Hudson Westbrook Headlines Hometown Benefit Show
Photo: Ian Noh.
Hudson Westbrook headlined a benefit concert in his hometown of Stephenville, Texas last week, donating $100,000 to the Erath County Junior Livestock Association. The show took place at Tarleton State University’s EECU Event Center, where all proceeds went toward rebuilding livestock facilities where local chapters of FFA and 4-H exhibit their animals.
“These funds are going to rebuild the same livestock barn I grew up showing my pigs in,” Westbrook shares. “To be able to give back to the community in this way and to have so many people I’ve known all my life show up means everything to me and my crew.”
Westbrook was surprised ahead of the show with a RIAA Gold certification for “5 To 9,” and RIAA Platinum certification for his top 10 debut country radio single “House Again.”
Kameron Marlowe Becomes First Country Artist To Headline LA Rams Halftime Show
Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Ben Dartnell
Kameron Marlowe recently became the first-ever country artist to headline a Los Angeles Rams halftime show. He performed “Girl On Fire,” a solo-version of his RIAA Gold-certified Ella Langley duet, “Strangers,” and a cover of Toby Keith’s “American Soldier.”
Marlowe will wrap his headlining “Seventeen Tour” this weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
PJ Morton Becomes Major Donor To National Museum Of African American Music
PJ Morton.
PJ Morton performed an intimate 90-minute piano concert at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) on Monday (Nov. 3). At the conclusion of the evening, NMAAM announced that Morton had committed to donating half of the event’s ticket proceeds to the museum.
“Nashville and NMAAM truly showed up for me,” said Morton. “I’m so happy that this was the space we made it happen in. The perfect backdrop to a truly authentic cultural moment. I understand the importance of what the museum preserves and any hand I can have in assisting with that I want to be a part of.”
“Artists create the music. We preserve it, educate on it, and ensure its place in American culture,” Dexter Evans, Deputy Director of Strategy & Advancement at NMAAM, told the crowd during the announcement. “PJ supporting us is him protecting his own legacy and the legacies of everyone who came before and everyone who will come after.”
TLACC, HEA & Get After It Media Partner To Celebrate Country Music, Latin Talent & Business Growth
Pictured (L-R): Joel Wertman (Get After It Media), Sammy Arriaga, Delfine Perales Fox (Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce), Ana Cristina Cash, Mia Jones (CMA), Otto Padrón (Get After It Media). Photo: Chase Thompson, Get After It Media
The Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce (TLACC), Hispanic Entertainment Alliance (HEA) and Get After It Media hosted a networking luncheon at the Country Music Association office to celebrate Country music, Latin talent, and business growth last week (Oct. 30).
“TLACC provides leadership and resources to members and partners by creating enhanced economic and educational opportunities to connect the Latino business community with greater Tennessee and beyond,” says Delfine Perales Fox, President and CEO of TLACC. “Today I feel we have furthered that and I’m grateful to each of you for your tenacity, passion, commitment and partnerships. We appreciate you and hope to see you at our next luncheon!”
The event featured networking, speeches from Fox, Mia Jones and Otto Padrón, and performances from Ana Cristina Cash and Sammy Arriaga.
Liam St. John Makes His National TV Debut On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’
Liam St. John recently made his national television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show in support of his debut studio album Man Of The North. St. John also recently sat down with NPR’s Weekend Edition to chat about the album, his upbringing in Spokane, Washington, and how his pacific northwest roots inspired the record.
He is currently amidst his headline tour through the rest of the year and will make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 25.
I’m With Her Perform ‘Ancient Light’ During Fallon Debut
I’m With Her, the trio comprised of multi-Grammy winners Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins made their The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon debut on Monday (Nov. 3), performing “Ancient Light” from their recently released new album Wild and Clear and Blue.
Bobby Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network Launches ‘The Upload With Brooke Taylor’
/by Lorie HollabaughCo-Host Pastor Mark Evans, Tyler Hubbard and Host Brooke Taylor
Bobby Bones‘ Nashville Podcast Network has launched a new faith-based original iHeartPodcast, The Upload with Brooke Taylor, which debuted Nov. 5.
The weekly podcast featuring faith-fueled conversations designed to inspire, encourage and uplift listeners is hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor, weekday host on iHeartRadio Nashville’s The Big 98, alongside co-host Pastor Mark Evans. The Upload takes a closer look at what faith truly means in everyday life, with each episode featuring conversations with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers who open up about their spiritual journeys and how their faith shapes the way they navigate their careers and family lives. The podcast explores the defining moments and spiritual lessons that sustain believers through both triumphs and challenges.
Listeners can expect candid, heartfelt interviews with upcoming guests including Tyler Hubbard, Steven Curtis Chapman, Walker Hayes, Russell & Kailey Dickerson, Gabby Barrett, Anne Wilson, Conner Smith, Drew Baldridge, Dylan Marlowe, Chris Lane and more.
The premiere episode features multi-Platinum artist Hubbard, who joins Taylor and Evans to share how faith guided him through a season of endings and new beginnings—from losing his father in a tragic accident to rediscovering purpose after Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard opens up about how surrendering control brought peace, how fatherhood has deepened his faith, and the scriptures that are changing how he views success.
“When I was 20 and lost my dad…It happened in my backyard. It was a helicopter crash and it was super graphic,” recalls Hubbard. “I remember instantly…as I was walking away from that like just standing there and talking to God. Like alright, I know how this story plays out. Like I can get mad at you right now and I can go down this road or I can lean on you. The second I made that choice, like I felt the embrace and I felt the peace and I was like that makes no sense…and I was just
like woah. Like this is Jesus.”
“The Upload isn’t afraid to go deeper,” says Taylor. “We want to explore the real stories behind people’s faith — the moments of doubt, growth, surrender, and strength that define our walk with Christ.”
New episodes of The Upload with Brooke Taylor will be released every Wednesday.
Natalie Hemby Extends Publishing Partnership With CTM Outlander Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R, top row): Jody Williams (CEO, Jody Williams Songs), Thomas Deelder (CTM), and Derek Crownover (Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP). (L-R, bottom row): André de Raaff ( CEO, CTM Outlander) and Natalie Hemby.
GRAMMY-winning songwriter Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.
Hemby first partnered with CTM Outlander four years ago when the company acquired a portion of her catalogue and writer’s share. With the new deal, CTM Outlander has now acquired the majority of her remaining publishing rights and writer’s share.
She currently is climbing country radio with her top 10 co-penned “What Kinda Man,” recorded by Parker McCollum. Throughout her career, she has notched eight Billboard chart-toppers. Her wide array of cuts include Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag’n’Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Mumford & Sons, Little Big Town and Labrinth.
Hemby has won two GRAMMY awards for Song of the Year with “Crowded Table” and Best Song Written for Visual Media with “I’ll Never Love Again,” featured in A Star Is Born. She also has ACM Awards for “Smokin’ and Drinkin'” and “Automatic.”
Jody Williams Songs will continue its writer management relationship with Hemby.
Meg McRee & Ben Chapman Sign With Blue Harbor Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L to R): Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music), Meg McRee, Ben Chapman, Kendall Lettow (Blue Harbor Music) & Miller Arant (Blue Harbor Music)
Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music.
McRee, a Vanderbilt University graduate, has earned cuts with artists including Lainey Wilson, Grace Potter, Marcus King, Elle King and Brent Cobb, as well as sync placements in major TV and film projects. As an artist, she has toured with Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wade and Marcus King, and has appeared at Stagecoach, Pilgrimage and the Grand Ole Opry. She is currently working on her sophomore album, following her acclaimed debut, Is It Just Me?
“I’m beyond excited to be working with the dynamic and passionate crew at Blue Harbor and to take my writing and artist career to the next level with them. I feel truly lucky to have landed there and can’t wait to get to work,” shares McRee.
A Georgia native, Chapman has written songs recorded by Muscadine Bloodline, Brent Cobb, Hayes Carll, Shelby Lynne and Flatland Cavalry. His latest album, Downbeat, released last year. He is the creator and host of Peach Jam, which has hosted Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Brent Cobb, Kaitlin Butts, the Red Clay Strays and more since 2022.
“I feel so lucky to have a home at Blue Harbor! The team’s passion and care for their writers and great songs is second to none. I can’t wait to grow with them and start this exciting chapter of my career,” says Chapman.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ben Chapman and Meg McRee to the Blue Harbor Music family,” adds Steve Markland, President of Blue Harbor Music. “Their songwriting embodies the authenticity, heart, and craft that we love and believe in deeply. Both Ben and Meg bring a unique voice and creative spirit that perfectly aligns with what Blue Harbor Music stands for. We’re honored to support them as they continue to grow and share their music with the world.”
Artist & Beloved Session Vocalist John Wesley Ryles Passes At 74
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Wesley Ryles
Artist and beloved session vocalist John Wesley Ryles passed away on Nov. 2. He was 74.
The Bastrop, Louisiana native had several charting hits throughout his early recording career including “Kay” in 1968, (which was a Top 10 hit and the title track to his debut album for Columbia Records), “Once In A Lifetime Thing,” “Liberated Woman” and “Louisiana Rain.” Along with Columbia he recorded for MCA, Dot, Warner Bros. and others through the years.
In the late ’80s Ryles became an in-demand backing vocalist. His session credits include cuts by Brooks & Dunn (“Boot Scootin’ Boogie”), Alan Jackson, (“Drive”), George Jones (“Choices”) and Dolly Parton (“An Eagle When She Flies.”) His coveted harmony vocals can also be heard on Tracy Byrd’s “Watermelon Crawl,” Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” and he penned Steve Wariner’s “Starting Over Again” with Don Goodman, which peaked at No. 4 on the charts in the mid-80s.
Ryles was married to Joni Lee, the daughter of Conway Twitty.
Winter Jam 2026 Returns In January With Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, More
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole and more are among “The Winter Jam 2026 Tour” lineup, which is returning to arenas nationwide this winter beginning Jan. 9.
Known as Christian music’s largest annual tour, Winter Jam 2026 will also feature performances by Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day and Newsong, along with speaker Zane Black. The tour will visit 40 cities across the U.S., including Tampa, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Birmingham, Louisville, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, Cleveland and more, with a Nashville date set for Feb. 13. The Pre-Jam Party will feature performances from Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers and Cliff Preston.
“We are in a moment in our country… one of revival and awakening that is being sparked by young people. Each night of Winter Jam is an opportunity to experience how God is continuing to move and use this generation,” shares Tomlin. “Let’s come together as the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God.”
Known for its “no ticket required” approach, Winter Jam continues its long-standing tradition of affordability and accessibility, with admission only a $15 donation at the door. Fans can also join Jam Nation for free and early admission, exclusive merchandise, and opportunities to connect directly with artists during select Q&A sessions.
Since its founding more than 30 years ago, Winter Jam has grown into one of the most influential tours in Christian music, consistently ranking among Pollstar’s Top 100 Tours and drawing hundreds of thousands of fans each year.
CMA Unveils Plans For CMA Awards After Party
/by Madison HahnenThe evening will be emceed by Whiskey Jam’s Ward Guenther. Guests will walk the official CMA Awards Red Carpet before live music from DJ KO and Rosie & The Revival. The nights winners will also have the opportunity to have their trophies engraved.
Other amenities guests will enjoy include catering, a luxury lounge, custom tattoos, portrait studio, mocktail bar, cornhole, coffee bar, Dave & Buster’s arcade games, golf simulation and more.
American Songwriter Launches Two Podcasts
/by Lauryn SinkAmerican Songwriter is relaunching the Off The Record podcast and debuting its new Song Diving podcast.
Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki, Off the Record features in-depth, hour-long conversations with top music artists available as both a video series and podcast. Premiering today (Nov. 5) featuring Colbie Caillat, episodes will be released every two weeks and will be available on American Songwriter’s YouTube channel and on all major podcast platforms. Upcoming episodes include conversations with Walker Hayes, Kix Brooks and more artists to be announced.
American Songwriter will debut another podcast, Song Diving, on Nov. 24. Hosted by Dean Fields, the show invites artists to have in depth conversations about their songwriting. This season’s lineup features Ray LaMontagne, Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s, Rufus Wainwright and more. Episodes will be released on a weekly basis and available on all podcasts platforms.
Joe Bryson Inks With Spirit Music Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Austin Wells (Lewis Brisbois); Ryan Johnson (Sr. Director, Creative Sync, Spirit Music); Mike Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville); Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music Nashville); AJ Burton (VP Fluid Music Revolution/Spirit Music Nashville); Will Cooper (Sr. Dir Finance, Spirit Music Nashville); Jasmine Pettus (Creative Administration Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville); and Lucy Widmann (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville). (L-R, front row): Andy Hodges (Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville); Joe Bryson; Kennedy Murphy (Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville); and Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music
Singer-songwriter Joe Bryson has signed an exclusive publishing and artist development deal with Spirit Music Nashville.
Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, the 25-year-old combines soul, folk, rock and country. He began his musical journey at 10 years old surrounded by the Cajun music in his South Louisiana home. His themes of resilience comes from his Stage 3 Thyroid Cancer diagnosis, which he has now overcome.
After the recovery, Bryson moved to Nashville in 2020. He recently released “Started in a Truck” and “Rosary on the Rearview.” He is expected to release his debut album later this year.
“Since day one at Spirit, it’s felt like home,” says Bryson. “They understand my voice and exactly who I am as an artist, and on top of that, they believe in me. Kennedy [Murphy] and the entire creative team were all on the same page as me from the first day we met, and they’ve taken my vision for the future and amplified it to a whole new level. I’m feeling beyond blessed to join such a great crew of passionate individuals and can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
“Joe is an exceptional talent whose artistry and songwriting immediately caught my attention,” adds Murphy, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville. “I could not be more thrilled to welcome him to the Spirit family. His future in music is bright, and I am honored to be a part of his team!”
Elizabeth Nichols Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkElizabeth Nichols. Photo: Daniel Chaney
Elizabeth Nichols made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Nov. 1).
“I absolutely LOVE the Opry. Making my debut, it felt like my wedding day, I was so excited. Having so many of my family members there to share it with me made it extra special,” shares Nichols. “It meant a lot to also have my mom’s side of the family in the audience, so I wanted to honor her and them. Performing an emotional song like ‘Birthday Candles,’ for the first time ever was a little risky on such an emotional day, but I’m so glad I did—it made the night that much more meaningful. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Surrounded by family who traveled to Nashville for the occasion, Nichols kicked off with her viral breakout track, “I Got A New One.” She also performed an unreleased song titled “Birthday Candles,” a tribute to her late mother who passed away when Nichols was 11. In honor of her mother, who was a former Miss Texas and gown designer, she took the Opry stage wearing a bright pink, floor-length pageant-style sequin dress.
Nichols released her debut EP, Tough Love in June and followed it with two new releases, “Daughter” “Little Birds.” She wrapped up her run as support for Wyatt Flores’ “Welcome Back To The Plains Tour” earlier this year.
Photo: Daniel Chaney
Photo: Daniel Chaney
Photo: Daniel Chaney
Industry Ink: Hudson Westbrook, Kameron Marlowe, PJ Morton, Tennessee Latin American Chamber, More
/by Lauryn SinkHudson Westbrook Headlines Hometown Benefit Show
Photo: Ian Noh.
Hudson Westbrook headlined a benefit concert in his hometown of Stephenville, Texas last week, donating $100,000 to the Erath County Junior Livestock Association. The show took place at Tarleton State University’s EECU Event Center, where all proceeds went toward rebuilding livestock facilities where local chapters of FFA and 4-H exhibit their animals.
“These funds are going to rebuild the same livestock barn I grew up showing my pigs in,” Westbrook shares. “To be able to give back to the community in this way and to have so many people I’ve known all my life show up means everything to me and my crew.”
Westbrook was surprised ahead of the show with a RIAA Gold certification for “5 To 9,” and RIAA Platinum certification for his top 10 debut country radio single “House Again.”
Kameron Marlowe Becomes First Country Artist To Headline LA Rams Halftime Show
Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Ben Dartnell
Kameron Marlowe recently became the first-ever country artist to headline a Los Angeles Rams halftime show. He performed “Girl On Fire,” a solo-version of his RIAA Gold-certified Ella Langley duet, “Strangers,” and a cover of Toby Keith’s “American Soldier.”
Marlowe will wrap his headlining “Seventeen Tour” this weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
PJ Morton Becomes Major Donor To National Museum Of African American Music
PJ Morton.
PJ Morton performed an intimate 90-minute piano concert at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) on Monday (Nov. 3). At the conclusion of the evening, NMAAM announced that Morton had committed to donating half of the event’s ticket proceeds to the museum.
“Nashville and NMAAM truly showed up for me,” said Morton. “I’m so happy that this was the space we made it happen in. The perfect backdrop to a truly authentic cultural moment. I understand the importance of what the museum preserves and any hand I can have in assisting with that I want to be a part of.”
“Artists create the music. We preserve it, educate on it, and ensure its place in American culture,” Dexter Evans, Deputy Director of Strategy & Advancement at NMAAM, told the crowd during the announcement. “PJ supporting us is him protecting his own legacy and the legacies of everyone who came before and everyone who will come after.”
TLACC, HEA & Get After It Media Partner To Celebrate Country Music, Latin Talent & Business Growth
Pictured (L-R): Joel Wertman (Get After It Media), Sammy Arriaga, Delfine Perales Fox (Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce), Ana Cristina Cash, Mia Jones (CMA), Otto Padrón (Get After It Media). Photo: Chase Thompson, Get After It Media
The Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce (TLACC), Hispanic Entertainment Alliance (HEA) and Get After It Media hosted a networking luncheon at the Country Music Association office to celebrate Country music, Latin talent, and business growth last week (Oct. 30).
“TLACC provides leadership and resources to members and partners by creating enhanced economic and educational opportunities to connect the Latino business community with greater Tennessee and beyond,” says Delfine Perales Fox, President and CEO of TLACC. “Today I feel we have furthered that and I’m grateful to each of you for your tenacity, passion, commitment and partnerships. We appreciate you and hope to see you at our next luncheon!”
The event featured networking, speeches from Fox, Mia Jones and Otto Padrón, and performances from Ana Cristina Cash and Sammy Arriaga.
Liam St. John Makes His National TV Debut On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’
Liam St. John recently made his national television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show in support of his debut studio album Man Of The North. St. John also recently sat down with NPR’s Weekend Edition to chat about the album, his upbringing in Spokane, Washington, and how his pacific northwest roots inspired the record.
He is currently amidst his headline tour through the rest of the year and will make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 25.
I’m With Her Perform ‘Ancient Light’ During Fallon Debut
I’m With Her, the trio comprised of multi-Grammy winners Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins made their The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon debut on Monday (Nov. 3), performing “Ancient Light” from their recently released new album Wild and Clear and Blue.