Tracy Lawrence’s Fourth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament Raises $250K For Charity

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Participants in Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament. Photo: Bill McClintic

Tracy Lawrence hosted his fourth annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, May 6, raising over $250,000 for his charity Mission:Possible.

Lawrence teed up together with fellow celebrities including Gary Allan, Johnny Damon, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Bo Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Josh Ross and more at the event, which raises funds and awareness for homeless organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

The tournament took place just two days after Lawrence played his first headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. He continues to share his new music and greatest hits on the road on Riley Green‘s 33-stop “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour” throughout the spring.

Next month, Lawrence keeps the momentum going as he gears up for his sold-out “Tracy Lawrence and Friends” show at Ascend Amphitheater for CMA Fest on Saturday, June 8 with tourmate Green, Chris Young, Maddie & Tae, Priscilla Block, RaeLynn and Charles Esten. At the end of the summer, Lawrence will head to Texas to be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage, Texas on Aug. 10.

Lainey Wilson To Share Her ‘Whirlwind’ Of A Journey Through New Album

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Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Lainey Wilson will share her new album, Whirlwind, on Aug. 23 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Produced by Jay Joyce, Whirlwind aims to give fans an honest look into the multi-Platinum artist’s life and journey around the world. The collection brings together a mix of sonically united songs that span across genres while remaining true to Wilson’s western roots. Throughout the project, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter sought to create narratives and storylines that capture the essence of life’s highs, lows and everything in between.

“I am so excited to finally announce Whirlwind. This album has been a long time coming, and I can’t wait for the world to have this body of work in their hands soon,” says Wilson. “This new chapter of music is the most cathartic and personal piece of art I’ve ever made. I hope this record brings some peace to your whirlwind and wraps its arms around you like it did for me.”

She recently notched her seventh No. 1 at country radio with “Wildflowers And Wild Horses,” and announced her new bar set to open in downtown Nashville. In addition to being nominated for multiple honors, Wilson will take the ACM Awards stage to perform next week before kicking off her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” at the end of the month.

CMA Foundation Reveals 2024 Music Teachers Of Excellence

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The CMA Foundation has revealed its 2024 Music Teachers of Excellence class.

Through an application process consisting of teaching videos, professional references and community service work, Music Teachers of Excellence are selected based on their dedication to bringing a high-quality music education program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the CMA Foundation joined forces with Tanner Adell, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Priscilla Block, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Chapel Hart, Jordan Davis, Lindsay Ell, Filmore, Mickey Guyton, Tyler Hubbard, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Brian Kelley, Tiera Kennedy, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, MacKenzie Porter, Frank Ray, Reyna Roberts, Caitlyn Smith, Alana Springsteen, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Chris Young to surprise each honoree yesterday (May 7) with congratulatory video messages shared at their schools. CMA and CMA Foundation staff also visited the 10 Metro Nashville Public School teachers in their classrooms to surprise them with news of becoming Music Teachers of Excellence.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate these 30 remarkable music educators as part of our Music Teachers of Excellence program,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “These teachers consistently go above and beyond to build inclusive environments in their classrooms and communities, often removing barriers that prevent even just one student from participating in music education. It takes a village, and we are so grateful for our village of amazing country artists who joined us this morning to recognize these 30 incredible humans.”

The Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, presented by One Country, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. As part of the CMA Foundation’s investment strategy, each educator will receive a $5,000 grant—half of the investment will go toward their classroom needs and music programs, and the other half will support personal expenses. To date, the CMA Foundation has invested over $30 million nationally to ensure music teachers have the support and funding needed to create a thriving program within their school and community.

2024 Music Teachers of Excellence:
Justin Antos – Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Evan Burton – Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Vanessa Cobb – Montgomery Central High School, Cunningham, TN
Johnny Croft – Cane Ridge High School, Antioch, TN
Charissa Duncanson – Ferndale Lower Elementary School, Ferndale Upper Elementary School, Oak Park, MI
Deanna Grandstaff – Cecil Intermediate School, McDonald, PA
Corey Graves – Jackson Middle School, Forney, TX
DaJuana “Dee” Hammonds – Hull-Jackson Montessori School, Nashville, TN
Eric Hanson – Wilson Elementary, Coppell, TX
Tony Hartman – Scales Elementary School, Murfreesboro, TN
Michael Holland – Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Brent Hopper – Lakeland Preparatory School, Lakeland, TN
Allen Kennedy – Hume–Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Ollie Liddell – Memphis Central High School, Memphis, TN
Tyler Merideth – James Lawson High School, Nashville, TN
Allen Moody – Idlewild Elementary, Memphis, TN
Linzie Mullins – Snowden School, Memphis, TN
Cody Newman – Forney High School, Forney, TX
Katiana Nicholson – Columbia Central High School, Columbia, TN
Dave Petrelli – Lockeland Design Center Elementary, Nashville, TN
Holly Rang – Pennington Elementary, Nashville, TN
Samantha Reid – Oliver Middle School, Nashville, TN
Stephanie San Roman – Oswego High School, Oswego, IL
Jonathan Seligman – Casillas Elementary, Chula Vista, CA
Laura Shepherd – Donelson Middle School, Nashville, TN
Andrew Smith – Powell High School, Powell, TN
Sarah Theres – Florosa Elementary School, Mary Esther, FL
Kaitlin Tilden – Andrew Jackson Elementary, Old Hickory, TN
Taylor Walkup-Amos – Yorktown Elementary School, Yorktown, VA
Shoshana Wulf – Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School, Nashville, TN

Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, More Among Lineup For 2024 Austin City Limits Festival

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Chris Stapleton & Sturgill Simpson

Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, Sturgill Simpson and Pretty Lights are set to headline the upcoming Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival, taking place Oct. 4–6 and Oct. 11–13 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.

The nine-stage, two-weekend music celebration will also feature performances from Leon Bridges, Carin León, Norah Jones, Reneé Rapp, Foster The People, Kehlani, Teddy Swims, The Marías, Jungle, Dom Dolla, Porter Robinson, Fletcher and David Shaw, among others.

More than 30 Texas artists will take this year’s ACL Fest stages, including Khruangbin, Kevin Abstract, That Mexican OT, Mickey Guyton, Penny & Sparrow, Chance Peña, Dexter and The Moonrocks, Bob Schneider, Asleep At The Wheel, Whookilledkenny, Kalu & The Electric Joint, The Droptines, Jon Muq, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, Late Night Drive Home, Theo Lawrence, Chief Cleopatra, Chaparelle and more.

Three-day general admission tickets, VIP and Platinum tickets, hotel packages and more are on sale now. One-day tickets will be available at a later date. Music fans ages eight and under are welcome to all general admission areas free of charge with a ticketed adult. For more information, click here.

ACM Country Kickoff To Feature Megan Moroney, Nate Smith & More

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The lineup has been revealed for this year’s ACM Country Kickoff At The Star, set for May 14–15 ahead the 59th ACM Awards on May 16.

Taking the outdoor Carhartt Stage on Tuesday (May 14) will be Chayce Beckham, Annie Bosko, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Megan Moroney, Neon Union, Dylan Scott, Nate Smith and Tigirlily Gold. Wednesday (May 15) will feature performances by Kassi Ashton, Hannah Ellis, Tiera Kennedy, Kylie Morgan, Jenna Paulette, Restless Road, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Matt Stell and Jake Worthington.

Special performances will also take place on Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. CT for Live From the ACM Awards: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration, where the New Artists of the Year category winners will be revealed and celebrated. Country Heat Weekly podcast hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson will emcee the show, which will air live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

The event is free to attendees. New this year is the Country Kickoff VIP ticket, which includes premium viewing access of the outdoor stage from the Lucas Oil VIP Area, a meal voucher redeemable at any of the onsite food trucks, two drink tickets, dedicated bar service, a Jack Daniel’s whiskey tasting and more. The ACM Country Kickoff will also feature a beer garden and dance floor presented by Coors Light and artist meet-and-greet sessions in the ACM Red Barrel Lounge, presented by Princess Cruise Lines, alongside food trucks, photo opps, awards show merchandise, and activations by a host of partners. For more information, click here.

Brian Fuller Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Kenley Flynn, Dale Bobo, Josh Van Valkenburg, Anna Weisband, Tom Luteran and Synnovea Cleveland; (L-R, front row): Aubrey Landon, Brian Fuller and Rusty Gaston. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Songwriter Brian Fuller has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

The Georgia native moved to Nashville in 2019, where he spent time writing and touring. He has released several tracks as an artist including “Blue Sky Beautiful” and “Tellin’ On You,” and recently received his first major label cut with “I Could Be That Rain” from Randall King‘s debut album Into The Neon.

“I give all the glory and credit to God for blessing me with the amazing team and people at Sony,” says Fuller. “The first time I sat down and talked with Rusty [Gaston] I felt like he truly cared to hear about who I was and my story. Aubrey [Landon] has the drive and work ethic of 10 people and I feel so lucky to have her in my corner. Every time I step foot within Sony, I’m welcomed by nothing but smiles and I feel right at home. Excited is an understatement for how I feel starting this next chapter with them.”

“Brian is a special talent—his song sense, unique melodies and ideas set him apart as one of the most promising young songwriter/artists,” shares Landon. “We are excited to join forces and be a part of his team! There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be the talk of the town soon.”

Fuller is set to release his newest single “That Girl Can Drive,” co-penned with Joey Hyde and Justin Wilson, on May 24.

UMPG Nashville Signs John Hollier

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Pictured (L-R): Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Don Glista (UMPG Nashville), Alex Brahl (7S Management) and John Hollier. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter John Hollier to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.

Hollier is a Louisiana native whose music combines gruff heartland rock with country soul. He recently signed to Thirty Tigers Records and opened for the Red Clay Strays. Hollier is managed by 7S Management.

“John’s lyrics are full of heart and soul. Combine that with one of the most incredible live shows I’ve seen in a long time, and I’m in! Let’s geaux, John!” says Cyndi Forman, Senior VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.

“Cyndi and the entire UMPG team have made me feel at home and, more importantly, shown me that they are going to help foster my songs and style as passionately as I do,” says Hollier. “It’s a true honor to join an elite group of songwriters such as the Universal Music Publishing roster.”

Songwriting Great Wayland Holyfield Passes

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Wayland Holyfield

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Wayland Holyfield died Monday (May 6) at age 82.

During a five-decade career on Music Row, Holyfield created such classics as “Could I Have This Dance,” “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” and “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had.” He wrote more than 40 top 10 country hits, including 14 No. 1s. His songs were recorded by a who’s-who of country stars, including Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Randy Travis, The Judds, Barbara Mandrell, Shenandoah, Mac Davis and Tammy Wynette. He was particularly noted for hits he wrote for and/or with Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Wayland Holyfield was raised in a musical family. He studied violin, played bass in the local band The Rebels and wrote songs as a hobby. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he worked at an ad agency.

Unhappy in his job, he decided to make music his profession. He toured with the singing trio The General Store, then moved to Nashville in 1972. A year later, he had his first hit when Johnny Russell recorded his cowritten “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.” In 1975, Holyfield wrote his first No. 1 record, the Don Williams hit “You’re My Best Friend.”

Williams returned to Holyfield’s catalog in 1976 for “She Never Knew Me” and their co-written “Til the Rivers All Run Dry.” Also that year, Crystal Gayle had a major hit with “I’ll Do It All Over Again,” which Holyfield wrote with Bob McDill. In 1977, Charley Pride scored with “I’ll Be Leaving Alone,” co-written by Holyfield with Dickey Lee, his frequent collaborator and lifelong friend. Also in that year, Don Williams resumed his Holyfield association with the No. 1 smash “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.”

In 1978, Mel Street scored with “If I Had a Cheating Heart.” Next, Holyfield and McDill cowrote the 1979 Ronnie Milsap chart-topper “Nobody Likes Sad Songs.”

Holyfield’s success continued into the 1980s. Janie Fricke hit the top 10 with his “I’ll Need Someone to Hold Me (When I Cry),” again co-written with McDill. Then Anne Murray’s version of the Wayland Holyfield/Bob House song “Could I Have This Dance” was chosen as the love theme for the hit movie Urban Cowboy. Holyfield said that the Grammy-winning, No. 1 hit was his favorite of his many compositions. It remains a popular wedding anthem.

His parade of hits continued with “Never Been So Loved in My Life” (Charley Pride, 1981), “You’ll Be Back (Every Night)” (The Statler Brothers, 1981), “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” (Ed Bruce, 1981), “Put Your Dreams Away” (Mickey Gilley, 1982), “Tears of the Lonely (Mickey Gilley, 1982), “Don’t Count the Rainy Days” (Michael Martin Murphey, 1983) and “Your Love Shines Through” (Mickey Gilley, 1983).

Wayland Holyfield was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1982. A 1992 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he collaborated with such fellow Hall of Fame members as Gary Nicholson, Norro Wilson and Richard Leigh, as well as McDill, Williams, Russell and Lee.

Such 1985 Holyfield hits as “You’re Going Out of My Mind” (T.G. Sheppard) and “Break Away” (Gail Davies), plus 1989’s “(I Wish I Had) A Heart of Stone” (Baillie & The Boys) were followed by 1990’s “Only Here For a Little While” (Billy Dean) and “Down in Tennessee” (John Anderson).

Holyfield was passionate about his home state throughout his life. He wrote “Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)” for the state’s sesquicentennial in 1986. It was selected as the state song the following year, and he performed it at the presidential inauguration of native son Bill Clinton in 1993.

He was always a forceful advocate on behalf of the songwriting community. Wayland Holyfield was the first Music City tunesmith elected to the national ASCAP Board of Directors. He also served as President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and as Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Foundation’s board. He served on the boards of the Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter and the Nashville Entertainment Association. His zeal for songwriters led him to testify before Congress on their behalf.

Wayland Holyfield suffered health problems in recent years, but remained active in the industry, including serving on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died at home in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Nancy and their children.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church (4815 Franklin Pike in Nashville). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Faith Family Medical Center Nashville, Vantage Point Foundation (Veterans Pushing Forward) or Nashville Rescue Mission.

Grace Bowers Announces Lineup For ‘An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music’

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Rising singer-songwriter Grace Bowers is hosting her second annual benefit concert, “An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music,” on June 10 at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville.

This year’s show will feature performances from Bowers, The Cadillac Three, Devon Gilfillian, Caroline Jones, Meg McRee, Jared James Nichols, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Brittney Spencer, Butch Walker and other special guests. Proceeds from the event will support Voices for a Safer Tennessee and MusiCares. For more information, click here.

The artist first organized the concert in response to the tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville last year. She and friends such as Butch Walker, Hannah Wicklund, Devon Gilfillian and Daniel Donato took the stage to support Covenant Heals and MusiCares.

Additionally, Bowers released her debut single, “Tell Me Why U Do That,” with her band The Hodge Podge last month. Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, the track was written by Bowers, Osborne, Silvas, McRee and Ben Chapman. In celebration of the new music, she will make her Grand Ole Opry debut during her 18th birthday on July 30. Bowers also recently formed partnerships with WME, Crowd Surf and Sacks & Co, among others.

‘Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville’ To Return In June As Free Event

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Country star Dustin Lynch is bringing his “Pool Situation: Nashville” back to the Margaritaville Hotel’s rooftop pool at 2 p.m. on June 7. This year, the event will be free and open to the public.

Inspired by Lynch’s Pool Party during Luke Bryan’s annual Crash My Playa, the CMA Fest weekend celebration has featured special guest appearances by Little Big Town, Jordan Davis, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter and more as well as mullet haircuts, Lynch’s famous spinning wheel and an abundance of shots.

“Riding that high is inspiring me to explore not just how well my career is going right now but also expanding into developing artists who see how [my career] is rising,” shared Lynch with The Tennessean. “My fanbase and events like the pool situation allow me to age into curating talents and hosting events with [multi-generational] appeal.”

Admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The artist’s “Stay Country Club” members will get exclusive early access. For more information, click here.