BLAKE SHELTON RELEASES NEW SONG “STAY COUNTRY OR DIE TRYIN’”

The countdown continues to Blake Shelton’s highly anticipated new album For Recreational Use Only, available May 9 on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The album is available now for pre-order, pre-add, and pre-save here.
Leading the album rollout is the hit single “Texas,” which has soared into the Top 10 and continues to climb both radio and streaming charts. Shelton also unveiled “Let Him In Anyway,” a soul-stirring ballad that Billboard praised as having “the makings of an enduring Shelton classic.”

Recently, Shelton delivers another taste of the album with the release of the electrifying new track “Stay Country Or Die Tryin,’” written by Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis and Beau Bailey.

“When I heard ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin,’’ it took me back to the first time I heard ‘Ol’ Red’ or ‘God’s Country,’” says Shelton. “It’s got so much energy and is full of those little catchphrases and things we say out in the country. I absolutely fell in love with it. I’m proud of this recording—and I love singing it live even more. Hopefully, you’ll come catch a show and sing it with us.”

For Recreational Use Only spans 12 tracks that capture life’s highs and lows with Shelton’s signature blend of authentic storytelling, raw emotion, and unforgettable melodies. The album also boasts guest appearances from music superstar Gwen Stefani, country legend John Anderson, and Shelton’s longtime friend and tourmate Craig Morgan.

With For Recreational Use Only, Blake Shelton strengthens his status as one of country music’s most compelling voices, delivering a deeply personal yet universally relatable collection that celebrates love, resilience, and staying true to your roots.

About Blake Shelton:
With 29 No. 1 singles, 52 million singles and 13 million albums sold and nearly 11 billion global streams, Blake Shelton has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, ten CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice, among many others. Shelton just announced his new BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville album, For Recreational Use Only, set to drop May 9. The 12-track album, his first in nearly four years, features his Top 10 Wheelhouse Records single “Texas,” the poignant “Let Him In Anyway” and red-dirt “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” and includes appearances by Gwen Stefani, John Anderson and Craig Morgan.

Shelton kickstarted the year with his Live In Las Vegas Residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. He just wrapped his Friends & Heroes Tour, which featured Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins and Emily Ann Roberts, and will play a variety of festivals this summer The Grand Ole Opry member also remains focused on his Ole Red partnership with Ryman Hospitality, with locations currently in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando, and most recently, Las Vegas, with a stand-alone venue complete with a roof-top stage and bar on the Las Vegas strip.

TAYLON HOPE’S “COLD IN COLORADO” HITS THE HEART WITH VIVID IMAGERY AND DEEP EMOTION

Taylon Hope’s “Cold In Colorado” takes listeners on an emotional journey through heartbreak. The new single by the rising young country music artist indicates her growing talent. Self-penned by Taylon and is now available for streaming and download on all streaming and download music platforms.

The song is about a couple losing one another but still leaving hope that they could be something again one day. The visuals associated with “Cold in Colorado” brought the song to life. Each element enhances the narrative woven throughout the lyrics, from the landscapes of Colorado’s mountains to the intimate moments during tough times. It has been an amazing journey watching this song evolve from a simple idea into what I think is a very special song.

“I wrote alone one day during a special moment, just the piano and me. In this song, I aimed to capture the essence of heartbreak and longing while also painting vivid imagery that resonates with anyone who has experienced similar emotions. Creating this piece has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to channel my creativity and empathy into something meaningful. I am a storyteller and am very inspired by 90s country music, and I love to envision and see stories as I write and play music. Often, songs come to me as I play piano; this was a beautiful story that came to me as I wrote. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it and hope it resonates with listeners as much as it does with me,” described Taylon Hope.

“Cold In Colorado” was produced by Kent Wells, engineered by Kam Lutchterhand, mixed by Kevin Willis and provided digital editing by Kyle Dickinson. Tracks were recorded at Kent Wells Productions in Nashville, TN. Accomplished session musicians included Kent Wells (acoustic guitar), Mark Hill (bass), Jerry McPherson (electric guitar), Tommy Hardin (drums), Mike Rojas (Piano/Keys).

Keep up with Taylon Hope on her Official Website, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and subscribe to her official YouTube channel to see her latest videos.

About Taylon Hope:
Taylon Hope is a singer, songwriter, and musician from West Jefferson, NC, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. She now makes her home in Music City, Nashville, TN. Named one of 20 to Watch in 2020 by Women of Country and hailed as “Very promising” by MusicRow music critic Robert K Oermann. She began singing at the young age of four, and music has been her passion ever since. She loves singing, performing, and making a difference through her music. Her musical influences include Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, and Martina McBride. Taylon loves traditional and modern Country Music and greatly appreciates all kinds of music. Taylon Hope values her roots and believes in being who you are, and Country is who she is! She has had the opportunity to open shows for Shenandoah, T. Graham Brown, Suzy Bogguss, and Adam Crabb, and recently in Kansas, she opened up for Ned LeDoux, son of Chris LeDoux. She has performed at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Texas Troubadour Theatre, The Nashville Palace, John A’s, and Puckett’s, all in Nashville, TN. She has also performed at The Lyric Theatre in Lexington, KY, MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC, and is a regular guest and performer at WBTV Channel 3 in Charlotte, NC. Taylon Hope is a signed artist for Dolly Parton’s DreamMore Resort and performs at her resort annually. In the summer of 2017, she completed a summer tour with Boot Barn and continues performing in its stores throughout the South. Taylon Hope performed as a guest at the CRS Radio Seminar and at CMA Fest last year in downtown Nashville, TN. Taylon loves giving back through her music, is an on-going performer at the Ronald McDonald House and is scheduled to begin working at St. Jude Hospital with the children’s unit. Taylon Hope has been a guest on three occasions in the last year on WSM Radio, the broadcast home of The Grand Ole Opry.

JENNA PAULETTE RELEASES NEW SONG “HOW TO MAKE A COWBOY CRY”

Cowgirl and songstress Jenna Paulette releases “How To Make A Cowboy Cry,” her first offering since the September 6, 2024 release of her sophomore album, Horseback.

Written by Paulette, Parker Welling and Casey Brown, and produced by Will Bundy, “How To Make A Cowboy Cry” is reflective of Paulette’s current chapter of life after becoming a wife and mother, and underscores that despite their physical toughness, the quickest way to make cowboys cry lies within life’s most meaningful moments.

“I wrote ‘How To Make A Cowboy Cry’ right after Ross and I eloped,” explains Paulette. “Truthfully, it was before we thought about having kids, and in a conversation where we were dreaming about it, he named our little girl with two family names—and from that moment on I prayed for one. We have lived these moments in this song…from our wedding day, to two pink lines, to a moment in the truck headed in Colorado to work calves listening to Chris Ledoux.”

Traversing her home region of Texas and Oklahoma, Paulette’s Horseback Acoustic Tour kicked off with a sold out show last night in Castroville, Texas. As her April 17 show in Bluff Dale, Texas sold out a week early, Paulette adds three new dates in Clinton, Wisconsin on June 18; Chicago, Illinois on June 19; and Jacksonville, IL on June 20.

At each Horseback Acoustic Tour stop, fans will have a chance to sign up and win a gift card valid for the purchase of one CowboyGirl shirt, courtesy of Ely Cattleman.

About Jenna Paulette:
A CMT Next Women of Country honoree and an Apple Music’s Country Riser, singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette — a cowgirl who came of age amid the gritty realities of ranch life — is part of Nashville’s growing wave of female artists who are rewriting the rules and charting their own paths. Paulette settled in Nashville in 2015, where she struck up a mentorship with Ashley Gorley – a veteran songwriter with 80+ No. 1 tunes under his belt – which ultimately led to her publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Since collaborating with songwriters Will Bundy, Rhett Akins and Jessie Jo Dillion, as well as opening for Mason Ramsey, Parmalee, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and most recently Aaron Watson, Paulette has landed brand partnerships with Justin Boots, Boot Barn, Ely Cattleman and Ranch Water.

With the arrival of her debut album The Girl I Was in 2023, Grammy.com remarked the project as “transformative,” noting it “fuses the sounds of Twain and Miranda Lambert, tackling mental health with the somber ‘You Ain’t No Cowboy’ and waxing philosophical on ‘Country In The Girl.’” She continued to spotlight her authentic western lifestyle last year, performing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, making her Grand Ole Opry Debut and performing in multiple festivals including CMA Fest. Paulette recently signed with independent label Leo33. Paulette’s sophomore album, Horseback, is available everywhere now.

BRAD PAISLEY TO HEADLINE NFL DRAFT CONCERT SERIES PRESENTED BY BUD LIGHT

The National Football League today announced global country music superstar Brad Paisley will headline 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, Brad Paisley will take the stage at the Draft Theater near Lambeau Field for a free concert following the conclusion of Round 7 of the Draft. 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. On May 21, he will launch the “Truck Still Works World Tour.”

“There’s nothing like football to bring people together, and the NFL Draft is where it all begins,” said Brad Paisley. “As a lifelong fan, I can’t wait to help close out an unforgettable weekend—with a little music and one heck of a party.”

The NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light also features a spectacular drone show on Friday, April 25, following Rounds 2–3 of the Draft. As part of the weekend’s entertainment lineup, the nighttime show will light up the Green Bay skyline with a cutting-edge display of more than 500 drones flying in choreographed formations above Lambeau Field, honoring the history of the Draft and the legacy of Packers football.

“We’re excited to welcome one of country music’s biggest stars to the Draft,” said Tim Tubito, NFL senior director of global event presentation & entertainment. “Brad understands how football brings people together. His performance is our way of saying thank you to the fans, the prospects, and the city of Green Bay—and the perfect way to close out an unforgettable weekend.”

Paisley joins 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.

The NFL recently announced that Milwaukee-based choir members from the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s ‘National Hymn Choir’ will sing “Lift Every Voice,” directed by Ben Bedroske, and singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr., will sing the national anthem from the Draft Theater stage on the first day.

All performances as part of the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light will take place at the Draft Theater adjacent to the iconic Lambeau Field. General fan viewing for the Draft Concert Series is free and fans are encouraged to arrive early, as standing room will be on a first-come first-served basis. The area will remain open throughout Draft programming.

In addition to the live performances, Titletown will host Draft Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, the league’s ultimate fan festival, and invites fans of all ages to run the 40-yard dash, take on football drills, meet NFL Legends, grab photos with the Lombardi Trophy and all 58 Super Bowl rings, and enjoy local cuisine. Saturday also features a family-friendly day of activities from a bike parade for young fans, cheese carving demonstrations and a farmer’s market, to live performances by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band and Oneida Smoke Dancers. Draft Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s will be free and open to the public from April 24-26.

ABOUT BRAD PAISLEY
Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. For more than 20 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood, for 11 consecutive years. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Paisley has written 21 of his 25 No. 1 hits, and in 2008 became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. The superstar’s past works have amassed nearly 5 billion career streams.

ABOUT STEPHEN WILSON JR.
Stephen Wilson Jr.’s journey from the hollers of southern Indiana to Nashville, Tenn. has been a winding road that’s taken many detours: He’s been an Indiana State Golden Gloves boxing championship finalist, a scientist and a lead guitarist and songwriter in an indie rock band. In 2016, he ditched his laboratory 9-to-5 and signed a publishing deal with BMG Nashville where his alchemic songcraft immediately made waves, leading to cuts from Caitlyn Smith, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw, Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash and more. 2023 proved to be Wilson Jr.’s breakthrough year, signing with Big Loud Records and releasing his debut double album søn of dad: a triumphant, genre-spanning set of 22 songs dedicated to his late father and given to the world on the five-year anniversary of his passing. The album was named the No. 1 album of 2023 by Holler who called it “a record for the ages,” and earned a spot as one of the best albums of the year from Whiskey Riff, Wide Open Country and Rolling Stone. In 2024, he made his network television debut on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, followed by performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #LateShowMeMusic series and Later…with Jools Holland. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of søn of dad, Wilson Jr. was also profiled in an extensive feature for CBS Saturday Morning. So far in 2025, Wilson Jr. released a deluxe edition of his debut album that features a moving interpretation of “Stand By Me” that has been streamed tens of millions of times. He is currently in the midst of the entirely sold-out 2025 U.S. run of his søn of dad tour and will support HARDY on his Jim Bob World Tour on select dates from May through September, including the final show at Madison Square Garden. This summer he will make his Newport Folk Festival debut, and throughout the year will perform at MerleFest, RiverBeat, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Boots and Hearts, Whiskey Moon and more.

SCOTTY McCREERY RELEASES “SEASONS CHANGE:PLATINUM EDITION” – AVAILABLE JUNE 20

Multi-Platinum selling artist and songwriter, Scotty McCreery, is set to release Seasons Change: Platinum Edition, an expanded version of his career-changing album, Seasons Change, available on June 20th. The album, which was originally released in 2018, was McCreery’s fourth album to debut at No. 1 on a Billboard Album Chart and demonstrated his masterful songwriting – co-writing each of the 11 album tracks including his first three No.1 hits: “Five More Minutes” (3x Platinum), “This Is It” (Platinum), and “In Between” (Gold). The new Seasons Change: Platinum Edition will feature four additional tracks not on the original album: acoustic versions of the album’s three No.1 singles plus fan favorite “Still.” The album also features a new cover and updated artwork throughout the project, as well as new liner notes and thank you remarks, as McCreery looks back on the last few years of his career since the original album was released. It will be available for a limited time on platinum-colored double vinyl exclusively through Amazon.com,and also available on CD at ScottyMcCreery.com.

“The Seasons Change album was truly life-changing for me,” said McCreery. “After experiencing both some career highs and lows, I was starting over. For the first time, I co-wrote all the songs and felt like the project was truly me. It has been both gratifying and confidence-building to see how the fans, radio and streaming have embraced the music from this album and me. I’m a guy who loves to look back, and I celebrate the release of this new expanded edition and all the accomplishments we’ve made since the original album came out, while also looking ahead to making new dreams come true.”

Seasons Change was a pivotal project for McCreery that would solidify him as a bona fide Country music star. The incredibly personal album gave fans a candid look into the rising artist’s life during a 5-year break between projects. During this time McCreery moved out on his own, went to college, released a book, switched record labels, and proposed to his high school sweetheart. Through all of life’s changes he grew up, learned who he was and what it is he wants to say with his music. Seasons Change was produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Well, and Aaron Eshuis, and the four additional acoustic tracks were produced by Nathan Thomas.

This year, fans will see new music from McCreery soon and can check him out on the road. He will be performing at the famed Stagecoach music festival in Indio, CA on Sunday, April 27th. In addition to touring on his own, McCreery has been performing on select dates with Kane Brown this spring, both in the U.S. and Canada. He will return to the UK for a headlining five city tour in May, with dates already sold out in London, Glasgow, and Manchester.

About Scotty McCreery:
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. With his latest album Rise & Fall, featuring his sixth No. 1 single “Cab in a Solo” and 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling. The 31-year-old has sold more than 4 million albums and achieved 6 No.1 hits: the recent “Cab in a Solo,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum certified “Five More Minutes.”

The North Carolina native has earned one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 at age 17; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won two CMT Music Awards, the first for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012, and the second for Digital-First Performance of the Year (‘It Matters to Her’ from “CMT Stages”) in 2024; and BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year six times (in 2015 for ‘See You Tonight’, in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It,” in 2021 for “In Between,” in 2022 for “You Time,” and in 2024 for “It Matters to Her”). He was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021 in recognition of his music achieving more than one billion streams on Pandora. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired two popular holiday movies which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network: Five More Minutes in 2021 and Five More Minutes: Moments Like These in 2022. He released his first book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream in 2016. McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Last year, he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Josh Turner and Randy Travis, after being invited by Garth Brooks. The singer/songwriter married his high school sweetheart Gabi in 2018, and the couple had their first son Avery in October 2022.

TAYLA LYNN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “DON’T COME HOME A DRINKIN’ (WITH LOVIN’ ON OUR MIND)”

Heart of Texas Records, in partnership with StarVista Music, proudly announces the release of Tayla Lynn’s first single from her upcoming album, ‘Singin’ Loretta,’ (5/30) — a heartfelt tribute to her iconic grandmother, Loretta Lynn. The single, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind),” was premiered by Whiskey Riff, proving the classic remains as powerful and relevant today as ever. This second full-length solo record features beloved hits like “Rated ‘X’,” “Blue Kentucky Girl,” “One’s On the Way,” and “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” along with a few lesser-known gems such as “Out of My Head and Back in My Bed” and “The Titanic.” Singin’ Loretta will be released on May 30th.

“I remember asking Memaw in what order I should sing her songs in my live show,” shares Tayla. “She said ‘Oh honey, you gotta just kick it off with ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough’ and then roll right into my first number one ‘Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ and that’ll get ‘em every time.”

As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry, presented by Humana, is set to launch “Opry 100 Honors” on May 13. The special series of Opry 100 Honors shows, sponsored by Dan Post, will pay tribute to several of the icons who have helped shape the Opry’s first century. The first show will honor Loretta Lynn on May 13, with performances by Opry member Crystal Gayle (Lynn’s sister), granddaughter Emmy Russell, duo Twitty & Lynn (grandchildren of Lynn and Conway Twitty), and Opry members Martina McBride, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, and more.

“As we continue our OPRY 100 celebration, we’re excited to open the door to the Opry’s next century and to laud each of the Opry’s current members. It’s also important to us to honor some of the iconic artists of the past who helped the Opry achieve worldwide acclaim and ensured the show’s longevity. We’re looking forward to this series featuring the music of artists who became household names and whose legacies the Opry will still be celebrating in another 100 years,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer.

Tayla Lynn always knew music would be her path, with no “Plan B” in sight. Performing at a young age with her grandmother, she later collaborated with songwriting legends like James House, Gary Burr, Leslie Satcher, and Jon Randall. After earning a development deal with RCA, she met Caroline Hobby and Jennifer Wayne through mentor Anastasia Brown, forming the trio Stealing Angels.

From 2007 to 2012, they toured the country, performed for troops in Iraq and Kuwait, and worked with Grammy-winning producer Paul Worley. Following her marriage and motherhood, Tayla moved to Seattle, where the music scene reignited her passion. Returning to Tennessee, she resumed performing with her grandmother and launched Twitty and Lynn with Tre Twitty in 2018. Performing over 100 shows annually, they released their debut album Cookin’ Up Lovin’ in April 2024. Tayla also released Tayla Lynn Sings Loretta Lynn in 2022, a tribute to her grandmother, with her follow-up album Still Singing Loretta Lynn set for 2025. Writing with Mark Narmore and Scott Baggett, she continues to blend her own life experiences with the stories of the women who came before her.

More About Tayla Lynn:

Tayla Lynn is a country music artist, comedian, actress, and proud granddaughter of the legendary Loretta Lynn. With a voice rooted in heritage and a spirit all her own, Tayla captivates audiences through raw honesty, soulful performances, and a heartfelt connection to the stage. As one half of the duo Twitty and Lynn with Tre Twitty, she honors her iconic lineage while carving out a bold, authentic path—including co-owning MEPOP Records and their own booking agency. Her albums include Tayla Sings Loretta Lynn (Heart of Texas Records) and the latest Cookin’ Up Lovin’ (MEPOP Records).

Beyond the spotlight, Tayla is a devoted wife and mama, a passionate advocate for sobriety and spiritual healing, and a storyteller with just the right amount of sass—known for tales that’ll make you cry one minute and laugh the next.

JESSICA WILLIS FISHER’S SOPHOMORE ALBUM “BLOOMING” OUT MAY 16

Following a solo-debut centered on the experience of survival and starting over, Blooming heralds a new season of thriving for Jessica Willis Fisher. The record — produced by Ben Fowler and recorded in Nashville — is high-spirited and wide-ranging, folk made fresh through Fisher’s signature fiddle and emotive voice. Eight of the nine songs are self-penned, rich with nature imagery, and rooted in themes of growth and continued healing. Blooming is both a wanderlust-fueled soundtrack to adventure and a heartfelt work of art.

“There are some flowers that bloom one time and that’s it, but how about we go with the flowers that come back every year?” says Fisher. “I aspire to be a perennial, if you will. Beautiful things take time to grow, to let things evolve. That’s where I feel all these songs have come from. This is the next chapter of both my story and my artistry. For me, those are linked in every way.”

“It’s not just the music, but everything else that goes along with it, too. The album cover, which of course is the main visual everyone gets to see, was another way to flex my creative muscles. Once we decided on the title, Blooming, I knew I wanted to tie in my long standing obsession with Tennessee wildflowers. Then the purple Echinacea flowers are an ode to the garden of my great grandmother, and the Dogwoods, my favorite, always bloom around my Spring birthday. Everything you see there, has a deeper meaning to me.”

The acoustic nature of Blooming allows Fisher’s pure soprano to shine alongside her thoughtful songwriting and distinctive fiddle playing. With a love for literature and the influence of Celtic music, she has blended elements of folk, Irish, bluegrass and Americana music into these songs while establishing her own creative vision. That open-minded musical approach is especially clear in “Dogwood,” one of the album’s most revealing songs.

“‘Dogwood’ is about embracing the uniqueness of who you are, accepting every part of yourself,” she says. “Even our deepest wounds can have a special kind of beauty. The world is better for having all of us, and our differences.”

A sense of renewal is central to “Healing,” a rousing anthem that would immediately capture the attention of any festival audience. In addition, the joyous “June” sparkles with anticipation of a new season, “One of a Kind” evokes her tender, romantic side, and “Build a House” conveys the importance of companionship, commitment, and being curious to the whole world.

“Overall, this is a pretty positive record. I’m living a life I didn’t think I was going to have, in many ways,” says Fisher, who married her husband, Sean, in 2017. “I have a lot to be grateful for, a lot to celebrate just seeing how far I’ve come in the last few years.”

There are moments where her personal struggles do come to the forefront. Perhaps the most vulnerable song of the album, “Honest” reflects the heartfelt approach Fisher has taken with her audience as well as herself. “‘Honest’ is my way of maintaining my integrity,” she says. “Being honest isn’t easy all the time, and I think we have an idea in our head about what love might be, or what honesty might be, or what courage might be, and then the lived experience of it is so much more nuanced and even conflicted.”

That sense of conflict is particularly evident in “Seeds,” as she sings, “How do I grow when I’m tangled in the weeds? What if it dies? What if it seeds?” Acknowledging the past but with a desire to live in the present, she observes, “There were seeds planted in my life that I do not want to grow. Those toxic things need to be weeded out. It’s an ongoing process.”

At the intersection of old-time and Irish music, Fisher found inspiration to write “Find a Lover,” a catchy song that sounds like it’s been passed down for a few hundred years. “It’s as if Dolly Parton was Snow White in the Appalachian Mountains,” she says.

In a similar vein, she adds her own spirit to “The Fox,” a folk song she loved as a young girl which spotlights her love of traditional music and effervescent approach to the fiddle.

Blooming finds Fisher more confident in her own unique blend of artistry harvesting authentic and poignant material from her own journey of life—wounds, blooms, and all.

About Jessica Willis Fisher
Her debut solo album, 2022’s Brand New Day, served as a reset for her career. The intensely personal songs captured a dramatic moment of change as she explored the emotions of breaking away from her sexually abusive father, which also meant an abrupt departure from the family’s band, the Willis Clan. Today she continues to advocate for survivors, sharing her own story with others who have faced similar situations. For many who have heard her message, she also serves as a beacon for new paths forward.

After publishing Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice, a memoir about those traumatic experiences, Fisher returned to songwriting to express a new era in her life and career. The result is Blooming, with an album title that suggests her story is still being told.

KENNY CHESNEY ENTERS A NEW DIMENSION AS SPHERE RESIDENCY APPROACHES

Kenny Chesney signed on to bring his iconic positive vibe country to Sphere with the idea that he could deepen how No Shoes Nation experienced so many of the songs they knew by heart. As much as his high energy stadium shows have defined summer in the 21st century, the man Variety deemed, “country music’s only true long-term stadium act” wanted to create something that captured the dynamics of those shows, but also offered an intimacy and immersion into the songs.

With no one realizing, the creative team behind so much of Sphere’s patented technology quietly embedded at several of last year’s personal record-setting Sun Goes Down shows to capture the intensity and drama. But they have also spent this time shooting footage that reflects Chesney’s life, experience and musical meaning across one of modern country’s farthest-reaching careers.

“We didn’t know when we signed on what we were signing up for,” Chesney marvels. “I realized every bit of video was going to have to be shot for this wraparound-the-audience screen, but I had no idea how much creating these moments – because it’s so much more than content – would open up my own creative portals.

“We have to go to California to create the final edit, so we can understand the fullness of how people will experience the visuals, how it will marry to the music. But just the songs we saw earlier in the year, putting the show together is going to be a complete rush.”

Given the almost engulfing visual capabilities that deliver over 171 million pixels across a 160,000 square foot screen that wraps up, over and around the audience, the Sphere shows will deliver No Shoes Nation’s soundtrack in a way it’s never been seen or experienced before. With its 16K x 16K resolution wraparound screen, the world’s highest-resolution LED display, there’s an absorption factor at work for fans that will make this the ultimate live experience.

Beyond the all new, full-immersion content, the impossibly dialed-in sound quality, the Sandbar on the floor, DJ Brandi Cyrus ramping No Shoes Nation up before the show and a set list promising some surprises, the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar sought to make this experience something that changed the way people felt his music.

“You can’t know going into something like this what you are going to experience,” Chesney says. “But you open your arms to all of it, fall into the possibilities and learn a lot about not just the technology, but what else the music is made of. Embrace it all, because it’s awesome.”

Whether it’s a longtime favorite or something never played in concert, Chesney Live at Sphere is turning into a wild ride through a whole lotta life and love. Come early, or just drop by the Guitars, Tiki Bars and A Whole Lotta Love fan experience taking over a nearby two-story space at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and grab a drink at the Spread the Love bar, then get ready for the man who made stadium summers a rite of passage. As Rolling Stone wrote, “No Shoes Nation fandom will descend upon Las Vegas in May… The shows will be a rare chance to see Chesney outside of the massive football stadiums he usually hits on tour.”

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere in Las Vegas is presented by Blue Chair Bay® Rum.

COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER CAROLINE JONES RELEASES NEW SONG “NO TELLIN’”

Country singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band member of GRAMMY-Award winning Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones, released her highly anticipated track, “No Tellin’.” It’s her first release since recently signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, signifying a new chapter of music.

Co-written and co-produced by Jones, “No Tellin’” is a bluegrassy, boot-stomper song about the moral courage it takes to tell a hard, ugly truth in order to free yourself and others from the pain of keeping a secret. Through the drama and power of live strings alongside empowering lyrics, Jones hopes this song touches the people who need to hear this message most.

This track marks her debut release with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Jones says “I’m thrilled about this next chapter! This partnership feels like a natural, organic step forward in my evolution as an artist. The team is fantastic to work with and create alongside. I’m so proud of the sound that Julian Raymond, Ric Wake and I are crafting.”

“Caroline is such an impressive talent, from her songwriting to her first-rate musicality,” shares Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “She fits perfectly among the groundbreaking, unique artists at Nashville Harbor and we are so proud to have her join the family.”

“Scott and I have been big fans of Caroline for a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment CEO Jimmy Harnen. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome her to Nashville Harbor!”

This release is just the beginning as Jones ushers in a renewed energy and fresh sound. Jones’ third, full-length studio album, Homesite, released in October 2023 with star-studded features including Zac Brown Band and Vince Gill. The singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, Antipodes, released in November 2021, debuted at #4 on the iTunes Country Chart and its foot-stomping lead single, “Come In (But Don’t Make Yourself Comfortable),” marked her first Top 30 country radio hit. Caroline’s dedication to her craft has led to previous collaborations and tours alongside the biggest names in the industry, including the late Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, The Eagles, OneRepublic, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Jake Owen, Vince Gill, and more.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM TO OPEN NEW EXHIBITION, DOLLY PARTON: JOURNEY OF A SEEKER

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will explore the life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton in a new exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. The exhibit will focus on turning points throughout Parton’s more than 60-year career where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. The exhibit will be open from May 20 until Sept. 2026.

“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” said Dolly Parton. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”

“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” said Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”

The exhibit will include clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, exclusive interview footage and more. Examples of items to be displayed include:

  • Parton’s first draft of handwritten lyrics to her classic song and #1 country hit “Jolene.”
  • A custom-built Gibson five-string banjo with a white metallic finish, rhinestone embellishments and butterfly motifs used by Parton at performances in 1992 and on her “Halos & Horns Tour” in 2002.
  • A Sony portable cassette tape recorder Parton used when she wrote the songs “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and “The Seeker.”
  • A cowgirl outfit Parton wore in scenes in the 1980 Hollywood film “9 to 5.”
  • Hand-painted and beaded boots, designed by Bambi Breakstone, which Parton wore at the photoshoot for her 2002 album, Halos & Horns.
  • The Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton was presented with in 2006 to honor her lifetime of contributions to American culture.
  • A Tony Chase-designed lace dress, embellished with pearl beading, Parton wore when she performed the R&B classic “I’m a Hog for You Baby” as a duet with the Muppets character Miss Piggy on an episode of Parton’s ABC-TV variety series “Dolly!” in 1987.
  • A Lucy Adams-designed dress, with lace sleeves and skirt and a butterfly-shaped rhinestone design, which Parton wore at appearances on “The Porter Wagoner Show” and the cover of the 1974 album Porter ’n’ Dolly.
  • The Gibson L-30 archtop acoustic guitar, built around 1935 — given to Parton as a gift from her brother Floyd Parton — which she played in the 1991 music video for “Silver and Gold,” from her album Eagle When She Flies.
  • The dress, with balloon sleeves, chiffon skirt, bugle beading and rhinestone accents Parton wore at a 1978 photoshoot by celebrity photographer Harry Langdon Jr. The likeness of her on a Dolly Parton-themed pinball machine, made by Bally in 1979, was based on one of Langdon’s photos of her in this dress.
  • A Steve Summers-designed metallic dress, with mesh fabric, spikes and beaded fringe, was worn by Parton in photos promoting her singles “World on Fire” and “We are the Champions/We Will Rock You,” from her 2023 album, Rockstar.
  • The Andreas-designed, rhinestone-covered platform mules Parton wore at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 10, 2019. The ceremony included a tribute to Parton, in which Miley Cyrus, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Katy Perry performed a medley of her songs. Parton joined them onstage to sing “Jolene” with Cyrus.
  • Designed for Parton by Lucy Adams, a pantsuit with bell sleeves, bell bottoms and rhinestone-and-bead embellished floral shapes, worn by Parton when she toured with her Traveling Family Band in 1975, and on the cover of Dolly, her 1975 album also known as The Seeker/We Used To.

Dolly Parton was born the fourth of 12 children 15 miles east of Sevierville in a remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with no plumbing, electricity or access roads. Embracing her father’s enterprising work ethic and her mother’s love of traditional Scots-Irish folk music, she pursued her dream of becoming an entertainer despite limited opportunities. By age 10, Parton performed regularly on radio and television shows in Knoxville, Tennessee; recorded teen-pop tunes in Louisiana at age 13; and signed with Mercury Records in Nashville at age 16 — moving there to pursue her career the day after finishing high school.

Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will explore many times during Parton’s life where her persistence established a pattern to not let critics or business-as-usual policies discourage the pursuit of her dreams. Some of the themes include:

  • At age 13, Parton made her Grand Ole Opry debut, but only after she and her uncle Bill Owens persuaded singer Jimmy C. Newman to give her one of his time slots after an Opry manager refused to schedule her, citing her youth.
  • After establishing herself in Nashville, Parton resisted advice from record executives who warned that her flamboyant fashions would overshadow her talent — determined to present herself as boldly as she dreamed as a young girl with a vivid imagination and a desire to stand apart and experience life beyond the Smoky Mountains.
  • When Parton collaborated with L.A. pop producer Gary Klein for her 1977 album Here You Come Again, many in the Nashville community accused her of abandoning country music in search of pop success. The album became Parton’s first million-selling album, earning her first Grammy Award and led to her film debut as Doralee Rhodes, in Jane Fonda’s upcoming film “9 to 5,” when Fonda heard Parton’s hit “Two Doors Down” from the album.
  • To encourage an interest in reading in children five and under in Servier County and to honor her father, who never learned to read but insisted on his children becoming readers, she founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 — shocking skeptics when 1,700 books reached mailboxes from the first month on. She launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1998, with the Imagination Library as its flagship program, which is now active in all 50 states, as well as in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

A singer, songwriter, movie and television actor, author, businesswoman and philanthropist, Parton is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has received the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.