True traditional country from one of the genre’s best proponents
By Preshias Harris
Alex Miller stands head and shoulders above the flock of current artists in the field of neo-traditional country. And not just physically – although his boyishly handsome face smiles down from his impressive 6’ 6” frame. Miller occupies a pinnacle as the real deal when it comes maintaining an unswerving journey that few of his contemporaries can match.
April 10, 2026 sees the release of Miller’s highly-anticipated new album, More Country Than You (Billy Jam Records). The ten tracks on the project include six co-written by Miller who has proved himself a prolific and reliable songwriter. Miller leapt into the spotlight, galvanizing viewers with his appearances on the 2021 season of American Idol. (Watch the video here of Miller’s first appearance on Idol at age 17, as Luke Bryan jumps in to duet with him.)
With a manager and booking agent post-Idol, Miller became an in-demand performer with a full calendar of dates but found time to record and release his debut album, the aptly-named Miller Time that generated three popular singles “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me,”“Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” and “Through With You.” Then, in 2023, came his highly acclaimed EP, Country, that included the smash single “Puttin’ Up Hay” and the 2024 EP My Daddy’s Dad.
April ’26 Inside Track on Music Row – with the country music news you can use
By Preshias Harris
Album releases from Luke Combs, Ashley Cooke, The Eagles, Vince Gill, Alex Miller and Mackenzie Phipps! New singles by Kane Brown, Keith Burns, Bandana Cheyenna, Luke Combs, Jo Dee Messina, Tucker Wetmore and more! Plus Gabby Barrett goes 9X Platinum, updates on artists set for CMA Fest, tour updates and so much more. All here in America’s longest continuously-running monthly country music column, Inside Track on Music Row. Scroll down and catch up!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I was a different person before I started to write. When I realized I could be a songwriter and that people would listen – that was when I started feeling good in my life.” – Gwen Stafani
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come. – Song of Solomon 2: 11-12
ALBUM & EP NEWS
LUKE COMBS
LUKE COMBS: The Way I Am, the highly anticipated new album from global superstar Luke Combs. Add/listen to the album here. The project, released March 20 via Sony Music Nashville, is already receiving widespread attention, Combs was recently featured on The New York Times Popcast, The Zane Lowe Show, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, Track Star and Bussin’ with the Boys.
Produced by Combs, Jonathan Singleton and Chip Matthews, The Way I Am cements Combs as a singular talent, showcasing his powerful, resonant voice and adept storytelling with songs that balance heartfelt vulnerability with anthemic energy. With the new 22-track album, which includes a collaboration with Alison Krauss as well as previously released songs “Be By You,” “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “Days Like These,” “15 Minutes,” “Giving Her Away” and “Back in the Saddle,” Combs dives deeper than ever into his life behind the scenes—the challenges of balancing family and career, self-doubt and self-belief and the clarity that comes from focusing on what truly matters.
Check out SINGLES NEWS, below, for details on Comb’s new single release, “I Ain’t No Cowboy.”
In celebration of the new music, Combs has kicked off his massive My Kinda Saturday Night Tour with sold-out stadium shows across the U.S., U.K. and Europe. Find the complete tour itinerary at LukeCombs.com. #LukeCombsMusic
ASHLEY COOKE
ASHLEY COOKE: Country hitmaker Ashley Cooke is releasing the ace sessions via all digital streaming platforms. The stripped-back six-song project marks the audio companion to an all-acoustic performance she shared as a special surprise for fans. Go here to listen to the ace sessions now, and watch the ace sessionshere.
A perfect canvas for Cooke’s captivating vocals and confessional storytelling, the ace sessions includes six tracks from the Florida-born singer/songwriter’s 2025 project ace — a nine-song release that delivered her most emotionally intimate work to date, quickly winning praise from outlets like Country Swag (who noted that her “emotion-rich vocals shine as she unpacks heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection”). With its standouts including stark yet stunning renditions of beloved songs like “the hell you are” (a recent hit at Country radio), the ace sessions also features the never-before-heard “olive juice” (a sweetly quirky, harmony-laced serenade inspired by a classic childhood lip-reading trick).
Another song reimagined for the ace sessions, Cooke’s longtime fan favorite “baby blues” shot to the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. In its lighthearted ode to irresistible attraction, the soulful and smoldering track tells the tale of a couple whose plans for a night out are repeatedly derailed by their undeniable spark.
THE EAGLES 1975 studio album, One Of These Nights, was a milestone album for the band, earning them their first Grammy Award and becoming the first of four consecutive #1 albums. Rhino will release a Deluxe Edition of the album on May 1, in advance of the band’s headlining performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and upcoming stadium dates as part of The Long Goodbye, Act III.
One Of These Nights (Deluxe Edition)will be available as a 3CD/Blu-ray set featuring a new mix of the original album, an unreleased, 16-song 1975 concert at Anaheim Stadium, and new Dolby Atmos and high-res stereo mixes. A 3LP version, released the same day, will include the new album mix and the full concert recording. The lacquers were cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Pre-Order Here.
‘Inside Track on Music Row’ for March ’26: SO much new Country music!
By Preshias Harris
It’s all here: Spring tour news from Dierks Bentley, Russell Dickerson, Cody Johnson, Old Dominion; hot new music from Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, Craig Campbell and a swarm of rising country stars; the deets on Tin Pan South, the Country Radio Seminar and the Musicians Hall of Fame Concert; Riley Green’s No. 1 party, and music, music, music. Scroll down and catch up!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I’m a songwriter; that’s where it starts. I love writing with someone that shares that same feeling of accomplishment. I’ll play music for my fans as long as they’ll listen, but I fancy myself as a writer first.” – Randy Houser
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. —Proverbs 23:18
ALBUM NEWS
JACKSON DEAN
JACKSON DEAN: Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Jackson Dean will release his third studio album, Magnolia Sage, on April 24. Pre-save/pre-order here. An eclectic collection of songs that move from sweeping to soothing, rocking to ruminative, the 11-track project creates a sound that is singularly Jackson Dean: alive, vital, frisky, sexy and rugged.
The story of Magnolia Sage is told through two distinct, rich narrative lenses, with each of the 11 tracks fitting into one of the two worlds: Magnolia or Sage. Songs and settings of the album intertwine to unveil the discoveries made on Dean’s exploration into new territory, both sonically and lyrically, that began with previously released tracks “Be Your Man,”“Make A Liar” and “Over And Over.”
Magnolia evokes vivid scenes of the Southeast and East Coast, sonically defined by heavy bass that booms and R&B influence that romances. The stories and sounds of Sage transport listeners to the inherent restlessness and vast landscapes of the West.
Whether Magnolia or Sage, east or west, soft or bold, the thread that holds the tapestry of Dean’s vision together is the steady influence of his longtime muse.
Dean cranks up the heat and sets hearts ablaze in his new track “Wildfire,” out now, an evocative depiction of the kind of love that can’t be contained once the match is struck. Watch the official music video here. Find tour dates at JacksonDeanMusic.com. #JacksonDeanMusic
LIL ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS
LIL ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS: Alligator Records has announced the release of Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials‘ new album, Slideways.Pre-add / listen here. For nearly 40 years together, Blues Hall Of Famers Lil’ Ed Williams and The Blues Imperials – bassist (and Ed’s half brother) James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrettand drummer Kelly Littleton – have been delivering gloriously riotous, intensely emotional, wickedly playful Chicago blues to audiences around the world. Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials return with their 10th Alligator Records release, and perhaps the crowning achievement of their entire career Slideways. Mixing smoking slide guitar boogies and raw-boned shuffles with the deepest soul-burners and heart-wrenching slow blues, Lil’ Ed Williams and The Blues Imperials bring it all back home, playing each track with an impassioned sense of wild abandon.
Produced by Williams and Alligator Records founder and president Bruce Iglauer, Slideways is a dynamic, high-energy collection of 13 songs, including 12 written or co-written by Williams. With the band at the absolute height of their powers, Williams’ singing and playing is thrilling and at times hair-raising. The songs—eight featuring the deep blues keyboard playing of Ben Levin (“He’s got that old-time style,” says Williams)—are filled with simple, relatable truths. They feature colorful characters in humorous to harrowing situations, some sinning while grinning, others smiling while crying.
Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials will play the City Winery, Nashville, April 9, 2026. Tour/ticket info here.
VINCE GILL
VINCE GILL: The guitar on the cover of Down At The Borderline says everything about the fourth installment in Vince Gill‘s 50 Years From Home EP series on MCA. It’s a white 1953 Fender Telecaster that Gill bought for $450 in 1978 from Del City Music in his native Oklahoma, and it’s been Gill’s main guitar ever since. “It’s real special,” he remarks. “I’ve got several other old Fender Telecasters, but that one just suits my hands, suits my ears. Everything about it is kind of a huge part of my entire catalog of playing guitar over all these years.” Testifying to that status is the worn finish on the guitar’s body.
New music for lovers – country music lovers, that is!
By Preshias Harris
February is the month of love so we’ve got love songs, break-up songs, make-up songs and everything in between. New music from Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Frankie Ballard, ERNEST, Ashley McBryde, HARDY, Struggle Jennings, Megan Moroney, Jon Pardi and lots more for you and your Valentine, plus the Musicians Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees, a new IMAX movie, Bluegrass news and more. Scroll down for your Inside Track on Music Row!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I was a different person before I started to write. When I realized I could be a songwriter and that people would listen – that was when I started feeling good in my life.” – Gwen Stafani
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – I Corinthians 13: 13
ALBUM & EP NEWS
ERIC CHURCH
ERIC CHURCH will release the album Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on February 13, 2026, via MCA Nashville. Pre-save / pre-order here. Recorded at The Pinnacle in Nashville in May 2025, this 19-track live album accompanies an exclusive IMAX concert film of the same name releasing on the same day, featuring performances of his 2025 studio album in its entirety, alongside live versions of some of his hits such as “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” and “Springsteen”.
The release coincides with the second leg of his “Free the Machine” tour, which resumed in early 2026. Find tour and ticket info here.
Scroll down to MOVIE NEWS for information about the Eric Church IMAX movie of Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive and where/when you can see it.
LAKELIN LEMMINGS
LAKELIN LEMMINGS: Rising country artist Lakelin Lemmings releases her new EP, Get Around Boy, on February 6, 2026, via QHMG/Quartz Hill Records. Produced by Ash Bowers the five-track project captures the emotional push-and-pull of small-town roots, restless ambition, faith, and modern country storytelling.
Anchored by title track, “Get Around Boy,” a contemporary-tinged road anthem that explores the personal cost of chasing dreams. With vivid, coast-to-coast imagery and a soaring sing-along chorus, the song finds Lakelin reflecting on love left behind while life keeps moving forward.
The EP balances high-energy autobiographical moments with thoughtful, heart-led storytelling. From the playful uncertainty of modern romance to songs rooted in faith and hometown memory, Get Around Boy showcases Lakelin’s growth as both a writer and an artist who is grounded, authentic and emotionally significant.
Wise beyond her 19 years, Lemmings’ faith and her tenacity lead her confidence as she sets out to tackle the wild and often beautiful business of music with an arsenal of talent. She signed her first Nashville publishing deal at just 17 years old and has since amassed more than 120,000 followers on TikTok. Connection and communication with her audience is what drives her songwriting. She strives to let listeners—especially girls her own age—know that they’re seen and heard. More at lakelinlemmings.com and on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
BLUEGRASS NEWS
BEACHLEY and WINDBECK
BEACHLEY and WINDBECK: Huckleberry Records has released “My Delilah,” a new single from Darren Beachleyand Kyle Windbeck that blends heartfelt storytelling with traditional bluegrass power and harmony. The song is at country radio now and is available for streaming from all digital music platforms here.
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
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
PHOTO: Megan Moroney. Photo credit: Amber Asaly
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.
Christmas music is just the beginning. Country music news you can use
By Preshias Harris
The bells are jingling and the reindeer are getting hitched up to the sleigh, so it must be December! We have a Santa’s sackload of music news: albums, singles, Holiday music, tour updates and much more from Trace Adkins, Drew Baldridge & Mickey Guyton, Brooks & Dunn, Trey Calloway, Craig Campbell, Bandana Cheyenna, Randy Cobb, Russell Dickerson, ERNEST, Lady A, Lewis Brice, T. Graham Brown, Hayden Haddock, Huneyfire, Greylan James, Brian Kelley, Brandon Lake, Tracy Lawrence, Tori Martin, Megan Moroney, RaeLynn, Tori Rose, JD Shelburne & Crystal Gayle, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Kurt Alan Shobe, Nate Smith & Tyler Hubbard, Billy Strings, Meghan Trainor, Zach Top, Wynn Williams, Lainey Wilson and more. Scroll down and catch up!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “If a song can’t be written in 20 minutes, it ain’t worth writing.” – Hank Williams
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:11
ALBUM & EP NEWS
ERNEST
ERNEST: In late November ERNEST released his seven song project Live From The South – a cohesive piece built on Southern imagery and lyrical craftsmanship (listen / play here). This follows his recognition at the BMI Awards as a creative force behind BMI Song of the Year, Post Malone’s all genre No. 1 smash “I Had Some Help” feat. Morgan Wallen. He also packed Ryman Auditorium earlier in November for two consecutive headliners with star-studded guests.
“I’m excited to get these seven songs out,” shares the hitmaker. “They are just the first seven songs on a bigger body of work. These songs felt like something that needed to get out into the world before the year is over with. Something to get us through the winter. A lot of summertime music around the corner. We’re live from the South.”
Guitar-picking, fiddle and pedal steel sonically define Live From The South, produced by ERNEST and Jacob Durrett. The new collection reflects ERNEST’s growth as an artist and comfortability in his own shoes – reveling in gratitude: family ties, simple faith, making a life for yourself. Collaborating with his inner circle, Live From The South features co-writes with Rhett Akins, Mark Holman, ERN’s Cadillac Music signees Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Rhys Rutherford and more.
WYNN WILLIAMS: Independent recording artist Wynn Williams is set to release his new album, Country Therapy Deluxe. Building on the success of the original Country Therapy album (listen/play here) released in August 2025, the Deluxe Edition project (due Friday, December 5, 2025) beams with neo-traditional tunes showcasing Williams’ kinship with classic country and iconic sounds, reimagined recordings of fan favorites and his top streaming songs, “Denver To Dallas” and “She Ain’t You,” and a vocal collaboration with fellow Texan Randall King on the track “Here For the Beer.”
Produced by Brandon Hood, the collection of 15 recordings showcases the songwriting prowess of a stellar lineup of country music luminaries and Hall of Famers–including Carson Chamberlain (George Strait/Alan Jackson/Zach Top), Dean Dillon (George Strait/Kenny Chesney/Keith Whitley), Rhett Akins (Brooks & Dunn/Luke Bryan/Parker McCollum), Lydia Vaughn (Jason Aldean), Josh Dorr (Blake Shelton/Jordan Davis), Chris Stapleton (George Strait/Kenny Chesney/Josh Turner) and Jon Pardi. Compositions spotlight the delicate musical interpretation of three-time Academy of Country Music Keyboard/Piano Player of the Year, Gordon Mote.
Classic to Williams’ authentic signature, the Deluxe collection boasts old-school country instrumentation and Texas twang, chock-full of heartfelt ballads, shuffles, two-steppers, line-dance, heartbreak, and good-timin’ drinkin’ tunes. Find Wynn Williams tour info here; follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
BLUEGRASS NEWS
PHOTO: Billy Strings. Photo credit: Dana Trippe
BLUEGRASS NEWS: 2025 has been a landmark year for Billy Strings, whose most recent full-length album, Highway Prayers, is nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Produced by Strings and Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Mac Miller, Aimee Mann) and released via Reprise Records, the album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart—the first bluegrass album in 22 years to do so—and continues to receive widespread acclaim. Listen to Highway Prayers here.
Are you still looking for a last-minute gift for the country music fan on your list? Or – be honest – are you thinking it’s time to treat yourself to some twangin’ ear candy? Fear not. I have a few suggestions that could be the ideal solutions. Here’s a brief roundup in no particular order
Trace Nixon – Hand Me Down Name
Trace Nixon is a country traditionalist who grew up listening to the music of Alan Jackson, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap and Keith Whitley, but he would also dive deeper – into the output of the songwriters who created the songs that he loved; songwriters such as Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon and Paul Overstreet.
Playing professionally since 2017, the Virginia native says he must have “played nearly every bar and music venue in the state.” Now the time is ready for the release of his debut five-song EP, appropriate titled Hand Me Down Name, considering his commitment to “carrying the torch” and keeping traditional country music alive. The project’s title (also the title of track two) pays tribute to Nixon’s own musical heritage: he is the child of professional musicians, and the fourth track, “Ready For the Takin’ (When You Are),” was co-written with his father Nick Nixon. Listen / stream Hand Me Down Name here.
So if you or your designated giftee love that neo-traditional country sound, give Hand Me Down Name a listen. Find it here, and more about Trace Nixon at his website and on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Annie Bosko – California Cowgirl
If you have the DVD of Disney’s 2000 The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, that’s the voice of a 14-year-old Annie Boskoon several of the tracks. A quarter century later, Bosko is now based in Nashville with a wealth of experience under her belt that included recording jingles, singing on demos and writing for other artists as well as touring as an opening act for several big-name artists.
After a well-received EP in 2024, Bosko released her debut full-length album titled California Cowgirl on October 3, 2025. I was at the album release party and I can confirm there’s not a dud among the generous eighteen tracks on the project.
Produced by Trent Willmon and Dave ‘Messy’ Mescon, California Cowgirl includes Bosko’s collaborations with Dwight Yoakam, Joe Nichols and Darius Rucker, and a moving cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Listen / play / stream California Cowgirl here. Find more about Annie Bosko at her website and follow her on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Alex Miller – Country
ICYMI – Yes, this project isn’t exactly a new release, but if you’ve read this far, I’m guessing traditional country, or neo-traditional is your thing. If that’s the case, this aptly-titled five-song EP, Country, from Alex Miller, is probably your cup of tea. Iced, sweet tea on the front porch, that is.
The lanky (6’ 6”) young singer wowed national TV audiences with his appearance on American Idol, leading to a record deal and a debut album, Miller Time, that generated three high-impact singles and a touring schedule that included opening for headliners Justin Moore, Ian Munsick, Neal McCoy, Alabama, and more. Miller’s second project, the EP Country, opens with his single “Girl I Know a Guy,” an upbeat love song that blends hopeful sentiment with traditional instrumentation. Also on the project: “When God Made the South,” (watch the video here) a raucous guitar-driven anthem that’s made to be heard while hoisting a red solo cup of beer in a sweaty barroom. Listen / play / stream Country here.
More about Miller, including upcoming tour dates, at his website and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube – where you can watch his official video for his holiday offering, “All Wrapped Up In You This Christmas.”
Among the other new albums that deserve a listen:
Live From the South, a seven-song project from acclaimed singer-songwriter ERNEST (read a recap in the December 2025 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, posted on this website, nashvillemusicline.com).
Love & Fear, the new album from Zac Brown Band, set for release December 5.
And, as always, find Album News in my monthly column, Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest-running country music column, posted here at Nashville Music Line.
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
Tracy Lawrence is no newcomer when it comes to organizing and supervising a mammoth turkey fry. After all, this was going to be the twentieth time that the country music icon and philanthropist had done it to provide much-needed meals to hungry Middle Tennesseans. With any major undertaking such as this, there will always be a few last minute glitches. But this time, the ‘glitch’ looked like it was turning into a potential disaster.
Tracy Lawrence fries another turkey during his 20th annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry. Photo credit: Logan Vollmers
When things looked their darkest, Lawrence’s cool head and quick thinking saved the day. His friends in the music industry and the Nashville community rallied together November 25 in a time of need for Lawrence’s 20th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry at the Nashville Fairgrounds. What started as a morning of prep led to panic after discovering a refrigerated truck had broken, spoiling 650 stored turkeys out of the 3,600 total allotment.
Lawrence called out to social media, news outlets, artists and celebrities asking for donations to replenish the stock in order to reach their goal of feeding 36,000 people throughout Middle Tennessee. The result was truly a miracle, ending in over 2,400 turkeys donated today, making the total of 5,350 cooked and frozen distributed turkeys. The added donations have now brought the total to 50,000+ meals provided for those in need. Watch a video recap of the Turkey Fry here.
Tucker Wetmore (left) arrives at the Nashville Fairgrounds with a truckload of turkeys for Tracy Lawrence and his team of turkey fryers. Photo credit: Dylan McGraw
Artists and celebrities came out to support the turkey fry, with appearances from notable names like Jamey Johnson, Tucker Wetmore, Charles Esten, Dustin Lynch, Meghan Patrick, John Crist, Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Rhett Akins, Frank Ray and more. Wetmore surprised Lawrence with a drop off of over 100 turkeys, while Patrick also donated and took to social media to encourage her community to support and donate.
(L to R): Haley Irvine and Meghan Patrick arrive with more turkeys!
Later, fans gathered at Luke Combs’ Category 10 for the benefit concert, with performances by Lawrence, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Cagle, Eric Paslay and Halfway to Hazard. The event saw a record-breaking amount of money raised for Mission:Possible, totaling $355,000.
(L to R): Chris Cagle, Gretchen Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Glenn Cranfield (Nashville Rescue Mission), Eric Paslay and Halfway to Hazard onstage for the benefit concert at Luke Combs’ Category 10. Photo credit: Logan Vollmers
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
Can it really be 100 years? Is it truly a full century since that first show was broadcast over the airwaves from the WSM radio studio in Nashville? On Saturday, November 28, 1925, announcer George D. Hay stood at the microphone and introduced 77-year-old Uncle Jimmy Thompson who sat down and entertained radio listeners with tunes played on his fiddle.
That show was titled WSM Barn Dance but by 1927 became better known by the name familiar to country music fans around the world: The Grand Ole Opry.
WSM had only been on the air since October 5, 2025, owned by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company that chose WSM as their call letters to promote their company slogan, “We Shield Millions.” By 1932, WSM was also reaching millions with a power boost to 50,000 watts at 650 kHz on the radio dial, as Tennessee’s only ‘clear channel’ allocation, heard by much of the United States after sundown.
Fast forward through the decades to November 28, 2025, as The Grand Ole Opry celebrated the 100th anniversary of its inaugural broadcast with two shows and more than 25 Opry members commemorating 100 years since that single fiddle tune launched a legacy which now includes over 15,000 broadcasts, countless stars, millions of fans, and one enduring unbroken circle.
Fittingly, the show ran on the Opry’s flagship radio station, WSM, and also aired on SiriusXM as well as around the world via livestream on Opry social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
In a poignant moment, Ricky Skaggs (Opry member since 1982) opened the show with a performance of “Tennessee Wagoner,” while playing the very fiddle with which Uncle Jimmy Thompson started it all, exactly 100 years ago. The night’s cast of more than 25 Opry members appeared on stage as Skaggs kicked off the show.
Former longtime Opry executive EW “Bud” Wendell raised the curtain to kick off the Opry’s 100th Anniversary night. At the age of 98, Mr. Wendell is only two years younger than the Opry itself and is the oldest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
At the top of the show, Vince Gill (Opry member since 1991) introduced and played the new exclusive Opry 100 guitar that Martin Guitars designed for the centennial anniversary and in celebration of all the music to be made in the future on the Opry, marking the first time this limited-edition guitar has ever been played publicly.
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.
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.
