Cliff Downs
Cliff Downs, a respected music industry veteran who spent time as an artist, composer, producer and publisher, died on Friday (April 24) after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.
As part of the 1980s duo Downes & Price with vocalist Jimmy Price, Downs began his career as a pop artist signed to Atlantic Records. He released a self-titled album in 1986 featuring AOR/pop tracks.
Later, Downs found himself in Nashville, beginning what would be a successful career as a songwriter and producer with hits across pop, country, contemporary Christian and jazz. His songs were recorded by artists such as Foreigner, Wynonna, Gabby Barrett, B.J. Thomas, Paul Rodgers, Glen Campbell and jazz artist Richard Elliott.
Additionally, Downs’ scores and songs appeared in major film and TV productions including the TNT movie Red Water, David Zucker’s film An American Carol, Red Dirt Rising and network shows such as Modern Family, MacGyver, General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and Sunset Beach. He won an Emmy for Best Original Song for “When I Think of You” from One Life to Live and received multiple Emmy nominations and awards. Over his career, Downs’ music garnered over 1,000 television placements and was featured in promos for The Voice, American Idol, the Super Bowl, Olympics coverage and more.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Brentwood Baptist Church (7777 Concord Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027). Visitation will precede the service from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Downs’ honor to The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum or PR Ministries.
Ella Langley Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. 14 tracks off her newly released Dandelion album push the singer-songwriter to the top this week, including “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Last Call For Us,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Most Good Things Do (Acoustic),” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time.”
Joybeth Taylor jumps into the No. 2 spot with Langley’s “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “girl you’re taking home,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Last Call For Us,” “Low Lights,” “Most Good Things Do (Acoustic),” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time,” as well as Corey Kent’s “Empty Words.” Luke Combs moves to No. 3 with “Days Like These,” “Rethink Some Things,” and “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.”
Randy Montana (No. 4) and Blake Pendergrass (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Live Nation Launches Summer Of Live $30 Ticket Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughLive Nation has launched Summer of Live, a celebration of live music, kicking off with a week of $30 tickets to over 4,000 shows across the U.S. and Canada.
From April 29-May 5, fans can purchase $30 tickets to see their favorite artists on the road in pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, Latin, rock and more this year at venues of all sizes. Participating concerts include Thomas Rhett, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jason Aldean, Empire of the Sun, Riley Green, The Fray, Goo Goo Dolls, James Taylor, Dierks Bentley, Kesha, Train, Luke Bryan, mgk. NE-YO & AKON, Parker McCollum, The Pussycat Dolls, Tim McGraw and many more.
Live Nation All Access members get early access to the $30 ticket offer beginning April 23-28. Membership is free, easy to join, and unlocks exclusive presale opportunities throughout the year, and fans can visit LiveNation.com/SummerofLive to learn more. T-Mobile Early Access will take place on April 28. The general on-sale will begin on April 29 and run through May 5.
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Wraps 2026 Event
/by Lauryn SinkJackson Dean. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has wrapped its eighth annual event in Napa Valley, California.
The week kicked off with a Welcome Reception presented by Lucchese Bootmaker with performances from Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins and headliner Jackson Dean. Tuesday’s events continued into the evening with intimate vintner dinners such as a Cakebread Cellars dinner featuring a writer’s round with Watkins and Will Bundy and a Merryvale Vineyards dinner with a stripped-down performance from Tiera Kennedy.
Day two showcased a Texas Music Scene Tailgate with writer’s rounds featuring Wade Bowen, Cody Canada, Sunny Sweeney, The Braun Brothers and Shelby Stone. Held at Frog’s Leap Winery, the event also served as the setting for a live taping of the award-winning Texas Music Scene. Attendees then headed into Downtown Napa for a night of live music with headliner The Marcus King Band, Alex Lambert and Abbie Callahan, taking place at Napa’s Uptown Theatre.
Day three concluded the experience with a Farewell Brunch at Raymond Vineyards with live music from Zach John King and Frankie Ballard.
Lauren Watkins. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Tiera Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Abbie Callahan. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Zach John King. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Cody Canada and Shelby Stone. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Frankie Ballard. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country
Crossroads Music Co-Founder Mickey Gamble Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughMickey Gamble
Crossroads Music Co-Founder and leader Mickey Gamble has passed away.
Under Gamble’s leadership, Crossroads and its associated labels, Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music Company and Organic Records, grew from beginnings as an acclaimed Asheville recording operation (Hear Here! Studios) and a Southern Gospel label (Horizon Music Group) to become one of bluegrass and Southern Gospel music’s preeminent issuers.
With a roster that has ranged from traditional Gospel quartets and bluegrass bands through contemporary masters and innovative new groups, Crossroads reflects Gamble’s vision of a larger musical family, rooted in his beloved western North Carolina home. His tireless advocacy for professionalism, his insistence on sound, honest business practices, relentless drive to be informed about, to understand and adapt to developments in the recording industry, and unbounded enthusiasm for the music being made by Crossroads artists earned him the respect, admiration and affection of those with whom he worked to a degree that is rare in any field.
Gamble was a recipient of the Southern Gospel Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2019.
“My dad loved music – and its makers – more than anyone else I’ve ever encountered,” says Gamble’s daughter Francesca Dooris. “He was a champion of the arts, of many other forms in addition to music, because of each unique human being behind the creation of a piece. The ubiquitous theme from everyone I’ve spoken with during this time is that he saw the distinctive set of characteristics a person had to give to the world, and pushed him or her to trust that part of themselves relentlessly. He believed in the gift that was the essence of a person, even if they couldn’t see it or hadn’t developed it.
“The music community was truly family to my dad, and he loved each of you in a completely one-of-a-kind way,” she continues. “If he could say one thing to everyone now, it would be that the music must go on. Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep being you and making your art, whatever form it takes.”
No arrangements have been announced at this time.
Avery Anna Wins ACM New Female Artist Of The Year
/by Lauryn SinkAvery Anna. Photo: Megan Burch/Courtesy of ACM
Avery Anna has been named this year’s ACM New Female Artist of the Year.
Sam Barber surprised Anna during her performance at Lone Star Smokeout with the news. She was joined on stage by her family and team.
“I’m just so grateful for this, I’m so honored,” she shared from stage. “Thank you guys for rallying for me, supporting me and cheering me on. I thank God every day that I get to do this and that he put this passion on my heart. I’m so grateful for people like you that show up for artists like me and embrace the things that we have to say. Thank you guys so much. This is such an honor.”
Anna released her most recent EP forgive, forget. and embarked on her “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” in March. The project followed her 2025 album let go letters, which has garnered over 1 billion global streams to date.
Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM
Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM
Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM
Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan Rock University Of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Photo: Matt Paskert
Georgia boys Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean headed home for the massive sold-out “Live Between the Hedges” Concert Series on Saturday night (April 25) at the University of Georgia.
The two played to 63,000 fans in Athens at the talent-packed show, which marked a triumphant return for Aldean and Bryan following their first concert at the stadium back in 2013 as part of Aldean’s “Night Train Tour,” which was the venue’s only concert until Saturday night. The show also featured ACM nominee Zach Top, Platinum singer/fellow Georgia native Lauren Alaina, and DJ Rock and Dee Jay Silver, who also performed/appeared.
Fans were also treated throughout the night to surprise guests including Brantley Gilbert, (who co-wrote Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem”), as well as Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, who joined the Georgia natives on stage during the show.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Cooper Smith
Jason Aldean. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Does Entertainment / UGA
Photo: Cooper Smith
RFD-TV To Air ‘Opry Live’ & ‘Circle Sessions’
/by Lauryn SinkOpry Entertainment Group and RFD-TV have partnered to bring two of the Grand Ole Opry’s signature series to RFD-TV.
Opry Live will begin airing Saturday, May 9. The weekly series features live performances from the Grand Ole Opry.
Circle Sessions launches on the network on Friday, May 8. The series features intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s famed circle.
New episodes will be available to stream on RFD+ for one week following their initial broadcast.
“Our audience has always had a deep connection to country music and the stories behind it,” says Raquel Gottsch Koehler, co-owner and Chief Marketing and Creative Officer. “Bringing Opry Live and Circle Sessions to RFD-TV gives viewers direct access to one of the most important stages in music, in a way that feels authentic to both the artists and the audience.”
“In its 100th year, we are focused on making the Opry experience more accessible than ever before by reaching audiences across the country and far beyond our stage,” adds Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “The Opry has always connected with fans across platforms on radio, television, streaming, and beyond. Expanding these series to RFD-TV allows us to connect with a passionate and engaged audience that values country music’s history, artistry, and future.”
ACM Partners With Radio Executives For Upcoming 61st ACM Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Steve Mekler, Becca Walls, Damon Whiteside, Sharla McCoy and Haley Montgomery. Photo: Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music is partnering with country radio execs Becca Walls and Sharla McCoy for the upcoming 61st Annual ACM Awards.
Walls, a two-time ACM Award winner, has been tapped to lead ACM Radio Prep, a service that will provide radio, blogs, and other media outlets with soundbites and transcriptions from nominees, performers, presenters, and this year’s host, including exclusive audio, past ACM Awards highlights, nominees discussing their songs, albums, videos, and more. Outlets can sign up here to be notified when new audio is available. Walls will also produce an artist-hosted radio special in advance of the awards.
Industry veteran and Producer McCoy of Sharla McCoy Productions will produce the official ACM Radio Remote which will take place in Las Vegas during the two days leading up to the show. This year’s remote beneficiaries will be ACM Lifting Lives and Fisher House.
“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to work alongside the Academy of Country Music in producing the official broadcast for this year’s ACM Awards. For decades, I’ve had the privilege of creating broadcast experiences that unite artists, radio, and the industry in powerful ways,” says McCoy. “This ground-breaking collaboration feels like a full-circle moment—where passion, purpose, and partnership come together to celebrate the very spirit of country music and the people who make it so special.”
“Country radio has long been the backbone of our format, connecting artists and fans in a way that’s personal and powerful. As we approach the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, we’re thrilled that programmers, personalities, and stations have the tools and access to bring the excitement of the awards to their listeners,” says Ken Tucker, Chair of the ACM Radio Task Force.
Music Industry Veteran Cliff Downs Passes Away
/by LB CantrellCliff Downs
Cliff Downs, a respected music industry veteran who spent time as an artist, composer, producer and publisher, died on Friday (April 24) after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.
As part of the 1980s duo Downes & Price with vocalist Jimmy Price, Downs began his career as a pop artist signed to Atlantic Records. He released a self-titled album in 1986 featuring AOR/pop tracks.
Later, Downs found himself in Nashville, beginning what would be a successful career as a songwriter and producer with hits across pop, country, contemporary Christian and jazz. His songs were recorded by artists such as Foreigner, Wynonna, Gabby Barrett, B.J. Thomas, Paul Rodgers, Glen Campbell and jazz artist Richard Elliott.
Additionally, Downs’ scores and songs appeared in major film and TV productions including the TNT movie Red Water, David Zucker’s film An American Carol, Red Dirt Rising and network shows such as Modern Family, MacGyver, General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and Sunset Beach. He won an Emmy for Best Original Song for “When I Think of You” from One Life to Live and received multiple Emmy nominations and awards. Over his career, Downs’ music garnered over 1,000 television placements and was featured in promos for The Voice, American Idol, the Super Bowl, Olympics coverage and more.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Brentwood Baptist Church (7777 Concord Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027). Visitation will precede the service from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Downs’ honor to The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum or PR Ministries.
Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Team For New LP ‘The Birds Know’
/by Lorie HollabaughJim Lauderdale has released a new bluegrass project with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, The Birds Know, out now.
With The Birds Know, the Americana legend’s 39th album, he wanted to once again pair up with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys as the band did for 2023’s The Long and Lonesome Letting Go.
“Since I first saw them at MerleFest several years ago, and after we did our first album together, I really wanted us to do a follow-up,” says Lauderdale of his album-mates. “These songs were all written just for this album. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys keep the sound of traditional bluegrass alive, but they really bring it into the present day. I’m so happy with the way this record turned out, and I’m looking forward to performing with them in the coming years. I love working with them so much.”
The album is out now alongside Lauderdale’s recently-released 38th project, Country Super Hits Volume 2, a full-band, honky tonk heavy collection and successor to his 2006 album of a slightly different name. In addition to his album releases, Lauderdale will take the stage today at the long-beloved North Carolina Festival Merlefest. Next month he embarks on a European tour supporting Emmylou Harris.