Kierra Sheard, J Drew Sheard II, Kerry Douglas & More Honored At BMI’s 2026 Trailblazers Of Gospel Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Mike O’Neill, CEO of BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta and Mike Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

The 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held yesterday (July 21) at BMI’s Nashville office, honored Kierra Sheard, J Drew Sheard II, Kerry Douglas and more for their contributions to Gospel music over the last year.

Kierra Sheard received the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her impact on the future of gospel music. Sheard was also honored as BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year in a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and Douglas.

BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year went to “Lead Me On,” and Publisher of the Year went to Capitol CMG Publishing. The most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s CEO, Mike O’Neill; EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

“God has a way to reward faithfulness before He rewards popularity… and this is a reminder that if you keep saying yes, He knows exactly where to find you,” Kierra Sheard shared during her speech. “I want to thank you for pushing gospel music forward. You make this industry worth staying in. What matters is what you represent, that someone still believes in a song that is worth protecting and paying for.”

Kierra Sheard. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

Pictured (L-R): Michael O’Neill, CEO of BMI, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award and Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, J. Drew Sheard II, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

Keyla Richardson. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

Thomas Rhett To Play Two Caesars Palace Shows In December

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Thomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Aikin

Thomas Rhett has revealed he’ll play two shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on Dec. 10 and Dec. 12.

Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, as well as Live Nation All Access customers will have access to a presale beginning today (July 22), with all presales ending July 23. General tickets will go on sale this Friday (July 24).

In addition to his current headlining “The Soundtrack To Life Tour,” Rhett will continue to join Morgan Wallen for more “Still The Problem Tour” stadium dates and will make his return to the U.K., appearing with Luke Combs for a three-night run at Wembley Stadium.

Jenny Tolman Celebrates Her Roots On New Album ‘Music City Mutt,’ Due In August

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Singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman is set to release her third studio album, Music City Mutt, on Aug. 28.

Inspired by her own story as a Nashville native with roots stretching from Boston to California, Music City Mutt explores identity, family, motherhood, and the people and places that shape who we become. The album blends heartfelt storytelling with colorful characters and Tolman’s signature sharp wit, and brings together several fan-favorite releases that have already showcased the album’s depth and personality.

“Music City Mutt is my most personal album yet,” shares Tolman. “I started calling myself the ‘Music City Mutt’ because I’m a Nashville native with parents from two completely different worlds. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that’s really what Nashville is – a city full of people who came here from somewhere else, all chasing the same dream. This album is about finding home, embracing every part of your story, and celebrating the beautiful patchwork that makes us who we are.

“It’s also my first album since becoming a mom, so that naturally found its way into these songs,” she continues. “Getting to include my three-year-old son, Bear, on the record made this project even more special…he might just be the youngest drummer ever credited on an album. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

The project features the rowdy anthem “Honky Tonk Songs” featuring Gretchen Wilson, a boot-stomping celebration of country’s roots born from the pair’s friendship developed during The Road. It also includes the heartfelt “Baby Steps,” a poignant reflection on life’s journey from heartbreak to motherhood, alongside the witty, unapologetic, sharp-tongued “Show Pony,” packed with Tolman’s signature storytelling and humor.

To celebrate the new album, Tolman will play a special show at City Winery Nashville on Aug. 24, with tickets going on sale this Friday (July 24) here.

Music City Mutt Track List:
1. “Live From Jennyville Studios” (Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman)
2. “Music City Mutt” (Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman/ Aaron Raitierre)
3. “Make Up My Mind” (Jenny Tolman)
4. “Show Pony” (Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman/ Matt Willis)
5. “Baby Steps” (Dan Harrison, Emily Kroll, Jenny Tolman)
6. “Sweet Love” (Jenny Tolman)
7. “Retail Therapy” (Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman/ Aaron Raitierre)
8. “Honky Tonk Songs” (feat. Gretchen Wilson) (Dave Brainard/ Jeff Silbar/ Jenny Tolman)
9. “His Hands” (Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman/ Matt Willis)
10. “Two Ring Circus” (Dave Brainard/ Dan Harrison/ Jenny Tolman)
11. “My California Girl” (Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/ Bill Whyte)
12. “Troubleshooter” (Dave Brainard/ Jeff Silbar/ Jenny Tolman)
13. “Big Mama” (feat. Brandon Ratcliff & Suzanne Cox) (Morgan Lee Powers/ Jenny Tolman)
14. “Showbiz Baby” (ft. Bear Brainard) (Bear Brainard/ Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman)
15. “Maybe Next Month” (Jenny Tolman)

Industry Ink: Bill Anderson, Brad Paisley, Kane Brown, Sony Music Publishing, Rylie Bourne, More

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Bill Anderson Celebrates 65th Opry Anniversary

Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry

Bill Anderson recently celebrated his 65th Opry anniversary. He is the longest-serving member, and the first artist in the 100-year history of the Opry to mark 65 years. Anderson was officially inducted as a member of the Opry on July 15, 1961.

“The Opry is the home of country music, and thankfully for 65 years now the show has been home to Whisperin’ Bill Anderson,” says Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “We’re so thankful that through all the stages of his career—all the hits, all the songwriting successes, all the TV appearances, all the tour dates, and more, Bill has always come home to this Opry he loves. We’re so honored, we’re so proud, and we’re looking forward to the next 65.”

 

Brad Paisley Makes Surprise Appearance At Whiskey Jam

Brad Paisley and David Lee Murphy. Photo: Sean O’Halloran

Brad Paisley made a surprise appearance at Whiskey Jam last night (July 20) to celebrate his recently released project, Tacklebox – Disc 1.

He performed “Hi Ho Silverado” from the project before bringing David Lee Murphy on stage for a rendition of “Dust On The Bottle.”

 

Kane Brown Performs At Dak Prescott’s Faith Fight Finish Foundation Gala

Nikki Boon, Kane Brown, Dak Prescott, and Martha Earls. Photo: Carol Vig Photography

Kane Brown took the stage Friday (July 17) at the fifth annual Faith Fight Finish Foundation Gala in Dallas, delivering a live performance of his hit “Miles On It” for guests at the charity event hosted by Dak Prescott.

The foundation focuses on four main pillars: colon cancer research, mental health and suicide prevention, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve and providing assistance for individuals and families facing life-challenging hardships.

 

Sony Music Publishing Hosts Parking Lot Party

Bobby Braddock, Mark Wills and Rusty Gaston. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Sony Music Publishing hosted a parking lot party last week (July 16) honoring legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock.

During the celebration, Mark Wills performed “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “19 Somethin’.”

 

Rylie Bourne Signs Management Deal With Todd Wilkes Entertainment

Todd Wilkes and Rylie Bourne. Photo: Jessie Addleman

Rylie Bourne has signed a management deal with Todd Wilkes Entertainment.

Bourne recently earned two cuts with Sister Sadie, and her recent single “Company I Keep” was added into rotation on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. Bourne is currently on the road playing acoustic guitar and singing background vocals for Mae Estes.

“I’m really excited to work with Rylie,” says Todd Wilkes, owner of Todd Wilkes Entertainment. “She’s one of the most talented female singers I’ve ever met. When I first heard her sing, I knew I had to sign her. Her vocals and her songs are simply amazing.”

 

Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Bobby Bones & iHeartRadio Kick Off The Yellow Glasses Project


The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has partnered with Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio to kick off The Yellow Glasses Project.

“I know firsthand how education can impact your life,” says Bones. “I was the first person in my family to graduate high school, and that opened a door I didn’t know was there, which is why I’m so passionate about partnering with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. A little bit of support at the right moment can open a world of possibilities. Literacy isn’t just about learning to read. It’s about having the confidence to dream bigger.”

Customers can now purchase their own pair of yellow sunglasses for $2 at participating Dollar General stores across the country through International Literacy Day on Sept. 8 to benefit the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which funds literacy and education programs at schools, libraries and non-profit organizations in DG’s hometowns.

 

CMHOFM Celebrates New Art Exhibition ‘We’re Still Here’

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of “We’re Still Here,” an art exhibition by Jeremy Salazar in collaboration with The Forge and IndigeNash.

“We’re Still Here” includes painted and photographic works. Raised on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, Salazar is a self-taught artist who has gained national recognition for contemporary Native artwork that centers Indigenous perspectives, celebrates lived experience and expands conventional narratives surrounding Native identity through his studio moniker, Three Feather Studios.

The exhibition is free and open to the public now through Sept. 11.

Chris Palmer Joins Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO Music

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Chris Palmer

Chris Palmer has joined Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO Music as VP of National Promotion, filling the role previously held by Raffaella Braun following her promotion to Co-President. A 28-year radio promotion veteran, Palmer has helped earn 56 No. 1 hits throughout his career.

“Having Chris Palmer part of this ambush of tigers is so exciting. He brings the experience and creative juices, but most of all, the passion and fun we all love about this job,” says Braun.

”I can’t wait to join an already incredible team, many of whom I’ve already worked with, that are firing on all cylinders with arguably Nashville’s hottest artist roster,” adds Palmer.

Most recently, Palmer served as VP of Promotion at The Valory Music Company. He previously held promotion roles at Warner Music Nashville and Lyric Street Records, where he began his career in 1998.

In his new role, Palmer will oversee radio promotion for both Triple Tigers Records and AKANDO Music. He begins with the label on July 27.

Palmer can be reached here.

Country Thunder Wisconsin Draws Thousands For Four Days Of Music In Twin Lakes

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Photo: Anthony Houle/Country Thunder

Thousands of fans gathered in Twin Lakes for Country Thunder Wisconsin from July 16-19, marking the festival’s 30th year.

Headlined by Gavin Adcock, Riley Green, Keith Urban and The Red Clay Strays, the powerhouse lineup also included Gretchen Wilson, Mark Chesnutt, Ian Munsick, Nate Smith, Shaboozey, George Birge, Dasha, Corey Kent, Mae Estes and many more.

Highlights from the weekend included Adcock calling two young fans to the stage during his set, a surprise appearance from Dasha to perform “Don’t Mind If I Do” with Green, “Nate Smith Karaoke” and more.

The Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding Event, new to the festival this year, crowned Jake Morinec as champion. The Songwriter Stage featured performances from Ryan Beaver, Neil Medley, Chase McDaniel, Benjy Davis and Trent Wayne, among others.

Ticket information for Country Thunder Wisconsin 2027 is available here.

Photo: Anthony Houle/Country Thunder

Photo: Anthony Houle/Country Thunder

LOCASH Plots ‘LET THE COUNTRY MUSIC PLAY TOUR’

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LOCASH. Photo: Josh Beech

LOCASH has launched the first leg of their coast to coast “LET THE COUNTRY MUSIC PLAY TOUR.”

Hot on the heels of National Piña Colada Day, LOCASH are keeping the party going with a North American run named for their summer anthem “Let The Country Music Play,” a feel-good collaboration with Parmalee that reinvents Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” as a timeless tribute to country music.

The new tour includes stops at many of the summer’s biggest festivals, including Freedom Fest in Little Falls, Minnesota (July 17), the OC Smoke Show in Mission Viejo, California (Aug. 15), Country Splash Cabo in San José del Cabo, Mexico (Sept. 5), and more through mid-December.

In addition, LOCASH will make their way to Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival in mid-September, where they’ll host the LOCASH Golf Bash, a one-of-a-kind scramble tournament set on the fairways of Atlantic Dunes at Sea Pines Resort, with every swing supporting Lowcountry charities and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

“LET THE COUNTRY MUSIC PLAY TOUR” Dates:
7.16 – Eau Claire, WI – Country Jam USA
7.17 – Little Falls, MN – Freedom Fest MN
7.24 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid-State Fair
7.25 – Highland, CA – bEATS at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
8.7 – Lake Ozark, MO – Lazy Gators
8.8 – West Chester Township, OH – Voices of America Country Music Fest
8.9 – Binghamton, NY – Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally
8.13 – Rohnert Park, CA – The Event at Graton Resort & Casino
8.14 – Tulare, CA – Adventist Health Amphitheater
8.15 – Mission Viejo, CA – OC Smoke Show
8.16 – Las Vegas, NV – 95.5 The Bull Presents Country at the Cove @ M Resort
8.22 – Farmington, NM – Northern Edge Casino
8.29 – Daytona, FL – Coke Zero Sugar 400
9.5 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Country Splash Cabo
9.12 – Cincinnati, OH – Venue TBA
9.18 – Hilton Head, SC – Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival
9.23 – Fort Myers, FL – Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
10.9 – Maryville, TN – The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint
10.24 – Kansas City, MO – PAWSapalooza 2026
11.15 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Fairgrounds
12.3 – Portland, ME – Venue TBA
12.5 – Sarasota, FL – Joyland Country Music Night Club
12.11 – Hollywood, FL – Venue TBA
12.12 – Hollywood, FL – Venue TBA

Whitefish Songwriter Festival Returns To Montana For Sixth Year

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The 6th Annual Whitefish Songwriter Festival is set to take place Sept. 18–20 in Whitefish, Montana.

Quartz Hill Music Group is the event’s presenting sponsor, and songwriters Marla Cannon-Goodman, Aaron Rattiere, Frank Meyers, Paul Jenkins, Adam Hambrick and more will light up the stages around Whitefish during the annual event. Label artists Spencer Hatcher, Lakelin Lemmings and Gabe Walsh will also join the festival this year.

“I’ve always believed in the power of a song – as well as in both the joy and in the healing that music can bring,” says Benny Brown, Quartz Hill Music Group founder. “I’m excited to partner with the Whitefish Songwriter Festival because it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talented songwriters who create those special moments with a new audience that truly values great music and how it all begins. ”

The all-ages event has something for everyone and works in conjunction with the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce to offer educational elements throughout the event. Several of the artists/songwriters will visit local schools and encourage the art of songwriting with the local students. The festival is also unveiling more opportunities for music education and cultivating aspiring artists with a songwriter workshop and songwriting contest. Each year, the festival transforms Whitefish into a destination for music lovers, hosting acclaimed songwriters performing throughout downtown, supporting working artists while enriching the cultural life of the community and generating significant local economic activity.

“The Whitefish Songwriter Festival is built on the power of great songs and the connections they create,” says Cari Klepper, festival producer and founder. “Having Quartz Hill Music Group as our presenting sponsor allows us to expand opportunities for songwriters while bringing even more world-class music to our community.”

A full list of performers can be found here, and tickets are available here.

Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen Extend ‘Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour’

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Ryan Bingham. Photo: Elias Tahan

Grammy and Oscar winner Ryan Bingham and his band The Texas Gentlemen are extending their “Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour” into the fall.

Newly confirmed stops include Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Chicago’s Riviera Theatre, Milwaukee’s Eagles Ballroom, Omaha’s The Steelhouse and St. Louis’ The Pageant, among others.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting tomorrow (July 22), with general on-sale following on July 24.

The fall tour continues a breakout year for Bingham, whose new album They Call Us The Lucky Ones was released this spring. The album was his first full-length project in over seven years, and across the project’s 10 tracks, he reflects on the highs and lows of an artist’s life on the road and his newfound sense of joy and hope. Along with his “Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour,” Bingham will also join Zach Bryan for select stadium shows this summer.

“Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour” Dates:
October 13—Memphis, TN—Satellite Music Hall
October 14—Louisville, KY—The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 16—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe
October 17—Nashville, IN—Brown County Music Center
October 18—Nashville, TN—The Ryman Auditorium
October 20—Chicago, IL—The Riviera Theatre
October 21—Milwaukee, WI—The Rave / Eagles Club
October 23—St. Paul, MN—Palace Theatre
October 24—Des Moines, IA—Val Air Ballroom
October 25—Omaha, NE—Steelhouse
October 27—Wichita, KS—The Cotilion
October 28—Kansas City, MO—Uptown Theater
October 30—St. Louis, MO—The Pageant
November 1—Oklahoma City, OK—The Criterion
November 3—Albuquerque, NM—Revel Entertainment
November 4—El Paso, TX—Abraham Chavez Theatre
November 6—Waco, TX—The Backyard, Waco
November 8—Corpus Christi, TX—Concrete Street Amphitheater
November 14—Ft. Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s

Shania Twain To Launch Pop-Up SiriusXM Channel

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Shania Twain. Photo: Timothy White

Shania Twain is set to launch a pop-up SiriusXM channel, Little Miss Twain Radio, in celebration of her upcoming album.

The channel will be available to subscribers in their cars on channel 105 from July 23 through Aug. 6 and on the SiriusXM app from July 23 through Aug. 22.

“Shania Twain is a true icon whose music has inspired generations of fans and artists alike,” says Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We are thrilled to bring fans closer to Shania than ever before with a dedicated channel and intimate performance honouring both her extraordinary career and this exciting new chapter.”

Twain will perform a special one-night-only performance at New York City’s Racket NYC on July 23 to celebrate the album, which releases July 24 via Republic Nashville.