Opry NextStage Class of 2024 with Lainey Wilson and Danae Hays. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry held its 2024 “Opry NextStage Live” in front of a sold-out crowd on Monday night (Dec. 9).

Hosted by Opry NextStage alum Lainey Wilson, the event featured performances from the Opry NextStage Class of 2024, including Anne Wilson, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Ella Langley, Josh Ross, Madeline Edwards, Wyatt Flores, 49 Winchester and Flatland Cavalry, as well as a performance by Wilson.

Additionally, Nashville-based comedian Danae Hays hosted the livestream backstage to give fans an exclusive look behind the scenes during the evening.

Founded in 2019, the Opry NextStage program has previously featured Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Megan Moroney, Priscilla Block, Breland, Callista Clark, Chapel Hart, Travis Denning, Niko Moon, Restless Road, Jameson Rodgers, Elvie Shane, Conner Smith, Nate Smith, Morgan Wade and Hailey Whitters, among others.

Lyric Lane at Motif on Music Row

The boutique hotel Motif on Music Row wrapped its inaugural Songwriters Week with a book signing for author/songwriter Bernie Nelson last week, as well as a songwriters’ round featuring Nelson, Doug Johnson and Black River artists Pryor Baird and Scotty Hasting, and more events.

The week also included the unveiling of Lyric Lane, a permanent and ever-growing display of hit songs on various mediums by the songwriters who wrote them. The new collection contains approximately 40 hit songs from some of Nashville’s biggest songwriters including “Ships That Don’t Come In,” “Murder on Music Row,” “The Letter,” “Riding with Private Malone,” “Check Yes Or No,” “Some Fools Never Learn,” “I Don’t Mind The Thorns (If You’re The Rose),” “Two Pina Coladas,” “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” “Strawberry Wine,” “What’s Forever For,” “Baby, I Lied,” “We’re In This Love Together” and more.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Songwriters Jerry Salley, Roger Murrah, Wood Newton, Bernie Nelson, Garth Shaw, Rick Huckaby, Deborah Allen and Makky Kaylor; (L-R, back row): Triumph Hospitality President Katie Schultz, Motif on Music Row General Manager Caitlin Hughes, Sila Development/Motif on Music Row Partner Andy Bhakta, Singer Ariel Jade, Songwriter Trey Bruce, PLA Media CEO Pam Lewis, Songwriters Alan Rhody, Benita Hill, Becky Hobbs, Rafe Van Hoy and Sila Development/Motif on Music Row Partner Jay Patel

Notable attendees of Songwriters’ Week included Bart Herbison, Jerry Salley, Trey Bruce, Wood Newton, Roger Murrah, Alan Rhody, Benita Hill, Becky Hobbs, Rafe Van Hoy, Rick Huckaby, Deborah Allen, Garth Shaw, Jan Buckingham, Shannon McCombs, Nathalie Cox, Dave Mahanes and many more.

“Lyric Lane is our small way of giving back and celebrating the creativity and uniqueness of Music Row, while honoring the incredible work of songwriters whose music has touched all our lives,” says Andy Bhakta, Principle Partner of Sila Developments. “People often forget that the everyday music we listen to would not be possible without songwriters. Music holds immense therapeutic power, shaping our emotions and everyday experiences. We feel truly blessed to have received these heartfelt lyrics from so many talented songwriters, as well as the support of the PLA team, in bringing ‘Lyric Lane’ to life here at The Motif on Music Row.”

“Motif on Music Row is honored to display handwritten song lyrics, album covers, signed head shots, and other cherished pieces of music history,” states President of Triumph Hospitality Katie Schultz. “We look forward to showing off these items and educating our guests on Music Row’s incredible contribution to Nashville and to the world. We hope all of our neighbors will come visit and take a stroll down Lyric Lane.”

In addition to the installation of Lyric Lane and Songwriters Week, in honor of its history, Motif on Music Row’s presidential suite was named the “United Artists Suite,” and more music-related initiatives will be announced in the near future.

Kayla Adkins, Lauren Lieu

River House Artists has promoted Kayla Adkins to Senior Director, Creative/A&R, and hired Lauren Lieu as Director, Creative.

Rising to her new position from Creative Director, Adkins joined River House in 2018 and has played a pivotal role in the career development of the River House publishing roster and artists like Pillbox Patti, Austin Snell, Hudson Westbrook, Zach Seabaugh, Knox and more.

Lieu joins the publishing team alongside Adkins and Creative Coordinator Hailey Rama to help support the roster. Originally from Athens, Georgia, Lieu graduated from MTSU in 2016 and joined Ole Music as Creative Coordinator in 2018. In 2021, she joined Play It Again, where she oversaw the publishing department. She has worked with writers and artists including Dallas Davidson, Dylan Marlowe, John Morgan, Kyle Fishman, Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Justin Wilson and John Edwards.

“We are so excited to announce Kayla’s new position and the addition of Lauren to the team,” says Lynn Oliver-Cline, River House Artists President and Founder. “Kayla’s relationships with our writers and her peers are more than impressive. She has an innate sense for music publishing and has been an essential part of the growth of our roster. Lauren’s experience and passion for songs and writers perfectly complement the reputation RHA has built in our ever-expanding industry. I appreciate them trusting Zebb and me in the process of achieving more than we could have imagined!”

“Zebb and Lynn were two of the first people I connected with when I started my career in publishing, and I have always admired their vision for songwriters and creatives,” says Lieu. “I’m excited to join RHA and can’t wait to be a part of their incredible growth!”

Blake Shelton, Keith Whitley

A new documentary on the life and influence of country legend Keith Whitley from Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment and Anomaly Content & Entertainment is set to begin filming in January.

Produced by Blake Shelton and Lee Metzger of Lucky Horseshoe Productions, along with ACE Partner Evan Hayes (Free Solo) and ACE Partner and CEO Justin Barocas serving as Executive Producer, the film aims to unveil the personal and professional journey of one of country’s most influential figures. Zach Heinzerling, an Academy Award-nominated director known for his work on projects like Cutie and the Boxer and McCartney 3,2,1 is set to direct the film.

Whitley passed away at 34, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists like Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Alison Krauss, Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire, who was a backup vocalist on Whitley’s debut album. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2023. The new film will delve into Whitley’s life, his struggles with addiction, his love for fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan and the impact of his music on the industry.

The documentary will feature extensive archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame and personal collections from Morgan, providing a rich tapestry of Whitley’s life and career. It will also explore the small town of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, where Keith grew up, and include reflections from Morgan as well.

“Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans,” says Shelton. “Gwen and I love to watch music documentaries, and I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.”

“Thanks to Blake, we finally have the chance to uncover the truth behind the legend that is Keith Whitley: a layered and heartbreaking story of talent, hardship, and love that is long overdue,” shares Heinzerling.

“It’s an honor to bring Keith’s story to a wide audience,” adds Metzger. “He’s the kind of singer everyone knows the songs when they hear them but doesn’t know the story of the singer who performed them.”