Laura Veltz To Host Inaugural ‘Songwriter Soup’ Fundraiser

Laura Veltz will host the inaugural Songwriter Soup fundraiser on Jan. 13 at The Listening Room in Nashville. Walker Hayes will join Veltz during the round, with additional songwriters to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now.

 

Big Loud Raises More Than $7k For Cancer Research

Big Loud laced up for the second straight year with Music’s Team for a Cure, the T.J. Martell Foundation’s peer-to-peer fundraising program, at Run Nash on Saturday, Oct. 24. The team raised more than $7,300 for cancer research, topping its $5,000 goal.

 

Kameron Marlowe Performs At Detroit Lions Halftime Show

Kameron Marlowe took the stage at the Detroit Lions Halftime Show during their game against the Green Bay Packers over the weekend.

Marlowe performed “I Won’t” and “No Need For Leavin’,” both set to be featured on his upcoming self-titled album dropping Jan. 22.

 

Craig Morgan Performs National Anthem at Tennessee Titans’ Salute To Service Game

Craig Morgan performed the national anthem at the Tennessee Titan’s Salute To Service game on Oct. 25.

The special game included a surprise on field moment as Morgan helped to honor U.S. Army combat veteran Marcus Hollis, who was injured while serving our nation. He joined as the Titans and Permobil presented Hollis with a custom wheelchair.

 

Station West Names Mallory Murphy Director Of Operations & Creative Development

Station West has named Mallory Murphy as Director of Operations and Creative Development. Murphy brings more than a decade of entertainment operations and production experience, most recently at Activision/Raven Software.

“Station West has the talent, facilities and expertise to make world-class music,” says Murphy. “My focus is helping create more opportunities for that music, and the people behind it, to reach new audiences and industries.”

 

Gillian Smith Signs With Angel Oak Music Group

Gillian Smith has signed with Angel Oak Music Group for management, publishing and label services.

Smith has made appearances at Carolina Country Music Fest and Barefoot Country Music Fest, and supported Parker McCollum, Cole Swindell, Craig Morgan, Jon Pardi and Bailey Zimmerman. She was named Best Female Country Artist at the 2025 Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame Awards. Smith’s new single “Old Flame” is set for release on Nov. 13.

Talent, charisma, and charm rarely combine in one artist. Gillian Smith is the total package,” says Jon Lawhon, President, Angel Oak Music Group

“I have been fortunate enough to work with Gillian since she was 19, and even then her talent and hard work surpassed grown adults in this business. I feel so blessed to get to continue to work with her and her records moving forward, and to expand her team with Angel Oak.” says Sam Grow.

 

Jason Lovins Band Signs With StowTown Records

The Jason Lovins Band has signed with StowTown Records. The band made their label debut with their new single “We’re Letting Hope In.”

“The Jason Lovins Band has carved out a unique space in the music industry through impactful music that carries a powerful message,” says StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene. “Our StowTown Records team is honored to be the first to represent this amazing group with label support, and we believe deeply in both the music and the potential to expand their reach within the broader worship community.”

“Beyond the artistry, there is a sincere passion to serve and inspire others, and we are excited to help champion that calling and the impact it can have on the Church and beyond,” adds StowTown Records Director of A&R Mary Alice Lovelace.

The Grand Ole Opry joined in the fight against breast cancer once again this year at its 18th Annual Opry Goes Pink celebration Tuesday night (Oct. 27).

Megan Moroney flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink in commemoration of the night, and also performed during the special evening. Additional performers on the lineup included Mandy Barnett, Mackenzie Carpenter, Deana Carter, Briley King, Benny G and rising newcomer and breast cancer survivor Jillian Cardarelli, who made her Opry debut.

Songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon, Benny G’s mother, Ali Goldsmith, and Andrea Canning, correspondent for Dateline NBC, were guest announcers for the show, which was presented by Humana and sponsored by Vanderbilt Health. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its 2026-2027 Board Of Directors and Officers.

The officers include Chair Jeff Krones (CAA), President Becky Gardenhire (WME), Vice President Rusty Gaston (Sony Publishing), Treasurer Carmen Romano (FBMM), Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb (WME), Parliamentarian Duane Clark (FBMM) and Secretary Haley Montgomery (Academy of Country Music).

“The Academy of Country Music is proud to bring together leaders from across the industry who share a commitment to advancing Country Music and supporting the artists, songwriters and professionals who make this community so special,” says Andy Schuon, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 term, this Board’s collective experience, passion and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Academy’s impact, create new opportunities for our members and celebrate the music and people at the heart of our industry.”

For this term, 12 directors-at-large were appointed and 19 directors were elected to the ACM Board of Directors. This year, qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.

ACM Board Of Directors 2026-2027:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board: Jeff Krones, CAA
President: Becky Gardenhire, WME
Vice President: Rusty Gaston, Sony Publishing
Treasurer: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Secretary: Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music

**
AFFILIATED
Chappel McCollister, The.Team (formerly Wasserman)
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Jackie Campbell, Results Global
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Jeremy Holley, By Design Music

ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Ashley McBryde, Artist
Carly Pearce, Artist
Dave Cohen, Musician
Derek Wells, Spirit Music/Producer/Songwriter
TJ Osborne, Artist

DIGITAL MARKETING/DISTRIBUTION
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Tim Foisset, Spotify

MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment
Martha Earls, Neon Coast

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Warner/Consultant
Shannan Hatch, SESAC PRO

RADIO
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Mike Moore, Cumulus
Tim Roberts, Audacy

RECORD COMPANY
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Candice Watkins, Capitol Records Nashville
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Katie Dean, Leo33
Stephanie Wright, MCA

SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller, Songwriter

TALENT AGENT
Andrew McWilliams, Evergreen
Nate Towne, WME

TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment

VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production

TOURING
Scott Scovill, Moo TV

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Amy Bryan-Fosgate, Activated Events
Andy Moats, Pinnacle
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
BJ Hill, Warner Chappell
Brian Wolf, Maverick
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC / The Touring Career Workshop
Curt Motley, United Talent Agency
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Ian Cripps, Atlantic Outpost
Jake Basden, Blue Highway
Jodi Dawes, Blue Highway
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music
Meredith Jones, CAA
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Randi Tolbert, Qprime
Robert Knotts, Lost Highway
Rod Phillips, iHeartMedia
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Storme Warren, TV and Radio Personality
Tom Lord, Redlight Management
Ward Gunther, Whiskey Jam

PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Radio Industry
Mark Hartley
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA

Alan Jackson’s live album and television special, both recorded at Jackson’s June 2026 final full-length concert at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, will be released in December.

The 25-track live album, Alan Jackson: The Last Show “One More for the Road – The Finale” (Live from Nashville), will be released Dec. 4 via ACR/MCA. In addition to streaming, the project will be released on CD and vinyl. The track list spans Jackson’s entire set with tracks including “Gone Country,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” “Remember When” and “Where I Come From.” The album is produced by Robert Keith Stegall.

The television special, Alan Jackson: The Last Show, will air on NBC on Dec. 8 from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will honor Jackson’s enduring legacy with performances and appearances from Jackson, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright.

The special is produced by Joan of Arc StudioWorks and EverWonder Studio. Executive producers include Cindy Mabe, Dawn Gates and Harper Grae for Joan of Arc StudioWorks and Mike Antinoro and Raj Kapoor for EverWonder Studio, as well as executive producers Alan Jackson, Debbie Doebler and RAC Clark. Co-executive producers include Allison Roithinger, Victoria Chamlee and Danny Meiseles for EverWonder Studio. Alan Jackson: The Last Show is directed by Sam Wrench.