Music Industry News Archives - Nashville Music Line

March 2026 Country Music Update: Tours, New Releases & Events

‘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.

Listen to Down At The Borderline here.

Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Turkey Fry provides 50,000 meals

Benefit concert raises $355,000

by Preshias Harris

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.

Read my full story about the 20th annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and concert here at Center Stage Magazine.

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

Find more about the mission of Mission:Possible here at their website. Monetary donations can still be made on behalf of Nashville Rescue Mission here. More about Tracy Lawrence, including tour and ticket info for upcoming shows at Tracy Lawrence.com; follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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

Nashville Songwriter Awards again show why this is truly Music City

Nashville Songwriter Awards fill Ryman Auditorium with music and memories

By Preshias Harris and Kayla Slater

The 2025 Nashville Songwriter Awards, held traditionally in September, is always an opportunity to recognize the best of the best, and this year’s event was no exception. In addition to naming the Songwriter of the Year and Songwriter-Artist of the Year, other presentations included the Song of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Legendary Song Award and the President’s Keystone Award, as well as the unique Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards. The event was staged by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) at the famed Ryman Auditorium and presented by City National Bank.

Such a great evening, and you can read my full story about the Awards (and some of the red carpet interviews that my colleague Kayla Slater and I carried out) here at Center Stage Magazine.

*2025 Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley (left) meets up on the red carpet with Alabama’s Randy Owen. Photo Kayla Slater*

The Song of the Year Award went to Josh Phillips for his solo-write (something of a rarity these days) of “Dirt Cheap” recorded by Cody Johnson. Phillips had written the song with Luke Combs in mind, but when Combs chose not to cut it, Phillips passed it on to Cody Johnson. The song, produced by Trent Willmon, peaked at No. 5 on Country Airplay and No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.

*Josh Phillips (left) receives the Song of the Year Award for “Dirt Cheap” presented to him by NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Jason Davis/NSAI*

Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year for the fourth consecutive year and nine years in total (so far!) – an unparalleled achievement – in the same year as he was elevated to the national Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in NYC. Tyler Hubbard performed “Park” (written by Gorley, Hubbard, Jesse Frasure and Canaan Smith), and Dylan Scott performed “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” (written by Gorley, Scott, John Byron, Charlie Handsome and Taylor Phillips).

Inside Track on Music Row – Fall special!

Inside Track on new albums, singles, videos, songwriter awards and more!

By Preshias Harris

It’s finally Fall – and here’s what you need to know about new music from Drew Baldridge, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Matt Cooper, Daniella Cotton, Colt Ford, Charles Wesley Godwin, Vince Gill, HARDY, Joy Holden, Trace Nixon, Kody Norris, Thomas Rhett, Runaway June, Lauren Watkins, Tucker Wetmore – plus ‘listen/play’ links to the albums and singles and more. It’s all here, so keep scrolling!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I wrote [Every Rose Has Its Thorns] in a mini-Winnebago outside a honky-tonk in Dallas, where we had played to maybe 50 or 100 people. I came back to the bus, me and my girl at the time had broken up and it just sparked me. Music saved my life.” -Bret Michaels of Poison, speaking of the group’s 1988 Number One hit in an interview with USA Today.

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

ALBUM & EP NEWS

DIERKS BENTLEY

DIERKS BENTLEY: Following a summer packed with standout performances and fan-favorite collaborations, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley is expanding his 11th studio album with Broken Branches Extended, released October 3. Bentley continues to grow his signature blend of against-the-grain creative courage, offering two brand new tracks, including the rowdy standout “IYKYK” and the driving, dobro-laced “All Night to Figure It Out.” Listen/save Broken Branches Extended here.

The punchy foot-stomper “IYKYK” comes out swinging with a spirited mandolin riff, courtesy of Charlie Worsham, that hits like a honky tonk anthem on overdrive. With lyrical nods to fiddle, steel guitar, Natty Light and Friday nights, Bentley leans into a defiant celebration of the country way of life—one that doesn’t need explaining if you already live it. Meanwhile, “All Night to Figure It Out” sets the (acoustic) mood for a little romantic research. Burning with slow-grooving, stomp-and-clap desire, the dobro-drenched jangle rocker features a loose, casual sway, with Bentley’s easy vocal in no hurry for the moment to end.

The two new tracks join Broken Branches’ original 11. Rooted in raw honesty and storytelling, the album embraces life’s outliers and underdogs with songs about resilience, change, and connection. Praised for its “distinctive and daring sound” (Esquire), the original collection features a cross-generational lineup of collaborators—including John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, and Stephen Wilson Jr. More at Dierks.com, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

LUKE COMBS

LUKE COMBS: Global superstar Luke Combs released The Prequel, a new 3-song EP, October 3 via Sony Music Nashville— listen-save here. Produced by Combs and Chip Matthews, The Prequel features “My Kinda Saturday Night,” which is already highly anticipated by fans after being teased online, as well as “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These.”

Of the project, Combs shares, “Still working on my new album that’ll be out early next year, but 3 songs from it are ready now and I couldn’t wait to get y’all some new music, so I’m releasing them this Friday, October 3 as The Prequel. Songs will be ‘Days Like These,’ ‘15 Minutes’ and ‘My Kinda Saturday Night,’ which next year’s tour will be named after. I’ll have more news on that very soon.”

The release adds to yet another monumental year for Combs, who recently made history as the first country artist ever to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Additionally, Combs released his latest single, “Back in the Saddle,” earlier this summer, which is currently #8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and rising. Combs is a multi-diamond, award-winning artist from Asheville, NC. In the midst of yet another triumphant year, Combs is nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards. Tour updates at LukeCombs.com and TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

COLT FORD

COLT FORD: Country music trailblazer Colt Ford has announced the release of his brand-new album, Little Out There, available everywhere on November 7, 2025 (pre-save here) via Average Joes Entertainment. The project marks Ford’s first full-length release since his near-fatal heart attack in April 2024 – a powerful comeback story underscored by resilience, passion, and a renewed creative fire.

Along with the album announcement, the multi-platinum artist dropped a new single, “Country AF” featuring Jay Webb, available now on all streaming platforms. The rowdy, unapologetic anthem channels Ford’s signature country swagger, blending hip-hop energy, Southern grit, and sharp lyricism––penned by Michael Hardy, Jaren Johnston, and Jesse Frasure.

Mid-August Country Music News Catchup!

‘Inside Track on Music Row’ mid-month extra

By Preshias Harris

There was just too much news for my August column but some of it couldn’t wait for September so here’s my “But wait! There’s more!” moment. Scroll down for new singles and albums, news on award shows, songwriters in the round, concerts and more about T. Graham Brown, Josh Ritter, Molly Tuttle, TRHibe, Megan Moroney, Tyler Childers, Onoleigh and more. And, if you missed the full August edition of Inside Track on Music Row – America’s longest running monthly country music column – you’ll find it posted directly beneath this one!

ALBUM NEWS

TYLER CHILDERS

TYLER CHILDERS: Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Tyler Childers achieves his highest debut to date on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as his widely acclaimed new album, Snipe Hunter, enters the chart at #7 (48,000 equivalent units). The record is also currently #1 on Billboard’s Vinyl Albums, Americana/Folk Albums and Indie Store Albums charts as well as #2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #20 on the all-genre Top Streaming Albums chart. Stream/purchase the new album here (Hickman Holler Records/RCA Records).

Additionally, the song, “Bitin’ List,” is garnering overwhelming attention with over 65,000 TikTok videos to date, over half a million streams in just one day (August 1) and continues to climb all-genre charts at iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and more.

In support of the release, Childers recently spoke with Marissa Moss for an in-depth profile at GQ, and performed special pop up shows last week at Nashville’s Turkey and the Wolf and Kentucky’s Dinosaur World. Produced by Rick Rubin with additional production from Childers and Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanbornand mixed by Shawn Everett, Snipe Hunter includes “Nose on the Grindstone,” which recently achieved Childers’ best week ever at country radio with over 40 adds and is currently #18 and rising on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. Tour updates and mote at TylerChildersMusic.com; follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

MOLLY TUTTLE

MOLLY TUTTLE: On the heels of two Grammy-winning albums in succession, with her band Golden Highway—2022’s Crooked Tree and 2023’s City of Gold—plus a nomination for Best New Artist, Molly Tuttle returns with a solo album that’s her most dazzling to date: So Long Little Miss Sunshine. Listen here.

Recorded in Nashville with producer Jay Joyce (Orville Peck, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Cage the Elephant), the fifth full album from the California-born, Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and virtuoso guitarist features twelve new songs—eleven originals and one highly unexpected cover of Icona Pop and Charli xcx’s “I Love It.”

Hot Summer Country Sounds: Here’s your Inside Track!

Country albums, singles and tour updates: It’s The August 2025 Inside Track on Music Row

by Preshias Harris

It’s August already and time for this month’s Inside Track on Music Row! New singles and albums from Gabby Barrett, Rodney Crowell, Greylan James, Alex Miller, John Prine, Lily Rose, Sammy Sadler, Morgan Wallen, Due West, Anne Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young and more. Plus music video releases, news about Christian music, the CMA, the Opry, a fundraising concert to aid Texas flood victims and more. Scroll down and catch up!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “It took seven years after moving here to get my first song on the radio. It felt like seventy.” – Blake Shelton (addressing audience at a concert in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, March 2016)

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. – Psalm 34: 4-5

ACM HONORS NEWS

ACM HONORS NEWS: The Academy of Country Music has announced the recipients of the Special Awards for the 60^th Academy of Country Music Awards. Honorees Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, “Twisters,” and Ben Vaughn will be celebrated during the 18^th Academy of Country Music Honors during an unforgettable evening of live music and tributes. The event will take place Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest cutting-edge venue, located at Nashville Yards.

“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in Country Music’s success,” said Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of Country Music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Congratulations to all the honorees,” she continued.

Additionally, previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at ACM Honors. Tickets are on sale now via AXS here. More about the ACM Honors here.

ALBUM & EP NEWS

ABBIE CALLAHAN

ABBIE CALLAHAN: Rising singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan has released her long-awaited debut EP,Grossly Aware, available now via Twelve6 Entertainment. The seven-track project arrived July 25 and is available here.

The EP features standout single “Strawberry, California,” which Abbie performed live on WSMV’s Today in Nashville on release day. She has shared a new rendition: “Strawberry, California” x Live from the Treehouse, the second installment of her Live from the Treehouse series. Like the first video for “The Garden,” this performance showcases Abbie’s timeless vocals and the natural intimacy that runs throughout the project. Watch here.

Produced by Oscar Charles (Chase Rice, Kip Moore, Kassi Ashton, Madeline Edwards), Grossly Aware features co-writes with Nashville hitmakers including Emily Shackelton, Sarah Allison Turner and Jason Gantt, while three tracks were written solely by Callahan herself – a testament to her emotional depth, lyrical wit, and melodic instinct.

Legendary musician Charlie Worsham (CMA Musician of the Year, ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year) lends his signature guitar work to the entire EP, except on “Marry Jane,” which features Alex Pearson and additional production from Jarrad Kritzstein (Ruston Kelly, Madi Diaz, Wild Rivers) alongside Charles.

Callahan has also been confirmed for an official showcase at AmericanaFest 2025, with more details to be announced soon. Music and more at her website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

JOHN PRINE

JOHN PRINE: In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings, a deluxe edition of John Prine’s beloved and Grammy-nominated album will be released via Oh Boy Records on September 12. (Pre-add / pre-save here.) The digital deluxe edition features five previously unreleased demos and alternate takes, along with the never-before-heard track “Hey Ah Nothin’,” out now. Watch the video here. A long-lost gem sure to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike, this addition offers an intimate glimpse into the album’s creation and the spontaneous spirit that defined the sessions.

New Country album & single releases, tour updates and more!

Here’s Inside Track on Music Row, July 2025

By Preshias Harris

If you want to plan your Summer and Fall concert-going, scroll down and find tour and ticket info for a whole lot of artists who are heading out on the road. Plus new albums and singles and a lot more about Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Craig Morgan, Lukas Nelson, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, Zach Top, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame … and more!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I still have my first paycheck. It was just, I think, a dollar or two that I got when I started as a songwriter with BMI, and I had some songs there that I had through the company, and in the mail I got this big old check for, like, a dollar and a half or something. Somebody had recorded one of my songs.” – Dolly Parton

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

ALBUM & EP NEWS

RODNEY CROWELL

RODNEY CROWELL: A new album is on the way from Rodney Crowell. The album, titled Airline Highway, is set to arrive August 29. Pre-order the album – available in CD and vinyl formats – here. In advance of the album, Crowell has released the song “Sometime Thang,” a sly, swampy track that was inspired by a real-life moment of romantic rivalry.

“Once upon a time a famous movie star made a move on my girlfriend,” Rodney told us, “We’ve been married over three decades now… but I never thought he was much of an actor. I’m just saying.” Stream “Sometime Thang” here. Watch the lyric video here.

Airline Highway features a new generation of roots and country voices: Ashley McBryde (“Taking Flight”), Lukas Nelson, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, and Larkin Poe’s Lovell sisters.

Crowell hits the road this fall with stops in L.A., NYC, Houston, and more. Limited edition vinyl and autographed CDs are available now. Crowell is a multi-Grammy Award-winning troubadour with fifteen number one hits. Over the course of his career, Crowell has gracefully blended his own mainstream success as an artist with a prolific catalog of songs cut by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Keith Urban and more. Tour dates and more at RodneyCrowell.com.

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN: Country music hitmaker and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will join “Live with Kelly & Mark” Friday, July 4, for a special performance of “American Soundtrack,” the title track to his newly released EP (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville). Find local listings here and stream Craig Morgan’s American Soundtrack EP here. Craig has a string of shows and appearances throughout July and beyond. Learn more and find tour tickets at craigmorgan.com. Engage with Craig on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Singer, author, actor, and soldier Craig Morgan has made a name for himself as a country music hitmaker who has amassed nearly 2.5 billion career streams and charted over 25 songs on Billboard. With signature hits including “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Almost Home,” “International Harvester,” “Soldier,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and his faith-filled tribute, “The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost,” the multi-faceted entertainer’s music has formed the soundtrack to our lives for over two decades. His new music, American Soundtrack (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville), is no exception, with each of the EP’s six songs infused with Craig’s faith and patriotism. Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.

LUKAS NELSON

LUKAS NELSON: Following the release of his highly anticipated new album, American Romance, Lukas Nelson performed the title track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and, the following morning, appeared on The Howard Stern Show, where he performed “All God Did” and spoke with the host.

The album, which has already garnered widespread critical acclaim, marks Nelson’s first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville. In celebration of the release, Nelson was also featured on CBS Mornings, where he spoke with correspondent Anthony Mason. Stream/purchase American Romancehere.

‘A Preshias Night of Music’ at Nash House

First Singer-Songwriter Showcase at new location

by Preshias Harris

T’was the night before CMA Fest 2025 and the songwriters came out to play. It was our latest Preshias Night of Music at a new (for us) location, Nash House Southern Spoon & Saloon on 8^th Avenue South.

The place was jumping with locals and out-of-town visitors frequently waving the handy free fans with pics and QR codes of all the singer-songwriters who were performing on stage in rounds, followed by a performance by Macartney Reinhardt with a full band.

You can read my report of the night, along with mini bios of all the singer-songwriters here at Center Stage Magazine. Meanwhile, here are some photo memories of the evening, taken by Kayla Slater.

*(L to R): Gyth Rigdon, Scott Lindsey, Dawson Slade. Photo credit: Kayla Slater*

*Brooke Spencer. Photo credit: Kayla Slater*

*Caleb Mills.* *Photo credit: Kayla Slater*

*Chasity Bailey and Reed Clayton (Chas & The Bandit). Photo credit Kayla Slayer*

June (music) is bustin’ out all over!

Inside Track on Music Row, June 2025 starts here!

by Preshias Harris

It’s June in Nashville and that always means CMA Fest! But there is SO much more and you can find it all here… New singles from Reba, Gary LeVox, Midland, Alex Miller, Scott Teasley, Sheryl Crow and more… Tour updates for Brad Paisley, Billy Strings, Southall and Chris Tomlin… Album releases from Cody Jinks, Ray LaMontagne and Ken Pomeroy… plus news about festivals and the Opry Live in London and Number One News (LOCASH, Zach Top)… Scroll down and catch up with your Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest running monthly country music column!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “No matter how long what I’m doing here lasts, I want to be a songwriter for the rest of my life. I love it and it’s my escape.” – Miley Cyrus

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Let all you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14

ALBUM NEWS

CODY JINKS

CODY JINKS: Ahead of his highly-anticipated upcoming album, In My Blood, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Cody Jinks released his new song “Better Than the Bottle” Friday, May 30th. This is the second track to be released from his forthcoming album, In My Blood, due July 25th. Pre-save the digital album here and pre-order the vinyl and CD versions here.

“Better Than the Bottle” is a reflective, gritty country ballad that captures the journey of a person grappling with their flaws, while clinging onto hope, having given up their main vice. Jinks’ signature raw vocals and stripped-down instrumentation give the song a sense of honesty and humility. Painting the picture of redemption, the song highlights grand victories in small, personal change.

In addition to the song, Cody Jinks and Ward Davis are announcing the second go-around of their previously sold out tour, Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour, and will feature 10 dates spanning from Hawaii to Alaska. Find Cody Jinks tour and ticket info here.

RAY LAMONTAGNE

RAY LAMONTAGNE: Celebrated Grammy award winner Ray LaMontagne will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of his seminal debut album, Trouble, with a special remastered vinyl edition, set for release June 13—presave/preorder here. Additionally, LaMontagne will embark on the Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the album in its entirety for the first time since its release — find full routing and purchase tickets here for tour dates in the USA, UK and Ireland.

On the remastered vinyl, LaMontagne shares, “When Trouble was initially released Vinyl was considered a dead format, never to breathe again. Digital audio was the new King. As we know this has proved untrue. Each year more and more music lovers are listening to Vinyl and appreciating it for its depth and breadth of sound, for its physical heft, for its tangible realness. Over the past few months Brian Lee and Bob Jackson at Waygate Mastering have remastered the album for the first time specifically for Vinyl. And I have to say, it sounds incredible. They have managed to bring out subtleties in the vocals, the instrumentation, that were somehow lost previously. It sounds as if a sonic veil has been lifted. I cannot thank them enough.”

Trouble charted on the Billboard 200 and was certified RIAA Platinum. LaMontagne has spent the past two decades carving a singular space for himself in modern music. #RayLaMontagne

Bryce Leatherwood releases self-titled debut album

Full band album launch party at Odie’s

By Preshias Harris

The winner of The Voice Season 22, Bryce Leatherwood, threw a launch party for his self-titled new project on May 12. The venue was Odie’s (named for country supergroup Old Dominion) but the star attraction was definitely Bryce Leatherwood himself, taking the stage like a whirlwind, treating attendees to the entire album backed by a live band. Read my report at Center Stage Magazine here.

*Walker Montgomery (left) joins Bryce Leatherwood on stage at Odie’s in Nashville. Photo: Preshias Harris*

Invited fans mingled with folks from the media and music biz to hear live renditions of familiar tunes (“Where The Bar Is,” “Hung Up On You”) and new songs, all of which are part of Leatherwood’s new project.

Click here to read my report on Bryce Leatherwood’s album launch event, posted at the always informative Center Stage Magazine, where you can also find previous ‘Preshias On The Row’ posts and a whole lot more.