Dailey & Vincent. Photo: Gregg Roth; courtesy of Morris Higham Management
Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent are ushering in a new chapter with the announcement of their upcoming studio album, A Beautiful Life, set for release June 12, alongside a nationwide tour of the same name.
The announcement follows the pair’s recent multi-week Bluegrass Today Radio Chart No. 1 with their reimagining of “Ruby,” the classic first made famous by The Osborne Brothers. The track marked a return to their deep traditional roots while showcasing the signature harmony and musicianship that have defined their nearly two-decade career.
“It means a great deal to us. ‘Ruby’ is one of those songs that carries so much history, emotion, and weight in bluegrass music, so to see listeners and radio embrace our version in that way is incredibly humbling,” the duo share with MusicRow. “Any time you record a song that has meant this much to so many people for so long, you want to honor the legacy of it while still bringing your own heart to the performance. That was very important to us from the beginning. We never wanted to simply recreate something people already knew, we wanted to pay respect to the tradition, while also delivering it in a way that felt honest to who Dailey & Vincent are today. To have it reach No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Radio Chart tells us that people connected with that spirit. We’re grateful to radio, grateful to the fans, and grateful for the generations of artists who made songs like ‘Ruby’ timeless in the first place. When a classic song still resonates like that, it says a lot about the power of great music—and we’re honored to be a small part of its story.”
Originally performed as part of a special Grand Ole Opry tribute at the Ryman Auditorium, “Ruby” drew an immediate response from the crowd, ultimately leading to its recording.
“When the Grand Ole Opry asked us to perform an Osborne Brothers classic for a special show at the Ryman, we knew we wanted to choose something that truly represented the power and legacy of their music. ‘Ruby’ has always been one of those songs that just grabs you from the first note it’s haunting, emotional, and unmistakably bluegrass. When we performed it that night, the response in the room was immediate. To feel that kind of connection from the audience and to see the way the song still moved people all these years later told us something. By the time we walked off that stage, we really felt like this might be a song we were supposed to record.”
They followed “Ruby” with the release of “Longer Than That,” offering an early look at the emotional depth of A Beautiful Life.
“What stood out to us first was the heart of the song. ‘Longer Than That’ has a depth and sincerity that immediately got our attention. It speaks to love, commitment, and the kind of bond that stands the test of time, and songs like that always resonate with us. What we loved is that it did not need anything extra to make its point. It is beautifully written, and the emotion is strong enough to carry itself. That allowed us to approach it in a very intimate, understated way and let the lyric, the melody, and the feeling speak for themselves. Those are the kinds of songs that stay with people, because they are honest. ‘Longer Than That’ felt that way to us from the very beginning, and that is what made us want to record it.”
Drawing from bluegrass, country and gospel traditions, A Beautiful Life reflects the duo’s longstanding approach to blending influences while remaining rooted in authenticity.
“Those influences show up in a very natural and organic way, because they have all helped shape who we are as artists. We have never really thought in terms of categories as much as we have thought in terms of songs, and A Beautiful Life reflects that. It is a project that allows different musical threads to come together in a way that still feels cohesive and true to us. Some songs lean more into the roots of what people may expect from us, while others open the door to a broader emotional and musical landscape. But through it all, the focus was always on serving the song and making sure each track felt authentic. That is really the heart of Dailey & Vincent. We draw from a variety of influences, but the goal is always the same: to make music that is meaningful, well-crafted and honest. This album gave us the opportunity to do that in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.”
Harmony remains a defining element of their sound, built on trust and a shared commitment to the song.
“Harmony has always been a defining part of what we do, but not every song calls for both of us to sing all the way through,” the duo’s Jamie Dailey offers. “We’ve always tried to serve the song first, and that means being willing to let the other guy take the lead when that is what the music needs. There’s never been ego in that. It’s about doing what is best for the song.”
Darrin Vincent shares, “And I think that same idea applies beyond the vocals. Jamie brings such a powerful voice and a real emotional presence to the music, and my role has always been to complement that however the song calls for it whether that’s singing lead, singing harmony, or helping shape the record from the production side. At the same time, I think we both understand each other’s strengths, and that trust is a big part of why this works.”
“Darrin brings so much to this duo that people may not always see at first glance,” Dailey adds. “What he does vocally, musically and creatively behind the scenes is a huge part of who we are. I think we complement each other well because we’re not trying to do the exact same thing we’re each bringing something different, and that balance has helped define both our sound and our career.”
In tandem with the album release, Dailey & Vincent will launch the “A Beautiful Life Tour,” kicking off April 10 in Reidsville, North Carolina, and running through the duo’s annual Dailey & Vincent Music Festival in Hiawassee, Georgia, Sept. 17-19.
As they look ahead to the new project, the duo remains driven by the same passion that first brought them together.
“We’ve been blessed beyond anything we could have imagined, and becoming members of the Grand Ole Opry will always be one of the greatest honors of our lives. But what keeps us inspired is the same thing that got us started in the first place—the love of the music. There is still nothing like finding a great song, stepping into the studio, or walking onstage and feeling that connection with the audience.
We also believe music is always giving you something new to chase. No matter how much you’ve done, there is always another song to discover, another way to grow, and another opportunity to say something meaningful. That creative part of it never really leaves you.
And we never take for granted that our fans still want to hear new music from us. That means a lot. It makes us want to keep digging deeper, keep challenging ourselves, and keep giving people songs that might encourage them, move them, or stay with them. At the end of the day, we still love it. We love the process, we love the tradition, and we love the chance to keep making music that reflects where we are in life and what we still have to say. That is what keeps us inspired.”
A Beautiful Life Track List:
1. “Ruby” (Cousin Emmy)
2. “Butterfly” (Jamie Dailey, Pete Sallis, Tia Sillers)
3. “Moon Shines On The Still” (Laura Leigh Jones Robertson, Bill Whyte)
4. “When I Meet My Maker” (Tenille Townes)
5. “Uncle Billy Play Your Fiddle” (Randall Hylton)
6. “A Beautiful Life” (Bill Anderson, Jon Randall, Carrie Underwood)
7. “Love You Longer Than That” (Tenille Townes, Park Chisolm)
8. “I’ll Keep Going” (Jamie Dailey)
9. “I Grew Up In Heaven” (Josh Kear, Don Schlitz)
10. “God’s Country” (Butch Curry, Marcus Hummon)
11. “Smokey Mountain Memories” (Dolly Parton)
12. “Jacob’s Ladder” (Bruce Hornsby & John Hornsby)
Upcoming “A Beautiful Life Tour” Dates:
April 10 – Reidsville, N.C.
April 11 – Greenville, Tenn.
April 12 – Appomattox, Va.
May 15 – Mount Vernon, Ky.
May 22 – Shelby, N.C.
May 23 – Glennville, W.Va.
June 4 – Franklin, N.C.
June 5 – Grayson, Ky.
June 6 – Bagdad, Ky.
June 16 – Nashville, Tenn.
July 17 – Brenham, Texas
July 18 – Arlington, Texas
July 19 – Tomball, Texas
July 29 – Solana Beach, Calif.
July 30 – San Juan Capiste, Calif.
July 31 – Fresno, Calif.
August 2 – Berkeley, Calif.
August 4 – Grass Valley, Calif.
August 5 – Portland, Ore.
August 6 – Seattle, Wash.
August 15 – Dubuque, Iowa
August 22 – Steelville, Mo.
September 17 – Hiawassee, Ga.
September 18 – Hiawassee, Ga.
September 19 – Hiawassee, Ga.
Michael August Exits Demolition Music
/by Lauryn SinkMichael August.
Michael August has exited Demolition Music.
August moved to Music City in 2014 and signed as a staff-writer with Demolition Music Publishing. In July of 2017, he was added as Creative Manager. August has served as General Manager of the company since 2019 where he oversaw day-to-day operations and curated creative and strategic partnerships.
During his tenure as General Manager, August established a Film & Television Department that has secured over 300 placements, strategized and set up sessions that resulted in cuts with Kelly Clarkson, Iggy Azalea, Roddy Rich, Dolly Parton, Blessing Offor and Erin Kinsey, among others, became a committee member for Nashville Film Festival, and more.
As a songwriter, August has earned over 200 cuts with Adam Doleac, Madeline Merlo, Harper Grace, Cooper Alan and more. He has also notched 30 placements in film and television, including in The Kardashians, Dynasty and American Idol, among others.
August will step back into full-time songwriting. He can be reached here.
Dailey & Vincent To Launch New Chapter With ‘A Beautiful Life’ Album & Tour [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellDailey & Vincent. Photo: Gregg Roth; courtesy of Morris Higham Management
Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent are ushering in a new chapter with the announcement of their upcoming studio album, A Beautiful Life, set for release June 12, alongside a nationwide tour of the same name.
The announcement follows the pair’s recent multi-week Bluegrass Today Radio Chart No. 1 with their reimagining of “Ruby,” the classic first made famous by The Osborne Brothers. The track marked a return to their deep traditional roots while showcasing the signature harmony and musicianship that have defined their nearly two-decade career.
“It means a great deal to us. ‘Ruby’ is one of those songs that carries so much history, emotion, and weight in bluegrass music, so to see listeners and radio embrace our version in that way is incredibly humbling,” the duo share with MusicRow. “Any time you record a song that has meant this much to so many people for so long, you want to honor the legacy of it while still bringing your own heart to the performance. That was very important to us from the beginning. We never wanted to simply recreate something people already knew, we wanted to pay respect to the tradition, while also delivering it in a way that felt honest to who Dailey & Vincent are today. To have it reach No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Radio Chart tells us that people connected with that spirit. We’re grateful to radio, grateful to the fans, and grateful for the generations of artists who made songs like ‘Ruby’ timeless in the first place. When a classic song still resonates like that, it says a lot about the power of great music—and we’re honored to be a small part of its story.”
Originally performed as part of a special Grand Ole Opry tribute at the Ryman Auditorium, “Ruby” drew an immediate response from the crowd, ultimately leading to its recording.
“When the Grand Ole Opry asked us to perform an Osborne Brothers classic for a special show at the Ryman, we knew we wanted to choose something that truly represented the power and legacy of their music. ‘Ruby’ has always been one of those songs that just grabs you from the first note it’s haunting, emotional, and unmistakably bluegrass. When we performed it that night, the response in the room was immediate. To feel that kind of connection from the audience and to see the way the song still moved people all these years later told us something. By the time we walked off that stage, we really felt like this might be a song we were supposed to record.”
They followed “Ruby” with the release of “Longer Than That,” offering an early look at the emotional depth of A Beautiful Life.
“What stood out to us first was the heart of the song. ‘Longer Than That’ has a depth and sincerity that immediately got our attention. It speaks to love, commitment, and the kind of bond that stands the test of time, and songs like that always resonate with us. What we loved is that it did not need anything extra to make its point. It is beautifully written, and the emotion is strong enough to carry itself. That allowed us to approach it in a very intimate, understated way and let the lyric, the melody, and the feeling speak for themselves. Those are the kinds of songs that stay with people, because they are honest. ‘Longer Than That’ felt that way to us from the very beginning, and that is what made us want to record it.”
Drawing from bluegrass, country and gospel traditions, A Beautiful Life reflects the duo’s longstanding approach to blending influences while remaining rooted in authenticity.
“Those influences show up in a very natural and organic way, because they have all helped shape who we are as artists. We have never really thought in terms of categories as much as we have thought in terms of songs, and A Beautiful Life reflects that. It is a project that allows different musical threads to come together in a way that still feels cohesive and true to us. Some songs lean more into the roots of what people may expect from us, while others open the door to a broader emotional and musical landscape. But through it all, the focus was always on serving the song and making sure each track felt authentic. That is really the heart of Dailey & Vincent. We draw from a variety of influences, but the goal is always the same: to make music that is meaningful, well-crafted and honest. This album gave us the opportunity to do that in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.”
Harmony remains a defining element of their sound, built on trust and a shared commitment to the song.
“Harmony has always been a defining part of what we do, but not every song calls for both of us to sing all the way through,” the duo’s Jamie Dailey offers. “We’ve always tried to serve the song first, and that means being willing to let the other guy take the lead when that is what the music needs. There’s never been ego in that. It’s about doing what is best for the song.”
Darrin Vincent shares, “And I think that same idea applies beyond the vocals. Jamie brings such a powerful voice and a real emotional presence to the music, and my role has always been to complement that however the song calls for it whether that’s singing lead, singing harmony, or helping shape the record from the production side. At the same time, I think we both understand each other’s strengths, and that trust is a big part of why this works.”
“Darrin brings so much to this duo that people may not always see at first glance,” Dailey adds. “What he does vocally, musically and creatively behind the scenes is a huge part of who we are. I think we complement each other well because we’re not trying to do the exact same thing we’re each bringing something different, and that balance has helped define both our sound and our career.”
In tandem with the album release, Dailey & Vincent will launch the “A Beautiful Life Tour,” kicking off April 10 in Reidsville, North Carolina, and running through the duo’s annual Dailey & Vincent Music Festival in Hiawassee, Georgia, Sept. 17-19.
As they look ahead to the new project, the duo remains driven by the same passion that first brought them together.
“We’ve been blessed beyond anything we could have imagined, and becoming members of the Grand Ole Opry will always be one of the greatest honors of our lives. But what keeps us inspired is the same thing that got us started in the first place—the love of the music. There is still nothing like finding a great song, stepping into the studio, or walking onstage and feeling that connection with the audience.
We also believe music is always giving you something new to chase. No matter how much you’ve done, there is always another song to discover, another way to grow, and another opportunity to say something meaningful. That creative part of it never really leaves you.
And we never take for granted that our fans still want to hear new music from us. That means a lot. It makes us want to keep digging deeper, keep challenging ourselves, and keep giving people songs that might encourage them, move them, or stay with them. At the end of the day, we still love it. We love the process, we love the tradition, and we love the chance to keep making music that reflects where we are in life and what we still have to say. That is what keeps us inspired.”
A Beautiful Life Track List:
1. “Ruby” (Cousin Emmy)
2. “Butterfly” (Jamie Dailey, Pete Sallis, Tia Sillers)
3. “Moon Shines On The Still” (Laura Leigh Jones Robertson, Bill Whyte)
4. “When I Meet My Maker” (Tenille Townes)
5. “Uncle Billy Play Your Fiddle” (Randall Hylton)
6. “A Beautiful Life” (Bill Anderson, Jon Randall, Carrie Underwood)
7. “Love You Longer Than That” (Tenille Townes, Park Chisolm)
8. “I’ll Keep Going” (Jamie Dailey)
9. “I Grew Up In Heaven” (Josh Kear, Don Schlitz)
10. “God’s Country” (Butch Curry, Marcus Hummon)
11. “Smokey Mountain Memories” (Dolly Parton)
12. “Jacob’s Ladder” (Bruce Hornsby & John Hornsby)
Upcoming “A Beautiful Life Tour” Dates:
April 10 – Reidsville, N.C.
April 11 – Greenville, Tenn.
April 12 – Appomattox, Va.
May 15 – Mount Vernon, Ky.
May 22 – Shelby, N.C.
May 23 – Glennville, W.Va.
June 4 – Franklin, N.C.
June 5 – Grayson, Ky.
June 6 – Bagdad, Ky.
June 16 – Nashville, Tenn.
July 17 – Brenham, Texas
July 18 – Arlington, Texas
July 19 – Tomball, Texas
July 29 – Solana Beach, Calif.
July 30 – San Juan Capiste, Calif.
July 31 – Fresno, Calif.
August 2 – Berkeley, Calif.
August 4 – Grass Valley, Calif.
August 5 – Portland, Ore.
August 6 – Seattle, Wash.
August 15 – Dubuque, Iowa
August 22 – Steelville, Mo.
September 17 – Hiawassee, Ga.
September 18 – Hiawassee, Ga.
September 19 – Hiawassee, Ga.
ACM Unveils Radio Award Winners
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Left Photo, L-R, top row): Jesse Tack, Brent Lane, Damon Whiteside, Parker McCollum, RJ Curtis, Mike Preston, Al Farb and Chris Michaels. (L-R, bottom row): Anna Marie, Heather Froglear, Chris Carr and StyckMan. (Right Photo, L-R): Damon Whiteside, Bryan “B-Dub” Washington, RJ Curtis and Lauren Alaina. Photos: Courtesy of ACM
The Academy of Country Music has revealed this year’s ACM Radio Award winners.
Parker McCollum unveiled the first round of winners last week at CRS Honors. In the On-Air Personality Of The Year, Chris Carr & Company took home the win for Major Market, Heather Froglear nabbed Large Market, Mo & StyckMan collected Medium Market and The Eddie Foxx Show earned small market.
In the Radio Station categories, KSCS-FM in Dallas, Texas took home its second win for Major Market Radio Station of the Year, WUBE-FM in Cincinnati, Ohio took home its fifth win for Large Market Radio Station of the Year, WLFP-FM in Memphis, Tennessee took home its first win for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year, and WYCT-FM in Pensacola, Florida took home its fifth win for Small Market Radio Station of the Year.
The second round of awards were announced at Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music Show on Friday (March 20) with the help of Lauren Alaina.
B-Dub took home both National Daily and Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year. This marks B-Dub’s first win for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year and his third win for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the year.
The 61st ACM Awards are set for Sunday, May 17 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additional performers and nominees will be announced in the coming weeks.
Winners Revealed For 2026 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards
/by John Nix ArledgeThe winners of the 2026 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced Friday night (March 20) during the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Triple Tigers was honored as the Platinum Label of the Year, while Big Machine took home the Gold Label of the Year award. Individual label awards included Big Loud’s Lauren “LT” Thomas for SVP-VP/National Promotion and Records Nashville’s Jamice Jennings as Label Streaming Specialist of the Year. MCA’s Katie Bright was named Director/National Promotion of the Year, and the label’s Annie Sandor earned the Regional Promoter honor.
Nashville’s own WSIX was named Medium Market Station of the Year with other station honors going to WUSN/Chicago for Large Market and WUSY/Chattanooga and for Small Market.
Spotify was named DSP of the Year, and Pandora’s Johnny Chiang was honored as Streaming Programmer/Editor. Lyric Ridge’s Louie Newman received the Independent Promotion Executive award, while Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer accepted DSP Partner Specialist award.
2026 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners:
Station
— WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
— WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
— WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
— Platinum Label: Triple Tigers
— Gold Label: Big Machine
OM/PD
— Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
— Heather Froglear, KFRG/Riverside (Medium Market)
— Brent Michaels, KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market)
APD/MD (tie):
Chris Huff, KILT/Houston; Lauren “Lo” Sessions-Barker, KKBQ/Houston
DSP: Spotify
Streaming Programmer/Editor: Johnny Chiang, Pandora
SVP-VP National Promotion: Lauren “LT” Thomas, Big Loud
Label Streaming Specialist: Jamice Jennings, Records Nashville
Director/National Promotion: Katie Bright, MCA
Market Manager/GM: Sarah Frazier, KILT/Houston
Personality/Show
— Lauren “Lo” Sessions-Barker, KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
— Melissa Quinones, WWKA/Orlando (Medium Market)
— Brent Michaels & Ness Heraldez, Brent & Ness In The Morning, KUZZ/Bakersfield;
— Nancy Wilson & Aaron “Woody” Woods, Nancy & Woody, WHKO/Dayton, OH (Small Market [tie])
National Personality/Show
— Rob Stone & Holly Hutton, The Rob & Holly Show, Audacy (Daily)
— Lon Helton, Country Countdown USA, Compass (Weekly)
National Radio Programmer: Tim Roberts, Audacy
Regional Promoter: Annie Sandor, MCA
DSP Partner Specialist: Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Amazon Music
Independent Promotion Executive: Louie Newman, Lyric Ridge
New Face Of Country Music: Ashley Petro, Warner
Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Special Show As Part Of Carnegie Hall’s ‘United In Sound: America At 250 Festival’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe War and Treaty, Rhonda Vincent, Scotty McCreery, Kelsea Ballerini, Henry Cho and Wyatt Flores perform “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” Photo: Fadi Khelr
The Grand Ole Opry held a special show at Carnegie Hall on Friday night as part of Carnegie Hall’s “United in Sound: America at 250” festival, which celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and continues the Opry’s 100th year.
“An Evening with the Grand Ole Opry” featured performances by Opry members Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Rhonda Vincent and Henry Cho, along with special guests Wyatt Flores and The War and Treaty. The artists’ individual sets were bookended by a show opener featuring Vincent and McCreery taking turns on the classic “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” in the styles of Bill Monroe (Vincent) and Elvis Presley (McCreery) as well as an all-cast closing performance of the Opry’s unofficial theme “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”
The show marked the Opry’s fourth headlining performance at Carnegie Hall. The Opry debuted there in 1947 under the billing “Ernest Tubb and the Grand Ole Opry Stars,” with a sold-out concert also featuring Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Minnie Pearl, Red Foley, Eddy Arnold, and The Carter Sisters with Mother Maybelle Carter. A return performance in 1961 benefited the Musicians’ Aid Society and was headlined by Patsy Cline in her first and only Carnegie Hall appearance, among other all-stars. The Grand Ole Opry’s 2005 show – marking its 80th anniversary – featured Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, along with longtime Opry members Charley Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Bill Anderson.
Throughout 2026, the Opry will continue to honor the past, showcase the present, and shape the future of country music through one-of-a-kind live shows including special themed shows observing the nation’s 250th birthday on April 23, May 28 and July 4.
HARDY To Play Two-Night Halloween Celebration At New Nashville Venue, The Truth
/by Lorie HollabaughHARDY. Photo: Spidey Smith
HARDY has announced he will play a two-night Halloween celebration, “HARDY HALLOWEEN,” at The Truth in Nashville on Oct. 29-30.
Tickets for the special spooky shows will be available starting with a Hardy Fan Club Presale beginning on March 24, with additional pre-sales running throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday (March 27) at HardyOfficial.com. A variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans will be offered which will include premium tickets, exclusive Meet & Greet and individual photos with Hardy, VIP-exclusive merchandise, and more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected.
The hitmaker recently gathered fellow country heavyweights Tim McGraw, Eric Church and Morgan Wallen to release one of the biggest musical events of the year – “McArthur.” Written by Hardy alongside Jameson Rogers, Josh Thompson and Chase McGill, the song traces the changes of time and lineage across generations.
Kyle Clark Proves Things Are ‘Better On A Boat’ On Latest LP, Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughKyle Clark is gearing up for the release of his new album, Better On A Boat, due out May 22. In advance of the new project he released a new single, “Blame It On The Sun.”
“‘Blame It On The Sun’ came from a day when the weather was so perfect and there was no chance I was gonna get anything done,” says Clark. “I ended up down by the water, drink in hand, and next thing I know the whole day’s gone. All spent doing a whole lot of nothing but having fun. If anybody’s got a problem with it, it ain’t on me… it’s on the sun.”
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Jefferson, Georgia, Clark’s signature coastal-country perspective guides the album’s sound. He wrote all 10 tracks on the project alongside Marc Beeson, Kat Higgins, Joybeth Taylor, Averie Bielski, Madison Kozak and more. The project was produced and mixed by Clark and mastered by Sam Moses.
“Better On A Boat represents the mindset and way of living I naturally gravitate toward,” Clark says of the new single. “It’s about life on the water, slowing things down, being present, and finding joy in the simple moments. The boat has always been a place where everything feels clear to me. Life’s just better.”
An established force in Nashville’s songwriting community, Clark recently co-wrote “Let Him In Anyway,” Blake Shelton’s current single. He previously earned his first Platinum certification with “Villain”
Better on a Boat Track List:
1. “Florida on My Mind” (Kyle Clark, James Slater)
2. “Life’s What You Make It” (Kyle Clark, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey)
3. “Better on a Boat” (Kyle Clark, Marc Beeson, Kat Higgins)
4. “Houses on the Beach” (Kyle Clark)
5. “Blame It on the Sun” (Kyle Clark, Smith Ahnquist, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard)
6. “Dock and a Hard Place” (Kyle Clark, Madison Kozak, Griffen Palmer)
7. “Me, God and the Ocean” (Kyle Clark, James Slater)
8. “Highs & Lows” (Kyle Clark, Smith Ahnquist, Heather Morgan)
9. “Fake Dead in Fiji” (Kyle Clark, Jordan Walker, Jordan Dozzi)
10. “Checking Out” (Kyle Clark, Joybeth Taylor, Clara Park, Averie Bielski)
Josh Thompson Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJosh Thompson. Photo: Verba M Photography + Film
Josh Thompson has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. HARDY’s “McArthur” collaboration with Eric Church, Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw, Jordan Davis’ “Turn This Truck Around,” and LOCASH’s “Wrong Hearts” push the songwriter to No. 15 this week.
Blake Pendergrass takes the No. 1 spot with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “I Got Better,” and “Wish You Well.” Randy Montana sits at No. 2 with “Change My Mind,” “Make A Liar,” “Sleepless In A Hotel Room,” and “Time’s Ticking.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Ty Myers (No. 4) and Luke Combs (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.
CRS Highlights Six At 2026 New Faces Of Country Music Showcase
/by Lauryn SinkKelsey Hart, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick, Ella Langley, Josh Ross & Chase Matthew. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
To close out this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS), six breakout artists took to the New Faces of Country Music showcase stage on Friday (March 20).
Since its inception in 1970, the showcase has been a pivotal launching pad for country hitmakers. Participating acts have achieved significant country radio success during the qualification period—from Nov. 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2025.
Hosted by Elaina Smith, this year, Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross graced the stage.
Chase Matthew. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Matthew was the first artist to perform. He took the stage after a heartfelt video that highlighted his roots as a Nashville native, included appearances from his parents and thanked the radio executives in the room who helped him fall in love with music and rise to the top of the charts.
He kicked off his high-energy set with his first top five single at radio, “Love You Again.” He moved into his current single, “Holdin’ It Down,” before surprising the audience with Lauren Alaina for “All My Exes.” He finished his set with his first No. 1 track, “Darlin’.”
Kelsey Hart. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Hart followed, stepping onstage after a sizzle reel that played on the idea of “new faces,” tracing how his move from Kentucky into a town full of them and life on the road surrounded by them turned strangers into friends, fans and family.
He opened his set with “Put It On The Map,” setting the tone early. He kept the momentum going with “Fireworks” before closing things out with his viral hit “Life With You.”
Meghan Patrick. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Patrick’s intro video showed her band getting warmed up backstage, with appearances from her husband, fellow country artist Mitchell Tenpenny.
The room lit up with synchronized LED wristbands as she took the stage, kicking things off with a dynamic medley of Led Zeppelin covers. The room lit up golden as Patrick moved into her breakout track “Golden Child.” She ended her performance with a nod to Tenpenny as she introduced “Safe Place To Break.”
John Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Morgan brought a touch of humor with a playful intro video featuring frequent collaborator Jason Aldean as his “Uber driver,” leaning into the joke with a quick cameo that had the room laughing.
He made his way to the stage with “Way Out Would” and “One More Sunset.” He shared his current single, “Kid Myself,” before ending his performance with his first chart-topper, “Friends Like That.”
Josh Ross. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Ross followed, stepping onstage after a sizzle reel that showcased his achievements, from CCMA Awards to chart-topping hits.
He opened his set with “Hate How You Look” before delivering the vulnerable “Scared Of Getting Sober.” After “Namin’ Names,” he closed out his set with his No. 1 hit, “Single Again.”
Ella Langley. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The crowd gathered around the stage as Langley began her set to close out the evening.
She opened with “Dandelion” followed by the recent fan-favorite “Be Her.” She delivered her most recent track “Loving Life Again,” which she released on Friday as the last track ahead of her sophomore album, which is due April 10.
She ended the night with a crowd sing-along of the newly minted No. 1 track, “Choosin’ Texas.”
Following her set, Langley shared a parody of her recently viral “Be Her” music video featuring appearances from various industry personalities and executives.
CRS will return to Nashville March 17-19, 2027.
Beloved Artist-Songwriter Ronnie Bowman Passes
/by LB CantrellRonnie Bowman. Photo: Courtesy of Eclipse Music Group
Award-winning bluegrass artist and country songwriter Ronnie Bowman died Sunday (March 22) following a motorcycle accident. He was 64.
A native of Mount Airy, North Carolina, Bowman became one of bluegrass music’s most respected voices, earning widespread recognition both as a solo artist and as a longtime member of the Lonesome River Band. He joined the group in 1990 as a vocalist and bass player, remaining until 2001, and previously performed with The Lost and Found after joining that band in 1987.
Over the course of his career, Bowman received numerous honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including three Male Vocalist of the Year awards. His song “Three Rusty Nails” earned both Gospel Performance of the Year and Song of the Year, while “Cold Virginia Night” also took home Song of the Year honors.
Bowman launched his solo career with 1994’s Cold Virginia Night, an acclaimed project featuring Alison Krauss, Del McCoury and Tony Rice that won IBMA Album of the Year. He later released Starting Over (2003) and It’s Gettin’ Better All The Time (2006), further cementing his reputation as a leading artist in the genre.
In addition to his work as a performer, Bowman found major success as a country songwriter. He co-wrote Brooks & Dunn’s No. 1 hit “It’s Getting Better All the Time” with Don Cook, and Kenny Chesney’s chart-topping “Never Wanted Nothing More” with Chris Stapleton.
Bowman also contributed two songs to Stapleton’s multi-Platinum album Traveller, including “Nobody to Blame,” co-written with Stapleton and Barry Bales, which earned the ACM Award for Song of the Year. Continuing their collaboration, Stapleton’s 2025 single “It Takes A Woman,” co-written with Bowman, won the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.
His catalog was recorded by a wide range of artists, including Don Williams, Lee Ann Womack, Cody Johnson, Ralph Stanley, Jake Owen and Marcus King.
Born into a musical family, Bowman began singing gospel music at age three, performing in churches across North Carolina and Virginia alongside his four sisters.
In recent years, Bowman continued to record and perform, releasing a self-titled album and collaborating with the Band of Ruhks alongside fellow former Lonesome River Band members Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith. He also frequently performed with Dan Tyminski. In 2021, Bowman extended his publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the bluegrass and country music communities.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Bowman’s wife Garnet and their family shared the following statement: “Ronnie was beloved by so many in our music community, whom he loved so dearly… and we are beyond grateful for all of the love & outpouring toward us already. Right now, as we process, we just covet your prayers. We have no words at this time, but thank you and graciously request that you honor our privacy while we try to put our heads around this and grieve. What we know and hold onto, is that he is with his Savior Jesus in Heaven, although already terribly missed here on Earth.”