New albums, new singles and more in this month’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’
by Preshias Harris
With Halloween in the rear-view mirror and Thanksgiving on the calendar, it must be November! There’s SO much news this month about music and more from American Love Affair, Brandi Carlile, Terri Clark, Russell Dickerson & the Jonas Brothers, ERNEST, Janie Fricke, Vince Gill, Greensky Bluegrass, Emmylou Harris, Greylan James, Cody Jinks, Robby Johnson, Kathy Mattea, Shane McAnally, Walker Montgomery, Brooke Moriber & Little Anthony, Megan Moroney, Mitchell Tenpenny, Thomas Rhett & Niall Horan, Chris Tomlin, Lauren Watkins, Anne Wilson and more. Keep scrollin’ to read it all…
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: The one mentality I’ve always tried to have is that no matter what stage in your career that you are in as a musician or a performer or a songwriter or whatever, there’s always more to learn. – Nick Jonas
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. – Psalm 85:12
ALBUM & EP NEWS
RUSSELL DICKERSON feat. THE JONAS BROTHERS
RUSSELL DICKERSON feat. THE JONAS BROTHERS: Multi-Platinum artist Russell Dickerson recruits global pop sensations the Jonas Brothers for a new version of his single, “Happen to Me (feat. Jonas Brothers).” The collaboration was born after Dickerson and the Jonas Brothers shared a party on stage earlier this year during a surprise performance in Detroit, MI, where they debuted a live rendition of “Happen to Me” together to a roaring crowd. Blending Dickerson’s signature country-pop storytelling with the Jonas Brothers’ infectious pop harmonies, the new version captures the spirit of that electric night—bridging genres and showcasing a fresh, feel-good sound that celebrates connection, gratitude, and the moments that “happen to” shape us. Look back at the unforgettable performance here and stream “Happen To Me (feat. Jonas Brothers)” here.
The collaboration breathes new life into the chart-topping anthem, which continues to dominate airwaves across Country Aircheck/MediaBase, the Billboard Country Charts, SiriusXM’s The Highway, and Canada and UK Country Radio charts. Since its original release, Dickerson is “hotter than ever” (MusicRow), with streams surpassing 235 million and earning RIAA Platinum certification. Now breaking into pop formats, “Happen To Me” has notched No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and continues to climb, reaching No. 13 on Hot AC and No. 25 on Top 40.
Tour & ticket info and more at RussellDickerson.com. Follow Russell on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
ERNEST
ERNEST: Triple threat talent ERNEST has announced the arrival of his newest project, Live From The South, due out Nov. 21 (pre-save here). The cohesive collection built on southern imagery — pies cooling on the counter, Friday night football games, “Dixieland Delight” – features “Blessed,” out now.
“Blessed” reflects his growth as an artist and comfortability in his own shoes. The new song revels in gratitude — family ties, simple faith, making a life for yourself. A secret weapon in a writers’ room or studio, the project’s track was self-produced and penned alongside Mark Holman, Jordan Merrigan and Matt Mulhare.
Forthcoming Live From The South follows ERNEST’s lauded NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, one of 2024’s best albums of the year according to the Los Angeles Times. Similarly to its full-length predecessor, Live From The South is sonically defined by guitar-picking, fiddle and pedal steel with production by ERNEST and Jacob Durrett.
The 4x ACM Award nominee, 3x CMA Triple Play Award winner and 3x Variety Hitmaker will add to an already stacked November headlining Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 4-5. Kicking off in January in Denver, Colo., recently announced Live From The South Tour will hit Boston, New York and Houston – with new dates in Jackson Hole, Wy., Charlotte and Asheville, N.C., Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn., and more. Tour and ticket info at ernestofficial.com; follow him on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.
VINCE GILL
VINCE GILL: It’s been 50 years since Vince Gill chose a path toward music and left his home in Oklahoma to launch his career — a journey that’s taken him to Kentucky then California and finally Nashville, and, as a touring artist, around the world. It has seen him find success as a member of bands such as Mountain Smoke, Bluegrass Alliance, Boone Creek, Sundance, Pure Prairie League, Rodney Crowell’s Notorious Cherry Bombs, The Time Jumpers and, most recently, the Eagles, and as an iconic recording artist in his own right. Last week, Gill signed a lifetime deal with his longtime label MCA.
Gill is honoring this fifty year career milestone by curating a series of EPs to be released over the course of a year. Thematically titled 50 Years from Home, the first EP of the series is I Gave You Everything I Had, released worldwide on October 17. Add/save/listen here.
“I have this treasure trove of songs,” Gill explains, “and I started wracking my brain about how I could find a way to really celebrate this music.”
His creative juices every bit as strong as they were fifty years ago, Gill has culled from over 100 songs he has written, either by himself or in collaboration with others, over the past few years. This is an endeavor unlike anything in his career up to this point. More info at VinceGill.com, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
GREENSKY BLUEGRASS
GREENSKY BLUEGRASS: The much-anticipated new album from Bluegrass-Americana veterans Greensky Bluegrass, XXV, is out now via Big Blue Zoo Records/Thirty Tigers—celebrating the exact date of the group’s 25th anniversary; listen here.
“We’ve called on some dear friends to breathe a touch of new life into some classic Greensky songs for your listening pleasure,” says dobroist Anders Beck on XXV. “We’ve reinvented the sounds of some of our (dare I say) ‘hits’ because after a quarter century of Greensky Bluegrass, with plenty of new music on the horizon, we believe it’s worth celebrating what the five of us have created together… and we want you to have a damn good time listening to it.”
The LP brings together many friends and collaborators of the band throughout their 25-year run—Billy Strings, Sam Bush, Nathaniel Rateliff, Aoife O’Donovan, Lindsay Lou, Holly Bowling and more. Each of these special guests represents chapters of the band’s continued journey. In celebration of the album, the band also shares an official music video for “In Control” featuring Lindsay Lou, showcasing archival footage across the band’s quarter-century career. Watch the video here.
Greensky Bluegrass started at an impromptu show in 2000 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and have developed into a marquee live act and staple in the progressive bluegrass space. Tour dates and more at GreenskyBluegrass.com; follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
LAUREN WATKINS
LAUREN WATKINS: Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters songstress Lauren Watkins steps into her most confident chapter yet with the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, In A Perfect World, available everywhere now. The milestone moment unfolds in full color: a national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends as she performed “Lose My Cool” live from Studio 1A (watch performance here) and a subsequent debut performance at Madison Square Garden, opening for reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson on The Whirlwind World Tour.
Following her 2024 debut The Heartbroken Record – named one of Stereogum’s Top Country Albums of 2024 – Watkins unveils a cinematic new chapter, capturing the balance between the fast lane and the front porch. Across 10 tracks, she finds peace in imperfection, blending chaos and calm, spotlight and stillness, to prove that ‘perfect’ doesn’t have to mean polished.
Produced by CMA/ACM Award winner and husband Will Bundy, with additional co-production from Joey Moi, In A Perfect World pairs steel guitars, heartland grit and golden-hour glow with the intimate storytelling that’s quickly become Watkins’ calling card. The record threads together her newfound peace that first lit her career – blending the rush of life on the road with the quiet rhythm of home. Watkins joins Kameron Marlowe‘s Seventeen Tour this fall. Find Watkins’ tour/ticket info at laurenwatkins.com; follow her on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
PHOTO: Lauren Watkins performs in Today with Jenna & Friends. Photo: Quinn Malaccorto
CHRISTMAS MUSIC NEWS
CHRISTMAS MUSIC NEWS: This holiday season, Janie Fricke will celebrate the warmth and spirit of Christmas with her fans as she releases A Cowgirl Country Christmas. Originally available as a limited pressing, this heartfelt collection is now be available for everyone to enjoy on all major streaming platforms through StarVista Music. Stream ‘A Cowgirl Country Christmas’ here.
Fittingly, ‘A Cowgirl Country Christmas’ was recorded in a studio on Fricke’s own farm, reflecting the authentic, down-home charm that has long been a part of her artistry. She personally selected timeless holiday favorites including “The Christmas Song,” “O Holy Night” and “Winter Wonderland,” all delivered with her signature grace and sincerity.
“I loved every song that I put in there,” Fricke shares. “They were such a big part of my childhood, especially ‘O Holy Night,’ which I loved singing in church when I was a little girl.”
‘A Cowgirl Country Christmas’ also includes an original song written by Fricke herself, “The Followers.”
“I’m not much of a songwriter,” she explains. “It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, it just flows. It just came over me. I went to the piano, and right away was playing some chords and doing a melody, and it seemed like the lyrics just flowed out of me.” More at JanieFricke.com. Follow Janie on Facebook, X and YouTube.
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN NEWS
CHRIS TOMLIN
CHRIS TOMLIN: In October, Grammy-award winning artist Chris Tomlin had a record-breaking week with the release of his 18th album The King Is Still The King with the largest global streaming week of his 25+ year career with the album becoming Billboard’s No. 1 Top Christian/Gospel Album. Stream/listen here.
“Never would I have dreamed after so many albums released that this would be my biggest streaming week yet,” said Chris. “This is incredibly special to me. All I’ve ever wanted to do is help give people a voice to worship God. It’s why I write songs and why I always pray that they connect with people and help them in their relationship with God.”
“What I love the most in this moment is that the title of the new album is The King is Still the King. Worship reminds us of the greater story. It lifts our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances, and it reminds us that our hope is in an everlasting kingdom and everlasting King… and that ‘The King is Still the King.’
The 30x GMA Dove Award is currently on his Fall headlining tour, An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin. Find tour/ticket info here. For a complete listing of tour dates, additional information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChrisTomlin.com. Follow him on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
ANNE WILSON
ANNE WILSON: Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson unveils her highly anticipated third studio album, Stars, out now via Capitol Christian Music Group. A sweeping 12-track collection, Stars captures Wilson at a defining moment – growing up on record, reconciling grief with grace and finding faith that endures when dreams take a different shape. Listen here.
“As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut,” shares Wilson. “I’ve always been in awe of the night sky — the mystery, the beauty, the way it makes you feel small and seen all at once. But somewhere along the way, life happened. Heartbreak, loss and disappointment can make you forget how to dream. This album is my reminder that the same God who created the stars created me, and you, too. God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s placing you right where you’re meant to be. My prayer is that these songs remind you: you were made for the stars. I hope y’all love this album!”
Across its 12 tracks – all co-written by Wilson – Stars finds the Kentucky native stepping fully into her own as a storyteller, blending the grit of country with the hope of faith in a way that is entirely her own. Produced by Jeff Pardo, Jonathan Smith and Ross Copperman, the coming-of-age collection brings together acclaimed writers like Trannie Anderson, Blake Pendergrass, Emily Weisband and Andy Albert. More at AnneWilsonOfficial.com. #AnneWilsonMusic
FUNDRAISING NEWS
FUNDRAISING NEWS: Multi-platinum selling artist Mitchell Tenpenny held his fourth annual Cornhole tournament on Music Row in October to help raise funds for his foundation, the 10Penny Fund. The $17,471.50 proceeds from the event, in addition to previously raised funds, are being donated to event sponsor ACM Lifting Lives.
The 10Penny Fund and ACM Lifting Lives have partnered to bring support to music industry colleagues impacted by cancer. Mitchell’s 10Penny Fund had previously pledged a $100,000 contribution to assist in 10 grants of $10,000 to individuals who require help covering essential medical bills, everyday household needs, and mental health support through ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Go to acmliftinglives.org or email liftinglives@acmcountry.com to seek help and find additional information.
Mitchell’s fourth annual Cornhole Tournament was held on the parking deck of BMI on Music Row. The event included artists Dawson Anderson, Ernest, Adam Doleac, Filmore, Caylee Hammock, Noah Hicks, Caleb Lee Hutchison, Cody Lohden, Parker McCollum, McCoy Moore, Meghan Patrick, Rhys Rutherford, Justin Schools, and Chris Young. The tournament winners were songwriters Matt Alderman, a 2-time winner, and Jared Mullens who had his third tournament win.
Mitchell’s new single at country radio, “Same Moon,” was co-written with Paul DiGiovanni, Derrick Southerland and Dallas Wilson. Tour dates and more at Mitchell10penny.com; follow on Facebook,Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
OPRY NEWS
OPRY NEWS: Multi-Grammy® Award winning Kathy Mattea officially joined the Grand Ole Opry family in October and was inducted by fellow member Terri Clark. Mattea is a four-time CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite, and host of the popular “Mountain Stage” radio show.
Opry member and long-time friend Trisha Yearwood introduced Mattea to the stage to perform. Before her first song, Mattea said, “I’ve had so many great times on this stage and the thing about the Opry is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not, they make you feel like family. I’m happy to be welcomed into this family. –Happy to stand on this stage, in this circle, in this moment of my life.”
After Mattea’s second song, Opry member Terri Clark presented her Opry member award.
Mattea brought back to the stage Yearwood, Clark and Suzy Bogguss, who had performed earlier in the show, to sing backup on her award-winning hit “18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses.” Mattea stopped the song before the final chorus, stating she had already been given a task as the newest Opry member. “On behalf of my friends, and the entire Grand Ole Opry family,” she began, “Suzy Bogguss has the voice of angel with a generous spirit who has a collection of work that is timeless. Well, I have one question for you my dear friend. Would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”
A completely astounded Bogguss who was at a loss for words eventually expressed, “I was just so excited about all of us singing together tonight. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you, but I think I may wake up in a minute.” Watch the moments here.
OPRY 100th ANNIVERSARY NEWS
OPRY 100th ANNIVERSARY NEWS: The Grand Ole Opry is set to mark the 100th anniversary of its November 28, 1925 inaugural broadcast with two all-star Opry member shows. November 28, 2025 marks exactly 100 years since the evening a single fiddle tune performed by Uncle Jimmy Thompson launched a legacy– more than 200 members, over 15,000 broadcasts, countless stars, millions of fans, and one enduring unbroken circle. Tickets for both shows are on sale now on opry.com.
Opry members already confirmed to appear span four generations across country, bluegrass, gospel, Americana, and comedy and include Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites, Mark Wills, and more to be announced soon. Suzy Bogguss, who was invited to join the Opry family on Oct. 11, is also among those slated to appear.
The Grand Ole Opry presented by Humana has been celebrating Opry 100 throughout 2025 with special shows, 60+ Opry debuts so far this year, and the Opry’s first-ever live international broadcast from London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. More about Opry’s anniversary year at opry.com and on Facebook, X, Instagram,TikTok and YouTube.
PODCAST NEWS
PODCAST NEWS: Four-time Grammy-nominee and songwriter advocate Laura Veltz welcomed Grammy-winning hitmaker Shane McAnally as her guest on her acclaimed podcast Songwriter Soup, also now available on YouTube. Known for penning some of the most impactful hits across multiple genres, Veltz brings that same creativity and candor to the podcast, offering an unfiltered look at the realities of the songwriting business. Listen and watch here.
The episode features McAnally (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes), who has earned every imaginable accolade and is widely regarded, by the music community and the Songwriter Soup crew alike, as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. The trio sits down for a candid, deeply honest conversation about the intoxicating nature of success and how gratitude and service can offer their own kind of high when you learn to lean into them. They also discuss McAnally’s Grammy-winning song “The Architect,” recorded by Kacey Musgraves, prompting Veltz to admit, “That song is one I keep going back to. I’m so jealous of the room that created it. I thought, ‘God, I wish I was there!’” More about Songwriter Soup on Instagram. #SongwriterSoup
SIGNING NEWS
SIGNING NEWS: Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has signed modern worship collective Rock City Worship to its vibrant artist roster. The innovative group, consisting of seasoned songwriters, worship leaders and musicians, first began making its expressive, original worship songs in 2020, as the music ministry extension of Rock City Church based in Columbus, Ohio.
“Rock City Worship brings a fresh worship expression and a compelling mission, says Garrett Davis, Vice President of A&R for Capitol CMG. “We are excited about this new partnership and to reach, inspire and serve people with their music.”
The group’s new single “Graveston” is now available on all music streaming platforms. Blending its passionate modern pop energy with soul-stirring lyrics, “Gravestone” is a raw, resurrection anthem that transforms imagery of death into a declaration of hope and new life. With gritty verses and a triumphant chorus, it captures the heartbeat of Rock City Worship — that God doesn’t just make things better, He brings dead things back to life.
SINGLE NEWS
AMERICAN LOVE AFFAIR
AMERICAN LOVE AFFAIR: Acclaimed husband-and-wife artists Eric & Lindsey Heatherly have officially rebranded as American Love Affair, marking the next chapter of their creative evolution with the release of their debut single of the same name. The vintage-infused track, released in October, “American Love Affair,” sets the tone for a new era—one defined by timeless songwriting, analog authenticity, and a sonic aesthetic inspired by the golden age of American music. Listen to “American Love Affair” here.
Additionally, Eric says, “Every time we play ‘American Love Affair’ live, people come up and say ‘Wow…That song totally needs to be in a Tarantino film…’ We always look at each other and smile because that’s exactly the sentiment we wanted to get across when we recorded this track, mostly in the dark, in a 1927 Spanish Mediterranean house way down south.”
Lindsey continues, “We originally wrote it for Miley Cyrus but after demoing it – we said – ‘no way we are giving this one up.’ So, we lit the candles, channeled our best Duane Eddy guitar tones, Nancy Sinatra swagger and Chris Isaac vibes. It dripped out of us like cold molasses. We filmed the video for it at the sultry 1947 dive bar, Azalea Cocktail Lounge in Pensacola, FL. It turned out so special and it’s gotten us major label attention for the first time in 20 years. The track embodies our love for each other but also encapsulates our passion for making music together.”
BRANDI CARLILE
BRANDI CARLILE’s powerful new song, “Church & State,” is out now — listen/share here. Carlile shares, “Written and sung on November 5, 2024, after 11pm. The only things in life that are certain are death and taxes. I wouldn’t dare dodge either one of those things. One thing I know for sure is that we will all be dependent physically and esoterically on the young people that we dump our insanity onto. We crawl twice in our lives. With any luck in our infancy, we’re lifted into loving arms. Who will lift us up when we’ve grown old and burned the whole world down? Not the ones left to sort through the ashes. Let the violent hands be lifted by their religion.”
The third song unveiled from her highly anticipated new album, Returning To Myself, “Church & State” was written by Carlile, Andrew Watt and Carlile’s longtime bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth. Her eighth studio album and first solo project in four years, Returning To Myself finds the 11x Grammy Award-winning songwriter looking inward, reflecting backward, and ultimately, returning home after spending the last few years pouring herself into collaborations with musical icons and legends.
The album was produced by Carlile, Watt, Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon and features ten songs, including the title track and “A War with Time” (watch here). More at BrandiCarlile.com. #BrandiCarlile
EMMYLOU HARRIS
EMMYLOU HARRIS has shared the newly remastered live version of “Where Will I Be” from her forthcoming SPYBOY reissue, out November 7. Listen/stream “Where Will I Be” here. Recorded during her groundbreaking Wrecking Ball tour with Buddy Miller, Daryl Johnson, and Brady Blade, the performance captures the raw energy and ethereal sound that defined this era of her career. Dig into the album with Emmylou in a beautiful interview with Garden & Gun here.
The forthcoming reissue features five previously unreleased recordings—including covers of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Bill Monroe, and Lucinda Williams—plus new liner notes from Harris and Miller. As Emmylou reflects, “Spyboy is a snapshot of us… they led me into a new century, reinvigorated me as a singer, and inspired me night after night with their energy and unique musicianship.”
SPYBOY arrives November 7 on digital, CD, and clear color vinyl; pre-order now here. Find upcoming show info at EmmylouHarris.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
GREYLAN JAMES
GREYLAN JAMES: ACM Award-winning singer-songwriter Greylan James had the Internet buzzing this summer after releasing his viral, shocking tune “Water At A Wedding,” leaving listeners begging for more details on the song’s origin. Now, James gives the fans a look into what preceded the fateful wedding night with “Give Me A Second (the before),” out now (play/watch here). Written solely by James and produced alongside Sam Ellis, the deeply personal track captures the 3 a.m. moment when regret hits hardest – a late-night call, a memory too vivid to forget and a desperate plea for a second chance.
“Y’all wanted more to the ‘Water At A Wedding’ story, and this is the beginning of it,” said James. “Over the next couple months, I’ll be dropping songs that I wrote around the same time in my life. This one takes me back to the call, hearing her on the other end of the phone. Y’all buckle up.”
“Water At A Wedding” skyrocketed James into a new level in his artist career, as the song became his highest pre-save count to date and has gone on to accumulate over 13M global streams and counting. For a full list of tour dates, visit GreylanJames.com and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.
CODY JINKS
CODY JINKS: Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Cody Jinks has released the acoustic solo version of track “Lonely Man (One Take Acoustic),” from his brand new album, In My Blood. Listen to “Lonely Man (One Take Acoustic)” here.
Jinks’ reimagined version of “Lonely Man” is a powerful, emotionally charged ballad that finds him reflecting on past mistakes and the hard-won peace he has finally discovered within himself. With raw vocals and stripped-down instrumentation, the track captures a haunting vulnerability, allowing listeners to feel every ounce of regret, redemption, and resilience etched into the lyrics. It’s a stirring testament to personal growth, delivered with the kind of grit and honesty that has become Jinks’ signature.
Alongside the track, Jinks released a coinciding video, featuring him in the midst of the chaos of Time Square as the world rushes past him in a blur. While life speeds on around him, he’s caught in a moment of deep reflection, embodying the emotional stillness and clarity. Watch here.
Jinks kicks off his co-headlining Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour with Ward Davis beginning in November. Tour/ticket info here. Plus, he will make his annual return to Las Vegas this December for a special run of back-to-back shows. More at CodyJinks.com. Follow Cody on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
ROBBY JOHNSON
ROBBY JOHNSON: Country music singer-songwriter Robby Johnson puts his own southern spin on one of rock’s most iconic tracks with the release of his new single, “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Paying tribute to the 45th anniversary of AC/DC’s timeless hit, Johnson delivers a bold, high-energy performance that bridges the worlds of classic rock and modern country. Originally released in 1980 on AC/DC’s landmark album Back in Black, “You Shook Me All Night Long” remains one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. Johnson’s version captures that same electric spirit infused with gritty vocals, driving guitars, and the raw emotion that defines both rock and country music. “You Shook Me All Night Long” was premiered by Country Evolution and is available now on all streaming platforms. Listen/stream here.
“Every time that opening riff hits, whether on stage or in my head, the energy in the room changes instantly. When I play it, people jump to their feet, and it feels like the walls are coming alive,” says Robby Johnson. “That electricity is what inspired me to put my own spin on this iconic song for its 45th anniversary and to honor AC/DC.”
Nashville-based Johnson has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube and is approaching 8 million streams. More at Johnson’s website and on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and YouTube.
BROOKE MORIBER & LITTLE ANTHONY
BROOKE MORIBER & LITTLE ANTHONY: Singer-songwriter Brooke Moriber and legendary vocalist Little Anthony have teamed up for a stunning new rendition of “Hurt So Bad” (listen here). The official music video premiered exclusively with Cowboys & Indians magazine.
Originally recorded by Little Anthony & The Imperials in 1965, “Hurt So Bad” has endured as a poignant anthem of love and heartbreak. This special anniversary collaboration bridges generations, pairing Moriber’s contemporary country-pop style with Little Anthony’s iconic R&B sound. The result is a fresh, emotional take that honors the song’s rich legacy while celebrating six decades of its impact on music and listeners worldwide.
“Truth be told, I had never done a video before—but this song and video were something truly special,” shares Little Anthony. “Brooke and I are both actors, and we both understood how to structure not just the song, but the visual story behind it. This duet was performed live, with a full band and in person with Brooke—it was the thrill of a lifetime. I truly believe this will go down as one of my best works. Brooke’s professionalism and artistry made the entire experience unique and unforgettable.”
Produced by Fred Mollin, the track transformed the classic ballad into a heartfelt conversation between two people navigating heartbreak, blending lush instrumentation with soaring harmonies. Watch on YouTube here.
THOMAS RHETT & NIALL HORAN
THOMAS RHETT & NIALL HORAN: In a surprise collaboration that’s already turning heads across genres, Thomas Rhett and Niall Horan are teaming up for a second version of “Old Tricks.” Originally featured on About A Woman (Deluxe) with Blake Shelton, the new alternate pairing arose from Horan’s genuine affinity for the honky-tonk singalong, which led to a no-pressure, in-the-moment creative collaboration between friends that was quickly turned around for release. Listen to “Old Tricks (with Niall Horan)” here.
“Niall and I have been buddies for six or seven years now—anytime I’m over in the UK or he’s in Nashville, we always try to link up. We’d talked about doing something together for a long time, but I never imagined it would be this song. I was at the Masters this year and went to hang out with Niall and Noah Kahan, and out of nowhere Niall goes, ‘I’m so mad you didn’t ask me to sing on “Old Tricks.”’ I said, ‘Man, you were the last person I would’ve thought would even like this one!’ He kept texting me about it after and he knew all the words,” Thomas Rhett says. “With how fired up he was and his connection with Blake, it felt like a full-circle moment and turned into something really fun. I’m pumped it’s finally out there and hope y’all love it as much as we loved making it.”
MITCHELL TENPENNY
MITCHELL TENPENNY: Multi-platinum selling artist Mitchell Tenpenny has released a new song and music video, “Therapy.” The song was written by Mitchell, Chris Destefano, Thomas Archer, and Andy Albert and is available across all digital platforms now.
For the music video, Mitchell teamed up for the first time with director Ty Combs (Toby Mac, Blessing Offor, “The Movie That Changed Everything” from The Dance of Cinema Film Festival 2024) and producer Josh Berry. The “Therapy” music video was shot just outside of Nashville in early October.
“My song ‘Therapy’ is not really about anyone specific, but more of a lighthearted, bitter song when somebody just does you wrong. You just want to have that anthem to scream out to make yourself feel better as you’re driving through the day. Just have fun with it, don’t take it too seriously, and I hope it helps you!”
Mitchell recently wrapped up Jordan Davis’ Ain’t Enough Road Tour which included his first-ever shows in New York’s Radio City Music Hall, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado.
Tenpenny has surpassed the One Billion streams threshold, now at more than 2.3 Billion global streams and growing. His RIAA certifications continue to soar with recent recognitions for “Drunk Me” hitting 4-times Platinum and “We Got History” garnering Platinum status. Tour/ticket info at Mitchell10penny.com. Follow Mitchell on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
WALKER MONTGOMERY
WALKER MONTGOMERY is in one of the happiest seasons of his life as a newly engaged man but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know his way around a bonafide tearjerker, especially one as traditional as his latest single “Watching Storms Roll In,” out now – stream here.
This mid-tempo, with a distinctive throwback feel, is deceptively upbeat in its production as a brokenhearted cowboy runs through his day, recounting the chores he’s finished and the things he’s done, while trying to keep the one he lost off of his mind and his shattered heart. As the clouds roll in and the rain beats down, he sits patiently waiting and watching the road for any sign she might come back. Sadly, he knows that tomorrow will be just the same with more rain, and more pain. The new retro-tinged track is sure to become a classic, joining that long list of “songs about rain.”
“’Watching Storms Roll In’ is a classic heartbreak song. One person has done the leaving and the other person is trying to find anything to do but miss the love they lost,” says Montgomery.
Written by Bart Butler, Justin Ebach and Josh Thompson and produced by Bart Butler, the new single is a shining example of the authentic traditional style of Walker Montgomery. More at WalkerMontgomery.comand on Instagram, Facebook and X.
TOUR NEWS
MEGAN MORONEY
MEGAN MORONEY: On October 13 in Dallas, Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter Megan Moroney wrapped up her landmark Am I Okay? Tour with the final show in a three-night stand at the Texas Trust CU Theatre. A history-making headline run that shattered records at multiple venues, the sold-out coast-to-coast trek is now immortalized on Moroney’s first-ever live album, the 24-song Am I Okay? Tour (Live). Listen here.
After kicking off in Montreal in March, the tour brought Moroney’s high-octane live show to her biggest crowds yet, including two nights at famed venues like New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Named for her blockbuster sophomore LP — a widely acclaimed release now in the running for Album of the Year at the 59th Annual CMA Awards — the tour earned rave reviews from countless publications.
For Moroney herself, the Am I Okay? Tour provided plenty of peak moments and personal milestones, such as her showstopping cover of her all-time favorite song “Desperado” during her September 30th show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. In a particularly powerful full-circle turn, Moroney’s gorgeously raw take on the classic Eagles track followed her performance of her own heartrending breakup ballad “Hope You’re Happy.” Keep up with Megan Moroney here and on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
WALK OF FAME NEWS
WALK OF FAME NEWS: Reigning CMA and ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion, Charley Pride, who broke color barriers as country music’s first Black superstar, and two-time Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 1 p.m., the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has announced.
“These inductees represent the heart of Nashville’s music story,” said Ellen Pryor, Chair of Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, and Director of Communications at Frist Art Museum. “From Old Dominion’s rise from songwriters to stars, to Charley Pride’s trailblazing legacy, to Liz Rose’s timeless storytelling that defined an era — each has left an unforgettable mark on music and on Nashville.”
Pride passed away on December 12, 2020 and will be inducted posthumously. Members of the public are invited to view the ceremony.
The ceremony will recognize the 110th, 111th and 112th star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Inductees are recognized for their significant work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song.
For more information about the Music City Walk of Fame, located on Demonbreun Street between 4th and 5th Avenues South, go to visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame.
My thanks to the recording artists, songwriters, music industry professionals and publicists who keep me updated on new releases, number one celebrations, upcoming tours and everything happening in and around Nashville… helping to make Inside Track on Music Row the longest continuously published country music column in the USA! Send me stuff, I love to get it. You can reach me at preshiaswriter@hotmail.com
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com @PreshiasHarris