The Archives Nashville To Host 2nd Annual Artist Closet Sale At CMA Fest

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The Archives Nashville, the digital archiving and storage company specializing in musicians’ wardrobes, will host its second annual Artist Closet Sale during this year’s CMA Fest June 5-8.

The sale provides fans an opportunity to shop their favorite artists’ closets and will be held at Fan Fair X, from 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. daily. Fans will have the chance to purchase wardrobe items from stars including Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Ernest, Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins, Jelly Roll, Alana Springsteen and Bailey Zimmerman.

A portion of the sales’s proceeds will support the CMA Foundation’s mission to provide students with access to high-quality music education and equip educators with the resources needed to sustain thriving programs. This year’s activation occupies double the space of last year’s Closet Sale, which raised over $30,000 for the CMA Foundation.

“We are excited to bring this unique shopping experience back to CMA Fest and support the CMA Foundation’s incredible work,” shares The Archives Founder and longtime celebrity stylist Tiffany Gifford. “Fans will again have the chance to own a piece of their favorite artists’ wardrobe while contributing to a cause that nurtures the next generation of musicians and educators.”

With the vast wardrobe that musicians acquire over the years, Gifford realized there were no viable wardrobe archiving solutions, so she created The Archives to help clients not only store their wardrobe safely and securely, but to offer a digital solution to keep all things organized, searchable and accessible to her clients and their teams. The Archives functions by taking inventory and digital photos of the desired wardrobe to be archived, giving teams the option to store pieces in their facilities or integrate their system into current storage locations. RFID tracking technology programmed into each piece allows for tracking movement of each garment with the online inventory showing all pieces and their location while allowing movement as needed.

Bobbii Jacobs Launches Wildflower Entertainment Group

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Bobbii Jacobs.

Bobbii Jacobs has launched Wildflower Entertainment Group, offering a full suite of services including music supervision, artist development, artist management, licensing, brand partnerships/strategy and corporate talent booking.

“Today’s artists need more than a stage -they need a team that sees the bigger picture. Wildflower is that team: part strategist, part storyteller, part architect of the fan journey,” says Jacobs. “Wildflower is rewriting the rules for how artists grow. We build bold, modern strategies that connect culture, creativity, and community, with access to insiders that feels anything but ordinary.”

Wildflower has also launched Backstage Access Presents, focusing on VIP experiences, live event production and consultation. Its inaugural event is set to take place this summer.

Jacobs storied career includes stops at Hitmakers Magazine, HITS Magazine, Forefront Networks and more. She is the Founder of Leverage MPC, BSG Entertainment and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country.

Jacobs can be reached at Bobbii@wildflowerentgrp.com.

Hudson Westbrook Is ‘Texas Forever’ On Debut Album Due In July

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Hudson Westbrook will release his debut album Texas Forever on July 25 via Warner Music Nashville/River House Artists.

The 17 track project will serve as a tribute to growing up in Texas, while showcasing Westbrook’s homegrown charisma. Themes found throughout the project include hard work, personal turmoil, family values and young love.

Westbrook serves as a co-writer on all 17 tracks, with other songwriting credits including Neil Medley, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Andrew DeRoberts, Beau Bailey and more. The album also features a collaboration with Mackenzie Carpenter with “Lie To Me.”

“I’m so proud of this record,” says Westbrook. “I love Texas, it’s shaped so much about who I am. We wrote 50-60 songs for this project and narrowed it down to 17 that I think really represent where I am in my life right now and what I love making as an artist: songs that sound like where I grew up, but read like something that just about anyone could relate to.

“I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to tell y’all about this,” he continues. “I can’t wait for you to hear it and to play it for you on the road this summer.”

The title track, “Texas Forever,” was released today (May 30). Co-penned by Westbrook, Medley and DeRoberts, the ballad reminds listeners that some things will never change, and that’s what makes life beautiful.

Texas Forever Track List:
1. “Darlin’” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
2. “Texas Forever” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Andrew DeRoberts)
3. “Painted You Pretty” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Beau Bailey)
4. “Funny Seeing You Here” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver)
5. “Fool” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver)
6. “Momma Raised a Winner” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton)
7. “House Again” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Dan Alley)
8. “Lie To Me” (feat. Mackenzie Carpenter) (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
9. “Burning Love” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Summer Overstreet)
10. “Damn Good Taste In Whiskey” (Hudson Westbrook, Randy Montana)
11. “Only Girl” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
12. “First Time” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton)
13. “Weatherman” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
14. “Sober” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
15. “Dressed Down” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton)
16. “Mine Tomorrow” (Hudson Westbrook, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver)
17. “Hill I’ll Die On” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Beau Bailey)

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sister Sadie Brings ‘Tart Lyric & Swaying Fiddling’

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Sister Sadie

The country-music scene is thoughtful and contemplative today, with a solid lineup of slower fare. 

Bucking the ballad trend in this edition of DISClaimer is the all-female band Sister Sadie. Its new music sounds like a blend of bluegrass and ‘90s country, and the fusion works like gangbusters. Check out our rollicking Disc of the Day winner, “Do What You Want.”

Taking home this week’s DISCovery Award is Zach John King.

THE STEELDRIVERS / “Booze and Cigarettes”
Writers: Tammy Rogers King/Verlon Thompson; Producer: The Steeldrivers; Label: Sun Records
– The SteelDrivers dropped their new Outrun album last week, and this single from it is a bluesy bluegrass treat. The lonely guy in the bar isn’t a regular…. yet. He’s just drinking and smoking by himself, because that’s what he deserves. The brisk tempo and hearty vocals sound just fine. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary and dedicates the new set to late, lamented group mainstay, Mike Henderson.

JOSH TURNER / “Unsung Hero”
Writers: Josh Turner; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Turner wrote this about his grandfather, one of the “greatest generation” men who nobly fought in World War II. The rolling tempo, the swirling minor-key instrumental track and the singer’s resonant baritone give it oomph and drama.

HUDSON WESTBROOK & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “House Again”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Neil Medley; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with the singers swapping verses about the dissolution of a relationship and the empty house that used to be a home. The close-harmony vocal passages are twin-like. Perfectly executed.

RODNEY CROWELL & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Taking Flight”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: New West Records
– A wanderer’s saga, complete with missteps, heartbreak and abandonment. The detail in the lyric is super engaging. Crowell and McBryde both sound resigned and world weary as the tale slowly unfolds. Rodney Crowell plays next Wednesday (June 4) at Cheekwood in its Under the Stars concert series. Showtime is 7 p.m. Be there.

JOHN MORGAN / “Kid Myself”
Writers: John Morgan/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Brent Anderson; Label: Broken Bow Records
– He fell into a relationship when he was too young to know the ropes. Now he regrets how it all went down, because he misses her. Sincere sounding. Recommended.

LAINEY WILSON / “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Writers: Andy Albert/Dallas Wilson/Edgar Yipsel Harburg/Harold Arlen/Lainey Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The song is okay, but her expressive, beautifully shaded and perfectly phrased vocal performance of it is topflight. The production frames the performance with exquisite, understated elegance.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Lose You”
Writers: Alex Hope/Sasha Alex Sloan/Zach John King; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Strummy, energetic and jaunty. Devotion, sung with verve and addictive hooks. I’m in.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Easy To Love”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Jon Hall/Zach Crowell; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records
– An easy-going track accompanies a ditty about how tough it is for him to be in a relationship.

SISTER SADIE / “Do What You Want”
Writers: Dani Flowers/Erin Enderlin/Sharon Richardson; Producer: Deanie Richardson; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– The much honored and applauded all-female bluegrass sextet returns with a totally cool, waltz-time outing of feisty, independent-female sass. A delightful listen, from the tart lyric to the swaying fiddling, from the glorious harmonies to the rowdy-gang finale. The schoolhouse video is a blast. The tune is drawn from the band’s All Will Be Well album, which drops on June 27. Can’t wait.

SHERYL CROW / “I Know”
Writer: Sheryl Crow; Producer: Sheryl Crow; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This is Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee offers this poignant, soothing song that addresses her struggles with depression. The gentle, acoustic-based production surrounds her flawless soprano vocal with a lovely, wafting breeze of sound. We are so blessed to have this nine-time Grammy winner in our community.

JON BELLION & LUKE COMBS / “Why”
Writers: Aaron Dessner/Amy Allen/Blake Slatkin/Jonathan Bellion; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Blake Slatkin, Jon Bellion, Pete Nappi; Label: JB
– Pop singer and top producer Bellion enlisted country powerhouse Combs to join him on this powerful meditation about the fears and joys of fatherhood. The mighty Luke does not let him down, and the two dads communicate evocatively on the ballad. Thoroughly compelling listening.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Never Call Again”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Jay Rodgers; Label: Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Plaintive and aching. Singing at the top of his range, he burns with heartache.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “Strong”
Writers: Elisha Hoffman/Jennifer Fiedler/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Trey Smith; Producer: Elisha Hoffman; Label: Pump House Records
– ‘Keep on keepin’ on,’ sings Howard on this empowering, inspiring ballad. And does she sing. This lady remains one of our most potent country vocalists, and she shows in her comeback music that she has lost none of her fire. I was a fan when she emerged on the scene as a teenager in 1999, and I’m still a fan today. The new album, I’m Not Who You Think I Am, dropped earlier this month.

The Reba House To Debut At CMA Fest

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Reba McEntire fans can immerse themselves in all things Reba this year at The Reba House, which will make its debut at CMA Fest 2025 at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center from Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm.

The Reba House is the ultimate tribute to one of country music’s most celebrated legends, and will feature Reba’s The Voice Chair, a recreation of Happy’s Place Tavern, a Realtor.com Photobooth, Reba’s Wardrobe Archives, the REBA by Justin Boots collection and much more.

Another highlight at The Reba House this year will give fans the chance to pre-order McEntire’s latest album, The Hits, on exclusive vinyl, on June 5. Set for release on Oct. 31, the album is a first-ever, career-spanning collection of McEntire’s most beloved songs and fans who pre-order The Hits vinyl at The Reba House will receive a one-of-a-kind poster, created exclusively for this event.

Reba will also kick off the Music City Rodeo at Bridgestone Arena tonight (May 29), marking the first performance of the three-day event.

The Hits – Vinyl Track List:
Side 1
1. “Can’t Even Get The Blues No More”
2. “Somebody Should Leave”
3. “Whoever’s In New England”
4. “Does He Love You” (with Linda Davis)
5. “Is There Life Out There”
6. “Consider Me Gone”
7. “Turn On The Radio”

Side 2
1. “Why Haven’t I Heard From You”
2. “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia”
3. “For My Broken Heart”
4. “I’m A Survivor”
5. “Back To God”
6. “Fancy”

NMAAM To Host Black Music Month Celebrations Throughout June

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The National Museum Of African American Music will host “We Are Music City” celebrations with four events throughout the month of June, paying homage to the 150th anniversary of Nashville earning its “Music City” moniker when the Fisk Jubilee Singers captivated Queen Victoria over 150 years ago.

NMAAM will kick off Black Music Month by partnering with CMA Fest for “Been Country: Black Roots in Rhythm” on June 6, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.. The day features a fireside chat with Grammy-nominees The War And Treaty, unveiling a new exhibition showcasing artifacts from their acclaimed career. The event also features performances by emerging artists from Origins Music Group and a VIP reception featuring Randy Savvy of the Compton Cowboys. Throughout the day, NMAAM will serve as a hub for African American country artists, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to preserving the complete country music story.

On June 13, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., NMAAM will host “Soul of the 90s: An Ode to Hip-Hop & R&B,” highlighting the museum’s partnership with the R&B Foundation, which provides emergency aid to legacy artists. The evening features a fireside chat with iconic producer Teddy Riley and honorees Zhaneì.

NMAAM’s annual Juneteenth Community Day expands to two locations this year. On June 19, the celebration begins at NMAAM from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free museum admission, then continues from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Fort Negley where NMAAM will host a pop-up museum at the Juneteenth615 annual celebration. The day includes a special panel discussion and documentary screening of Through Their Words: How Voices Became Policy and Policy Became Progress.

The celebration concludes on June 26, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with “Amplify Lounge: Nashville’s Next Stage,” a preview of NMAAM’s innovative performance venue concept launching in 2026. The pop-up event features Kenny Sharp and a mixology class by Pourz Bar School.

The celebration coincides with the museum’s groundbreaking Jubilation! exhibition, NMAAM’s first-ever traveling exhibit celebrating the Fisk Jubilee Singers

Additionally, each Tuesday in June, all youth under the age of 18 will gain free admission to NMAAM through the museum’s “Soundtrack for All” program and visitors can experience the Rhythm & Whiskey combo tour with Nearest Green Distillery, Tennessee’s premier Black-owned distillery, every second Friday in June, July and August.

Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities for all events are available here.

SOLID Hosts 28th Annual Crawfish Boil At Sony Music Publishing [See Photos]

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SOLID’s Board of Directors. Photo: Morgan Jergens

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted the 28th Annual Crawfish Boil on April 22. Over 500 attendees enjoyed free food and drinks, games and networking in the Sony Music Publishing parking lot, before heading over to the Virgin Hotel for an after party.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the SOLID board and volunteers for continuing to up the game on this yearly tradition, which requires an immense amount of planning and coordination,” said SOLID President Zach Green. “We keep securing new, formidable partnerships to keep our Crawfish Boil exciting and novel each year, making an exceptional impact on our Nashville music community.”

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Photo: Morgan Jergens

Jamey Johnson To Launch 36-Date ‘The Last Honky Tonk Tour’

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Jamey Johnson. Photo: Ben C

Jamey Johnson is heading out on his new 36-city headlining tour, “The Last Honky Tonk Tour,” starting June 4.

Kicking off at Wichita Riverfest in Wichita, the tour will visit Detroit, Albuquerque, N. Charleston, Fort Worth, Atlantic City, and more, before wrapping with two shows in Nashville Oct. 17-18. The tour’s name comes from Johnson’s recently recorded track, which was the title track of the 2010 album by The Wayne Mills Band, featuring musician Jason “Rowdy” Cope on guitar.

“The Last Honky Tonk,” which was completed with producer Buddy Cannon a few weeks ago, and the tour name are in tribute to Mills and Cope, both of whom were his dear friends. Mills was murdered at a Nashville bar in 2013. Jason “Rowdy” Cope, a member of The Steel Woods who had previously been a member of Johnson’s band, died in 2021 from complications from diabetes.

“When Wayne and Rowdy got together and did that record, that song made it on my radar,” Johnson says. “Back then, I played that song several times with Wayne. We would do it at shows. So, it is one I haven’t done in a while. And now Wayne’s son, Jack, is a badass guitar player. He says he learned it all from Rowdy. I don’t doubt that at all. Jack really is something else! I thought, ‘Man, his dad would be proud. Let’s break that song out and get Jack to play guitar on it.’ I am proud to have him playing on it.

“The tour will be a lot of fun,” he continues. “It’s a chance for us to hang out every night, where we get to walk onstage and show off what we’ve learned over the past 20 years. This is my 20th year on the road, not counting the road gigs I did in the 10 years before that. I thought that the name sounded pretty good as a tour name – ‘The Last Honky Tonk Tour.'”

Tickets for the tour are on sale now, with more dates to be announced soon.

“The Last Honky Tonk Tour” Dates:
June 4- Wichita, KS- Wichita Riverfest
June 5- Round Rock, TX- Round Rock Amp
June 6- Bossier City, LA- Paradise Theater at Margaritaville Resort and Casino
June 7- Lake Charles, LA- Golden Nugget Lake Charles
June 12- Warren, OH- Packard Music Hall
June 13- Detroit, MI- Aertha Franklin Amphitheater
June 14- Creighton, PA- Pittsburgh Brewing Company
June 20- Albuquerque, NM- Isleta Resort & Casino Showroom
June 21- Chandler, AZ- Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
June 22- Winchester, CA- Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
June 26- Emigrant, MT- The Old Saloon
June 27- Emigrant, MT- The Old Saloon
June 28- Whitefish, MT- Big Mountain Ranch Indian Relay Races
July 11- Danville, VA- The Pantheon at Caesars Virginia
July 12- Somerset, KY- Master Musicians Festival
July 25- Franklin, OH- JD Legends
July 26- Franklin, OH- JD Legends
August 7- Webster MA- Indian Ranch Amphitheatre
August 8- Quakertown, PA- Univest Performance Center
August 9- Charles Town, WV- Hollywood Casino- The Event Center
August 16- Petros, TN- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary Distillery
August 23 & 24- N. Charleston, SC- Marcus King Family Reunion
September 5- Cherokee, NC- Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center
September 6- Cherokee, NC- Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center
September 11- Hot Springs, AR- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
September 12- Pryor, OK- Born & Raised Festival
September 13- Helotes, TX- Floores Country Store
September 20- New Madrid, MO- New Madrid Riverfront Park
September 21- Council Bluffs, IA- Harrah’s Stir Cove
September 26- Durant, OK- Choctaw Casino
September 27- Fort Worth, TX- Billy Bob’s Texas
October 4- Atlantic City, NJ- Tropicana Atlantic City
October 5- Verona, NY- Turning Stone Resort Casino
October 10- Biloxi, MS- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
October 17- Nashville, TN- Schermerhorn Symphony Center
October 18- Nashville, TN- Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Big Machine Label Group Returns To Bell Bottoms Up For CMA Fest Pop-Up

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Big Machine Label Group is set to return to Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up bar for the second consecutive Big Machine Pop-Up during CMA Fest. The event is free and open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day and offers acoustic performances, meet and greets and more from artists on the label group’s roster including Midland, Brett Young, RaeLynn, Conner Smith, Something Out West, Caroline Jones, Noah Hicks, Chase McDaniel, The Jack Wharff Band and more.

Meet and greets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but fast passes are available June 4 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Big Machine Distillery for a $25 donation to the Music Has Value Fund.

Full Schedule:
Thursday, June 5
11:00 am – Greylan James, Noah Hicks & Caroline Jones
12:00 pm – RaeLynn
1:00 pm – Brett Young

Friday, June 6
11:00 am – Mae Estes & Cole Goodwin
11:30 am – Something Out West
12:00 pm – The Jack Wharff Band
1:00 pm – Chase McDaniel

Saturday, June 7
11:00 am – Conner Smith
12:00 pm – Midland
1:00 pm – Shaylen & Braedon Barnhill

Big Machine Records Promotes Rachel Burleson To Senior Director of Streaming

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Rachel Burleson.

Big Machine Records has elevated Rachel Burleson to Senior Director of Streaming.

“Rachel’s promotion to Senior Director of Streaming is a direct reflection of her expertise, leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence in a constantly evolving space. Her deep understanding of the streaming landscape, coupled with the strong relationships she’s built across platforms and services, has played a vital role in our artists’ success,” says Kris Lamb, EVP/General Manager of Big Machine Records. “Rachel continues to be a trusted voice in the room and a driving force behind our strategy. Her growth at the label has been inspiring to watch and this next chapter is well deserved.”

Burleson graduated from Belmont University in 2016 and began her career at Creative Nation. She joined Big Machine Records in 2021 and spent two years as a Project Manager before moving into her most recent role as Director of Streaming. She was named a member of MusicRow’s 2024 Next Big Thing Industry Directory list. Burleson will continue to spearhead streaming initiatives for the Big Machine Records artist roster which includes Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Midland, Jackson Dean and more.

“What an exciting time it is to be a part of the country music community! I am inspired by the projects and artists I help connect to listeners across streaming platforms alongside the Big Machine Records team,” shares Burleson. “I’m incredibly thankful for the leadership and support from Scott Borchetta and Kris Lamb, and I’m thrilled to continue working with our streaming partners in this new role.”

She can be reached at rachel.burleson@bmlg.net.