Riley Green To Headline World Bass Enterprises ‘WBE Concert 250’ In Nashville

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green will headline the World Bass Enterprises  “WBE Concert 250” at The Champions bass fishing tournament on Oct. 30 at The Pinnacle.

Access to the concert is available exclusively through VIP packages for the tournament. Information on available packages can be found here.

“When I decided to host the inaugural ‘The Champions’ Tournament this fall, I knew we had to go big,” says WBE Founder and CEO Brian Bird. “There’s no bigger name in country music right now than Riley Green. Beyond who he is as a performer, Riley is a true outdoorsman and perfectly represents what ‘The Champions’ is all about. We’re looking forward to welcoming the top anglers in the world for five days of events all centered around our love of bass fishing. Riley headlining ‘WBE Concert 250’ the night before we crown the official champion is going to be a lot of fun.”

Additional performances throughout the tournament will include Randy Houser, Lee Greenwood, Trace Adkins, Elektrohorse, Dee Jay Silver and Sixwire.  The event will feature a fireworks show, a flyover, interactive games, fishing activities for all ages, and food and beverage vendors.

Video Director Jon Small Passes

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Jon Small, a video producer/director for dozens of Nashville stars, has died of cancer at age 79.

Small’s subjects in Music City included such Country Music Hall of Fame members as Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Marty Stuart, Vince Gill, Ray Charles, and the four members of The Highwaymen — Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. He created network television specials and concert films as well as music videos.

Jonathan Craig Small was a native of Long Island whose longtime friend and collaborator was fellow Long Islander Billy Joel. The two joined the rock band The Hassles in 1964, with Small as the group’s drummer. After the band broke up in 1969, he and Joel worked as a duo dubbed Attila. Joel became a solo star in 1973. Small continued to perform as a drummer before working his way into music videos in the 1980s.

He directed Joel’s clip for “Tell Her About It” in 1983, and several more videos. He also produced six TV specials for the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. Other early credits included directing Run DMC’s duet with Aerosmith on 1986’s “Walk This Way” and producing Whitney Houston’s 1986 clip for “The Greatest Love of All.” He also worked with such pop stars as Anita Baker, Van Morrison, Twisted Sister, Sting, Luther Vandross, Kool & The Gang, Herb Alpert, Janet Jackson, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Chicago, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, among others.

Small first worked in country music in 1986 when he co-directed McEntire’s “Whoever’s In New England” video. She and he collaborated on at least seven more videos during the next nine years. By the early 1990s, Jon Small was focussed almost exclusively on country music. In 1994, he began a long association with Brooks, directing videos for “Standing Outside the Fire” (1994), “To Make You Feel My Love” (1998), and other clips, as well as three TV specials.

The videos for Jo Dee Messina’s 1998 star-making “Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright” were both directed by Small. So were Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” (2001), Brooks & Dunn’s “It Won’t Be Christmas Without You” (2002), and Joe Diffie’s “It’s Always Somethin’” (1996). He also directed music videos for Aaron Tippin, Faith Hill, and Rascal Flatts, among others in Nashville.

Small’s television specials included Billy Joel Live at Yankee Stadium (1990), Garth Brooks in the Life of Chris Gaines (1999), Brad Paisley 5th Gear (2007), Blake Shelton: It’s All About Tonight (2010), Billy Joel Live at Shea Stadium (2011), The Highwaymen Live at Nassau Coliseum (2018), and Garth Live at Notre Dame (2018). He was a producer on A Toby Keith Classic Christmas (2007), Garth Brooks Double Live (1998), and the TV series Nashville Star (2003-08), among many other credits.

One of Small’s last projects was co-directing the music video for 2020’s “Does to Me” with Luke Combs and Eric Church. The producer/director died on Friday, Sept. 4, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Riley Green, Zach Top & Garth Brooks To Headline Stagecoach 2027

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Riley Green, Zach Top & Garth Brooks.

Beloved California country music festival Stagecoach will return to Indio’s Empire Polo Club April 23-25, 2027. This year’s lineup feature headline sets from Riley Green, Zach Top and Garth Brooks.

The full 2027 lineup will include Blake Whiten, Brothers Osborne, Buffalo Traffic Jam, Cameron Whitcomb, CarĂ­n LeĂłn, Carter Faith, Charley Crockett, Chris Lane, Cody Jinks, Dalton Davis, DASHA, David Lee Roth, Dylan Gossett, Dylan Marlowe, Elizabeth Nichols, ERNEST, Gretchen Wilson, Gustavo Mioto, HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress, Jacob Hackworth, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Jo Dee Messina, Jonas Conner, Joshua Slone, Journey, Kaitlin Butts, Kelly Clarkson, Kevin Powers, Laci Kaye Booth, Mack Geiger, Mackenzie Carpenter, Maggie Antone, Maoli, Matchbox Twenty, Melissa Etheridge, Owen Riegling, Pitbull, Shaboozey, STELLA LEFTY, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Fray, Turnpike Troubadours, Tyce Delk, Tyler Nance, Vincent Mason, Wade Forster, Waylon Wyatt, and Willie Nelson & Family.

“This is my first time performing at Stagecoach,” shares Kelly Clarkson. “I’ll be the one havin’ a good time! See y’all there!”

Late Night on Mustang Stage returns with Sean Paul, Florida Georgia Line and Flo Rida.

“The last time we played Stagecoach was back in 2018, and a whole lot of life has happened since then,” Florida Georgia Line shares. “There’s something really special about getting to come back to the desert together, step on that stage again, and share these songs and memories with the fans who have been with us through it all. We couldn’t think of a better place to do it.”

Diplo’s HonkyTonk, now in its fifth year, and Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse will also return for 2027.

Amazon Music is returning as Stagecoach’s exclusive livestream destination for the fifth consecutive year. Fans will be able to stream live performances from artists on Amazon Music, Prime Video, Twitch, Amazon Live, and the Amazon Music app on Fire TV.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival To Return In April

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The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee in the spring of 2027 after a year’s hiatus in 2026.

Usually taking place in September, the 2027 festival has moved from its fall slot and is now set for April 10-11, bringing two days filled with music, culture, food, and more back to its longtime home. Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was co-founded by Better Than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin, and since debuting in 2015, has featured headliners including Keith Urban, Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, Noah Kahan, Justin Timberlake, and many more.

Fans can sign up for texts here to be the first to know about the 2027 lineup and on-sale details as they are announced.

MusicRow Weekly (CMA Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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The latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly covers a busy week in Nashville, from the announcement of the 60th annual CMA Awards nominees to a number of new artist and songwriter deals. The week’s news also includes a familiar face returning to the CMA Awards stage, along with several songwriters and artists making moves with new publishing and label partnerships. Click here to see the full edition.

The final nominees for the 60th annual CMA Awards have been revealed, with Ella Langley leading the way with nine nominations, including her first nomination for Entertainer of the Year. She joins Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson in the category. Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West each earned five. Johnson, Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. received four nominations each, while Dave Clauss, Combs and Lainey Wilson earned three apiece.

The 2026 CMA Awards nominee class also includes 13 first-time nominees: Smith Ahnquist, Avery Anna, Jack Antonoff, Tim Cofield, Carter Faith, Austin Goodloe, Muscadine Bloodline, Emily Ann Roberts, Caylee Robillard, Laura Sisk, Joybeth Taylor, Thelma & James and West.

Wilson will also return to host The 60th Annual CMA Awards. The 12-time CMA Award winner will take on hosting duties for the third consecutive year and will serve as solo host for the second year in a row.

Elsewhere in the industry, George Birge has signed with Black River Entertainment. Joybeth Taylor has extended her worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Verse 2 Music, with TAYCAN Entertainment joining as a creative partner. Justin Dukes has signed his first-ever publishing deal with Reservoir, while Matt Koziol has inked with Casual Records. Katlin Owen has also signed a joint-venture publishing deal with Brian Kelley’s Song Hunter Publishing and Warner Chappell Music.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen takes the No. 1 spot with “Been By Now.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Megan Moroney To ‘Flip The Switch’ On The Opry Barn For 18th Annual Opry Goes Pink Event

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Megan Moroney will perform at the Opry’s 18th Annual “Opry Goes Pink” event Oct. 27 and flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night to support the fight against breast cancer.

The Opry is once again joining forces with Susan G. Komen for the special evening, which will also include performances from Mandy Barnett, Mackenzie Carpenter, Deana Carter and more. The show is also presented by Humana, and supported by Vanderbilt Health and Lane Boots.

Beginning now, when fans order tickets, $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to support patient care services, education, and advocacy for the breast cancer community. Tickets are available at opry.com.

Industry Ink: Shania Twain, Big Loud Texas, Warren Zeiders, Blake Whiten, NSAI, FEMco, More

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Shania Twain & Zedd Give ‘You’re Still The One’ A Sweet Reimagining For Candy Crush’s Music Season

Shania Twain and Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Zedd have given “You’re Still The One” a sugary reworking for Candy Crush’s Music Season 2026. The mobile game kicks off its annual Music Season in-game event with a dancefloor-ready reimagining of the song, and the track sets the pace to an interactive music video that transports fans to Candy Country.

Fans can head to candyroadhouse.com to enter. Six lucky winners can score a VIP trip to meet Shania Twain or Zedd on tour, and fans can also get their hands on signed bandanas and one-of-a-kind pieces straight out of the music video itself.

“Bringing ‘You’re Still The One’ back with Zedd, and building this special world with Candy Crush for fans to play in, felt like the perfect way to give the song new life. It feels exactly right,” says Twain.

 

Big Loud Texas Hosts Listening Room Cafe Takeover

Pictured (L-R): Jamison Eddleman, Lizzy Rector (Publishing Director, Big Loud Texas), Waylon Payne, Alex Lambert, Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas), Miranda Lambert (Co-Founder, Big Loud Texas), Jon Randall (Co-Founder, Big Loud Texas), Coleman Jennings, Julianna Rankin, Karleigh Schmidt and Jake Worthington. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Texas took over The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville earlier this week for the first-ever “Big Loud Texas Takeover,” a special two-part writers round that included artists and writers on the Big Loud Texas roster. The evening lineup included Alex Lambert, Coleman Jennings, Jake Worthington, Jamison Eddleman, Julianna Rankin, Karleigh Schmidt and Waylon Payne.

 

Warren Zeiders Performs New Heartbreak Anthem On ‘America’s Got Talent’

Warren Zeiders performed his latest single “Overrated” for the first time on the America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals on Sept. 8. Written by Zeiders, Evan Blair, Sean Douglas and Jesse Fink, and featuring country singer-songwriter Bellah Mae, “Overrated” channels the rush of not being able to find closure after a fling that should be in the rearview. The song embraces every layer of toxicity that draws you back to a stormy relationship, refusing to pay attention to the warning signs or bystander advice. The song is the fifth and final track previewing Zeiders’ third studio album No Brakes, due out Sept. 25.

 

Blake Whiten Celebrates Gold For Breakout Hit ‘Rollin’ Stone’

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Bolton (Warner Records, VP, A&R), Benny Negrin (Enchntmnt, Co-CEO), Alix Negrin (Enchntmnt, COO), Tom Corson (Warner Music Group, COO/Warner Records Group, Co-Chairman,COO), Blake Whiten, Aaron Bay-Schuck (Warner Records Group, Co-Chairman/CEO), Reid Daroff (Enchntmnt, Co-CEO) and John Turpin (Enchntmnt, Head of Talent). Photo: Pavel Suslov

Blake Whiten was surprised by his team at Warner Records with a Gold plaque commemorating the RIAA certification of his debut single “Rollin’ Stone.” Released in October 2024, the song helped launch Whiten and has notched more than 140M streams. The plaque presentation took place as Whiten brought his “Something To Say Tour” to the Troubadour in Los Angeles, and the honor arrives amid a string of career milestones for Whiten, who recently earned his first entry on Billboard‘s Hot 100 with “Bet On That” and was named Billboard‘s August Up & Comer. This past weekend, “Bet On That” reached No.1 on SiriusXM The Highway.

NSAI’s Bart Herbison & Chris DeStefano Attend AI Summit At Vatican

 

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NSAI’s Bart Herbison (Executive Director) and hit songwriter Chris DeStefano (NSAI Board Member) recently concluded a global AI summit at the Vatican featuring Creator-friendly AI companies, church officials, and multiple organizations. Nashville Songwriters Association International represented songwriters and creators who are suffering from companies illegally training on their copyrighted works. DeStefano gave the closing remarks at the summit and performed his song “Something in the Water.”

 

FEMco & Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel Partner For New Monthly Music Series

FEMco, the platform founded by veteran music industry exec Leslie Fram to champion women in music, and Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel have partnered on a new recurring showcase dedicated to bringing female artists to the heart of downtown Nashville. The series launches with a lineup including an in-depth conversation with Jo Dee Messina, followed by performances by artists Kylie Frey, Ruby Amanfu and Shelly Fairchild. “FEMcountry at Parton’s Live” takes place on the third Tuesday of every month at Parton’s Live, the hotel’s live entertainment venue. Open to the public, the monthly series will feature a curated lineup of emerging and established female artists and songwriters, with apparel and lifestyle brand Natural Life serving as Presenting Sponsor. Tickets are available now through the SongTeller Hotel website here.

 

Olivia Wolf Inks With Soundly/Thirty Tigers

Olivia Wolf has signed with Soundly Music/Thirty Tigers and will release her sophomore album Snake Of Diamonds on Jan. 22. The debut single “Drag It Back,” an anthem of appetite and ambition, released today alongside a fiery video filmed in Joshua Tree. Next week, Wolf will perform as part of the official showcase that kicks off opening night of AmericanaFest on September 15 at 3rd & Lindsley, alongside Melissa Etheridge, Amy Grant, Maggie Rose and Aubrey Sellers. On Sept. 16, Wolf will perform at the Celebration of John Prine’s 80th Birthday at City Winery, hosted by Brandi Carlile alongside Allison Russell, Sean McConnell, TrĂ© Burt, Emily Scott Robinson and others.

 

Bee Smith Signs With Thornton Cline Music

Bee Smith & Thornton Cline

British country singer- songwriter Bee Smith has signed an exclusive transatlantic publishing agreement with Thornton Cline Music, the Nashville-based publishing company founded by Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and publisher Thornton Cline. Smith has earned recognition from organizations including the International Singer- Songwriters Association, Josie Music Awards and World Songwriting Awards. In 2025, she was named International Female Songwriter of the Year by ISSA, and across 2025 and 2026, received nine Josie Music Awards nominations across songwriting, vocal performance, song, vocal collaboration and fan-voted categories.

“We are pleased to sign such a brilliant lyricist and songwriter as Bee Smith. You don’t see writers this talented everyday,” says Thornton Cline, CEO Clinetel Music/Thornton Cline Music.

 

Nashville Airport Moves Forward To Rename Airport In Honor Of Dolly Parton

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Dolly Parton.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority has voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of renaming the airport in honor of Dolly Parton.

“While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated,” they shared in a statement.

“This vote represents the first step in a multifaceted process. In the coming months, we anticipate having more definitive plans to share regarding the next steps and implementation.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world. We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized.”

The intention to rename the airport was first put into action by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

Porter’s Call Celebrates 25 Years, Honors Amy Grant

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Amy Grant accepts the Founder’s Award. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House

Porter’s Call celebrated 25 years at its annual fundraiser, Evening of Stories, presented by The Cook Family Foundation, on Sept. 1 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The evening gathered the music community for stories and performances, raising $860,427. Proceeds support Porter’s Call and its mission to provide free and confidential care for recording artists and their partners.

The event was hosted by Dave Barnes and Melinda Doolittle, and featured performances from Lady A, Natalie Hemby, Ellie Holcomb and Hillary Scott.

Amy Grant was also presented the Founder’s Award for her enduring impact on the music community and longtime support of Porter’s Call.

“Amy Grant is a legend. What an honor to be a part of celebrating her talent, generosity, authenticity, and love last week at Porter’s Call ‘Evening of Stories,’” shared Holcomb. “She embodies the heart of Porter’s Call, being a mentor and trusted friend who often holds space for other artists to feel seen and safe. She lives a wide welcome and has shown so many of us a path to playing songs for the whole world, while remaining grounded in love. Amy is a bright light, and I was honored to share a stage with so many other amazing artists to celebrate the way she shines.”

Porter’s Call was founded in 2001 to support the mental, emotional, and creative well-being of touring recording artists and their partners. The nonprofit offers free and confidential services to artists around the world, including individual support, couples and band sessions, retreats, and workshops designed around the challenges of life on the road and in the public eye.

Amy Grant receives kind words from Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews as he names her this year’s honoree. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House

Amy Grant and artists in attendance join in an all sing finale. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House

Ellie Holcomb. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House

Natalie Hemby. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House

Denitia Embraces Her Love Of Classic Country On Upcoming Project ‘Texas Angel’

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Singer-songwriter Denitia will release her fourth studio album, Texas Angel, on Feb. 5. The album’s title track, “Texas Angel,” is out today (Sept. 11).

The title track captures one of the central themes of the album: the realization that loving someone does not always mean you can save them. The song explores the emotional exhaustion that comes from continually trying to fix the person you love, and the moment when self-preservation means finally letting go.

“This one is the age-old tale of being convinced you can fix the one you love,” says Denitia. “All their problems and shortcomings are there for you to pick up after. And there comes a time when you just can’t swoop in and save the day anymore. Your angel wings are all worn out.”

Texas Angel finds the Houston native looking inward, reflecting on the pursuit of happiness and the desire to find a place and a feeling that can truly be called home. On the collection she navigates the highs and lows of love, success, and self-discovery, while looking beyond herself for wisdom from the generations who came before her. Throughout the 14 tracks, she toggles between tender vulnerability and fiery flintiness as she exorcises romantic and professional demons of the past, embraces the simple pleasures of the present, and explores the freedom of an unwritten future.

“I feel like I’d been circling it with my last two records,” Denitia says of the album’s traditional sound. “I kept getting closer and closer and I thought, all right, enough. I’m going to go directly for it. I want to make a classic country record that is inspired by the people that I love in this genre – Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, George Strait.

“This record is me reflecting on the experiences of looking for peace and happiness in love, success and chasing that feeling of belonging,” she continues. “In these songs I’m walking my way through the ups and downs and ultimately taking a good long moment to look for answers in the people that came before me. Finding solace in simplicity. Trying to figure out if I can glean some wisdom from my ancestors, living and beyond.”