Mike Harris, Dave Cobb
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the evolution of its Nashville operations under a new identity: Music Corporation of America (MCA).
Under the leadership of President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the revitalization of the Music Corporation of America brand seeks to recognize the Nashville creative community as a cornerstone of global music innovation. The company’s roster includes Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Tyler Hubbard and Vince Gill.
As parent company UMG continues to lead the industry with a historic 39.4% in overall country marketshare, the newly launched Music Corporation of America takes center stage as the No. 1 overall label group with 16.2%, according to Luminate.
The Music Corporation of America’s portfolio will continue to operate and support frontline labels: Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville and MCA Nashville along with the newly launched Lucille Records, founded by Cobb. In addition to the full suite of creative and commercial resources based in the MCA Nashville headquarters, MCA artists will also be able to leverage the support of the REPUBLIC Collective in the U.S. and UMG globally.
Katie McCartney has been appointed as MCA’s EVP/General Manager, and Tom LaScola will serve as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy, by way of an enhanced alliance with his company, THE TRENCHES.
As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives, the company has also announced a new creative strategic alliance dedicated to supporting and developing homegrown Nashville songwriting talent naming Jessie Jo Dillon as the newly minted Song Buddy. This position seeks to reflect a deep commitment to the vital role songwriters play in the local creative ecosystem.
“With the popularity of country music and the tremendous impact that it continues to make in popular culture, we recognize the importance of Nashville and the impact it has always made in America,” shares Harris. “The incredible staff of these labels will operate with a sense of independence and autonomy, but with a pursuit of excellence and healthy competition as a shared agenda.”
Cobb adds, “I want to let the art lead, embrace community, and approach the business with intention. We show up, work hard, and put artists, songwriters, community, and fans first. We want to get this right for them. That’s what this is all about.”
Lucille Records will be spearheaded by Austin Jenkins, SVP of A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille. The label is grounded in heart, authenticity, and artistic risk-taking. Its diverse inaugural roster includes Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumas and Sons of Habit.
BREAKING: UMG Nashville Rebrands As Music Corporation Of America (MCA)
/by LB CantrellMike Harris, Dave Cobb
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the evolution of its Nashville operations under a new identity: Music Corporation of America (MCA).
Under the leadership of President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the revitalization of the Music Corporation of America brand seeks to recognize the Nashville creative community as a cornerstone of global music innovation. The company’s roster includes Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Tyler Hubbard and Vince Gill.
As parent company UMG continues to lead the industry with a historic 39.4% in overall country marketshare, the newly launched Music Corporation of America takes center stage as the No. 1 overall label group with 16.2%, according to Luminate.
The Music Corporation of America’s portfolio will continue to operate and support frontline labels: Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville and MCA Nashville along with the newly launched Lucille Records, founded by Cobb. In addition to the full suite of creative and commercial resources based in the MCA Nashville headquarters, MCA artists will also be able to leverage the support of the REPUBLIC Collective in the U.S. and UMG globally.
Katie McCartney has been appointed as MCA’s EVP/General Manager, and Tom LaScola will serve as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy, by way of an enhanced alliance with his company, THE TRENCHES.
As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives, the company has also announced a new creative strategic alliance dedicated to supporting and developing homegrown Nashville songwriting talent naming Jessie Jo Dillon as the newly minted Song Buddy. This position seeks to reflect a deep commitment to the vital role songwriters play in the local creative ecosystem.
“With the popularity of country music and the tremendous impact that it continues to make in popular culture, we recognize the importance of Nashville and the impact it has always made in America,” shares Harris. “The incredible staff of these labels will operate with a sense of independence and autonomy, but with a pursuit of excellence and healthy competition as a shared agenda.”
Cobb adds, “I want to let the art lead, embrace community, and approach the business with intention. We show up, work hard, and put artists, songwriters, community, and fans first. We want to get this right for them. That’s what this is all about.”
Lucille Records will be spearheaded by Austin Jenkins, SVP of A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille. The label is grounded in heart, authenticity, and artistic risk-taking. Its diverse inaugural roster includes Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumas and Sons of Habit.
Lineup Of Events Announced For The 60th ACM Awards Week
/by LB CantrellThe Academy of Country Music has revealed a full schedule of events set for ACM Awards Week in Frisco, Texas, leading up to the 60th ACM Awards on Thursday, May 8 at Ford Center at The Star. From fan-facing concerts and charity fundraisers to industry gatherings, the week will spotlight a wide range of talent and honor the Academy’s six-decade legacy.
ACM Country Kickoff at The Star
Returning for its third year, the free, two-day ACM Country Kickoff will take over Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star beginning Tuesday, May 6. Performances on the outdoor Carhartt Stage will feature ACM nominees Kassi Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Restless Road and Tucker Wetmore, alongside Josh Abbott Band, Maggie Antone, Drew Baldridge, William Beckmann, George Birge and The Wilder Blue. The event will be hosted by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly and streamed live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch from 8–10 p.m. CT. Tickets for Tuesday are available here and Wednesday are available here.
ACM Edition of Whiskey Jam at Sidecar Social
On Tuesday, May 6 at 4 p.m., Nashville’s fan-favorite Whiskey Jam makes its way to Frisco for a free, high-energy show at Sidecar Social in The Star District. Hosted by singer and comedian Danae Hays, the event will feature sets by Russell Dickerson, John Morgan and The Wilder Blue, with more artists to be announced.
Jelly Roll & Friends at Billy Bob’s Texas
That same night, ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Jelly Roll will return to Billy Bob’s for Jelly Roll & Friends, a special benefit concert for ACM Lifting Lives. This marks the second year for the sold-out event, with surprise guests expected. Tickets go on sale Friday (April 25) and will be available here.
ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off
The annual Topgolf Tee-Off returns Wednesday, May 7 to Topgolf The Colony. The industry-only event includes an afternoon of golf and acoustic performances from rising artists, with proceeds supporting ACM Lifting Lives’ mental health initiatives. For more info or to purchase a bay, email liftinglives@acmcountry.com.
Opry NextStage Live from Texas
The Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Live returns for its third year at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall in Plano. Hosted by Jelly Roll, the event will showcase performances from Riley Green and 2025 NextStage artists Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore. Tickets are available now here.
“Play Something Country” Gala Honoring Brooks & Dunn
On Wednesday evening, May 7, ACM and ACM Lifting Lives will host an exclusive gala at Omni PGA Frisco, celebrating the achievements of 25-time ACM Award winners Brooks & Dunn. The night will include a cocktail hour presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, a seated dinner, silent auction, and tribute performances by Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson. Bobby Bones will host the event, with Shawn Parr presenting the pre-show and live auction. Table packages begin at $15,000. For more information, email liftinglives@acmcountry.com.
ACM Awards Official After Party
Following the main event on May 8, the ACM Awards Official After Party at the Omni Frisco Hotel will feature performances from legendary artists spanning the Academy’s 60-year history. Presented by Amazon Music, the invite-only celebration will honor this year’s winners and milestones.
Curb Records Promotes Allyson Gelnett (Massey)
/by Madison HahnenAllyson Gelnett (Massey).
Curb Records has elevated Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives.
In her new role, Gelnett will work with Senior Vice President, Promotion, RJ Meacham to oversee the creation and execution of promotional strategies to expand fan growth and drive airplay and exposure in pivotal country markets. Gelnett will help with the alignment of promotion, marketing and branding efforts for the Curb Records roster.
“Allyson’s passion for our artists and their music has been clear from day one,” says Meacham. “She builds genuine partnerships with radio and streaming and brings an unmatched drive to deliver results. Her hustle, adaptability, and sharp instincts in an ever-shifting landscape make her the perfect fit for this role.”
“I’m incredibly honored to step into this new role and continue championing the artists and music that make Curb so special, building on a strong foundation that drives long-term success for our team and our artists,” adds Gelnett. “I’m especially thankful to Mike Curb and RJ Meacham for their persistent trust and unwavering support.”
Gelnett first joined Curb Records in 2018 as Director, Regional Promotion on the country promotion team.
JUST IN: LeAnn Bennett Joins Black River Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenLeAnn Bennett. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
LeAnn Bennett has joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President, Label Services.
In the new role, Bennett will oversee the company’s business affairs, A&R administration and sync licensing efforts, where she has already served as a longterm collaborator and consultant.
“I’m so excited to be working for such a well-respected record company, the wonderful staff, and the excellent roster of artists at Black River Entertainment,” shares Bennett. “They truly are the best in the business.”
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome LeAnn to the team,” adds Rick Froio, Executive Vice President, Black River Records. “She’s already been part of the family behind the scenes for years, and making it official just feels right.”
With over three decades in the music business, Bennett has held roles at Compass Records, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Orbison Records and Capitol Records Nashville. She also founded Bennett Entertainment Group in 2010, through which her consulting services take place.
Bennett will be based in Nashville and report directly to Froio. She can be reached at lbennett@blackriverent.com.
Second Annual ‘I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion’ To Take Place May 6
/by Madison HahnenThe second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” will take place on May 6 at the Hall Park Hotel in Frisco, Texas, as part of ACM Awards week. Mickey Guyton will serve as host for the evening.
The celebration is named after Pride, the late legendary country artist and baseball player. During his career, he fought through racial discrimination, eventually becoming recognized for his musical talents. He notched a total of three Grammy Awards, the ACM Pioneer Award in 1994 and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He was the first Black artist to earn a No. 1 country record and leaves a lasting impact through the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation’s Charley Pride Fellowship Program.
“We’re honored to support this celebration that uplifts trailblazers pushing the genre forward, while reaffirming our commitment to broadening the narrative and welcoming a wider range of voices into the spotlight,” shares Ryan Redington, GM of Amazon Music.
The ceremony will honor and recognize the achievements of more than ten honorees, including artists, executives and allies in country music who capture Pride’s victories and relentlessly serve as trailblazers and representatives of hope, advocacy and innovation in the music industry.
This year’s honorees include country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer, singer, songwriter, producer and American Idol judge Lionel Richie, Guyton, singer, songwriter and record producer Shaboozey, Mexican-American singer-songwriter, artist, actor and activist Freddy Fender Estate, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and Grandmother of Juneteenth Opal Lee, President and CEO of F2 Entertainment Fletcher Foster, The Tennessean/USA Today country music reporter Marcus Dowling, Head of Country Music at Amazon Music Michelle Tigard Kammerer and CEO of mtheory Cameo Carlson.
Whiskey Myers To Release New Album In September
/by Lauryn SinkWhiskey Myers is set to release their seventh studio album, Whomp Whack Thunder, on Sept. 26 via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records. Along with the announcement, the album’s lead single, “Time Bomb,” is available now.
The band, comprised of Cody Cannon (vocals, guitar), John Jeffers (guitar), Cody Tate (guitar), Jamey Gleaves (bass), Jeff Hogg (drums) and Tony Kent (percussion, piano), channels the spirit of classic rock through a modern southern lens. Produced by Jay Joyce, the album features 11 solo-written tracks from Cannon.
“We didn’t set out to chase a specific sound—we set out to make a Whiskey Myers record,” reflects Jeffers. “Jay pulled something out of us that’s raw and real, and every track’s got a piece of our story in it. This album’s about where we’ve been, what we’ve lived and the scars we earned along the way – and I think Whomp Whack Thunder might just be our most fearless album yet.”
Ahead of the fall release, fans can catch early previews of the new music on the “What We Were Born To Do Tour,” kicking off June 6 and hitting cities across the U.S. throughout the summer. Whiskey Myers also co-headlines 14 dates of the “Live in 25 Tour” with Tedeschi Trucks Band later this year in addition to headlining their own personally curated festivals; the seventh annual Wiggy Thump Festival on May 10 in their hometown of Palestine, Texas and the inaugural Moon Crush “Whiskey Moon” music vacation taking over Miramar Beach, Florida. Nov. 7-9.
The album is available for pre-order now.
Whomp Whack Thunder Track List:
1. “Time Bomb”*
2. “Tailspin”
3. “I Got To Move”
4. “Rowdy Days”
5.”Icarus”
6. “Midnight Woman”
7. “Break These Chains”
8. “Born To Do”
9. “Rock N Roll”
10. “Ramblin’ Jones”
11. “Monsters”
*All songs solely written by Cody Cannon.
CMHOFM To Feature Fiddler Rob Hajacos As Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will highlight the career of fiddler Rob Hajacos in its in-depth interview series, “Nashville Cats” on June 21 in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” are just a few of the hits featuring Hajacos’ fiddle work. His melodic lines introduced Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait to the world on Strait’s 1981 debut single, “Unwound,” and he contributed fiddle parts to Taylor Swift’s early hits, such as “Love Story.”
A Virginia native, Hajacos received his first fiddle from his parents at four, and his father, Nick Hajacos, also played the instrument. At 19, Hajacos crossed paths with Little Jimmy Dickens, who recruited Hajacos for his Nashville-based band. After several years of touring with Dickens, Mel Tillis and others, Hajacos established himself as one of Nashville’s top session musicians, with his expressive style informed by rock guitar. He is a member of the G-Men, a tight-knit group of musicians who have played on all of Brooks’ studio albums. Hajacos is a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.
The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with photos, film and recordings. After the program, Hajacos will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for attendance. More information can be found on the museum’s website.
Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, “Nashville Cats” has showcased stories and songs from 54 musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.
Ashley Monroe Slates New Album For August Release
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Monroe. Photo: Erika Rock
Ashley Monroe is set to release her sixth studio album, Tennessee Lightning, on Aug. 8. Recorded in the wake of Monroe’s transformative bout with cancer, the 17-song collection documents her remarkable journey as a celebration of life, love and the healing power of music.
“I feel like I’ve emerged from these last few years with a pretty profound perspective shift,” says Monroe. “I’ve learned to be more in the moment, to appreciate what’s right in front of me and enjoy every second I get to spend doing what I love with the people I care about.”
Co-produced by Monroe with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Gena Johnson, the album features contributions from T Bone Burnett, Brittney Spencer, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson, Butch Walker, Karen Fairchild and Armand Hutton. Monroe’s newest single, “The Touch (feat. Marty Stuart),” is available now. It follows the release of three album tracks including the ethereal “There You Are,” the revved-up “Hot Rod Pipe Dream” and the shimmering “Risen Road.”
On July 25, Monroe will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her Grammy-nominated 2015 album The Blade with a one-night-only show at Nashville’s The Basement East, where she will perform the record in its entirety. For tickets and more information, visit ashleymonroe.com.
Tennessee Lightning Track List:
1. “I’m Gonna Run (feat. T Bone Burnett)” (Ashley Monroe, Sally Barris)
2. “Risen Road” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson, Waylon Payne)
3. “Closer” (Ashley Monroe, Ashley Ray, Ben West)
4. “The Touch (feat. Marty Stuart)” (Ashley Monroe, Marty Stuart)
5. “Magnolia” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
6. “My Favorite Movie” (Ashley Monroe, Vince Gill)
7. “Hot Rod Pipe Dream” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson)
8. “Amen Love” (Ashley Monroe, Ashley Ray, Summer Overstreet)
9. “Moth” (Ashley Monroe, Carter Faith, Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander)
10. “Bitter Swisher Sweet (feat. Brittney Spencer)” (Ashley Monroe, Emily Landis, Logan Wall)
11. “You and Me” (Jay Robinson)
12. “Recover (feat. Karen Fairchild)” (Ashley Monroe, Karen Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Andrew Petroff)
13. “There You Are” (Jessi Alexander, Margaret Findley, Sally Barris)
14. “Blown Away (feat. Brendan Benson)” (Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty)
15. “That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” (Leonard Cohen)
16. “Moon Child” (Ashley Monroe, Andrew Petroff, Meg McRee, Tenille Townes)
17. “Jesus Hold My Hand (feat. Armand Hutton)” (Albert Brumley)
Tim McGraw To Headline Historic MLB Speedway Classic At Bristol Motor Speedway
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw will headline a historic pregame concert event leading into the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 2.
The historic game marks the first regular-season MLB game to be played in the state of Tennessee and will be celebrated with the one-of-a-kind show featuring McGraw, special guests and longtime collaborators in an unforgettable celebration of music and baseball. For the MLB Speedway Classic, a baseball diamond ready for a Major League game will be built across the famed Bristol track at one of the largest standalone sporting venues in the nation. More information on guests scheduled to appear will be made later.
McGraw has special ties to America’s pastime as his father Tug McGraw was an MLB pitcher who played for the NY Mets and the Phillies and contributed to their World Series victories, making the event not only a historic event for baseball, but also a personal one for McGraw as he honors his father’s legacy.
The special pregame concert will be part of the full day of events at Bristol Motor Speedway. All ticketholders to the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game have access to the show and can enjoy the performance from their seat, and new, limited ticket options for the MLB Speedway Classic will be available starting today (Apr. 23). Details on ticket options and upgrades are available at mlb.com/speedwayclassic.
FOX plans to feature portions of the special performance during their pregame event coverage.
The Charlie Daniels Family & 8 Track Entertainment Form New Partnership To Honor Daniels’ Legacy
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Drew Tutton, Wayne Halper, Jeff Goodwin, Charlie Daniels Jr. and Jeff Catton; (L-R, front row): Noah Gordon and Hazel Daniels. Photo: Ryan Nolan
The Charlie Daniels Family and 8 Track Entertainment are joining forces in a new long-term creative partnership focused on honoring Daniels’ legacy through a series of new projects including recordings, a documentary, live concert events and multimedia programming.
The collaboration brings together a deeply personal and professional connection between the Daniels family and Noah Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment, who was mentored by Daniels early in his career. This new partnership is designed to celebrate not only Daniels’ music and cultural impact but also his enduring values of faith, patriotism and family. The upcoming initiatives will shine a new light on the life and legacy of the iconic country singer, showcasing never-before-seen footage, recordings and stories from the man who brought the world hits like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Long Haired Country Boy.”
“Mom and I are excited to be partnering with Noah and 8 Track Entertainment on projects I have been longing to do ever since Dad went home in 2020,” explains Charlie Daniels Jr. “Noah and I have known each other for over thirty years and Dad took Noah under his wing when he first came to town, so there is a mutual love for Dad as well as a history which I know will allow us to honor Dad’s memory, his music, his values and his love for God and country. For almost five years on Dad’s social media accounts, I have been saying ‘Keeping Charlie’s legacy alive.’ This partnership will be a key factor in that mission.”
“All of us at 8 Track Entertainment are humbled and proud to be working closely with Miss Hazel and Charlie Jr. to continue the legacy of Charlie Daniels,” adds Gordon. “He was a wonderful mentor to me as a young artist and writer, and I’m beyond grateful to be a part of the future and The Legend of Charlie Daniels.”