Blanco Brown. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Origins Music Group hosted its inaugural OMG Summer Block Party on June 6 at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville, bringing together artists, fans, families, local businesses and community organizations for a full day celebrating music, culture and connection.
The day-long festival showcased live performances from artists spanning country, Latin, Americana, hip-hop, rock and soul and was emceed by Nashville community leaders Franklin Willis, Ashlie Amber and Averianna the Personality. Performers included Ana Christina Cash, Andrea Vasquez, Angie K, Blanco Brown, Pynk Beard and more.
Photo: D’Angelo Connell
In addition to live music, hundreds of attendees enjoyed a wide variety of food truck offerings, shopped local vendors, and participated in meet-and-greets with the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders as well as Nashville Soccer Club’s mascot “Tempo the Coyote.” Guests also enjoyed family-friendly activities and a community marketplace that highlighted entrepreneurs, creatives and organizations from across Middle Tennessee.
The OMG Summer Block Party also served as an opportunity to introduce and raise awareness for Origins Music Impact, the organization’s newly established nonprofit initiative. Attendees were encouraged to learn more about the foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for artists, strengthen communities through music, and create meaningful pathways for education, mentorship and cultural engagement.
“Our goal was simple: create a place where people could come together, celebrate music, support local businesses, and enjoy community,” says Corey Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Origins Music Group. “Seeing families, artists, vendors, and fans all sharing the same space reminded us why we do this work. This was bigger than a block party. This was a community experience.”
Andrea Vasquez. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Buddy Red. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Butter & Grits. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Cash Cortes. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Corey Jones (Co-founder and CEO) S’Khiya Gordon (Executive Assistant) Blanco Brown, Stephen Miller
Elsie. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Kenny Sharp. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Pynk Beard. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Opry Pays Tribute To Don Williams At Special ‘Opry 100 Honors’ Show
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban joined by Don Williams’ former band members John Gardner, Dave Pomeroy, Mike Noble, and Chris Nole. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry celebrated the career of the legendary Don Williams earlier this week at its special sold-out “Opry 100 Honors Don Williams” show.
The tribute show featured performances by Opry members Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, The Isaacs and Jamey Johnson, as well as Brandy Clark, Rodney Crowell and John Foster. Williams became an Opry member 50 years ago. Urban’s band onstage included Williams’ former band members John Gardner, Dave Pomeroy, Mike Noble and Chris Nole on his performances of “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” “Love Me Over Again,” and “I Can’t Get To You From Here.”
Post-show event, Garth Fundis joined Urban and Yearwood for a panel discussion in Studio A hosted by Dan Rogers. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Post-show, Fundis joined Urban and Yearwood for a special panel discussion in Studio A hosted by Dan Rogers, Opry Senior Vice President, Executive Producer. Speaking to an at-capacity audience, they fondly traded personal stories about Williams and shared how his legacy continues to live on.
A portion of the show’s ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country music professionals in times of need for over 60 years. The fund provides financial assistance for medical bills, emergencies and other hardships faced by those in the industry.
A collection of previously unheard recordings were discovered in the cellar of the Williams family’s rural Tennessee home and released last month as a new album, Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes, via Craft Recordings. Produced by Williams’ longtime co-producer Garth Fundis, and executive produced by Williams’ son, Tim Williams, the recordings date from 1979-1984, a defining period in Williams’ career that produced enduring classics including “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “It Must Be Love,” “I Believe In You,” “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” and “Tulsa Time.”
The Isaacs. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Rodney Crowell. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Taylor Swift Makes Billboard Country Airplay Chart History
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift has made Billboard Country Airplay chart history with her latest release, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” reported by Billboard.
The tune, written for the Toy Story 5 soundtrack, debuted at No. 8 on the June 20-dated list with 19.4 million audience impressions in the week ending June 11, according to Luminate. With this, Swift becomes the first woman to debut in the Country Airplay top 10, dating back to the chart’s January 1990 start. The only other song to do so was Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory,” which debuted at No. 1 in September 2007.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” marks her 19th Country Airplay top 10, and her first since “Red” in December 2013. Swift has notched seven No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hits throughout her career.
“I think Taylor is arguably the biggest music star in the world. [“I Knew It, I Knew You” is] part of one of the biggest films of the summer. It fits sonically and in style to what else is on country radio. All three of those things make it the easiest programming decision of the year,” Brent Michaels, PD/on-air personality at KRJK-FM and KUZZ-AM/FM Bakersfield, Calif., told Billboard. “If Taylor is creating music that fits alongside the other biggest hitmakers in country, we’re crazy to not go along for the ride. She moves the needle with every project.”
Vince Gill Unveils Eighth EP In ’50 Years From Home’ Series
/by Lauryn SinkVince Gill has released the eighth installment in his year-long EP series titled 50 Years From Home.
The EP, titled A Mother’s Prayer, features seven songs with writing credits from Jordan Fletcher, Maggie Rose, John Jarvis, Nathan Chapman and more.
“I think with each of these EPs, I’m working toward pairing the songs that will sit together, that flow together, that sequence well,” Gill explains. “I like the theme of these songs, what they’re about. Where they came from. There are definitely some very personal ones on A Mother’s Prayer.”
Gill will launch his 50 Years From Home tour on June 18, a 27-city run including a six-night residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
A Mother’s Prayer Track List:
1. “A Mother’s Prayer” (Vince Gill, Jordan Fletcher, Maggie Rose)
2. “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” (Vince Gill, Nathan Chapman)
3. “This Heart Of Mine” (Vince Gill, Breland)
4. “My Daughter” (Vince Gill, Joy Williams)
5. “Forever In My Mind” (Vince Gill, Brent Loper)
6. “Roses And Diamonds” (Vince Gill, John Jarvis)
7. “I Still Believe In You” (Vince Gill, John Jarvis)
Jason Scott & The High Heat Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Madison HahnenJason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Jason Scott & The High Heat made their Grand Ole Opry debut last night (June 11).
They performed “Highway Robbery” from their upcoming album Play Boy, and “High Country” from last year’s project American Grin, which were both met with applause from the Opry Crowd.
Play Boy will release on Sept. 18 via Leo33. Jason Scott & The High Heat will also hit the road this summer supporting Morgan Wallen, as well as festival dates at Laurel Cove Music Festival, Targhee Fest, Bourbon & Beyond and more.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Leo33’s Natalie Osborne, Leo33’s Daniel Lee, Leo33’s Ana Shabeer, Garrison Brown, Jason Scott, Tremaine Wade, Leo33’s Katie Dean and Triple 8 Management’s Heather Howard. (L-R, back row): Taylor Johnson, Gabriel Mor, Ryan Magnani, Triple 8 Management’s Mark Noel and King Publicity’s Avery King Smith. Photo: Justin Harper
Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Brad Tursi Unveils Sophomore Solo Album ‘Colorado’
/by Lauryn SinkBrad Tursi has released his sophomore solo album, Colorado.
The 11-track project was entirely self-produced and largely self-written with additional credits from longtime collaborators Josh Osborne, Trevor Rosen, Ross Ellis, Matt Jenkins and Lalo Guzman. In the studio, he was joined by a group of accomplished musicians including Kris Donegan, Sam Wilson, Russ Paul, John Thomasson, Billy Justineau and Fred Eltringham. The project explores Tursi’s experience falling in love, building a life with his wife and the personal growth that comes with both.
The Old Dominion guitarist has earned multiple No. 1 hits, CMA Triple Play Awards and AIMP Artist-Writer of the Year honors with the band. He released his first solo project, Parallel Love, in 2024.
Colorado Track List
1. “Ms. Independent”
2. “Colorado”
3. “Green Eyed Girl”
4. “No Luck”
5. “Time with You (feat. Lukas Nelson)”
6. “Hard To Get High”
7. “Borderline”
8. “Ain’t That Something”
9. “Wait For Me”
10. “Rollercoaster”
11. “My Time”
Origins Music Group Hosts Inaugural OMG Summer Block Party
/by Lorie HollabaughBlanco Brown. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Origins Music Group hosted its inaugural OMG Summer Block Party on June 6 at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville, bringing together artists, fans, families, local businesses and community organizations for a full day celebrating music, culture and connection.
The day-long festival showcased live performances from artists spanning country, Latin, Americana, hip-hop, rock and soul and was emceed by Nashville community leaders Franklin Willis, Ashlie Amber and Averianna the Personality. Performers included Ana Christina Cash, Andrea Vasquez, Angie K, Blanco Brown, Pynk Beard and more.
Photo: D’Angelo Connell
In addition to live music, hundreds of attendees enjoyed a wide variety of food truck offerings, shopped local vendors, and participated in meet-and-greets with the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders as well as Nashville Soccer Club’s mascot “Tempo the Coyote.” Guests also enjoyed family-friendly activities and a community marketplace that highlighted entrepreneurs, creatives and organizations from across Middle Tennessee.
The OMG Summer Block Party also served as an opportunity to introduce and raise awareness for Origins Music Impact, the organization’s newly established nonprofit initiative. Attendees were encouraged to learn more about the foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for artists, strengthen communities through music, and create meaningful pathways for education, mentorship and cultural engagement.
“Our goal was simple: create a place where people could come together, celebrate music, support local businesses, and enjoy community,” says Corey Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Origins Music Group. “Seeing families, artists, vendors, and fans all sharing the same space reminded us why we do this work. This was bigger than a block party. This was a community experience.”
Andrea Vasquez. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Buddy Red. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Butter & Grits. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Cash Cortes. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Corey Jones (Co-founder and CEO) S’Khiya Gordon (Executive Assistant) Blanco Brown, Stephen Miller
Elsie. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Kenny Sharp. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Pynk Beard. Photo: D’Angelo Connell
Waylon Payne Inks With Big Loud Texas
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Front Row, L-R): Miranda Lambert (Co-Founder, Big Loud Texas), Waylon Payne, Jon Randall (Co-Founder, Big Loud Texas). (Back Row, L-R): Tyler Waugh (SVP of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Waylon Payne has inked with Big Loud Texas.
Alongside the signing, Payne has unveiled his album, Wayward, set to be released on July 17. The 13-song collection was produced by Frank Liddell and Eric Masse. Half of the project was solo written, with additional credits from Pam Tillis, Aaron Raitiere, Charlie Worsham and more. He released “Weed By The Wall” today (June 12).
“This album is very special to me and ‘Weed by the Wall’ is probably one of my favorite moments as a writer,” shares Payne. “I’m incredibly proud to have partnered with Big Loud Texas to release this collection of songs and I sure hope folks enjoy it.”
“I first heard Waylon Payne’s music in 2004, with his very first album,” says Miranda Lambert, Co-Founder, Big Loud Texas. “Called The Drifter, I’ll never forget the feelings it gave me. The honesty in his songwriting was genuinely something I’d never experienced, as well as the emotion coming across in his vocals; it made me hang on every word.
This summer, Payne will support Willie Nelson on his 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour and beyond with stops in Texas, California, New York and more.
Wayward Tracklist
1. “Looking For A Feeling” (Waylon Payne, Pam Tillis)
2. “Postcards” (Waylon Payne, Miranda Lambert, Aaron Raitiere)
3. “The Delta” (Waylon Payne)
4. “Darla” (Waylon Payne)
5. “Holding On To Lonely” (Waylon Payne, Charlie Worsham)
6. “Haunting” (Waylon Payne, Brennen Leigh, Dean Person)
7. “Caramello” (Waylon Payne, Dean Person)
8. “Hell Is Empty” (Waylon Payne, Matraca Berg)
9. “Watch Him Die” (Waylon Payne)
10. “The Roses” (Waylon Payne)
11. “Together” (Waylon Payne, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe)
12. “Find A Way” (Waylon Payne)
13. “Weed By The Wall” (Waylon Payne)
Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO Music Promotes Two
/by Lorie HollabaughMackenzie Cooper & Hope Garrison
Triple Tigers Records and its radio promotion branch AKANDO Music have promoted staff members Mackenzie Cooper and Hope Garrison.
Cooper has been promoted to Manager of Radio Promotions and first joined the Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO team in 2022 as Promotions Coordinator, while Garrison rises to Associate Director of Marketing after joining the label in 2018 as Promotions Coordinator.
“Hope is a significant asset to our small but mighty marketing team, covering areas of creative, design, digital marketing, socials and more,” says Annie Ortmeier (Co-President of Triple Tigers Records). “We are excited for her in this elevated role and look forward to continuing to build the future of Triple Tigers with her.”
“Mackenzie’s role has expanded immensely as Triple Tigers and AKANDO’s rosters continue to grow,” says Kevin Herring (Co-President of Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO Music) and Raffaella Braun (VP, National Promotion). “As the reigning Country Aircheck Platinum Label Of the Year – we wouldn’t be complete without her attention to detail, insight, innovation, passion for our artists and staff, care (and sick editing skills)!”
Morgan Wallen Remains Atop The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Don’t We’
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen stays atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for a second week with his hit “Don’t We.”
The track comes from his fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass and Charlie Handsome.
Wallen is currently on the road as a part of his “Still The Problem Tour” with upcoming shows alongside Ella Langley, Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, HARDY and more.
“Don’t We” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Highway Home Inks With Warner Records
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Tom Corson, Eamon Owen, Kelly Bolton, Stanton Langley, Conner Sweeny, Aaron Bay-Schuck and Charly Salvatore.
Highway Home, the trio composed of Stanton Langley, Eamon Owen and Conner Sweeny, has inked with Warner Records.
The band has independently released a string of singles including “Missin’ You Goes,” “Ring On Red” and “Look At You.” They recently made their CMA Fest debut and have shared stages with Luke Combs, Sister Hazel, Sara Evans, Graham Barham and George Birge, among others.
“Highway Home is a band built on rare individual talent — each member is a gifted singer, musician, and songwriter in their own right,” shares Kelly Bolton, VP A&R Warner Records. “Their three-part harmony is unmistakable. Their songwriting bridges the soul of ‘90s and 2000s country with a sound that resonates right now — and that’s exactly what makes them cut through. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Warner Records family.”
“The most important thing to us has always been making sure the music stays true to our vision, and the folks at Warner have been completely aligned with that from the start,” Highway Home adds. “Warner Records feels like home, and a great place to create the music we are passionate about. We couldn’t be more excited to join the team and write our next chapter with Warner!”
In celebration of the announcement, the band has released their label debut, “No More Drinkin’ Songs.”