Bill Cody. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo
WSM announcer Bill Cody passed away on June 9. He was 67.
Cody’s distinctive voice has resonated across international airwaves for more than five decades. For over 30 years, he served as host of WSM Radio’s flagship morning program, Coffee, Country & Cody, and became especially renowned for his longtime role as announcer and host of the Grand Ole Opry.
Inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008, Cody has earned multiple nominations from the CMA, ACM and Billboard. In 2024, he was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame Park. He will also be posthumously inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame later this year.
A native of Lebanon, Kentucky, Cody grew up as a preacher’s son and was introduced to radio at an early age. He often accompanied his father to the local radio station to exchange tapes of Sunday worship services for broadcast. Those visits provided an early look inside the world of radio and led to opportunities to spend time at the station, where he learned more about the day-to-day work of broadcasting.
In 1971, he began his professional radio career at WLBN in his hometown of Lebanon. Six years later, he joined WVLK in Lexington, Kentucky, as an on-air personality at 17 years old. At WVLK is where his boss requested he drop his birth name, Trent Clutts, and adopted the name Bill Cody, inspired by his one of his childhood heroes, “Buffalo Bill” Cody. After two years there, he moved to WHAS in Louisville, continuing to build his career in broadcasting.
In 1985, he returned to country radio as a morning personality at WCII in Louisville before relocating to Orlando, Florida, to work with WHOO-FM. Two years later, he joined KKYX-AM in San Antonio, Texas.
In 1994, Cody moved to Nashville to join WSM Radio, beginning a chapter that would define much of his distinguished career. Joining WSM on April 25, 1994, with inaugural guest Charlie Daniels. He also eventually developed the series on the Circle Network.
Beyond radio, Cody’s work has spanned television, syndication, voice-over and film. His credits include American Saturday Night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry, GAC-TV’s Master Series, the television specials Tennessee’s Wildside and Ray Stevens’ Nashville, and appearances on The Nashville Network. He has also been heard on Bill Cody’s Classic Country Weekend, Pure American Country, Nashville Record Review, Country’s Most Wanted, programming for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music City Walk of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium, as well as Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM and United Airlines’ in-flight country music programming.
Cody married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca. The couple has three children and resided in Cross Plains, TN.
In the days ahead, WSM will honor Cody with a special marathon of moments from Coffee, Country & Cody. Saturday’s (June 13) Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to Cody.
The Grand Ole Opry House will host visitation and funeral services honoring the life of Cody on Monday (June 15). Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the Opry House auditorium. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Family, friends, colleagues and fans are welcome.
Austin Taylor Smith Inks With Peacock Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Mary Lauren Teague (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Katherine Smith, Austin Taylor Smith,
Emily Peacock (Peacock Publishing) and Alyssa Johnson (Johnson Law PLLC). Photo: Ike Everard
Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Austin Taylor Smith has signed with Peacock Publishing.
Texas native and Belmont University graduate Smith began his career as a touring musician, performing with The Brummies and Devin Dawson. He played guitar, sang background vocals, and co-wrote four songs on Dawson’s debut album Dark Horse and The Pink Slip EP, including the 2x Platinum hit “All On Me.”
Since then, Smith has written songs recorded by a wide range of artists. His credits include Cody Johnson’s “People In The Back,” Warren Zeiders’ “West Texas Weather,” and songs released by Braxton Keith, Kat Luna, Kasey Tyndall, Kat & Alex, Brett Kissel, Julia Cole and Jordana Bryant.
“Austin and I first met as classmates at Belmont University so I have truly been a longtime fan of his! It’s such a wonderful, full-circle moment to be able to announce him as the first writer at Peacock Publishing,” Founder of Peacock Publishing Emily Peacock says. “I am thankful for his trust in me for this next chapter of his career. I truly believe the best is yet to come!”
“This deal feels like a natural fit,” adds Smith. “I’ve known Emily for a long time, and her reputation for championing great songs and great writers speaks for itself. Her excitement about my music was incredibly encouraging, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with someone I trust and respect as we begin this next chapter.”
Kyle Fishman Signs With Ern’s Cadillac Music Via Big Loud Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Dane Schmidt, Jude Warren, Kimberly Gleason, Lauren Lieu, Kyle Fishman, ERNEST, Jordan Marcus and Mike Giangreco. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Kyle Fishman has signed a publishing deal with Ern’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing.
“I’ve always felt like Big Loud was home base since moving to Nashville,” Fishman shares. “It’s where ERN and I first met and wrote songs together. Feels full circle to join Cadillac/Big Loud and I’m stoked to be a part of it.”
Fishman’s credits include Dustin Lynch’s “Small Town Boy,” Luke Bryan’s “Down To One” and “Thank God” by Kane Brown featuring Katelyn Brown. He’s also behind Zach John King’s debut radio single, “Get To Drinkin’,” and additional tracks with Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Teddy Swims, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, and more. The Sacramento, California native has also earned rock and alt-leaning collaborations that include Underoath, Nickelback, Wage War, Story Of The Year, The Used and Said The Sky.
“I love Kyle. He was one of my first writes in this town…,” ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO ERNEST shares. “It’s full circle to get to work with him in this capacity! He is so musical and one of the hardest workers I know. ALWAYS turning out songs. He has hit power, and I’m stoked he’s a part of the Cadillac crew.”
Provident Entertainment Elevates Two
/by Lauryn SinkJosie Hardin and Reagan Hughes
Provident Entertainment has elevated Josie Hardin and Reagan Hughes to director-level roles within the company.
Hardin has been promoted to Director, Digital Strategy. Hardin joined Provident Entertainment in 2024 as Associate Director of Digital Marketing, overseeing digital strategy and audience development for artists including Brandon Lake, Zach Williams, Leanna Crawford and more. She previously served as Digital Marketing Manager at Big Machine Label Group for three and a half years, leading campaigns for artists such as Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Midland, Rascal Flatts, and Jackson Dean. Hardin began her career at WME supporting booking and touring efforts.
“Since joining Provident, Josie has made a tremendous impact on our team and the artists she serves,” shares Todd Stepp, SVP, Provident Entertainment. “She has a great instinct for digital strategy and audience engagement, and she approaches every opportunity with creativity, excellence, and a desire to keep learning. What stands out most is her ability to turn ideas into results while building strong relationships along the way. This promotion is well earned, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow and lead in this new role.”
Hughes will serve as Director, Marketing. Hughes’ roster will include Seph Schlueter, KB, bodie, Aaron Cole, Charles Weems, Michael Gabriel Monroe, Molly Kate Kestner and The Band JAREN. She began her professional career at Capitol CMG supporting label priorities at DSPs including Spotify and Apple Music. In 2021, she moved into a Digital Marketing Manager role, managing strategy for more than 20 artists, including TobyMac, Crowder, Passion and Tye Tribbett. Hughes joined Provident Entertainment in February 2024 as Associate Director of Digital Marketing, managing digital strategy for Seph Schlueter, Ben Fuller, SEU Worship, CAIN and more.
“Reagan brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and genuine passion for both our artists and industry,” Stepp adds. “She has played a vital role in helping expand the reach of our roster and consistently looks for new ways to connect music with audiences. Her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to serving both our artists and our team have made a significant difference, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her step into this new role.”
Kenny Chesney Offers New Fan Experiences At The Sphere
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney live at the Sphere. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney is rolling out two new fan forward experiences at the Sphere, as his curated Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love moves to a new spot, as well as a new Very Vibe VIP experience.
The curated Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love experience moves to the top of the Venetian’s walking bridge to Sphere. From Wednesday-Sunday, once Chesney kicks off, the area will be open from 10-4 p.m. on non-show days and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on show days, and will feature multiple bars, a No Shoes Radio set-up, a dedicated merch shop, photo ops and high-top tables to pause and take it all in. Fans can see artifacts and visuals from key moments in the Country Music Hall of Famer’s career, hit the merch superstore with several vintage designs, see some special No Shoes Radio programming, and enjoy drinks.
“Who knew people would come to look at that stuff, or load up on t-shirts? But it made me feel incredible knowing that No Shoes Nation actually cared about that. When it was time to go back, I wanted to figure out how to make it something different, but deliver the same kind of fun,” says Chesney.
Very Vibe is a VIP dedicated space to enjoy activations and shop merch. After the show’s over, Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love will open up as an after-hours bar.
“What could be better than hanging out after the show with all the rest of the people who just shared that experience?” Chesney adds. “In a world where the community drifts apart after the concert, this seemed like a great way to let people hang out, talk about life, love, the lack thereof – or some song they couldn’t believe we played. Sometimes the show is just getting you started, so now I can help people keep the party rocking… keep them in the zone and let everybody really maximize their time in Vegas. To me, Sphere has been a whole other way to do this thing we all love. Who knows? Getting together at Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love may spark a whole other thing to do around our shows.”
Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas Dates:
June 19, 2026
June 20, 2026
June 24, 2026
June 26, 2026
June 27, 2026
July 1, 2026
July 8, 2026
July 10, 2026
July 11, 2026
Luke Bryan’s 12th Annual Crash My Playa Lineup To Feature Thomas Rhett, HARDY, More
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett and HARDY are among the artists on the lineup for Luke Bryan‘s 12th annual Crash My Playa at Mexico’s Moon Palace Cancún January 13-16, 2027.
Additional performers will also include Brothers Osborne, Gavin Adcock, Brett Young, Avery Anna, Drew Baldridge, Emily Ann Roberts, Lanie Gardner and DJ Rock in addition to the headliners and traditions like Dustin Lynch’s Pool Party and the closing night’s Luke Bryan & Friends set.
In addition to live performances on a beachfront stage, Crash My Playa will also host activities with artists, daily pool parties, late-night shows, and other unique experiences. All-inclusive packages for Crash My Playa 2027 will be available tomorrow (June 11) at 1 p.m. ET via crashmyplaya.
“There is no time like Playa time!,” says Bryan. “It’s truly the best way to start off the year and this is year 12, which is unbelievable. It is such a fun environment for me and my artist friends to spend time in front of an energetic crowd. Thankful for all who show up.”
“Year after year, Crash My Playa proves that there’s nothing quite like bringing country music fans together on the beach for a weekend of unforgettable shows and nonstop good times,” says Dan Berkowitz, Founder and CEO of 100x Hospitality. “We’re thrilled to help create what has become one of the best events of the year, celebrating a shared love for country music and the community that makes this event so special.”
JUST IN: Carly Pearce Inks With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby, Katie Kerkhover, Peter Strickland, Carly Pearce, JoJamie Hahr, Scott Borchetta, Mike Blong and David Crow. Photo: Kevin Grace
Carly Pearce has inked with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The Grammy, CMA and ACM award-winner has amassed over four billion streams to date, multiple No. 1 tracks and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2021. Her current single, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” with Riley Green, is at radio, with Stoney Creek Records serving as the radio imprint. Pearce recently signed as the flagship management artist for Borchetta Entertainment Group and has been a BMG Publishing writer since 2015.
“Signing with BMG feels less like turning a new page and more like finding the best next chapter. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by a team that truly hears my voice and matches my ambition. The horizon looks exactly how it’s supposed to,” says Pearce.
“Carly is one of the most authentic and compelling voices in our format, and we’re beyond excited to welcome her to the recorded side of our family, having been cheering her on from our publishing side for years. Her artistry, vision and connection with fans is unparalleled, and we can’t wait to support this next creative chapter,” shares JoJamie Hahr, EVP, Recorded Music, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
“When I approached Jon and JoJamie about this opportunity, their excitement and passion for Carly was immediate and unmistakable and they wasted no time in making her feel right at home. For me, to be back in business with Jon [Loba] and JoJamie is a genuine homecoming. They were both instrumental in the launch and early success of Big Machine’s Valory Music Company and I’ve watched them turn BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville into a powerhouse. We couldn’t be more confident in what’s ahead for Carly,” adds Scott Borchetta, Founder and Chairman, Borchetta Entertainment Group.
BREAKING: WSM’s Bill Cody Passes
/by Lauryn SinkBill Cody. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo
WSM announcer Bill Cody passed away on June 9. He was 67.
Cody’s distinctive voice has resonated across international airwaves for more than five decades. For over 30 years, he served as host of WSM Radio’s flagship morning program, Coffee, Country & Cody, and became especially renowned for his longtime role as announcer and host of the Grand Ole Opry.
Inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008, Cody has earned multiple nominations from the CMA, ACM and Billboard. In 2024, he was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame Park. He will also be posthumously inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame later this year.
A native of Lebanon, Kentucky, Cody grew up as a preacher’s son and was introduced to radio at an early age. He often accompanied his father to the local radio station to exchange tapes of Sunday worship services for broadcast. Those visits provided an early look inside the world of radio and led to opportunities to spend time at the station, where he learned more about the day-to-day work of broadcasting.
In 1971, he began his professional radio career at WLBN in his hometown of Lebanon. Six years later, he joined WVLK in Lexington, Kentucky, as an on-air personality at 17 years old. At WVLK is where his boss requested he drop his birth name, Trent Clutts, and adopted the name Bill Cody, inspired by his one of his childhood heroes, “Buffalo Bill” Cody. After two years there, he moved to WHAS in Louisville, continuing to build his career in broadcasting.
In 1985, he returned to country radio as a morning personality at WCII in Louisville before relocating to Orlando, Florida, to work with WHOO-FM. Two years later, he joined KKYX-AM in San Antonio, Texas.
In 1994, Cody moved to Nashville to join WSM Radio, beginning a chapter that would define much of his distinguished career. Joining WSM on April 25, 1994, with inaugural guest Charlie Daniels. He also eventually developed the series on the Circle Network.
Beyond radio, Cody’s work has spanned television, syndication, voice-over and film. His credits include American Saturday Night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry, GAC-TV’s Master Series, the television specials Tennessee’s Wildside and Ray Stevens’ Nashville, and appearances on The Nashville Network. He has also been heard on Bill Cody’s Classic Country Weekend, Pure American Country, Nashville Record Review, Country’s Most Wanted, programming for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music City Walk of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium, as well as Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM and United Airlines’ in-flight country music programming.
Cody married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca. The couple has three children and resided in Cross Plains, TN.
In the days ahead, WSM will honor Cody with a special marathon of moments from Coffee, Country & Cody. Saturday’s (June 13) Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to Cody.
The Grand Ole Opry House will host visitation and funeral services honoring the life of Cody on Monday (June 15). Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the Opry House auditorium. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Family, friends, colleagues and fans are welcome.
Industry Ink: Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Marlowe, Trey Lewis, Lee Greenwood
/by Lauryn SinkAshley McBryde Appears On CBS Saturday Sessions
Ashley McBryde.
Ashley McBryde recently appeared on CBS Saturday Sessions, performing “What If We Don’t,” “Bottle Tells Me So” and “Ten To Midnight.”All three tracks appear on her recently released project, Wild.
McBryde will launch her headlining “Into The Wild Tour” in September, after supporting Garth Brooks at BST Hyde Park and select dates with Chris Stapleton.
Dierks Bentley Unveils Hologram Experience At Nashville International Airport
Dierks Bentley has unveiled a life-sized hologram experience, launching Nashville International Airport.
Now until July 31, Bentley’s hologram will welcome visitors traveling to Nashville, share the story of ROW 94 and direct travelers toward sampling opportunities and drink specials at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor.
“As a former Commissioner and friend to the airport for many years, we’re excited to have Dierks Bentley’s ROW 94 hologram to welcome travelers this summer,” says Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “This installation offers an authentic Nashville experience and supports our ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience from the moment they arrive.”
Dylan Marlowe Earns Platinum Certification
Dylan Marlowe at the Chevy Riverfront Stage at CMAFest. Photo: Austin Aguilar
Dylan Marlowe has earned a Platinum certification for his collaboration with Dylan Scott, “Boys Back Home.”
Written by Marlowe, Seth Ennis and Joe Fox, the song marked Marlowe’s first No. 1 at country radio and has amassed 209.1 million global streams.
Trey Lewis Earns RIAA Double-Platinum Certification
Pictured (L-R): CAA’s Andrew Dominijanni, Stem’s Alison Junker, Trey Lewis, Raised Rowdy’s Nick Tressler and Stem’s Courtney Daly. Photo: Mitch Wallis
Trey Lewis was surprised on stage during his CMA Fest performance with a plaque commemorating his RIAA Double-Platinum certification for “Dicked Down In Dallas.” The track has amassed 372 million global streams to date.
“To see this song continue to connect with fans is truly incredible,” shares Lewis. “Getting to celebrate this moment during CMA Fest, surrounded by the people who’ve supported me from the beginning, made it even more special.”
Lee Greenwood Relaunches Soldier Valley Spirits
Lee Greenwood is relaunching Soldier Valley Spirits to celebrate the United States 250th birthday. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold helps support veteran and first responder charities, including Helping a Hero, Tunnels to Towers Foundation and Folds of Honor.
“I’ve spent much of my career honoring the men and women who serve our country ever since my first USO tour in 1989 with Bob Hope,” says Greenwood. “Soldier Valley Spirits is another way to say thank you. These are premium, American-made spirits that celebrate our shared values while helping support organizations that serve veterans and first-responder families.”.
Blue Sky Studios Officially Launches In Historic Former Watershed Studios Space
/by Lorie HollabaughBlue Sky Studios. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Sky Studios
Blue Sky Studios has announced its official public opening following a soft opening back in December.
The boutique recording and production studio in Hermitage, Tennessee was founded by Eric Petrone (Co-Founder & Creative Director) and Myles Mancuso (Co-Founder, Producer & Engineer), and operates inside the former Watershed Studios, a historic Nashville recording space connected to sessions involving artists including Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert.
Since its soft opening, Blue Sky Studios has already welcomed some of Nashville’s most respected musicians, producers, and songwriters, establishing itself as a premier boutique recording environment. Recent sessions have included Brent Mason, Billy Thomas, Scotty Sanders, and Mark and Wanda Burchfield.
Myles Mancuso (Co-Founder, Producer & Engineer). Photo: Milestone Collective
Inside the studio, artists have access to an extensive collection of premium recording equipment and instruments, including Chandler, API, and Neve preamps; Telefunken, Neumann, Beyerdynamic, and AKG microphones; Martin, Gretsch, Fender, and Gibson guitars and basses; Fender, Marshall, and Dumble-style amplifiers; and multiple DW drum and snare configurations designed to accommodate a wide range of sounds and production styles. In addition to traditional sessions, the studio has grown into a versatile creative hub for songwriting, scoring, production, and multimedia content creation.
“Blue Sky Studios was built to honor the legacy of great music creation while creating something new for the next generation of artists,” says Petrone.“To be able to continue that story inside the former Watershed Studios, where legends like Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert once recorded, means a tremendous amount to us personally and creatively.”
“Blue Sky Studios represents more than just a recording space,” Mancuso adds. “It’s a place where musicians, songwriters, and creators can feel inspired the moment they walk through the door. We wanted to preserve the soul and history of this building while bringing world-class production, musicianship, and creative energy into a modern era.”
Centricity Music Celebrates 20th Anniversary
/by Lauryn SinkCentricity Music staff during the record label’s 20-year celebration. Photo: Courtesy of Centricity Music
Centricity Music recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Formed in 2005 and establishing its headquarters in the Nashville area in 2006, Centricity Music and Centricity Publishing are now home to Andrew Peterson, Band Reeves, Bay Turner, Brandon Heath, Bryan McCleery, Centricity Worship, Chris Renzema, Gary Rea, Jason Gray, Jaye King, John Allan, Jordan Feliz, Katy Nichole, Kyle Williams, Mack Brock, Natalie Layne, Paul Duncan, Rachel Morley, Rachel Purcell, The Choir Room and Unspoken.
“Reaching this 20-year milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team, the trust of our artists and writers, and our commitment to continuous innovation that is grounded in our core values,” says Centricity Music CEO Caren Seidle. “While we are incredibly proud of what we have built over the last two decades, we are even more excited about the future. We remain dedicated to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional music to inspire every listener.”