Tony Brown, June Carter Cash’s children John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter and Kenny Chesney in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before the induction of the 2025 class of Country Music Hall of Fame members. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last night (Oct. 19), another star-studded Medallion Ceremony took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame as Tony Brown, June Carter Cash and Kenny Chesney became the 156th, 157th and 158th members.
Following remarks from the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern and the Hall’s Circle Guard’s Jody Williams, each inductee was celebrated with heartfelt tributes and inspired performances of songs that defined their careers.
Vince Gill, Honoree Tony Brown and Museum CEO, Kyle Young onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Brown, who was inducted in the Non-Performer category, was the first to be honored. Born in North Carolina and trained as a keyboard player in the top-tier road bands of Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris, Brown went on to become a key record executive who helped shape the sound of modern country music. As a producer, he oversaw best-selling albums by Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Marty Stuart and others. During his time at MCA Records, Brown also brought daring, outsider artists into the mainstream, including Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, the Mavericks and Kelly Willis.
Two left-of-center talents that Brown championed, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, performed “If I Had a Boat” and “Guitar Town,” respectively. Representing the commercial side of his success, Trisha Yearwood offered her No. 1 hit “Perfect Love,” while George Strait wowed the room with “Troubadour.”
Brown’s medallion was presented by Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, who shared funny and touching stories from their decades-long friendship. Emotional as he accepted the honor, Brown reflected that after all these years and countless hits, the evening felt like validation of a job well done.
Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, John Carter Cash and Museum CEO, Kyle Young accept on behalf of June Carter Cash onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The late June Carter Cash was next to be recognized. Inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category, Carter Cash is remembered as a vibrant presence in country music for more than 60 years—as a singer, comedienne and songwriter. She began performing in 1939 at age 10, singing with her mother, Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family, and her sisters on Mexican border radio. Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters later starred on the Grand Ole Opry and joined Johnny Cash’s roadshow. Carter Cash wrote more than 100 songs, including “Ring of Fire,” a No. 1 hit for Cash, whom she married in 1968. Together, they recorded several Grammy-winning duets, including “Jackson” and “If I Were a Carpenter.”
To honor her legacy, Kacey Musgraves and Daniel Tashian performed “Ring of Fire,” while Keb’ Mo’ and Ruby Amanfu brought her joy to life with “Keep on the Sunny Side.” Lukas Nelson followed with “It Ain’t Me Babe.”
Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris presented the medallion, recalling a visit to Johnny and June’s vacation home where June played the perfect Southern hostess—until the Scrabble board came out. Then, Harris said with a laugh, she was a ruthless competitor. She also spoke of June’s rare gift for making everyone feel like a friend.
Carter Cash’s children, John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter, accepted the honor on their mother’s behalf, sharing memories of her warmth, humor and deep love for both family and entertaining.
Honoree Kenny Chesney speaks onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Finally, Kenny Chesney was inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.
A former high school athlete from Luttrell, Tennessee, Chesney parlayed a resonant baritone voice and a competitive spirit into one of the most successful careers in country music since 2000. He has earned 16 platinum albums, more than 50 Top Ten country hits, and 23 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Among his best-known songs are “The Good Stuff,” “There Goes My Life,” and “The Boys of Fall,” all of which crossed over to the pop charts. A perennial touring powerhouse, Chesney has been named CMA Entertainer of the Year four times, in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Kelsea Ballerini surprised Chesney with a rendition of “Somewhere with You,” while Megan Moroney followed with “Knowing You.” Eric Church closed the musical tributes with a heartfelt medley of “I Go Back,” “Anything But Mine,” “El Cerrito Place,” “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “The Boys of Fall,” and “Old Blue Chair.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Eddie Bayers, Don Schlitz, Jimmy Fortune, John Anderson, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs (2nd Row) Connie Smith, Randy Owen, Patty Loveless, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Charlie McCoy; (L-R, front row): Bud Wendell, Emmylou Harris, John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter, Tony Brown, Kenny Chesney, Joe Galante and Randy Travis attend the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante presented the medallion to Chesney, praising his greatest superpower: connection.
Humbled, Chesney named many of his team members, friends, and family who had supported him throughout his journey. Quoting his song “I Didn’t Get Here Alone,” he said, “I didn’t get here alone. That road’s just too rough and long. I might be the one the spotlight’s on, but I didn’t get here alone.”
The evening concluded with a moving all-star performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” led by Country Music Hall of Fame member John Anderson.
The Medallion All-Star Band consisted of Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Tania Hancheroff (vocals), Brent Mason (electric guitar), Jerry Pentecost (drums), Alison Prestwood (bass), Deanie Richardson (fiddle and mandolin), Mica Roberts (vocals), Biff Watson (bandleader and acoustic guitar), Jeff White (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Charlie Worsham (guitar and vocals).
Konrad Snyder Inks With Electric Feel Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): John Bradley (Country A&R, Electric Feel), Austin Rosen (CEO & Founder, Electric Feel), Konrad Snyder, Hannah Babitt (BABZ) and Jeff Colvin (Marcus & Colvin, LLP) (not pictured Chandler Nicole Sherrill – Senior Director of Creative Electric Feel). Photo: Callie Mangrum
Grammy and CMA-nominated songwriter, record producer, recording engineer, and mix engineer Konrad Snyder has signed with Electric Feel Publishing’s Nashville publishing roster.
Based in Nashville, Snyder has collaborated with a genre-diverse roster of artists, including Leon Bridges, Kacey Musgraves, Madi Diaz, Joy Oladokun, Stephen Sanchez, Noah Kahan, Wilder Woods, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Marcus King and more. Notably, Snyder was a co-producer on Sanchez’s “Until I Found You,” which has garnered over 1 billion Spotify streams. He also co-penned and co-produced two of Diaz’s tracks of the Grammy-nominated album Weird Faith, “Girlfriend” and “Obsessive Thoughts.”
“Electric Feel has always stood out for how deeply they care about the people behind the music”, says Snyder. “From our first conversation, I could feel their drive and momentum. As a producer and writer, that kind of partnership means everything. I’m proud to be joining their family.”
“We are beyond excited to be working with Konrad Snyder at Electric Feel! His ability to seamlessly move between songwriting, production and engineering—while creating timeless records—is truly inspiring,” adds Chandler Nicole Sherrill, Senior Director of Creative, Electric Feel Entertainment. “Konrad brings heart, depth, and craft to everything he touches. I’m incredibly grateful to our dear friend and brilliant manager, Hannah Babitt, for introducing us to Konrad and recognizing the incredible work we could do together. On behalf of the entire EF team, it’s a true honor to support such an extraordinary talent. We’re thrilled to be part of this next chapter with him.”
Snyder is managed by BABZ.
Tony Brown, June Carter Cash & Kenny Chesney Inducted Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame
/by LB CantrellTony Brown, June Carter Cash’s children John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter and Kenny Chesney in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before the induction of the 2025 class of Country Music Hall of Fame members. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last night (Oct. 19), another star-studded Medallion Ceremony took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame as Tony Brown, June Carter Cash and Kenny Chesney became the 156th, 157th and 158th members.
Following remarks from the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern and the Hall’s Circle Guard’s Jody Williams, each inductee was celebrated with heartfelt tributes and inspired performances of songs that defined their careers.
Vince Gill, Honoree Tony Brown and Museum CEO, Kyle Young onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Brown, who was inducted in the Non-Performer category, was the first to be honored. Born in North Carolina and trained as a keyboard player in the top-tier road bands of Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris, Brown went on to become a key record executive who helped shape the sound of modern country music. As a producer, he oversaw best-selling albums by Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Marty Stuart and others. During his time at MCA Records, Brown also brought daring, outsider artists into the mainstream, including Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, the Mavericks and Kelly Willis.
Two left-of-center talents that Brown championed, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, performed “If I Had a Boat” and “Guitar Town,” respectively. Representing the commercial side of his success, Trisha Yearwood offered her No. 1 hit “Perfect Love,” while George Strait wowed the room with “Troubadour.”
Brown’s medallion was presented by Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, who shared funny and touching stories from their decades-long friendship. Emotional as he accepted the honor, Brown reflected that after all these years and countless hits, the evening felt like validation of a job well done.
Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, John Carter Cash and Museum CEO, Kyle Young accept on behalf of June Carter Cash onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The late June Carter Cash was next to be recognized. Inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category, Carter Cash is remembered as a vibrant presence in country music for more than 60 years—as a singer, comedienne and songwriter. She began performing in 1939 at age 10, singing with her mother, Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family, and her sisters on Mexican border radio. Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters later starred on the Grand Ole Opry and joined Johnny Cash’s roadshow. Carter Cash wrote more than 100 songs, including “Ring of Fire,” a No. 1 hit for Cash, whom she married in 1968. Together, they recorded several Grammy-winning duets, including “Jackson” and “If I Were a Carpenter.”
To honor her legacy, Kacey Musgraves and Daniel Tashian performed “Ring of Fire,” while Keb’ Mo’ and Ruby Amanfu brought her joy to life with “Keep on the Sunny Side.” Lukas Nelson followed with “It Ain’t Me Babe.”
Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris presented the medallion, recalling a visit to Johnny and June’s vacation home where June played the perfect Southern hostess—until the Scrabble board came out. Then, Harris said with a laugh, she was a ruthless competitor. She also spoke of June’s rare gift for making everyone feel like a friend.
Carter Cash’s children, John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter, accepted the honor on their mother’s behalf, sharing memories of her warmth, humor and deep love for both family and entertaining.
Honoree Kenny Chesney speaks onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Finally, Kenny Chesney was inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.
A former high school athlete from Luttrell, Tennessee, Chesney parlayed a resonant baritone voice and a competitive spirit into one of the most successful careers in country music since 2000. He has earned 16 platinum albums, more than 50 Top Ten country hits, and 23 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Among his best-known songs are “The Good Stuff,” “There Goes My Life,” and “The Boys of Fall,” all of which crossed over to the pop charts. A perennial touring powerhouse, Chesney has been named CMA Entertainer of the Year four times, in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Kelsea Ballerini surprised Chesney with a rendition of “Somewhere with You,” while Megan Moroney followed with “Knowing You.” Eric Church closed the musical tributes with a heartfelt medley of “I Go Back,” “Anything But Mine,” “El Cerrito Place,” “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “The Boys of Fall,” and “Old Blue Chair.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Eddie Bayers, Don Schlitz, Jimmy Fortune, John Anderson, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs (2nd Row) Connie Smith, Randy Owen, Patty Loveless, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Charlie McCoy; (L-R, front row): Bud Wendell, Emmylou Harris, John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter, Tony Brown, Kenny Chesney, Joe Galante and Randy Travis attend the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante presented the medallion to Chesney, praising his greatest superpower: connection.
Humbled, Chesney named many of his team members, friends, and family who had supported him throughout his journey. Quoting his song “I Didn’t Get Here Alone,” he said, “I didn’t get here alone. That road’s just too rough and long. I might be the one the spotlight’s on, but I didn’t get here alone.”
The evening concluded with a moving all-star performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” led by Country Music Hall of Fame member John Anderson.
The Medallion All-Star Band consisted of Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Tania Hancheroff (vocals), Brent Mason (electric guitar), Jerry Pentecost (drums), Alison Prestwood (bass), Deanie Richardson (fiddle and mandolin), Mica Roberts (vocals), Biff Watson (bandleader and acoustic guitar), Jeff White (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Charlie Worsham (guitar and vocals).
Belmont University Launches Hope Transforms Campaign
/by Lauryn SinkAndrea Bocelli performs with special guests Trisha Yearwood, CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Pia Toscano, and Belmont student musicians. Photo: Matt Willoughby.
Belmont University launched the public phase of its Hope Transforms campaign on Oct. 16 with a gala event at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, headlined by Andrea Bocelli. The campaign aims to raise 700 million dollars by 2030 to aid in the University’s mission to become the “leading Christ-centered university in the world.”
The sold-out event also featured performances by alumna Trisha Yearwood along with CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Pia Toscano, Larisa Martinez and Belmont student musicians.
“Hope Transforms is more than a campaign; it’s a movement,” says Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “It’s about forming leaders of character, unleashing transformational creativity and inspiring innovation that serves the common good. This campaign will empower our students, faculty and community to imagine and build a better future.”
The campaign aims to secure Belmont scholarships and faculty positions through a 300 million dollar endowment, invest 200 million dollars into updating and building infrastructure across campus, and raise 200 million dollars for support mission trips, research, service learning, and experiential programs.
The Hope Transforms Scholarship Challenge will match new endowed scholarship gifts of $100,000 or more. The Johnson Academic Challenge is a $30 million matching fund to create up to 20 new endowed professorships.
Sammy Arriaga’s New Country Latino Project ‘Heart In Texas’ Due Oct. 31
/by Lorie HollabaughSammy Arriaga is offering fans a tasty fusion of his country and Cuban roots on his new bilingual album, Heart in Texas, due out Oct. 31 via Dead Rose Records/Walk Off Entertainment.
The 14-track project is an industry-first, offering seven tracks in English and six in Spanish with a Freddy Fender cover of “Before The Next Teardrop Falls,” making the listening experience seamless in its flow from English to Spanish. Along with the 10 songs Arriaga has released through 2025, he recorded two brand new songs: “On Purpose” and “Can’t Turn On The Radio.”
“Heart in Texas comes from a place of patience and purpose,” says Arriaga. “Since releasing my last album three years ago, I wanted to create something that brought both of my worlds together as one. Instead of separating English and Spanish versions, I let them breathe side by side, just like they do in my life. This album has a little bit of everything — fun songs to dance to, heartbreak ones to drink to, and romantic ones to make memories with. I’m proud to stand tall in my roots and to represent the community that sees itself in my story.”
Arriaga also showcases his sound with his “Country Latino Sessions” YouTube series, and has amassed more than two million social followers and recently surpassed 100 Million global music streams across DSPs. Leading up to his new album, he released 12 singles under the label partnership with Walk Off Entertainment, including English and Spanish versions of “Left My Heart In Texas,” “Moves Like Mexico” and “Born Again.”
Heart in Texas Track List:
1. “Left My Heart in Texas” (Sammy Arriaga, Jennifer Leigh Ricotta, Jared Griffin)
2. “Moves Like Mexico” (Sammy Arriaga, Sara Brice, Jerrod Niemann)
3. “Selena” (Sammy Arriaga, Brian Alexander, Brad Wagner)
4. “Limes” (Sammy Arriaga, Jennifer Leigh Ricotta, Emma Lynn White, Andrew Beason)
5. “Born Again” (Sammy Arriaga, Christian Yancey, Justin Johnson)
6. “On Purpose” (Sammy Arriaga, Steve Bogard, Dave Pittenger)
7. “Can’t Turn On The Radio” (Sammy Arriaga, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis)
8. “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” (Ben Peters, Vivian Keith)
9. “Mi Corazón Está En Tejas” (Sammy Arriaga, Jennifer Leigh Ricotta, Jared Griffin, Germán “Mango” Duque)
10. “Así Es En México” (Sammy Arriaga, Sara Brice, Jerrod Neiman, Johan Sotelo, Simon Escobar Uribe)
11. “Cantando Selena” (Sammy Arriaga, Brian Alexander, Brad Wagner, Johan Sotelo, Simón Escobar Uribe)
12. “Vuelvo A Nacer” (Sammy Arriaga, Christian Yancey, Justin Johnson, Germán “Mango” Duque)
13. “Las Ganas” (Sammy Arriaga, Steve Bogard, Dave Pittenger, Johan Sotelo, & Simon Vauri)
14. “Prefiero No Saber De Ti” (Sammy Arriaga, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis, Johan Sotelo)
Ashley Cooke Readies ‘ace,’ Due In November
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Cooke is set to release her next project, ace, on Nov. 14 via Big Loud Records.
The nine-track project, named for Cooke’s childhood nickname given by her father, marks her first project since her 2023 debut, Shot In The Dark.
Produced by Dann Huff, Cooke co-penned seven of the nine tracks alongside Emily Weisband, Johnny Clawson and Kyle Sturrock, among others. The project explores themes love, heartbreak and loss.
“It’s been about two and a half years since my debut record was released. So many incredible, bucket-list things filled the days after with the best people I could ever imagine getting to share them with,” Cooke shared during the announcement on her social media. “But life has a funny way of spitting rain when you think it’s gonna be a sunny day. I swear, one thing hit after another. I lost some of the most important people in my life, and health issues in my family piled up left and right. Love came, and love went. This music is derived from those real situations. It’s brutal honesty. It’s a story in chronological order. And it’s a collection of songs welcoming you to the next chapter.”
Earlier this month, Cooke’s “the hell you are” became the most added song at country radio. She released two versions of “tin foil hat” last week, with an official music video release for the “panic attack version.”
The ACM nominated artist kicked off the year with her headlining “Your Place Tour” before hitting the road with Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Lee Brice and more throughout the rest of the year.
ace Track List:
1. “gettin’ old” (Ashley Cooke/Johnny Clawson/Kyle Sturrock)
2. “baby blues” (Ashley Cooke/Johnny Clawson/Kyle Sturrock/Seth Ennis/Joe Fox)
3. “the f word” (Emily Weisband/Lori McKenna/Gordie Sampson)
4. “talk about” (Ashley Cooke/Emily Weisband/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte)
5. “the hell you are” (Ashley Cooke/Emily Weisband/Chase McGill/Seth Ennis/Joe Fox)
6. “swear words” (Ashley Cooke/Johnny Clawson/Kyle Sturrock/Seth Ennis/Madeline Merlo/Joe Fox)
7. “excuses” (Ashley Cooke/Johnny Clawson/Kyle Sturrock)
8. “tin foil hat (panic attack version)” (Emily Weisband/Seth Ennis/Mike Robinson)
9. “(my worst fear)” (Ashley Cooke/Emily Weisband/Johnny Clawson/Kyle Sturrock/Seth Ennis/Joe Fox)
Lainey Wilson Releases New ‘Peace Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition)’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson is getting in the holiday spirit a little early with the release of her new Peace, Love, & Cowboys (Holiday Edition) EP, out now.
The three-song EP includes a new holiday version of Wilson’s “Peace, Love, & Cowboys,” “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” with Bing Crosby and a rendition of George Strait’s “Christmas Cookies.” A physical version of the EP (12-inch vinyl, 7-inch vinyl and CD) will also be available on Nov. 21, consisting of “Peace, Love, & Cowboys (Holiday Edition)” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” as well as instrumental versions of both tracks.
Wilson will perform the holiday songs live at the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 10 as part of their special Christmas show, and prior to that, she’ll host the upcoming 59th Annual CMA Awards next month, where she is also tied as the most-nominated artist with six nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Whirlwind), Single of the Year (“4x4xU”), Song of the Year (“4x4xU”) and Music Video of the Year (“Somewhere Over Laredo”).
She’ll continue to tour through the fall, including upcoming stops in St. Paul, Knoxville, Charlotte and Tampa, before embarking on her extensive headline run across Australia and New Zealand next year.
Ryan Waters Band Inks With Kinkead Entertainment Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Waters Band and Kinkhead Entertainment Agency team
The Ryan Waters Band has signed with the Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking representation.
Waters initially achieved success on TikTok after writing the streaming hit “Chevrolet You Down” which racked up over one million views and over nine million streams on Spotify alone. The momentum put Waters in Nashville, where he immersed himself in his craft and followed “Chevrolet You Down” with a string of singles, including 2021’s “Tomorrow’s Not Tonight” (which has over 10 million Spotify streams) and his cover of “Chasing Cars” in 2023 which has over seven million streams.
“Teaming up with one of Nashville’s best, Bob Kinkead, and his incredible crew marks a huge step forward in my career,” says Waters. “From our first conversation, it was clear that Bob and everyone at Kinkead understood my vision, drive, and where I’m headed. Their track record for helping artists grow the right way speaks volumes, and it’s an honor to have them in my corner on the booking front moving forward. I’m beyond grateful for their belief in what I’m doing and genuinely excited to see what we’ll build together.”
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate 100th Anniversary Of Inaugural Broadcast
/by Lauryn SinkThe Grand Ole Opry will celebrate 100 years since its inaugural broadcast with two shows on Nov. 28.
November 28, 2025 marks exactly 100 years since the evening a single fiddle tune performed by Uncle Jimmy Thompson marked the first Grand Ole Opry broadcast.
Slated to appear during the shows is Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites, Mark Wills, Suzy Bogguss and more to be announced soon.
The Grand Ole Opry has been celebrating Opry 100 throughout 2025 with special shows, more than 60 Opry debuts so far this year, and the Opry’s first-ever live international broadcast from London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. The celebrations will continue into 2026. A full schedule of Opry 100 events can be found here.
Drake Milligan Readies New Album Due In November
/by Lauryn SinkDrake Milligan will release his new album, Tumbleweed, on Nov. 7. In celebration of the announcement, he released a new track, “Old Flames, Old Whiskey.”
Milligan co-wrote eleven of the fourteen tracks alongside Brandon Hood, Terry McBride, Monty Criswell and Aaron Eshuis, among others.
Written by Brett and Jim Beavers, “Old Flames, Old Whiskey” leans themes of memory and regret.
After opening for Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan throughout 2025, Milligan will kick off “The Tumbleweed World Tour” at his headlining show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Nov. 11, which will also serve as his official album release party. The tour will include all forthcoming shows including dates in Paris and Brussels in March 2026 and C2C Festival in Rotterdam, Berlin, London, Glasgow, and Belfast. Milligan will also host a pop-up performance at Ole Red in Orlando, Florida on Nov. 8.
Tumbleweed Tracklist:
1. “Cryin’ Shoulder” (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Terry McBride)
2. “Hearts Together” (Drake Milligan, Jim Beavers)
3. “Tumbleweed” (Bobby Pinson, Cam Newby, Ian Christian)
4. “Turn It Off” (Brian Fuller, Jeb Gipson, Matt Warren)
5. “Like The Moon” (Drake Milligan, Chris Dubois, Thomas Karlas)
6. “Good As Gone” (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Monty Criswell)
7. “Slow Dancing To A Fast Song” (Drake Milligan, Tim Nichols, Marv Green)
8. “Old Flames, Old Whiskey” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers)
9. “Girl Like you” (Drake Milligan, Phil O’Donnell)
10. “Hard Headed Cowboy” (Drake Milligan, Aaron Eshuis, Neil Medley)
11. “Lonely:30” (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Phil O’Donnell)
12. “Goodbye Ain’t All That Bad” (Drake Milligan, Brice Long)
13. “Talk Texas” (Drake Milligan, Jim Beavers)
14. “How Much Beer (feat. Randall King)” (Drake Milligan, Luke Laird, Brice Long)
Eric Church To Release Live Album
/by Madison HahnenEric Church will release a 19-track live album, Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on Feb. 13, 2026 via MCA. The project will coincide with his IMAX exclusive release of Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive. The first track from the album, “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)” is available now.
“This live album is special.” says Church. “It has been a while since the band and I had played a large club like the Pinnacle. Those two nights were electric. And listening back, the magic of those nights has definitely been captured. “
Both the album and concert film include Church’s 2025 album Evangeline vs. The Machine, as well as chart-toppers “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Mistress Named Music,” “Springsteen” and more. During the performance across two nights at Nashville’s The Pinnacle, Church was backed by a 6-piece band, 4-piece horns, 4-piece strings, 8-piece choir and vocalist Joanna Cotten.
Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive Track List:
1. “Hands Of Time (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
2. “Bleed On Paper (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
3. “Johnny (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
4. “Storm In Their Blood (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
5. “Darkest Hour (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
6. “Evangeline (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
7. “Rocket’s White Lincoln (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
8. “Clap Hands (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
9. “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
10. “Give Me Back My Hometown (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
11. “Homeboy (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
12. “Sinners Like Me (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
13. “Creepin’ (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
14. “Knives Of New Orleans (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
15. “Smoke A Little Smoke (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
16. “The Outsiders (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
17. “Hell Of A View (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
18. “Mistress Named Music (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
19. “Springsteen (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”