Tiera Kennedy Remains ‘Rooted’ In Authenticity On Debut Album [Interview]

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Tiera Kennedy. Photo: Kamren Kennedy

Songstress Tiera Kennedy is flying to new heights in the music industry with her feathery, smooth vocal stylings and the honest and vulnerable way in which she shares her stories.

Having infused her R&B-accented country sound into the People’s Choice Country Award-nominated “Blackbiird” cover featured on Beyoncè’s Cowboy Carter album as well as her 2021 self-titled EP and other previous releases, Kennedy continues to stay to herself now as an independent artist on her debut album, Rooted, and recently took some time to chat with MusicRow about the newly-unveiled project.

When developing the album, Kennedy didn’t put labels or limits on any musical facet and welcomed any influences that wandered into writing sessions—an approach similar to one she saw Beyoncè took with Cowboy Carter.

“When I was putting Rooted together, I tried to bring that same sentiment [that Beyoncè had] of not really caring about fitting into the box that people wanted me to be in, but fitting into the box that I wanted to be in.

“I think this is the first time that I’ve looked at a body of work and been fully proud of every single moment on the project, and that’s how it should be.”

The Alabama native says her songwriting has evolved in various ways since she first moved to Nashville.

“I care a lot less about what other people have to say about the music that I’m writing,” Kennedy notes. “It has been so freeing to create music that I love and not try to put it in a box while I’m in the writers’ room. I’m able to be so much more vulnerable both lyrically and sonically.”

She serves as co-writer on each of the 11 tracks, including singles “I Ain’t A Cowgirl” and “Cry” as well as the Jordin Sparks collaboration “Damn If He Don’t Love Me.”

“It was really important for me, especially with Rooted being my story and my introduction to so many people to have a hand in creating all of the songs.”

When it came to curating and naming the collection, Kennedy wanted to dig deeper into the soulful soil in order to show a different side of herself and further connect with fans.

“This was my first project that wasn’t self-titled, and I really wanted it to mean something. I had this long list of titles and Rooted was the one that kept sticking out to me,” she explains. “Initially, when we put this album together, it meant something different. It was an album of stories, of my roots, but after my record deal ended, it became the literal definition of the word rooted—to stand firm and be confident in who you are. So when I started choosing songs and writing new work for the record, I wanted to go a little deeper.”

Kennedy continues, “I usually like to put out fun, upbeat songs that people can jam to, but I’ve realized over the course of this year that life is not only sunshine and rainbows, and that it’s okay to talk about the hard things and how you got got through them. So that’s really what this album represents for me.”

She first gave listeners a taste of her new-found liberation with the release of “I Ain’t A Cowgirl” this past spring. Written by Kennedy, Rooted producer Cameron Bedell, David DeVaul and Joe Fox, the tune is one of her favorites on the album.

“It was the first song where I was okay with being more vulnerable and letting people know that I’m not always happy and sharing the darker side my journey. Filming the video and everything surrounding that song has just brought me so much peace, and to see the way it’s affected other people as well has been really special.”

Along with her vulnerable side, her beautiful multi-genre blend is on full display with tracks like “Cry,” which samples the Timbaland-produced Justin Timberlake hit “Cry Me A River” while discussing the concepts of deserving better and prioritizing your own happiness, and “Damn If He Don’t Love Me” with Sparks, co-penned by Kennedy, Bedell and Shane Stevens.

“I thought that [Jordin] would be perfect for ‘Damn If He Don’t Love Me’ because it’s about my love for my husband [Kamren], who’s my creative director, and her husband is also her manager, so we really relate to each other on that front,” she says. “I thought it would be a beautiful story for us to tell together.

“I grew up listening to Jordin. She just has this massive voice and is so talented, so collaborating with her on that song was wild. She absolutely killed it and brought all of herself to it. I’m so honored to have her on that song with me.”

Kennedy hopes that this new music allows fans to escape and feel a range emotions, both good and bad, that concludes in empowerment.

“At the end of the record, at the end of a show, I want people to leave feeling like they can conquer the world, because that’s how I felt making this record. It’s the most freeing I’ve ever felt as an artist, and I think that everyone should fill that in whatever they do.”

Rooted Track Listing:
1. “Keep Your Promises” (Tiera Kennedy, Jim Beavers)
2. “Cry” (Tiera Kennedy, Cameron Bedell, Jared Scott, Justin Timberlake, Timothy Mosley (Timbaland), Scott Storch)
3. “Better Than Me” (Tiera Kennedy, Joe Fox, Jared Scott, Allison Veltz)
4. “You Don’t Get It” (Tiera Kennedy, Cameron Bedell, David DeVaul)
5. “I’d Look Good In That Truck” (Tiera Kennedy, Mark Trussell, Joe Fox, Trannie Anderson)
6. “Rooted” (Tiera Kennedy, Jared Scott, Cameron Bedell, Emily Falvey)
7. “Can’t Help My Country” (Tiera Kennedy, Cameron Bedell, Heather Morgan)
8. “Sweet Home Alabama” (Tiera Kennedy, Cameron Bedell, Jared Scott)
9. “Damn If He Don’t Love Me (feat. Jordin Sparks)” (Tiera Kennedy, Cameron Bedell, Shane Stevens)
10. “I Ain’t A Cowgirl” (Tiera Kennedy, David Devaul, Joe Fox, Cameron Bedell)
11. “Last Call” (Tiera Kennedy, Cameron Bedell, Emily Landis)

Industry Veteran Bob Bender Passes

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Bob Bender

Industry veteran Robert “Bob” Bender passed away on Oct. 13 after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

The Bakersfield native followed his passion for live music early. After graduation from high school, his career took him from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, San Francisco and finally to Nashville. For nearly 50 years Bender worked in almost every facet of the industry, culminating in executive positions at Curb Records. He produced over 300 tours, festivals and concerts throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico and Japan, along with managing and working at multiple record labels.

As a tour manager, Bender was part of the 1989 “Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band Tour,” along with representing artists including Billy Preston, Dwight Twilley, Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam, Rick Derringer, Edgar Winter, Gene Pitney and Anvil. While Manager of Artist Development for Curb Records he represented Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina and Hank Williams, Jr. He oversaw Curb’s Christian retail segment, helping develop it into a million dollar division which led him to become Curb’s Director of Sales.

In 2017 Bender partnered with Tom Sabella to host The Business Side of Music Podcast, which grew into a leading music industry podcast show on Spotify. The podcast had over 300,000 listeners in 120 countries around the world. Bender was also producing other podcasts, including Between the Notes with Jack Sharkey, Two Dudes Talk Money and Music and Lorrie Morgan’s War Paint, which was his final production credit.

Bender is survived by his wife Debbie Halle; sister Melissa McDonald and husband Jeff; daughter Erin Fitzwater and her husband Jeff; son Joshua Schock; daughter Nicole Perez and husband Christopher; son Devon Bender and his fiancee Mandi Altheide; son Caleb Bender; son Patrick Halle; daughter Katie Berry and husband Cody; daughter Lindsay Halle; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Holy Rosary (192 Graylynn Dr, Nashville, TN 37214) on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m., with interment at Calvary Cemetery (1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210) directly afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Music Health Alliance.

Luke Bryan & Jockey To Open Coopers 12South Retail Spot In Nashville

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright

Luke Bryan has partnered with Jockey International Inc. to open Coopers 12South, an experiential retail spot in the heart of Nashville’s 12South neighborhood at 2605 12th Avenue South.

Coopers 12South pays homage to the Nashville music scene, embracing Bryan’s love of the great outdoors and giving a hat tip to the Jockey brand story, centering on family, community and tradition. The store will be a fusion of activations, music, local artisan workshops, community events and exclusive apparel. It will feature limited-edition Jockey Outdoors by Luke Bryan Collection merchandise and curated goods, offer quality-crafted clothing inspired by the Nashville music scene, and share the pioneering legacy of Jockey founder, Reverend Samuel T. Cooper.

Throughout each space of Coopers 12South, guests will be met with immersive LED walls, distinctive art installations and exclusive, limited-edition merchandise. The store will also feature local Nashville elements, from merch to artisan goods and music to locally crafted giftable items and will showcase up-and-coming local designers and artists yet to be discovered. Outside of the store, guests will be invited to sit, relax and stay at a front-of-store patio area covered by a trellis. The space is being designed by interior designer Mark Simmons and his associate designer Alli Roberts.

“I could not be more excited to partner with my friends at Jockey to open this store right here in Music City on 12South,” says Bryan. “Coopers 12South is going to be such a great experience for everyone who enters our door while also focusing on being a good neighbor to those up and down that street. What an honor to not only shine a light on the outdoors I love to sing about and live every day but also offer a place for many others to share their visions and passions.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Luke and bring an immersive, lifestyle-first store to the 12South community that creates a distinctive experience for our guests,” says Mark Fedyk, President and COO, Jockey. “The store’s offerings and atmosphere will be tailored to, and embody, the 12South neighborhood and its community. This will be a unique and one-of-a-kind store that ‘fits’ the neighborhood. Everything about Coopers 12South will be done in a thoughtful way that meshes with community and carries a local vibe.”

In June 2024, Jockey opened a satellite office in Nashville at Fifth + Broadway, further establishing roots in the community. The Coopers 12South store is expected to open to the public in late November.

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Receives National Medal Of Arts

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts.

The medal was awarded by President Joe Biden during a special ceremony at the White House on Monday (Oct. 21). Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, accepted the Medal on behalf of the institution.

The ceremony recognized 20 recipients representing the past two years. Primarily awarded to individuals, the CMHOFM was the only institution to receive the Medal among the new recipients. Established in 1984, the Medal is the highest award given to artists and arts institutions who are “deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the U.S.”

“Our museum and country music itself were both born of humble beginnings — an origin that made it common for many to dismiss the artform or any careful study of it,” says Young. “The National Medal of Arts is a treasured validation of our longtime commitment to country music’s cultural significance, even when our work was not considered a serious endeavor. For more than a century, this music has given voice to the thoughts, feelings, hardships, triumphs and values of our country’s people. This prestigious recognition, to me, says that our institution is on the right track — collecting, studying and cherishing country music while holding to a broad approach including all forms of American vernacular music in its narrative.”

As one of the most-visited history museums in the country, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors in 2023 and offered more than 1,200 educational programs. Its flagship Words & Music program promotes language arts by pairing songwriters with school classrooms to create original songs. In addition, the museum offers the 7,500-square-foot Taylor Swift Education Center and the CMA Theater and Ford Theater which regularly host live music and cultural events. The museum’s collection facilities, including the Frist Library and Archive, houses the world’s largest assemblage of country music artifacts and serves as a research hub for understanding the genre’s history and impact.

ASCAP Executive John Titta Passes After Cancer Battle

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John Titta. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP

John Titta, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at ASCAP, has died following a two-year battle with cancer.

Titta has worked at the PRO since 2013, where he served in the executive role until his passing. At ASCAP, he led the entire membership team and was responsible for signing and working with all of the organization’s members, including the top names in music across genres and generations.

“All of us at ASCAP are heartbroken,” shared ASCAP President & Chairman, songwriter Paul Williams. “John Titta was one of a kind, and truly one of the most beloved music industry executives I have known, with deep ties to songwriters across genres and generations. John—you had a song in your heart always, and you will always be in our hearts. I miss you already.”

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “John Titta’s warmth, his humor, his kindness, his love of family, and his passion for music were infectious. He was a north star for me personally, and for all of us at ASCAP. John was instrumental in the success of so many songwriters throughout his storied career, and he shared his love of music and songwriters so freely that we all felt the joy. All of us in the ASCAP family are devastated by his passing. Titta—we love you.”

Titta, a lifelong resident of Staten Island, started his career as a musician, songwriter and music teacher. He got into publishing with a job at Screen Gems/EMI Music as Professional Manager, signing such acts as Surface and The Smithereens. He eventually worked with legendary songwriters Carole King and Lou Reed, and had songs covered by Tina Turner, Grover Washington Jr., Alice Cooper, Joan Jett and Dave Edmunds.

Titta then moved to PolyGram Music Publishing, where he was named Vice President of A&R. There, he signed iconic artists like Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Pearl Jam, Brian McKnight, K.D. Lang, Billy Ray Cyrus and songwriter Jimmy Webb.

During this time, he was also responsible for individual hit songs including “Save The Best For Last” by Vanessa Williams and “The Folks That Live On The Hill” by Tony Bennett, and he oversaw A&R work on the compilation album Two Rooms, A Tribute To Elton John and Bernie Taupin and multiple movie soundtracks, such as Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory, Days Of Thunder, Scream, Bruce Almighty, Varsity Blues and more.

Titta served as Senior Vice President / General Manager of Warner Chappell Music, Inc. in New York from 1993 to 2006, where he signed such acts as Trey Songz, Fat Joe, Missy Elliott, Kid Rock, Collective Soul, India.Arie, Gavin DeGraw, Cassandra Wilson, Dan Wilson (Semisonic), Uncle Kracker, Shaggy, Simple Plan, Duane Eddy and Bruce Hornsby. He scored with hits such as the Grammy Award-winning “Smooth” by Santana, “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake, “Lean Back” by Terror Squad,” “Waiting For Tonight” by Jennifer Lopez, “One Of Us” by Joan Osborne, “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis, “Pon De Replay” by Rihanna and many more, including songs recorded by Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Patty Loveless and Marc Anthony.

Titta started MPCA Music Publishing and Recordings in 2006. The independent company featured the catalog of Blues legend Robert Johnson and songs by Sammy Cahn and Jack Wolf, among others, with songs recorded by Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, John Mayer, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Aretha Franklin and more.

He joined ASCAP in 2013, where his impact has been indelible.

Also a musician, Titta performed on albums by Ringo Starr and Gizelle D’Cole and played with Michael McDonald, The Doobie Brothers, Duane Eddy, Richie Sambora and Omi. He spent time with Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan on the Tony Award winning musical Memphis, and did production and A&R work on albums by Dionne Warwick, Todd Rundgren, Melinda Doolittle, Smash Mouth and Donny & Marie Osmond.

Titta is survived by his wife Lana Titta, his sons Alex and Julian, his daughter Martine, grandson Mason and his brother Michael. The family is planning a private service to be followed by a memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John and Rose Titta Fund at The ASCAP Foundation, which Titta set up in memory of his parents to help children on the Autism spectrum through music programs. Donations can be made here or by sending a check to The ASCAP Foundation, 250 West 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10107. In the memo section write: John and Rose Titta Fund.

Dylan Marlowe Inks With Relative Music Group & Play It Again Music

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Pictured (L–R): Play It Again Music’s Cade Price, Dallas Davidson and Alyssa Ramsey; Dylan Marlowe; Relative Music Group’s Ali Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Caroline Clark, Jesse Matkosky and Dennis Matkosky

Singer-songwriter Dylan Marlowe has signed a joint publishing deal with Relative Music Group and Play It Again Music.

“Dylan Marlowe is a superstar. A superstar both on stage and in the writing room,” says Play It Again Music’s Dallas Davidson. “By joining forces with my crew at PIA and [Michael] Hardy and his team at Relative—that’s how you bottle up success. This is the kind of stuff that fires my ass up.”

The Statesboro, Georgia native has been making waves in Nashville due to his clever and authentic lyrics. He earned his first No. 1 as a songwriter with “Last Night Lonely” recorded by Jon Pardi, and currently has his first top 20 and climbing single as an artist, the Gold-certified collaboration “Boys Back Home (feat. Dylan Scott),” He signed his Sony Music Nashville & Play It Again Music record deal in January 2023.

This past spring, Marlowe held his sold-out headlining “Dirt Road When I Die Tour,” before hitting the road with Dan + Shay for “The Heartbreak On The Map Tour” this past summer. In 2023, Marlowe was on “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” with Hardy, and has also been on select dates with Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis and Brantley Gilbert.

He also released his debut album Mid-Twenties Crisis in September. Marlowe co-wrote all 15 tracks on the project, with the title track being a solo write. The album weaves together personal stories of the singer’s life, from heartbreaks to battling comparison to settling down. He will kick off his “Mid-Twenties Crisis Tour” on Jan. 23.

“Dylan has been one of my favorite writers and artists in the fourteen years I’ve been in town. I’ve had the pleasure of bringing him on tour and seeing these great songs come to life, and I truly think Dylan is the next big thing,” shares Hardy. “My favorite thing about Dylan is that he’s a certified country boy. There’s a lot of people out there like Dylan that love to fish and hunt and look for arrowheads, and he knows how to speak that language and turn that lifestyle into a song. I’m so excited to have him on board at Relative, and I cannot wait to see the great things that he will do and hear the great songs he will write.”

Dollywood To Celebrate 40th Season In 2025

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Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park will celebrate its 40th season next year. Although the park has changed since its opening on May 3, 1986, it has sought to stay true to its mission of creating a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.

“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” expresses Parton. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.

“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” she adds with a laugh. “But look at how far we’ve come since then—and we’re just getting started!”

Dollywood has special events, new celebrations and several returning favorites planned to commemorate the milestone season, starting with Season Passholder Preview Day on March 14. The I Will Always Love You Music Festival will follow March 15–April 13, with the return of From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton, which details the story of Parton leaving everything she knew in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. Taking place in Celebrity Theater, the show will run through the Flower & Food Festival, set for April 18–June 8, which aims to create an immersive atmosphere for with more than half-a-million flowers and Smoky Mountain delicacies.

Additionally, a new 40th anniversary show will debut during Memorial Day weekend and run through the end of summer, highlighting moments from guest-favorite shows during the park’s history of entertainment offerings. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, presented by Food City, will then take place June 14–Aug. 3 and feature a new drone and fireworks spectacle as well as a new opening ceremony that will occur at the beginning of each operating day.

The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Parton’s Imagination Library, will offer a rotation of favorites that guests have enjoyed throughout the years from March through September. During the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new storytime and character meet-and-greets will join the Imagination Playhouse experience. Also to commemorate the landmark anniversary, Heartsong: The Movie will be remastered and moved to Dreamsong Theater as part of “The Dolly Parton Experience,” running in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”

Additionally, the Country Fair area of the park will be refreshed during the 2025 season, and will transform to Candy Corn Country during the Harvest Festival and Peppermint Valley during Smoky Mountain Christmas, which will conclude Dollywood’s 40th season with six million lights and festive holiday shows.

“I’m excited to welcome guests to celebrate our 40th-anniversary season with us in 2025,” says Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “We’re thrilled to have earned the Tripadvisor #1 U.S. Theme Park designation last year, along with being the highest-ranked U.S. park in Golden Ticket Award voting for Best Park. We’ve worked hard for 40 seasons to make the Dollywood experience the best theme park experience in the country, and our guests are telling us we’ve done just that through these awards. And remember what Dolly said, ‘We’re just getting started!'”

Season Passes are now available to current 2024 passholders, and will go on sale to the general public this coming Monday (Oct. 28). For more information, click here.

Gabby Barrett To Release First Christmas Album In November

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Gabby Barrett is getting into the holiday spirit, sharing that her first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight, is due out on Nov. 8 via Warner Music Nashville. A first taste of the collection, the nostalgic classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” is due out this Friday (Oct. 25).

“If you know me, you know that Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year… so I have been so excited to announce my new Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight, will be available everywhere on Nov. 8 AND the first song release, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas,’ is coming out THIS Friday, 10.25!” Barrett shared on Instagram. “I know we’re close to Halloween, but my heart is in HOLIDAY MODE!!!!!”

Carols and Candlelight features 11 Christmas-time favorites with a handpicked mix of traditional standards and heartwarming modern classics. From “The First Noel” and “Last Christmas,” to lively collaborations featuring her husband Cade Foehner (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and The Piano Guys (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”), Barrett captures the magic of the season on the new collection.

The album also includes the inspiring rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” with For King & Country, which was nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

Carols and Candlelight Tracklist:
1. “Mary, Did You Know?” (Mark Lowry, Buddy Greene)
2. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram)
3. “Christmas To Remember” (Chris Eaton, Beverly Darnall, Amy Grant)
4. “The First Noel” (Public Domain)
5. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside (feat. Cade Foehner)” (Frank Loesser)
6. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (feat. The Piano Guys)
7. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (For King & Country feat. Gabby Barrett)
8. “O Holy Night” (Public Domain)
9. “Last Christmas” (George Michael)
10. “Grown-Up Christmas List” (David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner)
11. “Silent Night” (Public Domain)

Academy Of Country Music Names 2024-2025 Board Of Directors

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The Academy of Country Music has selected its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.

Previously-announced officer roles for the Academy of Country Music for the 2024-2025 term are Chair Randy Bernard, Vice-Chair Cris Lacy, Vice-President Jeff Krones, Treasurer Carmen Romano, Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb, Parliamentarian Duane Clark and Secretary Tommy Moore.

This year, 11 of the 13 qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.

Newly-elected members of the Board of Directors include Adam Weiser, Becky Gardenhire, BJ Hill, Cameo Carlson, Chandra Laplume, Cyndi Forman, Deana Ivey, George Couri, Jon Loba, Kristie Sloan, Lee Thomas Miller, Marcel Pariseau, Margaret Hart, Meredith Jones, Scott Scovill, Tim Roberts and Ward Guenther. Martha Earls and Scot Calonge have been elected to a one-year term to fill a previous vacancy.

Newly-appointed director-at-large members of the Board of Directors include Aaron Spalding, Andy Moats, Benson Curb, Candice Watkins, Chris Lisle, Cindy Mabe, Curt Motley, Emily Falvey, Howie Edelman, Jeremy Holley, Matt Cottingham, Rod Phillips, Sally Seitz, Shawn McSpadden, Storme Warren and Tim Foisset.

“As we enter into a milestone year with the 60th ACM Awards on the horizon on May 8, 2025, this will be a year of reflection on the impact the Academy has made on our industry, and a year to look forward on what the next sixty years will look like for the Academy and country music,” shares Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “With the guidance of these leaders in our industry and on our board, I have no doubt that the ACM will have one of the most exciting, impactful, and successful years to date, and with this dedicated group of individuals, the sky is the limit.”

The complete board is listed below.

Academy of Country Music Board of Directors 2024-2025:

OFFICERS:
Chair of the Board: Randy Bernard, RWB Management
Vice-Chair: Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Vice-President: Jeff Krones, CAA
Treasurer: Carmen Romano​, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary: Tommy Moore, Academy of Country Music

AFFILIATED:
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Ward Guenther, Whiskey Jam
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Scott Scovill, Moo TV

ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER:
Gena Johnson
TJ Osborne
Carly Pearce
Derek Wells

DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION:
Cameo Carlson, mTheory
Margaret Hart, YouTube

MANAGER:
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards, kpentertainment

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom PR

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO:
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Shannan Hatch, SESAC
BJ Hill, Warner Chappel Music

RADIO:
Mike Moore, Cumulus Media
Tim Roberts, Audacy

RECORD COMPANY:
Jon Loba, BMG
Katie McCartney, Monument Records
Annie Ortmeier, Triple Tigers
Jennifer Way, Sony Music Nashville

SONGWRITER:
Lee Thomas Miller

TALENT AGENT:
Becky Gardenhire, WME
Meredith Jones, CAA

TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER:
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents

VENUE:
Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production

VISUAL CONTENT:
Chandra LaPlume, Sandbox Productions

DIRECTORS AT LARGE:
Jake Basden, Sandbox Entertainment
Breland
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Johnny Chiang, SiriusXM
Buffy Cooper, Morris Higham Management
Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Emily Falvey
Tim Foisset, Spotify
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC
Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Andy Moats, Pinnacle Bank
Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Curt Motley, UTA
Chris Parr, MAVERICK
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Label Group
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Randi Tolbert, QPrime
Storme Warren, The Big 615
Candice Watkins, Big Loud
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe

PAST CHAIRS:
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Duane Clark, FBMM
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS:
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Charlie Cook
Rod Essig, CAA
Mark Hartley
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Wheelhouse Records
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee

Premiere Details Revealed For ‘Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony’

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Parton

Dolly Parton has announced that tickets for the world premiere of her new symphonic concert, “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” with the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony will go on sale next Friday (Nov. 1).

Featuring Parton’s songs and the stories behind them in an innovative multimedia symphonic experience, with the star appearing on screen, “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony” will lead audiences in a visual-musical journey of her songs, life and stories. Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, the production includes new and innovative orchestrations of the Hall of Famer’s hits woven together into a full experience.

“The threads of my life are woven together through my songs. That’s why this project, ‘Threads: My Songs In Symphony,’ is so special to me,” Parton shares. “It’s all about sharing my music and my musical journey with audiences in a new way. I’m really excited for fans to experience it for the first time with the Nashville Symphony!”

The world premiere performance of “Threads: My Songs in Symphony” will take place on March 20 in Nashville with the Nashville Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, and will include a special appearance by Parton. For more information, click here.

“We are honored to help launch this extraordinary production with Dolly Parton in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center,” says Alan D. Valentine, Nashville Symphony President & CEO. “Enhanced by the stories and images that make up the threads of her extraordinary life and career, her legendary and timeless catalog—combined with the power and majesty of our Nashville Symphony orchestra—will create an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone.”

Following the world premiere, performances will take place across the United States in the 2025-2026 season. The initial list of orchestras include:

– March 20, 2025: Nashville Symphony Orchestra
– May 17, 2025: Fort Wayne Philharmonic
– June 17, 2025: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
– June 29, 2025: San Diego Symphony Orchestra
– Sept. 7, 2025: The Cleveland Orchestra
– Sept. 18–20, 2025: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
– Oct. 10, 2025: The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Birmingham)
– Jan. 23–25, 2026: Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
– Feb. 14–15, 2026: Oregon Symphony (Portland)
– March 28, 2026: Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
– May 1, 2026: Eugene Symphony Orchestra