The Listening Room Honors Brett James With Special Tribute Show
Photo: Courtesy of The Listening Room
Industry friends and family from across the country gathered at The Listening Room on March 23 for a night of music honoring the legendary songwriter Brett James, who tragically passed away on Sept. 18, 2025, at age 57. The evening was hosted by TLR Owner & Founder Chris Blair, and performers paying tribute to their friend at the special show included Chris DeStefano, Rivers Rutherford and Gordie Sampson. All proceeds from the evening were donated to St. Jude in James’s name.
Luke Combs Kicks Off ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’ In Vegas
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Zimmerman and Caryl Atwood, KYGO Denver’s Brian Michel, the label’s Christy Garbinski, KUPL Portland’s Dylan Salisbury, KWBL/KCCY/KXBG PD Jojo Turnbeaugh, Audacy’s ‘Sabrina From Queens’ Sergio, KYGO PD Shawn Patrick, Luke Combs, Westwood One VP/Programming George King, KWNR Las Vegas PD MoJoe Roberts, the label’s Larry Santiago, KPLM Palm Springs PD Kory James, KCYE Las Vegas PD Shawn Stevens, the label’s Taylor Sowers
Luke Combs kicked off his sold-out, record-breaking “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” stop in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium last week with some label family and radio friends on hand for the packed out show.
Corey Kent’s ‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me’ Reaches Platinum Status
Pictured (L-R): Paige Altone (VP, Digital Marketing & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville), Chris Fox (Artist Manager, Triple 8 Management), Ken Robold (President & COO, Sony Music Nashville), Corey Kent, George Couri (CEO/Founder, Triple 8 Management), Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, Sony Music Nashville) and Jason McColl (Sr. Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Matthew Berinato
Corey Kent’s fan-favorite track “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” has been certified Platinum, marking another major achievement in his growing career. The certification adds to an already impressive run for the hitmaker, who surpassed one billion career streams and continues to earn more hardware with a string of hits, including his triple-Platinum No. 1 breakout “Wild As Her” and No. 1 follow-up “This Heart.” Originally released on his 2023 album Blacktop, “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” has resonated deeply with fans and become a staple in Kent’s live show, showcasing his signature rasp of country grit and guitar-driven melodies that define his sound.
“‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me’ going Platinum is so special to me and something that I have to thank the fans for,” says Kent. “This song is a huge part of my world view. Living life fully. Not allowing fear, even the fear of death, to stop you from doing the things that make you feel most alive. It means so much that the message resonated so deeply with fans. Their support made this a platinum record.”
Brad Paisley, Bill Anderson, More Pay Tribute To Little Jimmy Dickens At Opry 100 Honors Show
Opry member Brad Paisley photographed on stage with Little Jimmy’s guitar and red glitter guitar case given to Brad by Jimmy’s wife Mona. Photo: Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry
As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry continued its “Opry 100 Honors” series on March 21, celebrating the bigger-than-life Opry icon Little Jimmy Dickens. The evening featured Dickens’ longtime friend Brad Paisley, who also celebrated 25 years of Opry membership, along with Opry members Bill Anderson, The Gatlin Brothers and Trace Adkins, who was invited in 2003 by Little Jimmy, famously using a stepladder to ask the 6’6” star to join the Opry family. The evening also included The Oak Ridge Boys, who were officially inducted as Opry members by Little Jimmy in 2011, Julia Cole, and 49 Winchester, along with special guest announcer Pat Sajak.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts Musician Spotlight With Sierra Hull
Sierra Hull and Museum Senior Writer-Editor Angela Stefano Zimmer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a Musician Spotlight with Sierra Hull in support of the opening of the museum’s newest “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit. Hull is one of the artists featured in the exhibit, which takes a broad view of the genre over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Hull is a seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association Mandolin Player of the Year award winner, and has collaborated with Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, Sturgill Simpson, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Anderson, Dolly Parton and more. In 2025, Gibson released the Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and the Sierra Hull F-5G mandolins, making Hull the first woman to be honored with a signature Gibson mandolin.
Songwriters Hall Of Fame Member Chip Taylor Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughChip Taylor. Photo: Beth Gwinn/Getty Images
Singer-songwriter Chip Taylor, a 2016 inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, died in hospice care on March 23. He was 86.
Taylor was best known for writing the classic rock hit “Wild Thing,” a chart-topper for the Troggs, and “Angel of the Morning” for Juice Newton. Born James Wesley Voight in Yonkers, New York, Taylor was the younger brother of actor Jon Voight. He got his start in the music world as a singer under the name Wes Voight and made several recordings in the late ’50s and early ’60s, but later realized his true strength might be in writing songs for others. His first big success came when the Troggs recorded “Wild Thing” in 1966, which went to No. 1.
He later penned “Angel of the Morning” which first found success with the 1968 version by Merrilee Rush before Juice Newton covered it in 1981, selling more than a million copies and nearing the top of the charts. Other songs written or co-written by Taylor include Janis Joplin’s “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder),” Cliff Richard’s “On My Word,” “Billy Vera’s “Country Girl City Man” and Johnny Tillotson’s “Worry,” as well as songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, Emmylou Harris and Anne Murray.
Along with songwriting Taylor also maintained a recording career for decades, releasing about two dozen solo projects, including his most recent release, 2025’s The Truth and Other Things. He founded his own label, Train Wreck Records, in 1997.
He is survived by his daughters, Kelly and Kristian; his brothers, Jon and Barry; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan.
Brandi Brammer & Elisa Vazzana Named Partner At UTA
/by Madison HahnenBrandi Brammer & Eliza Vazzana
Brandi Brammer and Elisa Vazzana have been named as Partner at UTA. They are apart of 35 newly named Partners across the company.
The 35 new Partners span 23 departments and multiple offices across the country.
“Congratulations to our new partners, whose contributions have been at the center of our momentum—championing clients, building teams, and pushing our business forward in a rapidly evolving industry,” says UTA CEO David Kramer. “Their achievements exemplify what differentiates UTA: ambition paired with integrity, collaboration at the highest level, and a commitment to always looking ahead. Partnership is more than a title—it’s a recognition of impact, trust, and dedication to our clients and one another. As we enter our next phase of growth, their partnership will play a critical role in shaping the future of our agency.”
Coming off her role as SVP of Worldwide Music Operations in Nashville, Brammer leads operations for the global music division. She helms organizational alignment, workforce planning, and cross-functional operations across key business areas, partnering closely with legal, finance, human resources, communications and corporate operations to drive execution at scale. Over 25 years in the business, Brammer has played a key part in organizational growth, office expansions, and operational transformation across multi-market teams.
Vazzana, coming off her role as Music Agent, represents a diverse roster of artists including Megan Moroney, Chayce Beckham and Buffalo Traffic Jam, among others. Through integrity, strategic clarity and an artist-first philosophy, Vazzana has played a central role in building Moroney’s career and was among the first to recognize her exceptional talent.
UTA 2026 Partner Class:
Mahzad Babayan, Creators
Hanley Baxter, Filmed Entertainment/Talent
Christian Bernhardt, UTA LIVE/Music
Alisann Blood, UTA LIVE/Music Brand Partnerships
Brandi Brammer, UTA LIVE/Music
Jules De Lattre, UTA LIVE/Music
Ty Flynn, Creators
Janelle Francis, Finance, Klutch Sports Group
Jason Garber, Filmed Entertainment/Production Arts
Jonny Geller, The Curtis Brown Group
Abby Glusker, Filmed Entertainment/TV Lit
Amanda Hymson, Filmed Entertainment/MP Lit
Greg Iserson, Filmed Entertainment/TV Lit
Chris Jefferis, Finance
Justin Kao, IQ
Daniel Landver, Creators
Ernie Liu, Technology
Charlotte Perman, UTA LIVE/Speakers
Pilar Queen, Publishing
Caryn Rosoff, Sports and Brand Insights
Josh Rothstein, Strategy and Corporate Development
Claudia Russo, Corporate Communications
Lily Safran, Filmed Entertainment/TV Lit
Sara Schoch, UTA LIVE/Music Brand Partnerships
Joe Schwartz, UTA LIVE/Comedy Touring
Jerry Silbowitz, Sports Media
Lesley Silverman, Creators
Stephanie Smith, IQ
Max Stubblefield, Filmed Entertainment/Unscripted Television
Pasha Tasvibi, Business Affairs
Stephen Travierso, Filmed Entertainment/Talent
Elisa Vazzana, UTA LIVE/Music
Kevin Volchok, Filmed Entertainment/Talent
Paul Weis, Technology
Bjorn Wentlandt, UTA LIVE/Comedy Touring
James Wright, UTA LIVE/Music
Ben Chapman Readies New LP ‘Feet On Fire’ For May Release
/by Lorie HollabaughBen Chapman will release his new album Feet On Fire on May 22 via Soundly Music.
The project explores abandoning old patterns, making room for new beginnings, and searching for stability in an ever-changing world through Chapman’s new perspective, gained after his marriage to fellow singer-songwriter and frequent collaborator, Meg McRee, and the birth of their first child last year.
Chapman previewed the project with the title track, out now, which chronicles the life of a musician on the road.
“This song hits you in the mouth from the first note,” shares Chapman of the new track. “It’s a sonic adventure that reflects my growth as an artist and musician. It started out as a song about always being on the road and not feeling like yourself while sitting still, but as it took shape it gained a deeper meaning. It’s difficult to keep your feet planted in the moment sometimes in a world that places value on whatever comes next.”
His second collaboration with songwriter and producer Anderson East, Chapman co-wrote all 12 tracks alongside McRee, Pat McLaughlin, Aaron Raitiere and more.
“I grew up on the Grateful Dead and Dark Side of the Moon, so I wanted to pour some of that inspiration into these tracks,” shares Chapman. “This record asks you to let your hair down. It takes some fun sonic risks. It’s cohesive but it’s all over the place, too, in the best way possible.”
Along with his own music, Chapman has collaborated with artists including Muscadine Bloodline, Hayes Carll, Adam Chaffins, Brit Taylor and more. As a songwriter, he has earned cuts with Brent Cobb, Shelby Lynne, Flatland Cavalry and Marcus King, among others.
Feet On Fire Track List:
1. “Everything’s Different” (Ben Chapman, Bryan Simpson, Meg McRee)
2. “Out In The Country” (Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Pat McLaughlin)
3. “All Day” (Ben Chapman, Aaron Raitiere)
4. “Baby Blue” (Meg McRee, Ben Chapman)
5. “Takes A Dreamer” (Ben Chapman, Anderson East, Bryan Simpson)
6. “Feet On Fire” (Ben Chapman, Anderson East, Bryan Simpson)
7. “You Say Jump” (Ben Chapman, Anderson East)
8. “So Long” (Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Andrew Petroff)
9. “Lucy” (Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Jay Knowles)
10. “Missing You” (Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Anderson East)
11. “Don’t Give It All Away” (Ben Chapman, Bryan Simpson, Anderson East)
12. “Sweetheart (Ain’t It Hard)” (AJ Babcock, Ben Chapman)
Lonestar To Launch The ‘Keeps Getting Better’ Tour In April
/by Lorie HollabaughLonestar.
Lonestar will kick off their 2026 “Keeps Getting Better Tour” on April 11 at Country Thunder Arizona.
The new tour will include stops in Wyoming, Utah, Tennessee, and more through Oct. 1.
“We’ve been on the road together for over three decades, and every show feels like a new chapter in our story. ‘Keeps Getting Better’ isn’t just a tour title — it’s a reflection of how we feel about our music, the support of our fans, and each other after all these years. Being able to continue to play shows and see audiences singing along is energizing, humbling, and deeply rewarding. We look forward to bringing our songs, old and new, across these stages and creating more memories that will last a lifetime.”
In 2025 Lonestar released their Iconic, Vol. 1 EP, which saw them reimagine songs by female artists including Adele, P!NK, Cyndi Lauper, Eurythmics, and Fleetwood Mac, and the band has new music on the horizon for this next chapter.
Tickets are on sale now. VIP packages, which include a personal meet-and-greet, exclusive merchandise and more, are available here.
“Keeps Getting Better Tour” Dates:
April 11 – Florence, AZ – Country Thunder Arizona
April 25 – Onamia, MN – Grand Casino Mille Lacs
May 16 – Sevierville, TN – Bloomin’ BBQ Festival
May 22 – Jackson Hole, WY – Million Dollar Music Fest
June 6 – Branson, MO – Silver Dollar City
June 13 – Goodhue, MN – Goodhue Volksfest
June 21 – Pleasanton, CA – Alameda County Fair
June 26 – Andover, KS – Capitol Federal Amphitheater
July 18 – Twin Lakes, WI – Country Thunder Wisconsin
July 30 – Parker, CO – PACE Center
August 1 – Sac City, IA – SAC County Fair
August 7 – Park City, UT – Concerts on the Slopes
August 15 – Burley, ID – Cassia County Fair & Rodeo
August 27 – Princeton, IL – Bureau County Fair
September 12 – Montgomery, IN – Turkey Trot Festival
September 17 – McMinnville, TN – Warren County Fair
September 19 – Niagara Falls, ON – Misty City Music Festival
October 1 – Carteret, NJ – Carteret PAC
Shenandoah To Kick Off ’40th Anniversary Tour’ This Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughShenandoah. Photo: Justin Mayotte
Shenandoah will celebrate four decades as country hitmakers on the “40th Anniversary Tour,” which will kick off tomorrow (March 27) in Wickenburg, Arizona.
The tour will include stops in Fort Worth, West Palm Beach, Tulsa, and more, with a Nashville show set for October 9. Ticket information can be found here. The band has already appeared at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa and headlined the San Antonio Rodeo, and throughout the year will also share the stage with Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Old Dominion and more.
“Just to think 40 years,” says lead singer Marty Raybon. “Days of late have been filled with the memories of what this has truly meant to all of us. We have seen some of the best days in a lifetime and some of the hard things that is called life on life. I don’t know that we would change anything. We are grateful for every opportunity we have been given and a fanbase that continues to grow with us, love us and support us through all of it.”
Shenandoah rose to prominence after forming in the mid-80s with a string of No. 1 hits including “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” and the Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart.”
Shenandoah “40th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Mar 27 – Wickenburg, AZ – Flying E Ranch
Mar 28 – Edna, TX – Red White & Bulls
Apr 3 – West Chester, OH – Lori’s Roadhouse
Apr 11 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick
Apr 12 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick
Apr 17 – Orange Grove, TX – The Post OG
Apr 24 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
May 15 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama Resort
May 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas
June 6 – Gail, TX – Coyote Store
June 19 – Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
June 20 – Patterson, GA – Mossy Pond Lodge
June 26 – Gas City, IN – Performing Arts Center
July 3 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
July 11 – Fortuna, CA – Fortuna Rodeo
July 16 – Florence, AL – St. Jude Trail Ride
July 17 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
July 24 – Corona, CA – Dos Lagos
July 25 – Fort McDowell, AZ – We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Aug 1 – Gethsemane, KY – The Amp
Aug 22 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
Sept 17 – Philadelphia, MS – Ellis Theater
Oct 3 – Marshall, TX – Bear Creek Smokehouse
Oct 9 – Nashville, TN – TBD
Nov 14 – Lufkin, TX – Temple Theater
Nov 21 – Kingman, KS – Kingman Historic Theatre
Dec 4 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
Dec 5 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino & Resort
Red Bull Reveals 2026 Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Red Bull
Red Bull is currently accepting submissions for its 2026 Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition.
Songwriters can submit their original music now through July 31. The top three finalists will earn a trip to Nashville, with the ultimate winner unveiled live at the next Red Bull Jukebox event. The winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to record at Red Bull Recording Studios, in addition to receiving personalized coaching sessions with BMI.
This year, Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose, Firestarter Music founder Andrea Von Foerster and Whiskey Jam founder and host Ward Guenther will serve as judges.
Last year’s Red Bull Jukebox featured sets from Treaty Oak Revival, Ashley Cooke, Kashus Culpepper and Carter Faith with surprise performances by Colbie Caillat, Kimberly Perry, MOONLIGHT, Maggie Rose and Medium Build.
Clint Black Honored With CRB Career Achievement Award At CRS
/by Lorie HollabaughClint Black was honored with the 2026 CRB Career Achievement Award during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley at CRS.
Black was surprised with the Career Achievement Award by 2018 recipient Steve Wariner during his Thursday performance. The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to artists who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through leadership, engagement, and creativity.
With 22 No. 1s, each of which Black played a role in writing, and more than 20 million albums sold, he has spent over three decades not only entertaining audiences, but also giving back in ways that reflect his enduring commitment to community and philanthropy. Black has received numerous honors from the CMA, the ACM, the Grammys, and American Music Awards, and most recently was recognized with the prestigious BMI Icon Award, celebrating his lasting influence as a songwriter whose work has shaped generations.
“Clint Black’s influence on country radio and the genre as a whole is both profound and enduring,” says RJ Curtis, CRS Executive Director. “From the very beginning, he helped shape a pivotal era in country music, and his commitment to songwriting, artistry, and connection with fans and radio continues to set a standard. We are proud to recognize him with this year’s Career Achievement Award.”
Other past CRB Career Achievement Award recipients include Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, The Judds, and Merle Haggard.
Band As One Nashville Concert For The Cure Raises $850K For The Fight Against Breast Cancer
/by Lorie HollabaughTrisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
The 2nd annual Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure: Trisha Yearwood & Friends event on March 22 at the Opry House raised $850,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
Yearwood once again brought together an all-star lineup for the event hosted by Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. This year’s concert included performances from Reba McEntire, Charles Kelley, The Band Loula, Ashley McBryde, Lukas Nelson, Rissi Palmer, War & Treaty and Hailey Whitters.
Throughout the night, Yearwood shared memorable onstage moments with fellow artists, including a duet with Lukas Nelson on “Find Yourself,” a performance with Hailey Whitters of “How Far Can It Go?,” and a rendition of “Need You Now” alongside Charles Kelley. McEntire also delivered a stirring performance of “I’m a Survivor,” moving the audience that included many breast cancer survivors. The evening culminated in a finale of Yearwood and McEntire joining voices for Linda Ronstadt’s classic “When Will I Be Loved,” closing the night on a high note of unity and celebration.
“It is always an honor to join forces with Susan G. Komen for this incredible event and to lend my voice to a cause that means so much,” says Yearwood. “I love that this event brings people together – artists, fans, survivors, and the compassionate care teams who stand beside them – to help raise breast cancer awareness and inspire action. We are helping drive real progress and the continued support brings us closer to saving more lives.”
Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Yearwood was also honored during the evening with the Komen Promise Award presented by longtime friend Reba McEntire, in recognition of Yearwood’s unwavering commitment to advancing the fight against breast cancer.
“This concert is always about more than music – it’s about saving lives,” says Joshua Daniel, Senior Director of Entertainment Engagement and Events. “Each year, this concert grows in impact, bringing together incredible artists who are deeply committed to our mission. We are so grateful to every performer who lends their voice and to the community whose support makes this possible. Every dollar raised brings us closer to a world where no one dies from breast cancer.”
To continue raising funds for Komen, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood will auction a special commemorative Band As One Nashville denim jacket, hand-painted by artist Olivia Reckert and autographed by both artists. The auction also features an exclusive collection of signed items, including McEntire’s The Hits on vinyl and her book Not That Fancy, as well as Yearwood’s The Mirror on vinyl and her Trisha’s Kitchen cookbook. Fans can bid and support the cause here.
Charles Kelley & Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Rissi Palmer. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Trisha Yearwood & Hailey Whitters. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
The Band Loula. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Trisha Yearwood & Lukas Nelson. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Susan G. Komen
Tin Pan South Kicks Off With Ashley Cooke, Kelly Archer, Luke Laird, More
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Tin Pan South 2026 hosted its first night on Tuesday (March 24), bringing songwriters together for the staple NSAI event. Ten venues around Nashville are hosting songwriters rounds this year, with two shows taking place at each venue most nights.
Last night’s rounds kicked off with Terri Jo Box, Dan Marshall, RaeLynn and Amy Stroup at Love and Exile, Katie Pruitt, Lawrence Rothman and Daniel Tashian at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Matt Armstrong, AJ Pruis and Matthew West at Anzie Blue, Aaron Barker, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Larry Gatlin at Station Inn, and Radney Foster, Leslie Satcher and Allen Shamblin at The Bluebird Cafe.
Also hosting opening rounds to the festival was the Commodore Grille with Bernie Chiaravalle, Angus Gill and Emily West, The Cowan with Jim Beavers, Dan Isbell and Paul Sikes, 3rd and Lindsley Nashville with Ethan Burdick, Ashley Cooke and Blake Pendergrass, Analog at Hutton Hotel with Derek Bahr, Luke Laird, Sandra McCracken and Travis Wood, and the 1865 Club with Porter Howell, Paul Jefferson and Sonny LeMaire.
The second rounds of night one featured performances from Kristian Bush, Patrick Davis, Levi Lowry and James Otto at Station Inn, Jon Decious, Rob Ragosta, Emily Reid and Allison Veltz Cruz at The Cowan, Franni Cash, Leanna Crawford, Lloyd Nicks and Jacob Sooter at Analog at Hutton Hotel, Luke Cope, The Dryes, Tiera Kennedy and David Leonard at Commodore Grille, and Monty Powell, Rebekah Powell, Suzannah Powell and Anna Wilson at The Bluebird Cafe.
Also rounding out night one was CARV, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford at Love and Exile, Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Matt Mulhare and Cole Taylor at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, Stephanie Bentley, Adrienne Follese and Keith Follese at the 1865 Club, Hudson Macready, Lenny Pey, Callie Prince and Matt Stell at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, and Jason Massey, Matt Rogers and Keesy Timmer at Anzie Blue.
Tin Pan South continues tonight with performances from Summer Overstreet, Caylee Hammack, The Band Loula, Ava Hall and many more. Tickets and schedule details are available here.
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Photo: Courtesy of Tin Pan South
Industry Ink: Brett James, Luke Combs, Corey Kent, Little Jimmy Dickens, Sierra Hull
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Listening Room Honors Brett James With Special Tribute Show
Photo: Courtesy of The Listening Room
Industry friends and family from across the country gathered at The Listening Room on March 23 for a night of music honoring the legendary songwriter Brett James, who tragically passed away on Sept. 18, 2025, at age 57. The evening was hosted by TLR Owner & Founder Chris Blair, and performers paying tribute to their friend at the special show included Chris DeStefano, Rivers Rutherford and Gordie Sampson. All proceeds from the evening were donated to St. Jude in James’s name.
Luke Combs Kicks Off ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’ In Vegas
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Zimmerman and Caryl Atwood, KYGO Denver’s Brian Michel, the label’s Christy Garbinski, KUPL Portland’s Dylan Salisbury, KWBL/KCCY/KXBG PD Jojo Turnbeaugh, Audacy’s ‘Sabrina From Queens’ Sergio, KYGO PD Shawn Patrick, Luke Combs, Westwood One VP/Programming George King, KWNR Las Vegas PD MoJoe Roberts, the label’s Larry Santiago, KPLM Palm Springs PD Kory James, KCYE Las Vegas PD Shawn Stevens, the label’s Taylor Sowers
Luke Combs kicked off his sold-out, record-breaking “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” stop in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium last week with some label family and radio friends on hand for the packed out show.
Corey Kent’s ‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me’ Reaches Platinum Status
Pictured (L-R): Paige Altone (VP, Digital Marketing & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville), Chris Fox (Artist Manager, Triple 8 Management), Ken Robold (President & COO, Sony Music Nashville), Corey Kent, George Couri (CEO/Founder, Triple 8 Management), Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, Sony Music Nashville) and Jason McColl (Sr. Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Matthew Berinato
Corey Kent’s fan-favorite track “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” has been certified Platinum, marking another major achievement in his growing career. The certification adds to an already impressive run for the hitmaker, who surpassed one billion career streams and continues to earn more hardware with a string of hits, including his triple-Platinum No. 1 breakout “Wild As Her” and No. 1 follow-up “This Heart.” Originally released on his 2023 album Blacktop, “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” has resonated deeply with fans and become a staple in Kent’s live show, showcasing his signature rasp of country grit and guitar-driven melodies that define his sound.
“‘Something’s Gonna Kill Me’ going Platinum is so special to me and something that I have to thank the fans for,” says Kent. “This song is a huge part of my world view. Living life fully. Not allowing fear, even the fear of death, to stop you from doing the things that make you feel most alive. It means so much that the message resonated so deeply with fans. Their support made this a platinum record.”
Brad Paisley, Bill Anderson, More Pay Tribute To Little Jimmy Dickens At Opry 100 Honors Show
Opry member Brad Paisley photographed on stage with Little Jimmy’s guitar and red glitter guitar case given to Brad by Jimmy’s wife Mona. Photo: Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry
As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry continued its “Opry 100 Honors” series on March 21, celebrating the bigger-than-life Opry icon Little Jimmy Dickens. The evening featured Dickens’ longtime friend Brad Paisley, who also celebrated 25 years of Opry membership, along with Opry members Bill Anderson, The Gatlin Brothers and Trace Adkins, who was invited in 2003 by Little Jimmy, famously using a stepladder to ask the 6’6” star to join the Opry family. The evening also included The Oak Ridge Boys, who were officially inducted as Opry members by Little Jimmy in 2011, Julia Cole, and 49 Winchester, along with special guest announcer Pat Sajak.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts Musician Spotlight With Sierra Hull
Sierra Hull and Museum Senior Writer-Editor Angela Stefano Zimmer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a Musician Spotlight with Sierra Hull in support of the opening of the museum’s newest “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit. Hull is one of the artists featured in the exhibit, which takes a broad view of the genre over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Hull is a seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association Mandolin Player of the Year award winner, and has collaborated with Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, Sturgill Simpson, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Anderson, Dolly Parton and more. In 2025, Gibson released the Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and the Sierra Hull F-5G mandolins, making Hull the first woman to be honored with a signature Gibson mandolin.