Kix Brooks will be honored with the 2023 Nashville Symphony Harmony Award during the 39th annual Symphony Ball on Dec. 9 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Presented annually by the Nashville Symphony and selected by a dedicated committee, the Harmony Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community.

“Kix Brooks has had a remarkable career as one of the most successful country artists in history,” says Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan D. Valentine. “Beyond his fame and musical success, he possesses a generous and philanthropic spirit and has made a significant impact in the Nashville community, particularly with regard to music education in Nashville—a cause near and dear to the Nashville Symphony. He is a passionate advocate for many wonderful causes and truly embodies the heart and soul of Nashville’s unique musical community. We are honored to recognize him for his musical accomplishments, as well as his community impact.”

“Being honored with this award truly means the world to me,” says Brooks. “I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, but Nashville, Music City, is home. So, to be recognized by this community always means a little extra. I want to give a special ‘thank you’ to all the people and organizations like the Nashville Symphony that I’ve crossed paths with over the years who have helped make Nashville a one-of-a-kind place to live.”

Brooks’ musical career spans five decades, as a songwriter, a solo artist and as half of Brooks & Dunn, the highest-selling duo in country music history. Over 20 years, Brooks & Dunn sold more than 30 million records, won more than 75 major music awards, including Grammys and CMAs, and scored 20 No. 1s. The duo was also inducted in 2019 into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Brooks was recently recognized for his songwriting achievements as an inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.

In addition to his career as an artist, Brooks has hosted the syndicated radio program American Country Countdown for over 15 years. He was honored as CMA Broadcast Person of the Year three times and earned an ACM Radio Award for National Personality. Brooks is also a founding partner of Arrington Vineyards, a winery and events venue in Arrington, Tennessee. Through Brooks’ involvement with organizations such as the Country Music Association, Operation Finally Home, Veterans Matter, Tennessee Tourism Board and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, he has become an advocate for many causes. In December of 2014, Brooks was the first recipient of the CMA’s Humanitarian Award, celebrating his unwavering dedication to the community.

The Symphony Ball is one of the Nashville Symphony’s annual signature fundraisers. Since its inception in 1985, the Ball has raised more than $12 million for the Symphony, sustaining the organization’s mission of inspiring and engaging a diverse and growing community with extraordinary live orchestral music experiences.

Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Lady A, Maren Morris, Keb’ Mo’, Kelsea Ballerini, Toby Keith, Steven Tyler, Béla Fleck, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Mike and Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Marty Stuart.

Black River Records has signed songwriter, artist and army veteran Scotty Hasting to its artist roster. His label debut “How Do You Choose” is slated for release on Nov. 3.

Hasting first picked up the guitar in 2020, teaching himself to play via YouTube. Despite 10 nearly fatal gunshot wounds from his time spent serving in Afghanistan, which left no feeling in his right hand, Hasting’s passion for music and desire to help others with mental health struggles spurred him onward.

In a chance encounter, Hasting met Black River’s CEO and President Gordon Kerr‘s son, who brought the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky native into the sights of the independent label. Hasting immediately caught the attention of renowned hit songwriter, producer and Black River’s Vice President of A&R Doug Johnson, who took the promising country artist under his wing.

“I don’t think that thank you is enough. I’ve been through a lot. Black River has welcomed me and become family,” says Hasting. “Thank you to Black River for giving me a new purpose, for giving people like me — veterans, people with disabilities, people who are at the end of their line — an opportunity and a reason to wake up tomorrow. Thank you for giving me a voice and letting other veterans hear a story like this that can change their whole lives.”

Hasting’s first release, “How Do You Choose,” was co-written with Jesse Wayne Taylor in association with CreatiVets — a nonprofit that the budding singer is heavily involved with. The song was inspired by a conversation with the mother of his late best friend Adam Hamilton.

“How Do You Choose” details his first visit to Adam’s tombstone, whose death followed about one month after an ambush that left Hasting fighting for his life flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot in April of 2011.

“I know you’ll change somebody’s world,” says Johnson of Hasting’s signing. “I’m a big fan, and your friendship means the world to me. Everybody here believes in you, your music, your heart, and your spirit. We are honored. Thank you for trusting us.”

Kerr shares, “It is with great pleasure that we come together and join Scotty’s team. We are so excited for the opportunities that await for the world to hear Scotty’s heart. Nothing takes place by coincidence — that’s what today represents.”

CAA has signed Oklahoma-based singer Cam Allen.

Rising quickly through the country music ranks across the midwest, Allen blends his south-side Oklahoma roots with an unmistakable Nashville sound. He has headlined numerous sold-out shows, and shared the stage with some of the industry’s top acts, including Dustin Lynch, Randy Rogers, Jack Ingram, Corey Kent, Randall King, Carly Pearce and Dwight Yoakam.

Allen’s debut EP, Daydream, was released in March 2022 on GOAT Music Group, an independent Texas label. To date, he has released six singles, including “Daydream,” “Drink To That Too,” “Texas,” “Jack Daniel’s Cologne” and “Lake Days and Missin’ You.” His first album, In a Hometown, was released in April 2023 and his upcoming single, “Dive Bar,” is set to come out in November.

Allen is managed by Brandon Ore and William Murray at Goat Music Group.

Luke Grimes Celebrates Debut EP At Old Glory Gathering

Mercury Nashville / Range Music recording artist Luke Grimes celebrated the upcoming release of his debut EP, Pain Pills Or Pews, on Oct. 16 in Nashville. The gathering of friends, family and industry was held at Old Glory and featured a performance by Grimes from the Dave Cobb-produced EP, which is due out Oct. 20.

Known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit television series, Yellowstone, Grimes has been making music for years. After the release of his debut EP, he’ll be heading out on the road to perform the songs this fall.

 

Brooke Eden, Jordan Harvey Open Titans London Game

Last Sunday, (Oct. 15) BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artists Brooke Eden and Jordan Harvey performed for NFL fans in London and around the globe at the Tennessee Titans matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

Eden performed the National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Harvey performed the United Kingdom’s National Anthem, “God Save The King” at the special international NFL game.

 

AIMP Hosts Big Loud Records Chat

AIMP held a Nashville event “All About: Big Loud Records,” on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the SESAC offices in Nashville.

Stephanie Cox (GM & SVP, Creative at Kobalt Music Publishing) spoke with panelists Patch Culberston (Big Loud Records SVP/GM) and Sara Knabe (Big Loud Records SVP, A&R) about all things Big Loud Records, music publishing and more at the event.

 

CMA & Conexion Americas Host Special Event For Metro Nashville Students

The CMA partnered with Conexión Américas for a special event at its Nashville headquarters on Oct. 11. CMA and Conexión welcomed more than 40 high school students from Metro Nashville Public Schools to visit CMA and during the visit, students heard from Frank Ray about his journey as a Latin country artist and about different careers in the music industry.

Conexión Américas’ mission is to build a welcoming community and create opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute and succeed. CMA’s partnership with Conexión Américas is a key way of making this happen while also highlighting country music within the Nashville community.

 

Caitlin Mae Inks With Dream Music Label Group

Singer-songwriter Caitlin Mae has signed a publishing, management and production deal with Nashville-based Dream Music Label Group, Inc.

Mae has notched several No. 1 singles on the iTunes charts, where her debut EP, Perspective, also landed upon release. Her first single of 2023, “Fiona,” debuted on BBC Introducing, was added to the BBC’s A-List and hit No. 1 on iTunes.