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).
Industry Ink: Robert Deaton, Cobblestone Road, CRB/CRS, Craig Morgan, More
/by Lauryn SinkRobert Deaton Inducted Into North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame
Robert Deaton and Luke Combs. Photo: David Bergman
Robert Deaton was recently inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame alongside Luke Combs, Clyde Mattocks, David Childers, Hattie “Chatty Hattie” Leeper and Dexter Romweber.
“I love being from North Carolina,” Deaton shared from the stage. “It made me who I am today. I’m so honored to be going in with this amazing group of creative people, especially my buddy Luke Combs. I’d also like to do a shoutout, even though he’s not able to be here, to Eric Church. He’s a Tar Heel, a member of this Hall of Fame (2015), and he was influential in me being here tonight.”
Cobblestone Road Taps Mike Kraski As General Manager
Mike Kraski.
Cobblestone Road Entertainment has tapped Mike Kraski as the company’s General Manager.
“This opportunity is a dream come true for me,” shares Kraski. “Not only do Casey and Laura understand the music business, they’ve lived it. Their purity of intent to help artists realize their hopes and dreams is nothing less than inspiring, and I take very seriously their vision for this company.”
“When we formed Cobblestone Road Entertainment, we were very specific about the qualities we wanted in our staff like leadership, experience, proven track record and esteem,” adds Co-Founders Casey Barile and Laura Turner-Barile. “Mike filled all of those qualities and more. We’re excited about the foundation we’re building, and thrilled to have Mike in the driver’s seat orchestrating all of the great things to come.”
CRB/CRS Now Accepting Applications for the Rusty Walker Scholarship Program
The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) are now accepting applications for the 2026 Rusty Walker Scholarship Program until Nov. 12. Interested parties may apply here.
Eligibility for the Rusty Walker Scholarship is limited to full-time radio station employees who will be attending CRS for the first time. Three scholarship recipients will be selected and will receive complimentary registration, hotel, and airfare for CRS 2026
Craig Morgan Performs National Anthem At Bengals vs. Steelers Game
Craig Morgan.
Craig Morgan recently performed the national anthem during Thursday night’s Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers matchup at Paycor Stadium.
Morgan has amassed nearly 2.5 billion career streams and charted over 25 songs on Billboard. His memoir, God, Family, Country, is available now.
Rock City Worship Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group
Pictured (L-R): Stephen Brewster (The Harmony Group); Nathan Montgomery (Rock City Worship member and Central Worship Pastor at Rock City Church); and Chad Fisher (Pastor at Rock City Church).
Rock City Worship has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group.
“Rock City Worship brings a fresh worship expression and a compelling mission,” says Garrett Davis, Vice President of A&R for Capitol CMG. “We are excited about this new partnership and to reach, inspire and serve people with their music.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to join the Capitol CMG family,” adds Pastor Chad Fisher of Rock City Church. “Our prayer is that Rock City Worship’s music will reach far beyond our church walls and inspire people everywhere to encounter the power of Jesus.”
Alex Miller Visits RFD-TV
Alex Miller and Market Day Report host Suzanne Alexander.
Alex Miller visited RFD-TV studios recently as a part of their “Countdown To The FFA Convention.”
Miller discussed his time in FFA, his experience earning the American FFA Degree for Excellence in 2023 and his new single.
Olivia Harms Signs With She Laughs Media
Pictured (L-R): Shari Lacy (She Laughs Media, Senior Publicist), Harms, and Krista Dykes (She Laughs Media, Founder & CEO).
Olivia Harms has signed with She Laughs Media ahead of her national television debut on The Road. The show premiered yesterday (Oct. 19) on CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.
Amazon Music To Feature Brandon Lake On Songline Docu-performance Series
Amazon Music will feature Brandon Lake for the next Songline performance. The audio release of the docu-performance series is set for Oct. 29 and will feature nine reimagined versions of his songs including “Honey In The Rock,” “King of Hearts,” “That’s Who I Praise,” “When A Cowboy Prays,” “Gratitude,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Too Good Not To Believe,” “Daddy’s DNA” and “I Know A Name.”
“I hope fans can see a bit of my songwriting process that happens before a song ever reaches a stage or a stream,” shares Lake. “It felt really special to be able to pull back the curtain with Songline and show not only how songs are made, but their impact on fans and the artists and songwriters that wrote them.”
Keith Urban Closes Out ‘High and Alive Tour’ With An Unforgettable Night At Bridgestone Arena
/by Madison HahnenKeith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.
Keith Urban’s final stop on his “High and Alive World Tour” took place on Friday night (Oct. 17). The country superstar turned Bridgestone Arena into a celebration of music, connection and pure joy, wrapping up the tour in front of a sold-out crowd.
After opening sets from Karley Scott Collins, Alana Springsteen and Chase Matthew, the night opened with a silhouette of Urban and his band projected on a glowing white screen. He launched into “Straight Line,” igniting instant energy in the arena, before rolling into “Where the Blacktop Ends”.
Between songs, Urban took a moment to shout out the night’s openers and interact with fans, reading signs from the crowd and declaring, “This night is about being yourself. Sing and dance as loud as you want to.”
Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.
Early in the set, he delivered a vibrant mashup of “Long Hot Summer” and Bob Marley’s “Is This Love,” followed by “Messed Up As Me” and the fan-favorite “Better Life.” A standout moment came when he surprised the crowd by bringing out opener Chase Matthew for a soulful cover of “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down.
Urban reimagined “Somewhere in My Car” with an intimate piano intro before the full band kicked in, with the arena singing every word. Karley Scott Collins joined him onstage for “We Were Us,” adding rich harmonies to the beloved duet. From there, he kept the hits rolling with “Cop Car” and a nostalgic mashup of “Days Go By” with Uncle Kracker’s “Drift Away.”
One of the most visually stunning moments of the night came during “’Til Summer Comes Around,” when the lights circled the arena in a soft halo. A glittering disco ball illuminated “Kiss a Girl,” seamlessly flowing into “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me.” Urban then powered through “Wild Hearts” before teaming up with opener Alana Springsteen for a gorgeous acoustic rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”
Alana Springsteen & Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.
As the show built toward its midpoint, the hits kept coming with “The Fighter,” “Somebody Like You” and “One Too Many,” featuring P!nk on the big screens in perfect sync. Urban then made his way down a catwalk to the B-stage for a stripped-back run that included a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” “Coming Home” and “You’ll Think of Me.” In a signature Urban moment, he signed a guitar onstage and handed it to a fan in the crowd.
Back on the main stage, he delivered a stunning performance of “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” before launching into the anthemic “Wasted Time,” complete with a massive confetti blast that showered the entire arena.
For the encore, Urban returned with a spontaneous improvised song about the tour and the Nashville crowd. The rest of the encore included “Stupid Boy” lit by thousands of glowing cell phone lights, The Notorious Cherry Bombs’ “Making Memories of Us” and David Dundas’ “Jeans On.”
Before the night came to a close, Urban took a moment to shout out his road crew, the backbone of the massive tour, then tore into “Heart Like a Hometown.” For the finale, Urban delivered a joyful cover of New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give” followed by “You Look Good in My Shirt.”
Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.
Luke Combs Leaps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenLuke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Combs has climbed into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “15 Minutes,” “Back In The Saddle” and “Days Like These” all push the country star to No. 6 this week.
Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the second consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Brad Paisley Adds European Dates To ‘Truck Still Works World Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Conner Petersen
Brad Paisley will extend his “Truck Still Works World Tour” into 2026 with a summer tour of Europe.
Newly announced shows in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland have been added to the tour, which kicked off in May and includes a leg in Canada set to begin next month. Paisley’s fan club presale begins Oct. 22, with the public on-sale launching Oct. 24. Tickets are available at BradPaisley.com.
Last week, Paisley announced the release of a new Christmas album, Snow Globe Town, due out on Nov. 7. The 16-track album features eight new songs written by Paisley as well as some all-time favorite Christmas classics. A new song from the project,”Leave The Christmas Lights On” is available now at all digital retailers.
2026 “Truck Still Works World Tour”:
June 9 – Helsinki, Finland – House of Culture
June 11 – Ålesund, Norway – SBM Arena
June 13 – Hamar, Norway – Vikingskipet Open Air
June 16 – Stockholm, Sweden – Gröna Lund
June 17 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Liseberg
June 23 – Munich, Germany – Tollwood
June 24 – Zurich, Switzerland – The Hall
Canada Leg of 2025 “Truck Still Works World Tour”
Nov 4 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre
Nov 5 – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
Nov 7 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Nov 8 – Lethbridge, AB – VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Nov 14 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
Nov 15 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre
Dec 11 – London, ON – Canada Life Place
Dec 12 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum
Dec 13 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
Tyler Childers & The Lumineers To Headline Railbird Music Festival 2026
/by Lauryn SinkTyler Childers & The Lumineers.
Tyler Childers and The Lumineers are set to headline the 2026 Railbird Music Festival, taking place June 6 and 7 at The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.
Additionally, across the two days of performances, Zach Top, Ella Langley, Caamp, Mt. Joy, Sam Barber, Muscadine Bloodline, Stephen Wilson Jr., Houndmouth, Robert Earl Keen, Shane Smith & The Saints, The Wallflowers, Margo Price, Watchhouse, Shakey Graves, Waylon Wyatt, Evan Honer, Laci Kaye Booth, Willow Avalon, Braxton Keith, The Creekers, Kashus Culpepper, Carter Faith and more will take the stage.
One-day and 2-Day GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum tickets, as well as 2-Day Superfecta and Cabana packages will be available beginning Wednesday, October 22.
More information on ticket packages is available here.
Luke Combs Adds London, Edinburgh & Montreal Shows On ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Combs has added three new shows to his massive “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” next year due to overwhelming demand after tickets went on-sale last week, and nine shows immediately sold-out.
Combs added second nights at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau (May 29) and Edinburgh’s Scottish Gas Murrayfield (July 24) as well as a third and final night at London’s Wembley Stadium (August 2). Nine shows on the tour immediately sold-out, including two nights at Wembley Stadium, two nights at Ireland’s Slane Castle, Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena and more.
Additional stops on the tour include Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, South Bend’s Notre Dame Stadium, Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium, Columbus’ Ohio Stadium, Paris’ Accor Arena and Sweden’s Ullevi. Special guests on the 2026 run include Dierks Bentley, The Script, The Teskey Brothers, Thomas Rhett, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington, Thelma & James and The Castellows. Tickets for the three new shows are available for pre-sale starting Thursday, (Oct. 23) with general on-sale following Oct. 24. Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, once again have early access to tickets through fan pre-sale starting tomorrow, (Oct. 21).
The tour adds to an already historic career for Combs, who recently became the highest RIAA-certified country artist ever with 168 million units sold (surpassing Garth Brooks) and made history as the first country artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Combs is also the first country artist with two songs earning a billion streams on Spotify and the first with four singles certified RIAA Diamond.
Combs released The Prequel earlier this month, a new three-song collection featuring “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These” and is nominated for three awards at the upcoming CMA Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year (“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”).
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)