Ty Herndon has inked a new three-album deal with Club44 Records, launching the partnership with a reimagined duet of his 1995 breakout hit “What Mattered Most” featuring LeAnn Rimes.
The single marks the first release from Herndon’s upcoming album via Club44, Thirty, a career-spanning celebration of his 30 years in country music. “What Mattered Most” quickly shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart when it was originally released and the song’s runaway success earned him an ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist and launched a career that would include four chart-topping hits, a Grammy nomination, and Dove Awards.
“Recording this song with LeAnn was nothing short of magical,” says Herndon. “She and I go back three decades — we were touring together in the ’90s when her career exploded and she used to come out on stage and sing this song with me. So all these years later, re-recording it as a duet, was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget. Her voice brings depth and beauty to the song, which is breathtaking. We’ve both lived a lot of life since then, and I think you can hear that in every note.”
Thirty will feature newly-recorded versions of Herndon’s most iconic hits, reinterpreted as collaborations with an all-star lineup of musical guests. The project offers both a tribute to Herndon’s past and a powerful step forward for the enduring artist. The album’s release date will be announced later this summer.
Between 1995 and 2002, Herndon charted 17 singles, including a string of Top 10 favorites such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On,” and “Hands of a Working Man.” He reached the top of the charts again in 1996 with “Living in a Moment” and in 1998 with “It Must Be Love.” Over the following decade, Herndon continued to break new ground with the release of a Greatest Hits collection and the albums Right About Now, Lies I Told Myself, and the Grammy-nominated Journey On.
In 2015, he made history as the first major male country artist to come out as gay, and has since released the albums House on Fire and Got It Covered, as well as launching the annual Concert for Love & Acceptance. His 2022 album JACOB featured the singles “Till You Get There” and “Dents on a Chevy,” a duet with Terri Clark that spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the independent country charts, becoming the top independent country single of 2023.
Brad Paisley Adds Canadian Run To ‘Truck Still Works World Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Sean O’Halloran
Brad Paisley has extended his “Truck Still Works World Tour” into Canada in November and December.
Special guests for the Canadian leg will be announced soon, and fan club presale runs June 17-19, with public on sale launching June 20 at BradPaisley.com. The “Truck Still Works World Tour” will offer a VIP package and experience for fans including premium tickets, a guided backstage tour, a VIP-exclusive gift item and more.
The first leg of the tour resumes in July with Walker Hayes as the special guest along with opener Alexandra Kay, and will visit Richmond, Wilmington, Savannah, Clearwater and more through Aug. 31.
Canada Leg of “Truck Still Works World Tour”
11/4 — Abbotsford, BC — Abbotsford Centre
11/5 — Kelowna, BC — Prospera Place
11/7 — Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place
11/8 — Lethbridge, AB — VisitLethbridge.com Arena
11/14 — Winnipeg, MB — Canada Life Centre
11/15 — Saskatoon, SK — SaskTel Centre
12/11 — London, ON — Canada Life Place
12/12 — Hamilton, ON — Hamilton Arena
12/13 — Ottawa, ON — Canadian Tire Centre
Riley Green Notches Fifth Career No. 1
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan
Riley Green has notched his fifth career No. 1 hit with his solo-penned “Worst Way.” The track holds the top spots on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Country Airplay Chart, Mediabase Canada Country Airplay Chart and UK Country Radio Airplay Chart.
“Worst Way” is the second solo written song by the performing artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart since 2012, making Green the sixth artist to reach this milestone in the past 20 years. Along with the No. 1 marking, the track is also now RIAA 2x Platinum certified.
To celebrate the achievement, Green has unveiled details for his second annual “Duckman Jam” concert in Little Rock, Arkansas on Nov. 22. The show will feature performances from Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Lauren Watkins. Tickets go on sale this Friday (June 20) at 10 a.m. local time. $5 from each ticket will be donated to Ducks Unlimited, in support of conserving North America’s wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them.
Luke Combs Celebrates Fourth Diamond Single
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Sophia Sansone (Make Wake Artists), Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Rob Snyder (Songwriter), Luke Combs, Ken Robold, President & COO, SMN) and Chris Kappy (Make Wake Artists). Photo: David Bergman
Luke Combs has notched 34 new RIAA certifications, adding to his total of over 155.5 million RIAA certified units, including his solo work, features and collaborations. This feat makes Combs the second highest country artist behind Garth Brooks.
Additionally, Combs has also received another Diamond-certified record for “She Got The Best of Me,” making him the only artist to have four Diamond-certified country singles.
The accomplishments were celebrated after Combs’ historic performance as the first country artist to headline Bonnaroo this past Thursday.
Additional RIAA Certifications:
SINGLES:
“Beautiful Crazy” – 14x Platinum
“When It Rains It Pours” – 12x Platinum
“Hurricane” – 11x Platinum
“Forever After All” – 8x Platinum
“Beer Never Broke My Heart” – 8x Platinum
“Fast Car” – 7x Platinum
“The Kind of Love We Make” – 6x Platinum
“One Number Away” – 6x Platinum
“Better Together” – 5x Platinum
“Even Though I’m Leaving” – 4x Platinum
“Where The Wild Things Are” – 4x Platinum
“Going, Going, Gone” – 3x Platinum
“Love You Anyway” – 3x Platinum
“Must’ve Never Met You” – 3x Platinum
“Does To Me” – 3x Platinum
“Lovin’ On You” – 3x Platinum
“1, 2 Many” – 2x Platinum
“Cold As You” – 2x Platinum
“Growin’ Up & Gettin’ Old” – Platinum
“Nothing Like You” – Platinum
“5 Leaf Clover” – Platinum
“Beer Can” – Platinum
“I Got Away With You” – Platinum
“Tomorrow Me” – Platinum
“What You See Is What You Get” – Platinum
“Remember Him That Way” – Gold
“The Man He Sees In Me” – Gold
“Outrunnin’ Your Memory” – Gold
“Every Little Bit Helps” – Gold
“New Every Day” – Gold
“The Other Guy” – Gold
ALBUMS:
Gettin’ Old – 2x Platinum
This One’s For You – 7x Platinum
CMHOFM To Feature Dennis Morgan In ‘Poets and Prophets’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan has been a songwriter for more than 40 years, and his catalog includes more than 20 No. 1 singles, with songs topping the charts globally in multiple genres. Morgan found early success as a session guitarist and jingle writer, penning national campaigns for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Opryland, Rubbermaid and “Pull for America,” a 1976 U.S. bicentennial campaign featuring William Shatner.
In 1978, Morgan and fellow songwriter Kye Fleming forged a partnership that led to pop-country hits for Barbara Mandrell (“Crackers,” “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed”), Ronnie Milsap (“I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World,” “She Keeps the Home Fires Burning,” “Smoky Mountain Rain”), Sylvia (“Nobody,” “Snapshot”), Steve Wariner (“All Roads Lead to You”) and many others.
The interview will be moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and will be accompanied by photos, film and recordings. Tickets can be reserved here.
Eric Paslay Inks With Liz Rose Music & Sheltered Music Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Sheltered Music Publishing’s Freeman Wizer and Darrell Franklin; Eric Paslay; Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose, Scott Ponce, Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass and Kate Shirley
Liz Rose Music and Sheltered Music Publishing have teamed up to sign Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Paslay.
Known for penning “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love and Theft), “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band) and more, his own catalog as an artist includes “Friday Night,” “Song About a Girl” and “She Don’t Love You.”
“Eric Paslay is a master storyteller whose songs have left a lasting mark on country music. His voice, both as a writer and artist, embodies the kind of talent we’ve always believed in at Liz Rose Music,” says Scott Ponce, co-founder of Liz Rose Music. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the roster — and to partner with Sheltered Music Publishing as we support Eric in this next chapter.”
“I’ve known Eric and his music since he first came on the scene and the integrity, depth, and diversity of his songwriting and artistry has only continued to grow and expand,” adds Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President at Sheltered Music Publishing. “To get to work with Eric in this partnership with the energy and passion that the Liz Rose Music team brings is going to be so much fun.”
Charlie Handsome Stays Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenCharlie Handsome.
Charlie Handsome remains at the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The songwriter’s current credits include “What I Want,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “Superman,” “TN,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Kick Myself,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Smile,” “Falling Apart,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Missing,” “Don’t We,” “Genesis,” “Miami,” “Interlude” and “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do.”
Morgan Wallen stays at No. 2 with “What I Want,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “Superman,” “TN,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Kick Myself,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Smile,” “Falling Apart,” “Missing,” “Don’t We,” “Genesis,” “Miami,” “Interlude” and “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do.” Riley Green moves to No. 3 with his newly crowned No. 1 hit “Worst Way.”
Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and John Byron (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.
Jenna Davis Inks With UTA
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Robert Carlton (SMACKRecords), Jeffrey Hasson (UTA), Jenna Davis, Lauren Holland (UTA), Marissa Turk Loar (SMACKManagement) Photo: Makayla Symmonds
Jenna Davis has inked with United Talent Agency (UTA), joining under the guidance of agents Jeffrey Hasson and Lauren Holland.
“I feel so grateful and thrilled to have Jeffrey, Lauren and the UTA team by my side. I’m so ready to finally play live and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on,” says Davis.
Davis is set to release her debut album, Where Did That Girl Go?, on June 27 via SMACKRecords. The album features her recent releases “On A Budget,” “Miss Wannabe” and “San Diego.” Davis first gained attention with an unintentional viral video at 14 years old, aptly coined the “penny, nickel, dime girl.” Last year, her project Sike garnered over 12 million streams and in total and she has reached over 88 million streams worldwide. In addition to the new album, Davis will return to the big screen for her role voicing the titular character in M3gan 2.0, hitting theaters on June 27.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery Announces Nashville Yards Expansion
/by Lorie HollabaughRendering of Leiper’s Fork Distillery at Nashville Yards. Photo: Gresham Smith
Leiper’s Fork Distillery is expanding to Nashville Yards in a new space that will include on-site whiskey production, a restaurant and bar, a retail store, a private tasting room and a stage to host live music.
A producer of small batch premium whiskeys, Leiper’s Fork Distillery filled their first barrel in 2016 and all of their products are made by hand. The company plans to move the distillery’s existing 500-gallon still named “Ginger” from Leiper’s Fork Distillery to Nashville Yards and install a new 1,000 gallon system in its place.
“As a Tennessee distillery, and as someone who grew up in Nashville, I’m incredibly excited to expand to Nashville Yards,” shares the distillery in a statement. “This move allows us to share our story of authentic grain-to-glass whiskey production with a broader audience in the heart of downtown. With Broadway as the epicenter of Nashville tourism, establishing a presence at Nashville Yards offers us an opportunity to grow our brand and further solidify our reputation for crafting high-quality whiskeys that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.”
The Nashville Yards distillery will overlook Nashville’s historic rail lines and Ascension Saint Thomas Landing, which will include a tiered amphitheater space, dog park, and large open area capable of hosting concerts, movies, farmers and artisan markets, fitness classes, private events, and more. Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s plans for the 9,000-square-foot space include a large patio that will open onto the Landing, a bar, and a regular artist showcase series, building on the brand’s “Still House Sessions” events in Williamson County.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery at Nashville Yards expects to open in mid-2026.
Luke Combs Headlines Bonnaroo Night One, Remainder Of Festival Canceled
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Combs. Photo: Nathan Zucker for Bonnaroo 2025
Luke Combs headlined Bonnaroo on Thursday (June 12), kicking off what should have been the four-day festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Combs brought out Miranda Lambert to perform “Outrunnin’ Your Memory,” their duet from his 2022 Growin’ Up album.
On Friday (June 13), Bonnaroo released a statement canceling the remainder of the festival due to severe weather.
“Today, the National Weather Service provided us with an updated forecast with significant and steady precipitation that will produce deteriorating camping and egress conditions in the coming days,” the statement reads in part. “We are beyond gutted, but we must make the safest decision and cancel the remainder of Bonnaroo.”
Bonnaroo kicked off Thursday with performances from Combs, Dom Dolla, Insane Clown Posse and Rebecca Black. Friday night’s headliners were scheduled to be Tyler, The Creator, John Summit and Glass Animals; Saturday’s lineup was to be led by Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne and Justice; and Sunday would have wrapped up with Hozier, Vampire Weekend and Queens of the Stone Age.
Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert. Photo: Charles Reagan for Bonnaroo.
Marcus King. Photo: Phill McDonald for Bonnaroo 2025.
Ty Herndon Signs With New Label, Releases Duet With LeAnn Rimes
/by Lorie HollabaughTy Herndon has inked a new three-album deal with Club44 Records, launching the partnership with a reimagined duet of his 1995 breakout hit “What Mattered Most” featuring LeAnn Rimes.
The single marks the first release from Herndon’s upcoming album via Club44, Thirty, a career-spanning celebration of his 30 years in country music. “What Mattered Most” quickly shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart when it was originally released and the song’s runaway success earned him an ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist and launched a career that would include four chart-topping hits, a Grammy nomination, and Dove Awards.
“Recording this song with LeAnn was nothing short of magical,” says Herndon. “She and I go back three decades — we were touring together in the ’90s when her career exploded and she used to come out on stage and sing this song with me. So all these years later, re-recording it as a duet, was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget. Her voice brings depth and beauty to the song, which is breathtaking. We’ve both lived a lot of life since then, and I think you can hear that in every note.”
Thirty will feature newly-recorded versions of Herndon’s most iconic hits, reinterpreted as collaborations with an all-star lineup of musical guests. The project offers both a tribute to Herndon’s past and a powerful step forward for the enduring artist. The album’s release date will be announced later this summer.
Between 1995 and 2002, Herndon charted 17 singles, including a string of Top 10 favorites such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On,” and “Hands of a Working Man.” He reached the top of the charts again in 1996 with “Living in a Moment” and in 1998 with “It Must Be Love.” Over the following decade, Herndon continued to break new ground with the release of a Greatest Hits collection and the albums Right About Now, Lies I Told Myself, and the Grammy-nominated Journey On.
In 2015, he made history as the first major male country artist to come out as gay, and has since released the albums House on Fire and Got It Covered, as well as launching the annual Concert for Love & Acceptance. His 2022 album JACOB featured the singles “Till You Get There” and “Dents on a Chevy,” a duet with Terri Clark that spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the independent country charts, becoming the top independent country single of 2023.