CMHOFM To Feature Fiddler Rob Hajacos As Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree

The 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

Ashley 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.”

YouTube video

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

Tim 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

Pictured (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.

Post Malone, Shaboozey, Morgan Wallen Lead American Music Award Nominations

Post Malone, Shaboozey and Morgan Wallen.

The American Music Award 2025 nominees have been revealed. The 51st annual ceremony will take place on May 26 in Las Vegas, hosted by Jennifer Lopez.

Kendrick Lamar notches the most nominations this year, with 10 nods. If Lamar garners eight wins this year, he will tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year. Post Malone is next in the pack with eight nominations, followed by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey with seven nominations each. With six nominations each are Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA and Taylor Swift.

Up for Artist of the Year are Ariana Grande, Eilish, Roan, Lamar, Wallen, Post Malone, Carpenter, SZA, Swift and Zach Bryan. New Artist of the Year nods went to Benson Boone, Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tommy Richman.

A new category this year, Album of the Year nominations went to Beyoncé (Cowboy Carter), Eilish (Hit Me Hard and Soft), Roan (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess)Charli XCX (Brat), Abrams (The Secret of Us)Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You), Lamar (GNX), Post Malone (F-1 Trillion), Carpenter (Short n’ Sweet) and Swift (The Tortured Poets Department). Also new this year is Song of the Year, with the nods going to Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!,” Hozier‘s “Too Sweet,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With a Smile,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control.”

In a big year for musical collaborations, Collaboration of the Year nominations went to Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” Marshmello & Kane Brown‘s “Miles On It,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” ROSÉ and Mars’ “APT.” and Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight.” Inaugural Social Song of the Year nods went to Roan’s “HOT TO GO!,” Djo‘s “End of Beginning,” Doechii‘s “Anxiety,” Lola Young‘s “Messy,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.”

On the touring front, Eilish, Luke Combs, Wallen, Swift and Bryan are all up for Favorite Touring Artist. Visually, Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” KAROL G‘s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” all earned nods for Favorite Music Video.

On the country front, Jelly Roll, Combs, Wallen, Post Malone and Shaboozey are all up for Favorite Male Country Artist, while Beyoncé, Ella LangelyKacey MusgravesLainey Wilson and Megan Moroney are vying for Favorite Female Country Artist. Up for Favorite Country Duo of Group are Dan + ShayOld Dominion, Parmalee, The Red Clay Strays and Zac Brown Band.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken, Moroney’s Am I Okay?, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion and Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going are up for Favorite Country Album. Rounding out the country categories is Favorite Country Song, with nods going to Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay,” Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph‘s “High Road,” Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Nominations for the American Music Awards are based on streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses via the Billboard charts and Luminate data tracking. This year’s eligibility period was March 22, 2024-March 20, 2025.

Fan voting is now open here and the @AMAs Instagram profile in all awards categories. Voting closes on May 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year will remain open through the first 30 minutes of the broadcast.

Click here for a full list of nominations.

Ben Gallaher’s New EP ‘Bullet’ Set For May 9 Release

Ben Gallaher is gearing up for the release of his new five-track EP, Bullet, releasing May 9 via Stone Country Records.

Bullet’s title/focus track is a rock ballad about being willing to lay down your life for the one you love and the do-or-die pledge was penned by Gallaher alongside Chris August, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher.

“When you love someone, you’d do anything for them, no matter what,” says Gallaher. “You’d take a bullet for them, and that’s where the inspiration for that song came from. I wrote it for my wife, but now we have a baby boy and so it takes on a whole new meaning.”

Two advance tracks from Bullet are out now. “Kinda Can’t Say No” is about an irresistible woman a man can’t walk away from when he knows he should, while “Cuts Like a Knife” is a cover of the Bryan Adams’ classic, with Gallaher playing every guitar part on the track. The EP also features “Dirt Ones,” a road-trip anthem reminding us to take the road less traveled, and “Mistakes,” a no-regrets rocker about how life’s wrong turns usually only make us stronger.

Gallaher’s online fan base has exploded in the past 18 months with his viral guitar riff “Stomp” generating over 36 million views. The riff has also inspired more than 10,000 fan-created videos, earned praise from guitar heroes including Peter Frampton, and helped Gallaher amass nearly 400,000 social media followers to date.

Bullet Track List:
1. “Bullet” (Ben Gallaher, Chris August, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher)
2. “Kinda Can’t Say No” (Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher)
3. “Dirt Ones” (Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
4. “Mistakes” (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
5. “Cuts Like a Knife” (Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance)

Weekly Register: Jelly Roll Closes Out Country Albums Chart

Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

BigXThaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman hold their spot atop the country streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. Their recent track “All The Way” holds the No. 1 spot with 19 million streams. Morgan Wallen stays in the number one position on the country albums chart with his 2023 album One Thing At A Time garnering 46K in total consumption (1K album only and 59 million song streams).

The next four spots on the albums chart are Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album at the No. 2 spot earning 33K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion at No. 3 with 23K in total consumption, Zach Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music at No. 4 with 19K and Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken rounds out the chart at No. 5 with 19K.

On the songs chart, Wallen’s recent single “Just In Case” maintains No. 2 this week earning 15 million streams, Wallen’s “I’m The Problem” at No. 3 with 13 million streams, Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at No. 4 with 12 million streams and Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” at No. 5 with 11 million streams.

The MLC Seeking Suggestions For Board of Directors & Advisory Committee Candidates

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is accepting suggestions of Publisher candidates for its Board of Directors and Dispute Resolution, Operations Advisory and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight committees.

Under the Music Modernization Act, certain positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of Publishers and the terms of several Publisher seats on the Board and the advisory committees are slated to end later this year. Elections to determine who will fill the open Board seats will be held this summer, with board and committee members serving three-year terms with the possibility of re-election. Seats are filled according to The MLC’s Bylaws.

The openings on The MLC’s advisory committees are:

  • One Publisher seat on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership;
  • Two Publisher seats on the Operations Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board concerning the operations of The MLC, including the efficient investment in and deployment of information technology and data resources; and
  • Two Publisher seats on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board related to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties.

The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees meet regularly, and all meetings allow for virtual participation. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here.

Suggestions should be made no later than May 22. To suggest a candidate for a Publisher representative seat to The MLC’s Board or committees, please complete the suggestion form available here.

On The Row: Harper Grace & Franklin Jonas Blend Styles, Explore Vulnerability On New Single ‘IDK’

Franklin Jonas and Harper Grace

Curb Records’ Harper Grace and rising singer-songwriter Franklin Jonas stopped by the MusicRow offices last week to share their striking new duet, “IDK,” a genre-blending collaboration rooted in vulnerability and curiosity.

The song was born after Jonas—intrigued by Grace’s shimmering, pop-country vocal style—invited her to write together, wondering what her voice might sound like on something with a little grit. The result is a moody, stomp-along confessional that grapples with the unknowns of love and connection. Written by the pair alongside Cooper Bascom (who co-produced the track with Tedd T), “IDK” offers more questions than answers as the duo explores heartbreak, hope and hesitant risk.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Harper Grace; Franklin Jonas; MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell

“I saw her showcase here [in Nashville] and knew I wanted to write with her,” Jonas says. “Her voice is so perfect, so I wondered what happened when you get down to that place…the breakup song before the breakup when you’re in the emotions.”

After debuting the track at a small radio showcase during CRS earlier this year, Grace and Jonas have been playing it live and receiving strong reactions from fans and industry alike. They recently performed it at JonasCon, an event celebrating 20 years of the Jonas Brothers, and both are set to appear at this spring’s Live in the Vineyard event in Napa.

“It’s been really cool going from a conference room at CRS to performing the song more,” Grace shares. “We’ve been able to create the characters within the song. Getting to do it together has been really fun.”

During their visit, the two artists shared more about their musical journeys. Grace—who’s amassed more than 10 million career streams and made a name with her “Redemption Tour” anti-bullying efforts—continues to impress with her bold performances and resilience. Jonas, meanwhile, is carving his own lane with a sound that fuses folk storytelling, Americana textures and a spirit of experimentation.

Messina Touring Group Elevates Six

Pictured (clockwise): Nick Ayoub, Kara Smoak, Meesha Kosciolek, Madison Machen, Lucy Freeman and Alvin Abshire.

Live entertainment promoter Messina Touring Group has promoted six of its team members across various departments.

“It thrills me to see our MTG team grow as each of these individuals are incredible at what they do,” says CEO Louis Messina. “Watching them achieve new heights makes me so happy. The success of the entire team and everything they touch is my proudest accomplishment.”

Nick Ayoub has been elevated to Head of Digital Strategy and Operations, where he will lead the companies digital operations, streamlining internal processes and data strategies. Recognized as the youngest honoree on Billboard’s 2024 40 Under 40 list and a recipient of Pollstar’s 2024 Impact: NextGen award, Ayoub has been critical in creating digital strategy for some of the biggest stadium acts, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, The Lumineers and Phoebe Bridgers. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s technology, data infrastructure and cross-functional operations, giving artists access to their touring data, and how to utilize it.

Kara Smoak has been promoted to Director of Digital Marketing. In the new role, she will continue to lead digital marketing and creative strategy for the companies’ country roster, including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Old Dominion and Zac Brown Band. She has been key in 100+ stadium shows, including Strait’s record-breaking “The King at Kyle Field” (with 110,905 in attendance), and has been recognized as a 2023 Nashville Briefing 30 Under 30 honoree. Smoak works on digital partnerships, content creation, paid media and data-driven insights across all stages of the tour life cycle.

Meesha Kosciolek has been upped to Director of Production, MTG Nashville. In his five years with the organization, he has worked on major tours for Strait, Shelton and Church, among others as a production promoter representative. In his new role, Kosciolek will continue to oversee smooth production execution and grow production capabilities across the artist roster.

Alvin Abshire has been elevated to Digital Operations Manager. He has been key in developing the creative strategy and digital operations for tours by Strait, Chesney, Swift, Sheeran, The Lumineers and more. In his new position, he will develop the company’s digital initiatives, streamline cross-functional processes and bring forth digital innovation.

Lucy Freeman has been promoted to Digital Marketing Manager, where she will foster innovative digital strategies for Sheeran, Strait, and Kenny Chesney, among others. She joined Messina Touring Group in 2022, and has been key in marketing over 450 shows, driving paid and organic media campaigns, providing data-driven insights and lead creative project management.

Madison Machen has been upped to Manager, Partnerships and Branding, where she will lead partnership strategies for pop and country tours including Shelton, Sheeran, Strait, Chesney, The Lumineers and more. Machen has spent eight years in the industry honing her skills in tour marketing and working with streaming platforms, content creators and influencers to boost live event visibility.