Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, LOCASH, Dolly, Kashus, Southall and much more!
By Preshias Harris
2026 is off to a great start with a bunch of exciting new music from established hitmakers and rising stars. We’re starting another year here at Inside Track on Music Row, the longest-running country music column in the USA. A big Thank You to our loyal readers for your support, and to the recording artists and their reps for sharing the news of their upcoming releases and tours! Scroll down and explore!
ALBUM & EP NEWS
LUKE COMBS
LUKE COMBS: Set for release in March: Luke Combs’ highly-anticipated sixth studio album, The Way I Am, via Sony Music Nashville. The 22-track project will drop March 20, 2026. Pre-Add / Pre-Save The Way I Am on all music platforms here.
Coinciding with the announcement of the upcoming album, Combs released the single “Sleepless In A Hotel Room,” written by Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton alongside Combs. The song started life about six years ago. “I had this idea one night when I was missing Nicole Hocking, like I am right now,” said Combs at the 2020 BillboardMusic Awards. Happy ending: Combs and Hocking are now man and wife. Since then, Combs has teased the track on social media, creating excitement among fans for the official release of the song. Watch the official studio video of “Sleepless In A Hotel Room” here.
Combs has added dates to the schedule for his 2026 My Kinda Saturday Night stadium tour, starting March 21 in Las Vegas with stops in the USA, Canada, the UK and Europe with support
From artists that include Thomas Rhett and Dierks Bentley. Find tour and ticket info here.
Luke Combs has achieved the incredible feat of overtaking Garth Brooks as the highest RIAA-certified country artist in history. More news at Combs’ website and on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
VINCE GILL
VINCE GILL’s year-long project, 50 Years From Home (MCA), continues to roll out with the release of Brown’s Diner Bar (listen/play here), the third EP of the critically-acclaimed series. The previous two releases from this ambitious endeavor include I Gave You Everything I Had (October 17, 2025) and Secondhand Smoke (November 14, 2025).
“I think that as a songwriter, you have to have lived some life to understand what you’re writing about,” says Gill. “You need some years under your belt to have the perspective to look back and really remember things. I know I don’t have as much time left as I’ve had to this point, so everything matters more. There’s a much deeper connection to these lyrics than I would have ever imagined. They’re truthful and they’re real, and I think the songs are about things people can grasp and understand and relate to.”
Instruments featured on the cover of each EP are from Gill’s personal collection. For Brown’s Diner Bar, he chose a 1942 Martin D-45 acoustic guitar he bought from the Famous Old Time Music Co.in Cincinnati, whose founder, Harry Sparks, passed away this past November.
Penned by Gill, the title track of Brown’s Diner Bar, takes him back 50 years to when he first visited the famed Nashville eatery he’s immortalizing in song. “It’s a singer-songwriter kind of folk song about…this little hamburger joint,” says Gill. More at https://www.vincegill.com/#/.
Additionally, Gill announced a portion of his upcoming summer tour dates beginning June 18 and including a six-night residency in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Tour/ticket info here.
MEGAN MORONEY
MEGAN MORONEY: Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter Megan Moroney has unveiled the tracklist for her wildly awaited new album Cloud 9. In an exclusive video bound to get fans buzzing, the Country superstar reveals the titles to all 15 songs on her third studio LP (due out on February 20 and available for pre-order/pre-save here).
Cloud 9’s tracklist reveal video finds Moroney adorned in a dusty-pink flight suit, stepping off a jet emblazoned with the name “C9MM3” in the album’s signature pink. As she looks up to the sky, the multi-Platinum sensation takes in a breathtaking sight: the album’s complete list of song titles spelled out in the wispy white clouds formed by the plane’s contrails. Giving fans a gorgeous glimpse into Cloud 9’s world, the video further fuels the feverish expectation surrounding the album, which recently landed on coveted lists from Rolling Stone (“Here Are the Albums We Can’t Wait to Hear in 2026”), Parade (“5 Most Highly Anticipated Country Albums to Arrive in 2026”), Whiskey Riff (“The Top Country Albums Set For Release In 2026”), and more.
This May, Moroney will take off on The Cloud 9 Tour — a 49-date international headline run whose entire U.S. leg sold over 450,000 tickets instantly. One of the year’s most sought-after live events, the tour will feature stops at major arenas throughout North America, Europe, and the UK. Ticket info at meganmoroney.com/#tour.
CHRIS TOMLIN
CHRIS TOMLIN: Grammy-award winning artist Chris Tomlin, coming off one of the biggest years of his career, kicked off 2026 with the Jan. 9 release of Jesus Saves EP now across all digital platforms.
2025 Highlights Include: Chris notched the largest global streaming week of his career with the release of his 18th studio album The King Is Still The King (9/26/25-10/2/25), Billboard’s No. 1 Top Christian/Gospel Album the week of release. His current single “How Good It Is” is his largest single debut since 2020 and ended the year in the Top 5 of the Christian Music radio charts and #2 on the Mediabase Audience Chart. He launched a first-of-its-kind concert series “Worship Under The Stars” which provided a unique opportunity to join in worship at three iconic locations: New York City’s Central Park, Pier Six in Baltimore, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Overall, Chris remains one of Christian music’s biggest artists with over 8 billion global career streams.
Good Friday Nashville will return for its 10th anniversary on April 3, 2026. Known for its surprise guests, Chris was joined by Luke Bryan and Phil Wickham this past April. Chris is tied with Taylor Swift for the second most headline concerts at Bridgestone Arena behind only Tim McGraw.
For a complete listing of tour dates, additional information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChrisTomlin.com.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
LUCINDA WILLIAMS: Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams confronts America’s socio-political chaos head-on with her forthcoming album World’s Gone Wrong (out January 23rd via Highway 20 Records). Pre-saveWorld’s Gone Wrong here.
World’s Gone Wrong is a raw and unapologetic set of songs that were written and recorded with a sense of urgency during the spring of 2025. The album opens with the powerful title track, which speaks to the plight of the working class during these turbulent times, and the resiliency to move forward with the underlying plea of “come on baby we gotta stay strong” in the chorus.
World’s Gone Wrong serves as a wake-up call and a battle cry, finding beauty, grit, and grace in a world on edge. The album reaffirms Williams’ place as one of the most vital and uncompromising voices in American music. Watch the official video here.
World’s Gone Wrong was co-produced by Tom Overby and longtime Williams’ collaborator Ray Kennedy, who recorded and mixed the album at his Room & Board Studio in Nashville, TN. Tour info and more at LucindaWilliams.com; follow Lucinda on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
COLLAB NEWS
COLLAB NEWS: Marking their first official studio collaboration, Country singer-songwriter FILMORE and multi-Platinum, Grammy Award-winning global icon Pitbull meet up at the intersection of Nashville and Miami on the lively and lusty “Yeehaw.” Available now, listen to “Yeehaw” here and watch the Anwar “Ize” Cedeño-directed visualizer here.
“This song came to life the moment Pitbull sent me a voice memo. I was headed to the studio in Nashville when I listened to the idea for the first time and immediately loved it. I heard, ‘She got that yeehaw,’ and was hooked! That same day, I started singing and writing on the track,” shares FILMORE. “I wanted ‘Yeehaw’ to feel like a type of swagger that a woman has, and each line just started falling into place. The line, ‘BNA to MIA going south tonight,’ really sums up the direction and sound we were going for. Pitbull, myself, and the writers/producers finished the song in Florida, and it immediately became one of those tunes we had on repeat!”
Produced by Justin Ebach and Elijah Pérez a/k/a EL1, “Yeehaw” was written by FILMORE, Pitbull, Jose Carlos Garcia, Justin Ebach, and Elijah Pérez. More at FILMORE’s website, follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. #PitbullMusic
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN NEWS
CECE WINANS: 17-time Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans leads the forthcoming House of David (Music Inspired By the Wonder Original Series) [Season 2] album with her new song, “For Your Glory” — released Jan. 9. The powerful original gives fans of the buzzworthy show a taste of brand-new music inspired by House of David’s thrilling second season. Listen to “For Your Glory” here.
Written by Winans, Pat Barrett and Kyle Lee, the beautifully uplifting “For Your Glory” is rooted in the poetry of Psalm 19:14, which says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
“‘For Your Glory’ is a powerful song that I know will touch the lives of so many,” Winans shares, adding, “I pray that House of David continues to be the strong series that it is so that God will be glorified throughout the Earth.”
After amassing over 40 million viewers worldwide, the initial installment of House of David was swiftly renewed. Its second season is currently streaming on Wonder Project’s subscription on Prime Video and will be available on Prime Video globally at a later date. More at https://cecewinans.com and on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
COUNTRY TV NEWS
COUNTRY TV NEWS: Country music favorites The Malpass Brothers are set to return to the RFD-TV Studio in Fort Worth, Texas, January 12–14, to film the highly anticipated final episodes of Season 3 of their hit television series, The Malpass Brothers Show. Known for seamlessly blending classic country music with comedy, the show delivers timeless songs, high-energy performances, and laugh-out-loud sketches—promising entertainment for fans of all ages.
Audiences in attendance will be treated to performances by a lineup of incredible special guests, including Junior Brown, Linda Davis, and Jody Nix on Monday, January 12th, Barbara Fairchild and Dion Pride on Tuesday, January 13th, and John Berry and Mo Pitney on Wednesday, January 14th. Doors will open at 11:00 am, and tapings will start at 11:30 am.
“We’re thrilled to be back for our second round of tapings for Season 3 of ‘The Malpass Brothers Show.’ RFD-TV is an incredible home for traditional country music, and there’s truly nothing like being part of this wonderful TV family. This season, we’ll be joined by a lineup of talented guests, and we’re honored to share the stage with them. Most of all, thank you to our fans for your continued support of the show.” – Chris Malpass. Tickets are available at themalpassbrothers.com and heartoftexascountry.com, with options for $50 per day or a three-day package for $100 per person.
COWBOY NEWS
COWBOY NEWS: Multi-award-winning country music star Neal McCoy will be honored with the “Spirit of Texas” award during the 2026 Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The annual celebration, presented by The Norris Foundation and JJ & Bobby Norris, will take place at Billy Bob’s Texas on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame’s reimagined 20,000-square-foot museum expansion, educational programs, and ongoing preservation efforts.
In addition, Neal McCoy has partnered with Allied Flag, America’s premium manufacturer of 100% American-made flags, to launch a limited-edition Premium American Flag celebrating unity, freedom, and shared American values as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Each flag is 100% sourced and made in the United States and crafted to government specifications.
The partnership aligns with a major milestone for McCoy. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, McCoy marks the 10-year anniversary of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance live every day to his followers, a commitment he has maintained without missing a single day. The limited-edition flags are available for pre-order at AlliedFlag.com and NealMcCoy.com, while supplies last. Follow McCoy on Facebook.
DUO NEWS
DUO NEWS: Between clinching a #1 at Country Radio, packing out shows, locking down massive TV moments, and emerging as an independent powerhouse, Platinum Country music duo LOCASH most certainly enjoyed a monumental 2025. Now, they’ve capped off this banner year with a string of recent accolades…
Their multi-week No. 1 smash “Hometown Home” just landed in the Top 5 of Country Aircheck’s “Top 25 Songs of 2025,” claiming the #4 spot. Moreover, “Wrong Hearts” staked out a place in Country Aircheck’s “Top 100 of 2025.” Of course, both tunes belong to their acclaimed album Bet The Farm. (Listen/play Bet The Farm here.) The latter affirmed their songwriting and hitmaking prowess and simultaneously entrenched them as an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with—since it’s the first record to be released by their own independent Galaxy Label Group.
Between filling venues coast-to-coast on tour, the duo notably launched a multi-faceted collaboration with Savannah Bananas, making history by headlining the first-ever halftime show for the Banana Bowl and even welcoming team members to join them on stage at the Grand Ole Opry as part of the Opry 100 celebration.
Additionally, their “Hometown Home” (Hot Mix) is currently in the Top 20 and rising at Hot AC radio. Tour dates and more at locash.com; follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
OPRY NEWS
OPRY NEWS: The Grand Ole Opry will once again celebrate Opry member Dolly Parton with its annual Opry Goes Dolly show on January 17 at the Grand Ole Opry House. The fourth annual Opry Goes Dolly will celebrate Dolly’s 80th birthday by highlighting songs from her iconic 1980s era plus other classics from her legendary catalogue.
Opry Goes Dolly will feature Opry members and special guest artists performing their favorite Dolly 80s hits, Dolly-themed events, photo-ops and more. Among those scheduled for the Opry Goes Dolly show are Dolly fans and friends including Opry members Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson and Rhonda Vincent as well as hit songwriter Trannie Anderson making her Opry debut, with more to be announced soon. Parton is not scheduled to appear in person.
The special Saturday night Opry Goes Dolly is a one-of-a-kind Opry show that falls just two days before her actual 80th birthday and will honor her with tributes throughout the show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. Show highlights will be featured in an upcoming episode of Opry Live on Opry social channels, Circle Country, and more than 100 syndicated stations across the country.
The Opry Shop will feature Dolly music and merchandise in celebration of her birthday while supplies last. Tickets for Opry Goes Dolly are on sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com.
POSITIVE COUNTRY NEWS
POSITIVE COUNTRY NEWS: Jon Brennan is making waves in both Country and Contemporary Christian/Gospel music circles with his new single titled “Tell Me That There Ain’t A God” (download here). Watch the video here.
“Upon hearing ‘Tell Me That There Ain’t A God’ for the first time I knew it was a special song that I was going to have the opportunity to record,” said Brennan. “I feel like this song was written specifically for me to sing because I have had very similar conversations with strangers and friends regarding my faith journey and the many wonders of this world. The lyrics are dynamic and thoughtful and the melody is memorable. It is a beautifully crafted song with tremendous instrumentation and is thought provoking. I am super thrilled to have recorded this song and I am confident that it represents my character as an artist and is something the world needs to hear. I am humbled to get the chance to share it. I hope you get as much out of this as I have.”
Jon Brennan’s journey has nearly come full circle for the 80’s & 90’s-inspired country artist. Extensive touring and national appearances established a solid career for Brennan, gaining him thousands of fans and opening for some of the biggest acts in the business and continues to deliver authentic country songs and mesmerizing shows. More at JonBrennan.com and Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
SATELLITE RADIO NEWS
SATELLITE RADIO NEWS: Grammy-nominated, CMA and Emmy Award–winning, and Grand Ole Opry member T. Graham Brown brings a special encore presentation of Live Wire to SiriusXM’s Prime Country Channel 58, honoring the life and legacy of Raul Malo of The Mavericks, who passed away on December 8 following a battle with colon cancer. A longtime friend of Brown, Malo was the Grammy Award–winning frontman of The Mavericks, a band celebrated for its distinctive blend of country, rock, Tex-Mex, and Latin influences. The group built a decades-long career marked by multiple No. 1 singles, CMA and ACM honors, and international acclaim.
“Brother Raul Malo has passed away,” shares Brown. “He battled cancer valiantly and never gave up. He was a dear friend and a great human being. He led his band, The Mavericks, for almost 40 years. He was a soulful dude, an innovator and rule breaker. He could do it all and do it well. The entire music community is grieving. Please, pray for his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, old buddy.”
With continued airings throughout January, Live Wire is also available on-demand worldwide with the SiriusXM app and Pandora NOW with a standard SiriusXM subscription.
SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app. Visit siriusxm.com/streaming to learn more and visit tgrahamrown.com for upcoming concerts.
SINGLE NEWS
KASHUS CULPEPPER
KASHUS CULPEPPER: Grammy ‘Artist to Watch’ Kashus Culpepper released “Cherry Rose,” Jan 9 (listen here), his most tender statement to date as an artist whose substantial early acclaim continues to build and prove he can deftly mix Americana twang, intimate soul and searing Southern rock. The sweeping piano ballad is featured on his forthcoming debut album Act I (pre-save here), out January 23. Its respective official music video, Act I, Scene 3, was directed by Lewis Cater (Kacey Musgraves’ “The Architect”); watch here.
The Alabama-native chose to record Act I in Muscle Shoals, a decision rooted in both state pride and musical history: “So much history between the soul giants of the world, like Aretha and Wilson Pickett, and then some of my favorite bands, like the Allman Brothers,” Culpepper notes. The release of “Cherry Rose” emerges as a song about people “doing work, just to get by, because they have to,” he explains. The song was cowritten alongside singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko (Rihanna “Stay,” Teddy Swims “Lose Control,” 21 Savage “red sky”) and producer Brian Elmquist.
This year, Culpepper hits the road for headliners in New York, Boston, Nashville and more amidst dates in Australia with Wyatt Flores and an opening slot supporting Eric Church. Tour news and more at KashusCulpepper.com; follow on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
AMY GRANT
AMY GRANT: Six-time Grammy winner and Kennedy Center honoree (2022) Amy Grant returns with the single, “The 6 Of January (Yasgur’s Farm).” Listen / stream on all music services here.
While the title of the single could indicate a stance on the political spectrum, it is quite the opposite. The song asks the question, haven’t we all lost our way? With references to the idealistic era of Woodstock and the hope for something better, the song is more of a question than a commentary. Says Amy, “We operate in the world around us and sometimes neglect the power of what we have in our choices and how those choices affect the world around us. Maybe life and problem solving is more of ‘we’ than ‘me’. If we can choose to look through a lens other than our own, maybe there is hope to come together and find a way forward through the unrest.”
Watch the lyric video here. Tour info and more at AmyGrant.com; Follow Amy on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
OWEN RIEGLING
OWEN RIEGLING: Rising country star Owen Riegling continues his bold new musical chapter with the release of his heartfelt new single “Born Again,” out now via Universal Music Canada and Big Loud Records stateside. Rooted in reflection, growth and unwavering companionship, “Born Again” captures Riegling’s evolution as both an artist and storyteller. Listen/play here.
Produced in Nashville by hitmaker Oscar Charles (Elvie Shane, Chase Rice) and co-penned by Riegling alongside his frequent collaborator Jesse Slack (“Moonshines,” “Home Less,” “Church”), “Born Again” captures vivid snapshots of life, love and resilience inspired by Riegling’s relationship with his wife. The song reflects the importance of keeping your people close, enduring hard times together and fully relishing the good ones. Built from a guitar riff Riegling brought to the session, the track came together in just two hours.
“Have you ever felt so sure about someone that you can’t even picture a life that they aren’t in? That’s ‘Born Again,’” Riegling shares. “It’s been one of my favorite songs since the day we wrote it.”
The release follows Riegling’s recent radio single “Taillight This Town,” which debuted as the #1 most added song at Canadian Country Radio in its first week. Fans can look forward to a special One Night Only ‘Live In Concert’ at Toronto’s iconic Massey Hall on April 18, 2026 (more info here). See Riegling’s website and Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
SOUTHALL
SOUTHALL: Kickstarting what promises to be a bold creative chapter, Platinum Country-Rock standouts Southall excitedly unveil a brand new single titled “Southwestern Son”—out now. It marks the beginning of their next era and signals the arrival of more music on the horizon in 2026. Listen to “Southwestern Son” here.
Bright piano, wailing guitar, and a simmering beat set the track in motion, illuminating it with energy. Steady tambourine holds the tempo, and frontman Read Southall delivers charismatic and captivating verses. The momentum never waivers as a swinging groove underlines his soulful and skyscraping hook, “Keep on shining ‘Southwestern Son’.” Taking yet another left turn, a gospel choir carries the bridge chased by a fret-burning solo. Cut from the same cloth as your favorite Country-Rock essentials from back in the day, it has all the makings of a future staple now.
“For me it’s a song about perspective,” says Southall frontman Read Southall. “Sometimes what we want is not what we need, and what we need is not what we want.”
Audiences can expect to hear this anthem when the group hit the road for a string of North American tour dates this winter, starting January 17 at Deadwood Red Dirt Music Festival in Deadwood, SD. See the full list of tour dates at OfficialSouthall.com; follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
VIDEO NEWS
VIDEO NEWS: Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, and Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, alongside his family band The Goldens, proudly unveiled their heartfelt new music video for “Old Country Church,” arriving just in time for the holiday season. Featuring Golden on lead vocals, with sons Chris and Rusty providing background vocals, drums, and piano, and granddaughter Elizabeth on fiddle, the video captures a powerful musical bond that only family harmonies can create.
“Old Country Church” premiered digitally via Godtube. This special rendition honors both legacy and faith, celebrating the timeless songs that have shaped the Golden family’s musical journey across generations, and the music video was produced by Jeff Panzer.
“The song “Old Country Church” takes me right back to my childhood, when my sister Lanette and I sang this on my granddad’s Sunday morning radio show,” shares William Lee Golden. “Those early moments, my very first time singing on the radio with my sister, are memories I’ll forever hold close.”
William Lee Golden and The Goldens have also released several other videos, including “Southern Accents,” “Stand By Me,” “If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Old Country Church,” “The Long And Winding Road,” “I Saw The Light,” “Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On,” and “Elvira.”
My personal thanks to the artists and their publicists who keep me in loop with what’s new in their world. Keep sending me your stuff at preshiaswriter@hotmail.com. I love to get it!
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 #PreshiasHarris