Industry Ink: CMHOFM, Parker McCollum, Randy Rogers Family Foundation, Sheryl Crow, More

/by

CMHOFM Features Wendy Moten In Nashville Cats Program

Jon Freeman and Wendy Moten. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured vocalist Wendy Moten for its in-depth interview series, Nashville Cats. The series spotlights renowned musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours. The interview was moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings.

The Memphis native grew up singing in church and attended Overton High School, where she sang in the school’s famed competition choir. A professional singer by 16, Moten signed with EMI to release her self-titled debut album in 1992. Her singles “Come in Out of the Rain” and “So Close to Love” charted in the United States and the United Kingdom. Moten continued work as a backup singer, working with Julio Iglesias, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Tim McGraw. In recent years, she has served as a featured singer on Vince Gill’s tours and lent her voice in the studio to Garth Brooks, Buddy Guy, Thomas Rhett, Joss Stone, Carrie Underwood and many others.

 

Parker McCollum Partners With Under Armour

Parker McCollum. Photo: Under Armour

Parker McCollum has signed a multi-year partnership with Under Armour. McCollum’s first UA campaign focuses on The Bouncy Tee.

“I grew up wearing the brand as an athlete, so getting the chance to partner with them now honestly means a lot,” shares McCollum. “What I respect most is that they stand for strong American values of hard work, discipline, and staying true to who you are. That’s how I’ve always tried to approach my career and my life.”

 

Randy Rogers Family Foundation Presents $400,000 To Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation

Pictured (Holding The Check, L-R): Courtney Bukowski, Chris Smith, Randy Rogers and Chelsea Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Randy Rogers Family Foundation

The Randy Rogers Family Foundation recently presented a $400,000 check to the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation.

“New Braunfels showed up in a big way for our seniors,” says Randy Rogers, founder of the Randy Rogers Family Foundation. “To see this community rally together like this means a lot to me personally. These are the people who helped build this community, and we wanted to do something meaningful to give back to them.”

 

Sheryl Crow Appears On ‘The Bobbycast’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bobby Bones (@mrbobbybones)

 

Sheryl Crow was this week’s guest on Netflix’s Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast. Crow shared her top five songs, her experience with cancer and more.

 

Jo Dee Messina Performs On NBC’s ‘TODAY’

Jo Dee Messina performed her lead single “Some Bridges,” off her forthcoming album Bridges, due out on June 5, on NBC’s TODAY.

The album is her first new album in over 10 years. Messina is on the road through the summer with appearances at CMA Fest, Cheyenne Frontier Days and more.

 

John Ford Coley Performs On ‘Live! with Kelly and Mark’

John Ford Coley.

John Ford Coley was featured on Live! with Kelly & Mark last week, sharing “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight (50th Anniversary Edition).”

“Some songs seem to take on a life of their own,” says Coley. “The song ‘I’d Really Love to See You Tonight’ seems to be one of those iconic songs. Dan and I have not sung together since 1980, and it’s interesting that the song that appears to have brought us back together was the one that launched our career as a duo. It never occurred to me that this song would still be as big today as it was 50 years ago.”

 

Duck Club Bourbon Becomes Proud Partner Of Ducks Unlimited

Duck Club Bourbon has become a Proud Partner of Ducks Unlimited.

“We’re proud to welcome Duck Club Bourbon into the Ducks Unlimited family,” says Adam Putnam, Chief Executive Officer of Ducks Unlimited. “DU is all about leaving the world better for future generations, creating memories with family and friends, and the shared experiences in the field and on the water. Often, those experiences include time around a fire, sipping something special. This partnership illustrates all those moments we experience outside, together, and we’re excited to work together to support conservation and the DU lifestyle.”

Country Radio Seminar Reveals 2026–2027 Agenda Committee

/by

Country Radio Broadcasters has revealed its Agenda Committee leaders and members for the 2026-2027 Country Radio Seminar year.

Leading this year’s Agenda Committee are Chair Brittani Johnson (The Core Entertainment) and Vice Chairs Krista Hayes (BMG) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting). Ed Rivadavia (mtheory) will lead the Digital Music Summit (DMS).

Additional Agenda Committee members will include Cody Alan (SiriusXM), Tony Bannon (DMR/Interactive), Meagan Bennington (Spotify), Andrea Burtscher (Audacy), Tim Clarke (TC Projects Media + Entertainment), Gideon Dean (Local Daily Media/WBQK), Al Farb (KSCS/Cumulus), Shelley Hargis (BMG), Bridget Herrmann (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Tahsin Rakib Himi (BMG), Michael J (iHeartMedia), Stella Prado Kuipers (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Charlie Maxx (Draper Media), John Mayer (Virgin Music), Jared Meyer (Q Prime South), Jennipher Miller (Cumulus), Morgan Mills (CMND SHFT), Blake Nixon (Triple Tigers), Sean Ross (Ross On Radio/Advantage Music Research), Lauren “Lo” Sessions (KKBQ/Radio One), Jennifer Shaffer (Wheelhouse Records), Lexi Sidders (SiriusXM), Michael Sloane (Dream Big Music), Jimmy Steal (Collective Heads Consulting), Neil Wilson (Neil Wilson Voiceovers) and Tim Wipperman (Humanable).

“CRS continues to evolve alongside our industry, and I’m incredibly honored to help lead this year’s Agenda Committee,” says Johnson. “We have an outstanding group of professionals representing radio, streaming, artist management, labels, media, technology, and beyond. The passion, perspective, and creativity this team brings to the table will help us continue building a CRS experience that is educational, forward-thinking, and impactful for everyone who attends.”

CRS 2027 is slated for March 17–19. Additional details surrounding CRS 2027 programming and committee initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

Nominees Unveiled For 2026 Americana Music Honors & Awards

/by

The nominees have been revealed for the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards, taking place Sept. 16 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Up for Album of the Year is Tyler Childers (Snipe Hunter), Kathleen Edwards (Billionaire), S.G. Goodman (Planting by the Signs), Ken Pomeroy (Cruel Joke) and Margo Price (Hard Headed Woman). Competing for Artist of the Year are Brandi Carlile, Charley Crockett, Price, Molly Tuttle and Jesse Welles.

Those scoring multiple nominations this year are Carlile, Goodman, I’m With Her, Mon Rovîa, Pomeroy and Price.

Tickets for the 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards will go on sale soon.

2026 Americana Honors & Awards Full Nominees:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Snipe Hunter, Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers, Rick Rubin & Nick Sanborn
Billionaire, Kathleen Edwards; Produced by Jason Isbell & Gena Johnson
Planting by the Signs, S.G. Goodman; Produced by S.G. Goodman, Matthew Rowan & Drew Vandenberg
Cruel Joke, Ken Pomeroy; Produced by Colton Jean, Dakota McDaniel & Gary Paczosa
Hard Headed Woman, Margo Price; Produced by Matt Ross-Spang

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Brandi Carlile
Charley Crockett
Margo Price
Molly Tuttle
Jesse Welles

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Flatland Cavalry
I’m With Her
Mumford & Sons
Turnpike Troubadours
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Boy Golden
Crowe Boys
Kashus Culpepper
Ken Pomeroy
Mon Rovîa

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Returning to Myself,” Brandi Carlile; Written by Brandi Carlile
“Snapping Turtle,” S.G. Goodman; Written by S.G. Goodman
“Wild and Clear and Blue,” I’m With Her; Written by Sarah Jarosz, Josh Kaufman, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins
“Heavy Foot,” Mon Rovîa; Written by Grant Averill, Eric Cromartie, Cooper Holzman & Andrew Lowe
“The World’s Gone Wrong,” Lucinda Williams (feat. Brittney Spencer); Written by Tom Overby, Doug Pettibone & Lucinda Williams

Faith Schueler Signs With 3686 Records

/by

Pictured (L-R): Levi Hummon (3686 Records), John Shomby, Faith Schueler and Eric Arjes (3686 Records).

Singer-songwriter Faith Schueler has signed with 3686 Records, the indie label founded by Levi Hummon and Eric Arjes.

Hailing from Charleston, Schueler blends heartfelt storytelling with a modern country edge, drawing inspiration from musical heroes like Taylor Swift, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Combs. She has shared bills with Lady A, Scotty McCreery, Conner Smith, and more, and has also performed at the Grand Ole Opry. An active member of both Song Suffragettes and The Women of Country, Schueler has collaborated with songwriters including Charles Kelley, Eric Paslay, and Marcus Hummon.

“I’ve known Faith for years, and it’s been incredible watching her grow into an artist with such a clear vision of who she is and what she wants to say,” shares Hummon, Co-Founder of 3686 Records. “Her talent and work ethic are undeniable, and we’re excited to help introduce her music to the massive audience that’s waiting for it.”

“From the moment you hear Faith, it’s obvious she has something special,” adds Arjes, Co-Founder of 3686 Records. “There’s a confidence and authenticity to her artistry that feels incredibly rare. We’re thrilled to help bring her music to the world and connect it with the audience it deserves.”

“I’m beyond excited to join the 3686 Records family,” says Schueler. “I’ve dreamed about a moment like this for years, and I’m so grateful to Levi, Eric, and the entire team for believing in me and my music. I truly can’t wait for this next chapter.”

Gretchen Wilson To Perform At Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Candlelight Tribute

/by

Gretchen Wilson is set to perform at the Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Candlelight Tribute at Arlington National Cemetery on May 25.

The evening of storytelling honoring men and women have served the United States is being held as part of America’s 250th anniversary, and the national tribute will serve as a moment of remembrance.

“I am overwhelmed to have been asked to honor the fallen heroes and their families this Memorial Day. What a sacred place, I pray I do it justice,” says Wilson.

The evening will serve as a national tribute to America’s fallen heroes through storytelling, music, remembrance, and reflection. Throughout the evening, attendees will learn about the lives and legacies of American heroes.

The program will honor Medal of Honor recipient, West Point graduate, and Vietnam prisoner of war Captain Humbert “Rocky” Versace. The evening will also pay tribute to Captain Daniel W. Eggers, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, Green Beret, and West Point graduate who gave his life in Afghanistan while serving alongside Afghan commandos in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Veteran and national security leader Jason Beardsley, Major General Patrick Henry Brady, acclaimed historian Dr. Mark Moyar, and members of the Eggers family will also offer a reflection on service, sacrifice, and the enduring cost of freedom.

HEY NOW Records Forms Marketing Team

/by

Melissa McGreevy, Samantha Kane & Aidan Brown

HEY NOW Records has formed its marketing team.

Melissa McGreevy joins as Sr. Director Digital Marketing, Samantha Kane as Director, Marketing and Aidan Brown as Digital Marketing Coordinator.

“Reaching people in ways that are meaningful is critical at this juncture,” says HEY NOW Records’ President and Co-Founder Kris Lamb. “Melissa, Samantha and Aidan all believe in the power of what music means and why the artists who make that music matter. Each has a very specific take, not just on how they execute their job, but how to communicate so people respond.”

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, McGreevy built her digital marketing career at the CLEVER Influencer Marketing Agency, leading campaigns for major brands like Amazon, Dove and the NFL Shop. She joined Warner Records in 2018, where she developed data-driven campaigns across social media, fan engagement and email marketing to strengthen artist connections. Her work has supported artists including Ashley McBryde, Randy Travis and Avery Anna. She was also recognized as a HITS Magazine Noisemaker and named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2026.

Kane began her career in 2019 at the Country Music Association before joining Big Machine Label Group as a Promotions Coordinator. She advanced to Marketing & Events Manager, where she developed marketing campaigns and events for the label’s artists. She most recently worked at the Opry as Artist and Industry Relations Manager, where she built partnerships, increased engagement, and created new opportunities for the Opry, its members and performing artists.

Brown is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Miami in December 2025 with a degree in Communication Studies and minors in Music Business and Cinematic Arts. Before graduating, he interned with Big Machine Label Group in streaming and with PLAYDATE Management, focusing on digital marketing.

BMI To Acquire Soundmouse

/by

BMI will acquire Soundmouse, a company specializing in music cue sheet reporting and monitoring for the broadcast and entertainment production industries.

The deal is expected to close mid-2026. The transaction will be funded through the company’s operating cash and will not impact BMI’s distributions to its affiliates.

BMI plans to operate Soundmouse as an independent company and will remain one of its biggest clients. Todd Horvath, BMI’s President and COO, will oversee the operations of the company.

“This acquisition is just one element of our plans to invest in technology and expand the services we offer to our songwriters, composers and publishers,” says Mike O’Neill, BMI’s CEO. “The global audiovisual marketplace is one of the fastest growing sectors of our industry, and the income stream it provides for our creators continues to grow in importance. By establishing the most comprehensive cue sheet database in the industry, BMI will be in the best position to collect and distribute the royalties our songwriters, composers and publishers are entitled to whenever their music is used in an AV production, anywhere around the world.”

“We’re very excited for this partnership given the key service Soundmouse provides to music creators, studios, broadcasters and global collective rights organizations,” says Horvath. “Just as we are investing to grow BMI’s business, we will support Soundmouse to ensure it continues to thrive and serve the needs of the industry in the best possible way.”

Downtown Music Hosts Nashville Songwriter Camp

/by

Daniel Nunnelee, Jacob Bryant, Cameron Montgomery and Aron Rosing.

Songtrust, Downtown Music Publishing and Downtown Artist & Label Services recently teamed up to host its second Nashville Songwriter Camp.

Participants included Songtrust’s Molly Grace, Eliza Harrison Smith, Daniel Nunnelee, Aron Rosing, Austin Pardue, Watson Maack, Anna Kline, Josh Morris and Almost a.m., Downtown Music Publishing’s John Davidson, Jacob Bryant, Cameron Montgomery, Caleb Hearn and Alex Hall, and Downtown Artist & Label Services’ BRYE, Fancy Hagood, Abbey Cone, Dylan Brady and Erin Kinsey.

“I love collaborating when writing new music because other artists’ energy pushes me to take risks, sharpen my craft, and turn rough concepts into songs that feel bigger than any of us alone,” says The Brummies front man, Jacob Bryant. “There was a real sense of trust and excitement in the rooms, and that pressure-free creativity is where my strongest work happens.”

“When you throw a viral pop artist, a country lifer, and a rule-breaking producer into the same room, you don’t get bland—you get evolution,” adds Caitlin Stubner, Head of Songtrust. “This isn’t just Nashville’s sound. It’s what’s next in Nashville.”

Almost AM’s Ben Houser, Anna Kline, Carson Ives and John Davison.

Reagan Stewart, John Davison and Josh Morris.

Jelly Roll Debuts New Theme Song For Stanley Cup Playoffs

/by

The National Hockey League and Amazon Music have tapped Jelly Roll to provide the official theme song for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, “Rise Up.”

The new Amazon Music Original track showcases the energy, speed and power of hockey, and will be featured in game broadcasts, in-arena integrations and across social media and other NHL digital channels.

“This song was written for the guys grinding every night for the Cup. This isn’t just the theme song of the NHL Playoffs,” says Jelly Roll. “This is their song. It crawls over your skin, that dirty, swampy, nasty, distorted rock and roll.”

An accompanying music video featuring Jelly Roll, the Stanley Cup, and NHL highlights debuted during the first game of the Western Conference Final. A documentary short on the making of the music video featuring Jelly Roll and NHL stars Jack Eichel and Seth Jarvis is set to be released in June. Additionally, NHL players will bring fans inside their pregame rituals through personally curated soundtracks created for “The Power Play(list)” on Amazon Music.

“Jelly Roll doesn’t just make music. He sets a tone, and it’s exactly right for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Watching him experience the Stanley Cup for the first time was a special moment,” says Steve Mayer, President, NHL Content and Events. “This collaboration with Amazon Music places hockey at the center of their culture, and it’s been a pleasure working together and seeing this video come to life.”

“Amazon Music’s collaboration with the National Hockey League reflects our shared commitment to elevating the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a defining cultural moment,” adds Tom Winkler, Head of Publisher, Songwriter, and Society Relations at Amazon Music. “We are amplifying the postseason experience by pairing the electric energy of playoff hockey with original music from marquee artists like Jelly Roll, giving fans a whole new way to feel the game on and off the ice.”

Porter’s Call To Celebrate 25 Years & Honor Amy Grant

/by

Amy Grant. Photo: Ed Rode

Porter’s Call will celebrate 25 years at a special anniversary event, “Evening of Stories,” on Sept. 1 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, where they will honor Amy Grant.

The evening will honor Grant with the Porter’s Call’s Founder’s Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the music community and her longstanding support of the organization’s mission. The Founder’s Award was first presented to Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews in 2023, and recognizes individuals whose lives reflect the organization’s spirit and mission.

This year’s “Evening of Stories” will feature artists sharing personal stories of how Porter’s Call has impacted their lives alongside acoustic performances. Artists currently set to honor Grant include Hillary Scott of Lady A, Ellie Holcomb, and Natalie Hemby, with Dave Barnes and Melinda Doolittle serving as hosts. The evening will also include live and silent auctions benefiting Porter’s Call and its mission to provide free and confidential care for recording artists and their partners.

“Porter’s Call will present the Founder’s Award to Amy Grant, an artist whose life and legacy beautifully reflect the heart, hospitality, and quiet generosity that inspired Porter’s Call from the beginning,” says Beth Barcus, Co-Executive Director and Porter of Porter’s Call. “Amy has long created space for honesty, belonging, and soul care within the music community, embodying the same compassionate vision that guided our founder, Al Andrews. Through her influence, encouragement, and faithful presence, she has helped keep the door open for countless artists to find rest, connection, and hope.”

Founded in 2001, Porter’s Call provides free, confidential support to help artists and their partners thrive, mentally, emotionally, and creatively. Available to artists anywhere in the world, Porter’s Call provides one-on-one support, couples and band sessions, retreats, and workshops, all tailored to the unique challenges of life on the road and in the spotlight.

For sponsorship information and additional event details, click here.