Dead Horse Branding Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

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Melissa Core-Caballo and Rick Caballo

Dead Horse Branding is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of dedication to music, branding and talent development.

Founded by Melissa Core-Caballo and Rick Caballo, the agency bridges artistry and enterprise for names like Steven Tyler’s Loving Mary Band, Duck Dynasty, Tony Brown and Cyndi Lauper. From helping shape Grammy-winning artists to managing creative campaigns for international corporations, DHB’s seven-part brand system spanning consulting, design, photography, the web, marketing, PR and licensing has redefined what full-circle development means.

With creative roots in Nashville and Australia, DHB’s work has expanded into photography, publishing and high-profile brand partnerships with Fender, Yeti, Taylor Guitars and City Winery, alongside collaborations with Sony, Warner and Universal.

Melissa Core-Caballo shares, “It’s incredible to look back at anything in life and realize your goals were nothing but an idea in your mind and a feeling that runs through your body. As I sit here today reflecting on 10 years that Dead Horse Branding has achieved, I couldn’t be more proud of my partner in crime Rick Caballo, the quality and bar that he sets is extremely high and his vision and knowledge of branding is truly unmatchable.

“Thank you to all of our clients and staff and most importantly a massive thank you to Tony Brown, managing Tony and working alongside him every day is an absolute dream and Dead Horse might not have gotten off the ground If he didn’t take a chance on us. I thank God for answering my prayers and continuing to lead me on this beautiful journey called life. To me this is the definition of MAGIC!”

Rick Caballo adds, “It’s nice to see that after 10 years of living through the evolution of time and technology our core beliefs and execution of what we do hasn’t changed. Our method works, and it’s more relevant now than ever. To have the legendary Tony Brown as a client from the beginning of our business and continuing till this day is one of best compliments or awards we have ever received. It also feels good knowing we’re surrounded by team members who know exactly where to go and what to do next, assuring the DHB vision is on point. The President of Operations, Brittany Hambrick, and Publicity Manager, Danielle Reiss. There’s a real sense of pride and reassurance knowing we’re on the right path.”

Mark Your Calendar—November 2025

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Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

Drew Baldridge. Photo: Riley Mays

November 3
Drew Baldridge/Rebel/Stoney Creek Records
Spencer Hatcher/When She Calls Me Cowboy/QHMG/Stone Country Records
The Ashley Sisters/Heartless/Spellcast Records
Grayson Goodrich/Dixie Heal The Blues

November 7
Black Sands (feat. Brandon Chase)/Down The Road
Abbie Callahan/Simon Says
Kat Velasco/Show Pony
Danny Kensy/One More Memory/Yep Records
Bucky Heard/Ride the Lightning
Elle Townley/Perfect Christmas/Gilligan Music Group/CD Tex

November 10
Alexandra Kay/Straight For The Heart/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Greylan James/Water At A Wedding/Big Machine
Jason Charles Miller/Run for the Hills/ONE OPPORTUNITY RECORDS
Jessie G/Smells Like Whiskey/Jessie G Music

November 14
Annie Bosko (feat. Amy Grant)/God Winks/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Matt Rogers/Margaritas for Christmas
Drew Taylor/Makers
NORA./Kiss My Ass

November 17
Skip Ewing/I Want It All
Rebekah Snyder (feat. Adam Cunningham)/Don’t Ever Date A Yankee/RSB Project LLC/19th & 7th INC
Randy Cobb/The Sand/South Sixty Five Entertainment Group

November 21
Matt Cooper/Home/QHMG/Quartz Hill Records
Stefanie Micahela/Anything Is Possible

November 24
Delaney Ann/Old Times Sake/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC

 

Album/EP Releases:

November 7
Various Artists/OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs/Grand Ole Opry/Virgin Music Group
Willie Nelson/Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle/Legacy Recordings
Brad Paisley/Snow Globe Town/EMI Records Nashville
Vincent Mason/There I Go/Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup
Cooper Alan/Winston-Salem
Jake Owen/Dreams To Dream/Good Company Entertainment.
Gabby Barrett/Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe)/Warner Music Nashville
Emmylou Harris/Spyboy/New West Records
Trisha Yearwood/Christmastime/Virgin Music Group/Gwendolyn Records
Colt Ford/Little Out There/Average Joes Entertainment
Drake Milligan/Tumbleweed/BBR Music Group/BMG
RaeLynn/Jingle Jangle Rock/The Valory Music Co.
Jon Wolfe/Barstool Therapy: Session One
McCoy Moore/McCoy Moore/Sony Music
Luke Bell (posthumously)/The King Is Back/Thirty Tigers
Brendan Walter/Disappearing Days/Sony Music
John Berry/John Berry: Live From The Country Music Cruise/StarVista Music
Spencer Hatcher/Honky Tonk Hideaway/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Erin Kirby/In and Out of Love
Lavendine/Deep Blue/400 SWC RECORDS

November 14
Colter Wall/Memories and Empties/La Honda Records/RCA Records
Kaitlin Butts/Yeehaw Sessions/Republic Records
Ashley Cooke/ace/Big Loud Records
Blackberry Smoke/Rattle, Ramble & Roll: The Best of Blackberry Smoke- Volume One/3 Legged Records
Tyce Delk/Enough Ain’t Enough/River House Artists
Jeff Bates/Don’t Hold Me To It/Tall Grass Records
JD Shelburne/Raised On The Good Stuff

November 21
ERNEST/Live From The South/Big Loud
Old Crow Medicine Show/OCMS XMAS/Hartland Records

November 28
Treaty Oak Revival/West Texas Degenerate
Waylon Hanel/When Waylon Comes To Nashville/CDX Records

 

Industry Events:

November 7
Nominees Announced for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards

November 16
SESAC Nashville Music Awards

November 17
ASCAP Celebrates

November 18
BMI Country Awards

November 19
59th Annual CMA Awards

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Ella Langley.

November 3
John Fogerty/The Legacy Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Jackie Schimmel/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Noah Floersch/Somethin’ Bout a Tour/The Basement East
Hellogoodbye/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 4
Sabrina Carpenter/Short n’ Sweet Tour/Bridgestone Arena
ERNEST/Ryman Auditorium
The Happy Fits/Lovesick Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Maggie Antone/The Basement East
Franni Cash/Riverside Revival

November 5
Sabrina Carpenter/Short n’ Sweet Tour/Bridgestone Arena
ERNEST/Ryman Auditorium
Purity Ring/Place Of My Own Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Mountain Grass Unit/The Basement East
Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers/EXIT/IN
Nicole Henry/City Winery
Briston Maroney/Paradise/The Blue Room
Michael Sanzone/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 6
Paul McCartney/Got Back/The Pinnacle
Ella Langley/Still Hungover Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Mo Lowda & The Humble/Tailing the Ghost Tour/The Basement East
Briston Maroney/Paradise/The Blue Room
Jenna Davis/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 7
Bryan Adams/Roll With The Punches/Bridgestone Arena
Ella Langley/Still Hungover Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Viagra Boys/The Infinite Anxiety Tour/Marathon Music Works
Max Styler/360 Set/Skydeck
Leon Thomas/Mutts Don’t Heel Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Chaparelle/The Basement East
Leith Ross/I Can See The Future/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Booker T. Jones/Riverside Revival
Briston Maroney/Paradise/The Blue Room

November 8
Watchhouse/Ryman Auditorium
Shakey Graves/Brooklyn Bowl
Various Artists/Ceremony Fest/Cannery Hall
Oliver Hazard & The Last Revel/Head West/The Basement East
White Animals/EXIT/IN
Sun Room/The Jackknife Tour/The Blue Room

November 9
Clay Walker/Ryman Auditorium
Cameron Whitcomb/I’ve Got Options Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Pouya/The Basement East
Various Artists/Nashville Jams For Jill/EXIT/IN
Cold/Beneath The Low Hum Tour/City Winery

November 10
Of Monsters and Men/The Mouse Parade Tour/The Pinnacle
Various Artists/The Big 98 Friendsgiving/Grand Ole Opry House
Vincent Lima/To Love A Thing That Fades 2025 Tour/The Basement East
Wishy/Cannery Hall (Row One)

November 11
Lola Young/The Pinnacle
Gwar/The Return Of Gor Gor/Marathon Music Works
Drake Milligan/Brooklyn Bowl
Rachael & Vilray/2025 Tour/Riverside Revival
John Hollier & the Reverie/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 12
Osamason/Marathon Music Works
El Alfa/Skydeck
Grandson/Inertia Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Sunami & Scowl/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
GBH/EXIT/IN
Rick Braun/City Winery
Matt McClure/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 13
José González/Ryman Auditorium
3OH!3/Do Nashville/Brooklyn Bowl
As It Is/The Basement East
Ryan Hurd/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Cam Allen/EXIT/IN
Eddie and the Getaway/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 14
49 Winchester/Ryman Auditorium
They Might Be Giants/Brooklyn Bowl
JADY/EXIT/IN
John Violinist/City Winery
Post Animal/The Blue Room

November 15
Various Artists/Red Bull Jukebox/The Pinnacle
49 Winchester/Ryman Auditorium
They Might Be Giants/Brooklyn Bowl
Chris Williamson/Cannery Hall (Main Stage)
Graham Barham/The Basement East
Lissie/City Winery
New Constellations/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 16
I’m With Her/Ryman Auditorium
Joey Bada$$/Dark Aura Tour/Marathon Music Works
3QUENCY/Bandemonium Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Band of Skulls/Cold Flame Tour/The Basement East
Benjamin William Hastings/Cannery Hall (The Mil)

November 17
Drake White/Benefit For The Brain/Ryman Auditorium
Dijon/Marathon Music Works
Christmas With The Celts/City Winery
Triathalon/The Blue Room

November 18
Durry/Your Friend From The Real World Tour/The Basement East
elijah/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Brett Dennen/Art Is Life/City Winery
Kelli Baker/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 19
The Elovaters/Staring At The Sun Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
LØLØ/U TOUR ME ON/The Basement East
Maggie James/EXIT/IN
Night Cap/It’s Happening Tour/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 20
Margo Price/Wild At Heart Tour/Ryman Auditorium
GZA/Liquid Swords 30 Year Anniversary Tour/Skydeck
Willi Carlisle/Winged Victory Tour/The Basement East
The Criticals/EXIT/IN

November 21
3BallMTY/Skydeck
The Aces/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Grady Spencer & The Work/Turducken Tour 2025/EXIT/IN
Twen/The Blue Room
The Wonderlands/Cannery Hall (Row One)

November 22
The Band CAMINO/The NeverAlways Tour/The Pinnacle
The Lone Bellow/Ryman Auditorium
Adventure Club/Throwback Tour/Skydeck
Lecrae/Reconstruction World Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
The Last Waltz Tribute/The Basement East
Jens Lekman/EXIT/IN
Luke Spiller/The Songs I Wrote For You Tour/City Winery
Die Spitz/The Blue Room

November 23
Boz Scaggs/Rhythm Review 2025/The Pinnacle
Stephen Wilson Jr./Søn Of Dad Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Die Spitz/The Blue Room

November 24
Stephen Wilson Jr./Søn Of Dad Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Christopher Williams/City Winery

November 25
Spiritbox/Tsunami Sea North American Tour Part II/The Pinnacle
Jagged Edge/Ryman Auditorium
Ezra Ray Hart/90’s Hits & Xmas Riffs/Brooklyn Bowl
Autoheart/The Heartlands Tour/EXIT/IN

November 26
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones/Jingle All The Way/Ryman Auditorium
Goldlink/Brooklyn Bowl

November 28
Playboi Carti/ANTAGONIST TOUR/Bridgestone Arena
Brett Eldredge/Glow Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Effin/Daydream Tour/Cannery Hall (Main Stage)
Thompson Square/City Winery

November 29
Black Tiger Sex Machine/The BTSM Manga Experience/The Pinnacle
Brett Eldredge/Glow Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Fit For A King/Lonely God Tour/Marathon Music Works
guilty pleasures/10th Annual Post-Thanksgiving Bash/The Basement East
Noah Gundersen/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Project Pat/EXIT/IN
Gabe Dixon/Holiday Show/City Winery
William Tyler & Friends/The Blue Room

November 30
Brett Eldredge/Glow Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Thomas Dolby/The Basement East
Talib Kweli/City Winery

A Home For Tradition: The Grammys Get A New Country Category [Interview]

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When the Recording Academy announced the addition of Best Traditional Country Album to its slate of Grammy Awards categories, it marked more than a simple administrative update—it was the result of years of conversation, data and, most importantly, listening.

The announcement, shared in June, outlined that with the addition of this new category, the existing Best Country Album category will now be named Best Contemporary Country Album. The purpose of the refinement is to recognize artists such as Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall and Noeline Hoffman, who fall outside the realm of mainstream country.

“We’ve been hearing from artists for a long time,” Shelly Maree, an Awards Manager at the Academy who oversees the country music field, tells MusicRow. “They didn’t feel fully reflected in the categories as they stood, neither in the existing country categories nor in the American Roots field. So this came from them: the creators, the voting members. It’s been in the works for a while.”

Shelly Maree. Photo: Stephen Reidmiller

Maree and her colleague Ralph Olivarez, Director in the Awards Department, were part of the team that helped bring the new category to life. For Olivarez, who oversees the American Roots field (which includes genres like bluegrass, Americana, folk and traditional blues), the change brings much-needed clarity.

“In the Roots categories, we’ve often had conversations with the country screening committee because there were always these edge cases, artists who didn’t quite fit squarely into either field,” he says. “It was clear there needed to be a better home for some of these projects.”

Despite the excitement around the category’s debut, it wasn’t a snap decision. The journey began years ago and was shaped by a structured, member-driven process.

“Any member can submit a proposal [for a change],” explains Maree. “Those proposals are reviewed by our Awards and Nominations Committee in the spring, which includes artists and professionals from across genres. After rigorous discussion and voting, the proposals that pass go to our Board of Trustees for final approval.”

This particular proposal, she says, has been in its current form for about three years. “We started gathering data two years ago, drafted the proposal last summer and it was finally approved this spring. It’s really exciting because it’s been such a long time coming.”

So what exactly qualifies as traditional country?

Ralph Olivarez. Photo: Getty Images for the Recording Academy

According to the Academy’s definition, the category recognizes excellence in albums, both vocal and instrumental, that “adhere to more traditional sound structures of the country genre,” including elements like steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and live drums.

It also makes room for subgenres such as western, western swing and outlaw country.

But as Maree and Olivarez are quick to point out that it’s not about labeling artists, it’s about evaluating the music on a case-by-case basis.

“We don’t judge the artist. We screen the art,” Maree emphasizes. “An artist might fall into a traditional category one year and a contemporary one the next. It depends on the music they submit.”

Olivarez agrees. “We always try to find the best home for the project. That’s what this is about, giving artists a home that reflects the sound they’ve created.”

Beyond expanding recognition, Maree sees the new category as an invitation. “I hope this encourages artists who didn’t feel represented before to join the Academy, submit their work and engage with this process,” she says. “It also expands the opportunity for artists to be recognized and spotlighted.”

In an industry where airplay and charts don’t always align with artistic success, Maree hopes this change inspires creativity and exploration. “For independent or traditional artists who might not be played on the radio, a Grammy nomination can shine a big light. It boosts streams, it builds buzz.”

It’s not uncommon for artists of any genre to see a boost in interest after Grammy nominations come out, and even more so after the big night. After the 2025 Grammy Award broadcast, Beyoncé’s first-ever Album of the Year win with Cowboy Carter earned her 25,000 equivalent album units—a 254% gain, according to data collected by the Recording Academy in partnership with Luminate Data. Doechii saw a 107% increase on her Grammy-winning Alligator Bites Never Heal, while Best New Artist winner Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess saw a 56% increase.

While commercial country has leaned heavily contemporary in recent years, Maree believes the Academy can, and should, reflect both ends of the spectrum.

“We want to be a mirror to the industry,” she shares. “Country music is so broad that it can’t be contained in just one sound or title. This is about opening the door wider.”

Though this category is new for country, the framework isn’t. “We already do this in other genres,” Maree points out. “We have traditional and contemporary blues, traditional and contemporary R&B and traditional pop vocal alongside pop vocal. It’s not a new concept, it’s something some genres need in order to fully reflect their range.”

As country music continues to grow and diversify, Maree sees this addition as a reflection of a more responsive, inclusive Recording Academy.

“I think this move shows we’re adapting, listening more closely to the community and acting on what we hear,” she sums. “We want to honor the full spectrum of what country music is, and this is one step closer to that.”

Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson Among XRoads41 Festival 2026 Lineup

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Lainey Wilson and Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean and Lainey Wilson are among the artists set to perform at the third annual XRoads41 music festival Aug. 6-8 in Oshkosh.

Other artists on the packed lineup include Treaty Oak Revival, Wiz Khalifa, Jackson Dean, Wyatt Flores, Braxton Keith, Tracy Byrd, Josh Ross, David Lee Murphy, Preston Cooper, Lauren Watkins and Lanie Gardner. Two additions to the Main Stage lineup, including the Thursday headliner, will be announced at a later date.

“This will be the strongest lineup XRoads41 has had yet,” says XRoads41 Marketing Director Mindy Klein. “It’s already stacked with artists that sell our arenas and dominate the charts, and we’ve got two more major artist announcements still coming! The downbill is stacked with some of the most talented and talked about up and comers in the industry.”

Three-day and one-day festival tickets are on sale now, along with camping. General Admission, VIP, and Ultra VIP ticket types are available, and all ticket prices will increase on Nov. 7 at Noon. Three day passes can be purchased for less than $17 down with the no interest payment plan available at check out on Etix. Tickets and all event details are available at xroads41.com.

Cindy Watts Appointed Editor Of Nashville Lifestyles

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Cindy Watts

Veteran country music journalist Cindy Watts has been named Editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

The Sevierville native has been in the Nashville media industry for over 20 years, starting her career at Murfreesboro’s Daily News Journal, before joining The Tennessean and USA Today Network. Watts left The Tennessean in 2020. Since then she has written for People, CMT, American Songwriter and USA Today. Watts is also a recipient of the CMA Media Achievement Award.

“I’ve spent my career telling stories about the artists that make country music special and trying to connect them with the people who need to hear their music,” shares Watts. “Now I’m able to expand that even more. Becoming editor of Nashville Lifestyles feels like the natural next step—a chance to celebrate the city I love and the community that continues to inspire me.”

Reach Watts at cindy@nashvillelifestyles.com.

Industry Ink: Ian Munsick, Humanable, Get After It Media, Randy Rogers, More

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Ian Munsick Performs in Nashville at Busch Light Pop-Up

Ian Munsick. Photo: Busch Light

Ian Munsick recently performed in downtown Nashville at an exclusive pop-up performance on Broadway.

He performed tracks from his new album Eagle Feather, in addition to fan-favorites like “Long Live Cowgirls” and a cover of “Espresso!”

 

Humanable Wins First Ever Industry Award At Nashville Nights Music Festival in Denmark

Stefan Mork & Tim Wipperman. Photo: Jørgen Kulmann

Humanable was recently presented with the first ever Industry Award at the European Nashville Nights Festival in Odense, Denmark. The award was presented by Festival director Stefan Mork and honors Humanable “for supporting artists and preserving artistry.”

“This is the fifth year Odense has hosted Nashville Nights Festival, and for Stefan and the organizers to present Humanable with their first Industry Award reaffirms that we are recognized as a leading company dedicated to protecting artists, songwriters and creators worldwide,” says Humanable CEO Tim Wipperman. “AI’s encroachment on human music is not just a U.S. problem; it is impacting the industry globally.”

 

Get After It Media Opens Nashville Office

Photo (L-R): Otto Padrón, Jamari Brown, Joel Wertman. Photo: Chase Thompson, Get After It Media.

Get After It Media has opened new offices and studios in Marathon Village. The company’s clients include The Heartland Network, Retro TV, The Family Channel, The Action Channel, and Rev’n.

“We’re proud to open our doors and plant our flag in Nashville — a city built on creativity, collaboration, and heart. As we establish our presence here, we’re committed to building a company that empowers artists, labels, and publicists to thrive. Together with Nashville’s vibrant community, we look forward to shaping the future of music and storytelling,” says, Joel Wertman, Co-President and CEO of Get After It Media.

“We’re thrilled to join Nashville’s creative community and build lasting partnerships for years to come. From our incredible welcome by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Senior Director of Economic and Community Development, Jamari Brown, we are already experiencing the spirit of collaboration that make this city so special, adds Otto Padrón, Co-President and COO of Get After It Media. “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey together.”

 

Pickleball Jam Raises $50,000 for Rock Haus Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Drew Farr, Bill Barry, Randy Rogers, Kim Isom, Chelsea Rogers, Sam Kneuper, Courtney Bukowski, Dr. Taylor Cook.

The Randy Rogers Family Foundation hosted the inaugural Pickleball Jam earlier this month in downtown New Braunfels, Texas to raise funds in support of the Rock Haus Foundation. The event raised $50,000 for the foundation, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The 15th annual Randy Rogers Family Foundation Golf Jam is set for April of 2026. More information is available on the organization’s website.

 

Hop On A Cure’s Annual Gala Raises Nearly $750k Raised For ALS Research

Pictured (L-R): D.J. Goodman, Cyndi Thomson, John Driskell Hopkins, Kristian Bush, Levi Lowrey, Eric Paslay. Photo: Jack Parada Photography

Hop On A Cure recently celebrated this year’s Harmony for Hope Gala, which took place on Oct. 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event raised nearly $750,000 to support ALS research. The evening featured a special presentation of Song in a Hat by Eric Paslay, a Kendra Scott jewelry pop-up, a live auction and more.

Hop On A Cure was founded in 2022 founding member and songwriter of Zac Brown Band, John Driskell Hopkins (Hop), and his wife Jennifer, following his diagnosis with ALS.

 

NVRDUL Management Signs Tailgate Revival

Carri Hyde & Blake Billman.

Tailgate Revival has signed with NVRDUL Management.

“Tailgate Revival checks every box: songs, chops, and a show that wins the room – every time,” says Carri Hyde, Founder and CEO of NVRDUL Management. “We’re excited to amplify their momentum with strategic touring, content, and partnerships that match the size of their live impact.”

“We’ve built this from the ground up with our fans – bar stages, honky-tonks, festivals, and everything in between,” adds Tailgate Revival. “Joining NVRDUL is the next right step to scale the vision, reach more markets, and keep releasing music we’re proud of.”

RIAA Honors Lauren Daigle, Jackie Patillo, Ed Leonard, Marsha Blackburn & Chris Coons

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Pictured (L-R): RIAA Honors Executives of the Year Ed Leonard & Jackie Patillo,
Artist of the Year Lauren Daigle and Policymakers of the Year Senators Marsha Blackburn & Chris Coons

The RIAA recently honored crossover artist Lauren Daigle, Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo, President of the Christian Music Trade Association and Daywind Music Group Ed Leonard and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for their work on the No Fakes Act. The bill is designed to create voice & likeness protections for all individuals from AI deepfakes and voice clones.

Blackburn and Coons were honored as Policymaker of the Year for their roles in sponsoring the No Fakes Act. Leonard and Patillo were eached honored with Executive of the Year.

Daigle graced the stage to perform “Let It Be A Hallelujah” and her RIAA 6x Platinum hit “You Say.” She brought out Jon Batiste, who honored her earlier in the night, back to stage to end the night with “Be Okay.”

“Music is this incredible tool, right? It goes far and wide,” shared Daigle from the stage. “It goes all around the world, and it somehow is universal. You don’t even have to speak the same language to feel something that the person next to you is feeling. I’m so grateful that music is this bonding agent in a time of division, right? We get to all sit and listen together, and in the process of doing that, we see the world become one. We see the world become whole again, even if it’s for but a moment, and that, to me, is so beautiful. Hopefully these songs last beyond me, and are able to bring the beauty of Jesus to every heart long after I’m gone. Thank you for this honor.”

Jon Batiste and Lauren Daigle. Photo: Daniel Swartz

Pictured (L-R): RIAA’s Mitch Glazier, Lauren Daigle, RIAA’s Michele Ballantyne and Jon Batiste. Photo: Daniel Swartz

Pictured (L-R): RIAA’s Michele Ballantyne, Gospel Music Association’s Jackie Patillo and RIAA’s Mitch Glazier. Photo: Daniel Swartz

Pictured (L-R): RIAA’s Michele Ballantyne, Daywind Music Group’s Ed Leonard and RIAA’s Mitch Glazier. Photo: Daniel Swartz

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures major announcements, creative partnerships and milestone achievements that continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of Music City. Click here to see the full edition.

A&R leader Jessi Vaughn Stevenson has launched Perfect Game Creative, a new music publishing, management and A&R consulting company in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Over at Big Loud, notable executive changes were announced as H. Read Davis, formerly VP of Digital, and Lucy Bartozzi, VP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, both exited their positions.

The Music City Walk of Fame unveiled its newest inductees this week, honoring Old Dominion, the late Charley Pride and Liz Rose. The trio will be officially inducted on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., in a public ceremony celebrating their lasting contributions to Nashville’s musical legacy. They will become the 110th, 111th and 112th stars on the Walk of Fame, recognized for their roles in preserving and advancing the city’s rich heritage.

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) hosted its annual Gold & Platinum Gala on Oct. 23 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, drawing hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers and publishers to celebrate the year’s biggest hits. Over 150 songwriters were honored for earning certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum songs between July 2024 and June 2025. Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter for achieving five country certifications over the past year, while Ashley Gorley earned Top Male Songwriter honors for the third consecutive year.

In another record-setting milestone, Carrie Underwood has officially been named the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, with a staggering 95 million units sold in the U.S. alone, comprising 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles across her solo work and collaborations.

On the live music front, Live Nation announced plans for a new 4,400-capacity indoor venue called The Truth, slated to open in fall 2026 in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.

By Design has formed a strategic partnership with BMG, encompassing global distribution, label services and joint label signings. The deal also includes a co-investment strategy for catalog acquisitions through Archetype Music, signaling a strong commitment to long-term growth and collaboration.

Dave Barnes has inked an exclusive deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing, while Peter Daniel Newman signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux entered a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core. Additionally, Dalton Davis has signed a new record deal with MCA/Republic Records.

Braxton Keith, Preston Cooper and Sacha each made their Opry debuts over the past week, continuing the tradition of introducing rising voices to one of country music’s most hallowed stages.

Industry veteran Melissa Goldberg has joined Teton Ridge as Vice President of Digital + Social Content.

Finally, Randy Rogers and Elic Goicoechea have launched Dreamer Management, a new Austin-based firm representing a lineup of rising acts including Ashton Naylor, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Parker Ryan, Slade Coulter and Travis Roberts.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” feat. Ella Langley. Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Tay Keith & DRUMATIZED Host The Third Installment Of Their DOA Writers Camp Series

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GRAMMY-nominated producer Tay Keith and his label DRUMATIZED, alongside Warner Chappell Studios, hosted the third DOA Writers Camp, a two-day songwriting event in Nashville this past week.

The latest installment of the camp hosted Reyna Roberts, Duke Jones, Meech, Brandon Manley, BlackJack, LuhRon, Coach Smoke, Spinz, T-Will, Lockdown, Kyondabeat, Alwitdacookup, Randyhitz, Twolivejay, Yung Lan, Cxrd, KTLN, Bryant Taylorr, Scoot Teasley, Tim Gent and more.

On the second day of the camp, attendees particpated in Unplugged, a mixer hosted by DOA X BMI at Rivian Nashville. In attendance were artists, producers, songwriters and industry creatives, with catering provided by Dad Water, Slim Husky’s Pizza and Viva Beverage Co.

The camp is a direct correlation to DRUMATIZED’s mission to uplift Black voices in music by creating collaborative spaces for songwriters and producers to create original work across a variety of genres. The camp hosts rising talent where they can work with industry experts.

Summer Joy

Keith Bulluck & Shannon Sanders

Solo & Abdoulaye Bah

Randy Travis’ ‘More Life Tour’ Music City Date To Feature Nashville Symphony

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Randy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Randy Travis‘ “More Life Tour” will make a special stop in Nashville, performing with the Nashville Symphony on Nov. 15.

The one-night-only performance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center will bring Travis’ catalog to life in a striking orchestral setting. The tour features Travis on stage throughout the evening, with special guest vocalist James Dupré and Randy’s original touring band, with conductor Kelly Corcoran leading the Nashville Symphony for an unforgettable night of music.

Travis no longer performs vocally due to aphasia from the stroke he survived, but will appear on stage alongside his wife, Mary, engaging with fans, interacting with the band and celebrating the music throughout the show. Dupré and Travis’s longtime band perform all of his iconic No. 1s, including “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Tickets are on sale now at RandyTravis.com.

“’The More Life Tour’ celebrates something so much more than a musical moment in time—it’s a gift to us to spend time with the fans, and our band, as James Dupré perfectly presents the songs that best define my career. We look forward to seeing you all somewhere along the way,” said Randy and Mary Travis.

“I’m thrilled and honored to hit the road again with my hero and friend, Randy Travis. I’m looking forward to meeting and singing along with all the Randy Travis fans in 2025,” says Dupré.