Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett. Photo: Torie Conroy
Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett are joining forces on their new “The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour,” a series of shows that celebrate their shared roots, longtime friendship and the rich musical heritage of Texas.
The limited engagement tour will kick off with a special, previously-announced show at the Hollywood Bowl on June 5 before visiting 19 cities from August through the end of September including Toronto, Philadelphia, Richmond, Raleigh, Charleston, Birmingham and more. Noeline Hofmann, Reyna Tropical, Honky Tonkin’ In Queens, Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore have been tapped as support on the dates, appearing at select shows on the new tour. Pre-sales for the tour starts on March 25, and tickets go on sale to the public on March 28. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to Bridges’ charity, The Big Good.
Known for his timeless storytelling and genre-bending sound, Bridges will bring the spirit of his fourth studio album, Leon, to the stage, along with some of his Platinum hits. Crockett, the street busker-turned-country cult hero, has released 14 independent albums. His latest record, Lonesome Drifter, out now, channels the raw, unfiltered essence of a road-worn storyteller.
“The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour” Dates:
6/5 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
8/26 – BMO Pavilion, Milwaukee, WI
8/27 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, MI
8/28 – Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON
8/30 – Broadview Stage at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
8/31 – Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME
9/1 – Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME
9/4 – Forest Hills Stadium, Forest Hills, NY
9/5 – The Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
9/6 – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, Richmond, VA
9/7 – Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
9/9 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
9/10 – The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park, Cincinnati, OH
9/12 – Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
9/13 – Credit One Stadium, Charleston, SC
9/14 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, FL
9/15 – The BayCare Sound, Clearwater, FL
9/17 – Coca-Cola Amphitheater, Birmingham, AL
9/19 – Walmart AMP, Rogers, AR
9/21 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands, TX
9/23 – Moody Center, Austin, TX
The Listening Room Celebrates 19th Anniversary With Entire Day Of Music
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Blair. Photo: The Listening Room Cafe
The Listening Room Cafe recently celebrated the venue’s 19th anniversary with a full day of music from 15 hit songwriters during several sold-out shows on March 15.
The celebration included performances by Marc Beeson, Craig Campbell, Adam Craig, Brian Davis, Jason Duke, J.T. Harding, Mark Irwin, AJ Kross, Jenn Schott, The Warren Brothers, Keesy Timmer, Eric Van Houten, Ben Williams and The Listening Room’s Founder and Visionary, Chris Blair.
“Nineteen years ago, I set out to create something more than just another venue—I wanted a space that put the song and the songwriter first,” shared Blair. “I moved to town as an artist and fell in love with songwriting, and through that journey, I saw a need for a place that truly honored the craft, with great sound, great food, and a deeper connection to the stories behind the music. The Listening Room was built on that vision, and after all these years, it’s still about the songs, the songwriters, and the community we’ve built together.
“From the incredible rounds to our Sound Good Do Good program, giving back has become part of who we are,” he continued. “Every night, when someone walks out saying they have a new respect for songwriters or can’t wait to come back, that’s what makes it all worth it. Thank you everyone for helping us celebrate 19 years, and here’s to many more ahead.”
Last year, The Listening Room sold over 130,000 tickets to attendees from 40 countries and 48 states. The venue has hosted over 800 shows with over 1,000 songwriters performing on its stages, and its monthly Sound Good Do Good shows have raised over $100,000 throughout the year.
Leon Bridges & Charley Crockett Team For New ‘The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughLeon Bridges and Charley Crockett. Photo: Torie Conroy
Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett are joining forces on their new “The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour,” a series of shows that celebrate their shared roots, longtime friendship and the rich musical heritage of Texas.
The limited engagement tour will kick off with a special, previously-announced show at the Hollywood Bowl on June 5 before visiting 19 cities from August through the end of September including Toronto, Philadelphia, Richmond, Raleigh, Charleston, Birmingham and more. Noeline Hofmann, Reyna Tropical, Honky Tonkin’ In Queens, Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore have been tapped as support on the dates, appearing at select shows on the new tour. Pre-sales for the tour starts on March 25, and tickets go on sale to the public on March 28. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to Bridges’ charity, The Big Good.
Known for his timeless storytelling and genre-bending sound, Bridges will bring the spirit of his fourth studio album, Leon, to the stage, along with some of his Platinum hits. Crockett, the street busker-turned-country cult hero, has released 14 independent albums. His latest record, Lonesome Drifter, out now, channels the raw, unfiltered essence of a road-worn storyteller.
“The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour” Dates:
6/5 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
8/26 – BMO Pavilion, Milwaukee, WI
8/27 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, MI
8/28 – Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON
8/30 – Broadview Stage at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
8/31 – Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME
9/1 – Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME
9/4 – Forest Hills Stadium, Forest Hills, NY
9/5 – The Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
9/6 – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, Richmond, VA
9/7 – Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
9/9 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
9/10 – The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park, Cincinnati, OH
9/12 – Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
9/13 – Credit One Stadium, Charleston, SC
9/14 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, FL
9/15 – The BayCare Sound, Clearwater, FL
9/17 – Coca-Cola Amphitheater, Birmingham, AL
9/19 – Walmart AMP, Rogers, AR
9/21 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands, TX
9/23 – Moody Center, Austin, TX
First Round Of Performers Announced For 60th ACM Awards
/by LB CantrellThe first round of performers for the landmark 60th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed, including Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Lainey Wilson. More will be announced in the coming weeks.
Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. CST from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Tickets are now available at SeatGeek.
The show will celebrate six decades of country music. Shelton, a six-time ACM Award recipient and former ACM Awards host, will take the stage as his top 10 single “Texas” continues to rise up the charts. Seven-time ACM Award recipient Church will perform on the heels of his newest album, Evangeline Vs. The Machine, dropping May 2. Reigning Entertainer of the Year and 12-time ACM Award recipient Wilson will return to the ACM Awards stage after winning the Academy’s highest honor in 2024.
Nominations for the 60th ACM Awards will be announced this Thursday (March 27) with additional performers, presenters and ACM Awards week events announced in the coming weeks.
Cole Phillips Inks With WME
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): WME’s Jon Folk, Jeremy Upton and Caleb Fenn. (L-R, front row): WHY&HOW’s Reid Alexander and Matt Stubbs, Cole Phillips, WME’s Geoff Turner and WHY&HOW’S Harrison Klein. Photo: Courtesy of WME
Country singer-songwriter Cole Phillips has signed a worldwide representation deal with WME in all areas.
The Bridge Creek, Oklahoma native has gained recognition in Nashville with his gritty storytelling, authenticity and powerful vocals. Citing influences such as Hank Williams Jr., David Allan Coe, Zach Bryan, Cody Jinks and Nirvana, he mixes classic country with contemporary style.
His viral breakthrough single “Drinking Alone” has garnered millions of streams to date. His newest project, Steel Toes and Texacos, will release on April 11 via RECORDS Nashville. The EP features five tracks co-written tracks, including the already released “West Tx.”
“Cole’s unique voice as a young songwriter and performer immediately caught our attention,” shares WME’s Geoff Turner. “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with someone this incredibly talented.”
“I like working with real people that are going to do right by me,” adds Phillips. “The people over at WME are real folks with real values and that meant a lot to me the first time we met. Can’t wait to see where this goes!”
Phillips is represented by WHY&HOW for management.
Matthew Miller Joins The Familie [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellMatthew Miller. Photo: Mick Brodie
Matthew Miller has joined the Nashville-headquartered talent management agency The Familie, bringing with him Texas singer-songwriter William Beckmann and pop-punk riser LEW (a.k.a. Lauren Weintraub) to the company’s growing talent roster.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Miller joins The Familie after beginning his career at WME and later leading A&R at Carnival Music under Grammy Award-winning producer Frank Liddell. At Carnival, he was instrumental in the signing and early songwriting careers of Natalie Hemby, Brent Cobb, Hailey Whitters and Adam Hood as well as the success of the late Troy Jones.
Most recently, Miller worked at Triple 8 Management, after an eight-year stint at Red Light Management working with Enzo DeVincenzo’s 377 Management (Parker McCollum, Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers Band).
“I’ve known Matthew for years and cannot tell you how excited I am to finally work with him at The Familie,” shares The Familie’s EVP of Music Royce Risser. “His experience and management style are a perfect fit for this team and he will be a huge part of the culture we are creating.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join The Familie and be part of a team that not only pushes the industry forward but also values a strong, collaborative culture,” Miller shares. “The energy here is unmatched, and you can feel that everyone is building something special. Steve’s vision for The Familie is truly next level—not just in music, but across the entire agency—and I’m excited to help grow that, especially in the country space. Getting to work with Royce again, who’s a force in this world, just makes it even better.”
MusicRow’s Rising Women On The Row 2025 [See Photos]
/by LB CantrellRising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Over 700 members of the Nashville music industry came together Thursday morning (March 20) for MusicRow’s 12th annual Rising Women on the Row celebration at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The event honored six standout executives and was presented by City National Bank.
This year’s honorees—Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant—were recognized for their leadership, achievements and impact on the Nashville music business.
Jennie Smythe, Founder and CEO of the award-winning Girlilla Marketing, served as the morning’s featured speaker. She shared meaningful insights from her career and offered a sneak peek of her upcoming memoir, Becoming Girlilla, arriving in April.
The event also included a special performance by rising artist Stella Prince, presented by supporting sponsors AB Hillsboro Village and Chao Nail + Bar. Known for her soul-baring, Laurel Canyon–inspired sound, Prince brought an intimate touch to the celebration.
Read Robert K. Oermann’s recap of the event here. See some photos from the event below.
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Lukas Nelson To Release First Solo Album Via Sony Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellLukas Nelson. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson has will release his first-ever solo album, American Romance, on June 20 via Sony Music Nashville, marking his first in partnership with the label.
Produced by Grammy Award-winner Shooter Jennings, American Romance showcases Nelson’s songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound. Across 12 tracks, including collaborations with Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr., Nelson tells stories of his life on the road, detailing the joys, complexities, beauty and heartbreak he’s encountered during his travels across the country.
Reflecting on the project, Nelson shares, “This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me. Diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”
In addition to Nelson and Jennings, the record also features contributions from Anderson East (“Disappearing Light,” producer) and SistaStrings (“Montana,” cello and viola) as well as Matt Chamberlain (drums), Corey McCormick (bass), Marty Muse (dobro), Russ Pahl (pedal steel), Chris Powell (drums), Brian Whelan (acoustic guitar) and Eleanor Whitmore (fiddle).
Out today (March 21) is “Ain’t Done,” a song Nelson co-wrote with Aaron Raitiere.
Of the track, Nelson shares, “I went through this period of self-reflection and George Harrison’s song, ‘All Things Must Pass,’ was part of what got me through that moment. It gave me that understanding that it’s not for us to know what comes next. Everything changes and nothing stays the same.”
Nelson has released eight studio albums since his band’s debut over a decade ago. His 2023 album Sticks and Stones spent 18 weeks in the top 10 of the Americana Albums chart and reached No. 1 on the Alt Country chart.
A highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on stage, Nelson recently joined forces with The Travelin’ McCourys and Sierra Ferrell for a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s iconic hit, “Someone Like You,” and has also worked with artists such as Lainey Wilson, Ernest, Miranda Lambert, The Pistol Annies and more. He has sold out countless headline shows, been featured at renowned festivals and has made multiple appearances on late night shows. Additionally, Nelson co-produced and co-wrote much of the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
Lukas Nelson’s American Romance Track List:
1. “Ain’t Done” (Lukas Nelson / Aaron Raitiere)
2. “Pretty Much” (Lukas Nelson)
3. “Make You Happy” (Lukas Nelson / Jon Decious / Delaney Ramsdell)
4. “Outsmarted” (Lukas Nelson)
5. “Disappearing Light” with Stephen Wilson Jr. (Lukas Nelson / Stephen Wilson Jr.)
6. “Born Runnin’ Outta Time” (Lukas Nelson / Jon Decious / Nate Ferraro)
7. “All God Did” (Lukas Nelson)
8. “Montana” (Lukas Nelson)
9. “Friend in the End” featuring Sierra Ferrell (Lukas Nelson)
10. “The Lie” (Lukas Nelson)
11. “American Romance” (Lukas Nelson)
12. “You Were It” (Lukas Nelson)
Industry Ink: Opry 100, Riley Green, Warren Zeiders, AIMP Nashville, More
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years In Style At Star-Studded Bash
Members of The Grand Ole Opry celebrate its 100th anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th birthday and its immense impact on country music and American culture this week with a star-studded, once-in-a-lifetime live special that showcased unforgettable performances and iconic collaborations from some of the biggest names in country. The milestone celebration brought together legendary artists for heartwarming tributes and electrifying performances that honored the Opry’s rich history and served as a kickoff to a months-long celebration of 100 years that will last well into 2026. The three-hour TV special aired live on NBC and was Simulcast on Peacock.
Riley Green Helps Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter Support Hurricane And Fire Relief Efforts
Pictured (L-R): Alicia Warwick (Recording Academy), Jessi Alexander, Riley Green, Sydney Verge (Recording Academy) and Randy Montana
Riley Green performed a sold-out show at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville in support of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter’s hurricane and LA fire relief efforts. The evening, Green’s first time performing at the Music City landmark, brought together music fans and musicians alike and raised over $9,000 for the cause, and Green matched the donation amount through his Buford Bonds Charitable Fund. The night also featured performances from Jessi Alexander and Randy Montana, as well as surprise performances from Lukas Nelson and Erik Dylan.
Warren Zeiders Celebrates New Album With New York Media Blitz
Warren Zeiders took over Times Square recently while on a media blitz for his latest album, Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal, a 21-track introspection of healing, heartbreak and unwavering fervor for love. Since its release, Zeiders has earned features on CBS Mornings, NPR: All Songs Considered, GQ, Cowboys & Indians, Fox News Digital, Fox & Friends Weekend and more.
AIMP Nashville Reflects On ‘Back Then’ At MLC Breakfast
Pictured (L-R): Jacee Badeaux (Big Yellow Dog Music), Ree Guyer (Wrensong), Ciara Shortridge (Curb Records), Raleigh Berschback (Songtrust), Lauren Lieu (River House Artists), Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music), Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music), MaryAnn Keen (BMI) and Beth Laird (Creative Nation)
AIMP Nashville held a “Back Then Breakfast” on March 18 at The MLC in Nashville. Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music) and Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music) shared stories about the ups, downs, and pivotal moments that shaped their careers and how these experiences still impact today’s music publishing landscape at the event.
Ole 60 Burns Up The Road On ‘Outta My Way Tour’
Ole 60’s opening night of the “Outta My Way Tour” in Boston. Photo: Wales Toney
Kentucky sons Ole 60 are off to a traveling start in 2025, selling over 31,000 tickets already on their current headlining “Outta My Way Tour.” The independent six-piece band has taken fans by storm nationwide, lighting up wall-to-wall crowds in markets like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Knoxville and more. The band has just been announced as an opener on both nights of Zach Bryan’s BST Hyde Park double header this summer on June 28-29, followed by their Lollapalooza debut in August. This week, they head down under to Australia for their first-ever appearance at CMC Rocks.
Tracy Byrd & Alex Miller Stop By Coffee, Country & Cody To Preview New Duet ‘The Byrd’
Alex Miller, co-host Kelly Sutton, Tracy Byrd and co-host Charlie Mattos
Tracy Byrd was in Nashville recently to film a music video with Billy Jam’s Alex Miller. They stopped by WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody to perform their upcoming duet, “The Byrd,” which is due out in April on Billy Jam.
Micki Free Signs As Flagship Client Of Roam Man Management
/by Lorie HollabaughMicki Free, Scott Adkins & Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Heather Roberts
Guitarist, songwriter, artist and producer Micki Free has signed with Billy Ray Cyrus and Scott Adkins as the flagship client of their newly-formed Roam Man Management.
Free’s career spans decades and includes collaborations with music icons. Free’s sound and artistic journey have been deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage, which includes Cherokee ancestry, an adopted Comanche Native American background and Creole and Irish roots. His musical career took off early after securing management deals with Gene Simmons of KISS and Diana Ross. He quickly gained recognition as a member of the iconic R&B group Shalamar, where he formed a lasting friendship with Prince.
In his solo career, he has performed and recorded with artists including Cyrus, Carlos Santana, Gary Clark Jr., Janet Jackson, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Little Steven Van Zandt, Cheap Trick, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, KISS and many more. He is also a master of the Native American flute, with five albums dedicated to the instrument. Free recently released his EP, Dreamcatcher.
“Welcome to Music City and Roam Man Productions, Micki Free! Proud and honored you chose to join us. Can’t wait for the world to hear what you’ve been working on. We gonna be “Takin’ Our Country Back,” shares Cyrus.
“Micki Free is a Grammy-winning multi-hyphenate who’s jammed with everyone from Prince, co-wrote with KISS’s Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and even shared the stage with Cyrus. We’re thrilled to be on this journey with Micki!” adds Adkins.
“Billy and I have always talked about working together for years, and now we are finally going to make that dream happen. I couldn’t be happier. I love the energy of Scott Adkins, his positivity and drive compliments our new partnership!” says Free.
Prescription Songs Promotes Chris Martignago To VP Of A&R
/by LB CantrellChris Martignago. Photo: Taylor Christian Jones
Prescription Songs has promoted Chris Martignago to VP of A&R in its Nashville office.
Martignago joined the independent publishing company in 2021 after nearly 10 years in the A&R Research department at Atlantic Records. While he has been at Prescription Songs, Martignago has built an impressive roster including Grammy-nominated and award-winning creatives such as Anderson East, Trent Dabbs, JT Daly, Nick Lobel, Tony Esterly, Brett Truitt, Josie Dunne, Dominique Sanders, Derik Fein, Heather Russell and Vancouver Sleep Clinic.
“Since joining Prescription Songs, Chris has shown exceptional leadership and creative skills,” says Rhea Pasricha, Prescription Songs’ Head of A&R, West Coast. “He has championed and ushered in diverse talent and has helped to shape the future of our roster with his keen ear and passion for artistry. We’re thrilled to see him step into this new role as VP of A&R in Nashville.”
Martignago adds, “I have learned so much and we’ve made excellent progress here in Nashville during my first four years at the company. I am looking forward to continuing to champion our exceptional creative team and roster with the opportunity of this new role. I am grateful to Rhea for the faith she has in me and my ability to step up to the challenge.”
Outside of work, Martignago regularly volunteers with local schools and art programs. He is also the founder of HELL YES!—an online community that showcases emerging songwriters, hosts annual songwriting camps and events, including PLAYBACK, a partnership with PøpSquad founder Wes Davenport. Through this platform, Martignago has provided invaluable resources and opportunities for independent songwriters, producers, and artists to forge real-world connections.