Amazon MGM Studios, in partnership with Amazon Music and the Academy of Country Music (ACM), announced the second annual I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion taking place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the new Hall Park Hotel in Frisco, Texas. Trailblazing Country artist, and two-time ACM Award nominee, Mickey Guyton will host the event ahead of the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards. Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon, Reba McEntire, the ACM Awards will be free to stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, May 8 at 8 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. CDT / 5 p.m. PDT.

I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion is named after the legendary Country music artist and baseball player. Pride (1934 – 2020) persevered through racial discrimination throughout his career, eventually earning international superstardom for his musical talents and receiving prestigious accolades, including three Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award (1994), and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award (2017). The iconic star broke down racial barriers and became the first Black artist to have a No. 1 Country record, paving a path for other Black Country artists. His legacy as a team owner lives on through the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation’s Charley Pride Fellowship Program.

“We’re honored to support this celebration that uplifts trailblazers pushing the genre forward, while reaffirming our commitment to broadening the narrative and welcoming a wider range of voices into the spotlight,” said Ryan Redington, GM of Amazon Music.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter and trailblazing figure in country music, Guyton, a Texas native, has advocated for racial diversity in Country music for over a decade, and amidst her efforts achieved historic career milestones. Guyton has earned four Grammy nominations and became the first Black female artist to earn a Grammy nod in a Country music category (2020), made history as the first Black female solo artist to perform her own song at the ACM Awards (2020), and was also the first Black woman to host the ACM Awards (2021). She performed the national anthem at Super Bowl LVI (2022) and cemented her status as a powerful voice and changemaker in the Country music community. Guyton released her dynamic sophomore album House On Fire in Sept. as she continues to captivate listeners worldwide with standout tracks “Scary Love,” “Make It Me,” and “My Side of the Country.”

The private event will recognize and celebrate the achievements of more than ten honorees – artists, executives and allies in Country music who embody Pride’s triumphs and actively serve as trailblazers and representatives of hope, advocacy, and innovation in the music industry.

The 2025 honorees thus far are:

Brittney Spencer (Country singer and songwriter)
Lionel Richie (Singer, songwriter, producer and American Idol judge)
Mickey Guyton (Country music singer and songwriter)
Shaboozey (ACM Award nominated singer, songwriter, and record producer)
Freddy Fender Estate (Mexican American Singer Songwriter, Solo Artist, Actor and activist; as well as a member of both The Texas Tornadoes and Los Super Seven supergroups)
Opal Lee (Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, Grandmother of Juneteenth)
Fletcher Foster (President and CEO, F2 Entertainment)
Marcus Dowling (Nashville Country Music Reporter for The Tennessean/USA Today)
Michelle Tigard Kammerer (Head of Country Music, Amazon Music)
Cameo Carlson (CEO, mtheory)

About Prime Video:
Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Saltburn, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, The Boys, and AIR; licensed fan favorites Dawson’s Creek and M3GAN; Prime member exclusive Thursday Night Football; and programming from partners such as Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+ via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions, as well as more than 450 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Captain America: Brave New World and Wicked, via the Prime Video Store. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access.
About Amazon Music:
Amazon Music is an immersive audio entertainment service that connects fans, artists, and creators through music, podcasts, and culture. Amazon Music brings fans closer to what they love, with curated and personalized playlists, artist livestreams, artist merch, and Amazon Exclusive podcasts. Prime members get access to over 100 million songs in shuffle mode, All-Access playlists, plus the largest catalog of top ad-free podcasts, included with their membership. Customers can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited for full, on-demand access to 100 million songs in HD and a growing catalog of Ultra HD and Spatial audio. Anyone can listen to Amazon Music by downloading the free Amazon Music app, or wherever they listen to music including Alexa-enabled devices.

About Academy of Country Music:

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has grown in the 60 years since into a leading association for the Country Music industry. Headquartered in Nashville, TN and boasting record-high membership of more than 5,000 worldwide, the Academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for Country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM LIFTING LIVES, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives. 2025 is a landmark year for the Academy with the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, returning to the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas for a third consecutive year and streaming live for a global audience on Prime Video. Throughout our 60 year history, the Academy of Country Music has always proudly stood as a progressive, welcoming organization for all, including an active, community-leading commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion stretching across all facets of the industry. We know change may not come overnight, but as our mission statement reads, we are and remain “relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups, encompassing but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, LatinX and Women in the Country Music industry, from the boardroom to the stage. and proudly presents ACM LEVel Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, among other initiatives. ”

Doug Gray, lead singer and founding member of legendary southern rock and country group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB), is taking a hiatus from the road due to health concerns. The MTB will journey ahead and continue performing live on its 2025 All Our Friends Tour as planned.

“Taking care of business as I always do,” says Gray. “Thanks and see you soon.”

Though Gray will be temporarily absent, MTB’s tour will roll on with scheduled dates starting with May 9 in West Wendover, NV at the Peppermill Concert Hall. This includes all live performances with JJ Grey & Mofro, Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) and Jefferson Starship.

“The band can’t wait to jam with JJ Grey & Mofro, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Jefferson Starship,” adds Gray. “It’ll be a jam you’ll never forget!”

Gray will be fully involved in all aspects of the tour and looks forward to rejoining the band on the road as soon as possible. “Everyone knows I’m not one to sit on my hands,” he explains. “I’ll be making sure all of the stars are aligned. Let’s rock!”

About The Marshall Tucker Band
Thanks to hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Fire on the Mountain,” and “24 Hours At a Time,” The Marshall Tucker Band, a 5x Gold, 3x Platinum-selling southern rock and country group has sold millions of albums worldwide. MTB songs have been featured in major motion picture films and television shows including Breaking Bad, Blow, The Box, Swing Vote, Half Nelson, My Name Is Earl, Cold Case Files and Good Guys with many more to come.CMT (Country Music Television) named the MTB’s “Can’t You See” the #4 Greatest Southern Rock Song. The MTB’s debut album, The Marshall Tucker Band, reigns as Gibson Guitar’s #5 Greatest Southern Rock Album. Ultimate Classic Rock crowned the MTB’s “Can’t You See” as the #1 Southern Rock Song and GRAMMY® Magazine named the group’s logo as one of the most distinctive and iconic brands in music. In 2023, the MTB was awarded Pandora’s Billionaires Plaque, recognizing over one billion streams on the platform. The Marshall Tucker Band was founded in Spartanburg, SC over five decades ago.

The Academy of Country Music (ACM), Prime Video, and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) revealed the latest additions to the superstar performance lineup set to take the stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards Presented by Carnival Cruise Line, including three former ACM Entertainer of the Year winners and three 2025 ACM Entertainer of the Year nominees. Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys.

The monumental show will be expanded to two and a half hours and celebrate six decades of Country Music and feature performances by the genre’s most legendary and multi-award-winning stars, including:

Alan Jackson (21)
Brooks & Dunn (33)
Chris Stapleton (20)
Clint Black (7)
Cody Johnson
Kelsea Ballerini (2)
LeAnn Rimes (4)
Miranda Lambert (38)
Rascal Flatts (13)
Wynonna Judd (10)
**ACM Award count for each artist included in parentheses above

As previously announced, the lineup of performances will also feature Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Lainey Wilson.

This Emmy-nominated, star-powered experience will feature unprecedented performances, exclusive collaborations, and unexpected moments from the biggest country music stars of the past, present, and future, all while celebrating the genre’s most iconic and emerging talent. A limited number of tickets to the landmark 60th ACM Awards are available for purchase on SeatGeek, offering fans exclusive entry into a nonstop celebration packed with performances by their favorite country stars and seats closer to the action than ever.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running Country Music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream, in collaboration with Prime Video. The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor is executive producer and showrunner, with Patrick Menton as co-executive producer. Damon Whiteside serves as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as executive producers for DCP. John Saade will also continue to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

About the Academy of Country Music:

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has grown in the 60 years since into a leading association for the Country Music industry. Headquartered in Nashville, TN and boasting record-high membership of more than 5,000 worldwide, the Academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for Country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM LIFTING LIVES, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives. 2025 is a landmark year for the Academy with the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, returning to the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas for a third consecutive year and streaming live for a global audience on Prime Video. The Academy also remains relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in Country Music, from the boardroom to the stage, and proudly presents ACM Level Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, among other initiatives. For more information, visit ACMcountry.com or ACMLiftingLives.org.

About Dick Clark Productions:

Dick Clark Productions (DCP) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming including the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globes,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” from 19 Entertainment and DCP, and “Streamy Awards.” Dick Clark Productions owns one of the world’s most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. Dick Clark Productions is a Penske Media company.

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.

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.