Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop To Host Grand Opening Week Celebration

Dolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

Dolly‘s Tennessean Travel Stop has revealed details for its Grand Opening Week celebration June 24-July 3.

Located at Exit 22 off I-65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop will open its doors to the public on June 24, at 2:30 p.m. with a week of food, live music, giveaways and Tennessee hospitality. From 2:30- 8 p.m., guests are invited to celebrate with food samplings from DLY BBQ, including new and returning favorites from the restaurant; samples of Cup of Ambition, Dolly’s new coffee brand; live music on the main stage featuring Alison Nichols, Taylor Ocano, Lovella, and local acoustic duo Songbird; and giveaways throughout the afternoon.

Every day through July 2, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop will be serving up live music on the main stage, giveaways, and surprises all week long. The Travel Stop will close out Grand Opening Week with a full-scale community celebration on July 3 starting at 5 p.m., and is a Cornersville tradition. The evening will feature live music from Escape Band, a cornhole competition, bounce houses, raffle prizes, food truck, ice cream, and a fireworks display for a send-off into the 4th of July holiday.

Dolly Parton will not be in attendance for Grand Opening events. Fans can RSVP for the Grand Opening event here to stay in the loop with updates and reminders.

Eli Winders Inks With Big Loud Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Katie Flynn (Senior Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing), Eli Winders, Layne Lindroth (Artist Manager, Track Record MGMT/C3 Management), Sydney Burdette (Creative Manager, Big Loud Publishing) and Michael Giangreco (President of A&R, Big Loud Publishing). Photo: Jessie Addleman

Singer-songwriter Eli Winders has signed with Big Loud Publishing.

Before signing his deal, Winders worked at a feed mill in North Carolina. He started posting his original music online and quickly built a strong fan base, which gave him the opportunity to leave his job and move to Nashville to focus on songwriting full time.

“I am so grateful and excited to have signed my first publishing deal with Big Loud,” Winders shares. “Since coming to Nashville for the first time in early 2023 I knew it was where I wanted to be. The opportunity to work beside so many writers that I’ve looked up to and a team that cares so much is a dream come true.”

“When we first met Eli, he played us a great song he wrote on his own at just 18 years old,” adds Katie Flynn, Senior Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing. “I was immediately impressed. Eli is an exceptional songwriter and is very competitive with himself, consistently writing better songs every week. His work ethic, instincts and raw talent make him an amazing addition to the Big Loud team. We are lucky to have him, and I can’t wait for this next chapter of his artistry and songwriting career.”

Born and raised in Pikeville, North Carolina, Winders was inspired by artists such as Eric Church, John Mayer, ERNEST and Ben Burgess. He picked up a guitar at 16 and began writing and performing his own songs. After moving to Nashville in 2024, Winders released his debut EP, From Pikeville, produced by Eric Arjes. The project featured standout tracks including “Carolina Blue,” “Pack My Hometown,” and “Famous for a Heartache” featuring Vincent Mason.

Since then, Winders and his band have toured across the country, opening for Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Dylan Scott and Conner Smith.

Elizabeth Nichols Plots ‘I Don’t Kiss And Tell, I Kiss And Tour’ Tour

Elizabeth Nichols

Elizabeth Nichols will embark on her first-ever headlining trek, the “I Don’t Kiss and Tell, I Kiss and Tour” Tour, beginning in September.

Kicking off Sept. 29 in San Diego and running throughout October, the tour will include stops in Phoenix, Minneapolis, Louisville, Fort Worth and more, with a Nashville date at the Exit/In on Oct. 9. Tickets go on sale on Friday (June 19), and fan presale begins today (June 17).

“It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that my first performance ever was in 2025 and now I’m getting ready to head out on my first headlining tour,” says Nichols. “My absolute favorite part of playing shows is talking to people so I cannot wait to come meet you all! All I ask is that if one of my exes lives in your city, you’re extra loud…I will love you forever.”

The tour marks a major milestone for Nichols, whose rapid rise began in 2025 after stepping away from law school. Her breakthrough year was highlighted by her first-ever headlining show in London this past March. which sold out within minutes, prompting an immediate upgrade to a larger room, which also sold out within minutes. Since pursuing music full time, she has released her first EP, Tough Love and played several bucket list stages across the globe including the Kentucky Derby, The Bluebird Cafe, CMA Fest, Stagecoach, the Grand Ole Opry and more.

Nichols was also just announced as a performer on Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash, a celebration hosted by Ryan Seacrest featuring star-studded performances and one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the U.S., airing live coast-to-coast July 4, at 7 CT on ABC, Disney+, Hulu, FX, Freeform and NatGeo.

“I Don’t Kiss and Tell, I Kiss and Tour” Dates:
September 29 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego (Voodoo Room)
October 1 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour
October 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar (Music Hall)
October 4 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
October 6 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
October 7 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
October 9 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
October 10 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
October 13 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage (Vinyl)
October 16 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
October 17 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulips
October 21 – New York, NY – The Mercury Lounge
October 23 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
October 24 – Philadelphia, PA – MilkBoy
October 25 – Cambridge, MA – The Middle East (Sonia)

Museum of Christian & Gospel Music Hosts Special We The Kingdom Pop-Up Exhibit

The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music is hosting a special We The Kingdom Pop-Up Exhibit now through June 20 in downtown Nashville.

The exhibit coincides with the release of We The Kingdom’s new album, Everything I Thought Was Pleasure, which released last week via Capitol Christian Music Group. The limited-time exhibit offers fans an up-close look at the band’s journey through memorabilia, stories, and career highlights while connecting their impact in Christian and Gospel music, and provides a unique opportunity to experience the music, message, and moments that have shaped the band’s remarkable rise.

Since their debut, the multi-generational family band has become one of the leading voices in Christian music, earning Grammy nominations, Dove Awards, Platinum and Gold singles, and more than one billion global streams. Their breakout hit, “Holy Water,” spent eight weeks at No. 1 on Christian radio and remains one of the genre’s defining songs of the past decade.

The We The Kingdom Pop-Up Exhibit is included with museum admission and will be available through June 20. Museum hours and admission information is available here.

Charlie Worsham Slates First Independent Album For August [Exclusive]

Charlie Worsham will release his first full-length album as an independent artist, Once Upon A Second Time Around, on August 7.

Recorded at Sound Emporium, Sony Tree Studio A, Pinebox Studios, Querencia Sound, and The House, the album features writing credits from John Osborne, Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts, James McNair and more. Josh Van Valkenburg served as Executive Producer and Jaren Johnston joined as Co-Producer. Musicians feature on the album include percussionist Jerry Roe, bassist Rich Brinsfield and guitarist Kris Donegan.

Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr. and The Travelin’ McCourys each join Worsham for a track on the project.

“At its core, Once Upon A Second Time Around is an album about relationships,” shares Worsham. “It’s about my relationship as a husband and father and adult son. It’s about my relationship to an ever-changing industry. It’s about my relationship to longtime friends and mentors. And it’s about my relationship to my younger self.”

Alongside the announcement, Worsham released “Powers That Be,” a track that introduces listeners to the record’s central theme of self-awareness, authenticity and perspective.

“’Powers That Be’ takes my rock and roll influence to the next level,” he says. “I modeled the dynamic shift from verse to chorus after my favorite Led Zeppelin track, ‘Ramble On.’ And you might hear a Jimi Hendrix lick or two in the solo. I joke that ‘Powers That Be’ is my hillbilly version of the Stones’ ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want.’ Cause if you try sometimes, you do get what you need.”

As a songwriter, Worsham has earned cuts with Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs and Dierks Bentley. He earned the 2024 CMA Musician of the Year and CMA Touring Musician of the Year, and is two-time ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year.

Worsham has upcoming tour dates in Nashville and the UK.

Once Upon A Second Time Around Tracklist:
1. “Powers That Be” (Charlie Worsham, Jaren Johnston, James McNair)
2. “Whiskeysippi” (Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts, Drew Parker)
3. “Wrap My Porch Around” (Charlie Worsham, Jesse Frasure, Jaren Johnston)
4. “Blue Collar And A Purple Heart” (Charlie Worsham)
5. “They Never Do (feat. Lainey Wilson)” (Lainey Wilson, Jason Nix, Dallas Wilson)
6. “Grass” (Charlie Worsham, John Osborne, Jesse Frasure)
7. “Family Man” (Matt Rogers, Ben Stennis, Josh Jenkins)
8. “Years Go By (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)” (Charlie Worsham, Stephen Wilson Jr.)
9. “Once Upon A Second Time Around” (Charlie Worsham, Jay Knowles)
10. “Good Hurt” (Jon Nite, Walker Hayes)
11. “Pencil ‘raser”
12. “Wrap My Porch Around (feat. The Travelin’ McCourys)”

Industry Ink: Ian Munsick, Koe Wetzel, Tyler Braden, Skillet, Lee Greenwood, PBS Member Pledge

Ian Munsick & Schaefer Outfitter Unveil Capsule Collaboration Collection

Ian Munsick. Photo: Ben Christensen

Ian Munsick has partnered with Schaefer Outfitter for the brand’s first-ever capsule collaboration collection, launching Aug. 18. The collection with Munsick will include custom pearl snap shirts, outerwear, hats and graphic tees.

“Located in the heart of Texas but originating in Wyoming, Schaefer puts quality and functionality over everything,” Munsick shares. “With roots dating back to the 1980’s, their product continues to stand the test of time. Caroline and I knew that with their mission and material, and our branding flair and vision, the ideal western shirt line would be born. And finally, that line will be all yours.”

 

Koe Wetzel Partners With Rock & Roll Denim for New Summer Collection

Photo: Courtesy of Rock & Roll Denim

Koe Wetzel has partnered with Rock & Roll Denim for a new summer collection. The collection will include caps, t-shirts, polos, Tek Western shirts and Rock & Roll Denim’s signature pearl snap shirts, and will be available online and in select retailers, including Cavinder’s and Boot Barn.

“It’s very important for us to be able to move around the way we do, and Rock & Roll Denim is what I want to be in whenever I’m on stage,” says Wetzel. “Moving around as much as we are, making sure we can do the splits if we need to. It’s very vital to what we do on stage. I don’t think we could just stand in place and play the music that we do. Acting crazy on stage kind of goes with the sound that we have.”

“Aside from his East Texas roots, Koe’s personal and musical style allowed this collection to come together seamlessly,” adds Jamison Hochster, President at Rock & Roll Denim, “Koe Wetzel embodies our brand’s ethos. We’ve both cultivated engaged fans and an authentically Western style, and it’s exactly the kind of creative partnership that we pride ourselves on at Rock & Roll Denim.”

 

Tyler Braden Joins Savannah Bananas For Performance Of ‘More Than A Prayer’

 

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Tyler Braden recently joined the Savannah Bananas and The Firefighters at the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium on June 13. He performed “More Than A Prayer” from his debut album devil and a prayer for a crowd of more than 85,000 fans.

 

Skillet’s “Monster” Surpasses 4 Billion Streams

Skillet.

Skillet’s 6x-platinum track “Monster” has surpassed four billion streams, earns a place in Spotify’s Billions Club, and solidified its status as one of the most-streamed rock songs of all time.

The song is the only Christian song in history to cross 1 billion Spotify streams. The milestone arrives on the heels of the band’s completely sold-out European headline tour, which sold 90,000 tickets across 23 cities and brought SKILLET in front of the largest international crowds of their career.

 

Lee Greenwood Partners With Allied Flag To Launch Limited-Edition Flag


Lee Greenwood has partnered with Allied Flag to introduce a limited-edition American flag presented in a custom-designed package featuring Greenwood’s name and likeness. These exclusive collector’s editions will be available only at Bass Pro Shops.

“I’ve always believed that the American flag represents the very best of who we are as a nation, our freedom, our faith, and the sacrifices made to protect it,” shares Greenwood. “Partnering with Allied Flag to create something that’s proudly made in the USA and honors that spirit means a great deal to me. I hope this flag serves as a reminder of our unity and the pride we share as Americans.”

 

Terry McBride & Lisa Harless Host Nashville PBS Member Pledge Drive

Photo: Lisa Harless, Terry McBride, Nashville PBS CEO/President Becky Magura

Terry McBride and Lisa Harless co-hosted the Member Pledge Drive for Nashville PBS on June 4.

The “Country Classics” show featured performances honoring the careers and music of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kenny Rogers.

Robert Earl Keen Unveils Lineup For 5th Annual Homecoming Weekend

Robert Earl Keen. Photo: Patrick Dunn

Robert Earl Keen has revealed the lineup for his 5th Annual Homecoming Weekend Sept. 5-7, which includes the Fan Appreciation Day at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, Texas.

On Sept. 5 a 30th anniversary full-band celebration set of Keen’s seminal recorded-at-Floore’s, #2 Live Dinner album will take place. On Sept. 6, Keen gathers some of his favorite writers for a “Songs & Stories” guitar pull indoors at Floore’s, featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Poltz, Suzy Bogguss, and Keen.

Fan Appreciation Day’s doors will open at 2 p.m. on Sept. 7, and will end with Keen and the band’s headlining set. The all-day event will be free, featuring yet-to-be-announced guests and a Robert Earl Keen Band. The Fan Appreciation Day ticket lottery for the Sept. 7 show is live now and fans can enter here. All other tickets including VIP packages, are on sale now, and can be found here for Saturday and here for Sunday.

In addition to his summer tour, Keen is linking up with Lost Highways Records for the 25th anniversary reissue of Gravitational Forces. Out on July 10, this new pressing will feature a special-edition forest green colored vinyl, along with new album notes courtesy of Keen’s daughter, Clara Rose.

Jon Stark Extends Publishing Deal With Dream 3 Publishing & Kobalt

Pictured (L-R): Greg Hill, Dream 3 Publishing, Ashley Nite, Kobalt, Jon Stark, Emily Olson, Dream 3 Publshing and Laurel Kittleson-Cobb, Dream 3 Publishing.

Jon Stark has extended his exclusive publishing agreement with Dream 3 Publishing and Kobalt.

Since signing with Dream 3 in 2023, Stark has become one of Nashville’s up-and-coming songwriters, earning cuts with Cody Johnson, Laci Kaye Booth, Patrick Droney, Drew Green, Trevor Snider, Chase Wright and Scoot Teasley. His songwriting credits include “C’mon Cowgirl,” “We Got Old This Year,” “The Loneliest Girl In The World,” “Whiskey on Whiskey,” “Spending My Money,” “Take My Word For It,” “I’ve Been Through It All,” “Runnin’ Outta Summer,” “Whiskey Burns” and “The Good News Is.”

“Jon has been everything we hoped he would be and more,” says Emily Olson, Partner at Dream 3 Publishing. “His talent as both a songwriter and producer is undeniable, but what has impressed us most is his work ethic, character, and commitment to growth. We’re incredibly proud of everything he’s accomplished over the last three years and are excited to continue building alongside him.”

Dream 3 partners Greg Hill, Olson, Laurel Kittleson-Cobb and Ashley Nite also surprised Stark with a Gold Record for “C’mon Cowgirl,” featured on Johnson’s Leather Deluxe album.

“Dream 3 has been an incredible partner from day one,” adds Stark. “Greg, Laurel, Emily, and the Kobalt creative team have continually challenged and encouraged me to become a better writer, producer, and creative. I’m grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead. It means a lot to continue this journey with a team that believes in me and my vision.”

Kierra Sheard To Be Honored With BMI Impact Award

Award-winning artist and songwriter Kierra Sheard will receive the BMI Impact Award at the 2026 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI’s Nashville office on July 21.

Sheard will receive the award in recognition of her impressive career and impact on the future of gospel music. An acclaimed artist, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur whose voice and innovative sound have made her one of the most influential figures in contemporary Gospel music, Sheard was born into Gospel royalty as the daughter of Grammy-winning singer and pastor Karen Clark Sheard and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Sr., pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ. Known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary R&B influences, she has expanded the reach of gospel to a new generation of listeners.

Since making her debut as a solo artist in 2004 with I Owe You, Sheard has gone on to release multiple chart-topping albums and singles. Five of her albums have reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Top Gospel Albums chart, with several singles having reached the Billboard Gospel Airplay and Hot Gospel Songs charts. Her album KIERRA earned widespread praise and contributed to her growing list of industry accolades, and subsequent releases have further solidified her standing as a leading voice in gospel music. In addition to her solo success, she has collaborated with some of the most respected artists in gospel music, showcasing her versatility and influence across the genre.

Throughout her career, Sheard has received numerous honors, including four Grammy nominations, seven Stellar Awards, three Dove Awards, four BMI Awards, and she was named BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year in 2022.

MusicRow Releases 2026 Artist Roster Issue, Shaboozey Graces The Cover

MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2026 Artist Roster print issue, featuring ASCAP songwriter and American Dogwood/EMPIRE artist Shaboozey on the cover.

Raised in Virginia by parents of Nigerian descent, Shaboozey’s critically acclaimed 2024 album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200. The album’s breakthrough anthem, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which broke the record for the longest-leading Hot 100 No. 1, has accumulated over two billion streams and made history, making Shaboozey the first Black male artist to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot 100.

A TIME100 NEXT honoree and Billboard Country Power Player, Shaboozey continues to honor his Virginia roots and highlight modern Americana on a global stage. He has earned nominations from the Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, alongside wins at the Billboard Music Awards and People’s Choice Country Awards, as well as recognition from ASCAP as their 2025 Country Music Songwriter/ Artist of the Year. An 8X GRAMMY® nominee, Shaboozey won his first Grammy Award in 2026 for Best Country/Duo Group Performance for his collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Amen.” Shaboozey’s highly-anticipated forthcoming album The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales will arrive July 31.

“The volume of content entering the marketplace is staggering, and the lines between human artistry and machine-generated output are becoming increasingly blurred. In this challenging environment, clarity, connection and trust are more important than ever—not just in the artist community, but among the people working behind the scenes,” says Sherod Robertson, Publisher/Owner of MusicRow. “We all know that in the world of music, no one rises alone. Behind every artist’s moment in the spotlight is a team: a team of real people, working to bring the artistry to life with skill, focus and belief. At MusicRow, we’ve long understood the value of that team behind the talent. This understanding feels especially relevant now. As the industry evolves, our commitment remains the same: to document, support and celebrate the real people who shape careers and move this business forward. Our platform, established in 1981, exists to recognize the voices on the mic, the team members behind them, and to provide a trusted view of the ecosystem.”

This year’s Artist Roster edition includes a range of exclusive editorial features, including a look at the recent evolution of Nashville label groups, and a behind-the-scenes look at Nashville’s newest venue, The Truth. Also in this issue, TK Kimbrell discusses estate management, and Dwight Wiles talks about financial stability in the music industry.

The 2026 Artist Roster print issue also features Morris Higham’s Will Hitchcock, Neon Coast’s Nikki Boon, Range Media Partners’ Jared Cotter and Shopkeeper Management’s Crystal Dishmon in a roundtable conversation about modern day artist management.

As always, the Artist Roster issue includes a six-part company directory, listing client rosters across categories including Label, Label Services/Distribution, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity and Artist Services (spanning Banking, Business Management, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing and Radio Promotion). Media and organizational resources—such as industry charities, trade associations and rights organizations—are also featured.

Rounding out the issue is the indispensable Artist Grid, a quick-reference guide connecting artists with their core team members in the Label, Management, Talent Agency and Publicity sectors.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2026 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly subscriptions.