Billy Strings is set to release his new album, So Much for Goodbyes, August 28 via Reprise Records. Ahead of the release, Strings has shared a new song from the project, “Burn the Other End.”

The new 16-track project produced by Strings and T Bone Burnett finds Strings channeling a deeply personal period of grief and heartbreak, and the record is accompanied by original artwork created by Strings’ late mother, Debra Apostol.

“I made this record to honor my mother,” Strings shares. “To notice and embrace this very significant period of grief in my life and make art from it. To turn my heartbreak into songs while using my guitar as a coping mechanism as I always have. It’s always been there for me to lean on through the hard times, and I figure it always will…until it’s my time to say goodbye.”

So Much For Goodbyes will be available on vinyl in black, wood grain, and sun core variants, and the records were plated and pressed at Denver’s Paramount Pressing & Plating, founded by veteran engineer Gary Salstrom and Grammy winner David Rawlings, and cut for vinyl by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl in Memphis.

Strings will make his return to PBS’ legendary Austin City Limits program on July 2. His first concert since breaking his leg earlier in the year, the performance will be available to livestream via ACL TV’s YouTube and will air later this fall as part of Season 52.

So Much for Goodbyes Track List:
1. “I’m One of Those”
2. “Burn the Other End”
3. “Carry Us Home”
4. “Lay Me Down”
5. “Lucid Daydream”
6. “Mill Town Flood”
7. “Live to Tell”
8. “Bluewater Breakdown”
9. “Light the Wall”
10. “I Like Train Songs”
11. “10,000 Miles From a Friend”
12. “Still I Crash”
13. “I Wish I Wanted To”
14. “Remember to Cry”
15. “Wrestling an Angel”
16. “Debra’s Waltz”

The Country Music Association unveiled five promotions and five new team members across multiple departments.

Emily Arvanitis has been promoted to Senior Event Producer. Kayleigh Bentley has been elevated to Senior Manager, Member Experience. Amanda Jilek has been upped to Senior Manager, Creative & Content. Maddie Myers will now serve as Senior Manager, Digital Marketing. Nora Webb has been promoted to Business Affairs Manager.

In addition to internal promotions, CMA has expanded its roster with Samantha Alenius joining as Accounting Coordinator, Britney Buckwalter as Media Project Manager, Tarah Duarte as Senior Account Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Alec Staniul as Insights Analyst and Craig Weaver as CRM Manager.

Classic country artist Carlisle Wright has signed a management deal with Joan of Arc Music.

A fourth-generation artist, Wright brings her country roots to songs like “Honkytonk Talkin’” and “Half My Heroes,” mixing classic country storytelling with a fresh, young perspective.

The signing comes after Wright made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, one of many major milestones this year. She also won the 2026 Belmont University Country Showcase, made her CMA Fest debut on the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage, and opened for her uncle, Alan Jackson, during his sold-out “Last Call: One More For The Road – The Finale” concert at Nissan Stadium.

After receiving a surprise invitation from Jackson, Wright took the Opry stage to perform her original song “Half My Heroes” and Jackson’s hit “Little Bitty.”

“Carlisle Wright represents the future of country music,” says Cindy Mabe, Joan of Arc Music Founder and CEO. “Her artistry, combined with her commitment to keeping traditional country music alive, makes her an exceptional addition to our roster. We’re honored to guide her career as she steps into this next chapter.”

“From the very first conversation with Cindy Mabe and the Joan of Arc Music team, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” adds Wright. “They are determined to preserve and revive the sound of real country music. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with a powerhouse group of women! Here’s to classic country.”

Wright is set to release new music later this summer. Through the new partnership, Joan of Arc Music will provide guidance and support as she continues to grow her career.

Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Raises Over $1.35 Million

The 22nd Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic June 12-13 at Riverwind Casino and Keith’s Belmar Golf Club raised more than $1.35 million for The Toby Keith Foundation. Themed to celebrate 250 years of American independence, the event was headlined by country hitmaker Trace Adkins, with radio and TV personality Shawn Parr and business leader/philanthropist Jim West hosting and leading the live auction. The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic benefits The Toby Keith Foundation’s work supporting OK Kids Korral.

 

Leadership Music & SOLID Team For Inaugural Music Row Litter Walk

Leadership Music and SOLID joined forces on June 26 for the inaugural Music Row Litter Walk, a community beautification initiative that united volunteers from both organizations to clean up one of Nashville’s most iconic neighborhoods. Despite sweltering heat and humidity, participants showed up in force with 15 teams, each pairing one volunteer from Leadership Music with one from SOLID, to fan out and cover Music Row and the surrounding streets. By the end of the morning, volunteers had collected 30 large bags of trash, making a visible and meaningful impact on the appearance and cleanliness of the historic district.

 

SOLID’s Annual Backstage Auction Raises Over $27,000 For CMA Foundation

SOLID hosted its annual Backstage Auction during CMA Fest 2026, raising over $27,000 for the CMA Foundation. The Backstage Auction gives CMA Fest attendees the chance to take home unique pieces of country music history while making a lasting impact beyond festival weekend. Taking place June 4-7 at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, the silent auction serves as SOLID’s largest annual fundraiser, and proceeds directly support the organization’s year-round programming, including educational panels, networking events, mentorship initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and community service efforts that help cultivate the next generation of music industry professionals. A portion of proceeds also benefits the CMA Foundation. Two memorable auction items from this year included guitars signed by Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.

 

Stacey Cato Joins Opry Entertainment Group Artist Relations Team

Opry Entertainment Group has welcomed Senior Manager, Artist Relations Stacey Cato to its Artist Relations team. Cato brings more than 25 years of experience across the music, TV and digital media industries, with expertise in artist relations, talent booking, content production and strategic marketing. Most recently, Cato served as Director of Music & Talent for Paramount/ViacomCBS, where he led artist and label relations while overseeing talent-driven programming and live events across TV, digital and social platforms. Throughout his career, Cato has played an integral role in productions including the CMT Music Awards, CMT Crossroads, CMT Giants and CMT Artist of the Year. In his new role he will report to Director, Artist Relations Jenn Tressler and joins Manager, Artist Relations Lexi Lampkin on the team.