Cody Jinks will release an expanded version of his 11th studio album, In My Blood (Deluxe) July 24 via his label, Late August Records. In conjunction with the announcement, Jinks has dropped a brand new track, “Good Man,” from the new project.

“Good Man” explores the different roads a man can travel and the decisions that shape who he becomes, and reflects on strength, responsibility, and self-discipline. Thoughtful and introspective, the track serves as a reminder that being a good man is not about avoiding strength, but learning how to wield it with purpose and restraint.

In My Blood (Deluxe) marks the one-year anniversary of the release of In My Blood, and Jinks is celebrating and thanking fans for their support of the album with three new songs available exclusively as part of the digital deluxe edition. The deluxe edition expands on the original album with three new tracks, including “Good Man,” “Know It All,” “Jesus and the Devil,” and the previously released acoustic rendition of fan favorite “Lonely Man.”

“This is the super duper deluxe special edition one year anniversary of In My Blood,” says Jinks. “One of my favorite records that we’ve ever recorded. It has three brand new songs on it. We hope that you dig it, be on the lookout for it.”

This summer, Jinks is joining Five Finger Death Punch’s “20th Anniversary World Tour” as a special guest with stops including Saratoga Springs, Toronto, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and more.

In My Blood (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “Better Than the Bottle”
2. “Lost Highway”
3. “The Others”
4. “In My Blood” (ft. Blackberry Smoke)
5. “Something Wicked This Way Comes”
6. “See the Man”
7. “When You Can’t Remember”
8. “Lonely Man”
9. “Monster”
10. “Found”
11. “When Time Didn’t Fly”
12. “Lonely Man (One Take Acoustic)”
13. “Know It All”
14. “Good Man”
15. “Jesus and the Devil”

Chris Sligh has signed with Sony Music Publishing and Ace High Music.

Sligh has earned more than 200 cuts and multiple No. 1 singles with Rascal Flatts, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Austin Giorgio and more.

His credits include Rascal Flatts’ chart-topping, GRAMMY-nominated hit “Here Comes Goodbye,” Nate Smith’s Platinum-certified hit “Wreckage,” Bailey Zimmerman’s “Never Leave,” as well as his own single “Empty Me,” which won BMI’s Christian Song of the Year award in 2010. Most recently, Sligh collaborated on Austin Michael’s new record Lonestar, with tracks “Movin’ On” and “Least Of My Worries.”

“Ace High is the publishing company we as writers dream of – attentive and challenging; cheerleaders and critics when they need to be; friends and champions,” shares Sligh. “Travis, Poole & Abigail are all of the above. To partner with Sony and Ace High? Years ago, when I came back to music, my first dream publisher was Sony. I’m proud to call Ace High and Sony Music Publishing home!”

“Chris has built an incredible career by consistently creating songs that connect at the highest level. Beyond the accolades and hit records, what stands out most is his creative intuition, versatility and deep understanding of artists and songs. We’re honored to partner with someone of his caliber and excited for what’s ahead with Chris, Ace High and Sony Music Publishing,” adds Chris Poole, Ace High Music VP and Partner.

“Chris is a singular talent with a strong creative instinct that continues to rise above,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the SMP family alongside our partners at Ace High, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support the next chapter of his already remarkable career.”

Rhett Akins was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry last night (June 28).

Akins has penned 36 No. 1 country hits for artists including Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton and more. In 2010, Rhett was named the No. 4 Billboard Country Songwriter. In 2011 and 2014, BMI named him Songwriter of the Year. Akins is a seven-time CMA Triple Play recipient and was named Songwriter of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music in 2019. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.

Akins was surprised on stage with the invitation by Jon Pardi, who shared “Rhett has always been somebody who has always been a mentor and taught a lot to me about how to write songs, how to be a co-writer. He has over 30 No. 1’s.” Turning to Akins, he continued, “You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family. Rhett Akins I am here to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

“All I do everyday is write words and I can’t think of any words right now except, ‘Thank you Lord Jesus.’ I have been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a little kid with my grandparents,” Rhett shared from the stage. “Watching it when it used to be on TNN. Anytime they’d ask me to play, if I was in Alaska, I’d fly home immediately. I love country music with all my heart and all I ever wanted to do was meet Hank Jr.. Meet George Strait. I never dreamed I’d be in this circle right here with Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Garth and Alan…and Jon Pardi. This is just unbelievable.”

After the show, Akins carried the celebration to a special post-show party with fans in Opry House Studio A.

“We’re going to be so pleased to welcome a fellow like Rhett who has made such an impact both as a recording artist and an often-recorded songwriter into the Opry family.” says Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “Rhett lauds the Opry’s traditions and is excited to help build its future as the show enters its second century. This is going to be a great marriage.”

Akins official induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.

TKO Artist Management has elevated three team members.

Megan Pavlovic has been promoted to Artist Manager, working with Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Clay Walker and The Bacon Brothers. A 2016 graduate of Saint Anselm College, Pavlovic has worked in Nashville’s entertainment industry for nine years.

Jordan Bernal has been elevated to Artist Manager, working with Colton Dawson, Jamey Johnson, Jackson Dean and Mac McAnally. He joined TKO in 2022 following his graduation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Ben Sojka is now Manager, Publishing & Internal Operations, following five years with the firm. Additionally, he is part of the management teams for The Bacon Brothers, Toby Keith, Chris LeDoux, Ned LeDoux, Mac McAnally and Clay Walker. Sojka graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2019 and has since supported the operations of the company’s staff and artists.

Lee Greenwood will receive the 2026 All-American Icon Award and perform his iconic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” during the Countdown 250 Ball on July 3 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

The Countdown 250 Ball serves as a major Independence Eve celebration, bringing together veterans, military families, community leaders, entertainers, immersive attractions, innovators, and guests from across the country.

For more than four decades, Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” has become one of America’s most recognizable patriotic songs, serving as a soundtrack for military tributes, national celebrations, and moments of unity. His appearance will be part of an evening honoring individuals whose contributions have helped shape American culture, service, leadership, and achievement.

“Lee Greenwood’s music has inspired generations of Americans,” says Mike Harrigan, Founder and Executive Producer of Countdown 250. “As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions to American culture and to welcome him as part of this historic celebration.”

In addition to Greenwood’s appearance, the evening will also feature performances and appearances by Celeste Kellogg, Gerardo J. Velez, Julian Awari, Scott Page, Captain Luis Avila and other entertainers and special guests. The Countdown 250 Ball will also feature America’s Freedom Bell, the All-American Hero and Icon Awards, immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and the historic “1,000 Bells of Freedom” midnight ceremony marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Other award recipients and honorees to be recognized at the Countdown 250 Ball include Tony Orlando, Bob Anderson, Scott Page, Elizabeth Dole, Mike Moyer, Sally Roberts, Captain Luis Avila, Claudia Avila, LTC (Ret.) Deborah Snyder, Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel and The Honorable Rob Wilkins, among others.

The event benefits Operation Renewed Hope Foundation and its mission to provide housing and support services for veterans and their families. Tickets, VIP experiences, reserved tables, and more are available here.