Mark Wills Hosts A ‘Grand Ole Revival’ On His New Project, Due In November

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Mark Wills is paying tribute to the music that first inspired him on his upcoming new album, Grand Ole Revival, a live collection of country gospel classics recorded inside the Grand Ole Opry Circle due out Nov. 6 via Gaither Music Group.

Produced by Grammy-winner Ben Isaacs, the album features vocals from an all-star cast of country and gospel legends including Cody Johnson, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Jamey Johnson, Travis Tritt, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs, Charlie McCoy, Gaither Vocal Band, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson and more. The project marks only the second live album recorded inside the Grand Ole Opry House since the 1970s, preserving the spontaneity, musicianship and reverence of a once-in-a-generation session.

Grand Ole Revival reflects the music that first inspired Wills, songs learned in church pews and family gatherings long before his Nashville success. The project features country traditions, gospel standards and the storytelling that has defined Wills’ career. The album’s first single, “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor,” out now, sets the tone for the project with a heartfelt performance of the classic story song celebrating grace, redemption and the life-changing power of faith.

“Ever since I was a little kid, the very first music that came into my life was hymns, so it means a lot to me to be able to sing some of the songs I’ve loved my whole life,” says Wills. “In more than 30 years of making music, I’ve never experienced a tracking session like this one. Recording them live in the Grand Ole Opry circle made this project even more special since that has rarely occurred in its 100-year history. I think this project reflects that time-honored history and tradition that makes The Opry such an important part of country music.”

Grand Ole Revival Track List:
1. “The Lily of the Valley” (feat. Cody Johnson)
2. “I’ll Fly Away” (feat. Ricky Skaggs & Rhonda Vincent)
3. “How Great Thou Art” (feat. Trisha Yearwood)
4. “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor” (feat. Jamey Johnson, Charlie McCoy & Gaither Vocal Band)
5. “Because He Lives” (feat. Vince Gill & Rebecca Lynn Howard)
6. “Victory in Jesus” (feat. The Isaacs)
7. “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” (feat. Mae Estes & Ben Isaacs)
8. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” (feat. Leona Williams, The Isaacs, Jim Brady & Melissa Brady)
9. “I Saw the Light” (feat. Travis Tritt & The Oak Ridge Boys)
10. “Mansion Just Over the Hilltop” (feat. The Sound)
11. “Look for Me for I Will Be There Too”
12. “Grand Ole Revival” (feat. The Isaacs)

Sheryl Crow Celebrates Freedom, Hope & Unity On Upcoming Album ‘Pick You Up’

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Sheryl Crow will release her latest album Pick You Up on Oct. 9 via Old Green Barn Productions LLC. Along with the announcement, Crow has also released the first single from the album, “Freedom Bus” featuring Jesse Welles.

“I do not take freedom lightly because our freedom has been paid for in the lives of others throughout history and that is something I wish we could all remember when we are interacting with each other,” says Crow of “Freedom Bus.” “Our dialogue and ability to disagree must reflect what has been paid for in the blood, sweat, and tears of those who fought for every man and woman to be created equal and to enjoy the rights that our constitution has allowed each of us.”

“Freedom Bus” lays the foundation for Pick You Up, reflecting on our freedoms and pondering how we can connect peacefully and thrive despite our differences and the political challenges we are up against. It encourages thoughtful use of those freedoms, reminding us that our words should build understanding rather than become weapons. Featuring seven new songs, the album was written by Crow and long-time collaborator Jeff Trott, and explores themes of hope and unity.

“Each of these songs are a commentary on being human and wanting connection,” Crow says. “There is a lot of chaos all around us and I definitely find myself feeling alone. My wish is that whoever hears these songs feels the hope I feel when I sing them! I hope these songs feel like a soothing moisturizer on our chapped hearts. We are all going through so much in our humanity right now that being awake can feel like trudging through a burning desert. But we are never alone. And there is beauty everywhere. We just have to keep our eyes open.”

The Pick You Up album artwork features “The Elephant Who Forgot The Ocean” by acclaimed artist Tyson Grumm. A longtime collector of Grumm’s work, Crow first discovered his paintings nearly 20 years ago and has long been drawn to their sense of wonder, playfulness and underlying melancholy. When she recently saw “The Elephant Who Forgot The Ocean” at an auction, she knew it was the image she wanted for Pick You Up. She reached out to Grumm, who agreed to let her use the piece as the album artwork, and she ultimately purchased the original, which now hangs in her home.

Crow will perform on Good Morning America on August 28 to celebrate the album announcement.

Pick You Up Track List:
1. “Freight Train”
2. “Perfect”
3. “Pick You Up”
4. “Flat Earth”
5. “I’ve Got Your Number”
6. “Heaven Help Us”
7. “Freedom Bus” (feat. Jesse Welles)

Kaitlin Butts To Unveil New Album In October

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Kaitlin Butts will release her new album, Hello, Honky Tonk, on Oct. 30 via Republic Records.

Inspired by the movie musical Chicago and Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree, the album marks her first full length project since signing with Republic Records in Oct. 2025 and releasing The Yeehaw Sessions. Butts previews the project today with “I Wanna Be Bad.”

“With every song, I saw a character in a honky tonk,” says Butts. “I’ve always loved the film version of Chicago and the way the musical numbers are presented almost like these little vaudeville vignettes, where you get to step into a character’s mind for a few minutes. I wanted to bring some of that feeling into a honky tonk and create this whole cast of characters that you might run into on a night out. There’s also a little bit of Country Bear Jamboree in there, because I realized recently it might be one of my earliest country music influences. This album is really a love letter to the honky tonks and the stages that have become my life on the road.”

Butts has joined Lainey Wilson on her “Whirlwind Tour,” Ella Langley on “The Dandelion Tour” and headlined her own sold-out overseas tour with the “European Cowgirl Experience.” She is featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibition for the second consecutive year, earned a 2026 MusicRow Award Nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and is a member of both the 2025 Opry NextStage class and the CMT Next Women of Country class.

She is currently on the road with upcoming dates in Texas, Vermont, California and more.

Kenny Chesney Reclaims The No. 1 Spot On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Kenny Chesney; Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney returns to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Radio Chart this week with his hit “Carry On.”

The track comes off of Chesney’s twenty-first studio album Silver Sands Marina and was written by Chase McGill, Matt Jenkins and Jessi Alexander.

Chesney has revealed the track list to his upcoming album due Sept. 25.

“Carry On” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

LAST DAY: Voting For 38th Annual MusicRow Awards Ends TODAY

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Today is the last day to vote for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. Ballots can be cast until 5:00 p.m. CT today (Aug. 14).

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a subscriber here.

Click here to view the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Now in its 38th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more.

The final nominees revealed in this announcement are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.

All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Continuing MusicRow’s tradition of recognizing talent behind the scenes, the Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards will be presented in conjunction with the MusicRow Awards. These honors salute Nashville’s most in-demand studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.

Luke Combs Extends ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’

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Luke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein

Luke Combs has extended his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” into 2027. The in-the-round shows will feature special guests Treaty Oak Revival, Avery Anna, Shenandoah and Wyatt McCubbin.

The new run of shows will kick off on April 3 in Texas before making stops in Michigan, Massachusetts, Idaho, California and more. Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting Aug. 19 with general on-sale following Aug. 21.

The new dates follow Combs’ massive 2026 run, which sold 1,371,329 tickets and included sold-out, record-breaking shows at London’s Wembley Stadium, Ireland’s Slane Castle, Paris’ Accor Arena, Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena and Sweden’s Ullevi Stadium, among others. The tour also featured Combs’ biggest headline show to date, where he performed to over 90,000 fans at Columbus’ Ohio Stadium, and a presentation of three Guinness World Records.

Combs released his latest album, The Way I Am, on March 20 via Sony Music Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry member and 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-time Billboard Music Award winner was the first country artist to have two songs earn one billion streams on Spotify and the first with four singles certified RIAA Diamond.

“MY KINDA SATURDAY NIGHT TOUR 2027”
April 3—Arlington, TX—AT&T Stadium*
April 10—Minneapolis, MN—U.S. Bank Stadium*
April 17—Detroit, MI—Ford Field*
April 24—Philadelphia, PA—Lincoln Financial Field*
May 1—Foxborough, MA—Gillette Stadium*
May 8—Pittsburgh, PA—Acrisure Stadium*
May 15—Kansas City, MO—Arrowhead Stadium*
May 29—Edmonton, AB—Commonwealth Stadium*
June 5—Vancouver, BC—BC Place*
June 12—Boise, ID—Albertsons Stadium*
June 19—Denver, CO—Empower Field at Mile High*
June 26—San Diego, CA—Petco Park*
*with special guests Treaty Oak Revival, Avery Anna, Shenandoah and Wyatt McCubbin

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley Team For Disc Of The Day

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Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley. Photo: Courtesy of Essential Broadcast Media

Hot enough for you?

Several of DISClaimer’s country records this week turn up the heat. Whether it’s smoldering ballads like those of Kenny Sharp, Carly Pearce, and Randy Travis or dance floor groovers like those of Corey Kent & Jason Aldean, Vince Gill, and Miranda Lambert, these tracks are sizzlers.

The Disc of the Day goes to another bopper, the Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley duet.

Our DISCovery Award act is Jason Scott & The High Heat, who underscore our temperature theme.

ADRIEN NUNEZ / “Wrong Way”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Grant Averill/Jackson Foote/Joshua Murty/Peter Fenn; Producers: Joshua Murty, Peter Fenn; Label: Warner Records Nashville/Warner Records
– Thematically similar to “Bless the Broken Road,” but melodically wildly different due to the breezy tempo, gang-sung choruses and rippling production. His tenor voice has warmth and confidence.

LEE BRICE / “Me and Whiskey”
Writers: Lee Brice/Matt Alderman/Nate Kenyon; Producers: Cody LaBelle, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice; Label: Curb Records
– Structured like a Humpty Dumpty kiddie song. He’s lost his love, so instead of “k-i-s-s-i-n-g in a tree,” he’s “d-r-u-n-k in a bar.” Cleverly crafted.

GHOST HOUNDS / “Something Wicked”
Writer: Thomas J Tull; Producer: Thomas J Tull; Label: Maple House Records
– Intriguing, dramatic and eerie, it’s a country-rock look into the dark side. The band recently showcased on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show, has its Justified album release on Aug. 21, and is booked at 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday, Aug. 23.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Sunset Marquis”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/David Garcia/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Waylon Payne; Producers: Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert; Label: MCA
– Lambert is the co-writer and co-producer of Ella Langley’s massive “Choosin’ Texas.” She’s also still a superstar country recording artist, herself. Her new single is a wafting, bright-sounding, disco-ish, pop tune about getting away from it all. A decided change of pace for the Texas traditionalist.

KENNY WHITMIRE & VINCE GILL / “Movin’ On’s Movin’ In”
Writers: Carson Peters/Dan Alley/Kenny Whitmire; Producer: Lee Starr; Label: MCA
– Cool guitar licks. Snappy, bluesy, bopping tempo. Groovy heartache duet vocals. What’s not to love?

CARLY PEARCE / “Happy for Myself”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Jordan Reynolds/Lauren Hungate; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– It’s a slow, mournful, beautifully produced waltz. She sees the wedding of another and sadly wonders when it’s going to be her turn to find True Love. A lovely little single.

RANDY TRAVIS / “I Don’t Care”
Writers: Michael Curtis/Randy Travis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Producer Kyle Lehning has been digging around old audio tapes and has found a cache of previously unreleased Randy Travis tunes. They’ll become a new Randy album, and until they do, here’s a sample of what we can expect. This ballad spotlights what an awesome honky-tonk singer he is. In the lyric, he explores the pain of betrayal and broken trust. You’ll hang on every line.

VINCE GILL & CYNDI THOMSON / “Eighteen Summers”
Writers: Cyndi Thomson/Vince Gill; Producers: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Rollicking and dance-happy in a Cajun-flavored kinda way. Get up and bop around the room while you marvel at a superstar in full command of his gifts.

JASON SCOTT & THE HIGH HEAT / “Fast as I Can Crawl”
Writers: Jason Scott/Scott Emerick/Trent Tomlinson; Producers: Chad Copelin, Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson; Label: Leo33
– Punchy and percolating. A stuttering banjo introduces a thumpy track that captivates the ear and tickles the toes. Scott’s laconic delivery depicts a toxic relationship that he’s addicted to. This Oklahoma band has the goods.

TYLER HUBBARD / “902180”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Emily Reid/Paul DiGiovanni/Travis Wood; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: MCA
– He loses her because she loves the West Coast more than him. A downbeat lyric nestled in an upbeat musical setting.

COREY KENT & JASON ALDEAN / “Rather Be Here”
Writers: Daniel Ross/James McNair/Josh Miller/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen; Producers: Austin Goodloe, Corey Kent; Label: Sony Music Nashville/RCA Records Nashville
– They are both honky-tonk happy. Gritty guitars grind away while they wail this Southern rocker.

KOE WETZEL & ELLA LANGLEY / “Jaded”
Writers: Ella Langley/Ernest Keith Smith/Jordan Schmidt/Ropyr Wetzel; Producers: Gabe Simon, Jordan Schmidt; Label: Columbia Records
– Wetzel rolls into this tempo tune with aplomb, but it really takes off when Langley leads the choruses. The lyric asks a lover what happened to make them so cold, lonely, and broken hearted. It’s pretty dang irresistible

KENNY SHARP & DALONA / “Limbo”
Writers: Dalona Jones/Kenneth M. Sharpless/Lorenzo Piccone; Producers: Zakkary Garner; Label: Brown Liquor Music
– Nashville’s Kenny Sharp opens for Gladys Knight tonight (Aug. 13) at the Ryman. On this slow-burn bluesy outing, he showcases his neo-soul vocal bona fides to the max.

Dottie Oelhafen Launches The Artist Desk

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Dottie Oelhafen.

Dottie Oelhafen has launched The Artist Desk, a professional fan mail management company designed to help artists maintain meaningful connections with their fans while eliminating the administrative backend that often accompanies managing correspondence.

Services include establishing and managing a dedicated fan mail P.O. Box, receiving and organizing incoming correspondence, coordinating autograph sessions, processing photo and memorabilia requests, managing charity and auction inquiries and professionally packaging and returning signed items to fans.

“I started The Artist Desk because I believe those connections deserve the same care and attention that artists put into their music,” says Oelhafen. “Behind every letter, package or request is a fan who has invested their time, loyalty and heart. My goal is to help artists nurture those relationships by providing trusted, professional support that ensures every fan feels valued while allowing artists to focus on creating and performing.”

Oelhafen spent 40 years working behind the scenes alongside manager Erv Woolsey with Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait. She is a SOURCE Hall of Fame member.

Oelhafen can be reached here.

Austin Snell To Launch ‘Colors Tour’ In October

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Austin Snell. Photo: Emma Kate Golden

Austin Snell has revealed he’ll kick off his fall headline “Colors Tour” beginning Oct. 22.

The 12-date run includes stops in Chicago, Toronto, Washington, DC, Charleston, Lexington, and more through Nov. 21. Tickets are on sale now here. The tour is named for his recently released new EP Colors, a seven-song collection timed to the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. The album illustrates a raw, understated side of Snell, who is releasing more new music later this year.

Weaving country, rock, and hip-hop influences into a catalog of his own originals, the emerging hitmaker and River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville artist already boasts nearly half a billion global career streams and an exponentially growing fanbase. Snell is SiriusXM’s first-ever Artist Accelerator Program selection, and has toured with Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Warren Zeiders, and more.

“Colors Tour” Dates:
10/22: Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation
10/23: Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed
10/24: Toronto, ON – Adelaide Music Hall
11/5: Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
11/6: Allentown, PA – Arrow at Archer Music Hall
11/7: Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
11/12: Washington, DC – The Atlantis
11/13: Greenville, NC – The State Theatre
11/14: Charleston, SC – Music Farm
11/19: Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
11/20: Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
11/21: Lexington, KY – The Burl

Sheryl Crow, Zach John King, More Added To 19th ACM Honors Lineup

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The Academy of Country Music has revealed Flatland Cavalry, Logan Ledger, Sheryl Crow and Zach John King have been added as performers at this year’s upcoming 19th ACM Honors Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.

Co-hosted by Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum, this years’s show will include Carter Faith paying tribute to Kacey Musgraves with a performance of “Merry Go ’Round,” Musgraves’ breakthrough hit that helped introduce her distinctive voice and perspective to country music.  Crow will celebrate Eric Church with a performance of “Drink in My Hand,” honoring his distinctive artistry and the lasting impact of one of his fan-favorite hits. Dierks Bentley will also appear to honor his longtime friend Brett James with a performance of “I Hold On,” celebrating the enduring impact of the song and James’ contribution to the genre.

The evening will spotlight previously announced special honorees Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Paramount + Hit Television Series Landman, Leslie Fram, Mike Curb and Scott Zolke. Previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Ella Langley, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, and the previously announced ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners will also be recognized.

Previously announced performers set to take the stage to honor this year’s honorees include Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Pearce, Faith, Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, McCollum and Trisha Yearwood. Brenda Lee will appear as a special guest and Zach John King will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards portion of ACM Honors.

Tickets are available now through AXS.