Brothers Osborne Slate Fifth Studio Album ‘Watertown’ For October

Brothers Osborne will release their fifth studio album, Watertown, on Oct. 23 via MCA.

Named for their hometown of Deale, MD (Population: 5,333), Watertown draws from the coastal, blue-collar community where Brothers Osborne got their start. On the project, the duo are at their most personal and vulnerable. Across 11 tracks, the Platinum-certified duo explores family, love and loss, life’s different stages and changes, and other experiences that have shaped them.

“We’re not just getting back to where we were born and raised, but to the roots of where we started musically,” shares TJ Osborne. “A time when music wasn’t dictated by anything other than what our hearts and souls wanted to say.”

Produced by longtime collaborator Jay Joyce, Watertown brings several firsts to the brother’s catalog. The album features their first full-length collaborations with other artists, including “Born and Raised Hell” with Cody Johnson, and “Tough Kid” with Stephen Wilson Jr.

Brothers Osborne are currently on the road for a slew of fairs, festivals, and headline dates, before joining Zac Brown Band on the “Love & Fear Tour.” They will then head overseas to support The Darkness on the “UK Bands of Brothers Arena Tour 2026.”

Watertown Tracklist:
1. “Born and Raised Hell (feat. Cody Johnson)” (John Osborne, Lee Miller, Kendell Marvel)
2. “R.I.P.” (TJ Osborne, Hunter Phelps, Alysa Vanderheym)
3. “Family Business” (John Osborne)
4. “High” (John Osborne, Lucie Silvas)
5. “Bottle It Up” (Dan Isbell, Josh Kear, Paul Sikes)
6. “Ain’t Killed Me Yet” (TJ Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Jacob Hackworth)
7. “Doors” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Lee Miller, Chris Pixton)
8. “Stubborn” (Devin Dawson, Josh Kerr, Matt Roy, Lydia Vaughan)
9. “Tough Kid (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)” (John Osborne, Pete Good, Lee Miller)
10. “Same Ol’ Different Story” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Kendell Marvel)
11. “Watertown” (John Osborne)

ERNEST Leaps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

ERNEST. Photo: Delaney Royer

ERNEST has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Koe Wetzel and Ella Langley‘s “Jaded,” Langley’s “Loving Life Again” and Gavin Adcock’s “Wannabe” push the singer-songwriter to No. 10 this week.

Langley remains at No. 1 for the 18th consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Jaded” and “Loving Life Again.” Chase McGill stays at No. 2 with “Carry On,” “Hands Up,” “McArthur” and “Water At A Wedding.”

Jordan Schmidt (No. 3),  Joybeth Taylor (No. 4), and Austin Goodloe (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Industry Ink: Jason Aldean, Dasha, Trey Fanjoy, Ty Myers

Jason Aldean Racks Up Some Heavy Metal Hardware From The RIAA

Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s GM Peter Strickland, Maverick’s Chris Parr, BMG North & South America’s President, Frontline Recordings, Jon Loba, Jason Aldean, Maverick’s Clarence Spalding, RIAA SVP Media Relations + Gold & Platinum Program Erin Burr, Tom Clees, SVP Government & Industry Relations RIAA

Jason Aldean was honored backstage at his sold-out “Double Down Tour” date in Washington, D.C. with two of his biggest hits, “You Make It Easy” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” receiving RIAA Diamond certifications—an official career first for the Georgia native. Aldean was surprised backstage with the Diamond certifications, and the historic achievement comes on the heels of a remarkable run of new RIAA certifications for Aldean. Earlier this month 12 of his albums and singles received new Platinum certifications, including his album My Kinda Party (6× Platinum). Newly Diamond certified “Dirt Road Anthem,” from his multi-Platinum My Kinda Party album, became one of the signature breakthrough anthems of Aldean’s career, while “You Make It Easy” has remained a continuous fan favorite following its release.

“Having two songs reach Diamond status is something I never could have imagined when we were making these records,” says Aldean. “These songs have taken on a life of their own because of the fans. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has listened, streamed, bought the records, come to the shows and made these songs part of their lives. It’s special to have a moment that is still a career first all these years in, especially one that is all due to the fans. Thank you guys so much. We want to keep doing this and keep putting out songs and touring for a long time to come, and we don’t take getting to do this for granted.”

 

Dasha Donates $100,000 To Causes Close to Her Heart

Dasha With Britney Ruegsegger, Founder, Cowboy Ranch Rescue

Following her performance at BMI and New Mountain Capital’s night of music and giving at Radio City Music Hall in May, Dasha gifted a $100,000 contribution to three organizations: Cowboy Ranch Rescue in Antioch, Tennessee; Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors; and Pregnancy and Parenting Support organization in her hometown of San Luis Obispo, California. Her gift to Cowboy Ranch Rescue helped save four horses, a donkey named Sherman and two barn cats from slaughter, giving them the chance to live out their lives in safety.

“I’ve always had such a love for animals, and knowing that this money could literally save their lives made it an easy decision,” says Dasha. “There’s something really special about being able to take an opportunity that was given to me and turn it into something that gives someone, or in this case, some very special animals a second chance.”

 

Trey Fanjoy Recognized At 18th Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum

Pictured (L-R, back row): Kay West, Denise Stiff, Trey Fanjoy, Nancy Shapiro and Museum writer-editor Allison Moorer; (L-R, front row): Alison Brown, Bebe Evans and Bonnie Garner. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recognized Trey Fanjoy last week at its 18th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum in the museum’s Ford Theater. The forum, which began in 2007, recognizes music industry leaders who continue the legacy of trailblazer Louise Scruggs, a businesswoman who set new professional standards in artist management. Fanjoy discussed her more than 30 years as an award-winning music video and film director, producer and creative director during the in-depth interview with museum writer-editor Allison Moorer.

After working in commercial film production in New York City and Los Angeles, Fanjoy moved to Nashville in the mid-1990s and began as a video producer, which led her to directing. She made CMA history in 2009 as the first woman to receive the Video of the Year award for directing the video for Taylor Swift’s hit “Love Story.” Fanjoy also received CMA Video of the Year awards for her work with Miranda Lambert for “The House That Built Me” and “Bluebird.”

 

Ty Myers Performs At CMA Headquarters

Pictured (L-R): Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Entertainment, CEO and Artist Manager), Karysa Myers (Artist Manager), Grace Martins (CMA Manager, Industry Relations), Kate Watson (CMA Senior Director, Industry Relations), Ty Myers, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO) and Josh Easler (RECORDS Nashville, Executive Vice President of Promotion & Commercial Strategy). Photo: Addison Hilton/CMA

The Country Music Association welcomed Ty Myers to its Nashville headquarters on Aug. 18 for a Q&A and a special solo acoustic performance. Myers chatted about his early love for music and his childhood influences, his passion for songwriting, and his recent CMA Fest performance debut on the Chevy Riverfront stage during the Q&A, then performed a five-song set including his cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind,” his breakout hit “Thought It Was Love,” plus an early listen to an unreleased song he wrote just last week, and more.

Bluegrass Great Pat Enright Passes

Pat Enright

Grammy winning musician Pat Enright died last week at age 81.

He was best known as the co-founder of The Nashville Bluegrass Band. The group is the most awarded ensemble in bluegrass-music history. Enright was also a member of The Soggy Bottom Boys in the O Brother Where Art Thou film and its Grammy-winning Album of the Year soundtrack.

Pat Enright was an Indiana native who took up acoustic guitar in high school. The folk-revival movement of the 1960s led him to bluegrass music. He moved to the Bay Area in 1969 and formed Phantoms of the Opry with future West Coast bluegrass star Laurie Lewis.

In Boston, he joined Tasty Licks alongside Béla Fleck, Mark Schatz, and Jack Tottle. The group recorded two Rounder albums in 1978-79. He formed the Dreadful Snakes in Nashville in 1983. Other luminaries in that band included Jerry Douglas, Blaine Sprouse and Mark Hembree, along with veteran Roland White. The band was primarily a part-time endeavor, although its shows at The Station Inn and its album, Snakes Alive, were delightfully influential.

The following year, Enright co-founded The Nashville Bluegrass Band. The act was initially formed as the backing band for a Minnie Pearl tour. Alan O’Bryant (banjo), Mike Compton (mandolin), Mark Hembree (bass) and Stuart Duncan (fiddle) became the core of the group with Enright.

The band became instantly popular with its tight, a cappella harmonies and eclectic repertoire. Enright was a diligent song finder, drawing material from Black gospel sources, folk tunes, vintage bluegrass numbers and Music Row country songs. His earnest, wry, sweet-yet-soulful vocals and effortless yodeling set him apart from other singers. Enright’s clear, warm, playful diction echoed that of his favorite singer, Jimmie Rodgers. He also cited Jimmy Martin and Hank Williams as influences.

Enright and O’Bryant fronted The Nashville Bluegrass Band through 10 Rounder and Sugar Hill albums and multiple lineup changes. During its international touring career, NBB became the first bluegrass group to perform in the People’s Republic of China. It has also staged shows in Brazil, Israel, Crete, Egypt, Bangladesh, Japan, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey and the Azores, not to mention Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and England.

On disc, NBB collaborated with Johnny Cash, Clint Black, The Fairfield Four, Peter Rowan, Maura O’Connell and Bernadette Peters. NBB won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album twice, for Waitin’ for the Hard Times to Go (1993) and Unleashed (1995). In addition, NBB won the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award four straight years (1990–1993). Enright also took home IBMA Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year in 1997 for the tribute album True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe (Sugar Hill).

In 2000, Pat Enright was hired to sing as one of the Soggy Bottom Boys alongside Dan Tyminski and Harley Allen for the O Brother, Where Art Thou movie soundtrack. It became a million-selling phenomenon that won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002. The Nashville Bluegrass Band became part of the “Down From The Mountain” tour, inspired by the film and the soundtrack’s success.

The Nashville Bluegrass Band dissolved in 2005. It is slated for induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame this fall.

In retirement, Pat Enright occasionally performed solo or as a rhythm guitarist at The Station Inn. He died on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Stella Lefty To Kick Off 2027 With Headlining ‘Long Way Home Tour’

Stella Lefty. Photo: Jack Balaban

Stella Lefty will launch her 2027 headlining “Long Way Home Tour” across North America beginning Jan. 9 in Detroit.

The new tour will include stops in Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, San Francisco and more, wrapping with a hometown show at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom on Feb. 20. The artist pre-sale begins on Aug. 27, followed by general on-sale starting Aug. 28 at stella-lefty.com.

The tour announcement comes on the heels of the release of Lefty’s debut album, Long Way Home, which features seven new songs in addition to seven previously released tracks including the hit singles “Boston” and “Thinking ‘bout You.” “Boston” has amassed more than 400 million streams and over a billion video views, while reaching the Top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track has dominated the charts for the last 19 weeks, while gaining at both country and pop radio.

Lefty made her late night debut with “Boston” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and performed it last weekend with Marcus Mumford on stage at Madison Square Garden, and the song also just received a MTV Video Music Awards nomination in the Best Country category, in addition to her nomination for Best New Artist.

“Stella Lefty: Long Way Home Tour” 2027 Dates:
Sat, Jan 9 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore Detroit
Sun, Jan 10 — Columbus, OH — Kemba Live!
Tue, Jan 12 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY
Fri, Jan 15 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
Sun, Jan 17 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Tue, Jan 19 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
Fri, Jan 22 — Philadelphia, PA — The Met
Sat, Jan 23 — Washington, DC — The Anthem
Mon, Jan 25 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore Charlotte
Tue, Jan 26 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle
Thu, Jan 28 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom
Sat, Jan 30 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
Sun, Jan 31 — Austin, TX — ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Tue, Feb 9 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
Fri, Feb 12 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center
Sat, Feb 13 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
Wed, Feb 17 — Nashville, TN — Ryman Auditorium
Sat, Feb 20 — Chicago, IL — Aragon Ballroom

Jo Dee Messina Adds 2027 Dates To ‘Bridges Tour’

Jo Dee Messina. Photo: Madison Sharp

Jo Dee Messina has added several new dates to her “Bridges Tour – Celebrating 30 Years of Jo Dee Messina,” which is set to run through April of 2027.

Newly added dates include shows in Indiana on Jan. 29, Ohio on March 5, Arizona on April 22, and Nevada April 24. The newly announced shows will go on sale this week beginning with a fan club presale on Aug, 25, artist presale on Aug. 26, and public on-sale on Aug, 28.

The dates come as momentum continues to build following the release of Messina’s most recent album, Bridges, which released earlier this summer. Her current radio single “Message in a Bottle” continues to climb at radio as well for a 7th straight week.

“Bridges Tour” Dates:
09/25/26 – Shooting Star Casino, Hotel & Entertainment – Mahnomen, MN
09/26/26 – Mayo Clinic Health Center Event Center Grand Hall – Mankato, MN
09/27/26 – Washington Pavillion – Sioux Falls, SD
10/10/26 – GreyStone Amphitheater – Douglasville, GA
11/06/26 – The Truth – Nashville, TN
01/16/27 – Renaissance Theatre – Mansfield, OH
01/29/27 – French Lick Resort & Casino – French Lick, IN
03/05/27 – Lori’s Roadhouse – Liberty Township, OH
03/06/27 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, WI
04/22/27 – Gila River Hotels & Casino Wild Horse Pass – Chandler, AZ
04/24/27 – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino – Grand Theatre – Reno, NV

Rhonda Vincent’s New Album ‘A Possibility’ Out Today

Rhonda Vincent has released her latest album, A Possibility, today (Aug. 24), featuring some friends and special guests.

Steeped in bluegrass tradition with a contemporary flair, A Possibility showcases Vincent’s unmistakable vocals and musicianship across 12 tracks, including a number of special collaborations, including Sierra Ferrell on “Would You Like to Buy Some Flowers.” The album’s original title track features Dan Tyminski on duet vocals, along with his signature guitar style.

Additional guests on the project include Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band, guitarist Bryan Sutton, banjo master Ron Stewart, and Kelsi Harrigill of Flatt Lonesome. Vincent is also joined by members of her acclaimed band The Rage, as well as her brother and longtime musical collaborator Darrin Vincent of Dailey & Vincent, among others.

“It was a fun new process creating A Possibility,” says Vincent. “I loved having a co-producer, Adam Haynes, who challenged my skills and brought ideas I would have never thought of. And a wonderful surprise was getting the call that Sierra Ferrell would sing on the project the very next day,” Vincent recalls. “We didn’t have a track yet, so we stayed up all night recording ‘Would You Like to Buy Some Flowers.’ I was amazed to hear the vocal blend of Sierra Ferrell and I.”

A Possibility Track Listing:
1. “Far Away From Home”
2. “Any Other Color Than Blue”
3. “A Possibility” (featuring Dan Tyminski)
4. “Thank You For Dreaming of Me”
5. “Scenic Route”
6. “Even If I Tried”
7. “Lonesome Heartsick Blues”
8. “Would You Like to Buy Some Flowers” (featuring Sierra Ferrell)
9. “Vesper Thompson”
10. “Make It Blue”
11. “Long Black Lincoln Dream”
12. “Something You’ll Get Through”

Riser House Entertainment Adds Anna Widmer As VP Of Promotion

Anna Widmer. Photo: Courtesy of Riser House Entertainment

Riser House Entertainment has added Anna Widmer as VP of Promotion, effective at the beginning of September.

A graduate of Belmont University’s Music Business Program, Widmer began her career at Cold River Records before joining MCA Nashville as Director of Promotion – West. Widmer joins Riser House Entertainment from Sony Music Nashville, where she served as Director of Radio Marketing and Promotion – Midwest, following her previous role as Director of Promotion and Artist Development – Southeast.

“Anna is an absolute superstar who works tirelessly on behalf of her artists and radio partners, and her body of work is truly a benchmark for excellence,” shares Shane Allen, EVP of Promotion & Artist Brand Strategy. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to the Riser House Entertainment family.”

“I’m so excited to join the incredible Riser House team and work alongside the best in the business, Jennifer Johnson and Shane Allen,” adds Widmer. “The artist roster continuously delivers compelling music, and I can’t wait to share it with our radio partners.”

Widmer joins Riser House Entertainment’s growing promotion team alongside VP of Promotion Jeff Davis and Director of Regional Promotion Paul Grosser.

Bailey Zimmerman To Headline Wags & Walks Nashville’s Third Annual Benefit

Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Julia Robert, RUNCLUB Creative

Bailey Zimmerman is set to headline the third annual Wags & Walks Nashville Benefit Concert on Oct. 21 at Skydeck.

Lanie Gardner, and Fancy Hagood are also set to perform at the annual benefit, which unites artists, supporters and animal advocates to raise critical funds for Wags & Walks. Proceeds will directly support the rescue, medical care, foster placement and adoption of dogs in need, and will also support Wags for Good, the organization’s community care initiative that provides accessible veterinary resources to local dog owners, including free and low-cost spay/neuter services, vaccines and veterinary care.

“Nashville has shown up for Wags & Walks in such an incredible way, and this event represents so much of what makes this community special,” says Kathryn Hurley, Wags & Walks Nashville Founder. “Bringing together artists, partners, and animal lovers for a night of great music allows us to celebrate the thousands of dogs whose lives have been changed while raising critical funds that make our work possible. We’re incredibly grateful to Bailey, Lanie, Fancy and everyone lending their time and talent to help us save more dogs.”

General Admission tickets are currently available for $45, with VIP packages starting at $200, and are available here.

Scott Borchetta Launches Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. [Exclusive]

Scott Borchetta has launched Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. (BSBC), a Nashville-owned and operated parent company that brings together five Tennessee spirit brands and three destinations. As part of its debut, the company’s downtown Nashville location, formerly known as Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, will be renamed The Borchetta Bourbon Experience, effective Wednesday (Aug. 26).

BSBC will oversee the company’s growing family of spirit brands including Pickers Vodka, Borchetta Bourbon, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey and Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka. Each brand will continue to operate under its own identity while drawing on shared resources, distribution and strategic direction from BSBC.

“We approach our portfolio of spirit brands the same way we’ve built our award-winning record company, its artists, and our championship-winning motorsports teams – lifestyle, quality, passion, individuality, and experience,” says Borchetta, Founder of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. “Those key attributes apply to and are the center of Borchetta Bourbon, Pickers Vodka, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey, and Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka. Now these five great brands are the celebrated focus of our newly launched Borchetta Bourbon Experience location at 122 3rd. Avenue South in Downtown Nashville.”

Big Machine Distillery & Tavern in Berry Hill will continue operating under its current name. Big Machine Distillery in Lynnville, Tennessee, where the company’s spirits are produced and packaged, will also retain its name.

“What started as Big Machine Distillery has grown into something much bigger, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built,” says Jeff Pennington, Executive Vice President of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. “BSBC reflects where we are today and gives us the opportunity to bring our brands together under one company while continuing to grow, build and create new experiences for our consumers. We have a lot of exciting things ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we take it next.”