Jamey Johnson & Megan Moroney Raise $315K For Charities At MOJO Show In Birmingham
Megan Moroney and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Joe Cash
Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney‘s one-night-only acoustic MOJO show at The Social at the Fennec in Birmingham raised $315,000 for their respective charities. Over 250 people gathered to enjoyed the special evening, including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his wife Elee, songwriters Rob Hatch and Jeremy Popoff, and several state senators and representatives. Hosted by radio personality Storme Warren of The Big 615, the special night benefited Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation as well as The Megan Moroney Foundation and was a blend of humor and humility, with both songwriters sharing the stories behind their biggest hits. Powerful moments during the evening included the two uniting their voices on Don Williams’ hit “Till the Rivers All Run Dry,” and John Prine’s iconic song, “Angel from Montgomery,” which mentions Johnson’s hometown.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening of ‘Willie Cole: Old School’ Exhibit
Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow and Willie Cole at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of “Willie Cole: Old School” last week, an exhibit showcasing new works by the American sculptor and printmaker. The exhibition is free and open to the public through March 13 and offers a new series of seven chalkboard paintings featuring one topical word and multiple acronyms created from the artist’s thoughts and inspirations on the word, including “Dixie,” “Hate” and “Love.” The exhibit includes Cole’s largest chalkboard painting, inspired by the word “Patriot.” In addition to this new group of paintings, the gallery presents a series of rarely seen artist studies, created over more than three decades, in which Cole develops his acronyms for larger works.
Craig Morgan Promoted To Chief Warrant Officer 2 In Army Reserve
Craig Morgan, Karen Greer (wife of Craig Morgan) and Pete Hegseth. Photo: DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
Country star and soldier Craig Morgan was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve on Jan. 15 at The Pentagon with Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth officiating. Morgan is nearing two decades of service to our nation, having previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, and he returned to service when he was sworn-in to the Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29, 2023.
Maggie Coyle Promoted To Publicist At Milestone Collective
Maggie Coyle. Photo: Courtesy of Milestone Collective
Maggie Coyle has been promoted to Publicist at Milestone Collective. The Belmont graduate initially joined Milestone as an intern in 2024, and quickly rose to Associate Publicist. She has since further sharpened her public relations skills working on campaigns across the firm’s diverse roster of artists.
“Since day one, Maggie joined the team with a drive to learn and become a sharp publicist, and she’s done just that,” says Mike Gowen, the company’s founder and CEO. “We’re proud to have her as part of our team and excited to watch her continue to grow as a publicist while building a strong reputation within the music industry.”
Nashville Business Journal Recognizes Derrek Kupish
Derrek Kupish
Nashville Business Journal has named Derrek Kupish as one of its 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. Kupish stands out as a creative force in the highly competitive entertainment industry and is recognized alongside doctors, lawyers, CEOs and business leaders across the Nashville community in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.
“It’s a hustle being a self-employed entrepreneur—overseeing brand and image, managing artists, directing music videos, and capturing album covers and movie marquees isn’t a traditional path,” Kupish shared. “But it’s one I’m incredibly proud of.” On his most challenging days, Kupish draws inspiration from the late Naomi Judd, who once told him, “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”
Randy Rich Opens Get Rich Trying Publishing With John Major As First Signing
Pictured (front): John Major; (back, L-R): Preshias Harris and Randy Rich
Randy Rich has launched a new publishing company, Get Rich Trying. As its first initiative, the company has signed rising country artist and songwriter John Major to an exclusive songwriting deal. He launched his career in 2023, and has a catalog featuring more than 2,500 original songs. His singles “Backwoods Outlaw” and “Callus On A Heart” are currently on 80 stations nationwide, and Major is currently in the studio putting finishing touches on new material scheduled for release later this year.
Premiere Networks Launches New Married To The Music Podcast
Premiere Networks is launching a new podcast, Married to the Music, hosted by Nashville-based iHeartMedia/Premiere Networks producer and country music reporter Hanley Riggs. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the program will debut Feb. 13, with iHeartPodcasts. Married to the Music takes listeners behind the scenes and into the lives of country artists and their spouses.
From navigating parenthood and relationships to balancing personal dreams while supporting a partner’s career, Riggs and her guests explore the realities of being a country artist’s significant other. Through intimate stories, candid conversations and real-life experiences, the podcast humanizes the lives of country stars and offers a fresh perspective on love, family and life in the music industry. The debut episode features an interview with Sara Brice, and future guests include Meghan Patrick, Kristen Brust, Hally Williams Cooper, Hannah Ellis & Nick Wayne, Peyton Niemann and others.
Lee Brice & Randy Houser To Headline 8th Annual Daryle Singletary Keepin’ It Country Jam In February
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Brice and Randy Houser will headline the 8th annual Daryle Singletary ‘Keepin’ It Country Jam’ at The Nashville Palace Feb. 12.
The show, which is the unofficial kickoff to the National Wild Turkey Federation convention will be hosted by 90’s country comedian Cledus T. Judd, and will feature special guest performers Drew Baldridge, Billy Dean, Rhett Akins, Mo Pitney, Eric Blankenship, Duke Henry and Robert Bacon. Reserved seats are on sale now for $65, and general admission tickets are available for $35 each at outhouse tickets. A few VIP tables are still available and can be reserved at daryleVIP@gmail.com.
Many of Singletary’s friends including Jamey Johnson, Neal McCoy, Rhett Akins, Lee Greenwood, Tyler Farr, Collin Raye, Craig Campbell, Rhonda Vincent, Andy Griggs, Mark Wills, Mark Collie, and many more have graced the stage at the event over the past seven years to support the Daryle Singletary Memorial Trust.
Kenny Chesney Adds Six Sphere Shows
/by Lauryn SinkKenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney has added six shows at Las Vegas’ Sphere to his summer show schedule. Chesney is now scheduled to appear June 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27, as well as July 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11.
“Beyond how different it was, there was all the fun,” shares Chesney. “Seeing all the faces, plus all the crazy things we could do with the sound and visuals, I knew well before we finished, we were coming back and taking all of it even further. With all the work that’s going into changing up over half the show, adding more songs we might not be able to play in stadiums, pulling some surprises, five shows weren’t going to be enough…”
The Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love experiences will return this year. Package information can be found here. These dates will be Chesney’s only headlining shows this summer.
Chesney wrapped his first 15-show residency at the venue last summer.
AEG Presents Announces Promotions & Hires In Global Touring Division
/by Lorie HollabaughCaleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn
AEG Presents has announced a series of promotions and new hires in its Global Touring division. Caleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn, who previously served as Tour Directors, have been elevated to Senior Tour Directors. They are both based in Nashville, with Merrell reporting to SVP of Production & Direct Support Jonathan Baden, and Hilburn reporting to SVP of Touring Jenny Heifetz Henault.
Previously a tour marketer at Live Nation, Ryan Erickson joins AEG Presents as Senior Director of Marketing. Former Paramount Senior Project Manager Emily Harenza has joined as Director, Digital Marketing. Erickson will be based in L.A. and Harenza will be based in the AEG Presents New York office.
“Laurel and Caleb have played integral roles in our touring operation, and we’re proud to promote them to Senior Directors,” says President of Global Touring at AEG Presents Rich Schaefer. “We’re equally excited to welcome Ryan and Emily’s expertise to the marketing team, a group that continuously innovates in service of our artists and their tours.”
As Senior Tour Directors, Merrell will take on additional responsibilities to help create synergy with the AEG operations team in the office and on the road, and Hilburn will serve as a resource for the operations team both within the office as well as for the team on the road to develop better systems and processes as they continue to grow.
Industry Ink: Jamey Johnson & Megan Moroney, Willie Cole, Craig Morgan, More
/by Lorie HollabaughJamey Johnson & Megan Moroney Raise $315K For Charities At MOJO Show In Birmingham
Megan Moroney and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Joe Cash
Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney‘s one-night-only acoustic MOJO show at The Social at the Fennec in Birmingham raised $315,000 for their respective charities. Over 250 people gathered to enjoyed the special evening, including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his wife Elee, songwriters Rob Hatch and Jeremy Popoff, and several state senators and representatives. Hosted by radio personality Storme Warren of The Big 615, the special night benefited Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation as well as The Megan Moroney Foundation and was a blend of humor and humility, with both songwriters sharing the stories behind their biggest hits. Powerful moments during the evening included the two uniting their voices on Don Williams’ hit “Till the Rivers All Run Dry,” and John Prine’s iconic song, “Angel from Montgomery,” which mentions Johnson’s hometown.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening of ‘Willie Cole: Old School’ Exhibit
Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow and Willie Cole at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of “Willie Cole: Old School” last week, an exhibit showcasing new works by the American sculptor and printmaker. The exhibition is free and open to the public through March 13 and offers a new series of seven chalkboard paintings featuring one topical word and multiple acronyms created from the artist’s thoughts and inspirations on the word, including “Dixie,” “Hate” and “Love.” The exhibit includes Cole’s largest chalkboard painting, inspired by the word “Patriot.” In addition to this new group of paintings, the gallery presents a series of rarely seen artist studies, created over more than three decades, in which Cole develops his acronyms for larger works.
Craig Morgan Promoted To Chief Warrant Officer 2 In Army Reserve
Craig Morgan, Karen Greer (wife of Craig Morgan) and Pete Hegseth. Photo: DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
Country star and soldier Craig Morgan was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve on Jan. 15 at The Pentagon with Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth officiating. Morgan is nearing two decades of service to our nation, having previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, and he returned to service when he was sworn-in to the Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29, 2023.
Maggie Coyle Promoted To Publicist At Milestone Collective
Maggie Coyle. Photo: Courtesy of Milestone Collective
Maggie Coyle has been promoted to Publicist at Milestone Collective. The Belmont graduate initially joined Milestone as an intern in 2024, and quickly rose to Associate Publicist. She has since further sharpened her public relations skills working on campaigns across the firm’s diverse roster of artists.
“Since day one, Maggie joined the team with a drive to learn and become a sharp publicist, and she’s done just that,” says Mike Gowen, the company’s founder and CEO. “We’re proud to have her as part of our team and excited to watch her continue to grow as a publicist while building a strong reputation within the music industry.”
Nashville Business Journal Recognizes Derrek Kupish
Derrek Kupish
Nashville Business Journal has named Derrek Kupish as one of its 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. Kupish stands out as a creative force in the highly competitive entertainment industry and is recognized alongside doctors, lawyers, CEOs and business leaders across the Nashville community in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.
“It’s a hustle being a self-employed entrepreneur—overseeing brand and image, managing artists, directing music videos, and capturing album covers and movie marquees isn’t a traditional path,” Kupish shared. “But it’s one I’m incredibly proud of.” On his most challenging days, Kupish draws inspiration from the late Naomi Judd, who once told him, “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”
Randy Rich Opens Get Rich Trying Publishing With John Major As First Signing
Pictured (front): John Major; (back, L-R): Preshias Harris and Randy Rich
Randy Rich has launched a new publishing company, Get Rich Trying. As its first initiative, the company has signed rising country artist and songwriter John Major to an exclusive songwriting deal. He launched his career in 2023, and has a catalog featuring more than 2,500 original songs. His singles “Backwoods Outlaw” and “Callus On A Heart” are currently on 80 stations nationwide, and Major is currently in the studio putting finishing touches on new material scheduled for release later this year.
Premiere Networks Launches New Married To The Music Podcast
Premiere Networks is launching a new podcast, Married to the Music, hosted by Nashville-based iHeartMedia/Premiere Networks producer and country music reporter Hanley Riggs. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the program will debut Feb. 13, with iHeartPodcasts. Married to the Music takes listeners behind the scenes and into the lives of country artists and their spouses.
From navigating parenthood and relationships to balancing personal dreams while supporting a partner’s career, Riggs and her guests explore the realities of being a country artist’s significant other. Through intimate stories, candid conversations and real-life experiences, the podcast humanizes the lives of country stars and offers a fresh perspective on love, family and life in the music industry. The debut episode features an interview with Sara Brice, and future guests include Meghan Patrick, Kristen Brust, Hally Williams Cooper, Hannah Ellis & Nick Wayne, Peyton Niemann and others.
Scarhaven Inks With Riser House Rock
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Jim Kaufman (Producer/A&R), Sofia Barbetta (Digital Marketing/Product Manager), Megan Shultz (Label Manager, Riser House), Jason Martin (President, Riser House Rock), Jennifer Johnson (President, Riser House Entertainment), Brandon Perdue (SVP A&R and Publishing, Riser House Entertainment) and Matt Leone (Artist Manager); (L-R, bottom row): Michael “Shap” Shapira (Scarhaven), Matt Kilroy (Scarhaven), Jared Edson (Scarhaven) and Michael Saint (Scarhaven). Photo: Shannon Bradley
Grunge band Scarhaven has signed with Riser House Rock.
The band is comprised of Michael “Shap” Shapira, Matt Kilroy, Jared Edson and Michael Saint. Scarhaven’s sound draws from the spirit of classic grunge while forging a unique identity of its own marked by thunderous guitars, dynamic vocals and unapologetic authenticity.
“After seeing the band in their hometown of New York open for Return to Dust, I knew on the spot they had to become part of the RHR family,” says Jason Martin, President of Riser House Rock.
“Scarhaven is a modern grunge band with real weight and conviction, channeling the dark intensity of bands like Soundgarden while carving out a sound that’s unmistakably their own,” adds Jennifer Johnson, Co-President of Riser House Rock. “Michael’s vocal transformation is undeniable—powerful, dynamic, and emotionally charged—and it’s taken the band to another level. At Riser House this is exactly the kind of rock artist we’re proud to stand behind.”
“The gut-wrenching, unapologetically loud guitar rock that we grew up on (Nirvana, Soundgarden) has been buried under trends and playlists,” shares Scarhaven. “Scarhaven was looking for a label willing to bet on its ferocious return. We are honored to have found it with Jason Martin and Riser House Records.”
Grammy Awards Unveils First Round Of Performers
/by Lauryn SinkThe Recording Academy has announced the first round of performers for this year’s awards, which will take place on Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.
Two-time Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter is set to take the stage. This year, she is nominated for Record Of The Year (“Manchild”), Album Of The Year (Man’s Best Friend), Song Of The Year (“Manchild”), Best Pop Solo Performance (“Manchild”), Best Pop Vocal Album (Man’s Best Friend), and Best Music Video (“Manchild”).
Additionally Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías will perform in a special Best New Artist segment.
Thomas is up for six Grammy Awards this in total, including Album Of The Year (MUTT), Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance (“MUTT (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk)”), Best Traditional R&B Performance (“VIBES DON’T LIE”), Best R&B Song (“YES IT IS”), and Best R&B Album (MUTT). First-time nominee Young is up for Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Messy”). KATSEYE are nomiated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (“Gabriela”).
Additional performers will be announced in the coming days.
Cassie Wright Appointed Executive Director At IBMA Foundation
/by Madison HahnenCassie Wright
Cassie Wright has been named the next Executive Director of The IBMA Foundation, effective April 1. Current Executive Director Nancy Cardwell is retiring after 10 years with the IBMA Foundation and 20 years at the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Wright is a banjo, Dobro player, and co-leader of Fox Crossing Stringband. A 2024 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass program graduate, Wright is a member of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association board of directors, and has served as a cultural diplomat on U.S. State Department tours to Kazakhstan and Mexico with the Bluegrass Ambassadors. She also oversees the Bluegrass Chicago website, which promotes live bluegrass and old-time music across the region.
Wright has over 15 years of experience leading programs and operations for nonprofit and government partners in public health, housing, and education sectors, including her time as Senior Director of Operations for Education Development Center. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from DePaul University, and a Project Management Certification from Cornell University, College of Engineering.
“I have spent my career at the intersection of nonprofit work and bluegrass music because I truly believe in the power of this community,” says Wright. “I’m so excited to put that experience to work as we expand the reach and impact of the music that means so much to all of us. Nancy Cardwell and the Board of Directors have led the way with remarkable work, and I am honored to build on that foundation as we start this next chapter together.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Cassie Wright as our next executive director,” shares Trisha Tubbs, President and board chair of the IBMA Foundation. “Our work thrives on relationships—with generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and trusted community partners, along with a shared passion for bluegrass music. Cassie deeply understands this and brings valuable experience and commitment to advancing our mission and growth. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to Nancy Cardwell as she retires, honoring her years of dedicated service, integrity, and leadership that have strengthened our community and shaped the Foundation’s success.”
“I am pleased to pass the torch to Cassie Wright, and I look forward to witnessing what can be accomplished in the next ten years,” adds Cardwell. “I will continue to support the IBMA Foundation (formerly the Foundation for Bluegrass Music) from the sidelines, as they continue the important work of making the future of bluegrass music brighter.”
Old Crow Medicine Show Slates ‘The O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots’
/by Madison HahnenOld Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Brooke Stevens
Old Crow Medicine Show have plotted “The O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots,” kicking off March 18 in Nashville.
The 11 city tour will visit Knoxville, Charleston, Savannah and more before wrapping at MerleFest April 24-25. The run of intimate shows will celebrate the band’s earliest recordings and some of the places where the songs were born. During the set, OCMS will perform the entirety of their first two releases, O.C.M.S. and Big Iron World, acoustically.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 22 years since the launch of our O.C.M.S. album and 20 years since our second studio record, Big Iron World,” says frontman Ketch Secor. “Working with David Rawlings plus the presence of Gillian Welch is what really made the magic on these albums. Being a string band back in the early 2000s, well ahead of the Americana music movement, made us an odd fit in Music City. But going our own way despite the odds was the only foreseeable path for fiddles and banjos in the 21st century, and it worked. People heard it all around the world, and the doors came swinging open.”
Tickets go on sale Friday (Jan. 23) at 10 a.m. local time.
“The O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots” Dates:
March 18 – Nashville, TN @ Station Inn
March 19 – Boone, NC @ Appalachian Theatre
March 20 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
March 21 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre
March 22 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
March 31 – Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
April 1 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Gaillard Center
April 2 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
April 3 – Savannah, GA @ Lucas Theatre for the Arts
April 4 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
April 24–25 – Wilkesboro, NC @ MerleFest
Songwriters Hall Of Fame Unveils Class of 2026
/by Lauryn SinkThe Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2026.
This year’s inductees include Taylor Swift, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.
The induction ceremony will take place June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
“The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs,” shares SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers. “Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”
This year’s group has credits spanning “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Hand In My Pocket,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Footloose,” “Single Ladies,” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”
King Henry Inks Management Deal With The Core Entertainment
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, King Henry, Simon Tikhman, Jamie Sudhalter.
King Henry has inked with The Core Entertainment for management.
The Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer has worked across a wide range of genres with artists including Beyoncé, Diplo, LANY, Maroon 5, Sasha Alex Sloan, The Weeknd and more. He co-wrote and produced Diplo and Morgan Wallen’s “Heartless” collaboration, and produced Nicolle Galyon’s past two albums.
“We’ve long admired Henry’s ability to move seamlessly across genres while staying true to his voice as a writer and producer,” says Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment, in a joint statement. “He’s built an ambitious and creative body of work that speaks for itself. We’re thrilled to welcome him to The Core and help support what’s next.”
“I’m really happy to be joining The Core,” adds King Henry. “Chief, Simon, and Jamie [Sudhalter] have an energy and approach that feels aligned with where I want to be headed. They’ve built an incredible company and team that I’m excited to be a part of, and I’m looking forward to building something special together.”