Country News snippets February 10 – February 16, 2025

UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album & Single Releases, US & Canadian News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Articles & Videos, Fashion, Birthdays, RIP’s

 

CDX NEWS
Keith Urban, Chris Janson, and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts share their
Love stories, of how they first met their Sweethearts! 

Listen to the audio file

UK NEWS
On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist 15 February 2025
A List
Elton John & Brandi Carlile - Who Believes in Angels? [A-A]
B List
Carly Pearce – Oklahoma [B-B-B-B]
 
(10 Feb 2025) Darius Rucker will host a series of four two-hour shows on Absolute Radio Country/London starting Feb. 23 at 7pm GMT (1pm CT). He will share stories of songs that influenced him along with stories behind his own music. Stream here. Rucker is currently residing in London while writing and recording a new project.
 
(11 Feb 2025) The British Country Music Festival 2025 are excited to announce their next act for this years festival - Savannah Gardner and The Recovering Good Girls.
This “amazing addition” to their growing 2025 lineup will see Savannah and her band deliver a “raw and rebellious genre-blending performance” at the iconic Winter Gardens, Blackpool this August.
 

Following the BBC Radio 2 playlisting single success, the First Time Flyers announced the Part 2 dates for Jump On Tour, which started September 2024 in Birmingham, picks back up February 2025 in Bristol and ends at the iconic Country 2 Country Festival in London.

The band’s rise has been fuelled by their connection with fans, cultivated through honesty & authenticity at live shows—from opening for Jamie Lawson on his UK Spring tour to supporting Bruce Springsteen, The Chicks & Frank Turner at BST Hyde Park. Their "Jump On Tour" (Part One) played to sold-out crowds across the UK, and they’re gearing up for even bigger crowds for Part Two.

First Time Flyers
Jump On Tour Part 2 
Friday 21 February 2025 - The Louisiana, Bristol (Bathurst Parade, Wapping Road, BS1 4RH) EVENT w/ Jonny Morgan Americana
Saturday 22 February 2025 - The Bodega, Nottingham (23 Pelham Street NG1 2ED) TICKETWEB | SEETICKETS 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM w/ Jonny Morgan Americana
Sunday 23 February 2025 - Cluny 2, Newcastle (34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ) TICKETWEB 7:30 PM Doors - 11:00 PM £18.00
Wednesday 5 March 2025 - Cowboy & Co., Blackpool (27 Queen St, FY1 1NL) EVENT £16.50
Thursday 6 March 2025 - The Attic, Leeds (3 Sheaf St, LS10 1HD) TICKETWEB 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM £16.50 (£15.00 + £1.50 Fees)
Friday 7 March 2025 - The Glad Cafe, Glasgow (1006a Pollokshaws Road, G41 2HG) TICKETMASTER UK 19:00
Artist Website
 

(14 Feb 2025) Rising Americana and Alt-Country star Emilia Quinn released her highly anticipated single, High On Life, marking the start of her sophomore album era. It made a debut at #40 on the UK iTunes Country Singles Chart climbing to No.35.
Known for her dynamic performances and captivating storytelling, Emilia has had “an incredible year”, headlining the Buckle and Boots Country Festival and selling out shows across the UK during her October 2024 tour. Her name is now firmly established among fans and industry insiders as one of the leading independent voices in the Americana and Country scenes.
"High On Life" is described as an empowering, anti-Valentine’s anthem celebrating self-worth and letting go of negativity. “It’s an upbeat ear-worm with sass,” says Emilia. “It has a rocky edge with slick solos by John W Doyle and Cristiano Pochesci's pedal steel adding Americana flair.”
To celebrate, Emilia hosted a launch party featuring a full band performance at Night and Day Cafe in Manchester (Feb 16)
Support artists Jake O'Neill and FINOLA joined her on the evening.

Posty Goes Spursy 
Post Malone has announced that he will be bringing his 'Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS World Tour' to the United Kingdom and Europe this August and September.

The tour will come to 11 venues across Europe marking the star's first-ever stadium shows in the EU and UK. The run will follow the North American leg, which runs from April to July 2025.
Post Malone, one of the top-selling music artists of his generation, has announced a performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of his global tour. The tour coincides with the recent release of his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
By the end of 2024 he ranked as the fourth most streamed artist in the world, with 87.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Tottenham Hotspur Season Ticket Holders, One Hotspur Members and local residents will be given priority access to tickets for Post Malone at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with an exclusive pre-sale, commencing at 12pm on Thursday 20 February, 2025 and ending at 11.59pm the same day. The priority window for Premium members is now open.
Post Malone adds to an incredible list of shows at London’s newest sport, leisure and entertainment destination this summer, with Beyonce, 50 Cent, Stray Kids, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons and Catfish and the Bottlemen all performing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025.
 
Ticket sources says: ‘Tickets have been priced in advance by the tour, ranging from £58.75 to £464 (including fees) with a per order handling fee of £2.75.’ Now that presale has gone live, some of those ticket prices have been revealed — here’s a breakdown of the specific prices we know so far. 

• GA Pitch Standing: £103.70
• Gold Circle Standing: £141.70
• Big Ass Early Entry VIP Package: £253.50
• Big Ass Early Entry GC VIP Package: £309.50
• Hospitality tickets: from £379 

Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 21 February, 12pm at tottenhamhotspurstadium.com.
PRESALE From: Wed, 19 Feb 2025, 12:00 Until: Fri, 21 Feb 2025, 11:00
Sunday 7 September 2025 - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London (782 High Rd, London, N17 0BX)
TICKETMASTER UK | LIVE NATION
 
(14 Feb 2025) PLAYING C2C FESTIVAL:  Kyle Daniel has released the new single ‘Can’t Hold Me Back (feat. Rhiannon Hill of Kira Mac)’, a chunky slab of southern rock groove. Listen here.
About the collaboration, Daniel says, “What a powerhouse vocalist to have on such a meaningful song! Rhiannon was the icing on the cake to really take this one into a whole different universe. I love how much soul she has and how much raw rock ‘n’ roll she brings to the track!”
Hill adds, “As soon as I heard the track, I loved it. It’s the perfect mix of southern rock and country, whilst still being modern and fresh. I’m thrilled to be a part of it!”
Following triumphant appearances at The Long Road Festival last summer, Daniel, a rising star in country and southern rock, will be returning to the UK next month to play at London’s C2C Festival, which takes place at The O2 Arena on Friday 14^th – Sunday 16^th March.
‘Can’t Hold Me Back’ in its original guise can be found on Daniel’s acclaimed debut album Kentucky Gold , available now via Snakefarm 
PRAISE FOR KENTUCKY GOLD
“…a thumping southern rock masterpiece that the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackberry Smoke would be proud to call their own.” Country Music People
With incredible vocals, fantastic guitar work and a sound that harks back to classic ‘70s country rock whilst still feeling fresh and modern, you can tell it's been a real labour of love. It's an absolute triumph of a record” Entertainment Focus
 
UK CHART NEWS

UK Albums

14 February 2025 – 20 February 2025
13 always was her lucky number! Taylor Swift broke Official Chart records as she beame the female artist with the most Number 1 albums in the UK ever.
Surpassing Madonna, Taylor secures the feat as she nets her 13th chart-topper with Lover (Live From Paris). Moreover, Taylor now draws level with Elvis Presley as the international artist with most Number 1 albums in UK chart history.
LOVER (LIVE FROM PARIS), originally released in limited quantity in 2023, soared to the summit thanks to a new, heart-shaped 2LP vinyl variant released in time for Valentine’s Day; shifting 47,000 units.
 
UK Singles
14 February 2025 – 20 February 2025
Messy is No.1 for Lola Young for the fourth straight week, despite consumption easing 8.37% to 51,751 units (207 7-inch singles, 2,193 digital downloads and 49,351 sales-equivalent streams).
 
Morgan Wallen with his new single “I'm The Problem” fell 44-70 in the singles second frame.
In his 43rd chart frame Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) slipped 43-44
Post Malone “I Had Some Help” (feat. Morgan Wallen) rose 78-76 in their 38th frame.
In her 50th chart frame Dasha with Austin fell 90-92 (peak No.5)

Official Albums Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 20 February 2025)
14 Feb 2025 – 20 Feb 2025
1 RE 2 Taylor Swift ~ Lover (Live From Paris) ****repress of heart-shaped vinyl, made more widely available
2 NE 1 Inhaler ~ Open Wide
3 31 12 Kendrick Lamar ~ GNX
4 1 2 The Weeknd ~ Hurry Up Tomorrow
5 3 25 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Short n' Sweet
79 59 17 Beyoncé ~ Cowboy Carter
 
Official Singles Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 20 February 2025)
14 Feb 2025 – 20 Feb 2025
1 1 14 Lola Young ~ Messy
2 27 24 Kendrick Lamar ~ Not Like Us
3 6 2 Lady Gaga ~ Abracadabra
4 14 13 Chappell Roan ~ Pink Pony Club
5 4 20 Chrystal ~ The Days
44 43 43 Shaboozey ~ A Bar Song (Tipsy) *** (Peak No.3 36 weeks - 25/04/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025)
45 47 8 Sam Barber ft Avery Anna ~ Indigo (Peak No.33; 1 week - 26/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025)
70 44 2 Morgan Wallen ~ I'm The Problem (Peak No.44 2 weeks - 13/02/2025 to 20/02/2025)
76 78 38 Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen ~ I Had Some Help *** (Peak: No.2, 31 weeks - 23/05/2024 to 19/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025)
92 90 50 Dasha ~ Austin *** (Peak: No.5, 43 weeks - 07/03/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 20 February 2025)
14 Feb 2025 – 20 Feb 2025
Bonnie Prince Billy with THE PURPLE BIRD held at No.1 (2 weeks; #1 peak)
Ringo Starr with LOOK UP held at No.2 (5 weeks; #1 peak)
Beyoncé with Cowboy Carter rose 4-3 (46 weeks; #1 peak)
Shaboozey with WHERE I'VE BEEN ISN'T WHERE I'M GOING slipped 3-4 (37 weeks; #2 peak)
Post Malone with F-1 TRILLION lifted 8-5 (26 weeks; #1 peak)
Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) rose 7-6 (201 weeks; #1 peak)
MJ Lenderman with MANNING FIREWORKS fell 5-8 (23 weeks; #2 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)
(14 Feb 2025) Graham Barham - OIL MONEY (Sony Music Entertainment) 8 songs, 21:37
(14 Feb 2025) The War And Treaty - Plus One (A Mercury Nashville Release/ 2025 UMG Recordings)
 
BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts
 
In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of February 22, 2025) Starts Sun Feb 16, Ends Sat Feb 22, 2025
 
Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of February 22, 2025)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (74 non-consecutive weeks) ** ONE THING AT A TIME Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (34 non-consecutive weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
Country Airplay ** No.1 (1 week) ** “Liar” Jelly Roll
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 ** A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey
 
Billboard 200 News
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX jumped back to No.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, for a second week atop the list (rising 4-1 on the survey dated Feb. 22), following his Super Bowl halftime show (Feb. 9) and the set’s release on physical formats. (It was previously only available to stream, and to purchase as a digital download album.)
According to Luminate, of the 236,000 equivalent album units earned by GNX in the week ending Feb. 13 in the U.S., streaming equivalent albums (SEA) units comprised 117,000 (up 86%; equaling 161.01 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs; it jumps 4-1 on Top Streaming Albums), album sales comprised
 
Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping ONE THING AT A TIME was a non-mover at No. 8 (41,000; down 8%).
 
Billboard Hot 100 News
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Surges Back to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
The song reigns for the first time since July. Plus, Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" and SZA's "30 for 30," featuring Lamar, hit the top 10. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” blasts back to No. 1, from No. 15, on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart (dated Feb. 22), sparked by his performance of the song during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show Feb. 9.
 
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” wobbled 5-8 on the Hot 100, following its record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1 beginning last July. It ruled the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart for a 34th week, tying Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” in 2017, for the list’s second-longest domination; Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant To Be” led for 50 weeks in 2017-18.
                         
Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart News
Jelly Roll achieved his seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Liar” (Bailee& Buddy/BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek) rose a spot to the top of the ranking dated Feb.22. It increased by 1% to 30.3million impressions Feb.7-13, according to Luminate. The Nashville native co-authored “Liar” with Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Taylor Phillips. Zach Crowell produced the song. The track is the second single from Jelly Roll’s album Beautifully Broken, which bowed at No. 1 on Top Country Albums and the all-genre Billboard200 last October, marking his initial leader on each list. His preceding set, Whitsitt Chapel, entered and peaked at Nos. 2 and 3 on the charts, respectively, in June 2023. As “Liar” leads Country Airplay in its 14th week on the chart, Jelly Roll wraps his quickest run to No. 1. He previously took as few as 21 weeks to the top with “I Am Not Okay” and “Halfway to Hell,” both in 2024. All seven of Jelly Roll’s Country Airplay entries have dominated, tying him with Kane Brown for the longest active No.1 streak. Meanwhile, Brown is on the hunt for his eighth leader in a row as his latest single, “Backseat Driver” (Zone 4/RCA Nashville), rebounds to its No. 22 best (7.9 million, up 5%).
 
BACK ‘HOME’ IN THE TOP10: Locash returned to the Country Airplay top10 as “Hometown Home” (BMG/Galaxy Label Group) pushed 11-9 (17.2million, up 4%). It’s the fourth top 10 for the duo of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas and first since “One Big Country Song,” which hit No. 2 in August 2020. The pair’s “I Know Somebody” ruled for a week in October 2016 after “I Love This Life” reached No. 2 that January
 
Billboard’s Country Chart News
 
No.1 Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”: The crossover smash added its 34th week atop Hot Country Songs — tying Sam Hunt’s 2017 hit “Body Like a Back Road” as the second-longest-leading title since the chart became the genre’s singular songs list in 1958. Only Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant To Be” has led longer: 50 weeks, starting in December 2017. The Virginia-born Shaboozey’s hit drew 60.4 million all-format audience impressions and 16.9 million official U.S. streams and sold 5,000 Feb. 7-13, according to Luminate. The record-tying 19-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 also spent a record extending 33rd week in the Country Airplay top 10.
 
Country Airplay
** No.1 (1 week) ** “Liar” Jelly Roll 30.261 million audience (+0.201 million gain) / 8365 radio plays (+482)
** Most Increased Audience ** No.4 “4x4xU” Lainey Wilson (+2.875 million gain)
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.60 “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” Max McNown
 
Hot County Songs
** No.1 (34 weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
** Airplay Gainer ** No.9 “4X4XU” Lainey Wilson
** Streaming Gainer ** No.19 “Somethin’ Bout A Woman” Thomas Rhett featuring Teddy Swims
** Sales Gainer ** No.20 “Fix What You Didn’t Break” Nate Smith
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.27 “Dear Miss” Zach Bryan
Debut No.39 “In Case You Missed It” Jordan Davis
Debut No.40 “After All The Bars Are Closed” Thomas Rhett
Debut No.47 “Need To” Gavin Adcock
 
Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
Congratulations to Lainey Wilson, Lee Adams, Shelley Hargis, Scotty O’Brien and the Broken Bow promotion team on taking
“4X4XU” to No. 1. This is Wilson’s eighth chart topper overall, moving her into 10th place among female artists in the 51-year history of the R&R/CA/ MB airplay charts. Songwriters are Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere and Wilson.
Lainey Wilson moved 4-1 logging 9,197 radio spins (+1736), 33.392 million audience impressions (+4.349 million) with 31539 Total Points (+6307) from 159 tracking stations (159 ADDS) for the published chart dated February 18, 2024
 
Dierks Bentley’s “She Hates Me” Is The Most Added
Kudos to Chris Schuler and the Capitol crew on racking up 111 adds for “She Hates Me” by Dierks Bentley to top this week’s Add Board. This is Bentley’s largest add week ever, topping his previous record of 87 for “Somewhere On A Beach” in
January 2016. This is also Capitol’s largest add week since 2019 and its seventh largest this century.
 
Feb 18, 2025 The Weeks ADDS
Artist/Title (Label)        TW       Historic
DIERKS BENTLEY/She Hates Me (Capitol)       111       111
THOMAS RHETT/After All The Bars Are Closed (Valory) 92         99
JUSTIN MOORE/Time's Ticking (Valory) 16         105
MORGAN WALLEN/I'm The Problem (Big Loud) 15         155
ELLA LANGLEY/Weren't For The Wind (Sawgod/Col. NY/Triple Tigers)    11         155
RILEY GREEN/Worst Way (Nash. Harbor)          11         94
SHABOOZEY/Good News (Empire/Magnolia)     11         73
SAM BARBER f/AVERY ANNA/Indigo (Lockeland Spr./Atlantic/Magnolia) 9          40
 
NEWS
(10 Feb 2025) My Kinda Decades Party: The BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Decades Party returns to CRS Feb. 20 9-11pm in the Broadway Ballroom at the Omni Nashville. The Ania Hammar-hosted event, open to all registered CRS attendees, will feature artists from the label group's roster performing songs from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond.
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – USA Today Ad Meter ranked Budweiser's new Super Bowl ad, "First Delivery," featuring the Bellamy Brothers' iconic "Let Your Love Flow" No. 1. Watch the commercial, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and Emmy Award-winning commercial director Henry Alex Rubin and created by FCB New York, HERE. "We are so proud to have our hit song 'Let Your Love Flow' featured in the new Budweiser Super Bowl Ad," shared David and Howard Bellamy, who recorded the song 50 years ago this fall. "Such a beautiful video. The Clydesdales are simply awesome." 
 
(12 Feb 2025) Signage: Big Machine's Ryan Hurd has signed with The Core Entertainment for management. His sophomore album, Midwest Rock & Roll, will be released March 21 and features his latest single, "Die For It."
Singer/songwriter Kristina Murray signed with Normaltown/New West Records. Her first album for the label, Little Blue, drops May 9.
 
(11 Feb 2025) Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is excited to announce the talent lineup for the annual Warner Music Nashville Luncheon, scheduled during CRS 2025. This year’s luncheon will feature performances fromGavin Adcock, Avery Anna (alongside special guest Sam Barber), Tyler Braden, Chase Matthew, Redferrin, and Hudson Westbrook.

 
(13 Feb 2025) On February 12, 2025, Lainey Wilson announced her engagement to Devlin Hodges: The country singer shared a photograph on her Instagram account just before Valentine's Day, showcasing her new engagement ring.
The caption of the post read, "4x4xU forever," referencing the title of her popular 2024 song.
In the image, Wilson was seen wearing a long red coat, cowboy hat, and bell-bottom jeans outside George Jones's $5.95 million manor in Franklin, Tennessee.
According to PageSix, Hodges proposed to Wilson at this property. Wilson is known to be an ardent admirer of the late George Jones, famous for his song "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
 
(13 Feb 2025) Country Radio Seminar (CRS) announces the lineup for the 2025 “Team UMG at the Ryman” luncheon. Scheduled to perform are Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Crowe Boys, Jordan Davis, Eric Church, Carter Faith, Belle Frantz, Vince Gill, Tyler Hubbard, Bryce Leatherwood, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, Brad Paisley, Jon Pardi, Josh Ross, and Tucker Wetmore.
“Team UMG at the Ryman” will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The luncheon offers attendees not only the chance to enjoy performances from these top artists but also the unique atmosphere of one of America’s most revered venues.

 
(13 Feb 2025) Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is thrilled to announce the talent lineup for the Big Machine Label Group Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025. This year’s luncheon will feature outstanding performances from Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Jackson Dean, Mackenzie Carpenter, Preston Cooper, Chase McDaniel, Greylan James, Chris Janson, Caroline Jones, Shaylen, and Jack Wharff and The Tobacco Flatts, making it one of the most anticipated events of CRS 2025.
“In what has become a CRS tradition, we’re extremely proud to present this stellar lineup,”said Scott Borchetta, Chairman & CEO of Big Machine Label Group.“This year’s showcase highlights not only superstar talent but also the best in new and rising artists.”

(13 Feb 2025) BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville adds Alexandra Kay to its roster welcoming the Prairie State reared performer, as she sets her contagiously catchy and confidently spunky uptempo sing-along “Cupid’s A Cowgirl” to release on Friday, February 21. This track aligns with the opening weekend of her headlining U.S. and Canada “Cupid’s A Cowgirl” Tour that starts February 23 in Jacksonville, Florida. 
Currently in the studio readying her debut project via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Alexandra is proud to start sharing new music with her fans on tour. Up next, she’ll head across the pond for her international All I’ve Ever Known U.K. & Europe Tour that has already sold out in Amsterdam, Glasgow, Birmingham, Belfast and Manchester. With limited tickets remaining, click HERE for more information.

(14 Feb 2025) Caylee Hammack penned a romance novel, Bed Of Roses, as a companion piece to her sophomore album of the same name (out 3/7).
 
(17 Feb 2025) Lily Grace is 'Old Enough To Know Better' but is still breaking through glass ceilings. After being named the No. 5 Highest Selling Australian Country Album of 2024, Lily Grace’s debut album Old Enough To Know Better is up for Countrytown's 'Album Of The Year' Award, while the title track is a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Music Awards Country category. The album peaked at No. 6 on the ARIA All-Genre Album Sales chart, No. 1 on the Country Album Sales Chart, and resided in the Top 20 for 20 weeks. 
 
GOSSIP
(10 Feb 2025) Rory Feek's daughter, Hopie, has revealed through DNA testing that the man she grew up knowing as "dad" is not her biological father.
Moreover, she has had the opportunity to meet and get to know her biological father. Hopie states that she is now experiencing a form of "unconditional love" unlike any she has received from previous father figures.
Hopie shared this information with her followers via a social media video, explaining that she was compelled to take a 23andMe DNA test due to a lifelong feeling of being "a little bit different" from her family.
Rory Feek mentioned that he was not aware but always suspected this outcome. He raised three daughters: Hopie, her older sister Heidi, and their younger half-sister, Indiana. The older girls' mother, Tamara Gilmer, did not participate in their upbringing, although Hopie recently reconnected with her. Rory was married to Joey Feek (née Martin) until her death in 2016 and remarried to Rebecca last July.
 
BLUEGRASS NEWS
(14 Feb 2025) The David Mayfield Parade introduces their heartfelt new single, "Never Knew I Could," a poignant fusion of prayer and love song that captures the transformative power of grace, faith, and love. Co-written with and inspired by David’s wife, Jessie Mayfield, this deeply personal track is a powerful testament to discovering light and hope amidst life’s challenges. - Stream
 
AMERICANA NEWS
(11 Feb 2025) Billy Strings – HIGHWAY PRAYERS (Warner Records | 550 plays) remained at No.1 &
Jason Isbell with “Bury Me” (Southeastern Records | 487 plays) held at No.1 on the albums and singles Americana Radio Charts (week of February 11, 2025). Visit americanamusic.org to see the full charts and details for the current week's Albums and Singles. 
 
(14 Feb 2025) Singer-songwriter Adam Hood is partnering with long-time friend and collaborator, GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Brent Cobb, for his new Americana single “Four On The Floor”. A celebration of southern simplicity coming from two guys who live what they sing, the swampy mid-tempo is driven by a strong electric guitar groove and perfectly pairs Hood’s classic tenor with Cobb’s raspy allure. “Four On The Floor” - co-written by Hood and Cobb with Jason Saenz (“Song Back” for Little Big Town, “End Up Us” for Tigirlily Gold) - is also the name of Hood’s tour, which kicked off in early January and continues through the end of May. Listen to “Four On The Floor” HERE.
 
MUSIC NEWS
(13 Feb 2025) Does the US really need so many performing rights organizations and are they doing a good enough job, asks US Copyright Office
The increase in the number of collecting societies representing the performing rights of songwriters in the US is set to be considered in a new US Copyright Office inquiry. It will also review how societies distribute royalties, and whether independent writers and publishers are disadvantaged . The US Copyright Office has launched an inquiry into the country’s performing rights organisations - BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, GMR and AllTrack - in response to concerns raised last year by members of the House Judiciary Committee in Congress.
 
(14 Feb 2025) The Stylistics have released their first new song in over 16 years, 'Yes, I Will', featuring Shania Twain. Known for 'Stop, Look, Listen' and other hits, the '70s soul legends collaborated with Twain for their upcoming album 'Falling In Love With My Girl'. Shania co-wrote the song with musicians Steve Luthaker, Ray Parker Jnr, and Nathan East, but felt it truly came together with The Stylistics' vocals.
 
(16 Feb 2024) Take That and Kane Brown have been confirmed as musical acts for F1 75 Live. The band and US country artist will be joined at the motorsport launch event at London's O2 Arena on Tuesday (18.02.25) by artist mgk (formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly) and composer Brian Tyler's alter ego Are We Dreaming. The acts will perform alongside all 10 F1 teams and 20 drivers to mark the start of the 75th anniversary season of the sport.
 
TOUR / LIVE EVENTS
(10 Feb 2024) Rising country artists Kelli Belles and Charly Reynolds are joining forces for the highly anticipated Behind the Guitar Acoustic Tour ,set to kick off on February 18. The intimate, cross-country tour will offer fans a rare “behind the guitar” experience with stripped-down acoustic performances from these two powerhouse female performers. The tour will launch in Austin, TX, and will feature special guest performances by Ashley Walls and Averie Bielskion select dates.
 

(11 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Mason Ramsey kicks off April 6 in Mount Vernon, KY with Halle Kearns and Harper Grace on select dates. Tickets go on sale Friday (2/14) here. Ian Flanigan will kick off his 10-date Southbound Writers Round Tour with Jim Ranger and Randall Fowler March 6 in Pawling, NY. Tickets here.  Festive All: Whiskey Myers, Sierra Ferrell, Koe Wetzel, Dylan Gossett, Tracy Lawrence, Lana Del Rey, Nelly, Sammy Hagar and Goo Goo Dolls are among the artists performing on the Palomino Stage during Stagecoach April 25-27; schedule here.

 
(10 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Hardy's Jim Bob World Tour kicks off May 22 in Chula Vista, CA, with subsequent stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City and more. Joining on select dates are Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Sikarus and McCoy Moore. Tickets go on sale Friday (2/14) here. 
Justin Moore has added Joe Nichols as direct support for his summer tour, kicking off June 5 in Fort Wayne, IN; tickets here Friday (2/14). 
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark will tour this summer, with stops in New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver and more. Tickets go on sale Friday (2/14) here.
 

(12 Feb 2025) George Strait continues to prove why he’s been dubbed the King of Country, setting a record for the largest single ticketed concert in U.S. History and a new record for Texas A&M Kyle Field for a single event with 110,905 fans in attendance for George Strait: The King at Kyle Field. The record-breaking performance was one of only 10 live shows from Strait last year including a supersized stop at Allegiant Stadium for his 37th Strait to Vegas show.  

The country music icon along with eleven-time GRAMMY winner Chris Stapleton will continue the excitement with five shows in 2025. Joining Strait and Stapleton for this run of one-off stadium dates will be special guest Parker McCollum for the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Foxborough dates with Little Big Town joining for the only west coast show at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium. 
“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have,” shares Strait. “Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year. Chris will be back and glad to have Little Big Town with us in LA. For the other cities, we’ve added Parker M. to the show which will be outstanding. Can’t wait to see you!!” 
 
(12 Feb 2024) Country star and fan-favorite Clay Walker announced his 2025 Drive Me Smooth Tour today, counting stops from Mississippi to Colorado and Texas to South Carolina. Walker is one of the most in-demand country artists touring today, still selling out shows over 30 years since his debut self-titled album release. In addition, he’s announced a new single, a very special song titled “Cowboys In Heaven.” The song, arriving February 28, can be pre-saved now here: orcd.co/cw-cbih.
 
(13 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Kane Brown has added a European leg to his The High Road Tour, kicking off Sept. 30 in Cologne, Germany with Dasha and Dylan Schneider. Subsequent stops include Dublin, Manchester and London; tickets here next Friday (2/21). 
 
Zach Bryan will headline Michigan Stadium Sept. 27 with guests John Mayer, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen and Joshua Slone; tickets here tomorrow (2/14). 
Trisha Yearwood's seven-city theater tour begins April 30 in Austin and concludes May 17 in Lancaster, PA. Joining her are Sunny Sweeney and Erin Enderlin, who both collaborated with Yearwood on her upcoming album.
 
(14 Feb 2025) Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, led by Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Mac McAnally, will be hitting the road to support Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Doobie Brothers on select dates of their upcoming summer tour. The newly announced tour, produced by Live Nation, kicks off in Detroit and includes shows in New York, Boston, Chicago and Toronto, with more dates to be announced. The Coral Reefer Band will support from August 4th through September 18th – full listing of dates noted below. Tickets are on sale now at jimmybuffett.com/keep-the-party-going.
 
(14 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Max McNown added dates to his A Lot More Free Tour, including stops in Knoxville, Orlando and Richmond; tickets here Friday (2/21).
 
(17 Feb 2025) Watershed Music Festival announced that headliners Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and Bailey Zimmerman are set to descend on the scenic Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington on Fri., Aug. 1 through Sun., Aug. 3. It was also revealed the three-day, two-stage festival’s main stage will host performances from Drew Baldridge, Sawyer Brown, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Tyler Hubbard, Ian Munsick, Bryan Martin, Chase Matthew, RaeLynn, Nate Smith, Austin Snell, Dee Jay Silver and Zach Top.
TV
ICYMI: Tucker Wetmore made his national television debut on NBC's Today with “Wind Up Missin' You" and was surprised with an RIAA platinum/No. 1 plaque for the song.
 
PRESS RELEASES

(10 Feb 2025) Music Icon Dolly Parton has announced the seven powerhouse vocalists who will bring her newly orchestrated songs to life at the world premiere of her new symphonic concert, Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony.  The world premiere performance takes place on March 20, 2025 in Nashville with the GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez.  

The featured vocalists - Katelyn Drye, Hollie Hammel, Julie Williams, Blair Lamb, Denitia, Ally Jackson, and Katie Basden - will bring Threads: My Songs in Symphony to life across the U.S. This innovative and visually stunning multimedia symphonic experience will feature dynamic interpretations of Dolly’s beloved hits, inviting audiences on a journey through Dolly’s music and life as she shares personal stories and guides the evening on screen.
 
(11 Feb 2025) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Rising country artist and The Voice finalist Ian Flanigan is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, The Man My Mama Raised, on March 7, 2025, via Reviver Records. To celebrate, Flanigan will embark on the Southbound Writers Round Tour, a limited-run, intimate tour alongside fellow The Voice standout Jim Ranger and singer-songwriter Randall Fowler.
This unique tour will bring the trio’s raw storytelling and dynamic performances to select venues along the East Coast and South, creating an up-close and personal experience for fans. The Southbound Writers Round Tour will kick off March 6 at Daryl’s House Club in New York and run through March 18, ending at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café.
 
(13 Feb 2025) Triple Tigers Records is excited to announce the newest addition to their impressive roster, rising Country star, Shane Profitt. Profitt has been making a name for himself as a captivating performer with an upfront writing style paired with a robust sound. His 2023 Top 15 radio hit “How It Oughta Be” struck a chord with fans and the Country music industry – solidifying Profitt as an artist who has something to say with an authentic delivery.
 “It’s crazy to think that six years ago I first decided to pick up a guitar and started songwriting soon after. I can tell you first-hand this business has never ending highs and lows, but Triple Tigers and my new management have made this an all-time high for me and it’s only up from here. I’m truly so blessed and excited for everyone to hear what I have coming next!” - Shane Profitt
 
(10 Feb 2025) (Fort Lauderdale, FL) The 12^th annual Country Music Cruise has sold out a record four days after going on sale to the public. The exciting, star-studded lineup for the 2026 sailing features some of classic country music’s biggest names performing January 25 – February 1 aboard Holland America’s luxury m/s Eurodam. Josh Turner, Randy Owen, Patty Loveless, Neal McCoy, and Shenandoah will be the centerpiece of more than 100 performances through the week. The impressive lineup also includes Jimmy Fortune, Moe Bandy, Wade Hayes, T. Graham Brown, The Malpass Brothers, Linda Davis, David Frizzell, Chuck Mead, Sister Sadie, 50 Shades of Hay, with more to be added. The seven-day cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale and make stops in Grand Turk and St. Thomas. 

(14 Feb 2025) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Larry Fleet knows hard work, pouring concrete by day and playing in local bars by night. It’s a work ethic that’s helped the troubadour again transition to life as an independent artist as he readies “Hard Work & Holy Water” (Listen HERE) in accordance with his headlining Hard Work & Holy Water Tour which kicked off Thursday night (2/13) in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
 “I’m where I’m at in life and my career because of a whole lotta hard work and even more Holy Water,” Fleet shares. “I’ve had some big changes in my career and life this past year, and I’m living this song every day so it only made sense that this should be the name of my tour and the first song that I released as an independent artist.  
“I always try to write songs that are honest to me and something that I’ve either lived or am living at the moment, and this song is where I’m at in my life,” he explains of the song penned alongside Luke Laird and Barry Dean, with Fleet concluding, “I’m very proud of this song – it just feels special to me.” 
 
(14 Feb 2025) “Setting trends and living in jukeboxes for a decade as he does a delicate dance between modernity and traditionality” (Country Central), “California king” Jon Pardi is gearing up to release his fifth studio album. Sharing more new music from HONKYTONK HOLLYWOOD set for release on April 11th, Pardi unveils “Love The Lights Out,” a flirtatious track that perfectly captures the swirling ecstasy of desire. Co-written by Pardi, Jimi Bell, and Matt Dragstrem, the track melts into a steamy soul rocker with slide guitar hooks and a throbbing pulse – a soundtrack for love that takes its time. Fans can listen to “Love The Lights Out” HERE and watch a performance video HERE.
“Sometimes, you can’t get your boots off fast enough,” notes Pardi. “But, this isn’t about one of those nights. This one is for appreciating when you’ve got something good and can take your time."
 
(14 Feb 2025) Flat River Band, known for their beautiful harmonies and significant storytelling, released two emotional tracks, "Old Fashioned Love" and "Love Run," which are perfect for the Valentine's Day season. The essence of passion and emotional connection is beautifully captured in these songs, which was recently covered by Wide Open County, proclaiming "many of you out there will relate to the message that the shared physical space between two lovers is the most important part of a relationship." To stream and download "Love Run," click HERE.
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music icon Moe Bandy releases the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for country music fans today, his newest single, “Pure Love.” Written by Eddie Rabbitt, “Pure Love” became a #1 country hit for Ronnie Milsap back in 1974.
 
(17 Feb 2025) Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley’s new single “She Hates Me” marks the biggest first week of his career with over 111 radio stations on board, making it the most added song of the week. Released Friday on Valentine’s Day, the track showcases Bentley’s “trademark humor” (Billboard) while blending elements of Whitley and Weezer, adding a playful edge to Bentley’s signature country sound. 
Fans can listen to the “spirited, tongue-in-cheek” single HERE and watch the “lusty, side-splitting mini flick that finds Bentley stuck in a loop obsessing over a woman as she destroys his life” HERE (American Songwriter).  The song is already receiving praise from fans and critics alike, with Bentley being lauded for his “bold, edgier sound” (Country Now) and crowning him as the “titan of country breakup songs” (Holler.)
 
(17 Feb 2025) Although he’s had the throttle pinned on the road and charts alike, in-demand Warner Music Nashville talent Chase Matthew ends up back where he started in 'YOU TURN', with his heart pulling a romantic reverse. Available now, listen here and watch the visualiser.

WATCH
ICYMI: Shenandoah share the story of how the "Sunday In The South" music video with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan came together in a mini-documentary.
 
(12 Feb 2025)  Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Riley Green releases the official music video for his hit song, “Worst Way.” WATCH THE VIDEO HERE 
From his latest album Don't Mind If I Do, the sultry track—written solely by Green—features lyrics that are filled with imagery of touch and affection and the unspoken tension between two people who have an undeniable chemistry. Filled with smooth guitar riffs and rough vocals, the track has a sensual, atmospheric quality claiming instant hit status.
 
(14 Feb 2025) Multi-platinum selling artist Russell Dickerson releases the video for his stunning rendition of 'Bones (The Wedding Version),' created with the help of Belmont University students at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. This deep, heartfelt connection inspired Dickerson to reimagine the song, further enhancing its romantic sentiment. It beautifully captures the love and commitment of the original while reflecting his 'well-worn, loving soul-man vibe' (The Tennessean). Notably, Russell and his wife first met at Belmont, adding even greater significance to this love story.

 
BABY NEWS
(14 Feb 2025) Crib Note: Lady A's Hillary Scott and husband Chris Tyrrell are expecting their fourh daughter this summer. The new arrival will join big sisters Eisele and twins Emory and Betsy. Scott posted on social media, "We are thankful that God has entrusted us with a household of little ladies, and I couldn’t be happier that my husband continues his streak as the absolute best girl dad."
 
BIRTHDAYS

February 17: Johnny Bush (1935), Jon Randall (1969), Bryan White (1974)
February 18: Juice Newton (1952), Adam Wakefield (1982),
February 20: Kathie Baillie (Baillie & The Boys) (1951), Claire Lynch (1954), Buffy Saint-Marie (1941), Chris Thile (1981), Emma Moore (UK)
February 21: Mary Chapin Carpenter (1958), Eric Heatherly (1970), Zach Swon (The Swon Brothers)
February 23: Steve Holy (1972)