Randy Rogers Band is breathing new life into 15 of their chart-topping, fan-favorite hits with some help from Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum and more on their latest album, Songbook, due out Jan. 22. The band has partnered with Big Loud Texas for the release of the project.
Often cited as an inspiration to generations of country artists out of Texas, the band is celebrating 25 years of making music by revisiting their legacy-building tracks and teaming up with some notable friends on the new capsule collection spanning two decades of genre-defining music. Produced by Jedd Hughes, Songbook also features guest appearances by Dierks Bentley, Koe Wetzel, Cody Jinks, Gary Allan, Flatland Cavalry, Turnpike Troubadours, Ty Myers, Wade Bowen, Pat Green, William Beckmann, Jake Worthington, Sunny Sweeney, Maggie Antone and Kaitlin Butts.
“I can honestly say my heart is full of gratitude. When our manager, Enzo, originally had this idea, there was some pushback. I thought, ‘I’m not dead yet—why do this?’ But after we got into the studio and I heard the stories from my friends about how our band played a role in their own journeys, I quickly understood,” Rogers shares. “This wasn’t just about our band. It was about all of us. It was about the songs, and how far and wide they can reach—and the impact they can have on people’s lives. I am eternally grateful for the inspiration I took away from everyone involved. Thank you so much.”
The first release off the upcoming album features McCollum and the band on a revitalized rendition of the epic tale of “Tommy Jackson,” due out tomorrow (Oct. 9). Written by Rogers and originally recorded for the band’s first studio album Like It Used to Be in 2002, the song tells the tragic story of a young man on the run following a fatal whiskey-fueled incident with a woman named Pam, and remains one of the most-requested songs during the band’s live shows.
“When Parker selected ‘Tommy Jackson,’ I wasn’t surprised one bit,” says Rogers. “He’s told me several times over the years how much he dug this song. Story songs are hard to write, and I wrote this one after a chance meeting with Bill Whitbeck, Robert Earl Keen‘s bass player, at Fritz’s Muffler Shop in San Marcos, Texas, when I was a student at Texas State University. I had seen REK at Luckenbach the night before, and I walked away completely inspired to make music my life. All these years later, having Parker cut this song feels like a full-circle moment—not just for me, but for all of us in this genre.”
Songbook Track List:
1. “Kiss Me In The Dark” (feat. Miranda Lambert)
2. “Buy Myself A Chance” (feat. Ty Myers)
3. “Tommy Jackson” (feat. Parker McCollum)
4. “Down & Out” (feat. Turnpike Troubadours)
5. “Too Late For Goodbye” (feat. Flatland Cavalry)
6. “One More Goodbye” (feat. Jake Worthington)
7. “One Woman” (feat. William Beckmann)
8. “Last Last Chance” (feat. Kaitlin Butts)
9. “This Time Around” (feat. Cody Canada and Dierks Bentley)
10. “In My Arms Instead” (feat. Cody Jinks)
11. “Interstate” (feat. Pat Green)
12. “Speak Of The Devil” (feat. Wade Bowen)
13. “Fuzzy” (feat. Gary Allan)
14. “Somebody Take Me Home” (feat. Sunny Sweeny)
15. “I Miss You With Me” (feat. Koe Wetzel and Maggie Antone)
Michael McCall To Retire From CMHOFM
/by Madison HahnenMichael McCall
Longtime writer, editor and curator Michael McCall will retire from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at the end of the year after more than two decades with the organization.
McCall joined the museum in 2006 and currently serves as Associate Director of Editorial. He oversees written content for exhibitions, books, public programs, the website, social media and educational materials. He has curated or co-curated more than 20 exhibitions, including the recent Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, as well as Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country Rock and Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy.
He has also hosted numerous museum programs and conducted interviews with Country Music Hall of Fame members including Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Charlie Daniels, Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless and Hank Williams Jr. McCall co-edited the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Country Music, published by Oxford University Press, and has written exhibition books on Loretta Lynn and Reba McEntire. He also authored a book about the museum’s archival collection.
“From the beginning of his tenure, Michael’s impressive journalistic sensibilities helped to establish the museum’s editorial voice,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “He brings broad historical knowledge with an innate ability to not only understand the music and the people behind it, but also place it within the greater cultural context. Before he joined the museum, he was a talented journalist and well respected by artists and musicians alike. We were lucky to have him and grateful for his two decades of service enlightening and educating us all.”
Before joining the museum, McCall was Senior Editor of Country Music magazine from 1999 to 2003 and contributed to publications including the Associated Press, Journal of Country Music, Los Angeles Times, Nashville Scene, Oxford American and People. From 1984 to 1990, he worked as Senior Music Writer for the Nashville Banner, covering news, opinion and features. During that time, he interviewed artists including Waylon Jennings, George Jones and George Strait. In 1986, he also documented Loretta Lynn’s three-week USO Tour of military bases across Southeast Asia.
“Working at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been the greatest honor of a career that overshot any of my dreams,” adds McCall. “After arriving in Nashville, I noticed how the museum excelled at interpreting and contextualizing American roots music and its important role in popular culture. I will forever appreciate the opportunity given to me by Kyle Young, Liz Thiels and Jay Orr to work alongside a talented, committed staff in continuing the museum’s sanctified mission.”
McCall received the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism from Belmont University and the International Country Music Conference in 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and English literature from San Francisco State University. Born in Gary, Indiana, McCall attended high school in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His final day with the museum will be Dec. 31.
Brooks & Dunn Return To Australia For First Headlining Dates In Nearly 20 Years This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughBrooks & Dunn. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Brooks & Dunn will play two headline dates in Australia after closing out CMC Rocks QLD’s 20th anniversary next March.
Returning to Australia for the first time in 18 years, the Country Music Hall of Famers will bring their show to Sydney’s Afterpay Arena on March 24, and Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on March 27. Ashley McBryde and Mack Geiger will join as support on both dates.
Brooks & Dunn’s long-awaited return to Australia is the latest milestone in a landmark year for the duo, whose music continues to reach new audiences around the globe. Earlier this year, they performed in the U.K. for the first time ever, headlining Europe’s largest country music festival, C2C, and playing to record-breaking crowds in Belfast, Glasgow and London.
This year, the duo is also celebrating the 35th anniversary of their debut album Brand New Man, and the album’s first-ever vinyl pressing arrives Oct. 23, giving fans a new way to experience the record that launched one of country music’s most celebrated careers.
Mitchell Tenpenny & The Opry Help Raise Awareness, Support For Patients & Families Battling Cancer Diagnosis
/by Lorie HollabaughDevin Dawson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lee Brice, and Ernest Perform Songwriters’ Round. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
Mitchell Tenpenny, his foundation, the 10Penny Fund, and some artist friends teamed up with the Opry earlier this week to raise awareness of the need for emotional, social, and mental health support for patients and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Performers during the special evening included Tenpenny, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Devin Dawson, Ernest, Sierra Hull, Jackie Lee and Jo Dee Messina. Macy Page, a cancer survivor and sister-in-law to artist Thomas Rhett, served as guest announcer for the show, and Mitchell, Lee, Ernest, and Dawson performed in a songwriter’s round during the second half of the show, which is a rare occurrence at the Opry, since it has only hosted a round a handful of times during its +100-year history. Tenpenny closed the Opry show with “Walk Like Him,” a song he wrote about his father, whom he lost to cancer in 2014.
After Young’s performance, he announced he would donate $25,000 to the 10Penny Fund, and the Opry is also donating $5 from each ticket sold for the show show to the 10Penny Fund as well. The night also marked the launch of a partnership between Mitchell and Cancer Support Community (CSC), a global nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and strengthening people affected by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Mitchell’s 10Penny Fund donated $110,000 to CSC and presented the check onstage.
A post-show event was held in Studio A, where Mitchell performed a few additional songs and participated in a Q&A hosted by WSM personality Charlie Mattos. During the event, Mitchell’s wife Meghan Patrick, who gave birth to their first child on Sept. 1, made a guest appearance to perform her song, “Golden Child.”
Mitchell Tenpenny Presents Cancer Support Community with $110,000 Donation from the 10PennyFund. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
Chris Young. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
WSM Announcer Charlie Mattos and Mitchell Post Show Event. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
Sierra Hull. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
Randy Rogers Band & Friends Revitalize Some Career Hits On Latest Project ‘Songbook’
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Rogers Band is breathing new life into 15 of their chart-topping, fan-favorite hits with some help from Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum and more on their latest album, Songbook, due out Jan. 22. The band has partnered with Big Loud Texas for the release of the project.
Often cited as an inspiration to generations of country artists out of Texas, the band is celebrating 25 years of making music by revisiting their legacy-building tracks and teaming up with some notable friends on the new capsule collection spanning two decades of genre-defining music. Produced by Jedd Hughes, Songbook also features guest appearances by Dierks Bentley, Koe Wetzel, Cody Jinks, Gary Allan, Flatland Cavalry, Turnpike Troubadours, Ty Myers, Wade Bowen, Pat Green, William Beckmann, Jake Worthington, Sunny Sweeney, Maggie Antone and Kaitlin Butts.
“I can honestly say my heart is full of gratitude. When our manager, Enzo, originally had this idea, there was some pushback. I thought, ‘I’m not dead yet—why do this?’ But after we got into the studio and I heard the stories from my friends about how our band played a role in their own journeys, I quickly understood,” Rogers shares. “This wasn’t just about our band. It was about all of us. It was about the songs, and how far and wide they can reach—and the impact they can have on people’s lives. I am eternally grateful for the inspiration I took away from everyone involved. Thank you so much.”
The first release off the upcoming album features McCollum and the band on a revitalized rendition of the epic tale of “Tommy Jackson,” due out tomorrow (Oct. 9). Written by Rogers and originally recorded for the band’s first studio album Like It Used to Be in 2002, the song tells the tragic story of a young man on the run following a fatal whiskey-fueled incident with a woman named Pam, and remains one of the most-requested songs during the band’s live shows.
“When Parker selected ‘Tommy Jackson,’ I wasn’t surprised one bit,” says Rogers. “He’s told me several times over the years how much he dug this song. Story songs are hard to write, and I wrote this one after a chance meeting with Bill Whitbeck, Robert Earl Keen‘s bass player, at Fritz’s Muffler Shop in San Marcos, Texas, when I was a student at Texas State University. I had seen REK at Luckenbach the night before, and I walked away completely inspired to make music my life. All these years later, having Parker cut this song feels like a full-circle moment—not just for me, but for all of us in this genre.”
DEK Of Hearts Signs With Red Light Management
/by Lauryn SinkPictured: Dylan John, Emily Clapp, Kollin Bailey and Tayler Bock. Photo: Courtesy of Red Light Management
DEK Of Hearts, comprised of members Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kollin Bailey, has signed with Red Light Management.
The group formed in April of 2024 after meeting at Trevecca University in Nashville. After winning the Tennessee Songwriters Week competition showcase in 2025, they went on to be named Top 3 Finalists Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice later that year. This year, the trio made their Grand Ole Opry debut and have opened for Carly Pearce, Brett Young and Niko Moon.
“The talent of DEK of Hearts is unmatched,” says Red Light Manager Tayler Bock. “The work ethic, live performance, and talent of this trio is not something you see every day in our industry. When I first saw this band perform at their Opry debut, I knew they were the real deal and that Red Light Management had to be a part of their career.”
“Being a part of Red Light Management under Tayler Bock solidifies the hard work of our two and a half years as a group,” shares DEK of Hearts. “We are privileged to continue to grow our team with Tayler and the Red Light Management team and learn from his experience working with artists like Gabby Barrett, and Sons of Legion.”
DEK of Hearts released their most recent single “Two Story House” in September and will launch their podcast One of Those Songs in November.
Loretta Lynn’s ‘Van Lear Rose’ To Be Re-Released Via Third Man Records
/by Lauryn SinkLoretta Lynn‘s Van Lear Rose will be re-released via Third Man Records on Nov. 13 featuring the previously-unreleased track “Just to Have You Back.”
The album, remastered from the original analog tapes, will be available on CD, black vinyl, limited-edition vinyl and digital. It is available for pre-order now.
The Grammy-winning Best Country Album of 2004, produced by Jack White, rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Country charts and No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the most successful crossover album of Lynn’s 60-year career at that point.
“It is an incredible honor to work again with Jack and his amazing team at Third Man to re-release this incredible album,” says Patsy Russell. “Our mother’s spirit lives on through this timeless music, and we are thrilled that fans old and new will be reminded of this great work.”
VAN LEAR ROSE Track Listing:
1. “Van Lear Rose”
2. “Portland Oregon (with Jack White)”
3. “Trouble on the Line”
4. “Family Tree”
5. “Have Mercy”
6. “High on a Mountain Top”
7. “Little Red Shoes”
8. “God Makes No Mistakes”
9. “Women’s Prison”
10. “This Old House”
11. “Mrs. Leroy Brown”
12. “Miss Being Mrs.”
13. “Story of My Life”
14. “Just to Have You Back”
Wade Forster Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkWade Forster. Photo: Gavin Bain
Wade Forster recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
“I had plenty of big dreams as a kid. Rugby, rodeo, that sort of thing,” he shared from the stage. “But I never thought I’d end up standing on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Thanks to the Opry for having me and for giving this Aussie bush kid a go. It means more to me than I can put into words. What a night.”
The Australia native has amassed 20 million DSP streams and more than 165 million views on TikTok on his single, “Anytime, Anywhere, Antoinette.” He released his new album, The Aftermath, earlier this summer and recently extended his sold-out “The Aftermath Tour,” which includes his headline debut at Cain’s Ballroom and Billy Bob’s.
Photo: Gavin Bain
Photo: Gavin Bain
Photo: Gavin Bain
River House Artists Adds Six, Promotes Two
/by Madison HahnenAlyssa Lawson & TC Courtney. Photo: Josef Lloyd
River House Artists is expanding its team across its publishing, records, and the recently launched The House management divisions. The company has promoted two employees and added six new hires.
Alyssa Lawson joins as Manager of Digital Marketing & Artist Development. She previously worked at MCA and Crowd Surf.
TC Courtney has been named Director of A&R after serving as an A&R Manager at Universal Music Publishing Group. He has also held A&R positions at Big Machine Label Group and BMI.
Sydney Riley has been promoted to Manager, Creative Services after three years with River House Artists.
Lyndsay Kash, previously Digital & Artist Development Coordinator, has moved to the publishing division as Publishing Coordinator.
JJ Garcia, a James Madison University graduate, joins as Digital & Artist Development Coordinator after internships with Atlantic Records and G7 Entertainment Marketing.
Ian Camaione, a University of Tennessee graduate, joins as Management and A&R Coordinator, supporting both The House Management and label teams in the newly created position.
Kyle Adams has moved into a full-time Graphic Designer role, while Taylor Robinson joins as Office Manager/Executive Assistant after previous roles with CAA and iHeartMedia.
Dolly’s SongTeller Hotel & Life Of Many Colors Museum Celebrate Official Opening
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum are now officially open in downtown Nashville and welcoming guests to the new destination inspired by the life and legacy of the beloved entertainer.
The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring children whose lives have been enriched by Parton’s Imagination Library. Created in partnership with Dolly and Herschend, the hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay rooted in Parton’s deep connection to Nashville, while Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum provides an immersive journey through her extraordinary life and career.
Parton was deeply involved in the hotel and museum development, and her personal touch can be found throughout all aspects of the property, from reviewing details and sharing stories and memories to making creative decisions throughout the process. Her involvement, alongside the collaboration of her team and AOA, helped ensure that the spaces felt authentic to her life, career and connection to Nashville. SongTeller Hotel features 240 rooms and suites, complemented by elevated dining, SongTeller Café, live entertainment, and immersive experiences inspired by Dolly’s life and artistry. The hotel also features Parton’s Live, a vibrant celebration of Dolly’s music and performance legacy, and Jolene’s, an intimate entertainment space on the hotel’s top floor.
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
“Dolly’s greatest legacy may be the way she has made people feel – seen, welcomed, inspired and connected. That is the spirit we hope guests feel the moment they walk into SongTeller,” shares Shannon Foster, General Manager of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel. “To open these doors and share her story with guests from around the world is an incredible privilege, and we hope every guest leaves with a memory, a song or a story of their own that they carry with them long after their stay.”
Occupying the third floor of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel, Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum begins with Dolly herself guiding guests into her story’s beginnings. The experience opens on January 19, 1946, the night she was born, before taking visitors through the many chapters of her life. Guests journey through her childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains, her early days performing and finding her place in country music, her rise through the Opry stages, and her evolution into a global music superstar and Hollywood icon. Along the way, the museum explores the people and experiences that shaped her, including her family, music, film and TV career, fashion, philanthropy, faith and more.
The museum hosted a panel featuring Steve Summers, Parton’s Creative Director; and Tom Acomb, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder at AOA, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative vision, collaboration and personal involvement that brought the museum to life, including the experience of working directly with Dolly throughout the development process.
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
“Today we open the doors to Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, a day our family and our team have dreamed about for years,” says Rebecca Seaver, Executive Director of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum. “Bringing this vision to life was not easy. It took countless hours, hard decisions, loss and a great deal of heart to get every detail right. But it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and it has deepened my appreciation for the story of a little girl who went from the top of the Smokies to the top of the world. I hope everyone who visits leaves is inspired to dream, just as Dolly did. We can’t wait to welcome fans from around the world to experience her life of many colors.”
Tickets for Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum are available for purchase here.
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
Matt McKinney Inks With Back Row Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Michael Kozelj (President, Back Row Music), Lindsay Will (VP A&R, Back Row Publishing), Matt McKinney and Taylor Antle (Director A&R, Back Row Publishing)
Matt McKinney has signed with Back Row Publishing.
Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, McKinney has earned cuts with Tim McGraw, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Elle King, ERNEST, Trey Lewis and Lukas Nelson.
“I’m excited for the future,” says McKinney. “Also, very thankful for the opportunity to continue my career with Taylor, Lindsay, and Mike playing a large role creatively.”
“I can speak for the entire Back Row team, that we are proud to have Matt on board,” adds Taylor Antle, Director A&R, Back Row Publishing. “Not only is Matt an incredible songwriter with authentic versatility, but his incredible work ethic and great attitude is second to none.”