Country Goes Global Returns June 7-8

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Country Goes Global, presented by Nashville Meets London, returns to Nashville June 7-8 for an international showcase of rising and established country artists from across the globe.

Taking place from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day at Category 10, the free event invites fans to experience a diverse lineup of country artists from around the world. Building on the success of its 2024 event at Chief’s on Broadway last June, Country Goes Global continues its mission to spotlight artists from around the world and promote the expansion of country music on an international scale. This year’s lineup will once again feature standout performers from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond.

In 2024, Country Goes Global welcomed a roster of artists including Casey Barnes, Hailey Benedict, Kristian Bush, Wesley Dean, Aaron Goodvin, Lane Pittman, Owen Riegling, Sacha, Sheppard, Alli Walker and more.

Organizers are currently finalizing the lineup and will announce full programming details soon. Artists can submit for consideration to perform here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal Celebrate Friendship & Community

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Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal. Photo: David McClister

Country music gets folkie this week in DISClaimer.

Crowe Boys, Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, Dylan Gossett and Hailey Whitters lead an acoustic-music parade that also includes our Disc of the Day winners Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal (with an assist from Ruby Amanfu).

For those of you wishing for mainstream country sounds, look no further than the new releases by Midland, Dierks Bentley and Sacha.

Kaitlin Butts stages her debut in the column via her duet with Tyler Braden. She shares a DISCovery Award with fellow newcomer Alexandra Kay.

HAILEY WHITTERS & CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN / “I Don’t Want You”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hailey Whitters/Jon Nite; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records
– They are both fine country singers, but neither one sings harmony. As usual, she is a heart-piercing stylist, and this is her show all the way. The dobro-dominated track is simply lovely. Whitters will celebrate the release of her new Corn Queen album at Grimey’s on June 6.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Standing in the Sun”
Writer: Kyle Sturrock; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Stirring, radiant and deeply involving. The well-written song draws on vivid weather imagery to portray love and devotion, and Bentley sings it with a full heart.

TAMI NELSON, ASHLEY McBRYDE & SHELLY FAIRCHILD / “Borrow My Boots”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Shelly Fairchild/Tami Neilson; Producer: Steven Schram; Label: Outside Music
– This rousing, female-empowerment number is a trio-harmony blast. Guitar prodigy Grace Bowers contributes a blistering solo that amps up the already ample energy.

CLAY WALKER / “Cowboys in Heaven”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/John Stephens/Matt Gorman; Producers: Jaron Boyer, Tony Brown; Label: Maven Records
– A simple sentiment, simply performed.

TYLER BRADEN & KAITLIN BUTTS / “Might Be Dangerous”
Writers: Heath Warren/Kyle Sturrock/Micah Carpenter/Zach Kale; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– There aren’t many singers who can stand toe to toe with the superb Braden. Butts is up to the challenge, with open-throated harmonizing and expressive solo turns. This duet performance is loaded with fire and passion. By all means, play this.

KEB’ MO’ & TAJ MAHAL & RUBY AMANFU / “Room on the Porch”
Writers: Ahmen Mahal/Henry St Claire Fredericks, Jr./Kevin R. Moore/Ruby Amanfu; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal; Label: Concord Records
– This is the title tune of the second TajMo collaborative album. The gifted Nashville diva Ruby Amanfu is their guest vocalist on the rolling, swaying, relaxing, welcoming, sweet-sounding, acoustic outing that celebrates friendship and community. This is absolutely essential listening. The Grammy winning blues masters are booked to appear on the Opry tomorrow (May 23), which is also their album-release day. I bet they’ll bring the house down.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “WTH Just Happened?”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Gabe Foust, Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The broken-hearted ballad verses abruptly contrast with the loud, rollicking, goofball choruses. Weird but charming.

RHIANNON GIDDENS & JUSTIN ROBINSON / “Going to Raleigh”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– Giddens returns to her string-band roots with the new collection, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a reunion with Robinson, her former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner. The album features him fiddling and her banjo frailing on a number of old-time tunes, including this mesmerizing 1939 instrumental oldie. Rootsy and righteous.

CROWE BOYS / “Brother Song”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: MCA
– Brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe croon gently on this poetic, acoustic, vulnerable meditation. It’s an advance track from their album Made to Wander, which drops next month. Promising.

MIDLAND / “Glass Half Empty”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jeff Hyde/Jess Carson/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a rhythm-happy, barroom honky tonker that’s Country with a capital “C.” Big fun in every groove.

SACHA / “Nice Girl”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Sacha Visagie/Victoria Banks; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– ‘If you wanna pave a road, gotta get down in the dirt/If you wanna make your mark, gotta hit ‘em where it hurts.’ Also: Kiss that “nice girl” image goodbye. This lively bopper scores points on all fronts — saucy vocal, cool production, dandy lyrics. Sacha is a solid country star in Canada, and I see no reason why she shouldn’t be one in the U.S. as well.

ALEXANDRA KAY / “The Last”
Writers: Alexandra Kay/Andrew DeRoberts/Jon Green; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– Lovely, lovely work. Her soprano tickles the ears, and the songwriting is topnotch. He might not be her first lover, but she sure as heck wants him to be her last. The sweetly rolling production wafts the whole thing along. A delightful listening experience.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “American Trail”
Writers: Colton Forrest Hardy/Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
– Kinda artsy. Acoustic-based, troubadour music with a folkie tinge.

CAA To Takeover Whiskey Jam June 4

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CAA is set to take over the Whiskey Jam stage on June 4 with performances from Warren Zeiders, 49 Winchester, Kolby Cooper, Carter Faith, Noah Rinker and Blake Whiten.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Skydeck at Broadway, and is free for all 21+.

Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Music City Rodeo With Special Opry Show

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Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating Music City Rodeo, Nashville’s first-ever PRCA Pro Rodeo, with a special Tuesday night rodeo-themed show on May 27. Vince Gill, Moe Bandy, Kaitlin Butts, Wyatt Flores, Marcus King, Lukas Nelson and Jenna Paulette are set to perform, with special appearances from PRCA rodeo athletes scheduled throughout the show.

More information and tickets are available here.

Martina McBride Appears Before Senate In Support Of ‘NO FAKES Act’

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Martina McBride. Photo: Tasos Katopodis

On May 21, Martina McBride testified in support of the bipartisan NO FAKES Act introduced by Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing. This legislation would create a new federal property right for every individual’s voice and likeness while also establishing guardrails for responsible innovation, protecting the First Amendment, and giving victims of invasive AI deepfakes and voice clones effective recourse. Nearly 400 prominent artists, actors and performers have publicly supported this act.

Photo: Tasos Katopodis

“It’s been a special honor to record songs that shine a light on the battles many women fight, especially the terrible cost of domestic violence,” shared McBride. “Many fans have told me that the song “Independence Day” has given them strength and in some cases the song has been the catalyst that has made them realize they need to leave an abusive situation. Imagine the harm an AI deepfake could do breaching that trust, using my voice in songs that belittle or justify abuse. As an artist, a mother, a human being who cares about others, I am pleading with you to give me the tools to stop that kind of betrayal. Setting America on the right course to develop the world’s best AI while preserving the sacred qualities that make our country so special – authenticity, integrity, humanity and our endlessly inspiring spirit – that what the NO FAKES Act will help to accomplish.”

Photo: Tasos Katopodis

This approach to AI policy has notably earned support from the music industry, creative communities, child protection agencies, labor unions and tech companies including RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Consumer Reports Director of Technology Policy Justin Brookman, YouTube Head of Music Policy Suzana Carlos and National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) Senior Legal Counsel Christen Price who also participated in the hearing.

“[The NO FAKES Act] paves the way for genuine AI development and innovation, targeting only malicious applications and setting the stage for legitimate licensing of these rights, but only with real and meaningful consent. […] American music is the most valuable in the world. We lead in investment, exports and market power. Music drives the success of other important American industries, including the tech industry, through thriving partnerships,” said Glazier.

The NO FAKES Act is expected to next head for markup then a Senate floor vote.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum To Offer Daily Family Programs This Summer

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is offering daily programs for families this summer along with free admission for local youth and discounted admission for up to two accompanying adults providing an opportunity for locals to explore the history of country music.

Family-friendly programs and activities include young explorer and sensory kits, scavenger hunts, coloring pages and gallery interactives. The museum will also offer drop-in programming and workshops for diverse family audiences throughout the week. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the museum’s website.

Between Memorial Day and August 10, increased daily programming and workshops for families will include:

Mondays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Family Program: Friendship Bracelets
Concertgoers everywhere are trading bracelets with fellow fans and their favorite artists to symbolize friendship and unity. Museum visitors can create their very own friendship bracelet, then trade creations with a friend. (All ages)

Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Family Program: Design Your Own Instrument
Participants can invent their very own instrument using everyday items and their creativity. (All ages)

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
Museum visitors can bow a fiddle, pluck a banjo and strum a ukulele. This program offers everyone a chance to try instruments that are new to them as well as those that are familiar. (All ages)

Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Attendees will explore, discover and create arts and crafts related to museum artifacts and exhibitions in a drop-in setting.

June 23 – 28, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry
Marionettes, rod puppetry, shadow animation and an ever-changing stage-set tell the story of country music as it relates to Nashville’s transformation into Music City. Visitors will experience the story through nearly 100 puppets, which represent artists ranging from the Staple Singers to Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift.

Local youth 18 and under who are residents of Nashville-Davidson and bordering counties, including Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson always receive free admission, plus 25% off admission for up to two accompanying adults. Proof of residency is required. The museum is open daily from 9-5 p.m. Timed tickets are available for museum entry between 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., with a limited number of museum admission tickets available each day.

Lineup Revealed For 2025 Ryman & BMI Block Party

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The Ryman Auditorium and BMI have unveiled the lineup for the fourth annual Block Party, taking place June 5-7 at the outdoor stage on the PNC Plaza.

The free event will showcase 16 rising BMI affiliates including Josh Weathers, Grace Tyler, Wynn Williams and Tyler Braden on June 5. The June 6 lineup will feature Christian Yancey, Tyra Madison, Pynk Beard, Callie Twisselman, Kelsey Hart and Noah Rinker before Lovella, Tommy Acker, Callum Kerr, Cole Goodwin, Tyler Booth and Zach John King wrap up the event on June 7.

Photo opportunities, giveaways, food trucks and more will be available each day.

2025 Ryman and BMI Block Party Lineup:
Thursday, June 5
1:50 p.m. Josh Weathers
2:40 p.m. Grace Tyler
3:30 p.m. Wynn Williams
4:20 p.m. Tyler Braden

Friday, June 6
12:10 p.m. Christian Yancey
1:00 p.m. Tyra Madison
1:50 p.m. Pynk Beard
2:40 p.m. Callie Twisselman
3:30 p.m. Kelsey Hart
4:20 p.m. Noah Rinker

Saturday, June 7
12:10 p.m. Lovella
1:00 p.m. Tommy Acker
1:50 p.m. Callum Kerr
2:40 p.m. Cole Goodwin
3:30 p.m. Tyler Booth
4:20 p.m. Zach John King

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Elevates Two

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Allan Geiger & Haley Wirthele

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville has promoted two staff members in its Content & Creative department. Allan Geiger has been upped to Senior Director of Content & Creative while Haley Wirthele has been elevated to Manager of Content & Creative. Both report to VP, Global Content & Creative Jen Morgan.

“Allan and Haley have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity and teamwork, always stepping up to take on new challenges and push projects to the next level,” says Morgan. “Their commitment to excellence not only elevates their own work but also inspires those around them. These promotions are a testament to their hard work, leadership and passion for what they do, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact on our team and the exciting projects ahead.”

Through his time at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Geiger has worked on content and creative initiatives for Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Blake Shelton, among others. He also founded Artistnoize, a brand and website company to connect artists and fans. Before joining BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Geiger worked with Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw at Big Machine Label Group. He has also earned six Davey Awards, honoring his knack for artist branding.

In his new role, Geiger will continue to create key design needs, while also working with branding and creative strategy. He will collaborate more closely with artists and partners to create innovative solutions and expand creative vision.

After graduating from Belmont University in 2021, Wirthele joined BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in 2023, and has helped craft and execute the creative vision of BMG’s mission of an artist-friendly company. In her new role, Wirthele will continue to support administrative responsibilities, and take on more creative projects.

“Jen has built a team of creative distinctiveness and excellence for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,” adds JoJamie Hahr, EVP Recorded Music at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. “They continue to raise the bar for our artists, and are incredible executives that elevate and further our mission.”

Cody Johnson Announced As 21st Star Entertainer For 2026 Rodeo Season

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

Cody Johnson will wrap up the 94th Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with a special full-length concert on March 22, 2026, making him only the second entertainer ever to have a concert-only event at RodeoHouston.

This is the fourth full-length concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Johnson’s performance will be the first since George Strait performed on the final night in 2022. Individual tickets for Johnson’s concert-only performance go on sale to the public on Aug. 21.

“Every performance at RodeoHouston is a privilege and as a Rodeo man at heart, being asked to perform on a special night like this surpasses any of my wildest dreams,” says Johnson.

Johnson is a Texas native and has performed at RodeoHouston five times, from 2017-2019, in 2022, and 2023. His song “Welcome to the Show” debuted in 2019 and was written and recorded to serve as RodeoHouston’s official theme song. Johnson’s 2023 performance welcomed more than 73,000 fans, and in 2022, he drew in more than 70,500 fans. On March 6, 2024, Johnson surprised Rodeo guests during Jelly Roll’s performance.

“Over the years, Cody has become a part of our beloved tradition – from captivating thousands year-after-year to recording RodeoHouston’s official brand anthem,” says Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman. “We are thrilled he is just as honored as we are to return in 2026.”

BREAKING: Big Loud Records Promotes Tyler Waugh To SVP, Radio Promotion

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Tyler Waugh. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Records has elevated Tyler Waugh to SVP, Radio Promotion effective immediately.

“Tyler’s leadership, strategic vision and dedication have been instrumental to our continued growth and success,” shares EVP of Radio Promotion, Stacy Blythe. “The deep respect that he earns from the team speaks volumes. We are excited to see the impact that he will make in this new role as Big Loud continues to push boundaries.”

Waugh has played a key role in 30 No. 1 singles since he first joined the label nearly 10 years ago. He also earned a historic add day with Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” which notched 167 first week adds on country radio, marking it the second single in chart history to debut with the support of all reporting stations. In 2023, Waugh was honored with the CRS Award for Director, National Promotion, in the same year Big Loud was named Country Aircheck Label of the Year, and Billboard‘s reigning No. 1 Country Airplay Label.