Brett Jones
Nashville songwriter Brett Jones has died at age 69.
Jones earned 10 BMI Awards for co-writing country hits. Among his big songs are “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely” (Andy Griggs), “Crazy Town” (Jason Aldean) and “Cover You in Kisses” (John Michael Montgomery). He provided hits to such stars as Montgomery Gentry with “What Do You Think About That,” Blue County with “Good Little Girls,” Tracy Lawrence with “Better Man, Better Off,” and his co-writer Bobby Pinson with “Don’t Ask Me How I Know.”
Among his biggest chart toppers were 2009’s “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” sung by Billy Currington and 2011’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” sung by Justin Moore.
During his 25-year career on Music Row, Brett Jones was responsible for more than 300 recorded songs, 14 top-10 hits and seven No. 1 successes. He provided songs to such artists as Chris LeDoux, Darryl Worley, Ricky Van Shelton, Jeff Carson, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Colt Ford, Lorrie Morgan and Tracy Byrd, among dozens of others. Trace Adkins recorded six of his works; Logan Mize recorded five. Jones’ “old school” country style was particularly favored by Canadian country stars such as Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Paul Brandt.
Brett was born William Seaborn Jones in Annapolis, Maryland as one of six children in a U.S. Navy officer’s family. He was raised near Manchester, Georgia and played football for the University of Georgia. He graduated in 1978.
As a young adult, he experienced the deaths of his father and two of his brothers. He dealt with his grief by taking up guitar and writing songs.
He did not initially view music as a vocation. Brett Jones worked variously as a bartender, line cook, farmer, high-school teacher, county commissioner, commodities trader and wealth manager before pursuing his dream. He moved to Nashville in 1991 at age 34 with no contacts or prospects. Thanks to his talent, Jones advanced quickly in the city’s songwriting scene.
His first significant chart appearance as a songwriter was with 1995’s “When and Where,” recorded by Confederate Railroad. The following year, Daryle Singletary charted with Jones’ co-written ballad “Workin’ It Out,” and Neal McCoy sang “You Gotta Love That” as the songwriter’s first top-10 hit. Then 1998’s “A Little Past Little Rock” became a key song in the repertoire of Lee Ann Womack. “Practice Life,” recorded by Andy Griggs and Martina McBride in 2002, was not a big hit, but its meaningful message was quoted in his Tennessean obituary.
Jones was an entertaining presence at the city’s songwriting showcases. As an artist, he released the CDs Life’s Road (2009) and Cowboy Sailor (2014).
Recalling his early experience of music as a healing thing, he founded Gold Star Mentors in 2017. This organization provides guitars and music instruction to children who experience the loss of a military loved one.
Brett Jones died on Feb. 16 following a 10-month struggle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Clair Tri Jones. He is also survived by his seven children — Ben Grady Jones III, Brett Thayer Jones, Thaddeus Clayton Jones, Seth Seaborn Jones, Cody Augustus Jones, Olivia McBride Jones and Riley Cataula Jones — as well as by six grandchildren and two sisters.
A celebration of life will be held at BMI Nashville, 10 Music Square E, Nashville, TN 37203, at 4:00 PM on March 2, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his nonprofit, goldstarmentors.com. Arrangements are in care of Williamson Memorial Funeral Hone, 615 794-2289, williamsonmemorial.com.
Audacy Names Zach John King & Stephen Wilson Jr. As LAUNCH Artists
/by Lauryn SinkZach John King & Stephen Wilson Jr.
Audacy has named Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr. as its newest LAUNCH artists.
Audacy LAUNCH is the company’s music discovery program that spotlights emerging artists.
The program will support King’s new track “Get to Drinkin” and Wilson Jr.’s “Gary” through broadcast and digital airplay, on-air artist vignettes, digital editorial and social content.
“Radio has always thrived on the thrill of ‘new,’ and right now, Nashville is delivering in a big way. We are excited to champion Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr.’s new hits across our Audacy Country stations,” shares Tim Roberts, Country Format Vice President, Audacy. “Both artists are gaining incredible daily momentum through their tours and songs, and we’re ready to serve as the launch pad for their rising careers.”
“Every new artist needs champions, and we can’t thank our partners at Audacy enough for picking Zach John King as their LAUNCH Artist to get behind,” says Dennis Reese, Senior Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion, Sony Music Nashville. “Now let’s ‘Get to Drinkin’!”
“To be an Audacy LAUNCH artist is incredible. I grew up listening to Country music on the radio, and I think anybody who ever wants to make this a career, especially in Country, wants to have their song on the radio,” adds King. “For Audacy to take a shot on me and allow me to be in front of this many people is incredible, and I’m grateful for it.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Audacy for their continued partnership and for investing in Stephen Wilson Jr. through the LAUNCH program,” says Lauren Thomas, Senior Vice President Promotion, Big Loud Records. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and we’re ‘Gary’ excited for what’s ahead.”
“Many thanks to Country radio for taking us in. I am ‘Gary’ grateful,” adds Wilson Jr. “Being Audacy’s LAUNCH artist exceeds my dreams, and I can’t thank them enough for helping introduce ‘Gary’ and the story to the world.”
Blake Shelton To Play Private Show At Ole Red Nashville For ‘Spring Blake Sweepstakes’ Contest
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton. Photo: Robby Klein
Blake Shelton is set to play a private concert at Ole Red Nashville on April 29, and fans can enter to win tickets by visiting any Ole Red location nationwide between March 1-31.
Fans can enter the “Spring Blake Sweepstakes” at the Nashville, Gatlinburg, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tishomingo Ole Red locations. To enter, guests can scan the QR code at their table during their visit. Fans can visit as often as they would like, with multiple visits equaling multiple entries and a better chances of winning tickets. Winners of the sweepstakes will be notified by April 17. More information on the “Spring Blake Sweepstakes” can be found at olered.com/spring-blake-
Leading up to the private concert, fans can get into the Spring Blake spirit by purchasing the newly designed Spring Blake Roadside Tees, available in store and online at shop.Opry.com.
Hit Country Songwriter Brett Jones Passes
/by Robert K OermannBrett Jones
Nashville songwriter Brett Jones has died at age 69.
Jones earned 10 BMI Awards for co-writing country hits. Among his big songs are “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely” (Andy Griggs), “Crazy Town” (Jason Aldean) and “Cover You in Kisses” (John Michael Montgomery). He provided hits to such stars as Montgomery Gentry with “What Do You Think About That,” Blue County with “Good Little Girls,” Tracy Lawrence with “Better Man, Better Off,” and his co-writer Bobby Pinson with “Don’t Ask Me How I Know.”
Among his biggest chart toppers were 2009’s “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” sung by Billy Currington and 2011’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” sung by Justin Moore.
During his 25-year career on Music Row, Brett Jones was responsible for more than 300 recorded songs, 14 top-10 hits and seven No. 1 successes. He provided songs to such artists as Chris LeDoux, Darryl Worley, Ricky Van Shelton, Jeff Carson, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Colt Ford, Lorrie Morgan and Tracy Byrd, among dozens of others. Trace Adkins recorded six of his works; Logan Mize recorded five. Jones’ “old school” country style was particularly favored by Canadian country stars such as Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Paul Brandt.
Brett was born William Seaborn Jones in Annapolis, Maryland as one of six children in a U.S. Navy officer’s family. He was raised near Manchester, Georgia and played football for the University of Georgia. He graduated in 1978.
As a young adult, he experienced the deaths of his father and two of his brothers. He dealt with his grief by taking up guitar and writing songs.
He did not initially view music as a vocation. Brett Jones worked variously as a bartender, line cook, farmer, high-school teacher, county commissioner, commodities trader and wealth manager before pursuing his dream. He moved to Nashville in 1991 at age 34 with no contacts or prospects. Thanks to his talent, Jones advanced quickly in the city’s songwriting scene.
His first significant chart appearance as a songwriter was with 1995’s “When and Where,” recorded by Confederate Railroad. The following year, Daryle Singletary charted with Jones’ co-written ballad “Workin’ It Out,” and Neal McCoy sang “You Gotta Love That” as the songwriter’s first top-10 hit. Then 1998’s “A Little Past Little Rock” became a key song in the repertoire of Lee Ann Womack. “Practice Life,” recorded by Andy Griggs and Martina McBride in 2002, was not a big hit, but its meaningful message was quoted in his Tennessean obituary.
Jones was an entertaining presence at the city’s songwriting showcases. As an artist, he released the CDs Life’s Road (2009) and Cowboy Sailor (2014).
Recalling his early experience of music as a healing thing, he founded Gold Star Mentors in 2017. This organization provides guitars and music instruction to children who experience the loss of a military loved one.
Brett Jones died on Feb. 16 following a 10-month struggle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Clair Tri Jones. He is also survived by his seven children — Ben Grady Jones III, Brett Thayer Jones, Thaddeus Clayton Jones, Seth Seaborn Jones, Cody Augustus Jones, Olivia McBride Jones and Riley Cataula Jones — as well as by six grandchildren and two sisters.
A celebration of life will be held at BMI Nashville, 10 Music Square E, Nashville, TN 37203, at 4:00 PM on March 2, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his nonprofit, goldstarmentors.com. Arrangements are in care of Williamson Memorial Funeral Hone, 615 794-2289, williamsonmemorial.com.
Bryan Andrews Signs With WME
/by Madison HahnenBryan Andrews. Photo: Claire Schmitt
Bryan Andrews has inked with WME for worldwide representation across all areas.
Hailing from Carrollton, Missouri, Andrews’ sound and songwriting combines traditional country roots with a modern perspective. Over the past few months, Andrews’ has gained a surge in digital engagement.
“I’m truly honored to be part of the WME roster. I’m thankful for the chance to tell my story with a team that shares my belief that history will be told through art,” shares Andrews. “There’s no one else I’d rather tell it with.”
“Bryan has built an undeniable movement, and the growth we are seeing is extraordinary and backed by conviction and connection,” says WME’s Nate Towne.
“We are excited to grow his live business globally and help create the right opportunities as his career enters this next phase,” adds WME’s Carrie Murphy.
“Bryan is one of those rare artists whose live show doesn’t just entertain, it converts,” comments WME’s Abby Wells Baas.
His digital engagement has translated into 1.2 million followers on Instagram and 3.6 million on TikTok. His viral hit “The Older I Get” topped Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales, Digital Song Sales and Emerging Artists charts. His new song “Are We Great Yet?” will release on March 6.
He recently inked a deal with Sony/Disruptor Records, and is managed by Nicholas Mishko of 10 and 8 Management.
Spotify Hosts NYC Release Event For Megan Moroney’s ‘Cloud 9’
/by Lauryn SinkMegan Moroney. Photo: Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify hosted an exclusive event with Megan Moroney to celebrate the release of her new album Cloud 9 at a private venue in New York City last Thursday (Feb. 19) ahead of the Feb. 20 release.
Moroney surprised her top Spotify listeners at the invite-only event with an exclusive album Q&A, followed by the first performances of album tracks including “Wish I Didn’t,” “Medicine,” “Beautiful Things,” “Liars & Tigers & Bears,” “Wedding Dress” and “6 Months Later.”
Moroney is currently amidst her “9 Cities. 9 Days” tour, with upcoming stops in Kentucky, Missouri, Colorado and more. She will embark on her 49-date “The Cloud 9 Tour” on May 29 with stops at major arenas throughout North America, Europe and the UK.
Megan Moroney, Jessie Jo Dillion & Luke Laird. Photo: Getty Images for Spotify
Photo: Getty Images for Spotify
Photo: Getty Images for Spotify
Photo: Getty Images for Spotify
Darius Rucker’s ‘Songs Of Summer Tour’ To Kick Off In June
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker. Photo: Christie Goodwin
Darius Rucker will head out this summer on his 20-city “Songs of Summer Tour,” beginning June 4 in Toledo, Ohio.
Special guests Lauren Alaina, George Birge, Evan Honer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Randolph and Austin Williams will join Rucker on the new tour, which will visit Atlantic City, Boston, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and more through Aug. 1. Tickets go on sale starting this Friday (Feb. 27), with select cities on sale in March. The tour will also offer VIP packages and experiences including premium tickets, exclusive pre-show meet & greet and photo op with Rucker, backstage tour, autographed tour poster and more.
“For me, it’s not summer if we’re not playing music outdoors,” says Rucker. “When I think of the concerts I love attending, it’s the people, the hits and the hot summer air… there’s nothing that compares, so ‘Songs of Summer’ in a lot of ways is my nod to being in that moment together.”
Rucker also recently announced a one-night-only Big Band Gala at Charleston’s Gaillard Center on April 7. Presented by Explore Charleston, the performance offers fans a rare opportunity to experience Rucker in an elevated, intimate concert setting backed by Robert Lewis and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Peter Graves. A portion of proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives for Charleston County Schools and the Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
“Songs of Summer Tour” Dates:
June 4 | Toledo, Ohio | Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre | George Birge, Austin Williams +
June 5 | Grantville, Pa. | Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course | George Birge, Austin Williams *’
June 6 | Canandaigua, N.Y. | Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center | George Birge, Austin Williams *’
June 11 | Bethel, N.Y. | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 12 | Atlantic City, N.J. | Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena | Austin Williams *
June 13 | Gilford, N.H. | BankNH Pavilion | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 18 | Greensboro, N.C. | White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 19 | Wilmington, N.C. | Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 25 | Grand Rapids, Mich. | Acrisure Amphitheater | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams +
June 26 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Riverbend Music Center | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams #
June 27 | Clarkston, Mich. | Pine Knob Music Theatre | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams +
July 16 | Washington, D.C. | The Theater at MGM National Harbor | Austin Williams *
July 17 | Bridgeport, Conn. | Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater | Robert Randolph, Austin Williams *
July 18 | Boston, Mass. | Leader Bank Pavilion | Robert Randolph, Austin Williams *
July 23 | Phoenix, Ariz. | Arizona Financial Theatre | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams +
July 24 | Albuquerque, N.M. | First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams *
July 25 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams *
July 30 | Rogers, Ark. | Walmart AMP | Evan Honer, Austin Williams *
July 31 | Kansas City, Mo. | Starlight Theatre | Evan Honer, Austin Williams ^
August 1 | Indianapolis, Ind. | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Evan Honer, Austin Williams *
* on sale Feb. 27
+ on sale March 6
# on sale March 13
^ on sale March 20
Brooks & Dunn Extends ‘Neon Moon Tour’ Into 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughBrooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn is extending their “Neon Moon Tour” into 2026, with a series of fall dates kicking off in Evansville, Indiana on Sept. 1.
Select shows will feature support from David Lee Murphy or Tucker Wetmore, along with Willow Avalon, Kaitlin Butts, Caylee Hammack and Angie K. The fall leg of the tour will include stops in Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Oklahoma City and more, with a Nashville show at Bridgestone Arena set for Sept. 12. Artist presales begin tomorrow (Feb. 25), with general on-sale starting Feb. 27 at brooks-dunn.com. The tour will offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences including premium seats, exclusive access to a backstage tour, invitation to the Neon Lounge, Brooks & Dunn VIP merchandise & more.
Next month, the duo will head out on their first-ever string of UK dates, headlining C2C 2026, with stops in Belfast, Glasgow and London. They’ll return to the U.S. shortly after for Stagecoach before rejoining Morgan Wallen for eight stadium stops this summer on his “Still the Problem Tour 2026.”
2026 “Neon Moon Tour” Dates:
9/10 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center * #
9/11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre * #
9/12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena * #
9/17 – Toledo, OH – The Huntington Center ^ !
9/18 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum ^ !
9/19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^ !
9/24 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^ ~
9/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater ^ ~
9/26 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center ^ ~
10/1 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center * <
10/2 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater ^ <
10/3 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena ^ <
10/8 – Lafayette, LA – Cajundome * #
10/9 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena * #
* with Tucker Wetmore
^ with David Lee Murphy
# Caylee Hammack
~ Willow Avalon
! Kaitlin Butts
< Angie K
BREAKING: Keith Urban Inks With Crush Management
/by Lauryn SinkKeith Urban
Keith Urban has inked with Crush Management.He will be managed out of Crush’s Nashville office, along with New York and LA.
Across his career, Urban has amassed over 11 billion streams, four Grammy Awards, 13 CMA Awards—including two nods for Entertainer of the Year—15 ACM Awards—including the prestigious Triple Crown for winner Best New Artist, Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year—three AMAs and two People’s Choice Awards. He has celebrated nine consecutive Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum albums and holds a record setting streak of 37 consecutive top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Crush Music is a music management firm founded by Jonathan Daniel and Bob McLynn. The organization represents acts such as Green Day, Miley Cyrus, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Lorde, Train, Sia and many more.
Industry Ink: Graham Barham, CMHOFM, Shaylen, Alex Miller
/by Lauryn SinkGraham Barham’s ‘Oil Money’ Earns Gold Certification
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville Chair & CEO Taylor Lindsey, Beau Bailey, Graham Barham, The PRNT Co.’s Dillon Goldberg, SMN President & COO Ken Robold. Photo: Josh Erb
Graham Barham has earned his second RIAA certification with “Oil Money.” Co-written with Beau Bailey, Sam Bergeson and Cole Miracle, the track has reached Gold status, indicating sales in excess of 500,000 U.S. units.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s Poets and Prophets Program Features Josh Osborne
Allison Moorer and Josh Osborne. Photo: Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted Josh Osborne as part of the Poets and Prophets series.
The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. Osborne performed a few songs during the program, which was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer.
The Kentucky native has earned more than 30 No. 1 hits with Sam Hunt, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Old Dominion and more.
Shaylen Debuts New Podcast ‘Rent Money Confessions’
Shaylen has launched her new podcast, Rent Money Confessions, produced under Black Horse Pike Media. The podcast is available on all streaming platforms.
“Success can look glamorous from the outside,” Shaylen shares, “but this podcast is about the unseen moments—the doubt, the healing, the faith struggles, and the growth that happens when you’re honest with yourself.”
Alex Miller Partners With Cowboy Hardware
Alex Miller.
Alex Miller has partnered with western apparel brand Cowboy Hardware for a one-year sponsorship agreement.
“I love his music, his videos on social media … all of it is outstanding. We are very excited to see what the future holds,” shares Grant Gomez, CEO of the clothing label.
“I love this brand,” Miller adds. “The vests and shirts are really well made with lots of detail. They’ve got so many great looks, and I always feel good in their clothes.”
Academy Of Country Music Unveils Details For ACM Awards & Surrounding Events
/by Lauryn SinkThe Academy of Country Music has unveiled details for the upcoming 61st ACM Awards, which are set for May 17 in Las Vegas, and surrounding events.
Tickets for all events, including the awards, will go on sale to the general public on Friday (Feb. 27), following the official pre-sales that begin on Wednesday.
ACM Awards Week will include two events. “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” will take place May 15 at Topgolf Las Vegas, headlined by Green with additional artists to be announced. Proceeds from this event benefit ACM Lifting Lives. “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” is a reimagined fan-favorite outdoor concert experience, taking place at Mandalay Bay Beach and Wave Pool on May 16.
Final lineups for all events will be announced in the coming weeks.