
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will explore the life and career of Kenny Chesney in a new exhibition, “Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward,” presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum. The exhibit, which will be open from July 23, 2026, until June 2027, is included with museum admission.

Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The exhibit will chronicle Chesney’s path to stardom, from his early years playing in his university’s bluegrass band to becoming one of the top touring acts of this century.
The exhibit will include instruments, memorabilia, manuscripts, awards, photographs and more, including Chesney’s high school football varsity jacket and jersey, the Fender Concord acoustic guitar Chesney played throughout college at East Tennessee State University and after he moved to Nashville in the early 1990s, the cassette tape on which Chesney recorded a demo of “When She Calls Me Baby” and more.
“Kenny Chesney’s creative vision and intense drive to continue raising the bar has helped him reach staggering commercial and artistic highs,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “He has broken almost as many records as he has made, and his work is far from done. Through his distinctive sound and dynamic live show, he continues to expand country music’s audience, its perception and its sound.”

Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“When you’re so busy living life – literally in fast forward – you rarely pause to think about all the miles traveled, the faces you’ve met along the way,” adds Chesney. “Trying to decide what things to send to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that represent a whole lot of dreams, living, songs, the work and things you don’t dare imagine was as hard as anything I’ve ever done. But in the end, I feel like every piece of who I am is represented – and I hope that for someone who’s thinking about chasing their own crazy dreams, this may be the spark to get them on their way.”
In support of the exhibition, on July 25, the museum will host an interview with Buddy Cannon, who worked with Chesney on 17 albums.
Chesney is currently in the middle of his Las Vegas sphere residency, with dates through July.
CMHOFM To Open ‘Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward’ Exhibit In July
/by Lauryn SinkKenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will explore the life and career of Kenny Chesney in a new exhibition, “Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward,” presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum. The exhibit, which will be open from July 23, 2026, until June 2027, is included with museum admission.
Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The exhibit will chronicle Chesney’s path to stardom, from his early years playing in his university’s bluegrass band to becoming one of the top touring acts of this century.
The exhibit will include instruments, memorabilia, manuscripts, awards, photographs and more, including Chesney’s high school football varsity jacket and jersey, the Fender Concord acoustic guitar Chesney played throughout college at East Tennessee State University and after he moved to Nashville in the early 1990s, the cassette tape on which Chesney recorded a demo of “When She Calls Me Baby” and more.
“Kenny Chesney’s creative vision and intense drive to continue raising the bar has helped him reach staggering commercial and artistic highs,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “He has broken almost as many records as he has made, and his work is far from done. Through his distinctive sound and dynamic live show, he continues to expand country music’s audience, its perception and its sound.”
Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“When you’re so busy living life – literally in fast forward – you rarely pause to think about all the miles traveled, the faces you’ve met along the way,” adds Chesney. “Trying to decide what things to send to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that represent a whole lot of dreams, living, songs, the work and things you don’t dare imagine was as hard as anything I’ve ever done. But in the end, I feel like every piece of who I am is represented – and I hope that for someone who’s thinking about chasing their own crazy dreams, this may be the spark to get them on their way.”
In support of the exhibition, on July 25, the museum will host an interview with Buddy Cannon, who worked with Chesney on 17 albums.
Chesney is currently in the middle of his Las Vegas sphere residency, with dates through July.
Riley Green Named NSAI’s 2026 Songwriter-Artist of the Year
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green. Photo: David Higgs
Riley Green has been named the 2026 NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year ahead of the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.
The award recognizes a Nashville-affiliated recording artist with the most success on the Billboard Airplay charts in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres during the eligibility period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 with songs they penned and recorded.
Green recently notched his fifth ACM win for Music Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind If I Do,” featuring Ella Langley. He also earned his seventh No. 1 with “Change My Mind” earlier this month.
The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards will be held on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium. Previously announced honorees include Blake Pendergrass (Songwriter of the Year Award), Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award) and Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award). Additional award recipients that will be honored night-of for the ‘Song of the Year’ winner(s) and the songwriters for each of the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards.
Blake Pendergrass Named NSAI’s 2026 Songwriter of the Year
/by Madison HahnenBlake Pendergrass. Photo: Hayley Gjertsen
Blake Pendergrass has been named the 2026 NSAI Songwriter of the Year ahead of the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.
The award recognizes a Nashville-affiliated songwriter with the most success on the Billboard Airplay charts in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres during the eligibility period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
His career has grown rapidly, beginning with his first No. 1 hit, “Just In Case” by Morgan Wallen, in July 2025. He followed that achievement with three more No. 1 songs within the year, reached No. 1 on the MusicRow Magazine Top Songwriter Chart on March 2, 2026, and earned his first CMA Triple Play Award on April 13, 2026.
The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards will be held on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium. Previously announced honorees include Riley Green (Songwriter-Artist of the Year Award), Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award) and Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award). Additional award recipients that will be honored night-of for the ‘Song of the Year’ winner(s) and the songwriters for each of the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards.
Recording Academy Unveils Voting & Category Updates
/by Lauryn SinkThe Recording Academy has unveiled updates to the voting process and eligibility requirements for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
For Voting Members, Ballot Plus is an opt-in alternative to the 10/3 voting structure that allows Voting Members with expertise across multiple genres to vote in up to 15 peer-related categories, regardless of field, based on their verified professional credits and contributions. Voting Members who opt in must submit credits by a specified deadline. Participation in Ballot Plus is subject to verification of credits. Voting Members who do not opt-in, miss the selection window, or do not meet the verification requirements will receive the standard 10/3 voting ballot. Voting Members will receive more information about Ballot Plus in the coming months.
Additionally, category description language and guidelines have been refined and a maximum number of times an artist may be submitted increased from three to four. The threshold of new recordings required on an eligible album is lowered from 75% to 66% to reduce the exclusion of entries that are widely recognized throughout the music industry as new albums. Internet-only releases are now eligible in Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album if the additional materials and album notes are part of the commercial download, ensuring albums released solely in digital form remain eligible for consideration. Songwriters and composers of new material on the winning albums in most genre album categories will now receive Grammy statuettes and achievement certificates in parity with the recognition currently afforded to producers and engineers in those categories.
A full list of updates can be found here.
“2027 is going to be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we’re seeing across music,” says Grammys CEO Harvey Mason jr. “The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it. We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the music people who are driving music forward.”
The 2027 Grammy Awards will also feature five new categories including Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Latin Song.
Josh Turner Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of ‘Your Man’ With Deluxe Editions
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Turner is celebrating 20 years since the release of his sophomore album Your Man, and its enduring legacy with a suite of 20th Anniversary Editions arriving Aug. 14 via MCA/UMe.
Available on 180-gram black vinyl, limited edition 180-gram Turquoise color vinyl, CD and digitally, the expanded release will feature the fan-favorite bonus song “Hard Headed,” a rare track Turner released in 2006 as an iTunes exclusive that will be making its streaming debut on all platforms. The anniversary vinyl edition was newly mastered from the original analog tapes by Kevin Reeves at East Iris Studios, who also cut the lacquers.
The digital deluxe edition, originally released in 2021 to commemorate the album’s 15th anniversary, will be expanded with the additions of “Hard Headed” and live versions of “Your Man” and “Me and God,” captured at Nashville’s historic Hermitage Hotel in 2021. Both performances, currently available to watch on Turner’s YouTube channel, will make their streaming debuts.
“As my sophomore album, Your Man, celebrates its 20th anniversary, I’m moved at how it has continued to gain new fans,” says Turner. “I still play all three singles from that record because you fans won’t let me out of any venue until I do!! Thank y’all for your support and enthusiasm over the past two decades! Let’s keep it going!”
Your Man debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, becoming the highest-charting album of Turner’s career at the time. At the heart of the album was its title track, “Your Man,” written by Chris Stapleton, Chris DuBois and Jace Everett. Released in July 2005 as the project’s lead single, the song became Turner’s first No. 1 hit in early 2006 and remains one of the defining songs of his career. The song also marked the first No. 1 country hit written or co-written by Stapleton, years before he emerged as one of the genre’s most celebrated artists. “Your Man” earned ASCAP and BMI honors and has since been certified 4x Platinum. The video for the song, which featured Turner’s wife Jennifer, has amassed more than 277 million views.
The album’s success continued with the chart-topping 3x Platinum “Would You Go with Me” and the beloved “Me and God,” helping Turner earn Grammy nominations for Best Country Album and Best Male Country Vocal Performance for “Would You Go with Me” at the 49th Annual Grammys. The collection also featured Turner’s rendition of the Don Williams classic “Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy.”
Two decades later, “Your Man” continues to resonate across generations of country fans and artists. In May, Scotty McCreery released a new version of the song featuring Turner, with the two revisiting the track McCreery notably performed during his 2011 American Idol audition. The collaboration appears on McCreery’s upcoming greatest hits collection, 15, due out July 17.
BREAKING: LEO33 Taps Shane Tarleton As Co-Head
/by Lauryn SinkShane Tarleton. Photo: Ainsley Barry
Shane Tarleton has joined LEO33 as Co-Head alongside Katie Dean.
Tarleton joined Morris Higham Management in 2024, following his 13 year tenure at Warner Music Nashville, where he spent two years as Executive Vice President of Artist Development. Prior to WMN, he spent time at RCA and Titley/Spalding Artist Management.
“I’ve spent my career focused on artist development and building teams that help great music break through,” Tarleton says. “LEO33 represents a forward-thinking approach to the business — one that values creativity, culture, and deep partnerships with artists and managers. I’m thrilled to join the team and help shape the next chapter of growth for both the company and the incredible roster we have the privilege to serve.”
“Shane brings an exceptional combination of artist development expertise, marketing leadership, and industry experience to LEO33,” Dean shares. “As we continue building our roster and expanding the company’s reach, his strategic perspective and proven track record make him the ideal partner to help lead our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
In his new position, Tarleton will work with a roster that includes Zach Top, Trey Pendley, Ashland Craft, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Clay Street Unit, Jenna Paulette and Sela Campbell.
Greenhouse Management Adds Matt Schneider As Tour Director
/by Lauryn SinkMatt Schneider. Photo: Jordan Merrigan
Greenhouse Management has added Matt Schneider as Tour Director.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native has worked with artists including Travis Denning, Niko Moon, Jameson Rodgers and, most recently, Greenhouse Management’s ERNEST.
“Joining Greenhouse Management feels like a natural next step in my career,” Schneider says. “I’ve spent years building my foundation on the road, and I’m excited to bring that experience into a broader management role focused on supporting artists and building long term careers. Kiley has built something special at Greenhouse, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside her and the team”
“Matt has been an integral part of my team for several years working with ERNEST,” Kiley Donohoe, Founder of Greenhouse Management, shares. “He has gained the trust of all Greenhouse Management clients, and I’m excited to have him. Matt brings a level of organization, touring expertise and a creative mindset that is only going to elevate GHM. I’m honored to work alongside him and continue to build together.”
Schneider can be reached here.
Sam Banks Inks With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Don Glista (UMPG Nashville), Sam Banks, Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), and Matt Cottingham (Hunter Cottingham PLLC).
Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
Sam Banks has signed with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
Banks co-wrote Luke Combs’ single “Be By You” alongside Dan Alley and Nick Walsh.
“I’m incredibly proud to welcome Sam to the UMPG family,” says Cyndi Forman, SVP, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “He has a deep respect for country music – not just the sound, but the tradition of honest storytelling that has always been at the heart of this genre.”
“I’m honored to work with Cyndi and Troy and to be part of the Universal Music Publishing team,” adds Banks. “I’m incredibly grateful for Cyndi and the team’s belief in me, and I’m excited to continue growing my career alongside them. I truly love writing songs and singing country music, and we share the same vision for everything I’m excited to accomplish moving forward.”
Erik Dylan Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenErik Dylan. Photo: Courtesy of Apple Music
Erik Dylan has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Riley Green‘s “Change My Mind” and “Think As You Drunk” put the songwriter at No. 10 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the eight consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Loving Life Again.” Green moves to No. 2 with “Change My Mind,” “My Way” and “Think As You Drunk.”
Joybeth Taylor (No. 3), Austin Goodloe (No. 4) and Randy Montana (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.
Lee Greenwood To Co-Headline Countdown 250 Ball
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood will co-headline the historic Countdown 250 Ball on the eve of America’s 250th Birthday on July 3 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
The event will bring together guests from across the nation for an all-inclusive celebration featuring live entertainment, patriotic tributes and a midnight countdown. Greenwood will be joined by a host of performers, special guests, and tributes celebrating America’s history, heroes, achievements, and future. The event will also feature historic, immersive experiences and attractions created specifically for America’s semiquincentennial celebration. The celebration will culminate in the 1,000 Bells of Freedom midnight countdown.
The evening will also include presentation of the All-American Hero Awards and All-American Icon Awards, recognizing individuals whose service, leadership, accomplishments, influence, and dedication have helped shape America.
Currently announced 2026 All-American Hero Award Recipients include Senator Elizabeth Dole, Captain Luis Avila, Claudia Avila and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Deborah Snyder. The 2026 All-American Icon Award Recipients include Greenwood; Tony Orlando, Bob Anderson, Jordan Burroughs and Mike Moyer.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation milestone,” says Mike Harrigan, Founder and Executive Producer of Countdown 250. “The Countdown 250 Ball is designed to be more than an event. It is an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s history, honor extraordinary Americans, experience unforgettable entertainment and historic immersive attractions, and be part of a powerful midnight countdown as America approaches its 250th birthday.”
Additional heroes, icons, entertainers, distinguished guests, and immersive experiences will be announced in the coming weeks.