The Cattle Country Festival in Gonzales, Texas is returning for its third year April 10-12.
The 2026 lineup includes Koe Wetzel, Treaty Oak Revival, Randy Houser, Robert Earl Keen, Josh Abbott Band, Paul Cauthen, Corey Kent, Casey Donahew, Stoney LaRue, Tyler Braden, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Asleep At The Wheel, Drake Milligan, Atlus, Austin Meade, Emily Ann Roberts and more.
New to the festival this year is the Whiskey Jam stage that will feature up-and-coming artists including Brooke Baird, Brandi Behlen, Ellis Bullard, Hayden Butler, Aaron McBee, Aaron McDonnell and more.
The music and camping festival will once again take place on the sprawling 400-acre ranch in Gonzales, Texas along the Guadalupe River. Back by popular demand, the festival will offer more GA and VIP camping areas, additional tents in the Glamping Village with a private glamping lounge, as well as more RV spaces and amenities for those staying on the grounds. The Boot also offers several swimming areas, aptly named Cowboy Coves, where attendees can cool off and enjoy the festival’s waterside experience. The festival grounds will also feature food, wine, spirits, brews and shopping as well.
Passes for the 2026 Cattle Country Festival, including camping, RV, and glamping passes, are now on sale at CattleCountryFest.com. There are also Premium VIP and shuttle packages available, and new this year, the festival will introduce a Fast Pass that will allow expedited entry into the festival and access to the fast pass bar line at all GA bars. There will also be local, military, student, teacher, and first responder discounts available.
Lauren Daigle & Jordan Davis To Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’
/by Lauryn SinkLauren Daigle & Jordan Davis. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA
Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis will host the 16th annual CMA Country Christmas, set to premiere Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. CST on ABC, with streaming available the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
Daigle, Davis, Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and BeBe Winans will all take the stage throughout the night.
The show was filmed in front of a live audience in Nashville. A production of the Country Music Association, Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Milton Sneed serves as Director and Jon Macks as Writer.
Megan Moroney. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Riley Green. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Parker McCollum. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Lady A. Photo: John Russell/CMA
The Kentucky Headhunters Dip Into The Vaults To Re-Release ‘Big Boss Man’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Kentucky Headhunters have reissued Big Boss Man, a one-of-a-kind project originally recorded in partnership with Sony/ATV Music Publishing two decades ago.
Long considered a hidden gem within the band’s catalog, Big Boss Man returns as a newly remastered, fully restored project, released on the band’s own Practice House Records label. The origins of the project go back to 2005, when then Sony/ATV President Donna Hilley, compilation supervisor Jack Jackson and creative director of new music Tom Long, approached The Headhunters with an idea to take 12 classics from the Sony/ATV catalog and “Headhunterize” them, infusing each song with the group’s signature energy. The purpose behind the project was to breathe new life into iconic songs to offer producers refreshed, sync-ready versions of timeless hits.
“In 2005, I traveled to Sony to pick up CDs of the catalog and came home with two very large boxes of music,” recalls Headhunters guitarist Richard Young. “The whole process was so much fun, but as the rest of the band will tell you, we probably spent more time in the Practice House just listening to the catalog and entertaining ourselves than it took to actually record the album! Sony’s catalog is so vast, it was a challenge narrowing it down to twelve songs.”
When the album, christened Big Boss Man, was completed, a small independent label issued a limited run of records before dissolving shortly thereafter. For nearly 20 years, the original recordings remained available only digitally and under a different title until Kathy Scobey, current head of Sony/ATV Publishing, worked with Young to strike a new agreement allowing the Headhunters to remaster and re-release Big Boss Man on Practice House.
“We’ve always been about honoring where we come from while pushing things forward,” adds Young. “This record captures that better than ever. It’s loud, raw, honest, and pure Headhunters.”
Big Boss Man is in select record stores now, and to help celebrate the album’s release, The Headhunters will return to the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 6, performing as the Spotlight Artist for the Opry’s Country Classics show.
Cattle Country Festival Announces 2026 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Cattle Country Festival in Gonzales, Texas is returning for its third year April 10-12.
The 2026 lineup includes Koe Wetzel, Treaty Oak Revival, Randy Houser, Robert Earl Keen, Josh Abbott Band, Paul Cauthen, Corey Kent, Casey Donahew, Stoney LaRue, Tyler Braden, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Asleep At The Wheel, Drake Milligan, Atlus, Austin Meade, Emily Ann Roberts and more.
New to the festival this year is the Whiskey Jam stage that will feature up-and-coming artists including Brooke Baird, Brandi Behlen, Ellis Bullard, Hayden Butler, Aaron McBee, Aaron McDonnell and more.
The music and camping festival will once again take place on the sprawling 400-acre ranch in Gonzales, Texas along the Guadalupe River. Back by popular demand, the festival will offer more GA and VIP camping areas, additional tents in the Glamping Village with a private glamping lounge, as well as more RV spaces and amenities for those staying on the grounds. The Boot also offers several swimming areas, aptly named Cowboy Coves, where attendees can cool off and enjoy the festival’s waterside experience. The festival grounds will also feature food, wine, spirits, brews and shopping as well.
Passes for the 2026 Cattle Country Festival, including camping, RV, and glamping passes, are now on sale at CattleCountryFest.com. There are also Premium VIP and shuttle packages available, and new this year, the festival will introduce a Fast Pass that will allow expedited entry into the festival and access to the fast pass bar line at all GA bars. There will also be local, military, student, teacher, and first responder discounts available.
Recording Academy Welcomes Over 3800 New Members
/by Madison HahnenIn the new membership class, 50% are 39 and under, 58% are People of Color and 35% identify as women. This year also marked the first time invitations were extended to all Latin Recording Academy Voting Members. Full new members demographics can be found here.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting week — not only are we welcoming this year’s incredible new class of Academy members, but we’re just days away from unveiling the 2026 GRAMMY Awards nominees,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “This year’s class reflects the vibrancy of today’s diverse music landscape. The addition of many Latin Recording Academy voting members underscores that music has no borders and that our mission to serve music people, regardless of where they are from, is stronger than ever. I can’t wait for our members’ passion and hard work to shine through in this year’s nominations.”
Membership for the Recording Academy include Voting Membership for recording creators and Professional Membership for music business professionals. All members are able to participate in year-round events, including DREAM, WingTM, GRAMMY U and more. All members also vote for GRAMMY winners.
The 2026 GRAMMY nominees will be revealed beginning at 10 a.m. CST this Friday (Nov. 7) via livestream on the GRAMMY website and YouTube. Among those who will announce the 2026 nominees are Angélique Kidjo, Brandi Carlile, CeCe Winans, Chappell Roan, David Foster, Doechii, Dr. Chelsey Green, Gayle King, Jon Batiste, KAROL G, Little Big Town, Lizzo, Masaki Koike, Mumford & Sons, Nicole Scherzinger, Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Smith.
RFD-TV To Premiere ‘Veterans Day Country Concert’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Veterans Day Country Concert, a musical celebration of service, community and country, will premiere on RFD-TV this Saturday (Nov. 8).
The star-studded event features performances from Lee Greenwood, The Bellamy Brothers, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Exile, Johnny Lee, Eddy Raven, Marty Raybon (of Shenandoah), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart), T. Graham Brown, Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas), and Lisa Matassa.
Bringing together generations of country favorites, the special salutes the courage and sacrifice of America’s service members and their families with timeless hits, heartfelt tributes, and some memorable collaborations. In step with the nation’s multi-year America250 commemoration leading to the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, the broadcast invites viewers to reflect on the ideals of community and country that bind us together as Americans.
“Country music has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with America’s veterans,” says Greenwood. “It’s an honor to stand on this stage with dear friends and sing for the men and women who’ve worn the uniform.”
“We’re proud to present this powerful celebration of service, community, and country,”says Jeremiah Davis, RFD-TV VP Programming. “These artists and their songs are woven into the fabric of American life, and this concert is a thank-you to all who have served.”
The Veterans Day Country Concert will premiere at 6 p.m. CT and re-air at 9 p.m. on RFD-TV.
Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Cody Jinks To Headline Under The Big Sky Festival 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Under The Big Sky Festival is returning to the heart of Montana’s big sky country at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana July 17-19.
Anchored by headliners Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Cody Jinks, the 2026 lineup pairs marquee names and rising voices in one of the country’s most panoramic and picturesque settings, with more than 40 artists from genres across outlaw country, indie rock, bluegrass, folk and the best of Montana’s musical scene as well.
Among those set to play are Ryan Bingham and Texas Gentlemen, Marcus King Band, Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kaitlin Butts, the Hogslop String Band, Of Monsters and Men, Max McNown, Greensky Bluegrass, Old Crow Medicine Show, Rattlesnake Milk, folk duo Ocie Elliott, Cole Chaney, Gabriella Rose and The Brudi Brothers.
Situated 30 miles south of the Canadian border, just minutes away from the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, Under The Big Sky immerses attendees in the majesty of the American West and cowboy traditions. Taking place on a 350-acre working ranch, the stages are adorned by railroad tracks and streams framed by green forest and panoramic mountain views. A full rough stock rodeo features athletes competing in bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and more.
Under The Big Sky is open to fans of all ages with 3-Day GA or VIP passes (21+) available, along with complimentary GA passes with RSVP for children 36″ and under. Fans are encouraged to sign up for access to the SMS presale on Nov. 7 by texting ‘OUTRIDERS’ to (406) 341-2944, with general on-sale beginning Nov. 7.
Kellie Besch Inks With Integrity Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Blaine Barcus (President, Integrity Music), Stone Meyer (Vice President, Music Publishing) Kellie Besch, Taylor Agan (Creative Director, Music Publishing), Ben Wolverton (Senior Manager, Integrity Worship) and Ashlee Prigge (A&R, Music Publishing Coordinator).
GRAMMY, Billboard, Stellar and ASCAP Award-winning songwriter Kellie Besch has signed a publishing deal with Integrity Music.
Besch’s background includes being classically trained on piano, as well as spending time as a worship leader, which led directly into her collaborating with faith-focused artists and songwriters. She co-penned CeCe Winans’ “That’s My King,” which went on to win the GRAMMY award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, as well as the Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Song.
Besch has also written songs for Aaron Williams, Matt Redman, River Valley Worship, River Valley AGES, and Bridge Worship, among others.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kellie Besch to our dynamic and expanding roster of visionary songwriters who are defining the contemporary sound of the Church,” says Stone Meyer, Vice President of Publishing at Integrity Music. “Her extensive experience and proven track record of successful collaborations with leading artists position her as one of the most versatile and promising talents in our genre.”
“I grew up on songs like ‘Shout to the Lord’ and ‘Ancient of Days,’” adds Besch. “So to now be a part of the legacy that helped shape me is such an honor. I’m excited to partner with people who care so deeply about serving the Church well.”
Gavin Adcock, Wyatt Flores & Clint Black To Headline Headwaters Country Jam
/by Lauryn SinkGavin Adcock, Wyatt Flores & Clint Black.
Gavin Adcock, Wyatt Flores and Clint Black are set to headline the Headwaters Country Jam next year. The festival is set for July 23–25 at The Bridge near Three Forks, Montana.
Additionally, Cameron Whitcomb, Midland, Avery Anna, Jackson Dean, Billy Dean and Collin Raye, Drake Milligan, Willow Avalon and many more will take the stage. A full lineup can be found here.
Tickets for the festival go on sale on Friday (Nov. 7). In addition to general admission tickets, the festival is offering Early Entry and Lux Suite ticket options.
Hunter Hayes Readies Holiday EP Due This Month
/by Lauryn SinkHunter Hayes is set to release his new holiday EP, Evergreen Christmas Sessions, on Friday (Nov. 7).
On the project, Hayes reimagines four beloved holiday favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “Run Run Rudolph,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Silent Night.”
“Creating this project felt really special and full circle, as I revisited some holiday music I recorded as a kid,” shares Hayes. “We happened to have a few days off during tour, and this was the first time we were able to record together as a band. We wanted to try something different, so we gave the project a ‘calm Christmas’ vibe with a chill, dreamy, jazz-inspired take on the season. For me, Christmas music has always been about spending time with the people you love, and I hope this project becomes part of those moments.”
This announcement follows Hayes’ recent collaboration with a cappella group Straight No Chaser on their new holiday single, “Christmas Is Different.” He is set to perform at Louisiana Christmas Day on Nov. 30.
Evergreen Christmas Sessions Track List:
1. “Winter Wonderland”
2. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
3. “Run Run Rudolph”
4. “Silent Night”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Holds On To Top Spot
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen has maintained his spot atop the streaming charts this week, according to Luminate data. “I Got Better” took the top place on the singles charts with 9.9 million streams this week, adding to 299 million streams to date. Wallen’s I’m The Problem holds its top position on the albums chart with 76K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, Wallen holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 29K in total consumption and the No. 3 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 21K in total consumption. At No. 4 is Jason Aldean’s 30 Number One Hits with 19K in total consumption. Shaboozey holds the No. 5 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going earning 16K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top three positions. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” takes the No. 2 spot with 9.8 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” comes in at No. 3 with 7.9 million streams this week. At No. 4 this week is Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” with 7.5 million streams. Rounding out the chart at No. 5 is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 6.7 million streams.