Twelve songwriters, representing two of the organization’s five categories, were revealed as nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The full class of inductees will be announced in the coming weeks and officially inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame later this year.
“Well-deserved congratulations to all the nominees in our contemporary categories,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. “We look forward to announcing those who will be inducted this fall as members of our Class of 2026.”
The Contemporary Songwriters category nominees are Jim Beavers, Shawn Camp, Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Marv Green, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher and Chris Tompkins.
The 2026 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category include Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift and Phil Vassar.
All nominees wrote their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. Hall of Fame members and other professional songwriters and artists will vote to elect two songwriters and one songwriter/artist.
Nominees At A Glance (Songwriters):
Jim Beavers is a Texas native whose songwriting credits include “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan, “Sideways” by Dierks Bentley and “Watching Airplanes” by Gary Allan.
Shawn Camp is an Arkansas native whose songwriting credits include “A Beautiful Time” by Willie Nelson, “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn and “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks.
Rodney Clawson is a Texas native whose songwriting credits include “Amarillo Sky” by Jason Aldean, “Drunk On You” by Luke Bryan and “I Saw God Today” by George Strait.
Dallas Davidson is a Georgia native whose songwriting credits include “Boys ’Round Here” by Blake Shelton w/ Pistol Annies & Friends, “Just A Kiss” by Lady Antebellum and “One Of Them Girls” by Lee Brice.
Marv Green is a Southern California native whose songwriting credits include “Amazed” by Lonestar, “I Called Mama” by Tim McGraw and “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood.
Lee Thomas Miller is a Kentucky native whose songwriting credits include “In Color” by Jamey Johnson, “The Impossible” by Joe Nichols and “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins.
Neil Thrasher is an Alabama native whose songwriting credits include “How Country Feels” by Randy Houser, “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney and “Try That In A Small Town” by Jason Aldean.
Chris Tompkins is an Alabama native whose songwriting credits include “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, “Drunk On You” by Luke Bryan, and “Lies Lies Lies” by Morgan Wallen.
Nominees At A Glance (Songwriter/Artists):
Miranda Lambert is a Texas native whose songwriting credits include her own “Automatic” and “Over You,” as well as “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley.
Chris Stapleton is a Kentucky native whose songwriting credits include his own “Broken Halos” and “Starting Over,” as well as “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney.
Taylor Swift is a Pennsylvania-born, Nashville-raised songwriter whose credits include her own “I Knew It, I Knew You” and “Love Story,” as well as “Better Man” by Little Big Town.
Phil Vassar is a Virginia native whose songwriting credits include his own “In A Real Love” and “Just Another Day In Paradise,” as well as “Bye, Bye” by Jo Dee Messina.
Clay Walker To Celebrate The Holiday Season On New ‘Family Christmas Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughClay Walker. Photo: Kirsten Balani
Clay Walker is making his tour a family affair this holiday season on his new “Clay Walker Family Christmas Tour,” which kicks off in November.
The Walker family will bring their holiday songs and spirit to Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina and more on the new tour, which will feature festive Christmas carols, twinkling lights, and Walker’s fan favorite hits. Tickets are on sale for all dates this Friday (July 17).
“Christmastime is all about family, and it’s our favorite season to come together. We can’t wait to spend the holidays with you and celebrate in song, welcoming back the most wonderful time of the year!” says Walker.
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer is currently on his “Doin’ What I Love Tour” through the fall. Walker has racked up 11 chart-topping hits and over a billion career streams throughout his 30-plus year career.
“A Clay Walker Family Christmas Tour” Dates:
Nov. 27 – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall
Nov. 28 – Gas City, IN – Gas City PAC
Nov. 29 – Greeneville, TN – Niswonger PAC
Dec. 10 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
Dec. 11 – Mulvane, KS – Kansas Star Casino
Dec. 17 – Oxford, AL – Oxford PAC
Dec. 18 – Roanoke Rapids, NC – Weldon Mills Theatre
Dec. 19 – Torrington, CT – Warner Theater
Dec. 20 – Lynn, MA – Lynn Memorial Auditorium
JUST IN: Nominees Unveiled For Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026
/by Madison HahnenTwelve songwriters, representing two of the organization’s five categories, were revealed as nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The full class of inductees will be announced in the coming weeks and officially inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame later this year.
“Well-deserved congratulations to all the nominees in our contemporary categories,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. “We look forward to announcing those who will be inducted this fall as members of our Class of 2026.”
The Contemporary Songwriters category nominees are Jim Beavers, Shawn Camp, Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Marv Green, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher and Chris Tompkins.
The 2026 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category include Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift and Phil Vassar.
All nominees wrote their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. Hall of Fame members and other professional songwriters and artists will vote to elect two songwriters and one songwriter/artist.
Nominees At A Glance (Songwriters):
Jim Beavers is a Texas native whose songwriting credits include “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan, “Sideways” by Dierks Bentley and “Watching Airplanes” by Gary Allan.
Shawn Camp is an Arkansas native whose songwriting credits include “A Beautiful Time” by Willie Nelson, “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn and “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks.
Rodney Clawson is a Texas native whose songwriting credits include “Amarillo Sky” by Jason Aldean, “Drunk On You” by Luke Bryan and “I Saw God Today” by George Strait.
Dallas Davidson is a Georgia native whose songwriting credits include “Boys ’Round Here” by Blake Shelton w/ Pistol Annies & Friends, “Just A Kiss” by Lady Antebellum and “One Of Them Girls” by Lee Brice.
Marv Green is a Southern California native whose songwriting credits include “Amazed” by Lonestar, “I Called Mama” by Tim McGraw and “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood.
Lee Thomas Miller is a Kentucky native whose songwriting credits include “In Color” by Jamey Johnson, “The Impossible” by Joe Nichols and “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins.
Neil Thrasher is an Alabama native whose songwriting credits include “How Country Feels” by Randy Houser, “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney and “Try That In A Small Town” by Jason Aldean.
Chris Tompkins is an Alabama native whose songwriting credits include “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, “Drunk On You” by Luke Bryan, and “Lies Lies Lies” by Morgan Wallen.
Nominees At A Glance (Songwriter/Artists):
Miranda Lambert is a Texas native whose songwriting credits include her own “Automatic” and “Over You,” as well as “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley.
Chris Stapleton is a Kentucky native whose songwriting credits include his own “Broken Halos” and “Starting Over,” as well as “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney.
Taylor Swift is a Pennsylvania-born, Nashville-raised songwriter whose credits include her own “I Knew It, I Knew You” and “Love Story,” as well as “Better Man” by Little Big Town.
Phil Vassar is a Virginia native whose songwriting credits include his own “In A Real Love” and “Just Another Day In Paradise,” as well as “Bye, Bye” by Jo Dee Messina.
Myles Erlick Signs Joint Venture Deal With Huff Co & ONErpm
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Mike Easterlin (ONErpm Nashville Managing Director), Lindsey Terry (ONErpm Marketing Director), Myles Erlick, Ryan Cunningham (ONErpm Sr. Director A&R), Francesca Nicassio (CEO/Founder Fan Management Inc) and Ricky Andrews (Bluetick Management). Photo: Reid Cowperthwaite
Artist, songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Myles Erlick has inked a joint venture deal with the Huff Co and ONErpm.
With more than 3.3 million followers across social platforms, Erlick first broke out in the title role of Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway, later appearing in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and most recently co-starring in the Amazon Prime series Motorheads. Hailing from Canada and now based in Nashville, Erlick has grown from a viral performer into an established recording artist. Blending country rock with modern pop, he writes, records and produces his own music. So far this year, Erlick has released a string of singles including “Gimme Love,” “Past Life,” “2AM Playlist,” “Hell of a Start” and “Sounds Like You.”
“Myles Erlick is not only an incredible artist, writer and singer, he also plays every instrument known to exist,” says David Huff of Huff Co. “Myles effortlessly mixes melodic country-pop melodies with an undeniable energy.”
“I’m beyond grateful and excited to join the ONErpm and Huff Co. family,” adds Erlick. “Having a team like this believe in me and the music means everything, and I can’t wait for what we’re going to build together.”
David Huff (Founder, Huff Co), Myles Erlick and Dann Huff (Founder, Huff Co). Photo: Jacob Torres
Wyatt Flores, Old Crow Medicine Show Among Headliners For Mile 0 Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Mile 0 Fest Key West Festival is celebrating 10 years of songs, sun and fun with its biggest event yet set for January 26-30, 2027, showcasing the very best in red dirt, Americana and Texas country music as well as up-and-comers.
Cross Canadian Ragweed, Ryan Bingham, Wyatt Flores, Kaitlin Butts and Old Crow Medicine Show will headline the landmark 10th Anniversary celebration, along with Wade Bowen, 49 Winchester, William Clark Green, Stoney LaRue, Cody Canada & The Departed, Tanner Usrey, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Micky & The Motorcars, The Creekers, The Jack Wharff Band, The Droptines, Adam Hood, Walt Wilkins, Red Dirt Rangers, Drew Kennedy, Josh Grider and many more, with more artists still to be announced.
Unlike a traditional festival held inside a single venue, Mile 0 Fest takes over the entire island as more than ten stages come alive throughout Key West, from Truman Waterfront Amphitheater to the historic Key West Theater, intimate songwriter venues, iconic bars, waterfront locations and surprise pop up performances around town.
“Mile 0 Fest has never been just about booking great artists,” says Kyle Carter, Founder of Mile 0 Fest. “From the very beginning, our goal was to create an experience that people couldn’t find anywhere else. Over the last ten years we’ve watched complete strangers become lifelong friends, artists create unforgettable collaborations, and fans build annual traditions around this week in Key West. Celebrating ten years is incredibly meaningful because it’s really a celebration of everyone who has made Mile 0 Fest what it is today. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the biggest year we’ve ever had.”
Festival packages and passes go on sale this Friday (July 17) at 9 a.m. CST.
30th Annual ‘Christmas With John Berry’ Tour Set For December
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Berry is celebrating three decades of a treasured annual tradition with his upcoming “Christmas With John Berry 30th Anniversary Tour.”
The tour will kick off on Nov. 27 in Sugar Hill, Georgia, and continue through the holiday season with stops in South Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio and more, with a Nashville-area stop at Harken Hall in Madison on Dec. 20.
Berry helps fans get in the spirit each year at his Christmas shows with popular classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Let It Snow,” “Mary Did You Know,” and his timeless hit, “O Holy Night.” Each performance is a two-part show that begins with many of his biggest hits before Berry returns after intermission to a festive stage to perform Christmas classics while sharing treasured holiday memories. On-sale dates and more info on the tour can be found here.
“Thirty years have passed, and I never could have imagined what an incredible blessing it would be to share my music while celebrating the birth of Christ,” says Berry. “Robin and I are deeply grateful to see so many familiar faces return year after year with family and friends to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season together. Sharing this special tradition with all of you is a true gift, and I am forever thankful for your love and continued support.”
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Berry’s hit single “She’s Taken A Shine” and the 30th anniversary of his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
“Christmas With John Berry” 30th Anniversary Tour Dates:
NOV 27 – The Eagle Theater / Sugar Hill, Ga.
NOV 28 – Pickens County Performing Arts Center / Liberty, S.C.
NOV 29 – South Jackson Performing Arts Center / Tullahoma, TN
DEC 03 – The Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids / Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
DEC 05 – Historic Holmes Theatre / Detroit Lakes, Minn.
DEC 11 – Alpena Events Complex / Alpena, Mich.
DEC 12 – Hastings Performing Arts Center / Hastings, Mich.
DEC 13 – Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts / Fremont, Mich.
DEC 15 – Majestic Theatre / Chillicothe, Ohio
DEC 16 – Rockmart Theatre / Rockmart, Ga.
DEC 17 – The Classic Center/ Athens, Ga.
DEC 19 – The Piedmont Grand Opera House / Macon, Ga.
DEC 20 – Harkin Hall / Madison, Tenn
Kenny Chesney’s Hand-Painted Bus To Be On Display In Celebration Of CMHOFM Exhibit
/by Lauryn SinkKenny Chesney’s hand-painted school bus will be on display in downtown Nashville July 22-26 in celebration of his new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The bus was featured in his “American Kids” music video and The Big Revival album cover.
Fans can engage in a photo opportunity with the bus, win prizes and play summertime games in the park. During select times each day, attendees will also be able to print their own Chesney exhibit keepsake poster from Hatch Show Print.
The “Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward” exhibit will be open from July 23, 2026, until June 2027, and is included with museum admission. It will chronicle Chesney’s path to stardom, from his early years playing in his university’s bluegrass band to becoming one of the top touring acts of this century. The exhibit will include instruments, memorabilia, manuscripts, awards, photographs and more, including Chesney’s high school football varsity jacket and jersey, the Fender Concord acoustic guitar Chesney played throughout college at East Tennessee State University and after he moved to Nashville in the early 1990s, the cassette tape on which Chesney recorded a demo of “When She Calls Me Baby” and more.
Bailey Zimmerman To Headline Somewhere Festival
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Daniel Houghton
Bailey Zimmerman will headline one night of the Somewhere Festival, taking place in downtown Wichita, Kansas on Sept. 25-26.
DJ Diesel, Bob Moses, Ian Munsick, Two Friends, Evan Honer, Night Tales, 2ŁØT, Bri McBride, Charlie Wilks, Corey Stuber, Eclipse, Flake, Indigo Sol, House of Songs, Injoy Fountain, Jordan Minnis, Kimberly Page and many more are also among the lineup.
“One of the clearest takeaways from last year was how much people valued discovering artists and sounds they might not otherwise encounter,” shares Laurel Anderson, Community Engagement Manager at Somewhere Festival. “As Somewhere grows, we want to preserve that sense of discovery while welcoming an even broader audience. This year’s lineup brings together established artists, rising voices, and talent from Wichita’s own creative community, all within the same weekend.”
Ticket information is available here.
Hudson Westbrook To Launch New Headlining ‘Hits Me Tour’ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughHudson Westbrook. Photo: Libby Danforth
Hudson Westbrook will kick off his fall headline “Hits Me Tour” with back-to-back, sold-out headlining dates at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth Sept. 18-19.
The 24-date run marks Westbrook’s first-ever headlining shows in major markets like Los Angeles (The Novo), Washington D.C. (The Anthem), New York (Terminal 5) and Boston (Roadrunner), among others. Kenny Whitmire and Ethan Burdick will join Westbrook on the new tour.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 17) here, with select fan and venue pre-sales happening throughout the week .
Last Friday, Westbrook previewed his next chapter of new music, releasing “Hits Me.” Westbrook has toured around the world already in 2026, supporting Bailey Zimmerman’s just-wrapped “Same Night Different Rodeo Tour” and select dates of Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Stadium Tour.” He also made his debut at festivals like Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout, Country Concert 2026, CMC Rocks, and more. Westbrook has amassed over 1.5 billion global streams in just under two years of releasing original music.
“Hits Me Tour” Dates:
9/18: Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s
9/19: Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s
9/24: Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo
10/1: El Paso, TX – Cowtown Event Center
10/2: Tempe, AZ – Mullett Arena
10/3: Oceanside, CA – Frontwave Arena
10/8: Modesto, CA – The Fruit Yard Amphitheater
10/9: Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
10/10: Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
10/15: Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center
10/16: Midland, TX – The Horseshoe
10/17: Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater
10/28: Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome by Rutter Mills
10/29: Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
10/30: Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
11/5: New York, NY – Terminal 5
11/6: Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
11/7: Boston, MA – Roadrunner
11/12: Huntington, WV – Marshall Health Network Arena
11/13: Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
11/14: Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
12/3: Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
12/4: Durant, OK – The Grand Theater
12/5: Nacogdoches, TX – Nacogdoches County Expo & Civic Center
Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, More Among K-LOVE Landmarks 2026 Concert Series Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughK-LOVE has announced the lineup for its K-LOVE Landmarks 2026 Concert Series, which will feature performances from Elevation Worship, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, Jeremy Camp and many more.
The K-LOVE Landmarks Series will transform iconic stages into powerful nights of worship, community and inspiration, and will include stops at some of America’s most recognizable venues, including the Greek Theatre, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Beacon Theatre and Chicago Theatre, spreading the Gospel to almost 30,000 participants along the way.
The series kicks off with a summer evening under the stars at the Greek Theatre tomorrow night (July 15), where worship and praise will fill the California hills. Dates of the additional shows, which will take place in the Denver area, New York and Chicago, include Aug. 4-5, Aug. 13-14, and Aug. 16.
“Whether you’re singing the songs that have shaped your faith or making new memories with the people you love, K-LOVE Landmarks is more than a concert—it’s an experience,” says K-LOVE Chief Media Officer Gator Harrison. “Bringing together legendary artists, unforgettable destinations, and powerful moments of worship that moves you closer to Jesus and creates memories that stay with you long after the music ends.”
K-LOVE Landmarks Dates:
July 15| Los Angeles
August 4-5 | Denver area
August 13-14 | New York City
August 16| Chicago
IBMA Bluegrass Live! Lineup Revealed
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup for 2026 IBMA Bluegrass Live! on Oct. 23-24 in Chattanooga has been revealed and will feature performances from Sierra Ferrell, Leftover Salmon, Larry Sparks and more.
This year’s lineup also includes Michael Cleveland & Friends, Lindsay Lou presents Bluegrass Women, Lonesome River Band, Della Mae, Jason Carter Band, Special Consensus, Randy Steele & High Cold Wind and Barefoot Nellie & Co.
IBMA members will have the first opportunity to secure VIP Weekend Passes and GA Weekend Passes before tickets open to the public. Tickets open to the general public on July 21.
IBMA Bluegrass Live! brings fans closer to the music than ever before, with performances taking place across The Signal, the Chattanooga Convention Center and Barrelhouse Ballroom for a more intimate, immersive bluegrass experience. Late night performances are also returning this year as Late Night at Barrelhouse, and the series will feature performances by Lonesome River Band and Jason Carter Band at Barrelhouse Ballroom on October 23-24.