John Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato
John Morgan knows a thing or two about writing songs people can’t help but sing back. Before he ever stepped on stage as an artist, the North Carolina native had already built a reputation as a go-to songwriter on Music Row, penning cuts for Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch and an astounding 16 tracks for Jason Aldean—including the Grammy-nominated smash “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Now, with the release of his debut album Carolina Blue, Morgan proves he’s just as skilled at crafting hooks for himself.
Released today via Night Train Records/BBR Music Group, Carolina Blue feels less like a traditional first outing and more like a greatest hits collection in waiting. Every song on the 12-track set sounds like it could be a single, a testament to Morgan’s instinct for melody, phrasing and unforgettable hooks. From the anthemic “Friends Like That” (already a No. 1 at country radio) to the clever “How to Get Her” and the earworm “Crickets,” Morgan showcases a rare ability to make even complex emotions feel instantly accessible—and instantly singable.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Morgan shares of the project, some of which dates back four or five years. “When I went to pick songs, I thought, ‘I’m not going to cut anything that doesn’t sound like a single.’ I wanted it to be hard to pick which one’s going to be the single.”
The album’s title pays homage to Morgan’s roots in Sylva, North Carolina, and the hardworking spirit that shaped both his life and his sound. Songs like the poignant “Without ‘Em” paint vivid portraits of small-town life, honoring the unsung heroes—the pastors, farmers and factory workers—who keep the heartbeat of America steady. “I grew up around people who don’t get thanked enough,” Morgan says. “I just wanted to capture that.”
Morgan, who co-wrote every song and played guitar throughout the project, also co-produced Carolina Blue alongside Brent Anderson. Together, they built an album that blends tradition and modernity with ease. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ronnie Milsap and Keith Whitley, and modern influences like John Mayer, Morgan was intentional about giving each track its own sonic identity while maintaining a cohesive thread. Acoustic textures, steel guitars and big ‘80s-rock-influenced tones swirl together to create a sound that feels as fresh as it is familiar.
“I didn’t want it to sound like one big long song,” he explains. “I love albums that have scene changes, where every track feels fresh, but still ties together.”
Throughout the album, Morgan’s talent for marrying relatable storytelling with sharp, surprising hooks shines. Songs like “How to Get Her,” which twists a simple phrase into something clever and heartfelt, are standout examples. “It’s just clever enough,” he says. “The verses drive so hard back into the hook, and that’s a hard thing to pull off.”
Other songs, like “Kid Myself,” give a more vulnerable glimpse into Morgan’s personal life. Written with Tyler Hubbard, the track looks back on a past relationship with a bittersweet honesty. “I didn’t really know who I was back then,” Morgan shares. “Music was out of my life at the time, and it affected me more than I realized.”
Even the lighthearted tracks on Carolina Blue carry Morgan’s signature attention to craft. “Crickets,” written with Lydia Vaughan and Zach Abend, grew on him over time. “At first I wasn’t sure about it, but once we figured out how to make it playful, it just felt good,” he says. “It’s got that youthful thing about it.”
Long before his own artist career took flight, Morgan was a behind-the-scenes force on some of country music’s biggest songs. But now, with Carolina Blue, he’s stepping fully into the spotlight—and proving he’s just getting started.
After making his Stagecoach Festival debut this weekend, Morgan will bring the songs of Carolina Blue to life on the road, opening select dates for Kane Brown, Old Dominion and Riley Green.
“For me, it’s about connecting,” he says. “Whether it’s something upbeat or something that hits a little harder, I want people to hear these songs and feel like they’re part of it too.”
With a debut like Carolina Blue—packed with sharp hooks, honest stories and undeniable singalongs—John Morgan doesn’t just invite listeners in. He makes it impossible not to sing along.
Ole 60 Plots ‘U.S. Tour 2025’
/by Lauryn SinkOle 60. Photo: John Park
Ole 60 has added 35 headline dates to its 2025 tour schedule. Hailing from Hancock County, Kentucky, the band is set to perform at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s and more. In addition to its headline tour, Ole 60 is slated for performances at notable festivals like Lollapalooza, Born & Raised Fest, Calf Fry, Sand In My Boots, Harley-Davidson Homecoming, Country Concert and BST Hyde Park opening for Zach Bryan this year.
The band is currently on its spring “Outta My Way Tour,” which has already sold over 31,000 tickets.
Ole 60 2025 Tour Dates:
5/1: Stillwater, OK – Calf Fry 2025
5/2: Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater^
5/7: Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore+
5/8: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom+
5/9: Jordan, NY – Kegs Canalside+
5/10: Mckees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre+
5/16: Gulf Shores, AL – Sand In My Boots
5/17: Meridian, MS – Jimmie Rodgers Festival
5/30: West York, PA – Rock The Country
6/1: Lexington, KY – Railbird Music Festival
6/6: Clinton, IA – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
6/12: Bloomington, IL – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
6/13: Beaver Dam, KY – Beaver Dam Amphitheatre+
6/14: Pineville, KY – Laurel Cove Music Festival
6/18: Filer, ID – Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest
6/20: Cullman, AL – Rock The South
6/21: Lewisburg, WV – State Fair of West Virginia
6/28: London, U.K. – BST Hyde Park*
6/29: London, U.K. – BST Hyde Park*
7/9: Ft. Laramie, OH – Country Concert
7/10: Kansas City, MO – KC Live!+
7/11: Milwaukee, WI – Harley-Davidson Homecoming
7/12: Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom+
7/17: Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo+
7/18: Redmond, OR – Farewell Music Fest
7/19: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory+
7/24: Three Forks, MT – Headwaters Jam
7/25: Boise, ID – Knitting Factory+
7/26: Yerington, NV – Night in the Country
8/2: Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
8/7: Sikeston, MO – Sikeston Booth Rodeo
8/8: Council Groves, KS – Washunga Days
8/9: St. Louis, MO – The Factory+
8/22: Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall+
8/28: Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy+
8/29: Statesboro, GA – Blue Room (Outdoors)+
9/4: Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork+
9/5: Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall+
9/6: Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron+
9/11: Pryor, OK – Born & Raised Festival
9/13: Fishers, IN – Nickel Plate Amphitheater+
9/18: Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues+
9/19: Anderson, SC – Wendells+
9/20: Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall+
9/26: Columbus, OH – The Bluestone+
9/27: Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Theater+
9/29: Nashville, TN – The Ryman+
10/10: Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s+
10/16: Wichita, KS – The Cotillion+
10/17: Broken Bow, OK – Hochatown Saloon+
10/24: Helotes, TX – Floore’s County Store+
11/21: St. Petersburg, FL – St. Pete Festival
* supporting Zach Bryan
^ supporting Gavin Adcock
+ U.S. Tour 2025 headline date
John Morgan Crafts A Debut Full Of Hits With ‘Carolina Blue’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellJohn Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato
John Morgan knows a thing or two about writing songs people can’t help but sing back. Before he ever stepped on stage as an artist, the North Carolina native had already built a reputation as a go-to songwriter on Music Row, penning cuts for Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch and an astounding 16 tracks for Jason Aldean—including the Grammy-nominated smash “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Now, with the release of his debut album Carolina Blue, Morgan proves he’s just as skilled at crafting hooks for himself.
Released today via Night Train Records/BBR Music Group, Carolina Blue feels less like a traditional first outing and more like a greatest hits collection in waiting. Every song on the 12-track set sounds like it could be a single, a testament to Morgan’s instinct for melody, phrasing and unforgettable hooks. From the anthemic “Friends Like That” (already a No. 1 at country radio) to the clever “How to Get Her” and the earworm “Crickets,” Morgan showcases a rare ability to make even complex emotions feel instantly accessible—and instantly singable.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Morgan shares of the project, some of which dates back four or five years. “When I went to pick songs, I thought, ‘I’m not going to cut anything that doesn’t sound like a single.’ I wanted it to be hard to pick which one’s going to be the single.”
The album’s title pays homage to Morgan’s roots in Sylva, North Carolina, and the hardworking spirit that shaped both his life and his sound. Songs like the poignant “Without ‘Em” paint vivid portraits of small-town life, honoring the unsung heroes—the pastors, farmers and factory workers—who keep the heartbeat of America steady. “I grew up around people who don’t get thanked enough,” Morgan says. “I just wanted to capture that.”
Morgan, who co-wrote every song and played guitar throughout the project, also co-produced Carolina Blue alongside Brent Anderson. Together, they built an album that blends tradition and modernity with ease. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ronnie Milsap and Keith Whitley, and modern influences like John Mayer, Morgan was intentional about giving each track its own sonic identity while maintaining a cohesive thread. Acoustic textures, steel guitars and big ‘80s-rock-influenced tones swirl together to create a sound that feels as fresh as it is familiar.
“I didn’t want it to sound like one big long song,” he explains. “I love albums that have scene changes, where every track feels fresh, but still ties together.”
Throughout the album, Morgan’s talent for marrying relatable storytelling with sharp, surprising hooks shines. Songs like “How to Get Her,” which twists a simple phrase into something clever and heartfelt, are standout examples. “It’s just clever enough,” he says. “The verses drive so hard back into the hook, and that’s a hard thing to pull off.”
Other songs, like “Kid Myself,” give a more vulnerable glimpse into Morgan’s personal life. Written with Tyler Hubbard, the track looks back on a past relationship with a bittersweet honesty. “I didn’t really know who I was back then,” Morgan shares. “Music was out of my life at the time, and it affected me more than I realized.”
Even the lighthearted tracks on Carolina Blue carry Morgan’s signature attention to craft. “Crickets,” written with Lydia Vaughan and Zach Abend, grew on him over time. “At first I wasn’t sure about it, but once we figured out how to make it playful, it just felt good,” he says. “It’s got that youthful thing about it.”
Long before his own artist career took flight, Morgan was a behind-the-scenes force on some of country music’s biggest songs. But now, with Carolina Blue, he’s stepping fully into the spotlight—and proving he’s just getting started.
After making his Stagecoach Festival debut this weekend, Morgan will bring the songs of Carolina Blue to life on the road, opening select dates for Kane Brown, Old Dominion and Riley Green.
“For me, it’s about connecting,” he says. “Whether it’s something upbeat or something that hits a little harder, I want people to hear these songs and feel like they’re part of it too.”
With a debut like Carolina Blue—packed with sharp hooks, honest stories and undeniable singalongs—John Morgan doesn’t just invite listeners in. He makes it impossible not to sing along.
Dustin Lynch And Scotty McCreery Announce Co-Headlining ‘Two For The Road Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkDustin Lynch & Scotty McCreery. Photo: The Dwyers
Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery are set to hit the road this fall on the “Two For The Road Tour.” With support from Walker Montgomery and Sons of Habit, the 12-date co-headlining tour will kick off Nov. 6 in Michigan and includes stops in Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky and more.
Tickets are available via an exclusive fan presale beginning Wednesday (April 30) at 10 a.m. local time. The tour’s public on-sale begins Friday (May 2) at 10 a.m. local time. To purchase tickets, visit Lynch and McCreery’s websites.
Lynch recently made his headline debut at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. The multi-platinum “Cowboys and Angels” singer is currently in the midst of his Wynn Nightlife Las Vegas Residency.
McCreery kicked off the year supporting Kane Brown on “The High Road Tour” before making an appearance at Stagecoach this weekend. He is set to release Seasons Change: Platinum Edition on June 20.
“Two For The Road Tour” Dates:
November 6 – Saginaw, MI – Dow Event Center*
November 7 – Bloomington, IL – Grossinger Motors Arena*
November 8 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center*
November 13 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena*
November 14 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena*
November 15 – Canton, OH – Canton Memorial Civic Center*
November 20 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Coliseum+
November 21 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena+
November 22 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena+
December 4 – Ralston, NE – Liberty First Credit Union Arena+
December 5 – Fargo, ND – SCHEELS Arena+
December 6 – Duluth, MN – AMSOIL Arena+
* Walker Montgomery
+ Sons of Habit
Old Dominion Performs Surprise Pop-Up Show At Odie’s Opening Night
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion performs at Odie’s. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion surprised fans with a special pop-up show at the opening night of their new club Odie’s in Nashville over the weekend.
Filled with neon declaring “No Bad Vibes” and “Cold Beer Stiff Drinks,” as well as a 12-seat pontoon boat bar, there’s a carefree lightness to Odie’s. Old Dominion jumped onstage just after 8 p.m. Saturday (Apr. 26), and the mood was already festive. Along with playing the brand new “Me Most Nights” from their upcoming album, Old Dominion took requests from the 300-plus crowd. They played for 90 minutes for the fans, which included people from as far away as Scotland. Celebrating hits including “I Was On A Boat That Day,” “Hotel Key” and more, Odie’s is set for songwriters and people who like being around creatives, dreamers and friends they haven’t met yet.
“When we started hanging at places like the Blue Bar where we played for no one, and decided on our name, Losers and rebar, too, these weren’t hotspots,” lead singer/guitarist Matthew Ramsey says. “These were places for songwriters to knock off after a day of maybe not getting a song, to sit with your publisher celebrating a cut. These were working class bars, and the people who were working up and down Music Row were creating songs they hoped would say something or create a feeling that an artist was looking for.
“A lot of heavy conversations went down in these places, even if it’s just frustration over a song that’s not quite working,” continues Ramsey. “But a lot of us fell in love with writing, and the community of people chasing this dream in these rooms, too. So when someone approached us about doing a bar, before we said no, we asked if we could do something a little bit different.”
Riley Green Extends ‘Damn Country Music Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkRiley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan
Following his sold-out headline run in Canada, Riley Green has added eight dates to his “Damn Country Music Tour.” The U.S. leg of the tour is set to kick off on May 1 in Athens, Georgia.
The recently announced dates will feature special guests Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Hannah McFarland. Tickets and VIP packages will go on sale to the public Friday (May 2) at 10 a.m. local time. VIP packages vary but include premium tickets, meet & greet and photo opportunities with Riley Green, exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, an autographed tour poster and more. A full list of tour dates and ticket information is available here.
Green recently received five ACM nominations for his duet with Ella Langley on “You Look Like You Love Me,” as well as RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications for “Worst Way,” “Jesus Saves” and “Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley).”
Newly-Announced Dates:
November 6th, 2025 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
November 7th, 2025 – St Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
November 8th, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
November 13th, 2025 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
November 14th, 2025 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center^
November 15th, 2025 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
November 20th, 2025 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
November 21st, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
^ without Jamey Johnson
Shaboozey Slates ‘The Great American Roadshow Tour’ For Fall
/by Lauryn SinkShaboozey. Photo: Allan Pimenta
Shaboozey is set to hit the road on “The Great American Roadshow Tour” this September.
The tour, supported by Coors Light & Jack Daniels, kicks off Sept. 22 in Indianapolis and makes stops in Nashville, Fort Worth and more before wrapping in Orlando on Oct. 16. Artist presale tickets are available tomorrow (April 29) before general on-sale begins Friday (May 2).
The multi-Platinum artist recently wrapped his “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” headline tour, which sold out across all markets. Last week, Shaboozey released his extended album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition via Empire, which features collaborations with Jelly Roll, Myles Smith and Sierra Ferrell.
“The Great American Roadshow Tour” Dates:
9/22/2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
9/23/2025 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
9/25/2025 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
9/27/2025 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
9/29/2025 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle*
10/1/2025 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
10/2/2025 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
10/5/2025 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
10/9/2025 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas*
10/12/2025 – St Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
10/14/2025 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – War Memorial Auditorium
10/16/2025 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando
*Not A Live Nation Show
RaeLynn Returns To The Valory Music Co.
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Scott Borchetta (Chairman & CEO, Big Machine Label Group), RaeLynn and George Briner (President, The Valory Music Co.). (L-R, back row): George Kreis (President, Jonas Group Entertainment), Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman, Jonas Group Entertainment), Leslie T. DiPiero (President, Jonas Group Publishing) and Ashley Sidoti (Senior Vice President/Promotion & Digital, The Valory Music Co.). Photo: Eden Gerlock for The Valory Music Co.
RaeLynn has signed with The Valory Music Co., marking a full-circle return to where she kickstarted her career. Her first release for the label, “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk,” is set for release May 9 via The Valory Music Co. in partnership with Red Van Records/Jonas Group Entertainment.
RaeLynn’s early hits like “Boyfriend” and the Platinum “God Made Girls” have recently gone viral on TikTok and Reels, sparking growth and engagement across her social media platforms and sparking a new chapter.
“I’ve been intrigued by RaeLynn since the very first time I saw her on The Voice,” says BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “It’s now come full circle as her energy is infectious, her determination unwavering, and she’s brought us the absolute best music of her career. Welcome home, Rae!”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back home to Big Machine Label Group,” adds RaeLynn. “Having both Scott Borchetta and Kevin Jonas Sr. covering all corners of my career is a dream come true! Kicking things off with ‘Heaven Is A Honky Tonk’ makes it even sweeter; it’s bold, it’s country, and it’s 100% me. I am more inspired and grateful than ever because of this new music and team!”
RaeLynn’s new single “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk” is a blend of Southern grit and divine rebellion penned by RaeLynn, Lauren Hungate and Caroline Watkins, and paints a picture of paradise with neon lights, pedal steel guitars and sawdust-covered dance floors. She teamed with Aaron Gillespie to co-produce the tune, her first time behind the boards, and her first release with the producer known for his career as the drummer of Metal band Underoath.
Fans will hear new music from RaeLynn all summer when she hits the road on Jason Aldean’s “Full Throttle Tour 2025,” which kicks off May 23 and visits Boston, Nashville, Houston and more.
Ty Myers Moves Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTy Myers. Photo: Emily Vinson
Ty Myers has jumped into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Both solo-penned “Ends Of The Earth” and “Thought It Was Love” push the singer-songwriter to No. 13 this week.
Riley Green stays at No. 1 this week with his solo-written “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 with “Favorite Country Song,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park” and “She Hates Me.”
Ben Johnson (No. 3), Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (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.
Evan Bartels Inks With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): WME’s Chris Hrovat, Intelligent Noise’s Rico Csabai, Evan Bartels and WME’s Jay Williams.
Singer-songwriter Evan Bartels has signed with WME for global representation across all areas.
Bartels recently signed with Lost Highway Records and will release his debut EP for the label To Make You Cry on May 23. Raised in the small town of Tobias, Nebraska, Bartels creates a cinematic experience with just his voice and an acoustic guitar on To Make You Cry. Recorded in his self-built cabin just outside Nashville, the six-song collection shines a light on overlooked lives while delving into the sacrifices and spiritual undertones that define the journey of a working musician.
Bartels recently wrapped a successful run at C2C Festival in Berlin and Germany. He returns overseas with upcoming tour dates in the UK and Ireland, along with recently announced U.S. tour dates beginning in May.
“Evan Bartels is a powerhouse of authenticity and grit—his voice carries the weight of lived experience, and his songwriting strikes a chord that’s both raw and timeless,” says WME’s Chris Hrovat. “We’re beyond excited to welcome Evan to WME and look forward to helping him reach new audiences and stages around the world.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the WME roster,” says Bartels. “Chris Hrovat and Jay Williams are two of the hardest-working visionaries in the business and it’s an honor to work with them.”
Downtown Music Hosts Nashville Songwriter Camp
/by LB CantrellNashville Songwriter Camp participants. Photo: Brooke Stevens
Songtrust, Downtown Music Publishing and Downtown Artist & Label Services recently teamed up to host the Nashville Songwriter Camp at East Iris Studios.
The three-day immersive experience brought together a curated group of Nashville songwriters to foster collaboration, spark creativity and produce new compositions. The initiative is part of Downtown Music’s broader mission to support independent creators by uniting artists in dynamic environments and encouraging innovative work.
Writers participating in this year’s camp included Songtrust’s Stephen Day, Eva Snyder, Nic D, Watson Maack and Matt Wertz; Downtown Music Publishing’s Jacob Bryant, John Davidson, Cameron Montgomery, MADGE, Eli Ostheimer and Jill Andrews; and Downtown Artist & Label Services’ Brye, Avi Kaplan, Dylan Brady and Cate Canning, along with Olivia Rudeen, Henry Brill and Josie Dunne.
“The Nashville Songwriter Camp represents our larger commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and encouraging artists to push their creative boundaries,” shares Emily Stephenson, Downtown Music Publishing President. “By bringing together such a diverse and talented group of songwriters, we’re fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration can truly flourish.”
For more information about the camp and updates on the music created during the sessions, contact Chantelle St. Clair at cstclair@songtrust.com.