CBS News Senior Culture Correspondent Anthony Mason revealed the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2025 honorees on CBS Mornings recognizing inductees The Doobie Brothers, George Clinton, Mike Love from the Beach Boys, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins alongside Nashvillian Ashley Gorley. Gorley was at home starting his day as the news broke.

“I’m honestly shocked. I started out in the tape room listening to some of the greatest songwriters turn in demos,” Gorley shares, reflecting on his journey. “Being welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and this legendary group of music makers is a dream come true. I’ve always looked up to this organization, and I’m proud to join representing Nashville and the country music community.

“I’ve attended this event as a fan and it always leaves me inspired, so this moment is truly surreal for me and my family,” Gorley adds. “I’m incredibly grateful for the Hall of Fame and all the songwriting heroes who shaped music as we know it today, and I’m looking forward to celebrating everyone in June.”

Morgan Wallen congratulated his friend and “Love Somebody” and “Last Night” collaborator sharing, “Ashley, your talent and work ethic are unmatched. I’m glad you’re being celebrated for your craft and there is no one more deserving of this honor. After as many hits as you’ve had, you don’t have to show up like you do for me and other artists and writers, and yet, your passion and love of songwriting inspires us every day. Congratulations on being named to the Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2025!”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston expressed admiration for Gorley’s journey and character, noting, “From dreams that began in Danville, KY to creating songs that have touched lives and hearts all over the world, Ashley Gorley is truly one of a kind. His drive, determination and perseverance are only eclipsed by his heart, genuine spirit and his faith. It’s astounding what he has achieved thus far, and he has no signs of slowing down, with hit songs on the chart today and many, many more to come. Every member of his family at Sony Music Publishing could not be more proud of him and congratulate him on this well deserved recognition.”

Tape Room Music President Blain Rhodes remarks, “This is a huge accomplishment! The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates the great songwriters from all genres who have enriched the world’s culture through their music. Ashley has been, and continues to be one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. His body of work is unmatched and his songs have helped shape Country Music. This is a very well deserved honor.”

Gorley grew up in Danville, Kentucky and attended Belmont University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1999. Since, he has continued to give back to the University through leading seminars, mentoring students and serving as an adjunct instructor. Gorley has met with Senators and The Library of Congress to promote songwriters’ rights and bills such as the Music Modernization Act. In 2011, Gorley formed his own publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music. Under his leadership and mentorship writers for Tape Room have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including 2018 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, “Body Like A Back Road,” 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls,” and 10-week Country Airplay number-one hit, “World On Fire.” An 8-time NSAI, 11-time ASCAP and 2023 Songwriter of the Year (all-genre) by Variety, the publication proclaimed “Gorley is widely considered contemporary country’s most successful writer.” In 2024 he supported the launch of a program designed for the creative community by The Onsite Foundation: Creatives Support Network, providing free mentorship, education, resources and mental wellness support specifically designed for members of the songwriting community gifting 80 grants for 80 individuals to commemorate his 80th chart-topper. Gorley’s recent collaborations with Jelly Roll and Post Malone/Morgan Wallen (“I Am Not Okay” and “I Had Some Help”) are being honored at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards with two nominations in the Best Country Song category.

3x GRAMMY Award-winners and current nominees, Dan + Shay already have reason to celebrate the New Year. Their Grammy nominated single, “Bigger Houses,” is at the top of the country radio chart this week, giving the duo their 11th career #1.

“BIGGER HOUSES IS OFFICIALLY #1 AT COUNTRY RADIO,” the band proclaimed on social media. “Anytime you get to ring the bell, it’s a career highlight and a huge win to celebrate with everyone involved, but this song is extra special for so many reasons. Not only is it the title track to the album that saved our band, but it is a message of gratitude and appreciation that has truly inspired the way we live. Knowing that this song has resonated with so many people, like it has with us, is the ultimate validation.

“Thank you to our longtime friends and co-writers [Andy Albert], [Jordan Reynolds], and [Jordan Minton] for bringing this one into the world with us. This was the final song written for the album, and defined the era in such an important way. Thank you to our [Warner Music Nashville] team for championing this one all the way to the top of the chart. It’s not lost on us that working a song like this (no drums or shiny production) is a challenge, but you faced it head-on and delivered, like you always do. Thank you to our country radio family for taking a chance on this song, and helping us share it with millions and millions of listeners, week after week. Your support means more to us than we could ever put into words.

“And last but not least, thank you to our fans. You have always stood by us, through every high and every low, and we are forever grateful. You believed in this song since the day we released it, and gave us the confidence to make it a single. Sitting on top of that house and hearing you sing these words back to us every night on tour was something we will never forget.

“Lots more to say about Bigger Houses, but for now, thank you. Simply, thank you. We could not think of a better way to start the year than by celebrating a song that means so much to us with the people who mean so much to us. Cheers to 2025, and cheers to our 11th #1!”

The ‘big’ news is fueled by several incredible year-end milestones with the release of their first-ever holiday album, It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album. Featuring 21 festive tracks, including ten timeless Christmas classics and 11 originals co-written by Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, the project skyrocketed to #1 on the iTunes Holiday Albums Chart and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 Holiday/Seasonal Chart upon release.

The album quickly became a seasonal favorite, with fans worldwide incorporating it into their holiday celebrations. The original tracks “Officially Christmas” and “Happy New Year” helped fuel the album’s 550 million streams worldwide, incorporating 340 million streams in the U.S. alone. In addition, both “Happy New Year” and “Pick Out A Christmas Tree” reached #1 on the iTunes Holiday Songs Chart. The latter also made it to #3 on the AC chart and ended the year as the #1 most played song of 2024 on the Country current Holiday Airplay Chart and the #2 most played song of 2024 on the all genre current Holiday Airplay Chart. Impressively, 13 total tracks from the album enjoyed significant airplay across multiple formats throughout the season.

Throughout the holiday season, the duo also made special appearances on major TV events, including The Today Show (with 2.2 million viewers), the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony, which drew 5.96 million viewers during NBC’s 89th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which saw over 31 million viewers across NBC and Peacock.

Following a successful 2024 tour, IMG Artists is pleased to announce that “Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly,” produced by Eli Wolf, will tour North America for a second time in early 2025.

Kicking-off at the Newberry Opera House in Newberry, South Carolina, on February 20, the concert tour features 2022 Grammy® nominee Rissi Palmer and Kristina Train joined by a five-member all-female band. Additional tour and ticket information can be found at www.womenofcountrytour.com.

Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, the legends wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Rissi Palmer (“Country Girl,” “Hold On to Me,” “Still Here”) and Kristina Train (“Spilt Milk,” “Dark Black”) will celebrate the legacy of these legends performing their groundbreaking hits “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and many more.

Rissi Palmer states, “From a young age, I was deeply influenced by these incredible women, learning the art of performance, songwriting, and singing through their music.” Rissi continues, “It’s an honor to now bring their songs to life on this tour, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this experience with the audience!”

“This program and lineup are truly what dreams are made of, says Kristina Train. “I am thrilled to be performing these beloved songs alongside Rissi Palmer. Her voice is stunning and I’m prepared to have the chills each night!” Kristina adds, “When we think of the mainspring of country music, we’re immediately referencing a Holy Trinity with Dolly, Loretta, and Patsy. With each concert on this tour, our group of fantastic women and musicians, along with everyone present in the room, will experience a joyful celebration honoring what these legends have given us.”

The concerts will highlight how Cline, Lynn, and Parton harnessed country music’s rich storytelling tradition to offer their uniquely empowered—and unmistakably female—perspective on issues faced by women of their day. Their shared legacy of musical excellence, earthy glamour, and unapologetic authenticity continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds in the 21st century.

Musicians joining Palmer and Train are Music Director Megan Coleman (drums, background vocals), Amy Frederick (piano, keyboards, background vocals), Leandria Lott (acoustic guitar, background vocals), Lindsey Miller (electric guitar, background vocals) and Sissy Dinkle (bass, background vocals).

Dee White returns with his sophomore album Heart Talkin’, led by title track out January 22. The forthcoming LP, slated for a June 13th release, features 10 songs, each written by the Slapout, Alabama native, along with collaborators including Daniel Donato, Sergio Sanchez, Ben Chapman, Melissa Erin, William Beckmann, and Kendell Marvel.

Produced by GRAMMY-winning producer and architect of country music Tony Brown (George Strait, Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn), Heart Talkin’ is rich in guitars, both electric and acoustic, and detail-oriented lyricism.

“Dee White has the youthful energy of a teenager and the poetic skills of an old soul,” Brown says. “His writing is so regional that there’s no doubt this kid is from the Delta.”

White wrote “Heart Talkin’,” the album’s debut and title track, with Sergio Sanchez the day before recording. Then White and the musicians — including guitar aces Ilya Toshinskiy, Kenny Vaughn, and Kenny Greenberg, pedal-steel player Russ Pahl, and, in one of the final sessions before his death, bassist Michael Rhodes — recorded live on the floor at Nashville’s Sound Emporium and the Castle in nearby Franklin, Tennessee. “The only overdubs we did on the entire album were background vocals,” White says.

Lauded by The Tennessean for his “highly melodic tracks” and “ tender croon,” White continues his tradition of “singing sweetly of small-town life, love and friendships in a way that feels lived-in” (Rolling Stone) on the new album, embracing the role of preservationist.

“I learn more from old stuff. I try to hang on to bits of it, because it’s going to be gone, as we all will be,” White says. “The hope is that maybe some other young person will come along and learn something from me that I learned from an 80-year-old object or person.”

Heart Talkin’ is the follow-up to White’s 2019 debut, Southern Gentleman, which he made with producers Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) and David Ferguson when he was just 19 years old. After touring in support of the album, opening for Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, and, most recently, Jackson Dean, he brought a honed craft and new confidence to the studio this time. “I often sit in silence, mulling over my songwriting ideas,” he says, “but I will speak up here and say, if you want to hear good, authentic country and Americana music, then please listen to Heart Talkin’.”

Country music artist Julia Cole has released her latest EP, featuring the highly anticipated new single, “Day Late & a Buck Short,” an electrifying anthem blending razor-sharp wordplay with her signature fiery delivery.

The title track, “Day Late & a Buck Short,” serves as the final finishing touch of the EP. This compelling song follows the release of fan-favorite tracks “Diamondback,” “Daddy Daughter Dance,” “Spicy,” “He Was You,” and “Tequila Helps,” showcasing Julia’s dynamic storytelling and blend of heartfelt lyrics with undeniable energy.

Written by Julia Cole, Andrew Bloom, and Bonnie Dymond, the lead track delivers a bold and empowering message for those who refuse to settle for less than they deserve.

“Day Late & a Buck Short” is a fierce and unapologetic tale of betrayal and empowerment. Featuring Julia’s fiery vocals and clever storytelling, the track turns heartbreak into a rallying cry for strength and self-respect. The song’s narrative captures a moment of triumph over deceit, with unforgettable lines like: “You went out hunting but forgot your gun…Camo can’t cover up the smell of her sweet Dior.” “Day Late & a Buck Short” has already surpassed 1 million cumulative streams across all platforms.

With over 30 million views across social media and comparisons to legendary tracks like “Gunpowder and Lead,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Goodbye Earl,” “Day Late & a Buck Short” is already a viral hit. The track’s clever lyrics and undeniable energy have struck a chord with fans across platforms, solidifying Julia’s place as one of country music’s rising stars.

An exemplar of empowerment, Julia Cole has rapidly built a devoted following, the #ColeTeam, through her music. Her impressive career includes being named a CMT Next Women of Country, debuting at the Grand Ole Opry, and being featured on platforms such as CMT, SiriusXM, CBS, Audience Network, The CW, and more.

Her streaming success is indisputable, with over 400 million global streams, and her digital prowess is equally notable. TikTok users are a major part of her growing community, with 777K followers and over 152 million unique audio plays to date, while her YouTube channel has accumulated over 50 million channel views to date. With 324K followers on Instagram and 455K followers on Facebook, Julia’s ability to engage with fans across multiple channels is undeniable.

Julia Cole’s ascent in the music industry is a testament to her exceptional talent, resilience, and innovative approach, marking her path as notably unconventional and a significant achievement for an independent artist. In an era where the music landscape is dominated by artists under major labels, Julia’s journey underscores the power of authenticity and direct connection with her audience, leveraging digital platforms to amplify her voice and artistry.

Inspired by the genre-crossed locker room playlists she and her Texas volleyball teammates blasted, Julia’s musical style blends country storytelling with a little Houston flavor. Starting her music career performing the Star-Spangled Banner at high school volleyball games, she quickly escalated to performing at major sporting events across the NFL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR, and ESPN to audiences of up to 75,000 people. Her global tours have taken her to over ten countries, opening for renowned acts like Dan + Shay, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Kane Brown, The Chainsmokers, Dierks Bentley, Chase Rice, Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Chris Lane, Michael Ray, and Jake Owen, among others.