Ashley Gorley Inducted Into Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame

/by

Ashley Gorley speaks onstage during the 2025 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Ashley Gorley was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame last night, alongside Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers; George Clinton; Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins; Mike Love and Tony Macaulay. Honored with special awards were Stephen Schwartz with the Johnny Mercer Award and Gracie Abrams with the Hal David Starlight Award.

To honor Gorley, Dan + Shay performed a sing-a-long medley of “You Should Probably Leave,” “Last Night,” “Play It Again,” “All American Girl” and “I Had Some Help,” before Sadie Gorley delivered a heartfelt speech for her father and a performance of “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

“I spent the last few weeks trying to internalize that this is a real thing, and that I somehow belong on this list, and in this room with you guys,” Gorley shared during his speech. “And as much as part of me is still in shock, I look around this room, and I know I belong. I belong because it’s a room full of people who love music. People who are passionate about creating. Who have 10,000 untitled voice memos on their phones of random gibberish and melody scats, like me. Who write down titles and ideas in the middle of the night and hope the next morning they look half as brillant…I look around this room, and I see family.”

Garth Brooks, Aaron Dessner, John Stamos, Pasek and Paul, Kristin Chenoweth, Mary Kate Morrissey, Teddy Riley, Mōriah, Sam Opoku, Daphne Browdy, Debbie Gibson and more also made appearances to honor various inductees. The celebratory evening concluded when Johnston, McDonald and Simmons of The Doobie Brothers performed “Black Water,” “Takin’ It To The Streets” and “Listening to the Music.”

Sadie Gorley and Ashley Gorley. Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Dan Smyers, Ashley Gorley and Shay Mooney. Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Ashley Gorley and Mandy Gorley. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Sadie Gorley, Abby Law, Dan Smyers, Ashley Gorley, Mandy Gorley, and Shay Mooney. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Opry Entertainment Group To Host 4th of July Celebrations In Downtown Nashville

/by

Opry Entertainment Group is set to host a weeklong Fourth of July celebration in downtown Nashville, featuring fun summer experiences at Category 10, Ole Red and Ryman Auditorium.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a full week of events from July 1-8, including rooftop firework views, live music and iconic tours and performances.

Category 10 will host Luke Combs’ Big USA Party July 1-8, packed with live music, line dancing and signature eats and cocktails, all leading up to the Big USA Fireworks Party on July 4. Guests can take in views of Nashville’s downtown fireworks display from The Eye, Category 10’s riverfront rooftop. Category10 will offer both a general admission ticket or a VIP table for eight guests.

The Ole Red, White and Blue Firework Rooftop Viewing Party will take place Friday, July 4, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the famed Fourth of July firework show on Ole Red’s The Lookout rooftop. Ole Red will offer both a general admission ticket or a VIP table for four guests.

The Ryman will also welcome Rhonda Vincent to its historic stage for Bluegrass Nights on July 1 and Elvis Costello & The Imposters on July 5. Tickets for both shows are available at ryman.com/events. Throughout the weekend, guests can also explore the Ryman’s self-guided tour, which includes access to the brand-new Opry 100 exhibit, celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry with exclusive memorabilia from Opry members such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and more.

Cam Turns Some Dark Days Into ‘All Things Light’ On New Project Due In July

/by

Cam

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Cam will release her latest album, All Things Light, on July 18 via RCA Records.

The news follows the release of Cam’s latest single “Alchemy” last month and comes with the second single from the project and album opener, “Turns Out That I Am God,” featuring a spellbinding arrangement of stacked vocals and stark guitar tones.

“There’s an Alan Watts talk where he speaks about how we’re all God, we’ve just forgotten,” says Cam. “I wanted this song to express that idea humbly, asking how we might live our lives if we acknowledged that we are all God together.”

YouTube video

All Things Light arrives following a time when Cam was dealing with the intense isolation of becoming a mother in the early days of the pandemic, and started writing songs as a means of finding solace. She soon unlocked an entirely new level of depth in her lyrics, and as her daughter Lucy grew older and began asking questions about life and death, Cam felt called to dig even deeper and create a body of work embedded with insights for Lucy to carry with her through the years.

The project was produced by her longtime producer Tyler Johnson as well as a lineup of co-producers and contributors including Michael Uzowuru, Ethan Gruska, Jeff Bhasker, Aldae, Starrah, Ilsey Juber, Nick Lobel, Ian Fitchuk, Anders Mouridsen and Simon Maartensson. With its convergence of country, folk, left-field pop and more, the album emerged from the same creative wellspring that gave rise to Cam’s contributions to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, which earned Cam an Album of the Year Grammy for her songwriting.

Parker McCollum Unveils Track Listing For Upcoming Self-Titled Project

/by

Parker McCollum has shared the full track listing for his upcoming self-titled album due out on June 27 via MCA.

The first single and current radio hit from the album, “What Kinda Man,” set the pace for this next chapter of music, and McCollum followed with additional tracks “Hope That I’m Enough,” “Big Sky” and most recently, “Killin’ Me.” Recorded at the legendary Power Station studio in New York City, the project is imbued with emotional intensity and features tracks penned by noted songwriters Jon Randall, Randy Rogers, Lori McKenna, Randy Montana, Liz Rose, Natalie Hemby, Monty Criswell and more.

“It is the best thing I’ve ever done,” says McCollum.”This record is honest, this record is raw, this record is one thousand percent authentic Parker, and it feels really good to get back to writing and recording songs like I always wanted to.”

McCollum’s second collaboration with Lucchese, the Lucchese x Parker McCollum: The Encore collection launches today. Expanding on McCollum’s signature styles with the brand, the collection is available for purchase in-store at select Lucchese retail locations and online through Lucchese’s website.

Currently on the road on his headlining tour dates across the country, McCollum will also be on the road with the King of Country, George Strait, and country powerhouse Chris Stapleton, on select dates.

Parker McCollum Track Listing:
1. “My Blue” (Parker McCollum, Scooter Carusoe)
2. “Big Sky” (Parker McCollum, Charlie Magnone, Jarrod Morris)
3. “Solid Country Gold” (Parker McCollum, Jon Randall, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
4. “Watch Me Bleed” (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Mat Kearney)
5. “Killin’ Me” (Parker McCollum, Monty Criswell, Randy Rogers)
6. “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues” featuring Cody Johnson (Danny O’Keefe)
7. “Sunny Days” (Parker McCollum, Tony Lane, Lee Miller, Randy Montana)
8. “Permanent Headphones” (Parker McCollum)
9. “New York Is On Fire” (Parker McCollum, Nick Bockrath, Adam Wright)
10. “Come On” (Parker McCollum, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
11. “What Kinda Man” (Parker McCollum, Natalie Hemby, Jeremy Spillman)
12. “Hope That I’m Enough” (Parker McCollum, Jessi Alexander, Matt Jenkins)
13. “Enough Rope” (Chris Knight, Austin Cunningham)
14. “My Worst Enemy” (Parker McCollum, Wade Bowen)

Spotify & Backline Partner For Mental Health Initiative

/by

Backline, a nonprofit organization connecting music industry professionals and their family members with mental health and wellness resources, has partnered with Spotify to announce a global initiative, Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators.

The initiative will include a global expansion of Backline’s current resources, a dedicated email (global@backline.care) to help users navigate local care options, a “Mind The Music” digital guide made for industry professionals, therapy access grants, wellness events intended to connect people in various facets of music from songwriters to tour crews, and more.

“Backline is honored to serve as a steward of Spotify’s investment into the creative community, ” says Backline Executive Director & Co-Founder Hilary Gleason. “Bringing our work to scale is a meaningful way to uplift the well-being of artists all around the world. This collaboration is taking these invaluable mental health and wellness resources beyond borders. Music knows no bounds, and now people who make music happen have access to care and a compassionate community. Our work together will help ensure that artists have the resources, support, and stability they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”

“Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music. Artists and songwriters face immense pressure, and their mental health can’t be an afterthought,” adds Lauren Siegal Wurgaft, Head of Social Impact, Spotify. “Supporting creators’ well-being is essential to sustaining a vibrant music ecosystem. By working closely with trusted partners like Backline, we’re not just offering resources, we’re helping drive lasting change in how the industry approaches mental health.”

Avery Anna To Launch ‘Let Go Letters Tour’ This Fall

/by

Avery Anna will launch her “Let Go Letters Tour” this fall. Kicking off Nov. 13 in Indiana, Anna makes 10 stops before wrapping in Denver, Colorado on Dec. 19. Tickets are available now.

The tour takes its name from her recently released sophomore album, which was inspired by the “Let Go Letters” she’s received from fans over the past few years. At her shows, Anna invited fans to write down the things they were struggling with—notes about body image, depression, friendship breakups, addiction, domestic violence, and more—as a way of letting go. She then wove these themes into her music, crafting songs that give voice to those experiences and help fans feel seen, heard, and understood.

Anna recently made her Nissan Stadium debut, performing on the Platform Stage during night four of CMA Fest. Before kicking off her headline dates, she will spend the summer on the road with Luke Bryan for his “Country Song Came On Tour” as well as Brad Paisley’s “Truck Still Works World Tour” for select dates.

Thomas Rhett Summits The MusicRow Radio Chart

/by

Thomas Rhett has risen to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his song, “After All The Bars Are Closed.”

The song appears on the star’s seventh studio album About A Woman, and was written by Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Jaxson Free and Jacob Kasher Hindlin.

Thomas Rhett kicked off his “Better In Boots Tour” this past weekend (June 6) with shows in Rogers, Arkansas; Southaven, Mississippi and St. Louis, Missouri. His tour will run through the end of September with notable stops in Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Tampa, Charleston and more.

“After All The Bars Are Closed” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 14 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The McCrary Sisters Family & Friends Benefit Set For June 17

/by

The McCrary Sisters. Photo: Jeff Fasano

The McCrary Sisters are hosting The McCrary Sisters Family and Friends Benefit Event honoring Alfreda‘s daughter Efia McCrary, who is currently battling breast cancer, at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on June 17.

The event will feature performances from Gayle Mayes, Danny and Mabel Flowers, Buddy Miller, Jim Lauderdale, Etta Britt, Sam McCrary and The Mix, REECE, Isaiah I.E., Will Merrill, Dana Robins, David Monfore, Sean McConnell and more.

“My special saying is we never know until it knocks on your door! We live not knowing everything life will bring, but we have learned that whatever hand you get, deal with it the best you can. God doesn’t make mistakes! We understand that so many are going through something. We want you to remember, God can do all things, if you believe and trust Him,” Alfreda explains. “We’ve had many storms in our lives, but we made it. Our journey isn’t over, ’cause God is our healer and redeemer. There is no failure in God! We come together to lift one another up, ’cause together we’re strong. LOVE IS THE ONLY KEY!”

Tickets for the special event are available for purchase here.

Crowe Boys Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

/by

Crowe Boys make Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Evan Harney

The Crowe Boys, brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe, had a bucket list moment Tuesday night (June 10), as they made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage. 

“Our Grand Ole Opry debut was truly one of the most special moments of our career,” says Ocie. “The Opry team made us feel like we were right at home, and we know that stage is going to become something we constantly look forward to. Thank you to our family, friends, and our team who encouraged us throughout the day and listened on the radio. Also, a huge thank you to MCA, EMI, CMA, and of course the Opry family for this moment we will never forget.”

Pictured (L-R): Drew Carey (Manager, C3 Management), Ocie Crowe, Wes Crowe, Morgan Young (Manager, C3 Management) and Dan Rogers (Executive Producer & Senior Vice President, Grand Ole Opry). Photo: Evan Harney

The career milestone comes on the heels of multiple CMA Music Fest performances and the release of their debut album, Made To Wander via EMI on June 6. The album was accompanied by the release of the music video for “Debris,” the third clip in the duo’s mini-movie trilogy, which also includes “Bootstraps,” and “Bonfire In My Soul.”

Later this week Crowe Boys hit the road with Jonah Kagen followed by their “Roaming Europe Tour,” which starts in August, and a run of sold-out dates with Sam Barber in November.

Dolly & Kendra Scott Launch Jewelry Collection Inspired By ‘I Will Always Love You’

/by

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton has launched her second jewelry collection with Kendra Scott, a celebration of music, fashion and female empowerment inspired by Parton’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You.”

The collection honors Parton’s legacy through handcrafted designs infused with symbolism and personal storytelling, blending her charm with Scott’s iconic silhouettes. The limited-edition line features pieces representing Dolly’s personal motifs that define her, including self-expression, creativity and fashion. From heart pendants to florals and butterfly-inspired details, the collection mirrors the depth of the song that inspired it.

“Every piece in this collection is a reminder to lead with love, authenticity, and shine your light in the world, just like Dolly has always done. Inspired by one of her most iconic songs, you’ll find heart and butterfly motifs throughout this collection, representing everything Dolly stands for,” says Founder and Chief Creative Officer Scott. “Dolly is a true icon that means so much to so many of us, and I am thrilled to pay homage to her hit song in this special way.”

The collection will include 10 styles and are available online now at KendraScott.com and Kendra Scott retail stores across the country.

Dolly Parton and Kendra Scott are united by more than their Southern roots—they are entrepreneurs and philanthropists who use creativity as a force for good. United by their love of reading and a mutual mission to improve childhood literacy, they are supporting signature initiatives—Kendra Scott Foundation’s Yellow Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  Together, they aim to bring books, inspiration and joy to children across the country, one story at a time.