Pictured (Seated, L-R): Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, Stella Lefty, Grace Enger and Joe Reeves. (Standing, L-R): Livelihood Music’s Jaime Hindlin, Atlantic Outpost’s Stephanie Hagerty, Kobalt’s Rani Hancock, ASCAP’s Nicole George-Middleton, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Livelihood Music’s Carolyn Moore and ASCAP’s Emilia James. Photo: Ed Rode
Stella Lefty gathered friends and industry members to celebrate her first No. 1 song, “Boston,” on Friday (Oct. 2) with a No. 1 party at the CAA office. The track was written by Grace Enger, Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, Noah Kahan and Joe Reeves.
To kick off the celebration, Lefty performed the hit track alongside Reeves. Emceed by ASCAP’s Emilia James, ASCAP’s Nicole George-Middleton, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Livelihood Music’s Jaime Hindlin and Carolyn Moore, Kobalt’s Rani Hancock and Atlantic Outpost’s Stephanie Hagerty each took the microphone to honor the songwriters and the team behind the track.
Pictured (L-R): Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Stella Lefty, Grace Enger, MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink and Joe Reeves. Photo: Ed Rode
Sanders was on deck to speak about Enger. “What I love most about this moment is that ‘Boston’ didn’t happen in isolation. You and Stella have developed a real creative friendship. You’ve written together, sung together and helped shape so much of the music that has introduced Stella to the world. Great songwriters have a way of taking something incredibly personal and making everybody listening feel like it belongs to them, and Grace, you have that gift.”
He also took a moment to honor Reeves. “You didn’t just help write ‘Boston.’ You produced it, engineered it, programmed it and helped create a song that the world fell in love with. You’ve become an important part of Stella finding her sound and have continued to build that body of work alongside her. You once described making this record as capturing lightning in a bottle. Well, you caught it.”
George-Middleton spoke about Hindlin, noting that this is his eighth country chart-topper. She also recognized Kahan, who was unable to attend the party due to scheduling conflicts, for his first No. 1 on country radio.
Pictured (L-R): Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, Stella Lefty, Grace Enger and Joe Reeves. Photo: Ed Rode
Hindlin and Moore spoke about their time working with Lefty. “Stella, I’m so proud of you,” Moore shared. “It’s been incredible to be on this ride with you. You are the most hardworking person I know. You are a brilliant songwriter and artist, but you’ve remained so grounded, kind and open-hearted through this whole process. I’m just so grateful to be part of the ride.”
Hancock and Hagerty echoed similar sentiments, thanking everyone involved for their work to get the song to the top of the charts.
Billboard and Country Aircheck presented Lefty with plaques commemorating the song’s chart-dominating success.
Reeves was the first of the creators to take the microphone, stating, “Stella drills it in to me every time we work that it needs to be about having fun and just making good music. That’s what we went into this to do. I just never could have imagined this.”
“Stella is one of the best songwriters I’ve ever met,” Enger shared. “I think the thing I’ve learned the most from you is just to have fun and how all the good things come when you’re just having fun with good people. Thank you to everyone on her teams who have helped this little song become a big song.”
Stella Lefty performs “Boston” with Joe Reeves. Photo: Ed Rhode
“Everyone on these stools is really good at what they do. It is hard to get a No. 1. What a lot of people don’t account for is luck, and I just consider myself lucky,” Hindlin added. “The thing about my career is I’ve just been so lucky to be around the best people.”
Lefty closed the afternoon thanking each member of her team and country radio for embracing her. “To country radio, I’ve loved you guys my whole entire life. You raised me, so thank you for playing my song, because I just could have never imagined that any of this would happen,” shared Lefty. “To have a No. 1 song is a very crazy feeling. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, and I love country music more than anything in the whole world. To be part of this community, I feel so grateful and so honored.”
LOCASH’s Latest Collection ‘Chris & Preston’ Slated For Release Oct. 23
/by Lorie HollabaughLOCASH will release their new album, Chris & Preston, on Oct. 23 via Galaxy Label Group.
Members Preston Brust and Chris Lucas are turning the spotlight toward the friendship, shared history, and real-life experiences that have shaped their music through the years on the new project, which features the new track “Where My Stars Line Up” (an ode to the kind of love that makes the whole world feel like home), and current country single “Talkin Bout.”
The album serves up a rich collection of love songs, and the two also turn their attention to the touchstones that matter most to them on it, including family, hometown roots, and their passion for country music – all brought to life in “Let The Country Music Play,” their new collaboration with Parmalee.
“LOCASH is what we built together, but Chris & Preston is who we are,” says Brust. “This album is two brothers, two friends, two voices, and a lot of life lived. After all these years, it felt right to put our names on it.”
As they gear up for the release of Chris & Preston, LOCASH continue their recently launched “Let The Country Music Play Tour,” their North American headline tour currently running through Dec. 12.
Chris & Preston Track List:
1. “Talkin Bout” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Blake Bollinger, Nate Kenyon)
2. “These Days” (Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Preston Brust, Chris Lucas)
3. “I Aint Goin Nowhere” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Maya Kurchner, John Byron)
4. “Where My Stars Line Up” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Jeffrey East, Taylor Phillips)
5. “Let The Country Music Play” with Parmalee (Rupert Holmes, Brinley Addington, Tommy Cecil, Matt Thomas)
6. “Love Always Wins” (Chris Lucas, Blake Bollinger, Preston Brust)
7. “YES” (Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, John Byron)
8. “Case of Missin You” (Jeffrey East, Chris Lucas, Preston Brust)
9. “Rockstar” (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, Blake Bollinger, Nate Kenyon)
10. “Make It About You” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Josh Kear, Chris DeStefano)
11. “Fish Her Off My Mind” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Blake Bollinger, Harley Schrock)
12. “Life On Music Row” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Nate Kenyon, Blake Bollinger)
Emily Yahr Releases Book About Taylor Swift’s Country Music Years
/by Madison HahnenWashington Post reporter Emily Yahr has released TAYLOR SWIFT: THE DEBUT YEARS, a detailed look at Swift’s first 10 years in Nashville and the experiences that shaped her career and rise in the music industry.
Swift’s path to becoming a global pop star began in Nashville. She moved to the city at 13, where she wrote songs, built relationships with early collaborators and began developing the career that would change the music industry. Drawing on original, never-before-published interviews with more than 100 people, including those who worked with Swift and those who passed on her, Yahr explores the early decisions, risks and relationships that helped shape her rise.
Many of the stories about Swift’s Nashville beginnings are already familiar, from taking her demo CD door to door to performing at the Bluebird Cafe. The book goes beyond those moments, uncovering new details about the opportunities she pursued, the setbacks she faced and the risks she took along the way. Her story included turning down a deal with major label RCA to join a new, unproven label and following her own instincts even when others were unsure of her potential.
While writing songs with established Nashville industry figures after school, Swift quickly stood out as a songwriter. Some industry executives questioned whether a young artist could bring a new generation of listeners to country music, but interviews with those around her highlight her clear vision, strong work ethic and determination to make that vision a reality.
TAYLOR SWIFT: THE DEBUT YEARS also offers a look at Nashville’s music industry in the early 2000s. Yahr explores the world of Music Row, the Grand Ole Opry, songwriting rooms and record-label offices, along with the importance of country radio and the demanding promotional tours that helped artists connect with radio programmers across the country.
Swift’s years in Nashville continued to influence her music long after she moved beyond country. Published around the 20th anniversary of her debut album, TAYLOR SWIFT: THE DEBUT YEARS examines the early years of a career that reshaped popular music while offering a closer look at the Nashville industry that helped launch it.
Jennifer Nettles, Carter Faith, Carly Pearce, More To Be Featured On ‘Heartland’ Soundtrack
/by Lauryn SinkNetflix will release the soundtrack to its new original movie, Heartland on Nov. 13 via Netflix Music. The project’s title track, originally written and recorded by Hailey Whitters, is out today performed by Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Nettles.
The album features songs performed by Carter Faith, Carly Pearce, Margo Price, Trannie Anderson and more. Production credits include Tofer Brown, Kristian Bush, David Ferguson, Stewart Lerman, Frank Lidell and Eric Masse. The album’s 15 tracks were written by Jessi Alexander, Anderson, Charles Wesley Godwin, George Jones, Hillary Lindsey, Roger Miller, Don Schlitz, Alysa Vanderheym and more.
Directed by Shana Feste, Heartland follows the story of former country legend, Misty Jones, played by Chastain, who comes out of seclusion to investigate the disappearance of her missing niece, played by Faith. It will be released exclusively on Netflix on Nov. 13.
Heartland Track List:
1. “Heartland” performed by Jessica Chastain feat. Jennifer Nettles
2. “Heartbreak Country” performed by Ross Lynch
3. “Still the Sparrow Sings” performed by Carter Faith
4. “You’re Gonna Burn For That” performed by Jennifer Nettles
5. “Family Ties” performed by Jessica Chastain
6. “Ready & Waiting” performed by Carly Pearce
7. “Tall Tall Trees” performed by Channing Wilson
8. “The Night We Met” performed by Jace Jacobs and Charlie Heart
9. “Too Late For Coffee, Too Early for Beer” performed by John Hawkes and Margo Price
10. “A-11” performed by Eddy Dunlap
11. “Die With A Secret” performed by Charlie Heart
12. “Shut Up & Ride” performed by Heart Sisters
13. “Honeycomb” performed by Carter Faith feat. Trannie Anderson
14. “Texas Land” performed by David “Fergie” Ferguson
15. “Shouldn’t Have Called” performed by Jessica Chastain and John Hawkes
Stella Lefty Celebrates ‘Boston’ With Nashville No. 1 Party
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Seated, L-R): Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, Stella Lefty, Grace Enger and Joe Reeves. (Standing, L-R): Livelihood Music’s Jaime Hindlin, Atlantic Outpost’s Stephanie Hagerty, Kobalt’s Rani Hancock, ASCAP’s Nicole George-Middleton, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Livelihood Music’s Carolyn Moore and ASCAP’s Emilia James. Photo: Ed Rode
Stella Lefty gathered friends and industry members to celebrate her first No. 1 song, “Boston,” on Friday (Oct. 2) with a No. 1 party at the CAA office. The track was written by Grace Enger, Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, Noah Kahan and Joe Reeves.
To kick off the celebration, Lefty performed the hit track alongside Reeves. Emceed by ASCAP’s Emilia James, ASCAP’s Nicole George-Middleton, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Livelihood Music’s Jaime Hindlin and Carolyn Moore, Kobalt’s Rani Hancock and Atlantic Outpost’s Stephanie Hagerty each took the microphone to honor the songwriters and the team behind the track.
Pictured (L-R): Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Stella Lefty, Grace Enger, MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink and Joe Reeves. Photo: Ed Rode
Sanders was on deck to speak about Enger. “What I love most about this moment is that ‘Boston’ didn’t happen in isolation. You and Stella have developed a real creative friendship. You’ve written together, sung together and helped shape so much of the music that has introduced Stella to the world. Great songwriters have a way of taking something incredibly personal and making everybody listening feel like it belongs to them, and Grace, you have that gift.”
He also took a moment to honor Reeves. “You didn’t just help write ‘Boston.’ You produced it, engineered it, programmed it and helped create a song that the world fell in love with. You’ve become an important part of Stella finding her sound and have continued to build that body of work alongside her. You once described making this record as capturing lightning in a bottle. Well, you caught it.”
George-Middleton spoke about Hindlin, noting that this is his eighth country chart-topper. She also recognized Kahan, who was unable to attend the party due to scheduling conflicts, for his first No. 1 on country radio.
Pictured (L-R): Jacob “JKash” Hindlin, Stella Lefty, Grace Enger and Joe Reeves. Photo: Ed Rode
Hindlin and Moore spoke about their time working with Lefty. “Stella, I’m so proud of you,” Moore shared. “It’s been incredible to be on this ride with you. You are the most hardworking person I know. You are a brilliant songwriter and artist, but you’ve remained so grounded, kind and open-hearted through this whole process. I’m just so grateful to be part of the ride.”
Hancock and Hagerty echoed similar sentiments, thanking everyone involved for their work to get the song to the top of the charts.
Billboard and Country Aircheck presented Lefty with plaques commemorating the song’s chart-dominating success.
Reeves was the first of the creators to take the microphone, stating, “Stella drills it in to me every time we work that it needs to be about having fun and just making good music. That’s what we went into this to do. I just never could have imagined this.”
“Stella is one of the best songwriters I’ve ever met,” Enger shared. “I think the thing I’ve learned the most from you is just to have fun and how all the good things come when you’re just having fun with good people. Thank you to everyone on her teams who have helped this little song become a big song.”
Stella Lefty performs “Boston” with Joe Reeves. Photo: Ed Rhode
“Everyone on these stools is really good at what they do. It is hard to get a No. 1. What a lot of people don’t account for is luck, and I just consider myself lucky,” Hindlin added. “The thing about my career is I’ve just been so lucky to be around the best people.”
Lefty closed the afternoon thanking each member of her team and country radio for embracing her. “To country radio, I’ve loved you guys my whole entire life. You raised me, so thank you for playing my song, because I just could have never imagined that any of this would happen,” shared Lefty. “To have a No. 1 song is a very crazy feeling. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, and I love country music more than anything in the whole world. To be part of this community, I feel so grateful and so honored.”
Halie Hampton Mosley Joins Breit Group [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenHalie Hampton Mosley
Halie Hampton Mosley has joined Breit Group as Chief Operating Officer, effective this week.
In her new role, Mosley will oversee daily operations and help guide the continued growth of Breit Group, its teams and artist roster. She will remain based in Nashville, where she will also help expand the company’s presence.
Mosley joins Breit Group after five years at WHY&HOW, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. There, she helped manage the company’s operations and industry relationships while working closely with its artists and staff.
“I’m honored and excited to be a part of this next chapter of Breit Group and to serve its artists, teams and mission as we grow together,” shares Mosley. “I’m deeply grateful to Bruce Kalmick and Eddie Kloesel for five incredible years at WHY&HOW alongside a remarkable roster and am proud of what we were able to build there.”
Before joining WHY&HOW, Mosley managed day-to-day operations for Florida Georgia Line alongside Irving and Jeffrey Azoff. She previously spent more than seven years at Maverick Nashville working under Clarence Spalding, gaining experience in artist management and other areas of the music industry.
Breit Group’s roster includes Phil Wickham and Pat Barrett, as well as Brandon Lake who boasts 8 Dove Award nominations and will perform at the award show tonight alongside Lainey Wilson.
Mosley can be reached here.
Artist Action: Zach Bryan, Kashus Culpepper, Waylon Jennings, Heather Russell
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Bryan Sets Gillette Stadium Attendance Record
Zach Bryan broke the Gillette Stadium attendance record on Oct. 3, performing for 73,538 fans during his “With Heaven On Tour,” which was the largest crowd for any event in the venue’s history. The show was the second of two nights at the stadium, and the Foxborough shows are part of Bryan’s biggest tour yet, spanning more than 40 dates across North America and Europe beginning in March 2026.
The milestone adds to a record-setting year for Bryan. On September 27, 2025, he became the first artist ever to play Michigan Stadium, drawing 112,408 fans, the largest ticketed concert audience in U.S. history. That show surpassed the previous mark of 110,905, set by George Strait in Texas in 2024, and also set a single-night merchandise sales record of $5 million.
Kashus Culpepper Performs On ‘Today With Jenna & Sheinelle’
Kashus Culpepper performs on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Photo: Zane Heinlein
Kashus Culpepper performed “Better Weather” and “Man Of His Word” from his album on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle on Oct. 1. To bookend the week, he joined Shaboozey for his “Outlaws Never Die Tour” at Radio City Music Hall, marking Culpepper’s first appearance at the iconic venue.
Corky’s Coffee & Waylon Jennings Brew Up New Coffee & Merch Collection
The estate of country icon Waylon Jennings has announced a new collaboration with Detroit-roasted coffee brand Corky’s Coffee. The partnership celebrates one of country music’s most enduring artists through a limited-edition collection created for coffee lovers, music fans and collectors alike. The collab includes two exclusive coffee products, and also includes a Waylon Jennings retro drinkware collection, giving fans a way to bring the collaboration into their everyday coffee ritual, as well as an exclusive vinyl variant of Diamonds, a forthcoming album of previously unreleased Waylon Jennings recordings due out Nov. 13.
Heather Russell Signs With Prescription Songs
Heather Russell
Toronto-born singer-songwriter Heather Russell has signed with Prescription Songs. Russell has had success with her initial singles supported by Prescription, including “Don’t Know What You Had,” “Killing Spree,” “Adam Sandler,” and the most recent “Bullets.” The partnership continues with the company as she moves into her next album cycle. The former American Idol contestant and child YouTube star just released a new project, Tears From The Dive Bar, on Oct. 2, via Prescription Songs’ independent label counterpart Amigo Records.
Greylan James To Launch Headlining ‘Wedding Season: The Tour’ In November
/by Lorie HollabaughGreylan James. Photo: Dustin Haney
Greylan James is kicking off his headlining “Wedding Season: The Tour” in West Virginia on Nov. 6 with special guest Carson Wallace.
The 12-city tour was inspired by his viral Top 20 single, “Water At A Wedding,” and will feature stops in Birmingham, Pittsburgh, Knoxville, Louisville, Chicago and more through Dec. 19.
Pre-sale begins tomorrow (Oct. 7), with general on-sale beginning Oct. 9. Fans can text +1 (914) 499-0771 to receive the pre-sale code.
“A crazy year gets even crazier,” says James. “So many things I’ve dreamed about for a long time have happened this year, and it just felt right to close out 2026 celebrating the song that really kicked all of this off. Y’all have loved the hell outta ‘Water At A Wedding,’ and getting to hear y’all sing it back never gets old. So we figured… why not finish the year out with the ‘Wedding Season Tour’? Let’s do it.”
“Water At A Wedding” launched James to a new level in his career as the single nears Top 15 at country radio. Tomorrow (Oct. 7), James will release “Water At A Wedding (her side),” providing a new perspective to the wedding day’s story.
Following his headlining tour, James will open the entirety of Kenny Chesney’s 2027 stadium “Original Vibe Room Tour.” The tour serves as a full-circle moment for James, who grew up in the same hometown as Chesney, and even got haircuts from Chesney’s mom as a kid. Inspired by the superstar from an early age, James would go on to earn several songwriting cuts from Chesney, including Top 5 single “Happy Does.” Chesney recently brought James onstage to perform another song, “Born,” together in Nashville at The Pinnacle.
“Wedding Season: The Tour” Dates:
Nov. 6, 2026 in Huntington, W.Va. at Jerk’s
Nov. 20, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at Workplay Soundstage
Nov. 21, 2026 in Decatur, Ga. at Eddie’s Attic
Dec. 3, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa. at Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall
Dec. 4, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Dec. 5, 2026 in Plain City, Ohio at The Grainery
Dec. 10, 2026 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Open Chord
Dec. 11, 2026 in Louisville, Ky. at Headliners Music Hall
Dec. 12, 2026 in Chattanooga, Tenn. at Barrelhouse Ballroom
Dec. 17, 2026 in Chicago, Ill. at Carol’s Pub
Dec. 18, 2026 in Detroit, Mich. at El Club
Dec. 19, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Mich. at The Stache
Warren Zeiders Accelerates Into Spring On ‘The No Brakes Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughWarren Zeiders
Warren Zeiders will kick off his 2027 “The No Brakes Tour,” in support of his recently-released album No Brakes, in March.
The 16-city tour will include shows in Kansas City, Louisville, Chicago, Atlanta, Tulsa and more through May 1. Ticket pre-sales are currently ongoing, with general on-sale beginning Oct. 9. The tour will spotlight tracks from Zeiders’ new album No Brakes, a 12-track collection detailing Zeiders’ approach to both love and heartbreak.
Next week, Zeiders sets out on the last leg of his first-ever world tour in the UK, and he recently performed on the Video Music Awards and America’s Got Talent. In four years in the industry, the breakout star has amassed more than 4.2 billion global career streams, 2 billion TikTok views, 6.4M million monthly listeners on Spotify, and earned Double Platinum, Platinum and No. 1 singles.
“The No Brakes Tour” Dates:
March 25 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL
March 26 – Seminole Hard Rock Live– Hollywood, FL
April 1 – Midland Theatre – Kansas City, MO
April 2 – Vibrant Music Hall – Waukee, IA
April 8 – Hard Rock Live – Tulsa, OK
April 9 – Billy Bob’s Texas– Ft. Worth, TX
April 10 – John T. Floore Country Store – Helotes, TX
April 15 – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
April 16 – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall – Louisville, KY
April 17 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL
April 22 – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark – Philadelphia, PA
April 23 – Citizens Live at The Wylie – Pittsburgh, PA
April 24 – Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
April 29 – Township Auditorium – Columbia, SC
April 30 – Cola-Cola Roxy – Atlanta, GA
May 1 – Coyote’s Joe’s – Charlotte, NC
Industry Ink: Pat McLaughlin, Toby Keith, Music Community Foundation, CMHOFM
/by Lauryn SinkCountry Music Hall of Fame & Museum Features Pat McLaughlin In Poets and Prophets Program
Pictured (L-R): Allison Moorer, Pat McLaughlin and Kyle Young. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a program with Pat McLaughlin for its in-depth interview series Poets and Prophets. The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music in a conversation moderated by museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer.
McLaughlin arrived in Nashville in 1977 and earned his first chart-topper with Steve Wariner’s “Lynda.” He has earned additional notable cuts with Tanya Tucker and Delbert McClinton’s “Tell Me About It,” Josh Turner’s “Firecracker,” Gary Allan’s “Songs About Rain” and John Anderson’s “Years,” among others.
OU Student-Athlete Center To Be Named In Toby Keith’s Honor
A new student-athlete center at Oklahoma University will be named the Toby Keith Family Performance Center following a significant philanthropic commitment. Construction is set to begin in the coming months and completion is expected in 2028.
“Naming this performance center in [Keith’s] honor is something that truly reflects his impact, and his legacy will continue to live on,” says OU Head Baseball Coach Skip Johnson. “Toby changed so many lives, and this player development facility will further change the lives of future student-athletes that step foot into the building.”
“We’re proud to support Skip, this program and these student-athletes, and to carry forward something Toby cared so deeply about,” says Keith’s widow, Tricia Covel on behalf of the family. “I know he would have loved being a part of it. We’re honored to help shape this next chapter and excited to see what the future holds for Oklahoma Baseball.”
Music Community Foundation Celebrates Official Launch
Photo: Courtesy of Music Community Foundation
Last week, industry members gathered to celebrate the launch of Music Community Foundation, an organization designed to help artist-led philanthropy initiatives.
“This night has been a long time coming, and there was something incredibly special about having so much of the MCF family together in one room to celebrate,” shares Rondal Richardson, Executive Director of Music Community Foundation. “We’ve seen firsthand the collective impact that happens when artists lead with their hearts and trust us to be a partner in their giving journey. Last week was a celebration of everything this community has already accomplished together, but even more importantly, of what we can build together in the years ahead.”
MCF builds on three decades of philanthropic work through CFMT, providing artists, managers and industry partners with the infrastructure, expertise and tools to create and sustain charitable initiatives. Since its beginnings, the program has generated more than $300 million in charitable impact, including $213 million in new gifts since 2018. Artist-led initiatives have also generated more than $90 million in philanthropic support to nonprofits, with impact reaching communities in all 50 states and beyond.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosted ‘The Endless Road’ Film Screening
Jon Freeman, Jeremy Dylan, Tommy Emmanuel and Brian Penix. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a film screening of the new documentary, The Endless Road, which tells the story of guitar ace Tommy Emmanuel. Following the screening, Museum Writer-Editor Jon Freeman led a discussion with Emmanuel, director Jeremy Dylan, and producer Brian Penix about the making of the documentary.
The documentary follows Emmanuel’s family struggles and battle overcoming addiction while developing into one of the most admired guitar players in the world. Additionally, it highlights Emmanuel’s relationship Chet Atkins, who bestowed upon Emmanuel the title of Certified Guitar Player, or CGP.
Save The Music’s 7th Annual ‘Hometown To Hometown’ Event Set For November In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughSave The Music will host its 7th annual “Hometown to Hometown” event on Nov. 10 at City Winery in Nashville.
This year’s celebration will honor artists Amy Grant and Chris Isaak and industry execs Cesar Gueikian (Gibson Guitars) and Nat Zilkha (Firebird Music) for their outstanding contributions to the music industry and their support of music education. Hosted by Leslie Fram and Caylee Hammack, the annual fundraising event will also feature special acoustic performances from Grant, Isaak, and Amanda Shires.
“We are incredibly grateful to this year’s Hometown to Hometown sponsors, Firebird Music, Gibson Gives, SiriusXM, and Sweetwater, and to our extraordinary honorees, music legends Amy Grant and Chris Isaak and industry leaders Cesar Gueikian and Nat Zilkha, for rallying behind the power of music education,” says Danielle Zalaznick, Chief Development Officer and Deputy Executive Director at Save The Music. “Alongside our hosts, Leslie Fram and Caylee Hammack, they represent what makes Nashville’s music community so special: artists, executives, and industry partners coming together to invest in the next generation of music makers.”
“Every musician we serve started somewhere, and for a lot of our friends that somewhere was a music room in a public school,” says Mike Clem, CEO of Sweetwater. “Save The Music makes sure those rooms exist and are inspiring. Supporting Hometown to Hometown is one of the most direct ways we can put instruments in the hands of students who might not otherwise get the chance.”
All funds raised from this year’s “Hometown to Hometown” event will support music education programs in under-resourced public high schools in Nashville, New York City, and across California – impacting the lives of thousands of students. Tickets are available now through Nov. 8.
Since 2019, “Hometown to Hometown” has raised more than $1 million to support music education, funding 15 music programs in honorees’ hometowns and reaching thousands of students across the country.