UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album
& Single Releases, US News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews,
Articles & Videos, Fashion, Birthdays, RIP’s
CDX
NEWS
Tim
McGraw shares Faith
Hill's reaction to his latest single, "Paper Umbrellas."
Keith Urban talks about his upcoming World Tour.
And new artist Cooper Alan releases his single... "Holy
Ghost."
CDX WEEKLY CHARTS April
23rd, 2025
Airplay for April 14th, 2025
– April 21st, 2025 – Country Singles
#1 No.1 3 weeks MORGAN
WALLEN – “I’m The Problem” (Big Loud Records) held at No.1, 4692
Spins (-59) 129 Stations 11 weeks on chart
** SPIN
GAINER ** MORGAN WALLEN “Just In Case” (Big Loud Records) No.32
1224 Spins +344 3 weeks on chart
UK NEWS
(24 April 2025) The British Country Music Festival 2025
are thrilled to welcome Neeve Zahra back. After captivating the crowd in 2024 as part of
The Liver Girls songwriters round, you now get to enjoy Neeve and her band as
she returns this year in her right own to take her place on the Arena Stage.
With music industry award nominations and a sold-out headline show in Glasgow,
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Neeve.
(24 April 2025) Singer/Songwriter Callaghan (Georgina) has been working on the release this week
of her upcoming album THE MUSIC YOU GAVE TO ME that'll come out on May
16th. For the first time she is making it on vinyl too! To mark the special
edition it's going to have a bonus track on it. You can pre-order from her website
HERE
(24 April 2025) TWINNIE Tour Is Postponed!
Twinnie is unfortunately
going to have to postpone her upcoming UK tour. Having spoken to her team, and
doctors it's been advised that she postpone this run of dates in order to focus
on her health.
However she is still performing at festivals this summer.
Refunds will be made automatically and details of new future tour dates will be
available soon.
UK CHART NEWS
UK Country Radio Airplay
Chart (published April 27, 2025)
See The TOP 40 at countrymusic.co.uk
You can find the weekly UK Country
Radio Airplay Chart, published by Holler and updated every Sunday at 5pm
GMT - HERE.
Chart dated April 27, 2025
Ella Langley's 'weren't for the wind' rose 7-1
on the UK Country Radio Chart this chart week. Featured on the deluxe edition
of her debut album, hungover, this is
Langley's second chart-topping hit after her duet with Riley Green, 'you look
like you love me,' which reached No. 1 in June 2024.
Kane Brown's 'Backseat
Driver' climbed 10-2
(#2 peak) in his 28th chart week.
Eric Church with “Hands Of Time” held at No.3 in his 5th chart frame.
Jordan Davis with “Bar None”
rocketed 17-4 in his 5th chart frame.
Megan Moroney’s Am I Okay? advanced 12-5 (#2
peak) in her 35th frame
** Hot Shot Debut
** Debut No.8 “I Ain't Coming Back” Morgan Wallen feat. Post Malone
Debut No.30 “Searching For A Light” Turnpike Troubadours
Debut No.37 “Feather In My Hat” Ian Munsick feat. Lainey
Wilson
Debut No.38 “Train” Jackson Dean
UK Official Charts
UK Albums
25 April 2025 – 1 May 2025
The release of a special, signed CD edition to
celebrate its first anniversary is enough to send Taylor Swift’s most recent studio set, THE TORTURED POETS
DEPARTMENT (TTPD), back to the top of the chart.
Scurrying 24-1 to secure its eleventh week at the summit on its sixth
tenure, the album racked up a spectacular 592.63% increase in consumption
week-on-week to 28,945 units (24,577 CDs, 193 vinyl albums, 26 digital
downloads and 4,149 sales-equivalent streams) – its highest tally for 45 weeks.
It was last No.1 19 weeks ago, although Swift was No.1 as recently as 10 weeks
ago with Lover (Live From Paris).
Although TTPD was the star performer in the week, it was far from being the
only Swift album consumed during that period – she has added 47.867 units to
her album consumption in the last seven days, for a career tally of 11,208,298
units.
In the 2020s alone, Swift has had nine No.1s, spending a total of 28 weeks at
the apex. Small wonder, then, that her 2020s album consumption, at 7,630,971
units, by far the highest total of any artist, with Ed Sheeran (3,922,261) her
nearest challenger. Sheeran’s career sales of 14,231,795 are superior to
Swift’s, however.
UK Singles
25 April 2025 – 1 May 2025
Its consumption dipped for the second week in a row –
falling 6.53% to 66,007 units (1,896 digital downloads and 64,111
sales-equivalent streams) – but Ordinary continues to prove
anything but that for Alex Warren, stretching its run atop the singles
chart to six weeks.
It has been the runaway chart champ throughout, with a victory margin over the
No.2 song of 18.51%, 82.62%, 104.45%, 98.03%, 78.16% and, in the latest frame,
76.70%.
Chappell Roan with her
country track “The Giver” fell 11-15 in her sixth frame
Shaboozey & Myles Smith with
“Blink Twice” rose 48-44 (9,372 sales)
In his 53rd chart frame Shaboozey’s A Bar Song
(Tipsy) moved 50-47.
Almost a year after I Had Some Help debuted and peaked
at No.2 for rapper turned country singer Post Malone and
featured guest Morgan
Wallen,
the pair’s second collaboration, I Ain’t Comin’ Back, has the
credits flipped (Morgan Wallen feat. Post Malone) and made a less dramatic
debut at No.50 (8,483 sales). It is Wallen’s seventh hit, Malone’s 38th.
One of a dozen tracks by Malone to achieve consumption in excess of a million
units in the UK, I Had Some Help - rebounded 76-71 (6,720
sales; 48th chart frame) this week - is the only one for Wallen, and has
consumption of 1,140,577 units since its release 49 weeks ago.
Dasha
with “Austin” fell 73-77 in her 58th chart frame
25 April 2025 – 1 May 2025
1 24 53 Taylor Swift ~ The Tortured Poets
Department ****release of first anniversary signed CD
2 2 35 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Short n' Sweet
3 5 30 Ed Sheeran ~ +-=÷× (Tour Collection)
4 7 336 Fleetwood Mac ~ 50 Years: Don't Stop
5 9 220 The Weeknd ~ The Highlights
6 8 3 Elton John and Brandi Carlile ~ Who Believes In Angels? ****broadcast
of ITV1 special
25 April 2025 – 1 May 2025
1
1 11 Alex Warren ~ Ordinary
2 2 23 Chappell Roan ~ Pink Pony Club
3 3 3 Ed Sheeran ~ Azizam
4 6 8 WizTheMC and Bees and Honey ~ Show Me Love
5 4 7 Doechii ~ Anxiety
15 11 6 Chappell Roan ~ The Giver (Peak No.2; 6 weeks - 27/03/2025 to 01/05/2025)
44 48 2 Shaboozey and Myles Smith ~ Blink Twice (Peak: No.44, 2 weeks
24/04/2025 to 01/05/2025)
47 50 53 Shaboozey ~ A Bar Song (Tipsy) *** (Peak No.3 36 weeks -
25/04/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 17 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 01/05/2025)
50 NE 1 Morgan Wallen ft Post Malone ~ I Ain't Comin' Back (Peak: No.50, 1
week 01/05/2025)
71 76 48 Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen ~ I Had Some Help (Peak: No.2, 31
weeks - 23/05/2024 to 19/12/2024 + 17 weeks - 09/01/2025 to
01/05/2025)
77
73 58 Dasha ~ Austin *** (Peak: No.5, 43 weeks - 07/03/2024 to
26/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025 + 8 weeks 13/03/2025
to 01/05/2025)
25 April 2025 – 1 May 2025
Julien Baker & Torres with SEND A PRAYER MY WAY
made a debut at No.1 (1 week; #1 peak) tagged Alternative
Alison Krauss & Union Station with ARCADIA slipped 1-2
(4 weeks; #1 peak)
Taylor
Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s
Version)held at No.3 (211 weeks; #1 peak)
Shaboozey
with WHERE I'VE BEEN ISN'T WHERE I'M
GOING was a non-mover at No.4 (47 weeks; #2 peak)
Post
Malone with F-1 TRILLION held
at No.5 (36 weeks; #1 peak)
Beyoncé
with COWBOY CARTER held at No.6
(55 weeks; #1 peak)
Zach
Bryan with The Great American Bar
Scene moved 10-7 (24 weeks; #1 peak)
Lainey
Wilson with WHIRLWIND held at No.8
(35 weeks; #1 peak)
Zach
Bryan with ZACH BRYAN climbed 11-9
(83 weeks; #3 peak)
Jelly Roll with BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN rose 15-10 (26 weeks; #1 peak)
COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)
(25 April 2025) Tucker
Wetmore - What Not To (EMI Records Nashville/Back Blocks Music)
(25 April 2025) Shaboozey
- Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going: The Complete Edition (American
Dogwood / EMPIRE)
(25 April 2025) Willie
Nelson - Oh What A Beautiful World (Legacy Recordings)
BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts
Billboard
Country Charts (Chart issue week
of May 3, 2025)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (84
non-consecutive weeks) ** ONE THING AT A TIME Morgan
Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (42 weeks) ** “A
Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
Country Airplay Chart ** No.1 (2 weeks) ** “I'm The Problem” Morgan Wallen
Country Digital Songs ** No.1
** (1 week) “Hard Fought
Hallelujah” Brandon Lake x Jelly Roll
Billboard 200 News
SZA’s SOS scored
a 13th non-consecutive week at No.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart
(dated May 3), as the set rose 3-1 with 52,000 equivalent album
units earned in the United States in the week ending April 24 (down 1%),
according to Luminate. The album continues to profit from its expansive deluxe
reissue on Dec. 20, 2024 (dubbed SOS Deluxe: LANA), with 15 additional tracks,
in addition to a Feb. 9 reissue with four more bonus cuts.
Morgan
Wallen’s ONE THING AT A TIME climbed 6-3 (48,000
equivalent album units earned, up 4%);
Morgan Wallen’s DANGEROUS:
THE DOUBLE ALBUM jumped 14-9 (34,500; up 6%).
Billboard Hot 100 News
Kendrick
Lamar & SZA’s ‘Luther’ Leads Hot 100 for Landmark 10th Week
An elite 4% of all Hot 100 No. 1s (46 of 1,179, dating to the chart’s
Aug. 4, 1958, start) have ruled for double-digit weeks. Of those, “Luther” is the first
by a solo man and woman and no accompanying acts – surpassing the nine-week
reign of Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love” in 1981.
“Luther,” on pgLang/Interscope/ICLG, totaled 68.4 million radio airplay
audience impressions (up 1% week-over-week), 21.9 million official streams
(down 13%) and 2,000 sold (down 14%) in the U.S. April 18-24. (A week earlier,
its chart performance was boosted by the April 11 premiere of its official video.)
Morgan Wallen and Post
Malone’s “I Ain’t Coming Back” bowed at No.8 on the Hot
100. Released April 18, it totaled
19.5 million streams, 2.9 million in airplay audience and 6,000
sold
in its first week.
Shaboozey’s “A
Bar Song (Tipsy)” rebounded 5-4 on the Hot
100, following its record-tying
19 weeks at No. 1 beginning last July. It adds a 42nd week atop the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart.
Billboard’s
Country Airplay Chart News
Kane Brown netted his
14th top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Backseat
Driver” (Zone 4/RCA Nashville) rode a spot to No.10 on the survey
dated May 3. The song increased by 7% to 16.4 million audience impressions
April 18- 24, according to Luminate.
NO ‘PROBLEM’ STAYING ON TOP: Morgan Wallen’s “I’m
the Problem” (Mercury/Republic/Big Loud) ruled Country Airplay
for a second week (29.5 million, up 2%). It’s the ninth multiweek leader among
his 17 No.1s. The song is the title track from Wallen’s 37-song album due May
16. Two additional cuts from the set are scaling Country Airplay: “Just in
Case,” his latest single promoted to radio, rises 22-21 (7.9 million, up 19%)
and “I’m Not Coming Back,” with Post Malone, enters at No. 36 (2.6 million).
Billboard’s
Country Chart News
No.2 Morgan Wallen & Post
Malone “I Ain’t Coming Back”:
The duet, released April 18, previews Wallen’s 37-song album I’m the
Problem, due May 16. It sold 6,000 in its opening week (ending
April 24), according to Luminate, and arrived at No.2 on Country
Digital Song Sales. Wallen added his 42nd top 10 and Post Malone
his ninth; the pair’s “I Had Some Help” reigned for five weeks beginning
last May. The new team-up concurrently enters Hot Country Songs at No. 3,
as it also drew 19.5 million official U.S. streams, marking Wallen’s 34th
top 10 and Post Malone’s fifth. On Country Airplay, it debuts at
No. 38 with 2.7 million impressions. The two artists are among the
song’s six co-writers.
No.3 Luke Bryan “Jesus
’Bout My Kids”: Bryan performed the ballad from his 2024 album,
Mind of a Country Boy, on the Easter edition of ABC’s American Idol
(April 20). It debuted at No.3 on both Country
Digital Song Sales and Christian Digital Song Sales (4,000
sold,
up from a nominal sum), marking his 15th and first top 10 on the rankings,
respectively.
No.11 Ella Langley “Weren’t
for the Wind”: The track breezed 15-11 for a new Hot
Country Songs high, up 45% to 8.7 million streams and 6% to 1,000 sold. On
Country Airplay, it’s No. 14 (13 million, up 4%). Langley is the
Academy of Country Music’s new female artist of the year, with the ACM Awards
set for May 8 in Frisco, Texas, and hosted by Reba McEntire.
Country Airplay
** No.1 (2 weeks) ** “I'm The Problem” Morgan Wallen 29.537 million audience (+0.696 million gain) / 8309 radio
plays (-82 / 12 weeks on the chart
** Most Increased Audience ** No.2 “Forever To Me” Cole Swindell
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.36 “I Ain’t Coming
Back” Morgan Wallen & Post
Malone
Hot County Songs
** No.1 (42 weeks) ** “A Bar Song
(Tipsy)” Shaboozey
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.3
“I Ain't Coming Back” Morgan Wallen & Post Malone
** Streaming Gainer ** No.11
“Weren't For The Wind” Ella
Langley
** Sales Gainer ** No.17 “Fix What You
Didn't Break” Nate Smith
** Airplay Gainer ** No.26
“Forever To Me” Cole
Swindell
Debut No.40 “God & Guns N
Roses” Tyler Braden
Debut No.43 “Man Of The Year” Sam Barber
Country
Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
Congratulations to Cole Swindell,
Kristen Williams,
Anna Cage, Andy Flick, Tom Martens,
James Marsh, Lou Ramirez and the Warner/WMN promotion team on taking “Forever To Me” to No.1. This is Swindell’s 13th chart topper, a fact made even more impressive when you
consider that
is out of 15 chart releases. Songwriters are Greylan James, Rocky Block and Swindell.
Cole Swindell with “Forever To
Me” (Warner/WMN) moved 3-1
logging 8997 radio spins (+1716), 33.357 million audience impressions (+4.881
million) with 29793 Total Points (+5824) from 159 tracking stations (159
ADDS) for the published chart dated April 28, 2025
Chris Janson’s “Me & A Beer” Is The Most Added
Kudos to Chris Janson, Clay Hunnicutt and the Harpeth 60 crew on racking up 67
adds for “Me & A Beer,” the debut release on Janson’s own label. The song
also debuts at No.49 this week
and makes Janson one of a handful of artists to chart on six different imprints. Only two artists have charted on
more: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and
Gene Watson with seven each.
(April 28, 2025 – Nashville, TN) Chris
Janson is kicking off the summer with a huge push 
from Country Radio, where the
multi-Platinum and award-winning artist was the week’s most added track with 69
stations across the nation upon the single’s debut. The track also debuted on
the Country charts at #49. Written by Janson, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips
and Andy Sheridan, the track is another Janson summer anthem reminiscent of his
signature platinum hits like “Fix A Drink,” “Buy Me A Boat” and “Good Vibes.”
“A huge thanks to Country Radio. This most added on
opening day is a real blessing. I’m truly so grateful. I’m also incredibly
grateful to our Harpeth 60 team: Clay Hunnicut, Ray Vaughn, Lauren Bartlett,
and RG Jones.” - Chris Janson
April 28, 2025 The Weeks ADDS
Artist/Title (Label) TW Historic
CHRIS JANSON/Me & A Beer (Warner/Harpeth 60) 67 67
CODY JOHNSON/The Fall (CoJo/Warner/WMN) 39 41
TY MYERS/Ends Of The Earth (Records Nashville) 31 65
TIM MCGRAW f/PARKER MCCOLLUM/Paper Umbrellas (Big
Machine/MCA) 24 81
KIP MOORE/Bad Spot (Virgin) 17 23
DYLAN SCOTT/What He'll Never Have (Curb) 16 63
MORGAN WALLEN/Just In Case (Big Loud) 16 130
JORDAN DAVIS/Bar None (MCA) 11 140
RUSSELL DICKERSON/Happen To Me (Triple Tigers) 9 142
NEWS
(21 April 2025) Grand Ole Opry
star, Lorrie Morgan, has released a
comment on the passing of Pope Francis.
"As a Roman Catholic, I am
saddened by the passing of this remarkable Pope. I am praying for wisdom for
the conclave as they select his successor, and pray for another leader of great
vision, integrity and enlightenment to carry the Church forward." ---
Lorrie Morgan
(22
April 2025) A pardon was
recommended for Jelly
Roll by The Tennessee Board of Parole (4/22),
leaving the final decision up to Governor Bill Lee. With a
pardoning of previous charges, Mr. Roll would be able to perform in Canada and,
as he said, "take [his] message of redemption through the power of music
and faith through the rest of the world.
(23 April 2025) Brittney
Spencer, Lionel Richie, Mickey Guyton, Shaboozey,
the Freddy Fender estate, Opal Lee, Fletcher
Foster, Marcus Dowling, Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Cameo
Carlson will be honored during the Guyton-hosted I'm Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration Of Inclusion May
6 at the new Hall Park Hotel in Frisco, TX.
Bits and Pieces: Riley Green's Buford
Bonds Fund golf tournament raised $150,000. It included a writers
round performance with Green, Jamey Johnson, Randy Montana, Erik
Dylan and Drake White.
Local Networks' Scott
Gaines served as a Grand Ole Opry guest announcer
April 19, calling it a "bucket list item." He introduced Ashley
McBryde's performance during the show
(22 April 2025) The Daniels
Family and 8 Track Entertainment are proud
to announce a long-term partnership focused on honoring the extraordinary
legacy of Charlie Daniels through a series of new creative
projects including recordings, a documentary, live concert
events and multimedia programming.
The collaboration brings
together a deeply personal and professional connection between the Daniels
family and Noah Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment, who was
mentored by Daniels early in his career. This new partnership is designed to
celebrate not only the music and cultural impact of the legendary
performer but also his enduring values of faith, patriotism and family.
(24 April 2025) UMG/Nashville has
rebranded as Music Corporation of America (MCA) under the
leadership of Pres./CEO Mike Harris and CCO Dave
Cobb. The company will continue to operate frontline imprints Mercury, EMI
Nashville, Capitol and MCA, as well as the Cobb-founded and newly
launched Lucille Records.
Joining the company as EVP/GM is
former Monument GM Katie McCartney, while Tom LaScola has
been named Head/Artist & Audience Strategy in an alliance with his company,
The Trenches. Songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon has been named Song
Buddy in a creative strategic alliance developed by Cobb.
(23 April 2025) Nineties country
music hitmaker Mark Chesnutt has
signed with Conway Entertainment Group / Ontourage Management to
manage his career. He's additionally signed on with Absolute Publicity for
public relations representation.
"I was Mark's first agent
at Buddy Lee up until the time I left after 33 years," says Conway
Entertainment Group / Ontourage Management president Tony Conway.
"He's one of the true great male vocalists of country music. After all
he's been through, we wanted to help him get back on the road and in the
studio. We're thrilled to be working with him on his new adventure in
life."
"I'm looking forward to
working with the great Mark Chesnutt," adds Don Murry Grubbs,
president of Absolute Publicity. "The next chapter of his career will be a
big one, and we can't wait to help tell his story. It's truly an honor to
welcome him to our roster."
(26 April 2025) Global
country music superstar Brad Paisley
headlined the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light on
Saturday, April 26, closing out an unforgettable three days at the 2025 NFL
Draft in Green Bay.
As the grand finale to Draft weekend, Paisley took the stage at the Draft Theater near Lambeau Field for a free concert following the conclusion of Round 7 of the Draft.
Paisley, who will launch the
“Truck Still Works Tour on May 21, dazzled the enthusiastic crowd with hits
from his Grammy-winning career and a blistering guitar-solo tribute to Prince.
A decorated country music icon,
Paisley has earned his place in music history with a career spanning more than
two decades, multiple GRAMMY Awards, and nearly 5 billion career streams
worldwide.
Paisley joined an elite list of
performers who have helped bring the Draft to life through music through the
years, including Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Weezer, Mötley Crüe, Ice Cube,
Marshmello, Kings of Leon, Fall Out Boy, Big Sean and more.
(27 April 2025) Devil's Right
Hand: Steve Earle was invited
to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry during his
performance Saturday night (4/26). Longtime friend Vince Gill extended
the surprise invitation after gifting Earle with an Opry guitar
strap onstage. Earle is the first artist invited to join the Opry in
its 100th year, and will officially be inducted later this
year. Watch the moment here.
ICYMI: “In the day
we live in now, with all the social media … you can release a song on Tuesday,
another song on Friday, another song on Tuesday,” Eric Church told Willie
Geist on NBC's Sunday Today. "I’m an
album artist, always have been, and I think we’ve gotten away from that now.
The ‘machine’ is consumption; the ‘machine’ is the world we live in – and the
interesting thing about ‘Evangeline’ is it’s kind of creativity versus the
machine, and ‘Evangeline’ represents that creativity.”
Wedding Bell: Warner
Music Nashville's Connor Brock wed Mary Virginia Jenkins April
26 in Mobile, AL.
GOSSIP
(22 April 2025) GOOD EVANS: Sara Evans is eagerly awaiting her first grandchild. Her daughter Audrey announced her pregnancy, sharing maternity photos and an ultrasound. Audrey, born in October 2003, revealed that the baby is due in October. The father is her boyfriend John Headley, who is graduating from University of Tennessee in 2025.
(23 April 2025) A cabin in California that was previously owned by Dolly Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean, has sold for $800,000. Carl Dean passed away at the age of 82 prior to the sale.
(24 April 2025) Kellie Pickler has been involved in a legal dispute
with her former in-laws over her husband Kyle Jacobs' estate. Kyle, a respected
songwriter and producer in Nashville, died by suicide in February 2023 at age
49. Pickler declined to serve as administrator of his estate, leaving his
parents Sharon and Reed Jacobs as co-administrators. The dispute became public
when Pickler sued them, claiming they entered her home and took personal items
without permission after Kyle's death.
BLUEGRASS NEWS
(April 22,
2025) — Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce the
release of “Hold Me Like I’m Leaving,” from Bryan McDowell, one of the most versatile and
electrifying multi-instrumentalists in American acoustic music today. This
marks McDowell’s first solo release since signing with the acclaimed label, and
it promises to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his already
distinguished career. STREAM IT HERE
A native of Western North Carolina, Bryan McDowell’s musical evolution has
spanned the traditions of Doc Watson to modern acoustic innovation, crafting a
style that is as rooted as it is forward-looking. Known for his sweet tenor
harmonies and virtuosic command of multiple instruments, McDowell has spent
years as the consummate sideman, lending his talents to a who’s who of acoustic
greats including Molly Tuttle, Cris Jacobs, Sierra Hull, Claire Lynch, and John
McEuen. Now, encouraged by his collaborative success with bassist Mark Schatz,
McDowell is stepping confidently into the spotlight with his own voice and
vision.
(25 April 2025)
Mountain Fever Records proudly presents the self-titled album from
acclaimed singer-songwriter Mason Via.
Marking a significant milestone in his career, this is his first major project
since departing the Grammy-winning band Old Crow Medicine Show (OCMS) to pursue
his own musical path—one that returns to his bluegrass roots while boldly
pushing the genre’s boundaries into progressive territory.
“This album is a pivotal turning point in my musical journey,” Via shares.
“It’s my first statement since leaving OCMS to pursue my own music. I am
returning to my roots of bluegrass and shaking it up by bringing some
progressive new-grass music to the genre.”
AMERICANA NEWS
(22 April 2025) Charlie Crockett – LONESOME DRIFTER (Lone
Star Rider | 803 plays) held at No.1 & Charlie
Crockett with “Lonesome Drifter” (Lone Star
Rider/Island | 568 plays) held at No.1 on the albums and singles
Americana Radio Charts (week of April 22, 2025). Visit americanamusic.org to
see the full charts and details for the current week's Albums and Singles.
(22 April 2025)
Country music icon, 21-time GRAMMY® nominee, multiple GRAMMY® Award winner, and
Americana trailblazer Dwight Yoakam will headline a
special kickoff concert at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville on Tuesday, September
9, as part of his Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo tour.
Presented by AMERICANAFEST, this bill pairs kindred spirits across
generations of outlaw and California country.
Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles will bring a
genre-blending set that mixes Jennings’ own catalog with the songs of Warren
Zevon, while Ben Haggard, son of country legend Merle Haggard, will
deliver a powerful tribute to his father’s legacy alongside his own original
work.
(24 April 2025) The Americana Music Association has announced its first round of artists slated to
showcase at its annual AMERICANAFEST in Nashville, running from September 9-13,
2025.
(25 April 2025) Americana singer/songwriter Karlie Bartholomew returns with her most vulnerable release yet called “Haunted House,” available everywhere! The track is a poignant exploration of memory, longing, and the ghosts we all carry with us.
From the very first line, “In my head, there’s a haunted house / The ghosts of my past rent the whole thing out,” Karlie welcomes listeners into a deeply personal space. With her signature folk-inspired storytelling and soft, soul-stirring vocals, she crafts a world that’s equal parts melancholy and magical.
“This project was so much fun to create,” Karlie shares. “I recorded and played every instrument myself in my bedroom, except for the electric guitar, which was performed by my husband, Daniel Schimmel. The lyrics were inspired by a line from 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin, where a character describes her mind as a haunted house when talking about loved ones who’ve passed. I hope you enjoy listening to this song as much as I loved making it!”
MUSIC NEWS
YouTube Music users will soon be able to share social-friendly lyric
graphics. YouTube Music is introducing a new lyric-sharing feature,
giving users the ability to share song lyrics in a visually appealing format,
complete with a customizable background and album artwork. This new
feature is currently rolling out and brings YouTube Music in line with a
similar functionality already available on Spotify and Apple Music. Social
platforms are an increasingly integral part of music discovery and fan engagement.
Features like lyric sharing open the door to new ways to connect with
listeners. With users easily able to share their favorite lyrics in a visual
format, the potential for increased visibility and engagement increases,
helping to extend a song’s reach.
(25 April 2025) “American Idol”
Season 21 winner and Hawaii native, Iam Tongi, released
new track, “Sunshine,” via 19 Recordings, recorded in
Nashville at Soultrain Sound Studios, ahead of Asian American &
Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Written by Tongi along with Tyler Cain
and Johnny Reid, the song finds Tongi basking in positivity and feel-good
warmth with a fusion of country and reggae sounds offering a dose of sonic
Vitamin D to match his Hawaiian home. Listen to “Sunshine” HERE.
At just 18-years old when he
auditioned, the Hawaiian born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist won
hearts around the world and brought Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan,
to tears with his emotional performance of James Blunt's "Monsters,"
dedicated to his father Rodney who had recently passed away - watch
it HERE
AWARDS
(23 April 2025) AMA
Heartbreak: Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and Zach
Bryan are nominated for all-genre Artist of the Year at the 2025
American Music Awards, airing live May
26 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Post has a
total of eight nominations, followed by Shaboozey with seven,
including Favorite Country Male, Album and Song. Full list and voting here.
(23 April 2025) Frisco
Inferno: 60th ACM Awards nominees Kassi Ashton, Ashley
Cooke, Dasha, Restless Road and Tucker
Wetmore, as well as Josh Abbott Band, Maggie Antone, Drew
Baldridge, William Beckmann, George Birge and The
Wilder Blue, will perform May 6-7 during ACM Country Kickoff at
The Star in Frisco, TX.
(24 April 2025) Star Power:
Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Clint
Black, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn
Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Wynonna
Judd have been added to the lineup (CAT 3/24) for the Reba
McEntire-hosted 60th Academy of
Country Music Awards. The expanded,
two-and-a-half-hour show airs live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco,
TX on Prime
(25 April 2025) On Top Of The
World: Leo33's Zach Top was surprised with news of his ACM New
Male Artist of the Year win via video from Brooks & Dunn Thursday
night (4/24) before his show in Wilmington, NC. "It means the
world to me, I’ve always wanted to just play and sing for a living, and I get
to do that now and it’s cool to be able to get a little trophy every now and
then to let us know that we’re doing good doing it," said Top. The 60th ACM Awards airs
live on Prime Video May 8 from The Ford Center at The Star in
Frisco, TX.
(27 April 2025) Ellavator: Sawgod/Col.
NY/Triple Tigers' Ella Langley was surprised with news of being named ACM New
Female Artist of the Year by Miranda Lambert via video Friday
(4/25) during a show in Knoxville. She and Male Artist of the Year Zach Top will perform during the 60th ACM Awards, airing
live on Prime Video May 8 from The Ford Center at The Star in
Frisco, TX.
TOUR / LIVE EVENTS
(21 April 2025) Festive All: Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers will
headline the sixth annual Healing Appalachia festival Sept.
19-20 at Boyd County Fairgrounds in Ashland, KY. Healing Appalachia is
the flagship production of Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit committed
to combating the opioid crisis and supporting recovery.
Tour
Support: Ty Myers added 20
dates to his The Select Tour,
beginning July 31 in Indianapolis. Tickets for the new shows go on sale Friday
(4/25) here.
Phil Vassar will
embark on his 15-date 25
Years Of Paradise tour May 30 at Freedom Country Fest in
Freedom, WI. The tour marks the 25th anniversary of his single, "Just
Another Day In Paradise." Tickets here.
(23 April 2025) Festive All: Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks will
headline the inaugural Tanglefoot Festival, set for Sept. 12-13 at
the MLK Festival Grounds in Temple, TX. Also performing are Robert Earl
Keen, Randy Rogers Band, Corey Kent, Mark Chesnutt, Jack Ingram and
more. Tickets go on sale April 25 here.
Tour Support: Dylan Scott's 15-city Easy
Does It Tour kicks off Sept. 25 in Atlanta. Joining on select dates
are George Birge, Josh Ross and Zach John
King. Tickets go on sale Friday (4/25) here.
Tour Support: Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery's
co-headlining Two For The Road Tour begins Nov. 6 in Saginaw,
MI and wraps Dec. 6 in Duluth, MN. Joining on select dates are Walker
Montgomery and Sons of Habit. Tickets go on
sale Friday (5/2) here.
Shaboozey kicks
off The Great American Roadshow Sept. 22 in Indianapolis, with
subsequent stops in Philadelphia, Nashville, Houston and more. Tickets here Friday
(5/2).
Brian
Kelley hits the road for his
19-date Sunshine State Of Mind Tour July 24 in Savannah, GA.
Tickets go on sale Friday (5/2) here.
Riley
Green has added eight stops to his Damn Country Music
Tour, kicking off in the US May 1 in Athens, GA. Support for the new dates
are Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Hannah
McFarland; tickets here Friday
(5/2).
Ole
60 have extended their 2025
schedule by 35 shows, adding Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Atlanta’s Coca
Cola Roxy, Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s and more; ticket info here.
Festive All: Chris Young, Dustin
Lynch, Tucker Wetmore and Avery Anna are
among the artists scheduled to play during the inaugural Boots In The Park in
Tucson, AZ Oct. 18. Tickets go on sale Friday (5/2) here.
(24 April 2025) Festive
All: Justin Moore, Brothers Osborne, Dasha and Preston
Cooper will perform at WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville's
annual pre-CMA Fest Country Kickoff Concert June 3 at Skydeck on
Broadway; tickets here.
TV
ICYMI: In the third episode of Idol to
Icon, Carrie Underwood revisits
her Top 11 performance, “Alone” by Heart.
PRESS RELEASES
(23 April 2025) NASHVILLE, Tenn.
– With cryptic
videos sending fans into a frenzy to catch hidden clues and uncover
their meaning, Whiskey Myers now officially confirm details of a new album on the
way. The genre-defying six piece is back and bolder than ever
with WHOMP WHACK THUNDER, their highly anticipated seventh
studio album set to release Sept. 26 via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records.
Channeling the spirit of classic rock through a modern Southern lens – roaring
guitars, thunderous drums and lyrics that cut deep – the album is available to
pre-order/pre-save HERE
(24 April 2025) Country
duo SmithField delivered a
standout performance at the grand finale of American Songwriter’s Road
Ready Talent Contest, held at The Basement East on Tuesday night. The
event featured SmithField amongst three finalists. The audience proved that it
was tough competition, with each of the performers gaining massive support
during their sets.
SmithField, known for their dynamic harmonies and heartfelt songwriting,
captivated the audience with a set that showcased both their decade of fan
favorites and fresh new material. Their performance was a highlight of the
evening, demonstrating the duo's growth and resonance with fans.
“We were the first runners up out of 14,000 submissions! It’s a noteworthy
accomplishment for us and we are beyond proud to be the only act representing
country music in the finals of this contest. We would like to thank our fans
for placing over 36,000 votes for us!” said SmithField.
(24 April 2025) Puff of Smoke, the highly-anticipated ninth studio album from
Grammy Award-nominated, progressive Americana trio The Wood Brothers, has been announced for release on August
1, 2025, via Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers. It’s preceded today by the album’s first
single “Witness” (LISTEN HERE) accompanied by a video for the song filmed and edited by founding member
and bassist Chris Wood (WATCH HERE).
Recorded at The Wood Brothers’ creative home-base The Studio Nashville, Puff
of Smoke is brimming with joy in the face of the human condition in 2025,
delivering lyrical wisdom with the winking subtlety of John Prine and the
musical hive mind of a seasoned group with two decades of shared experiences.
But instead of providing a literal soundtrack to uncertain times or a roadmap
to navigate them, the 11-song collection posits a happily contrarian outlook:
Life can turn on a dime, and all we truly have is the moment at hand.
(25 April 2025) Country music’s
most exciting party-starter, Chris Janson,
is raising a toast to the summer with his latest single, “Me & A Beer,”
out now. Written by Janson, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Andy Sheridan,
the track is another Janson summer anthem reminiscent of his signature platinum
hits like “Fix A Drink,” “Buy Me A Boat” and “Good Vibes.” The song will impact
Country radio on April 28th. “I’m excited for this new single and this
chapter in my career with Warner Music. I wrote ‘Me & A Beer’ with
some buddies not long ago and it has been getting a great reaction live on the
road. I’m glad we were able to get into the studio get it out there for
the fans.” - Chris Janson LISTEN: “Me &
A Beer” WATCH: Official
Music Video
(25 April 2025) Billboard’s
“Rookie of the Month (Country)” and #1 hit singer/songwriter John Morgan releases his highly anticipated debut
album, Carolina Blue, featuring his first #1 on country radio
as an artist - “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean).” Listen to the
project HERE.
“To say this album has been a
long time coming would be an understatement,” shares John. “Some of these songs
are more than four and five years old. I wrote most when I first moved to town
in 2020, so they’ve stood the test of time in my book.Carolina Blueis a
testament to my home state of North Carolina and all the hard working, good
people who’ve been a part of my journey. This project shows who I am as a
person and artist, and I hope people can see themselves in the songs too.
“The album highlights his ability
to craft compelling narratives, whether through heartfelt ballads or
energetic, stadium-ready anthems.” - Entertainment Focus 4.5 STARS
(25 April 2025) Multi-platinum
singer/songwriter Jordan Davis has
announced his next album, Learn The Hard Way, set to be
released on August 15th via MCA Nashville. Alongside the album
announcement, Davis has now released the title track - available to
stream/download here.
Learn The Hard Way features
the ACM and CMA award-winning artist’s single “I Ain’t Sayin’”(62.3
million streams), which was celebrated as Davis' eighth No. 1 on US Country
Radio and also secured eight weeks at No. 1 on the UK Country Radio Airplay
Chart, holding the record for the most weeks at No.1 in 2024. “This man never
disappoints” (MusicRow). “I Ain’t Sayin’” is one of the five released
songs from Learn The Hard Way alongside "Bar None",
"In Case You Missed It", "Know You Like That" and the title
track.
Davis, lauded as "one of
the leading talents in a new wave of American country music” (BBC News),
has been featured on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, CBS Mornings, The
Kelly Clarkson Show, Billboard, MusicRow, and more.
(25 April 2025) Country music’s
rising powerhouse, 13-year-old Josie Sal,
is making waves once again with her latest single, “Fake Friends.”
Produced by industry veteran Noah Henson (Kane Brown, Brantley
Gilbert), the track highlights Josie’s fearless spirit and signature blend of
country roots with a modern edge. An anthem of confidence and resilience, “Fake
Friends” speaks to seeing people’s true colors—whether good or bad. Too often,
those closest to you aren’t always the ones truly cheering you on. With her
bold lyrics and undeniable talent, Josie proves that age is just a number—she’s
a force to be reckoned with. “Fake Friends” is now streaming on all major
platforms! To purchase/stream: vyd.co/JosieSalFakeFriends
Visit the links below to view
the “Fake Friends” premiere by Dillon Weldon and Drifting Cowboy on Instagram
(24 April 2025) Rising country
artist Will Morton has released a new
single, “Grace In The Wrong Place,” bringing awareness and unity
to those struggling with addiction and searching for comfort. “Grace In the
Wrong Place” is available on all streaming platforms now here.
After battling his own personal struggles with addiction
and becoming sober in 2013, Morton reflects on the hard-hitting lyrics of
his single, "This song was inspired by my personal struggles
with addiction. It’s the story of trying to find comfort in something, which
for me was alcohol. If you listen closely, you will hear the melody of Amazing
Grace. This song plays as a metaphor that God's Grace is always there, but you
have to be willing to hear it.”
(25 April 2025) Ashley Monroe announced
her sixth studio album Tennessee Lightning will be released August
8th. Recorded in the wake of Monroe’s transformative bout with cancer, the
17-song collection documents her remarkable journey as a celebration of life,
love and the healing power of music. Along with the announcement, the 3x GRAMMY
nominee shares her new single “The Touch” (feat. Marty Stuart),
a smouldering love song complete with a dreamy guitar riff from Stuart on
guitar and Shelby Lynne on bass. In the spirit of true collaboration, Tennessee
Lightning also includes contributions from special guests T Bone Burnett,
Brittney Spencer, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson, Butch
Walker, Karen Fairchild and Armand Hutton.
“‘The Touch’ is the first song I ever wrote with the incredible Marty Stuart,” says Monroe. “It was storming so loud that day, and we could feel the electricity just hanging in the air. He played that guitar lick, and my heart melted. I’ve always been a fan of timeless love songs. So honored to have Marty write this one with me and play on it! I’m also so proud to have Shelby Lynne on bass! What a band!”
Stuart added, “‘The Touch’ is
a majestic song. When Ashley and I were recording the words and music onto our
cell phones moments after we'd finished writing it, the Nashville sky filled
with thunder. The windows in the room where the song came to life rattled like
bones. We laughed and took that as a sign that God liked the song. Lightning in
a bottle if you will. I didn't think any performance of the song could get any
better than our inspired working version. Ashley's formal recording, however,
takes the song up into the clouds and commands time to stand still. The
harmonies are glorious. ‘The Touch’ is four minutes and fifty-one seconds of
pure magic. The kind of song we long for.”
(25 April 2025) Rising
country-pop recording artist Allison Asarch is back with her highly
anticipated sophomore album, 'Souvenirs
of Love' - available everywhere now! A vibrant tapestry of
heartfelt storytelling and irresistible melodies, the album spotlights
Allison’s evolution as both a songwriter and artist.
"This album showcases my growth as a songwriter," shares Allison. "I honor my relationships with my grandparents, tell stories that hopefully resonate with different types of people, and really highlight Souvenirs of Love through each song."
The 13-track collection,
produced with Allison’s signature blend of country, pop, and jazz influences,
weaves together intimate reflections and universal themes of love, loss, and
resilience.
The album has already garnered
early acclaim from the press. Music City Melodies praises
the title track as “a testament to her ability to turn heartbreak into
something both beautiful and universally relatable,” while Grubs
+ Grooves calls her previously released single 'Better with
Time' “one of her strongest releases yet.”
(25 April 2025) Acclaimed
singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson’s new song, 'Pretty Much', is out now
alongside an official music video. Listen to the song HERE and watch the video,
directed by Dustin Haney (Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson), HERE.
Of the track, Nelson shares, “Sometimes I wonder about a love so strong that I want their face to be the last I see. This is a song about that kinda love. Surrounded by family, recounting all the different times you fell in love with each other again, and again, and again….”
'Pretty Much' is the second song
unveiled from Nelson’s highly anticipated new album, American Romance,
which will be released June 20, 2025 — his first solo project and first
in partnership with Sony Music Nashville (pre-order/pre-save here). Produced by Grammy Award-winner Shooter Jennings
(Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), American Romance cements Nelson as a
singular artist, as he showcases his songwriting dexterity and country-blended
sound in a way that feels both familiar and new. Across these twelve tracks,
including collaborations with Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr.,
Nelson tells stories of his life on the road, detailing the joys, complexities,
beauty and heartbreak he’s encountered during his travels across the
country.
(25 April 2025) Rising
country-pop artist Neah McMeen released her highly anticipated third single, “Girls
Cry In Cars”, marking a vulnerable and deeply relatable moment in
her blossoming career. LISTEN to the track here.
For McMeen, a college sophomore and sorority member, the car wasn’t just a way to get around — it was a sanctuary.
“It was the only place I could
go to be alone,” she shares. “Living in a sorority house, it’s nearly
impossible to find a moment to yourself. So I’d go sit in my car, call my
family, blast music, and sometimes, I’d just cry. That little space became everything.”
“Girls Cry In Cars” captures
this intimate slice of life — a quiet, emotional ritual that resonates with
young women everywhere. Whether it's a solo cry session to sad music or a
cathartic drive with friends, windows down and voices up, the song taps into a
feeling many know, but few put into words.
McMeen's prior releases
include “Bitter” and “Lonely Night.” With another single slated
for release in June, fans can expect two additional singles from her before the
end of 2025, marking a banner year in both her musical and media journey.
(25 April 2025) Country-Rock
powerhouse Tyler Braden serves up an introspective and impactful new song
entitled “RIGHT ON TRACK” out now via Warner Music Nashville, paving the way
for the impending release of his highly anticipated debut full-length album, devil
and a prayer, out on 16th May. Listen To “Right On Track” Here / Watch The Visualiser Here.
From the jump, Braden’s vivid
storytelling drives “RIGHT ON TRACK” through loose acoustic guitar and a haze
of feedback. A tale of self-reflection, he follows a thematic thread from one
decade to the next. Without holding back, the track explores what it means to
grow at your own pace.
(25 April 2025) Prolific artist-writer Zandi Holup releases the sublimely devastating “Mountain
Man,” following two initial offerings:
“Dirty Wings” and “Gas Station Flowers.” Like those songs, “Mountain Man” is a
window into the sonic identity of her forthcoming project produced by Ryan
Hadlock (Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers, Wyatt Flores).
“'Mountain Man' is a song where an artistic picture of a
man is painted making him a masterpiece, and then it is slashed by the
heartbreak that he will never truly be with you,” shares Holup.
“Much of my music is cathartic rather than hopeful, but I also believe hope is
found in catharsis.”
WATCH
(21 April 2025) Randy Rogers Band has
released the emotional music video for their latest single, “Break Itself.”
The video made its broadcast debut on CMT Music and
is now spinning across the 24-hour music channel. The music video follows a
family struggling with the balance of family life and work that takes them from
home and their loved ones. Directed by the band’s bass guitarist, Jon
Richardson, we see a hardworking family man who is often taken away from
home for his job and the difficult choices that must be made – leading to a
shocking conclusion.
“Break Itself,” written by
Rogers, Parker McCollum and Randy Montana, is the band’s first new music
release in two years. The single marks the start of the next chapter of music
from the Texas legends who have been in the studio with producer, Jedd Hughes.
More new music from Randy Rogers Band this year as the group hones an elevated
sound that still mirrors the heart of Texas.
(21 April 2025) Country music
standout Emily Ann Roberts showcases
both her vocal power and fun on-screen presence in the brand new music video
for “Scratching Out a Living.” Taking on the role of a hardworking wife
and mother of two, Roberts brings the everyday hustle to life with heart,
humor, and authenticity. Watch here:
In the video, Emily Ann portrays
the nonstop life of a working parent with household messes, job stress, and a
never-ending to-do list with a wink and a smile. Roberts' down-to-earth energy
and authenticity shine through, making the video both relatable and
entertaining. Featuring a guest appearance from the song’s producer, multi-Hall
of Fame member and 10x CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally, the
video blends humor and resilience, showing the struggles and triumphs of making
it all work.
(23 April 2025) “An artist to
keep an eye on in 2025” (Entertainment Focus), Nick Smith, puts his tender love story on display
with the release of the official music video for “Once Upon A Backroad,”
available now on all platforms. Using his “raw talent and powerful
storytelling” (Fandom Daily), Smith reminisces on the beginning of his
relationship, and the growth experienced together over the years - through the
highs, lows, and everything in between. Including footage from Smith’s own
wedding, the official music video showcases just how much Smith adores his
wife, as he uses the country, pop-infused track to tell the tale.
Watch the official music
video for “Once Upon A Backroad” HERE.
(April 24, 2025) multi-platinum
entertainer Russell Dickerson unleashes the live energy of his latest hit in the
brand-new performance video, “Happen To Me (From Nashville).”
Captured during the explosive kickoff of his RUSSELLMANIA TOUR at The Pinnacle
in Nashville (3/14), the video is packed with the song’s “infectious” (Country
Swag) spirit, massive singalongs, and a sea of fans—all showcasing the
electric atmosphere that has become the heartbeat of Dickerson’s shows. Watch HERE
BABY NEWS
Crib Note: Warner
Music Nashville artist Randall King and his fiancée, fellow singer/songwriter Brittany Warthan,
welcomed their first child, Paisley Leanna on April 3.
"I’ve dreamt of being able to start a family for so long, and now here we
are in this beautiful new chapter of life," King shared on
social media. "I was built to be a daddy and Britt is already such a
wonderful mom to little Paisley Leanna. It’s only fitting to give her my
sister’s name on the fifth year of Leanna’s passing."
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead:
April 29: Duane Allen
(Oak Ridge Boys) - (1943), Willie Nelson - (1933), Michael Ray
(1988)
April 30: the late Johnny
Horton - (April 30, 1925; died Nov 5, 1960 (aged 35), Robert Reynolds
(Mavericks) (1962), Carolyn Dawn Johnson (1971), Tyler Wilkinson
(WIlkinsons) (1984), Brandon Lancaster (LANCO) (1989)
May 1: Tim McGraw (1967),
Rita Coolidge (1945), the late Sonny James (May 1, 1929; died Feb
22, 2016 (aged 87),
May 2: Ty Herndon (1962),
Larry Gatlin (1948), Claire McArthur Bain (Raintown), Lucy May
May 3: Scott 'Cactus' Moser
(Highway 101) (1957), Eric Church (1977), Gwen Sebastian (1974), Ella
Langley (1999)
May 4: Stella Parton
(1949), Randy Travis (1959), Raelynn (1994), Felicity Urquhart
(AUS; 1976)
RIP
(23 April 2025) Chronicle: Keyboardist,
producer and studio owner David Briggs passed April 22. He was 82. Briggs first played
on sessions in Muscle Shoals and was recruited to Nashville by Owen Bradley. He
played on Elvis Presley's 1966 How Great Thou Art and recorded
with Presley for the next decade. Briggs was a partner in opening Nashville's
Quadrafonic Studios in 1969. After that sold, he opened House of David Studio
in 1982. Briggs was Music Director for the CMA Awards for 15
years, was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and into the
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019.
(24 April 2025) With heavy
hearts, we mourn the sudden passing of Louise
“Lulu” Roman, an extraordinary country and gospel music artist,
comedian, and beloved star of the legendary television show Hee Haw.
Lulu, aged 78, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of April 23, 2025,
leaving behind a remarkable legacy of music, humor, and unwavering faith that
resonated with fans across the globe.
Friends and colleagues
share their fond memories of the star:
“So sorry to hear of Lulu
Roman passing. I loved her joyful attitude! She always lifted everyone up and
her voice will live on forever in the country music community. She was a legend
in our industry and will be missed!” - Lee Greenwood
“I am saddened that Lulu
Roman has passed. I have known Lulu since the beginning of my career and she
has been a special friend ever since. It’s hard to say goodbyes. I will miss my
old friend.” - Crystal Gayle
I loved Lulu and she loved me❤️.” –
Linda Davis- friend/sister in Christ
Talented, friendly, loving
and more describes Lulu Roman. This lady will be missed beyond measure. We love
you Lulu. Rest in Sweet Peace.” - Rhonda Vincent
"Lulu was as authentic as
any person I've ever met which made her a brilliant comedian and actress. The
best kept secret was her amazing voice and her love for gospel music.
When she sang, she could rattle the gates of heaven. I'm gonna miss you
Lu!" - Billy Dean, Singer/Songwriter
About Lulu Roman:
Beyond her work on Hee
Haw, Lulu was a trailblazer in gospel music. Her soulful voice and
heartfelt performances earned her a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove Awards,
including accolades from the Gospel Music Association. Albums such as You
Were There and Take Me There showcased her ability to
blend faith, hope, and personal testimony into music that uplifted and
inspired.