Jackson Dean will release the deluxe edition of his latest album, Magnolia Sage, on Oct 9 via Blue Highway Records.
“Magnolia Sage goes places,” says Dean. “It’s a journey. So when we were trying to expand what was already there, it just made sense to pull in songs from the road, a more unplugged take on ‘Wildfire (Afterburn)’ to add some vibe, and ‘The Moon And The Wolf.’”
Adding four more tracks to the original project, Dean is expanding the album with a new edition of “Afterburn,” live versions of “Blacktop Blues” and “Hey Mississippi,” as well a new original song, “The Moon And The Wolf,” which drops tomorrow (Sept. 2). Penned by Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillion and Chris Tompkins, “The Moon And The Wolf” features Laci Kaye Booth.
“When Luke and I went in to record ‘The Moon And The Wolf,’ we realized how far the song reached into places most people go, but don’t really know how deep those feelings are,” shares Dean. “It’s a space where you’re almost suspended – and it’s so alive and so real, even though obviously you can’t stay there, or want to stay there. But it’s a space where all the emotions come out, and it’s powerful.
“And when we added Laci, it took the mystery of that moment to a whole other level,” he continues. “Is it two people? Is she the moon? Does it matter? I don’t know. But for anyone who’s ever had those late-night moments where the whole world is silent and still aside from you and the moon, I think her performance is definitely the voice you might hear in that moment.”
Dean will also embark on his “Magnolia Sage Tour” this fall, with stops in St. Augustine, New York City, Los Angeles and more through December.
Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom) Track List:
1. “Blacktop Blues” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
2. “Make A Liar” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Randy Montana)
3. “Be Your Man” (Jackson Dean, Rodney Clawson, Luke Dick)
4. “5th Of July” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick)
5. “Tennessee Moon” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
6. “Over And Over” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
7. “Hey Mississippi” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. “Something Easy” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Wildfire” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
10. “Dust On A Dirt Road” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jon Decious)
11. “Heart On The Range” (Jackson Dean, Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, Dan Isbell)
12. “Wildfire (Afterburn)” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
13. “Blacktop Blues (Live In Colorado)” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
14. “Hey Mississippi (Live In London)” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
15. “The Moon And The Wolf (ft. Laci Kaye Booth)” (Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillion, Chris Tompkins)
RIAA Releases 2026 Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report
/by Lauryn SinkThe RIAA has released its Mid-Year 2026 US Recorded Music Revenue Report, noting US recorded music revenue reached six billion dollars in the first half of 2026, up 6.9% and outpacing US inflation.
According to the report, every major revenue category grew. Streaming generated $4.9B, up 4.7%, and remained the largest source of recorded music revenue. Paid subscriptions reached $3.4B, up 6.4%, and free streaming reached $900M, up 3.7%.
“The power of music, amplified from earbuds to basement listening parties to World Cup playlists across the US, is reflected not only in its cultural significance but also in the $6 billion revenue documented in RIAA’s Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report. These results point to a healthy, diversified marketplace supporting continued investment in artists and new ways for audiences to experience music,” says RIAA VP of Research Matt Bass.
“As US music revenues continue to grow across formats, labels are strengthening connections between artists, fans and the platforms delivering creative work,” shares RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “That partnership is driving engagement in new and expanding ways to create opportunities that will lift up the entire music community for years to come.”
See the full report here.
Chase Wright Inks With North Loop Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Dan Battaglia, Chase Wright, Nick Engbloom; (L-R, bottom row): Blythe Brenden, John Cantu. Photo: Wes Sharpe
Chase Wright has signed with the North Loop Agency for worldwide booking representation.
North Loop is part of the Loop Group, a Nashville/Minneapolis-based booking, label and artist services company. Focused on artist-first development, the company provides touring, marketing and strategic support across a diverse roster of talent.
Throughout his career Wright has racked up more than 405 million global streams and nearly two million followers across platforms. The Indiana native released his third studio album Chasing Shadows in May, and is currently direct support for Drew Baldridge’s “Farm Faith Family Tour.”
“I’ve known Chase for years, and what he’s been through in this industry would’ve broken a lot of artists,” says Dan Battaglia, Partner at North Loop. “It didn’t touch his work ethic or his character. He’s one of the most underrated writers and performers I know, and the fact that he trusts us with this next chapter means everything. That’s really what NLA is built on. We’re not chasing the same old playbook, we’re built around the artist first, and doing right by the people who trust us with their careers. We’re honored to be in his corner, and we’re looking forward to helping him find the right opportunities and get in front of more fans very soon.”
Lainey Wilson Launches New Fall Hat Collection With Charlie 1 Horse
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson and Charlie 1 Horse western and fashion hat brand have collaborated on a new collection for Fall 2026.
Inspired by Wilson’s Southern roots, music and unmistakable stage presence, the collection blends bold Western design with timeless profiles made for every kind of adventure. From vibrant wool-felt statements and fashion-forward profiles to sun-ready straws and classic cowgirl silhouettes, each hat is designed to help channel that inner cowgirl.
Styles include the Arrowhead, crafted in rich chocolate Cordova wool and finished with a striking teal hatband and coordinating feathers; the vibrant and unapologetic Bayou Belle, which turns up the volume in brilliant teal and is designed for concert lights and standout moments; the timelessly elegant Sahara-toned Delta Dawn and ivory Spotlight; the Baskin’ Blue, a deep blue short-brim straw that captures the first hint of summer on the horizon, and many more.
The collection is available now.
George Strait To Headline Boots In The Park In 2027
/by Lauryn SinkGeorge Strait will headline next year’s Boots In The Park, set for May 14–16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Joining Strait across the weekend are Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Zach Top, Jon Pardi and more artists to be announced. Ticket presale begins Sept. 10 and general on-sale begins Sept. 11.
The show will mark his first return to New Mexico since 2013 and his first festival performance since 2021.
“New Mexico, it’s been way too long,” Strait says. “While I’m not sure where else this next year will take us, I do know we can’t wait to see everyone at Boots In The Park next May.”
“Albuquerque has shown us time and time again that New Mexico knows how to throw a country party,” shares Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “For 2027, we wanted to create something truly legendary. Expanding Boots In The Park to three days and bringing George Strait, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Zach Top, Jon Pardi, and more together on one lineup is an incredible moment for country music fans. This is going to be one unforgettable weekend.”
River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Extend Deal With Dan Alley
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Kayla Adkins and Lauren Lieu; (L-R, front row): Lyndsay Kash, Dan Alley, and Zebb Luster
River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has renewed its global publishing deal with Dan Alley.
Alley has quickly become one of Nashville’s rising songwriters, with songs recorded by some of country music’s biggest artists, including including Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Braxton Keith, Joe Nichols, Austin Snell, Tyce Delk and more. He recently celebrated his first No. 1 country airplay hits with Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” and Hudson Westbrook’s “House Again,” which has become a viral hit with more than 428 million U.S. streams to date.
Alley is continuing that momentum with Luke Combs’ “Be By You,” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and has climbed into the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Along with writing songs for other artists, Alley will release his own songwriter project, Keepin’ On, this Friday (Sept. 4). The 11-track project includes five songs written solely by Alley, as well as “He Went To Work,” which Jon Pardi previously recorded for his 2025 album Honkytonk Hollywood.
Alley will celebrate the release with a songwriter round at The Listening Room Cafe tonight (Sept. 1) alongside Lukas Scott, Sam Banks and Mae Estes.
“Signing with River House/Sony in 2022 was the best decision I’ve ever made in my songwriting career,” says Alley. “Zebb [Luster] and Lynn [Oliver-Cline] were champions of mine even before I joined the family, and ever since then they’ve done everything possible to help me succeed. Shoutout to Kayla [Adkins] and Lauren [Lieu] for working day in and day out to open doors for me and create opportunities for me to write the best songs I can. The past four-and-a-half years have been incredible, and I’m so thankful to continue this journey.”
“We couldn’t be prouder to continue our journey with Dan,” shares Luster, River House Artists EVP. “He is one of the most talented songwriters in Nashville, but what makes him truly special is the person he is and the passion he brings to his craft every single day. It feels like we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s ahead for him, and we have no doubt his best work is still to come. We’re incredibly grateful that he continues to trust our team with his career, and we’re excited for everything we’ll accomplish together.”
“Dan is an exceptional songwriter, and it has been amazing to see his hard work translate into such incredible success,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “We’re thrilled to continue working with River House to champion Dan’s talent and look forward to all that’s ahead.”
Jackson Dean Slates ‘Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom)’ For October
/by Madison HahnenJackson Dean will release the deluxe edition of his latest album, Magnolia Sage, on Oct 9 via Blue Highway Records.
“Magnolia Sage goes places,” says Dean. “It’s a journey. So when we were trying to expand what was already there, it just made sense to pull in songs from the road, a more unplugged take on ‘Wildfire (Afterburn)’ to add some vibe, and ‘The Moon And The Wolf.’”
Adding four more tracks to the original project, Dean is expanding the album with a new edition of “Afterburn,” live versions of “Blacktop Blues” and “Hey Mississippi,” as well a new original song, “The Moon And The Wolf,” which drops tomorrow (Sept. 2). Penned by Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillion and Chris Tompkins, “The Moon And The Wolf” features Laci Kaye Booth.
“When Luke and I went in to record ‘The Moon And The Wolf,’ we realized how far the song reached into places most people go, but don’t really know how deep those feelings are,” shares Dean. “It’s a space where you’re almost suspended – and it’s so alive and so real, even though obviously you can’t stay there, or want to stay there. But it’s a space where all the emotions come out, and it’s powerful.
“And when we added Laci, it took the mystery of that moment to a whole other level,” he continues. “Is it two people? Is she the moon? Does it matter? I don’t know. But for anyone who’s ever had those late-night moments where the whole world is silent and still aside from you and the moon, I think her performance is definitely the voice you might hear in that moment.”
Dean will also embark on his “Magnolia Sage Tour” this fall, with stops in St. Augustine, New York City, Los Angeles and more through December.
Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom) Track List:
1. “Blacktop Blues” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
2. “Make A Liar” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Randy Montana)
3. “Be Your Man” (Jackson Dean, Rodney Clawson, Luke Dick)
4. “5th Of July” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick)
5. “Tennessee Moon” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
6. “Over And Over” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
7. “Hey Mississippi” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. “Something Easy” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Wildfire” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
10. “Dust On A Dirt Road” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jon Decious)
11. “Heart On The Range” (Jackson Dean, Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, Dan Isbell)
12. “Wildfire (Afterburn)” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
13. “Blacktop Blues (Live In Colorado)” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
14. “Hey Mississippi (Live In London)” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
15. “The Moon And The Wolf (ft. Laci Kaye Booth)” (Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillion, Chris Tompkins)
Brittani Johnson Joins MCA, Chris Schuler Exits
/by Madison HahnenBrittani Johnson & Chris Schuler
MusicRow has confirmed that Brittani Johnson has joined MCA as VP, Streaming. Additionally, Chris Schuler, VP, Audience Development has exited the company. Country Aircheck first reported both staff changes.
Johnson most recently served as a Day-To-Day manager at The Core Entertainment. She moved to Nashville in 2017, where she started as an intern at Rebel Engine (now Big Sky Music Group). Afterwards, she joined Stephanie Quayle’s team, where she sharpened her skills and passion for artist management. In 2019, Johnson joined Big Loud as Promotion Coordinator, before advancing to Director, Southwest Promotion. As Director, she played a key role in advocating for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Ashley Cooke, Hardy and Charles Wesley Godwin.
Schuler rejoined the company in 2023 as VP of Promotion for Capitol Records Nashville, gaining his current title in 2025 during the company’s restructuring. A Middle Tennessee State University graduate, Schuler began his career in the Radio and TV/Film department of BMI. He then joined Mercury Nashville as a promotion coordinator and worked his way up to becoming VP of Promotion & Radio Marketing in 2019, where he contributed to the success of artists across all four imprints of UMG Nashville. He also spent time at as VP of Promotion at Arista Nashville.
BREAKING: Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn To Retire
/by LB CantrellLeadership Music Board Past President Neal Spielberg, Executive Director Debbie Linn and Board President Diane Pearson
After serving Leadership Music as Executive Director for 15 years, Debbie Linn has announced that she is retiring. She will continue serving as Executive Director through 2027, allowing the organization time to make a leadership transition.
“Serving as Executive Director of Leadership Music has been the honor of my professional life,” says Linn. “This organization has never been just a job to me—it has been my passion and my purpose. I am deeply grateful to the board members, volunteers, donors, staff, founding council, alumni, and industry leaders who have made these past 15 years so meaningful. While I’m looking forward to this next chapter, I’m equally excited to spend my remaining time continuing the important work of Leadership Music and ensuring a smooth transition for the organization I love.”
Linn joined Leadership Music in April 2012. During her tenure, she has overseen a period of significant growth and engagement, strengthening the organization’s financial foundation, expanding alumni involvement, deepening industry partnerships, and guiding more than a dozen Leadership Music classes. Throughout her tenure, she has remained committed to the organization’s mission of cultivating a forward-thinking community of leaders who impact the creative industry.
“Debbie has led Leadership Music with extraordinary passion, integrity, and heart,” says newly-elected Leadership Music Board President Diane Pearson. “Her unwavering commitment to our mission and to the people who make this organization so special has strengthened Leadership Music in countless ways. Because of her leadership, we are well positioned for the future. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for Debbie’s remarkable service and look forward to celebrating her many contributions over the coming year.”
The Leadership Music Search Committee will begin the process of identifying the organization’s next Executive Director in the coming months. Additional information regarding the search process, timeline and opportunities for stakeholder engagement will be revealed soon.
Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Breaks Billboard Chart Record
/by Lauryn SinkElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has notched a 20th week atop the Billboard Hot 100, marking the longest run ever atop the chart for a non-holiday song.
The song has surpassed Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” which each notched 19 weeks at the top of the chart. The song only follows Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has topped the Hot 100 each holiday season since the 1994 carol was first No. 1 in 2019, earning a total of 22 weeks.
Featured on her sophomore album Dandelion, “Choosin’ Texas” was co-penned by Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, with production from Langley, Lambert and Ben West.
Langley is currently amidst her her sold-out “The Dandelion Tour” through October with upcoming stops in New Jersey, West Virginia, Georgia and more.
CMA Unveils 2026 Broadcast Award Finalists
/by John Nix ArledgeThe Country Music Association has announced the finalists for the 2026 Broadcast Awards.
The CMA Broadcast Award categories are grouped by market size based on population as ranked by Nielsen. Broadcast Personality of the Year entries are based on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical and impact information.
Radio Station of the Year finalists are judged by aircheck, ratings, community involvement and impact information. The entries are judged by a panel of broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live on Nov. 18 on ABC and Disney+, and next day on Hulu. Winners of the CMA Broadcast Awards will be announced in the coming weeks and recognized during the Pre-Telecast Ceremony.
WCOW, a finalist for Small Market Radio Station of the Year, is also a MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart reporting station.
2026 CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
Weekly National:
Daily National:
Major Market:
Large Market:
Medium Market:
Small Market:
CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
Major Market:
Large Market:
Medium Market:
Small Market: