David Allan Coe. Photo: Matthew Woitunski via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Talented country star David Allan Coe has died at age 86.
The charismatic performer was known for recording such hits as “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, “The Ride”, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “She Used to Love Me a Lot”, and “Longhaired Redneck.” He notched 63 singles on the Billboard charts.
Coe was a talented songwriter, with artists including Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, The Oak Ridge Boys and many more recording his songs. His biggest hits as a songwriter were “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” recorded by Tanya Tucker, and Johnny Paycheck’s iconic rendition of “Take This Job and Shove It,” which later inspired a movie of the same name.
Coe often spurred controversy with lyrics, with frequent profanities, tales of drug use and sexually explicit material. His rebellious attitude and image garnered him the title of the ‘outlaw’s outlaw.’
Coe was born in Akron, Ohio on Sept. 6, 1939. As a boy, he was sent to the Starr Commonwealth For Boys reform school. Coe would spend the next 20 years in correctional facilities, including three years at the Ohio Penitentiary.
After ending a prison term in 1967, Coe moved to Nashville where he reportedly lived in a hearse which he parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium. While street performing, he caught the attention of the owner of the independent record label Plantation Records, Shelby Singleton, who signed him.
In 1970 Coe released his debut album Penitentiary Blues. In 1971 he signed to Pete and Rose Drake’s publishing company Windows Publishing Company, and when Tanya Tucker’s recording of his “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” went to the top of the charts, Coe was signed to Columbia Records. He cut his own version of the song for his second Columbia album, Once Upon a Rhyme, released in 1975.
Once Upon A Rhyme also contained Coe’s biggest hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” written by John Prine and Steve Goodman.
His third album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, was named for the rhinestones suit and a Lone Ranger mask he wore to perform.
Coe would go on to release a handful of more albums throughout the ’70s, including Longhaired Redneck (1976), Human Emotions (1978), Family Album (1978), Compass Point (1979) and Spectrum VII (1979).
In 1980 Coe enlisted producer Billy Sherrill for I’ve Got Something to Say, which included featured vocals from Guy Clark, Bill Anderson, Dickey Betts (of The Allman Brothers Band), Kris Kristofferson, Larry Jon Wilson, and George Jones.
Coe’s 1983 album Castles in the Sand would prove to be a mainstream success for Coe, peaking at No. 8 on the country albums chart. Its success was spurred on by “The Ride,” which spent 19 weeks on the Billboard country singles charts, reaching a peak of No. 4. The song tells the story of a hitchhiker’s encounter with the ghost of Hank Williams, Sr. in a ride from Montgomery, Alabama to Nashville.
1984’s Just Divorced contains Coe’s second biggest chart hit, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Coe’s 1986 album Son of the South featured contributions from fellow country outlaws Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jessie Colter. His final album for Columbia, a concept album A Matter of Life…and Death, was released in 1987.
Throughout the 1990s, Coe toured throughout the United States and Europe. In 1990 he reissued his independent albums Nothing Sacred and Underground Album on CD, as well as the compilation 18 X-Rated Hits–which were very controversial for racist, misogynist and homophobic lyrics.
In 2003, Coe wrote a song for Kid Rock, “Single Father,” which appeared on Kid Rock’s self-titled album, and was released as a single. He released Rebel Meets Rebel, with Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and Rex Brown, in 2006, two years after Darrell’s murder.
Coe is survived by his son Tyler Mahan Coe, who created the country music podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones and the podcast Your Favorite Band Sucks. He is also survived by his daughter, Shelli Coe Mackie. He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, the late Michael Mackie, formerly of Texas band Thunderosa.
Marcus King, Jackson Dean, More Among Lineup For SkyDog: The Shoals Experience
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus King & Jackson Dean
SkyDog: The Shoals Experience, a new music festival celebrating the spirit of Muscle Shoals, will take place Aug. 28-30 in Florence, Alabama.
SkyDog, the endearing nickname of Duane Allman, honors The Shoals as the birthplace of Southern rock, and celebrates the genre as one of Southern culture’s most enduring music forms. SkyDog Shoals will bring highly curated live music, food, film, and storytelling to the Renaissance Shoals Resort and Convention Center.
Artists currently on tap for SkyDog Shoals include Jackson Dean, Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall, Maggie Rose, Marcus King, The FAME Gang, Mike Farris, Gary Nichols, Spooner Oldham, Scott Sharrard of Little Feat, Peter Levin of the Gregg Allman Band, and Sons of Legion, along with a collective of legendary Muscle Shoals session players who helped create some of the biggest hits in history.
“This is the fruition of a dream I’ve talked about for a long time,” says Rodney Hall, Co-Owner and President, FAME Publishing and FAME Studios. “I’ve always wanted to create something that shines a light on this region as the birthplace of Southern rock and as a place where music history still lives. My father, Rick Hall, was part of building that foundation, and Duane Allman earned the name SkyDog within that story. When Duane talked Wilson Pickett and Rick Hall into laying down those legendary tracks on ‘Hey Jude’ at FAME, it marked one of those moments that changed music. This event is about honoring that legacy and giving people an elevated way to experience The Shoals.”
SkyDog Shoals is built around the creative legacy of Muscle Shoals: the songs, players, studios, and cultural pull that made the region one of the most influential music centers in the country. Organizers describe the concept as a “cruise ship on land,” with the hotel, convention center, outdoor stages, and surrounding experiences designed to function as one immersive weekend. Beyond the music, SkyDog Shoals will feature regional food, books, film, storytelling, and other programming across the property. VIP offerings will include experiences tied to the celebrated onsite Caution! Stones Ahead Rolling Stones Museum, and the weekend will close with an intimate Sunday brunch.
Tickets are available now.
Ole Red To Open New Location In Indianapolis
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Ole Red
Ole Red, the bar, restaurant and live music venue inspired by Opry member Blake Shelton, will open a new location in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The new 37,000 square foot multi-level location is found in the Fieldhouse District at 231-235 S. Meridian Street. The venue is set to open in late 2027.
The new location follows the venue’s existing locations in Nashville, Las Vegas, Orlando, Gatlinburg, and in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
“Man, the energy in this place is just unreal,” shares Shelton. “Every time I come through, I catch myself thinking up reasons to hang around a little longer. You put a city together that loves sports and country music this much, well, that’s about as good as it gets for me. Here we come Indy!”
“Indianapolis is a market we have admired for some time, and we are thrilled to have a like-minded partner who shares our vision and is helping lead the continued evolution of the downtown entertainment district,” adds Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We look forward to expanding the Ole Red brand and creating a best-in-class entertainment and hospitality destination for the Indianapolis community.”
Construction will begin later this year. Partners on the project include Woolpert Architects, Gilliatte General Contractors, T.M. Crowley & Associates, Lake City Bank, and the City of Indianapolis.
Musicians On Call To Honor Reba McEntire
/by Lauryn SinkReba McEntire.
Musicians On Call will honor Reba McEntire with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele at the inaugural Music Heals Live! at The Pinnacle.
Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), will also be honored, receiving the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele. Glazier serves as Chairman Emeritus of the MOC Board of Directors, helping the organization launch MOC in Washington, D.C. and raising millions of dollars to support its programs.
The night will feature performances from Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and appearances by Martina McBride and more.
“This is Musicians On Call’s grandest celebration yet, and with it we have the opportunity to showcase our national impact in our home base of Nashville, while honoring the devoted volunteers and partners who have helped us reach more than 1.25 million people with live music,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “It means a great deal to recognize the leadership of Reba McEntire and Mitch Glazier, whose dedication has helped bring comfort and connection to patients, families, and caregivers—and the volunteers who create moments of joy and healing.”
Stan Garrison from Chicago, and Daisy Perez and Dianna Perez from Los Angeles will receive the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele, while Jeff Scornavacca from Boston and Keenan Kamae from Chicago will receive the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele.
Anyone interested in attending this exclusive event can bid their way in for a VIP experience and walk the red carpet with actor and singer/songwriter Charles Esten.
Music Heals Live! Host Committee members include Michele Ballantyne (RIAA), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Marcel Pariseau (True Public Relations), Diane Pearson (City National Bank), Deb Reiner (HCA Healthcare), Joe Riccitelli (Golden Retriever Entertainment), Rondal Richardson (Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Todd Rubin (Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics), Michael Solomon (10x Management) and Rick Whetsel (G7 Entertainment Marketing).
Drew Baldridge Plots ‘Farm Faith Family Tour’
/by Madison HahnenDrew Baldridge. Photo: Riley Mays
Drew Baldridge will kick off his “Farm Faith Family Tour” on June 11 in Omaha.
The 14-date journey will make stops in Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis and more before wrapping on Oct. 18 in Newport Beach. Alyssa Flaherty and Chase Wright will join as support on select dates.
Tickets for all dates are available now.
Alongside the tour announcement, Baldridge has revealed he will release his new song “Love Needs You” tomorrow (May 1). Baldridge co-penned the tune with Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem and is a look back on memories early in his relationship with his wife, Katie.
“We’d drive the backroads past the farm, windows down, listening to country songs like Randy Travis’ ‘Deeper Than the Holler’ and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s ‘I Need You,’” says Baldridge. “This song feels like a perfect blend of those two influences. It was in those honest, unfiltered moments that the foundation of our life together was built.”
“Farm Faith Family Tour” Dates:
June 11 — Omaha, NE — Barnato ^
July 9 — Cincinnati, OH — Ludlow Garage *
July 19 — Newberry, SC — Newberry Opera House *
July 23 — El Dorado, AR — Murphy Arts District *
July 24 — Houston, TX — Heights Theatre *
August 2 — Louisville, KY — Headliners Music Hall *
August 13 — Birmingham, AL — Workplay Theatre *
August 15 — Philadelphia, MS — Ellis Theater *
August 20 — Sanford, FL — Tuffy’s *
August 21 — Isle of Palms, SC — Windjammer *
September 10 — Indianapolis, IN — Hi-Fi *
September 24 — Greensboro, NC — The Pyrle *
October 9 — Little Rock, AR — Sticky Fingerz ^
October 18 — Newport Beach, CA — VEA Hotel ^
^ Alyssa Flaherty
* Chase Wright
Thomas Rhett Surprises Fans With Secret Set In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett surprised fans with an intimate “Secret Set” pop-up performance at Odie’s in Nashville last night (April 29) transforming the venue into a one-night-only live experience to kick off Live Nation’s “Summer of Live” celebration featuring a week of $30 tickets to shows across the U.S. and Canada.
The show was teased across social media in the days leading up to it, and the pop-up drew a line around the block and became standing-room-only inside. Rhett delivered a high-energy acoustic set of fan favorites, and standout moments included stripped-down performances of “Make Me Wanna,” “Look What God Gave Her,” “After All The Bars Are Closed,” “T-Shirt,” and “Die A Happy Man.” Jordan Davis also made a surprise appearance for the first-ever live performance of “Ain’t A Bad Life,” Rhett’s 25th career No. 1. Rhett also debuted a brand-new, unreleased track to the crowd.
The Nashville pop-up marks the first of a series of exclusive “Secret Set” performances tied to “Summer of Live.”.
The event builds on the momentum for Thomas Rhett’s upcoming “Soundtrack to Life Tour,” which kicks off July 7 in Nashville at GEODIS Park for a co-headline date with Niall Horan and continues throughout the summer.
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Jordan Davis and Thomas Rhett perform onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Jordan Davis and Thomas Rhett perform onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation.
Backstage Access Presents Unites Talent, Industry Leaders, & Tastemakers At Inaugural Napa Valley Event
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum connects with music supervisors and radio programmers at the 2026 Backstage Access Presents: Napa Valley. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Alexander Rubin
Backstage Access Presents recently wrapped its inaugural Napa Valley experience, a multi-format gathering that brought together artists, industry leaders, brand partners, and tastemakers for an immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection.
Set against the backdrop of Napa Valley’s world-renowned wineries and estates, the event featured performances and appearances from Parker McCollum, Shinedown, Ty Myers, The 502s, Grace Potter, George Birge, Thelma & James, Maggie Rose, Liam St. John, Hannah Dasher, Ian Flanigan, Jacob Hackworth, Jake Hoot, Brett Kissel, Emily Ann Roberts, Matt Stell, and many more.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees participated in a series of curated experiences, including intimate performances at Napa Valley wineries and industry-focused gatherings. The format allowed artists to be experienced beyond a single stage, giving industry professionals and tastemakers a view of each artist’s voice and story.
“In a time where the lines between genres, platforms, and audiences continue to blur, creating space for real connection is more important than ever,” says Bobbii Jacobs, Founder of Backstage Access Presents. “What we experienced in Napa was exactly that…artists connecting with new audiences, industry discovering new talent, and relationships forming in a way that simply doesn’t happen in traditional settings.”
Garrett Bradford, Erica Fosse (YouTube). Charly Reynolds and Ian Flanigan. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Morgan Myles. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Jacob Hackworth. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Alex Lambert, Liam St. John and The Kruse Brothers. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Bobbii Jacobs, Julia Cole and Maggie Rose. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Hannah Dasher. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Thelma & James. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Madeleine O’Connell (Country Now), Amber Anderson and Joyce Rizer (Amazon Country Heat/Y’all Access/WSM) and Hanley Riggs (iHeartMedia). Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Will Bucquoy
The Kruse Brothers. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Alexander Rubin
Country Outlaw David Allan Coe Dies At 86
/by LB CantrellDavid Allan Coe. Photo: Matthew Woitunski via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Talented country star David Allan Coe has died at age 86.
The charismatic performer was known for recording such hits as “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, “The Ride”, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “She Used to Love Me a Lot”, and “Longhaired Redneck.” He notched 63 singles on the Billboard charts.
Coe was a talented songwriter, with artists including Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, The Oak Ridge Boys and many more recording his songs. His biggest hits as a songwriter were “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” recorded by Tanya Tucker, and Johnny Paycheck’s iconic rendition of “Take This Job and Shove It,” which later inspired a movie of the same name.
Coe often spurred controversy with lyrics, with frequent profanities, tales of drug use and sexually explicit material. His rebellious attitude and image garnered him the title of the ‘outlaw’s outlaw.’
Coe was born in Akron, Ohio on Sept. 6, 1939. As a boy, he was sent to the Starr Commonwealth For Boys reform school. Coe would spend the next 20 years in correctional facilities, including three years at the Ohio Penitentiary.
After ending a prison term in 1967, Coe moved to Nashville where he reportedly lived in a hearse which he parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium. While street performing, he caught the attention of the owner of the independent record label Plantation Records, Shelby Singleton, who signed him.
In 1970 Coe released his debut album Penitentiary Blues. In 1971 he signed to Pete and Rose Drake’s publishing company Windows Publishing Company, and when Tanya Tucker’s recording of his “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” went to the top of the charts, Coe was signed to Columbia Records. He cut his own version of the song for his second Columbia album, Once Upon a Rhyme, released in 1975.
Once Upon A Rhyme also contained Coe’s biggest hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” written by John Prine and Steve Goodman.
His third album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, was named for the rhinestones suit and a Lone Ranger mask he wore to perform.
Coe would go on to release a handful of more albums throughout the ’70s, including Longhaired Redneck (1976), Human Emotions (1978), Family Album (1978), Compass Point (1979) and Spectrum VII (1979).
In 1980 Coe enlisted producer Billy Sherrill for I’ve Got Something to Say, which included featured vocals from Guy Clark, Bill Anderson, Dickey Betts (of The Allman Brothers Band), Kris Kristofferson, Larry Jon Wilson, and George Jones.
Coe’s 1983 album Castles in the Sand would prove to be a mainstream success for Coe, peaking at No. 8 on the country albums chart. Its success was spurred on by “The Ride,” which spent 19 weeks on the Billboard country singles charts, reaching a peak of No. 4. The song tells the story of a hitchhiker’s encounter with the ghost of Hank Williams, Sr. in a ride from Montgomery, Alabama to Nashville.
1984’s Just Divorced contains Coe’s second biggest chart hit, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Coe’s 1986 album Son of the South featured contributions from fellow country outlaws Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jessie Colter. His final album for Columbia, a concept album A Matter of Life…and Death, was released in 1987.
Throughout the 1990s, Coe toured throughout the United States and Europe. In 1990 he reissued his independent albums Nothing Sacred and Underground Album on CD, as well as the compilation 18 X-Rated Hits–which were very controversial for racist, misogynist and homophobic lyrics.
In 2003, Coe wrote a song for Kid Rock, “Single Father,” which appeared on Kid Rock’s self-titled album, and was released as a single. He released Rebel Meets Rebel, with Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and Rex Brown, in 2006, two years after Darrell’s murder.
Coe is survived by his son Tyler Mahan Coe, who created the country music podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones and the podcast Your Favorite Band Sucks. He is also survived by his daughter, Shelli Coe Mackie. He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, the late Michael Mackie, formerly of Texas band Thunderosa.
Industry Ink: BigXThaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman, Megan Moroney, CAA, ADHD, More
/by Lauryn SinkBigXthaPlug Performs At Stagecoach 2026
BigXthaPlug. Photo: Trey Souls
BigXthaPlug took the stage at Stagecoach last weekend, delivering fan favorites like “Hell At Night,” “The Largest,” and “All The Way.” He also joined Bailey Zimmerman onstage and Guy Fieri at “Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.”
He was awarded a gold plaque for his fourth studio album I Hope You’re Happy along with a platinum plaque for his single “Hell At Night” featuring Ella Langley.
Bailey Zimmerman Partners With Wags & Walks
Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Julia Robert
Bailey Zimmerman has partnered with Wags & Walks. As part of this initiative, $1 from every ticket sold to Zimmerman’s upcoming Nashville shows on May 1 and May 2 at Ascend Amphitheater will be donated directly to Wags & Walks.
“At Wags & Walks, partnerships like these are so meaningful in helping us spread the word about rescue,” says Kathryn Hurley, Founder of Wags & Walks Nashville. “Saving dogs is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with real costs, from medical care to everyday needs, so support like this truly makes a difference. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to work together and reach more people with our mission.”
Megan Moroney Makes Appearance On Bobby Bones’ ‘The Bobbycast’
Bobby Bones & Megan Moroney.
Megan Moroney made an appearance on Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast.
Moroney discussed her recent 9 Cities. 9 Days. run, the inspiration behind her music and her upcoming “Cloud 9 Tour.”
CAA Hosts Stagecoach Brunch 2026
Jeff Krones, Ryan Hurd, Stella Lefty, Dan Smyers and Mary Harrington. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for CAA
CAA hosted a brunch last week during Stagecoach. Abby Smyers, Briley King, Stella Lefty, Warren Zeiders, Wyatt Flores and many more attended the event.
ADHD DJ Duo Debuts at Stagecoach
ADHD. Photo: Demian Becerra
ADHD, the DJ duo composed of Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, made their debut last week at Stagecoach. The duo was born in 2018 when Gorley and Frasure were on the road together for Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes Tour and DJed before the country singer went on stage.
“That might have been the most fun I’ve ever had in 25 years in the music business,” Frasure shares, still on a high from Sunday’s debut. “Super grateful to be able to take our concept of a DJ set predominantly filled with hits we’ve written and debut it for the perfect EDM and Country loving crowd in Diplo’s Honkytonk at Stagecoach.
“Our love for music each began with DJing, so it’s a full circle moment to be able to remix and play the crowd new versions of the hits we’ve written,” Gorley reflects. “It’s been fun to shake things up, to challenge and fuel our creativity in a new way outside of the writing room. The energy in the tent was incredible and we had a blast. Thank you to all the fans who showed up!”
Alana Springsteen Stops By ‘Access Daily’ For Exclusive Interview
Pictured (L-R): Access Daily’s Zuri Hall, Alana Springsteen, Access Daily’s Kit Hoover.
Alana Springsteen recently stopped by NBC’s Access Daily for an exclusive interview with co-hosts Kit Hoover and Zuri Hall. Springsteen talked about her upcoming album, I HOPE THIS HELPS.
“I thought I was about to walk into my villain era…I was like, ‘We’re ready to take on the world,’” Springsteen shared. “And then I went in and wrote some of the most heartbreakingly vulnerable, contemplative songs I’ve ever written.”
3G Productions Appoints Kathy Cluxton As CEO
Kathy Cluxton.
3G Productions has appointed Kathy Cluxton as Chief Executive Officer. Cluxton will split time between Nashville and Las Vegas.
“I’m excited to join 3G at a time when demand for high-level production and integration support continues to grow,” says Cluxton. “3G has built a strong reputation for delivering for its clients, and I look forward to supporting the team as we continue to scale and invest in the capabilities that matter most to our partners.”
Musicians Hall of Fame Inducts Ninth Class At Star-Studded Nashville Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (Back Row, L-R): Linda Chambers, Don Felder, Britt Chambers-Hawker, Keith Urban, John Boylan, Moira Hopkins, Dann Huff, Michael McDonald, Leland Sklar, Ricky Skaggs and Richie Owens. (Front Row, L-R): George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Buddy Leach, Bill Blough, George Thorogood, Jeff Simon and Jim Suhler. Photo: Royce DeGrie, Musicians Hall of Fame.
The Musicians Hall of Fame inducted a new class during a sold-out ceremony at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts last night (April 28) honoring Dann Huff, Dolly Parton, who received the Industry Icon Award, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, John Boylan, who received the Producer Award, Keith Urban, Leland Sklar, Michael McDonald and Nicky Hopkins (posthumously).
The evening began with a private friends-and-family medallion ceremony held in the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts’ Brad Paisley Ballroom. Inductees received commemorative Hall of Fame medallions and custom jackets presented by Linda Chambers, co-founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, with help from special guests and 2016 inductees Ricky Skaggs and Don Felder. Following the presentations and a group photo, inductees met with media along a 40-foot red carpet, followed by a Champagne reception.
Photo: Royce DeGrie for The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
The main program was hosted by actor and musician Sam Palladio and featured the Musicians Hall of Fame all-star band, comprised of Brent Rader, Mark Beckett, Paul Franklin, Mark Hill, Chris Leuzinger, John Jarvis, Michael Rojas, Sam Levine, Eric Darken, Alicia Enstrom and Gordon Kennedy, with background vocalists Marcia Ware Wilder, Brent Rader and Tania Hancheroff.
The evening featured tribute performances and presentations honoring each inductee. Dweezil Zappa presented George Thorogood & The Destroyers (George Thorogood, Jeff Simon, Bill Blough, Jim Suhler and Buddy Leach), joining the band for their first song, “Move It On Over.” The band closed their set with performances of “Who Do You Love” and “Bad to the Bone.”
Bernie Leadon presented John Boylan, with a tribute highlighting Boylan’s production work, including “More Than a Feeling,” led by Buck Johnson; “Love Has No Pride,” performed by Trisha Yearwood, and “Silver Threads & Golden Needles,” featuring Yearwood with Don Felder and Alicia Enstrom.
Leland Sklar was honored by Tony Brown, with performances including “Running on Empty,” featuring Wendy Moten; “Your Smiling Face,” and “How Sweet It Is,” joined by Garth Brooks.
Photo: Royce DeGrie for The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Steve Lukather introduced Dann Huff. The tribute included “Here I Go Again,” performed by Buck Johnson; “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Wendy Moten, and “Waiting on a Whisper,” performed by Huff on acoustic guitar.
Peter Frampton honored Nicky Hopkins with a tribute and medley including “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Revolution” and “Angie,” performed by Buck Johnson. Vince Gill followed with “You Are So Beautiful.” Hopkins’ widow, Moira Hopkins, accepted the honor on his behalf.
Sheryl Crow presented Dolly Parton, who shared remarks via a pre-recorded video message. A tribute followed with a medley of “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” performed by Steve Wariner.
Photo: Royce DeGrie for The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Ricky Skaggs presented Keith Urban, who performed an acoustic version of “Long Hot Summer” before being joined by the all-star band for “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” and “When Summer Comes.”
Vince Gill presented Michael McDonald, who performed “What a Fool Believes,” “Keep Forgettin’,” and closed the evening with “Takin’ It to the Streets,” joined by fellow inductees, special guests, presenters, and the All-Star band.
“After this evening, The Musicians Hall of Fame will have inducted 200 musicians, producers, engineers and industry icons to its prestigious family,” says Chambers. “Each new class of inductees reminds us why we do what we do – preserving and celebrating the legacy of the musicians who bring songs to life. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these artists into the Musicians Hall of Fame.”
Lainey Wilson Readies ‘Lainey Wilson (Amazon Music Presents: Live From Stagecoach 2026)’ EP
/by Lauryn SinkLainey Wilson. Photo: Cece Dawson
Lainey Wilson will release her Lainey Wilson (Amazon Music presents: Live from Stagecoach 2026) EP on Friday (May 1).
The project will feature six tracks from her recent set at Stagecoach including “Can’t Sit Still,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” “Good Horses,” “Road Runner,” “Things A Man Oughta Know” and “Watermelon Moonshine.”
Wilson recently released her Netflix documentary, Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, and made her film acting debut in Universal’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him. She is nominated for seven awards at the upcoming ACM Awards.
Wilson will join Chris Stapleton on select dates throughout the year.