Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry is many things: a stage, a show, a symbol. It’s the longest-running live broadcast in the world, a cornerstone of country music tradition and a dream for generations of artists. But behind the lights and legacy are the people who bring it all to life, night after night, show after show.
In its 100th year, the Opry continues to evolve while staying rooted in the values that built it: consistency, creativity and care. It’s easy to be dazzled by the artists who stand in the circle, but just beyond the spotlight is a small, dedicated team that makes those moments happen.
From the first sip of lemonade backstage to the final note of the night, every detail is intentional. Every role matters. These are the hands and feet of the Grand Ole Opry—the people who plan the shows, book the talent, welcome the fans and make sure the coffee is hot, the dressing rooms are stocked and the transitions feel seamless. Some are onstage. Most are not. But each one helps keep the circle unbroken.
Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
Dan Rogers – Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry
As Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers oversees more than 200 performances each year, guiding the programming of the world’s longest-running live music show. With a core team of just six people, Rogers manages everything from artist bookings and show themes to run-of-show details, VIP guests and backstage logistics. It’s demanding work—but for Rogers, it’s deeply fulfilling.
“I want to be here,” he says. “This is where the magic happens.”
That mindset has shaped everything from nightly shows to the Opry’s ambitious 100th anniversary celebrations. Rogers points to the upcoming Royal Albert Hall performance as a defining milestone, helping push country music and the Opry’s influence further across the globe. Closer to home, he’s proud of the relationships his team builds with artists, members and guests alike. They hold weekly meetings to reflect on what worked, what could improve and how to keep the Opry experience meaningful.
Even amid evolution, Rogers prioritizes legacy. Saturday shows still open with a fiddle tune, just like they did a century ago. “The Opry always changes—and it always stays the same,” he says. That delicate balance is what drives him, night after night, to keep the music playing.
Gina Keltner
Gina Keltner – Associate Producer, Talent, Grand Ole Opry
After 25 years and more than 2,000 artist bookings annually, Gina Keltner still approaches each Grand Ole Opry lineup with care. As Associate Producer, Talent, she’s part matchmaker, part air traffic controller—pairing legends, stars and newcomers across the Opry’s 200+ annual shows while juggling artist schedules, routing and last-minute curveballs.
Raised in Missouri on classic country and Elvis, Keltner moved to Nashville with no job, just a dream. She found her way to the Opry by chance—dropping off a resume in person after a TV production role ended. “I’ve always seen that time as a bridge to where I was really meant to be,” she says.
Today, she builds each show like a recipe: something for everyone, whether it’s a grandmother or her grandchild. With a mental Rolodex of artists’ preferences and personal milestones, she tailors lineups and backstage moments alike. One artist might get champagne for a birthday. Another might receive a baby gift. “We want it to feel like home,” she says.
Personal highlights range from emergency fill-ins—like Martina McBride stepping in for Loretta Lynn one night when she was ill—to lifelong dreams, like booking Shaun Cassidy, her childhood idol. “That’s the beautiful part of my job,” she says. “Getting to make other people’s dreams come true while living mine.”
Nicole Judd
Nicole Judd – Associate Producer, Show Development, Grand Ole Opry
Nicole Judd didn’t just find her way into the Opry’s programming team—she helped build the role she now holds. After nearly two decades with the company in marketing, sponsorship, and brand strategy roles, she and Dan Rogers identified a growing need on the production side. As Associate Producer of Show Development, Judd now helps shape the structure and flow of nearly every Opry show, overseeing scripting, visual elements, tone and special moments from induction speeches to member gifts.
Judd also leads programming initiatives with partners like WSM Radio, SiriusXM or the Country Music Hall of Fame, and has played a key role in expanding the Opry’s footprint during its centennial year. Taking the show international for the first time—with a full production headed to London—is a particular point of pride for the lifelong Anglophile.
Working on up to seven shows a week with the team, Judd helps maintain the Opry’s tone across hundreds of artists and countless moving parts. “You have to understand what the Opry has been, and push it forward without ever letting it feel like an outdated relic,” she says. It’s a delicate balance—but one she’s committed to getting right.
“There’s just this FOMO,” she adds of the night-time commitments and long hours. “Like—what if something really cool happens tonight and I miss it?”
Jordan Pettit
Jordan Pettit – Vice President, Artist Relations, Grand Ole Opry
Before joining the Opry in 2018, Jordan Pettit spent more than a decade on the label side of the music industry, helping launch and support major artist careers. When the Opry came calling about a new artist relations role, Pettit saw an opportunity to bridge tradition with the future. Since then, he’s been focused on building deeper, earlier connections between the Opry and rising talent.
In his first year, he helped launch My Opry Intro, a Tuesday-night backstage experience that welcomes new artists and gives them a behind-the-scenes look before their official debut. Lainey Wilson was among the early guests—eventually becoming the first Opry NextStage artist to be inducted as a member. That initiative, which spotlights breakout acts through live shows and yearlong promotion, has become one of Pettit’s proudest accomplishments. Since its 2019 debut, Opry NextStage artists have earned nine ACM New Artist awards and notched more than 30 No. 1 hits.
For Pettit, engaging younger artists is about returning to the Opry’s roots. “We wanted to support artists as they were still building,” he says. “That’s what makes the Opry special, seeing legends and newcomers on the same show.”
And when those newcomers step into the circle for the first time, Pettit’s reminded why it matters. “Watching someone make their Opry debut—that’s still my favorite part of the job.”
Kelly Sutton
Kelly Sutton – Grand Ole Opry Announcer & Host
With more than two decades in Nashville television and radio, Kelly Sutton was already a well-known voice in country music media. But in 2022, she stepped into a new role as the Grand Ole Opry’s first full-time female announcer—a moment she describes as the highlight of her career.
Her path to the circle was paved with years of country coverage, from hosting morning TV alongside Ralph Emery to interviewing artists on radio and red carpets. When WSM invited her to join its morning team in 2021, the conversation soon turned to the Opry. She shadowed longtime announcer Charlie Mattos, and just a few months later, took the mic herself for the first time. “It felt like everything I’d done in my career led to that moment,” she says.
Now, Sutton brings a vibrant energy to the Opry’s nightly shows—prepping with artist research, coordinating backstage transitions and delivering shoutouts that connect directly with the crowd. “It’s such a meaningful way to connect with the audience,” she says. “Someone might go home and remember that forever.”
Anchored by a deep love for country music and its community, Sutton’s presence is both warm and electric. “The Opry’s been around 100 years,” she says, “but no two nights are the same. That’s magical.”
Stacy Thompson
Stacy Thompson – Senior Manager, Tours & VIP Services, Grand Ole Opry
Stacy Thompson started at the Opry as a part-time tour guide while finishing her music business degree at MTSU. 14 years later, she now oversees the ambassador and tour guide teams, ensuring thousands of guests each year feel not just informed, but deeply connected to the Grand Ole Opry.
“We’re not expecting guests to remember all the facts,” she says. “We want them to remember how they felt.”
Her teams welcome guests at the door, give backstage tours and manage VIP experiences, often turning casual visits into lifelong memories. Whether it’s coordinating a birthday shoutout or encouraging someone to sing in the circle, Thompson believes the personal touches make the difference. She recalls a recent 91-year-old guest whose family surprised her with a visit. “She cried all the way to the stage,” Thompson says. “That had been her dream for decades.”
Over the years, she’s witnessed unforgettable backstage moments too—like Loretta Lynn slipping quietly into the wings in a ballgown, or Dolly Parton stepping into the hallway to greet fans. But for Thompson, it’s never just about celebrity. It’s about helping every guest feel like they belong.
Diana McBride, a.k.a. “Lemonade”
Lemonade – Backstage Hospitality, Grand Ole Opry
Officially, her name is Diana McBride, but at the Grand Ole Opry, everyone knows her as Lemonade—a nickname gifted by Opry member Mike Snider and cemented when her boss overheard it and ordered a name tag to match. The name stuck, and so did she.
What began as a part-time gig to fill time after the loss of her father has turned into more than a decade of backstage service. “I thought I’d stay six months,” she says, laughing. “It’s been 11 years.”
Lemonade handles all the little things that make the Opry feel like home: prepping dressing rooms, setting up the green room, making fresh tea and lemonade and getting the popcorn just right. She knows who likes what and when—and jumps into action when an artist forgets a shoe, needs a baby held during rehearsal or just needs a calm place to land.
“My job is to make everyone feel welcome,” she says. “To treat them like family.”
For artists, that warmth is unforgettable. Some joke they come for the lemonade as much as the music. And for Lemonade, those connections run deep.
The Opry has always been a show—but it’s also a living, breathing community. It’s built on talent and tradition, but sustained by the people who show up early, stay late and care deeply about the experience unfolding night after night.
From the backstage green room to the announcer’s mic, from artist invitations to birthday shoutouts in the pews, it’s these quiet contributions that make the Opry feel personal and even sacred.
As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates 100 years, the legacy continues to grow. But what remains unchanged is the heartbeat behind the curtain—the hands and feet that carry its stories forward.
They’re not just supporting cast. They’re the reason the show goes on.
The Hands & Feet Of The Grand Ole Opry: Meet The People Behind The Unbroken Circle
/by LB CantrellPhoto: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry is many things: a stage, a show, a symbol. It’s the longest-running live broadcast in the world, a cornerstone of country music tradition and a dream for generations of artists. But behind the lights and legacy are the people who bring it all to life, night after night, show after show.
In its 100th year, the Opry continues to evolve while staying rooted in the values that built it: consistency, creativity and care. It’s easy to be dazzled by the artists who stand in the circle, but just beyond the spotlight is a small, dedicated team that makes those moments happen.
From the first sip of lemonade backstage to the final note of the night, every detail is intentional. Every role matters. These are the hands and feet of the Grand Ole Opry—the people who plan the shows, book the talent, welcome the fans and make sure the coffee is hot, the dressing rooms are stocked and the transitions feel seamless. Some are onstage. Most are not. But each one helps keep the circle unbroken.
Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
Dan Rogers – Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry
As Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers oversees more than 200 performances each year, guiding the programming of the world’s longest-running live music show. With a core team of just six people, Rogers manages everything from artist bookings and show themes to run-of-show details, VIP guests and backstage logistics. It’s demanding work—but for Rogers, it’s deeply fulfilling.
“I want to be here,” he says. “This is where the magic happens.”
That mindset has shaped everything from nightly shows to the Opry’s ambitious 100th anniversary celebrations. Rogers points to the upcoming Royal Albert Hall performance as a defining milestone, helping push country music and the Opry’s influence further across the globe. Closer to home, he’s proud of the relationships his team builds with artists, members and guests alike. They hold weekly meetings to reflect on what worked, what could improve and how to keep the Opry experience meaningful.
Even amid evolution, Rogers prioritizes legacy. Saturday shows still open with a fiddle tune, just like they did a century ago. “The Opry always changes—and it always stays the same,” he says. That delicate balance is what drives him, night after night, to keep the music playing.
Gina Keltner
Gina Keltner – Associate Producer, Talent, Grand Ole Opry
After 25 years and more than 2,000 artist bookings annually, Gina Keltner still approaches each Grand Ole Opry lineup with care. As Associate Producer, Talent, she’s part matchmaker, part air traffic controller—pairing legends, stars and newcomers across the Opry’s 200+ annual shows while juggling artist schedules, routing and last-minute curveballs.
Raised in Missouri on classic country and Elvis, Keltner moved to Nashville with no job, just a dream. She found her way to the Opry by chance—dropping off a resume in person after a TV production role ended. “I’ve always seen that time as a bridge to where I was really meant to be,” she says.
Today, she builds each show like a recipe: something for everyone, whether it’s a grandmother or her grandchild. With a mental Rolodex of artists’ preferences and personal milestones, she tailors lineups and backstage moments alike. One artist might get champagne for a birthday. Another might receive a baby gift. “We want it to feel like home,” she says.
Personal highlights range from emergency fill-ins—like Martina McBride stepping in for Loretta Lynn one night when she was ill—to lifelong dreams, like booking Shaun Cassidy, her childhood idol. “That’s the beautiful part of my job,” she says. “Getting to make other people’s dreams come true while living mine.”
Nicole Judd
Nicole Judd – Associate Producer, Show Development, Grand Ole Opry
Nicole Judd didn’t just find her way into the Opry’s programming team—she helped build the role she now holds. After nearly two decades with the company in marketing, sponsorship, and brand strategy roles, she and Dan Rogers identified a growing need on the production side. As Associate Producer of Show Development, Judd now helps shape the structure and flow of nearly every Opry show, overseeing scripting, visual elements, tone and special moments from induction speeches to member gifts.
Judd also leads programming initiatives with partners like WSM Radio, SiriusXM or the Country Music Hall of Fame, and has played a key role in expanding the Opry’s footprint during its centennial year. Taking the show international for the first time—with a full production headed to London—is a particular point of pride for the lifelong Anglophile.
Working on up to seven shows a week with the team, Judd helps maintain the Opry’s tone across hundreds of artists and countless moving parts. “You have to understand what the Opry has been, and push it forward without ever letting it feel like an outdated relic,” she says. It’s a delicate balance—but one she’s committed to getting right.
“There’s just this FOMO,” she adds of the night-time commitments and long hours. “Like—what if something really cool happens tonight and I miss it?”
Jordan Pettit
Jordan Pettit – Vice President, Artist Relations, Grand Ole Opry
Before joining the Opry in 2018, Jordan Pettit spent more than a decade on the label side of the music industry, helping launch and support major artist careers. When the Opry came calling about a new artist relations role, Pettit saw an opportunity to bridge tradition with the future. Since then, he’s been focused on building deeper, earlier connections between the Opry and rising talent.
In his first year, he helped launch My Opry Intro, a Tuesday-night backstage experience that welcomes new artists and gives them a behind-the-scenes look before their official debut. Lainey Wilson was among the early guests—eventually becoming the first Opry NextStage artist to be inducted as a member. That initiative, which spotlights breakout acts through live shows and yearlong promotion, has become one of Pettit’s proudest accomplishments. Since its 2019 debut, Opry NextStage artists have earned nine ACM New Artist awards and notched more than 30 No. 1 hits.
For Pettit, engaging younger artists is about returning to the Opry’s roots. “We wanted to support artists as they were still building,” he says. “That’s what makes the Opry special, seeing legends and newcomers on the same show.”
And when those newcomers step into the circle for the first time, Pettit’s reminded why it matters. “Watching someone make their Opry debut—that’s still my favorite part of the job.”
Kelly Sutton
Kelly Sutton – Grand Ole Opry Announcer & Host
With more than two decades in Nashville television and radio, Kelly Sutton was already a well-known voice in country music media. But in 2022, she stepped into a new role as the Grand Ole Opry’s first full-time female announcer—a moment she describes as the highlight of her career.
Her path to the circle was paved with years of country coverage, from hosting morning TV alongside Ralph Emery to interviewing artists on radio and red carpets. When WSM invited her to join its morning team in 2021, the conversation soon turned to the Opry. She shadowed longtime announcer Charlie Mattos, and just a few months later, took the mic herself for the first time. “It felt like everything I’d done in my career led to that moment,” she says.
Now, Sutton brings a vibrant energy to the Opry’s nightly shows—prepping with artist research, coordinating backstage transitions and delivering shoutouts that connect directly with the crowd. “It’s such a meaningful way to connect with the audience,” she says. “Someone might go home and remember that forever.”
Anchored by a deep love for country music and its community, Sutton’s presence is both warm and electric. “The Opry’s been around 100 years,” she says, “but no two nights are the same. That’s magical.”
Stacy Thompson
Stacy Thompson – Senior Manager, Tours & VIP Services, Grand Ole Opry
Stacy Thompson started at the Opry as a part-time tour guide while finishing her music business degree at MTSU. 14 years later, she now oversees the ambassador and tour guide teams, ensuring thousands of guests each year feel not just informed, but deeply connected to the Grand Ole Opry.
“We’re not expecting guests to remember all the facts,” she says. “We want them to remember how they felt.”
Her teams welcome guests at the door, give backstage tours and manage VIP experiences, often turning casual visits into lifelong memories. Whether it’s coordinating a birthday shoutout or encouraging someone to sing in the circle, Thompson believes the personal touches make the difference. She recalls a recent 91-year-old guest whose family surprised her with a visit. “She cried all the way to the stage,” Thompson says. “That had been her dream for decades.”
Over the years, she’s witnessed unforgettable backstage moments too—like Loretta Lynn slipping quietly into the wings in a ballgown, or Dolly Parton stepping into the hallway to greet fans. But for Thompson, it’s never just about celebrity. It’s about helping every guest feel like they belong.
Diana McBride, a.k.a. “Lemonade”
Lemonade – Backstage Hospitality, Grand Ole Opry
Officially, her name is Diana McBride, but at the Grand Ole Opry, everyone knows her as Lemonade—a nickname gifted by Opry member Mike Snider and cemented when her boss overheard it and ordered a name tag to match. The name stuck, and so did she.
What began as a part-time gig to fill time after the loss of her father has turned into more than a decade of backstage service. “I thought I’d stay six months,” she says, laughing. “It’s been 11 years.”
Lemonade handles all the little things that make the Opry feel like home: prepping dressing rooms, setting up the green room, making fresh tea and lemonade and getting the popcorn just right. She knows who likes what and when—and jumps into action when an artist forgets a shoe, needs a baby held during rehearsal or just needs a calm place to land.
“My job is to make everyone feel welcome,” she says. “To treat them like family.”
For artists, that warmth is unforgettable. Some joke they come for the lemonade as much as the music. And for Lemonade, those connections run deep.
The Opry has always been a show—but it’s also a living, breathing community. It’s built on talent and tradition, but sustained by the people who show up early, stay late and care deeply about the experience unfolding night after night.
From the backstage green room to the announcer’s mic, from artist invitations to birthday shoutouts in the pews, it’s these quiet contributions that make the Opry feel personal and even sacred.
As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates 100 years, the legacy continues to grow. But what remains unchanged is the heartbeat behind the curtain—the hands and feet that carry its stories forward.
They’re not just supporting cast. They’re the reason the show goes on.
Joe Luff Named Head Of Creative At Ten Ten Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe Luff
Joe Luff has been appointed Head of Creative at Ten Ten Music Group.
The University of Mississippi graduate previously spent time at FlyteVu and the Country Music Association while also working as a music media consultant during his time in college.
Luff will lead all creative and digital initiatives while actively supporting A&R efforts for the company, which features an extensive publishing catalog with works recorded by Alan Jackson, Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire and Papa Roach, as well as songs written by Dan Tyminski, Bobby Huff, Harley Allen, and Scott Stepakoff. Ten Ten also represents the catalog of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.
“I am pleased to welcome Joe, and I’m excited by the creative energy he puts out every day,” says Barry Coburn, President of Ten Ten Music Group. “We are going to have a lot of fun working on many great upcoming projects.”
Luff can be reach at joe@tentenmusic.com.
The Ward Organization And Encore Elevates Amanda Stophel To COO
/by Lauryn SinkAmanda Stophel
The Ward Organization, the parent company to Encore Luxury Coach Leasing, Encore Music Group and its affiliate companies, has elevated Amanda Stophel to Chief Operating Officer. After previously serving as President of Encore Luxury Coach Leasing, Stophel will now oversee the day-to-day operations and execution of all Encore and Ward-affiliated companies.
“Amanda is an absolute force and instrumentally shaped the culture and service standards that have defined what Encore is today,” says The Ward Organizations Founder and CEO, Justin Ward. “Her transition to COO marks a natural next step as we continue to scale our operations and deepen our commitment to delivering a premium and serving music.”
The company’s fleet of over 175 luxury coaches serves a confidential list of many major names in music with three offices across the nation.
Kenny Chesney Honored By RIAA For 105 Million Certifications
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jackie Jones, RIAA SVP, Artist & Industry Relations, Kenny Chesney and Michele Ballantyne, RIAA COO/President. Photo: Jill Trunnell
Kenny Chesney recently celebrated 105 million units certified from the Recording Industry Association of America, including 22 new certifications.
“These kinds of numbers almost don’t exist,” says Chesney of the feat. “Who counts that high? But seeing all the discs and the size of the plaque, it hits you how big this really is. What I know is what I hear when the band and I are on stage. You can tell when you hear people cheering and singing these songs with every bit of joy they’ve got, this isn’t just a song they like, these songs are something that hits them in the heart. To me, even more than Platinum or Gold, it’s the sound of those voices that tells me how much this music means.”
Among the new certifications are “American Kids” and “You and Tequila” featuring Grace Potter, which earned five-times and four-times Platinum status, respectively. Five songs—“Summertime,” “When The Sun Goes Down” featuring Uncle Kracker, “Come Over,” “Don’t Blink” and “Get Along”—received triple-Platinum certification, joining previous triple-Platinum certified hit “Somewhere With You.”
“I Go Back,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “All The Pretty Girls,” “The Good Stuff” and “The Boys of Fall” join previous double-Platinums “There Goes My Life,” “Setting The World on Fire” featuring P!nk and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” not to mention five new Platinum certifications and three new Gold certifications, contributing to his overall total of 51 RIAA-certified singles.
“Buddy [Cannon] and I have really tried to push what we were doing in terms of the songs and how we recorded them; I wanted to say the stuff people never said for kids like me—and find the sweet spot where melody and lyric reflect each other in a way that made each song even more than any one moment,” adds Chesney. “I wanted songs that I hoped would always be true.”
Brandon Wisham Named SiriusXM The Highway’s Next Highway Find
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Brandon Wisham and Cody Alan
Brandon Wisham has been tapped as the next “Highway Find” for SiriusXM’s The Highway. The program spotlights new voices in country music by backing them with XM radio airplay. Host Cody Alan surprised Wisham with the news live on air from the SiriusXM studio in Nashville.
“I had a few things on my list to do today and being a Highway Find wasn’t one I was expecting,” Wisham shared after being surprised with the news. “Thank you so much to the The Highway family for believing in my music and making me feel at home. This is unbelievable. Thank you to everyone who has been listening on The Highway!”
Wisham first caught the attention of Warner Chappell Music and The Core Entertainment after writing his first song, “Pain Won’t Last,” which was later cut by Bailey Zimmerman. His recent single, “Growing Up,” has garnered over 220K streams since its June 20 release. After wrapping his opening slot for Zimmerman in 2024, Wisham will join Tyler Hubbard and Lakeview on the road throughout the rest of the year.
Derrick Southerland Inks With Kobalt
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Kevin Lane, Derrick Southerland and Stephanie Cox. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Grammy and CMA nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland has inked a global publishing deal with Kobalt. As part of the deal, Kobalt has acquired a portion of Southerland’s extensive song catalog.
Known for penning songs like Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine,” which became the 2020 MusicRow Song of the Year, “Lady Like” and “Seeing Someone Else,” Southerland has also written songs with and for Carrie Underwood, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Fletcher, Laci Kaye Booth, Hunter Hayes, Breland, Charlotte Sands, High Valley, Charles Kelley, Muscadine Bloodline, Tanner Adell, Blair Davie and Dallas Smith, among others.
Additionally, he has worked on Kane Brown’s Hot 100 certified gold single “Like A Rodeo” and Joshua Bassett’s “Crisis.” Southerland’s recent cut with Mitchell Tenpenny, “Same Moon,” is currently moving up the radio charts.
“I’m so excited to be partnering with Kobalt,” says Southerland. “When I met with Laurent Hubert, Jeannette Perez, Stephanie Cox, Rani Hancock, Kenny McGoff and so many others of the creative team, I knew this was where I needed to be. Their enthusiasm not only about my writing and songs, but my dreams and vision for the future made this the perfect partnership to help me accomplish my goals. Huge thanks to Kevin [Lane], who was with me for my first major label outside cut and brought me to this amazing team. I’m looking forward to what’s coming in this next chapter of our careers.”
“Derrick is one of the most gifted, prolific songwriters working in Nashville today,” shares Cox, General Manager/Senior Vice President of Creative at Kobalt Nashville. “He has the incredibly unique ability to write across genres which makes him a perfect fit for Kobalt’s global ecosystem.”
Lane, Senior Creative Director at Kobalt adds, “Derrick and I had the opportunity to work together early in our careers, and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with him again. His ability to craft songs that permeate the Nashville community while having multi-genre impact is rare. Combine that with his relentless work ethic, and you have a true creative force to be reckoned with. The sky is the limit for what we can accomplish together, and I’m so excited to see where this partnership takes us.”
Chuck Morris To Be Inducted Into IEBA Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughChuck Morris
Concert promoter and music executive Chuck Morris will be inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame during the 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony set for Oct. 7 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville.
A pioneering force in the Colorado music scene and beyond, Morris is Chairman Emeritus and President & CEO of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains. His contributions to the live entertainment industry span more than five decades and include a legacy of artist development, venue innovation, and industry mentorship. In the mid-1970s, Morris made his mark with the famed Denver nightclub Ebbets Field. His keen ear and curatorial spirit helped launch countless careers, and his passion for artists and fans alike continues to define his work.
As Executive Producer of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume Two by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Morris earned a Grammy, further cementing his place in music history. Throughout his storied career, Morris has played a key role in elevating iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre to international renown. In addition to his work as a promoter and executive, he is widely respected as a mentor, educator, and tireless advocate for the music industry.
“Chuck Morris is a true original whose vision, tenacity, and generosity have shaped the modern live music landscape,” says IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner. “We are proud to recognize his extraordinary legacy with induction into the IEBA Hall of Fame.”
The 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony is part of IEBA’s 55th Annual Conference, taking place Oct. 5–7. Additional 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.
FlyteVu Acquired By Driftwood Music Group
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Ally Venable (VP of Talent Partnerships), Linda Knight (Chief Creative Officer), Brooks Parker (VP of Business
Development), Laura Hutfless (CEO), Sina Seger (COO), Scott Bennett (VP of Finance), Miriam Singer (Chief of Staff) Photo: Robby Klein
FlyteVu, a Nashville-based agency, has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group. The company is expanding its offerings, with the addition of corporate bookings and music licensing.
Co-founded by former CAA executive Laura Hutfless and former Warner Music Group executive Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu is expected to grow its team by thirty-percent by the end of the year, and staffing changes have already begun. Hutfless remains CEO and Holley, Co-Founder, is exiting the organization. Linda Knight has been tapped as Chief Creative Officer with Sina Seger promoted to Chief Operations Officer, Miriam Singer to Chief of Staff and Adeniz Villar as Senior Director of Talent.
“This partnership enables us to scale rapidly, broaden our service offerings to better support our clients, and pursue strategic acquisitions that keep us ahead in a constantly evolving industry—all while preserving our culture of generosity and purpose-driven work,” says Hutfless. “It empowers us to take on work we’re passionate about and to build an agency as forward-thinking as the clients we represent.”
Now in its tenth year, the company has adopted the philosophy that “Safe Doesn’t Fly.”
“We’re nimble, able to change direction quickly in the face of headwinds. If you want to fly high, you’ve got to break away from the flock and lead.” says Hutfless. “You don’t soar with eagles by playing it safe on the perch.”
Rascal Flatts’ Hometown Show To Stream Globally Via Veeps
/by Lorie HollabaughRascal Flatts’ hometown show in Columbus, Ohio will now be available to fans across the world during a special global streaming event July 27 at 7 p.m. CT via VEEPS.
The band celebrated their return to the Buckeye State with a surprise appearance by Carly Pearce on their track “My Wish.” Also joined by Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane across the 21-stop tour, the trio wrapped their sold-out “Life Is A Highway Tour” last month, with crowds singing along to their two decades-spanning catalog of hits.
Additionally, the group also released their Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets collaboration album this summer featuring nine reimagined hits including “What Hurts The Most” with the Backstreet Boys as well as their record-breaking new track, “I Dare You” with the Jonas Brothers.
Tickets to the streaming event can be purchased here, or watched for free by Veeps All Access members. All tickets will include a three-day rewatch window and are available through the Veeps app on Roku, Apple TV, iOS and Android.
River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Sign Kenny Whitmire
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins, Kenny Whitmire, Lauren Lieu and Hailey Rama
River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have signed rising country singer-songwriter Kenny Whitmire to a global publishing agreement.
Upon moving to Nashville in 2022, Whitmire began to collaborate with emerging artist Austin Snell, leading to his first paid gig in town as a touring guitarist in Snell’s band.
Since then, he has been able to share the stage with prominent talent including Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Matthew and more. As a songwriter, he has landed cuts such as Austin Snell’s “Some Things Just Stick” and “Considering,” Cole Goodwin’s “Fast Track Back,” Avery Roberson’s “Never Die,” Colin Stough’s “White Trash” and many others.
Of the deal, Whitmire says, “I’m very excited to be a part of such a creative and hard-working team. The River House crew were some of the first people I connected with after moving to Nashville, and it’s a great feeling to be surrounded by a team of talented people who have believed in your songwriting from the start. God bless country music!”
“Kenny brings an infectious energy and warmth into our building which has made him feel like family from day one at River House,” shares EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “His unwavering work ethic and genuine passion for creating great songs consistently shines through every session. We’re thrilled to welcome Kenny to our songwriting roster and are eager to support him in his journey, we know he has the drive and talent to succeed in a big way!”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston adds, “Kenny is a natural – he writes with heart and instinct, and his passion will take him far. We’re proud to be in his corner alongside our partners at River House as his story unfolds.”