Luke Combs & American Greetings Join Forces For New Father’s Day Card Collection

Luke Combs and American Greetings have joined forces to develop a Creatacard collection of six Father’s Day greetings that will feature the country star’s new music.

To customize the cards, senders can include a preview of one of five tracks on Comb’s forthcoming Fathers & Sons album, including “Huntin’ By Yourself,” “Plant A Seed,” “Remember Him That Way,” “The Man He Sees In Me” and “Whoever You Turn Out To Be.”  The virtual greetings can also be personalized with photos as well as a video, personalized message, liner, stamp and gift card.

“Luke’s lyrics are genuine and emotional, and so many people can relate to the stories he tells through his music,” says Rob Matousek, Executive Director, Direct To Consumer Business, American Greetings. “Luke’s songs in our new Father’s Day greetings help elevate the meaning experienced by those who receive them, and we have no doubt these cards will leave a lasting impression.”

Combs’ Father’s Day cards join the lineup of collections curated by fellow country hitmakers like Dolly Parton, who has a variety of Creatacards with American Greetings, and Lainey Wilson, who recently debuted her series with the brand. For more information, click here.

Stagecoach 2025 Advance Passes On Sale This Friday

Iconic country music festival Stagecoach has revealed advance passes for its 2025 festival will be available beginning this Friday (June 14). The festival will take place April 25-27 in Indio, California.

Produced by Goldenvoice, the weekend will mark Stagecoach’s 17th year. The 2025 lineup will be announced in the coming months. 2024’s festival saw performances from Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Wyatt Flores, Carin León, Nickelback, Leon Bridges, Wiz Khalifa and more.

Advance passes will be available beginning at 1 p.m. CST on June 14. These passes will be the lowest price point offered.

Russell Dickerson Recognized With 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates

Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Russell Dickerson and BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Erika Goldring

Russell Dickerson was recognized with 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates during his “Good Day Cafe” event with Raising Canes on Thursday (June 6) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The new certifications follow the multi-Platinum artist’s previous chart success with “God Gave Me A Girl” (one million airplays), “Home Sweet” (one million airplays), “Every Little Thing” (two million airplays), “Love You Like I Use To” (three million airplays) and “Blue Tacoma” (three million airplays).

Inspired by his latest single, “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” the event featured exclusive merchandise, a meet-and-greet opportunity and a food truck. Dickerson wrote the new tune with Jesse Frasure, Justin Tranter and Eren Cannata as an ode to his positive outlook on life and to spread the message that every day is worth celebrating.

This summer, he plans to visit the United Kingdom and Europe on his “Good Day To Have A Great Tour” in addition to traveling across the country as a special guest on Sam Hunt’s “Locked Up Tour.”

Industry Ink: Eddie Montgomery, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, More

Eddie Montgomery Presented With Gold & Platinum Certifications

Pictured (L-R): Eddie Montgomery, Erin D. D. Burr, Angie Gentry, Bryan Frasher, Jackie Jones & Fletcher Lyon. Photo: TenSight Media

Last week, the Recording Industry Association of America surprised Eddie Montgomery with plaques in honor of his Platinum “Something To Be Proud Of,” and Gold “Hell Yeah” and “My Town.” The awards were presented by RIAA’s Erin D. D. Burr and Jackie Jones along with Gentry’s wife Angie and Red Light Management’s Bryan Frasher and Fletcher Lyon.

The honor took place during a special event at 3rd & Lindsley, “Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery: Celebrating 25 Years,” with special guests Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Allie Colleen and Ira Dean.

 

Cody Johnson Headlines Gulf Coast Jam

Pictured (L-R): Kylen Sharpe, Rendy Lovelady, Cody Johnson, Mark Sheldon and Chris Burrus. Photo: Elizabeth Cox

Cody Johnson headlined the third night of the sold-out Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam last Saturday.

 

Riley Green Donates To Folds Of Honor

Pictured (L-R, back row): Brad Kaman, Riley Green, Taylor Lewan, Summer Rae, Ashley Cooke, Chris Kirkpatrick, John Crist, Brenna Honey and Dan Chappell “Lunchbox;” (L-R, front row): Will Compton, Breland, Conner Smith and Chris Lane

Riley Green led Team First Responders to victory as captain in Folds of Honor Tennessee’s Jock N Rock Celebrity Softball Game. Celebrating his team’s victory, Green surprised everyone with a $50,000 donation to Folds of Honor from his Buford Bonds Charitable Fund.

Folds of Honor provides life-changing scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military members and First Responders.

 

SiriusXM’s The Highway Names Ryan And Rory Next ‘Highway Find’

Pictured (L-R): Rory John Zak, Buzz Brainard and Ryan Follesé

New country music duo Ryan and Rory have been named the latest “Highway Find” by SiriusXM’s The Highway. The show’s host, Buzz Brainard, surprised the duo during their appearance at the SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour.

Ryan Follesé, a Nashville native and double-Platinum No. 1 hit singer-songwriter, along with Rory John Zak, a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Raleigh, North Carolina, join the ranks of notable “Highway Finds” such as Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett and Parker McCollum.

 

Connor Hicks Signs With Marathon Talent

Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, Connor Hicks, Craig Campbell and Dennis Lord

Singer-songwriter Connor Hicks has signed an exclusive management agreement with Marathon Talent.

“I’ve gotten to Connor over the past couple of years, and his talent, attitude, and drive showed us everything we needed to see to jump on board,” says Marathon’s Craig Campbell. “His performance at Gulf Coast Jam last weekend solidified everything for us.”

Originally from Louisville, Hicks began his journey at Western Kentucky University, where he started performing and writing songs. After moving to Nashville in 2021, he quickly became a part of the city’s songwriting community, collaborating with some of Nashville’s best songwriters and performing across Middle Tennessee.

Zach Bryan Heads Back To No. 1 Spot On Top Songwriter Chart

Zach Bryan. Photo: Andrew Maclean

Zach Bryan has returned to top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Pink Skies,” “I Remember Everything,” “Nine Ball” and “The Good I’ll Do” all pushed the singer-songwriter to the top.

Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “I Had Some Help,” “Cowgirls,” “Bulletproof,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights” and “Hell Or High Water.” As the sole writer of “Dirt Cheap,” Josh Phillips takes the No. 3 spot.

Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Chris Stapleton (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.

CMA Fest 2024 Concludes With Slew Of Daytime Performances

Kameron Marlowe performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

CMA Fest 2024 came to a close yesterday (June 9), but not before a multitude of daytime performances.

Opening up the Chevy Riverfront Stage was Anne Wilson, followed by performances from Avery Anna, Adam Doleac, Kameron Marlowe, Tanner Adell, Tyler Farr, Wyatt Flores, LoCash and Dillon Carmichael. Megan Moroney closed the stage down to a full-capacity crowd before heading over to Nissan Stadium.

Avery Anna performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Over at the Chevy Vibes Stage, fans were able to catch performances from BoomTown Saints, Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top and more. Lighting up the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage was Alli Walker, Dalton Dover, Lauren Watkins and others.

Sets that kept the vibes going at the Good Molecules Reverb stage included Madeline Merlo, Payton Smith, Redferrin and more. The Hard Rock Stage featured Ashland Craft, Grace Tyler, Flat River Band and others.

Inside Music City Center, fans were bustling with all the activities going on. Lainey Wilson was the artist of the day on the CMA Close Up Stage. Carly Pearce, Mickey Guyton, Nate Smith, Willie Jones, Denitia, Jett Holden, Carmen Dianne and Aaron Vance also spent some time on the Close Up Stage. Over on the Spotlight Stage, attendees enjoyed performances from Adam Mac, Kayley Green, Sasha McVeigh and more.

Lainey Wilson on the CMA Close Up Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Taking the party over to Margaritaville, SiriusXM The Highway hosted performances from Shaboozey, Mackenzie Carpenter, Josh Ross and others.

Wrapping up their four-day Skydeck takeover, UMG Nashville held performances from several of their artists including Travis Denning, Mark Willis, Terri Clark and more.

CMA Fest 2025 will take place June 5-8, 2025.

Dalton Dover performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 09: Mackenzie Carpenter performs onstage during Day 4 of SiriusXM’s The Music Row Happy Hour Live on The Highway at Margaritaville on June 09, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Pictured (L-R): Anna Pittman (VP Artist Development, WMN), Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WMN), Ben Kline (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Redferrin, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Will Dzombak (Taylor Gang Ent.), Rohan Kohli (VP A&R, WMN). Photo: Courtesy of WMN

Payton Smith performs at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Zach Top performs at the Chevy Vibes Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Carmen Dianne on the CMA Close Up Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Terri Clark performs at the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck. Photo: Chris Hollo

Kelsea Ballerini Debuts New Limited Edition Coffee Flavor With The Original Donut Shop

The Original Donut Shop Coffee and Kelsea Ballerini host brunch to celebrate new Ballerini Blend. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for The Original Donut Shop Coffee

Just in time for National Donut Day on Friday (June 7), Kelsea Ballerini and The Original Donut Shop Coffee developed and debuted a co-branded new limited edition flavor, the Ballerini Blend.

The Ballerini Blend was made just for fans and is a limited-edition medium roast swirling with a buttery, creamy vanilla flavor. Fans got first access to the new brew at a special brunch event in Nashville during CMA Fest on Friday where they enjoyed a live performance from the singer.

“Coffee is such a constant in my life, so it is really special to release this blend with The Original Donut Shop,” says Ballerini. “The Ballerini Blend is my crave-able comfort, my morning must-have, and a mug full of vanilla-flavored goodness. It’s my taste of home when I’m on the road and my absolute favorite way to treat myself. And now, it’s yours to enjoy too!”

“This National Donut Day, we worked to bring forth a playful blend that channeled Ballerini’s flavorful passion points,” says Becky Opdyke, Senior Vice President, Coffee Marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper. “We’re thrilled to take this partnership one step further with the release of the exclusive Ballerini Blend and are looking forward to continuing to treat the taste buds of our consumers!”

The Ballerini Blend is available for purchase exclusively on Keurig.com, while supplies last. For every purchase of the Ballerini Blend, at-home coffee drinkers will also get 50% off any additional box of The Original Donut Shop® K-cup pods only on the website. The coffee collaboration is the latest in a series of collaborations between Ballerini and the brand, which recently launched its “Brew Some Ooh” campaign starring Ballerini.

Toby Keith’s ’35 Biggest Hits’ Passes 150 Weeks On Billboard’s Top 200

Toby Keith‘s 35 Biggest Hits collection has set a new milestone for longevity on Billboard‘s all-genre Top 200, now at 151 weeks and counting.

The release is also one of three Keith albums to hit triple digits on the Top 200, which also include his Greatest Hits 2 at 106 weeks, and Unleashed, which spent 104 weeks on the chart – exactly two years.

The late icon is not only still setting records with his music, but is also being tributted by his fellow artists. Most recently, the former Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year was remembered with a stirring performance of his “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” by Jason Aldean at last month’s 59th ACM Awards. Last month, Keith was posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.

A Stagecoach Festival performance of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” by Jelly Roll and T-Pain has also been released for purchase via Amazon Music, with proceeds benefiting the Toby Keith Foundation which funds OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses.

BREAKING: Jon Loba Further Expands Role At BMG

Pictured (L-R, front row): JoJamie Hahr, Jon Loba, Dan Gill and Tim Reid; (L-R, back row): Cyndi Lynott, Shane Cosme, Sean Heydorn, Jecoure Lamothe and Zarah Ortiz. Photo: Sonny Alvarez

Less than six months after being promoted to President of Frontline Recordings for North America, BMG has upped Jon Loba again to President of Frontline Recordings for The Americas. The Nashville-based industry veteran will lead a team of executives across the United States, including Los Angeles, Miami and Nashville, as well as Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

The news comes as part of BMG’s efforts to refresh the organizational structure. The label group will be responsible for overseeing new music releases across a wide range of genres including pop, rock, R&B/hip-hop, country and Latin.

JoJamie Hahr, Executive Vice President of Recorded Music at BMG Nashville, will oversee all day-to-day management of Nashville powerhouse BBR Music Group and its imprints. She joined BMG in 2017 following the acquisition of BBR Music Group and will continue to report to Loba.

Based in Los Angeles, Dan Gill, Executive Vice President of Recorded Music West Coast, will oversee BMG’s recorded music genre leads for pop, rock, R&B/hip-hop and international outbound repertoire. He reports directly to Loba.

Based in Los Angeles, Cyndi Lynott, Senior Vice President of Marketing, will lead BMG’s recorded frontline pop strategy with a roster of artists. Los Angeles-based Sean Heydorn, Senior Vice President of Rise Records, will now lead recorded frontline rock, including pioneering metal and hard rock label Rise Records. Based in Nashville, Tim Reid, Senior Vice President of Repertoire & Marketing, is responsible for leading the development and focus of R&B/hip-hop, and oversees L.A.-based hip-hop/rap label RBC Records. Los Angeles-based Shane Cosme, Senior Vice President of International Marketing, will serve as the point person responsible for all marketing efforts of outbound global releases from the US-based repertoire to BMG’s international territories. All directly report to Gill.

Jecoure Lamothe, Vice President of A&R and Marketing, oversees the day-to-day operations for hip-hop/rap label RBC Records. Based in Los Angeles, he reports to Reid.

Based in Miami, Zarah Ortiz, Vice President of Repertoire & Campaign Management, will now oversee the developing LATAM repertoire strategy in Mexico and Brazil. In Canada, Bryan Columbus now joins BMG as its newly appointed VP, Recorded Music tasked with leading the company’s frontline recording efforts from its office in Toronto. Both report to Loba.

CMA Fest Night 4: Hardy, Megan Moroney & More Close Out CMA Fest 2024

Hardy performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Eager fans flocked to Nissan Stadium on Sunday night (June 9) for the fourth and final night of CMA Fest 2024. The sun sat perfectly behind the stage as the finale night of music was kicking off.

First up was Josh Turner, who graced stage in a simple black button up and jeans. With guitar in hand, Turner got the party started with “Firecracker,” immediately engaging the crowd. “I hope everyone’s been having a good time at CMA Fest this week,” Turner exclaimed before singing “Heatin’ Things Up” off his upcoming record. The track got the crowd clapping along, and he kept the enthusiasm going with smash hit “Your Man.” To end the set, eerie train noises rang through the stadium, and everyone rose to their feet for “Long Black Train.”

Josh Turner performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. HARDY performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

With the sun fully set, it was time for the next performer, Megan Moroney. Strutting onto the stage in a dark blue dress and white cowgirl boots, Moroney kicked off her set with “Lucky” before grabbing her bedazzled guitar for her current radio single “I’m Not Pretty.” With the crowd buzzing, she played her newly released “Man On The Moon,” which will be on her forthcoming new album Am I Okay? 

“CMA Fest is a really special time of year for me,” Moroney shared. “Two years ago, I was playing the small shows for less than a hundred people. I had my brother come up [from Georgia] and play guitar for me because I didn’t have a band. Last year, we got invited to play on the platform stage [at Nissan Stadium].”

To signify the full circle moment of getting to play on the main stage, Moroney brought out her brother to play guitar on “No Caller ID.” She then grabbed her electric guitar for “Indifferent,” before wrapping her set with breakout hit “Tennessee Orange.”

Megan Moroney performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. HARDY performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

In between then main stage set change, fans turned their attention to the platform stage where newcomer Zach Top had the crowd singing along to “Sounds Like The Radio” and his country ballad “Use Me.”

As blue lights grazed the main stage, Brothers Osborne emerged playing “Break Mine,” immediately capturing the crowd. The duo then performed their version of “I Won’t Back Down” from the upcoming Tom Petty tribute album. With their sensational guitar playing and vocal abilities, the brothers had every single person in the stadium up on their feet by the time they played “I’m Not For Everyone.”

Keeping the energy on 10, the brothers went into their hit “Stay A Little Longer,” and ran down the stairs to bring the performance closer to the fans. After confirming that the crowd was still hyped, they got everyone clapping on “It Ain’t My Fault” before closing their set with a cover of Don Williams’ “Tulsa Time.”

Brothers Osborne performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. HARDY performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Back on the platform stage Wyatt Flores captivated the crowd as he played “Please Don’t Go” and “Holes.” Overcome with emotion, the singer made sure to soak the moment in.

With no signs of slowing down, the show continued when Carly Pearce graced the main stage. She started her set with “Rock Paper Scissors” off her newly released album Hummingbird. With her signature country sound taking over the venue, Pearce then gave some advice through “Next Girl.” She then slowed it down for one of her own personal favorites, “What He Didn’t Do,” where she also sang face to face with a few audience members near the stage.

Notching the party back up, Pearce shared another track from her new album, “Truck On Fire,” which had the audience dancing along. The singer then showed off her powerful vocals with her current radio single “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”

Before closing her set, Pearce shared, “I moved [to Nashville] 15 years ago this year. Growing up, I only thought about country music. The only thing I did was dream and pray that I would be up here one day.” She left the audience with her hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

Carly Pearce performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. HARDY performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Just a few minutes later, Jackson Dean appeared in the middle of the stadium sporting his signature look and treated the crowd to a special, intimate performance of “Fearless.”

The anticipation in Nissan Stadium was buzzing for the next performer. As they announced his name, the crowd roared as Bailey Zimmerman appeared on stage. In his white t-shirt that said “lover,” Zimmerman opened his electrifying set with “Religiously.” He then grabbed his guitar to play his favorite song “Fix’n To Break,” before going into his newest radio single “Holy Smokes.”

With the crowd the palm of his hand, Zimmerman stood on the edge of the stage and encouraged everyone to get loud for his two-week No. 1 single, “Where It Ends.” As the singer stood in the center of the stage and took in the crowd, he started to get emotional.

Bailey Zimmerman performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. HARDY performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

“In 2020, I was building gas lines,” Zimmerman recalled. “I had never sang, never picked up a guitar and didn’t know how to write songs. When I moved to town, CMA Fest was the thing everyone talked about—it’s a dream to be playing here right now. I am proof that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything can happen.” He then wrapped his set with his big hit “Rock And A Hard Place,” complete with a dazzling cell phone light display from the audience.

As the last performance of CMA Fest 2024 was on the horizon, the country music crowd was ready. Before he even hit the stage, the crowd was chanting “Hardy!” over and over. The star ran onto the stage with his custom Crow hockey jersey underneath the dark blue lights, and opened his set with “Rockstar” and “Jack,” immediately sending the energy in the stadium into a frenzy. Hardy then went into “Psycho” off his upcoming album Quit!! During the song, he sat on the steps leading down to the pit, creating a special moment for the crowd.

Hardy and Big & Rich perform at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. HARDY performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

In front of the stage, Hardy grabbed his guitar and slowed the night down with “Six Feet Under,” a song he wrote for his wife Caleigh. As the single spotlight shined down, the crowd was charmed by his vocals and vulnerable lyrics. Keeping the night going, he brought out Big & Rich to celebrate the 20th year of “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy).”

The collaboration had the audience roaring, eagerly awaiting what was next. In another surprise, Lauren Alaina joined Hardy on stage and the two sang his first country radio No. 1, “One Beer.” As the stadium quieted, the slow opening music for “Wait In The Truck” began, instantly exciting everyone in the room. Hardy started singing the award-winning hit and then was joined on stage by Pearce for Lainey Wilson’s part. For the “last song of CMA Fest,” Hardy polished off the night with another smash hit “Truck Bed.”

CMA Fest 2025 is scheduled for June 5-8, 2025.