T. Graham Brown Becomes Grand Ole Opry Member

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T. Graham Brown becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

T. Graham Brown was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend by Opry member Vince Gill.

Pictured (L-R): Don Schlitz, John Conlee, The Isaacs, Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills, Sheila Brown, Vince Gill and T. Graham Brown. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Also on hand to celebrate Brown’s big moment were Opry members John Conlee, The Isaacs, Don Schlitz, Jeannie Seely and Mark Wills, who all wanted to be a part of the induction and welcome Brown to the family.

“As great as this night is for you, you have to know it is equally as great to us,” says Gill. “I brought all the other members out to the stage be a part of this for you tonight because you are now a part of our family. And the family that goes on here, is way deeper than any hit song you’ll ever have. Congratulations and welcome.”

“Hallelujah! I’m going to try not to cry,” Brown said before thanking God, the fans, the Opry staff, his wife Sheila and his son Acme, who played drums in the band for him during his performance.

Brown sang several of his biggest hits during the milestone show, including “I Tell It Like It Used To Be” and “Darlene,” and he brought the crowd to their feet as Jimmy Fortune joined him on “Wine Into Water.”

He was surprised with the invitation to become an Opry member by Gill in front of a live SiriusXM studio audience during a taping of his SiriusXM show Live Wire in February. The CMA award-winner has toured extensively since the early ’80s, and has performed on the Opry more than 300 times. Brown’s signature hits include the bluesy “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “Hell And High Water,” “I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Don’t Go To Strangers,” “Darlene” and “Wine Into Water,” which has been recorded by over 100 artists including the legendary Loretta Lynn on her project, Full Circle.

George Strait Confirms New Album During Indy Stadium Show

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George Strait on stage in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, May 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Photo: Michele Wedel

George Strait revealed to the crowd during his show at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night (May 4) that he is going to be releasing a brand new album, Cowboys and Dreamers, later this year.

Strait previewed some of the new material for the sold-out crowd of 51,132, including a song called “Three Drinks Behind.” Tour-mate Chris Stapleton joined the Texan mid-stride on “Pancho and Lefty,” staying onstage for “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” an album cut he penned for Strait’s Love Is Everything. The two then revealed their first-ever collaboration, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,” to be featured on Strait’s forthcoming album.

In another poignant moment in the show, Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco introduced Retired US Army Private Issac Boshi on stage and presented a new home to the hero, noting it was his 113th home presentation with Strait via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program. 

Saturday was Strait’s first show back after devastating losses to his touring family including his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, Ace in the Hole band member Gene Elders and tour manager, Tom Foote. Strait took the opportunity to acknowledge their absence throughout the evening. “The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better. Thank you for coming out—we’ve had a great time tonight. This one is for Erv, and Gene and Tom,” he said before concluding the 32-song set with a six-song encore.

Lainey Wilson’s ‘Wildflowers And Wild Horses’ Hits No. 1 At Country Radio

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Lainey Wilson has notched her seventh No. 1 at country radio with her hit song “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” released via Broken Bow Records.

The track, written by Wilson, Trannie Anderson and Paul Sikes and produced by Grammy-award winner Jay Joyce, is featured on her award-winning album Bell Bottom Country and has accumulated over 125 million global streams to date.

“Wildflowers and Wild Horses” is a personal track, written to reflect on Wilson’s life growing up while blending country, rock and Americana genres to produce the artist’s signature sound.

“It’s such an honor to have ‘Wildflowers and Wild Horses,’ No.1 at country radio. This song has such a special place in my heart, as a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter and someone who grew up on wide open land,” explains Wilson. “Thank you to my collaborators, Jay Joyce, Trannie Anderson, and Paul Sikes for helping bring this track to life. And to my fans, my wild horses, this is your theme song; none of this would be possible without you.”

Wilson continues to garner impressive accolades such as the 2024 Grammy for Best Country Album, the 2023 CMA Entertainer of the Year and much more. She will soon hit the road on her “Country’s Cool Again” headlining tour and is set to perform at the ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas later this month.

Derek Austin Signs Management & Publishing Deals

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Pictured (L-R): Halie Hampton Mosley (W&H), Allie Petko (W&H), Derek Austin, Benji Amaefule (WCM) and Ben Vaughn (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Singer-songwriter Derek Austin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and a management deal with Why&How.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Ben [Vaughn], Benji [Amaefule], and the entire Warner Chappell family. It means the world that the Warner Chappell team believes in me and sees the vision for my music,” Austin shares. “Bruce [Kalmick], Halie [Hampton Mosley], Allie Petko, and the Why&How team have been incredible guides throughout this process. I can’t wait to see where it all goes from here.”

Hailing from Minnesota, Austin ran a dairy operation with his brothers before moving to Washington State for college, which is where he learned to play guitar and started writing songs. After graduation, he spent time in Alaska as an Air Traffic Controller before moving to Nashville to pursue music.

Austin released the five-track EP Barstools in 2021, followed by the single “The Bullet” with Ashley Cooke, which has amassed nearly one million views on YouTube and over two million streams on Spotify. Last year, he also released the songs “Beer Back,” “Stoned” and “Summer Was You.”

“Derek is an incredible talent who demonstrates not only immense potential, but true work ethic and a dedication to his craft,” shares Hampton Mosley, COO, Why&How. “He’s already laid an impressive foundation through his songwriting, and we look forward to partnering with Ben, Benji, and the entire Warner Chappell team to take Derek’s career into this next chapter.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Derek to the Warner Chappell family,” adds Amaefule, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “His unique background and storytelling shines through in his songs that are equal parts anthemic and compelling. We’re excited to get to work and showcase his star power in the ever-expanding landscape of our format.”

Julien’s Auctions To Host ‘Music Icons’ Exhibit, Open New Nashville Office

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Darren Julien and Martin Nolan with John Lennon’s guitar. Photo: Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions

Music memorabilia auction house Julien’s Auctions is returning to Music City with their exclusive “Music Icons” exhibit featuring an arsenal of some of the most historically important and greatest guitars ever played on stage, screen and in studio at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum on May 15-18.

Fans, guitar aficionados and music collectors will have a chance to check out the legendary guitars played by rock gods John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Randy Bachman, Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols and Mark Knopfler on this tour stop before it heads to New York for their final exhibit and auction at the two day “Music Icons” blockbuster taking place Wednesday, May 29-30 live at Hard Rock Cafe in New York and online at juliensauctions.com.

Charity initiatives will be part of the celebration with a special item offered by The King’s Trust: Knopfler’s 1987 wine red Gibson Custom Shop Edition Chet Atkins Country Gentleman semi-hollow body electric. The guitar was signed and given to the Dire Straits legend by Atkins himself.

Julien’s also announced that Cristy Barber, a Grammy-winning music executive based in Nashville, has been appointed VP of Pop Culture & Business Development to head its expansion, which includes the opening of a new office in Nashville and the curation of music auctions that will celebrate the genre’s rich musical heritage and the enduring legacies of its artists.

Barber has held leadership positions at Capitol Records, Columbia Records, Island Records and Elektra. She has served as VP of Marketing and Promotions at VP Records, and President of the Bob Marley family-owned labels Tuff Gong/Ghetto Youths. Most recently she was the VP of Global Marketing & Brand Partnerships at Iconoclast, handling the legacies of artists like Tony Bennett, Robbie Robertson and David Cassidy, among others. Over the course of her career, Barber has worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Pharrell, Method Man & Redman, DMX, Sean Paul and Beenie Man.

“Julien’s is thrilled to be back in Nashville to host this incredible exhibition of some of the greatest guitars in all of rock history at the world-class Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. This event welcomes enthusiasts and collectors to discover Rock and Roll’s musical heritage through these pieces of music history ahead of their auction in May,” says David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s Auctions. “The showcase represents Julien’s growing presence and development in Music City led by the new addition to our senior leadership team, Cristy Barber, whose dynamic experience and award-winning career in the music industry will launch Julien’s as the pre-eminent auction house in this marketplace.”

Miranda Lambert Announces ‘Music For Mutts’ Benefit Concert

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Miranda Lambert will take the stage this fall for her “Music For Mutts” concert, benefiting her nonprofit the MuttNation Foundation. The event will take place on Oct. 5 at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville. A soon-to-be-announced lineup of other artists will join Lambert.

Presented by Tractor Supply Co., the event will celebrate 15 years of the foundation. Lambert started MuttNation alongside her mother in 2009 to promote the adoption of shelter pets, advance spay and neuter and educate the public. They also financially support and help with transportation partners for the relocation of animals during a natural disaster. Since its inception, MuttNation Foundation has raised $1o million.

“I wanted to do something special to celebrate MuttNation’s 15th anniversary and thought sharing an evening of great music with some great friends that will also feature lots of mutts would be about as much fun as anything I could imagine,” says Lambert. “We’ll have an adoption event and lots of other activities—and just make it a big party. I hope everyone will come out and party with us.”

Tickets to the event will go on sale this Friday (May 10) at 10 a.m. CST. VIP ticket options will also be available.

ACM Announces Additional Awards Week Events

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The Academy of Country Music has announced additional events set to take place during this year’s ACM Awards Week ahead of the 59th annual ceremony on May 16.

The ACM Country Kickoff fan festival will get the week started for a second year. The two-day function, set for May 14–15, will feature live performances by ACM Award nominees and rising talent on the outdoor Carhartt Stage, along with artist meet-and-greets, food trucks and partner activations. New for 2024 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. For more information, click here.

Powered by The Bluebird Cafe and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the ACM Songs & Stories brunch will also take place on May 15. Hosted by singer-songwriter and actor Charles Esten, the event celebrates the ACM Songwriter of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year nominees with a traditional Nashville songwriters round. This year, fans will be purchase tickets to for the first time in event history. Each ticket include a buffet brunch and open bar. For more information, click here.

The previously announced “Parker McCollum and Friends: ACM Lifting Lives Live” event, presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, is also set for May 15 at Topgolf The Colony. The show will feature Old Dominion, Jordan Davis, Ashley Cooke and Kameron Marlowe taking the stage to perform live alongside McCollum.

MerleFest Wraps Successful 2024 Event

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Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Jim Gavenus

MerleFest concluded its annual spring homecoming last weekend with a ‘Traditional Plus’ celebration, drawing both seasoned attendees and newcomers to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Artists performing during the four-day event included Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and more.

“MerleFest 2024 was a testament to the enduring spirit of community and music,” shares Festival Director Wes Whitson. “The unwavering support from our artists, fans, staff, volunteers, and sponsors not only creates unforgettable moments but also fuels the educational mission of Wilkes Community College. The beautiful weather this weekend served as a perfect backdrop to the magic unfolding on stage, adding an extra layer of joy to our festivities. We were thrilled to see an overwhelming turnout on Thursday evening, a resounding affirmation that MerleFest continues to grow stronger with each passing year.”

The four-day gathering, inspired by the vision of festival founder and North Carolina native Doc Watson, is the biggest economic driver of scholarships, capital projects, and educational needs within the greater community. Since its inaugural event in 1988, MerleFest has continued to demonstrate a commitment to supporting the residents of Wilkes County, while showcasing outstanding talent from its home state and beyond. This year’s festival was no different, with nearly one hundred acts spanning diverse styles and genres performing across 12 stages from Thursday through Sunday.

Making Of Randy Travis’ AI-Generated Single Explored In CBS News ‘Sunday Morning’ Segment

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Kyle Lehning & Randy Travis

The making of country legend Randy Travis‘ new artificial intelligence (AI)-generated single, “Where That Came From,” will be exclusively explored during a segment of CBS News’ Sunday Morning airing May 5 at 8 a.m. CT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Travis shared the new song with fans today (May 3)—something he hadn’t done since suffering a stroke in 2013. The area of his brain controlling speech and language was severely damaged as a result of the stroke, and doctors believed Travis’ chance of surviving was slim.

Now, Travis is doing well, and with the help of AI, his fans are getting to hear his cherished vocals again.

“There’s just so much chatter about all the negative sides of AI,” says Cris Lacy, Co-Chair & President, Warner Music Nashville. “We started with this concept of ‘What would AI…look like for us?’ And the first thing that came to mind…was we would give Randy Travis his voice back.”

Throughout the special feature, the show’s Lee Cowan takes an inside look at how cutting-edge AI enabled Travis to raise his voice musically once again. He talks with the star and his wife Mary while getting a behind-the-scenes look at how Travis’ longtime producer Kyle Lehning—with the artist’s blessing—crafted a song using his past audio tracks as a starting point. With the help of another singer, a special AI program overlayed Travis’ voice on the new recording. With the Hall of Famer’s input, Lehning carefully molded the AI-created vocal into a tune that felt authentic to Travis.

“It’s not about how it sounds. It’s about how it feels,” notes Lehning. “Him being here and him being able to be a vital part of the decision-making process makes all the difference to me.”

Cowan was there when Travis’ country music friends and family heard the song for the first time.

To listen to Travis’ “Where That Came From,” click here.

Warner Music Nashville Signs Roan Ash

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Pictured (L-R, back row): BJ Hill (SVP A&R, Warner Chappell Music), Jay Williams (WME), Sloane Cavitt Logue (WME), Stephanie Davenport (VP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Patrick Sabatini (SVP Legal & Business Affairs, Warner Music Nashville); (L-R, front row): Cris Lacy (Co-Chair and Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Roan Ash, Ben Kline (Co-Chair and Co-President, Warner Music Nashville)

Warner Music Nashville has signed South African singer-songwriter Roan Ash. His major label debut single “Holy Ground” is out now.

Ash has independently garnered 100 million global streams to date with his country-rock fusion and strong lyrical sense. Learning a few guitar chords from an older sister, he grew up inspired by lyricists such as Kris Kristofferson and Don Williams. In his teens he was drawn to the music of Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and John Mayer.

Ash released his first independent album, The Traveller, in 2014. He released it follow-up Whiskey to My Soul in 2018, where he found his creative mark.

“The main thing I love about music is the integrity,” Ash says. “There has to be integrity between your heart and what you want to say. Otherwise, you just need to keep quiet. It’s all about the lyrics and the story. I don’t wanna be an empty guy saying empty things, so I’ve always tried to work on something worth saying.”

Ash’s talents have found a home across the globe in Nashville. As he readies his first major label release, he’s keeping his focus strictly on the music.

“I was and still am just a dreamer, and I just want to make good music,” Ash admits. “I’m not worrying about business. I’m just going to do what I’ve always done, and that’s given me so much liberty. I’m here. It’s time to do what I do.”