Jeannie Seely. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby
Jeannie Seely, the beloved Grand Ole Opry member whose voice, wit and longevity made her one of country music’s most enduring figures, has died at age 85. She passed peacefully Friday (Aug. 1) at 5:00 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, following complications from an intestinal infection.
Known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a force across seven decades of country music—an artist, songwriter, host, producer and fearless innovator who broke ground for generations to follow. She was the first woman to regularly host segments on the Grand Ole Opry, and the first artist to wear a miniskirt on its stage. At the time of her death, she had notched the most Opry performances in history, having stepped into that iconic circle 5,397 times.
Jeannie Seely performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry
Her final Opry appearance came on Feb. 22, 2025. She remained active in her later years, continuing to host Sundays with Seely on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and releasing new music well into her 80s, including her 2024 single “Suffertime” and an accompanying short documentary. The release made her the vocalist with the longest recording span at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio B with 60 years between her first session and last.
Born July 6, 1940, and raised on a dirt road in rural Pennsylvania, Seely began performing on local radio as a child. By 21, she’d packed up her car and driven to Los Angeles, where she worked at Liberty and Imperial Records, wrote songs and started recording her own. It was Dottie West’s encouragement that led her to Nashville, where she landed a recording contract with Monument Records. Seely’s chart-topping hit “Don’t Touch Me” earned her a Grammy Award—making her just the third female country artist to receive one.
She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 16, 1967, and in the decades that followed, Seely became a steady, bold and beloved presence on the Opry stage. Her multiple collaborations with Jack Greene, her groundbreaking sense of style and her sharp humor helped shift perceptions of what women could be in country music.
Beyond the stage, Seely’s songs were recorded by legends across country, soul and pop—from Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Connie Smith to Irma Thomas, Boyz II Men and Seal. Her composition “Yours” was named Song of the Year at the 2022 Arkansas Country Music Awards.
SOURCE honors Jeannie Seely with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award. She poses with 2024 SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees Judy Seale, Marty Craighead, Teena Scogin Camp, Kathy Harris, Leslie Fram and Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography, Bev Moser
She was also a radio host, an author, a stage actress and a passionate advocate for artists and songwriters, especially women. She played a crucial role in building community backstage at the Opry, mentoring rising talent and championing equity in the industry. In her final years, she served as producer for the bluegrass group Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass and was planning their next recording session at the time of her death.
Over the past few years, honors poured in. The Opry celebrated her 5,000+ performances in 2022. The CMA recognized her with the Joe Talbot Award in 2023. In 2024, she received the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award from SOURCE and was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s permanent exhibit Sing Me Back Home. That same year, a Metro Nashville interchange was renamed the “Jeannie Seely Interchange,” and in 2025, Sony Music Publishing honored her during Women’s History Month with reimagined collaborations of her songs.
Gene Ward and Jeannie Seely. Photo: Courtesy of family
Seely’s final public appearance was on March 1, 2025, at the reopening of the Legends of Country Music Museum, where she is honored with a dedicated exhibit. She was scheduled to attend the naming of the SAG-AFTRA studio space in her honor the following month.
Seely had experienced ongoing health issues since the fall, which intensified after the passing of her husband, Gene Ward, in December. This year, she underwent multiple back and emergency abdominal surgeries.
She is survived by friends, family and her beloved cat Corrie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, her parents Leo and Irene Seely, and siblings Donald, Bernard and Mary Lou. A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to her memory.
The Neal Agency Elevates Four
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (clockwise): Kelly Littlefield, Clark Wilson, Simone Chretien and Juliette Edwards. Photo: Courtesy of TNA
The Neal Agency has elevated three agents. Additionally, Kelly Littlefield has been upped to President of Operations for both TNA and Sticks Management.
Clark Wilson has been elevated from Agent Assistant to Agent, Fairs & Festivals. Simone Chretien has been elevated from Booking Coordinator to Agent, Southeast Territory. Juliette Edwards has been elevated from Booking Coordinator to Agent, West Coast Territory.
“From the start, one of my top goals in building The Neal Agency was to create a culture where we could grow and promote talent from within,” says Austin Neal, Co-Head and Founder of TNA. “I’m incredibly proud to see that vision come to life with the promotions of Juliette, Simone and Clark to agents.”
“Kelly has been an integral part of developing the culture of the company since the very beginning,” Neal continues. “I’m very excited to be able to elevate her to a leadership position at both TNA and Sticks.”
Littlefield received a degree in Business and Arts Management from the College of Charleston and furthered her education with an MBA in Music Business from Belmont University. She began her career in HR at WME. In 2022, Littlefield moved to ONErpm, where she established and led the HR department as the Global HR Manager. Later the same year, Littlefield joined TNA, assuming the position of Director of HR & Operations. In 2024, Kelly assumed the role of Director of HR & Operations for Sticks Management as well. She was also selected to join the 2024 CMA Women’s Leadership Academy Cohort.
Wilson was born and raised in Nashville and graduated from Belmont University in 2019. Prior to joining TNA three years ago, he held positions at Warner Music Nashville and Red Light Management. Wilson began his career at TNA as an Agent Assistant to Adi Sharma and Spencer Foote. Wilson will now be moving into the role of Agent in the fairs and festivals department, continuing his previous work to build and expand the division.
Chretien hails from Silver Spring, Maryland. Chretien received her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a minor in marketing in 2019. Following graduation, Chretien started working at Average Joes Entertainment (AJE) as a Digital Marketing Coordinator. Soon after, she also began work with AJE’s in-house management company, Arcade Management, as an Artist Management Assistant and Digital Marketing Coordinator for Sister Hazel. In October 2022, she started at TNA as an Agent Assistant, working under Evan Kantor and Haley Teske in the Northeast and West territories of the United States in the hard ticket space. She also worked in the Fairs and Festivals department and spent time on Responsible Agent responsibilities. In October of 2024, she started working under co-head Austin Neal, honing in on Responsible Agent responsibilities. Now, Chretien is the Southeast Territorial Agent for The Neal Agency, representing Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford, alongside co-head Adi Sharma.
Edwards, a Santa Clarita, California native, graduated from The University of Alabama in 2019 with a degree in Telecommunication and Film. Before relocating to Nashville, she worked The Kelly Clarkson Show. In 2022, Edwards joined TNA as Executive Assistant and Coordinator to Neal. She later transitioned into the role of Booking Coordinator for Evan Kantor, managing the Northeast territory. Now, Edwards steps into her new position as West Coast Territorial Agent, along with representing Ole 60, Rob Langdon and Scott Wolverton.
BREAKING: Hannah Galluzzi Joins MCA As Vice President, A&R
/by Madison HahnenHannah Galluzzi. Photo: Sam Kelly
MCA has appointed Hannah Galluzzi as Vice President, A&R. In her new role, she will helm the creative development of MCA artists, both new and established, working on their artistic growth and strategic career development.
“I am thrilled to join MCA,” shares Galluzzi. “It feels like both a return and a new beginning. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented roster and contribute to the label’s innovative future. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team and continuing to elevate MCA as a leading force in country music.”
Galluzzi is a graduate of Belmont University with an established background in A&R. She began her journey at Universal Music Group Nashville as an A&R assistant, where she eventually become Manager of A&R and worked with Luke Grimes, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block and Jordan Davis. She also spearheaded the signing of Josh Ross in partnership with Universal Music Canada.
After six years at UMG Nashville, she joined EMPIRE as Director of A&R. While at the independent label, publisher and distributor, she oversaw release strategies and guided the creative direction for Shaboozey, Jake Banfield, CeCe, Niko Moon, Sophia Scott, Don Louis, JORDY and Randy Houser.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the MCA team,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “Her strong A&R skills, combined with her passion for nurturing artist relationships will be invaluable as we continue to develop the MCA roster. Hannah’s energy, work ethic, and vision for the future of the industry align perfectly with MCA’s mission to foster both innovative and timeless artistry.”
Diffie Classic Golf Tournament Set For September 10-11
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe Diffie‘s children, Kara and Parker Diffie, have revealed that the Inaugural Diffie Classic, a two-day golf and music tribute to Joe will take place September 10-11 at the Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, Tennessee.
The Diffie Classic will include two 18-hole course events including the Presidents Reserve Course, which will feature teams paired with an artist, athlete or influencer for $2500, and the Generals Retreat, which will see four-person teams playing a traditional best-ball scramble at $1000 per team. A concert will also take place on Sept. 11, with the location to be announced in the coming weeks. Registration includes access to the two-day event, golf, cart, meals and more, and can be made here.
Hosted by Plus 3 Golf, a nonprofit supporting mental health in sports, music, and service communities, the event proceeds will benefit Plus 3 Golf programs and Next Response Foundation, continuing Diffie’s spirit of connection and compassion.
“This is a celebration of our father’s life, music, love of golf and enduring impact,” says Kara and Parker. “We’re excited to see friends, fans, and fellow artists gather for this unique blend of golf and live music, honoring Dad’s legacy with the joy, energy, and heart that defined him.”
Tyler Hubbard Notches Fourth Solo No. 1
/by Lauryn SinkTyler Hubbard. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Tyler Hubbard has notched his fourth No. 1 as a solo artist with “Park,” holding the top spot on both the Mediabase Country and Billboard Country Airplay charts. “Park” marks Hubbard’s 23rd career No. 1 hit and follows his solo No. 1 songs “5 Foot 9,” “Dancin’ In The Country” and “Back Then Right Now.”
Hubbard wrote the song alongside Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure and Canaan Smith and the track was featured on his 2024 album Strong. The former Florida Georgia Line member is the first male artist in the genre to come from a successful group or duo to achieve four consecutive solo No. 1 singles.
“It’s such an incredible feeling to have my fourth number one in a row — I’m truly blown away,” says Hubbard. “I never take these moments for granted, and I’m so thankful to country radio, my team and the fans for the continued support. After my buddies Canaan, Ashley, Jesse and I wrote this song, we knew it felt special, and seeing fans sing it back every night on tour has been one of the biggest highlights of my year. I’m beyond grateful to everyone who made this possible — this one feels extra special. It takes a village, and I have the best. Thanks everyone.”
Hubbard is currently on the road for a run of headline and festival dates. He will join Luke Bryan for select “Farm Tour” dates this fall.
BREAKING: Grand Ole Opry Icon Jeannie Seely Passes At 85
/by LB CantrellJeannie Seely. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby
Jeannie Seely, the beloved Grand Ole Opry member whose voice, wit and longevity made her one of country music’s most enduring figures, has died at age 85. She passed peacefully Friday (Aug. 1) at 5:00 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, following complications from an intestinal infection.
Known affectionately as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a force across seven decades of country music—an artist, songwriter, host, producer and fearless innovator who broke ground for generations to follow. She was the first woman to regularly host segments on the Grand Ole Opry, and the first artist to wear a miniskirt on its stage. At the time of her death, she had notched the most Opry performances in history, having stepped into that iconic circle 5,397 times.
Jeannie Seely performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry
Her final Opry appearance came on Feb. 22, 2025. She remained active in her later years, continuing to host Sundays with Seely on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and releasing new music well into her 80s, including her 2024 single “Suffertime” and an accompanying short documentary. The release made her the vocalist with the longest recording span at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio B with 60 years between her first session and last.
Born July 6, 1940, and raised on a dirt road in rural Pennsylvania, Seely began performing on local radio as a child. By 21, she’d packed up her car and driven to Los Angeles, where she worked at Liberty and Imperial Records, wrote songs and started recording her own. It was Dottie West’s encouragement that led her to Nashville, where she landed a recording contract with Monument Records. Seely’s chart-topping hit “Don’t Touch Me” earned her a Grammy Award—making her just the third female country artist to receive one.
She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 16, 1967, and in the decades that followed, Seely became a steady, bold and beloved presence on the Opry stage. Her multiple collaborations with Jack Greene, her groundbreaking sense of style and her sharp humor helped shift perceptions of what women could be in country music.
Beyond the stage, Seely’s songs were recorded by legends across country, soul and pop—from Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Connie Smith to Irma Thomas, Boyz II Men and Seal. Her composition “Yours” was named Song of the Year at the 2022 Arkansas Country Music Awards.
SOURCE honors Jeannie Seely with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award. She poses with 2024 SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees Judy Seale, Marty Craighead, Teena Scogin Camp, Kathy Harris, Leslie Fram and Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography, Bev Moser
She was also a radio host, an author, a stage actress and a passionate advocate for artists and songwriters, especially women. She played a crucial role in building community backstage at the Opry, mentoring rising talent and championing equity in the industry. In her final years, she served as producer for the bluegrass group Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass and was planning their next recording session at the time of her death.
Over the past few years, honors poured in. The Opry celebrated her 5,000+ performances in 2022. The CMA recognized her with the Joe Talbot Award in 2023. In 2024, she received the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award from SOURCE and was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s permanent exhibit Sing Me Back Home. That same year, a Metro Nashville interchange was renamed the “Jeannie Seely Interchange,” and in 2025, Sony Music Publishing honored her during Women’s History Month with reimagined collaborations of her songs.
Gene Ward and Jeannie Seely. Photo: Courtesy of family
Seely’s final public appearance was on March 1, 2025, at the reopening of the Legends of Country Music Museum, where she is honored with a dedicated exhibit. She was scheduled to attend the naming of the SAG-AFTRA studio space in her honor the following month.
Seely had experienced ongoing health issues since the fall, which intensified after the passing of her husband, Gene Ward, in December. This year, she underwent multiple back and emergency abdominal surgeries.
She is survived by friends, family and her beloved cat Corrie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, her parents Leo and Irene Seely, and siblings Donald, Bernard and Mary Lou. A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to her memory.
Bailey Zimmerman Reveals Track List For Upcoming LP
/by Lorie HollabaughBailey Zimmerman has announced the track list for his upcoming sophomore album Different Night Same Rodeo, which drops on Aug. 8 via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. He has also surprised fans with the release of a new single “Chevy Silverado.”
Along with the surprise drop, a limited Silverado Edition Galaxy White Vinyl of Different Night Same Rodeo is out now. The album features previously released superstar collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs as well as top 10 Platinum single “Holy Smokes,” in addition to “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” “Comin’ In Cold” and “Ashes” with Diplo.
Zimmerman is currently on the road for his summer 2025 “New To Country Tour,” and will visit New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Virginia, Nevada and Iowa.
Different Night Same Rodeo Track List:
1. “Comin’ In Cold” (Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, Jake Puliti, Kaylin Roberson)
2. “Ashes” (Diplo & Bailey Zimmerman) * (Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Josh Serrato, Thomas Wesley, Josh Miller, Jimmy Robbins, Chris Tompkins)
3. “Chevy Silverado” (Tucker Beathard, Ilsey Juber, Gavin Lucas, Heath Warren, Bailey Zimmerman)
4. “Yours For The Breaking” (Bart Butler, Jacob Davis, Drew Fulk, Austin Shawn)
5. “Lost” (feat. The Kid LAROI) (Rodney Clawson, Ryan Hurd, Michael Lotten, The Kid Laroi, Billy Walsh, Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn)
6. “Holy Smokes” (Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler, Lauren Hungate)
7. “When It Was” (Kelly Archer, Ben Goldsmith, Carson Wallace, Ben Williams)
8. “It’s All Good” (Tucker Beathard, David Dorn, Ryan Tyndell)
9. “Backup Plan” (feat. Luke Combs) (Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood)
10. “New To Country” (Austin Shawn, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren, Tim Galloway, Bailey Zimmerman)
11. “At The Same Time” (Jaxson Free, Aldae, Ben Johnson)
12. “Hell or High Water” (Ashley Gorley, Austin Shawn)
13. “These Nights” (Nora Collins, Randall Fowler, Mary Kutter, Brad Wagner)
14. “Everything But Up” (Devin Dawson, Jacob Hackworth, Sam Martinez, Heath Warren)
15. “Before You” (Bailey Zimmerman, Randall Fowler, Brian Alexander, Frank Romano, Austin Shawn, Marty James)
16. “Holding On” (Austin Shawn, Blake Whiten)
17. “Dare You To Try It” (Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Beathard, Gavin Lucas, Sam Martinez, Heath Warren)
18. “Happy Ever After Me” (Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell)
All songs produced by Austin Shawn
* Additional production by Diplo, Josh Serrato
Tangerine Records To Reissue Ray Charles Classics In New Master Series
/by Lorie HollabaughTangerine Records has announced its new Ray Charles Remaster Series with the release of 1974’s Come Live With Me.
Remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves and vinyl mastering engineer Jeff Powell, the reissue marks the album’s first appearance on vinyl in over 50 years, with vinyl and streaming arriving Aug. 22, and CDs available Sept. 26.
Come Live With Me showcases Charles in full ’70s crossover mode, featuring string-laden arrangements, country-tinged ballads and soulful soft rock. Side A, arranged by longtime collaborator and conductor Sid Feller, highlights Charles’s emotive vocals on lush, orchestrated ballads such as “Till There Was You” and the title track, the latter of which was a Top 20 AC favorite. Side B shifts to a more upbeat, R&B flavor with tracks like “Somebody” and “Problems, Problems.”
The Tangerine Master Series reissues will highlight Charles’ best-known music alongside classic records long out of print. Each album in the series has been restored and remastered under the direct supervision of The Ray Charles Foundation, painting a vivid new portrait of an artist and icon whose impact continues to expand and inspire. The series will see reissues of classics like 1963’s Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured the Grammy-winning, top five hit, “Busted,” 1970’s Love Country Style. and No One Does It Like…Ray Charles! which offers a rare glimpse into a prolific and creatively explosive period in Charles’ multi-decade career.
Come Live With Me Track List:
1. “Till There Was You”
2. “If You Go Away”
3. “It Takes So Little Time”
4. “Come Live With Me”
5. “Somebody”
6. “Problems, Problems”
7. “Where Was He”
8. “Louise”
9. “Everybody Sing”
Hannah Gifford & Jeremy Gifford Launch Open Hand Management
/by Lauryn SinkJeremy Gifford and Hannah Gifford. Photo: Tres Cox
Hannah Gifford and Jeremy Gifford have launched Open Hand Management. The company’s current roster includes Dwan Hill, Franni Cash, Hopeful., Relient K and The Choir Room.
Hannah Gifford first began her work in the industry touring and working with the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Tenth Avenue North and Plumb. In 2020 she began working in artist management at Street Talk Media before moving to Round Table Management in 2021.
Jeremy Gifford first entered the industry working with multiple artists including The Head and the Heart, Black Pumas and We the Kingdom. After touring and performing with We The Kingdom, Jeremy took on a full-time management role.
JUST IN: Big Machine Label Group Elevates Nicole Flammia
/by Madison HahnenNicole Flammia. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Nicole Flammia has been promoted to SVP, Creative Photo-Video Production at Big Machine Label Group. The promotion comes from her previous role as VP, Creative Photo-Video Production. She will continue to spearhead the label’s creative process of visual assets for more than 35 artists across all BMLG imprints.
“Nicole Flammia is the epitome of what the heart and soul of the Big Machine Label Group is all about,” shares Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “Her creativity, communication skills, artist relations and executive strength are second to none.”
Flammia graduated from Belmont University and built a resume in music video production before joining BMLG in 2015. During her decade with the organization, she has worked on CMA and ACM Award winning/nominated videos including Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” Lady A’s “What If I Never Get Over You,” Carly Pearce’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Midland’s “Longneck Way To Go” and Riley Green’s “Worst Way,” among others.
“I’m proud to recognize Nicole Flammia for her exceptional dedication, professionalism and consistently high-quality work,” adds BMLG EVP, Creative, Sandi Spika Borchetta. “Her reliability, initiative and positive attitude have made a significant impact on our team and the company as a whole. This promotion is not just well-deserved – it’s a reflection of the leadership and excellence she brings to everything she does. Congratulations my dear friend, it is truly earned.”
“I’m honored to work alongside the incredibly talented Big Machine Creative team and grateful to Sandi Borchetta for her visionary leadership and unwavering support,” says Flammia. “I’ve learned so much under her guidance, and I’m excited to step into this new role at a company that continues to lead the way in creative innovation.”
Ashley McBryde To Open Redemption Bar Inside Eric Church’s Chief’s
/by Lauryn SinkAshley McBryde will open her Redemption Bar on Aug. 28. Located on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s Chief’s, the venue is a first-of-its-kind concept on Broadway inspired by McBryde’s three year sobriety journey.
“When the opportunity to make my mark on Broadway came, I knew I wanted to create a space that champions what’s made a difference in my life; a space that lifts up the brushed aside, and makes sure everyone feels welcome,” McBryde says.
The bar will serve a full menu of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options as well as feature live original music, showcasing the Nashville songwriter community directly to tourists.
“As someone who is three years sober, the typical response to ‘do you have anything Non-Alcoholic?’ is either ‘why did you come to a bar if you aren’t gonna drink?’ or ‘you can have soda water and a lime I guess.’ Some of my favorite places to socialize became wildly unaccommodating when the only thing that changed was what was in my cup,” McBryde shares with Rolling Stone. “It was vital that I create a space where not drinking is the forethought – normalized. You can get alcohol drinks in Redemption too, because everyone is welcome.”
She continues, “Songwriters are the backbone of this community, and it’s important to me to create a place for all the tourists on lower Broadway to experience original music from some of the people who are keeping dreams alive in this town.”