
Ned LeDoux onstage with the LeDoux grandkids. Photo: Josh Wirth
Chris LeDoux Days, the annual event honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of the Hall of Fame rodeo champion and multi-Platinum-selling legend, just wrapped its “last go round” in LeDoux’s hometown of Kaycee, Wyoming on June 13-14 after 15 years.
This year’s Chris LeDoux Days welcomed over 5,500 fans to Kaycee (population 265) to honor the music and rodeo legend and local hometown’s favorite son. The performers for the final event were Sawyer Brown, Kip Attaway and for the 15th year, Chris’ son Ned LeDoux, who performed his music as well as classics from his dad’s catalog.

Chris LeDoux Days – “The Last Go Round.” Photo: Payton LeDoux
Created in 2010, the annual event celebrated the life and legacy of LeDoux and has hosted a variety of artists over the last 15 years including Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, Corb Lund, Reckless Kelly, Micky & The Motorcars, The Great Divide, Kyle Park, Chancey Williams and more.
Chris LeDoux Days started as an idea Chris and wife Peggy LeDoux had to create a park with a small piece of land they owned in Kaycee. After LeDoux passed in 2005, Peggy and their kids, Clay, Ned, Will, Cindi and Beau, carried through on the idea of developing the Chris LeDoux Memorial Park for the community to enjoy. Artist and sculptor D. Michael Thomas created a life-size sculpture of Chris during his 1976 World Champion ride on Stormy Weather, and the family had the sculpture placed in the park.
On the day the “Good Ride Cowboy” sculpture was officially unveiled, the family booked bands to come play and had bareback and bronc riding—and thus, Chris LeDoux Days began. From that first event to this year’s “final round,” the LeDoux family have put on this event every year—an annual Father’s Day weekend tradition for 15 years.

Some of the LeDoux family at the final Chris LeDoux Days – “The Last Go Round.” Photo: Payton LeDoux
“We had ‘The Last Go Round’ of Chris LeDoux Days on June 14,” says Peggy. “We’ve had a great run! Starting with the unveiling in 2010 and ending with 15 years. It’s kind of bittersweet to end this event. We’ve met so many good fans that have kept this event going and it’ll be sad not to see them and meet the new ones.” She continues, “Thanks for putting Chris in your memories. Like our daughter Cindi said, Chris ‘wasn’t one to be doted over’ but I think he would be proud and I can just hear him saying, ‘OK Peg go ahead with it.’ If you’ve heard about the Hawk, well he’s here a lot and was flying over the house that week. So I guess he was ok with it. Thanks so much to everyone, and God Bless.”
“Mom sure knows how to throw a party,” says Ned. “What this grew into over the years was amazing. From the size of the crowds to the bands who performed. It’s always been about family and a family run event. It’s a celebration of life for Dad. All the things he accomplished and achieved in only 56 years would take most people maybe three lifetimes. And I’m sure he’d be blushing about the whole deal. But I’d like to think he’s got a big ol’ grin on his face about it all. It’s been a heck of a run. Who knows, maybe we’ll come up with something else later down the road. But for now, we’ll just reflect on the past 15 years of Chris LeDoux Days.”
Kip Moore Extends ‘Solitary Tracks World Tour’ Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughKip Moore. Photo: PJ Brown
Kip Moore has announced he will continue his “Solitary Tracks World Tour” this fall beginning Oct. 17 in Pueblo, Colorado. The dates will feature a stacked lineup of supporting acts including McCoy Moore, Leon Macjen and Caylee Hammack.
Moore will visit Cheyenne, Bozeman, Detroit, Cincinnati, Atlanta and more, including a Nashville date at the Ryman on Dec. 18. Fans can purchase tickets to the tour beginning July 11 at kipmoore.net.
“There is truly nothing that comes close to the feeling and connection we feel when we’re with our crowds on our fall tour,” shares Moore. “There’s an element to every show where neither the fans nor us know exactly how the night will play out. We’ve played for three hours on occasion. And, I always wanted to make an attempt at bringing the music into different countries and cultures, but to see what it’s grown into is beyond what I had in my head. I’m also excited for who we have coming out this fall, I take it very seriously in choosing acts to bring out with us and Leon, Caylee and McCoy are all truly special and individual artists.”
The announcement of the new dates comes on the heels of the international leg of Moore’s tour, which included sold-out shows across Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and the U.K. He is currently out on the road this summer as part of the “Billy Currington & Kip Moore: Live In Concert Tour” playing to capacity crowds across the country.
“Solitary Tracks Fall Tour” Official Dates:
10.17 – Pueblo, CO – Pueblo Memorial Hall*^
10.18 – Cheyenne, WY – The Lincoln*^
10.23 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory*^
10.24 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm*^
10.25 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm*^
10.30 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection *^
10.31 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall*^
11.1 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall*^
11.6 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note*
11.7 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion*
11.8 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre*
11.13 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom*
11.14 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom*
11.15 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount*
12.4 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s#
12.5 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues#
12.6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre#
12.11 – Portland, ME – State Theater*
12.12 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater*
12.13 – Colombus, OH – The Bluestone*
12.18 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman Auditorium*
12.19 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre*
12.20 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal*
*McCoy Moore
*^Leon Majcen
#Caylee Hammack
Chris Young Kicks Off New Chapter With Latest LP ‘I Didn’t Come Here To Leave’
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young is heading into a new chapter of his career with his latest album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, due out Oct. 17 via Black River Entertainment.
The album’s release date coincides with another special milestone, Young’s eighth anniversary of his induction as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The product of a two-year journey, I Didn’t Come Here to Leave is Young’s tenth album and first with Black River Entertainment, and features 14 fresh songs and 11 co-writes co-produced by Young alongside Andy Sheridan. Young offered fans a taste of this new chapter with the 2025 single “Til The Last One Dies,” which is rising at country radio and streaming. The title track,“I Didn’t Come Here To Leave,” is out now.
“At this point in my career, I hope someone listens to this album and says ‘Wow, he dug deep,’” Young explains. “The funny thing is, I’m here saying ‘Yeah, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever made,’ and I believe it wholeheartedly. It’s wild to step back and see a really long list of things I’ve gotten to do already … But I didn’t come here to leave.”
Lily Rose Plots ‘I Know What I Want Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughLily Rose. Photo: Rachel Deeb
Lily Rose is hitting the road this fall with her “I Know What I Want Tour” kicking off Sept. 11 in Boston.
The 17-date run will visit New York, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Louisville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Rose’s hometown of Atlanta and more through Nov. 8. Rising artist Scoot Teasley will join as direct support. Presale begins July 10, with general onsale launching July 11 via lilyrosemusic.net.
“I feel so lucky and excited to head out on another headlining tour this year,” shares Rose. “I truly have the best fans in the world, and getting to play some of my favorite cities – plus a few new ones – is going to be incredible. I’m especially pumped to share the new music we’ve been working on. And bringing out Scoot with me is just the cherry on top — he’s insanely talented, and I know my fans are going to love getting to know him and his music.”
The new tour follows a standout summer for Rose, marked by the release of fan-favorite tracks including “End Like This,” “Seein’ Blue,” “Let You Know When I Get There” and the tour’s namesake, “I Know What I Want.”
“I Know What I Want Tour” Dates with Special Guest Scoot Teasley:
Sept. 11, 2025 in Boston, Mass. at Paradise Rock Club
Sept. 12, 2025 in Hampton, N.H. at Wally’s Pub
Sept. 18, 2025 in Anderson, S.C. at Wendell’s Dippin Branch
Sept. 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Ga. at Buckhead Theatre
Sept. 20, 2025 in Huntsville, Ala. at Von Braun Center
Sept. 24, 2025 in New York, N.Y. at Gramercy Theatre
Sept. 25, 2025 in Washington, D.C. at Union Stage
Sept. 26, 2025 in Leesburg, Va. at Tally Ho Theatre
Oct. 2, 2025 in Chattanooga, Tenn. at The Signal
Oct. 3, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C. at Coyote Joe’s
Oct. 4, 2025 in Isle of Palms, S.C. at The Wind Jammer
Oct. 16, 2025 in Columbia, Mo. at The Blue Note
Oct. 17, 2025 in Fayetteville, Ark. at JJ’s Live
Oct. 18, 2025 in St. Louis, Mo. at Old Rock House *
Nov. 6, 2025 in Louisville, Ky. at Mercury Ballroom
Nov. 7, 2025 in Indianapolis, Ind. at 8 Seconds Saloon
Nov. 8, 2025 in Rootstown, Ohio at Dusty Armadillo
* No Scoot Teasley
CMHOFM To Host Interview With Chris Hillman & Dwight Yoakam
/by Lauryn SinkThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is slated to host an in-depth interview with Chris Hillman and Dwight Yoakam on Aug. 23, led by Erin Osmon.
The interview is offered in support of the museum’s exhibition Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock. The exhibit, which will conclude its nearly three-year run on Sept. 16, traces the L.A.-based communities of visionary singers, songwriters and musicians who, from the 1960s through the 1980s, frequented local nightclubs, embraced country music, created and shaped the musical fusion country-rock.
Hillman, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, began his career playing bluegrass in California-based bands before founding multiple country-rock bands.
Known for his classic country sound, Yoakam has a multiple Gold and Platinum records along with two dozen top 20 country singles.
Tickets for the event are required and available now.
The Store To Host Second Annual School Store
/by Lauryn SinkThe Store, a nonprofit free grocery store in Middle Tennessee serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, has announced its second annual School Store, a project aimed at providing school supplies for the families currently utilizing their services. The initiative will collect new high-quality backpacks and stainless-steel water bottles throughout July. It is estimated that 500 children will be served through this program. The children will also receive school supply boxes filled with traditional supplies thanks to a donation from Geodis.
Donations may be dropped off at The Store or the partnering locations between July 7 and July 25. Collection sites include 12 South Taproom, Nashville Zoo, Centennial Midtown, Orange Theory (Brentwood, Downtown, Melrose, Midtown, Nolensville), CMA Building, Rumble Boxing (Gulch), Garage Barre & Bike, Shed Bellemeade, Let it Shine Gymnastics, The Happy Hour, Level Group Ltd. and Title Boxing (Church Street). Additionally, Kroger Bellevue (Hwy 70), Brentwood and Green Hills stores will collect items July 19 and 20.
“Our customers face not only food insecurity, but lack of resources for important things like school supplies,” shared Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, co-founders of The Store. “We continue to be grateful for the generous Nashville community that helps us provide much-needed support for our families as they gear up for a great school year ahead.”
More information on accessing these resources or volunteering time is available here.
ACM Honors Announces Industry & Studio Award Winners, Ceremony To Be Held In August
/by Lauryn SinkThe Academy of Country Music has announced the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.
All winners, alongside previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson and Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as the Special Award recipients, will be celebrated at the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors on Aug. 20, at The Pinnacle in Nashville. A full list of performers will be announced at a later date.
Tickets will be available to ACM A-List email newsletter subscribers and Academy members through an exclusive pre-sale beginning July 10, before general on-sale begins on July 11, through AXS.
“We are thrilled to bring the Country Music industry’s favorite night, ACM Honors, to The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest live music venue, next month,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “This is an exciting time for the Academy as we reimagine this special night through new partnerships and a new format that will elevate the show’s impact. We look forward to celebrating our Studio Recording and Industry Award winners, alongside our soon-to-be-announced Special Award Honorees, whose vital contributions make the music we love possible.”
Among the winners of the Industry Awards, first-time winners include The Caverns (Theater of the Year), The Theater at Virgins Hotels (Casino of the Year – Theater) and Aaron Spalding (Promoter of the Year). In addition, Ed Warm takes home his 19th ACM Industry Award, winning two ACM Awards for Club of the Year (Joe’s on Weed St.) and Festival of the Year (Windy City Smokeout).
Among the winners of the Studio Recording Awards, first-time winners include Drew Bollman (Audio Engineer of the Year), Alex Wright (Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year) and Craig Young (Bass Player of the Year). In addition, Dave Cobb wins his seventh ACM Award by winning Producer of the Year (third win in the category), while Brent Mason wins his twelfth Studio Recording Award and first win for Electric Guitar Player of the Year.
Complete List Of Award Winners:
Industry Award Winners:
Casino Of The Year – Theater: The Theater At Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, Nv
Casino Of The Year – Arena: Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, Nv
Festival Of The Year: Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, Il
Fair/Rodeo Of The Year: Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo – Houston, Tx
Club Of The Year: Joe’s On Weed St. – Chicago, Il
Theater Of The Year: The Caverns – Pelham, Tn
Outdoor Venue Of The Year: Banknh Pavilion – Gilford, Nh
Arena Of The Year: Moody Center – Austin, Tx
Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year: Gil Cunningham – Neste Live
Promoter Of The Year: Aaron Spalding – Live Nation
Studio Recording Award Winners:
Bass Player Of The Year: (Tie) Mark Hill & Craig Young
Drummer Of The Year: Aaron Sterling
Acoustic Guitar Player Of The Year: Tim Galloway
Electric Guitar Player Of The Year: Brent Mason
Piano/Keyboards Player Of The Year: Alex Wright
Specialty Instrument(S) Player Of The Year: Jenee Fleenor
Audio Engineer Of The Year: Drew Bollman
Producer Of The Year: Dave Cobb
Chris LeDoux Days Wraps With ‘The Last Go Round’ After 15-Year Run
/by Lorie HollabaughNed LeDoux onstage with the LeDoux grandkids. Photo: Josh Wirth
Chris LeDoux Days, the annual event honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of the Hall of Fame rodeo champion and multi-Platinum-selling legend, just wrapped its “last go round” in LeDoux’s hometown of Kaycee, Wyoming on June 13-14 after 15 years.
This year’s Chris LeDoux Days welcomed over 5,500 fans to Kaycee (population 265) to honor the music and rodeo legend and local hometown’s favorite son. The performers for the final event were Sawyer Brown, Kip Attaway and for the 15th year, Chris’ son Ned LeDoux, who performed his music as well as classics from his dad’s catalog.
Chris LeDoux Days – “The Last Go Round.” Photo: Payton LeDoux
Created in 2010, the annual event celebrated the life and legacy of LeDoux and has hosted a variety of artists over the last 15 years including Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, Corb Lund, Reckless Kelly, Micky & The Motorcars, The Great Divide, Kyle Park, Chancey Williams and more.
Chris LeDoux Days started as an idea Chris and wife Peggy LeDoux had to create a park with a small piece of land they owned in Kaycee. After LeDoux passed in 2005, Peggy and their kids, Clay, Ned, Will, Cindi and Beau, carried through on the idea of developing the Chris LeDoux Memorial Park for the community to enjoy. Artist and sculptor D. Michael Thomas created a life-size sculpture of Chris during his 1976 World Champion ride on Stormy Weather, and the family had the sculpture placed in the park.
On the day the “Good Ride Cowboy” sculpture was officially unveiled, the family booked bands to come play and had bareback and bronc riding—and thus, Chris LeDoux Days began. From that first event to this year’s “final round,” the LeDoux family have put on this event every year—an annual Father’s Day weekend tradition for 15 years.
Some of the LeDoux family at the final Chris LeDoux Days – “The Last Go Round.” Photo: Payton LeDoux
“We had ‘The Last Go Round’ of Chris LeDoux Days on June 14,” says Peggy. “We’ve had a great run! Starting with the unveiling in 2010 and ending with 15 years. It’s kind of bittersweet to end this event. We’ve met so many good fans that have kept this event going and it’ll be sad not to see them and meet the new ones.” She continues, “Thanks for putting Chris in your memories. Like our daughter Cindi said, Chris ‘wasn’t one to be doted over’ but I think he would be proud and I can just hear him saying, ‘OK Peg go ahead with it.’ If you’ve heard about the Hawk, well he’s here a lot and was flying over the house that week. So I guess he was ok with it. Thanks so much to everyone, and God Bless.”
“Mom sure knows how to throw a party,” says Ned. “What this grew into over the years was amazing. From the size of the crowds to the bands who performed. It’s always been about family and a family run event. It’s a celebration of life for Dad. All the things he accomplished and achieved in only 56 years would take most people maybe three lifetimes. And I’m sure he’d be blushing about the whole deal. But I’d like to think he’s got a big ol’ grin on his face about it all. It’s been a heck of a run. Who knows, maybe we’ll come up with something else later down the road. But for now, we’ll just reflect on the past 15 years of Chris LeDoux Days.”
Jon Sherwood Inks With UMPG Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Sherwood and Sam Nasr (UMPG Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
Songwriter Jon Sherwood has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville.
A native of Palmdale, California, Sherwood’s love of music took root as a kid listening to Tom Petty songs with his dad and has developed into a burgeoning songwriting career. He recently celebrated a top 10 single with Jackson Dean’s “Fearless,” and also penned the current top 10 single “Backup Plan” by Bailey Zimmerman featuring Luke Combs.
“Jon has such a distinctive songwriting voice, and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of the first time he played me a song,” says Sam Nasr, Manager, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “His talent, passion, and creative energy are undeniable. We’re honored to be part of this upcoming chapter!”
“I’m ready to make some magic and break the mold with UMPG,” adds Sherwood. “They are a powerhouse publisher and this next chapter for us is nothing but blue-sky territory.”
EMG & HAYLO Sign Seth Alley To Joint Publishing Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): EMG’s Courtney Kruckeberg, HAYLO’s Josh Saxe, Seth Alley, HAYLO’s Tyler Hubbard and EMG’s Michael Martin
Endurance Music Group (EMG) and Tyler Hubbard’s HAYLO Music have jointly signed acclaimed songwriter and producer Seth Alley to a worldwide co-publishing agreement.
Alley’s songwriting catalog includes notable cuts with artists such as Nate Smith, Matt Stell and Lanco. His production and writing credits highlight his diverse range and feature work with Drew Green (RECORDS), Something Out West (Big Machine), David J (Sony/Ryan Tedder), New Medicine, David Morris, SVRCINA, Troy Cartwright and Skeez (Empire).
“Seth brings an invaluable blend of songwriting talent and innovative production skills to the EMG team,” says Michael Martin, President/Chief Creative Officer, Endurance Music Group. “It’s clear that Tyler and Josh have a love for songwriters that equals our own, and we’re thrilled to partner with HAYLO to support Seth’s continued growth and success.”
“Our partnership with Seth and Endurance is a continuation of the success we started together back in 2021. Seth’s unmatched production talent and authentic approach to songwriting are a breath of fresh air. He’s a true original,” says Josh Saxe, General Manager, HAYLO Music.
Alley adds, “Combining HAYLO with my great team at Endurance is a strong next step. I’m excited for the future!”
Hailing from Sparta, Tennessee, Alley initially launched his career as an artist, signing a record deal with Big Machine in 2013, which helped him become the sought-after producer he is today.
Beyond traditional releases, Alley has also had success in the sync licensing world, co-writing with industry heavyweights such as Rayelle, Sam Tinnesz, Tina Parol, Matt Bronleewe and Que Parks. His work has been featured in several popular television series, including Selling Sunset, Love Is Blind, School Spirits and more.
Charlie Handsome Stays On Top Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lauryn SinkCharlie Handsome.
Charlie Handsome remains atop the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the sixth consecutive week. His current cuts include “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “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,” “Missing,” “Smile,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”
Morgan Wallen stays at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Missing,” “Smile,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”
Riley Green remains at No. 3 with his solo-penned “Worst Way.”
John Byron (No. 4) and Blake Pendergrass (No. 5) finish 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.