Pictured (L-R: Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait and Bruce Channel. Photo: Ed Rode
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame held its 56th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 26), welcoming six new members into the Class of 2026.
This year’s class included Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category; Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category; Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category; Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category; and the late J.I. Allison into the hall’s Legacy category.
Mark Ford, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait, Joanie Allison, Bruce Channel and Rich Hallworth. Photo: Ed Rode
“There is nothing more rewarding than welcoming six extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and celebrating the songs and stories that have touched so many lives,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It is a privilege to share this special evening with these remarkable talents, their families, friends and colleagues as we celebrate the people and the songs that make Nashville so special. There is no night quite like this one!”
NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford shared opening remarks before Robert K. Oermann took the stage to recognize J.I. Allison. BR5-49 frontman Chuck Mead honored Allison with a rendition of Rock & Roll classic “That’ll Be The Day.” Joanie Allison accepted on her late husband’s behalf.
Kix Brooks introduced Bruce Channel, followed by a performance of “Hey! Baby!” from Texas Heritage Hall of Famer Lee Roy Parnell.
“I’d like to thank all my co-writers. I thank them for their expertise and their insight, but mostly I thank them for their friendship,” Channel shared.
Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Ed Rode
Hall of Fame songwriter Brad Paisley presented Taylor Swift, who is the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s youngest inductee ever. BBR recording artist/CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson performed Swift’s signature “Love Story” in her honor.
“It’s not lost on me how crazy this is, and I will cherish it forever because Nashville is the place that honed and polished the thing about myself, and the thing about my life, that I am the most proud of and the most passionate about. So, to be here with you and to be getting to have this moment, I am truly grateful,” Swift shared.
Following dinner, all Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members in attendance were invited to the stage to honor the organization’s Career Maker Award recipient, George Strait. Dean Dillon and Gary Nicholson presented Strait with the award and a guitar autographed by each of the nearly 50 legendary songwriters on stage.
Gary Nicholson, George Strait and Dean Dillon. Photo: Ed Rode
Pat Alger introduced Lyle Lovett, and Kathy Mattea performed “If I Had A Boat.”
“The people that brought my songs to life, the musicians I have worked with over the years, I owe them everything,” Lovett said. “I am humbled and proud to be in your company.”
Jim Lauderdale presented Shawn Camp, and Verlon Thompson joined Emmylou Harris for a rendition of “Magnolia Wind.”
“If you’ve ever written a song with me, you’re as much a part of this thing as I am, and I truly appreciate you,” Camp shared.
Closing the night, Randy Owen introduced Lee Thomas Miller, and Jamey Johnson honored him with their signature “In Color.”
Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Ed Rode
Miller thanked his wife Jana and their four children, Noah, Emma, Jacy and Levi, for their unwavering support of his dedication to an often unpredictable career. After thanking the songwriters and industry members who have given him opportunities throughout his career, Miller ended by quoting the lyrics to a few of country music’s most iconic tunes, ending with “They walk away from everything just to see a dream come true, so God bless the boys who make the noise on 16th avenue.”
The evening also included a touching memorial tribute to 650 WSM AM’s Bill Cody as well as Walt Aldridge, John Anderson, Rory Bourke, Steve Cropper, Jim McBride, Joe Melson, Dolly Parton and Don Schlitz, the eight Hall of Fame songwriters who have passed away since last year’s event.
Kelly Sutton stepped in for Cody as the host of the evening.
RESULTS GLOBAL Adds Three
/by Lauryn SinkRaegan Meguiar, Sean Worth and Austin Spero. Photo: RESULTS GLOBAL
RESULTS GLOBAL has added three hires in graphic design, digital marketing and social media.
Raegan Meguiar joins as a Digital Marketing Coordinator, bringing three years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, social media strategy and promotion. A Kentucky native and 2026 communications graduate, her previous experience includes roles with the Louisville Orchestra, Fourth Street Live!, Live Nation and Rewired Talent Management.
Sean Worth has been added as a Graphic Designer & Content Specialist. Worth is a 2025 graduate of Lipscomb University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. He held creative internships with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Universal Music Group’s °1824, and led design and branding for the 2023 exhibition Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones. Worth began his career as Visual Content Manager at Crowd Surf, producing photo, video, and design content for leading music and entertainment clients, including Donny Osmond, TLC and Backstreet Boys.
Austin Spero joins RESULTS GLOBAL in a New York-based social media role supporting the DOLLY: A True Original Musical on Broadway. Spero has served as the social media director for several theatrical productions including Oh, Mary! on Broadway and tour, Liberation, John Proctor Is the Villain and The Rocky Horror Show. His Off-Broadway credits include Prince Faggot, ta-da!, and the upcoming revival of Spring Awakening.
Laci Kaye Booth To Kick Off ‘Love Letters To Texas’ Tour In February
/by John Nix ArledgeLaci Kaye Booth; Photo Credit: Natalie Sakstrup
Laci Kaye Booth is set to show some love to her home state on the “Love Letters to Texas” tour, beginning Feb. 10 at House of Blues in Dallas. Subsequent shows take her across Texas with stops in Houston, The Woodlands and Austin.
In addition to her headline dates, Booth will perform at the St. Pete Country Fest 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida on Nov. 20 and at the 2027 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA. She will also open for Megan Moroney on her spring 2027 tour of Australia.
The artist ticket pre-sale for the “Love Letters to Texas” tour begins tomorrow (Oct. 28) at 10 a.m. local time here. The general on-sale will begin Friday, Oct. 30, at 10:00 AM local time.
Laci Kaye Booth – Tour Dates:
2026
11/20 – St. Petersburg, FL – St. Pete Country Fest 2026
2027
2/10 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues, Cambridge Room
2/11 – Houston, TX – House of Blues, Bronze Peacock
2/12 – The Woodlands, TX – Dosey Doe
2/13 – Austin, TX – The Continental Club
4/23-25 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Festival
5/8 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena +
5/11 – Sydney, AU – Afterpay Arena +
5/14 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre +
5/15 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre +
+ supporting Megan Moroney
McCoy Moore To Embark On First Headline Run In January
/by Lauryn SinkMcCoy Moore. Photo: Matt Paskert
McCoy Moore will hit the road on his first-ever headline tour next January.
The “TYIN’ ONE ON TOUR” kicks off in Gainesville, Florida on Jan. 28 with additional stops in the Carolinas, Georgia and more. Tickets go on-sale tomorrow (Oct. 28).
“I’ve had so much fun touring with HARDY and Ashley Cooke this year, and I’ve gotten to go see some incredible places and meet some incredible people,” shares Moore. “I’m so excited to announce my first official headline tour, the TYIN’ ONE ON TOUR, in 2027. See y’all out there!”
Moore will wrap his opening stint on HARDY’s “COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR” this weekend with a double-header in Nashville. He is joining Ashley Cooke for select dates of the “baby blues world tour.”
“TYING ONE ON TOUR” 2027
January 28 / Gainesville, FL – Heartwood Sound Stage
January 29 / Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
January 30 / Charleston, SC – Limbo at The Refinery
February 18 / Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
February 19 / Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
February 20 / Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds
February 25 / Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
February 26 / Milwaukee, WI – The Rave / Eagles Club
February 27 / Plain City, OH – The Grainery
Country Cares For St. Jude Kids 2026 Seminar Celebrates ‘Hope On Repeat’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Russell Dickerson, Kailey Dickerson, St. Jude patient Sawyer, St. Jude patient Faith, Randy Owen; (L-R, front row): St. Jude patient Declynn, St. Jude patient Annzie, St. Jude patient Reagan. Photo: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Country Cares for St. Jude Kids hosted its 36th annual event on Oct. 20–21 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis to celebrate the country music community’s support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
This year was the first seminar since the program switched to a bi-yearly format in 2024, and featured performances from Hardy, Anne Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Deerock and St. Jude cancer survivor Darren Warren across the two days. Russell and Kailey Dickerson were also honored as the 2026 Angels Among Us recipients. St. Jude awards the Randy Owen Angels Among Us award each year in his name, recognizing a country music artist who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to St. Jude.
“What have Russell and Kailey Dickerson done to deserve this beautiful award?” said Russell Dickerson from stage. “I’m not the biggest superstar in country music by any means, nor am I the biggest donor to St. Jude by any means either. And the only thing I can really think of why it would be us up here is the word ‘yes.’
“We get pulled in a lot of directions in this industry and business,” he continues. “We get a lot asked of us to be there, fly there, play here, call here. And honestly, as we have built a family, it’s become a lot more ‘no’s.’ But if I ever hear the two magical words ‘St. Jude’ – yes. And it’s that same ‘yes’ that these St. Jude families get every day. St. Jude is going to do everything within their world class power to make sure there are as many ‘yeses’ while you’re here as possible.”
“Country music carries stories of family, faith, resilience and hope from one generation to the next,” says Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude. “In many ways, that is what you are creating tonight. Every gift to St. Jude creates something lasting – not for a single quarter or a fiscal year, but for generations. When you support St. Jude and share our story with your audiences, that generosity does not stop with a single patient. It fuels research, clinical trials, technology, global partnerships and future breakthroughs we cannot yet imagine. One act of kindness becomes many acts of healing. And ultimately, it becomes a legacy carried forward in every birthday celebrated, every milestone reached and every child who grows up and gets the chance to dream about their future.
Greylan James Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughGreylan James. David Cohn
Greylan James into the hallowed circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut last Saturday (Oct. 24).
During his performance, the Knoxville native performed his Top 15-and-climbing single “Water At A Wedding” and his 2023 debut single “Young Man,” dedicated to his late Papaw who gifted James his first guitar.
“My Papaw told me I couldn’t say ‘I made it’ until I stood in that circle,” he shared. “I got to talk about him with the most famous hardwood in the world under my boots. I will never forget any second of my debut. God bless the Grand Ole Opry, and God bless country music.”
His Opry debut came just two weeks before James will embark on his first-ever headlining “Wedding Season: The Tour” which sold out its Knoxville and Cleveland dates during pre-sale, prompting a second date to be added in Knoxville. James’ debut album Greylan James featuring 13 original tracks all co-written by James and a special Dolly Parton cover, is due out Nov. 13.
ACM Lifting Lives Reveals 2026-2027 Board Of Directors & Officers
/by Lauryn SinkACM Lifting Lives has revealed its incoming Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term. The Board of Directors includes leaders from the non-profit and corporate sectors who serve as public directors, as well as ACM Board members who serve in representative director roles.
Board leadership includes Chair John Hickman, Vice-Chair Chandra LaPlume, Vice-President Greg Hill, Treasurer Paul Barnabee and Secretary Brooke Boyd.
Newly elected Public Directors include Chad Kudelka (Creative Artists Agency) and Diane Pearson (City National Bank). Tom Lord (Red Light Management) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) have been elected as Representative Directors. Julie Gordon, Matthew Morgan (United Talent Agency) and Casey Thomas (Lost Highway) have been elected as Public Directors-At-Large. Jackie Jones (RIAA) will serve as Representative Directors-At-Large.
2026 -2027 Complete ACM Lifting Lives Board Of Directors:
OFFICERS
Chair: John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
Vice-Chair: Chandra LaPlume, Blue Highway Records
Vice-President: Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment
Treasurer: Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Secretary: Brooke Boyd, ACM Lifting Lives
PUBLIC DIRECTORS
Sandi Borchetta, Music Has Value
Tiffany Brush, Topgolf
Kathleen Flaherty, Morgan Wallen Foundation
Julie Gordon
Shelley Grayson, FBMM
Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment
Michelle Kammerer, Amazon Music
Chad Kudelka, Creative Artists Agency
Chandra LaPlume, Blue Highway Records
Tracy Lawrence, Artist
Matthew Morgan, United Talent Agency
Diane Pearson, City National Bank
Blain Rhodes, Tape Room Music
Rondal Richardson, Music Community Foundation
Adi Sharma, The Neal Agency
Casey Thomas, Lost Highway
Sally Williams, Live Nation
REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTORS
John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Jeff Krones, Creative Artists Agency
Tom Lord, Red Light Management
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Darin Murphy, Creative Artists Agency
Storme Warren, TV and Radio Personality
PAST CHAIRS
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Debbie Carroll, Belmont University
Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
Mark Hartley
Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Tree Paine, Premium PR
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
EMERITUS DIRECTORS
Rod Essig, Creative Artists Agency
Gayle Holcomb, William Morris Endeavor
UTA Signs Chris Young
/by LB CantrellChris Young. Photo: Courtesy of UTA
United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Chris Young for global representation in all areas.
The signing comes as Young approaches nearly two decades in country music. The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter’s tenth studio album I Didn’t Come Here to Leave marked a bold new chapter, amassing over 80 million global streams to date. Over the past year, Young has played multiple headlining shows spanning North America, and also performed alongside Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, and Scotty McCreery. He has made major festival appearances at The Long Road Festival, The Calgary Stampede, Country In The Park, and YQM Country Fest. Young is set to continue his holiday tradition with the upcoming “An Acoustic Christmas Tour” this December.
“I’m very excited to move into this new chapter at UTA. I really feel like there is a plan and a vision for growth and moving forward,” Young says.
UTA Agent Brian Hill adds, “Chris is a world-class singer, songwriter, and live performer. We’re excited to welcome him to the UTA family, and we look forward to building upon the incredible foundation he’s already established. This is only the beginning!”
A member of the historic Grand Ole Opry, Young has amassed 14 No. 1 singles and 11.9 billion on-demand streams throughout his career. He has consistently achieved commercial success with 56 RIAA certifications for his recording, writing and co-producing credits, and has received numerous CMT Awards throughout his career along with a number of ACM, AMA, and CMA nominations.
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Six
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R: Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait and Bruce Channel. Photo: Ed Rode
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame held its 56th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 26), welcoming six new members into the Class of 2026.
This year’s class included Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category; Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category; Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category; Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category; and the late J.I. Allison into the hall’s Legacy category.
Mark Ford, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Swift, George Strait, Joanie Allison, Bruce Channel and Rich Hallworth. Photo: Ed Rode
“There is nothing more rewarding than welcoming six extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and celebrating the songs and stories that have touched so many lives,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It is a privilege to share this special evening with these remarkable talents, their families, friends and colleagues as we celebrate the people and the songs that make Nashville so special. There is no night quite like this one!”
NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford shared opening remarks before Robert K. Oermann took the stage to recognize J.I. Allison. BR5-49 frontman Chuck Mead honored Allison with a rendition of Rock & Roll classic “That’ll Be The Day.” Joanie Allison accepted on her late husband’s behalf.
Kix Brooks introduced Bruce Channel, followed by a performance of “Hey! Baby!” from Texas Heritage Hall of Famer Lee Roy Parnell.
“I’d like to thank all my co-writers. I thank them for their expertise and their insight, but mostly I thank them for their friendship,” Channel shared.
Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Ed Rode
Hall of Fame songwriter Brad Paisley presented Taylor Swift, who is the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s youngest inductee ever. BBR recording artist/CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson performed Swift’s signature “Love Story” in her honor.
“It’s not lost on me how crazy this is, and I will cherish it forever because Nashville is the place that honed and polished the thing about myself, and the thing about my life, that I am the most proud of and the most passionate about. So, to be here with you and to be getting to have this moment, I am truly grateful,” Swift shared.
Following dinner, all Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members in attendance were invited to the stage to honor the organization’s Career Maker Award recipient, George Strait. Dean Dillon and Gary Nicholson presented Strait with the award and a guitar autographed by each of the nearly 50 legendary songwriters on stage.
Gary Nicholson, George Strait and Dean Dillon. Photo: Ed Rode
Pat Alger introduced Lyle Lovett, and Kathy Mattea performed “If I Had A Boat.”
“The people that brought my songs to life, the musicians I have worked with over the years, I owe them everything,” Lovett said. “I am humbled and proud to be in your company.”
Jim Lauderdale presented Shawn Camp, and Verlon Thompson joined Emmylou Harris for a rendition of “Magnolia Wind.”
“If you’ve ever written a song with me, you’re as much a part of this thing as I am, and I truly appreciate you,” Camp shared.
Closing the night, Randy Owen introduced Lee Thomas Miller, and Jamey Johnson honored him with their signature “In Color.”
Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Ed Rode
Miller thanked his wife Jana and their four children, Noah, Emma, Jacy and Levi, for their unwavering support of his dedication to an often unpredictable career. After thanking the songwriters and industry members who have given him opportunities throughout his career, Miller ended by quoting the lyrics to a few of country music’s most iconic tunes, ending with “They walk away from everything just to see a dream come true, so God bless the boys who make the noise on 16th avenue.”
The evening also included a touching memorial tribute to 650 WSM AM’s Bill Cody as well as Walt Aldridge, John Anderson, Rory Bourke, Steve Cropper, Jim McBride, Joe Melson, Dolly Parton and Don Schlitz, the eight Hall of Fame songwriters who have passed away since last year’s event.
Kelly Sutton stepped in for Cody as the host of the evening.
Riley Green To Headline New Year’s Eve Celebration Live From Niagara Falls
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green. Photo: David Higgs
Riley Green is set to headline a special live New Year’s Eve concert at Niagara Falls when it returns this year for the first time since 2019.
Produced by the Canadian Country Music Association in partnership with Niagara Parks and the City of Niagara Falls, the celebration will also feature Canadian artists The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha.
“Country music has a remarkable ability to bring people together, and there is no more spectacular backdrop for a national celebration than Niagara Falls,” says Amy Jeninga, President, Canadian Country Music Association. “The CCMA is proud to partner with Niagara Parks, the City of Niagara Falls and Bell Media for this special event, bringing the energy and spirit of country music to one of the country’s most iconic destinations. With Riley Green leading the lineup alongside Canadian favorites The Reklaws, Tenille Townes, and Sacha, we’re looking forward to an unforgettable night that connects fans and audiences across the country.”
“Bringing a live New Year’s Eve concert back to Niagara Falls is an exciting milestone for our destination and an opportunity to create a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike,” says David Adames, Chief Executive Officer, Niagara Parks. “With the CCMA joining us, Riley Green headlining, an incredible lineup of Canadian talent and Bell Media bringing the celebration to audiences across the country, we’re building on Niagara Falls’ legacy as a world-class destination for major events. We look forward to welcoming Canadians back to the brink of the Falls to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.”
The live 90-minute New Year’s Eve special streams on Crave and is also available on CP24.
Last Day To Vote: Inside The 60th Annual CMA Awards Nominees
/by MusicRow StaffToday is the last day for eligible CMA members to cast their third and final ballot for the 60th annual CMA Awards. Voting closes at 6:00 p.m. CT tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Ella Langley leads this year’s nominees with nine nods, including her first for Entertainer of the Year. She’ll compete in that category against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson. Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West have five each. This year’s class also includes 13 first-time nominees.
Get an inside look at the full list of nominees in our special edition newsletter.
The CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7:00 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.