OPRY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP IGNITES NASHVILLE WITH WEEK-LONG 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION FEATURING ROOFTOP FIREWORKS VIEWS, LIVE MUSIC, AND ICONIC PERFORMANCES ACROSS DOWNTOWN VENUES

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Opry Entertainment Group is set to host an unforgettable week-long Fourth of July celebration in downtown Nashville, inviting locals and visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant array of events from July 1-8. The festivities will span Category 10, Ole Red, and the historic Ryman Auditorium, promising spectacular summer experiences.

At Category 10, the “Luke Combs’ Big USA Party” will run all week, culminating in the “Big USA Fireworks Party” on July 4. Guests can enjoy unparalleled views of Nashville’s downtown fireworks from The Eye, Category 10’s riverfront rooftop. Ole Red joins the revelry with its “Ole Red, White and Blue Firework Rooftop Viewing Party” on Friday, July 4. The Lookout rooftop will provide panoramic views of the firework display. The iconic Ryman Auditorium will host Bluegrass Nights with Rhonda Vincent on Tuesday, July 1, and Elvis Costello & The Imposters on Saturday, July 5. Throughout the week, visitors can also explore the Ryman’s self-guided tour, including the brand-new Opry 100 exhibit celebrating a century of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Icon Walk featuring a recently unveiled bronze statue of George Jones. Opry Entertainment Group invites everyone to experience the heart of Nashville’s Independence Day celebrations across these premier venues.

About Opry Entertainment Group:
Rooted in the unparalleled country music history of the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Entertainment Group produces multi-platform entertainment experiences through its growing portfolio of entertainment venues. This includes the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand and Category 10, the Luke Combs-inspired entertainment experience. Through concerts, tours, music-inspired restaurants, digital content, and its WSM Radio and Circle Country platforms, Opry Entertainment Group connects millions of music fans to the artists they love through experiences they’ll never forget. Opry Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality
Properties, Inc.

COLE SWINDELL RELEASED EMOTIONAL NEW SONG “DALE, JR.”

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Multi-Platinum-selling superstar and multi–ACM Award-winner Cole Swindell released his highly-anticipated new song, “Dale, Jr.,” June 13 across all digital platforms- in honor of Father’s Day. “Dale, Jr.” will be on his upcoming fifth studio album for Warner Music Nashville, Spanish Moss, scheduled to be released June 27. .

“Dale, Jr.,” written by Cole Swindell, Greylan James and Matt Alderman, is a true story about Cole and Jr. just doing “what missin’ dad son’s do” – connecting on and reminiscing and remembering the memory of their Dads.

“It’s one of the most emotional songs on this album,” said Swindell. “It’s track three, obviously, on purpose as a little nod to Dale, Sr and I don’t think you would expect what you’re about to hear. It’s just a true story. Dale Jr. reached out to me years back when I had, ‘You Should Be Here’ and he said he could relate to the song after the loss of his Dad, Dale, Sr. Obviously, he had never heard of my dad or met him, but it just shows you that people are real people. They’re dads, too. It’s not about what their occupations were. Dale Jr. and I connected over a common bond of loss. ‘We just did what missing dads sons do’ is one of my favorite lines I’ve ever been a part of writing. I hope Dale finds his song as special as I do.”

Swindell has been releasing new music from Spanish Moss, including his new radio single “We Can Always Move On,” the album’s debut No. 1 single “Forever To Me,” as well as the digital-only releases of “Bottom Of It,” “Dirty Dancing,” “We Can Always Move On,” “Spanish Moss,” “Kill A Prayer,” and “One Day” – all of which will be on the new album, Spanish Moss, which will be available on June 27.

About Cole Swindell:
Country music superstar Cole Swindell, who Rolling Stone has called “a proven hit-maker,” has solidified himself as a hit songwriter, recording artist and headlining performer over the past eleven years. With his latest single “Forever To Me” from his upcoming fifth studio album, Spanish Moss, just hitting No. 1, the multi-Platinum award winner has now racked up 13 No. 1 singles as an artist – 14 as a songwriter. Spanish Moss will be available June 27.

Swindell has been releasing new music from Spanish Moss, including his new radio single “We Can Always Move On,” the album’s debut No. 1 single “Forever To Me,” as well as the digital-only releases of “Dale, Jr.,” “Bottom Of It,” “Dirty Dancing,” “We Can Always Move On,” “Spanish Moss,” “Kill A Prayer,” and “One Day” – all of which will be on the new album.

Swindell, who The Tennessean called a “hard charging competitor armed with a mastery of the art of the craft, tirelessly looking for ways to improve his work” charted three back-to-back, Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 hits off his fourth studio album, Stereotype: “Single Saturday Night,” “Never Say Never” (with Lainey Wilson) and the five-week 3x Platinum chart-topper “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” that garnered three ACM Awards for Single of the Year and Song of the Year (as songwriter and artist), an iHeart Music Award for Country Song of the Year and received a nomination for Musical Event of the Year for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” with Jo Dee Messina for the 57th CMA Awards. He released a special duet remix of his smash “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” featuring Messina that produced multiple award nominations and is included on his deluxe album Stereotype Broken, which also includes his 2023 Top 10 single “Drinkaby.”

The Georgia native just returned from his first international tour dates in March opening for Cody Johnson’s Leather Deluxe Tour in Australia and New Zealand. Swindell will launch his 2025 headlining Happy Hour Sad Tour in September.

SUN RECORDS AND McINTOSH HONOR THE ICONIC ARTISTRY OF JOHNNY CASH

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The unmistakable voice of Johnny Cash returns in a groundbreaking celebration of sound, thanks to a collaboration between world-class institutions Sun Records, the label that famously launched Cash’s career, and McIntosh, the leading name in audio excellence. Released today, McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash is an exclusive 18-track double album that revives the energy and emotional depth of Cash’s early years through meticulously restored and rarely heard recordings.

This collection offers a unique glimpse into Cash’s beginnings at Sun Records, with alternative and exceptional versions of classics like “Train of Love,” “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” and “I Walk the Line.” Each track has been carefully remastered from the original analog tapes, resulting in an engaging listening experience that captures the very essence of the “Man in Black,” virtually placing listeners in the studio with the legend himself.

Pressed on 180-gram audiophile-grade 12” vinyl at 45 RPM, this special-edition release offers a dynamic and immersive experience.

For Sun Records, this project is a return to the raw spirit and timeless storytelling that defined Johnny Cash’s earliest recordings. As the label that introduced the world to Cash’s distinct voice and defiant songwriting, Sun has once again opened its legendary vaults to honor the warmth, grit, and authenticity of analog sound. Pure Johnny Cash is more than an album; it’s a sonic time capsule that bridges generations of music lovers.

“Sam Phillips had a way of capturing lightning in a bottle, and these early recordings of Johnny Cash perfectly exemplify that,” says Chase Gregory, Senior Director A&R + Sync, Sun Records. “Remastering them in high fidelity is a way of honoring that legacy with the care it deserves. This album is a glimpse into the recording session, as everything you hear was performed in one take with no overdubs. The result is a powerfully authentic, yet refined listening experience, that reminds us just how revolutionary Cash was from the very beginning.”

As part of the collaboration, McIntosh and Sun Records produced a limited-edition Sun Records MTI100 Integrated Turntable. A modern audio system for modern audiophiles, the Sun Records MTI100 Integrated Turntable combines a turntable, amplifier and preamplifier into one, Bluetooth-friendly design. With the addition of speakers, the Sun Records MTI100 Integrated Turntable reproduces McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash – and all vinyl albums – with inimitable, ultimate quality sound.

Packaged in a sleek, vintage-inspired design that nods to Cash’s legacy, the album and turntable will be available starting June 17.

About Sun Records
Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture.

About McIntosh

McIntosh is known for offering hand-crafted quality audio products, superior customer service and the ultimate experience in music and film. Following its 75th anniversary year in 2024, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discerning consumers around the world. Since 1949, McIntosh products have been engineered and built in Binghamton, New York and have undergone an incredible history, having powered events ranging from presidential inaugurations to Woodstock ‘69. McIntosh products are globally renowned both for their iconic signature design — including the beloved blue metered faceplate — as well as their unparalleled, powerful audio quality.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN SURPRISED WITH EIGHT RIAA CERTIFICATIONS

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The weekend of June 7-8 marked a milestone moment for multi-platinum country superstar Bailey Zimmerman, who kicked off his Summer 2025 New To Country Tour with sold-out shows in Indianapolis, IN and Sterling Heights, MI, and ended the weekend with a performance at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest. Just before taking the stage Sunday night at the Fest, Zimmerman was surprised backstage from Warner Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment with eight RIAA certification plaques: “Rock and A Hard Place” (6X PLATINUM), “Religiously” (4X PLATINUM), “Never Comin’ Home” (PLATINUM), “Change” (GOLD), “Fix’n To Break” (GOLD), “Get to Gettin’ Gone” (GOLD), “Never Leave” (GOLD), and “Chase Her” (GOLD), celebrating a career marked by skyrocketing success.

The celebration comes on the heels of Zimmerman launching his New To Country Tour, produced by Live Nation and featuring support from Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge. The summer-long journey will take Zimmerman across the U.S., including major amphitheaters and festival stages like Country Fest, Tailgates N’ Tallboys, Windy City Smokeout, Country Thunder, and more, before wrapping up in Laughlin, NV on September 13.

Adding to the excitement, Zimmerman also announced the upcoming release of his highly anticipated sophomore album Different Night Same Rodeo, set to release on August 8 via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. Produced by longtime collaborator Austin Shawn, the album includes the platinum-certified single “Holy Smokes,” superstar collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs, and brand new tracks like “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” and his latest single, “Comin’ In Cold.”

ABOUT BAILEY ZIMMERMAN
Hailing from Louisville, Illinois, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Bailey Zimmerman is one of country music’s brightest stars, known for his chart topping hits and authentic gritty sound. After first gaining traction by posting original songs to social media in 2020, Zimmerman rocketed into the spotlight with the viral success of “Fall in Love,” which made him the fastest debut country artist to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in over a decade.

In 2023, Zimmerman released his debut album Religiously. The Album. which arrived as not only the biggest streaming debut for a country album in history, but also the biggest all-genre streaming debut since 2021. The “comfortably bruising and appealingly bruised” (The New York Times) album also features his fourth consecutive No. 1 single “Where It Ends,” his 4x-Platinum, No. 1 debut single, “Fall In Love,” and its 5x-Platinum follow-up, the six-week No. 1 mega-hit “Rock And A Hard Place.” The album debuted at #3 on the Top Country Albums chart and #7 on the Billboard 200, instantly positioning him as one of the genre’s most impactful new voices.

In 2024, Zimmerman continued to dominate the charts with singles “Holy Smokes,” “Holding On” and “New To Country” all of which made a splash. Most recently, Zimmerman announced that his Sophomore album Different Night Same Rodeo will be out August 8th and will feature previously released superstar collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs as well as Top 10 and platinum single “Holy Smokes,” in addition to “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” and “Comin’ In Cold.” This summer, Zimmerman will be hitting the road for his New To Country Tour, which saw 13 of 16 dates sell out instantly, and will be headlining major festivals, while gearing up for the new album.

Zimmerman has earned multiple award nominations, including nods from the Billboard Music Awards, ACM Awards, People’s Choice Country Awards, and CMT Music Awards—cementing his status as one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. He has ignited television audiences across the country with show-stopping performances on Good Morning America, TODAY, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, and the 2024 CMT Music Awards and more. Beyond the stage, Zimmerman has drawn widespread acclaim from top-tier media outlets including Forbes, Rolling Stone, Variety, Los Angeles Times, Billboard, American Songwriter, and more.

“CMA FEST PRESENTED BY SOFI,” REVEALS LINEUP FOR PRIMETIME CONCERT SPECIAL AIRING THURSDAY, JUNE 26 AT 8/7c ON ABC AND NEXT DAY ON HULU

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The countdown is on! With “CMA Fest presented by SoFi” just around the corner, the Country Music Association and ABC have revealed the jam-packed lineup featured in the primetime concert television special. Hosted by Country Music stars Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, the special airs on Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC and next day on Hulu. The three-hour concert event features can’t-miss collaborations and unforgettable performances that took place during the 52nd CMA Fest in Nashville earlier this month.

Featured “CMA Fest presented by SoFi” performers include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BigXthaPlug, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Marcus King, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Carín León, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Shaboozey, Blake Shelton, Zach Top, Travis Tritt, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman

SoFi is proud to be the first-ever broadcast presenting sponsor of CMA Fest, in a partnership that aims to inspire people to achieve financial independence through the power of music. As part of the integration, SoFi will be spotlighting its work with CMA Award-winning artist Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves, with the recent launch of the Rising Stars Program, a local campaign that hopes to inspire Tennessee students to invest in their futures. Now through July 31, 2025, Tennessee residents ages 18–24 can enter to receive between $5 and $1,000 in stock, at no cost and with no minimum deposit, by opening a SoFi Invest® account. To learn more, visit sofi.com/risingstars.

Country Music fans can already start making plans to attend the longest-running Country Music festival in the world next year! Four-night stadium passes for the 53rd CMA Fest, taking place in Nashville from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, 2026, will go on sale Thursday, June 26 at 10:00 AM/CT through Ticketmaster. Want early access? CMA Country Connection email subscribers will receive exclusive presale access starting Monday, June 23 at 10:00 AM/CT.

SoFi Plus members will also get exclusive access to purchase CMA Fest 2026 passes from June 26 to July 3, 2025. This is just one of the many benefits from SoFi Plus, which also includes an unlimited 1% match on recurring deposits to SoFi Invest®, over $1,000 in annual value, unlimited financial planning, SoFi Bank’s highest APY on savings, and exclusive SoFi Plus experiences. To unlock all of these perks and more, sign up for SoFi Plus at sofi.com/sofi-plus.

About CMA Fest
For more than 50 years, CMA Fest has united the Country Music community, bringing fans, artists and industry professionals together for four unforgettable days in the heart of Nashville. What began in 1972 as Fan Fair® with just 5,000 attendees has evolved into the longest-running Country Music festival in the world, drawing an estimated 95,000 attendees. CMA Fest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of the connection between artists and fans, featuring hundreds of performances and collaborations across multiple stages, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and the vibrant energy of Nashville, all fueling something bigger than the event itself. CMA Fest artists donate their time, turning their performances and appearances into purpose, with proceeds supporting music education through the CMA Foundation. This year marks the 22nd consecutive year that CMA has produced a summer music program to air as a network television special on ABC.

About SoFi
SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) is a one-stop shop for digital financial services on a mission to help people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Over 10.9 million members trust SoFi to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect their money – all in one app – and get access to financial planners, exclusive experiences, and a thriving community. Fintechs, financial institutions, and brands use SoFi’s technology platform Galileo to build and manage innovative financial solutions across 158.4 million global accounts. For more information, visit www.sofi.com or download our iOS and Android apps.

“AMERICAN IDOL” WINNER IAM TONGI RELEASES POWERFUL NEW TRACK, “UNBREAK MY HEART,” FOR HIS LATE FATHER

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On the heels of a week of career firsts and milestones including a performance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” his CMA Fest debut and being surprised with a plaque for 100,000,000 streams, “American Idol” Season 21 winner and Hawaii native, Iam Tongi, releases the powerful new track, “Unbreak My Heart.”

Written by Johnny Reid and Thomas “Tawgs” Salter and recorded in Nashville at Soultrain Sound Studios, the deeply personal ballad finds Tongi reflecting on the loss of his father and picking up the pieces. Delivering vocals tinged with pain and perseverance in a tribute to wounds that never heal, the song is a spiritual follow-up to Tongi’s tearjerking performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters” on “American Idol.” Arriving just over a week before Father’s Day the new track is once again dedicated to his late father.

Tongi says of the song, “I recorded ‘Unbreak My Heart’ in honor of my late father. The first time I heard it I was reminded of exactly how I felt the day we lost him. It speaks true to me and I hope anyone that hears it that has experienced loss knows they are not alone.”

The new music follows a flurry of activity in recent weeks for the Hawaii native, including a return to the Idol stage for the hit ABC show’s Disney Night. The Pacific Islander performed the Lilo & Stitch classic “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.” Tongi’s take of the song is featured in Disney’s blockbuster live-action Lilo & Stitch film in theaters now.

Tongi kicked off CMA Fest week on Monday with an acoustic performance of the new track on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” followed by a surprise appearance at a special American Idols Takeover presented by 19 and BMG on Wednesday where he was presented with a plaque for achieving 100,000,000 streams. He then made his CMA Fest debut on the Dr. Pepper Amp stage on Thursday.

CMA Fest week activities, the release of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” and a return to “American Idol” follow Tongi’s release, “Sunshine” via 19 Recordings, for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Written by Tongi along with Tyler Cain and Johnny Reid, the song finds him 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.

At just 18-years old when he auditioned for Idol, 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. The audition went on to become the most watched on the show’s YouTube with 37 million views. Tongi became the first Pacific Islander to win the series and went on to earn his first Billboard No. 1 on the Rock Digital Songs Sales Chart after releasing his debut single, “I’ll Be Seeing You”

Tongi made his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 11. He is currently on the road with dates across the U.S. through the summer and fall including several dates as support for Hawaiian singer-songwriter Maoli on his Last Sip of Summer Tour as well as Kolohe Kai’s What Aloha Means Tour.

Watch for Iam on Nashville Insider.

THE BAND PERRY IS BACK – SURPRISES FANS WITH OFFICIAL RETURN TO COUNTRY FORMAT + PERFORMANCE AT NASHVILLE’S CMA FEST

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The Band Perry announces their official return to country music. The new lineup for the family band is Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, and Johnny Costello. Surprising fans, the trio will performed on CMA Fest’s Hard Rock Stage on Friday, June 6.

“After stepping away to take a break and evolve, we’re feeling more grounded, more fired-up, and more connected to our roots than ever,” the band shares. “Country music has always been home for us—and we feel so grateful to still have a seat at the table. We’re bringing everything we’ve lived, everything we’ve learned, and a whole new energy into this next season. We can’t wait to share what’s coming.”

Originally rising to fame with multi-platinum hits like “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” and “DONE.,” the GRAMMY-winning trio earned critical and commercial acclaim, selling two and a half million albums, 12 million singles, racking up over 1 billion streams, earning multiple CMA, ACM, and CMT Music Awards, and six #1 country singles.

Nearly 15 years to the day since the initial release of “If I Die Young” (6/8/10) and the band’s lauded, self-titled debut album, the band celebrates with their return to the format.

“If I Die Young” is 9x Platinum, won 2011 CMA Song and Single of the Year awards respectively, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Song, spent 53 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and topped both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot AC charts, cementing The Band Perry as one of the most impactful country bands of its generation.

In January, the trio reunited quietly for a Hurricane Helene benefit show at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, Tennessee. “Using this benefit show to give back to the county that shaped my family and me for 25 years allows us to honor how this community contributed to many defining pieces of our lives and success,” Kimberly shared with The Tennessean at the time.

The band is in the studio now, with more music news to come.

About The Band Perry:
The Band Perry is a GRAMMY®, CMA, and ACM Award-winning trio known for their genre-defying sound and bold artistic reinvention. Since bursting onto the scene with their 9x Platinum smash hit “If I Die Young,” the Perry siblings have captivated audiences worldwide. Composed of Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry, and Johnny Costello, the band’s 2025 return marks the end of hiatus and the start of a new artistic era.

Spanning a decade-plus of music and two albums, The Band Perry has sold two and a half million albums, 12 million singles, and racked up over 1 billion streams. Their success story continues to grow both domestically and globally, a talent powerhouse touting sold-out world tours, six #1 singles, multiple RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications, and pioneering chart success.

Their Appalachian gothic sound is amplified by heartfelt, original storytelling, dynamic musicianship, and high-energy performance. Known for pushing creative boundaries while staying rooted in Southern tradition, the trio continues to evolve — both artistically and as individuals.

LEE GREENWOOD CELEBRATES DOUBLE PLATINUM SUCCESS OF “GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.” DURING CMA MUSIC FEST

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CMA Music Fest is always full of music, memories, rain, humidity, and surprise accolades and awards! 2025 was no different for award-winning singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood as his schedule took him from the softball field to Kid Rock’s Detroit Cowboy opening to signing autographs for music lovers at Fan Fair X.

“I love Fan Fair or CMA Music Fest now, but it will always be Fan Fair to me,” says Lee Greenwood. “This is that one time a year where you get to reconnect with those hardcore fans that attend concert after concert and support us artists all year long with anything we have to promote. It brings back so many fond memories as I see some of these familiar faces and then when they show you photos from 20 or 30 years ago and all of a sudden it takes you right back to that moment in time. No other genre of music does this and it is something very special.”

In addition, Greenwood was presented with a plaque from MCA Records/Universal Music Group for two-million sales of the single, “God Bless The U.S.A.” during a private dinner event. During Memorial Day weekend, God Bless The U.S.A.’s original MCA recording saw an 819% increase of Instagram for creations and a 424% increase on views (4.8M), according to MCA Records/UMe.

Earlier this year, Greenwood’s rock version of “God Bless The U.S.A.” with Drew Jacobs topped the Billboard Rock Chart. A plaque for its success was also presented to Greenwood during the dinner event.

“I am truly honored and thrilled that God Bless The U.S.A. is still having the success that it is having,” Greenwood shared. “I would have never dreamed that 40 years later, from its original release, that I would still be topping the charts with that one song. Dreams do really do come true!”

About Lee Greenwood:
Throughout his expansive career, international country music icon Lee Greenwood has earned multiple CMA and ACM Awards, a Grammy Award for Top Male Vocal Performance on “I.O.U.” in 1985, and a multitude of other prestigious awards nominations. His discography includes twenty-two studio albums, seven compilation albums, seven No. 1 hits, and thirty-eight singles, including timeless classics such as “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Ring On Her Finger Time on Her Hands,” “She’s Lyin’,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose,” “Dixie Road,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going Going Gone,” and “You Got A Good Love Comin’.”

His iconic hit “God Bless the U.S.A.” remains a hallmark of patriotism, charting in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001, and 2003)—the only song in any genre to do so. It also reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly after 9/11.

Greenwood continued his impressive career with significant milestones, including a Billboard No. 1 rock song (2024), the prestigious double-platinum certification for “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and a recognition of his enduring impact through an All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood in October 2021 in Huntsville, Alabama. This star-studded tribute featured performances by some of music’s biggest names and celebrated Greenwood’s incredible contributions to music and patriotism.

In August 2024, Greenwood was honored on the Grand Ole Opry stage by Helping A Hero for his decades-long support of veterans and active-duty service members. Known for his unwavering patriotism and commitment to the U.S. military, Greenwood has been honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s National Patriot’s Award and has entertained troops on more than 30 USO Tours.

NU-BLU BRINGS TWO DECADES OF CHART TOPPING BLUEGRASS TO CMA FEST 2025

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North Carolina’s acclaimed acoustic powerhouse, Nu-Blu, brought their signature sound to Nashville for a highly anticipated appearance at CMA Fest 2025. Celebrating an incredible 20 years in music, the band, fronted by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh, has firmly established itself as one of the most compelling acts in bluegrass. Hailed by Nashville Entertainment Weekly as having a vocalist who is “the breathtaking heir to the kingdom that Alison Krauss built,” Carolyn Routh’s soulful soprano—ranging from a tender lullaby to a powerful force—is at the heart of their unique sound.

Over their storied career, Nu-Blu has released five Top Ten Billboard albums and garnered major headlines, including for their George Jones-inspired single “Jesus and Jones” featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore. The award-winning band has also become a familiar face to national audiences through their role as hosts of “Bluegrass Ridge,” the globally syndicated TV show that reaches 120 million homes and celebrates its own 25th anniversary in 2025.

Their CMA Fest performance comes on the heels of their successful 20th-anniversary album, Where You’ve Been, a narrative-driven project reflecting on their musical journey. The album features the Top 10 single “When It Rains She Pours” and standout collaborations with music legends like Jim Peterik (Survivor), Jody McBrayer, Sharon White, and Ricky Skaggs. From the upbeat, blazing-fingers picking on “Horse Thieves and Moonshiners” to the poignant balladry of “The Will,” their live show promises to deliver the heartfelt storytelling and instrumental prowess that has defined their career and solidified their status as modern trailblazers of the bluegrass tradition.

CMA FEST PRESENTED BY SOFI UNITES FANS AND ARTISTS FOR A POWERFUL CELEBRATION OF COUNTRY MUSIC AND GIVING BACK

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CMA Fest presented by SoFi, the longest-running Country Music festival in the world, returned to downtown Nashville for its 52nd year this past weekend, welcoming an estimated 95,000 fans from across the globe for four days of live music, artist discovery and unforgettable moments. From June 5-8, artists, fans and industry came together to celebrate the music that connects—onstage, in the crowd, and in classrooms across the country thanks to the festival’s philanthropic impact.

“What an incredible four days and nights. Even with a few weather interruptions, the energy and spirit of our fans never faded,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From legendary acts to artists playing CMA Fest for the very first time, this year was a celebration of discovery, connection and community. And the fact that it all helps fund the CMA Foundation’s work in music education makes it even more impactful.”

Fans traveled from all 50 states and 33 countries to experience CMA Fest, which brought over 300 performances to stages across downtown Nashville. From unforgettable stadium moments to must-see pop-ups and surprise appearances, the weekend was filled with standout performances and powerful fan-artist connections. From 2024 CMA New Artist of the Year Megan Moroney drawing a capacity crowd to kick off CMA Fest at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday morning, to surprise appearances at Nissan Stadium by Trace Adkins, BigXthaPlug, Jelly Roll, Noah Kahan, Brandon Lake, Travis Tritt and Lainey Wilson, to more than 100 artists making their CMA Fest debut throughout the weekend— plus a heartwarming Sunday night moment featuring the Marching Crusaders, a student band from New Orleans’ The Roots of Music program—CMA Fest delivered powerful memories at every turn. New this year, Fan Alley quickly became a fan favorite, creating a vibrant new hub for immersive activations, giveaways, and surprise moments from top brand partners, right in the heart of the festival footprint. In total, 59 brand and marketing partners participated in CMA Fest 2025, contributing to the energy and experience across multiple venues and fan touchpoints.

As the presenting partner of CMA Fest, SoFi hosted fans at the SoFi Plus Lounge throughout the weekend—including an exclusive SoFi Plus Experience with a surprise appearance by Kelsea Ballerini at Nissan Stadium ahead of her headlining performance. Ballerini joined SoFi Chief Marketing Officer, Lauren Stafford-Webb for a candid conversation about their shared commitment to empowering the next generation to invest early, ask questions, and get the right financial education in order to realize their ambitions and get their money right. The event included an acoustic performance of “Baggage” and a spotlight on SoFi’s new partnership with Ballerini and tnAchieves through the Rising Stars Program which will invest over 2 million dollars in financial literacy resources and tools to help Tennessee students start investing early as well as offering each student a minimum of $5 in stock and the chance to get up to $1,000 to start building their investment portfolios.

Nissan Stadium lit up on Thursday night with an electric kickoff to the four-night festival. After a powerful national anthem by K. Michelle, Charles Esten opened the show, followed by Ella Langley and Riley Green, who traded collaborations—Green joined Langley for “you look like you love me,” and Langley returned the favor on “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Darius Rucker brought his signature hits to the main stage, and Scotty McCreery connected with fans from the center stage on the field. Performances from Tigirlily Gold and Max McNown on the Platform Stage added even more energy to the night, spotlighting two emerging acts on the rise. Brooks & Dunn kept the momentum high with a crowd-pleasing set that featured two surprise guests: Lainey Wilson for a fiery take on “Play Something Country,” and Marcus King for a blistering rendition of “Rock My World (Little Country Girl).” Jason Aldean closed out the night with a powerhouse performance, capped by a surprise duet with Travis Tritt on “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.”

Friday night at Nissan Stadium delivered a genre-blending celebration packed with surprise collaborations and emotional highs. Rita Wilson opened the show, followed by Shaboozey, who brought the crowd to its feet with a surprise appearance by Jelly Roll for their viral hit “Amen.” Parker McCollum kept the energy high before Cody Johnson took the stage, teaming up with Carín León for a standout performance of “She Hurts Like Tequila.” One of the night’s most powerful moments came when Jelly Roll returned to the center stage alongside Brandon Lake for a moving rendition of “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” accompanied by a dramatic drone display above the stadium. Between main stage sets, Kameron Marlowe and Sam Barber delivered standout performances on the Platform Stage. Kelsea Ballerini followed with a hit-filled set and two surprise duets with Noah Kahan – “Cowboys Cry Too” and “Stick Season.” Keith Urban closed out the night with a dynamic headline set that kept the stadium crowd on its feet.

Saturday night brought a mix of nostalgia and new school to Nissan Stadium. Deana Carter opened the evening, setting the stage for breakout band The Red Clay Strays and a crowd-pleasing set from Blake Shelton, who welcomed Trace Adkins to the stage for a solo performance of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” before teaming up for high-energy renditions of “Hell Right” and “Hillbilly Bone.” Tiera Kennedy and Carter Faith brought fresh energy to the Platform Stage with engaging sets that resonated with fans. Megan Moroney followed with one of the night’s most anticipated sets, drawing cheers throughout the stadium, while Jordan Davis delivered a confident, hit-packed performance that had fans singing along from start to finish. Rascal Flatts closed the night with chart-topping favorites, capped by a surprise appearance from Carly Pearce on a heartfelt performance of “My Wish.”

Sunday night at Nissan Stadium brought CMA Fest 2025 to a memorable close, with a lineup that blended rising talent, standout collaborations, and fan-favorite headliners. Rodney Atkins kicked things off with a set that saw him welcome his son Elijah for a song, followed by a breakout performance from Zach Top, whose throwback sound and smooth vocals drew big cheers from the crowd. Emerging artists Avery Anna, Kashus Culpepper, and Tucker Wetmore each took turns on the Platform Stage, adding fresh momentum to the night. Ashley McBryde delivered a powerful set that closed with an unforgettable collaboration – welcoming The Roots of Music’s Marching Crusaders to the stage for a show-stopping performance of “Boogie Wonderland.” Bailey Zimmerman kept the energy high, surprising fans with BigXthaPlug for a hard-hitting version of “All The Way,” and bringing out Josh Ross to join him on “Backup Plan.” Dylan Scott connected with fans from the center stage on the field, while Dierks Bentley returned with his signature blend of hits and humor – capping his set with Zach Top joining in for a high-octane medley of “Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go)” and “Mountain Music.” Luke Bryan brought the weekend to a close with a show-stopping finale worthy of CMA Fest’s biggest stage.

Ascend Amphitheater lit up once again with three nights of programming Thursday through Saturday. Thursday’s Whiskey Jam showcase brought a genre-blending lineup to the riverfront venue, with performances from Graham Barham, Gabby Barrett, Colbie Caillat, Randy Houser, Lakeview, Vincent Mason, Ian Munsick, and Edwin McCain. On Friday, Jake Owen & Friends delivered a laid-back, feel-good night of hits, featuring Wynn Williams, Carter Faith, Max McNown, and Lukas Nelson, with a surprise appearance from Sara Evans that kept the crowd on its feet. Saturday closed with Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out, a powerhouse celebration of female artistry with sets from Madeline Edwards and Sara Evans and appearances by The War And Treaty, Noah Cyrus, Noeline Hofmann, and Little Big Town. Lainey Wilson also made a surprise appearance during the show, joining Wynonna for a high-energy finale that brought the crowd to its feet.

Inside Music City Center, Fan Fair X continued to be a hub for fans seeking artist access, unique experiences, and a break from the summer heat. The CMA Close Up Stage drew crowds across the weekend for can’t-miss conversations and special appearances, including a powerful discussion with Friday’s Artist of the Day, Trisha Yearwood, about her forthcoming album The Mirror, as well as a packed Country Central songwriter round featuring Kameron Marlowe, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts, and Waylon Wyatt. Rascal Flatts took the spotlight as Saturday’s Artist of the Day, joining Amazon’s “Country Heat Weekly” podcast for a live taping – part of a series that also featured Parker McCollum, Dasha and Cole Swindell. Additional highlights included genre-blending insights from Mitchell Tenpenny, Tyler Braden and Alana Springsteen; a celebration of Latino trailblazers in Country presented by the Country Latin Association, which featured Latin artists Carín León, Kat Luna, MŌRIAH and Los Hermanos Mendoza; and exclusive interviews and performances from The War And Treaty, RVSHVD and Coffey Anderson during Origins Music Group’s “Rooted at CMA Fest” showcase. On the nearby Spotlight Stage, more than 30 first-time CMA Fest performers took the stage. CMA’s Industry Relations team was on hand to personally welcome them – and every first-time performer across the festival – with a commemorative pin to mark the occasion.

Across Fan Fair X, fans enjoyed 475 artist meet & greets, offering unforgettable one-on-one moments with both emerging and established artists. Fan-favorite artist moments included Walker Hayes, who connected with over 300 fans at his Duck Buck-branded experience, along with memorable meetups featuring Brandon Lake and rising star Maddox Batson. Popular activations included Wags & Walks Rescue Nashville, which featured adoptable dogs and new summer merch. iT Cosmetics treated fans to color-matching services and product giveaways, while The Reba House wowed visitors with a display of iconic performance outfits and a replica of Reba McEntire’s legendary chair from “The Voice.” With music, merch, and special moments filling more than 170,000 square feet, Fan Fair X once again proved to be a fan-favorite destination throughout the festival.

Marching bands brought energy and school spirit to CMA Fest each day, greeting fans across the festival with vibrant performances. On Sunday night, the Marching Crusaders from The Roots of Music made history as the first student marching band to perform inside Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. The CMA Foundation’s Student Mission Moments, presented by Music Has Value, spotlighted young performers throughout the weekend: Ravenwood High School kicked things off Thursday morning with a marching performance outside Fan Fair X; on Friday, Nashville School of the Arts student songwriter Kingston Kharif joined Jordan Dozzi, Mae Estes, RaeLynn, and Emmet Stevens Jr. for a special writers round on the CMA Close Up Stage, hosted by The Listening Room; on Saturday, the Percy Priest Elementary School House Band helped open Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out at Ascend Amphitheater, introduced by Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta, whose remarks reflected his long-standing commitment to music education; and on Sunday, Hillsboro High School’s Golden Cadence ensemble took the Chevy Vibes Stage for a collaborative performance with Mackenzie Carpenter. In addition, marching bands from Riverdale High School and Stratford STEM Magnet High School also brought excitement to the festival footprint—Riverdale with a Friday morning march inside Fan Fair X, led by 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence Nicholas Efstathiou, and Stratford with a performance on Lower Broadway Saturday morning. The CMA Foundation’s Backstage Academy, presented by EqualizeHer, offered five young women, ages 18-22, hands-on access to the world of live music production while supporting the next generation of female leaders in the industry. The CMA Foundation also welcomed students from Sign Language Studios to Saturday night’s event at Ascend Amphitheater, celebrating the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in live music. The CMA Foundation also partnered with the Empower Campaign to welcome a group of Metro Nashville Public School teachers and a Vanderbilt University music education student to CMA Fest for a behind-the-scenes learning experience, including observation of The Roots of Music’s rehearsal and soundcheck, followed by a Q&A and networking session with program leaders Derrick Tabb and Lawrence Rawlins, Jr.

Fans had several meaningful opportunities to support the CMA Foundation throughout CMA Fest. On Saturday, Carly’s Closet returned with Carly Pearce offering items from her personal wardrobe and an acoustic performance, all to benefit music education. Throughout all four days, fans could shop exclusive CMA Fest merchandise that gives back, including custom posters by Friendly Arctic and guitar string bracelets by Strung—available at Fan Fair X, online, and at Nissan Stadium, with a portion of proceeds supporting the CMA Foundation’s mission. Inside Fan Fair X, fans could also browse artists’ wardrobes at The Archives and bid on exclusive items through The Backstage Auction, in partnership with SOLID, with proceeds from both benefiting the CMA Foundation. And Fitness at Fest, presented by CELSIUS®, brought high-energy, donation-based workouts to the Good Molecules Reverb Stage on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Musically Fed, an organization that fights to end hunger by working with the music industry to distribute excess food from touring shows and events, donated food from various catering locations during CMA Fest, ultimately delivering the excess to Room in the Inn, Matthew 25, Safe Haven, Operation Stand Down, Nashville Rescue Mission, St. Vincent de Paul and more.

The 53rd CMA Fest presented by SoFi will take place in Nashville from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. Tickets will be available for purchase on Thursday, June 26 at Ticketmaster. Sign up for CMA’s Country Connection emails and visit CMAfest.com for presale information and more updates.

“CMA Fest presented by SoFi,” the three-hour primetime television special hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, airs Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC and streams next day on Hulu.

About CMA Fest
For more than 50 years, CMA Fest has united the Country Music community, bringing fans, artists and industry professionals together for four unforgettable days in the heart of Nashville. What began in 1972 as Fan Fair® with just 5,000 attendees has evolved into the longest-running Country Music festival in the world, drawing an estimated 95,000 daily attendees. CMA Fest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of the connection between artists and fans, featuring hundreds of performances and collaborations across multiple stages, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and the vibrant energy of Nashville, all fueling something bigger than the event itself. CMA Fest artists donate their time, turning their performances and appearances into purpose, with proceeds supporting music education through the CMA Foundation. This year marks the 22nd consecutive year that CMA has produced a summer music program to air as a network television special on ABC.

About the CMA Foundation
The CMA Foundation transforms lives through the power of music education. Established by the Country Music Association in 2011 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) invests in high-quality programs that ensure all students have access to music. In partnership with the music industry and like-minded nonprofits, the CMA Foundation directs research-informed funding where it makes the greatest impact—empowering music teachers through professional development, providing resources for classrooms and programs, and creating life-changing opportunities for students.