BREAKING: Sony Music Nashville Elevates Mallory Michaels To Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion

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Mallory Michaels. Photo: Jessica Amerson

Sony Music Nashville has promoted Mallory Michaels to Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion.

Michaels previously served as Senior Director of Promotion at RCA Nashville. In her newly established role, she will create and execute strategic national radio promotion plans for all artists signed to Sony Music Nashville, supporting both the Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville labels. Additionally, Michaels will collaborate with the regional promotion teams to ensure airplay targets are met, boosting visibility and commercial success for the artists. She will report to Dennis Reese, Senior Vice President of Radio Marketing & Promotion.

“I’m thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion,” shares Reese. “Mallory is a force and her ability to execute the radio plans for our artists has helped lead the label to significant history breaking No. 1 records.  I’m excited to see her continue her growth here with us and bring more success to the label.”

Michaels joined Sony Music Nashville in May 2018, overseeing promotion efforts in the Midwest and Southwest regions for the RCA Nashville roster. During her tenure, the RCA Nashville team achieved several No. 1 hits, including Chris Young, Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert and Old Dominion, as well as two record-breaking No. 1 singles for Nate Smith, the 10-week No. 1 “Whiskey On You” and the multi-week No. 1 “Bulletproof.” She also helped Corey Kent earn his first No. 1 with “Wild As Her” from his debut album. Before joining SMN, Michaels spent four years at Warner Music Nashville as Director of Promotion for the Midwest and Northeast, where she earned multiple No. 1 songs and platinum records. She also contributed to the launch of Red Bow Records. Michaels is a graduate of Belmont University.

New Loretta Lynn Musical In Development

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Loretta Lynn. Photo: Russ Harrington

The life and musical legacy of beloved country music icon and legend Loretta Lynn will be celebrated in a new stage musical Coal Miner’s Daughter, starring Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.

The production is in development under the direction of Tony Award-winner Sam Gold, with Music Production by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori. Lynn’s manager, producer and daughter, Patsy Lynn, and longtime adviser, Nancy Russell, will act as consulting producers.

Inspired by the award-nominated 1980 film and Lynn’s autobiography with George Vecsey of the same name, Coal Miner’s Daughter brings her remarkable journey to the stage. From her humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to her rise as a country music icon, this adaptation features songs from Lynn’s legendary career and delves into her life beyond the film’s conclusion.

“We are so grateful to see that our mother’s life story and music will continue to touch the hearts of audiences and remain an important statement of the American dream,” says the family of Loretta Lynn. “As one of the last creative projects our mom was so passionate about, we are thankful that she had the opportunity to experience the initial stages of Sutton’s sincere portrayal of Loretta. Mom absolutely fell in love with her and thought she was just the right person to play her onstage. The family is moved by this incredible team’s commitment to her legacy.”

The producing team committed to bringing the iconic story of Lynn’s life to the stage include Broadway veterans Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini and ATG Entertainment.

Lynn is one of country music’s most iconic figures, with a career spanning over six decades. Known for her powerful storytelling and unapologetically honest lyrics, she sold over 45 million records worldwide and earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, CMA awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy includes timeless hits such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough” and “The Pill.” She passed away on Oct. 4, 2022.

Clay Walker Plots ‘Drive Me Smooth Tour’

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Clay Walker

Clay Walker will embark on his new “Drive Me Smooth Tour” beginning March 1.

The 20-date tour will include stops in Tulsa, Hot Springs, Fort Myers and more, with a Nashville Grand Ole Opry stop on March 5. Along with the new tour, Walker has announced a new single, “Cowboys In Heaven,” which will arrive Feb. 28.

“I am excited for the year ahead! New music, lots of tour dates, and the opportunity to engage the world’s greatest fans, has me smiling and ready to take to the roads that lead me straight to you!” says Walker.

More information and tickets to the “Drive Me Smooth Tour” can be found here.

“Drive Me Smooth Tour” Dates:
March 1 – Navasota, TX – Texas Birthday Bash
March 5 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry
April 10 – Salina, KS – The Stiefel Theatre
April 11 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa
April 12 – Gonzales, TX – Cattle Country Music Festival
April 25 – Anderson, SC – Anderson Soiree
April 26 – Ridgeland, SC – Operation Patriots FOB
May 10 – Owensboro, KY – Downtown Owensboro
May 16 – Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Strawberry Festival
May 17 – Orange Grove, TX – The Post OG
May 24 – Monticello, MS – Atwood Music Festival
June 14 – Hot Springs, AK – Timberwood Amphitheater
June 19 – Cullman, AL – Rock The South Festival
June 21 – New Haven, KY – Log Still Distillery
June 29 – Greeley, CO – Greeley Stampede
July 19 – West Liberty, IA – Muscatine County Fair
Aug. 1 – Sweet Home, OR – Oregon Jamboree Music Festival
Sept. 19 – Helotes, TX – John T. Floore’s Country Store
Oct. 29 – Key West, FL – Country Cruising Cruise
Nov. 2 – Fort Myers, FL – Caloosa Sound Amphitheater

Post Malone To Take ‘The Big Ass World Tour’ Overseas

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Post Malone. Photo: Adam DeGross

Post Malone will bring his “Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass World Tour” to Europe and the UK in August.

In addition to several festival appearances such as Untold Festival, Frequency Festival, Lovestream Festival and more, Post Malone will bring his own headline show to 11 stadiums in Europe, marking his first stadium shows in the EU and UK. He will visit cities such as Prague, Berlin, Paris and more before wrapping up in Lisbon on Sept. 14. American tour mate Jelly Roll will be joining the trek.

Post Malone released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion last year, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and has since earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. The album features the hit single “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen, which skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the spot for six weeks straight. “I Had Some Help” also claimed the top position on Billboard‘s Songs of the Summer chart for 2024 and received Grammy nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

General sale for the newly added stops will begin on Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. local time here. Mastercard cardholders in Lithuania, France, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands can access exclusive presale tickets. The Mastercard Presale begins tomorrow (Feb. 19) at 12 p.m. local time through Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. local time.

Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass World Tour Europe 2025 Dates:
Aug. 12 – Czech Republic, Prague – Airport Letnany
Aug. 18 – Germany, Berlin – Parkbühne Wuhlheide
Aug. 21 – Lithuania, Kaunas – Darius and Girenas Stadium
Aug. 23 – Denmark, Horsens – Horsens & Friends at Nordstern Arena
Sep. 3 – France, Paris – Paris La Défense Arena
Sep. 5 – Germany, Hanover – Heinz von Heiden Arena
Sep. 7 – UK, London – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Sep. 9 – Netherlands, Arnhem – GelreDome
Sep. 12 – Spain, Barcelona – Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Sep. 14 – Portugal, Lisbon – Estadio do Restelo

Kat Luna Signs With Sony Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Margaret Tomlin (VP, A&R, SMN), Ken Robold (President/COO, SMN), Kat Luna, Martha Earls (Neon Coast) and Jess Tomlins (Neon Coast). Photo: Matthew Berinato

Sony Music Nashville has signed Latina country artist Kat Luna.

“I’m so excited and grateful to start my journey as a solo artist with Sony Music Nashville, I’m thankful for them believing in me and my music,” she says of the partnership.

Formerly of the duo Kat & Alex, Luna is embarking on a new chapter as a solo artist. A first generation Cuban American, she was born and raised in Miami and grew up singing in church. She decided to pursue music professionally after appearing on La Voz at the age of 19. After later competing as a solo artist on American Idol, Luna moved to Nashville.

The singer-songwriter now looks ahead to her next chapter as she prepares to release new music produced by Nathan Chapman. She is represented by Neon Coast for management, UTA for booking and Warner Chappell Nashville for publishing.

‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ Announces Casting Call Results

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Dolly Parton’s new musical, Dolly: An Original Musical, has chosen 15 people out of the thousands of entrants in the “Search for Dolly” Casting Call who will attend in-person auditions in New York City.

The actors being invited to audition are:
– Kathryn Adeline – New York City
– Peri Barnhill – New York City
– Elyse Bell – New York City
– Alberta Brown – Halifax, Canada
– Haley Brown – Los Angeles
– Kylee Hennes -– Richfield, Wisconsin
– Annelise Laakko – New York City
– Tasha Lefler – Newport, Tennessee
– Solo Lowit – Milton, Georgia
– Kindred Moore – New York City
– Norah Nunes – Houston, Texas
– Kelly O’Brien – Aldbury, Tring, United Kingdom
– Tricia Paoluccio – California
– Cecilia Petrush – New York City
– Madeline Powell – New York City

Dolly: An Original Musical will have its world premiere this summer in Nashville at Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University before the production comes to Broadway in 2026. Dolly: An Original Musical, will play a four-week limited engagement with preview performances beginning July 18 for an Aug. 8 opening night with a final performance set for Aug. 17.

Tickets for Dolly: An Original Musical are on sale now at dollymusical.com or by calling the Fisher Center Box Office at 615-460-2255.

Megan Moroney & Lane Boots Team For Limited-Edition Line Of Cowgirl Boots

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Megan Moroney has collaborated with Lane Boots on a new, limited-edition product line.

The new line includes her own spin on the classic white Smokeshow boot, as well as two boot charms. Referring to the boot as a “love letter to Megan’s signature style,” Lane Boots adorned the Smokeshow with a number of specially designed details: intricate embroidery, scalloped edges and a heart-shaped heel pin and blue boot bottom imprinted with her name. The boot charms include a heart engraved with “Am I Okay?” and a guitar dusted in blue glitter.

Over a year in the making, the new line is set to launch just in time for Moroney’s upcoming “Am I Okay? Tour” kicking off on March 20 in Montreal. Moroney is also gearing up to receive the Rulebreaker Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event on March 29 in L.A. This year’s honorees also include Gracie Abrams, Jennie, Erykah Badu and more.

JUST IN: Jodi Dawes Joins Big Machine Label Group As VP, Publicity & Communications

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Jodi Dawes

Big Machine Label Group has appointed Jodi Dawes as Vice President of Publicity & Communications.

Dawes will oversee the label group’s PR department and lead media strategy across the imprints of Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Company and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. She is on the job now, reporting directly to BMLG Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta.

“What Scott and his team at Big Machine Label Group have built across the last two decades is remarkable, and their enthusiasm for the future of the company is contagious,” shares Dawes. “I am thrilled to join them and work with this roster of talented artists, encompassing burgeoning new voices, road-tested hitmakers, and bonafide stars. It’s an honor to lead publicity efforts at BMLG at such an exciting time for this label, and for country music as a whole.”

Dawes joins BMLG from Universal Music Group Nashville, where she spent more than three years spearheading label publicity campaigns for artists including Brothers Osborne, Parker McCollum, Maddie & Tae, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Anne Wilson, Tucker Wetmore, Josh Ross and more. Prior to her time at UMGN, Dawes gained experience at several boutique PR firms in Nashville, including four years at Sweet Talk Publicity where she handled day-to-day publicity needs for Ernest, Chris Lane, Breland and RaeLynn, among others.

“Jodi is joining us at a very important time in the evolution of the Big Machine Label Group,” says Borchetta. “Her laser-sharp acumen in the media world will not only enhance, but add a multiple to supercharging all things Big Machine. I am thrilled to have her on the team.”

Dawes can be reached at jodi.dawes@bmlg.net.

Muscadine Bloodline Slates New Album For April

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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

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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.