringing his signature charm and traditional roots to the Mother Church of Country Music. After getting the room on their feet for the high energy first half of the show, Walker brought out fellow ‘90s hitmaker Collin Raye who performed his hit “That’s My Story” to thunderous applause. He also invited out Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis and sang his biggest hit, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” causing the room to erupt and the crowd to chant after Travis’s signature “Amen” at the end of the song.

“There were so many great moments and feelings at the Ryman. True fans who have supported us for years, our entire professional team, and my wonderful family were there to participate in an electrifying, sold out show. I couldn’t be more blessed,” says Walker of the special night. 

Walker will  play the Grand Ole Opry Nov. 20 and has dates on his “Drive Me Smooth Tour” in Nevada, Arizona, Texas and more through the end of the year.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini Offers Sophistication & Elegance

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

It’s a downbeat, ballad kinda day here at DISClaimer.

Hudson Westbrook, Riley Green, Jackson Dean, ERNEST, Pynk Beard, Jake Owen and the dynamic duo of Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr. are all offering softer sounds in their new tracks. So is Kelsea Ballerini, who takes home the Disc of the Day prize.

Among the tempo tunes, the outstanding submission comes from Dalton Davis, who easily triumphs as our DISCovery Award artist of the week.

JACKSON DEAN / “Over and Over”
Writers: Jackson Dean/Luke Dick/Laura Veltz; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
– Dreamy and captivating. A gentle wash of acoustic instrumentation sets the romantic mood as Dean softly seduces every note of this swirling meditation on s-e-x.

NATE SMITH & TYLER HUBBARD / “After Midnight”
Writers: Casey Brown/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: Sony Music Entertainment
– Lotsa jangling, crashing electric guitars. Rowdy, good-ol’-boy, good-time vocals. Very repetitive song.

JENNA PAULETTE / “Steady”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Jenna Paulette/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– The rolling tempo and open-air arrangement frame her country-gal vocal perfectly. She sings of her beau that he’s a steady, comforting, warm presence. Authentic and believable.

JAKE OWEN / “Middle Age Crazy”
Writer: Sonny Throckmorton; Producers: Jake Owen & Shooter Jennings; Label: Good Company
– Owen slows down the 1977 Jerry Lee Lewis classic to a crawl. You have to admire the effort, since the original is so timeless, inimitable and enduring. The track is drawn from Owen’s new album Dreams to Dream, which marks a new, contemplative shift in sound and style for him.

PYNK BEARD / “One More Slow Dance”
Writers: Sebastian Kole/Trevor Brown/Warren “Oak” Felder/Zaire Koalo; Producer: Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Red Bull Records
– Very nice. His country baritone croons a tune that yearns for romance. The production has lots of quirky rhythm touches and an echoey chanting male background. Pynk Beard (Sebastian Kole) celebrates the release of his Red Dirt Diaries collection with a show tomorrow night (Friday, Nov. 14) at Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up club downtown at 9 p.m. followed by an appearance at The Pinnacle on Saturday in the multi-artist “Jukebox Nashville” event.

RILEY GREEN / “Ol’ Stray Dog”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jon Randall; Producer: Erik Dylan; Label: Nashville Harbor/Big Machine
– A blue and lonesome ballad for those who are lost and wandering. Full of heart.

MAGNOLIA RISING / “Hit the Ground”
Writers: Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle/Bandana Cheyenne; Producer: Zakk Garner; Label: MR
– A rousing, rocking anthem of resilience and survival. The duo is Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle, formerly two-thirds of Chapel Hart.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “I Sit in Parks”
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River
– Airy and pretty. In a lilting soprano, Ballerini muses on her life’s direction, wistfully thinking about where she is and where she wants to be. Sophisticated and elegant sounding.

DALTON DAVIS / “Cows in the Front Yard”
Writers: Christian Stalnecker/Dalton Davis/David “Messy” Mescon/Jet Harvey; Producer: David “Messy” Mescon; Label: MCA/Republic
– Hillbilly hilarious. The ditty bops splendidly, and the lyric is steeped in redneck wit. And then there’s the drawling, beyond-country, twanged vocal phrasing. Love this.

SHABOOZEY & STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Took a Walk”
Writers: Shaboozey/Connor Sullivan/Stephen Musselman/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Sean Cook, Stephen Musselman, Connor Sullivan; Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– Drawn from the soundtrack of the heartbreaking film of brotherhood titled The Long Walk. The stately ballad is a touching, moody meditation on death and love. Both CMA New Artist nominees sing with chesty authority. Striking and powerful. The online comments on this one are explosively massive.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “If He Wanted To”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records/River House
– Lovelorn and lovely. Wistful advice for someone yearning for someone who isn’t showing up emotionally.

ERNEST / “Blessed”
Writers: ERNEST/Mark Holman/Jordan Merrigan/Matt Mulhare; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud
– Be thankful. Your life, no matter how simple, is a gift. In mid-song, he switches to an extended, spoken-word passage.

LUCIE TIGER / “Harvest Moon”
Writers: Lucie Tiger/Stephanie C. Brown/Mark Narmore; Producer: Charles Holloman & Lucie Tiger; Label: 2120 Music
– A twanging murder ballad with a wicked, thumping, uptempo kick. This Aussie troubadour recently won the Country Vocalist of the Year honor at the Josie Awards, which recognize indie acts.