Marcus King Band has slated their latest album, Darling Blue, for release on Sept. 26 via American Records/Republic Records.

In celebration of the announcement, the band has shared two new songs from the album: “Here Today” featuring Jamey Johnson and Kaitlin Butts, and “Carry Me Home,” which reflects on King’s deep love for the Blue Ridge mountains and the place he calls home. Inspired heavily by his home state of South Carolina, the new album incorporates elements of country, folk, psychedelic rock and Motown-era R&B, and continues the conversation on King’s experience with addiction and depression.

“It truly felt like home,” says King. “Like my band and I were just working out songs to perform live but ended up creating a piece of recorded music for our fans to hear. Our goal is always to be a vessel and allow the music to flow through us and tap into something that’s already there in the room. But more than anything I’ve done before, this album felt like a real concerted effort to make music for myself, and for ourselves as a band—creating for the love of creating and being as honest as we possibly can. We put everything we had into making something that we love and we have faith that the audience will feel that and love it too.”

Prior to the album announcement, the band shared “Honky Tonk Hell,” which became the fastest single in King’s career to hit one million streams, as well as “Carolina Honey,” released on the heels of King’s Bonnaroo performance for a crowd of 40,000.

King and the band are also gearing up for their Marcus King Band Family Reunion music festival, which will return for its fourth installment this summer, taking place in Charleston for the first time ever Aug. 23-24. The lineup for this year’s festival will include performances by the Marcus King Band along with Jamey Johnson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Molly Tuttle, Hiss Golden Messenger and more.

Darling Blue Track List:
1. “On & On”
2. “Here Today” ft. Jamey Johnson & Kaitlin Butts
3. “Honky Tonk Hell”
4. “Heartlands”
5. “Die Alone”
6. “Somebody Else” ft. Jesse Welles
7. “Levi’s & Goodbyes”
8. “Carolina Honey”
9. “No Room For Blue”
10. “Blue Ridge Mountain Moon”
11. “Dirt (Nashville version)” ft. Billy Strings
12. “The Shadows” ft. Noah Cyrus
13. “Pretty Petty”
14. “Carry Me Home”

“Opry 100 Honors Charlie Daniels” finale of performers singing “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”

The Grand Ole Opry continued its “Opry 100 Honors,” a series which pays tribute to the icons who have helped shape the Opry’s first century, on July 8 with a tribute to beloved Opry member Charlie Daniels.

“Opry 100 Honors Charlie Daniels” included performances by Opry members Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Eddie Montgomery, Rhonda Vincent and Chris Young, plus Gretchen Wilson, The Travelin’ McCourys and more.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Marfa’s Bryce Menchaca, Ascend4M’s Ryan Ramos, Marfa’s Kellen Wall, Ascend4M’s Joel Klaiman. Photo: Nick Rau for Ascend Music

Ascend Music has signed Americana/Rock duo, Marfa. Composed of Bryce Menchaca and Kellen Wall, Marfa serves as the first signing to the newly announced Big Machine Label Group imprint, established in partnership with music industry executive Joel Klaiman.

“Marfa is the first of many groundbreaking artists set to come from Ascend Music,” says Founder, Chairman and CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta. “This was a ‘one-listen, one-meeting, and we have to do this’ moment. These guys are going to blow people away with their musicality and vibe.”

“From the moment I first heard Marfa — the songs, the writing, the depth of their musicianship and the harmony of Bryce and Kellen’s voices — I knew they were something special,” adds Klaiman. “Their sound is both timeless and unmistakably of the moment. I’m thrilled to have them as the first signing to our new venture. They set the tone for the kind of talent, artistry and authenticity we are building the label around.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of something so special and to embark on a dream come true,” shares Menchaca and Wall. “Signing our first record deal with an all-star team of Ascend Music and Big Machine Label Group is something we’re really proud of.”

The duo has released its first track, “Little Miss Two Time,” penned alongside Morgan Nagler.

“This track was inspired by Kellen receiving some unfortunate news following one of our shows, when an ex-girlfriend promptly ended things with him,” shares Menchaca.

Wall adds, “I later found out there was someone else the whole time, so we, along with our co-writer Morgan, made the best out of a bad situation, and ‘Little Miss Two Time’ was born.”

Luke Bryan performs for a sold-out crowd at 10th annual Crash My Playa in 2025. Photo: Alive Coverage

Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa will rock the beaches for its 11th year in 2026 when it returns Jan. 15-18 to take over the Moon Palace Cancún for another all-inclusive concert experience.

Bryan will headline for two nights, with the full lineup and artists participating in the final night’s “Luke Bryan & Friends” performance to be announced soon. The Blind Faith On-Sale for Crash My Playa will begin on July 14 at crashmyplaya.com. Previous attendees will have early access through an Alumni Pre-Sale starting at noon CT today (July 11.)

“Every year I’m blown away by how special Crash My Playa has become,” says Bryan. “From the beachside shows to the late-night hangouts, it’s one of the highlights of my year. I can’t wait to be back in Cancún with our fans and kick off 2026 in the best way possible.”

In addition to lots of music, attendees can look forward to special guests, daily pool parties, late-night performances, and more. Moon Palace Cancún offers world-class accommodations, gourmet dining, 24-hour room service, and endless entertainment options, all included in each package and set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. Guests can relax at the resort’s spa, tee off on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, or dance the night away at the custom beachfront stage that makes Crash My Playa unlike any other destination concert experience.

Pictured (Bottom Row, L to R): Steve Markland (President, Blue Harbor Music), Kim Penz (Founder, Lady Luck Songs), Will Jones, Carter Green (Agent, WME). (Top Row, L-R): Cliff Audretch (GM, Lady Luck Songs), Matt Cottingham (Co-Managing Partner, Lewis Brisbois), Jay Williams (Co-Head/Partner, WME), John Cantu (Red Light Management)

Will Jones has inked with WME for global representation across all areas. Additionally, he has signed with Lady Luck Songs and Blue Harbor Music for publishing and artist development.

“Will’s talent, work ethic, and musicianship is exceptional. His future is bright, and we’re excited to have him at WME and be a part of his journey,” shares WME’s Carter Green and Jay Williams. “The future of country music is in good hands!”

“Lady Luck Songs and Blue Harbor Music are thrilled to team up and welcome powerhouse writer/artist Will Jones to our publishing and artist development roster,” states Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music) along with Kim Penz and Cliff Audretch of Lady Luck Songs. “Will’s a true triple-threat with big things on the horizon. We can’t wait for the world to hear and see what all he has coming down the pike!”

“Will’s been doing the work his whole life. He’s got the raw talent, work ethic and personality for longevity,” adds John Cantu of Red Light Management. “We have a great team in place and a clear vision. Proud to be a part of building what’s next for him.”

The Blue Ridge native is slated to release his new single, “Lonesome Dove,” tomorrow (July 11).

“‘Lonesome Dove’ came from imagining what Gus McCrae might’ve said to Lorie Darlin’ in that saloon,” Jones says of the song. “It’s a lighthearted take on the idea that not everyone’s chasing forever – sometimes it’s enough to share a moment, even if it only lasts the length of a song.”