Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Offer Free Admission To Vets & Their Families On Veterans Day

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is honoring active-duty and retired armed services members with free admission to the museum on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

As an additional token of thanks to the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, the museum will also extend free admission for up to three immediate family members. Tickets can be reserved by calling 615-416-2001 or can be obtained at the museum’s box office, and a valid military ID is required to claim tickets. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Between 10 a.m.-noon in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center, visitors can share appreciation for our military members by creating postcards with Hatch Show Print for active-duty troops. With a wooden stylus and guidance from museum educators, attendees can create a printing plate to use in the museum’s circa-1940s proof press and print their own postcard. Through A Million Thanks, a nonprofit supporting military members, cards will be mailed to those serving overseas.

Active duty and retired armed services members will also receive a 10% discount at the Museum Store and the Hatch Show Print retail store on Nov. 11.

ACM Reveals New Board Of Directors & Officers For 2025-2026

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The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its officer roles and newly-elected Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. Cris Lacy will serve as Chair, Jeff Krones as President, Becky Gardenhire as Vice-President, Carmen Romano as Treasurer, Gayle Holcomb as Sergeant-at-Arms, Duane Clark as Parliamentarian and Haley Montgomery as Secretary.

“Coming off the milestone 60th ACM Awards, this is a pivotal moment for the Academy as we continue to build a strong legacy while setting our sights firmly on the future,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The Academy’s influence on Country Music is strong, and with the leadership of our dedicated Board, I’m confident that even greater innovation, reach, and impact are possible.”

Each position was elected by ACM members. In addition to the elected Board of Directors, the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President have appointed directors-at-large. They are elected from each category, and will serve a staggered two-year term.

Academy Of Country Music Board Of Directors 2025-2026:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board- Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
President- Jeff Krones, CAA
Vice-President- Becky Gardenhire, WME
Treasurer- Carmen Romano​, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms- Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian- Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary- Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music

AFFILIATED
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Ward Guenther, Whiskey Jam
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Chris Lisle, CCLD, LLC / Eccho Live

ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Dave Cohen
Ashley McBryde
TJ Osborne
Carly Pearce
Derek Wells

DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION
Cameo Carlson, mTheory
Margaret Hart, Google/YouTube

MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom PR

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Shannan Hatch, SESAC
BJ Hill, Warner Chappel Music

RADIO
Charlie Cook
Mike Moore, Cumulus Media

RECORD COMPANY
Katie Dean, Leo33
Annie Ortmeier, Triple Tigers
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Stephanie Wright, MCA

SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller

TALENT AGENT
Meredith Jones, CAA
Curt Motley, UTA

TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents

VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production

VISUAL CONTENT
Chandra LaPlume, Sandbox Entertainment

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Jake Basden, Sandbox Entertainment
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Amy Bryan-Fosgate
Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Jodi Dawes, Big Machine Label Group
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Emily Falvey, Songwriter/SMACK
Tim Foisset, Spotify
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Jeremy Holley, Archetype Music | By Design Music
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music Nashville
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
Tom Lord, Red Light Management
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Andy Moats, Pinnacle Bank
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment Group
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Tim Roberts, Audacy
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Randi Tolbert, Q Prime
Storme Warren, The Big 615
Candice Watkins, Capital Music Nashville
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Brian Wolf, Maverick

PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management
Duane Clark, FBMM
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Ken Tucker, Wheelhouse Records
Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA
Mark Hartley
Darin Murphy, CAA
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee

CRS Partners With Radio Vendor Alliance For Three Additional Panels

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Country Radio Seminar has partnered with Radio Vendor Alliance to present “The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminars.”

The seminars will take place on March 17 at Omni Hotel. The sessions are included with all full CRS 2026 registrations and one day passes are available.

The first seminar, “That Right Sound,” will explore music programming, artificial intelligence applications, production mastery, and new avenues for music discovery and access. The second session, “On Being Digital – Driving Listener Interactions and New Revenue,” will focus on connecting with audiences across mobile apps, websites, and streaming platforms while unlocking innovative ways to generate digital revenue. The day will conclude with “It’s All About the Money,” an in-depth look at maximizing financial efficiency through smarter partnerships, trade monetization, and streamlined station operations.

Register for CRS 2026 here.

Favorite Records Celebrates First Anniversary

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Nashville-based agency Favorite Records is celebrating its first anniversary. The company offers creative direction, album packaging, tour and merchandise brand development, campaign and promotional videos, pitch decks, motion graphics, social media assets, email marketing and audio advertising.

“The album cover is the brand, concentrated,” says Founder Ashley Kohorst Sieling. “Our job is to make sure every identity holds its shape—from a phone screen to a billboard, a hoodie, a tour poster, or a wrapped semi-truck driving down the highway. We’re beyond grateful to the artists, managers, labels, and teams who have trusted us to help bring their worlds to life.”

Over the past year, the company has worked with Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Johnny Cash, U2, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, Marty Stuart, Tyler Childers, Muscadine Bloodline, Luke Bower, Braxton Keith, Margo Price, Morgan Wade, Ashley Monroe, Karley Scott Collins, Bella White, The Runarounds, Franni Cash, Kylie Frey, the Academy of Country Music, The Sandbox, Showcase Ventures, SongwritingWith:Soldiers, Quinton Digital, and COLORTEST Merch, among others.

Standout projects include working with the Band Together Texas benefit concert, which raised more than $8.5 million for Central Texas flood relief, creating the new branding for ACM Honors, and designing a 156-page art book for Kelsea Ballerini’s Patterns (Deluxe) album.

Find more information and contact the company here.

Grand Ole Opry To Host ‘Opry NextStage Live’ At Category 10

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The Grand Ole Opry will host its fifth annual “Opry NextStage Live,” on  Dec. 3 at Category 10. Tickets are on sale now.

Hosted by Ashley McBryde, the lineup features members of this year’s NextStage class including Dasha, Kashus Culpepper, Chayce Beckham, Avery Anna, Tigirlily Gold and Kaitlin Butts. Each artist will take the stage for individual performances.

Opry NextStage spotlights emerging country artists through exclusive content, live performances, and Opry appearances. Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage has featured Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith and Tigirlily Gold, among others. Collectively, NextStage artists have earned 38 No. 1 singles, spending a combined 48 weeks at the top of the country radio airplay charts.

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Shaboozey, Gavin Adcock, Michael Ray, More

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Kenny Chesney Appears On ‘CBS Sunday Mornings’

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch

Kenny Chesney recently appeared on CBS Sunday Mornings promoting his new book, Heart Life Music. Filmed in Las Vegas, Nashville and Key West, the profile features cameos from Grace Potter and David Wegmen, capturing moments of Chesney’s life with journalist Lee Cowan.

“When I said yes to Sunday Morning, I know how iconic CBS’ news magazine is, and I wanted to make sure we delivered something that they would be proud of,” says Chesney. “This book tells the story of how a kid just dreaming to dream could swim against the stream, find himself, his heroes, face adversity, bounce back and keep trying to channel what it means to be alive and in love.”

Watch the full feature here.

 

Shaboozey Performs On Amazon Music Live

Shaboozey. Photo: Jesse Lirola

Shaboozey recently took the stage at an Amazon Music Live event.

He opened his set with “Last Of My Kind” before performing “Highway” and “Good News.” He was joined on stage by Kevin Powers for their collaboration “Move On” and also performed his Amazon Music Original track, “Let ‘Em Know.” He closed the show with his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

 

Gavin Adcock Earns Five RIAA Certifications

Pictured (L to R): Saxon Curry (Sticks Management), Nevena Maric (Bell Media), Madelaine Napoleone (Warner Music Canada), Gavin Adcock, Dave Stelling (Warner Music Canada), Ken Boyer (Warner Music Canada), Lisa Grossi (Warner Music Canada)

Gavin Adcock was surprised by the Warner Music Canada team during his recent Canadian headline tour with a plaque certifying his single “A Cigarette” Platinum and the tracks “Deep End,” “Run Your Mouth,” “Four Leaf Clover,” and “Last One to Know” Gold. The Gold certification for “Last One to Know” is the first worldwide plaque for the track.

 

Michael Ray Joins Musicians On Call In Tampa

Photo: Dusty Barker

Musicians On Call (MOC) has launched its bedside music program in Tampa, Florida with weekly visits to the HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital from Volunteer Guides and musicians.

In celebration of the launch, MOC welcomed Michael Ray to perform for staff, patients and guests.

“Bringing the MOC Bedside program to Tampa is especially meaningful because it allows us to connect directly with patients, families, and caregivers in such a personal way,” says Pete Griffin, President and CEO of Musicians On Call. “Michael Ray has been a dedicated MOC supporter for years, visiting HCA Healthcare hospitals across the country and sharing his music with patients and caregivers. Seeing him now perform at the bedside in his home state of Florida is a powerful reminder of our mission in action, made possible through the incredible support of HCA Healthcare.”

“We’re honored to celebrate our community’s love of music through this special partnership with our bedside musicians,” adds Ned Hill, CEO of South Tampa Hospital. “Welcoming a talented native Floridian to help us launch this program is especially meaningful as we highlight the powerful role music plays in healing, not only for our patients, but also for their loved ones and caregivers.”

 

Women’s Music Business Association Accepting New Member Applications

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is now accepting new member applications for 2026 through Nov. 7.

Applicants must have a full year of work experience in the music industry, including as an artist or musician, along with one recommendation letter. To apply, click here.

 

Canaan Baca Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group/Worship Together

Pictured (L-R): Ashton Prosser, Becca Redl, Emily Dashiel, Patrick Ogilvy, Kenny Rodgers, David Gutekunst, Stephen Brewster (The Harmony Group), Canaan Baca, Steven Cervenka, Garrett Davis, David Sylvester, Candice Watkins, Jessica Marion, Brad O’Donnell, KG Yearwood, Cole Linebarger, Terryl Padilla, Elizabeth Brock

Canaan Baca has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group’s Worship Together label imprint.

“I am so excited to see how God uses these songs to bless the Church! This is gonna be a fun season,” Baca says.

Jessica Marion, VP of Marketing and Song Promotion at CCMG adds, “We are honored to welcome Canaan Baca to the Worship Together imprint. Worship Together exists to serve the creatives who serve the Church and that is exactly where Canaan’s heart aligns.” She adds, “As a gifted and genuine worship leader whose profound songs are already impacting the local church, we believe his songs will shape the sound and heart of the global church for years to come.”

 

LOVE United Makes Ryman Debut

Pictured (L-R): Lexi Mason, Jazlene Dayce, Charlie Fuertsch, Carter Schultz, Kelsey Blackstone.

LOVE United recently made their Ryman debut, opening for Jason Isbell during his residency. The trio, composed of Lexi Mason, Carter Schultz and Jazlene Dayce, were brought together by The L.O.V.E. Academy (Leadership, Opportunity, Vision, Empowerment).

“It’s important to Jason and me to introduce his audience to new discoveries every year. This year, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite youth and camp organizations, including the L.O.V.E. Academy. We know how hard these kids work in their programs, and we’re happy to provide them with this opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Jason Isbell’s manager, Traci Thomas.

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame & Save The Music Launch National Music Education Initiative

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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Save The Music have partnered to reinvigorate public school music education nationwide in a brand new initiative.

The initiative will fund at least 25 new music education programs in public schools across the country over the next three years, focusing on communities where Save The Music Foundation has a longstanding presence. As part of the effort, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees will visit classrooms to mentor and inspire the next generation of music makers.

The partnership marks the launch of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s first-ever grant-making pillar, a strategic commitment to empower music education at scale. Save The Music has been named the inaugural recipient in this initiative, accelerating their ability to bring music into classrooms across the country. Target cities slated for the programming include Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles/Compton, Miami/South Florida and New York City.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow joined Save The Music Founder John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and President of Entertainment Enterprises at iHeartMedia and Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save The Music, on Good Morning America to outline the new partnership. Crow has a BA in music education and was an elementary school teacher before her rise to stardom, and was one of the initial supporters of Save The Music when it first launched in 1997, and continues her longtime support of the organization.

“Music education is not only an art – it’s a science,” says Sykes. “We are grateful for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support to protect and expand music education programs that help shape both the creative and cognitive development of the next generation.”

iHeartMedia will amplify the partnership with a nationwide PSA campaign across the company’s 860+ radio stations, rallying support and awareness for music education programs in underserved communities. Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide financial support to the initiative.

“We’ve seen firsthand that music education doesn’t just create future musicians,” says Save The Music’s Henry Donahue. “It helps shape our future doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders. This partnership is about unlocking that potential for every child.”

The foundation has created over 2,800 music programs in public schools and raised more than $75 million, with recent support from partners and artists including Ed Sheeran, Becky G, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion and others. Earlier this year, STM announced its transition to a fully independent nonprofit, separate from Paramount Global. To ensure long-term sustainability, the organization has been building a $10 million endowment fund, raising over $4 million so far, with backing from a broad coalition of industry partners.

RaeLynn Breaks Out The Twang & Tinsel On New ‘Jingle Jangle Rock’ EP

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RaeLynn is adding some honky tonk to the holidays with her new Christmas collection Jingle Jangle Rock, a five-track project arriving Nov. 7 via The Valory Music Co., Red Van Records and Jonas Group Entertainment.

On the new EP, she puts a festive spin on Chuck Berry’s “Run Run Rudolph” and Alan Jackson’s holiday favorite “I Only Want You for Christmas,” along with three originals filled with yuletide cheer. Jingle Jangle Rock serves as the perfect soundtrack for a Country Christmas, filled with lighthearted spirit and wrapped in a burlap bow.

New track “Jingle Jangle Rock,” a boot-stomping, mistletoe ready anthem, is out today. Co-written with Amy Stroup and Bob DiPiero, the song captures the spirit of the season with a Nashville twist, with Santa reimagined as a cowboy and the dance floor turned into a winter wonderland.

“Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year,” shares RaeLynn. “I wanted this EP to capture all sides of the season—the fun, the chaos and the heart. ‘Jingle Jangle Rock’ brings the party, ‘Redneck Christmas’ keeps it country, and ‘The Barn’ brings it all back home. Recording songs I love like Alan Jackson’s ‘I Only Want You for Christmas’ and ‘Run Run Rudolph’ made it even more special. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

Jingle Jangle Rock Track List:
1. “Jingle Jangle Rock” (Racheal Lynn Davis, Bob DiPiero, Amy Stroup)
2. “I Only Want You For Christmas” (Tim Nichols, Zack Robert Turner)
3. “Run Run Rudolph” (Marvin Brodie, Johnny Marks)
4. “Redneck Christmas” (Racheal Lynn Davis, Aaron Gillespie, Amy Stroup)
5. “The Barn” (Racheal Lynn Davis, Aaron Gillespie, Lauren Hungate)

Cam Brings Vulnerability & Power To The Ryman Auditorium

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Cam. Photo: Catherine Powell

Cam returned to the Ryman Auditorium Sunday night (Oct. 26) for a performance that balanced intimacy, artistry, and emotional depth with the commanding presence of a master storyteller.

After opening sets from Britton Smith and Anna Vaus, the evening opened with the singer standing alone in a single spotlight at the front of the stage before her band joined her, gathering tightly around one microphone for a hushed rendition of “Slow Down.”

“You don’t have to worry about the past,” Cam addressed the crowd. “You don’t have to stress about the future, this is the one moment in time we all get to be on the same page. And cry and laugh and dance together and I want you to be fully present.”

Cam. Photo: Catherine Powell

From there, she moved into “Turns Out That I Am God” and “Alchemy,” before the reflective “Everblue.” The rootsy “Canyon” followed, evoking the emotion that defines much of Cam’s songwriting. “Hallelujah” filled the auditorium with reflection before she brought her daughter Lucy onto the stage to sing a lullaby.

That tenderness carried through “Just for You” and “We Always Do,” before Cam reignited the energy with “Kill the Guru!” and the witty “Look at the Pretty Girls!” The crowd went wild for “Hungover on Heartache” and “Mayday,” both delivered with fire. A highlight of the night came when Mat Kearney joined Cam onstage for a heartfelt duet of “Nothing Left to Lose,” their voices blending effortlessly in harmony. Cam followed with “Till There’s Nothing Left,” keeping the emotional intensity high, and then launched into a showstopping “Diane,” which had the entire audience on their feet, clapping and singing along.

Cam welcomed Brittney Spencer to the stage for a stirring cover of “Blackbird” from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. She and her band then gathered once again under a single spotlight for “American Requiem.” The inevitable arrival of her 4× Platinum hit “Burning House” drew a wave of emotion from the audience. She closed the evening with “Village,” leaving the crowd wrapped in the song’s message of connection and community.

Cam and her daughter Lucy. Photo: Catherine Powell

Cam. Photo: Catherine Powell

ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN Announce AI Registration Policies

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ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN have announced updated policies for musical works created in part by artificial intelligence.

All three PRO registration policies define a partially AI-generated musical work as one that combines elements of AI-generated musical content with elements of human authorship. These works will now be included as part of the full repertories licensed by each society. Musical compositions that are entirely created using AI tools are not eligible for registration with any of the individual societies.

“Songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools as part of their creative process, and AI is no exception,” says Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP. “We are clarifying our registration policy to now welcome partially AI-generated musical works because we believe AI can be a powerful tool for our members, as long as the law puts humans first and technology companies play fair and respect the rights of creators.”

“This is an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve, while supporting the songwriters and composers who choose to use AI as a tool to enhance their creative process,” shares Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI. “All music creators will benefit from this aligned approach to the registration of partial AI-works that appropriately values creators’ contributions and ensures they are paid properly.”

“This alignment creates a legal and ethical path forward for AI in music. It recognizes that music creators are embracing new tools, while reinforcing our commitment to what matters most: respect for their work and the protection of human creativity,” adds Jennifer Brown, CEO, SOCAN. “The future of music can embrace AI and still remain deeply human.”

More information about each PRO’s AI initiatives, advocacy and registration policies can be found on their websites.