Family Alliance In Music Opens Support Grant Application

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The Family Alliance in Music (FAM) has opened applications for its inaugural $25,000 support grant. The application is available now through June 1 and can be found here.

FAM is an organization dedicated to supporting music professionals as they navigate the challenges of caregiving, parenting, and family life. The funding will be awarded to a music industry professional in one of the following areas:
– Fertility assistance for those pursuing parenthood.
– Needs-based grants for live touring professionals facing financial hardship due to family demands.
– Family caregiving assistance to support those balancing their careers and caring for a loved one.
– A Small business looking to provide employee benefits that support family needs.

Notable Music Journalist Gerry Wood Passes

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Veteran music journalist and colorful Nashville media figure Gerry Wood died in Florida last Saturday (May 3) at age 87.

Wood was the manager of the Billboard office in Music City. He was also a popular local television personality in the 1980s.

Born Gerald E. Wood in Lewiston, Maine, he began his entertainment career in radio. He was a news and sports reporter at WSON in Henderson, Kentucky, then polished those skills while also becoming a DJ at WVJS in Owensboro, Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1960 and went on to earn a masters degree from Vanderbilt University in 1965.

Gerry Wood continued to combine his news acumen and on-air personality skills at WAKY in Louisville and WKDA in Nashville (1964-66). He then shifted to working on Music Row. He worked in public relations at Vanderbilt (1966-69) and ASCAP (1969-75). Wood began his first stint at Billboard in 1975. He was named the publication’s editor-in-chief in New York in 1980.

He moved back to Music City to become editor at Nashville magazine (1983-84) and Nashville correspondent for People magazine (1984). Gerry Wood returned to Billboard to become the general manager of the publication’s Nashville bureau in 1986.

On local television, he became known as “The Gamboling Gourmet” on WTVF-TV. He was also a regular reviewer on the TNN cable channel in the mid 1980s.

Boundlessly enthusiastic, he was omnipresent at music-biz parties and junkets. He was also a travel enthusiast.

His then-wife Ellen Wood became a publicist in the BMI Nashville office. They worked with an emerging group of media folks, including Ed Morris, Debbie Holley, Chuck & Sandy Neese, Jimmy Buffett and Kip Kirby. Wood won a Journalistic Achievement Award from SESAC in 1981.

Gerry Wood wrote a number of books. Ain’t God Good (1975) and Let the Hammer Down (1978) were collaborations with country comedian Jerry Clower. Other titles included The Grand Ole Opry Presents the Year in Country Music (1997) and Tales From Country Music (2003).

Gerry Wood wrote for Country Weekly, as well as many other publications as a freelance journalist. He was a member of the CMA, the GMA, NSAI and the Recording Academy. He served on the board of the Nashville Entertainment Association.

Following his divorce, he moved to Florida and wrote books as well as articles for local publications on the Gulf Coast. He passed away in Inverness, Florida. No funeral arrangements have been announced.

Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae, ACM Lifting Lives, CMHOFM, More

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Jordan Davis Performs ‘Bar None’ On Live With Kelly & Mark

Jordan Davis with Kelly & Mark.

Jordan Davis kicked off his week performing his single “Bar None” on Live With Kelly And Mark Monday (May 5) to celebrate the recent announcement of Learn The Hard Way, his upcoming album set for release on August 15. Davis also embarks on his headlining “Ain’t Enough Road Tour” this fall, with dates across the U.S. including Los Angeles’ The Greek Theatre and New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. 

Maddie & Tae Receive Platinum Surprise At Ryman Show

Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones (RIAA), Nick Hartley (Steadfast), Maddie & Tae, Mike Harris (MCA) and Lindsey Ray (Steadfast). Photo: Jeff Johnson

Maddie & Tae played their first-ever headlining show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to a packed hometown crowd on May 1. At the show, Maddie & Tae were surprised with plaques celebrating the success of two of their hits: “Die From A Broken Heart” for 4x Platinum, and “Friends Don’t” which went Platinum. The duo just released their fourth studio album Love & Light via Mercury Nashville which features the new song “Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams.”

ACM Lifting Lives Unveils Custom Gibson Guitar Wall In Frisco Hospital

ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, kicked off the 60th ACM Awards week in Frisco, Texas by unveiling a unique guitar wall for patients, families and other hospital patrons during an exclusive event at the new Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco at PGA Parkway, which is scheduled to open July 2025. The custom wall features six Gibson guitars, all donated by Gibson Gives, displayed alongside photos of Texas-born country superstars performing at the ACM Awards over the years, including Ronnie Dunn, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, George Strait and Tanya Tucker. Additionally, each guitar is joined by a QR code, which links directly to a curated playlist that correlates to themes including “Inspire,” “Celebrate,” “Motivate,” “Heal,” “Cope,” and “Relax” – providing unique soundtracks to whatever listeners may be facing at the time of their hospital visits.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Hosts 46th Annual Words & Music Celebration

Caylee Hammack with Words & Music Night student and songwriter participants. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its 46th annual celebration in honor of Words & Music, the museum’s flagship educational program, on May 5. School-aged participants and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater, along with the evening’s host, Capitol Records Nashville artist Caylee Hammack, to hear a selection of 14 songs written by students in Nashville and its surrounding areas. Hammack closed the evening with a performance of her original song, “Family Tree.” Throughout the night, students performed their Words & Music compositions alongside their professional songwriting partners and classmates. The program was recorded and will be shared on the museum’s website later this summer.

Sierra Hull Shares Origin Story On PBS NewsHour

Singer, songwriter and award-winning mandolinist Sierra Hull was featured on a recent episode of PBS NewsHour during a deep dive interview taped earlier this year at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C. Special Correspondent Tom Casciato took viewers from Hull’s early days growing up in Byrdstown, Tennessee, to present day, including releasing her first independent album, A Tip Toe High Wire and joining Willie Nelson’s “Outlaw Music Festival Tour” later this month. Casciato and Hull discussed her genre-bending approach to music, her precision with the mandolin, and a childhood letter she wrote to hero-turned-mentor Alison Krauss.

Musicana & Hispanic Entertainment Alliance Team For Song Suffragettes Show

Song Suffragettes and Musicana & Hispanic Entertainment Alliance are partnering for a Song Suffragettes Show on May 19 featuring a Latina lineup including Alyssia Dominguez, Angie K, Karina Daza, Kat Luna, MŌRIAH and Mia Morris. “Our mission is to celebrate and uplift the Latine music community and elevate our collective presence in the music industry and beyond,” says Musicana Founder Karina Daza. “We produce public showcases and networking events, and we offer Latine artists performance opportunities, press spotlights, education, connection, and community. We believe that through representation, we can dismantle prejudices and build bridges of solidarity, compassion and empathy.”

Eli Gable Inks With Capitol Christian Music Group

Pictured (L-R): David Sylvester, Patrick Ogilvy, Ellie McKay, Tiffany Currier, Elizabeth Brock, Isabel Sardella, Katie Barolak, Garrett Davis, Zach Hayes, Eli Gable, Krystal Polychronis, Heather Carpenter, Steven Cervenka, Becca Redl, Cole Linebarger, Sarah Singleton, Aaron Stearns and Kenny Rodgers.

Singer-songwriter Eli Gable has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group. Gable’s debut single, “Holy Ghost Town,” is set for release May 16. The Ohio native has been independently releasing music and developing his mountain soul and rock sound as an artist since he moved to Nashville in 2020. This fall, Gable will join Rend Collective on the “FOLK! 2025 Fall Tour,” visiting 20+ cities beginning Oct. 17 in Portland, Maine.

AK Cody Signs With CDX Records

Pictured (L-R): Joe Kelly, President, CDX Records; AK Cody and Rick Savoie, Manager, Avalanche Music

Singer-songwriter AK Cody has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with CDX Records. Cody is a Nashville-based soulful writer who originally hails from working class roots in rural New England. He has toured extensively as an independent artist and has been writing his own songs for years, including his single “Marry Me.” His latest single “Summertime” from his upcoming EP is due out soon.

Chris Stapleton’s ‘Traveller’ Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Special Vinyl Release

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Chris Stapleton is celebrating 10 years since the release of his debut album Traveller on Mercury Nashville, and in celebration of the anniversary, new special-edition vinyls will be released later this summer and are available for pre-order beginning today.

Beloved by critics, fans and artists, Traveller was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A with producer Dave Cobb. It won Best Country Album at the 58th Grammy Awards, Album of the Year at both the CMAs and ACMs, and went on to become the best-selling country album of the 2010s. Following a historic turn on the 2015 CMA Awards where Stapleton became the first artist to ever win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year in the same year, Traveller became the first album in history to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at No. 1, where it stayed for two straight weeks.

With global sales over 11 million, the album is certified RIAA 7x Platinum in the U.S. and has been streamed over 11 billion times around the world. Additionally, the album has spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart – the first country album to do so. An 11x Grammy, 19x CMA and 20x ACM award-winner, Stapleton has gone on to release four more studio albums including his most recent, 2023’s Higher.

Stapleton will continue his “All-American Road Show” tour through the summer, as well as playing a series of select stadium shows with George Strait.

CMA Reveals Additional Performers For 2025 Festival

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The Country Music Association has unveiled more performers for CMA Fest 2025, taking place June 5-8.

K. Michelle will perform the national anthem on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium, kicking off the weekend’s nighttime shows. Opening each night at the stadium will be Charles Esten (June 5), Rita Wilson (June 6), Deana Carter (June 7) and Rodney Atkins (June 8).

Nissan Stadium shows will also feature special collaborations, with Marcus King joining Brooks & Dunn on Thursday, Carín León joining Cody Johnson on Friday, and Carly Pearce joining Rascal Flatts on Saturday. Scotty McCreery and Dylan Scott will also make special appearances throughout the weekend.

CMA is also bringing back its Platform Stage, giving rising stars the chance to perform in between stadium sets in the center of the action. Thursday will showcase Max McNown and Tigirlily Gold, Friday will spotlight Sam Barber and Kameron Marlowe, Saturday will highlight Carter Faith and Tiera Kennedy, while Sunday will close out with Avery Anna, Kashus Culpepper and Tucker Wetmore. 

In addition to the new stadium performances, Annie Bosko will play at the Hard Rock Stage on Saturday, and the Dr Pepper Amp Stage will feature a set by the United States Marine Band on Sunday.

Jenna Paulette Launches Collaboration With Justin Boots

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Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker

Jenna Paulette has launched her new boot line in collaboration with Justin Boots. The Sunrise and Sunset Collection is available now.

“It’s a dream come true to create this line with Justin,” Paulette shares. “It’s a cowboy boot, with a spur lip and durable sole, made for work but pretty enough to wear out on the town. The Sunrise And Sunset boot – excited to see them live up to their name!”

Crafted with honey roughout leather in Justin’s El Paso, Texas factory, the boots come in 11” and 17” heights, and are built for durability, style and function. Each pair features a spur ledge, pull holes and a traditional leather outsole.

Sunrise and Sunset Boots

Paulette will continue on her headlining “Horseback Acoustic Tour” through the summer. The tour, which initially traversed her home region of Texas and Oklahoma, will make additional stops in Wisconsin and Illinois in June. At each tour stop, fans will have a chance to enter to win a gift card valid for the purchase of one CowboyGirl shirt and pair of Justin boots, courtesy of Justin Boots and Ely Cattleman.

Ryan Aviation Group Announces Board Of Directors

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Bill Silva (CEO, Bill Silva Entertainment), Brent Daughrity (CEO, Gallagher & Co); (L-R, bottom row): Josh Joseph (CEO, Big Plan Holdings / Founder, Edgehill Music Publishing), Dan Ryan (Owner, Ryan Aviation Group)

Ryan Aviation Group, a Nashville-based private luxury aviation travel company, has officially announced its board of directors. The board includes some of the entertainment industry’s most notable leaders including Bill Silva, CEO of Bill Silva Entertainment, Brent Daughrity, CEO of Gallagher & Co, Josh Joseph, CEO of Big Plan Holdings/Founder of Edgehill Music Publishing, and Dan Ryan, owner of Ryan Aviation Group. Together, the board will use their expertise in different fields to advise and guide infrastructure to foster expansion and growth.

“I am incredibly proud to introduce our first-ever board of directors — a group of exceptional humans whose ethos, expertise and character embody the very spirit of Ryan Aviation Group,” says Ryan. “Each member was handpicked with great care, not only for their experience but for the synergy and alignment they bring to our shared vision. I have the utmost respect for this board, and I’m confident that together, we will elevate our service to meet the evolving needs of clients across the globe. This is more than leadership — it’s a partnership that will guide our company into its next era with integrity, innovation and purpose.”

Founded in 2017 and recently relocating to Nashville, Ryan Aviation Group provides specialist private travel services to the music and film industries in addition to its broader roster of clients. Ryan Aviation Group prides itself on not exposing clients to any long-term upfront costs, restrictive contracts, usage limits or app booking fees and setting itself apart by focusing on the human experience.

Luke Combs & Maren Morris Among Lineup For Austin City Limits Music Festival

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Luke Combs and Maren Morris are among the packed slate of artists set to perform at the upcoming Austin City Limits Music Festival October 3-5 and October 10-13 at Zilker Park in Austin.

Other artists on the star-studded bill include Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, The Strokes, John Summit, Doechii, Feid, Cage the Elephant, T-Pain, Empire of the Sun, Djo, Pierce the Veil, Rilo Kiley, Mk.gee, Zeds Dead, Sammy Virji, Polo & Pan, Role Model, and many more.

Each year, ACL Fest also features a lineup of homegrown talent, and this year’s showcase of Texas natives features a diverse and dynamic mix, including Maren Morris, Dylan Gossett, Tanner Usrey, Asleep at the Wheel, INOHA, Johnny Stimson, SL Houser, Geto Gala, Farmer’s Wife, Alex Amen, Shallowater, Aaron Page, Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective, Disciples of Christ, and many more.

Bonus Tracks brings the biggest party to the smallest stage at Zilker Park as a hub of culture, connection, and good vibes comes alive between music sets with a diverse lineup of programming. Artist and thought leader interviews, podcast recordings, cooking demos, drag performances, and creative ways to move your body and recharge your mind are part of the lineup. Past highlights include Brené Brown in conversation with Dave Grohl and Brett Goldstein, intimate chats with Billie Eilish, Noah Cyrus, Medium Build, and The Beaches, high-energy dance parties with Bob’s Dance Shop, and the best of Austin Drag hosting bingo and unforgettable shows.

Tickets for the nine-stage, two weekend celebration of music and community are on sale now at aclfestival.com.

CMA Reveals 2025 CMA Foundation 2025 Music Teachers Of Excellence Class

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YouTube video

CMA has announced its 2025 class of CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence, honoring 30 outstanding educators nationwide who are using the power of music to transform lives.

Now in its ninth year, Music Teachers of Excellence recognizes music educators who demonstrate teaching excellence, create positive learning environments, and make a lasting impact in their communities. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award, split evenly between personal use and their classroom or program. Honorees are also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA’s broader network, including special access to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards.

“Music Teachers of Excellence is about shining a light on educators who are transforming the lives of their students every single day,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “These teachers are leaders, mentors, and changemakers, and they deserve to feel seen and uplifted by our music community. This program isn’t just a moment of recognition; it’s a way for our industry to stand behind them and say, ‘We’re with you.’”

The 2025 class will be honored at a red carpet gala on Sept. 10, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center that brings together teachers, artists, community leaders, and music industry professionals for an unforgettable celebration of impact, creativity, and connection.

To further elevate the event, CMA has assembled a Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee, comprised of leaders from across the country music industry who are lending their voices and resources to support the gala’s production and the honorees’ overall experience. Planning Committee members include: Sloane Cavitt Logue(WME), Sarah DeMarco (Amazon Music), Copeland Issacson (YouTube), Lucia Kaminsky (Sandbox Entertainment), Neil Lawi (WWE Music Group), Rakiyah Marshall England (Back Blocks Music), Gemma McInturff (Spotify), Morgan Mills (Command Shift), Jake Roggenbuck (MCA), Mark Thomas (Paramount), Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer), Halie Hampton Mosley (Why & How), and Hannah Wilson (MCA).

“As someone who has seen firsthand how music can transform lives, I’m honored to help champion these educators who are doing incredible work every day,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Planning Committee Chair. “This program is a powerful reminder that our industry’s future begins in classrooms across the country, and that we all have a role to play in supporting it.”

The 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence:

Midwest:
Justin Antos, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Jeremy Bartunek, Greenbrier School, Northbrook, IL
Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, IL
Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville, IN
Brandon Dittgen, Milford High School, Milford, OH
Hong Le, Ellsworth Hill Elementary School, Hudson, OH
Matthew Shephard, Meridian Early College High School, Sanford, MI
Eric Songer, Chaska Middle School West, Chaska, MN

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic:
Erin Althen, West Hill High School, Syracuse, NY
Theresa Iacarino, Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, Towson, MD

Southeast: 
Michael Antmann, Freedom High School, Orlando, FL
Nick Blue, Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Chuck Brown, Head Magnet Middle School, Nashville, TN
Neshawn Calloway, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga, TN
Reggie Coleman, Rocky Fork Middle School, Smyrna, TN
Jandrea Crum, Chimneyrock Elementary School, Cordova, TN
Garrett Doo, Smyrna High School, Smyrna, TN
Nicholas Efstathiou, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN
Marisa Frank, Explore! Community School, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas, Mill Creek Elementary School, Nolensville, TN
Jason Glashauser, South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton, TN
Carolyn Hankins, Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Elisabeth Lay, Downtown Elementary School, Memphis, TN
Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Dave Petrelli, Lockeland Design Center Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Allison Snyder, Hunters Lane High School, Nashville, TN

Southwest: 
Sara Duce, Greenfield Junior High School, Gilbert, AZ

West:
Megan Perdue, Sheldon High School, Eugene, OR
Ethan Chessin, Camas High School, Camas, WA
Haviland Gilbert, Lincoln Elementary School, Kennewick, WA

Morgan Wallen Announces One Night Only Show In London

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen will return to London for an exclusive one night only show at Camden’s Roundhouse on May 28 to celebrate the release of his album, I’m The Problem.

Tickets are available to fans who preorder I’m The Problem in any format from the Morgan Wallen UK store before 10 a.m. BST on May 13.

Set to be released on May 16, the 37-track album features collaborations with pop superstars Post Malone and Tate McRae, plus close friends Eric Church, Ernest and Hardy. The project sparked Wallen’s 2025 U.S. “I’m The Problem Tour.” Kicking off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Wallen’s 20-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington, Foxborough, Massachusetts, Toronto, Ontario and more.

“A lot of the concepts and things we said were a little more difficult with this album,” Wallen says of the writing and refining process. “We were trying to dig deep on things and trying to find new angles. And I feel like we did that. I feel like there’s a lot of stuff that I haven’t said in this record, which I’m really, really proud of.”