Opry Celebrates The Music Of America Leading Up To The Nation’s 250th Birthday

/by

Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry is continuing its 100th anniversary commemoration through 2026, and has added celebrations of uniquely American music in honor of the USA’s 250th birthday.

On March 20, the Opry will perform its fourth show (1947, 1961, 2005) at Carnegie Hall as part of Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 festival, which celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary. Opry members performing include Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Rhonda Vincent, and Henry Cho, along with special guests Wyatt Flores and The War and Treaty.

The Opry will celebrate bluegrass music at the Ryman on April 23, and Opry performers that night will include Dailey & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, and more. And Vince Gill, Paul Franklin, The Gatlin Brothers, and more will be part of a special Opry show celebrating the Bakersfield sound on May 28. And on July 4, the Opry is scheduled to host its 5,244th Saturday night broadcast on the country’s 250th birthday.

Additional upcoming performers at the weekly Opry shows include 49 Winchester, Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Ashley Cooke, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, Steve Wariner, and more.

CMA Expands Partnership With C2C

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jim King, Scott Borchetta, Sarah Trahern, Rachel Davies and Mark Sutherland speak during the 2026 CMA International Summit at Soho Works on March 11, 2026 in London, England. Photo: Kate Green/Getty Images for CMA

CMA returned to the U.K. last week to support this year’s Country to Country festival, continuing CMA’s ongoing commitment to developing country music globally through strategic worldwide initiatives and partnerships.

“C2C continues to be a highlight of our year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From an unforgettable Songwriters Series to the excitement around the CMA Spotlight Stage in London and Glasgow and for the first time, Berlin and Rotterdam, this week was a powerful reminder of how deeply Country Music connects with fans around the world. It was also incredibly meaningful to host our first International Summit in London and bring together our partners across the U.K. and Europe to reflect on the continued growth we’re seeing throughout the region. The passion from fans and partners reminds us why this genre continues to thrive, and we’re excited to build on that progress.”

Last Wednesday (March 11), CMA held its inaugural International Summit at Soho Works in London. The gathering included 140 invited industry members, and supported career development through activities and networking throughout the day. The summit included a keynote panel moderated by Mark Sutherland (Host, The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast), with speakers including Scott Borchetta (Founder/Chairman, Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Rachel Davies (Commissioning Editor, BBC Popular Music Television), Jim King (CEO, AEG Presents U.K. and European Festivals), and Trahern. A CMA Task Force panel also took place moderated by Alex Hannaby (Head of U.K., SVP International, HYBE Label Service), alongside breakout sessions.

The CMA Songwriter Series kicks off the UK C2C Festival at Indigo at The O2 on March 12, 2026 in London, England. Photo: Luke Dyson/CMA

CMA also showcased a collection of data highlighting country consumption in the U.K. and Europe. During the presentation, CMA showed that country music consumption has grown by 181% across the U.K. and country’s share of the overall U.K. music market has doubled since 2o20, marking it the fastest-growing genre in the U.K. for three consecutive years.

“As country music continues its incredible international growth, the CMA continues to be front and center in its outreach and effectiveness in bringing together best in class partners to expand globally,” shares Borchetta.

“The BBC has been supporting country music for decades, and it’s been a joy to see the appetite for the genre grow exponentially in recent years,” adds Davies. “It’s also been wonderful to reflect this growth in our TV commissioning. Over the last year alone, we broadcast Grand Ole Opry: Live in London on BBC Two, we streamed the CMA Awards live, marking the moment with a dedicated country music channel on BBC iPlayer, featuring a night of classic country-related programming that has been broadcast on the BBC over the years. Other highlights included our BBC Two factual entertainment series, Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip, our broadcast of the CMA Fest and more. Country artists were also spotlighted on returning series such has Later… with Jools Holland and Radio 2’s Piano Room, which we show in vision on BBC iPlayer. It’s really important to us that we continue to collaborate with colleagues across the BBC, and with the wider industry, so that we can continue to play our part in celebrating international and homegrown country artists for years to come.”

The CMA Songwriter Series kicks off the UK C2C Festival at Indigo at The O2 on March 12, 2026 in London, England. Photo: Luke Dyson/CMA

“The CMA Summit in London was an outstanding opportunity for connection, collaboration and genuine momentum for country music across the U.K. and Europe,” explains King. “Having so many leaders, promoters and partners together with such shared purpose made the conversations both energizing and productive. The coordination and partnership investment that CMA brings to the genre is unique, and it remains a key driver of country music’s continued growth internationally. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and proud to support CMA’s work in strengthening the genre’s development across global markets.”

CMA also held the inaugural CMA Songwriters Series on Thursday (March 12) at indigo at The O2. Performers for the sold-out evening included Ashley Cooke, Emily Ann Roberts, Keith Urban and Kristian Bush, with Urban serving as host.

Lastly, CMA continued its Spotlight Stage in London and Glasgow this year, while also adding Berlin and Rotterdam to the lineup. Throughout the four locations, performances included Crowe Boys, Dylan Schneider, Elizabeth Nichols, Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Jade Eagleson, John Morgan, Julia Cole, Liam St. John, Mae Estes, McCoy Moore, Noah Rinker, Solon Holt and Tyce Delk. 

RLive Signs Madeline Merlo To Management

/by

Madeline Merlo.

Madeline Merlo has signed to RLive, the management and artist development division of Republic Live.

Merlo is a 3x CCMA Award-winning artist and has notched more than 125 million global streams, six top 10 singles and a Platinum-certified No. 1 track. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024 and earned recognition as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country. She released her six-track EP, One House Down (From The Girl Next Door), in 2024.

“Madeline is an exceptional artist and songwriter whose confidence, creativity, and tenacity have made her one of the most compelling voices in country music today,” shares Kate Howse, Artist Manager, RLive. “Madeline fits seamlessly into the RLive roster of world-class talent, and we’re honoured to partner with her as she steps into the next exciting chapter of her career.”

“I cannot think of a more hardworking, creative and passionate team than RLive to partner with me on this next chapter,” adds Merlo.

Merlo joins a roster that includes Tyler Joe Miller, Zach McPhee and Sarah Vanderzon.

Red Street Records Announces Staff Promotions, Addition

/by

Sally Allgeier, Cambria Sojka and Olivia Vardy

Red Street Records has promoted staffers Cambria Sojka and Sally Allgeier and added Olivia Vardy to the label team.

Allgeier adds Digital Partnerships to her existing title of National Director of Country Promotion, while Sojka rises to Director of Marketing and Creative, both serving the country and Christian rosters. Vardy joins the team as the Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Sojka continues her creative responsibilities while working arm in arm with the label’s country A&R, streaming, PR and radio departments to serve as the project manager of Red Street Country releases. Allgeier will continue to serve as National Director of Radio Promotion for the country roster while taking on the added responsibility of leading Red Street in the management of DSP partner accounts for both the CCM and country formats. Vardy joins the staff to serve both the Creative and Digital Streaming departments, executing digital marketing initiatives that promote artists and new releases.

“Leading with our artist first mentality, it’s been a mission at Red Street to cultivate the next generation of outstanding executives and leaders in Nashville,” says Red Street GM Alex Valentine. “Watching Cambria and Sally grow within the culture of the team at Red Street has been truly inspiring. Their contributions have been vital to the progress we’ve made over the past few years and these moves are very well deserved. We’re also very happy to welcome Olivia to the Red Street family and look forward to the impact she’ll have on our future.”

NEEDTOBREATHE Slates ‘The Long Surrender Tour’

/by

NEEDTOBREATHE. Photo: Alyssa Gafjken

NEEDTOBREATHE will kick off the first leg of their 25-date headlining “The Long Surrender Tour” on Aug. 12.

The late summer run will span amphitheaters across the country and will include longtime friends and collaborators Drew & Ellie Holcomb as special guests. The tour will include stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Indianapolis, Charleston, Austin, and more through Sept. 20.

Artist presale for the new trek begins today (March 17) with local pre-sales beginning March 18 and Spotify pre-sale starting on March 19. Tickets will be available to the public on March 20 here.

“The Long Surrender Tour” launches on the heels of NEEDTOBREATHE’s upcoming album of the same name, releasing on March 27. Produced by Dave Cobb, the new album, led by the early standout “Momma Loves Me” featuring The Red Clay Strays, reflects themes of faith, redemption, and renewed clarity. The project is their 10th studio album and first release for MCA.

“The Long Surrender Tour” Dates:
8/12: Maryland Heights, MO –Saint Louis Music Park
8/14: Dillon, CO – Lake Dillon Amphitheatre
8/15: Sandy, UT – Sandy City Amphitheater
8/16: Sandy, UT – Sandy City Amphitheater
8/18: Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
8/20: Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
8/21: Seattle, WA – Marymoor Amphitheater
8/22: Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino – BECU Live
8/23: Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater
8/25: Moorhead, MN – Bluestem Amphitheater
8/27: Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed – The Shed
8/28: Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
8/29: Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater
8/30: Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
9/05: Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/06: Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
9/09: Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
9/10: Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
9/11: Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
9/12: Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
9/14: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/17: Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
9/18: Birmingham, AL – Coca Cola Amphitheater
9/19: Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
9/20: Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena

BREAKING: Clint Higham, John Esposito & Kris Lamb Launch HEY NOW Records, Sign Kenny Chesney

/by

Pictured (L-R): Clint Higham, John Esposito, Kris Lamb & Kenny Chesney. Photos: Courtesy of HEY NOW Records

Clint Higham, John Esposito and Kris Lamb have launched HEY NOW Records, signing Kenny Chesney as the flagship artist.

Lamb will serve as Co-Founder and President of the organization. A veteran music executive, his career spans radio, music publishing and label leadership, including time at The Walt Disney Company’s Lyric Street records and more than a decade in executive leadership at Big Machine Label Group. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to more than 80 No. 1 hits and numerous RIAA Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications, along with Grammy, Country Music Association, American Music and Academy of Country Music Awards.

“Having the chance to create something from the ground up means the options are wide open,” says Lamb, who helms day-to-day operations for the new label. “In a world where structure blocks creativity, HEY NOW is a place where whatever we can conceive, we can realize. This is more than a dream; this is a gateway to creating an entirely new form and reality of Artist Development.”

“We have always believed in finding the best people for what an artist needs,” adds Co-Founder Higham, President of Morris Higham Management and CMA Manager of the Year. “That philosophy has seen us super-serve our clients to create more meaningful opportunities and connections. In today’s flooded marketplace, Espo, Kris Lamb and I looked at this moment and saw an opportunity to super-serve a handful of talented developing and established artists by using that same perspective. By being laser-focused on the music, artists and right next moves, we can accelerate the artist development process through targeted and specific execution.”

“HEY NOW Records was born out of conversations Clint, Kenny and I had about the increasing lack of focus that artists are getting as rosters increase while staffs shrink,” shares Esposito, 15-year veteran Chairman/CEO of Warner Music Nashville. “When Kris joined our conversations, I knew we would be lucky to have him at the helm of our operation. I’m thrilled to be in the role of co-founder, advisor, mentor and cheerleader for Kris as he leads the HEY NOW Records operation!”

Chesney, a recent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, became the first solo headliner at Sphere in Las Vegas last year. He has notched 105 million RIAA-certified units in the U.S. alone and holds Billboard‘s record for the most Country Airplay No. 1s with 33 chart-topping songs. His book, Heart Life Music, debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction and Combined Ebook and Hardcover Nonfiction lists, where it spent seven consecutive weeks.

“When Clint, Espo and Kris came to me with the idea of creating our own team, I was curious,” says Chesney. “A label like this can be all-in, lets-make-stuff-happen – and I have always been about making things happen. Creating and exploring what’s possible inspires me, and this is a moment where we can realize ideas in a matter of hours.”

Lamb can be reached here.

Nominees Unveiled For 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards

/by

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards nominees. The nominee-only ceremony will take place at the Analog at the Hutton Hotel on April 14th at 7 p.m, and will be hosted by Storme Warren.

The evening will recognize the past year’s biggest hits written and promoted solely by Nashville’s independent publishing companies and their songwriters. Leading the nominations this year are Johnny Clawson with four and Jessie Jo Dillon with three.

Categories for this year’s awards include Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, and Publisher of the Year.

“We are very excited to host our 11th AIMP Awards this year, continuing our tradition of honoring the very best independent songwriters and music publishers in Nashville! We look forward to celebrating all of these talented nominees on Tuesday, April 14th,” says Alex Heddle, Senior Vice President of Publishing at Big Machine.

The final voting period opens at 1:30 p.m. CT today (March 17), and closes at 5 p.m. CT on March 24. For any questions regarding voter eligibility and category requirements, reach out here.

2026 AIMP Nashville Awards Nominees:

Rising Songwriter Of The Year Nominees
*7 nominees (because of a tie)
Dan Alley – Independently published by River House Artists
Beau Bailey – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Jeremy Bussey – Independently published by Spirit Music Group/Fluid Music Revolution
Johnny Clawson – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Josh Dorr – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Lauren Hungate – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Emily Reid – Independently published by Reservoir Media

Rising Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees
*7 nominees (because of a tie)
Kassi Ashton – Independently published by Creative Nation
Tigirlily Gold – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Zach John King – Independently published by BOOM Music Group
Vincent Mason – Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing
McCoy Moore – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Emily Ann Roberts – Independently published by Jody Williams Songs
Hudson Westbrook – Independently published by River House Artists

Songwriter Of The Year
John Byron – Independently published by Big Loud Publishing
Jessie Jo Dillon – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Ben Johnson – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Josh Miller – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Blake Pendergrass – Independently published by Back Blocks Music
Taylor Phillips – Independently published by Tape Room Music

Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees
Jordan Davis – Independently published by Anthem Entertainment
Russell Dickerson – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Hardy – Independently published by Spirit Music Group
Walker Hayes – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Carly Pearce – Independently published by Altadena Music
Zach Top – Independently published by Major Bob Music

Song Of The Year Nominees
“Am I Okay?” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Creative Nation; Performed by Megan Moroney

“Happen To Me” written by Russell Dickerson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Robert Hazard, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Big Machine Music, Hang Your Hat/Concord Music Publishing; Performed by Russell Dickerson

“I Never Lie” written by Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top; Independently published by Major Bob Music; Performed by Zach Top

“Texas” written by Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock; Independently published by SMACKSongs; Performed by Blake Shelton

“Weren’t For The Wind” written by Johnny Clawson, Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Verse2; Performed by Ella Langley

“20 Cigarettes” written by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass; Independently published by Hang Your Hat/Concord Music Publishing, Concord Music Publishing, Back Blocks Music; Performed by Morgan Wallen

Publisher’s Pick Of The Year Nominees
“Come Home To You” written by Jim McCormick, Makayla Lynn Parry, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Independently published by Eclipse Music Group, Wrensong Entertainment, Harvey Dog Songs, peermusic; Performed by Emily Ann Roberts

“Dream Come True” written by Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Carly Pearce, Emily Weisband; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Altadena Music; Performed by Carly Pearce

“Mama I Lied” written by Rob Hatch, David Mescon, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams; Independently published by Eclipse Music Group, Major Bob Music; Performed by Megan Moroney

“Something To You” written by Johnny Clawson, McCoy Moore, Colton Venner, Will Weatherly; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Concord Music Publishing, Tape Room Publishing; Performed by McCoy Moore

“Sounds Like Something I’d Say” written by Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Jon Randall; Independently published by Creative Nation; Performed by Kassi Ashton and Parker McCollum

“TN” written by John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Taylor Phillips, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen, Geoff Warburton; Independently published by Big Loud Publishing, SMACK Songs, Tape Room Music, Big Machine Music, Range Music; Performed by Morgan Wallen

Song Champion Of The Year Nominees
Michelle Attardi – Senior Creative Director, Big Machine Music
Emily Furman – VP of Creative, Creative Nation
Shannan Hatch – SVP, Head of Nashville Creative, SESAC
Lee Krabel – Senior Vice President of Publishing, SMACKSongs
Dave Pacula – Senior VP Creative, Liz Rose Music
Ciara Shortridge – VP, Country Publishing/A&R, Curb Word Entertainment

Top Independent Music Publishers Of The Year
Back Blocks Music
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Concord Music Publishing
Reservoir Media
Tape Room Music

Sony Music Nashville & Kane Brown Renew Worldwide Deal

/by

Pictured (L-R): Margaret Tomlin (VP, A&R, SMN), Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Kane Brown, Ken Robold (President & COO, SMN) and Martha Earls (Owner, Neon Coast). Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

After 10 years of success together, Sony Music Nashville and global superstar Kane Brown have renewed their partnership, with the multi-Platinum-selling artist signing a new multi-album, worldwide deal with the label.

“Kane has been an undeniable force who has pushed the boundaries in country music for the past 10 years,” says Taylor Lindsey, Sony Music Nashville Chair & CEO. “His talent, great music and ability to connect with his fans is what sets him apart. We are so excited to be his partner as he enters this new era of creativity and look forward to being on this journey with him.”

“I’m really excited about my partnership with Sony Music,” says Brown. “We’ve built something special together over the years, and I’ve got so much respect for Taylor, Ken [Robold], Margaret [Tomlin], and the whole Sony Nashville team. It feels like we’re just getting started.”

Since signing with Sony Music Nashville, Brown has garnered more than 20 billion streams worldwide, scored 13 No. 1 singles at country radio, earned over 60 RIAA certified records—including two Diamond hits, “What Ifs” and “Heaven”—notched over 25 awards nominations and 14 wins and has sold out stadiums and arenas across the globe.

Additionally, Brown has earned numerous accolades for his ongoing philanthropic work with The Boys & Girls Club, including the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Humanitarian Award, the Champion of Youth Award from The Boys & Girls Club and the People’s Choice Country Awards Country Champion Award. After being named to TIME’s 100 most influential people list in 2021, Brown became the first black artist in history to headline and sell out Boston’s historic Fenway Park (2023).

Brown has also stepped into film and television as an actor and executive producer, is a founder of Verse2—a publishing venture in partnership with Sony Music Publishing—and is set to open his new Nashville bar, Kane’s on Broadway, later this year.

Brown recently kicked off his next era of music with the new track and music video, “Woman.”

Morgan Wallen Partners With SiriusXM To Launch New 24/7 Channel

/by

SiriusXM and global superstar Morgan Wallen will launch a new exclusive year-round country music channel on April 7. Morgan Wallen Radio will debut on channel 64 and the SiriusXM app.

Curated and presented by Wallen, the channel will include his biggest hits and fan favorites. In addition to his catalog, subscribers will hear songs from the country megastar’s musical influences and unexpected favorites. Listeners will also hear exclusive commentary and behind-the-scenes stories from Wallen on the making of his music, artists that have left a major impact on him and untold stories from the road as he prepares for his upcoming “Still The Problem” 23-date stadium tour.

Morgan Wallen Radio will be available for free in all SiriusXM-equipped vehicles from launch on April 7 through May 6, giving non-subscribers a chance to experience the service.

“Listeners can expect to hear a lot of things that I listen to on a day-to-day basis, which is probably a lot different than what most people expect,” shares Wallen. “I will be personally curating the music so they will get a glimpse into my world. I’m excited for everyone to hear it.”

“Morgan Wallen is undeniably one of the most influential forces shaping and creating music today,” says Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer at SiriusXM. “At SiriusXM, we’re always looking for ways to bring fans closer to the artists they love, and this launch does just that, from a channel curated by Morgan himself to an exclusive concert experience that gives listeners unprecedented access to his music, his influences, and his live performance.”

Wallen will celebrate the channel’s launch with a recorded, intimate live performance at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on April 2. SiriusXM subscribers and fans can enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. Fans who do not live in the Nashville area can also enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the concert.

LOCASH Launches Music City Power Company With Partners Skip Bishop & Shane Harluk

/by

LOCASH. Photo: Josh Beech

LOCASH has partnered with manager Skip Bishop and entrepreneur Shane Harluk to launch a new artist development and music marketing hub, Music City Power Company.

Comprised of artists, songwriters and executives, the team will provide A&R, creative direction, distribution, marketing and radio services to clients. The company will be headquartered in Nashville, while the Calgary-based Harluk will lead operations in Canada. Music City Power Company has emerged as a natural extension of Galaxy Label Group, which LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas officially founded in 2024. Bishop has also managed the group since 2023, while Harluk has a longstanding friendship with the duo.

Mara Sidweber

Galaxy Label Group and Music City Power Company have appointed Mara Sidweber to the dual role of VP Promotion and Strategy for Music City Power Company and National Promotion for Galaxy Label Group. She will report directly to Bishop. Reach her at mara@galaxylabelgroup.net.

Sidweber spent 12 years at Capitol Records, Nashville in addition to leading marketing and radio promotion at Southern Ground Artists for four years in between. As one of the industry’s top promotion executives, she has spearheaded campaigns for Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Little Big Town, Lady A, Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi, catalyzing 61 No. 1 records. She will now oversee radio promotion for Music City Power Company and Galaxy Label Group.

“At Galaxy, we are deeply familiar with the tools, team, energy and leadership needed to break through and win,” says Bishop. “The Music City Power Company has assembled the best of the best and will offer a level of modern, focused expertise and passion that independent artists need right now.”