ACM Awards Unveils First Round of Performers

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Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson & Riley Green. Photo: Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music has unveiled the first round of performers for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.

This year, Cody Johnson will take the stage following his 2025 win for ACM Song of the Year. Reigning Entertainer of the Year and 16-time ACM Award recipient Lainey Wilson returns to the ACM Awards stage with the world premiere performance of “Can’t Sit Still.” Four-time ACM Award winner Riley Green, will deliver a performance of “Change My Mind.”

Tickets for the awards are available now. Previously announced ACM Awards week events include “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” and “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash.”

The 61st ACM Awards are set for Sunday, May 17 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ella Langley Celebrates ‘Weren’t For The Wind’ & ‘Choosin’ Texas’ At Double No. 1 Party

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(L-R, back row): Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Columbia Records’ Joe Gallo, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart and BMI’s Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Joybeth Taylor, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Little Louder’s Arturo Buenahora; Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

BMI’s lobby was standing-room only on Tuesday afternoon (March 17) as industry members gathered to celebrate Ella Langley and her chart-toppers “Weren’t For The Wind” and the record-breaking “Choosin’ Texas.”

BMI’s Clay Bradley kicked off by highlighting Langley. “We have been brought here by a maverick, a trendsetter, someone who broke the mold by refusing to go without permission,” said Bradley. “Her success is proof that when you take action and write your own story, the world starts to listen.”

(L-R): Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, SMACK’s Sam Sarno, Johnny Clawson, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Ella Langley, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Joybeth Taylor, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Columbia Records’ Joe Gallo and BMI’s Clay Bradley; Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

The first half of the afternoon focused on “Weren’t For The Wind,” co-written by Langley, Joybeth Taylor and Johnny Clawson. BMI’s Leslie Roberts welcomed the writers, sharing her history with the writers that dates back to before they signed their first publishing deals.

SMACK’s Sam Sarno and Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart also stepped to the mic to offer congratulations. Barnhart announced that in honor of the No. 1, Studio Bank made a donation to The Positive Rescue Division, a charity focused on dog rescue and rehabilitation.

Clawson, who was named MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year last year, spoke about writing the song during a 2023 bus ride through Wyoming and thanking God, his family and his teams for their support. “Ella and Joybeth are individually just two of the best songwriters that this town’s got. And their magic is only magnified when they’re together.”

The celebration then moved to “Choosin’ Texas.” Co-written by Langley, Taylor, Luke Dick, and Miranda Lambert, the track recently notched its third week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and fifth week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.

Billboard’s Russ Penuell took the mic to speak about the song’s historic run on the charts, explaining that Langley is the second woman in the history of the chart to achieve such a feat with a country song, tying Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston stepped on stage to tout the songwriters, calling Lambert a mentor for the next generation and describing Langley as “an electrifying ‘Roman candle’ of an artist” Other industry leaders who spoke included Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, and Columbia Records’ Joe Gallo.

Dick was the first co-writer to speak, sharing a story of seeing a man in a “Choosin’ Texas” hat at a dumpling shop in San Francisco, shocking him with the song’s massive reach. Taylor spoke next, directing her thanks to Langley, “Thank you Ella for believing in these songs, believing in me, and being my best friend.”

Next, Lambert expressed her admiration for Langley saying, “She is truly one of a kind. There is no one else like her.”

Langley closed the afternoon by expressing her gratitude for the team that took a chance on her when no one else would. As she celebrated her historic run, she briefly brought up “You Look Like You Love Me” co-writer Aaron Raitiere to join the writers on stage, finishing the celebration with the track “that started all of it.”

Ashley McBryde Hails Her Untamed Spirit On New LP ‘Wild’

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Ashley McBryde will release her fifth studio album, Wild, on May 8 via Warner Records Nashville. McBryde will offer fans another taste of the new project with “Bottle Tells Me So,” out tomorrow (March 20).

Wild was produced by Lindeville collaborator John Osborne of Brothers Osborne and recorded with McBryde’s live band, Deadhorse, the project explores McBryde’s journey with sobriety, the impacts of a fundamentalist upbringing and the realities of generational traumas.

“When people hear this record, I hope it wakes up the part of them that I’m singing about in Wild—the part that still believes in those unrealized dreams and untaken risks,” says McBryde. “I believe that wild little kid is still alive inside of all of us, and that’s the version of everyone that I want to sing to.”

“Ashley McBryde is a rare gem,” shares Osborne. “There are people out there with natural ability and there are people that dedicate every waking hour to honing their craft. Ashley is both. Never settling. Always reaching. The perfect combination of vulnerable and fearless.”

Wild is previewed by early releases “Rattlesnake Preacher,” “Arkansas Mud” and current single, “What If We Don’t,” which was the No. 1 most-added single of the week upon impact and earned McBryde the biggest add date of her career.

Tonight (March 19) and tomorrow night, McBryde returns to her Redemption Residency at Chief’s Neon Steeple in Nashville for a second set of sold-out “Just Me and My Shadow” solo acoustic shows.

Willie Nelson’s New Album ‘Dream Chaser’ Due In May

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Willie Nelson will release his new studio album, Dream Chaser, on May 29 via Legacy Recordings. The project’s first single, the title track, is available now.

Dream Chaser marks Nelson’s 79th solo studio album and features a collection of reflective, story-driven tracks that focus on relationships, personal growth, and life on the road, touching on themes of perseverance, timing, and clarity. The project continues Nelson’s long‑running creative partnership with producer and co‑writer Buddy Cannon, a collaboration that has yielded nearly 20 albums over the past 13 years. The two co-wrote six songs on the new album, half of which were written with Bobby Tomberlin.

The album announcement coincides with Willie’s annual Luck Reunion, which takes place today (March 19) at Nelson’s ranch in Texas. Held during SXSW, the Luck Reunion features special events, a songwriters’ roundup, and a stacked lineup of friends and collaborators. This year’s event includes Booker T. Jones, Robert Lester Folsom, Trampled by Turtles, St. Vincent, and Willie Nelson & Family.

Dream Chaser Track List:
1. “Dream Chaser” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin, Willie Nelson)
2. “Fly Away” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Whitlock)
3. “We’d Make A Good Movie” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin)
4. “I Can’t Read Your Mind” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon, Bob Dylan)
5. “Whiskey Wants Me To” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin)
6. “Wonder What I’m Gonna Do” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon)
7. “After All” (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon)
8. “Love Overdue” (Mickey Raphael, Donald W. Poythress, Anna Lisa Graham)
9. “I Don’t Think I’ve Cried Today” (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin, Willie Nelson)
10. “Developing My Pictures” (Earl Montgomery)

Multi Faceted Music Man J. Aaron Brown Passes

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Longtime Nashville music executive J. Aaron Brown died on Saturday (March 14) at age 85.

The Grammy Award winner made his mark in producing, songwriting, publishing and other music ventures. Brown won two Grammys for creating a series of top-selling children’s recordings. He was also a major figure in Nashville’s gospel-music industry for more than six decades.

Born James Aaron Brown, he was raised in Nashville. He graduated from Isaac Litton High School in 1958. Brown began his music career by working with The Oak Ridge Boys in the 1960s. At the time, the group was a an award-winning gospel quartet.

When the Texas-based Word Records established its first Nashville office, Brown was tapped to spearhead the outpost. Between 1970 and 1980, he was the head of the Christian-music giant’s publishing division. During these years, he played an important role in developing, recording and marketing gospel, early CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), worship, and inspirational styles of music.

As a songwriter, he created religious numbers geared to the Southern-gospel field. These were recorded by The Talleys, The Freemans, Little Roy Lewis, Tanya Goodman and other stars of the genre. Along the way, he also produced the songbooks of country stars such as Mel Tillis and the Oaks for Hal Leonard Publishing.

In the 1980s, he became affiliated with New Haven Records, which later distributed albums he produced. In addition, he formed his own song-publishing companies under the umbrella firm J. Aaron Brown & Associates.

In 1986, Brown identified a previously underserved music market and produced A Child’s Gift of Lullabyes. Initially issued on cassette, the album was placed in a Nashville baby store and sold well. Brown gradually expanded the record’s marketing by placing it in specialty baby shops nationwide. Its success led to him writing and producing an entire series of albums geared toward mothers and newborns. They won Grammy Awards in the Best Album for Children category in 1990 (beating the Muppets) and 1996 (beating Pocahontas).

J. Aaron Brown was also a competitive water skier who won national awards and was named to the sport’s Hall of Fame in 2009. He taught water skiing on Old Hickory Lake and Center Hill Lake. Brown is recalled as a fun-loving collaborator and a genial presence in numerous music-industry organizations.

He is survived by his wife Connie McAdams; by his sons Jay Brown and Matthew Brown; by brother Bobby Brown; and by grandson Hamilton Brown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Kip Moore Gets Introspective On Latest LP ‘Reason To Believe,’ Due In May

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Kip Moore will drop his new album Reason To Believe on May 29 via Virgin Music Group.

On his second full-length project in two years, Moore sings about grief, faith and the weight of time – documenting someone standing still long enough to hear himself think. While recording the album, Moore lost his mentor, champion and first producer, songwriter Brett James. He even named the album after a song James loved that Moore wrote years ago alongside longtime collaborator Dan Couch and Scott Stepakoff.

Moore produced the album with Andrew DeRoberts, marking the first time he worked with the producer. DeRoberts brought a philosophy Moore hadn’t explored as deeply before: space over volume, and the result is an album that feels career-spanning with upbeat rockers meant for the crowd, vulnerable meditations on hardship meant for quiet, and other songs meant to be lifelines to offer the listener a sense of comfort.

“I felt like I was describing more of who I am as a human. This album is my daily thoughts. In here,” says Moore, tapping his chest. “It’s an ‘in here’ kind of thing.”

The first song from the new collection, “Levee” is out now.

Reason To Believe Track List:
1. “Levee” (Kip Moore, Luke Preston, Hank Born)
2. “Get What Ya Give” (Kip Moore, Luke Preston)
3. “The Darkness” (Kip Moore, Andrew DeRoberts, Luke Preston)
4. “Heartbreaker” (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston, Casey Beathard)
5. “Headlights” (Kip Moore, Andrew DeRoberts)
6. “You & Me” (Kip Moore, Andrew DeRoberts, Hillary Lindsey)
7. “Faith In The Wind” (Kip Moore, Andrew DeRoberts, Luke Preston)
8. “Reason To Believe” (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Scott Stepakoff)
9. “Lonely Tonight” (Kip Moore, Casey Beathard)
10. “Long Time Coming” (Kip Moore, Andrew DeRoberts, Luke Preston)
11. “Wild Things Like You” (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
12. “Sober” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl, Hank Born, Will Lynde)
13. “Josephine” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl, Hank Born, Will Lynde)

Warner Chappell Music Hosts 7th Annual Next Up Music City Camp [Exclusive]

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Dan Pellarin, Nate Cyphert, David Ray Stevens, Dan Elkayam, and Steve Rusch. Photo: WCM Nashville

Warner Chappell Music (WCM), in partnership with YouTube Music, recently hosted its seventh annual Next Up Music City songwriting camp, bringing together more than 100 world-class songwriters, artists and producers.

The sessions focused on fostering deep connections and unique collaborations among attendees. In collaborations with label partners including Warner Records, Sony Music Nashville, RCA, MCA, and BBR/BMG, the lineup featured Dustin Lynch, Maddox Batson, Elizabeth Nichols, Dougie F and Skyler Stonestreet, among others.

“There is something truly special about bringing songwriters from all over the country together in Nashville,” share Katy Wolaver, SVP, A&R and Bethany Mako, Manager A&R, WCM. “Beyond the incredible songs that were written, there’s a deep sense of community that’s built at this camp among creators who wouldn’t otherwise have met. We’ve seen firsthand how this collaborative environment builds long-lasting creative friendships that lead to shared success far beyond our studios.”

“We’re so proud to support Warner Chappell’s Next Up Music City writing camp and the extraordinary roster of songwriters and producers who attended,” adds Jenna Rubenstein, Head of Songwriter Relations for YouTube Music. “Both YouTube Music and Warner Chappell share a joint mission of empowering songwriters at all stages, and this camp has done just that. Warner Chappell has proven ability to bring the right creative voices together and we can’t wait to hear the incredible records that will come from these sessions.”

Joe Kirkland, Heath Warren and Ben Burgess. Photo: WCM Nashville)

Rory O’Neill, Julia Devlin, Greer Baxter, Zarah Scully, and Andrew Capra. Photo: WCM Nashville

Photo: WCM Nashville

Country Radio Broadcasters Unveil 2026 Country Radio Hall of Fame Honorees

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Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Chris Carr, Michael J and Rick Jackson. (Bottom Row, L-R): Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan and John Marks.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was unveiled today during CRS Honors at CRS 2026, with Hall of Fame inductees Mike Moore (Class of 2024) and Trish Biondo (Class of 2023) revealing this year’s honorees.

Honorees in the On-Air Personality category include Chris Carr, Michael J and Rick Jackson, and the Radio category includes Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan and John Marks.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner will be held August 3 at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. Ticket details will be released at a later date.

Carr has spent nearly three decades in country radio, including 24 years in the Minneapolis market across two tenures at iHeartMedia’s KEEY (K102). Between those runs, he spent six years at Hubbard’s WUBE/Cincinnati. He is a six-time CMA Personality of the Year (2007, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2025) and a three-time ACM Personality of the Year (2010, 2012, 2015). He has twice been named Twin Cities Personality of the Year and is a two-time Marconi Award nominee. Through his work with the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Radiothon, Carr has helped raise more than $25 million, earning St. Jude’s “Leading the Way” Award in 2025.

J has hosted afternoon drive on WPOC/Baltimore, and beginning in 2007, he simultaneously hosted middays on WMZQ/Washington, D.C., commuting daily between the two markets. His career includes time at WWW/Detroit, along with experience in CHR, AC, and AOR formats, and roles as Music Director and Program Director. His charitable work includes raising millions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

With more than 50 years in country radio, Jackson’s career spans on-air, programming, and executive leadership roles. He began in the mid-1970s in Denver at KERE and KLAL before helping launch KYGO/Denver in 1980, where he hosted mornings and later served as Music Director and Program Director. In 1986, Jackson launched the syndicated Rick Jackson’s Country Classics, which he continues to host today. He also served as General Manager of KSON/San Diego from 2009–2016. His honors include Favorite Denver Radio Personality (1985), Radio Ink’s Large Market General Manager of the Year (2002), and a Marconi Award for Large Market Station of the Year (KSON, 2012).

Braun serves as Regional Brand Manager for Audacy, overseeing KMNB/Minneapolis and WUSN/Chicago, where she has worked since 2004. She began her career with Midwest Communications in Green Bay and later worked at WDEZ/Wausau before joining WUSN as Music Director and on-air personality, rising to her current leadership role in 2020. Under her leadership, WUSN has helped raise more than $25 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and she has served for more than a decade on the St. Jude Radio Advisory Board. Her honors include multiple Radio & Records Music Director of the Year awards, CRS/Country Aircheck Music Director of the Year (2010–2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020), CRS/Country Aircheck Program Director of the Year (2022, 2024), inclusion on Radio Ink’s Top Country PD list (2021–2025), and Barrett Media’s Country Programmer of the Year (2024). Braun is also a frequent speaker at the CRS Women’s Mentoring Breakfast.

Hunt’s 50-year career has spanned on-air, programming, corporate leadership and consulting. His roles have included Program Director at KSSN/Little Rock, Senior Vice President of Client Services at Rusty Walker Programming, Executive Vice President/Country Brand Manager for Clear Channel, and founder of Hunt Media. As a consultant, Hunt has guided stations including WUSN/Chicago, KASE/Austin, KTST/Oklahoma City, and KAJA/San Antonio, among many others.

Logan is currently serving his second tenure as Vice President of Programming for Audacy/Houston, with direct oversight of KILT-FM. Over more than three decades, he has delivered ratings success and market turnarounds in small, medium, and major markets. Logan previously spent 17 years as Regional Vice President for iHeartMedia’s Carolina markets, overseeing WESC, WKKT, WTQR, and WKSF. Additional leadership roles include Operations Manager at WIRK/West Palm Beach and programming positions in Savannah and Louisville. He has been named to Radio Ink’s Top Country PD list for 17 years and has guided multiple stations and air talents to CMA and ACM nominations, awards, and Hall of Fame recognition. Logan has also served on the CRS Agenda Committee for 15 of the past 25 years.

Marks is a 51-year radio veteran whose influence spans terrestrial, satellite, and digital platforms. Most recently, he served as Global Head of Country Programming for Spotify, following his role as Head of Country Programming for SiriusXM, where he oversaw more than 20 channels. His terrestrial programming success includes leadership roles at KSON/San Diego, KKAT/Salt Lake City, KWNR and KFMS/Las Vegas, KRPM/Seattle, KSSN/Little Rock, and WSAI/Cincinnati. Marks has served on the CMA Board of Directors and the ACM Board and received the CMA Jo Walker-Meador International Award and the British Country Music Association’s International Services to the Industry Award in 2018. He has also been deeply involved in country radio’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

RIAA Chief Legal Officer Ken Doroshow To Retire

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Ken Doroshow. Photo: Courtesy of RIAA

The Recording Industry Association of America Chief Legal Officer Ken Doroshow will retire from his position at the end of March. Jacob Tracer, SVP, Litigation & Legal Affairs, will step into the role on an acting basis.

“Ken’s career advocating for the rights of creators has left an indelible mark on the laws protecting music,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “RIAA is so fortunate to have benefitted from Ken’s unique talent, resilience, and good humor. While we will miss him greatly, we celebrate all his accomplishments as he enters his well-deserved retirement and congratulate him on his many contributions to the music industry.”

During his decade at RIAA, Doroshow was responsible for all legal affairs, including litigation, content protection, regulatory affairs and technology. Previously a partner at Jenner & Block LLP, Doroshow represented a broad range of media and entertainment clients with a particular focus on intellectual property enforcement and the First Amendment.

In addition to his time in private practice, Doroshow served as the General Counsel to the Entertainment Software Association, as a prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section, as a trial attorney in the Department of Justice’s Civil Division (Federal Programs Branch), and as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph L. Tauro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Doroshow has been recognized multiple times as a top lawyer in such publications as Billboard, Chambers USA, Legal500, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. He received his law degree from Cornell Law School, where he served as Note Editor of the Cornell Law Review. He is also an accomplished guitar player.

Belles To Share ‘Songs & Stories’ On The Road

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Belles

Belles has slated her “Songs & Stories Tour,” which kicks off May 1 in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Johnny Gates and Averie Bielski will join as support on select dates.

The 19-date run will make stops in New York City, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Seattle, Portland and more. The set will be a stripped-down performance, with Belles spotlighting the stories behind the songs.

“This tour is really about the stories behind the music, the real moments and people that inspired them,” says Belles. “I’m so excited to play my new song ‘Son of Jolene’ live. I love getting to meet the fans in person who I’ve been sharing this journey with online. There’s just something special about the moments we create together that you can’t replicate on social media, only in a room full of live music and that kind of magic. I’ve also just finished writing my debut album, coming out this fall, so I’ll be playing a lot of brand new music too.”

Tickets are on sale now.

Belles will release her new single, “Son Of Jolene,” a collaboration with Dolly Parton, on April 17. Her debut album is slated for released later this year.

“Songs & Stories Tour” Dates:
5/1 – Bell Buckle, TN – Bell Buckle Hall $
5/9 – New York, NY – The Bitter End
6/11 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge $
6/13 – Kansas City, KS – Green Guitar Folk House
6/19 – Dunn, NC – Bird’s Nest Listening Room $
6/20 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic #
6/27 – Sweetwater, TX – House Concert Series
7/25 – Des Moines, IA – xBk Live $
7/31 – Murfreesboro, TN – Hop Springs $
8/1 – Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds Listening Room $
8/6 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
8/7 – Austin, TX – Cactus Cafe $
8/13 – Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Live $
8/14 – Las Vegas, NV – Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
8/18 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern $
8/19 – Lake Orion, MI – 20 Front Street
8/22 – Lansing, MI – The Green Door $
8/26 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern $
8/27 – Portland, OR – The Showdown $

# special guest Averie Bielski
$ special guest Johnny Gates