Former Opry Exec Jerry Strobel Passes

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Jerry Strobel

The publicist for the Grand Ole Opry for three decades, Jerry Strobel has died at age 84. Born Martin Jerome Strobel, the Nashville native died with his family by his side on Feb. 24.

Strobel was born and raised in Germantown. He grew up a few doors down from Assumption Catholic Church, and was the longtime choir director there. He was a classically trained tenor vocalist.

In 1970, he became the promotions manager for WSM radio and its Grand Ole Opry. He worked with local and national media and shepherded visits by national celebrities who came to perform on the Opry. His duties gradually expanded, and he was later named Opry House Manager.

At the time, Nashville had few venues for concerts by nationally touring artists. So Strobel became the liaison for the dozens of acts who booked shows at the Opry House, everyone from Linda Ronstadt, Patti Labelle, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope and Robin Williams. He retired from the Opry job in 2000.

Jerry Strobel was one of the founders of Fan Fair, now known as the CMA Music Festival. He was also the creator of Oktoberfest. Founded in 1980, it benefits Assumption Catholic Church plus the neighboring and equally historic Monroe Street United Methodist Church.

Strobel sang at Catholic parishes throughout Middle Tennessee, often at funerals, weddings and other church-held events. His brother was Father Charles Strobel (1943-2023), the priest who founded Room in the Inn and was a tireless champion for the homeless.

Jerry Strobel is survived by six children, 17 grandchildren and a sister. Visitation will be Thursday (March 6) from 4-6:30 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 1226 7th Ave. N. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday (March 7) at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd. He will then be interred at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Room in the Inn, Assumption Catholic Church or The Pat Holzapfel Strobel Legacy Grant at Christ the King School. Arrangements are being handled by Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home c/o Dignity Memorial.

Brad Paisley To Launch ‘Truck Still Works World Tour’ In May

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea

Brad Paisley will hit the road on his “Truck Still Works World Tour” beginning May 21 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Walker Hayes is the special guest on the new tour, with Avery Anna, Mae Estes and Alexandra Kay sharing the opening guest slot. The first leg of 16 shows will run through August and visit Phoenix, San Diego, Richmond, Savannah and more, and will also include Paisley’s first-ever shows at Red Rocks in Colorado and the Greek Theatre in L.A.

The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience including premium tickets, a guided backstage tour, VIP-exclusive gift item and more. Fan club pre-sale begins tomorrow (March 4) through March 6 with general on sale starting March 7 at BradPaisley.com.

Paisley will also present the third annual “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” with wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley featuring Brad and friends at Zanies in Nashville benefiting The Store on April 13. Tickets are available now here.

“Truck Still Works World Tour” Dates:
May 21 – Idaho Falls, ID @ Mountain America Center #
May 22 – Bonner, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater #
May 24 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *#
May 29 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater *+
May 30 – Airway Heights, WA @ BECU Live at Northern Quest *+
May 31 – Everett, WA @ Angel Of the Winds Arena *+
June 5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre @ *#
June 6 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre *#
June 7 – San Diego, CA @ Gallagher Square at Petco Park *#
July 10 – Ft. Loramie, OH @ Country Concert (festival lineup)
July 12 – Canandaigua, NY @ Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center ++ xx
July 17 – Richmond, VA @ Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront *=
July 18 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *=
July 19 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion *=
July 24 – Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion @ *=
July 25 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre *=
Aug. 1 – Savannah, GA @ Enmarket Arena *=
Aug. 2 – St. Augustine, FL @ The St. Augustine Amphitheatre *=
Aug. 3 – Clearwater, FL @ The Baycare Sound @ *= ++
Aug. 8 – Arcadia, WI @ Ashley For the Arts (festival lineup)

* Walker Hayes
# Avery Anna
+ Mae Estes
= Alexandra Kay
@ No Citi & Verizon pre sale
++ non Live Nation show
xx Dylan Scott & Alexandra Kay

BREAKING: Lauren Kilgore Joins Sony Music Nashville & Provident Entertainment

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Lauren Kilgore. Photo: Emily Ann Photography.

Lauren Kilgore has joined Sony Music Nashville & Provident Entertainment as Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, effective immediately.

In her new role, Kilgore will manage and direct the legal activities for both labels, collaborating with various business leaders locally and within Sony Music Entertainment to develop and implement SMN and PE’s legal, business and operational strategies. She will report to Taylor Lindsey, Chair & CEO of Sony Music Nashville, and Ken Robold, President and COO.

“We are so excited to have Lauren join Sony Music Nashville and Provident Entertainment,” shares Lindsey. “Her vast knowledge and sharp acumen will only help to continue to provide the best and most competitive deals for both our company and the artists we’ve partnered with.”

Kilgore comes with almost 15 years of experience as an entertainment attorney, representing Grammy Award-winning artists, producers, songwriters, TV contestants, record labels, publishing companies, managers and other creatives. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including Paramore, Jackson Dean, Ben Williams, Black River Entertainment, Shenandoah and Walk Off Entertainment.

Kilgore has spent her entire legal career in Nashville and most recently served as a Shareholder at Buchalter, P.C., where she managed a wide variety of transactional entertainment matters. Alongside her transactional work, she has also dealt with pre-dispute and litigation cases and has acted as an expert witness in music industry-related legal matters.

Kilgore has been featured on Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers list for five consecutive years, included in MusicRow’s In Charge list from 2018 to 2024, and was named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year in 2024. She is a Vanderbilt Law School graduate and an active member of the Recording Academy, the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, NSAI and the Copyright Society of the South. Kilgore is also a frequent speaker at conferences across the U.S., discussing topics related to the music industry and intellectual property.

Zach Top Releases Three-Song EP With Billy Strings

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Zach Top has released his Me & Billy EP featuring Grammy-winner Billy Strings.

The three-song collection was previously released last fall as an Apple Music exclusive and can now be streamed everywhere, and finds the pair reimagining versions of Top’s songs “Bad Luck” and “Things To Do” along with a cover of Ricky Skaggs’ “Don’t Cheat In Our Home Town.”

“We had a lot of fun, traded back and forth some playing and whatnot,” shares Top. “It’s so fun to watch him play. And I feel like he’s known so much for a player that it gets passed over sometimes how freaking good of a singer he is too. It was so fun to get to sing with him and him kind enough to come in on a couple of my songs and sing a second verse, sing a little harmony, do that kind of thing. It was a blast.”

Top’s “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” completely sold out hours after tickets went on sale and features stops at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (two nights), New York’s Terminal 5 and Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway, among many others. Additionally, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his “Last Call Tour” and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” kicking off in May.

Industry Ink: Tyler Hubbard, Kameron Marlowe, Live Song Pitch Round, More

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Tyler Hubbard Entertains Members At CMHOF’s ‘The Big Gig’

Lisa Purcell, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Tyler Hubbard and Ben Hall, Vice President of Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Tyler Hubbard took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 26 for its annual members-only concert, “The Big Gig,” celebrating the members who sustain the museum. Hubbard performed his hits including “5 Foot 9,” “Dancin’ In The Country” and his current single “Park” in the museum’s CMA Theater for the audience.

 

Kameron Marlowe Honored With One Billion Streams Plaque

Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey with Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Adam Davis

Kameron Marlowe was honored earlier this week for amassing one billion global career streams at an event celebrating the release of his recent album, Sad Songs For The Soul. Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey presented Marlowe with a plaque to commemorate the milestone.

“This week has been unreal. Dropping Sad Songs last Friday was already special, but hitting over a billion streams? That’s just crazy,” Marlowe shares. “I can’t thank y’all enough for the love and support on this project—it means the world. This wouldn’t be possible without my team and, most importantly, the fans who’ve been riding with me every step of the way. Y’all are the reason I get to do this, and I’m beyond grateful!”

 

Warner Chappell Music Live Song Pitch Round

The Listening Room Cafe is hosting another Live Song Pitch Round with Warner Chappell Music on March 13 at 1 p.m. featuring Lydia Vaughan, Summer Overstreet, Heath Warren, Jet Harvey, Josh Kerr and Chandler Brown. The songwriters will play their uncut songs to A&R and industry professionals at the event.

 

Allison Portlock Elevated To Executive VP/Marketing At Sound Royalties

Allison Portlock. Photo: Jason Nuttle

Allison Portlock has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP) of Marketing at Sound Royalties. Since joining the company in 2018, Portlock’s efforts have been key in driving significant annual growth, launching new services including Tour Financing and Bridge Financing, expansion into international markets, and the company’s no-cost, no-fee funding programs launched during Covid and for the L.A. wildfires.

As a member of the executive team, Portlock will oversee high-level strategic initiatives, shaping growth strategies and guiding the company’s evolution into new markets and services. She will also continue leading initiatives to expand the brand, fostering partnerships, and amplifying the company’s reach and influence throughout the global industry.

 

Caroline Owens Inks With Wortman Works

Jules Wortman, Caroline Owens and Demi Hofstetter

Bluegrass artist Caroline Owens has signed a management deal with Wortman Works, the media, marketing and management firm led by music industry veteran Jules Wortman. Owens is set to release her debut single with Billy Blue Records, “You’ve Still Got It,” on March 7, with plans to release a full album (co-produced with Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge) later this year.

“I’m so grateful to be turning the page to this new chapter in my career,” shares Owens. “With a new single and new management team, I could not be more excited for what is to come. When I first heard this single, written by Jerry Salley and John Pennell, I knew immediately I had to have the song. With a great team behind me and a song that truly speaks to my heart, I feel more inspired than ever. This new music represents a fresh beginning, and I can’t wait to share it—this is just the beginning!”

Redferrin Finds Inspo In His Travels For New EP ‘Some City, Somewhere’

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Redferrin has dropped his sophomore EP, Some City, Somewhere, today (Feb. 28) via Warner Music Nashville.

His latest project showcases his genuine authenticity and creative growth, blending traditional country storytelling with contemporary sounds and a hint of hip-hop. Redferrin produced all seven tracks on Some City, Somewhere, and also co-wrote the project while traveling around the world over the past year.

Since the release of his debut EP Old No. 7 last year, he has surpassed 275 million global streams, with hits like “Just Like Johnny” and “Jack and Diet Coke.” Both tracks have earned Gold certifications, with “Just Like Johnny” amassing 167 million streams and “Jack and Diet Coke” reaching 121 million globally.

Some City, Somewhere Track List:
1. “Ruin My Night” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, Jackson Foote)
2. “Chase My Whiskey” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, Nick Cebollero)
3. “As Long As There’s A Bar (London Town)” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, Nick Cebellero, Twinnie Lee Moore)
4. “Mornin’ Montana” (Blake Redferrin, Cooper Bascom)
5. “Somewhere In The Rockies” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi)
6. “Pourin’ In Nashville” (Blake Redferrin)
7. “Some City, Somewhere” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, and Mike Chandler)

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s MusicRow Weekly highlights major moves in the industry, from executive appointments to label signings and publishing deals. Click here to see the full edition.

Industry veteran Brian Wagner has been appointed Executive Director of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), stepping into the role on March 1, 2025. Wagner succeeds Pam Matthews, who is retiring after more than a decade at the helm of the organization.

In another major leadership move, Katie Fagan has joined Mom+Pop Music as President of its Nashville office. She arrives at the independent label following a 14-year tenure at Prescription Songs, where she most recently served as the Head of A&R in Nashville for eight years.

Major Bob Music has made key promotions and expansions within its team, with Andy Friday rising to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Emily Hasty stepping into the role of Creative Director. Additionally, Aubrey Daniels has been recruited as the company’s new Head of Publishing.

Hardy is venturing further into the industry with the launch of his label, Crow Records, in partnership with Big Loud Rock. The first signing to the new label is Sikarus. Meanwhile, Big Machine Records has welcomed the new duo Something Out West to its roster.

Several publishing deals made headlines this week, including hit songwriter David Garcia renewing his global publishing deal with Spirit Music Group. Western rapper Ryan Charles has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, while songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery has signed with Downtown Music Publishing.

The Grand Ole Opry stage saw some first-time performances from legendary and rising talent alike. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Ringo Starr made his debut on the Opry, alongside Warner Music Nashville newcomer Redferrin, who also stepped into the iconic circle for the first time.

This week’s My Music Row Story column features SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, who serves as Senior Director of Creative Services at SESAC PRO, overseeing the country genre in Nashville. She is among the honorees for the 2025 class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row, which will be recognized in March.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Zach Top notches his first No. 1 this week with “I Never Lie.” Explore more chart data here.

MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Sam Williams To Showcase ‘Countrystar’ Power In July

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Sam Williams will release his new album, Act II: Countrystar, on July 11 via Mercury Nashville.

For the seven-track project, Williams teamed up with producers Nick Bailey and Yung Lan. He also collaborated with writers such as Michael Tyler, Alysa Vanderheym, Emily Weisband and more.

The title track, “Countrystar,” was released today (Feb. 28). Penned by Williams, Bailey, Marisa Maino and Ryder Johnson, the tune sets the tone for the album, with raw, unfiltered lyricism and effortless confidence.

“Writing ‘Countrystar’ was a liberating experience for me,” shares Williams. “It sets the vibe for all of Act II. It’s confident and layered with complex emotions. I can’t wait for all these songs to be yours.”

Act II: Countrystar Track List:
1. “Countrystar” (Sam Williams, Nick Bailey, Marisa Maino, Ryder Johnson)
2. “No Problem” (Sam Williams, Nick Bailey, Michael Tyler, Noah West)
3. “I Killed A Man in Tennessee” (Sam Williams, Nick Wayne, Yung Lan, James Maddocks, Noah Brown)
4. “Fugitive” (Sam Williams, Ben Roberts, Yung Lan, Noah Brown, Felipe Spain, Nick Bailey)
5. “Daydream” (Sam Williams, Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton)
6. “Lose You Too” (Sam Williams, Alysa Vanderheym, Emily Weisband)
7. “Honkytonkin’” (Sam Williams, Andrew DeRoberts, Amy Stroup, Hank Williams)

The Pinnacle Holds Grand Opening [See Photos]

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The Pinnacle Grand Opening. Photo: Nick Le Tellier

AEG Presents’ new Nashville venue, The Pinnacle, officially opened last week with a grand opening event featuring food, drinks and live music from The Brummies and Sparkle City DJs.

Located on a 19-acre campus within Nashville Yards, the state-of-the-art venue has a 4,500-person capacity and is designed to anchor the mixed-use district, adding another major live music destination to the city’s entertainment landscape.

Kacey Musgraves was the venue’s first performer, taking the stage last night (Feb. 27). Upcoming acts include Killswitch Engage, Deadmau5, Turnpike Troubadours, Journey and more.

The Pinnacle Grand Opening. Photo: Nick Le Tellier

The Pinnacle Grand Opening. Photo: Nick Le Tellier

The Pinnacle Grand Opening. Photo: Nick Le Tellier

The Pinnacle Grand Opening. Photo: Nick Le Tellier

The Pinnacle Grand Opening. Photo: Nick Le Tellier

Tauren Wells Proclaims ‘Let The Church Sing’ On New EP

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Tauren Wells is gearing up for the release of his upcoming EP, Let The Church Sing, releasing March 21.

Drawing from a rich legacy of worship-centered music, Let The Church Sing calls believers to come together in praise, fostering a renewed sense of community and devotion. In January 2024, Wells and his wife Lorna established Church of Whitestone in Austin. The church welcomed nearly 4,000 people on its opening weekend, setting a record for the largest first-day church launch in U.S. history. The significance of this moment influenced Let The Church Sing, with Wells turning to worship music more than ever before.

“For as long as I’ve been an artist, I’ve always been on staff at a church,” says Wells. “However, I’ve never written from the lens of being involved in a church and planted in the house of the Lord at this level. When we started the church, it was a major spiritual process and excavation into the heart. A lot of songs came from the birth of our church.”

Fusing contemporary Christian, gospel and pop influences, Let The Church Sing presents a powerful collection of anthems, including his latest tracks “Making Room” and “Thank You For The Cross.” Much like constructing a church one brick at a time, the music came together during individual sessions, mirroring the growth of Whitestone’s congregation. Each song is designed to embody the spirit of communal worship, urging every church to raise its voice in celebration of God’s love and transformative grace.

“When people hear this new music, I want them to walk away thinking about how amazing the church is,” he adds. “I hope that we can re-engage with the wonder and beauty of community and faith. I’m still the same child of God, but with a sharpened focus on what He has called me to do in the world.”

Wells is also preparing to debut his first book and broaden his impact through ministry and his podcast, The High Note.

Let The Church Sing Track List:
1. “Let The Church Sing” (Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells)
2. “Thank You For The Cross” (Colby Wedgeworth, Tauren Wells, Jonathan Smith)
3. “The Room Is Yours” (Tauren Wells, Dafiah Davies, Demitri Wells)
4. “Making Room” (Tauren Wells, Jordan Sapp)
5. “Not Guilty” (Tauren Wells, Lorna Wells, Chuck Butler)