Meghan Patrick Raises Over $18K For YWCA’s Domestic Violence Services Program
Pictured (L-R): Sharon K. Roberson, Meghan Patrick and Daffany Baker. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Meghan Patrick honored her album Golden Child, which was released on Oct. 11, by hosting her second annual event to raise money for the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Services Program. The event took place at The Nashville Palace and a packed crowd came out to show their support. Participating in the event, which raised over $18,000, were Mae Estes, Jenna Lamaster, Faren Rachels, Ella Langley, Lily Rose, Kasey Tyndall and The Castellows.
Musicians On Call, Wrangler, Partner For Concert For Veterans
Scotty Hastings (right) with a patient
In honor of Veterans Day, Musicians On Call and Wrangler partnered for its annual Concert For Veterans. Through bedside visits and a virtual concert experience, artists joined MOC and Wrangler in providing hope and happiness to hospitalized Veterans in VA facilities nationwide. Black River artist Scotty Hasting visited Veterans and caregivers at the Nashville VA Medical Center to perform songs at the bedside. Actor, singer-songwriter and Musicians On Call Volunteer Charles Esten also spent time at the bedside, bringing smiles through classic country songs and engaging the nursing staff in an entertaining Wrangler trivia contest.
Hasting also hosted a special virtual concert for Veterans to enjoy on Veterans Day and throughout the month. The concert featured performances curated by the Grand Ole Opry and words of gratitude from artists like The Bellamy Brothers with Gene Watson, Chapel Hart, Esten, Mae Estes, Sara Evans, Taylor Hicks, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Army Veteran and current Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, Tigirlily Gold, Mark Wills and more. The concert is shared exclusively with VA hospitals through Musicians On Call’s virtual program.
Kelley Brothers 3rd Annual Sticks & Strings Golf Tourney & Concert Returns
Kelley Brothers
The Kelley Brothers’ third annual Sticks & Strings Concert & Golf Tournament returns to the CSRA Nov. 17-18. Created to bring together John, Josh and Charles Kelley‘s three loves – music, golf and family – to raise money for the community that raised them, Sticks & Strings has become a beloved event each November. Brett Young, Randy Houser, Ryan Hurd and more will be part of the fun, and while the golf tournament has been sold out for a month, a special opportunity for two golfers to play a round at Champions Retreat with John, Josh and Charles as part of the event on Nov. 18 has been added. Bidding for the twosome that will join the brothers is open now here.
Proceeds from the event will benefit charities in the three areas that were major influences in the brothers’ lives: golf, music and healthcare. The golf organization is First Tee Augusta, 12 Bands of Christmas is the music charity and the healthcare recipient bears the name of the Kelley Brothers’ father, The John W. Kelley, M.D., Cardiovascular Endowment at the Piedmont Augusta Foundation.
Gibson Gives Guitars For Vets Team Up For ‘Rock To Remember’ Benefit With Cheap Trick
Pictured (L-R): Nigel Fischer (Director of Advancement, Guitars For Vets), Erica Krusen (Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives), Beth Heidt (Chief Marketing Officer, Gibson), Daxx Nielsen (Cheap Trick- drums), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick-lead guitar), Eric Weinstein (Executive Director, Guitars For Vets), Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick-bass), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick-vocals/guitar), Robin Taylor Zander (Cheap Trick-guitars/backing vocals), Lowell Goldman (Veteran and Gibson Gives board member) and Cesar Gueikian (President and CEO of Gibson). Photo: Courtesy of Gibson
Gibson Gives and the nonprofit Guitars For Vets recently raised funds to support U.S. Military Veterans with “Rock To Remember,” a benefit concert from the legendary rock group Cheap Trick. Through the benefit concert and Live Auction which took place at the Gibson Garage Nashville, the brand’s flagship store in the heart of downtown Nashville, Gibson Gives raised over $60,000 for Guitars For Vets.
John Driskell Hopkins Talks Hop On A Cure On CBS Mornings
Pictured (L-R): CBS Mornings co-host Nate Burleson, John Driskell Hopkins and CBS Mornings co-hosts Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil. Photo: Courtesy of CBS Mornings
John Driskell Hopkins (Hop) stopped by CBS Mornings on Oct. 13 to talk about Hop On A Cure, the organization he co-founded with his wife Jennifer shortly after his 2021 diagnosis of ALS which raises awareness and funding for the fatal neurodegenerative disease. While on-site, he treated viewers to a partial performance of his new single, “Each Other,” talked about his diagnosis and shared with co-hosts that Hop On A Cure was on target to have donated $3 million in total since its inception by the fiscal end of 2024.
Marie Pizano Launches MVP3 Music Group
Wade Quinton and Marie Pizano
Industry veteran Marie Pizano has launched MVP3 Music Group, a label established under the Memphis-based MVP3 Media Group umbrella. With the objective to nurture independent recording artists, MVP3 Music Group is built on a foundation of creative collaboration, artistry, and a mission to inspire audiences worldwide through meaningful music and multimedia expansion. Pizano is a seasoned 20-year business professional with extensive experience in artist management, music, television and film.
Speaking to her vision, Pizano shares, “It’s all about integrity. It’s about the music. It’s about collaboration with the artists and creating music that speaks to people’s souls, and affording talented voices the opportunity to be heard.”
Signed as the label’s flagship artist, Wade Quinton, will release his debut single, “Don’t Waste Your Time,” produced by renowned producer Kent Wells on Dec. 12, 2024.
The Country Music Hall Of Fame Publishes New Book ‘In-Law Country’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has published a new book, In-Law Country: How Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash and Their Circle Fashioned a New Kind of Country Music, 1968-1985, by Geoffrey Himes.
The book shines a light on a musical movement of outsiders who became influential insiders in the genre. Blending biography and musical analysis, Himes explores how a group of artists, musicians and producers helped change the sounds and stories of country, melding traditional stylings with fresh innovations and perspectives. It attempts to define the previously unnamed movement by delving into the lives and seminal works of Harris, Cash, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Gram Parsons, Ricky Skaggs, Clarence White, Townes Van Zandt and others. The book is being simultaneously issued in hardcover and paperback.
Himes has won numerous awards for writing about music in the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, New York Times, No Depression, Downbeat, Paste and many others since 1975. His book on Bruce Springsteen, Born in the U.S.A., was published in 2005. He has also penned liner notes for albums by Rosanne Cash, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart and more.
The museum has also reissued Douglas B. Green’s Singing in the Saddle: The History of the Singing Cowboy, which explores the story of the singing cowboy from the early days of vaudeville and radio, through the heyday of movie westerns before World War II, to the current revival. Green analyzes the studio system that made Gene Autry and Roy Rogers famous and documents the role that country music and regional TV stations played in carrying on the singing cowboy tradition after the war.
Originally co-published by the museum in 2002, the previously out-of-print title features new artwork and a new preface by the author and is being issued in paperback. Green is a music historian and performer who founded Riders in the Sky and is also known by his stage name, “Ranger Doug – The Idol of American Youth.”
Both books are published by the museum’s publishing arm, CMF Press. The books are now available on the museum’s website and in its retail store. The titles will be widely available in bookstores and online outlets beginning Dec. 10 through a distribution partnership with the University of Illinois Press
Industry Ink: Meghan Patrick, Musicians On Call, Kelley Bros., More
/by Lorie HollabaughMeghan Patrick Raises Over $18K For YWCA’s Domestic Violence Services Program
Pictured (L-R): Sharon K. Roberson, Meghan Patrick and Daffany Baker. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Meghan Patrick honored her album Golden Child, which was released on Oct. 11, by hosting her second annual event to raise money for the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Services Program. The event took place at The Nashville Palace and a packed crowd came out to show their support. Participating in the event, which raised over $18,000, were Mae Estes, Jenna Lamaster, Faren Rachels, Ella Langley, Lily Rose, Kasey Tyndall and The Castellows.
Musicians On Call, Wrangler, Partner For Concert For Veterans
Scotty Hastings (right) with a patient
In honor of Veterans Day, Musicians On Call and Wrangler partnered for its annual Concert For Veterans. Through bedside visits and a virtual concert experience, artists joined MOC and Wrangler in providing hope and happiness to hospitalized Veterans in VA facilities nationwide. Black River artist Scotty Hasting visited Veterans and caregivers at the Nashville VA Medical Center to perform songs at the bedside. Actor, singer-songwriter and Musicians On Call Volunteer Charles Esten also spent time at the bedside, bringing smiles through classic country songs and engaging the nursing staff in an entertaining Wrangler trivia contest.
Hasting also hosted a special virtual concert for Veterans to enjoy on Veterans Day and throughout the month. The concert featured performances curated by the Grand Ole Opry and words of gratitude from artists like The Bellamy Brothers with Gene Watson, Chapel Hart, Esten, Mae Estes, Sara Evans, Taylor Hicks, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Army Veteran and current Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, Tigirlily Gold, Mark Wills and more. The concert is shared exclusively with VA hospitals through Musicians On Call’s virtual program.
Kelley Brothers 3rd Annual Sticks & Strings Golf Tourney & Concert Returns
Kelley Brothers
The Kelley Brothers’ third annual Sticks & Strings Concert & Golf Tournament returns to the CSRA Nov. 17-18. Created to bring together John, Josh and Charles Kelley‘s three loves – music, golf and family – to raise money for the community that raised them, Sticks & Strings has become a beloved event each November. Brett Young, Randy Houser, Ryan Hurd and more will be part of the fun, and while the golf tournament has been sold out for a month, a special opportunity for two golfers to play a round at Champions Retreat with John, Josh and Charles as part of the event on Nov. 18 has been added. Bidding for the twosome that will join the brothers is open now here.
Proceeds from the event will benefit charities in the three areas that were major influences in the brothers’ lives: golf, music and healthcare. The golf organization is First Tee Augusta, 12 Bands of Christmas is the music charity and the healthcare recipient bears the name of the Kelley Brothers’ father, The John W. Kelley, M.D., Cardiovascular Endowment at the Piedmont Augusta Foundation.
Gibson Gives Guitars For Vets Team Up For ‘Rock To Remember’ Benefit With Cheap Trick
Pictured (L-R): Nigel Fischer (Director of Advancement, Guitars For Vets), Erica Krusen (Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives), Beth Heidt (Chief Marketing Officer, Gibson), Daxx Nielsen (Cheap Trick- drums), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick-lead guitar), Eric Weinstein (Executive Director, Guitars For Vets), Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick-bass), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick-vocals/guitar), Robin Taylor Zander (Cheap Trick-guitars/backing vocals), Lowell Goldman (Veteran and Gibson Gives board member) and Cesar Gueikian (President and CEO of Gibson). Photo: Courtesy of Gibson
Gibson Gives and the nonprofit Guitars For Vets recently raised funds to support U.S. Military Veterans with “Rock To Remember,” a benefit concert from the legendary rock group Cheap Trick. Through the benefit concert and Live Auction which took place at the Gibson Garage Nashville, the brand’s flagship store in the heart of downtown Nashville, Gibson Gives raised over $60,000 for Guitars For Vets.
John Driskell Hopkins Talks Hop On A Cure On CBS Mornings
Pictured (L-R): CBS Mornings co-host Nate Burleson, John Driskell Hopkins and CBS Mornings co-hosts Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil. Photo: Courtesy of CBS Mornings
John Driskell Hopkins (Hop) stopped by CBS Mornings on Oct. 13 to talk about Hop On A Cure, the organization he co-founded with his wife Jennifer shortly after his 2021 diagnosis of ALS which raises awareness and funding for the fatal neurodegenerative disease. While on-site, he treated viewers to a partial performance of his new single, “Each Other,” talked about his diagnosis and shared with co-hosts that Hop On A Cure was on target to have donated $3 million in total since its inception by the fiscal end of 2024.
Marie Pizano Launches MVP3 Music Group
Wade Quinton and Marie Pizano
Industry veteran Marie Pizano has launched MVP3 Music Group, a label established under the Memphis-based MVP3 Media Group umbrella. With the objective to nurture independent recording artists, MVP3 Music Group is built on a foundation of creative collaboration, artistry, and a mission to inspire audiences worldwide through meaningful music and multimedia expansion. Pizano is a seasoned 20-year business professional with extensive experience in artist management, music, television and film.
Speaking to her vision, Pizano shares, “It’s all about integrity. It’s about the music. It’s about collaboration with the artists and creating music that speaks to people’s souls, and affording talented voices the opportunity to be heard.”
Signed as the label’s flagship artist, Wade Quinton, will release his debut single, “Don’t Waste Your Time,” produced by renowned producer Kent Wells on Dec. 12, 2024.
Timmy McKeever Signs With Arcade Management
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Joe Barrick, Timmy McKeever and Alexandra Turpin
Timmy McKeever has signed with Arcade Management.
The California native’s mix of country, rock and pop aims to tell heartfelt stories with a modern edge. Recently inking with WME for booking representation, McKeever has opened for artists like Cody Johnson, Lee Greenwood, Dylan Scott, Drew Baldridge, Chris Janson and Frankie Ballard. He signed with Droptine Recordings earlier this year, and plans to release his debut album, Devils & Angels, on Dec. 6.
“As soon as I saw Timmy perform, I knew I wanted him on my team,” says Joe Barrick, President of Arcade Management. “Then, when I met him, it was undeniable. I can’t wait for the world to experience all that is Timmy McKeever!”
“I’m very excited to be working with Joe and his crew at Arcade Management,” shares McKeever. “I can’t wait to see where this journey goes and I’m stoked to have them on the team!”
AEG Presents Unveils 2024 NFR Season Lineup
/by Madison HahnenBrad Paisley will return to Encore Theater and showcase his classic acoustic style for three consecutive performances of his brand-new show, “One Man Six Strings,” Dec. 6–8.
The Theater at Virgin Hotels will be taken over by four different country acts. On Dec. 6, Midland will take the stage for a performance of “The Get Lucky Tour”, showcasing tracks from their newly-released album, Barely Blue, as well as fan favorites. The band will also be joined by special guest Tanya Tucker.
Shaboozey is set to make his debut at The Theater on Dec. 7. The six-time Grammy nominee will performance his alternative country tunes, including his chart smashing hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
On Dec. 8, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen will return to the venue to perform “Sunrise,” “Bread and Water,” and more. Special guest Corb Lund will also take the stage.
Also making a one-night-only return to The Theater, Charley Crockett will bring his songs and stories on Dec. 14. Crockett’s latest album, $10 Cowboy, is inspired by his early days as a young cowboy busking on street corners, and he will take fans to that scene.
Additionally, AEG Presents has teamed up with Stagecoach for an exclusive fan flyaway promotion. One winner will receive a three-night hotel stay and the chance to attend their choice of two shows, plus one night at the NFR. The prize package includes two VIP tickets to two shows of choice at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, two tickets to NFR, a three-night stay at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and round-trip airfare for two.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and AXS.com.
T. Graham Brown Inks With Kinkead Entertainment Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Manager Cole Johnstone; Kinkead Entertainment CEO Bob Kinkead; T. Graham Brown; Sheila Brown; Kinkead Entertainment President Julie Devereux; Kinkead Entertainment Executive Assistant Remi Heitzman and Kinkead Entertainment Sr. VP Greg Scott
Newly-inducted Grand Ole Opry member T. Graham Brown has signed with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking.
Brown has captivated audiences for decades with his rich, soulful voice in timeless hits like “Darlene,” “Hell and High Water,” “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “Don’t Go To Strangers” and “Wine Into Water,” which have become anthems for country fans worldwide. He is also recognized as the voice in advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, Disneyland, Almond Joy, Coca-Cola, Dodge Truck, Ford, Hardee’s and many others, including the Taco Bell “Run For The Border” TV spots.
Brown was recently surprised on stage at the Grand Ole Opry with a special presentation commemorating his first N0. 1 album, From Memphis to Muscle Shoals. The album debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Blues Album Chart and entered the top 10 of the iTunes Country Albums Chart upon its release. It features collaborations with Bettye LaVette, Sam Moore, Delbert McClinton, Dwight Yoakam, Eddie Floyd, Little Anthony, Randy Houser, Sammy Hagar, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna and Zach Williams, and the 14-song collection has garnered over one million on-demand streams.
“I have had a long history with T. Graham Brown,” shares CEO Bob Kinkead. “Starting in 1986, I had the privilege of working with T. throughout the mid/late 80s to the early 2000s, achieving many goals together in his live performance career. Now, 20 years later, we’ve come full circle. My team, including Julie Devereux and Greg Scott, are extremely excited to work with T., his manager Cole Johnstone, and Sheila, as his exclusive agents.”
Gabby Barrett Makes Nashville Headline Debut While ‘Giving For Good’
/by Liza AndersonGabby Barrett making her Nashville headline debut during her “Giving For Good Show.” Photo: Annelise Loughead
Gabby Barrett made her Nashville headline debut while hosting her “Giving For Good Show” at the Country Music Hall of Fame CMA Theater on Wednesday night (Nov. 13). All proceeds from the milestone event benefitted MurphsLife, a foundation focused on creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities in Central America to break free from the poverty cycle and build a better future for themselves.
Songstress Rachel Purcell warmed up the crowd with her incredibly strong, stunning vocals while showcasing her keyboard skills. After a brief intermission, Barrett bursted onstage, grasping her glittering mic to welcome everyone as she rocked out.
Cade Foehner & Gabby Barrett. Photo: Annelise Loughead
“It was a tug on my heart to do something, especially around the holiday time, for others. And we were like, ‘Let’s create a charity show.’ So, we called it the ‘Giving For Good Show,’ and this is our second time doing it, so we’re really excited and thankful that you guys came out to help us give back,” Barrett shared alongside her husband and lead guitarist in her band, Cade Foehner.
The Warner Music Nashville star kicked things off with “Glory Days,” and jammed out with her band, holding a red tambourine, before moving into “Chapter” from her sophomore album, Chapter & Verse, and a cover of Keith Urban’s “Love Somebody” and her Platinum single “Pick Me Up,” among others.
A beautiful sunset bonfire scene blazed behind Barrett and Foehner as the performed an acoustic round of cover songs, including Johnny Cash and June Carter’s “Jackson” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” Foehner also treated the crowd to Glen Campbell’s “Gentle On My Mind,” sharing that it reminds him of his wife.
Barrett went on to perform quadruple-Platinum three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones,” along with one of her favorite Chapter & Verse tracks, “Growin’ Up Raising You,” and more. She then brought the house down with powerful renditions of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,'” giving the audience the mic for various verses. Foehner and a fellow guitarist had heads banging with their crazy guitar solo, as Barrett changed into a fiery black and red assemble to close out the night with eight-time Platinum chart-topper “I Hope.”
Lineup Set For Country Thunder Saskatchewan 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman and Def Leppard are set to headline the Country Thunder Saskatchewan Festival in Craven July 10-13.
The festival is celebrating its 42nd year, and merging rock ‘n’ roll royalty with country’s top talent. The bold 2025 lineup bridges genres and generations, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
“We’re thrilled to bring this incredible list of talent to Saskatchewan this year!” says Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer. “Not only can we boast that Jason Aldean and Bailey Zimmerman, two of the biggest names in country music, will be headlining our main stage but we also have Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Def Leppard stepping onto our stage for the first time. Without question, this will be the most epic rock’n’roll party this valley has ever seen!”
In addition to the headliner announcement today, Nate Smith, Tyler Hubbard, Kip Moore, Sara Evans, Mackenzie Carpenter and Canadian country artists Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, The Road Hammers, Jess Moskaluke, Owen Riegling, Tommy Charles and Hailey Benedict will join the fun. Juno-nominated country group Hunter Brothers will headline the annual Kick-Off Party. Tickets are available at countrythunder.com/sk.
Adrien Nunez Signs With Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
/by LB CantrellAdrien Nunez
Adrien Nunez has signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records. His major-label debut track, “Apology Song,” is available everywhere now and follows his recent viral hit alongside label-mate Avery Anna, “Low Road.”
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Nunez turned to his original passion for music after his time as a basketball star at the University of Michigan. With his blend of country, pop and hip-hop influences, he quickly earned a following once he put his focus on music. The social media launch of his artist project accumulated over 50 million views across platforms in the first weekend and over five million streams in the first two weeks. He has since garnered over 250,000 new TikTok fans.
Nunez will release more new music in 2025. He is managed by Dillon Goldberg of FNGRPRNT and represented by Braeden Rountree at WME.
Langley & Green Notch A Third Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeElla Langley notches a third week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with her song “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.
The track is a part of her debut studio album Hungover and was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.
Langley and Green were recently added to the 58th CMA Awards lineup and are set to perform their nominated duet. Other performers added include Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Brooks & Dunn, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Noah Kahan, Megan Moroney and Bailey Zimmerman. They all join previously-announced performers Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, Molly Tuttle and Lainey Wilson.
“You Look Like You Love Me” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
W.O. Smith Music School Announces Leadership Change
/by Lorie HollabaughJonah Rabinowitz. Photo: Eric England
W.O. Smith Music School Executive Director Jonah Rabinowitz is leaving his role after three decades to pursue a new opportunity in Vermont. The school will soon begin the search for a new leader.
Rabinowitz’s leadership has established W.O. Smith as a cornerstone of Nashville’s educational and cultural landscape, bringing the joy of music to low-income families in the area. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated a profound commitment to the school’s mission of making music education accessible to Nashville’s underserved youth. During his leadership, the school completed a successful $6 million capital campaign to construct its facility on 8th Avenue, expanding its reach, enhancing programming and fostering a strong community of students, volunteer teaching artists and supporters.
“Jonah’s leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on W.O. Smith Music School,” says Greg Hill, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His unwavering passion for our mission has built a legacy that will inspire and uplift generations to come.”
“Serving W.O. Smith Music School and watching our students grow and thrive has been the privilege of a lifetime,” says Rabinowitz. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together—creating a place where every child can discover the joy and transformative power of music. I know the school’s mission and future are in dedicated hands, and I look forward to seeing its impact continue to expand.”
To ensure a successful leadership transition, the W.O. Smith Board of Directors has appointed a dedicated search committee and retained recruiting firm Nonprofit Leadership LLC to identify the next Executive Director. This nationwide search aims to find a visionary leader who will champion the school’s mission while supporting its growth and long-term sustainability. Read more about the role here.