Brooks & Dunn Reach New Platinum Milestones With Classic Favorites
Pictured (L-R): Taylor Lindsey (Sony Music Nashville), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Clarence Spalding (Maverick Nashville) and Ken Robold (Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Braden Carney
Brooks & Dunn recently added two new RIAA certifications to their catalog, with “Neon Moon” now certified 8x Platinum and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” reaching 5x Platinum. The songs were originally released on Brand New Man in 1991, and helped launch Brooks & Dunn’s record-setting career and define a generation of country music. The new certifications arrive during a milestone year for Brooks & Dunn, who are celebrating the 35th anniversary of Brand New Man with the album’s first-ever vinyl pressing, arriving Oct. 23. The album produced four consecutive No. 1s, “Brand New Man,” “My Next Broken Heart,” “Neon Moon” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and helped define a generation of country music while laying the foundation for one of the most successful careers in the genre’s history.
Zach Top Receives Shimmering Surprise With 20 New Gold, Platinum Certs
Pictured (L-R): Leo33’s Katie Dean, Zach Top and Leo33’s Shane Tarleton surrounded by RIAA Platinum and Gold plaques commemorating Top’s latest milestones. Photo: Hunter Hart
Zach Top‘s label, Leo33, surprised him recently with a collection of new RIAA certifications, including 4x Platinum for “I Never Lie” in both the U.S. and Canada and Platinum for Cold Beer & Country Music. The surprise comes as Top continues to bring those songs directly to fans on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” where 921,820 fans have bought tickets to see him live. The newly certified recordings also include “Bad Luck” (Platinum), “Sounds Like the Radio” (Platinum), “Use Me” (Platinum), “South of Sanity” (Gold), “Cold Beer & Country Music” (Gold), “Lonely for Long” (Gold), and “There’s the Sun” (Gold).
London-Based Wings Music Group Signs Joint Venture Deal With Capitol Christian Music Group & Capitol Records
Pictured (L-R): John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Capitol; Brad Heydon, Co-Founder and COO, Wings Music Group; Chris Lawson Jones, Founder and CEO, Wings Music Group; Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group; Tom March, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. Photo: Aaron Bean
Capitol Christian Music Group and Capitol Records have entered a joint venture deal with rising London-based Christian & Gospel music company, Wings Music Group. Founded in 2020 by former Integrity Music executives Chris Lawson Jones and Brad Heydon, Wings Music Group provides global distribution, publishing administration, management and strategic development to an expanding international roster. Christian & Gospel music is on the rise globally, posting double digit increases last year across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and more. In the U.S., the genre’s streaming numbers grew by more than 18% in 2025 alone.
“Chris and Brad have built in Wings a modern, global music operation with huge ambitions to fuel continued growth in the genre with their exceptional artists,” says Tom March, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. “They have a real passion for artist development and we are excited to leverage our expertise to provide Wings’ artists with the global platform they need.”
Ryman Auditorium Unveils New Residency Wall Of Fame
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Rosen, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Matthew Ramsey, Chrissy Hall, Geoff Sprung, Philip Sweet and Brad Tursi. Photo: Catherine Powell
The Ryman Auditorium has unveiled its Residency Wall of Fame, a permanent wall to celebrate the unique bond between music’s most iconic stage, the artists who hold multi-night residencies there and the fans who experience it all. The installation honors talent who have made the Ryman their multi-night home, and features plaques highlighting the impact of Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas at the Ryman; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; Little Big Town; Old Crow Medicine Show; and Old Dominion. The Ryman is one of the few Nashville venues where marquee acts clear their calendars for multiple nights to settle in for creative, extended residencies, and the new Residency Wall of Fame honors these historic runs with the permanent installation.
Patrick Davis, Darius Rucker & Edwin McCain Honored As ‘Carolina When I Die’ Becomes Official State Song
Pictured (L-R): Edwin McCain, Darius Rucker and Patrick Davis. Photo: Everett Zuraw
Singer-songwriter and South Carolina Poet Laureate Patrick Davis‘ song “Carolina When I Die,” (feat. Darius Rucker & Edwin McCain) the title track from his most recent album, has been named an official state song of South Carolina. The honor came through a bipartisan effort spearheaded by Kershaw County legislators, and was officially approved by Governor Henry McMaster on Sept. 29, cementing the song’s place in South Carolina history. More than a travelogue, “Carolina When I Die” is a heartfelt celebration of South Carolina and the place that shaped Davis, making its designation as an official state song especially poignant.
New Mini-Documentary ‘Midland at Ahuestern’ Out Now
Midland at Ahuestern, a mini-documentary directed by Cooper Gunn Davis, captures country trio Midland’s headlining set at the Ahuestern Country Fest in Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico, where they performed for one of the largest crowds of their Mexico run this year. The film is executive produced by Ryan Hawkins, Mike Bergin and Ronnie Exley of Rabbits Black. Midland at Ahuestern premieres directly on Vimeo, with supporting content rolling out across Rabbits Black’s Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn channels, capturing Midland at a pivotal moment in the trio’s growing international presence.
Daniel Doss Inks With WieRok Records
Pictured (L-R): WieRok Entertainment Group Founders Lance & Tammie Wieland; Daniel & Emily Doss; and WieRok’s Head of Publishing, Rights Management and A&R Holly Salazar.
Singer/songwriter, worship leader, and producer Daniel Doss has signed with WieRok Records, the flagship label of Franklin, Tennessee-based WieRok Entertainment Group. One of Christian music’s most sought-after writers for two decades, Doss’ songs have been recorded by Stephen McWhirter, Aaron Shust, Stars Go Dim, Seventh Day Slumber, and Joseph Habedank, and he has co-penned songs for Maverick City Music, Passion City Church, Housefires, and Red Rocks Worship, among other leading collectives. Launching his recording career with the Daniel Doss Band’s 2008 Sparrow Records set, Greater Than Us All, Doss has since released two solo albums, 2017’s Praise the King and 2023’s Revival, and has multiple singles to his credit.
Cam Cropper Wins World Series of Golf Playoffs At Music City’s Topgolf
Pictured (L-R): Rhonda and Company Digital Digital Director Mackenzie Adkins, Preston Brust singer/songwriter Jamie O’Neal, XLR8 Pictures Founder/Chairman Nico Albano, the Voice of the Nashville Predators and The Big 98 WSIX afternoon announcer Wayne D (Danielson), Nashville Predators SVP Corporate Partnerships Jack Burk, and Topgolf CEO David McKillips at the World Series of Golf Satellite Series playoff at Nashville’s Topgolf. Photo: Andy Strong/A Strong Photo)
The World Series of Golf National Finals is taking place in Scottsdale. The winner will notch their buy-in to the World Series of Golf Championship presented by Lotto.com. This championship event will feature 100 invitation-only players, among them athletes, celebrities and this weekend’s winner of the satellite series.
Laura Veltz’s ‘Songwriter Soup’ Kicks Off Season 5 With A New Mission As A Nonprofit
/by Lorie HollabaughKevin Sokolnicki, Laura Veltz & Tracy Hackney
Laura Veltz’s Songwriter Soup podcast has officially become nonprofit as it kicks off Season 5.
Hosted with Tracy Hackney and Kevin Sokolnicki, the move expands the podcast’s mission beyond its weekly conversations to create new ways to educate, support and advocate for songwriters, with a focus on helping them protect their minds, their money and their legacies. The first episode of Season 5, lovingly dubbed Season 5-01(c)(3), kicks off with Joybeth Taylor, co-writer of Ella Langley’s record-breaking hit “Choosin’ Texas.”
Songwriter Soup has expanded its overall mission, but the podcast isn’t changing the formula that has made it a must-listen for songwriters both in and outside of Nashville. The new nonprofit status gives the team an opportunity to take its mission further while continuing to create the candid, insightful conversations that have become a hallmark of the show.
“The songwriting community is abysmally underserved and incredibly small. That tiny group of creators is who Songwriter Soup has always served,” says Veltz. “Every time we tried to think of the podcast itself as a business we were trying to grow, something just felt off. Converting Songwriter Soup to a nonprofit allows us to keep our mission the same as it’s always been: to protect, inspire, educate and support songwriters so they can navigate, survive and thrive in this kaleidoscopic business. Providing frank, unsanitized, unfiltered conversations about the parts of the job that are seldom talked about is the best way we know how to actually support songwriters at every stage of their careers. That’s what we plan to continue doing.”
As part of the nonprofit launch, Songwriter Soup has also officially established its board, which includes the three hosts along with songwriters Connie Harrington, Thomas Daniel and Ava Suppelsa. Together, the board will help guide the organization as it grows its programming and resources for the songwriting community.
In addition to co-hosting Songwriter Soup, Veltz continues her songwriting hot streak, and among this year’s collaborations are songs with Ella Langley (“Broken”), Shaboozey (“Born to Die”), Stella Lefty (“The Kill”), frequent collaborator Jessie Murph (“Certain Kind of Love”), the faith-driven “Maker’s Mark,” co-written for Drew Baldridge and Anne Wilson, and Bryan Andrews’ “Yeehaw.”
She is also set to host a sold-out round at The Listening Room on Nov. 4, with Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde and Luke Dick in a special night of music, storytelling and giving in support of the M.A.D. Mavericks, a local Nashville 12U baseball team, as they work to make a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York next year.
HARDY Launches mockingbird RECORDS, Signs TRIPPP
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Treyson Stafford, JD Stafford, HARDY and Chaz Stafford. Photo: Tanner Gallagher
HARDY has launched mockingbird RECORDS, the country sister label to his previously announced rock imprint, CROW RECORDS, under Big Loud Records. Triplet brother trio TRIPPP serves as the label’s flagship signing.
Born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the Nashville-based triplet brother trio consists of band members JD Stafford (lead vocals), Chaz Stafford (guitar) and Treyson Stafford (bass). The band initially moved to Music City to attend Belmont University. Inspired by the sounds of Memphis blues, Kentucky bluegrass and Southern rock combined, the band’s EP nothin’ and self-titled album are out now.
The band has played well over 300 shows and has opened for artists Riley Green, Gavin Adcock and more. TRIPPP was named as one of The Nashville Briefing’s “25 Country Artists to Watch” in 2024 following their 2023 Belmont University Songwriter’s Showcase win. After supporting Goodbye June on their “Trouble For All Tour” in September, TRIPPP will be back out on the road through October making stops in St. Louis, New York, Charlotte and more.
“We have been chasing this dream for almost a decade,” shares TRIPPP. “The chance to work alongside and be mentored by our hero and one of the greatest songwriters and artists to ever step foot on 16th Avenue is the opportunity of a lifetime and one we would never pass up. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has believed in us and supported us even when we were singing for beers in bars back home in Jonesboro, Arkansas. We would not be here without y’all. All glory to Jesus Christ. Let’s make a record.”
Nashville Symphony Reinstates 2026-27 Season Following Investment From Oracle
/by Lauryn SinkNashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony has reinstated its 2026-27 season following a $10 million investment from Oracle.
The partnership enables the Symphony to resume the 2026-27 season along with its full-time staff members and all members of the orchestra who were set to be furloughed on Oct. 18 due to a financial emergency.
“Oracle’s commitment is a lifeline for the Nashville Symphony and the community we serve,” shares Mark Tillinger, president and CEO, Nashville Symphony. “Oracle’s partnership gives us the ability to bring our musicians and our music back to the stage, and it gives us momentum as we build toward a stronger, more sustainable long-term future. We’re immensely grateful for Oracle’s belief in the Nashville Symphony.”
“Nashville is a city that understands how music can bring people together,” says Clay Magouyrk, CEO, Oracle. “We are part of this community and understand how important cultural institutions like this are to the residents of Nashville. As Oracle builds its new headquarters on Nashville’s East Bank, we are here to help solve the community’s problems and ensure Nashville remains a vibrant place to live and work for generations to come.”
“It’s an extraordinary relief to be able to welcome a new corporate partner to arts philanthropy in Nashville,” adds Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “Oracle’s generosity ensures that the upcoming season will not be lost. For years, the Nashville Symphony has entertained fans—including me—and it’s encouraging to see the steps its new leadership is taking to ensure that remains true for years to come.”
‘CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration Of Dolly Parton’ To Feature Star-Studded Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, the two-hour live TV tribute to Dolly, has revealed the star-studded lineup of performers for the Oct. 21 show at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown are set to perform on the tribute, with Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley joining as special guests.
An ensemble of students from Belmont University will also participate in a performance, reflecting the university’s ongoing “Dolly U” programming that teaches students about Parton’s career, artistry and entrepreneurial legacy. Additional surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment world will also be featured throughout the special.
In conjunction with the show, CMA and Belmont University will make a donation from proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, continuing a legacy that gives millions of children the gift of a free book each month and inspires a lifelong love of reading. In addition, Disney is supporting Imagination Library to further its mission of inspiring children to imagine their possibilities.
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally and available next day on Hulu, and will be filmed before a live audience.
Lee Thomas Miller Inks With Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Perfect Game Creative
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Front Row, L-R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Perfect Game Creative), Lee Thomas Miller and Austen Adams (WCM). (Back Row, L-R): Scott Safford (Safford Motley, PLC), Bethany Mako (WCM) and Phil May (WCM). Photo: Grace Hartrick
Lee Thomas Miller has inked with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative.
Since moving to Nashville in 1991 and signing his first publishing deal in 1996, the Grammy-nominated songwriter has earned seven No. 1 country singles, including Brad Paisley’s “The World,” “I’m Still A Guy,” and “Perfect Storm,” Tim McGraw’s “Southern Girl,” Joe Nichols’ “The Impossible,” and Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” which earned Song of the Year honors from NSAI and ASCAP, as well as Single of the Year at the 2009 CMA Awards.
Additionally, he co-wrote “In Color,” written with and recorded by Jamey Johnson, which earned Song of the Year at both the 2009 ACM Awards and CMA Awards, as well as the 2009 MusicRow Awards. Miller has earned additional credits with Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, Parker McCollum, Morgan Wallen and more. He currently serves as President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and as the 2026 BMI Songwriter Ambassador in Residence.
On Oct. 26, Miller will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“Lee was one of the first writers I had the privilege of working with when I became an A&R at Warner Chappell nearly 10 years ago, and over the past decade, we’ve become even better friends,” shares Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Perfect Game Creative. “Before we ever met, his songs had stamped my life; from ‘In Color’ playing over a video at my grandfather’s funeral to ‘Old Boots, New Dirt’ being the soundtrack to my move to Los Angeles. I’m so excited to have him join me at Perfect Game Creative for this next chapter of both of our careers, and to be alongside him as he continues to write the songs that will become the soundtrack to so many people’s lives.”
“Let’s put the band back together. In Nashville, relationships are everything. I watched Jessi Vaughn Stevenson work her way up the ranks at Warner Chappell, and when she became A&R she asked Ben Vaughn if she could be my person,” says Miller. “Was I a guinea pig? Possibly… but my career is better because of her. Years later, she has established herself as one of Nashville’s most successful, respected publishers. I’m excited to be a part of her brand new venture, Perfect Game Creative, and for the opportunity to reunite with my Warner Chappell family. Cheers to our next chapter. “
“Lee first joined the Warner Chappell fold back in 2013, and it’s incredibly exciting to have him back with us as part of Jessi’s new venture with the company,” adds Austen Adams, President of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “He draws on his extraordinary, expansive creativity to pen a rich diversity of songs that touch the range of human emotions and moods, from deeply moving life stories to outright country-rockers. In the midst of his fourth decade in the business, his talent is burning brighter than ever, and we’re looking forward to more amazing work from one of Music City’s true greats.”
BREAKING: Big Loud Records Adds Dusty Miller As President Of Catalog Acquisitions
/by Madison HahnenDusty Miller. Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud
Dusty Miller has joined Big Loud Records as President of Catalog Acquisitions.
In his new position, Miller will oversee the company’s efforts to identify, assess, and acquire music catalogs and other music assets. He brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services and more than 15 years in the music business. His background includes working with artists, songwriters, producers, executives and other industry professionals, giving him a strong understanding of both the creative and business sides of music rights.
“This is an exciting day for Big Loud,” says Seth England, Partner and CEO. “As partners, we have long talked about developing a catalog acquisition component to our business. Dusty has spent many years on the financial side of the music catalog business and has proven to be an expert in his field.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join Big Loud and help build the next chapter of its catalog acquisition business,” adds Miller. “I’m especially grateful to Seth, Craig [Wiseman], and Joey [Moi] for their trust and for the opportunity to be part of such an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking organization. What they’ve built at Big Loud is incredibly special, and I’m excited to be a part of where it goes from here.”
Miller has built his career around his interests in music and sports, while helping clients manage and plan for their financial futures. He previously founded and served as President of Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment, a boutique firm focused on helping clients save, invest, and plan.
Before starting his own firm, Miller spent 13 years at Truist Bank, formerly SunTrust, advising clients in the sports and music industries. His experience spans banking, lending, accounting, investment management, and financial planning, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the financial needs of people working in music and professional sports.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by LB CantrellThis week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly is packed with executive moves, new signings and two in-depth interviews, plus a Grand Ole Opry milestone for one of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters. Click here to see the full edition.
Music Services, a division of SESAC Music Group, has strengthened its leadership team. Nick LaPointe joins as Senior Director of Business Development, and Jay Sudarma has been elevated to Vice President of Marketing for Music Services and CCLI Group.
Fresh off being named Songwriter of the Year at the Nashville Songwriter Awards, Blake Pendergrass made his Grand Ole Opry debut this week.
On the publishing front, award-winning songwriter and producer Will Bundy has signed with Back Blocks Music. Tyla Rodrigues has inked a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
It was also a busy week for artist deals. Blake Whiten has signed with CAA for worldwide booking representation, and Kinsley has joined WME for global representation. Emma Ogier has signed with Lost Highway Records. The full edition includes more deals.
This week’s edition features two interviews. The first is a My Music Row Story feature on Gulf Coast Jam Co-Founder Rendy Lovelady. The second looks inside the songwriting world of Sasha Alex Sloan.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley stays in the No. 1 spot with “Loving Life Again.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Industry Ink: Brooks & Dunn, Zach Top, Wings Music Group, Ryman, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrooks & Dunn Reach New Platinum Milestones With Classic Favorites
Pictured (L-R): Taylor Lindsey (Sony Music Nashville), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Clarence Spalding (Maverick Nashville) and Ken Robold (Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Braden Carney
Brooks & Dunn recently added two new RIAA certifications to their catalog, with “Neon Moon” now certified 8x Platinum and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” reaching 5x Platinum. The songs were originally released on Brand New Man in 1991, and helped launch Brooks & Dunn’s record-setting career and define a generation of country music. The new certifications arrive during a milestone year for Brooks & Dunn, who are celebrating the 35th anniversary of Brand New Man with the album’s first-ever vinyl pressing, arriving Oct. 23. The album produced four consecutive No. 1s, “Brand New Man,” “My Next Broken Heart,” “Neon Moon” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and helped define a generation of country music while laying the foundation for one of the most successful careers in the genre’s history.
Zach Top Receives Shimmering Surprise With 20 New Gold, Platinum Certs
Pictured (L-R): Leo33’s Katie Dean, Zach Top and Leo33’s Shane Tarleton surrounded by RIAA Platinum and Gold plaques commemorating Top’s latest milestones. Photo: Hunter Hart
Zach Top‘s label, Leo33, surprised him recently with a collection of new RIAA certifications, including 4x Platinum for “I Never Lie” in both the U.S. and Canada and Platinum for Cold Beer & Country Music. The surprise comes as Top continues to bring those songs directly to fans on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” where 921,820 fans have bought tickets to see him live. The newly certified recordings also include “Bad Luck” (Platinum), “Sounds Like the Radio” (Platinum), “Use Me” (Platinum), “South of Sanity” (Gold), “Cold Beer & Country Music” (Gold), “Lonely for Long” (Gold), and “There’s the Sun” (Gold).
London-Based Wings Music Group Signs Joint Venture Deal With Capitol Christian Music Group & Capitol Records
Pictured (L-R): John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Capitol; Brad Heydon, Co-Founder and COO, Wings Music Group; Chris Lawson Jones, Founder and CEO, Wings Music Group; Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group; Tom March, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. Photo: Aaron Bean
Capitol Christian Music Group and Capitol Records have entered a joint venture deal with rising London-based Christian & Gospel music company, Wings Music Group. Founded in 2020 by former Integrity Music executives Chris Lawson Jones and Brad Heydon, Wings Music Group provides global distribution, publishing administration, management and strategic development to an expanding international roster. Christian & Gospel music is on the rise globally, posting double digit increases last year across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and more. In the U.S., the genre’s streaming numbers grew by more than 18% in 2025 alone.
“Chris and Brad have built in Wings a modern, global music operation with huge ambitions to fuel continued growth in the genre with their exceptional artists,” says Tom March, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. “They have a real passion for artist development and we are excited to leverage our expertise to provide Wings’ artists with the global platform they need.”
Ryman Auditorium Unveils New Residency Wall Of Fame
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Rosen, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Matthew Ramsey, Chrissy Hall, Geoff Sprung, Philip Sweet and Brad Tursi. Photo: Catherine Powell
The Ryman Auditorium has unveiled its Residency Wall of Fame, a permanent wall to celebrate the unique bond between music’s most iconic stage, the artists who hold multi-night residencies there and the fans who experience it all. The installation honors talent who have made the Ryman their multi-night home, and features plaques highlighting the impact of Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas at the Ryman; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; Little Big Town; Old Crow Medicine Show; and Old Dominion. The Ryman is one of the few Nashville venues where marquee acts clear their calendars for multiple nights to settle in for creative, extended residencies, and the new Residency Wall of Fame honors these historic runs with the permanent installation.
Patrick Davis, Darius Rucker & Edwin McCain Honored As ‘Carolina When I Die’ Becomes Official State Song
Pictured (L-R): Edwin McCain, Darius Rucker and Patrick Davis. Photo: Everett Zuraw
Singer-songwriter and South Carolina Poet Laureate Patrick Davis‘ song “Carolina When I Die,” (feat. Darius Rucker & Edwin McCain) the title track from his most recent album, has been named an official state song of South Carolina. The honor came through a bipartisan effort spearheaded by Kershaw County legislators, and was officially approved by Governor Henry McMaster on Sept. 29, cementing the song’s place in South Carolina history. More than a travelogue, “Carolina When I Die” is a heartfelt celebration of South Carolina and the place that shaped Davis, making its designation as an official state song especially poignant.
New Mini-Documentary ‘Midland at Ahuestern’ Out Now
Midland at Ahuestern, a mini-documentary directed by Cooper Gunn Davis, captures country trio Midland’s headlining set at the Ahuestern Country Fest in Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico, where they performed for one of the largest crowds of their Mexico run this year. The film is executive produced by Ryan Hawkins, Mike Bergin and Ronnie Exley of Rabbits Black. Midland at Ahuestern premieres directly on Vimeo, with supporting content rolling out across Rabbits Black’s Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn channels, capturing Midland at a pivotal moment in the trio’s growing international presence.
Daniel Doss Inks With WieRok Records
Pictured (L-R): WieRok Entertainment Group Founders Lance & Tammie Wieland; Daniel & Emily Doss; and WieRok’s Head of Publishing, Rights Management and A&R Holly Salazar.
Singer/songwriter, worship leader, and producer Daniel Doss has signed with WieRok Records, the flagship label of Franklin, Tennessee-based WieRok Entertainment Group. One of Christian music’s most sought-after writers for two decades, Doss’ songs have been recorded by Stephen McWhirter, Aaron Shust, Stars Go Dim, Seventh Day Slumber, and Joseph Habedank, and he has co-penned songs for Maverick City Music, Passion City Church, Housefires, and Red Rocks Worship, among other leading collectives. Launching his recording career with the Daniel Doss Band’s 2008 Sparrow Records set, Greater Than Us All, Doss has since released two solo albums, 2017’s Praise the King and 2023’s Revival, and has multiple singles to his credit.
Cam Cropper Wins World Series of Golf Playoffs At Music City’s Topgolf
Pictured (L-R): Rhonda and Company Digital Digital Director Mackenzie Adkins, Preston Brust singer/songwriter Jamie O’Neal, XLR8 Pictures Founder/Chairman Nico Albano, the Voice of the Nashville Predators and The Big 98 WSIX afternoon announcer Wayne D (Danielson), Nashville Predators SVP Corporate Partnerships Jack Burk, and Topgolf CEO David McKillips at the World Series of Golf Satellite Series playoff at Nashville’s Topgolf. Photo: Andy Strong/A Strong Photo)
The World Series of Golf National Finals is taking place in Scottsdale. The winner will notch their buy-in to the World Series of Golf Championship presented by Lotto.com. This championship event will feature 100 invitation-only players, among them athletes, celebrities and this weekend’s winner of the satellite series.
Triple Tigers Records Celebrates Decade Of Success
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front): Sydney Wentz, Shane Profitt, Liz Scherff, Raffaella Braun, Diane Lockner, Hope Garrison, Laura Hostelley, Julianna Vaughn; (L-R, back): Ian Munsick, Kevin Herring, Annie Ortmeier, Russel Dickerson, Chris Palmer, Blake Nixon, George Couri. Photo: Ryan Camp
Indie record label Triple Tigers Records is celebrating 10 years of hits and multi-Platinum, chart-topping success.
Founded in 2016 as a joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment’s The Orchard and Triple 8 Management, since its inception the Nashville-based label has boasted 18 No. 1 singles, 36 Gold and Platinum Certifications, nearly 10 billion cumulative streams, and was named the 2026 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards’ Platinum Label of the Year.
The label’s roster includes Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, Ian Munsick and Shane Profitt, as well as a partnership with Columbia Records on Ella Langley since her first solo radio single, “Weren’t For The Wind.” In 2025 Triple Tigers expanded its promotional efforts with Akando Music, a secondary country radio promotion team to accommodate the demand for non-Triple Tigers artists seeking national country radio promotion. Current artists include Chris Young, Turnpike Troubadours and Tyler Nance.
The Triple Tigers powerhouse team has been a key component for its upward momentum and includes George Couri (Founder & Managing Partner), Annie Ortmeier (Co-President), Raffaella Braun (Co-President), Laura Hostelley (VP Marketing), Chris Palmer (Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO Music VP of National Promotion) and Kevin Herring (Label Strategy Consultant; former Co-President).
The Swon Brothers Sign With Adrian James Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Vanessa Parker-Davis (manager/Splash!), Colton Swon (The Swon Brothers), Zach Swon (The Swon Brothers), Deb Henson (COO/Partner-Adrian James Records) and AJ Fuxa (CEO/Partner-Adrian James Records). Photo: Brandon Allan
The Swon Brothers have signed with Adrian James Records.
The duo are known for their close sibling harmonies and have been performing together since childhood. The Muskogee, Oklahoma natives gained national attention as finalists on The Voice and have since built a career as recording artists and songwriters. They have earned recognition from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and CMT Music Awards, along with honors from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Routes Oklahoma Music Trail.
After their major-label hit “Later On,” the brothers continued releasing music independently and co-wrote songs for Blake Shelton, including the title track of Body Language and “All of My Love” from For Recreational Use Only. They have toured with Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley and headlined their own shows across the country. The duo has also made multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.
Their label debut, “Honky Tonk On,” serves as the first single from their upcoming 14-song album, BOOT CUT, due in 2027. The track was co-penned by Wade Kirby, Colton Swon and Zach Swon, and produced by The Swon Brothers and AJ Fuxa.
“’Honky Tonk On’ is my favorite kind of country. I grew up on ‘90s country and this song tips the hat to all my favorites. It’s a line dancing jam about all the girls who ain’t afraid to let their country side show off a little,” says Zach.
“I strongly suggest anyone and everyone get their ‘Honky Tonk On’ at least once in their lifetime. Seriously though, we are excited to be a part of Adrian James Records and are pumped about the new relationship and new music,” adds Colton.