Brad Paisley Performs National Anthem At World Series Game 1
Brad Paisley performs at World Series Game 1. Photo: Courtesy of MLB
Brad Paisley performed the National Anthem at Game 1 of the 2024 World Series Friday night from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The appearance was his fourth World Series anthem performance.
Paisley’s new single, “Truck Still Works,” is currently climbing the charts, and is the first new song from an upcoming album due out next year.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Hillary Lindsey Profiled In ‘Poets & Prophets Series’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Angela Stefano Zimmer and Hillary Lindsey at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Hillary Lindsey was recently spotlighted in an in-depth interview for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series. The series highlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.
Lindsey is a 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a 2022 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a two-time Academy of Country Music Songwriter of the Year award winner (2020, 2021) and a Country Music Association Song of the Year award winner (“Girl Crush,” 2015). The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Tyler Braden Surprised With Gold During Opry Performance
Pictured (L-R): Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN); Aaryn Cantu (Marketing Manager, WHY&HOW); Halie Hampton (COO, WHY&HOW); Tyler Braden; Stephanie Davenport (VP A&R, WMN) and Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WMN). Photo: Marisa Braden
Tyler Braden performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage Friday night (Oct. 25) and celebrated some special career achievements as well. The night kicked off with a surprise plaque presentation honoring his newly Gold-certified single, “Devil You Know.” Braden performed three songs during the segment and also showcased his two new releases, “More Than A Prayer” and “Above the Water.”
Red Clay Strays Perform On CBS Saturday Morning‘s Saturday Series
The Red Clay Strays performed three songs on CBS Saturday Morning this past weekend as part of their “Saturday Sessions” series, including “Wanna Be Loved,” “I’m Still Fine” and “Disaster.” The band is gearing up for the release of their first live album, Live At The Ryman, due out Nov. 15 via RCA Records.
Big Loud Rock Showcases Zoe Ko, Dogpark, & Liam St. John In Music City
Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Rock
Big Loud Rock hosted a Nashville showcase recently with performances from Zoe Ko, Dogpark and Liam St. John at the Vinyl Lounge in Nashville on Oct. 15. The imprint has made significant strides in the industry with Hardy’s first-ever No. 1 rock single “Jack,” Blame My Youth’s Top 10 alternative radio single “The Break” and Jagwar Twin’s debut top 40 record “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa).”
Drake White Shares Album Inspiration On Kelly Clarkson Show
Drake White and wife Alex on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Drake White appeared on the The Kelly Clarkson Show on Oct. 25 joined by his wife Alex to share the inspirational tale behind his new music. On hand to discuss his latest full-length album, Low Country High Road, the Alabama singer-songwriter told the story of his on-stage stroke in 2019, challenging recovery and ultimate return to the life he loves. He also explained how the family navigated infertility and welcomed son Hawk in 2023—a five-year “rollercoaster” which has led to his White’s new album.
Vince Gill & Amy Grant Named Rick Byrd Character Award Recipients
/by Madison Hahnen“Night Of Hope” at Country Music Hall of Fame near Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, October 27, 2024. Photo: Sam Simpkins
Belmont University honored Vince Gill and Amy Grant with the Rick Byrd Character Award on Sunday night (Oct. 27) during the school’s “Night of Hope” at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The annual honor is named after former Belmont men’s basketball coach Rick Byrd. Recipients are chosen for their steadfast integrity and significant contributions to their community and profession. Honorees help promote a legacy of leadership, winning tradition and a culture of selfless service.
“We are thrilled to honor Vince Gill and Amy Grant with the Rick Byrd Character Award,” says Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Their extraordinary musical talents have deeply enriched our culture and are matched by their unwavering commitment to serving others. Vince and Amy exemplify the very essence of what this award represents: individuals who lead with integrity, inspire through their actions and use their gifts to make a profound difference. Their dedication to numerous charitable causes and ability to bring people together through music truly embody the spirit of servant leadership that Coach Rick Byrd has always championed.”
Gill’s career has been backed by his stewarded songwriting, undeniable guitar playing and soul-stirring voice. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous RIAA certifications, 18 CMA awards, 22 Grammy awards and eight ACM awards. He was a 2007 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, before receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame five years later in 2012 and was named a 2014 BMI Icon.
Beyond his illustrious music career, Gill has participated in hundreds of charitable events, included his own-created “All For The Hall,” benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has worked with a vast array of non profits such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, among others.
With a career spanning over four decades, Grant started with her gospel roots and eventually expanded into pop, while also becoming a songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. Having amassed over one billion global streams, Grant boasts 13 RIAA certified albums, six Grammy awards, 26 Dove awards, all while having stars on the Hollywood and Music City Walk of Fames. A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Grant was named into the 2022 class of Kennedy Center Honorees.
Grant is a hands on philanthropist, hosting the Barefoot Republic camp for two weeks each summer on her farm. There, she leads worship and outdoor adventures for attendees. In 2020, Grant was awarded with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award by the T.J. Martell Foundation, which recognized her contributions to medical research focusing on cancer treatments and cures.
Industry Ink: Brad Paisley, Hillary Lindsey, Tyler Braden, Red Clay Strays, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley Performs National Anthem At World Series Game 1
Brad Paisley performs at World Series Game 1. Photo: Courtesy of MLB
Brad Paisley performed the National Anthem at Game 1 of the 2024 World Series Friday night from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The appearance was his fourth World Series anthem performance.
Paisley’s new single, “Truck Still Works,” is currently climbing the charts, and is the first new song from an upcoming album due out next year.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Hillary Lindsey Profiled In ‘Poets & Prophets Series’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Angela Stefano Zimmer and Hillary Lindsey at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Hillary Lindsey was recently spotlighted in an in-depth interview for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series. The series highlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.
Lindsey is a 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a 2022 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a two-time Academy of Country Music Songwriter of the Year award winner (2020, 2021) and a Country Music Association Song of the Year award winner (“Girl Crush,” 2015). The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Tyler Braden Surprised With Gold During Opry Performance
Pictured (L-R): Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN); Aaryn Cantu (Marketing Manager, WHY&HOW); Halie Hampton (COO, WHY&HOW); Tyler Braden; Stephanie Davenport (VP A&R, WMN) and Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WMN). Photo: Marisa Braden
Tyler Braden performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage Friday night (Oct. 25) and celebrated some special career achievements as well. The night kicked off with a surprise plaque presentation honoring his newly Gold-certified single, “Devil You Know.” Braden performed three songs during the segment and also showcased his two new releases, “More Than A Prayer” and “Above the Water.”
Red Clay Strays Perform On CBS Saturday Morning‘s Saturday Series
The Red Clay Strays performed three songs on CBS Saturday Morning this past weekend as part of their “Saturday Sessions” series, including “Wanna Be Loved,” “I’m Still Fine” and “Disaster.” The band is gearing up for the release of their first live album, Live At The Ryman, due out Nov. 15 via RCA Records.
Big Loud Rock Showcases Zoe Ko, Dogpark, & Liam St. John In Music City
Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Rock
Big Loud Rock hosted a Nashville showcase recently with performances from Zoe Ko, Dogpark and Liam St. John at the Vinyl Lounge in Nashville on Oct. 15. The imprint has made significant strides in the industry with Hardy’s first-ever No. 1 rock single “Jack,” Blame My Youth’s Top 10 alternative radio single “The Break” and Jagwar Twin’s debut top 40 record “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa).”
Drake White Shares Album Inspiration On Kelly Clarkson Show
Drake White and wife Alex on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Drake White appeared on the The Kelly Clarkson Show on Oct. 25 joined by his wife Alex to share the inspirational tale behind his new music. On hand to discuss his latest full-length album, Low Country High Road, the Alabama singer-songwriter told the story of his on-stage stroke in 2019, challenging recovery and ultimate return to the life he loves. He also explained how the family navigated infertility and welcomed son Hawk in 2023—a five-year “rollercoaster” which has led to his White’s new album.
Wimpie Van Der Sandt Receives 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award
/by Liza AndersonKip Moore & Wimpie van der Sandt. Photo: PJ Brown
Bok Radio CEO Wimpie van der Sandt was presented with the 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award on Saturday (Oct. 26) during the first-ever Cape Town Country Festival (CTC) by headliner Kip Moore.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside of the United States who has significantly contributed to the development of country music in their country.
Van der Sandt has helped to bring country music to South Africa through his Bok Radio station, striving to introduce new artists to its people and make waves in the live music space. He also had a hand in producing CTC, South Africa’s largest country music festival, which took place at DHL Stadium. In addition to Moore, the event featured performances by Brothers Osborne, Darius Rucker, Craig Morgan, Morgan Wade and Zac Brown Band, among others.
The Country Music Association plans to present the remaining 2024 CMA International Awards over the next several months.
Tony Chetta Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L–R, back row): Carla Wallace, Rachel Guttmann, Jonah Gordon, Alex Stefano, Nicole Rhodes and Kerry O’Neil; (front row): Tony Chetta
Producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tony Chetta has joined Big Yellow Dog Music’s songwriting and sync rosters.
Known for bringing the old school soul sound into modern pop music, Chetta has worked in an array of genres, including pop, rock, folk and R&B. He has collaborated with Dasha, Jessie James Decker, various singers from Song House Collective and more. His work has seen sync placements with Febreze and many other brands, and can be heard on television shows such as Are You The One?, Selling Sunset and Love Island, among others.
“We are thrilled to be working with the talents of Tony Chetta,” says Alex Stefano, VP of Sync at Big Yellow Dog Music. “His ability to create these beautiful, powerful, cinematic tracks is so unique. We can’t wait to see what’s to come.”
“I feel so honored to be the new kid on this roster!” shares Chetta. “This team works so hard and they’ve got the reputation to back it, so I’m stoked to see what we can do together.”
Sarahbeth Taite Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Nathan Chapman, Sarahbeth Taite and Parker Welling. Photo: Anna Schaeffer
Sarahbeth Taite recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Nathan Chapman and Parker Welling, both of whom co-produced Taite’s The Way We Started EP, were by her side for the pinch-me moment.
Kelly Sutton & Sarahbeth Taite. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Taite performed “Diamond and a Baby” and “Pretty Good Living,” and shared the stage with Vince Gill, John Berry and Don Schlitz. She teared up between songs, explaining to the audience that since her first visit to the Opry at age 14, she has spent “every day, every year after that, working toward this moment right here.” Following her performance, Opry Host and WSM Radio personality Kelly Sutton joined Taite for an onstage chat.
“It was the most magical night of my career, and I know already that it always will be,” reflects the songstress. “I will never forget stepping into that circle, with one of my baby girls in the audience, and one in my belly. My family and I will treasure this forever.”
Muscadine Bloodline Plots ‘The Coastal Plain Tour’ For 2025
/by Liza AndersonMuscadine Bloodline. Photo: Jay Siske
Muscadine Bloodline has plotted “The Coastal Plain Tour” for 2025.
Named after the country duo’s latest album, the journey will kick off in Cincinnati on Jan. 16 and visit Detroit, Fort Worth, Minneapolis and other cities across the nation. Special guests Colby Acuff, Lance Roark, Chester Floyd and Josh Meloy will join on select dates.
The tour news comes just after Muscadine Bloodline wrapped their run as direct support for Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” this past weekend in Austin, Texas.
Presale tickets for “The Coastal Plain Tour” will go on sale tomorrow (Oct. 30) at 10 a.m. local time, with general sales starting this Friday (Nov. 1) at the same time. For more information, click here.
Bailey Zimmerman, Sam Hunt & Hardy To Headline 2025 Boots & Hearts Festival
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Bailey Zimmerman, Sam Hunt and Hardy.
Boots and Hearts have revealed their 2025 headliners for the annual event, taking place next year on Aug. 7-10 at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario.
Bailey Zimmerman will headline night one (Aug. 8), with Tyler Hubbard hitting the stage before him. Night two (Aug. 9) will feature a headline set from Sam Hunt, with support from Chase Rice. Koe Wetzel will warm up the crowd for the night three (Aug. 10) before headliner Hardy. More performers will be announced in early 2025.
“This year is truly special as we welcome three headliners who have been with us from the very start of their careers. It’s a genuine Boots and Hearts love story, shared with our Canadian fans,” shares Brooke Dunford, Director of Booking at Republic Live. “Hardy first captured hearts on our stage in 2019, and his journey since has been nothing short of thrilling. Sam Hunt stepped onto our side stage in 2014 for his Canadian debut, becoming an instant fan favorite. Zimmerman joined in 2023, and it was clear he was bound to headline the main stage. Moments like these remind us how incredible it is to support an artist’s rise while creating unforgettable memories for our fans. Together, we get to celebrate these milestones and share in the journey.”
Festival producers Republic Live have received a multitude of awards for their camping and festival experiences. Accolades include recognition from the Academy of Country Music for Festival of the Year and seven CCMA Award wins for Country Festival of the Year, their most recent being for the 2024 event.
Festival Co-Founder Eva Dunford says, “Our festival is more than just music—it’s where hearts meet, and friendships are made. Every year, we come together to create memorable experiences, celebrate our favorite artists, and build connections that last. I’m so proud of all the hard work the entire staff put into creating such a special event for the community and the country genre.”
Weekend passes will be available for pre-sale beginning Wednesday (Oct. 30) at 10 a.m. ET, with public on sale to follow on Friday (Nov. 1) at 10 a.m. ET.
ACM LEVel Up Now Accepting Nominations & Applications For 2025 Cohort
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lifting Every Voice program is currently accepting nominations and applications for its 2025 cohort through Monday, Nov. 11.
Funded wholly by ACM at no cost to participants, the two-year intensive program is designed to elevate the next generation of leaders in the music industry and empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography. Throughout the first year, participants will learn more about the music business from some of the industry’s key executives and engage in volunteer opportunities. They will also collaborate as a cohort to devise a proposal to expand the genre’s reach into new and underrepresented audience segments. In the second year, the cohort will works together to implement the plan they formulated during their first year in the program.
Emerging leaders are encouraged to apply here if they have worked in the industry for more than five years and demonstrated a commitment and passion for making country music accessible and welcoming to all. Additionally, peers can nominate candidates here.
“The LEVel Up program has brought some of our industry’s most enthusiastic and hard-working rising leaders together to accomplish some truly incredible work in expanding country music to new and different audiences,” says Vipin Reddy, ACM Lifting Voices Council Chair. “On behalf of the ACM Board of Directors and the Lifting Voices Council, I can’t wait to support the individuals that step up to the plate for the 2025 cohort and help foster the ideas they can formulate together and put into action.”
“The Academy is excited to announce the launch of our fourth cohort in 2025. This program, created by our Lifting Voices Council, has been a true labor of love, with each cohort focused on fostering a more inclusive and dynamic music industry. The progress we’ve made over the years showcases our commitment to building a brighter future for music,” shares Kortney Toney, ACM Manager of Programming & Community Engagement/ACM LEVel Up Head. “Our DEI Task Force has worked diligently to open doors and expand opportunities, and we are eager to continue promoting inclusivity and equity through this program right here in Music City.”
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Love Somebody’ Debuts At No. 1 Globally
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen‘s latest single, “Love Somebody,” has reached the top of Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart, while simultaneously debuting at No. 1 on 11 other charts around the world.
“Love Somebody” is Wallen’s first song as a solo artist to debut at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100, and marks his ninth leader as well as his record-extending sixth No. 1 debut on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. It is also his third song to claim the top slot simultaneously on the two charts, breaking the record previously held by Glen Campbell, John Denver, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Taylor Swift (each with two).
“Love Somebody” was written by Wallen, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Elof Loelv and Ryan Vojtesak, and produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome. Additionally, a music video for “Love Somebody (Live from Neyland Stadium)” premiered last Thursday (Oct. 24).
The McCrary Sisters Announce 15th Annual ‘A McCrary Kind Of Christmas’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe McCrary Sisters
The McCrary Sisters are celebrating the holidays again this year by giving back to others with their “A McCrary Kind of Christmas” concert on Dec. 6 at Riverside Revival in Nashville.
The 15th annual event will feature performances by The McCrary Sisters, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Danny and Mabel Flowers, Raul Malo, Etta and Bob Britt, Jim Lauderdale, Lana Bolyejack, Dave Pomeroy, Crimm Singers, Phil Madiera, San Franklin, Allen McCrary, the McCrary Family and more.
The concert benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as individual families in need in the greater Nashville area, and tickets are on sale now here.
“This is the 15th year of A McCrary Kind Of Christmas,” says Regina McCrary. “I am so grateful and thankful that God has allowed us to be here to share with St. Jude Children’s Hospital as well as local Nashville families, and all who come out. The blessings and love that God gives us each and everyday. And also this year to honor the memory of our sister Deborah who passed away June 1, 2022. We miss her so. To celebrate A McCrary Kind Of Christmas is to celebrate family, friends, love, joy, peace, laughter, togetherness, and most importantly to us: God. To unselfishly give back to others the way God has always blessed and given to us.”
On Nov. 1, the Sisters will release a new single, “Let’s Come Together,” a celebratory song of unity during these difficult times. Ahead of the annual benefit, The McCrary Sisters will be performing at the WMOT/NPR Live Sessions Wired In concert on Nov. 6 at Riverside Revival.