Don Schlitz
Don Schlitz, the architect behind many of country music’s most enduring songs, passed away on April 16 at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. He was 73.
As a writer of such country standards as “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “The Greatest” and “When You Say Nothing At All,” Schlitz was a member of the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Schlitz briefly attended Duke University before moving to Nashville at age 20. Arriving with $80 in his pocket, he set to Music Row, and his talent was recognized and fostered early on by greats, including Bob McDill and Bobby Bare.
Schlitz became one of the first performers at the now-iconic Bluebird Café in Nashville. He and friends Thom Schuyler, J. Fred Knobloch and Paul Overstreet originated the Café’s songwriter-in-the-round format in 1985. On Tuesday nights, Schlitz held court at the venue with his “Don For A Dollar” show, charging a cover of $1 each night.
Schlitz’s first-ever cut was Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” setting a incredible standard he would meet for the rest of his career. The then-23-year-old songwriter celebrated a massive crossover hit that traveled far and wide, winning a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978, and the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1979.
Following his first big hit, Schlitz continued to have stunning success. His 50 top 10 singles have played major roles in the careers of Rogers, Randy Travis, The Judds, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss and many others.
Schlitz notched 25 No. 1s in his career. He was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year from 1988 to 1991, and won three CMA Song of the Year Awards, two ACM Song of the Year awards and two Grammys across his five decades in music.
Schlitz was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993, and he went into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York in 2012. In 2017, Schlitz was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, joining only five other songwriters in the Hall at that time, including Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard and Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.
In 2022, he became the only non-artist songwriter inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the show’s 100-year history. He commonly performed over the last few years, joking with the audience that they may not know who he was, but they knew his songs.
Don Schlitz is survived by his wife, Stacey; his daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon; his son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz; his grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla, and Lilah; his brother Brad Schlitz; and his sister Kathy Hinkley.
Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry performance will be dedicated in Schlitz’ honor.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25 at 2:30 p.m. CT in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (224 Rep. John Lewis Way South). A reception will follow the service.
Aubrie Sellers Launches Headline Tour
/by Lauryn SinkAubrie Sellers
Aubrie Sellers is set to hit the road this month on her headline tour alongside Jade Jackson.
The run will make stops in Nashville, Austin, Atlanta and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Sellers released her third studio album, Attachment Theory, on March 20 via Casual Records/Carnival Records. The 11-track project explores the psychology of human relationships.
“This record was born out of heartbreak, with the theme of attachment theory running through it in different ways,” says Sellers. “I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, especially people’s personalities and quirks and how they function in relationships.” She continues, “Sonically, this record leans even more into rock than my past albums, but it has a darker, slower cadence. Less outright slashers and more intense rock slow-burners. I’m drawn to sci-fi, horror, and cinematic themes, and you hear that all over this record with the synths, strings, and haunting guitars. Ethan Ballinger, who co-produced and played guitar, and Jeremy Ferguson, our engineer, share those sensibilities with me.”
Tour Dates:
Apr 19 Sun – Louisville, KY – Zanzibar^
Apr 23 Thu – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music^
Apr 25 Sat – Nashville, TN – Analog at Hutton Hotel^
Apr 27 Mon – Austin, TX – Saxon Pub^
Apr 28 Tue – Dallas, TX – AM/FM Dallas^
Apr 30 Thu – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar^
Jun 18 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena *
Jun 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre *
Jun 20 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center *
Jun 25 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *
Jun 26 – Bend, OR – Haden Homes Amphitheater *
Jun 27 – Kent, WA – Accesso Showare Center *
* opening for Parker McCollum
+ with Erin Enderlin
^ with Jade Jackson & Jackson+Sellers
Cody Johnson Unveils New Album Due In June
/by Lauryn SinkCody Johnson is set to release his new studio album, Banks Of The Trinity, on June 26 via COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville.
In celebration of the announcement, Johnson has released his new single, “I Want You,” written by Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, and Matt Rogers.
“On this album, I wanted to tell the story about my childhood,” Johnson shares. “When I heard the song ‘Banks Of The Trinity’ for the first time, it was like this portrait showed in my head of memories that I had honestly forgotten. It just took me back home to Sebastopol, Texas, where I grew up on the Trinity River. I had tears in my eyes when I heard it for the first time.”
The Trent Willmon produced project follows six previous albums, including Leather, which won the 2024 CMA Album of the Year. Johnson has amassed 10 billion global streams four RIAA Platinum No. 1 singles.
Johnson is set to make his headline debut this year at Stagecoach. He is nominated for four awards at the upcoming 61st ACM Awards and will continue his headline tour through the fall.
Eric Church Sells Out Three Red Rocks Dates In Minutes
/by Madison HahnenEric Church. Photo: Robby Klein
Eric Church has sold out all three nights of his upcoming Red Rocks Amphitheatre run within minutes of tickets going on sale for the second consecutive year. This year’s shows will take place July 6, 7, and 8.
This year’s shows will celebrate Church’s 20 years in music. Each night will have a different setlist, as Church has made tradition. Corey Kent will join as support on night one, 49 Winchester on night two, and The Creekers on the final night.
After his three nights at Red Rocks, he will play two nights at Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre. Church is also set to headline Barefoot Country Music Fest, the California Mid-State Fair, Boots on the Bend and more festivals this summer.
Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town & Jake Owen Join Lineup Of Alan Jackson’s Last Call Finale Show
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup keeps growing for Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale show June 27 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, with Little Big Town, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett joining the list of those paying tribute to the Country Music Hall of Fame member at the summer all-star event.
The sold-out concert marking the end of Jackson’s over three decade touring career will feature an all-star lineup of artists including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright, with still more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Jackson’s touring career has taken him from coast-to-coast countless times and even to such far-reaching places as Australia, Brazil, and Europe. Over the last four years, his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” played to sellout and capacity concerts. For each ticket sold for Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale, $1.00 is being donated to the CMT Research Foundation, an organization that funds research to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and will be matched by $2.00 from a generous donor.
Jody Williams Songs Elevates Tenasie Courtright, Adds Jonah Gordon
/by Lauryn SinkTenasie Courtright & Jonah Gordon. Photo: Gina Di Maio
Jody Williams Songs has elevated Tenasie Courtright to Director, Creative & A&R.
Formerly serving as Creative Director at the company, Courtright took on added duties by performing hands-on A&R for JWS writer-artists Emily Ann Roberts, Ashley McBryde, Harper O’Neill and Peytan Porter.
“When we discovered Tenasie’s natural abilities for A&R we encouraged her in this area and were extremely pleased with the results,” shares Nina Fisher, VP/GM of JWS. “She is a key member of our creative team, and we are lucky to have her.”
Additionally, Jonah Gordon has joined Jody Williams Songs as Manager, Sync & A&R.
Gordon comes to JWS from the sync department of Big Yellow Dog Music, which was recently acquired by Sony Music Publishing.
“Jonah is the right person at the right time to ramp up our sync business and enhance creative services for our writers,” Fisher adds. “He brings a skill set to our company that will help us to evolve and broaden the reach of our songs.”
Reach Courtright here and Gordon here.
Riley Green Takes The Top Spot On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Riley Green; Photo credit: David Higgs
Riley Green takes the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song, “Change My Mind.”
The track, on his 2024 album Don’t Mind If I Do, was written by Green, Erik Dylan and Randy Montana.
Today (April 17), Green released “My Way,” a new solo-written track that will appear in CBS’ Marshals on April 26 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
“Change My Mind” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
CRS 2027 Agenda Committee Applications Open
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Radio Broadcasters, Inc. is currently accepting applications for the CRS 2027 Agenda Committee.
The Agenda Committee plays a vital role in shaping and developing the educational programming for next year’s Country Radio Seminar, set to take place March 17–19, 2027. The CRS 2027 Agenda Committee will be led by Brittani Johnson as Chair, alongside Krista Hayes (BMG/Broken Bow Records) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting) as Vice Chairs.
The committee is comprised of volunteers from across all sectors of the country radio, streaming and music industry. Members collaborate to develop compelling panels, discussions and workshops that reflect the evolving landscape of country music and radio.
To be considered, applicants must be available to attend the mandatory in-person planning sessions in Nashville, scheduled for August 3–5, 2026, and must also be available to attend CRS 2027. Committee members will receive complimentary registration for CRS 2027. All travel and lodging expenses remain the individual’s responsibility.
Applications must be submitted by May 1 and can be completed here.
Jesse Stoll Named Executive VP/Global Touring For Icon Concerts & LiveCo
/by Lorie HollabaughJesse Stoll
Jesse Stoll has been named Executive Vice President, Global Touring for Icon Concerts and its parent company LiveCo.
Previously at Concerts West as vice president of touring, Stoll produced major tours for Sabrina Carpenter, Hans Zimmer, Theo Von, Tom Segura, Martin Lawrence and Ado. He began his career at Sony BMG leading national campaigns for priority projects from Matisyahu, The Fray, Flyleaf, Maroon 5 and Sara Bareilles, among others. Recognized as one of Billboard’s 30 under 30, he moved on to AEG Southeast as a talent buyer, creating and producing several original music and entertainment festivals from Dubfest to the Village of Horrors. In 2022, he joined Concerts West focusing on securing national and global tour opportunities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jesse to the Icon team,” says Paul Meloche, CEO of Icon. “As a proven winner I’ve known for years, he brings a rare dual expertise: The high-level experience of touring with major acts and the strategic vision for developing talent from the ground up.”
“Jesse is a great hire for Icon, not only to help add to the stable of great touring comedians but to bring artists from multiple genres to Icon and LiveCo,” says Chuck Steedman, LiveCo president and CEO. “Our company is the leading independent promoter and producer of live entertainment in the world, and a talent like Jesse will help us keep that incredible trajectory. He is exactly the kind of innovative thinker and deal maker that this company thrives on.”
“Icon Concerts has built a premier reputation through a tenacious, hands-on approach to promotion and production,” says Stoll. “I’ve long respected what Paul created as an independent in a fiercely competitive space. We share the same mindset of fighting for every dollar for both promoter and artist. The artists I work with are family, and supporting their vision will always lead. I’m proud to join Icon and excited to build with the scale of LiveCo behind us.”
BREAKING: Hall Of Fame Songwriter Don Schlitz Passes At 73
/by LB CantrellDon Schlitz
Don Schlitz, the architect behind many of country music’s most enduring songs, passed away on April 16 at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. He was 73.
As a writer of such country standards as “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “The Greatest” and “When You Say Nothing At All,” Schlitz was a member of the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Schlitz briefly attended Duke University before moving to Nashville at age 20. Arriving with $80 in his pocket, he set to Music Row, and his talent was recognized and fostered early on by greats, including Bob McDill and Bobby Bare.
Schlitz became one of the first performers at the now-iconic Bluebird Café in Nashville. He and friends Thom Schuyler, J. Fred Knobloch and Paul Overstreet originated the Café’s songwriter-in-the-round format in 1985. On Tuesday nights, Schlitz held court at the venue with his “Don For A Dollar” show, charging a cover of $1 each night.
Schlitz’s first-ever cut was Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” setting a incredible standard he would meet for the rest of his career. The then-23-year-old songwriter celebrated a massive crossover hit that traveled far and wide, winning a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978, and the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1979.
Following his first big hit, Schlitz continued to have stunning success. His 50 top 10 singles have played major roles in the careers of Rogers, Randy Travis, The Judds, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss and many others.
Schlitz notched 25 No. 1s in his career. He was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year from 1988 to 1991, and won three CMA Song of the Year Awards, two ACM Song of the Year awards and two Grammys across his five decades in music.
Schlitz was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993, and he went into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York in 2012. In 2017, Schlitz was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, joining only five other songwriters in the Hall at that time, including Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard and Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.
In 2022, he became the only non-artist songwriter inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the show’s 100-year history. He commonly performed over the last few years, joking with the audience that they may not know who he was, but they knew his songs.
Don Schlitz is survived by his wife, Stacey; his daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon; his son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz; his grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla, and Lilah; his brother Brad Schlitz; and his sister Kathy Hinkley.
Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry performance will be dedicated in Schlitz’ honor.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25 at 2:30 p.m. CT in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (224 Rep. John Lewis Way South). A reception will follow the service.
Russell Dickerson & Crew Celebrate No. 1 Hit ‘Happen To Me’
/by John Nix ArledgePhoto (L-R, back row): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring and Annie Ortmeier, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Concord’s Courtney Allen and Hang Your Hat’s Hillary Lindsey; (L-R, front row): Chase McGill, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson and Chris LaCorte; Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
BMI’s lobby was packed Tuesday afternoon (April 15) as the industry gathered to celebrate Russell Dickerson and the songwriters behind his sixth career No. 1, “Happen To Me.”
BMI’s Mason Hunter kicked off by highlighting Dickerson’s reach, noting that the track has already surpassed 340 million streams and recently earned a nomination for Best Country Song at the upcoming American Music Awards. “This kind of success doesn’t happen by accident,” Hunter said. “It happens when a lot of talent gets in a room and creates a great song.”
Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar and Concord’s Brad Kennard and Courtney Allen also stepped to the mic to offer congratulations. Studio Bank’s Ron Cox announced that in honor of the No. 1, Studio Bank made a donation to Cultivate, an organization that is, “doing very impactful work in our community by feeding the hungry not only physically but spiritually.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, Chase McGill, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson, Chris LaCorte and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Other industry leaders who spoke included Universal Music Publishing’s Cyndi Forman and Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, who noted the song’s global reach, including five weeks at No. 1 in Canada and four weeks in the UK.
Producer Josh Kerr was the first of the creators to speak, commenting on the energy in the room that day. “I’m a big believer that when someone listens to a song on the radio, they can feel the way that it was made, and I think that directly translated into how the listeners heard it,” said Kerr.
Chase McGill, who had a billion-stream year across his catalog, spoke next. “I was like, honestly, I want to be a small part of elevating that guy’s platform. Russell’s so easy to pull for,” McGill explained.
Co-writer and co-producer Chris LaCorte shared the song’s “origin story,” mentioning a guitar preset called “Spandex and Hairspray” that inspired the track’s 80’s sound. “The coolest thing is seeing the absolute just fun and joy we had writing that song come across and give that to the listener and seeing people just having the time of their lives,” LaCorte said.
Jessie Jo Dillon was unable to attend, but speakers made sure to tout her big year and multiple Songwriter of the Year honors.
Dickerson closed the afternoon by expressing his gratitude for the community that raised him and for the team that supports him. “I love this freaking life so much. I love being an artist. I love being exhausted. I love playing in front of people,” Dickerson said. “This song has absolutely changed my life. I get to do everything that I’ve dreamed of because of these guys and everybody in this room.”