Brandy Clark. Photo: Pamela Springsteen
Country music sings us into autumn today in DISClaimer.
Duking it out for the Disc of the Day award are stars Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert & Ella Langley, and Brandy Clark. I’m going with the underdog, my longtime love, Clark.
In a similarly tight contest, the DISCovery Award is a choice between Max Alan, Ty Myers, and our winner, Wyatt McCubbin. By the way, he and Clark are both performing in Nashville this week.
TY MYERS & WILLIE NELSON / “Write Your Own Songs”
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producers: Brandon Hood, Mickey Raphael; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia/Outlier Recordings
– The Myers album is titled Two Braids and the Truth: My Tribute to Willie, which includes his versions of Nelson’s hits. The man, himself, joins in on this delightful duet. Its a pointed jab at the suits who run the music industry, and it’s as true today as it was during the Red Headed Stranger’s heyday.
BRANDY CLARK / “American Roots”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Griff Clawson/Michael Pollack; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Reprise
– Utterly enchanting. Clark unspools a meditation on legacy and heritage while a lively acoustic band trips merrily along. Soft, heavenly vocal harmonies embellish a hearty performance. A song goddess at work. If you can get in the door, Brandy Clark is booked for 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday (Oct. 18). She’ll be celebrating the release this week of her new album, The Bird.
LAINEY WILSON / “Kinda Love It”
Writers: John Mayer/Jon Decious/Kid Harpoon/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Kid Harpoon; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson rocks out on this lickety split celebration of falling for a charming bad boy. Breezy, sunny, and insanely catchy. Ya gotta love it.
STEVE MARTIN & ALISON BROWN / “Old Town Road”
Writers: Atticus Matthew Ross/Kiowa Roukema/Montero Lamar Hill/Trent Reznor; Producers: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– This is a total hoot. The rippling banjos of Brown and Martin lead a stellar band (Stuart Duncan, Ronnie McCoury, Garry West). Martin sings, but the song’s main lead vocalists are Dan Tyminski and Del McCoury, who ham it up delightfully. Goofy new lyrics also enliven this bluegrass reworking of the 2019 mega hit.
PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– Pynk Beard’s comment on the ICE raids targeting minorities urges compassion, empathy, community-building, and understanding in the face of violence and unrest. The stirring anthem’s music video contains harrowing footage of masked agents beating and killing our neighbors. The song has become a social-media phenomenon since its release.
DAVID ALLAN COE / “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”
Writer: Steve Goodman; Producers: Noah Gordon, Lex Lipsitz; Label: F3 Entertainment
– The final studio album by the late David Allan Coe is titled A Million Reasons. It drops tomorrow (Oct. 16). Among its highlights is this fine reworking of the artist’s wry, witty 1975 hit. The country-spoof lyrics were co-written by an uncredited John Prine. This late Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is celebrated in a superb new movie titled You Got Gold, which documents the all-star Ryman concerts that saluted John Prine following his passing in 2020.
STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Yellow Brick Home”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Loud Records
– Wilson is capping a breakthrough year with four CMA nominations. In addition to Best New Artist, he earned nods for Male Vocalist plus Song and Video (for “Gary”). His new single describes a tornado while singing beneath loud, crashing electric guitars. Gripping and dramatic, if a little hard to decipher.
MIRANDA LAMBERT & ELLA LANGLEY / “Snakeskin Boots”
Writers: Brendan McLoughlin/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert; Label: MCA
– This has a cool, retro, neo-western vibe. The ladies are singing about a female outlaw, and an airy twang abounds. Highly recommended.
WYATT McCUBBIN / “I Love You”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records
– McClubbin is booked to play the Exit/In tonight (Oct. 15). Expect the chiming, melodic, echoey twang of this rhythmic, darkly romantic single and more. The newcomer co-wrote it with Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart, and it is a swirl of audio pleasure that keeps on captivating through an extended instrumental fade. The ethereal female harmony vocalist is McCubbin’s wife, Holly, and she is found through his 650 album, which drops tomorrow (Oct. 16).
CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producer: Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– A rollicking country rocker with a bop that don’t stop.
EXILE / “Habanero”
Writers: Clay Mills/Liz Hengber/Sonny LeMaire; Producers: JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire; Label: StarVista
– Meixcali rhythm accents underlie this playful, melodic romance that lasts though the years. I’ve always loved these guys.
MAX ALAN / “Hundred Thousand Sunsets”
Writers: Delaney Ramsdell/Max Alan Zimmerman; Producers: Brian Stanley, Ryan LeVine; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Tender, wistful, sweet, sad, and gently lovely, this traces a lifelong love that endures into old age and death. The simple, fiddle-guitar production aches beautifully.
Emily Ann Roberts Spins Some Captivating Tales On New EP ‘Thread’
/by Lorie HollabaughEmily Ann Roberts has released a new collection of songs, Thread, today (Oct. 16) via RECORDS Nashville / Sony Music Nashville.
On the new project Roberts weaves dynamic stories that honor her Appalachian influences set against the bluegrass-tinged instrumentation and time-honored musical traditions she’s embraced since childhood. The Knoxville native co-wrote every track on the new EP along with writers Jessi Alexander, Wyatt McCubbin, Paul Sikes, Ben Williams, and more.
Roberts has racked up nearly 200 million global streams, bolstered by an ever-growing community of fans (thanks in part to her beloved “Yeehaw Meemaw” persona), and now steps into her next chapter with Thread, which finds a new kind of magic in the timeless sounds and storytelling heritage she’s treasured all her life.
She’ll join Cody Johnson for a European run later this month, with stops in London, Dublin, Glasgow and additional cities across the U.K., and will also be heading back to C2C Festival in 2027, taking the main stage in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Berlin, and Rotterdam.
Thread Track List:
1. “Thread” (Emily Ann Roberts / Jessi Alexander / Ben Williams)
2. “Lonely Boy” (Emily Ann Roberts / Ryan Beaver / Frank Rogers)
3. “Garden Grow” (Emily Ann Roberts / Kelly Archer / Paul Sikes)
4. “When I Do” (Emily Ann Roberts / Jeff Hyde / Bryan Simpson)
5. “Laundry” (Emily Ann Roberts / Wyatt McCubbin / Jessi Alexander / Ben Williams)
MCA Nashville Impacted By Universal Music Group Layoffs
/by Lauryn SinkMCA has reportedly laid off eight employees in the Nashville office, according to Country Aircheck.
Those affected in the layoffs include COO Rob Femia; SVP/Promotion & Regional Marketing Miranda McDonald; VP/E-Commerce & Business Development Taylor Viegut; Directors of Regional Promotion John Trapane, Donna Jo Passuntino, Ashley Knight and Shannon Hogan; and Director of Radio Marketing Houston Gaither.
Femia joined UMG Nashville in 2013 as VP of Business & Legal Affairs, was upped to SVP in 2018 then rose to EVP in 2023. He was named COO in 2025. He is a graduate of Rutgers Law School with prior work history at Sony BMG, Virgin Records/Capitol Music Group/EMI Music North America, and Atlantic Records.
McDonald was elevated to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing earlier this year. In her role, helmed promotion for the MCA Nashville roster and played a pivotal part in obtaining multiple No. 1 singles.
Viegut was named as the as the first-ever Vice President, E-commerce & Business Development in 2025 after five years with the company. Prior to MCA, she worked at CMA where she led DSP relationships and expanded mobile growth.
MCA has not returned a request for confirmation.
Industry Ink: Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays, Brothers Osborne, Adult Leisure
/by Lauryn SinkZach Top Launches Collection With Kimes
Zach Top. Photo: Beau Simmons
Zach Top has partnered with Kimes to launch a new clothing collection. The collection includes long-sleeve button-up shirts, short-sleeve polos, hoodies, sweatshirts and more. The pieces will be available online and through Kimes Ranch retailers.
“Working on this collection has been a really cool experience because I got to be involved in the process from the beginning,” says Top. “I wanted the clothes to feel like things I’d actually wear, and we were able to take some classic Western ideas and put our own spin on them. I’m proud of how it all came together.”
“We wanted this collection to feel natural to Zach,” adds Amanda Kimes, co-founder of Kimes Ranch. “His personal style is such a big part of who he is, so it was important that the collection came from his perspective. Zach was involved throughout the process, and that collaboration is what makes the final product feel genuine.”
The Red Clay Strays Release Austin City Limits Performance Video
The Red Clay Strays have shared a new live performance video of their single “Demons In Your Choir.” The video comes from their hour-long Austin City Limits TV episode airing Oct. 24 on PBS stations nationwide.
The track comes from their latest album, Grateful. The band is currently on tour with upcoming dates in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and more.
Brothers Osborne Appear On The Jennifer Hudson Show
Brothers Osborne joined Jennifer Hudson for a conversation on The Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this week (Oct. 12).
Their conversation covered the upcoming fifth studio album, Watertown, out Oct. 23, Osborne family history and dynamics, including a special video from John and TJ’s mom, Trisha, and a fun “which brother would” game.
Adult Leisure Sign With Big Loud Rock
Adult Leisure. Photo: Sam Harbridge
Adult Leisure has signed with Big Loud Rock. Their single “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” comes in as the No. 1 Most Added Song at Alternative radio this week. The track debuted at No. 40 on both Mediabase’s Alternative chart and Billboard‘s Alternative Airplay chart ahead of its official impact date.
“We’re happy to finally say that we’ve signed with Big Loud Rock,” Adult Leisure shares. “Over the last few months, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know everyone, talking about what’s next for us, and working out what we are building together. It feels like we’ve found the right people at the right time, and we can’t wait to get started.”
“It’s rare to see a UK alt-indie band connect this quickly over here right out of the gate, but the early radio support behind “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” just tells you everything,” adds Big Loud Co-Founder and Big Loud Rock President Joey Moi. “We’re excited to officially welcome Adult Leisure to the Big Loud Rock family, and can’t wait to keep this momentum going stateside.”
Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend Unveils 2027 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughKelly Clarkson and Sierra Ferrell are set to headline Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend along with Carlile when it returns for its 8th annual celebration Jan. 14-18 at Mexico’s Barceló Maya Resort.
The event will also feature performances from The Beaches, CMAT, Allison Russell, Brandy Clark, Lucius, Titans of Americana, Arroba Nat, Tish Melton, SistaStrings, Autumn Nicholas, The Carlile Family Band and The Marshgrass Mamas, as well as comedian Kristin Key, with additional special guests and activities yet to be announced.
The all-inclusive experience includes four days of music curated by Carlile, as well as community driven events, artist-curated activities and workshops, “Brandi-oke,” off-site excursions and more. A limited number of packages are still available for the weekend, with additional rooms added at Barceló Maya Palace at girlsjustwannaweekend.com.
Girls Just Wanna Weekend offers a safe and inclusive space for all attendees, with a special emphasis on fostering a welcoming environment for the predominantly LGBTQ+ audience. The Brandi Land campus within the Barceló Maya Resort ensures that everyone can celebrate in comfort and community.
Since its founding by Carlile in 2018, the Weekend has featured a lineup of all female and non-binary artists including Shania Twain, Sam Smith, Janelle Monae, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Sara Bareilles, Wynonna, Yola, Patty Griffin, Celisse and many more.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brandy Clark Is ‘A Song Goddess’
/by Robert K OermannBrandy Clark. Photo: Pamela Springsteen
Country music sings us into autumn today in DISClaimer.
Duking it out for the Disc of the Day award are stars Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert & Ella Langley, and Brandy Clark. I’m going with the underdog, my longtime love, Clark.
In a similarly tight contest, the DISCovery Award is a choice between Max Alan, Ty Myers, and our winner, Wyatt McCubbin. By the way, he and Clark are both performing in Nashville this week.
TY MYERS & WILLIE NELSON / “Write Your Own Songs”
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producers: Brandon Hood, Mickey Raphael; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia/Outlier Recordings
– The Myers album is titled Two Braids and the Truth: My Tribute to Willie, which includes his versions of Nelson’s hits. The man, himself, joins in on this delightful duet. Its a pointed jab at the suits who run the music industry, and it’s as true today as it was during the Red Headed Stranger’s heyday.
BRANDY CLARK / “American Roots”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Griff Clawson/Michael Pollack; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Reprise
– Utterly enchanting. Clark unspools a meditation on legacy and heritage while a lively acoustic band trips merrily along. Soft, heavenly vocal harmonies embellish a hearty performance. A song goddess at work. If you can get in the door, Brandy Clark is booked for 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday (Oct. 18). She’ll be celebrating the release this week of her new album, The Bird.
LAINEY WILSON / “Kinda Love It”
Writers: John Mayer/Jon Decious/Kid Harpoon/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Kid Harpoon; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson rocks out on this lickety split celebration of falling for a charming bad boy. Breezy, sunny, and insanely catchy. Ya gotta love it.
STEVE MARTIN & ALISON BROWN / “Old Town Road”
Writers: Atticus Matthew Ross/Kiowa Roukema/Montero Lamar Hill/Trent Reznor; Producers: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– This is a total hoot. The rippling banjos of Brown and Martin lead a stellar band (Stuart Duncan, Ronnie McCoury, Garry West). Martin sings, but the song’s main lead vocalists are Dan Tyminski and Del McCoury, who ham it up delightfully. Goofy new lyrics also enliven this bluegrass reworking of the 2019 mega hit.
PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– Pynk Beard’s comment on the ICE raids targeting minorities urges compassion, empathy, community-building, and understanding in the face of violence and unrest. The stirring anthem’s music video contains harrowing footage of masked agents beating and killing our neighbors. The song has become a social-media phenomenon since its release.
DAVID ALLAN COE / “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”
Writer: Steve Goodman; Producers: Noah Gordon, Lex Lipsitz; Label: F3 Entertainment
– The final studio album by the late David Allan Coe is titled A Million Reasons. It drops tomorrow (Oct. 16). Among its highlights is this fine reworking of the artist’s wry, witty 1975 hit. The country-spoof lyrics were co-written by an uncredited John Prine. This late Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is celebrated in a superb new movie titled You Got Gold, which documents the all-star Ryman concerts that saluted John Prine following his passing in 2020.
STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Yellow Brick Home”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Loud Records
– Wilson is capping a breakthrough year with four CMA nominations. In addition to Best New Artist, he earned nods for Male Vocalist plus Song and Video (for “Gary”). His new single describes a tornado while singing beneath loud, crashing electric guitars. Gripping and dramatic, if a little hard to decipher.
MIRANDA LAMBERT & ELLA LANGLEY / “Snakeskin Boots”
Writers: Brendan McLoughlin/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert; Label: MCA
– This has a cool, retro, neo-western vibe. The ladies are singing about a female outlaw, and an airy twang abounds. Highly recommended.
WYATT McCUBBIN / “I Love You”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records
– McClubbin is booked to play the Exit/In tonight (Oct. 15). Expect the chiming, melodic, echoey twang of this rhythmic, darkly romantic single and more. The newcomer co-wrote it with Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart, and it is a swirl of audio pleasure that keeps on captivating through an extended instrumental fade. The ethereal female harmony vocalist is McCubbin’s wife, Holly, and she is found through his 650 album, which drops tomorrow (Oct. 16).
CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producer: Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– A rollicking country rocker with a bop that don’t stop.
EXILE / “Habanero”
Writers: Clay Mills/Liz Hengber/Sonny LeMaire; Producers: JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire; Label: StarVista
– Meixcali rhythm accents underlie this playful, melodic romance that lasts though the years. I’ve always loved these guys.
MAX ALAN / “Hundred Thousand Sunsets”
Writers: Delaney Ramsdell/Max Alan Zimmerman; Producers: Brian Stanley, Ryan LeVine; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Tender, wistful, sweet, sad, and gently lovely, this traces a lifelong love that endures into old age and death. The simple, fiddle-guitar production aches beautifully.
Zach Bryan To Embark On 19-Stadium ‘Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Bryan. Photo: Lucas Creighton
Zach Bryan will embark on the”Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs Tour” across North America and Australia in April.
The 23-date tour will visit 19 stadiums, with support from John Fogerty, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen, Vance Joy, Fey Fili, Gabriella Rose and Emma Ogier on select dates.
The trek will launch at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on April 28 with stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Buffalo and more before the Australian leg kicks off with two performances at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Accor Stadium in Sydney, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 23 following various pre-sale opportunities. More ticket information can be found here.
“Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs Tour” Dates:
Wednesday, April 28, 2027 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium *
Saturday, May 1, 2027 – Indianapolis, IN – Lucas Oil Stadium *
Tuesday, May 4, 2027 – Green Bay, WI – Lambeau Field *
Saturday, May 8, 2027 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field *
Friday, May 14, 2027 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium *
Saturday, May 15, 2027 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium *
Tuesday, May 18, 2027 – Baltimore, MD – M&T Bank Stadium *
Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium *
Tuesday, May 25, 2027 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field *
Saturday, May 29, 2027 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium *
Wednesday, June 2, 2027 – Buffalo, NY – Highmark Stadium *
Friday, July 16, 2027 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium #
Tuesday, July 20, 2027 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium #
Saturday, July 24, 2027 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field #
Wednesday, July 28, 2027 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place #
Sunday, August 1, 2027 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium #
Friday, August 6, 2027 – Boise, ID – Albertsons Stadium #
Friday, December 3, 2027 – Melbourne, VIC – Marvel Stadium !
Saturday, December 4, 2027 – Melbourne, VIC – Marvel Stadium !
Friday, December 10, 2027 – Sydney, NSW – Accor Stadium !
Saturday, December 11, 2027 – Sydney, NSW – Accor Stadium !
Friday, December 17, 2027 – Brisbane, QLD – Suncorp Stadium !
Saturday, December 18, 2027 – Brisbane, QLD – Suncorp Stadium !
* John Fogerty and Fey Fili
# Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen and Gabriella Rose
! Vance Joy and Emma Ogier
Eric Church, Megan Moroney & Florida Georgia Line To Headline Tortuga Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughRock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival is returning in 2027 with three days of music, sunshine and oceanfront fun on the shores of Fort Lauderdale April 2–4.
The 14th annual celebration will bring together some of the biggest names in country music and beyond, with Eric Church, Megan Moroney and Florida Georgia Line, in the duo’s first headlining festival performance since announcing their return to touring in 2027.
Beyond the main stage where fans can also catch Stella Lefty, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Tucker Wetmore, the Sunset Stage will feature the Goo Goo Dolls, Train and NE-YO headlining a genre-spanning mix of rock, pop and R&B. The 2027 lineup also includes Benny G, Blake Proehl, Carter Faith, Chase Matthew, Cody Lohden, Drake Milligan, Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Scott, Franklin Jonas, Grace Potter, Highway Home, Jacob Hackworth, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Redferrin, Sons of Habit, The Droptines, Tyler Braden, Vincent Mason, Zach John King and many more.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 23 at TortugaMusicFestival.com.
Tortuga Music Festival continues to prioritize sustainability and ocean conservation throughout every aspect of the festival experience. Each year, Tortuga raises funds and provides fans with opportunities to learn about critical environmental issues impacting the oceans through Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village. To date, Tortuga fans have helped raise more than $7 million for ocean conservation, research and education.
Veteran Entertainment Reporter Jimmy Carter Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughJimmy Carter
Beloved veteran Nashville-based entertainment reporter Jimmy Carter passed away on Oct. 13. He was 73.
Carter worked in journalism and broadcasting for over 50 years, providing an inside look and red carpet coverage and interviews at awards shows, film premieres and other Music Row events. Over 20 of those years were spent working as WSMV-TV Channel 4’s entertainment reporter, as well as in Nashville radio for decades, often as a frequent reporter on WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody. He also served as a correspondent for years for the nationally syndicated country radio and TV shows Crook & Chase, and interviewed an array of artists and celebrities throughout his career including Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and countless more.
The Montgomery, Alabama native attended Auburn University, where he helped launch campus station WEGL-FM before working in radio, TV and production roles. His expansive resume included early work as a street reporter covering civil rights, hurricanes and controversial politics in his home state of Alabama; as a UPI award-winning TV news producer at NBC’s Birmingham station; and as producer of The Scene at Six on WSM-TV. As Executive Producer at CBS’s Houston station, his work included coverage of everything from NASA to major airline crashes and Texas politics.
Carter received a regional Emmy for his public service TV work and multiple Emmy nominations for his news, children’s, sports and public affairs specials. He was the recipient of an IRIS award for his special on the Iroquois Steeplechase, and his affiliation with Barbara Mandrell productions as a writer/producer resulted in two of the highest-rated specials in The Nashville Network’s history.
His work covering Hollywood for the Crook and Chase shows took him all over the world, from James Bond premieres in London to the Academy Awards in Hollywood, where he interviewed major film stars of the last 40 years including Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, Jack Lemmon, Robert Redford, Kevin Costner and Sylvester Stallone, among others. Carter also shared Nashville news and entertainment stories on his YouTube channel in recent years, which had nearly 22,000 subscribers.
A visitation for Carter will be held Nov. 5 at St. Henry Catholic Church (6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205) at 9 a.m., followed a funeral service at 11 a.m.
Payton Sullivan Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Back Row, L-R): Kenley Flynn (SMP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Dale Bobo (SMP) and Synnovea Halsel (SMP). (Front Row, L-R): Payton Sullivan and Rusty Gaston (SMP). Photo: Savannah Spencer
Payton Sullivan has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
Born in Florida and raised near Nashville, Sullivan has shared stages with Eli Young Band, Midland, Chase Matthew and Redferrin. Her recent releases include “F150” and the Kristian Bush-produced “Blondie,” which secured a spot on Spotify’s All New Country playlist. She is currently on the road with Sugarland as direct support on the “2026 Ride or Die Tour.”
“With southern roots running as deep as her island breezes, Payton brings a high-octane energy to the genre that is entirely her own,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran and Manager, Creative A&R, Synnovea Halsel. “Her electrifying debut release captures that signature larger-than-life spirit. We are excited to have her on the Sony Music Publishing team.”
“Any team that’ll wear bikini top T-shirts for you is a ride-or-die team! I’ve been writing songs since I was five, and dreaming of this life in my bedroom, so joining Rusty [Gaston], Tom, and everyone at Sony Music Publishing means the world,” adds Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without the songs, and I can’t wait to write the next chapter with them.”
Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Turkey Fry Returns For 21st Year
/by Lorie HollabaughTracy Lawrence. Photo: Blake Harbison
Tracy Lawrence will host his 21st annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry on Nov. 24 at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
This year’s event aims to feed 32,000 people in need with 2,000 cooked turkeys and distribution of an additional 2,000 frozen turkeys through the Nashville Rescue Mission, 11 surrounding county school systems and community organizations who provide for those in need.
“I truly believe that if we all give back a little, we can make the world a better place,” says Lawrence. “It’s not always about money. Sometimes, it’s about leading by example. If what we’ve done with Mission:Possible inspires someone to do something similar in their own town, then we’ve made a difference. Iron sharpens iron, and every little thing matters. You can make a difference, even if you think it’s small. Thank you all for your years of support. Let’s continue to make a difference.”
Last year, after a refrigerated truck broke down and spoiled 650 turkeys, individuals and organizations from throughout the local community stepped in to replace them, resulting in over 2,400 additional turkeys donated, bringing the new total to 5,350 cooked and frozen distributed turkeys. The added donations brought the total to 50,000+ meals provided for those in need. Artists and celebrities who came out to support the turkey fry with appearances and donations included Jamey Johnson, Tucker Wetmore, Charles Esten, Dustin Lynch, Meghan Patrick, John Crist, Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Rhett Akins, Frank Ray and more.
Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible has fried over 15,000 turkeys, provided more than 135,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over $1.3M to Nashville Rescue Mission, and raised over $2.5M to further its goals, advocate for those in need, and expand its ability to support aligned causes.