Muscadine Bloodline Slates New Album For April

Muscadine Bloodline will release their fifth studio album, And What Was Left Behind on April 11 on Stancaster Music via Thirty Tigers. A new track from the album, “Chickasaw Church of Christ,” was released last Friday (Feb. 14).

…And What Was Left Behind serves as a companion to the duo’s The Coastal Plain, which was released last summer. Produced by Muscadine Bloodline’s Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster with Ryan Youmans, …And What Was Left Behind continues to weave tales inspired by the people and scenery of their southern, coastal Alabama roots. Another track from the album, “Ain’t For Sale” (feat. Josh Meloy), was previously released.

The new album comes during an upward career trajectory for the duo, including their biggest add week at country radio with their debut radio single, “10-90,” several shows as direct support on Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” last year, and numerous sold-out dates on their current headlining tour, their “The Coastal Plain Tour.” In addition to their headline tour, they will join fellow Alabamians The Red Clay Strays for select dates and will also join Lainey Wilson as direct support on her “Whirlwind World Tour” in the fall.

…And What Was Left Behind Track List:
1. “The White Horse vs. The High Horse” (Gary Stanton)
2. “Ain’t For Sale” (feat. Josh Meloy) (Gary Stanton, Josh Meloy)
3. “Deer in the Headlights” (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster, Ryan Youmans)
4. “Chickasaw Church of Christ” (Gary Stanton)
5. “Hittin’ My Stride” (feat. Ben Chapman) (Gary Stanton, Ben Chapman)
6. “Am I Your Keeper?” (Gary Stanton)
7. “Ballad of the Blanton Brothers” (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
8. “Durward” (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
9. “Borrowing a Broken Heart” (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
10. “Way Too High” (Gary Stanton)
11. “Meant to Be Friends” (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)

Tucker Wetmore Slates Ryman Auditorium Debut For May

Rising artist Tucker Wetmore is set to make his debut at the Ryman Auditorium on May 21, joined by special guest Jacob Hackworth. Pre-sale kicks off tomorrow (Feb. 19) at 10 a.m., with public on-sale starting Friday (Feb. 21) at 10 a.m.

“It’s an absolute dream come true to headline the Mother Church of Country Music for the first time, and it means even more to share it with one of my best friends, Jacob Hackworth,” shares Wetmore. “Can’t wait to see y’all on May 21. Feeling beyond blessed.”

The announcement comes in the wake of Wetmore’s national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends and performance at EA Sports Presents Madden Bowl where he shared the stage with stars Chris Stapleton, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll. Additionally, Wetmore announced the date of his next single, “3,2,1” releasing Friday (Feb. 21), marking his first release since his acclaimed EP Waves on a Sunset.

The artist is already making waves in 2025, notching the first No. 1 of the year at country radio with “Wind Up Missin’ You” and earning an iHeartRadio Music Awards nomination for Best New Country Artist. He recently joined Luke Bryan’s “Crash My Playa” in Riviera Cancun, Mexico, and he heads to Country 2 Country in March. He will also join Thoman Rhett’s “Better In Boots Tour 2025” as direct support across 33 dates this summer.

CRS Reveals Event Additions, Scholarship Recipients & Charitable Initiatives

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has unveiled new event details, scholarship recipients and a charitable initiative for their 2025 event, starting tomorrow (Feb. 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

On of the newly added events, Amateur Hour Scareoke, will take place Feb. 19, from 5– 5:30 p.m. in the Broadway Hallway. The karaoke contest will showcase select number of participants, and the performer who gets the biggest cheer will win a free registration for CRS 2026. Attendees can sign up here to participate.

CRS has also named the recipients of its 2025 scholarships. The Rusty Walker Scholarship has been granted to Jessica McKenzie-Williams, Jahna Michal and Edward Cody Huddleston. Ilana Epstein and Melanie Messer are the recipients of the Lisa McKay Scholarship. Erin Bourne has been chosen for the Futuri Scholarship and Sarah Weaver has earned the MIW Scholarship. These individuals will be honored during CRS 2025.

In addition to its programming, CRS has partnered with KUZZ/Bakersfield, CA PD Brent Michaels and The Shop Forward to raise funds for California Wildfire Relief through the sale of an exclusive “4 Things” CRS shirts. All proceeds will go towards supporting relief efforts for those impacted by the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, Alta Dena and nearby areas this past January, which caused an estimated $350 million in infrastructure damage. Shirts can be purchased here.

Further expanding its relief efforts, CRS has teamed up with Gibson and its philanthropic arm, Gibson Gives, to support ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, as well as wildfire relief in the Los Angeles area. As part of this initiative, CRB Artist Humanitarian Award recipients Eric Church and Luke Combs will each sign a Gibson guitar, which will be auctioned nationwide. Proceeds will go directly to support their respective relief efforts in North Carolina.

Additionally, several guitars will be displayed in the backstage artist lounge of the Broadway performance hall and signed throughout the week. These guitars will be auctioned through Gibson’s partner, Julien’s, with all proceeds going toward general disaster relief and Los Angeles Wildfire Relief efforts.

Tickets On Sale This Week For 60th ACM Awards

Pre-sale has started for tickets for the upcoming 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, which will take place on May 8 live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The 60th ACM Awards marks a return to Frisco, Texas for the third consecutive year, and pre-sale tickets are available by signing up for a Free Fan Membership Newsletter at ACM A-List. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 21 at SeatGeek.

“This year’s ACM Awards is a celebration sixty years in the making, and we plan to make it one of the biggest and best shows yet!” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “The 60th ACM Awards will mark our third consecutive year at Ford Center in The Star District, home of the Dallas Cowboys in Frisco, Texas, and we can’t wait to bring the ACM Awards back to the loyal Country Music fan base in Texas, and to those watching all around the globe on Amazon Prime Video. With Reba at the helm as our host, we’ll be commemorating the legends of Country Music while honoring the biggest and brightest stars of today.”

“The bar has been set very high during the first two years of hosting Country Music’s Party of the Year,” says Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “I think we all agree, though, that the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards’ 60th show is going to exceed that bar. Having an amazing icon of music and entertainment in Reba back for another year as host just sets this up to be one of the best ever and the Ford Center will be home to Country Music’s biggest and brightest stars once again.”

Additional details, including nominees, performers and ticketing information about additional ACM events surrounding the awards will all be announced in the coming months.

Black River Entertainment Elevates Ally Roden

Ally Roden. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment has promoted Ally Roden to Publicity Manager.

“Ally’s transition into the communications team and Black River family has been almost as seamless as her growth and readiness for this elevated role,” says Dawn Delvo, VP, Communications. “Ally’s ability to anticipate the needs of the team, roster, and media partners, paired with her eagerness to learn and apply new skills with an upbeat demeanor, makes this promotion an obvious next step.”

Roden became part of the Black River Communications team in July 2023 as Publicity Coordinator. Roden will continue to assist Delvo by playing a key role in shaping media and public relations strategies for Black River’s executive staff, label and artist roster, which features Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Young, MaRynn Taylor, Scotty Hasting and Pryor Baird.

“During the last year and a half at Black River, I have learned invaluable skills under the leadership of Dawn Delvo,” adds Roden. “I’m excited to take the next step in my career as I transition into this new role and continue to grow and work with Black River’s incredible roster of artists.”

Roden started her professional journey as a contract Digital Media Producer and freelance writer for an entertainment publication, with her work appearing in several online and print outlets. A Belmont University graduate, she entered the industry through a seasonal Communications Assistant role at the Country Music Association for the 50th CMA Fest, which eventually led to her current position at Black River.

Roden will continue to work out of the company’s Nashville office and can be reached at aroden@blackriverent.com.

Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion 2025 Lineup Revealed

The lineup for the 13th annual Luck Reunion at Willie Nelson’s famed “Luck, Texas” Ranch on March 13 has been revealed.

Willie Nelson and Family, JD Clayton, Charley Crockett, Grace Bowers, Jesse Welles, Lukas Nelson, Shane Smith and the Saints, Angel White and more will perform at this year’s annual reunion, which will showcase more than 40 musical performances, surprise celebrity appearances, gourmet experiences with acclaimed chefs from around the country, local artisans and exclusive merchandise.

“We are beyond excited to welcome our Luck Family back home to Willie’s backyard for another incredible year with this ever more important community” says Matt Bizer, CEO and Founder of Luck Presents. “Community is the theme, and this year’s event is something we are really proud of. We are welcoming back many long-time Luck Family members, some new artists we cannot stop listening to, and more than one surprise guest!”

Southwest Airlines will also bring the 6th installment of the Southwest: On The Rise To Luck program, which will see Luke Tyler Shelton, Improvement Movement and Marlon Funaki joining the Luck family.

Additionally, this year Luck Presents will be hosting Waxahatchee & Friends Featuring Lucinda Williams & Her Band, a special show on March 14 at Luck Ranch with special guests Futurebirds, Bill Callahan, Kam Franklin, Brennan Wedl, and more.

Recordings By Emmylou Harris, Linda Martell, More Inducted To 2025 Grammy Hall Of Fame

Emmylou Harris. Photo: Mark Seliger

Emmylou Harris is among the latest crop of artists whose recordings will be inducted into The Recording Academy’s  distinguished Grammy Hall Of Fame.

This year’s additions include eight albums and five singles that exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old. The 2025 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings range from Harris’ Wrecking Ball to Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt to Cat StevensTea For The Tillerman to Santana’s Supernatural. Others include recordings by Linda Martell, Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South and Luther Vandross.

The inducted recordings will be honored at the Grammy Museum and Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala on May 16 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The Gala will also pay tribute to this year’s label honoree, Republic Records, with performers to be announced at a later date.

“It’s a privilege to recognize these eclectic recordings as the 2025 Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Music has the unique power to shape culture and mark moments in time. Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.”

“The Grammy Hall Of Fame serves as a vital bridge between music’s past and present, honoring recordings that have left a lasting mark on our cultural landscape,” adds Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the Grammy Museum. “We’re proud to preserve and share these influential works at the annual Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala this spring.”

Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy. A full list of 2025 recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame can be found here.

Tracks & Throwbacks: SiriusXM’s Ashley Till Shares Her Journey Through Radio

SiriusXM’s Ashley Till

Everyone has those songs—the ones that transport you back to a specific moment in time, the ones that fill you with nostalgia for an era filled with fond memories and simplicity. For Ashley Till, that isn’t just a fleeting experience; it’s the heartbeat of her daily life. As the host of SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry, Till has the opportunity to bring that feeling to life and invite listeners back to experience the familiar, hometown sounds of the early 2000s.

Through her natural, engaging presence on-air and her undeniable passion for Y2K-era country, Till’s career has flourished in ways that have made her a recognizable name in the world of satellite radio. Recently, MusicRow had the opportunity to sit down with her as she explored her early influences, her love for the Y2Kountry format and her experiences as a dynamic presence in country music radio and beyond.

To understand how Till found herself riding shotgun from your morning drive to your afternoon grocery stop, you have to look back to where her passion began—high school. “We actually had a station at my school in Indianapolis, Indiana, where we played the Top 40. During my junior and senior years, I became really interested in it, not realizing where it would eventually lead.”

When she reached graduation, full of confidence and a newfound calling, she recorded an aircheck, essentially a radio demo, and decided to go straight to the number one radio station in Indianapolis. As one might imagine, they did not immediately put her behind the mic. “They told me, ‘We can’t put you on air right away, but we could offer you a part-time job driving the station vehicle.’ So I took the opportunity, worked my way up, and eventually, I landed a weekend on-air position when I was 19. It was a Top 40 station in Indianapolis.”

SiriusXM’s Ashley Till

This station was Till’s first real, professional experience in radio—and she instantly fell in love. Shortly thereafter, she made the bold decision to unenroll from college and go all in on the radio thing, lamenting, “I always feel bad saying that because I know parents don’t like to hear it!”

From there, Till jumped around Indiana, taking small roles at Top 40 stations all over the state before landing at a position in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a midday country music host. But, there was a catch.

“You see, I grew up listening to country music and hearing my mom listen to [artists like] Billy Ray Cyrus. However, that meant that I did not want to do country because that’s what my parents liked. So the radio station in Fort Wayne was like, ‘We don’t have any Top 40 positions open, but we do have the middays at our country station.’ And I will never forget, I cried the day I accepted that job because I didn’t want to switch. It seems so dumb now because it was such a blessing. It was truly meant to be.”

Eventually, Till found herself traveling again, this time to Orlando, Florida, where she landed her biggest opportunity yet, a No. 1 morning show. However, she had one more objective that she had to get out of her system—moving to Music City. After two years at one of the biggest stations in Orlando, Till packed her bags, with only a chocolate lab and a couple thousand dollars to her name, and headed for Nashville.

“I’ve always been that person that just jumps all in. I don’t put my toe in the water, I go right in with a cannonball. I knew that the heart of country music was in Music City, it is the center, the mecca for everything country music, so I decided that is where I needed to be.”

However, leaving a top position in a huge market like Orlando did not ensure a top spot in Nashville. Till, once again, started at the bottom rung as a radio phone screener and then worked her way up to producer and, finally, to a position with SiriusXM in 2016.

Since then, she has called SiriusXM home. Previously a midday host on SiriusXM’s country station The Highway, she now hosts five days a week on Y2Kountry and the christian music station, The Message and weekends on the contemporary pop/throwback station, The Pulse.

SiriusXM’s Ashley Till

Till’s winding journey through radio has shaped not just her career, but the distinct on-air persona that listeners have come to recognize and love—no matter what station she is on.“As far as my persona across channels, the only thing that changes is the music. I like to think people see me as a relatable, hot mess…the girl next door. I am the girl that is shopping at Walmart and Target running late to drop my kids off at school. I have a five and seven year old, so I feel like there are a lot of people who can relate to that. I like to tell stories and engage with the audience in that way as well.”

Her stories, while not always ‘relatable’ on a one-to-one scale, shine a light on the small, idiosyncrasies of life that make you shake your head and laugh. One fan-favorite story involves her son’s late pet lizard named Spot who currently resides in the family’s deep freezer as they search for a time and place to bury it. “There are listeners who will check in, asking, ‘Have you buried Spot yet?’ and I have literally forgotten that Spot is dead in my freezer.”

Overall, she hopes her audience views her as a family-friendly, positive voice on the radio, “I like to think of myself as a friend riding in the car with my listeners. Hopefully, a friend they don’t want to throw out of the car,” laughs Till. “I don’t have a super polarizing personality, and I am like that in real life. I want to be friends with everyone so that is the person you get on air.”

For Till, radio means more than just spinning tracks. It is about crafting an atmosphere — one that celebrates not only the music but the people behind it. “I like to talk to the people outside of the artist to get to know the artist more, and I’ve done that a lot this year. I’ve talked to people like Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett’s dad, about Thomas growing up as well as Shay Mooney’s wife, Hannah, about how it is when he’s on the road, and she will talk about how tough it is. I want to show perspective and realness—I want to show that these people are just as real as you and I and their stories always show that.”

Looking ahead, Till’s future in radio is one of growth and new opportunities. With a clear ambition to expand beyond her role as an on-air host, she aims to delve into programming, curating playlists, and managing SiriusXM channels, particularly with the added potential of Pandora’s reach. Her focus on being a relatable, positive voice for her audience will continue to drive her work, whether she’s discovering new talent or sharing personal stories that resonate deeply with listeners. As she navigates these next steps in her career, her versatility and passion will undoubtedly shape the future of country music and radio.

Ernest Hits Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer

Ernest has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem” and “Smile” all put the singer-songwriter in the No. 6 spot.

Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Chris Stapleton stays at No. 2 with this solo-penned “Think I’m In Love With You.”

Charlie Handsome (N0. 3), Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and Zach Bryan (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, Randy Houser, My Furry Valentine, Go Big Transportation

Russell Dickerson Brings His Love Story To Life in New Belmont Video

Pictured (L-R): Christopher Fashun, George Graefen, Laura Hostelley, Kare Ward, Tessa Dalton, Hope Garrison, Daniella Young, Russell Dickerson, Trey Wilson, Janna Cabello, Grant Brown and Cameron Bertolet

Russell Dickerson has released a video for “Bones (The Wedding Version),” created with the help of Belmont University students at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Dickerson and his wife first met at Belmont, adding even greater significance to this love story captured in the song. From the production team and students to Dickerson’s management, band and crew, many of the professionals involved in the release of “Bones (The Wedding Version)” share a Belmont connection—making it a love story coming full circle.

 

Randy Houser Surprised With Gold At Bridgestone Show

Randy Houser at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Chris Ashlee

During his performance at a sold-out Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 14 opening for Cody Johnson, Randy Houser was surprised mid-set by his son Huck and actor Johnny Galecki, who presented him with a Gold plaque for his hit song “Note to Self,” marking Houser’s first Gold record with Magnolia Music Group.

 

My Furry Valentine Benefit Supports Nashville’s Pet Community Center

Pictured (L-R): Broadcaster Suzanne Alexander, singer-songwriter Mandy Barnett, PCC CEO Brandon Dyce (holding his rescue, Momo), singer-songwriter Anita Cochran, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, singer-songwriter Jamie O’Neal, singer-songwriter Bryan White, publicist Melissa Mathews, musician Rodney Good and singer-songwriter Wade Hayes. Photo: Karen Will Rogers

My Furry Valentine “Love Songs Saving Lives” featuring performances from Bryan White, Jamie O’Neal, Wade Hayes, Anita Cochran and Mandy Barnett, was held Feb. 11 at The Troubadour Nashville. 100% of the ticket proceeds provides care for deserving dogs and cats in our community via the Pet Community Center.

PCC, which has been serving Nashville since 2011, protects the health of pets, prevents pet overpopulation and provides for pets in need, and ensures that financial hardship does not prevent pets from receiving the care they deserve.

 

Lanco Offers Banner Support To Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital

Pictured (L-R): Lanco’s Chandler Baldwin; Vanderbilt’s Rebekah Gannon; Lanco’s Tripp Howell, Meredith Shepherd, Brandon Lancaster, Tim Aven and Jared Hampton; Vanderbilt’s Cayce Long. Photo: Devon Lancaster

At their album release show at Whiskey Jam in January, Lanco brought in a banner titled “We’re Gonna Make It” (after the album title) and had fans sign encouraging words and inspiration to donate it to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. On Feb. 12, they performed at the hospital and Seacrest Studios for the patients and officially donated the banner with a dedication plaque for the children and families of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

 

Heads Carolina Tails California Benefit To Aid North Carolina, California Disaster Victims

A Heads Carolina Tails California free live concert benefit featuring Jim Lauderdale, Noah Thompson and many more is set for Wednesday (Feb. 19) at Category 10 in Nashville. Presented by Go Big Transportation, the concert will directly benefit the families in North Carolina and California that have been impacted by the recent natural disasters via 501c3 musicpreneur Storehouse. Those wanting to donate who can’t attend the show can do so at musicstorehouse.org.