Kenny Chesney Returns To Stadiums In 2027 On ‘Original Vibe Room Tour’

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney will hit the road next year on the “Original Vibe Room Tour 2027.”

The 19-date run kicks off April 24 for his eighth appearance at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with stops planned for Arlington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte and more. Special guests include Eric Church, Sheryl Crow and Greylan James.

“When we started to talk about touring next year, all I could think about was how good those stadiums feel… how loud, how fast, how much energy comes hurling at us,” Chesney says of the decision to do an all-stadium tour. “I don’t think I knew how much I missed it. And when it hit me, as well as watching comments on Instagram and Facebook, I realized: we should make next year be all about the stadiums. So, we did.

Fans can register here for early access to tickets. Additional ticket information can be found here.

The tour follows Chesney’s Las Vegas Sphere residency, which lasted two years and sold nearly 400,000 tickets.

The Original Vibe Room Tour 2027 Dates:
April 24 – Tampa, Florida || Raymond James Stadium
May 1 – Greenville, North Carolina || Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
May 8 – Arlington, Texas || AT&T Stadium
May 15 – St. Louis, Missouri || The Dome at America’s Center
May 22 – Minneapolis, Minnesota || U.S. Bank Stadium
May 29 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania || Acrisure Stadium
June 5 – Ames, Iowa || Jack Trice Stadium
June 12 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania || Lincoln Financial Field
June 19 – Buffalo, New York || Highmark Stadium
June 26 – Chicago, Illinois || Soldier Field
July 3 – Nashville, Tennessee || Nissan Stadium
July 10 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin || American Family Field
July 17 – Denver, Colorado || Empower Field at Mile High
July 24 – Kansas City, Missouri || Arrowhead Stadium
July 31 – Atlanta, Georgia || Mercedes Benz Stadium
August 7 – East Rutherford, New Jersey || MetLife Stadium
August 14 – Detroit, Michigan || Ford Field
August 21 – Charlotte, North Carolina || Bank of America Stadium
August 28 – Foxborough, Massachusetts || Gillette Stadium

Treaty Oak Revival Plot Extreme Rodeo In Tulsa

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Treaty Oak Revival. Photo: Paige Williams

Treaty Oak Revival is gearing up for the Extreme Rodeo competition coming to Tulsa on Nov. 21.

The event will pair live music and top-tier rodeo competition, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and bareback riding, and Treaty Oak Revival will headline the evening with a live performance, with additional acts to be announced at a later date.

Pre-sales begin this Thursday (Sept. 17) with general on-sale beginning Friday (Sept. 18).

The Extreme Rodeo lineup features some of the sport’s top athletes, including 2x World Champion Fallon Taylor in barrel racing, World Champion Jesse Pope in bareback riding, World Champion Statler Wright in saddle bronc riding, and World Champion and 5x NFR qualifier Josh Frost in bull riding.

The second leg of the band’s “West Texas Degenerate Tour” continues through November with upcoming stops in Charlotte,  Austin, Cincinnati, Houston, and more.

Jared Scott Inks With Back Row Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Taylor Antle, Lindsay Will, Jared Scott and Michael Kozelj. Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Publishing

Jared Scott has signed with Back Row Publishing.

Scott’s songs have been recorded by Chris Stapleton, Jon Pardi, Vincent Mason, Avery Anna, Walker Hayes, Sydney Rose, Jessica Baio and BRELAND. He also co-wrote Zimmerman’s Gold-certified “Chase Her.”

“Signing with Back Row feels like the beginning of a really exciting new chapter. I’m so grateful to have them in my corner and can’t wait to see what we do together,” says Scott.

“I’ve been a fan of Jared for years and am so excited that we finally get to work together,” says Lindsay Will, Vice President of A&R. “He brings a fresh perspective into the room and writes from a place that feels honest and real and his ability to move seamlessly across genres makes him such a special talent. We’re thrilled to welcome Jared to the Back Row Music family and to be a part of this next chapter!”

J.I. Allison Named Sixth Member Of Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026

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J.I. Allison.

The late Jerry Ivan (J.I.) Allison has been named as the sixth member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2026, joining previously announced inductees Taylor Swift, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Channel, Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller.

“What an honor it is to have J.I. Allison join this year’s class,” says Rich Hallworth, Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors.. “His body of work as both a songwriter and an artist continues to endure through classics like ‘That’ll Be The Day,’ ‘Peggy Sue,’ and ‘More Than I Can Say.’ He’s a member of two halls of fame already, and we’re proud to soon welcome him into ours.”

Allison has been elected in NaSHOF’s Legacy category. The six new electees will join the 254 existing members of the Hall, which was established in 1970.

A native of Hillsboro, Texas, Allison began his music career playing drums for Buddy Holly. In 1956, he played on Holly’s first recording sessions in Nashville and formed The Crickets a year later. As a songwriter, he co-wrote “That’ll Be The Day,” which became a No. 1 Pop hit and reached No. 2 on the R&B charts for Buddy Holly & The Crickets. Among notable covers by The Beatles, The Everly Brothers and Waylon Jennings, the song was later reached No. 11 on the Pop charts for Linda Ronstadt. Additional notable writing credits include “Peggy Sue,” “More Than I Can Say,” “Tell Me How,” “Think It Over” and “Well…. All Right.” The Crickets were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

Johnny Clawson Renews Publishing Deal With SMACKSongs

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Photo: Courtesy of SMACKsongs

Johnny Clawson has renewed his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

Clawson earned his first No. 1 in 2025 with Blake Shelton’s “Texas,” which was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards and named one of NSAI’s “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written.” Ella Langley’s “weren’t for the wind” became Clawson’s second chart topper at country radio. The triple-Platinum track earned Song of the Year at the 2026 AIMP Awards. Clawson has earned additional cuts with Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Chris Young, Dasha, Josh Ross, McCoy Moore, Redferrin, Jon Pardi, Ashley Cooke, Tyler Halverson, Ava Hall and Seaforth, among others.

“Johnny is a dream to work with,” shares Sam Sarno, Senior Creative Director of Publishing at SMACK. “He brings so much talent, heart, and dedication into everything he does, and his work ethic is truly unmatched. We’re really proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far, and can’t wait to keep building together.”

“SMACK and I have had an amazing four years,” says Clawson. “I’m so pumped to continue the hard work and expand on all the awesome things we’ve already accomplished together.”

Braxton Keith Brings ‘Real Damn Deal Tour’ To Nashville

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Braxton Keith. Photo: @shotbyzap

Braxton Keith brought his “REAL DAMN DEAL TOUR” to Nashville on Friday (Sept. 11) for a sold-out show at the Brooklyn Bowl.

He performed a 22-song set that included tracks such as “Gonna Come Back as a Country Song” and “I Own This Bar.” Keith invited Tyla Rodrigues to the stage for a special performance of their rendition of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?,” which has amassed more than eight million streams.

The tour continues later this month with four more Texas shows.

Braxton Keith. Photo: @shotbyzap

Braxton Keith. Photo: @shotbyzap

Braxton Keith. Photo: @shotbyzap

Mack Geiger Enters Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Mack Geiger. Photo: Jared Hinz

Mack Geiger has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His solo-penned “Pouring” and “String By” put the singer-songwriter at No. 19 this week.

Dolly Parton stays at No. 1 this week with “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene.” Ella Langley remains at No. 2 with “Be Her,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Jaded” and “Loving Life Again.”

Chase McGill (No. 3), Jordan M. Schmidt (No. 4) and Joybeth Taylor (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Apple Music & United Record Pressing Unveil ‘This Is Country Music’ Mural In Nashville

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Photo: Courtesy of Apple Music/United Record Pressing

Apple Music and United Record Pressing have partnered for a new mural titled “This is Country Music.”

Located outside the pressing plant that historically served as a refuge for Black artists during segregation, the mural honors the significant cultural impact Black artists have had in shaping country music’s history. The two-panel mural was painted by Nashville-based artist, graphic designer and muralist Christian Green (also known as C3). Side A features Linda Martell and Charley Pride, recognizing their work breaking barriers for future generations. Side B pays homage to the past, present and future of Black artists in country music with vinyls bearing the names of Kashus Culpepper, Tiera Kennedy, Ray Charles, Breland, Shaboozey, Rissi Palmer, Kane Brown and more. A few vinyls have been intentionally left open as a symbol of future artists who will shape the genre.

“I am truly honored and excited to team up with Apple Music on a mural that means so much to me,” shares Green. “It honors country music trailblazers Charley Pride and Linda Martell — two Black pioneers who opened doors for so many country artists of color to follow. My approach has been to capture not just their likeness, but their spirit — the joy, the power, and the grit. This mural means everything to me as a Black artist here in Nashville, TN. I’m pouring all of my heart, passion, and dedication into every layer and brushstroke.”

“Black artists have been foundational to country music and this mural aims to highlight their legacy in the very heart of Nashville,” says Kelleigh Bannen, Apple Music Country host. “We’re proud to team up with United Record Pressing and Christian Green to share a piece of art that honors the past, celebrates the present, and leaves room for the new artists carrying the genre forward.”

All of the advertising revenue generated from the mural will be donated toward the renovation and preservation of the Motown Suite.

Photo: Courtesy of Apple Music/United Record Pressing

NOW OPEN: Applications For MusicRow’s 2027 N.B.T. Music Industry Directory

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Applications are now open for MusicRow’s 2027 N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory.

MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Music Industry Directory showcases Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of five or more years experience in the music industry.

The final list will be featured in MusicRow‘s Touring/Next Big Thing print issue, which releases on Dec. 1. The print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artist list, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry as well as professional development.

To apply for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form.

Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory. If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate. Head shots can be sent to directory@musicrow.com.

New submissions for the directory close on Friday, Sept. 25. For questions, email directory@musicrow.com.

To reserve ad space in the 2026/2027 Touring/Next Big Thing issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.

Brooks & Dunn To Be Honored With 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

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Pictured (L-R): Brenden Oliver (CMA Director, Awards Stewardship), Ronnie Dunn, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO) and Kix Brooks backstage at Bridgestone Arena, where Trahern and Oliver shared news of Brooks & Dunn’s CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award honor. Photo: Braden Carney

The Country Music Association has announced Brooks & Dunn will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award as part of a special tribute during The 60th Annual CMA Awards Nov. 18.

“Few artists have left a mark on Country Music quite like Brooks & Dunn,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As the most-awarded duo in our genre’s history, Kix and Ronnie have spent more than three decades shaping the sound of country music. Their music has set a standard that still resonates with new generations of artists, while continuing to win over new generations of fans. We are proud to celebrate everything they’ve given to this genre and the mark they continue to leave on its future.”

Since first debuting in 1990, Brooks & Dunn have established themselves as one of the most influential and celebrated duos in country history. With 20 No. 1s, over 40 Top 10 hits, and more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, the duo has spent more than three decades defining the sound of modern country music with hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” “My Maria” and “Believe” becoming enduring staples.

Their achievements include two Grammys, 58 CMA Award nominations and 20 CMA Awards, (16 for Vocal Duo of the Year alone.) The duo also hosted the CMA Awards from 2004-2006 and has been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Their influence extends beyond the studio as well, with more than 17 million tickets sold throughout their touring career.

Brooks & Dunn’s legacy continues to evolve as evidenced by their groundbreaking 2019 album REBOOT, which paired the duo with a new generation of artists including Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett and Ashley McBryde, introducing their iconic catalog to a new era while earning the duo another Top 10 album on the Billboard 200. REBOOT II continued that tradition in 2024, bringing their classic songs together with artists including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Hailey Whitters and Marcus King.

Previous recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include Willie Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), Loretta Lynn (2021), Alan Jackson (2022), George Strait (2024) and Vince Gill (2025). The 60th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 18 on ABC, Disney+ and next day on Hulu.