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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.

Grand Ole Opry celebrates 100th Anniversary with gala shows

More than 15,000 broadcasts from the Unbroken Circle

By Preshias Harris

*The cast takes the stage November 28, 2025, to celebrate the show’s 100th Anniversary. Photo credit: Rachael Black © Grand Ole Opry*

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.

*Announcer George D. Hay, at the mic, introduces a (nervous-looking) Uncle Jimmy Thompson. Photo © 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.

*Ricky Skaggs plays “Tennessee Wagoner” on the fiddle used by Uncle Jimmy Thompson 100 years previously. Photo credit: Rachael Black © Grand Old Opry*

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.

*Vince Gill debuts the Martin Guitars Opry 100 guitar during the show. Photo credit: Rachael Black © Grand Ole Opry*

Then the hits – and the stars – just kept on coming.

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.

New albums and singles, tour info and more

Inside Track on Music Row: all new for March 2025

by Preshias Harris

SO much happening and SO much to catch up on! Tour updates for Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts and Vince Gill… new single releases from Brett Young, Craig Campbell, Runaway June, Annie Bosko, Bowman, Elle Rose and Dani Rose (no relation!)… Ashley Cooke teaming up for a duet with Joe Jonas… info on the 2025 Tin Pan South… and news about Tucker Wetmore, Cole Swindell, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Muscadine Bloodline, Allie Colleen, Lainey Wilson, Ringo Starr and more. Scroll down to read it all!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it turned out I could.” – James Taylor

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

ALBUM NEWS

ALLIE COLLEEN

ALLIE COLLEEN, celebrated for her iconic voice and remarkable songwriting talent, kicks off the new year with the release of her five-song EP, Sincerely, Rolling Stone. “In a town filled with extraordinary talent, as a songwriter, I find it rare to work with a true artist who knows exactly who she is and what she wants to say. Allie Colleen is fearless in her artistry and is breaking molds inside of the country genre that will impact not only her career but the careers of artists to come after. She will be an influence beyond her generation giving future artists the courage to express themselves in new and inventive ways sonically, lyrically, and in performance,” expressed co-writer Stephen Hunley.

Allie’s first-ever release of a vinyl music project is available now as a limited edition for pre-sale here and is available for pre-save on all digital platforms here.

Allie Colleen conveys, “I wanted to return to my roots of creating—creating something that reflects how I feel. “I want to thank my songwriters, who sat with me in rooms this past year, letting me cry, be honest, and, most importantly, vent about a life others might give everything to have. Thank you for seeing me and allowing me to show up exactly as I am.” More at Allie Colleen’s website and on social media. #AllieColleen

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE: Independent country duo Muscadine Bloodline confirms their fifth studio album, … And What Was Left Behind, will be released on April 11 on Stancaster Music via Thirty Tigers. Pre-order/Pre-save here. …And What Was Left Behind serves as a companion to the duo’s critically acclaimed The Coastal Plain, which was released last summer. Also unveiled today is the new song, “Chickasaw Church of Christ.” Listen here.

Produced by Muscadine Bloodline’s Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster with Ryan Youmans (known for his work with Jelly Roll, among others), …And What Was Left Behind continues to weave tales inspired by the people and scenery of their southern, coastal Alabama roots. Listen to the previously released track, “Ain’t For Sale” (feat. Josh Meloy), here.

The new album comes on the heels of a series of breakthroughs for the duo, including their biggest add week at country radio with their debut radio single, “10-90,” several shows as direct support on Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” last year and numerous sold-out dates on their current headlining tour. The highly lauded duo are currently on their headlining “The Coastal Plain Tour” and will join fellow Alabamians The Red Clay Strays for select dates and will also join Lainey Wilson as direct support on her “Whirlwind World Tour” to kick off in the fall. Details and tickets at muscadinebloodline.com. #MuscadineBloodline

DUET NEWS

DUET NEWS: Big Loud’s powerhouse country songstress Ashley Cooke is teaming up with global superstar Joe Jonas for an unforgettable heartbreak anthem that cuts deep with “All I Forgot” feat. Joe Jonas, available now here. The emotionally-charged duet blends Cooke’s signature warmth with Jonas’ smooth pop charm for a gut-punching anthem about love, loss and the memories that refuse to fade at the bottom of a bottle. “We’ve had the best time creating this for you and truly cannot wait for you to hear it,” shared Cooke in an Instagram post this morning.

Musicians Hall of Fame inducts Class of 2022

Induction ceremony, concert honors music’s finest

By Preshias Harris

There’s no city on earth better qualified than Nashville to honor the men and women who create the music we love… and no better place in Nashville than the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

For me, it is still just about the best music-related museum I have ever visited because you can feel the love and respect with which every exhibit is treated, regardless of its size or fame. I was one of the first visitors to the Museum at its original location on 6^th Avenue South and have enjoyed many visits at its current location. The Museum reflects the love and dedication of co-founders, the late Joe Chambers and his wife Linda who has now stepped into the leadership role as CEO.

The induction ceremony of the Musician’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was a star-studded night to remember.

2022 Musicians Hall of Fame Inductees (L-R): Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson, Mick Conley, (The Fabulous Superlatives), Marty Stuart, Chris Scruggs (The Fabulous Superlatives), Linda Chambers, CEO/Co-Founder Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Vince Gill, Billy F Gibbons, Don McLean, Ray Stevens, producer James William Guercio, and engineer George Massenburg. Photo Credit: Royce DeGrie, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

Billy F Gibbons, Don McLean, Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives (Chris Scruggs, Harry Stinson, Kenny Vaughan, and Mick Conley), Ray Stevens, and Vince Gill — along with engineer George Massenburg and producer James William Guercio — were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum November 22, 2022.

Wade Bowen album is traditional country for the 21st century

Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth buzzes like a neon sign

By Preshias harris

Wade Bowen is back with a new album titled Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth, with twelve tracks co-written by Wade alongside writers such as Eric Paslay, Lori McKenna, Randy Montana, Heather Morgan and more.

He premiered the album – playing all the tracks with a full band – at a pop-up album release show August 15 at Analog in Nashville’s Hutton Hotel. Before the show, Wade and I sat down to catch up with what’s new in his world and how he dealt with the pandemic that brought his (and everyone else’s) touring to a dead stop.

Wade Bowen on stage during the pop-up album release concert. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Initially, he told me, the shutdown and the terrible circumstances that surrounded it hit him like “a punch in the gut.” It caused him to go into what he called a writer’s drought.

“I felt I couldn’t write a song because I didn’t know what to say or how to say it or why,” he admitted. “I couldn’t make sense of it all.”

However, he came out of it and says that he started writing a lot. “I think that shutdown helped me to just stop and focus on what matters, and I came out of the other side with a brand new sense of self and a brand new sense of my career and what I wanted to do and what’s important in my life. I think you can hear that in my new stuff, specially with this new record.”

Hal Ketchum dies, Chris Stapleton album, Vince & Amy

Preshias and Jon talk about what’s happening in country music this week

The Y’all Show is back after the Thanksgiving break, and Preshias and Y’all Show host Jon Rawl have plenty to talk about, including:

90s country artist Hal Ketchum passes
Vince Gill and Amy Grant plan Christmas at the Ryman – for 2021
Chris Stapleton’s new album Starting Over debuts at No. 1
Collin Raye co-writes all the songs on his new album
New dates for Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival
Bluegrass music celebrates 75 years
Grammy nominees in Country categories announced
Dennis Quaid releases ‘unifying’ single
This week’s “I Know Country” Q&A from Preshias’ ebook and more

Watch the entire show at the Y’all show website (complete with all the background notes, links and info) or at the Y’all Show YouTube channel.

Preshias Harris is a music journalist and 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

‘Love Lives On’ tells survivors’ stories in words and music

New song, album honor families of fallen service men and women

By Preshias Harris

Country music has a big heart. Singers and songwriters come together at the drop of a cowboy hat to donate their time and talent to a worthy cause. Causes don’t get much worthier than the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

Love Lives On is the title of a new album with all net proceeds from the album going to TAPS, but it is more than that. The songs on the album tell the personal stories of the sacrifice of both the fallen warriors and also the families who must live with their loss.

The album comprises 10 original songs that feature Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, John Rich, All-4-One, The Gatlin Brothers, Lonestar and many more. It is set for release over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend. However, “Love Lives On,” the album’s lead single and title track, will drop on March 20 and can be pre-ordered now via links at https://www.lovelivesonmusic.com/

Inspired by personal tragedy

June ‘Inside Track’ ready to read

Vince Gill, Brett Young, Garth, Chris Young and more in June column

The June edition of my column, “Inside Track on Music Row,” is now available! The column is published monthly at Nashville Music Guide’s website. You can find copies of the print edition of June’s NMG at many music venues throughout Nashville.

You can read a free PDF version of the entire print edition of the magazine here. NMG is full of music news, reviews and info. My column appears on pages 29 through 36.

Inside Track is the longest-running monthly country music column in America. The June column features dozens of news items about new releases, upcoming tours and more.

Among this month’s music news items…

New Vince Album set to drop in August
Brett Young launches Acoustic Sessions videos
John Paul White is The Hurting Kind
Zach Stone offers “Hands On” track
and much more in my seven page column of music news at Nashville Music Guide

New Vince Album set to drop in August

ALBUM NEWS: Vince Gill is set to release his new album, ‘Okie,’ on Aug. 23. The word ‘Okie’ was once a derogatory term to refer to inhabitants of Oklahoma who migrated to the west coast as a result of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Gill is an Oklahoma native and has proudly appropriated the term for the upcoming album that embraces his Oklahoma roots. Gill wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks on the album. “I thought this was going to be a songwriter record, not a concept album,” Gill says. “It wound up being more information than I’d envisioned.” Continue reading “June ‘Inside Track’ ready to read”

Darius Rucker reunites with Hootie and the Blowfish during surprise CRS appearance

Keith Urban forgets words to new song

CRS featured an unforgettable show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville as Darius Rucker reunited with his Hootie and the Blowfish bandmates. Unforgettable? Well… Keith Urban DID forget the words to his new song, which made the show unforgettable for a forgetful reason!

Universal Music Group Nashville (UMG) invited attendees of this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) to a lunchtime showcase at the Ryman Auditorium on February 14. CRS, now in its 50th year, is the world’s largest gathering of radio decision-makers and the recording artists who wish to interact with them.

Little Big Town at UMG at the Ryman. Photo: Harris

Royce Risser, UMG’s Executive Vice President of Promotion emceed the event, getting in a few witty ‘digs’ at radio execs in the audience as he light-heartedly urged them to add these songs to their playlists. In a fast-moving show, each act came on stage to perform one song – generally a cut that would impact Country Radio in the days or weeks ahead. (See below for a full list of performers.)

Keith Urban debuts “We Were”

Keith Urban came out on stage to perform “We Were,” a song so new that he brought out his cell phone so he could sing and play along to it. Technology is subject to Murphy’s Law (If anything can go wrong, it will) and the track stopped playing after just a few bars.

Undeterred, Urban re-started the track and, when it once again failed, he carried on singing to just his acoustic guitar. But a minute or so later he suddenly stopped. “Oh my gosh!” he told the audience. “I’ve forgotten the words to this dang song! Can you believe it!”

A less experienced artist might have suffered a total meltdown, blowing a song in front of hundreds of radio professionals who make the decisions about what gets aired. But being a true professional, he picked up the threads of the song and carried on, much to the delight of his audience. If nothing else, they will all remember Urban’s “We Were” when they get back to their radio stations.

Vince Gill at UMG at the Ryman. Photo: Harris

Later, Vince Gill took the stage and, as he sat on his stool, he jokingly said he had been planning to bring his phone out and play to a track on it. “Keith said that was a really cool idea,” said Gill glancing off to the side of the stage with a smile. Guess no one is going to let Keith forget that. 2019 marks the 30th year that Vince Gill has been with MCA, part of the UMG family of labels. Risser noted that Vince has earned 18 CMA Awards and 20 Grammys, including wins for ten consecutive years.

More highlights of the UMG show

Continue reading “Darius Rucker reunites with Hootie and the Blowfish during surprise CRS appearance”