Pictured (L-R, top row): Darrell Scott, Jesse Welles and Joe Henry; (L-R, bottom row): McCrary Sisters and Old 97’s
The Lifetime Achievement Honorees for the Americana Music Association’s 24th annual Americana Honors & Awards set for Sept. 10 have been announced.
This year’s group of recipients will be celebrated during the upcoming ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium and includes Joe Henry, McCrary Sisters, Old 97’s, Darrell Scott, and Jesse Welles.
Joe Henry‘s career has spanned nearly four decades, and albums like Trampoline, Scar, and Civilians are touchstones of Americana music, marked by their subtle arrangements and his warm voice that carries a gentle authority. Over the years, he has worked with producer T Bone Burnett, jazzman Ornette Coleman, New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint, and longtime collaborators David Piltch, Patrick Warren, and his son, Levon Henry. He embraces imperfection as a source of beauty, reminding us that the most profound truths often emerge from the quietest moments.
The McCrary Sisters embody the soul-deep power of gospel by blending righteous harmonies, lived experience, and unstoppable energy into their sound. Daughters of the late Reverend Samuel H. McCrary, a founding member of the Fairfield Four, the sisters were born into gospel royalty and raised in Nashville’s rich spiritual and musical traditions. Their sound is equally fluent in soul, blues, and funk, reflecting the sisters’ deep individual and collective histories. Their music is praise, but it is also protest, comfort, connection, and call to action. The McCrary Sisters will receive the Legacy award, co-presented with the National Museum of African American Music.
Old 97’s crashed onto the scene in the early ’90s with a wild blend of Texas twang, garage-band swagger, and heart-on-sleeve songwriting that helped define the alt-country sound. Formed in Dallas in 1993, the band built a reputation for their explosive live shows, razor-sharp lyrics, and a sound that honored country roots while refusing to be confined by them. Alongside peers like Uncle Tupelo and Whiskeytown, they laid the groundwork for the Americana movement. With more than three decades on the road and no signs of slowing down, Old 97’s prove that Americana music can be rowdy, literate, rebellious, and completely their own.
Darrell Scott has become one of the most admired songwriters and musicians in roots music. His nuanced guitar playing attracted the likes of Guy Clark, and his lyrics have appealed to country, folk, bluegrass and Americana listeners for decades. Scott’s rich baritone enchanted folk festival audiences as well as mainstream country artists who revered his storytelling, and Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley and Chris Stapleton have all put their personal touch on Scott’s classic, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” His catalog also includes radio hits such as Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” and Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” and The Chicks recorded versions of “Heartbreak Town” and “Long Time Gone” for their albums.
Jesse Welles channels the grit and poetry of rock’s golden age through a lens all his own. With a voice that balances intensity and weary soul, Welles crafts songs that echo the voice of Woody Guthrie: honest, jagged, and prescient. He weaves humor into serious themes and his songwriting often cuts into the heart of present-day social issues, touching on themes like isolation, inequality, injustice, and the emotional toll of modern life. Rather than shying away from uncomfortable truths, he leans into them, using his platform to reflect the world as it is – messy, beautiful, and worth questioning. Welles will receive the Spirit of Americana Award, co-presented by the First Amendment Center.
“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent the heart and soul of the Americana Community. From the legendary to the next generation of stars. It’s a privilege to recognize and celebrate these incredible artists whose expertise in their craft has left an indelible mark,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.
Russell Dickerson, Ashley Cooke, Tucker Wetmore Added To Lucky Classic Celebrity Softball Game Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughRussell Dickerson, Ashley Cooke and Tucker Wetmore have been added to the lineup for the upcoming Lucky Classic, a star-studded celebrity softball game set to take the field in Nashville on November 16 at First Horizon Park.
The artists will join over 20 MLB All-Stars including Corey Seager, Brandon Lowe, Brent Rooker, and Bryan Reynolds for a one-of-a-kind night of music, baseball, and community celebration, with more celebs announced soon.
The event benefits The Burger Family Foundation, which was founded by Texas Rangers infielder Jake Burger and his wife Ashlyn and inspired by their daughter, Penelope, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The Burger Family Foundation has turned into a mission to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and support families like the Burger’s in meaningful ways.
“Ashlyn and I couldn’t be more excited to bring The Lucky Classic to Nashville this off-season,” shares Jake. “This city is home for us, and we wanted to create something that blends our two worlds, music and baseball, while giving back to a community we love. The outpouring of support for The Burger Family Foundation and the Down syndrome community has already been incredible, and we can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark for a day of fun, connection, and unforgettable memories.”
SiriusXM & Pandora Add Jordan Hatton To Nashville Team
/by LB CantrellJordan Hatton
SiriusXM and Pandora have hired Jordan Hatton as Associate Director, Country Artist and Industry Relations. She starts on the Nashville team on Monday (Sept. 8).
Hatton joins SiriusXM and Pandora after nearly a decade of experience in the country music industry, most notably at CMT, where she served as Manager of Music & Talent overseeing music video programming for the network. In her new role, she will lead talent booking and artist relations across SiriusXM and Pandora’s country music programming.
Hatton is passionate about championing female voices in the genre and has been deeply involved in projects like CMT’s Next Women of Country. She has led efforts in new artist discovery to spotlight emerging talent.
Academy Of Country Music Adds Three To Team
/by Madison HahnenLauren Burchett, Kylie Goudreau and Helena Capps
ACM has added three new team members across two departments. Lauren Burchett has joined as Head of Partnerships & Revenue, while Kylie Goudreau joins as Manager on the Industry Relations & Awards team, alongside Helena Capps as Project Manager.
“Strategic partnerships play a vital role in bringing value to our members, artists, and fans through unique programs that engage our audiences and provide valuable revenue to support the on-going mission of ACM and ACM Lifting Lives,” says Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “Lauren’s extensive background in media and sales is perfectly suited to effectively position the ACM as an innovative partner within the fast-moving brand marketing landscape.”
In her new role, Burchett will oversee sponsorship and partnership strategy, including Fortune 500 brand relationships, multi-million-dollar negotiations, and activations across award shows, live events and digital platforms. She will work closely with ACM Board members, C-suite leaders, and agency partners including Legends, Amazon Prime Video and Dick Clark Productions.
Burchett’s previous roles include senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company, Google and ESPN. She is also on the Board of The Fondle Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women beyond breast cancer through advocacy, education and community.
“The ACM is ecstatic to grow its Industry Relations & Awards team to better serve the industry as a whole, with an emphasis on our ACM Membership,” shares Haley Montgomery, ACM Head of Industry Relations & Awards. “Our membership and our industry partners are the heartbeat of our organization, and this expanded team will be vital to continuing to grow our 5,000+ membership base and overall strengthen ACM’s presence and involvement in the music industry.”
Goudreau’s new role will include overseeing variety of industry engagement efforts to drive programming, growth, and execution of the Academy’s membership. She most recently served as Project Manager at ONErpm, after being in the role of Manager of Strategic Planning at BMLG Records where she worked with Riley Green, Brett Young, Florida Georgia Line and more.
In her new role, Capps will assist with artist and industry initiatives, the ACM Awards process and various other functions of the department. Capps brings over 15 years of experience to ACM in artist development, management, booking, and digital marketing. In 2020, she founded Wildrose Projects, alongside serving as Head of Programming for Song Suffragettes. Through her work, she has discovered, developed and managed artists, booked over 230 female singer-songwriters, and produced and edited content for artists including Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift.
Americana Music Association Reveals 2025 Lifetime Achievement Honorees
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Darrell Scott, Jesse Welles and Joe Henry; (L-R, bottom row): McCrary Sisters and Old 97’s
The Lifetime Achievement Honorees for the Americana Music Association’s 24th annual Americana Honors & Awards set for Sept. 10 have been announced.
This year’s group of recipients will be celebrated during the upcoming ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium and includes Joe Henry, McCrary Sisters, Old 97’s, Darrell Scott, and Jesse Welles.
Joe Henry‘s career has spanned nearly four decades, and albums like Trampoline, Scar, and Civilians are touchstones of Americana music, marked by their subtle arrangements and his warm voice that carries a gentle authority. Over the years, he has worked with producer T Bone Burnett, jazzman Ornette Coleman, New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint, and longtime collaborators David Piltch, Patrick Warren, and his son, Levon Henry. He embraces imperfection as a source of beauty, reminding us that the most profound truths often emerge from the quietest moments.
The McCrary Sisters embody the soul-deep power of gospel by blending righteous harmonies, lived experience, and unstoppable energy into their sound. Daughters of the late Reverend Samuel H. McCrary, a founding member of the Fairfield Four, the sisters were born into gospel royalty and raised in Nashville’s rich spiritual and musical traditions. Their sound is equally fluent in soul, blues, and funk, reflecting the sisters’ deep individual and collective histories. Their music is praise, but it is also protest, comfort, connection, and call to action. The McCrary Sisters will receive the Legacy award, co-presented with the National Museum of African American Music.
Old 97’s crashed onto the scene in the early ’90s with a wild blend of Texas twang, garage-band swagger, and heart-on-sleeve songwriting that helped define the alt-country sound. Formed in Dallas in 1993, the band built a reputation for their explosive live shows, razor-sharp lyrics, and a sound that honored country roots while refusing to be confined by them. Alongside peers like Uncle Tupelo and Whiskeytown, they laid the groundwork for the Americana movement. With more than three decades on the road and no signs of slowing down, Old 97’s prove that Americana music can be rowdy, literate, rebellious, and completely their own.
Darrell Scott has become one of the most admired songwriters and musicians in roots music. His nuanced guitar playing attracted the likes of Guy Clark, and his lyrics have appealed to country, folk, bluegrass and Americana listeners for decades. Scott’s rich baritone enchanted folk festival audiences as well as mainstream country artists who revered his storytelling, and Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley and Chris Stapleton have all put their personal touch on Scott’s classic, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” His catalog also includes radio hits such as Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” and Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” and The Chicks recorded versions of “Heartbreak Town” and “Long Time Gone” for their albums.
Jesse Welles channels the grit and poetry of rock’s golden age through a lens all his own. With a voice that balances intensity and weary soul, Welles crafts songs that echo the voice of Woody Guthrie: honest, jagged, and prescient. He weaves humor into serious themes and his songwriting often cuts into the heart of present-day social issues, touching on themes like isolation, inequality, injustice, and the emotional toll of modern life. Rather than shying away from uncomfortable truths, he leans into them, using his platform to reflect the world as it is – messy, beautiful, and worth questioning. Welles will receive the Spirit of Americana Award, co-presented by the First Amendment Center.
“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent the heart and soul of the Americana Community. From the legendary to the next generation of stars. It’s a privilege to recognize and celebrate these incredible artists whose expertise in their craft has left an indelible mark,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.
Parmalee Slates ‘Feels Like Home Tour’ For Fall
/by Lauryn SinkParmalee.
Parmalee will hit the road this fall on the “Feels Like Home Tour.” Kicking off Sept. 12 in Norfolk, Virginia, the tour will hit 19 cities across the country including Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Denver and more before wrapping in Katy, Texas on Dec. 13.
“There’s no better feeling than being on the road, playing for the fans who’ve been with us from the start and the new ones we meet every night,” says lead singer Matt Thomas. “This tour is all about that connection — feeling like home no matter where we are.”
Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass), and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, the band has amassed four back-to-back No. 1 singles and 1.6 billion on-demand streams.
2025 “Feels Like Home” Tour Dates:
September 12 – Norfolk, VA – Waterside District
September 13 – Ashland, VA – K95 Country Jam II
September 26 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino Hotel – Event Center
September 27 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre
October 4 – Las Vegas, NV – Fremont Street
October 10 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
October 11 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Annex
October 17 – Apopka, FL – Apopka Amphitheater
October 18 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
October 31 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose
November 1 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre
November 7 – Jackson, MI – Michigan Theatre of Jackson
November 8 – Port Huron, MI – McMorran Place Theatre
November 21 – Cocoa, FL – Cocoa Riverfront Park Amphitheater
November 22 – Jupiter, FL – Abacoa Amphitheater
December 5 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry
December 6 – Cincinnati, OH – TBD^
December 11 – Corpus Christi, TX – Brewster Street Ice House*
December 13 – Katy, TX – Mo’s Place^
* On Sale – September 5 @ 10 am/CT
^ On Sale Soon
Industry Veteran Rick Rockhill Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughRick Rockhill
Glen Richard “Rick” Rockhill passed away peacefully at his home in Panama City, Florida on Aug. 29. He was 80.
A veteran of the music industry, “Rocket Man,” as he was known to his many friends and colleagues, was instrumental in developing the careers of many notable artists, including Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Steve Holy, Hal Ketchum, Wynonna Judd, Jo Dee Messina, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Davis, Sawyer Brown, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn, Rodney Atkins and many more.
Rockhill was born in Birmingham and began his music career in Nashville as a promotions executive. Operating out of Nashville and Atlanta, he worked for several labels throughout his career, including Bang Records, Capricorn Records, Curb Records and DreamWorks Nashville. In the ’90’s he was a partner at Tandem Promotions with Tari Laes. In 2024, he moved to Panama City Beach to be closer to family.
Along with music he had an eclectic array of interests from hiking at Radnor Lake and fly fishing to documentary films, reading and following current events. Long after retirement he remained keenly interested in discovering new talent, but his heart and driving force would always be his family, especially daughter Cayce, granddaughters Bayleigh and Savannah, and great-grandson Brooks.
Rockhill was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Loren V. Rockhill of Birmingham and is survived by daughter Cayce Lee Rockhill of Lovettsville, Virginia; brother Ron Rockhill and wife Gayle of Panama City Beach; grandchildren Loren Bayleigh Langston of Bluffton, South Carolina and Savannah McGarity of Lovettsville, Virginia; and great grandson Brooks Langston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lowcountry Autism Foundation of Bluffton, S.C., (10 Pinckney Colony Road, Building 100, Suite 100, Bluffton, S.C., 29909). A celebration of life is being planned for October.
LeAnn Phelan Launches LP Creative Hall of Fame Workshop Series
/by Madison HahnenMusic industry veteran LeAnn Phelan has launched the LP Creative Hall of Fame Workshop Series, an 4-day online event for songwriters.
The series will run starting Sept. 8 through Sept. 11 from 5-6 p.m. CST on Zoom. Replays of each session will be available for a limited time. The workshops will feature tools for balance and success on the songwriter’s journey, finding your voice in the digital age, longevity in creativity, a q&a with Phelan, and guest appearances from Ashley Gorley and Paul Williams.
“It’s an honor to feature 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Ashley Gorley on this series,” says Phelan. “To have someone with 84 No. 1 singles and 11 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards share wisdom with developing songwriters is truly extraordinary.
“When I began LP Creative Therapy Workshops during COVID, the goal was to help songwriters sustain momentum and community during a difficult time,” Phelan continues. “Today, the workshops have grown into a safe space where songwriters are encouraged to align with their deepest creative integrity.”
The series will be open to all songwriters around the globe. To register, click here.
Phelan also plans to launch a seven week long LP Creative Workshop program beginning Sept. 22, designed for songwriters seeking craft and career strategy advice. During next week’s four day series, two scholarships will be awarded to the seven week program.
Morgan Wallen Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘I Got Better’
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen tops the the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “I Got Better.”
The song comes off of Wallen’s recent, fourth studio album I’m The Problem, and was written by Wallen, Michael Hardy, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Smith, Charlie Handsome and Joe Reeves.
Wallen is close to wrapping up his 10-city, 19-date “I’m The Problem” stadium tour with just three stops left. Tonight, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON and Sept. 12 and 13 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, AB.
“I Got Better” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne Join CBS’ ‘The Road’ Cast
/by Lauryn SinkJordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne will join the cast of CBS’ The Road as guest advisors, offering industry insight and advice to the participating musicians.
The 12 rising-artists will compete as opening acts for Keith Urban at music venues across the country. Throughout the season, Urban is joined by executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan and “Tour Manager” Gretchen Wilson. This season’s featured artists include Adam Sanders, Billie Jo Jones, Blaine Bailey, Briana Adams, Britnee Kellogg, Cassidy Daniels, Channing Wilson, Cody Hibbard, Forrest McCurren, Jenny Tolman, Jon Wood and Olivia Harms.
The docu-follow show trailing the up-and-coming musicians as they navigate the life of a touring musician will premiere Oct. 19.
FEMco Hosts Conversation With Diane Warren & Megan Moroney
/by LB CantrellMegan Moroney, Diane Warren and Leslie Fram. Photo: iamjohnjo
Songwriting icon Diane Warren and multi-Platinum country star Megan Moroney joined forces Tuesday night (Sept. 2) at Anzie Blue to launch FEMco’s new interview-based series with “Nashville Welcomes Diane Warren: In Conversation with Megan Moroney.”
Moderated by FEMco co-founder Leslie Fram, the evening offered an intimate look at Warren’s legendary career and Moroney’s fast-rising path to stardom. The pair spoke about the importance of authenticity in the music business and staying true to themselves—even when faced with doubt. They also reflected on their early musical influences and teased new music and projects on the way.
Diane Warren and Megan Moroney. Photo: iamjohnjo
Moroney shared how she’s navigated Nashville while staying grounded in her artistry, while Warren—inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and one of the most celebrated songwriters of all time—spoke candidly about the persistence that has fueled her decades of success and her ongoing passion for creating.
The sold-out event, which packed Anzie Blue’s 250-capacity room, also supported a meaningful cause: a portion of proceeds benefitted local animal rescue organizations through Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation. The program was sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University’s Scott Borchetta College of Media & Entertainment.