Ashley McBryde Performs at CMHOFM Annual Nightfall At The Hall Celebration

Pictured (L-R): Museum CEO Kyle Young, Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Ashley McBryde, Troubadour Advisory Council Leadership Team Chair Elizabeth Lombardi, Director of Institutional Giving at the Museum Marie Bradshaw and VP of Development at the Museum Ben Hall. Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ashley McBryde recently performed at the annual Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Nightfall at the Hall Celebration for the museum’s Troubadour members.
Prior to McBryde’s performance, student artist Lily Braithwaite performed “Story of Her Life,” a song that she wrote during the museum’s 2025 summer songwriting camp. The 16-year-old Brentwood native has participated in museum programs for two years.
Russell Dickerson Surprised With Multiple Plaques At Sold-Out Tour Stop In Canada

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Canada’s Julie Calabrese, Emily Thich, Warren Copnick, Dickerson, Lisa Logutenkow, Brooke Morgan. Photo: Thomas Heney
Russell Dickerson earned a No. 1 plaque in Canada for his hit single “Happen to Me”, which spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1, fueled by over 200 million global streams. Additionally, Dickerson has reached multiple certification milestones in Canada for YOURS (Platinum Album), “Yours” (4x Platinum Single), “Blue Tacoma” (3x Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum), “Home Sweet” (Gold), “God Gave Me A Girl” (Gold) and “She Likes It (Feat. Jake Scott)” (Platinum). He was recently surprised with plaques for his accomplishments at his sold-out RUSSELLMANIA tour stop.
The Crew Announces 15th Annual CMA Awards Viewing Party Benefiting Musicians On Call

Pictured (L-R, Back row): Fletcher Lyon, Jackson Kiger, Halle Bartlett, Emily Gene Baldridge, Markus Koger, Cheshire Rigler (Front row, L-R): Samantha Sarno, Julia Keefe, Leah Binkerd. Not pictured: Nicolette McCann, Nathan Thomas. Photo: Katie Larson.
The Crew, a group of 11 music industry executives, is set to host their 15th annual CMA Awards viewing party benefiting Musicians On Call on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. CT, returning to Tin Roof Nashville Downtown. Last year, the event raised $18k for Musicians On Call at the viewing party. Organizations interested in purchasing a sponsorship package this year should contact Emily Gene Baldridge (emily@hangyourhatmusic.com), Markus Koger (markus@smokingsectionpodcast.com) and Julia Keefe (julia@edgehillmusicpublishing.com).
“As we mark the 15th year of this special event, The Crew is grateful for the sponsors and community who make it possible,” shares The Crew. “We are excited to carry forward this tradition of supporting a meaningful cause while creating a memorable night celebrating the awards together.”
Josh Ross Makes U.S. National Tv Debut

Josh Ross. Photo: Austin Friedline
Josh Ross made his U.S. national TV debut this morning with a performance of his current country radio single “Hate How You Look” on Live! With Kelly & Mark.
Later this month, Ross will embark on a six-city support run with Dylan Scott stateside before he heads to London for two shows at The Camden Assembly. Ross will headline his 17-date tour across Canada starting Feb. 6, with direct support from Chandler Walters.
Noah Hicks Kicks Off Nationwide Children’s Hospital Tour

Noah Hicks and patient during visit.
As part of his “Small Town Does Tour,” Love Your Melon and TB1Fund have partnered with rising country artist Noah Hicks to coordinate hospital visits in tour cities where Hicks is set to perform.
“The Small Town Does Tour is about connection—real people, real stories, and real support,” shares Hicks. “Visiting these hospitals and giving kids something to smile about means more than anything I could do on stage.”
“Noah has always been about community and lifting others up through his music,” adds Braxton Battaglia, Founder of TB1Fund. “By combining the missions of Blythe, TB1Fund, and Love Your Melon with his tour, we’re able to create moments of joy for families who need it most.”
The Kody Norris Show Mural Unveiled In Mountain City

Pictured (L-R): Charlie Lowman, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, Kody Norris, Josiah Tyree of The Kody Norris Show. Photo: Dustin Nelson, Johnson County Tourism
Kody Norris and The Kody Norris Show were honored over the weekend with the official unveiling of a mural celebrating Norris in his hometown of Mountain City, Tennessee. The mural was painted by Tim White and the unveiling was the official kickoff for the 100th annual Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention.
“I have never been so honored in my life when I stepped on that stage to see the finished mural and such a supportive community,” shares Norris. “I was born in Mountain City, Tennessee, and will always call it home. I am humbled and blessed. Thank you, everyone!”
Rooted In Rhythm To Host Texas Showcase

Rooted In Rhythm is set to host a showcase in McKinney, Texas on Oct. 18 featuring Pynk Beard, along with Maurice The Music, Amira Unplugged, Elsie, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Valerie Ponzio, Squeezebox Bandits, Adrian Garza and more.
A portion of ticket sales will go towards replacing instruments and creative supplies for kids and women who have lost them in natural disasters. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Reba McEntire Announces Special 30th Anniversary Release Of ‘Starting Over’
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album Starting Over with a special anniversary edition, due out Jan. 23.
The new anniversary edition features three bonus tracks including the never-before-released “Heat Wave,” out now, and will be available for the first time ever on vinyl. Starting Over debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart upon its release on Oct. 3, 1995, and its lead single “On My Own,” was a collaboration that united four powerhouse voices: Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Linda Davis. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Reba’s Top 10 success spans five straight decades, landing her in the singular group with only George Jones, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Her latest single “Trailblazer” featuring Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, garnered 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week, marking a new personal best for Reba in the streaming era.
Starting Over Track List:
1. “Talking In Your Sleep”
2. “Please Come To Boston”
3. “On My Own”
4. “I Won’t Mention It Again”
5. “You’re No Good”
6. “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands”
7. “Five Hundred Miles Away From Home”
8. “Starting Over Again”
9. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
10. “By The Time I Get To Phoenix”
11. “Heat Wave”
12. “Misty Blue”
13. “Tulsa Time”
Brent Maher Releases New Song/Video From Musical Novel ‘Night Of the Orphan Train’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrent Maher
Award-winning producer and songwriter Brent Maher has written his first work of fiction, a musical novel, Night of the Orphan Train.
Distributed by ONE Audiobooks, the audiobook is set for release Oct. 17. A new video from the project, “Haves and Have Nots,” featuring the talents of The French Family Band, has been released by Moraine Music Group. Co-written by Maher with Joe Robinson and Seth Hopkins, the track appears on the original 21-song soundtrack, arriving Nov. 7.
“I met The French Family band when I was finishing up a record with Joe Robinson who’s an incredible guitarist and singer/songwriter who happens to be from Australia.,” recalls Maher. “I mentioned to Joe that I needed some young people to sing the parts for the main characters in act one. Joe said some friends of his, also from Australia, just moved to Nashville and he thought would be perfect. The French Family Band. Was he ever right! I can’t imagine these songs without the French Family band bringing them to life.”
Between 1854-1929, more than 250,000 orphaned, abandoned and homeless children were relocated from cities like New York to rural towns across America. The Orphan Train Movement remains a significant yet often overlooked chapter in U.S history, and Maher was inspired to create the project after discovering The National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, Kansas. Moved by its history, he set out to tell the story through a blend of original music and narrative, following three fictional children from age 11 into their 20s. The result is Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, a unique fusion of historical storytelling and Americana, Bluegrass, and Classic compositions.
A percentage of proceeds from the project will benefit Youth Villages of Middle TN, which is part of a nationally recognized non-profit organization focused on providing services for children in foster care, group homes and teens aging out of foster care. November is National Orphan Awareness Month, a month where various organizations and individuals highlight the plight of these children and advocate for their well-being. A key event during this month is Orphan Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday in November and is dedicated to raising awareness and support for orphans and foster children.
Big Machine Rock Re-Launches Under Gebbia Media, Expands Team
/by Lauryn SinkBig Machine Rock has re-launched under Gebbia Media, a subsidiary of Siebert Financial Corp., which acquired the company earlier this year.
The company is helmed by General Manager Heather Luke, who joined Big Machine in 2018. Luke oversees the company’s all-female team, comprised of Allison Smith (SVP, Promotion), Brooke Nixon (VP, Digital Strategy), Tara Curran (Project Manager), Megan O’Reilly (Label Coordinator), Kyla Schweitzer (Digital Coordinator), Shea Berkhouse (Label Operations Coordinator) and Rachel Spackman (Stylist and Event Coordinator).
“We’re building a label that embraces creativity in all its forms,” shares Luke. “Raw, real and innovative. With an artist-first approach, we’re focused on empowering voices and fostering authentic connections. I’m excited to grow alongside this incredible team and grateful to Gebbia Media for this opportunity and partnership to bring this vision to life.”
The label’s current roster includes Sammy Hagar, Daughtry, Olive Vox, Ryan Perdz and Wes Parker.
Big Machine Rock is also launching “Off The Record with Big Machine Rock,” an event series designed to showcase artists in intimate and immersive settings. The series debuts Oct. 15 in Chicago.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the next chapter of Big Machine Rock,” says Greg Murphy, Executive Vice President at Gebbia Media. “The label has an incredible lineup of artists, from legends like Sammy Hagar to rising stars like Ryan Perdz and Olive Vox. With Heather Luke and her exceptional all-female team at the helm, we see a tremendous opportunity to expand our investment in the music industry and support the future of rock music.”
“At Siebert Financial, we believe in the power of creativity and the importance of supporting emerging talent,” adds Richie Gebbia, Co-CEO of Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC. “Sponsoring the ‘Off The Record with Big Machine Rock’ series is a natural fit for us. It allows us to connect with the next generation of investors by fostering creative expression and providing a platform for artists to share their music in unique and intimate settings.”
IEBA Reveals The 2025 Industry Award Recipients
/by Lauryn SinkAdam Weiser (AEG Presents). Photo: Ed Rode
IEBA marked the close of its sold-out annual conference with an Honors & Awards Ceremony Tuesday evening (Oct. 7).
Voted on by members of IEBA and announced during the ceremony, the awards were hosted by comedian Dusty Slay.
Bridgestone Arena takes home Arena of the year. Photo: Ed Rode
“These awards are truly special because they are selected by those who know the work best—their peers,” said IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner. “They celebrate the visionary minds and tireless leaders working out of the spotlight who, with every show, propel our industry forward.”
Brooklyn Bowl Nashville took home this year’s Club of the Year. Bridgestone Arena was named Arena of the Year. Andrew Fortin of Neste Live! Took Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year and AEG Presents’ Adam Weiser claimed Promoter of the Year. Neste Live! was named Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year.
The event also honored the induction of two new members, Alex Hodges and Chuck Morris, into the IEBA Hall of Fame.
Additionally, the IEBA announced its updated branding during the conference, including a new logo and updated tagline, “Live Deals Done Here.”
IEBA 2026 is slated to return to the Grand Hyatt & The Pinnacle Nashville on October 4 – 6.
2025 IEBA Award Winners:
Club of the Year: Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Casino of the Year: Mohegan Sun
Theater of the Year: Fox Theater Atlanta
Arena of the Year: Bridgestone Arena
Amphitheater of the Year: The Greek Theatre
Fair/Expo of the Year: Wisconsin State Fair
Festival of the Year: Austin City Limits Festival
Club Buyer of the Year: Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Casino Buyer of the Year: Deana Baker, Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant
Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year: Neste Live!
International Buyer of the Year: Susan Heymann, Frontier Touring
Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year: Andrew Fortin, Neste Live!
Festival Buyer of the Year: Amy Corbin, C3 Presents
Venue Executive of the Year: Laurie Jacoby, BSE/Barclays Center
Young Professional of the Year: Marcus Greenstein, Day After Day Productions
Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year: Mike Garcia, USC
Boutique Agency Agent of the Year: Seth Shomes, Day After Day Productions
Major Agency Agent of the Year: Kevin Kastrup, Wasserman Music
Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Brooklyn Bowl takes home Club of the Year. Photo: Ed Rode
Andrew Fortin and Neste Live! Photo: Ed Rode
Alan Jackson Reveals Details For His Final Concert [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellAlan Jackson. Photo: David McClister
Plans have been announced for Alan Jackson‘s last full-length concert of his touring career. In a show called “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member will perform for over 50,000 people on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
An all-star lineup of artists are set to join Jackson to celebrate his career and legacy. Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack will all perform at the event, with more to be announced.
“We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started for me, and that’s in Nashville—Music City—where country music lives,” Jackson says, echoing the sentiment he offered when announcing an end to his road career this past spring.
At a May concert in Milwaukee, Jackson announced the end of his touring career, surprising many when he told the sellout crowd, “This is my last road show.”
“It’s been a long, sweet ride. It started 40 years ago,” he went on to explain. “I’ve really lived the American dream for sure—I’m so blessed.”
Registration for pre-sales begins today (Oct. 8) at 10:00 a.m. CT at AlanJacksonLastCall.com and continues through Monday (Oct. 13). Pre-sales begin Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10:00am CT. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 17 (Jackson’s birthday) at 10:00 a.m. CT, should any remain. VIP experiences are also available.
Throughout his touring career, Jackson took his music from coast-to-coast countless times. He crossed Canada from sea-to-sea, and even made its way to such places as Australia, Brazil and Europe. His “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour,” which began in 2022 and continued through this past spring, found the country legend playing to enthusiastic audiences at sellout and capacity concerts.
“Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” is presented by Silverbelly Whiskey and promoted by Doussan Music Group and Peachtree Entertainment. $1.00 per ticket will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organization that funds research to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and matched by $2.00 per ticket from a generous donor.
Aimee Graham Launches DGBG Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughAimee Graham
Industry professional Aimee Graham is launching DGBG Entertainment, an artist and industry services company focusing on project management with music coordination and talent booking also available.
Named to MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory in 2025, Graham was formerly a librarian before coming to Nashville in 2014 and working as a freelance writer for outlets Got Country, AXS’ The Rowdy, Wide Open Country and founding the blog The Country Note. In 2016, she began working at the Grand Ole Opry as the Content & Creative Assistant before being promoted to Talent Coordinator. At the Opry, she advanced and documented over 220 live shows a year and assisted in artist relations strategies, including as Project Coordinator on the Opry vinyl Unbroken: Empty Room, Full Circle.
In 2022, she became a Public Programs Manager at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she revived and restructured the “Musician Spotlight” series, booked the weekly “Songwriter Session,” and contributed to the museum’s “Poets and Prophets” and “Nashville Cats” series, and “From Where I Stand: The Concert Celebration.”
“Coordinating and managing the number of live performances I have over my career, project management has become one of my strongest skills,” says Graham. “As time went on, I was being approached by companies, artists, and industry alike asking for my help on a variety of projects—from historical documentation to single/EP releases, to assisting in large scale, multi-artist performances. It felt the right time to bring these services to the larger music community.”
Graham can be reached at contact@dgbgent.com.
Ian Munsick Slates ‘The Eagle Flies Free Tour’ For 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughIan Munsick. Photo: Matt Gold
Ian Munsick has announced he’ll kick off his 17-date headlining “The Eagle Flies Free Tour” Feb. 13 in Charlotte.
The tour will feature special guests Lanie Gardner, Ben Haggard, Tyler Nance and Jake Worthington, and will include stops in Atlanta, Bozeman, Missoula, Spokane, Fargo and more through March 28.
“’The Eagle Flies Free Tour’ will be our greatest tour yet,” says Munsick. “The bond you have with me and Rocky Mountain Fever is unlike anything I’ve experienced and it is an honor to witness night in and night out. Some of you have been to 10 + shows. Some of you might be coming to a show for the first time. Either way, this tour will be one of the best shows you’ve ever seen. Come fly with me.”
Presale tickets will be available to members of Munsick’s official fan club starting Oct. 8 with all remaining available to the public starting Oct. 10. Munsick shared the news of the new tour to fans directly after recently parting ways with his label, Warner Music Nashville.
“The Eagle Flies Free Tour” Dates:
Friday, February 13 || Charlotte, NC || Coyote Joe’s *
Saturday, February 14 || Atlanta, GA || Tabernacle *
Thursday, February 19 || Casper, WY || Ford Wyoming Center $
Friday, February 20 || Bozeman, MT || Brick Breeden Fieldhouse #
Saturday, February 21 || Idaho Falls, ID || Mountain America Center #
Tuesday, February 24 || Portland, OR || Roseland Theatre $
Thursday, February 26 || Kennewick, WA || Toyota Center #
Friday, February 27 || Missoula, MT || Adams Center #
Saturday, February 28 || Spokane, WA || FIC for the Art #
Tuesday, March 3 || Grand Island, NE || Heartland Event Center $
Thursday, March 5 || Fargo, ND || Scheels Arena #
Fridasy, March 6 || Brookings, SD || Dacotah Bank #
Saturday, March 7 || Mankato, MN || Grand Hall #
Friday, March 13 || Shipshewana, IN || Blue Gate Theatre (w/ local support)
Saturday, March 14 || Clear Lake, IA || Surf Ballroom (w/ local support)
Friday, March 27 || Helotes, TX || Floores Country Store (w/ local support)
Saturday, March 28 || Durant, OK || Choctaw Grand Theater ^
* w/ Lanie Gardner
# w/ Jake Worthington and Tyler Nance
$ w/ Tyler Nance
^ w/ Ben Haggard
Weekly Register: HARDY Joins Top 5
/by Lauryn SinkHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
Morgan Wallen maintains his position atop the streaming charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 12 million streams this week adding to its 362 million total, while his I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 88K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, Wallen holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 32K in total consumption and the No. 3 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 24K in total consumption. HARDY’s Country! Country! album has taken the No. 4 spot with 24K in total consumption. Shaboozey holds the No. 5 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going earning 19K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. “I Got Better” takes the No. 2 spot with 10 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” and “Just In Case” come in at No. 3 and No. 4 with 8.8 million and 9.1 million streams each this week respectively. At No. 5 this week is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 7.8 million streams.
Industry Ink: Ashley McBryde, Russell Dickerson, The Crew, Josh Ross, More
/by Lauryn SinkAshley McBryde Performs at CMHOFM Annual Nightfall At The Hall Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Museum CEO Kyle Young, Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Ashley McBryde, Troubadour Advisory Council Leadership Team Chair Elizabeth Lombardi, Director of Institutional Giving at the Museum Marie Bradshaw and VP of Development at the Museum Ben Hall. Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ashley McBryde recently performed at the annual Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Nightfall at the Hall Celebration for the museum’s Troubadour members.
Prior to McBryde’s performance, student artist Lily Braithwaite performed “Story of Her Life,” a song that she wrote during the museum’s 2025 summer songwriting camp. The 16-year-old Brentwood native has participated in museum programs for two years.
Russell Dickerson Surprised With Multiple Plaques At Sold-Out Tour Stop In Canada
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Canada’s Julie Calabrese, Emily Thich, Warren Copnick, Dickerson, Lisa Logutenkow, Brooke Morgan. Photo: Thomas Heney
Russell Dickerson earned a No. 1 plaque in Canada for his hit single “Happen to Me”, which spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1, fueled by over 200 million global streams. Additionally, Dickerson has reached multiple certification milestones in Canada for YOURS (Platinum Album), “Yours” (4x Platinum Single), “Blue Tacoma” (3x Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum), “Home Sweet” (Gold), “God Gave Me A Girl” (Gold) and “She Likes It (Feat. Jake Scott)” (Platinum). He was recently surprised with plaques for his accomplishments at his sold-out RUSSELLMANIA tour stop.
The Crew Announces 15th Annual CMA Awards Viewing Party Benefiting Musicians On Call
Pictured (L-R, Back row): Fletcher Lyon, Jackson Kiger, Halle Bartlett, Emily Gene Baldridge, Markus Koger, Cheshire Rigler (Front row, L-R): Samantha Sarno, Julia Keefe, Leah Binkerd. Not pictured: Nicolette McCann, Nathan Thomas. Photo: Katie Larson.
The Crew, a group of 11 music industry executives, is set to host their 15th annual CMA Awards viewing party benefiting Musicians On Call on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. CT, returning to Tin Roof Nashville Downtown. Last year, the event raised $18k for Musicians On Call at the viewing party. Organizations interested in purchasing a sponsorship package this year should contact Emily Gene Baldridge (emily@hangyourhatmusic.com), Markus Koger (markus@smokingsectionpodcast.com) and Julia Keefe (julia@edgehillmusicpublishing.com).
“As we mark the 15th year of this special event, The Crew is grateful for the sponsors and community who make it possible,” shares The Crew. “We are excited to carry forward this tradition of supporting a meaningful cause while creating a memorable night celebrating the awards together.”
Josh Ross Makes U.S. National Tv Debut
Josh Ross. Photo: Austin Friedline
Josh Ross made his U.S. national TV debut this morning with a performance of his current country radio single “Hate How You Look” on Live! With Kelly & Mark.
Later this month, Ross will embark on a six-city support run with Dylan Scott stateside before he heads to London for two shows at The Camden Assembly. Ross will headline his 17-date tour across Canada starting Feb. 6, with direct support from Chandler Walters.
Noah Hicks Kicks Off Nationwide Children’s Hospital Tour
Noah Hicks and patient during visit.
As part of his “Small Town Does Tour,” Love Your Melon and TB1Fund have partnered with rising country artist Noah Hicks to coordinate hospital visits in tour cities where Hicks is set to perform.
“The Small Town Does Tour is about connection—real people, real stories, and real support,” shares Hicks. “Visiting these hospitals and giving kids something to smile about means more than anything I could do on stage.”
“Noah has always been about community and lifting others up through his music,” adds Braxton Battaglia, Founder of TB1Fund. “By combining the missions of Blythe, TB1Fund, and Love Your Melon with his tour, we’re able to create moments of joy for families who need it most.”
The Kody Norris Show Mural Unveiled In Mountain City
Pictured (L-R): Charlie Lowman, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, Kody Norris, Josiah Tyree of The Kody Norris Show. Photo: Dustin Nelson, Johnson County Tourism
Kody Norris and The Kody Norris Show were honored over the weekend with the official unveiling of a mural celebrating Norris in his hometown of Mountain City, Tennessee. The mural was painted by Tim White and the unveiling was the official kickoff for the 100th annual Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention.
“I have never been so honored in my life when I stepped on that stage to see the finished mural and such a supportive community,” shares Norris. “I was born in Mountain City, Tennessee, and will always call it home. I am humbled and blessed. Thank you, everyone!”
Rooted In Rhythm To Host Texas Showcase
Rooted In Rhythm is set to host a showcase in McKinney, Texas on Oct. 18 featuring Pynk Beard, along with Maurice The Music, Amira Unplugged, Elsie, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Valerie Ponzio, Squeezebox Bandits, Adrian Garza and more.
A portion of ticket sales will go towards replacing instruments and creative supplies for kids and women who have lost them in natural disasters. Tickets and more information can be found here.
CMA Reveals 2025 Broadcast Award Winners
/by Lauryn SinkThe Country Music Association has announced the winners for the 2025 Broadcast Awards. The winners were surprised with the news by Tucker Wetmore, who made personal phone calls throughout the morning.
The CMA Broadcast Award categories are established by market size based on population as ranked by Nielsen. Entries for Broadcast Personality of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical and impact information. Candidates for Radio Station of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and leadership and impact information.
Any full-time, on-air broadcast personalities and radio stations in the United States and Canada were eligible to submit entries, regardless of CMA membership status. The entries are judged by a panel of distinguished broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.
CMA Broadcast Awards winners are not eligible to enter the same award category in consecutive years; therefore, those who received trophies in 2024 were not eligible in 2025.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards hosted by Lainey Wilson will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Nov. 19.
2025 CMA Broadcast Personality Of The Year Winners:
CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
Weekly National:
“Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” (Lon Helton) – LH Productions
Daily National:
“The Rob and Holly Show” (Rob Stone and Holly Hutton) – Audacy
Major Market:
“Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, and “Dubs” Michael Wilczynski) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
Large Market:
“The Q Morning Crew w/ Mike & Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
Medium Market:
“Mo & StyckMan” (Melissa “Mo” Wagner and Greg “StyckMan” Owens) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market:
“Ben & Arnie” (Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews) – WCOW, La Crosse, Wis.
CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR:
Major Market:
KKBQ – Houston, Texas
Large Market:
WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market:
WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
Small Market:
WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.