George Strait And Vaqueros Del Mar Raise $6.25 Million For Texas Flood Relief
Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Strait To The Heart
George Strait and his Vaqueros del Mar partner Tom Cusick hosted “Strait To The Heart,” an intimate benefit dinner and concert at Estancia at Thunder Valley in Boerne, Texas, on Sunday (July 27). The event raised $6.25 million and counting for those affected by the flooding across Texas’ Hill Country.
A sold-out crowd of 1,200 people saw performances from Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, Jamey Johnson and more.
Riley Green & Ella Langley’s ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’ Certified Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Ryan Dokke, Dexter Bensman and Tim Reynolds. Photo: Sam Crabtree
Riley Green and Ella Langley’s current single “Don’t Mind If I Do” has been certified RIAA Platinum. The track was written solely by Green and featured as the title track on his most recent project.
Green and Langley are currently amid his “Damn Country Music Tour.”
CMHOFM Feature Dennis Morgan in Poets and Prophets Program
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and Dennis Morgan at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted Dennis Morgan in their Poets and Prophets interview series. The program was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer and accompanied by photos, film and recordings.
Morgan is known for his more than 20 No. 1 singles including hits will Faith Hill, Willie Nelson and George Strait, among others.
During the program, Morgan performed a few songs. Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp joined him on stage to perform Strait’s “River of Love,” which they co-wrote. The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
TONS & W Nashville Host Second TONS Live
TONS Live Presented by W Nashville. Courtesy of W Nashville
The Other Nashville Society (TONS) and W Nashville hosted the second installment of TONS Live Presented by W Nashville, a live music experience celebrating the genre-defying artists shaping the city’s evolving sound. Guests enjoyed performances from the event’s line-up of rising hip-hop and R&B artists including Tim Gent, Yours Truly, Jai and 2’Live Bre, with DJ Afrosheen spinning between sets. TONS will host the third show in the series on Thursday, Aug. 21 at W Nashville.
Waylon Hanel Partners With JWA Media For Public Relations & Publicity Representation
Waylon Hanel. Photo: Jaime Lynn Photography
Waylon Hanel has joined the artist roster at JWA Media for public relations and publicity representation.
The Millington, Michigan native’s catalog includes his debut self-titled EP, full lenght album New Old Outlaws and third EP Don’t Mess With My Country. His latest single, “Tow Truck Driver” was released in June. His upcoming single, “Red Bricks” is due in September.
Big Loud Rock Appoints Jenny Huynh As Director, Media
Jenny Huynh. Photo: Anthony Giovanni Barrios
Big Loud Rock, the alternative/rock imprint of Big Loud Records, has added Jenny Huynh as Director, Media. Huynh will spearhead the label’s press strategy and execution, reporting directly to VP, Media/PR Corey Brewer, SVP of Marketing Brooks Roach, Big Loud Partner/President Joey Moi and Big Loud Rock EVP/GM Lloyd Norman.
Most recently, Huynh served as a Publicist at 2b Entertainment working with Green Day, Shania Twain, Josh Groban, My Chemical Romance, Little Big Town, Tayla Parx, Maggie Lindemann, Allie X, Ally Brooke (Fifth Harmony), KiNG MALA, The Living Tombstone and more.
“I’m thrilled to join the Big Loud Rock team and be a part of the label’s exciting new chapter under the leadership of Joey and Lloyd,” shares Huynh. “The team’s energy is unmatched, and I can’t wait to amplify the stories of this diverse roster. Let’s make some noise!”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jenny to the Big Loud Rock team,” adds Moi. “In an ever-evolving media landscape, her energy, fresh perspective, and strong connections will be key in helping our artists stand out. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on the team and our roster.”
Nashville Songwriter-Artist Sandy Pinkard Passes
/by Robert K OermannSandy Pinkard
Sandy Pinkard has died at age 78.
The singer-songwriter left his mark on the Nashville scene as half of the music/comedy team Pinkard & Bowden and as a songwriter for Brenda Lee, Jim Nabors, Cher, John Anderson, Mickey Gilley and more. He and Texas songwriter Richard Bowden formed Pinkard & Bowden in 1984 and were signed to Warner Records. Between 1985 and 1993, the duo issued five albums and 12 singles.
They were famous for their witty parodies of country-music songs. Five of them made the country popularity charts in 1984-89, including “Mama She’s Lazy” (a parody of “Mama He’s Crazy”), “She Thinks I Steal Cars” (“She Thinks I Still Care”) and “Somebody Done Somebody’s Song Wrong.” Other highlights included “Help Me Make It Through the Yard,” “Delta Dawg” and “Drivin’ My Wife Away.” John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” became “Libyan on a Jet Plane.” Claude King’s hit “Wolverton Mountain” became “Three Mile Island.” Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” became “Blue Hairs Driving in My Lane.”
Independent of the novelty duo, Sandy Pinkard was noted for co-writing such award-winning hits as “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” for David Frizzell & Shelly West (1981), which won the ACM Award for Song of the Year. “Coca Cola Cowboy” was a 1979 No. 1 hit for Mel Tillis that appeared on the soundtrack of the Clint Eastwood movie Any Which Way You Can. Glen Campbell had a top-10 hit with the film’s title tune. Tanya Tucker’s top-10 hit with “Pecos Promenade” was on the soundtrack of the 1980 Burt Reynolds movie Smokey & The Bandit II.
Vern Gosdin scored his first chart-topping hit with 1984’s “I Can Tell By the Way You Dance.” Anne Murray hit No. 1 with “Blessed Are the Believers” in 1981. The superstar duo of Ray Charles & Clint Eastwood charted with “Beers to You” in 1980.
He was born James Sanford Pinkard Jr. in 1947 and was an Air Force veteran during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Masons and the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Sandy Pinkard resided in Kingwood, West Virginia, where he died at home on Saturday, July 26. He is survived by his wife Lisa Ann Bennett, son Tom Maxwell, daughters Pamela Way and Mary Athalia Irwin, grandson Henry Stuart Irwin and brother Chris Pinkard.
A graveside service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery, at 42 Veterans Memorial Lane in Grafton, WV 26354, on Thursday, July 31, at 2:00 PM, where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center.
Designate checks to Veterans with Guitar Programs 1901, C/O Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center, Attention Voluntary Services, 1 Med Center Drive, Clarksburg, WV 26301.
Online condolences to www.kingwoodfuneralhomewv.com.
Cameron Bedell Signs With Electric Feel Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Austin Rosen (CEO & Founder, Electric Feel), Cameron Bedell and John Bradley (Country A&R, Electric Feel). Photo: Callie Mangrum
Singer-songwriter and producer Cameron Bedell has inked with Electric Feel Entertainment, joining the company’s Nashville roster.
Based in Music City, Bedell is originally from Kansas and is credited for his genre-bending, vulnerable songwriting. He is a graduate of Belmont University, and first gained popularity when he was a contestant on season 14 of American Idol. He also went viral for his covers of Julia Michaels’ “Issues” and The Weeknd’s “Earned It.”
Bedell’s writing credits include Jimmie Allen, Hailey Whitters, Chris Lane, Josh Ross, Dylan Scott, Lauren Alaina, among many others. He co-penned the two week No. 1 hit “Down Home” recorded by Allen and the top 4o tune “I’m In Love” recorded by Whitters. Bedell’s co-written “Breakups,” recorded by Seaforth, is also certified Gold. On the production side, he frequently collaborates with Tiera Kennedy and others.
“I’m so pumped to be at EF,” says Bedell. “The opportunities here are endless and I’ve always felt like I had more to offer. The team here is awesome and I already feel at home!”
“We are thrilled to welcome Cam to the EF family!” shared Chandler Nicole Sherrill, Senior Director of Creative, Electric Feel Entertainment. “I’ve been a fan of his songwriting and production journey from afar for nearly a decade, and I couldn’t be more excited to now be working with him directly. Not only is he one of the best cross-genre writers I’ve ever worked with, he’s also one of the hardest-working people in the business. There is so much great music coming and I couldn’t be more excited to watch him shine!”
Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw Team For Festive New Christmas Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughColbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw are celebrating the holiday season this year on their “Christmas Tour 2025,” kicking off Dec. 4.
The eight-date west coast tour will combine the duo’s beloved hits with festive favorites, and will feature songs from Caillat’s holiday album Christmas in the Sand which remains a seasonal staple for fans craving a sunny twist on tradition. The project features originals like the breezy title track and “Mistletoe,” along with Caillat’s laid-back renditions of classics like “Santa Baby” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
The tour will also feature songs from DeGraw’s A Classic Christmas project which includes timeless yuletide ballads “Silent Night,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “The Christmas Song,” as well as merry, upbeat classics such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “White Christmas.”
“The coldest season can feel so warm when you bring all your favorite things together. Family, friends, music and singing our favorite songs. And I’ve always wanted to do a Christmas tour with my bestie Gavin,” says Caillat.
“Christmas music makes me feel like I’m surrounded by family and making music with close friends is a great way to enjoy the holiday season, one tune at a time,” adds DeGraw. “Can’t wait to share the stage with Colbie again this Christmas season.”
“Christmas Tour 2025” Dates:
Dec. 4 – Airway Heights, WA – Spokane Live
Dec. 5 – Olympia, WA – The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 6 – Grand Ronde, OR – Spirit Mountain Casino
Dec. 7 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort – Grand Theatre
Dec. 9 – Folsom, CA – Harris Center for the Arts – Stage 1 Theater
Dec. 10 – Chico, CA – Laxson Auditorium
Dec. 12 – Santa Ynez, CA – Chumash Casino Resort – Samala Showroom
Dec. 13 – Cerritos, CA – Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Industry Ink: George Strait, Riley Green & Ella Langley, CMHOFM, TONS, More
/by Lauryn SinkGeorge Strait And Vaqueros Del Mar Raise $6.25 Million For Texas Flood Relief
Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Strait To The Heart
George Strait and his Vaqueros del Mar partner Tom Cusick hosted “Strait To The Heart,” an intimate benefit dinner and concert at Estancia at Thunder Valley in Boerne, Texas, on Sunday (July 27). The event raised $6.25 million and counting for those affected by the flooding across Texas’ Hill Country.
A sold-out crowd of 1,200 people saw performances from Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, Jamey Johnson and more.
Riley Green & Ella Langley’s ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’ Certified Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Ryan Dokke, Dexter Bensman and Tim Reynolds. Photo: Sam Crabtree
Riley Green and Ella Langley’s current single “Don’t Mind If I Do” has been certified RIAA Platinum. The track was written solely by Green and featured as the title track on his most recent project.
Green and Langley are currently amid his “Damn Country Music Tour.”
CMHOFM Feature Dennis Morgan in Poets and Prophets Program
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and Dennis Morgan at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted Dennis Morgan in their Poets and Prophets interview series. The program was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer and accompanied by photos, film and recordings.
Morgan is known for his more than 20 No. 1 singles including hits will Faith Hill, Willie Nelson and George Strait, among others.
During the program, Morgan performed a few songs. Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp joined him on stage to perform Strait’s “River of Love,” which they co-wrote. The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
TONS & W Nashville Host Second TONS Live
TONS Live Presented by W Nashville. Courtesy of W Nashville
The Other Nashville Society (TONS) and W Nashville hosted the second installment of TONS Live Presented by W Nashville, a live music experience celebrating the genre-defying artists shaping the city’s evolving sound. Guests enjoyed performances from the event’s line-up of rising hip-hop and R&B artists including Tim Gent, Yours Truly, Jai and 2’Live Bre, with DJ Afrosheen spinning between sets. TONS will host the third show in the series on Thursday, Aug. 21 at W Nashville.
Waylon Hanel Partners With JWA Media For Public Relations & Publicity Representation
Waylon Hanel. Photo: Jaime Lynn Photography
Waylon Hanel has joined the artist roster at JWA Media for public relations and publicity representation.
The Millington, Michigan native’s catalog includes his debut self-titled EP, full lenght album New Old Outlaws and third EP Don’t Mess With My Country. His latest single, “Tow Truck Driver” was released in June. His upcoming single, “Red Bricks” is due in September.
Big Loud Rock Appoints Jenny Huynh As Director, Media
Jenny Huynh. Photo: Anthony Giovanni Barrios
Big Loud Rock, the alternative/rock imprint of Big Loud Records, has added Jenny Huynh as Director, Media. Huynh will spearhead the label’s press strategy and execution, reporting directly to VP, Media/PR Corey Brewer, SVP of Marketing Brooks Roach, Big Loud Partner/President Joey Moi and Big Loud Rock EVP/GM Lloyd Norman.
Most recently, Huynh served as a Publicist at 2b Entertainment working with Green Day, Shania Twain, Josh Groban, My Chemical Romance, Little Big Town, Tayla Parx, Maggie Lindemann, Allie X, Ally Brooke (Fifth Harmony), KiNG MALA, The Living Tombstone and more.
“I’m thrilled to join the Big Loud Rock team and be a part of the label’s exciting new chapter under the leadership of Joey and Lloyd,” shares Huynh. “The team’s energy is unmatched, and I can’t wait to amplify the stories of this diverse roster. Let’s make some noise!”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jenny to the Big Loud Rock team,” adds Moi. “In an ever-evolving media landscape, her energy, fresh perspective, and strong connections will be key in helping our artists stand out. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on the team and our roster.”
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Returns To Top 5
/by Lauryn SinkZach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
Morgan Wallen continues to dominate the albums and songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 18 million streams this week adding to its 212 million total, while his recently-released I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 142K in total consumption (6K in album only and 171 million in song streams).
On the songs chart, Wallen also holds the No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 spots with “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem” and “I Got Better” respectively. “Just In Case” garnered 13 million this week for a total of 308 million streams. “I’m The Problem” added 13 million streams to its 392 million total. “I Got Better” earned 11 million streams adding to its 136 million total. At No. 4 is Shaboozey with “A Bar Song” garnering 11 million streams this week for an updated total of 1.4 billion streams.
Over on the albums chart, Wallen holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time earning 39K in total consumption. Dangerous: The Double Album falls at No. 3 with 28K in total consumption. Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going has maintained its No. 4 position this week with 25K in total consumption. Entering the chart this week at No. 5 is Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak with 19K in total consumption.
Whiskey Myers Plan Northeast Acoustic Tour For December
/by Lorie HollabaughWhiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers will embark on a special acoustic run in December, the “Whiskey Myers & Friends” tour, visiting classic theaters throughout the northeast.
The seven-date mini-tour will feature special guests Bones Owens and Rob Leines, and will visit Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Scranton, Boston and more through Dec. 13. The acoustic run will feature unique versions of songs from across the band’s discography, including the soon-to-be-released new album Whomp Whack Thunder, due out Sept. 26. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Aug. 1) via whiskeymyers.com.
Frontman Cody Cannon penned all eleven tracks on Whomp Whack Thunder solo, with stories packed with the emotional weight of lived experience and the firepower of the band’s signature sound, shaped by nearly two decades of defiant, grassroots momentum. The project crafts a sonic landscape that stretches from greasy blues-rock riffs to gospel-tinged country soul, and includes the leadoff single “Time Bomb.”
Tickets to remaining “What We Were Born To Do Tour” headlining shows and co-headlining dates of the upcoming “Live in 25 Tour” with Tedeschi Trucks Band are on sale now.
“Whiskey Myers & Friends” Acoustic Shows:
Dec. 5 || Philadelphia, Pa. – The Met Philadelphia
Dec. 6 || Brooklyn, N.Y. – Brooklyn Paramount
Dec. 7 || Montclair, N.J. – The Wellmont Theater
Dec. 9 || Scranton, Pa. – Scranton Cultural Centre at the Masonic Temple
Dec. 11 || Wallingford, Conn. – Oakdale Theatre
Dec. 12 || Albany, N.Y. – Palace Theatre
Dec. 13 || Boston, Mass. – Orpheum Theatre
SMACKSongs Elevates Sam Sarno To Senior Creative Director Of Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkSam Sarno.
SMACKSongs has elevated Sam Sarno to Senior Creative Director of Publishing.
In her new role, Sarno will continue her work with SMACK’s current roster while also focusing on signing and developing new talent. During her time with the company, she has worked alongside Lalo Guzman, Josh Dorr and Johnny Clawson as each earned their first No. 1 over the last year.
“Watching Sam go from the front desk to one of the best publishers in the music business has been a highlight of my career,” shares Lee Krabel, Sr. VP of Publishing. “This promotion is a direct result of her work ethic and dedication to the writers at SMACK. We are proud to have her as a part of the team!”
“I’m incredibly thankful to keep growing within a company that means so much to me. Lee, Robin, and Robert have believed in me from the start, and I’m so grateful for their trust and guidance,” adds Sarno. “It’s been amazing watching our writers flourish, and I’m honored to keep building something special with them and this team!”
Sam Hunt Takes His 11th Trip To The Top Of The Charts With ‘Country House’
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Hunt has racked up his 11th solo No. 1 this week, topping this week’s Mediabase country chart with his single “Country House.”
Since debuting on the music scene a little over a decade ago, Hunt has also earned No. 1s for hits “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me,” “House Party,” “Body Like A Backroad,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard To Forget,” “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” “23” and “Outskirts.” He also landed at No. 1 for “Wishful Drinking” with Ingrid Andress.
“Country House” is featured on Hunt’s 2024 four-track EP, Locked Up. Locked Up is the followup to Hunt’s Platinum sophomore album Southside, which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and featured 12 tracks all penned by Hunt including his No. 1s “Kinfolks,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” and his three-week No. 1, Diamond-selling, Grammy-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road.”
Since the 2014 release of his debut album Montevallo, Hunt has accumulated over 15.9 billion global streams and has earned 54 million RIAA certified units. He’s currently on the road touring through the fall.
John Michael Montgomery To Cap Decades-Long Career With Rupp Arena Show In December
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Michael Montgomery is returning to his home state of Kentucky for the final show of his career in “The Road Home: The Final Concert” on December 12 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
His farewell performance will take one final ride through his storied career, and will be a family affair as Montgomery shares the stage with his brother Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, his son Walker Montgomery, and his son-in-law Travis Denning.
“I stepped on a tour bus for the first time in 1992 and haven’t looked back since, but now it’s time to bring it all back home for my last concert and I can’t think of a better place than Rupp Arena,” says Montgomery. “I wanted to celebrate this occasion with my family, so I invited some of them to perform with me. We are going to have a lot of fun and end this ride in a big way.”
Tickets for the show go on pre-sale tomorrow (July 30) through July 31 using the code Montgomery and general on sale begins Aug. 1 here.
Warner Music Nashville Makes Team Changes
/by LB CantrellWarner Music Nashville has made some internal changes aimed at aligning more closely with Warner Records. As part of the shift, the company is forming two new radio promotion teams to support Nashville talent in a more focused and impactful way.
“As we continue to deepen our commitment to original artists, we’re working with Warner Records and our global network to create faster, more impactful opportunities for Nashville talent,” a Warner Music Nashville spokesperson shares. “As part of this evolution, we’re forming two supercharged radio promotion teams to deliver even greater results for our artists. Today, we made the difficult decision to say goodbye to four colleagues who all leave with our deep gratitude and best wishes for their next chapters.”
MusicRow understands the impacted staff include Ray Mariner (Manager, Radio), Andrea Schollnick (Manager, Video Content), Sarah Sigro (Director, Catalog Marketing) and Caitlin Cadden (Director, Global Marketing).
The changes reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and strategy across the Warner Music ecosystem.