Alabama Reflects On Receiving Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award At Nashville Songwriters Awards

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Jason Aldean, Randy Owen, Lisa Kristofferson and Kelly Owen. Photo: Tom Turk

Alabama was presented with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the the eighth Annual Nashville Songwriters Awards at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 23.

The award was presented to Alabama’s Randy Owen by Lisa Kristofferson, who attended in honor of her late husband, and band members Owen and Teddy Gentry (who was unable to attend because of illness) recently took some time to reflect on the prestigious honor.

“I have always thought of myself as a songwriter first and am so honored and pleased to receive the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award from the NSAI,” says Owen. “Kris was one of my icons. I want to thank Lisa Kristofferson for making the trip from Hawaii to Nashville to present the award to Alabama. And thanks for the wonderful performances by Jason Aldean, Lorrie Morgan and Gordon Mote who all honored us with our songs.”

“This award was a lifetime wish for me,” adds Gentry. “As a songwriter, musician and singer, being honored for our contributions as songwriters is the most welcome accomplishment in my world. The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award from NSAI means more to me than I can put into words.”

“NSAI’s pinnacle Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor bestowed on songwriters that exemplify a revolutionary, creative spirit, intelligence, integrity and musical and literary excellence over the span of their expansive careers,” shares Lisa Kristofferson. “Alabama’s genre-rocking style and musical brilliance fits this award like a glove. Welcoming Randy Owen and his lovely, lifelong wife Kelly, to the hallowed Ryman stage on behalf of Alabama was a magical moment I will always cherish. So deserving. Bravo Alabama for all the beautiful songs that have sweetened our lives forever.”

Alabama is currently performing nationally on their “Live In Concert 25 Tour” with seven more dates scheduled before the year’s end.

Rock Nashville To Open This Fall

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Rock Nashville is set to open later this year. The 55-acre, 610,000 square-foot facility, located on Whites Creek Pike less than 10 miles from Downtown Nashville, will be the first of its kind in the region.

Developed through a partnership between Rock Lititz and Merus, with Soundcheck Studios serving as an anchor tenant, Rock Nashville will feature large-scale rehearsal facilities, 13 production studios and a vendor hub.

“Rock Nashville will be a place where artists, crews, and companies come together to create, collaborate, and prepare for the road,” says Scott Appleton, VP of Rock Nashville. “A one-stop shop to create amazing live experiences.”

The campus will employ approximately 50 local staff members, while an additional 500 employees from partner vendors, such as Clair, Gallagher, and Rock It, will be based on-site daily. Additionally, between 200 and 400 temporary local workers, including labor crews, runners and seamstresses, will contribute to day-to-day operations, alongside another 200–400 touring crew members working across the 15 studios.

“Beyond providing support for efficient and productive rehearsals, we have found significant strength in collaborating for industry growth,” adds Andrea Shirk, CEO + President of Rock Lititz + Rock Nashville. “From shared employee training to next generation development to industry awareness, the campus brings the live entertainment industry together for intentional collaboration.”

Luke Combs Extends ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’

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Luke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein

Luke Combs has extended his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour,” which kicks off next spring. Combs has added second nights at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, London’s Wembley Stadium and Ireland’s Slane Castle, marking the first artist ever to perform back-to-back nights at Lambeau Field and Slane Castle.

Additional stops on the 2026 run include Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, South Bend’s Notre Dame Stadium, Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium, Columbus’ Ohio Stadium, Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff ArenA and Edinburgh’s Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium among others. Special guests on the tour include Dierks Bentley, The Script, The Teskey Brothers, Thomas Rhett, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington, Thelma & James and The Castellows.

General on sale begins on Friday (Oct. 17), following the current presale opportunities. Tickets are available here.

Combs recently became the highest RIAA certified country artist ever with 168 million units sold and released The Prequel, a 3-song collection featuring “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These.” He is nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards.

“My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” Dates:
March 21—Las Vegas, NV—Allegiant Stadium*
April 4—Charlottesville, VA—Scott Stadium†
April 11—Ames, IA—Jack Trice Stadium†
April 18—South Bend, IN—Notre Dame Stadium†
April 25—Columbus, OH—Ohio Stadium†
May 2—Knoxville, TN—Neyland Stadium†
May 9—Norman, OK—Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium†
May 15—Green Bay, WI—Lambeau Field†
May 16—Green Bay, WI—Lambeau Field†
May 30—Montreal, Quebec—Parc Jean-Drapeau†
June 5—Toronto, Ontario—Rogers Stadium†
June 6—Toronto, Ontario—Rogers Stadium†
July 4—Gothenburg, Sweden—Ullevi‡
July 7—Paris, France—Accor Arena§
July 11—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Johan Cruijff ArenA‡
July 18—Ireland—Slane Castle‡
July 19—Ireland—Slane Castle‡
July 25—Edinburgh, U.K.—Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium+
July 31—London, U.K.—Wembley Stadium#
August 1—London, U.K.—Wembley Stadium#
*with special guests Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers and Thelma & James
†with special guests Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington and Thelma & James
‡with special guests The Script, Ty Myers and The Castellows
§with special guests Ty Myers and The Castellows
+with special guests The Teskey Brothers, Ty Myers and The Castellows
#with special guests Thomas Rhett, Ty Myers and The Castellows

Old Crow Medicine Show Celebrate The Season With New Holiday Album ‘OCMS XMAS’

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Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Brooke Stevens

Old Crow Medicine Show is helping fans get in the holiday spirit this year with their new Christmas album, OCMS XMAS, due out Nov. 21 on Hartland Records.

Along with the announcement, Old Crow is honoring John Lennon‘s birthday with a timely take on his and Yoko Ono‘s global peace anthem “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” The song is stacked with choral harmonies from the children of the Episcopal School of Nashville, the East Nashville-based school founded by frontman Ketch Secor.

“Of all the Christmas songs the radio stations drench us with as soon as the Thanksgiving feast turns to leftovers, there is only one I never tire of hearing,” admits Secor. “John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s message of peace, unity, love and understanding makes ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ an anthem all the world over.

“Some fifty years after the kids from The Harlem Community Choir lent their voices to this amazing track, the Old Crows gathered the Purple Martin Choir around a microphone in the basement of Episcopal School of Nashville, the school I started, to join us on this revered song celebrating the holiday which honors the Prince of Peace’s birth,” he continues. “Altogether, with young and old singing as one, Old Crow Medicine Show stands up with the peacemakers around the globe, pushing those in power to put an end to war.”

Featuring just two covers and 11 originals, the band’s first holiday album is decorated with seasonal spirit and string-band stomp. Old Crow Medicine Show aren’t just reinterpreting their favorite yuletide standards, they’re adding new songs to the canon and telling fresh stories. From barn-burners like “December 26” to the Zydeco-flavored “All About A Baby” and a tribute to New England winters called “North By Northeast,” OCMS XMAS also features a few classics, including a cover of “Holly Jolly Christmas” with horns from the Tennessee State University ensemble Brassville, and a rowdy version of the Appalachian standard “Breakin’ Up Xmas,” recorded live in the band’s East Nashville studio.

The new album will be supported by Old Crow Medicine Show’s first-ever “Holiday Hootenanny” tour, and they have also announced support for their annual New Year’s Eve performances at The Ryman Auditorium, with The 502s and AJ Lee & Blue Summit set for Dec. 30, and Shovels & Rope and The Creekers on Dec. 31.

OCMS XMAS Track List:
1. “Breakin’ Up Xmas”
2. “Holly Jolly Christmas” Feat. Brassville
3. “Jolly Man”
4. “North By Northeast”
5. “Corn Whiskey Christmas”
6. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
7. “All About A Baby”
8. “Jinglin’ Jack Guy”
9. “Store-Bought Christmas”
10. “December 26”
11. “Krampus Night”
12. “Grandpa’s Gone”
13. “Bethlehem, PA”

RFD TV’s ‘On The Record’ Series Returns Oct. 17

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Suzanne Alexander and Cody Johnson.

RFD TV’s On the Record, presented by John Deere, will return for a fifth season on Oct. 17 on RFD-TV and streaming on RFD-TV Now.

The interview series returns with conversations and up-close performances from chart-toppers, legends, and breakout artists. Hosted by veteran country broadcaster Suzanne Alexander, the new season features Cody Johnson, Crystal Gayle, Anne Wilson, Chase Rice, Deana Carter, Sunny Sweeney, Kaitlin Butts, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jenna Paulette, and more.

“Country music is built on stories,” says Alexander. “This season, we go past the soundbite and into the rooms where the songs were born. Fans will hear the heartbreaks, the big breaks, and the purpose behind the music – straight from the artists themselves.”

Big Loud Texas Hosts Office Grand Opening Celebration

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Pictured (front row, L-R): Lizzy Rector, Kimberly Gleason, Patch Culbertson, Sara Knabe, Brianne Deslippe. (back row, L-R): Hillary Lambert, Brendon Anthony, Jeff Tanner, Stacy Blythe, Craig Wiseman, Jon Randall, Seth England, Paul Logan and Corey Brewer.

Last week, Big Loud Texas, founded by Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall in partnership with Big Loud Records, hosted industry and artists for a grand opening celebration of the Big Loud Texas office in the heart of Austin with multi-day programming.

The grand opening on Wednesday (Oct. 8) kicked off the celebration which continued through Thursday (Oct. 9) with industry events held at both the Big Loud Texas office as well as Arlyn Studios with performances from Dylan Gossett, Alex Lambert, Coleman Jennings and Julianna Rankin.

“It is important and significant that Big Loud Texas has established itself firmly in Austin,” shares Brendon Anthony, VP of Big Loud Texas. “Having a true label and publishing presence is what the Texas music industry has been sorely lacking for many years. Events like these only serve to underscore the effect that investment like Big Loud’s can have on an industry community like Austin’s. I am proud to work alongside our incredible team to support such talented and unique artists and songwriters.”

Country Latin Association Hosts Backstage Experience At Grand Ole Opry

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Pictured (L-R): Rick and Irma Rodriquez, Angie K, Andrea Vasquez, Alyssia Dominguez, Miguel Cancino, Sammy Arriaga, Arcelia Cisneros and Family and Jackie Marushka.

The Country Latin Association (CLA), an organization dedicated to amplifying Latin voices and representation in country music, partnered with the Grand Ole Opry to offer an exclusive backstage tour and show experience for its members.

“One of my favorite things to say is that country music may not be for everyone, but we are everywhere,” says Angie K, Co-Founder of CLA.

Co-founder Andrea Vasquez shares, “Bringing our members to the heart of country’s most iconic stage is a powerful reminder that our stories belong here too. The Opry’s willingness to partner with us speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusion and making this moment possible.”

CLA will host their next showcase at Anzie Blue on Nov. 16. More information on the organization is available here.

Gene Watson Slates 2026 ‘Fourteen Carat Mind Tour’

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Gene Watson.

Gene Watson will hit the road next year for his “Fourteen Carat Mind Tour,” celebrating the 45th anniversary of the song’s release.

The 2o26 run will kick off on Jan. 16 in Weirsdale, Florida. Additional stops will include cities in South Carolina, Indiana, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Missouri, and more before wrapping up on Dec. 6 in Tomball, Texas.

Additionally, Watson has added dates to his 2025 run, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of his career-defining hit, “Love in the Hot Afternoon.” Newly added dates include stops in Texas, Oklahoma and more.

Watson recently celebrated his 82nd birthday on October 11 and released his complete solo catalog to stream on Spotify for the very first time.

For tour tickets and more information, click here.

2025 Tour Dates:
Oct. 10 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 11 Municipal Auditorium – Greenville, Texas
Oct. 12 TurkeyFest – Cuero, Texas
Oct. 18 Social Circle Theatre – Social Circle, Ga.
Oct. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 23 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 24 Kentucky Opry – Benton. Ky.
Oct. 25 Harken Hall – Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 31 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 1 GEM Theatre – Calhoun, Ga.
Nov. 2 Tuck’s Bar & Grill – Minor Hill, Tenn.
Nov. 6 Palace Theatre – Corsicana, Texas
Nov. 8 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 14 WVA Country Music Hall – Fairmont, W.Va.
Nov. 15 The Lincoln Jamboree – Hodgenville, Ky.
Nov. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Dec. 5 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 6 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 13 Sugar Creek Casino – Hinton, Okla.
Dec. 20 Liberty Hall – Tyler Texas

2026 Tour Dates:
Jan. 16 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Jan. 17 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Jan. 30 Cookeville Performing Arts Center – Cookeville, Tenn.
Feb. 6 Walhalla Civic Auditorium – Walhalla, S.C.
Feb, 7 Rome City Auditorium – Rome, Ga.
Feb. 25 Arlington Music Hall – Arlington, Texas
Feb. 27 Texan Theatre – Cleveland, TX
March 2 Strawberry Festival – Plant City, Fla.
March 5 Blue Gate Theatre – Shipshewana, Ind.
March 21 Renfro Valley Entertainment Center – Mt Vernon, Ky.
April 19 Dosey Doe Big Barn – The Woodlands, Texas
April 25 McSwain Theatre – Ada, Okla.
May 1 Lewis Family Homeplace – Lincolnton, Ga.
May 2 The Martin Centre – Douglas, Ga.
June 5 Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts – Amarillo, Texas
June 6 The New Granbury Live – Granbury, Texas
July 25 Pines Theater – Lufkin, Texas
Aug. 28 Reidsville Showcase Theatre – Reidsville, N.C.
Aug. 29 Liberty Showcase Inc. – Liberty, N.C.
Sept. 5 Coyote Country Store – Gail, Texas
Sept. 12 Old Town Theatre – Huntsville, Texas
Sept. 26 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 9 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 23 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 7 The Oaks Event Center – Vidor, Texas
Nov. 13 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Dec. 5 – Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 6 – Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Adds Three

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Bridget Herrmann, Dexter Bensman, and Christina Hunt.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has added three to their team. Bridget Herrmann has joined as Senior Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.

Based in Chicago, Herrmann will optimize airplay, strengthen marketing impact and elevate artist exposure across the globe. Herrmann joins Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment from Red Street Records where she served as Director, Regional Promotion. Prior to that, she spent six years as Manager of Regional Promotion at Warner Music Nashville where she oversaw 50 stations and worked with artists such as Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and more. Other career stops include Crush Music Management, Megaforce Records and A&M/Octone Records.

“As Andrew Thoen transitions fully into his role as Director of Streaming & Digital Partnerships, Bridget Herrmann’s name was consistently mentioned as a professional and experienced label promotion executive,” says Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment SVP, Ryan Dokke. “We are excited for Bridget to join our team, bringing her passion and knowledge to serve both our incredible artist roster and radio partners at the highest level. Additionally, we are pleased to welcome Dexter and Christina to the NHRE team.”

Bensman joins the team after serving as Senior Director, Digital Marketing for parent company Big Machine Label Group. In his role, he will spearhead digital marketing strategy and increase online presence for artists. Before BMLG, Bensman held roles at Brown Sellers Brown Management and Innovo Management.

In her new role, Hunt will support Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President/CEO Jimmy Harnen and team, coordinating day-to-day operations across release planning, artist relations, marketing and more. She graduated earlier this year from the University of Alabama, where she held internships with Universal Music Group, CMA, Make Wake Artists and more.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Bridget Herrmann as our new Senior Director, Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as our Head of Digital Marketing, and Christina Hunt as our new Label Coordinator,” shares Harnen. “All three are talented professionals who bring great energy and expertise, and we’re excited to have them on our team.”

All three are already on the job.

Sony Music Publishing, Sea Gayle Music & Domain Capital Group Launch Global Admin Partnership

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Pictured (L-R): Pete Chiappetta (Domain), Chris DuBois (Sea Gayle), Rusty Gaston (SMP) and Amy Cranford (SMP).

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has launched a global publishing administration partnership with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group. With the deal, Sony Music Publishing Nashville will provide global administration services to Sea Gayle’s entire roster and catalog, which includes hits such as “You Should Probably Leave,” “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Sony Music Publishing,” says Chris DuBois, CEO, Sea Gayle Music. “I’ve long admired the way Rusty Gaston champions songwriters, and I know our team and catalog are in the very best hands. Together, with Pete Chiappetta and our trusted partners at Domain, we’re confident this new partnership with Sony will give our writers the support of a close-knit creative community and the global reach that their music deserves.”

“Sea Gayle has long been a cornerstone of Nashville’s songwriting community, and what Chris and his team have built is truly special,” adds Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We’re proud to be partnering with Sea Gayle and Domain to champion these amazing songwriters and catalogs and ensure that they continue to lead country music forward.”

Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley, and Frank Rogers established Sea Gayle Music in 1999. In 2020, Domain Capital Group purchased Sea Gayle’s catalog and started a joint venture with the publisher. Sea Gayle has won ASCAP’s Country Publisher of the Year twice, and its roster includes artists and song catalogs by Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton, Bobby Pinson, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Thomas Miller and more.