Steve Turner. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Steve Turner, chairman emeritus and longtime board chair for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, passed away today (Feb. 11) at age 77.
“Steve Turner’s leadership and vision changed Nashville in many ways. But nowhere was his influence more transformative than with our museum. As a longtime board chairman, he saw what our museum should be, what it aspired to be — and made it so,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Musuem, in a statement.
“He found new opportunities for us, forged crucial deals, and spearheaded a museum expansion in 2014 that more than doubled our size and multiplied our reach exponentially. He was a businessman with the soul of a creative artist and the heart of a champion. Simply put, he inspired us and made our museum the success it is today.”
Turner was born in Scottsville, Kentucky and was raised working in the family business, the Dollar General Corporation, founded by his father, Cal Turner Sr. He served as an executive for the company for 20 years before leaving at age 40 to go his own way.
The Vanderbilt University graduate settled in Nashville in 1986 with his wife Judy, and became focused on investing and real estate development, particularly in Nashville’s urban core. He spearheaded several developments south of Broadway, including the Gulch, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Turners generously supported many philanthropic causes in Nashville, but his focus on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was transformative for the institution. He joined museum’s board in 1997, serving as Chairman from 2008 through 2021.
His tenure with the organization included negotiating a complicated public-private partnership involving the museum, Metro Nashville government and the Omni Hotels & Resorts. The result more than doubled the museum’s size, connected the Omni Hotel Nashville with the museum through a stylish shopping corridor, and helped the city anchor the new Music City Center convention hall, which opened in 2013.
Turner also demonstrated crucial leadership in the museum’s capital campaign that enabled the expansion. Thanks to successful fundraising and careful financial stewardship, the museum erased its building debts and markedly expanded its programming, allowing Turner to further push the organization to offer Middle Tennessee youth free admission under a new program, Community Counts.
He and wife Judy also conceived and funded an innovative partnership between the museum and the Nashville Public Library resulting in “String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry,” an acclaimed puppet show that tells the story of country music and has played to thousands of families, children and adults in Middle Tennessee.
Services have not yet been announced.
BREAKING: Dennis Reese Returns To Sony Music Nashville
/by Madison HahnenDennis Reese. Photo: Courtesy of Dennis Reese
Sony Music Nashville (SMN) has appointed Dennis Reese as Senior Vice President of Radio Marketing & Promotion. In this role, Reese will lead the development and execution of strategic radio promotional campaigns for both the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville labels. He will report directly to Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, as well as President and COO Ken Robold, and will start this Friday (Feb. 14).
“We are thrilled to welcome back Dennis to the company,” shares Lindsey. “His experience at both the country and pop formats, excellent leadership skills and dedication to the artists he’s worked is unmatched and we are fortunate enough to have him this time at the helm of our promotion team. SMN remains committed to promoting our artists at radio and we know Dennis will continue to bring the No. 1s and advocate for our artists every day.”
Reese spent the past year at Neon Coast, where he supported the label’s roster, including Kane Brown, Restless Road, Nightly, Dylan Schneider and Kat Luna. Before that, he spent seven years leading the RCA Nashville imprint, where he helped secure 24 No. 1 records. Reese’s career began with a successful tenure in pop music, working with Epic Records, Capitol Music Group, Elektra Records and Columbia Records.
George Strait & Chris Stapleton Extend Run Of Stadium Shows
/by LB CantrellGeorge Strait and Chris Stapleton
Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait and 11-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton have extended their run of stadium shows into 2025, adding five shows kicking off in May.
Joining Strait and Stapleton for this run of one-off stadium dates will be special guest Parker McCollum for the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Foxborough dates with Little Big Town joining for the only west coast show at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.
The announcement follows Strait setting a record for the largest single ticketed concert in U.S. History and a new record for Texas A&M Kyle Field for a single event with 110,905 fans in attendance. The performance was one of only 10 live shows from Strait last year including a supersized stop at Allegiant Stadium for his 37th Strait to Vegas show.
“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have,” shares Strait. “Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year. Chris will be back and glad to have Little Big Town with us in LA. For the other cities, we’ve added Parker M. to the show which will be outstanding. Can’t wait to see you!!”
Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. local time via GeorgeStrait.com. American Express is providing Card Members access to Amex Presale Tickets, available for purchase starting Thursday, Feb. 20, before the general public on-sale, while supplies last.
George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton & special guest Parker McCollum:
May 10, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
May 31, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Acrisure Stadium
June 14, 2025 – Buffalo, NY – Highmark Stadium
June 21, 2025 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton & special guest Little Big Town:
July 19, 2025 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium
Ryan Hurd Inks With The Core Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenRyan Hurd. Photo: Rachel Deeb
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.
Brad Paisley To Return To Wynn Las Vegas With ‘One Man Six Strings Show’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea
Brad Paisley will return to the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with his acoustic show, “One Man Six Strings,” this spring.
Paisley will put on intimate, acoustic performances on May 9 and 10. Tickets for both performances go on sale to the public this Friday (Feb. 14.) at 10 a.m. PT here.
Amassing nearly five billion streams over his 20-year career, Paisley has written 21 of his 25 No. 1s, many of which will be performed during this acoustic show, including fan favorites like “Mud on the Tires,” “Whiskey Lullaby,” “When I Get Where I’m Going,” and others.
For nearly 25 years, his songwriting and showmanship have won him numerous awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards including a coveted Entertainer of the Year honor, along with recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood for 11 consecutive years.
Matt Lang Signs With Anthem Entertainment [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Gilles Godard, Maddie Sanderson, Leighanna Martin, Matt Lang and Scot Sherrod. Photo: Courtesy of Anthem Entertainment
Singer-songwriter Matt Lang has inked a global publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.
Since dropping his debut self-titled EP in 2018, Lang has racked up over 50 million streams, scored three top 10 radio singles and earned multiple accolades. His notable achievements include receiving a Gold Ticket award from ADISQ for selling more than 50,000 tickets during his “More” tour, a certified Gold single for his Billboard chart-topping hit “Getcha” (which he also co-wrote) and several nominations, including three CCMA Award nods. As a highly sought-after live performer, Lang has graced stages at major events like Canada’s Boots & Hearts festival, Lasso Montreal Festival and Festival d’été de Québec, where he opened for Luke Combs to a crowd of 80,000. He has also toured internationally, performing in Berlin and at the C2C and Buckle & Boots Festivals in the UK.
“I have followed Matt’s career for the last 7 years and saw firsthand his meteoric rise in the world of country music, fueled by his unique talent as a performer, his unstoppable work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his fans,” shares Gilles Godard, President of Anthem’s Music Publishing division in Nashville. “Matt has an amazing future ahead of him, both as an artist and a songwriter, and Anthem is proud to represent his music on a global scale.”
Additionally, Lang has signed with WME for booking and River House Artists for management.
“Gilles has been following my career since the very beginning and has been a true supporter and friend along the way. Signing with Anthem means so much to me, and I’m so excited for what 2025 will bring,” adds Lang. “I’ve been dreaming of building a team in the U.S. for a long time, but I also wanted to take my time before making that next step. I’ve worked hard on learning English these past few years, and now I feel ready to take what we’ve been building in Quebec beyond the borders. It’s so reassuring that Anthem, River House Artists, and WME all see me for who I truly am and believe in the French guy from Maniwaki (QC) with a big dream. I couldn’t ask for a better team. I’ve never felt more ready and motivated for what’s to come!”
Lang is currently touring and selling out venues across Canada. His new single, “Back To The Bar,” featuring Montreal DJ Mike Demero, was released last Friday (Feb. 7). He will release more new music throughout 2025.
Steve Turner, CMHOFM Champion & Nashville Developer, Passes Away
/by LB CantrellSteve Turner. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Steve Turner, chairman emeritus and longtime board chair for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, passed away today (Feb. 11) at age 77.
“Steve Turner’s leadership and vision changed Nashville in many ways. But nowhere was his influence more transformative than with our museum. As a longtime board chairman, he saw what our museum should be, what it aspired to be — and made it so,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Musuem, in a statement.
“He found new opportunities for us, forged crucial deals, and spearheaded a museum expansion in 2014 that more than doubled our size and multiplied our reach exponentially. He was a businessman with the soul of a creative artist and the heart of a champion. Simply put, he inspired us and made our museum the success it is today.”
Turner was born in Scottsville, Kentucky and was raised working in the family business, the Dollar General Corporation, founded by his father, Cal Turner Sr. He served as an executive for the company for 20 years before leaving at age 40 to go his own way.
The Vanderbilt University graduate settled in Nashville in 1986 with his wife Judy, and became focused on investing and real estate development, particularly in Nashville’s urban core. He spearheaded several developments south of Broadway, including the Gulch, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Turners generously supported many philanthropic causes in Nashville, but his focus on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was transformative for the institution. He joined museum’s board in 1997, serving as Chairman from 2008 through 2021.
His tenure with the organization included negotiating a complicated public-private partnership involving the museum, Metro Nashville government and the Omni Hotels & Resorts. The result more than doubled the museum’s size, connected the Omni Hotel Nashville with the museum through a stylish shopping corridor, and helped the city anchor the new Music City Center convention hall, which opened in 2013.
Turner also demonstrated crucial leadership in the museum’s capital campaign that enabled the expansion. Thanks to successful fundraising and careful financial stewardship, the museum erased its building debts and markedly expanded its programming, allowing Turner to further push the organization to offer Middle Tennessee youth free admission under a new program, Community Counts.
He and wife Judy also conceived and funded an innovative partnership between the museum and the Nashville Public Library resulting in “String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry,” an acclaimed puppet show that tells the story of country music and has played to thousands of families, children and adults in Middle Tennessee.
Services have not yet been announced.
Hueston To Release New Album ‘Huey’ In March
/by Madison HahnenHueston will release his new album, Huey, on March 7 via UMG’s Silver Wings Records.
Hueston initially gained attention as the frontman of the indie/alternative duo The Blancos, where he refined his unique musical style. Following a personal transformation, he now creates music under his own label, Young Hueston, LLC, with distribution through Silver Wings Records. In his solo work, Hueston blends storytelling, guitar playing and vocals to produce music that strikes a deep chord with listeners. His songs explore the challenges of personal and professional growth, shifting from introspective and somber to bold and daring, while maintaining a core of soulful expression.
“Huey is more than just an album; it’s a journey through the highs and lows that have defined my path so far,” shares Hueston. “Each track dives deep into everything from personal struggles and the clarity that comes with overcoming them, to love songs exploring the complexities of relationships. I hope this record resonates with anyone on their own path of self-discovery and authentic growth.”
The album includes a collaboration with UG Skywalkin on the track “Right Now,” bringing an added energy to the project. Additionally, previously released songs “Bottle In My Hand” and “Living Fast” are also part of the project.
Ahead of the release of Huey, Hueston will release behind-the-scenes footage and live studio performances of album tracks, offering a glimpse into the creative process. A special merchandise collection, inspired by the album’s themes and artistry, will also be launched to celebrate its release.
Huey Track List:
1. “Living Fast” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons)
2. “Every Time Is The Last Time” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons)
3. “Bottle In My Hand” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons, Matt Ferranti)
4. “Harder To Let Go” (Brandon Sammons, Fraser Churchill, David Brook)
5. “3, 4 Times” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons)
6. “Walls Into Windows” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons, David Ray Stevens)
7. “Tempted To Fall” (Brandon Sammons, Jeremy Claudio)
8. “It Wasn’t The Bottle” (Cory Hueston)
9. “Still Alive & Kickin'” (Brandon Sammons, David Ray Stevens)
10. “Right Now” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons, Josh Kimbowa p.k.a UG)
11. “Devil In Me” (Cory Hueston, Brandon Sammons, Matt Ferranti)
12. “Pour Me Another” (Brandon Sammons)
Mason Ramsey Slates Headlining Tour For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughMason Ramsey. Photo: Damon Baker
Mason Ramsey will kick off his new headlining tour “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Mason Ramsey” beginning April 6. Special guests Halle Kearns and Harper Grace will join on select dates.
The 19-date tour will include stops in Des Moines, Cleveland, Boston, Baltimore, Memphis, Colorado Springs and more, and tickets will go on sale to the public Feb. 14 following the artist pre-sale on Feb. 12 at masonramsey.com/tour.
Last week, Ramsey released his new duet “Live Lonely” with Grace, which was penned by Ramsey and Grace with Michael De Lorenzis and Michael Paynter. Ramsey closed out 2024 with the late fall release of his debut full-length album I’ll See You In My Dreams on Atlantic Records. He has already racked up 500+ million career global streams and garnered over 360+ million video views to date.
“Monster Energy Outbreak Presents: Mason Ramsey Tour” Dates:
April 6 – Mount Vernon, KY
April 8 – Des Moines, IA
April 10 – Iowa City, IA
April 11 – Rosemont, IL*
April 12 – Grand Rapids, MI
April 14 – Cleveland, OH
April 15 – Buffalo, NY
April 16 – Boston, MA*
April 19 – New York, NY*
April 22 – New Haven, CT
April 23 – Ardmore, PA
April 25 – Asbury Park, NJ*
April 26 – Vienna, VA
April 27 – Baltimore, MD
April 29 – Memphis, TN
April 30 – Kansas City, MO*
May 2 – Denver, CO*
May 3 – Colorado Springs, CO
May 7 – Jackson, MS
* Harper Grace Support
Lauren Thomas & More Exit Sony Music Nashville
/by Madison HahnenLauren Thomas
Lauren “LT” Thomas (SVP, Promotion), Lauren Bartlett (Columbia Sr. Dir., Promotion), Paige Elliott (Columbia Dir., Promotion), Lisa Owen (Columbia Dirs., Promotion) and Paul Grosser (SMN Mgr., Promotion & Artist Development) have all left Sony Music Nashville as part of organizational restructuring.
“Our focus is always on being the best partners for our artists and the creative community, especially in this rapidly evolving marketplace,” the label shared in a statement obtained by MusicRow. “Today we made changes to our team structure to streamline our resources and be more successfully connected to our valuable radio partners across RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville.”
Thomas was promoted to her most recent position of Senior Vice President, Promotion last June. She joined Sony Music Nashville in October 2009, and throughout her time there, has taken on various roles within the Promotion team, contributing to nearly 80 No. 1 records. For the past three years, Thomas has been leading the promotional efforts for the Columbia Nashville roster and staff. She has guided chart-topping successes for Old Dominion, Megan Moroney and Mitchell Tenpenny, along with multiple hits from Luke Combs.
Bartlett joined the organization in 2018 as Director, Southeast Promotion, following her time at Big Machine Label Group, and was elevated to Columbia Sr. Dir., Promotion in 2022. She also served as an Account Executive at Steel City Media prior to BMLG.
Elliott started her time at Sony Music Nashville in 2017. Before joining, Elliott served as Director of Regional Promotion, West Coast for Capitol Records Nashville from 2010 to 2017. Prior to that, she held the role of Director of Regional Promotion, Northwest at Capitol Music Group from 2007 to 2010.
Owen joined Sony Music Nashville as Arista’s Mgr., Regional Promotion in 2016. Prior, Owen had been with Show Dog Nashville Records since 2005. Before joining Show Dog, she served as the Director of Promotion & Marketing for the West Coast at DreamWorks Records and as the Manager of Promotion, West Coast, for Giant-Reprise Records Nashville.
Grosser started as an intern at Sony Music Nashville. In 2021, he joined the team full time as Specialist, Promotion and Artist Development before being promoted to Manager.
Runaway June To Headline ‘SEC Party In The Park’
/by Madison HahnenRunaway June
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp will host “SEC Party In The Park” on March 14 and 15 to celebrate the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament taking place at Bridgestone Arena.
Runaway June will headline the live music at “SEC Party in the Park” with a free performance at 6 p.m. on March 15 at Music City Walk of Fame Park. Additional performers throughout the weekend include DJ Rideout, SanRafaelBand, The Woods, DJ Case Bloom and Joe West Band. The Fieldhouse Bar will serve cold beer and phone charging stations will be on site. Fans can also enjoy an SEC photo booth, face painting and a variety of games, including cornhole, pop-a-shot and giant Jenga.
“The ‘SEC Party in the Park’ will once again serve as the ultimate gathering spot for fans to connect during games and enjoy entertainment in between tournament action,” shares NCVC President and CEO Deana Ivey. “It’s a family friendly destination where locals and visitors without game tickets can enjoy the excitement of the tournament and cheer on their favorite SEC teams. We’re excited to showcase live local music and local food during the event in a way that only Music City can.”
A full schedule of the event and additional details can be found here.