Flaco Jiménez. Photo: Andrew W. Long, courtesy of Robert K. Oermann archive
Roots-music superstar Flaco Jiménez has died at age 86 in San Antonio.
The Tex-Mex, conjunto musician immortalized his distinctive button-accordion style on the top country hits “The Streets of Bakersfield” by Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens in 1988 and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” by The Mavericks in 1986. During his six-decade career, Jiménez earned five Grammy Awards and was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Alongside Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm and Augie Meyers, Flaco Jiménez was a member of the “super group” The Texas Tornados in 1990-2010. He also collaborated on disc with Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, The Bellamy Brothers, Tanya Tucker, Junior Brown, John Hiatt, Emmylou Harris, Lee Roy Parnell, Chet Atkins & Suzy Bogguss, Los Lobos, Santana, Ray Benson, Radney Foster and The Rolling Stones, among many others. He recorded 27 solo albums between 1972 and 2014.
He was born Leonardo Jiménez in 1939, which is around the time his accordion-playing father was first recording and popularizing conjunto music in the San Antonio area. Forged in central Texas during the late 1800s, conjunto combined country waltzes, German polkas and Mexican-American folk music. The button accordion is the lively style’s central instrument. Flaco’s younger brother, Santiago Jiménez Jr., also became a conjunto accordion master.
Nicknamed “Flaco” Jiménez, the future star began playing in his father’s band at age 7 and began recording at age 15. He rose to prominence on the San Antonio music scene, starring on local television and regularly filling dancehalls. In the 1960s, he started working with Doug Sahm of The Sir Douglas Quintet.
He and Sahm temporarily relocated from San Antonio to Manhattan, where Jiménez worked with Dr. John, David Lindley, Peter Rowan, Ry Cooder and Dylan. He toured and recorded with Rowan for some time, which was when he first became familiar to Eastern Anglo audiences. The two formed a band called The Free Mexican Airforce.
Cooder then took him on the road internationally and featured him on the landmark 1976 LP Chicken Skin Music. Jiménez and Cooder also collaborated on the 1981 soundtrack of the Jack Nicholson film The Border. The following year, Carlos Santana enlisted Jimenez for his band’s Havana Moon album.
Following a string of solo albums on local labels, Jiménez recorded for the revered national folk labels Arhoolie Records (1977-88) and Rounder Records (1989-91). He won his first Grammy Award in 1986.
As a member of The Texas Tornados, he began recording for Warner Records in 1990. The group’s debut LP was issued in both Spanish and English-language versions. One of its tunes earned him his second Grammy. Country artists such as Raul Malo, Jesse Dayton and Dwight Yoakam began using him on recording sessions in the late 1980s.
Jiménez played the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1990. Warner/Reprise signed him as a solo act in 1992 for the album Partners. Recorded in both Nashville and L.A., the collection included collaborations with Stephen Stills, Holly Dunn, Los Lobos, Ronstadt, Cooder, Hiatt, Yoakam and Emmylou Harris. Ronstadt had previously recorded with him on her 1990 album Mas Canciones.
Nashville’s Arista Records formed a Texas division and signed Jiménez. He delivered albums for the label in 1994 and 1996, the latter of which won him another Grammy. The Stones recruited him for their 1994 collection Voodoo Lounge. He and Lee Roy Parnell were nominated for a Country Instrumental Grammy in 1996.
Flaco Jiménez won two Grammy Awards in 1999. One was for his solo album for Virgin Records, Said and Done. The other was for his album with Los Super Seven, a multi-artist collaboration including Joe Ely, Rick Treviño, Tejano star Ruben Ramos, Sahm, Fender and members of Los Lobos. Later albums by this conglomeration included Malo, Hiatt, Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, Delbert McCllinton and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown as well.
Subsequent solo albums were issued by Compadre, Fiesta, Smithsonian Folkways, Joey, Back Porch and Sony. In 2012, Flaco Jiménez was given a National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment for the Arts. Two years later, he was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was awarded a National Medal of Arts.
Flaco Jiménez died in San Antonio on Thursday, July 31. Survivors include his wife, Adela; sons Arturo and Gilbert; daughters Cynthia Jiménez and Raquel Fernandez; and his brother, Santiago Jr. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Chris Young Reveals New Album Track List, Announces Holiday Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young
Chris Young has revealed the full track list for his new Black River Entertainment project I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, due out Oct. 17.
Young first teased this new chapter and I Didn’t Come Here To Leave with the lead single “Til The Last One Dies,” which is currently rising on the country and streaming charts, while the title track from the album is out now. The record was produced by Young and Andy Sheridan.
“On a record, a lot gets made of how many tempos and how many ballads, as opposed to just making a record from top to bottom that you’ve fallen in love with – but that’s all I’ve ever tried to do,” Young explains. “I look at this album and there are songs that make you want to buy a beer, and there’s songs that if you broke up with somebody, you’re going to want to cry. For different reasons, I feel like this is a complete album – and it would be a disservice to Black River if I didn’t turn in something I believed in this way.”
Chris Young’s I Didn’t Come Here To Leave Track List:
1. “Some Around Here” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)
2. “I Didn’t Come Here To Leave” (Chris Young/Kyle Fishman/Dallas Davidson)
3. “Good As Yours” (Chris Young/Jonathan Smith/Jordan Walker/Trannie Anderson)
4. “I Hope It’s Okay” (Chris Young/Dave Fenley/Davis Forney/Austin Machado)
5. “I Feel A Cold One Coming On” (Chris Young/Tyler Reeve/Trent Tomlinson/Josh Gleave)
6. “Til The Last One Dies” (Ben Hayslip/Seth Mosley/Jordan Walker)
7. “Pour Some Whiskey On It” (Chris Young/Jessie Jo Dillon/Steven Lee Olsen/Jimmy Robbins)
8. “Boots On The Ground” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)
9. “Tin Roof” (Ty Graham/Adam Wood/ Trenton Michael Fisher)
10. “Dirt And Daisies” (Chris Young/Casey Brown/Deric Ruttan/Parker Welling)
11. “Just Keep Living” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)
12. “Jesus, Momma, Country Radio” (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Taylor Phillips/Josh Phillips)
13. “What Would You Take” (Doug Johnson/Steve Diamond)
14. “Brake Lights” (Chris Young/ Hillary Lindsey/Ty Graham/Jesse Frasure)
Young has also announced his first-ever holiday tour, “It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young,” which will kick off Nov. 20 in Cedar Rapids and run through Dec. 20. Tickets for the 15-date headlining shows are on sale starting Friday (Aug. 8) at chrisyoungcountry.com.
“It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young” Tour Dates:
11/20 – Cedar Rapids, IA — Paramount Theater
11/21 – Joliet, IL— Rialto Square Theatre
11/22 – Saginaw, MI — Dow Event Center Theater
11/29 – Wisconsin Dells, WI — Crystal Grand Music Theatre
11/30 – Cincinnati, OH — Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
12/4 – Wabash, IN — Ford Theater (Honeywell Center)
12/5 – Nashville, IN — Brown County Music Center
12/6 – Warren, OH — Packard Music Hall
12/11 – Wilkes-Barre, PA — The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
12/12 – Lowell, MA — Lowell Memorial Auditorium
12/13 – Bensalem, PA — Xcite Center at Parx Casino
12/17 – Tysons, VA — Capital One Hall
12/18 – Westbury, NY — Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
12/19 – Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater
12/20 – Wallingford, CT — Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Country Music Community Remembers Jeannie Seely
/by Madison HahnenJeannie Seely on her last performance on the Opry stage Feb. 22, 2025. Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
On Friday (Aug. 1), Jeannie Seely—a trailblazing artist who helped shape the Grand Ole Opry and country music at large—died at age 85 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee.
Since the news of her passing, artists, industry members and fans alike have taken to social media to share memories and pay tribute to the late country music icon. Below are some of those messages. Click here to read Seely’s full obituary.
“Jeannie Seely and I were friends for over sixty years, and between the two of us we performed over 10,000 times on the Grand Ole Opry. She was one of the most talented, kind, witty, generous, loving people I have ever known. The Opry and the world won’t be nearly as much fun without her in it. May she rest in peace.” – Bill Anderson
“Jeannie Seely had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and truly loved. Her heart was as big as her voice and both were pure gold. I’ll carry that moment, and her friendship, with me forever. Rest in peace, sweet Jeannie. The Opry stage and this world will never be the same.” – Billy Ray Cyrus
“I am praying for Jeannie Seely. I believe that she’s joined Jesus Christ, Gene Ward, Nora Lee Allen, Joe Bonsall, Rusty Golden, and all of our dear loved ones we’ve lost. She made a lasting impact on not only Nashville but the world. Her contribution to country music and the Grand Ole Opry will never be forgotten. Most don’t know, but the last date I had with my beautiful wife was a double date with Jeannie Seely and Gene Ward. My heart is breaking right now.” – Duane Allen/The Oak Ridge Boys
“So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Jeannie Seely. Jeannie was one of the greatest women of country music in an era when people began to discover that country was America’s music. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.” – Lee Greenwood
“No one had a voice like Jeannie Seely and no one ever will. This is a sad time for country music. Prayers for her family.” – Ian Flanigan
“Jeannie Seely was one-of-a-kind across the board: as an entertainer, friend, and human being. It was an absolute honor for all of us at the Grand Ole Opry that she called this show home and that she thought of us as family. She gave it her all with every single Opry performance. All 5,397 of them. She is loved so much and will never be forgotten.” —Dan Rogers, Sr. Vice President, Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry and longtime friend of Jeannie Seely
“While I’ve had the privilege of working with Jeannie Seely over the past 25 years, my immediate grief is deeply personal. Early in my tenure at CMA, I shared unforgettable lunches with Jeannie and Jo Walker Meador, full of stories that were occasionally irreverent but always fascinating. Jeannie was at the very first Fan Fair with Jack Greene and remained a beloved fixture for decades. She once told me a hilarious story about switching credentials with Dottie West just to keep people on their toes. When the CMA Board honored her with the Joe Talbot Award in 2023, it was for more than her music and fan relationships—it was for her spark. She mentored countless artists, especially women, and while they learned from her confidence and wit, she reminded us she was learning from them too. That humility was part of her magic.” — Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO
“We just lost one of the greatest singer/songwriter/entertainers of her generation. My beloved big sister, Jeannie Seely, has crossed over the river Jordan to be with Jesus. She will be in pain no longer. She was one of Sheila and my best friends and you could never hope to meet a better human being. She held the record for the all-time number of Grand Ole Opry appearances. She was a friend to everyone and had a razor sharp wit. The Opry won’t be the same without her. I’ll miss her terribly. No one will ever fill her shoes. Heaven is a better place with her there. Rest in peace sweet angel.” – T. Graham Brown
“My heart is broken. Broken! My friendship with Jeannie Seely started 49 years ago at the Opry, but more than a friend, Jeannie was my champion. When I left the Opry several years ago, we toured the country, where she made me her equal–trading stories and songs and entertaining the crowds together. She was the best entertainer I’ve ever had the honor to know. It doesn’t seem possible to know a world without Seely in it…and as good as the Opry show is, the Opry spotlight will never shine as brightly, without Jeannie in the center circle. Jeannie Seely was an old friend, and like the song says, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”…you earn them. I love you, Jeannie. I always will. Thank you for believing in me…and teaching me how to believe in myself.” – Tim Atwood (‘Atwood’ as Jeannie would call him)
“Jeannie Seely was a Superstar. One of the great female voices in country music. She held the record for Grand Ole Opry performances, one that may never ever be broken. We’re all saddened by her passing and we will certainly miss her. She was a friend to so many and if you ever met her once she never forgot you. That’s rare these days in the fast-paced world we live in. But she wasn’t from this time, she was from the ‘Good Ole School’ days when people had to remember your name, before we could write it down on our iPhones. She was a great encourager. She always welcomed new visiting artists who were so nervous getting to play the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. She could make those butterflies in your stomach stop flapping their wings and bring some peace instead of fear. Not many like her anymore. I don’t know if she will ever be replaced, but we as members of the Opry can take Jeannie’s lead and be an encouragement to these younger ones when we see an opportunity. They need it and we can do it! Thank you Jeannie for a lifetime of good works and great music. Love you.” – Ricky Skaggs
“Jeannie, her friends called her ‘Stick’,’ was Janis’ and my oldest friend still alive in Nashville. We met her our first night in Nashville in June of 71 when another late great singer-songwriter, Dottie West, took us to Jeannie and Hank Cochran’s boat. From that night ‘Stick’ was my friend, my champion and an inspiration to me. I miss her already, but I believe that she’s in heaven having a good old time with Dottie, Roger, Micky, Kris, Jack, Hank, Waylon and, as the saying goes, many others. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, the Bible says, ‘To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. ‘Stick,’ I’ll see you when I do. Rest in Peace old friend. P.S. Janis and Steve and Rudy all say ditto and HALLELUJAH!” -Larry Gatlin / The Gatlin Brothers
“Jeannie was a very dear friend and a very special lady. She was the first one to ever introduce me on the Grand Ole Opry. She and I shared a lot of laughs and guitar town will never be the same without her. My heart hit the floor when I heard the news, and she will be missed. But, I don’t think she left anything on the table. I know where she is and we will laugh some more when I get there with her.” -Darryl Worley
Josh Miller Moves Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJosh Miller has jumped into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Morgan Wallen‘s “20 Cigarettes,” Tucker Wetmore’s “3,2,1” and “Brunette,” and Jon Pardi’s “Friday Night Heartbreaker” put the songwriter into the No. 15 spot this week.
Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the 1oth consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.” Wallen himself stays at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”
Zach Bryan (No. 3), John Byron (No. 4) and Ashley Gorley (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Ashley McBryde Announces ‘The Redemption Residency’ At Chief’s Neon Steeple
/by Lauryn SinkAshley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss
Ashley McBryde will take over Neon Steeple, Chief’s ticketed venue on Broadway, this fall for a four-show residency.
“The guys and I are so happy to be back in Nashville for four nights of ‘you had to be there’ moments to help close out this year” McBryde says. “We’ve been making our kind of church wherever we go for years; from dive bars to back porches, Dahlonega to Lindeville. It’s something special to bring it all to the only Steeple on Lower Broadway.”
Tickets for “The Redemption Residency” go on pre-sale exclusively to McBryde’s fan club (Trybe) members on Aug. 5. Members of the Eric Church’s Church Choir will have access on Aug. 6, with general on sale following on Aug. 8. Each night of the residency will feature a unique set list to create four different experiences.
McBryde recently announced her non-alcoholic forward Redemption bar, located on the fifth floor of Chief’s, which was inspired by her own path to sobriety. The venue features a small stage designed to showcase original music right in the heart of Broadway. The bar opens on Aug. 28.
“The Redemption Residency” Dates:
Tues. October 14
Weds. October 15
Thurs. December 11
Fri. December 12
BMI To Honor John Fogerty With 2025 Troubadour Award
/by Lauryn SinkJohn Fogerty.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member John Fogerty will be honored with the 2025 BMI Troubadour Award.
This prestigious accolade recognizes a songwriter who has made a profound impact on the creative community and whose work continues to set the pace for generations to follow. The private invite-only event will be held at BMI’s Nashville office on September 8th.
“John Fogerty has written and recorded some of the most distinctive and beloved rock songs of the 20th century, and his music is unequivocally the sound of America, with timeless lyrics wrapped in unforgettable melodies that continue to resonate with generations of fans around the world,” says BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley. “We’re thrilled to honor John with the BMI Troubadour Award and celebrate his creative achievements and his songs, which have become the soundtrack of so many lives.”
Fogerty’s catelog spans nearly six decades and includes classics such as “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” As the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fogerty helped shape the sound of American music. He has received multiple awards and honors for his impact on the culture including an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a special honor for his song “Centerfield,” making him the only musician ever honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Since his affiliation with BMI in 2005, Fogerty has been named a BMI Icon in 2010 and was presented with the BMI Board of Directors Award in 2023. He’s also received 13 BMI Million-Air certificates, recognizing his songs that have surpassed over one million radio airplays, which collectively have had over 64 million broadcast performances.
He recently performed headline sets at JazzFest, Glastonbury, the Hollywood Bowl and more, plus an induction at the American Music Honors and a collaboration with Eric Church for the new Nascar on Prime anthem. On August 22nd, Fogerty will release his new album Legacy, a 20-track collection of newly recorded versions of his biggest hits.
CMA Introduces Fourth Women’s Leadership Academy Class
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA Women’s Leadership Academy Class of 2025. Photo: Emily April Allen/CMA
The CMA has announced its newest class of participants for its 12-week Women’s Leadership Academy.
Now in its fourth year, the program officially kicks off today (Aug. 4) with CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe delivering opening remarks. The cohort-based program will guide 14 women through a journey of weekly group coaching, peer connection and hands-on leadership training, and in addition to learning alongside executive coaches and industry mentors, participants gain access to a growing network of program alumni who continue to support one another long after the program ends.
Academy participants will start by setting personal and professional goals, which will serve as a foundation throughout the program. Cohort members will take part in facilitated group sessions led by executive coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. The curriculum is designed to build practical leadership skills while fostering personal growth, covering topics such as personal branding, career advancement, conflict management, negotiation, self-advocacy, influence and confidence, equipping participants to lead with greater clarity, impact and resilience.
“The Women’s Leadership Academy has grown into a powerful reflection of the women who make this industry stronger every day,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “It’s not just about 12 weeks of programming; it’s about lifelong impact. I’m incredibly proud of the energy and intention behind this program and can’t wait to see how this new class builds on the momentum of the women who came before them. Together, they’re shaping the future of our business.”
CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy Class Members:
Jackie Augustus (Lead, Country & Folk, Artist Partnerships, Spotify)
Shaina Botwin (Vice President, Boom Music Group | Co-Manager, Sasha Alex Sloan)
Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer)
Melissa Goldberg (Vice President, Digital & Social, CMT)
Morgan Kenney (Country Music Agent, WME)
Anna Kolander (Senior Manager & Head of A&R, Activist Artists Management)
Olivia Laster (Head of Artist & Label Relations, Sticks Management)
Rakiyah Marshall (Founder & CEO, Back Blocks Music)
Morgan Mills (Chief Marketing Officer, CmdShft)
Courtney Pender (Vice President, People Experience, Sony Music Publishing)
Karen Schillinger (Agent, Creative Artists Agency)
Chandler Nicole Sherrill (Senior Director, Creative, Electric Feel Entertainment)
Shana Melissa Saunders (Product Manager, Business Development, Music Corporation of America)
Christina Wiltshire (Senior Director, A&R, Warner Chappell Music)
Grammy-Winning ‘Texas Tornado’ Flaco Jiménez Passes
/by Robert K OermannFlaco Jiménez. Photo: Andrew W. Long, courtesy of Robert K. Oermann archive
Roots-music superstar Flaco Jiménez has died at age 86 in San Antonio.
The Tex-Mex, conjunto musician immortalized his distinctive button-accordion style on the top country hits “The Streets of Bakersfield” by Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens in 1988 and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” by The Mavericks in 1986. During his six-decade career, Jiménez earned five Grammy Awards and was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Alongside Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm and Augie Meyers, Flaco Jiménez was a member of the “super group” The Texas Tornados in 1990-2010. He also collaborated on disc with Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, The Bellamy Brothers, Tanya Tucker, Junior Brown, John Hiatt, Emmylou Harris, Lee Roy Parnell, Chet Atkins & Suzy Bogguss, Los Lobos, Santana, Ray Benson, Radney Foster and The Rolling Stones, among many others. He recorded 27 solo albums between 1972 and 2014.
He was born Leonardo Jiménez in 1939, which is around the time his accordion-playing father was first recording and popularizing conjunto music in the San Antonio area. Forged in central Texas during the late 1800s, conjunto combined country waltzes, German polkas and Mexican-American folk music. The button accordion is the lively style’s central instrument. Flaco’s younger brother, Santiago Jiménez Jr., also became a conjunto accordion master.
Nicknamed “Flaco” Jiménez, the future star began playing in his father’s band at age 7 and began recording at age 15. He rose to prominence on the San Antonio music scene, starring on local television and regularly filling dancehalls. In the 1960s, he started working with Doug Sahm of The Sir Douglas Quintet.
He and Sahm temporarily relocated from San Antonio to Manhattan, where Jiménez worked with Dr. John, David Lindley, Peter Rowan, Ry Cooder and Dylan. He toured and recorded with Rowan for some time, which was when he first became familiar to Eastern Anglo audiences. The two formed a band called The Free Mexican Airforce.
Cooder then took him on the road internationally and featured him on the landmark 1976 LP Chicken Skin Music. Jiménez and Cooder also collaborated on the 1981 soundtrack of the Jack Nicholson film The Border. The following year, Carlos Santana enlisted Jimenez for his band’s Havana Moon album.
Following a string of solo albums on local labels, Jiménez recorded for the revered national folk labels Arhoolie Records (1977-88) and Rounder Records (1989-91). He won his first Grammy Award in 1986.
As a member of The Texas Tornados, he began recording for Warner Records in 1990. The group’s debut LP was issued in both Spanish and English-language versions. One of its tunes earned him his second Grammy. Country artists such as Raul Malo, Jesse Dayton and Dwight Yoakam began using him on recording sessions in the late 1980s.
Jiménez played the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1990. Warner/Reprise signed him as a solo act in 1992 for the album Partners. Recorded in both Nashville and L.A., the collection included collaborations with Stephen Stills, Holly Dunn, Los Lobos, Ronstadt, Cooder, Hiatt, Yoakam and Emmylou Harris. Ronstadt had previously recorded with him on her 1990 album Mas Canciones.
Nashville’s Arista Records formed a Texas division and signed Jiménez. He delivered albums for the label in 1994 and 1996, the latter of which won him another Grammy. The Stones recruited him for their 1994 collection Voodoo Lounge. He and Lee Roy Parnell were nominated for a Country Instrumental Grammy in 1996.
Flaco Jiménez won two Grammy Awards in 1999. One was for his solo album for Virgin Records, Said and Done. The other was for his album with Los Super Seven, a multi-artist collaboration including Joe Ely, Rick Treviño, Tejano star Ruben Ramos, Sahm, Fender and members of Los Lobos. Later albums by this conglomeration included Malo, Hiatt, Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, Delbert McCllinton and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown as well.
Subsequent solo albums were issued by Compadre, Fiesta, Smithsonian Folkways, Joey, Back Porch and Sony. In 2012, Flaco Jiménez was given a National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment for the Arts. Two years later, he was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was awarded a National Medal of Arts.
Flaco Jiménez died in San Antonio on Thursday, July 31. Survivors include his wife, Adela; sons Arturo and Gilbert; daughters Cynthia Jiménez and Raquel Fernandez; and his brother, Santiago Jr. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Brandon Wisham Inks With The Core Records & Capitol Music Group
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Chief Zaruk, CEO & Co-Founder, The Core Entertainment; Brittani Johnson, Manager, The Core Entertainment; Tracy Martin, President, The Core Entertainment; Brandon Wisham; Dan Dymtrow, GM, The Core Entertainment; Jamie Younger, VP of Artist Development, The Core Records and Simon Tikhman, CEO & Co-Founder, The Core Entertainment.
Brandon Wisham has signed a record deal with Capitol Music Group in partnership with The Core Records.
“The way I’m feeling about this step is beyond what words can describe,” says Wisham. “Grateful to have found a team that is as passionate about my music as I am. Can’t wait to experience this journey alongside the best of the best!”
Wisham began writing songs at 19 with his first track “Pain Won’t Last,” a tribute to his father who passed due to Covid-19. The track was later cut by Bailey Zimmerman on his Religiously. The Album. Wisham shortly after released his own debut single “Back Together,” followed by “Better Than The Day.” The latter was featured on SiriusXM’s The Highway, eventually leading the 22 year-old South Carolina native to be named a SiriusXM The Highway’s Highway Find.
Wisham has previously opened up on the road for Zimmerman, as well as Josh Ross. He will join Tyler Hubbard, Lakeview and Austin Snell on select dates this fall. He also made his CMA Fest debut this past June. Additionally, his new single “She’s Good” will release this Friday (August 8).
“We’re thrilled to welcome Brandon to the Capitol Records family,” shares Tom March, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. “He’s a truly gifted songwriter with the kind of talent, drive, and unstoppable passion that make for an extraordinary career in country music. We’re beyond proud to join forces with Brandon as he moves forward into his most exciting chapter yet.”
“Brandon has been part of The Core family from the start, and we’ve believed in his talent and potential every step of the way,” add Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Watching him grow and gain real momentum as an artist has been incredible, and signing him to The Core Records is a natural evolution of that journey. He’s got something truly special, and we’re excited to take this next step with him and help bring his vision to the world.”
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.”