Lon Helton To Receive 2026 CRB President’s Award

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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed that legendary broadcaster and industry leader Lon Helton will receive the 2026 CRB President’s Award.

The CRB President’s Award honors individuals whose dedication and leadership have helped shape the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and its mission to support and grow country radio.

“Few people in this industry have given more to country radio than Lon Helton,” shares CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson. “This recognition has never been more earned, or more obvious. Presenting this award to Lon is one of the privileges of my career.”

For more than 50 years, Helton has been one of country radio’s most respected voices as a broadcaster, journalist, mentor and industry leader. His career began in Illinois before taking him to major radio stations in Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since 1984, he has hosted nationally syndicated country radio programs, including Country Countdown USA, which he launched in 1992 and continues to host today. He has also hosted Country Close-Up, Nashville Live, Listen-In, Country Star Tracks, and more than 100 world-premiere album broadcasts.

Helton has also made a lasting impact as a journalist. He became Country Editor at Radio & Records in 1983 and launched Country Aircheck in 2006, which remains a trusted resource for country radio and the music industry.

A longtime supporter of CRS, Helton has helped bring together broadcasters, artists, record labels,and industry leaders while mentoring generations of radio professionals. His dedication to the format has earned him widespread respect throughout the industry.

Helton was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022. He is the most awarded national radio personality in CMA history, earning 13 National Broadcast Personality of the Year honors, along with five ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year awards. His many other honors include the St. Jude Angels Among Us Award, the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, the CRB Humanitarian Award and CMA’s J. William Denny Award.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Helton has served in leadership roles throughout the country music industry, including as CMA President and Chairman from 1999 to 2002. He has also served on the boards of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Country Music Foundation, the St. Jude Country Radio Advisory Council and the Country Music Retirement Community.

The 2026 CRB President’s Award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3, at Virgin Hotels Nashville. The event will also honor the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Morgan Wade Inks With Warner Records Nashville

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Morgan Wade & Cris Lacy. Photo: Erika Rock

Morgan Wade has signed with Warner Records Nashville.

Wade first garnered attention in 2021 with her breakthrough debut album, Reckless. The album’s hit single “Wilder Days” reached No. 36 on U.S. country radio. She has since released three albums, Psychopath, Obsessed and The Party Is Over (recovered). Wade recently appeared on Dutton Ranch.

Blending country, rock, and Americana influences, her music explores themes of addiction, mental health, resilience and self-discovery. She will release her next single, “Love’s Insane,” on Friday, which she solo-penned.

BREAKING: Raffaella Braun Named Co-President Of Triple Tigers Records

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Raffaella Braun

Raffaella Braun will serve as Co-President of Triple Tigers Records alongside Annie Ortmeier. She will report to George Couri, Founder and Managing Partner.

Previously serving as Vice President of Radio Promotion, Braun will continue leading radio promotion efforts across the entire Triple Tigers roster alongside Ortmeier. With more than 15 years of industry experience, she most recently helped secure the label’s last 13 (of 16 total) No. 1 radio hits for artists including Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Ella Langley. Before moving into radio promotion, Braun worked as a booking agent at CAA and as an event producer.

“I knew Raffi as an agent, and her entire time as a promotion executive,” says Couri. “I’ve seen her lead teams, solve problems and think far beyond radio promotion, figuring out ways to connect an artist with a larger audience. She is relentless, focused, and able to navigate difficult situations without ever losing her wonderful attitude. She was my immediate choice upon hearing of Kevin’s stepping aside. I am excited for her to join Annie as the two-headed juggernaut that will lead this team to even more wins.”

“I’m beyond honored for the opportunity to step into this role and continue working with the exceptional team for the good of our incredible artists and their unbounded art,” adds Braun. “Kevin Herring’s contributions are the foundation of Triple Tigers. He has well prepared us for the road ahead, and happy he is still with us for a good while. I am committed to upholding his incredible legacy and building on the strong foundation he created. I cannot wait to see what Annie, George, the team and I can produce and expound upon from here.”

Clark Mims Tedesco Joins Morris Higham Management

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Clark Mims Tedesco. Photo: Courtesy of Tedesco Pictures

Clark Mims Tedesco has joined Morris Higham Management as Vice President, Marketing.

Tedesco joins the company following a 13-year tenure at Warner Records Nashville, where she was instrumental in driving marketing and strategy for MHM flagship client Kenny Chesney. She was pivotal in the success of his 2020 album Here And Now and 2024’s BORN, and beyond her work with Chesney, Tedesco also led campaigns for Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress and many others during her time at Warner.

The seasoned professional also previously spent nearly a decade within New York City’s Broadway community. This foundation in high-stakes storytelling informs her current approach: a balance of collaborative spirit and fierce competitiveness aimed at upholding the traditions of the format while aggressively pushing its creative and commercial boundaries. At Morris Higham, Tedesco will lead the development of sophisticated, tailor-made marketing ecosystems for the company’s roster.

“Clark is a strategist who understands the nuance of building authentic, lasting connections between artists and their global audiences,” says Kyle Quigley, General Manager of Morris Higham Management. “Her leadership and relentless drive for innovation make her a vital addition as we continue to evolve at MHM.”

“As long as I’ve been in the music industry, I’ve held deep respect for Morris Higham Management’s ability to set the gold standard for artist representation,” shares Tedesco. “Having worked alongside them on multiple landmark releases, joining this team is a full-circle moment. I am honored to contribute to MHM’s legacy of excellence and look forward to raising the bar for our artists.”

Garth Brooks To Return To Arenas On New ‘Blame It All On My Roots Tour’

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Blue Rose, Inc

Garth Brooks has revealed he’s returning to arenas on the new “Blame It All On My Roots Tour” beginning Aug. 21-22.

The announcement comes 30 years after Brooks launched what would become the largest concert tour on the planet. The album captured from those nights became Double Live, the biggest-selling live album in history, now certified 25 million by the RIAA. That same groundbreaking tour delivered back-to-back CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards and two Artist of the Decade honors for the superstar, and 30 years later, he’s returning to those giant stages.

The tour kicks off with back-to-back nights in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 21-22. General on-sale begins July 17 here. The show features both end-stage and in-the-round seating, and there are no pre-sales or advance box office sales, with all tickets going on sale simultaneously. There is an eight-ticket limit per purchase.

“Going back into the arenas is about putting the stadium show in a box,” says Brooks. “The excitement gets multiplied by the intimacy. Every seat is a great seat. This is personal.”

The “Blame It All On My Roots Tour” will also serve as the foundation for Killer Live, a new approach to live recording that continues Brooks’s tradition of capturing history in real time. He will bring every hit he has ever made back to the rooms where it all started with the new live project.

Brooks is the biggest selling artist in U.S. history as the first and only artist to pass 200M albums sold. He is also the first and only artist to receive ten RIAA Diamond Awards for 10 albums certified at over 10 million. According to the RIAA, Double Live is the biggest-selling live album and the top-selling country album in the U.S. Double Live, No Fences, Ropin’ the Wind, and Triple Live are four of the top five best-selling country albums of all time. Brooks has charted 20 Billboard No. 1 singles, and was the first artist to garner top-5 singles at country radio in five consecutive decades – the ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s, ‘10s, and ‘20s.

Abbey Cone Signs With Endurance Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Amanda Quinton, President, Quinton Digital; Michael Martin, President and Chief Creative Officer, EMG; Courtney Kruckeberg, Creative Director, EMG; Abbey Cone

Abbey Cone has signed with Endurance Music Group.

Since moving to Nashville at age 16, Cone has amassed millions of streams, early “artist to watch” nods and performances at Stagecoach, CMA Fest, C2C Festival and the Grand Ole Opry. She has toured alongside Kimberly Perry, Mickey Guyton, Josh Turner, Morgan Wade and Fancy Hagood. Cone earned a cut on one of Vince Gill’s recent 50 Years From Home EPs with “Leaving Home.” She released her debut album Greener last year and kicked off 2026 with, “Change The Man,” followed by her latest single, “That’s Showbiz Baby.”

“The first time Abbey and I met was while taking her signing photo at ASCAP when she was 16,” says EMG Co-President and Chief Creative Officer Michael Martin. “We were re-introduced by Courtney Kruckeberg at the EMG office, where we all just connected on songs, music, and life. Abbey—the Endurance team is so excited to work with you and Amanda and write our own journey together!”

“There was so much synchronicity in the way this partnership came together, and Endurance felt like family from the very beginning,” says Cone. “I feel truly seen by this team as an artist, a songwriter, and a person, and even though this is my fourth publishing deal, in a lot of ways it feels like my first. I’m so excited for this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we build together.”

“I’ve been a fan of Abbey’s from the sidelines for a few years now, and I’m stoked to officially be part of the team! Abbey is not only an incredible artist—she’s a seasoned and versatile writer who has proven she can do anything from country to pop and beyond. We’re excited for what’s to come,” adds EMG Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg.

Dallas Wilson Signs With Warner Chappell Music & The Core Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Rush Hicks, Esq. (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC), Bryce Gravitt (WCM), Chief Zaruk (The Core), Dallas Wilson, Simon Tikhman (The Core), Jamie Sudhalter (The Core), Austen Adams (WCM).

Dallas Wilson has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, in partnership with The Core Entertainment.

To date, Wilson has penned four No. 1 country radio hits, including Dylan Scott’s “Can’t Have Mine” and “Nobody,” as well as Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-nominated single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” He wrote five tracks on Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-winning album, Bell Bottom Country, including “Heart Like a Truck,” which earned Song of the Year at the 2023 NSAI Awards. Most recently, he co-wrote her current single, “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” which features John Mayer. He has also earned cuts with Teddy Swims, Mitchell Tenpenny, ERNEST, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, LOCASH, Alana Springsteen, Meghan Patrick, Filmore, Pitbull, The Beach Boys, Colbie Caillat and T-Pain, among others.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join The Core/Warner Chappell,” shares Wilson. “Their energy, culture, and track record are second to none. Getting to know Jamie Sudhalter and Bryce Gravitt has been a highlight — they’re deeply passionate about great songs and songwriters, and they work seamlessly as a team. Chief [Zaruk] and Simon [Tikhman] have built something really special at The Core, and it’s clear how much they care about the people and the music. Big shout to Austen Adams and the way he leads at Warner Chappell — he’s got a great feel for creatives and how to support them. I’m fired up for what’s ahead!”

“We’re excited to team up with The Core to welcome Dallas Wilson to our global roster,” says Bryce Gravitt, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “Dallas is a remarkable talent; his songwriting instincts and production choices are incredibly well crafted. The network he’s built in Nashville and beyond speaks to his relentless work ethic and drive. We can’t wait to see what we’ll create together and to capitalize on the momentum he has already built.”

“I was a fan of Dallas’ work long before we met, but what sealed it was getting to know him as a person and a collaborator,” adds Jamie Sudhalter, Head of A&R, The Core Entertainment. “He’s got the rare combination of instinct, range, and work ethic that makes him a true career songwriter. We’re thrilled he’s chosen to build the next chapter with The Core in partnership with Warner Chappell Music.”

Universal Music Publishing Group And One4 Music Form Joint Publishing Venture

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Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson (UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO), Hunter Flynn, Brian Wright (ONE4 Co-Founder and Managing Partner) and Katherine Godwin (ONE4 Creative Director). Photo: Michael Jordan

Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville and ONE4 Music have partnered to form a new joint publishing venture. Hunter Flynn has joined as the flagship signing.

Hailing from Eastern Kentucky, Flynn attended Eastern Kentucky University studying biomedical sciences before a 2021 car accident led him to focus on art and music. Over the last two years, Flynn has played nearly 200 shows across the United States and Europe. In 2025, he was named Artist in Residence at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and he recently signed with Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment and WME.

“Troy (Tomlinson) and I share a deep respect for great songs and the people who write them, and our shared passion for developing great songwriters is at the core of ONE4 Music,” shares ONE4 Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Brian Wright. “Hunter is exactly the kind of songwriter we want to champion, a storyteller with a unique perspective and a gift for connecting with listeners. We’re proud to welcome him as our first signing.”

“ONE4 Music is built on a long-standing friendship and a shared belief in putting songwriters first,” shares Troy Tomlinson, UMPG Nashville’s Chairman and CEO. “What drew us to Hunter is the honesty in his writing. His foundation is strong, and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he continues to develop his voice as a songwriter.”

 

Industry Ink: Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Ryan Seacrest, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, More

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Luke Combs Breaks Attendance Record At Ullevi Stadium

Photo: Courtesy of Live Nation

Luke Combs broke the attendance record as the largest country music concert ever held in the Nordic region on Saturday during his stop at Ullevi Stadium on the “My Kind of Saturday Night Tour” with a crowd of 60,826 people.

The European tour continues on July 7 with a stop in Paris.

 

Ashley McBryde Appears On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

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Last week, Ashley McBryde made an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show for a chat and a performance of “Lines In The Carpet” from her fifth studio album, Wild.

The discussion included McBryde’s sobriety journey and Redemption Bar, vulnerability in making music and more.

 

Ryan Seacrest Visits Nashville Seacrest Studio

Photos: Donn Jones/Courtesy of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Ahead of hosting Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash on Saturday, Ryan Seacrest made a surprise visit to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation’s Seacrest Studio location at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Seacrest visited with patients, families and interns and played a game of “Younger or Older: America Edition.”

 

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Spotlights Kix Brooks On Latest ‘Thank a Songwriter’ Podcast Episode

Rusty Gaston and Kix Brooks. Photo: Kamren Kennedy

Sony Music Publishing Nashville recently released the latest episode of its Thank a Songwriter podcast, featuring award-winning artist Kix Brooks. The episode is available on all major streaming platforms.

“The reason we started this podcast was to capture hall of fame stories about songwriting, and having this conversation with Kix in the same building where Brand New Man was recorded 35 years ago made the moment feel especially significant. It is an honor to champion Kix and celebrate the lasting impact of his songs,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

 

Country For A Cause Raises $45,000 For Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital At Vanderbilt

Pictured (L-R): Sherri Forrest, Scott Sexton, Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, Bev Moser

Country For A Cause recently raised $45,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt during the CMA Fest 2026 concert at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.

Hosted by T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, along with Devon O’Day, performers and special guests included Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Moe Bandy, John Berry, Trey Calloway, Allie Colleen, Linda Davis, Hannah Dasher, Ty Herndon, Jake Hoot, Dani-elle Kleha, The Kody Norris Show, The Malpass Brothers, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, Makenzie Phipps, and Mark Wills, along with surprise guests Chad Brock, Aubrey Nicole, Thompson Square and Billy Yates.

“Kelly and I are once again honored to have been asked to host Country For A Cause,” says Sheppard and Lang. “It truly is one of our favorite concert events of the year and a special way to kick off CMA Fest. Thanks to everyone who gave their time, talent, and support to make our 12th annual benefit concert such a tremendous success. With twenty incredible artists donating their performances for a great cause, it’s easy to see why this event continues to be so special. These folks have some of the biggest hearts in the music industry. This year’s Country For A Cause was absolutely the best ever, and we are grateful for everyone who helped make it another sold-out event. We hope to see everyone again next year.”

 

Charles Esten Visits With Veterans In Honor Of July 4th

Photo: Kayla Eileen

During a recent Musicians On Call visit, Charles Esten performed for dozens of Veteran patients and staff at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro. During the visit, he was joined by former Grand Ole Opry member John Frost for a rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Following the auditorium performance, Esten continued Musicians On Call’s bedside program, bringing live music directly to Veterans receiving care who were unable to attend.

 

Warren Zeiders Announced As Investor In Premier Lacrosse League

Warren Zeiders.

Warren Zeiders, along with others including Glen Powell, Rob McElhenney, Tony Cavalero and more, recently invested in the Premier Lacrosse League.

Proceeds from the financing will be directed across four priorities including expanding media distribution and original storytelling; growing sponsorship and commercial partnerships; deepening investment in the Women’s Lacrosse League; and broadening access to youth lacrosse to make the game more affordable and available.

Jordan Schmidt Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Cait McNaney

Jordan Schmidt has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley‘s “Be Her” and John Morgan’s “Kid Myself” put the songwriter at No. 10 this week.

Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the 11th 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.” Austin Goodloe stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “No Need For Leavin'” and “Rocky Mountain Low.”

Joybeth Taylor (No. 3), HARDY (No. 4) and Riley Green (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.