Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Wraps 2026 Event

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Jackson Dean. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has wrapped its eighth annual event in Napa Valley, California.

The week kicked off with a Welcome Reception presented by Lucchese Bootmaker with performances from Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins and headliner Jackson Dean. Tuesday’s events continued into the evening with intimate vintner dinners such as a Cakebread Cellars dinner featuring a writer’s round with Watkins and Will Bundy and a Merryvale Vineyards dinner with a stripped-down performance from Tiera Kennedy.

Day two showcased a Texas Music Scene Tailgate with writer’s rounds featuring Wade Bowen, Cody Canada, Sunny Sweeney, The Braun Brothers and Shelby Stone. Held at Frog’s Leap Winery, the event also served as the setting for a live taping of the award-winning Texas Music Scene. Attendees then headed into Downtown Napa for a night of live music with headliner The Marcus King Band, Alex Lambert and Abbie Callahan, taking place at Napa’s Uptown Theatre.

Day three concluded the experience with a Farewell Brunch at Raymond Vineyards with live music from Zach John King and Frankie Ballard.

Lauren Watkins. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Tiera Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Abbie Callahan. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Zach John King. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Cody Canada and Shelby Stone. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Frankie Ballard. Photo: Courtesy Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Crossroads Music Co-Founder Mickey Gamble Passes

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Mickey Gamble

Crossroads Music Co-Founder and leader Mickey Gamble has passed away.

Under Gamble’s leadership, Crossroads and its associated labels, Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music Company and Organic Records, grew from beginnings as an acclaimed Asheville recording operation (Hear Here! Studios) and a Southern Gospel label (Horizon Music Group) to become one of bluegrass and Southern Gospel music’s preeminent issuers.

With a roster that has ranged from traditional Gospel quartets and bluegrass bands through contemporary masters and innovative new groups, Crossroads reflects Gamble’s vision of a larger musical family, rooted in his beloved western North Carolina home. His tireless advocacy for professionalism, his insistence on sound, honest business practices, relentless drive to be informed about, to understand and adapt to developments in the recording industry, and unbounded enthusiasm for the music being made by Crossroads artists earned him the respect, admiration and affection of those with whom he worked to a degree that is rare in any field.

Gamble was a recipient of the Southern Gospel Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2019.

“My dad loved music – and its makers – more than anyone else I’ve ever encountered,” says Gamble’s daughter Francesca Dooris. “He was a champion of the arts, of many other forms in addition to music, because of each unique human being behind the creation of a piece. The ubiquitous theme from everyone I’ve spoken with during this time is that he saw the distinctive set of characteristics a person had to give to the world, and pushed him or her to trust that part of themselves relentlessly. He believed in the gift that was the essence of a person, even if they couldn’t see it or hadn’t developed it.

“The music community was truly family to my dad, and he loved each of you in a completely one-of-a-kind way,” she continues. “If he could say one thing to everyone now, it would be that the music must go on. Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep being you and making your art, whatever form it takes.”

No arrangements have been announced at this time.

Avery Anna Wins ACM New Female Artist Of The Year

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Avery Anna. Photo: Megan Burch/Courtesy of ACM

Avery Anna has been named this year’s ACM New Female Artist of the Year.

Sam Barber surprised Anna during her performance at Lone Star Smokeout with the news. She was joined on stage by her family and team.

“I’m just so grateful for this, I’m so honored,” she shared from stage. “Thank you guys for rallying for me, supporting me and cheering me on. I thank God every day that I get to do this and that he put this passion on my heart. I’m so grateful for people like you that show up for artists like me and embrace the things that we have to say. Thank you guys so much. This is such an honor.”

Anna released her most recent EP forgive, forget. and embarked on her “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” in March. The project followed her 2025 album let go letters, which has garnered over 1 billion global streams to date.

Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM

Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM

Photo: Annelise Loughead/Courtesy of ACM

Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan Rock University Of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium

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Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Photo: Matt Paskert

Georgia boys Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean headed home for the massive sold-out “Live Between the Hedges” Concert Series on Saturday night (April 25) at the University of Georgia.

The two played to 63,000 fans in Athens at the talent-packed show, which marked a triumphant return for Aldean and Bryan following their first concert at the stadium back in 2013 as part of Aldean’s “Night Train Tour,” which was the venue’s only concert until Saturday night. The show also featured ACM nominee Zach Top, Platinum singer/fellow Georgia native Lauren Alaina, and DJ Rock and Dee Jay Silver, who also performed/appeared.

Fans were also treated throughout the night to surprise guests including Brantley Gilbert, (who co-wrote Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem”), as well as Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, who joined the Georgia natives on stage during the show.

Luke Bryan. Photo: Cooper Smith

Jason Aldean. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Does Entertainment / UGA

Photo: Cooper Smith

RFD-TV To Air ‘Opry Live’ & ‘Circle Sessions’

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Opry Entertainment Group and RFD-TV have partnered to bring two of the Grand Ole Opry’s signature series to RFD-TV.

Opry Live will begin airing Saturday, May 9. The weekly series features live performances from the Grand Ole Opry.

Circle Sessions launches on the network on Friday, May 8. The series features intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s famed circle.

New episodes will be available to stream on RFD+ for one week following their initial broadcast.

“Our audience has always had a deep connection to country music and the stories behind it,” says Raquel Gottsch Koehler, co-owner and Chief Marketing and Creative Officer. “Bringing Opry Live and Circle Sessions to RFD-TV gives viewers direct access to one of the most important stages in music, in a way that feels authentic to both the artists and the audience.”

“In its 100th year, we are focused on making the Opry experience more accessible than ever before by reaching audiences across the country and far beyond our stage,” adds Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “The Opry has always connected with fans across platforms on radio, television, streaming, and beyond. Expanding these series to RFD-TV allows us to connect with a passionate and engaged audience that values country music’s history, artistry, and future.”

ACM Partners With Radio Executives For Upcoming 61st ACM Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Mekler, Becca Walls, Damon Whiteside, Sharla McCoy and Haley Montgomery. Photo: Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music is partnering with country radio execs Becca Walls and Sharla McCoy for the upcoming 61st Annual ACM Awards.

Walls, a two-time ACM Award winner, has been tapped to lead ACM Radio Prep, a service that will provide radio, blogs, and other media outlets with soundbites and transcriptions from nominees, performers, presenters, and this year’s host, including exclusive audio, past ACM Awards highlights, nominees discussing their songs, albums, videos, and more. Outlets can sign up here to be notified when new audio is available. Walls will also produce an artist-hosted radio special in advance of the awards.

Industry veteran and Producer McCoy of Sharla McCoy Productions will produce the official ACM Radio Remote which will take place in Las Vegas during the two days leading up to the show. This year’s remote beneficiaries will be ACM Lifting Lives and Fisher House.

“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to work alongside the Academy of Country Music in producing the official broadcast for this year’s ACM Awards. For decades, I’ve had the privilege of creating broadcast experiences that unite artists, radio, and the industry in powerful ways,” says McCoy. “This ground-breaking collaboration feels like a full-circle moment—where passion, purpose, and partnership come together to celebrate the very spirit of country music and the people who make it so special.”

“Country radio has long been the backbone of our format, connecting artists and fans in a way that’s personal and powerful. As we approach the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, we’re thrilled that programmers, personalities, and stations have the tools and access to bring the excitement of the awards to their listeners,” says Ken Tucker, Chair of the ACM Radio Task Force.

Music Industry Veteran Cliff Downs Passes Away

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Cliff Downs

Cliff Downs, a respected music industry veteran who spent time as an artist, composer, producer and publisher, died on Friday (April 24) after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.

As part of the 1980s duo Downes & Price with vocalist Jimmy Price, Downs began his career as a pop artist signed to Atlantic Records. He released a self-titled album in 1986 featuring AOR/pop tracks.

Later, Downs found himself in Nashville, beginning what would be a successful career as a songwriter and producer with hits across pop, country, contemporary Christian and jazz. His songs were recorded by artists such as Foreigner, Wynonna, Gabby Barrett, B.J. Thomas, Paul Rodgers, Glen Campbell and jazz artist Richard Elliott.

Additionally, Downs’ scores and songs appeared in major film and TV productions including the TNT movie Red Water, David Zucker’s film An American Carol, Red Dirt Rising and network shows such as Modern Family, MacGyver, General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and Sunset Beach. He won an Emmy for Best Original Song for “When I Think of You” from One Life to Live and received multiple Emmy nominations and awards. Over his career, Downs’ music garnered over 1,000 television placements and was featured in promos for The Voice, American Idol, the Super Bowl, Olympics coverage and more.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Brentwood Baptist Church (7777 Concord Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027). Visitation will precede the service from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Downs’ honor to The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum or PR Ministries.

Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Team For New LP ‘The Birds Know’

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Jim Lauderdale has released a new bluegrass project with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, The Birds Know, out now.

With The Birds Know, the Americana legend’s 39th album, he wanted to once again pair up with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys as the band did for 2023’s The Long and Lonesome Letting Go.

“Since I first saw them at MerleFest several years ago, and after we did our first album together, I really wanted us to do a follow-up,” says Lauderdale of his album-mates. “These songs were all written just for this album. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys keep the sound of traditional bluegrass alive, but they really bring it into the present day. I’m so happy with the way this record turned out, and I’m looking forward to performing with them in the coming years. I love working with them so much.”

The album is out now alongside Lauderdale’s recently-released 38th project, Country Super Hits Volume 2, a full-band, honky tonk heavy collection and successor to his 2006 album of a slightly different name. In addition to his album releases, Lauderdale will take the stage today at the long-beloved North Carolina Festival Merlefest. Next month he embarks on a European tour supporting Emmylou Harris.

MusicRow Weekly (Don Schlitz, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly arrives with a mix of reflection, celebration and forward momentum across music landscapes. Click here to see the full edition.

The industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential storytellers, Don Schlitz, who passed away on April 16 at the age of 73 following a sudden illness. Schlitz’s catalog helped define generations of country music, with songs that blended emotional depth and narrative clarity in ways that resonated far beyond Nashville.

Anticipation is building for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, set for May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, as Shania Twain will take the reins as host for the first time.

Miranda Lambert has entered a new chapter with her signing to MCA.

On the publishing side, Jessi Alexander has inked a worldwide deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative. The agreement positions Alexander as the flagship signing for Perfect Game Creative, the venture launched last year by industry veteran Jessi Vaughn Stevenson.

mtheory has elevated Ed Rivadavia to EVP of Marketing & Operations and Kaitlyn Moore to General Manager.

Michael Bryan, former Global Head of Country Music at Apple Music, has launched Southern Drift, a Nashville-based management and media company. The venture begins with a roster that includes Charlie Worsham and podcast God’s Country, hosted by songwriters Reid Isbell and Dan Isbell. The company’s leadership team features Taryn Anderson as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager and Jordon Isbell as Vice President of Marketing and Executive Producer of the podcast.

Gator Harrison has joined K-LOVE, Inc. as Chief Media Officer. At Jody Williams Songs, Tenasie Courtright has been promoted to Director, Creative & A&R, while Jonah Gordon steps in as Manager, Sync & A&R.

Jonathan Gamble and Jordan Sapp have both extended their deals with Capitol Christian Music Group.

Rounding out the week, rising artist Benny G celebrated a major career milestone with his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry on April 18.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” 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.

Rolling Stone Elevates Joseph Hudak

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Joseph Hudak. Photo: Koury Angelo

Joseph Hudak has been upped to Deputy Editor and Head of Country at Rolling Stone. In his new role, he will oversee the magazine’s country music coverage across editorial, digital, social, audio and live platforms, as well as expand Rolling Stone‘s presence in Nashville.

In 2014, he assisted in the launch of Rolling Stone Country. Hudak also hosts, writes, and produces Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast. The debut guest included Margo Price, and since then he has hosted Lainey Wilson, HARDY, Vince Gill, Charley Crockett, Amanda Shires, Carly Pearce, Lukas Nelson, Ne-Yo, Bryan Andrews and more.

“For more than a decade, Rolling Stone Country has been a leader in country music journalism, reporting on America’s most popular genre with both the critical eye and the fan point of view that it deserves,” says Hudak. “With Nashville Now, we’re meeting our audience where they are on their screens and streaming services to deliver in-depth conversations that celebrate the music while also raising important issues. As Deputy Editor, Head of Country, I look forward to working with our writers and contributors to bring country fans the stories and access that have long been a hallmark of Rolling Stone.”

Hudak also hosts The Rolling Stone Writers’ Room and Musicians on Musicians, and has moderated live interviews with artists Kris Kristofferson, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Charley Crockett, Portugal. The Man and Sleater-Kinney.

He has been at Rolling Stone for over a decade. Prior to Rolling Stone, he served as managing editor of Country Weekly and spent 12 years at TV Guide.