Old Dominion Celebrates Platinum At Ryman Residency

Old Dominion was presented with some plaques ahead of their second night of shows for their recent sold-out Ryman Auditorium residency. The new hardware touted the band’s RIAA certifications for their No. 1 single “One Man Band” (seven-times Platinum) and albums Old Dominion and Happy Endings (both Platinum).

 

Tucker Wetmore Surprised With Platinum Plaque During TV Debut

Tucker Wetmore made his national TV debut this week on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends, delivering a performance of his Platinum-certified No.1 single “Wind Up Missin’ You.” To cap off the bucket list moment, host Jenna Bush Hager and guest host Ana Gasteyer surprised Wetmore with a Platinum/No. 1 plaque commemorating the song that launched his meteoric rise less than one year ago.

He recently wrapped a jam-packed Super Bowl LIX weekend that included a special performance at EA SPORTS™ Presents Madden Bowl and announced of his next single, “3,2,1”  is due out Feb. 2.

 

The Castellows Visit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital

Country trio The Castellows visited Seacrest Studios located in Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville on Feb. 4. The three sisters’ in-studio interview and acoustic performance was broadcast solely throughout the hospital’s CCTV network. Along with the interview and performance, the girls met and posed for pictures with patients and their families.

 

‘BMI Buzz’ Returns At Bobby’s Idle Hour

BMI revitalized its longstanding “BMI Buzz” showcase Feb. 3 at its new location, Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern, featuring Gloria Anderson, Jack McKeon and Aniston Pate. The series highlights promising up-and-coming songwriters in three-song sets. Launched in 2008, the series continues BMI’s commitment to nurture and develop writers at the earliest stages of their careers and has previously hosted songwriters such as Hannah Blaylock (2009), Joey Hyde (2011), Kacey Musgraves (2009), Parker Welling (2010) and more.

The next “BMI Buzz” installment will be held April 7, with the lineup to be announced soon.

 

Eugene Ward Memorial Scholarship Established At Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University has announced the establishment of the Eugene Ward Memorial Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of distinguished alumnus Gene Ward. The scholarship, which will be awarded annually, was initiated by a gift from his wife, Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely Ward, and will support LMU students who are working their way through school, carrying forward Ward’s legacy of service, leadership and academic excellence.

A 1956 graduate of LMU’s Business Administration program, Ward built a notable career in law and public service. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made online at LMUnet.edu/GeneWard or mailed to: Lincoln Memorial University, University Advancement Office, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752.

Singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.

Hailing from Pooler, Georgia, Goodwin released his self-produced EP Soon Enough in 2023. The 24-year-old has since toured the Southeast, opening for artists including Austin Snell, Conner Smith and Zach Top. In 2024, he released the tracks “When You Get Home” and “Catchin’ On,” which quickly became fan favorites. Goodwin released his latest single, “Fast Track Back,” an upbeat, light-hearted tune that expresses the feeling of getting back to loved ones after being on the road in January.

This spring, Goodwin will be opening for Top on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” as well as some dates on Dylan Marlowe and Conner Smith’s “Did We Just Become Best Friends? Tour.” He’ll also join Luke Bryan this summer on select dates on his 30+ city “Country Song Came On Tour.”

“The first time I met Cole, I knew he was something special,” says Courtney Allen, Sr. Director, A&R at Concord Music Publishing Nashville. “He blew me away with his magnetic personality and self-confidence and especially, with the songs he had penned solo. He is proof that traditional country music is alive and well in the next generation of hitmakers and I am thrilled that he has chosen Concord as his publishing home.”

“Courtney was one of the first publishers I met in town, and I instantly fell in love with her personality, and her love of good songs,” adds Goodwin. “Courtney has been so encouraging and supportive of me since our first meeting, and I am so thrilled to be able to work with her and the rest of the Concord team!”

Bobby Bones‘ “Music Night: Live From Nashville!” will air in select movie theaters in March.

The program will feature hit songwriters Brett James, Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins sharing the stories behind the songs. There have been 40 No. 1 songs between the three writers, including chart toppers from Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, Faith Hill and more.

The live broadcast will air on March 8 at 7 p.m. CT, with an encore presentation on March 11 at 7 p.m. local time.

“Music Night” will be broadcast live from The Analog, one of Nashville’s most intimate and coveted live music venues, offering a listening room-like atmosphere. The event is presented in collaboration with Fathom Entertainment, a distributor of specialty content to theaters around the world. Viewers will get an exclusive front-row experience of an authentic, stripped-back musical performance streamed directly to theaters near them.

“There’s something truly special about getting to hear the stories behind the songs we all know and love,” shares Bones. “Songwriters are the heart of the music industry, and this event is a chance to shine a light on their incredible talent. I’m thrilled to bring the magic of Nashville’s songwriting tradition to audiences in theaters across the country in a way that’s never been done before.”

“For more than twenty years, Fathom has delivered the ultimate ‘best seat in the house’ experience to music fans, showcasing an incredible range of talent on the big screen,” adds Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer of Fathom Entertainment. “With ‘Music Night,’ we are doing something truly unique – putting the songwriters themselves in the spotlight. Fans of Nashville’s dynamic live music scene, the music business, and the art of songwriting will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the heart and soul behind the music like never before.”

“I had been in and out of Nashville for years, but it wasn’t until I moved here that I discovered the city’s most prized possession: the songwriters,” says Executive Producer Dean Sell. “Nashville is a very special place, but not everyone can get here. So we’re bringing a little piece of Music City to the world.”

Tickets for the movie theater broadcasts can be purchased here.

Ryan Hurd has signed a management deal with The Core Entertainment.

Renowned for his mix of modern country storytelling and rock-inspired production, the Nashville-based Big Machine Records artist has surpassed one billion on-demand career streams. He has earned multiple award nominations, including CMA Awards, ACM Awards and CMT Music Awards, as well as two Grammy nominations. In addition, he has achieved several No. 1 hits as both a singer and songwriter with cuts by Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Lady A, Diplo, Morgan Wallen and more. The Core will be working alongside Hurd to advance his artistic and commercial success.

Hurd is preparing to release his sophomore album, Midwest Rock & Roll, on March 21. The 12-track album, which Hurd co-wrote in full, offers a cinematic glimpse into the lives of heartland dreamers, celebrating his Midwestern roots and the pursuit of a dream. His latest single, “Die For It,” co-written with Mark Holman and Randy Montana, delves into the complexities of love, from its highest peaks to its deepest valleys. The track sets the stage for the album, which Hurd describes as a coming-of-age journey that captures the feeling of playing in your first band.

“Ryan’s ability to seamlessly blend country storytelling with rock influences makes him a unique and powerful voice in today’s music landscape,” share Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “His knack for crafting compelling music that resonates across genres is something we’re incredibly excited to support as he enters this next era.”

Hurd will be managed by Zaruk and Tikhman, alongside Brittani Johnson.