Carly Pearce. Photo: Dove Shore
With Honest Woman, Carly Pearce is embracing the lessons and experiences that have shaped her.
The award winning artist released her fifth studio album today (Aug. 28) via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Across the project, Pearce turns toward the parts of herself she has continued to discover, from her Kentucky bluegrass roots to the complicated emotions that come with growing older, navigating relationships and watching life unfold on its own timeline.
In fact, the album’s title came together only after Pearce had already lived through many of the songs.
“I truly did not come up with the title of the album until the very end,” she tells MusicRow. “I think I was subconsciously coming to this understanding of my life as I was living these songs.”
That realization shaped the record’s central theme. As Pearce entered a new season of life, she found herself thinking about the expectations placed on women to reach certain milestones by a certain age, and how easily those expectations can overshadow the life happening in front of you.
“We are told as women that we shouldn’t say our age and we need to have this by this time, and we’re on these timelines and the highlight reel. I just wanted to be the exception to the rule.”
That perspective comes through particularly on “Dream Come True” and “Happy For Myself,” two of the album’s most vulnerable moments. Both songs explore the less polished side of life, confronting the sacrifices, comparisons and disappointments that can exist alongside professional success and personal milestones.
For Pearce, that kind of openness begins in the writing room. Rather than relying on a conventional co-writing circle, she often writes with people she already trusts, allowing conversations with friends to become the foundation for some of her most personal songs. 
“Both of those songs came out of conversations that I was having with my friends who happened to be my co-writers. I write with my friends because I’m so honest and vulnerable that I could never write these songs with people I didn’t know.”
While the album digs into Pearce’s present, it also reaches back to where she came from. Having started singing in bluegrass bands as a child, Pearce wanted Honest Woman to reconnect listeners with the Kentucky side of her musical identity. That comes through most prominently on “What If You Loved Me,” a bluegrass collaboration with Dan Tyminski and Molly Tuttle.
The project’s other major collaboration, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,” pairs Pearce with Riley Green. After deciding she wanted Green on the album, Pearce simply sent him the song. His response came almost immediately, creating the emotional ballad currently climbing country radio.
Sonically, Pearce sees the album as a departure from worrying about what might fit neatly into the commercial country landscape. She co-produced the project with longtime collaborator Ben West, incorporating bluegrass musicians and leaning further into the sounds that felt natural to her.
“I really think sonically it’s the most interesting album I’ve ever done, and my best.”
That honesty runs throughout the album, with Pearce allowing herself to show both the good and difficult parts of where she is in life.
It also extends to the lighter moments. She points to “You Don’t Like My Dogs” as the song she’s most excited to hear fans sing back to her on the road, calling it “an anthem.”
And while Pearce believes women are already ruling country music, she sees honesty as the next step in continuing that momentum.
“I challenge all the girls to be more honest because clearly women want to hear other women and they want to hear other stories.”
With Honest Woman, Pearce is doing exactly that. Looking back at where she came from, acknowledging where she is and leaving room for wherever life takes her next.
MusicRow Weekly (Dolly Parton, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly covers a week of major news across Nashville’s music industry, from the passing of global icon Dolly Parton and legendary manager Dale Morris to the release of the 2026 MusicRow Awards print issue, new industry leadership moves, publishing deals and several Grand Ole Opry debuts. Click here to see the full edition.
Dolly Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her death marked the loss of one of the most influential figures in country music history, whose career spanned music, film, television, business and philanthropy.
Nashville gathered for the annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inside the city’s historic Municipal Auditorium. The ceremony honored six more “women behind the music,” Debbie Cheek Carroll, Paige Conners, Cris Lacy, Sherry Oakley, Margie McGahey and Carla Wallace. Hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and radio and television personality Kelly Sutton, the evening celebrated the contributions of women who have helped shape Nashville’s music industry.
Nashville also mourned the loss of legendary entertainment executive and artist manager Dale Morris, who died peacefully on Aug. 21 at age 89. Morris spent nearly seven decades in the music business and guided the careers of artists including Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama and Kenny Chesney.
Amid the week’s news, MusicRow also marked an important milestone with the release of its 2026 MusicRow Awards print issue, featuring Warner Records Nashville’s Dan + Shay on the cover. The issue spotlights the nominees for the 2026 MusicRow Awards, with winners set to be revealed on MusicRow platforms on Sept. 2. The special issue also honors the winners of the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Award and examines the way independent labels approach awards season through a conversation with Leo33. Additional industry insights come from acclaimed producers and music makers Frank Liddell, Tofer Brown and Joey Moi, who share their perspectives on creating records that make an impact.
Elsewhere across the business, Ryan Beuschel has been promoted to Co-Head of The Neal Agency. WME has also elevated Sara Williams to Head of Music Marketing, while Riser House Entertainment has added Anna Widmer as Vice President of Promotion. On the publishing side, songwriter Phil Barton has signed a deal with BMG in partnership with Liz Rose Music, while Nashville-based songwriter Conner Moye has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.
Scott Borchetta is expanding his business ventures with the launch of Borchetta Spirits & Beverage Co. (BSBC), a Nashville-owned and operated parent company bringing together five Tennessee spirit brands and three destinations. As part of the launch, the downtown Nashville property formerly known as Big Machine Brewery & Distillery has been renamed The Borchetta Bourbon Experience.
The Grand Ole Opry also welcomed several debuts. Kenny Whitmire made his Opry debut on Aug. 18, followed by Troy Cartwright. Brandon Wisham made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday (Aug. 26).
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Kenny Chesney takes the No. 1 spot with “Carry On.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Carly Pearce Embraces Her Roots & Her ‘Honest Woman’ Era [Interview]
/by Madison HahnenCarly Pearce. Photo: Dove Shore
With Honest Woman, Carly Pearce is embracing the lessons and experiences that have shaped her.
The award winning artist released her fifth studio album today (Aug. 28) via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Across the project, Pearce turns toward the parts of herself she has continued to discover, from her Kentucky bluegrass roots to the complicated emotions that come with growing older, navigating relationships and watching life unfold on its own timeline.
In fact, the album’s title came together only after Pearce had already lived through many of the songs.
“I truly did not come up with the title of the album until the very end,” she tells MusicRow. “I think I was subconsciously coming to this understanding of my life as I was living these songs.”
That realization shaped the record’s central theme. As Pearce entered a new season of life, she found herself thinking about the expectations placed on women to reach certain milestones by a certain age, and how easily those expectations can overshadow the life happening in front of you.
“We are told as women that we shouldn’t say our age and we need to have this by this time, and we’re on these timelines and the highlight reel. I just wanted to be the exception to the rule.”
That perspective comes through particularly on “Dream Come True” and “Happy For Myself,” two of the album’s most vulnerable moments. Both songs explore the less polished side of life, confronting the sacrifices, comparisons and disappointments that can exist alongside professional success and personal milestones.
For Pearce, that kind of openness begins in the writing room. Rather than relying on a conventional co-writing circle, she often writes with people she already trusts, allowing conversations with friends to become the foundation for some of her most personal songs.
“Both of those songs came out of conversations that I was having with my friends who happened to be my co-writers. I write with my friends because I’m so honest and vulnerable that I could never write these songs with people I didn’t know.”
While the album digs into Pearce’s present, it also reaches back to where she came from. Having started singing in bluegrass bands as a child, Pearce wanted Honest Woman to reconnect listeners with the Kentucky side of her musical identity. That comes through most prominently on “What If You Loved Me,” a bluegrass collaboration with Dan Tyminski and Molly Tuttle.
The project’s other major collaboration, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,” pairs Pearce with Riley Green. After deciding she wanted Green on the album, Pearce simply sent him the song. His response came almost immediately, creating the emotional ballad currently climbing country radio.
Sonically, Pearce sees the album as a departure from worrying about what might fit neatly into the commercial country landscape. She co-produced the project with longtime collaborator Ben West, incorporating bluegrass musicians and leaning further into the sounds that felt natural to her.
“I really think sonically it’s the most interesting album I’ve ever done, and my best.”
That honesty runs throughout the album, with Pearce allowing herself to show both the good and difficult parts of where she is in life.
It also extends to the lighter moments. She points to “You Don’t Like My Dogs” as the song she’s most excited to hear fans sing back to her on the road, calling it “an anthem.”
And while Pearce believes women are already ruling country music, she sees honesty as the next step in continuing that momentum.
“I challenge all the girls to be more honest because clearly women want to hear other women and they want to hear other stories.”
With Honest Woman, Pearce is doing exactly that. Looking back at where she came from, acknowledging where she is and leaving room for wherever life takes her next.
Jacob Hackworth Slates Debut EP For October
/by Lauryn SinkJacob Hackworth will release his debut EP, What Took You So Long, on Oct. 23 via MCA/Goat Island Sound.
Hackworth wrote the seven-track project alongside Jaxson Free, Josh Phillips, Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross and more. The EP is a chronological account of the breakup that unknowingly set Hackworth on the path to Nashville. Its title track is currently top 40 at country radio.
“This EP is probably the most full-circle thing I’ve ever done. I definitely didn’t set out to write a project about a breakup—it just kind of came together naturally. There is something poetic about getting to tell that story as my first project as an artist, considering it was the reason for me moving here to chase my dream of being a recording artist. I also love the message underneath it all: sometimes the hardest things in your life happen the way they do for a reason. Zero out of 10 would recommend getting dumped, BUT it put me exactly where I was supposed to be. I’m happier, healthier and living a life I dreamed about for a long time because of it,” shares Hackworth. “We wrote ‘I Wanna Quit’ at a writers camp back in May and knew instantly it was a smash. We cut it almost immediately because we didn’t want to overthink it, it was the perfect addition to this project.”
In celebration of the announcement, he has previewed the project with “I Wanna Quit,” written by Hackworth, Free, Heath Warren and Tyler Dopps.
Hackworth is currently on the road with Tucker Wetmore for their third run together before he joins Zach John King this fall.
What Took You So Long Track List:
1. “What Took You So Long” (Jacob Hackworth, Daniel Ross, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones)
2. “I Wanna Quit” (Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Heath Warren, Tyler Dopps)
3. “Bad As I Do” (Jacob Hackworth, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Jessie Jo Dillon)
4. “Last Night I Got Lonely” (Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust, Danny Majic)
5. “First Friday Night” (Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Daniel Ross, Matt Roy)
6. “Help Yourself” (Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust, Sean Wave, Travis Smith)
7. “Mess That Marlboro Made” (Jacob Hackworth, Josh Phillips, Jordan Schmidt)
SongwritingWith:Soldiers Shares Veterans’ Voices In New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughSongwritingWith:Soldiers is amplifying the voices of veterans with the release of a new album, The Power of Being Heard, due out Nov. 6 ahead of Veterans Day.
The 15-song project reflects 24 Veteran voices through music written and performed alongside songwriters including Erin Enderlin, Radney Foster, Will Kimbrough, Trent Willmon and many more. The first eight compelling tracks are available now on all streaming platforms.
“Every song on The Power of Being Heard shows that no one has to carry their story alone and that our service members’ and their families’ stories matter,” shares Kristin Starling, President, SongwritingWith:Soldiers. “These are the voices of the veterans, service members and their families who trusted us to help them tell their story. Our hope is to create connections far beyond the retreat.”
SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ mission is to transform lives by using collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and strengths. The organization holds weekend retreats across the U.S. for veterans and their families from all conflicts. Since 2012, SW:S has connected with more than 7,000 veterans and military families, creating a safe and inspiring environment to share their experiences and co-create songs grounded in lived experience alongside professional songwriters.
The Power of Being Heard Track List:
1. “At Ease” – Will Kimbrough
2. “The Man You Used To Know” – Trent Willmon
3. “Footprints in my Mind” – Stevenson Everett
4. “Strumming Hand” – Maia Sharp
5. “The One They Call” – Radney Foster and Kelly Willis
6. “Hey Brother” – Mark Nesler
7. “He Ain’t Through With Me Yet” – JD Martin
8. “Something Ain’t Right” – Gary Burr
9. “Grace” – Dylan Altman
10. “Army of One” – Terry Radigan
11. “Let Go of the Pain” – Danny Myrick
12. “Daddy’s Son” – Jay Clementi ft. Brody Clementi
13. “Parents & Soldiers” – Georgia Middleman
14. “When You Look At Me” – Erin Enderlin
15. “Funeral Detail” – Gary Nicholson
Nashville’s ‘Live On The Green’ Series Marks 2027 Return With Lawnwarming Party
/by Lorie HollabaughLightning 100 and Opry Entertainment Group are bringing back Nashville’s beloved “Live on The Green” concert series, and in celebration of the series return, a “Live on The
The special launch party event will feature performances from alum
“With the help of our friends at Opry Entertainment Group, we’re thrilled to celebrate the return of ‘Live on The Green’ in 2027 with a special Lawnwarming
Opry Entertainment Group’s Vice President of Amphitheaters and Festivals, Shawn Krauel adds, “We’re excited to welcome ‘Live on The Green’
Reserved tickets to the “Live on The Green”
Anna Rae Inks With Joan Of Arc Music For Management
/by Lauryn SinkCindy Mabe and Anna Rae. Photo: Adrienne Kelley
Anna Rae has signed with Joan Of Arc Music for management.
The Charlotte, North Carolina native began her music career starring as Young Elsa in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway at 12 years old. She released her debut single, “Run Cinderella,” today (Aug. 28), which she co-wrote with Stephanie Chapman and Emily Landis. Rae recently made her Bluebird Café debut and hosted a Tin Pan South writer’s round at the Station Inn alongside award-winning songwriters Matraca Berg, Landis and Chapman.
“Anna is one of the purest and most timeless vocalists of her generation,” shares Cindy Mabe, Founder and CEO of Joan of Arc Music. “She’s a storyteller and songwriter with depth beyond her age, and she’s instantly relatable. We are so proud to help grow her career and introduce her to wider audiences.”
“Cindy Mabe and the Joan of Arc Music team are true advocates of country music,” says Rae. “They are entirely dedicated to the heart and stories of artists and believe in building careers with intention and longevity – caring for both the art and the soul behind it. I feel incredibly grateful to be supported in a way that gives me the freedom to evolve and take risks. I couldn’t be more excited about everything we’re building together!”
Las Vegas Songwriters Festival Wraps Second Annual Event
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Rob Hatch, Jerrod Niemann, Craig Campbell, Matt Warren, David Lee Murphy and Storme Warren. Photo: Chelsa Christensen
The Las Vegas Songwriters Festival returned to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas last weekend for the second annual event.
Hosted by chart-topping songwriter Matt Warren, the festival was founded by Entersong’s Rob Hatch and Mike Every in partnership with MGM Resorts.
Kicking off the event Thursday (Aug. 20) at House of Blues Las Vegas, David Lee Murphy, Craig Campbell and Jerrod Niemann took the stage to perform some of their own chart-topping hits, alongside songs they’ve written that have been recorded by the likes of Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton and more.
Throughout the weekend, fans were treated to performances from Anthony L. Smith, Anthony Smith, Billy Montana, Bob DiPiero, Bobby Pinson, Brian Davis, Brian White, Brice Long, Bridgette Tatum, Brinley Addington, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Clint Daniels, D. Vincent Williams, Dave Pahanish, Dean Dillon, Dylan Altman, Earl Bud Lee, Elisha Hoffman, Eric Paslay, Jamie Floyd, Jared Mullins, Jim McCormick, Jimmy Yeary, Justin Ebach, Justin Wilson, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Marti Frederiksen, Matt McGinn, Matt Warren, Mitch Oglesby, Paul Jenkins, Phil Barton, Rachel Thibodeau, Ray Fulcher, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rob Hatch, Steve Bogard, Tyler Reeve and Wynn Varble across four stages.
Details for the 2027 Las Vegas Songwriters Festival will be announced at a later date.
Pictured (L-R): Rebecca Lynn Howard, Storme Warren, Rachel Thibodeau and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Las Vegas Songwriters Festival
Pictured (L-R): Justin Wilson, Steve Bogard and Rob Hatch. Photo: Courtesy of Las Vegas Songwriters Festival
Luke Bryan Unveils ‘SIGNS’ Track List
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Bryan has revealed the track list for his upcoming ninth studio album, SIGNS, set for release on Sept. 18 via MCA.
Bryan has previewed the project with his current single, “Country And She Knows It,” as well as “Word On The Street,” “Signs,” “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” and “Made It A Memory.” Bryan co-wrote two songs on the 11-track project alongside Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill and Josh Thompson. Additional writing credits include Parker Welling, Kyle Sturrock, Jimmy Robbins, Matt Alderman, Payton Smith and more.
Bryan is his currently on the “Word On The Street Tour” through September, including a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He also has four upcoming Farm Tour 2026 dates, and the finale of the “Double Down Tour” with Jason Aldean, which takes place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 11.
SIGNS Track List:
1. “Country And She Knows It” (Josh Miller, Parker Welling, Matt Dragstrem)
2. “Word On The Street” (Payton Smith, Josh Thompson, Justin Ebach)
3. “Signs” Jody Stevens, (Patrick Murphy, Jason Duke, Tommy Cecil, Jon Mills)
4. “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” (Luke Bryan, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill)
5. “Made It A Memory” (Matt Alderman)
6. “Woods” (Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson)
7. “Down Goes The Whiskey” (Jeb Gipson, Whitney Duncan, Jonathan Singleton)
8. “Crooked Rows Of Corn” (Luke Bryan, Josh Thompson, Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem)
9. “I Like Loving You” (Jimi Bell, Kyle Sturrock, Jimmy Robbins)
10. “Killer” (Davis Corley, Mark Addison Chandler, Nate Kenyon)
11. “Praying By The Rules” (Blake Bollinger, Chris Lucas, Nate Kenyon, Preston Brust)
CMA Unveils Lineup For Music Teachers Of Excellence Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA has announced the lineup for its upcoming 10th Annual Music Teachers of Excellence Ceremony set for Oct. 7 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Sierra Hull, Marcus King, Carrie Manolakos, David Phelps, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Tucker Wetmore will perform during the special evening, alongside speakers
As part of the milestone celebration, the CMA Foundation will also present music industry executive and Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante with the inaugural CMA Foundation Music Education Impact Award, recognizing his longstanding leadership and commitment to advancing music education and expanding opportunities for students.
Galante was instrumental in the inception and early development of the CMA Foundation, and became a founding member of its Board of Directors when it was established in 2011. He has served on the Board for 15 years, including five terms as Chairman. Galante was particularly instrumental in the CMA Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools, which has resulted in a $12.5 million investment in music education across the district, as well as the creation of the Music Teachers of Excellence program.
Anna Graves Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut As Part Of ‘Opry 100: Summer Of The Century’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughAnna Graves Photo: Jonathan Taylor Sweet
Americana singer-songwriter Anna Graves marked a major milestone in her career on Tuesday night (Aug. 25) as she joined a lineup of artists for the “Opry 100: Summer of the Century” concert series and made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Graves celebrated the release of her debut album, America’s Greatest Burnout with her Opry debut performance, which also featured a heartfelt tribute to country legend Dolly Parton. Graves shared a clip from the performance on her Instagram posting, “It was a beautiful and emotional night last night at the @opry, as Dolly’s spirit was felt by all of us. When I stood in that circle for the first time, I got choked up, as it was like every one before me left a piece of them up there.”
In a few weeks, Graves will hit the road on her debut headlining tour, the “America’s Greatest Burnout Tour,” which kicks off Sept. 9 in Decatur, Georgia and will include stops in 17 cities including Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle and more through Oct. 17.
Graves is also gearing up for AMERICANAFEST, where she will be featured as one of the showcasing artists performing throughout venues in Nashville from Sept. 16-19.
America’s Greatest Burnout Track List:
1. “America’s Greatest Burnout”
2. “Damn In Love”
3. “Hollow Bones”
4. “Goldmine”
5. “Ashes & Smoke”
6. “Jaded Songbirds”
7. “Granted”
8. “Two Faced”
9. “Burn On”
10. “Minnesota”
11. “The Long Way”
12. “Honkie Was A Wise Man”