Troy Seals. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Troy Seals has died at age 86.
During his illustrious career, Seals co-wrote more than 75 charted singles, including 30 top 10 hits and 11 No. 1 records. Among his classics are “Seven Spanish Angels,” “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” “There’s a Honky-Tonk Angel (Who’ll Take Me Back In)” and “If You Ever Have Forever in Mind.” Troy Seals was also a recording artist and a session guitarist.
The musician was born in Big Hill, Kentucky, and his family moved to Cincinnati when he was 11. Troy Seals began his career at age 17 in 1956. He and his band The Earthquakes performed on the rock & roll nightclub circuit during the 1950s, working with such legends as Fats Domino, Jackie Wilson, Bo Diddley, The Drifters, Lloyd Price, Dorsey Burnette and Chubby Checker.
At one rock & roll show, Seals met rockabilly recording artist Jo-Ann Campbell, who was featured in such teen films as Go, Johnny Go (1958) and Hey Let’s Twist (1961). Not long after Seals and Campbell married, she scored a 1963 country hit with “I’m the Girl From Wolverton Mountain.” Billed as “Jo-Ann & Troy,” the couple had pop success with “I Found a Love, Oh What a Love” in 1964.
After regular appearances on Dick Clark’s TV shows American Bandstand and Where the Action Is, Campbell retired in 1965. Seals gave up music and founded a construction company in 1968. The couple moved to Nashville in early 1969. Troy Seals continued to work in construction, building Music Row’s Quadraphonic Studio. He also took work as a session musician, hoping to break into the country industry.
He began to make inroads as a songwriter in the 1970s. In 1972, Sammi Smith had a top 40 hit with his “Girl in New Orleans.” Waylon Jennings introduced Seals’ co-written ballad “We Had It All” in 1973. Although never a big hit, the song became something of a country standard with subsequent versions by Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Tom Jones, B.J. Thomas, Tina Turner, Donna Fargo and co-writer Donnie Fritts, among others.
Troy Seals recorded his debut album at Quadraphonic in 1973. Titled Now Presenting Troy Seals, the Atlantic Records collection included his version of “We Had It All,” as well as “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel (Who’ll Take Me Back In).”
Another of the artists Troy Seals worked with on the rock & roll circuit was Conway Twitty, who had transitioned into country stardom in Nashville. Twitty took Seals under his wing and in 1974 turned “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel” into the songwriter’s first No. 1 smash. Twitty also had No. 1 hits with the Seals tunes “Don’t Take It Away” (1979), “Red Neckin’ Love Makin’ Night” (1982) and “Fallin’ for You for Years” (1987). Three Troy Seals songs were duet hits for Twitty and Loretta Lynn, “Feelin’s” (1975), “I Can’t Love You Enough” (1977) and “From Seven Till Ten” (1978).
Producer Billy Sherrill recorded Troy Seals as the songwriter’s second album. It was issued by Columbia Records in 1976. Seals also recorded singles for Elektra, RCA, Polydor and several smaller labels. But he became increasingly known for his writing, rather than his recordings.
By the close of the 1970s, Troy Seals was established as a Music Row tunesmith. He worked with a variety of co-writers, most successfully Eddie Setser, Max D. Barnes, Graham Lyle and Mike Reid. Seals and wife Jo-Ann Campbell were also sometimes cowriters. His early songs were recorded by Johnny Paycheck, Jeanne Pruett, Jerry Lee Lewis, Nat Stuckey, Bob Luman and Connie Smith. In 1979, Elvis Presley had a posthumous, top 10 country hit with his revival of “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel.”
The 1980s witnessed his full flowering as a songwriter. During the decade, Troy Seals provided top-10 hits for Charley Pride (1980’s “You Almost Slipped My Mind”), The Bellamy Brothers (1984’s “Forget About Me”), George Jones (1985’s “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”), Keith Whitley (1986’s “Ten Feet Away”), Alabama (1984’s “When We Make Love”), John Schneider (1985’s “Country Girls”), Ronnie McDowell (1984’s “I Dream of Women Like You”), Lee Greenwood (1986’s “Didn’t We”) and Waylon Jennings (1985’s “Drinkin’ and Dreamin’”).
Between 1980 and 1986, Brenda Lee, David Allan Coe, Johnny Rodriguez, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Dobie Gray and others also issued country singles of Troy Seals songs. In 1985, his co-written “Seven Spanish Angels” became a smash hit for Willie Nelson and Ray Charles. It was nominated as Song of the Year by the CMA and was the biggest country hit of Charles’ career.
Seals songs reached beyond country music. In 1983, Eric Clapton had a pop hit with the songwriter’s “I’ve Got a Rock and Roll Heart.” Over the years, Troy Seals copyrights were also recorded by such pop and R&B stars as Joe Cocker, Millie Jackson, Celine Dion, Three Dog Night, Etta James, Jodeci, Delbert McClinton, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Barry Manilow, among others.
In 1985, Ronnie Milsap had a huge hit with “Lost in the Fifties Tonight.” This became the second Troy Seals song nominated for a CMA Award. It won the ACM’s Song of the Year honor, was ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year and earned Milsap a Grammy. It also led to Troy Seals being named Country Songwriter of the Year by ASCAP.
Troy Seals became even more successful in 1987-88, when he co-wrote six top 10 country hits. In addition to Twitty’s “Fallin’ for You for Years,” these included “Maybe Your Baby’s Got the Blues” for The Judds, “Let the Music Lift You Up” for Reba McEntire, “No More One More Time” for Jo-El Sonnier, “Joe Knows How to Live” for Eddy Raven and “I Won’t Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)” for Randy Travis, which won the singer a Grammy Award. During this same two-year span, Seals also provided singles for Gene Watson, The Bama Band and Hank Williams Jr. This era was capped by his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1988.
Troy Seals closed out the 1980s by cowriting a top-10 hit for The Oak Ridge Boys (“Beyond Those Years”) and a No. 1 success for Eddy Raven (“Bayou Boys”). Around this time, the songwriter’s nephew Brady Seals was becoming known at the keyboardist/singer in the band Little Texas. The extended family also included country stars Dan Seals and Johnny Duncan, pop star Jim Seals of Seals & Crofts and hit songwriter Chuck Seals (“Crazy Arms”).
Troy Seals began the 1990s with a flurry of successes. He co-wrote the George Jones/Randy Travis duet “A Few Ole Country Boys,” as well as Eddy Raven’s “Island” and Travis Tritt’s “Looking Out for Number One.” Seals earned his third CMA Song of the Year nomination along with co-writer Vince Gill for 1999’s “If You Ever Have Forever in Mind.”
His 1990s singles also included songs recorded by Faith Hill, John Anderson, Clinton Gregory, John Berry, Neal McCoy, J.P. Pennington, Chris LeDoux, Mike Reid and nephew Brady Seals, who was then recording as a solo artist. The songwriter’s last notable chart success was with his co-written “Good Little Girls,” recorded by the duo Blue County in 2003. At the time, Troy Seals was 65 years old.
Troy Seals died at home in Hendersonville on March 6. He is survived by wife Jo-Ann and by son Troy Jr. Funeral services were private.
Craig Wiseman Honored With Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Stacy Blythe, Jeff Tanner, Austen Adams, Kimberly Gleason, Craig Wiseman, Patch Culbertson, Mike Giangreco and Eric England; Photo: Courtesy of Visit Mississippi
Big Loud Partner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Craig Wiseman was honored last week with a Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker in Hattiesburg. The marker, located in Midtown Green Park, commemorates Wiseman’s lasting impact on country music as a part of the Mississippi Country Music Trail which celebrates legendary artists, songwriters, venues and landmarks that have shaped the state’s impact on country music.
In addition to the trail marker, Wiseman was presented with a key to the city, and March 27 was officially proclaimed Craig Wiseman day in Hattiesburg in honor of his achievements. Continuing his legacy of philanthropy, the day also included the dedication of the Midtown Green Bandshell in his honor, made possible through his commitment to giving back to his hometown.
“To be honored like this in the place where it all began—it’s hard to put into words,” shares Wiseman. “Hattiesburg gave me the roots I needed to chase big dreams, and I’ll always carry this city with me. This moment, this marker, this bandshell—it all means the world.”
Dylan Scott Notches Sixth No. 1 Country Radio Hit
/by Madison HahnenDylan Scott has earned his sixth No. 1 single on country radio with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” The track has hit the top spot on both the Billboard and Medibase country charts.
Written by Scott alongside John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Charlie Handsome, the tune is Scott’s second No. 1 hit of 2025, and serves as the lead single to his upcoming album Easy Does It, releasing May 30 via Curb Records.
“This No. 1 is special to me!” shares Scott. “A song about where I grew up and the people I grew up with. To be able to have two songs hit No. 1 in 2025 is crazy! I’m grateful for my promo team at Curb who fight for my music every single day and to all the radio stations out there that continue to support my music. Thank y’all!”
“This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” celebrates Scott’s hometown of Bastrop, Louisiana, as reflects on the passing memories that have shaped his identity.
This No. 1 claim also marks Scott as the fourth most played artist at country radio so far this year, following Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and Jelly Roll.
Scott will kick off his “Country Till I Die Tour” this Thursday (April 3) in Boston. The trek will include stops in Toronto, Salt Lake City, Orlando and more. George Birge, Dasha and Graham Barham will join Scott as special guests. Additionally, Scott will also play a headline show at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on Sept. 26 with Birge and Mackenzie Carpenter.
Songwriting Legend Troy Seals Passes
/by Robert K OermannTroy Seals. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Troy Seals has died at age 86.
During his illustrious career, Seals co-wrote more than 75 charted singles, including 30 top 10 hits and 11 No. 1 records. Among his classics are “Seven Spanish Angels,” “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” “There’s a Honky-Tonk Angel (Who’ll Take Me Back In)” and “If You Ever Have Forever in Mind.” Troy Seals was also a recording artist and a session guitarist.
The musician was born in Big Hill, Kentucky, and his family moved to Cincinnati when he was 11. Troy Seals began his career at age 17 in 1956. He and his band The Earthquakes performed on the rock & roll nightclub circuit during the 1950s, working with such legends as Fats Domino, Jackie Wilson, Bo Diddley, The Drifters, Lloyd Price, Dorsey Burnette and Chubby Checker.
At one rock & roll show, Seals met rockabilly recording artist Jo-Ann Campbell, who was featured in such teen films as Go, Johnny Go (1958) and Hey Let’s Twist (1961). Not long after Seals and Campbell married, she scored a 1963 country hit with “I’m the Girl From Wolverton Mountain.” Billed as “Jo-Ann & Troy,” the couple had pop success with “I Found a Love, Oh What a Love” in 1964.
After regular appearances on Dick Clark’s TV shows American Bandstand and Where the Action Is, Campbell retired in 1965. Seals gave up music and founded a construction company in 1968. The couple moved to Nashville in early 1969. Troy Seals continued to work in construction, building Music Row’s Quadraphonic Studio. He also took work as a session musician, hoping to break into the country industry.
He began to make inroads as a songwriter in the 1970s. In 1972, Sammi Smith had a top 40 hit with his “Girl in New Orleans.” Waylon Jennings introduced Seals’ co-written ballad “We Had It All” in 1973. Although never a big hit, the song became something of a country standard with subsequent versions by Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Tom Jones, B.J. Thomas, Tina Turner, Donna Fargo and co-writer Donnie Fritts, among others.
Troy Seals recorded his debut album at Quadraphonic in 1973. Titled Now Presenting Troy Seals, the Atlantic Records collection included his version of “We Had It All,” as well as “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel (Who’ll Take Me Back In).”
Another of the artists Troy Seals worked with on the rock & roll circuit was Conway Twitty, who had transitioned into country stardom in Nashville. Twitty took Seals under his wing and in 1974 turned “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel” into the songwriter’s first No. 1 smash. Twitty also had No. 1 hits with the Seals tunes “Don’t Take It Away” (1979), “Red Neckin’ Love Makin’ Night” (1982) and “Fallin’ for You for Years” (1987). Three Troy Seals songs were duet hits for Twitty and Loretta Lynn, “Feelin’s” (1975), “I Can’t Love You Enough” (1977) and “From Seven Till Ten” (1978).
Producer Billy Sherrill recorded Troy Seals as the songwriter’s second album. It was issued by Columbia Records in 1976. Seals also recorded singles for Elektra, RCA, Polydor and several smaller labels. But he became increasingly known for his writing, rather than his recordings.
By the close of the 1970s, Troy Seals was established as a Music Row tunesmith. He worked with a variety of co-writers, most successfully Eddie Setser, Max D. Barnes, Graham Lyle and Mike Reid. Seals and wife Jo-Ann Campbell were also sometimes cowriters. His early songs were recorded by Johnny Paycheck, Jeanne Pruett, Jerry Lee Lewis, Nat Stuckey, Bob Luman and Connie Smith. In 1979, Elvis Presley had a posthumous, top 10 country hit with his revival of “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel.”
The 1980s witnessed his full flowering as a songwriter. During the decade, Troy Seals provided top-10 hits for Charley Pride (1980’s “You Almost Slipped My Mind”), The Bellamy Brothers (1984’s “Forget About Me”), George Jones (1985’s “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”), Keith Whitley (1986’s “Ten Feet Away”), Alabama (1984’s “When We Make Love”), John Schneider (1985’s “Country Girls”), Ronnie McDowell (1984’s “I Dream of Women Like You”), Lee Greenwood (1986’s “Didn’t We”) and Waylon Jennings (1985’s “Drinkin’ and Dreamin’”).
Between 1980 and 1986, Brenda Lee, David Allan Coe, Johnny Rodriguez, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Dobie Gray and others also issued country singles of Troy Seals songs. In 1985, his co-written “Seven Spanish Angels” became a smash hit for Willie Nelson and Ray Charles. It was nominated as Song of the Year by the CMA and was the biggest country hit of Charles’ career.
Seals songs reached beyond country music. In 1983, Eric Clapton had a pop hit with the songwriter’s “I’ve Got a Rock and Roll Heart.” Over the years, Troy Seals copyrights were also recorded by such pop and R&B stars as Joe Cocker, Millie Jackson, Celine Dion, Three Dog Night, Etta James, Jodeci, Delbert McClinton, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Barry Manilow, among others.
In 1985, Ronnie Milsap had a huge hit with “Lost in the Fifties Tonight.” This became the second Troy Seals song nominated for a CMA Award. It won the ACM’s Song of the Year honor, was ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year and earned Milsap a Grammy. It also led to Troy Seals being named Country Songwriter of the Year by ASCAP.
Troy Seals became even more successful in 1987-88, when he co-wrote six top 10 country hits. In addition to Twitty’s “Fallin’ for You for Years,” these included “Maybe Your Baby’s Got the Blues” for The Judds, “Let the Music Lift You Up” for Reba McEntire, “No More One More Time” for Jo-El Sonnier, “Joe Knows How to Live” for Eddy Raven and “I Won’t Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)” for Randy Travis, which won the singer a Grammy Award. During this same two-year span, Seals also provided singles for Gene Watson, The Bama Band and Hank Williams Jr. This era was capped by his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1988.
Troy Seals closed out the 1980s by cowriting a top-10 hit for The Oak Ridge Boys (“Beyond Those Years”) and a No. 1 success for Eddy Raven (“Bayou Boys”). Around this time, the songwriter’s nephew Brady Seals was becoming known at the keyboardist/singer in the band Little Texas. The extended family also included country stars Dan Seals and Johnny Duncan, pop star Jim Seals of Seals & Crofts and hit songwriter Chuck Seals (“Crazy Arms”).
Troy Seals began the 1990s with a flurry of successes. He co-wrote the George Jones/Randy Travis duet “A Few Ole Country Boys,” as well as Eddy Raven’s “Island” and Travis Tritt’s “Looking Out for Number One.” Seals earned his third CMA Song of the Year nomination along with co-writer Vince Gill for 1999’s “If You Ever Have Forever in Mind.”
His 1990s singles also included songs recorded by Faith Hill, John Anderson, Clinton Gregory, John Berry, Neal McCoy, J.P. Pennington, Chris LeDoux, Mike Reid and nephew Brady Seals, who was then recording as a solo artist. The songwriter’s last notable chart success was with his co-written “Good Little Girls,” recorded by the duo Blue County in 2003. At the time, Troy Seals was 65 years old.
Troy Seals died at home in Hendersonville on March 6. He is survived by wife Jo-Ann and by son Troy Jr. Funeral services were private.
The Museum Of Christian & Gospel Music Set To Open Labor Day Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Museum of Christian & Gospel Music (The C&G) is set to open Labor Day weekend in the heart of Music City, just steps from the Ryman Auditorium.
Presented by The Gospel Music Association (GMA), The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music will be an immersive, interactive experience where visitors can step into powerful stories of faith and transformation, hear stirring music and even create remixes of iconic songs. From the soaring harmonies of gospel greats to today’s chart-topping Christian songs, The C&G will honor the full spectrum of Christian and gospel music past, present and future.
The C&G will be a living, breathing part of the industry, offering live performances, workshops, interviews and artist encounters. The museum’s rotating collections will feature music milestones, timeless memorabilia and more. Special inaugural ticket pricing, commemorative items and exclusive Founding Memberships are available here.
There will be a variety of series for all genres, including Podcasts, Brown Bag Lunch Symposiums, Writers Workshops and more. Limited tickets are on sale today for the initial Legacy Series event at the museum, with its first-ever Artist in Residence: 16-time Dove Award-winner and three-time GMA Hall of Fame inductee, Russ Taff. Fans can connect with him in powerful new ways through this special program.
“The Christian Music industry has been rooted in Nashville for decades and people have dreamed of this museum for just as long,” says Steve Gilreath, Executive Director of The Museum. “Now, right in the heart of downtown, we’re creating a space where people can touch the music that has touched us all.”
GMA President Jackie Patillo adds, “The GMA mission to expose, promote, and celebrate the Gospel through music is being fulfilled in this first-ever Museum of Christian & Gospel Music. Thanks to our Board of Directors, artists, and supporters, a team of experts have come together to present the many diverse styles including gospel, CCM, Southern Gospel, rap, hip hop, and worship, which will all be celebrated with the power of its life-changing message filling the air.”
FBMM Elevates Three To Associate Business Manager
/by Madison HahnenLaura Beth Hendricks, Ben Huddleston & Abby Lamb
Entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted Laura Beth Hendricks, Ben Huddleston and Abby Lamb to Associate Business Manager, all based in the firm’s Nashville office.
“We are committed to developing the next generation of leaders and cultivating an environment where employees choose to grow their careers,” shares FBMM Owner Jen Conger. “Abby, Ben and Laura Beth have each forged their own career paths at FBMM, and the other owners and I all look forward to seeing them continue to do so in this new role.”
Hendricks has held her CPA since 1996, and joined FBMM in 2010. She held the role of Director of Internal Compliance and Support and also worked with several clients. In her new role, Hendricks will be in full-time business management.
“I love the collaborative nature of FBMM, the clients I get to work with and the amazing experiences that come with this job,” says Hendricks. “FBMM has always been supportive of my career path over the years and now is the right time to take this next step. This promotion is especially meaningful to me as I celebrate 15 years at FBMM while the company celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.”
Joining FBMM in 2016, Huddleston has crafted a team that works with music executives and high net worth individuals. The team creates individualized plans for each client and service bookkeeping, cashflow and tax planning, risk management and more.
“It’s rewarding to play a role on an artist’s larger team that is responsible for getting music into the world,” adds Huddleston. “I’m thankful to have found a career that combines my love for music with my finance background. I look forward to continuing to serve my clients and grow my team.”
Celebrating 10 years at the firm, Lamb supports international touring acts, independent artists, Grammy award-winning producers and more on her diverse roster. She has a wealth of knowledge for tour planning, budgeting and financial development and sees her clients throughout every stage of their career.
“We handle one of the things that means the most to people – their financial wellbeing – and I take that responsibility seriously,” explains Lamb. “FBMM sets a high standard for excellence in business management and becoming an associate business manager signifies the trust the FBMM owners and my clients have in me and my team.”
Lainey Wilson Celebrates Two More No. 1 Hits At Historic Bradley’s Barn
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Broken Bow Records’ Lee Adams, Trannie Anderson (BMI), Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Lainey Wilson (BMI), ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Paul Sikes (ASCAP), Endurance Music Group’s Lauren Funk, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Shelley Hargis and Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Lainey Wilson brought members of the music industry out to Mt. Juliet last week to celebrate her seventh and eighth chart-toppers, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” and “4x4xU,” with a special event at the historic Bradley’s Barn.
Pictured (L-R): One Riot’s Amy Patton, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Reservoir’s John Ozier, Jon Decious (BMI), BMI’s Clay Bradley, Lainey Wilson (BMI), Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Broken Bow Records’ Lee Adams and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Shelley Hargis. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Originally established in the mid-1960s by Country Music Hall of Fame member Owen Bradley, the studio was converted from a horse barn into a cutting-edge recording facility. It quickly became a creative haven for legends like Merle Haggard, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, J.J. Cale and more—helping shape the Nashville sound. After a fire destroyed the original barn in 1980, it was rebuilt in 1984 and continued to serve as a creative space for the Bradley family. Today, Owen’s great-grandchildren, John and Lillian Grace Bradley, have updated the space to host events and live music, preserving its legacy for a new generation.
Hosted by BMI and ASCAP, the event welcomed guests to explore country music artifacts. The parking lot was filled with 4×4 trucks in a nod to Wilson’s hit “4x4xU.”
Pictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Mandelyn Monchick, Jon Decious, Lainey Wilson and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
After a special welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley, the company’s MaryAnn Keen led the program, beginning with a celebration of “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” Wilson was joined onstage by co-writers Trannie Anderson and Paul Sikes, with tributes from ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Endurance Music Group’s Lauren Funk and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Shelley Hargis.
Sikes shared a personal moment, saying his father had come to town for the celebration. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for his support,” he said. “Lainey is a generational talent. I’m honored to be a small part of that.”
Anderson reflected on her journey during her speech. “I moved to Nashville 10 years ago in June. My dream was to figure out some way to write songs full time,” she said. “Having a couple No. 1s under my belt, with one of my best friends in the entire world, is bigger than I ever dreamed.”
Bradley’s Barn. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
The celebration continued with “4x4xU,” which had earned ACM nominations that very morning for Song of the Year and Visual Media of the Year. Wilson took the stage with co-writer Jon Decious, who gave a shoutout to fellow co-writer Aaron Raitiere. In Raitiere’s absence, Decious presented Wilson and Red Light Management’s Mandelyn Monchick with matching jerseys—designed by Raitiere after they wrote the song—as a symbol of their belief in its success from the beginning.
Joining the celebration were Sony Music Publishing’s Gaston, Reservoir’s John Ozier, One Riot’s Amy Patton and Broken Bow Records’ Lee Adams.
Sponsored by Studio Bank, the event also featured a special donation presentation from Kari Barnhart on behalf of Wilson and her co-writers to support Wilson’s Heart Like A Truck charitable fund, which champions causes that aim to change lives and celebrate resilience.
Decious was also honored with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar to mark his first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter. When he spoke, he thanked his family, team and village, and joked, “I don’t know what goes into making a No. 1 record, but I’m glad y’all know,” drawing laughter from the crowd. “To get to celebrate this song with everyone who is family to me is like a movie. Thank you.”
To close the celebration, Wilson offered heartfelt thanks to her collaborators and supporters.
“I could not have hand picked a better team of people to be in my life,” said the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year. “Y’all are more than just team members. Y’all are family. A lot of people say don’t mix business and pleasure, but that just ain’t how we roll. We just can’t help it, because we fight for each other when it’s family involved.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, Trannie Anderson, Lainey Wilson, Paul Sikes and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, Jon Decious, Lainey Wilson and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Billy Strings Announces Summer Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Billy Strings has announced he’ll extend his headline tour through summer.
The new dates include stops at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, Minneapolis’ Target Center, Fargo’s Scheels Arena, Bozeman’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Missoula’s Adams Center and two nights at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, marking Strings’ first-ever Canadian shows.
Before the summer shows, Strings will travel this spring to St. Augustine’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre (three nights, all sold-out), Savannah’s Enmarket Arena (two nights), Tampa’s Yuengling Center, St. Louis’ Chaifetz Arena (two nights), Lexington’s Rupp Arena (two nights) and Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena (two nights), among others. He will also join Willie Nelson’s “Outlaw Music Festival Tour” in May.
Strings has been off to a fast start for 2025, including winning Best Bluegrass Album at the Grammy Awards earlier this year for his album, Live Vol. 1. The album gives fans a sample of what they will see at his shows and features Strings performing some of his most beloved songs, including “Dust in a Baggie,” “Away From The Mire,” and “Turmoil & Tinfoil,” recorded at various venues including Paris’ La Cigale, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Austin’s Moody Center, Atlanta’s State Farm Arena and more.
Tickets for the new dates are on sale now.
Billy Strings Summer Tour Dates:
Aug. 8—Milwaukee, WI—Fiserv Forum
Aug. 9—Minneapolis, MN—Target Center
Aug. 12—Fargo, ND—SCHEELS Arena
Aug. 15—Bozeman, MT—Brick Breeden Fieldhouse
Aug. 16—Missoula, MT—Adams Center
Aug. 19—Vancouver, BC—Commodore Ballroom
Aug. 20—Vancouver, BC—Commodore Ballroom
Mark Your Calendar—April 2025
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee
April 2
Waylon Wyatt & Willow Avalon/Smoke & Embers
April 4
Bailey Zimmerman & Bigxthaplug/All The Way/Warner Music Nashville/Elektra
Old Dominion/Me Most Nights/Sony Music Nashville
Colbie Caillat feat. Russell Dickerson/If You Love Me Let Me Go
Chris Young/Til The Last One Dies/Black River Records
Lauren Watkins/Lose My Cool/Big Loud Records
Annie Bosko/California Cowgirl/Stone Country Records
Sheyna Gee/If I Could
The Talbott Brothers/Mud
Garrett Bradford/Firefly/H.O.T. Records
KC Johns/Smoke Show
Meghan Linsey/Humble Again
Jillian Cardarelli/The Boys
Fuller Hull/Where I Wanna Be
Quinn Hailey/Ain’t What Jesus Would Do
Kiana/Ask You
April 7
Mitchell Tenpenny/Same Moon/Riser House Records/Columbia Nashville
Mackenzie Carpenter (feat. Midland)/I Wish You Would/The Valory Music Co.
Scotty Hasting/Pro Beer/Black River Entertainment
Tiffany Woys/Took Back
Cody Ross Smith/Stompin Grounds/CRS Records
April 11
Danny Kensy feat. Barefoot Joe/Sip Sip Hooray/YEP Records
Paige King Johnson/Country See Country Do
Charlie McNeal/Bar Friend
Jordan Stone/Long Range Missile
April 14
Chase McDaniel/Burned Down Heaven/Big Machine Records
Runaway June/New Kind Of Emotion/Quartz Hill Records
Mark209/Country Heart/MCMG
April 18
Sam Barber/Man Of The Year/Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
Dusty Black/Curveball/Stone Country Records
Kat Velasco/Name On My Phone
April 21
Wendy Moten/You Are Worthy/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment
Lewis Brice/She Loves My Country
BoomTown Saints/This Side Of The Dirt/8 Track Entertainment
April 25
Spencer Hatcher/On The Inside/Stone Country Records
Rotundo/Heart Attack
Bryan Ruby/Diggin’ (Til The Corn Comes Up)
Charlie Collins/Bad Guy
Jenny Teator/Roll With The Punches
Maddie Riccardo/Barstool
April 28
Kaitlyn Croker/Trouble I Chase
Album/EP Releases:
April 4
Elton John & Brandi Carlile/Who Believes In Angels?/Interscope Records
Bryan Martin/Years In The Making/Average Joes Entertainment
Parmalee/Fell In Love With A Cowgirl/Stoney Creek Records
Garth Brooks/The Anthology Part V: The Comeback, The First Five Years
Ned Ledoux/Safe Haven
Matt Oakley/Outside Looking In/C2 Records
Bradley Gaskin/Unfinished Business
Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters/Good Morning, Sunshine/Blackbird Record Label
April 11
Jon Pardi/Honkytonk Hollywood/Capitol Records Nashville
Muscadine Bloodline/… And What Was Left Behind/Stancaster Music/Thirty Tigers
Cole Phillips/Steel Toes And Texacos/RECORDS Nashville
Kolby Cooper/Love You, Goodnight/BBR Music Group/BMG
Abbey Cone/Greener
Madison Hughes/All That I Am
Fancy Hagood/American Spirit: The Last Drag
Garrett Bradford/Honkiest of Tonkers (Part 2)/H.O.T. Records
Lane Smith/Good Thing Going
April 12
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives/Space Junk/Snakefarm Records
April 18
Ian Munsick/Eagle Feather/Warner Music Nashville
Locash/Bet The Farm/Galaxy Label Group/BMG
Hayden Coffman/Love & A Heartbreak
Julien Baker & Torres/Send A Prayer My Way/Matador Records
Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson/What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow/Nonesuch Records
Don Louis/Liquor Talkin’ Deluxe/EMPIRE
Chaparelle/Western Pleasure/Mom+Pop Music
April 25
Willie Nelson/Oh What A Beautiful World/Legacy Recordings
Tucker Wetmore/What Not To/EMI Records Nashville/Back Blocks Music
Kassi Ashton/Made From The Dirt: The Blooms/MCA Nashville
John Morgan/Carolina Blue/Broken Bow Records
Kyle McKearney/To The River/Lil Snug
The Barlow/High Spirits
Carley Ridersleeve/Valley Heart Drive
Industry Events:
April 8
AIMP Nashville Awards
Laci Kaye Booth Fulfills Her Opry Dream With Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughLaci Kaye Booth makes Opry debut. Photo: Grand Ole Opry
Laci Kaye Booth made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (March 29) something she’s aspired to do since she was just a little girl.
Pictured (L-R): Braeden Rountree (WME), Michelle Attardi (Big Machine Publishing), Laci Kaye Booth, Kaitlin Madewell (Red Light Management), Ashtyn Zink (Red Light Management) and Jordan Pettit (Grand Ole Opry). Photo: Natalie Sakstrup
Stepping into the famed circle for the first time dressed in vintage Bob Mackie, the Geffen Records artist shared her new single, “Daddy’s Mugshot,” and gave a nod to Patsy Cline with the classic “Crazy.” “Daddy’s Mugshot” is Booth’s first new song since the release of her 2024 debut album, The Loneliest Girl In The World and the Acoustic Sessions.
“Tonight I felt the full weight of a little girl’s dream comin’ true,” says Booth. “It lit a fire in me all over again — the same one that carried me to Nashville in the first place. I’ll never forget the love in that room, and I’m so thankful for every soul who showed up to share it with me.”
Booth will be touring this summer, supporting Megan Moroney on several dates, playing some festivals and rejoining Parker McCollum for select shows on his summer tour.
mtheory Reveals Newest Members Of Equal Access Development Program
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Michael Warren, MŌRIAH, Kohl Almire, & Tanner Davenport. Photo: Thomas Crabtree
mtheory has revealed the four new participants selected for its Equal Access Development Program, a year-long artist and management initiative aimed at uplifting underrepresented voices in country music.
This year’s cohort includes artists MŌRIAH and Michael Warren, along with management professionals Tanner Davenport and Kohl Almire. Now in its third year, the program offers financial support, business development, and direct access to key industry leaders—helping to build a more diverse and sustainable talent pipeline within the genre.
Launched in 2022 by an all-female leadership team at mtheory—including Cameo Carlson, Tiffany Provenzano and Chantrel Reynolds—Equal Access is among the first structured efforts to address systemic gaps in opportunity across the country music space. The program targets both artist and executive development, aiming to close those gaps from both sides of the stage.
“In 2025, research continues to highlight the persistent racial and gender disparities in the country music industry, impacting every aspect of the business – from radio airplay and songwriting to publishing, streaming, label signings, artist development, and touring,” shares Carlson, CEO, mtheory. “Addressing these systemic barriers requires intentional, sustained efforts like ‘Equal Access,’ and we remain dedicated to fostering greater representation of underserved communities in country music and equipping an outstanding new generation of talent for success. In a time where creative expression faces increasing challenges and DEI initiatives are waning, mtheory is proud to remain firmly committed to this work.”
Past Equal Access participants have included artists such as Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks, Camille Parker and Denitia, as well as management professionals like Charlene Bryant, Justin Tomlinson and Brittney Boston. Over the last three years, the program has facilitated more than 100 industry connections for each of its members.
“Since we launched ‘Equal Access,’ managers from our program have gone on to work country albums at major labels, sign country artists to their management rosters, help bridge the gap between the black rodeo circuit and the music industry, and much more,” says Provenzano, Executive Director, Equal Access. “With backing and guidance from our program, artists have been able to record and release new music, film music videos, and sign numerous publishing, record, distribution and booking deals. We’ve also helped them grow their social followings, build their teams, secure radio airplay and even play The Grand Ole Opry for the first time. We look forward to helping this new cohort make their own mark on country music.”