‘Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast’ Makes Netflix Debut

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Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast has made its Netflix debut today (Jan. 26). The launch brings Bones’ deep dive conversations to a global video audience as part of Netflix and iHeartMedia’s exclusive video podcast partnership.

The debut features a conversation with Kenny Chesney. During the episode, Bones and Chesney discuss Chesney’s 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame induction, No Shoes Nation, the realities of his legendary career, the success of his triple-platinum Greatest Hits album, his Sphere residency, his New York Times No. 1 best seller Heart Life Music, and his respect for his tourmate and good friend Megan Moroney.

“Launching Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast on Netflix is about meeting fans where they are and letting them experience these conversations in a whole new way,” shares Bones. “Getting to kick this new era off with Kenny Chesney, who is honest, funny, and vulnerable — it’s the perfect way to bring the show and the best of country’s most creative artists to a new, massive audience.”

New episodes of Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast will release every Tuesday and Thursday on Netflix and on podcast streaming platforms.

NMPA Elevates Danielle Aguirre & Charlotte Sellmyer

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Danielle Aguirre & Charlotte Sellmyer.

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has elevated Danielle Aguirre and Charlotte Sellmyer.

Aguirre has been named Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). She will continue to oversee legal and business affairs as well as NMPA operations.

In her 15-year tenure at NMPA, Aguirre has produced landmark agreements with major music platforms and litigated numerous successful rate proceedings before the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). She has contributed to crafting copyright legislation including the Music Modernization Act. After co-leading a team that developed the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), she currently serves as the statutorily designated non-voting publisher representative on its board. She was honored by Billboard as the Women in Music Co-Executive of the Year and has been named to Variety‘s Women’s Impact Report. Aguirre is a member of the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association. She received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and her BA from Georgetown University.

Sellmyer has been promoted to Executive Vice President, External Affairs. She will continue to oversee songwriter advocacy, public relations, events, the Gold & Platinum Program and external activities of NMPA.

In her 11-year tenure, Sellmyer has expanded NMPA’s footprint to host major events across the country, led campaigns to pass major reforms including the Music Modernization Act, the designation and launch of the MLC, and multiple successful CRB litigations and settlements. She continues to lead communications efforts to compel the licensing of major digital platforms from streaming to social media and AI.

Sellmyer is a member of the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association as well as a 2022 graduate of Leadership Music. She has been named a Billboard Women in Music Top Executive multiple times and is a 2019 Texas A&M 12 Under 12 honoree. Prior to joining NMPA, Sellmyer served as Communications Director for the House Committee on Homeland Security and previously served as Press Secretary to the House Judiciary Committee. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

“These promotions reflect the outstanding contributions Danielle and Charlotte have made to the industry,” shares NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “NMPA has one mission—to protect and increase the value of songs. Danielle and Charlotte are key players in that mission, and their contributions are invaluable.”

Curb | Word Music Publishing Elevates Two, Adds One

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Pictured (L-R): Calista Miller, Sarah Schumacher, Zachary Anderson.

Curb | Word Music Publishing has elevated two team members and added one.

Sarah Schumacher has risen to Head of Creative, Country Publishing. Schumacher joined Curb | Word Music Publishing in 2021 as Creative Director, Country Publishing and rose to Sr. Creative Director, Country Publishing in 2023. She holds a Master of Arts, Music Industry Administration degree from California State University Northridge.

“I am so grateful to Mike Curb for giving me the opportunity to step into this role,” shares Schumacher. “I am honored to continue to represent and advocate on behalf of our incredible roster. It’s been a career highlight to find like-minded people who are passionate about curating ideas and executing goals to support the evolution of the country music genre, which has impacted my life and continues to inspire me.”

Additionally, Calista Miller has been elevated to Creative Director, Country Publishing. Miller joined the Curb | Word Music Publishing team as an intern in 2022 and officially joined the team as Creative Coordinator, Country Publishing upon graduating from Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business the same year.

“I’ve learned so much in the past three years at Curb and every day it’s a privilege to work in my passion,” she shares. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow in this role and continue working with our country team and incredible roster of songwriters and artists.”

Zachary Anderson has joined the team as Creative Coordinator, Country Publishing. Anderson comes from The Listening Room, where he booked shows and events for the last three years. In this role, he will collaborate with the creative team on strategic ideas across the roster.

On Anderson’s addition, Schumacher shares, “Zach has an incredible ear and fearless attitude in sharing and executing great ideas. We are thrilled for him to join our team in this exciting new season.”

Brett Young Brings Heart & Harmony To The Ryman

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Brett Young. Photo: Maggie Kaput

Thursday night (Jan. 22) at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Brett Young kicked off his “2.0 Tour,” delivering a performance that balanced tender moments with crowd-ready sing-alongs.

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Opening with “Here Tonight,” Young immediately established a warm tone on a chilly Nashville night. The energy rose as he went into “Used to Missin’ You” and “You Still Got It,” getting the audience ready for the night ahead.

“I’ve gotten to play this stage a lot of times,” shared Young. “I love it here. It’s one of the most special places I’ve ever gotten to perform. But, we’ve never kicked off a tour at the Ryman, and if you guys are like this for the rest of the night, it’s downhill for the rest of the year,” citing the crowd’s energy.

The crowd was fully with him by the time he launched into “Say Less” and “Like I Loved You,” fan favorites that drew spontaneous cheers and a wave of phone lights.

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

The setlist showcased Young’s range with the upbeat twang of “Ticket to LA” and the sultry sway of “Tastes Like You” contrasted beautifully with the raw vulnerability of “Lady” and “Full House.” A special moment came with his cover of Justin Bieber’s “Yukon,” a testament to his ability to bring his own feel to a wide spectrum of material.

Mid-show, Young slowed things down with his current single “Drink with You” and the heart-on-his-sleeve “That Ain’t Yours,” before launching into the mournful “You Didn’t.” However, the night’s emotional high point came during “Dance With You,” when Young invited his daughters, Presley and Rowan, along with his wife, Taylor onstage to dance.

The crowd cheered even louder when Young dipped into “Just in Case,” a nod to Morgan Wallen that flowed seamlessly into his own catalogue. From there, the show maintained its momentum with strong performances of “Not Yet,” 4x Platinum-certified “Mercy,” and “Left Side of Leaving.”

As the night drew to a close, Young delivered “Sleep Without You” with the aching longing that has made it a fan favorite, followed by the big-hearted singalong to the Diamond-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know,” which brought the evening full circle, an ending that left the room humming long after the final chords faded.

The “2.0 Tour” will continue this weekend in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Hosts Nominee Celebration

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Nominees Dallas Wilson and Trannie Anderson. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

The Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter hosted its annual Grammy Nominee Celebration earlier this week at the Loews Nashville Hotel.

Guests at the invitation-only event included nominees from diverse Grammy Award Categories including Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical; Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical; Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical; Best Country Song; Best Bluegrass Album; Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song; Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals; Best Traditional Blues Album; Best Historical Album; Best Contemporary Blues Album; and Best Music Video.

Guests enjoyed the instrumental jazz sounds of The Birdsong Trio as well as food, drinks and warm conversation with peers and friends.

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominee Laura Veltz, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Nominee The SteelDrivers’ Mike Fleming, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominees The SteelDrivers’ Richard Bailey, Tammy King, and Brent Truitt. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, Recording Academy Senior Managing Director, National Member Engagement Tera Healy, nominee Margo Price, and Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominee Molly Tuttle, nominee Maggie Rose, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Alison Brown, nominee Nathan Dantzler, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Nominees The Isaacs. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a snapshot of a Music Row community that is constantly evolving, celebrating milestones, welcoming new leadership, forging fresh partnerships, and pausing to remember one of its own. See the full edition here.

One of the biggest headlines comes from BMI, which has named Todd Horvath as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 26.

Friday night at the Grand Ole Opry marked a defining career moment for Suzy Bogguss, who officially became a member of the Opry family.

The week also brought solemn news with the sudden passing of veteran Music Row publicist Cathy Gurley, who died Tuesday at the age of 76. Gurley was a longtime presence in the Nashville music community, respected for her professionalism, relationships, and dedication to her clients.

Several artists and executives made notable career moves this week. Singer-songwriter Rose Falcon extended her publishing agreement with Curb|Word Music Publishing. King Henry signed with The Core Entertainment for management, while Alex Lambert joined the roster at Big Loud Texas. Madden Metcalf inked a deal with MCA alongside Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler, and Ashley Anne entered into a management agreement with One Spark Entertainment. Rounding out the signings, Cody Lohden signed with The Neal Agency for booking.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced its new Troubadour Advisory Council Members and Leadership Team. This year’s leadership includes Chair Zach Farnum of 117 Entertainment, Vice Chair Elizabeth Lombardi of CAA, Vice Chair Brenden Oliver of the Country Music Association, and Vice Chair Max Vanberg of WME.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Choosin’ Texas.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

The Red Clay Strays Announce First-Ever Fan Fest In June

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The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman

The Red Clay Strays will host their first-ever fan festival, “Fan Fest 2026,” June 24-28 at one of the band’s favorite venues in the country, Abayance Bay Marina in Rexford, Montana.

During the five-night festival, fans will experience a headlining show from The Red Clay Strays, as well as performances by Lukas Nelson and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. The Red Clay Strays will open the weekend on Thursday evening, hosting “Strays with Stories,” featuring intimate performances and stories straight from the band to the fans, and close out the weekend with a headlining performance at the Bay.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale beginning Jan. 28, while the general on-sale starts Jan. 30. Besides the music, fans will be able to purchase limited-edition merch, receive giveaways, and go on breathtaking hikes during the fest. “RCS Fan Fest 2026” will be a family-friendly event, with free admission for kids six and under, and all ticketing information can be found here or in the Red Clay Strays App.

“RCS Fan Fest will be a high-energy celebration dedicated to the fans who keep the music loud and the spirit alive,” says lead singer Brandon Coleman. “These last few years have been incredible, and it’s all because of the fans! We want our closest fans to know how much we appreciate them, so we’ve programmed a week-long extravaganza in the most beautiful part of the country we know and invited our good buddy Lukas Nelson and our Alabama brothers, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, to take it to another level for y’all!”

The band is gearing up this year for performances at Stagecoach, Madison Square Garden and two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, among others.

Eric Church Kicks Off 2026 With Tour, IMAX Film & Live Album

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Eric Church’s “Free the Machine Tour” resumed in Washington, D.C. last night, Jan. 22, 2026. Photo Credit: Anthony D’Angio

Eric Church has released a reimagined version of his double Platinum, chart-topping hit “Give Me Back My Hometown” that was recorded live At The Pinnacle in Nashville and appears on the upcoming Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) arriving Feb. 13 via MCA.

The new 19-track live album serves as a companion to the IMAX exclusive theatrical release of Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive on Feb. 11 and 14. Church hosted a special screening event for members of his Church Choir in Nashville earlier this week, previewing the limited theater release. The IMAX film showcases Church performing his Grammy-nominated, eighth studio album front-to-back before transitioning into select hits, all reimagined with a six-piece band, four-piece horns, four-piece strings, eight-piece choir and vocalist Joanna Cotten. Filmed across two nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville, the performance comes to life through a unique perspective. A full list of locations for the February showings is available here, with tickets on sale now.

Kicking off another busy year, last night (Jan. 22) Church performed at Washington, D.C.’s The Anthem, launching leg 2 of his “Free the Machine Tour” and setting the stage for the tour’s spring run.

Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive Tracklist:
*denotes songs out now
1. “Hands Of Time (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
2. “Bleed On Paper (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
3. “Johnny (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
4. “Storm In Their Blood (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
5. “Darkest Hour (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
6. “Evangeline (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
7. “Rocket’s White Lincoln (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
8. “Clap Hands (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
9. “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
10. “Give Me Back My Hometown (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
11. “Homeboy (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
12. “Sinners Like Me (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
13. “Creepin’ (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
14. “Knives Of New Orleans (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
15. “Smoke A Little Smoke (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
16. “The Outsiders (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
17. “Hell Of A View (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”*
18. “Mistress Named Music (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
19. “Springsteen (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”

Grayson May Receives Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship From NSAI

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Grayson May

Up and coming songwriter-artist Grayson May has been awarded NSAI’s 8th annual Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship. The award honors late staff member Todd Givens, who served NSAI for 31 years prior to his passing in 2018. Executive Director Bart Herbison chooses each year’s recipient.

“Grayson May is a talented songwriter whose motto: ‘Country music is a way of life,’ speaks volumes,” says Herbison. “The Louisiana native is an accomplished performer and writer who is making inroads into the Nashville and Music Row community. It is our pleasure to award the 2026 Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship to Grayson. He is someone you root for and his work ethic is unmatched.”

Through the scholarship, he will receive year-round, dedicated support from NSAI’s creative and membership teams to help guide and advance his career goals. May will also receive a free NSAI membership.

May will be honored during the annual NSAI Member Awards, presented by Regions Bank, at 3rd & Lindsley Nashville on March 26 as part of Tin Pan South week.

Paul Cauthen Embraces His ‘Texas Swagger’ On New Album ‘Book Of Paul’

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Fiery singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen leans into his rebel streak on his upcoming fifth album, Book of Paul, set for release April 3.

Cauthen is marking the album announcement with the release of the new track “Texas Swagger” today. Filled with a bronc-bucking beat, some dark twang, and an impending sense of danger, the tune was penned by Cauthen with Rob Ragosta and Sam Martinez, who also produced. An accompanying bull-riding video for the track featuring legend JB Mauney is out now as well.

The East Texas native boasts a well-documented distaste for playing by anyone else’s rules, and he fuses classic-country grit and gospel power with a rhinestoned, rock star edge on Book of Paul. Gritty, swampy country comes alive on the project as he pairs his booming baritone with a signature swagger and a true-to-him battle between darkness and light unfolds. Cauthen co-wrote 12 of 13 songs on the new collection and plays bass and drums on select tracks, carving a path of authentic, fearless, proud country. “Texas Swagger” joins two previously released tracks from the upcoming album: the East Texas love story “Bayou By You.” and the hypnotic, outlaw-country romance “Ain’t No Crime.”

“If you look at the Bible, there is no book of Paul,” Cauthen explains. “I just wanted to write something that embodies me, because I’m sick of hearing records catered to what’s hot and what’s working. Me, I’ve always been this country boy, East Texas guy. Roots, rock and roll, Texas gospel. If you look back at all my albums, I’m proud to say I meant everything I’ve said. It’s just being who you are – unapologetically yourself—and that’s every one of my records. I have built my whole career going against the grain, and that’s what this record is. The freaking trials and tribulations of Paul. It’s everything I wanted on an album.”

Cauthen will launch his new “Tonkin’ N Tejas Tour” beginning March 3 in Waco which includes stops in Lubbock, Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas, Helotes and New Braunfels.

Throughout his career Cauthen has collaborated with Margo Price, Orville Peck, Cody Jinks and Lana Del Rey, released favorites like “Cocaine Country Dancing” and his Gold-certified collab with Shaboozey “Last Of My Kind,” and racked up over 434 million global streams.

Book of Paul Track List: 
1. “Book of Paul”
2. “Ain’t No Crime”
3. “Texas Swagger”
4. “Tossin’ Back Time” (feat. Jake Worthington)
5. “Blue Denim & Black Gold”
6. “Breakaway”
7. “Chain Smoking” (feat. Delaney Ramsdell)
8. “Bayou By You”
9. “Dark Horse”
10. “Cigarettes & Billy Graham”
11. “Road Dog”
12. “Texas Gravel Road”
13. “The Voice Inside (Silence)”