CMHOFM Celebrates Opening Of ‘Dolly Parton: Journey Of A Seeker’

Dolly Parton at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the life and legacy of Dolly Parton last night (May 19) at the opening of its newest exhibit, “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.”

Dolly Parton attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.’ Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

The evening included special tribute performances of Parton’s songs “Coat of Many Colors” and “The Seeker” by Alison Krauss & Union Station, and Parton concluded the evening with remarks of her own.

The new exhibit, open until September 2026, focuses on turning points throughout Parton’s more than 60-year career where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” includes clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photos, exclusive interview footage and more, including Parton’s first draft of handwritten lyrics to her No. 1 hit “Jolene,” a cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 Hollywood film 9 to 5, the Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton was presented in 2006, a custom-built Gibson banjo with a white metallic finish, rhinestones, and butterflies used by Parton in 1992 and on her “Halos & Horns Tour” in 2002, and more.

A view of the exhibit on display at the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.’ Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

An additional display that celebrates Parton’s community of literacy, created through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is presented in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center. An illustrated companion book to the exhibit supplementing the gallery presentation featuring photos and artifacts is now available to purchase here or in the museum’s store, and will also be available in bookstores and online outlets through a partnership with the University of Illinois Press.

Access to the “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” exhibit is included with museum admission and a limited number of timed tickets for the exhibit are available each day. Advance reservations are encouraged and ticket availability can be found on the museum’s website.

Maggie Rose To Headline Inaugural Nashbash At Miami Art Week

Nashbash Miami

Nashbash will bring Maggie Rose, Moon Taxi, Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves and Jack Harris to Miami to kick off Art Week at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Tickets are on sale now.

“We are incredibly proud to support Nashbash as part of our commitment to connecting cultures and communities through unforgettable experiences,” says Ignacio Borbolla, Delta’s Regional Manager. “Delta and LATAM are dedicated to strengthening the bond between Miami and Latin America, and what better way to celebrate that connection than through the universal language of music? We’re thrilled to help bring Nashville’s iconic sounds to the heart of Miami Beach for Art Week.”

“As a 305 kid now calling Nashville home, launching ‘Nashbash’ to kick off Miami Art Week is a dream come true,” adds Jamie Rodriguez, Founder of Jrodconcerts Media and Creator of Nashbash. “We’re bringing the heart of Music City to Miami Beach, showcasing the incredible talent that makes Nashville so special. From Maggie Rose’s powerhouse vocals to Moon Taxi’s electrifying energy, Paul McDonald’s soulful storytelling and Jack Harris’s captivating stage presence, this lineup is a testament to the vibrant music scene we’re cultivating. We’re inviting all of South Florida to join us for the start of what we hope will be a cherished new tradition, where art and music collide in the most spectacular way.”

Peermusic Nashville Adds One; Promotes Two

Jennifer Hall, Matt Michiels & Cameron Stutts.

Jennifer Hall has joined the Peermusic Nashville team as Senior Creative Director. Additionally, the company has elevated Matt Michiels to Vice President, Creative and Cameron Stutts to Senior Creative Coordinator.

“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Jenny to our creative team and to recognize the hard work of Matt and Cameron with these well-deserved promotions,” says Michael Knox, President, Peermusic Nashville. “Jenny is a perfect fit for our team—she is smart, energetic and a leader. I have watched her career from afar and I’m excited to bring her energy to the office. Matt is a talented and proven creative executive that knows how to lead a staff and develop careers for songwriters and artists. He has always been someone that I can count on. Cameron has been firing on all cylinders in her short time here. Her position takes a lot of creativity and strategy, and I’m proud of the hard work she does for us. Our Peermusic Nashville team continues to go from strength to strength and we’ve dialed in the ideal team to offer our writers the very best support.”

Hall joins Peermusic Nashville from Porchlight Music where she served as Senior Creative Director. During her time there, she signed new talent and assisted the roster with pitching songs to labels, producers, managers and artists. Her previous stops also include Sheltered Music and Given Entertainment. An Indiana native, Hall graduated from Middle Tennessee State University’s music business program. She was also featured in MusicRow‘s 2025 Next Big Thing directory.

In her new role, Hall will help curate new talent, assist in the day-to-day operations for the company roster, and create opportunities and song placements for the writers. 

“I am thrilled to be joining the Peermusic Nashville team,” shares Hall. “It’s an honor not only to work for a company with such a rich, historic legacy, but alongside an incredible creative team and exceptional roster. I’m deeply grateful to Michael Knox and the Peermusic team for this opportunity and I look forward to diving in.”

Michiels joined Peermusic Nashville in 2018 and has been elevated from his former position as Senior Creative Director. At the company, he assists in the day-to-day company leadership, as well as writer management and artist development. He also oversees the back catalog and song placements, alongside creative support. Prior to joining Peermusic Nashville, Michiels held roles at Gallimore Productions & Song Garden Publishing and Warner Chappell Nashville. He holds a B.A. in Music from The University of Alabama and is a Meridian, Mississippi native. 

“I am so proud to champion the incredibly talented songwriters at peermusic Nashville,” says Michiels. “The team here and around the world are second to none. Thank you to Michael Knox, Mary Megan Peer [CEO, peermusic], and Ralph Peer [Executive Chair, peermusic] for the continued opportunity at such an amazing and historic music company!”

Stutts joined Peermusic Nashville in 2023 as Creative Coordinator, and collaborate with the creative teams to develop marketing strategy, creative design and social media campaigns. Before joining Peermusic, Stutts was Marketing Brand Ambassador at EMILY Revolutionary Marketing Group. Stutts is a native of Prosperity, South Carolina and holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a Management/Marketing emphasis from Lander University.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this new chapter and build on the creative momentum that has been established,” adds Stutts. “The passion and collaborative spirit of the peermusic team make it such a rewarding place to be a part of, and I’m especially thankful to Michael Knox and the peermusic team for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to support our Nashville roster while contributing to their success through creativity and dedication!”

Warner Music Nashville Adds Paige Elliott; Elevates Kayla Burnett

Paige Elliott & Kayla Burnett.

Warner Music Nashville has added radio promotion veteran Paige Elliott to the team as National Director for the WEA Radio Promotion Team. Additionally, the company has also promoted Kayla Burnett to Manager, Radio for the WMN team.

“It is my extreme pleasure to announce that the Warner Music Nashville radio promotion team has hired one and recently promoted another,” says Senior Vice President of Radio & Commercial Partnerships, Kristen Williams. “We are thrilled to welcome Paige Elliott to Warner Music Nashville. Paige joins us today as the National Director for the WEA Radio Promotion Team, a role formerly held by Stephanie Hagerty. Paige is a consummate professional, having spent the last 7.5 years at Columbia Nashville, and is one of the most respected promotion executives in town. She has built an exceptional reputation and her relationships with radio partners and artists are unparalleled. My confidence in her ability to lead this team is unwavering.”

Elliot joins the role previously coming from Sony Music Nashville where she served as Columbia Dir., Promotion since 2017. Before then, she was Director of Regional Promotion, West Coast for Capitol Records Nashville from 2010-2017. In 2007, she started her career as Director of Regional Promotion, Northwest at Capitol Music Group.

“In addition, Kayla Burnett has been promoted to Manager, Radio and will be handling regional promotion for the Western Region for Team WMN,” continues Williams. “Kayla joined Warner Music Nashville as a Coordinator in November of 2020 and has shown a commitment to excellence and an extreme dedication to our artists from day one on the job. During her tenure, she has played a key role in building promotion plans, executing radio strategy and delivering results. I am excited to watch her grow in her new role!”

Elliott can be reached at Paige.Elliott@wmg.com, and Burnett at Kayla.Burnett@wmg.com

Southall Extend ’10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour’

Southall. Photo: Dalton Latham

Southall has added a third leg to their “10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour,” which will kick off Aug. 1 in Peoria, Illinois.

The fall dates will include stops in Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, Chattanooga and more through Oct. 17. Tickets for all dates are on sale now here.

The tour rolls through major markets in the south during the summer, including a stop in Nashville on June 26 at Chief’s on Broadway, and while in Music City, Southall will achieve another milestone with their debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 25 as part of this year’s Opry 100 celebration.

Southall has racked up nearly 600 million career streams and 1.2 million cumulative monthly listeners, and has built a rabid grassroots following touring across the country, winning over crowds alongside Whiskey Myers, Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke and Chase Rice, as well as on their own headlining run.

“10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour” Added Dates:
Aug. 1 – Peoria, IL – Crusens
Sept. 3 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
Sept. 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
Sept. 6  – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
Sept. 9 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater
Sept. 11 – Billings, MT – Pub Station
Sept. 13 – Casper, WY – The Gaslight Social
Oct. 16 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric
Oct. 17 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom

Neil Medley Moves Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Neil Medley. Photo: Jason Myers

Neil Medley has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” along with Hudson Westbrook’s “House Again” and “Sober” push the songwriter to No. 15 this week.

Riley Green remains in the No. 1 slot with solo-penned “Worst Way.” Charlie Handsome moves up to No. 2 with “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Love Somebody” and “Smile.”

Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest (No. 4) and Ashley Gorley (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.

Industry Ink: Grand Ole Opry, Dillon Carmichael, ‘Power Of Independent,’ Dynamic Talent, Samir & Victoria, ‘Heartworn Highways’

Carly Pearce Unveils Dolly-Themed Opry Mic Stand At Ryman

Pictured: Carly Pearce; Photo credit: Jamie Wendt

Opry member Carly Pearce helped the Grand Ole Opry unveil a custom Dolly Parton-themed Opry mic stand during Pearce’s sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium Friday night to close out her 40+ date “hummingbird world tour.”  Pearce revealed the specially-designed Opry mic stand in honor of Parton, one of the Opry’s most beloved global ambassadors. Commissioned exclusively for the Opry’s 100th year, the stand features sparkling rhinestones, pink and purple butterflies, and other design elements inspired by Dolly’s signature style, and will be used throughout the Opry’s centennial celebration. In 2021, Dolly surprised Pearce with her invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Dillon Carmichael Named Four Branches Bourbon Brand Ambassador

Dillon Carmichael

Dillon Carmichael has signed on with Four Branches Bourbon as its newest brand ambassador. Through the partnership, Carmichael will amplify Four Branches’ message of “Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably,” and “Sip to Remember” during his upcoming shows. Fans will have an opportunity to learn more about the Four Branches’ mission and taste the bourbon during exclusive pre- and- post-show activations.

Four Branches launched in 2023 and is the only spirits company founded by four veterans representing the four branches of the U.S. armed forces. The company is committed to giving back and supporting the veteran and first responder community, and since its founding, more than $420,000 has been donated to veteran and first responder nonprofits. “I’m honored and excited to be joining the Four Branches’ team and work to raise awareness of the mission to honor the heroes among us and raise a glass to those who have served and continue to,” says Carmichael.

Perk PR Hosts ‘The Power Of Independent’ Panel

Pictured (L to R): Halie Hampton Mosley (WHY&HOW), Blair Miller (Chaos Creators), Trevor Perkins (PERK PR), Kyra Tilition (Fort Nash, Walk Off Entertainment), Morgan Mills (CMDShft), Photo: Kelsey Cotton

Ampersand Studios and PERK PR + Creative Agency hosted “The Power of Independent” panel on May 13 for a full house of artists, creatives, and music industry professionals in a night of community, connection, and career-shaping insight. Moderated by PERK PR founder Trevor Perkins, the panel included industry members Morgan Mills (CmdShft), Kyra Tillotson (Fort Nash / Walk Off Entertainment), Halie Hampton Mosley (WHY&HOW), and Blair Miller (Chaos Creators). Together, they shared their perspectives on creative freedom, audience-building, and sustainable success, proving that independent doesn’t mean alone.

Dynamic Talent International Celebrates Nashville Office Opening

Pictured (L-R): Suzanne Berg (Music Health Alliance), Trevor Swenson (Dynamic Talent International), Erin Lancaster (Music Health Alliance)

Dynamic Talent International marked the official opening of its new Nashville office with a launch celebration last week in the heart of Music City. The event brought together artists, industry executives and community leaders to commemorate the agency’s deeper investment in the Nashville music scene. The event also celebrated the announcement of the hiring of veteran agent Robert Baugh and spotlighted and raised funds for Music Health Alliance. The company also revealed that Baugh will join the Nashville-based team alongside Jamie Leslie, Jordan Cocklin, Jake Hawkins, Adam Easterling, and Jordyn Rothman representing a roster that includes Danielle Bradbery, Drew Green, Chase Wright, Tyler Nance, Erin Kinsey, and Kaylee Bell.

Samir & Victoria Sign With Heartland Records

Heartland Records Nashville has signed new vocal duo Samir and Victoria to the label’s artist roster. The two are currently in the studio recording their debut single, which is set for release in the  coming months. “This is the kind of project that reminds us why we do what we do,” says Brian Curl, President of Heartland Records Nashville and a producer of  the upcoming single. “Samir and Victoria have a rare chemistry and honesty in their music that’s hard to find. We’re incredibly honored to help bring their debut single to life.”

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts ‘Heartworn Highways’ Screening

Pictured: Graham Leader, Jubal Lee Young and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation Paul Kingsbury at the museum Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

This weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a screening of the 1975 documentary Heartworn Highways, which takes a look at the 1970s country music scene in Texas and Tennessee by spotlighting emerging songwriters like Barefoot Jerry, the Charlie Daniels Band, Guy Clark and Steve Young. Following the screening, Senior Director Paul Kingsbury led a discussion with producer Graham Leader, after which Jubal Lee Young performed his father’s songs “Alabama Highway” and “Seven Bridges Road.”

Katie Cecil Signs With Electric Feel

Pictured (L-R, top row): John Bradley (Country A&R – Electric Feel) and Austin Rosen (CEO & Founder – Electric Feel). (L-R, bottom row): Chandler Nicole Sherrill (Senior Director, Creative- Electric Feel), Katie Cecil and Joel Timen (Perspective Music Group). Photo: Courtesy of Electric Feel

Songwriter, vocalist and vocal producer Katie Cecil has inked with Electric Feel Entertainment on their Nashville roster.

Cecil has written across genres, with cuts including Lanie Gardner’s “Buzzkill,” Chandler Leighton’s “Monster,” Mod Sun’s “Battle Scars,” Shaylen’s “Do It Right The First Time,” Gareth’s “What You Don’t Know” and 408’s “We Don’t Get High Like We Used To.” Her additional collaborations include tracks from Caleb Hearn, Austin Mahone, Dalton Dover, Knox, Lakeview, Big Time Rush, Michael Clifford (5 Seconds of Summer) and more.

“I’m so excited to be working with Electric Feel!” says Cecil. “As a multi-genre writer, I’m thrilled to have found a team who supports a diverse approach to music and has built such an incredible creative community. I was first drawn to EF through collaborating with their talented roster and can’t believe I get to be a part of this family. A huge thank you to my manager, Joel Timen, for facilitating this partnership; my attorney, Matt Cottingham, for making the deal happen; and to John [Bradley], Chandler [Nicole Sherril], Austin [Rosen] and the entire Electric Feel team for welcoming me with open arms. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow as a songwriter alongside some of my favorite people!”

Through her production work, Cecil has also worked with Zach Crowell, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins, Nick Bailey and Chris Ganoudis, among others.

“Katie’s a total rockstar,” shares Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel Entertainment. “From discovering talent early on to writing with the best in the game, she brings unmatched energy and a fresh, genre-spanning perspective. I couldn’t be more proud to have her as the first female writer to join the EF Nashville roster.”

Cecil was also a part of the band KSM, before releasing a solo project, Wayfarers. The solo album earned TV, film and ad sync placements.

Chris Tomlin Slates Fall Tour

Chris Tomlin is set to hit the road on the “An Evening of Worship With Chris Tomlin Tour,” kicking off Sept. 17 in Buffalo. The tour will visit 20 churches across the country with stops in Richmond, Fort Myers, and more before wrapping in Oklahoma City, in November.

“Worship is transformational when experienced together–there is nothing like the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God,” says Tomlin. “These nights of worship are different from any other night of music—your soul is singing to a living God.”

The Grammy award winner will be joined by and will introduce The Heritage for their inaugural tour. The collective of worship leaders, brought together under the leadership of Joshua Phillips, blends the timeless nature of worship music with the creativity of a fresh, innovative spirit.

The tour comes on the heels of his upcoming “Worship Under The Stars” concert series being held in three outdoor venues, Central Park in New York City (July 11), Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore (July 12) and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Colorado (Oct. 21).

“An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin Tour” Dates:
Sept. 17- Buffalo, NY- Eastern Hills Church
Sept. 18- South Portland, ME- Eastpoint Christian Church
Sept. 20- Richmond, VA- Liberation Church
Sept. 26- Cincinnati, OH- Crossroads Church East Side
Sept. 28- Fort Wayne, IN- Blackhawk Ministries
Oct. 1- Warner Robins, GA- Second Baptist Church
Oct. 2- Fort Myers, FL- First Assembly of God
Oct. 3- Jacksonville, FL- Westside Baptist Church
Oct. 4- New Bern, NC- Temple Church
Oct. 8- Peoria, IL- Prairie Home Alliance Theater
Oct. 9- Chattanooga, TN- Abba’s House
Oct. 23- Redding, CA- Redding Civic Auditorium
Oct. 24- Portland, OR- Rolling Hills Community Church
Oct. 28- San Jose, CA- Cathedral of Faith
Oct. 29- Bakersfield, CA- Dignity Health Theater
Oct. 30- Tucson, AZ- Zion City Church
Nov. 5- Midland, TX- Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
Nov. 6- Austin, TX- Austin Ridge Bible Church
Nov. 7- Jackson, MS- Word of Life Church
Nov. 8- Oklahoma City, OK- First Southern Baptist Church

Gavin Adcock Brings The Ruckus To Back-To-Back Sold-Out Shows At The Pinnacle

Gavin Adcock. Photo: Will Smith

Gavin Adcock took over The Pinnacle in Nashville for two sold-out nights on Friday (May 17) and Saturday (May 18), delivering a rowdy, high-octane performance that solidified his growing reputation as country music’s wild card.

Gavin Adcock with his 1 billion career streams plaque. Photo: Will Smith

The Georgia native has carved out a reputation as one of country’s most unpredictable rising acts, and the fans came out in full force. Before the first opener hit the stage, the floor was already packed with mostly 20-somethings, beers in hand and lyrics ready.

Erin Kinsey kicked things off with a confident, rock-leaning set that held its own against the rowdy energy of the room. Songs like “Wild,” “Matchmaker” and “Just Drive” connected easily with the crowd. She was followed by country/alt-rock band Fox N’ Vead, who, with a pair of lead vocalists, a dynamic bassist and a Robert Plant-channeling drummer, ripped through a set of originals and covers that had the crowd fired up.

By the time Adcock appeared, swaggering out in white-washed jeans, a brown button-down, leather vest, cowboy hat and a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand, the party was already in full swing. Cups of beer flew through the air as his booming voice cut through the noise and kicked off a setlist full of crowd-pleasers.

From rowdy anthems like “Run Your Mouth,” “Actin’ Up Again,” “On One” and “Past Actions,” to slower, more heartfelt moments with “Sober,” “Need To,” “My Dear My Darlin” and the viral hit “A Cigarette,” Adcock showed depth beneath the party-boy image. For “A Cigarette,” he was joined by songwriter Brent Cobb for a standout moment of the night.

Gavin Adcock & Brent Cobb. Photo: Will Smith

Adcock connected with fans between songs, often telling stories about his time in Georgia and sharing the origins of his music. Before performing “Never Call Again,” which he noted will be his debut country radio single, he dedicated it “to the beautiful women in the crowd,” though it was clear the boys were singing along just as loud.

The set included a gritty cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Dinosaur” and a surprise appearance from Tracy Lawrence, who joined Adcock onstage for a rousing duet of “Time Marches On,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.

By the end of the night, Adcock was shirtless, sweaty and smiling at peak party-boy form. Whether you’re bought into the Gavin Adcock mythos or just there for the music, there was no denying the electricity in the room or the loyalty of his fan base. With the momentum he’s building, it’s only a matter of time before he outgrows The Pinnacle, and fans will be right there with him when he does.

Gavin Adcock & Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Will Smith