Dasha at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
On her 26th birthday today (Feb. 27), country star Dasha is giving fans a gift of her own: a live release of “Oh, Anna!” recorded from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
Captured during her August appearance, the stripped-down performance pulls the song back to its emotional core, highlighting the vulnerability at the heart of a track that wrestles with identity, growth and the complicated relationship we hold with our younger selves.
“Stepping into the circle never loses its magic,” Dasha shares. “Performing ‘Oh, Anna’ was its own kind of healing for me, so getting to experience both at the same time feels incredibly special and always pushes me toward something bigger. Every time I walk out on that stage, I’m reminded of the dreams I’ve always had and how I’m getting to live them every single day.”
The release arrives during a landmark year for the Opry, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. While live recordings from the Opry stage have surfaced over the years, they remain relatively rare, making Dasha’s decision to mark the moment with an official release all the more meaningful.
“Honestly, after I performed ‘Oh, Anna’ the night we recorded this, it felt even more special than I expected,” she says. “I’ll never forget looking out at the crowd and seeing a standing ovation after singing a song that was all about reconnecting with the kid in me. It hit me and everyone there in a deeper way than I was prepared for.
“On tour, I love throwing a party. I want people dancing, getting rowdy, and making memories they’ll talk about for years. But when I step into the circle, it becomes something else entirely. It feels more intimate, more connected. All about the story and how much it took to get to that moment. That’s why I wanted to release this version. I wanted to mark this chapter of my life and music and always have a way to return to that feeling.”
Dasha made her Opry debut in June 2024 and was later tapped as part of the 2025 Opry NextStage class, a distinction that underscores her rapid ascent.
“Being asked to perform at the Grand Ole Opry is already an honor worth celebrating, but being invited to join the Opry NextStage class felt like an entirely different level of validation,” she says. “It’s one of the most iconic stages in the world, and the fact that they believed in what I’m building so early on means everything to me.
“I know there will always be criticism in this career, and sometimes I have to remind myself that experiencing push back means you’re doing something new and right. To have the Grand Ole Opry stand behind me and say, ‘We believe in her,’ is incredibly powerful. It’s something I don’t take lightly, and I’m deeply honored.”
The Opry moment is just one of several defining milestones in what has been a breakout run. Dasha earned an MTV Video Music Awards nomination for Push Performance of the Year, a Best New Female Artist nod at the ACM Awards, and delivered a commanding set on the Mane Stage at Stagecoach Festival. Her viral breakthrough “Austin (Boots Stopped Workin’)” became one of the most-streamed country songs of the year and was named Female Song of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards, ushering her into a new era of global momentum. What began as a digital spark has evolved into a fast-moving, genre-blurring trajectory that continues to reshape expectations for modern country stardom.
With “Oh, Anna! (Live from the Grand Ole Opry),” Dasha not only captures a milestone performance, but preserves a full-circle moment on one of country music’s most storied stages.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a season of transition and momentum across the industry, with major management moves, key executive appointments, publishing signings, and a landmark relocation that signals change along Nashville’s iconic Music Row. Click here to see the full edition.
One of the week’s biggest headlines finds Keith Urban entering a new chapter, having inked a management deal with Crush Management. Urban will be managed out of Crush’s Nashville office, working in tandem with the company’s teams in New York and Los Angeles.
On the executive front, Tape Room Music has appointed Alicia Pruitt as Chief Creative Officer and President, A&R.
Meanwhile, ASCAP announced it will relocate its Nashville office from its longtime home on Music Row to a new building in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. The new space is scheduled to open this fall.
After decades of guiding artist careers, Gary Borman, founder of Borman Entertainment, has announced his retirement.
Publishing activity continues at a steady pace. Shaboozey has signed a publishing deal with EMPIRE Publishing, the publishing arm of independent record company EMPIRE. Singer-songwriter Delaney Ramsdell has signed a joint publishing deal with One Riot Music and Reservoir Media, Inc. Additionally, Lillie Kolich has signed an exclusive publishing deal with 507 Publishing.
In the agency world, Bryan Andrews has inked with WME for worldwide representation across all areas.
This week’s edition also includes conversations with Spotify’s Jackie Augustus and Warner Records Nashville’s Victoria Mason.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot with “Choosin’ Texas.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Gavin Adcock Mines Some Country Gold For Upcoming New Tribute Album
/by Lorie HollabaughGavin Adcock. Photo: Madelyn Ormond
Gavin Adcock enlisted the help of some fellow country up-and-comers for his new album of vintage country favorites, Country Never Dies, set for release March 13 via Thrivin’ Here Records/Warner Records Nashville.
As a fan of classic country music himself, Adcock wanted the project to be a reminder of where the genre came from and honor those who paved the way for him and other artists. The first song from the album, the Waylon Jennings classic, “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line,” is available now.
On Country Never Dies, Adcock enlisted the help of Hudson Westbrook, Jake Worthington, Ashley Cooke, Vincent Mason and several more to join him on the project. Favorites and classics on the new collection include “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “Southern Nights,” “Simple Man,” “Slow Hand” and more.
“I chose these young artists for this project because they’re some of my favorite up and coming artists in all of country music, and I think everyone should listen to ‘em,” says Adcock. “Some of them have already made a good way in the business, and then some of them that maybe y’all have never heard of.
“There’s a bunch of people that these songs mean the world to them,” he continues. “They grew up listening to these songs, hearing their parents or grandparents play them. I think it is important in country music to remember the people who paved the way for us. This is Country Never Dies.”
Country Never Dies Track List:
1. “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line” (Gavin Adcock) *Originally performed by Waylon Jennings
2. “Slow Hand” (Hudson Westbrook) *Originally performed by The Pointer Sisters / Conway Twitty
3. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (Jake Worthington) *Originally performed by George Jones
4. “Southern Nights” (Ashley Cooke) *Originally performed by Glen Campbell
5. “Slide Off Your Satin Sheets” (Braxton Keith) *Originally performed by Johnny Paycheck
6. “Wayfaring Stranger” (Lanie Gardner) *American folk song, performed by Johnny Cash
7. “You Win Again” (Vincent Mason) *Originally performed by Hank Williams
8. “Kentucky Bluebird” (The Creekers) *Originally performed by Keith Whitley
9. “Simple Man” (Austin Snell) *Originally performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
10. “Big City Blues” (Shelby Stone) *Originally performed by Keith Gattis
11. “Mama Tried” (Gavin Adcock) *Originally performed by Merle Haggard
Voices of America Country Music Fest Unveils Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Voices of America Country Music Fest in West Chester, Ohio has unveiled its 2026 lineup. The event is scheduled for Aug. 6 -9.
Jordan Davis joins previously announced headliners Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley for the 2026 star-studded lineup. Additional artists on this year’s lineup at Voice of America MetroPark include LeAnn Rimes, Scotty McCreery, Tyler Hubbard, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Rodney Atkins, Ashley Cooke, Easton Corbin and more. Over the coming weeks more performers will continue to be announced. The 4th annual fest brings more than 100,000 fans to Southwest Ohio each August.
“We are excited to bring VOA back to Ohio for a 4th year!” shares Tyler Wogenstahl, president of Further Concepts and Investors and the founder of the Voices of American Country Music Festival. “The support from our fans has been phenomenal. We could not do this festival without the amazing country music fans of Ohio and we have BIG things in store for everyone this year.”
Multi-day festival and parking passes are on sale now.
Dasha Releases ‘Oh, Anna! (Live From The Opry)’ On Her Birthday [Interview]
/by LB CantrellDasha at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
On her 26th birthday today (Feb. 27), country star Dasha is giving fans a gift of her own: a live release of “Oh, Anna!” recorded from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
Captured during her August appearance, the stripped-down performance pulls the song back to its emotional core, highlighting the vulnerability at the heart of a track that wrestles with identity, growth and the complicated relationship we hold with our younger selves.
“Stepping into the circle never loses its magic,” Dasha shares. “Performing ‘Oh, Anna’ was its own kind of healing for me, so getting to experience both at the same time feels incredibly special and always pushes me toward something bigger. Every time I walk out on that stage, I’m reminded of the dreams I’ve always had and how I’m getting to live them every single day.”
The release arrives during a landmark year for the Opry, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. While live recordings from the Opry stage have surfaced over the years, they remain relatively rare, making Dasha’s decision to mark the moment with an official release all the more meaningful.
“Honestly, after I performed ‘Oh, Anna’ the night we recorded this, it felt even more special than I expected,” she says. “I’ll never forget looking out at the crowd and seeing a standing ovation after singing a song that was all about reconnecting with the kid in me. It hit me and everyone there in a deeper way than I was prepared for.
“On tour, I love throwing a party. I want people dancing, getting rowdy, and making memories they’ll talk about for years. But when I step into the circle, it becomes something else entirely. It feels more intimate, more connected. All about the story and how much it took to get to that moment. That’s why I wanted to release this version. I wanted to mark this chapter of my life and music and always have a way to return to that feeling.”
Dasha made her Opry debut in June 2024 and was later tapped as part of the 2025 Opry NextStage class, a distinction that underscores her rapid ascent.
“Being asked to perform at the Grand Ole Opry is already an honor worth celebrating, but being invited to join the Opry NextStage class felt like an entirely different level of validation,” she says. “It’s one of the most iconic stages in the world, and the fact that they believed in what I’m building so early on means everything to me.
“I know there will always be criticism in this career, and sometimes I have to remind myself that experiencing push back means you’re doing something new and right. To have the Grand Ole Opry stand behind me and say, ‘We believe in her,’ is incredibly powerful. It’s something I don’t take lightly, and I’m deeply honored.”
The Opry moment is just one of several defining milestones in what has been a breakout run. Dasha earned an MTV Video Music Awards nomination for Push Performance of the Year, a Best New Female Artist nod at the ACM Awards, and delivered a commanding set on the Mane Stage at Stagecoach Festival. Her viral breakthrough “Austin (Boots Stopped Workin’)” became one of the most-streamed country songs of the year and was named Female Song of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards, ushering her into a new era of global momentum. What began as a digital spark has evolved into a fast-moving, genre-blurring trajectory that continues to reshape expectations for modern country stardom.
With “Oh, Anna! (Live from the Grand Ole Opry),” Dasha not only captures a milestone performance, but preserves a full-circle moment on one of country music’s most storied stages.
Avery Anna Unveils New EP, Due In March
/by Lauryn SinkAvery Anna will release her forthcoming EP, forgive, forget., on March 13th via Warner Records Nashville. In celebration of the release, Anna released “Man Downstairs,” which is available everywhere today.
“This EP forgive, forget. is unlike anything I’ve done so far,” she shares. “It touches on extreme emotions I’ve had in the past couple of years and reached a new level of vulnerability. No calculation or manufacturing, just pure honesty. Truly makes me nervous to share in the best way. ‘Man Downstairs’ is yours now.”
Anna wrote all six tracks alongside Ashley Gorley, Emily Falvey, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan and more.
Anna is preparing to launch her headlining “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour,” set to kick off on March 12th in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The project follows her 2025 album let go letters, which has garnered over 1 billion global streams to date.
forgive, forget. Track Listing:
1. “Fear In God (feat. Sam Barber)” (Avery Anna, Sam Barber)
2. “Man Downstairs” (Avery Anna, Michael Tyler, David Fanning and Andy Sheridan)
3. “lonestar alone” (Avery Anna, Ben Williams, Emily Falvey, Sam Bergeson)
4. “Life Ain’t Like The Radio” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ashley Gorley)
5. “Blood Runs Thicker” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan)
6. “forgive, forget.” (Avery Anna)
Tenille Townes Examines Life’s Balancing Act On New LP ‘The Acrobat,’ Due In April
/by Lorie HollabaughTenille Townes will release her latest album The Acrobat, on April 10. Ahead of the new project, Townes has released the title track featuring singer-songwriter Lori McKenna.
“The Acrobat is about the slow erosion that comes from trying to become what someone else needs, constantly balancing, bending, and reshaping yourself,” explains Townes. “The quiet whisper to the character in this song that I hope people hear, is that you don’t have to contort yourself to be worthy of love. That’s what I needed to hear in my struggles with self abandonment and writing this with Lori from a channeled observer perspective helped me get back to that belief. Lori’s songwriting has deeply shaped the way I hear music and tell the truth. She is a true hero of mine and has been a compass influence since I first moved to Nashville. Writing this song with her, and feeling her presence on it as a vocalist, makes this release an incredibly meaningful, full-circle moment for me.
The Acrobat was completely recorded, produced and mixed by Townes, who also played every instrument on the record. The album includes a track with I’m With Her on “grey like Emmylou.” Townes wrote every track on the record alongside Amy Wadge, Daniel Tashian, Alex Stacey and more. Her previous single “Enabling,” has been featured on SiriusXM On The Horizon as well as Bobby Bones Top 30 Weekend Countdown.
Townes will head out soon on “The Living Room Tour,” an intimate acoustic tour that kicks off in March, and will include an album release show in Nashville on April 9 as well as dates in San Antonio, Seattle, Cleveland and more.
The Acrobat Track List:
1. “ordinary love song” (Daniel Tashian, Tenille Townes)
2. “the acrobat (feat. Lori McKenna)” (Lori McKenna, Tenille Townes)
3. “enabling” (Tenille Townes)
4. “we could use a little more” (Tenille Townes)
5. “lonely talking” (Andy Skib, Tenille Townes)
6. “she plays the piano” (Lori McKenna, Alex Stacey, Amy Wadge, Tenille Townes)
7. “grey like Emmylou (feat. I’m With Her)” (Jordyn Shelhart, Kat Higgins, Tenille Townes)
8. “what’s meant for you” (Keelan Donovan, Tenille Townes)
9. “in love with the sky” (Lori McKenna, Tenille Townes)
10. “if you’re hearing this” (Tenille Townes)
Jason Aldean To Embark On ‘Songs About Us Summer Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean. Photo: Spidey Smith
Jason Aldean will kick off his new “Songs About Us Tour” sponsored by Patriot Mobile in July. Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter and Dee Jay Silver serve as support on the new 22-city tour.
Kicking off July 16 in Bangor, Maine, the trek will include stops in Oklahoma City, Fresno, Kansas City, Virginia Beach,and more through the end of September. Artist presale tickets are available starting March 3, with general on-sale March 6.
After topping the charts with his hit single, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” last week, Aldean today released three surprise tracks from his upcoming album Songs About Us, due out April 24. Aldean shared “Drinking About You,” “Dust on the Bottle,” and his next single, “Don’t Tell On Me,” which is set to impact radio March 2.
Songs About Us follow’s Aldean’s career-spanning collection 30 Number One Hits, which debuted last year at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking Aldean’s 13th Top 10 country album in 20 years. The hitmaker recently wrapped his first-ever headlining run in New Zealand and made his return to Australia for the first time in over a decade.
“Songs About Us 2026 Tour” Dates:
July 16 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater^
July 17 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center^
July 18 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts^
July 23 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena^
July 24 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center^
July 25 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater^
July 30 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater^
July 31 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater^
Aug 14 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre^
Aug 15 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center at Fresno State^
Aug 22 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center#%
Aug 27 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena^
Aug 28 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater^
Aug 29 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
Sep 10 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach^
Sep 11 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater^
Sep 12 – Hartford, CT – The Meadows Music Theatre^
Sep 17 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum^
Sep 18 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview^
Sep 19 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^
Sep 25 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion^
Sep 26 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion^
^ with Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter and Dee Jay Silver
# with Chase Matthew and Dee Jay Silver
% with Elizabeth Nichols
Ella Langley Returns To No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley returns to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart after a four week hiatus with her song, “Choosin’ Texas.”
The track, off of her upcoming album Dandelion, was written by Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor.
Langley recently announced her 16-date “Dandelion Tour” kicking off May 7 in Toledo, OH and closing out in Fort Worth TX on Aug. 15.
“Choosin’ Texas” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 1 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Song Suffragettes To Honor Carly Pearce At 12th Anniversary Show
/by Lauryn SinkSong Suffragettes will host its 12th anniversary show at The Listening Room on March 30, honoring Carly Pearce with the Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award, an honor bestowed on a female creator who has persisted in inspiring the women of the Song Suffragettes collective.
To anchor the evening, Pearce will participate in a one-of-a-kind Q&A in addition to an intimate performance. Presented by Truist Bank, the show will also host two writers’ rounds featuring Elizabeth Nichols, Belle Frantz, Abby Anderson, Chanel Yates, Abbie Callahan, Nanseera, Ashley Anne, Abbey Rowe and Alison Nichols.
Tickets are available now.
Since its inception in 2014, the show, which serves as Nashville’s only weekly, all-women, singer-songwriter showcase, has highlighted over 500 female singer-songwriters at more than 700 shows around the world.
Industry Ink: Troubadour Kickoff, Carter Faith, Belles & Dolly, More
/by Lorie HollabaughRhett Akins Performs At CMHOFM Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members
Pictured (L-R): Ben Hall, Vice President, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Zach Farnum, Troubadour Advisory Council Chair; Rhett Akins; and Marie Bradshaw, Director of Institutional Giving at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Rhett Akins performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members this week, sharing a selection of his songs including “That Ain’t My Truck” and “Dirt on My Boots.” The singer-songwriter has topped the Billboard charts as both an artist and songwriter, penning songs for Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton and more. He was named ACM’s Songwriter of the Decade, and has also received the Country Music Association Triple Play Award eight times. The Troubadour membership program engages young professionals in supporting its mission and the museum hosts quarterly networking events for Troubadour members, ranging from concerts to exhibit previews.
Carter Faith Makes Late Night Debut On ‘Jimmy Fallon’
Carter Faith recently made her late-night TV debut, performing her new single, “If I Had Never Lost My Mind,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The performance continues a breakout year for Carter, who was recently unveiled as a member of Opry NextStage’s Class of 2026, and continues her first-ever headline tour, “The Cherry Valley Tour.” Following her headline dates, Carter will join Post Malone on his upcoming U.S. “Big Ass Stadium Tour” and will perform select dates with George Strait and Chris Stapleton.
Belles & Dolly Team For New ‘Son Of Jolene’ Collab
Belles and Dolly Parton. Photo: ashtronot
Belles and Dolly Parton have collaborated on a new song “Son of Jolene,” due out April 17. Belles penned “Son of Jolene” as a clever, character-driven continuation of the classic story, imagining a chance encounter years later with Jolene’s son. PEOPLE debuted an exclusive feature on the song offering an inside look at the story and inspiration behind the new track, and Belles is kicking off promotion for “Son of Jolene” at Country Radio Seminar, hosting exclusive meet-and-greets alongside East Music Row Records for radio and industry executives.
Nashville Creatives Gather For Branding Panel At Ampersand Studios
Photo: Courtesy of PERK PR + Creative Agency
Industry leaders and creatives recently gathered at Ampersand Studios on Music Row for From Idea To Identity, a thought-provoking panel centered on transforming ideas into clear, compelling brands. The panel featured Trevor Perkins, Founder of PERK PR + Creative Agency; CJ Roberts and Hayley Stonehouse, Founders of Cowboy Cannolis; and Matthew Simmons, Photographer & Videographer. The event welcomed founders, entrepreneurs, marketers, and artists for an in-depth conversation about the art and strategy behind building authentic, lasting identities in today’s crowded marketplace.
Lily Hooten, Wade Wenrick Sign With Anotherland
Lily Hooten, Wade Wenrick
Lily Hooten has signed an exclusive recording and publishing deal with Anotherland. A Knoxville native, Hooten writes worshipful music with an Americana twist. Writer-producer Wade Wenrick has also signed an exclusive publishing deal with Anotherland. Finding success writing in the CCM and Christian alternative space, Wenrick most recently found success in the creative development and partnership of artist Allison Eide.