NSAI Hosts Awards After Party To Celebrate The Nashville Songwriter Awards
NSAI staff and NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller gather at the end of the night. Photo: Jason Davis
NSAI brought together honorees, award winners, sponsors and music industry professionals following The Nashville Songwriter Awards at Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club for the Official After Party presented by General Motors and Loeb & Loeb.
Guests enjoyed a red carpet, photo opportunities, networking, drinks and music throughout the evening.
Toby Keith Joins Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame
Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale Artist Greg Mayse and Tricia Covel.
Toby Keith was posthumously inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier DaysHall of Fame on Sept. 5. Keith performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days nine times.
His wife Tricia Covel accepted the induction on his behalf. She thanked the organization for the honor, as well as the people on his team who facilitated his dream of performing at CFD, and recalled how Keith loved performing at CFD, and the cowboy life he saw there.
Joe Nichols Hosts ‘Home Run For Hope’
Joe Nichols and Jelly Roll with Special Olympics Young Athletes and Mt. Juliet Challengers players. Photo: Jessica Crans for BSB MGMT
Joe Nichols recently hosted Home Run For Hope on Sunday (Sept. 28) to help raise awareness and funds to host Nashville’s first ADA-compliant baseball field. In addition to raising money to cover the estimated $1.5 million construction costs, with the help of Academy Sports + Outdoors, Nichols also gifted sporting equipment to the local Special Olympics of Tennessee Youth Athletes, West Nashville Sports League, The King’s Daughters’ School and Mt. Juliet Challenger League.
“Some of my most cherished memories have come from time spent on ball fields— both as a lifelong baseball fan and as a father, especially now that my daughter plays softball so I’m proud to stand behind a project that provides that opportunity for all to play and experience the unifying and transformative power of the game,” says Nichols “I believe every kid—no matter their ability—deserves the chance to step up to the plate.”
“For these kids, this field will become a place where they can truly belong – a place where every child, including those in wheelchairs and children with disabilities, has a chance to hit it out of the park and where no one is left on the sidelines,” adds Scott Tygard of The West Nashville Sports League. “I want to thank Joe and all of our sponsors for coming together to help uplift this community and spark inspiration and encouragement for the next generation of dreamers and doers.”
Ampersand Studios & PERK PR Host Conversation On Artist Team-Building
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Perkins (PERK PR & Creative Agency), Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law, PLLC), Nicole Lewis (One Spark Entertainment), Blake Duncan (Combustion Music) and Megan Schultz (Riser House).
Ampersand Studios and PERK PR + Creative Agency hosted “Building the Dream Team” on Thursday (Sept. 25), the latest panel in their Nashville series, created by Trevor Perkins of PERK PR & Creative Agency.
The event featured Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law, PLLC), Nicole Lewis (One Spark Entertainment), Megan Schultz (Riser House) and Blake Duncan (Combustion Music), with Perkins serving as moderator.
“There’s so much pressure on emerging artists to ‘get a team,’ but no one tells you when, how, or who to trust,” said Perkins. “This conversation gave artists real-world answers and clarity.”
‘I Had Some Help’ Honored At BMI London Awards
Hoskins attends the 2025 BMI London Awards.
This year’s BMI London Song of the Year was awarded to “I Had Some Help,” written by Hoskins, Charlie Handsome, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters. The massive hit performed by Wallen and Post Malone debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and after spending its first five and six weeks, respectively, on top, was named the official Billboard Song of the Summer for 2024.
MŌRIAH Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Lorenzo Huerta
MŌRIAH stepped into the circle of the Grand Ole Opry for her debut performance on Friday (Sept. 26). Her debut included a performance of her single “Sombrero” and more.
“The Opry circle never holds just one person—it’s filled with family, friends, coworkers, and all their sacrifices that get you there,” MŌRIAH shares. “On Friday, I held my community close…and thought a lot about my Grandpa, a touring musician in Mexico who traded his trumpet for a busboy apron when he came to the U.S.—a sacrifice that made my music career possible. His box of thank you cards and Opry Debut memorabilia is en route to El Paso, Texas right now! Mil gracias, Grand Ole Opry for helping so many stories shine in that sacred circle.”
MŌRIAH is set to release her duet with Ana Bárbara, “Supermujeres,” on Oct 3.
Photo: Lorenzo Huerta
Photo: Lorenzo Huerta
Country Radio Hall Of Fame 2026 Applications Now Open
/by Madison HahnenThe Hall of Fame recognizes radio professionals who have made lasting and significant contributions to the country radio industry. Nominees must have at least 20 years of radio industry experience, with at least 15 of those being in the country format.
There are two categories that are honored: Radio (those who have worked behind the scenes in programming, management, sales, etc.) and On-Air Personality (those who have made their mark as on-air talent). Inductees will be revealed during CRS 2026, taking place March 18-20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Nominations can be submitted here.
Industry Ink: NSAI, Toby Keith, Joe Nichols, Ampersand & Perk PR, BMI London
/by Lauryn SinkNSAI Hosts Awards After Party To Celebrate The Nashville Songwriter Awards
NSAI staff and NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller gather at the end of the night. Photo: Jason Davis
NSAI brought together honorees, award winners, sponsors and music industry professionals following The Nashville Songwriter Awards at Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club for the Official After Party presented by General Motors and Loeb & Loeb.
Guests enjoyed a red carpet, photo opportunities, networking, drinks and music throughout the evening.
Toby Keith Joins Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame
Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale Artist Greg Mayse and Tricia Covel.
Toby Keith was posthumously inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier DaysHall of Fame on Sept. 5. Keith performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days nine times.
His wife Tricia Covel accepted the induction on his behalf. She thanked the organization for the honor, as well as the people on his team who facilitated his dream of performing at CFD, and recalled how Keith loved performing at CFD, and the cowboy life he saw there.
Joe Nichols Hosts ‘Home Run For Hope’
Joe Nichols and Jelly Roll with Special Olympics Young Athletes and Mt. Juliet Challengers players. Photo: Jessica Crans for BSB MGMT
Joe Nichols recently hosted Home Run For Hope on Sunday (Sept. 28) to help raise awareness and funds to host Nashville’s first ADA-compliant baseball field. In addition to raising money to cover the estimated $1.5 million construction costs, with the help of Academy Sports + Outdoors, Nichols also gifted sporting equipment to the local Special Olympics of Tennessee Youth Athletes, West Nashville Sports League, The King’s Daughters’ School and Mt. Juliet Challenger League.
“Some of my most cherished memories have come from time spent on ball fields— both as a lifelong baseball fan and as a father, especially now that my daughter plays softball so I’m proud to stand behind a project that provides that opportunity for all to play and experience the unifying and transformative power of the game,” says Nichols “I believe every kid—no matter their ability—deserves the chance to step up to the plate.”
“For these kids, this field will become a place where they can truly belong – a place where every child, including those in wheelchairs and children with disabilities, has a chance to hit it out of the park and where no one is left on the sidelines,” adds Scott Tygard of The West Nashville Sports League. “I want to thank Joe and all of our sponsors for coming together to help uplift this community and spark inspiration and encouragement for the next generation of dreamers and doers.”
Ampersand Studios & PERK PR Host Conversation On Artist Team-Building
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Perkins (PERK PR & Creative Agency), Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law, PLLC), Nicole Lewis (One Spark Entertainment), Blake Duncan (Combustion Music) and Megan Schultz (Riser House).
Ampersand Studios and PERK PR + Creative Agency hosted “Building the Dream Team” on Thursday (Sept. 25), the latest panel in their Nashville series, created by Trevor Perkins of PERK PR & Creative Agency.
The event featured Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law, PLLC), Nicole Lewis (One Spark Entertainment), Megan Schultz (Riser House) and Blake Duncan (Combustion Music), with Perkins serving as moderator.
“There’s so much pressure on emerging artists to ‘get a team,’ but no one tells you when, how, or who to trust,” said Perkins. “This conversation gave artists real-world answers and clarity.”
‘I Had Some Help’ Honored At BMI London Awards
Hoskins attends the 2025 BMI London Awards.
This year’s BMI London Song of the Year was awarded to “I Had Some Help,” written by Hoskins, Charlie Handsome, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters. The massive hit performed by Wallen and Post Malone debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and after spending its first five and six weeks, respectively, on top, was named the official Billboard Song of the Summer for 2024.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Dominates Streaming Charts
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen continues to dominate 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 349 million total, while his I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 90K 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. Shaboozey takes the No. 4 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going with 20K in total consumption. Rounding out the albums chart is BigXThaPlug’s I Hope You’re Happy earning 19K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. “I Got Better” takes the No. 2 spot with 11 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” and “Just In Case” come in at No. 3 and No. 4 with 9 million and 9.3 million streams each this week respectively. At No. 5 this week is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 7.9 million streams.
Ray Charles Remaster Series Continues With Slate Of Vintage Reissues
/by Lorie HollabaughRay Charles‘ Tangerine Records is continuing to release Charles’ best-known music alongside classic records long out of print on the Tangerine Master Series, with a new slate of reissues set for the coming months.
Each album has been restored and remastered under the supervision of The Ray Charles Foundation. The Tangerine Master Series continues with the release of Charles’ reissue of 1963’s Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul, available now at all DSPs, on CD, and vinyl for the first time in more than half a century. The project is highlighted by the Grammy-winning, top 5 hit, “Busted,” as well as the top 20 favorite, “That Old Lucky Sun.” Bootlegged across Europe for decades, this is the first and only real reissue of this album on vinyl, as well as its first appearance on CD since the 1990s.
Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul follows the Tangerine Master Series’ recent release of a newly remastered edition of 1974’s Come Live With Me, a blend of pop and gospel-infused soul available now at all DSPs and on vinyl for the first time in over 50 years.
Next up in the Tangerine Master Series is 1970’s Love Country Style, available for the first time since its original release, on Oct. 24. The Tangerine Master Series will also see reissues of such masterpieces as No One Does It Like…Ray Charles! – The Great Ray Charles Album That Should Have Been, a previously uncompiled collection of singles from 1962-1965, released for the first time ever as a cohesive body of work.
Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson, Brooks & Dunn Among WE Fest 2026 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and Brooks & Dunn.
Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and Brooks & Dunn are set to headline WE Fest Aug. 5-8 in Detroit Lakes, MN.
Little Big Town, Jamey Johnson and Flatland Cavalry will also headline the festival lineup, which also includes Nate Smith, Max McNown, Randy Houser, Cooper Alan, Shenandoah, Diamond Rio, Brent Cobb, Maggie Antone, Elizabeth Nichols, The Droptines, Noeline Hofmann, Matt Schuster, The Kruse Brothers, Braden Jamison, Matt Rogers, Jorden Beem, Brianna Helbling, Zach Thomas and more to be revealed.
Tickets are available for purchase here.
In 2025, WE Fest attracted 30,000 fans each night to Soo Pass Ranch. Festival goers enjoyed new features including the Trading Post Stage, which increased the stage count to four, the rustic and lively Neon Saloon, and a redeveloped Upper Grandstand Deck.
Artist Action: Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, LOCASH, Dylan Gossett
/by Madison HahnenJordan Davis Headlines Sold-Out Red Rocks Show
Red Light Management’s Zach Sutton, Jordan Davis, and AEG’s Brent Fedrizzi commemorate Davis for his sold-out Red Rocks Show this week.
Jordan Davis played a sold-out show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater last Wednesday (Sept. 24) as part of his “Ain’t Enough Road Tour.”
Joining Davis on stage were special guests Marcus King to play their collaboration “Louisiana Stick,” and Peyton Manning who also sang on stage with Davis.
Mitchell Tenpenny Performs Halftime Show At Detroit Lions Crucial Catch Game
Mitchell Tenpenny Performs During Half Time at Detroit Lions Game. Photo: Zach Pigg
Mitchell Tenpenny performed during halftime at Sunday’s (Sept. 28) Detroit Lions Crucial Catch game. Through his 10Penny Fund, the foundation helps bring awareness of the mental support needed by patients and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, which caught the attention of the NFL team.
LOCASH Performs At Savannah Bananas’ Season Finale
Locash & the Savannah Bananas
LOCASH helped the Savannah Bananas baseball team close out their season with a surprise pop-up street party on Saturday (Sept. 27) infront of thousands of attendees. The duo also held a TikTok competition with the team for their single “Wrong Hearts.” Fans were able to submit a video of them dancing to the tune, and winners were flown to the team’s season finale.
Dylan Gossett Makes Television Debut
Dylan Gossett made his television debut on the TODAY show yesterday (Sept. 29). The Texas singer-songwriter performed “Sweet Lady” off his debut album, Westward. While on the show, it was revealed that Gossett has surpassed 1 billion career streams, and his “Beneath Oak Trees” is RIAA certified Gold.
Eric Church & Chief Cares Expand Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
/by Lauryn SinkEric Church. Photo: Robby Klein
Eric Church and his nonprofit Chief Cares are expanding their relief efforts one year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Church’s home state. After breaking ground earlier this year on their first housing community, Blue Haven, the organization is expanding homeownership opportunities to those whose homes were directly impacted by the storm as well as people who serve in essential positions to the community including educators, healthcare workers, first responders and more.
“Keeping the community intact has been my goal all along,” says Church. “And what we’ve learned these past several months is that offering long-term housing to the people who hold our communities together—from those whose homes were impacted, to those who are critical to rebuilding—will bring the greatest impact. We’re responding in real time to the evolving needs of Western North Carolina. Chief Cares is here for the long haul.”
All recipients of a Blue Haven home will live rent-free for ten years. At the end of the ten-year term, the deed will be transferred, making the home fully theirs to own.
The initiative is bolstered by a recent $6 million investment from AmeriHealth and the AMY Wellness Foundation, which will fund key infrastructure, wraparound services and expanded housing capacity across Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties.
With the first families slated to move into Blue Haven by Thanksgiving, and additional properties under contract in surrounding counties, Chief Cares is on pace to deliver roughly 200 homes across the region.
“We’re not just building homes—we’re investing in the people that will carry this community forward for generations,” Church adds. “This isn’t about short-term solutions. It’s about long-term hope.”
More information on ways to help and the housing application process is available here.
Luke Bryan & Jason Aldean To Play ‘Live Between The Hedges Show’ At UGA
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan and Jason Aldean are teaming up to play a Sanford Stadium show, “Live Between The Hedges” at the University of Georgia on April 25.
The longtime buddies and Georgia natives joined SEC Nation over the weekend to make the announcement in person from Georgia’s campus ahead of the Georgia vs Alabama game. The lineup for the concert event also includes Zach Top, Georgia native Lauren Alaina, DJ Rock and Dee Jay Silver. Bryan and Aldean first rocked Sanford Stadium in 2013 as part of Aldean’s “Night Train Tour,” which marked the one and only concert event ever to be held in the venue.
“Playing Sanford Stadium in 2013 was one of the biggest highlights of my career,” says Aldean. “I couldn’t be more excited to co-headline it this time with my buddy Luke Bryan. Luke and I have talked for years about wanting to do another show in Athens, and finally the stars have aligned for us to be able to do it. This one’s gonna be something people haven’t seen before…..WE PROMISE YA!”
“Growing up going to Sanford Stadium was always a highlight of the year for me, and I can’t believe I get to go back as a co-headliner with one of my best friends and play this iconic place,” adds Bryan. “Aldean and I have been talking about putting on a unique show together for a few years and to be able to do that in our home turf is incredible. I am so grateful to continue to have these opportunities and to keep being able to have so much fun at this life. This is going to be way up there on the list for me!”
Both Aldean’s and Bryan’s fan club members will have ticket presales beginning today through Oct. 2, with tickets to the public on sale Oct. 3 at LukeBryan.com, JasonAldean.com or GeorgiaDogs.com.
“As we worked on bringing concerts back to Sanford Stadium, it was important that we find a group with Georgia roots,” says J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks. “We have always had a strong partnership with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan and appreciate their passion for their home state and this university. Zach Top and Lauren Alaina are the perfect complement to what will be a fun night in Athens.”
Spotify Unveils New Leadership Structure
/by Lauryn SinkSpotify Founder and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ek will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. Gustav Söderström, Co-President and Chief Product and Technology Officer, and Alex Norström, Co-President and Chief Business Officer, will serve as Spotify’s Co-Chief Executive Officers. They will report to Ek and will also serve on the company’s Board of Directors subject to shareholder approval. These changes are effective Jan. 1, 2026.
As Executive Chairman, Ek will determine capital allocation, map the long term future of Spotify and continue to provide support and guidance to its senior team.
“I always believed that Spotify could play an important role in revolutionizing listening around the world, and with more than 700 million users, we’ve truly charted a new course bringing creativity to every corner of the globe,” shares Ek. “Over the last few years, I’ve turned over a large part of the day-to-day management and strategic direction of Spotify to Alex and Gustav–who have shaped the company from our earliest days and are now more than ready to guide our next phase. This change simply matches titles to how we already operate. In my role as Executive Chairman, I will focus on the long arc of the company and keep the Board and our co-CEOs deeply connected through my engagement.”
“We’ve worked together a very long time and have seen Spotify through many different chapters,” add Söderström and Norström. “Nearly three years ago, when we stepped into our role as co-Presidents, we charged our teams with relentlessly focusing on building the best and most valuable experience available anywhere and that ambition hasn’t changed. While we bring different experiences and perspectives to the CEO role, we both have a strong bias to action and can’t wait to get started knowing that we will have Daniel’s full partnership and ongoing support.”
“The Board has been working closely with Daniel on the evolution of Spotify’s leadership structure for several years,” says Woody Marshall, Lead Independent Director of Spotify’s Board. “We have tremendous confidence in Alex and Gustav as they step into these roles. They each have more than fifteen years with the company and have been instrumental in driving our success and enabling Spotify to lead our industry. We are also thrilled that Daniel will be actively involved, giving Spotify both founder-led strategic stewardship and mentorship to the Co-CEOs as the company continues to innovate and scale.”