Luke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
For 15 years, country mainstay Luke Bryan has been bringing legions of fans to farms across America for his annual “Farm Tour.”
Since its inception in 2009, more than 100,000 have attended each year. Gathered on fields in rural areas around the country, attendees have enjoyed music from Bryan and a slew of openers, enjoyed local vendors and visited lesser-traveled to areas of the country.
Luke Bryan corn maze at Farm Tour stop in Utah, designed by The MAiZE Inc.
Bryan has also used “Farm Tour” to give back. To date, he’s awarded 84 college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. And when presenting sponsor Bayer joined the tour in 2015, Bryan was able to do even more with the #HerestotheFarmer campaign. Activating fans to share the hashtag provides one meal to a person in need per every share. Since the partnership’s inception, nine million meals have been donated to Feeding America member food banks.
Bryan wrapped the 2024 iteration of “Farm Tour” this weekend with shows in Shelbyville, Kentucky and Smithton, Pennsylvania. MusicRow attended the rainy Kentucky stop to check out all the fun.
Though bad weather was setting in from the beginnings of Hurricane Helene, fans were ready for country music. DJ Rock set the vibe as people filed in and breakout star Tucker Wetmore soon took the stage.
He impressed the crowd with his streaming heaters, “What Would You Do,” “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” and also played new song “Silverado Blue.”
Ben Haslip, Tucker Wetmore, Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Conner Smith, DJ Rock and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Eder Acevedo
The Peach Pickers‘ Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip were then joined by Rodney Clawson on stage as the second act. They played a selection of some of their many hits, giving Kentucky fans a taste of Nashville with performances of their penned “Small Town Boy,” “Boys Round Here” and many more. They said they weren’t allowed to play any Luke Bryan songs, although they had many hits together, but they played a few snippets anyway.
Next up was singer-songwriter Conner Smith, who came out hot on the drizzly stage with “Heatin’ Up.” He played his popular originals like “I Hate Alabama” and “Take It Slow,” and threw in a few fun covers of “Dixieland Delight,” “Mud On The Tires” and “Big Green Tractor.”
Smith brought Wetmore back out to perform their Twisters movie collaboration “Steal My Thunder,” which proved to be a highlight of the night. He also said a prayer for the farmers whose land would ultimately be affected by Hurricane Helene, and played new song “Faith From A Farmer.” Smith closed with his infectious hit “Creek Will Rise.”
When Bryan hit the stage, the rain had picked up. It persisted throughout the show, making for a slippery catwalk on stage and a mud hole on the farm, but Bryan wasn’t phased. He thrilled the Kentucky crowd with “That’s My Kind Of Night” before getting everyone dancing in the weather with “Rain Is A Good Thing.”
Bryan kept the party energy going with “Move,” “One Margarita” and “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” before sending the couples in the crowd into each other’s arms with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and new single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.”
After rousing the country folks in the audience with “What Makes You Country” and making everybody blush with “Knockin’ Boots,” Bryan brought Smith and Wetmore back out for Florida Georgia Line‘s part of “This Is How We Roll.” The men roughhoused and slid around on stage in the water, creating a fun, rowdy moment for the audience.
Luke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
One of the evening’s highlights came when Bryan stood alone on stage with an acoustic guitar. He traveled through a series of special songs, like “Buy Dirt,” which hit different on a field in beautiful, rural Kentucky, and “Country On.” He tipped his ball cap to the late Toby Keith with a performance of “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” which fans loved, and got everyone remembering their lost loved ones with “Drink A Beer.”
Bryan then reminded the crowd that his eighth studio album, Mind Of A Country Boy, would be coming out at midnight. “It’s the greatest album in the history of mankind,” he said with a wink.
“Do you like to deer hunt, Kentucky? Who likes to fish?” Bryan exclaimed to a rebel-yelled response. “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” was perhaps the crowd-favorite of the night.
To close out the fun, Bryan blitzed the crowd with hits “Kick The Dust Up,” “Play It Again” and “I Don’t Want This Night To End.” Before he disappeared onto dry ground, he closed with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and sent everyone back to their cars, arm-in-arm singing some of the biggest hits of the last 20 years of country music.
Country Radio Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations For Class Of 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Radio Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its Class of 2025 now through Oct. 28. To nominate a candidate for the Country Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, individuals can complete the nomination form here.
“We need your help to find the radio pros who will represent the Class of 2025 in the Country Radio Hall of Fame,” says CRB’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chair Joel Raab. “We’re looking for the Best of The Best… and you may know who they are!”
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting and significant contributions to the country radio industry. Eligible candidates must have worked in the radio industry for a minimum of 20 years, with at least 15 years spent in the country format. The Country Radio Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding professionals in two categories: Radio (those who have worked behind the scenes in programming, management, sales, etc.) and On-Air Personality (those who have made their mark as on-air talent). Each inductee is celebrated for their exceptional impact and dedication to the growth and development of country radio.
Inductees for the Class of 2025 will be announced during the Country Radio Seminar 2025, taking place Feb. 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Luke Bryan Wraps 15th Annual ‘Farm Tour’
/by LB CantrellLuke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
For 15 years, country mainstay Luke Bryan has been bringing legions of fans to farms across America for his annual “Farm Tour.”
Since its inception in 2009, more than 100,000 have attended each year. Gathered on fields in rural areas around the country, attendees have enjoyed music from Bryan and a slew of openers, enjoyed local vendors and visited lesser-traveled to areas of the country.
Luke Bryan corn maze at Farm Tour stop in Utah, designed by The MAiZE Inc.
Bryan has also used “Farm Tour” to give back. To date, he’s awarded 84 college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. And when presenting sponsor Bayer joined the tour in 2015, Bryan was able to do even more with the #HerestotheFarmer campaign. Activating fans to share the hashtag provides one meal to a person in need per every share. Since the partnership’s inception, nine million meals have been donated to Feeding America member food banks.
Bryan wrapped the 2024 iteration of “Farm Tour” this weekend with shows in Shelbyville, Kentucky and Smithton, Pennsylvania. MusicRow attended the rainy Kentucky stop to check out all the fun.
Though bad weather was setting in from the beginnings of Hurricane Helene, fans were ready for country music. DJ Rock set the vibe as people filed in and breakout star Tucker Wetmore soon took the stage.
He impressed the crowd with his streaming heaters, “What Would You Do,” “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” and also played new song “Silverado Blue.”
Ben Haslip, Tucker Wetmore, Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Conner Smith, DJ Rock and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Eder Acevedo
The Peach Pickers‘ Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip were then joined by Rodney Clawson on stage as the second act. They played a selection of some of their many hits, giving Kentucky fans a taste of Nashville with performances of their penned “Small Town Boy,” “Boys Round Here” and many more. They said they weren’t allowed to play any Luke Bryan songs, although they had many hits together, but they played a few snippets anyway.
Next up was singer-songwriter Conner Smith, who came out hot on the drizzly stage with “Heatin’ Up.” He played his popular originals like “I Hate Alabama” and “Take It Slow,” and threw in a few fun covers of “Dixieland Delight,” “Mud On The Tires” and “Big Green Tractor.”
Smith brought Wetmore back out to perform their Twisters movie collaboration “Steal My Thunder,” which proved to be a highlight of the night. He also said a prayer for the farmers whose land would ultimately be affected by Hurricane Helene, and played new song “Faith From A Farmer.” Smith closed with his infectious hit “Creek Will Rise.”
When Bryan hit the stage, the rain had picked up. It persisted throughout the show, making for a slippery catwalk on stage and a mud hole on the farm, but Bryan wasn’t phased. He thrilled the Kentucky crowd with “That’s My Kind Of Night” before getting everyone dancing in the weather with “Rain Is A Good Thing.”
Bryan kept the party energy going with “Move,” “One Margarita” and “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” before sending the couples in the crowd into each other’s arms with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and new single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.”
After rousing the country folks in the audience with “What Makes You Country” and making everybody blush with “Knockin’ Boots,” Bryan brought Smith and Wetmore back out for Florida Georgia Line‘s part of “This Is How We Roll.” The men roughhoused and slid around on stage in the water, creating a fun, rowdy moment for the audience.
Luke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
One of the evening’s highlights came when Bryan stood alone on stage with an acoustic guitar. He traveled through a series of special songs, like “Buy Dirt,” which hit different on a field in beautiful, rural Kentucky, and “Country On.” He tipped his ball cap to the late Toby Keith with a performance of “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” which fans loved, and got everyone remembering their lost loved ones with “Drink A Beer.”
Bryan then reminded the crowd that his eighth studio album, Mind Of A Country Boy, would be coming out at midnight. “It’s the greatest album in the history of mankind,” he said with a wink.
“Do you like to deer hunt, Kentucky? Who likes to fish?” Bryan exclaimed to a rebel-yelled response. “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” was perhaps the crowd-favorite of the night.
To close out the fun, Bryan blitzed the crowd with hits “Kick The Dust Up,” “Play It Again” and “I Don’t Want This Night To End.” Before he disappeared onto dry ground, he closed with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and sent everyone back to their cars, arm-in-arm singing some of the biggest hits of the last 20 years of country music.
Violinist Kristin Wilkinson To Be Honored As Next ‘Nashville Cat’
/by Lorie HollabaughClassically-trained violinist Kristin Wilkinson will be featured in the Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s in-depth interview series, “Nashville Cats” on Saturday, Nov. 16 in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Wilkinson grew up in Philadelphia and Ocean City, New Jersey, and began her music training at an early age, studying through her high school years with one of the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra’s violinists. She later parlayed that experience into playing fiddle in the pioneering all-women bluegrass band Buffalo Gals. One of her first big breaks in country music came when she had the opportunity to arrange strings for Alabama, with whom she collaborated on several albums.
One of Nashville’s most in-demand string arrangers, Wilkinson has accumulated hundreds of credits on country, rock and pop projects since the 1980s. She has contributed to recordings for Kenny Chesney, Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood and Country Music Hall of Fame member Willie Nelson. For live performances, she has worked with Brandi Carlile, Regina Spektor and Chris Stapleton. In 2024, she collaborated with Greta Van Fleet to arrange the overture for the band’s world tour.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart employed Wilkinson to arrange strings on his albums and for special events, including his 2019 residency at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for composing the score to the film All the Pretty Horses (2000) alongside Stuart and Larry Paxton. Wilkinson has also done an extensive amount of work for TV, including arrangements for the CMA awards, the annual CMA Country Christmas television special and CMT’s Artists of the Year events.
The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with vintage photos, film and recordings. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.
Jamey Johnson Signs With Warner Music Nashville
/by Liza AndersonWarner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy & Jamey Johnson. Photo: David Bradley
Multi-Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson has signed with Warner Music Nashville through his record label, Big Gassed Records, and will release new song “Someday When I’m Old” this Friday (Oct. 4).
“The reason I signed with Warner Music Nashville is [Co-Chair & Co-President] Cris Lacy,” he shares. “She is one of my longest-term friends I’ve had in the music business. We started our careers around the same time. She has been a friend to me and has only ever tried to help.
“She cares about me being able to put out music,” Johnson continues. “She cares that I’m able to participate in my own career. Our conversations are unlike any other conversations I have had with any other label person.”
“For 14 years, those of us in the industry, and fans outside of it, have been begging Jamey Johnson to release another solo studio album,” says Lacy. “From day one, we heard the voice of a man driven by conviction, not commerciality. We saw in him our heroes like Johnny, Waylon and Merle. Warner Music Nashville has the great honor of reintroducing this incomparable artist to a worldwide audience…on his terms…proof that great things are worth waiting for!”
For his first release with the label, the Grand Ole Opry member is revisiting an old favorite. “Someday When I’m Old” has remained on Johnson’s mind since he sang on the song’s demo in 2004.
“It was the last demo I sang before I started working with BNA Records,” he notes of the tune penned by Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo and Troy Verges. “Aimee called me back then and she wanted to be able to say she hired me to sing my last demo. When I heard the song, I thought, ‘Wow! That is a great song!’ That one seems to be exactly where I am right now, thinking about what is to come 20 years down the line, 30 years down the line, if I even make it that long.”
Johnson has also released “21 Guns,” “What a View,” “Trudy” and “Sober” in recent months.
Opry’s 99th Birthday Celebration To Feature Shows, Special Events
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is gearing up for its big 99th birthday celebration with three nights of Opry shows plus daytime and evening special events on Oct. 10-13.
Performers helping celebrate the occasion will be Opry members Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Lorrie Morgan and Rhonda Vincent, along with Riley Green, Chapel Hart, Gretchen Wilson and the Opry debut of singer/actress Katharine McPhee.
Fans are also invited to the Opry Plaza for free live music and family-friendly activities, presented by Country Financial, to celebrate the Opry’s birthday on Friday (Oct. 11) evening and all-day Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 12-13).
Ticketed events during the weekend also include a Karaoke Fundraiser with Chapel Hart in Studio A on Friday night following the Opry show, with proceeds supporting the Opry Trust Fund, which offers financial assistance to those in the country industry during times of crisis or emergency.
There will also be a Rhett Akins Birthday Tailgate Party in Studio A on Saturday at 2 p.m. The songwriter will perform some of his No. 1 hits along with fan-favorite country classics. Attendees can enjoy birthday cake and join in on the Opry’s 99th birthday festivities. Ticket add-ons and packages are available at Opry.com.
The Opry’s 99th Birthday Week celebration will conclude on Sunday (Oct. 13) with the third annual Opry Community Day, where Tennessee locals can enjoy the Opry’s backstage tour free of charge. Guests will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at where country’s biggest stars and legends create history each week. Complimentary tours will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID. Guests can also enjoy live music, food and drinks and family-friendly fun on the Opry Plaza.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary
/by Liza AndersonLady A’s Charles Kelley performing with Better Than Ezra during Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Rain didn’t stop Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival’s 10th anniversary return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee this past weekend (Sept. 28–29).
Allison Russell performing with Hozier during Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024. Photo: Alive Coverage
Despite the two-hour opening delay on Saturday (Sept. 28), a sea of attendees lined the fences to enter the festival grounds. To ensure all artists were able to perform, organizers worked to restructure the schedule, with Chance Peña leading the charge on the Gold Record Road stage. Allison Russell also took that platform, where Saturday night’s headliner and her tourmate for the last 10 weeks, Hozier, made a guest appearance for a duet of “Requiem.” Returning the favor, Russell graced the Gold Record Road stage again in the evening to sing “Work Song” during Hozier’s set. The first day closed with a Dave Matthews Band performance on the Midnight Sun Stage. They invited out friend and festival co-billing act Trombone Shorty back on the stage to rock out, ending with a bang.
Produced by Better Than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin, W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan, the event also highlighted the work of various chefs, artisans, jewelers and brewers, among others.
Better Than Ezra’s fiery set continued a decade-long tradition on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 29). President & CEO of Gibson Cesar Gueikian jammed out during “Mystified” and Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” before gifting the guitar to a lucky winner. Charles Kelley of Lady A also popped up to join the band for a rendition of Bryan Adams’ “Summer Of ‘69.” Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion accompanied headliner NeedToBreathe for their song “Wasting Time.” The group also brought out Judah & The Lion members Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald for their hit “Brother.” Fans then migrated over to the Midnight Sun Stage to catch Noah Kahan. Marking the last performance of the weekend, Kahan stacked his set with tunes and a guest appearance from Ashe.
Additionally, the crowd experienced the musical stylings of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lukas Nelson, The Brook & The Bluff, Coin, Stephen Sanchez, Myles Smith, Sierra Hull and more.
Noah Kahan headlining Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024. Photo: Alive Coverage
New West Records Announces Promotions & New Hire
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L–R): Tommy Robinson, Brooke Nixon, Brady Brock, Katie Keller and Meg Barron. Photo: Scott Schleiff
New West Records has announced four promotions and a new staff hire. Tommy Robinson has been elevated to General Manager & Vice President of Sales, while Brady Brock takes the role of Senior Vice President of Media & Reissues Producer. Katie Keller has been promoted to Vice President of Project Management, and Meg Barron steps into the role of Director of A&R and Publishing. Additionally, Brooke Nixon has joined the label as Vice President of Digital Marketing.
“Since 2011, Tommy has shown a steadfast dedication and solid work ethic to consistently support our artists, partners, and colleagues. A very well deserved promotion,” says John Allen, New West Records President. Of Brock, Allen adds, “Brady is a top flight publicist and astute reissue producer. For the past eight years he has been an indispensable part of our team at New West. I look forward to even more growth with Brady in the mix.”
Speaking of Keller, Allen notes, “Over the years, Katie has shown great skill and efficiency with the ever increasing demands of project management on album campaigns, label branding and event planning, while overseeing the various digital marketing and design needs of all our artists and the New West label.” He also praises Barron saying, “From her early days as an intern here until now, Meg has been a devoted advocate for New West’s artists. Her ear for new music is excellent. Meg is simply rad.”
Nixon previously held the position of Director of Streaming at The Valory Music Co, a division of the Big Machine Label Group, for a decade. “We are all very excited for Brooke to join our team. Her skill set, dedication, and enthusiasm are a perfect fit and she’s hitting the ground running,” says Allen.
UMG Nashville & Timbaland’s Mosley Music Sign Colt Graves
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): UMGN’s Cindy Mabe, Mosley Music Founder Timbaland, Colt Graves and UMGN’s Charlene Bryant; (L-R, back row): Graves’ Manager Gary Marella, UMGN’s Lori Christian, Bluestone Publishing’s Eric Spence, UMGN’s Rob Femia and UMGN’s Chelsea Blythe. Photo: Courtesy of UMG Nashville
Singer-songwriter Colt Graves is the first artist signed under the newly-created partnership between UMG Nashville and Timbaland’s Mosley Music.
A native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Graves honed his craft under the guiding influence of his legendary grandfather, Bluegrass Hall of Fame Member Josh Graves. His passion for songwriting was ignited at a young age, and he started his genre-crossing solo career in 2021. His music is a fusion of folk, country and a blend of modern influences drawn from the realms of pop and hip-hop.
“Colt Graves is the perfect artist for our first collaboration with Timbaland’s Mosley Music,” shares UMGN Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “He’s simply electric and speaks from a unique and overlooked musical fusion growing up in the bluegrass heartland and taught by his legendary bluegrass hall of fame grandfather Josh Graves. Colt is a gifted storyteller who mixes the backdrop and musical influences of his Owensboro, Kentucky lifestyle with a gritty fusion of country, hip-hop, rock and folk. His edgy vocals and musical fusion is magnetic and I’m so excited to share his musical vision with the world. He’s really a special artist.”
Timbaland adds, “From the moment I heard Colt, I knew he was special. He crosses the boundaries of a specific format of music which I believe is what makes him stand out as an artist.”
Graves’ first release for the label, “Burning House,” will come out on Friday, Oct. 18.
“It’s been a hell of a journey to get to this point and I’m so grateful to Timbaland, my team, and the UMG Nashville team for believing in me and being part of this journey,” he shares. “Thank you, Cindy, Chelsea [Blythe] and team.”
Academy Of Country Music Opens 2025 Membership For Applicants & Renewals
/by John Nix ArledgeThe Academy of Country Music has opened the membership window for new applicants and renewals as the organization looks forward to the 60th anniversary of the ACM Awards.
The application period is open today (Oct. 1) through Friday, Nov. 15 at 10:00 a.m. Applicants must submit a form online during this time in order to gain or retain voting privileges for the 60th ACM Awards in 2025. Along with voting eligibility, membership benefits include early ticket access to ACM events, discounts on partner events, data insights, educational and networking events and more.
“The upcoming year for the Academy of Country Music is sure to be one of the most exciting and important in the Academy’s history with the landmark 60th ACM Awards and celebrations surrounding and celebrating the 60th all year long. This will also mark sixty years of our members influencing, impacting, and steering the future of Country Music,” says Annie Ortmeier, Chair of the ACM Membership Committee. “On behalf of the ACM Membership Committee, I can’t wait to see what the next year brings, and I hope this membership class will be the most engaged, excited, and diverse membership class yet.”
Members will also gain access to an impressive programming and development lineup which includes exclusive events, panels and initiatives along with the quarterly magazine Tempo. The Academy invites applicants to join the organization in its commitment towards creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in the country music industry. ACM will kick off an awareness campaign sporting the tagline “The Academy is Me” in the weeks ahead.
You can apply for a membership with the Academy of Country Music online, at the ACM Membership platform: https://www.acmcountry.com/become-a-member.
Luke Combs Spends Over A Year Atop Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs has officially spent over a year (53 cumulative weeks) atop Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, as his current single, “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” reaches No. 1 for a second week.
With the milestone achievement, Combs joins an esteemed group of artists who have also reached this landmark, including George Strait, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton and Toby Keith. Since “Hurricane” marked his first No. 1 in 2016, the superstar has continued to achieve historic success at country radio, with 18 No. 1s on the Billboard chart, and 19 consecutive No. 1s on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.
“[I’m] speechless honestly,” says Combs of the achievement. “I was unaware of this until my team told me and I’m really blown away. The support from country radio for my music and fans has always been more than I ever could have imagined. I’ve always known they were huge supporters of my music, but this proves it in more ways than one. I never thought I would get one week at No. 1 but when I did, I felt like I had won the lottery. So for my songs to have spent a full year at No. 1 with guys I grew up listening to and admiring is more than I could have ever dreamed of. Thank you, country radio, for letting this young man from North Carolina, who most had never heard of when y’all started playing my music, live out his dreams and do what he loves.”
Additionally, the hitmaker took home three trophies for Male Artist of 2024, Male Song of 2024 (“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma”) and Album of 2024 (Fathers & Sons) at the People’s Country Choice Awards last Thursday (Sept. 26), and is currently up for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Fathers & Sons) at this year’s CMA Awards. Additionally, he is set to headline Washington State’s Gorge Amphitheatre this week ahead of his Category 10 venue opening next month.