JOHN MORGAN DROPS REMINISCENT “KID MYSELF” AHEAD OF DEBUT ALBUM, CAROLINA BLUE, OUT APRIL 25

Billboard’s “Country Rookie of the Month” and MULTI #1 hit songwriter John Morgan today drops the final preview of his debut album, Carolina Blue, out April 25, with the stunning “Kid Myself.” As his party starter smash “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” surges into the Top 5 at country radio, the rising star’s breathtaking track travels back to a regretful decision that cut a relationship short.

The final preview of Carolina Blue examines the tough but mature truth behind the past, pairing the tactful artist’s distinctly bold, emotive vocal delivery and striking, unexpected lyricism. With a delicately thoughtful spin on words, “Kid Myself” was written by John, Tyler Hubbard (of Florida Georgia Line) and Jordan Schmidt (Morgan Wallen, HARDY, ERNEST).

“‘Kid Myself’ was the first time I ever wrote with Tyler Hubbard,” John shares. “I was so nervous the night before because I knew I had to come into the writing room with a good idea, or he might never write with me again. Luckily, I threw out ‘Kid Myself,’ and Tyler and Jordan both loved it. This song is about my life before I moved to Nashville and a past relationship that might have been the one – had I been ready for it. Ultimately though, it’s about forgiving yourself.”

Lauded as an “accomplished songwriter” by People and “Music City Songwriting Star” by the Tennessean, the boldly gritty North Carolina native will deliver a tantalizing robust 12-track debut. A brilliantly curated collection of songs, the authentically humble and tenaciously driven powerhouse artist not only co-wrote every track and played every guitar, but he also co-produced it alongside Brent Anderson.

“Whether he’s crafting a country ballad or riding a ’90s-rock pulse, Morgan’s work is consistently melodic, designed to hook a listener in a heartbeat” – Billboard

With “stadium-ready written all over him” (All Country News), the captivating entertainer will open for Chase Matthew, bring the heat to Tortuga Music Festival and Stagecoach, and hit the road with Kane Brown this year.

About John Morgan:
With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band, before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer. Now, “a Music City songwriting star” (Tennessean), he has earned cuts with Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and an outstanding 16 for Jason Aldean, including the superstar’s #1 songs – “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and the GRAMMY® nominated, ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, along with Aldean’s latest single at country radio “Whiskey Drink” currently climbing the charts. Praised by People as an “accomplished songwriter,” Aldean signed the sought-after, powerhouse artist “with guitar skills that will knock your cowboy boots off” (Nash News) to Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Having made his Grand Ole Opry debut and logging hours on the road opening for Aldean, ERNEST, Riley Green, Nate Smith and Jameson Rodgers, his party starter smash “Friends Like That” – featuring Jason Aldean – is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio. With the Tennessean praising the “live concert favorite whose banjo and steel underpinnings still allow room for a hard-rocking core,” John’s breakout radio single has Billboard applauding, “Broken hearts aren’t typically pleasurable, although the breezy melody and pulsing guitars on ‘Friends Like That’ make loneliness sound attractive.” Giving fans a taste of new music with the striking “Kid Myself,” jaunty “Crickets,” confident “I Know Better” and heartrendingly smooth “Long Ride Home,” John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, drops April 25.

THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES TONY BROWN, JUNE CARTER CASH AND KENNY CHESNEY AS THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

The Country Music Association gathered at the prestigious Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, today, to reveal the 2025 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame – Tony Brown, June Carter Cash and Kenny Chesney.

Brown will be inducted in the Non-Performer category, which is awarded every third year in rotation with the Songwriter and Recording and/or Touring Musician categories. Cash will be inducted into the Veterans Era Artist category and Chesney will be inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill hosted the press conference to announce the news, which was also streamed live on CMA’s YouTube channel. 

“This year’s inductees embody the relentless drive and dedication that defines Country Music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Kenny, June and Tony have each left a lasting imprint on the genre, shaping its history with their contributions. From a young age, each of them was immersed in music, and their lifelong commitment has led to this very moment. Their achievements speak to the passion and dedication that have defined their extraordinary careers, and the impact of their work will continue to inspire future generations. There’s something incredibly special about being able to surprise each inductee or their family with this recognition – it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job, knowing how deeply their careers have touched the lives of so many, including myself. It is with great pride that we honor these three remarkable individuals and celebrate the lasting legacy they have created within our format.”

“All three of the new inductees have left indelible impacts on the genre and firmly established themselves as unforgettable contributors to Country Music,” says Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Chief Executive Officer. “North Carolina native Tony Brown is a trailblazing record producer and executive who has helped shape the sound of modern Country since the 1980s, supervising many best-selling records while also ushering in outsider talents to the genre. Virginia-born June Carter Cash was a vibrant torchbearer of her family’s enduring Country Music legacy who forged her own distinctive path during her more than 60-year career as a beloved singer, comedienne and songwriter. And Kenny Chesney, from Tennessee, has maintained one of the biggest hitmaking careers in Country Music since 2000, with more than 50 Top 10 hits, 16 Platinum albums, and is a regular top touring act who continues to delight audiences. Fittingly, they will now forever be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame with their illustrious peers who shaped our art form.”

“When you’re producing No.1 records, you feel like you know what you’re doing,” says Brown. “But being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame — especially for someone as idealistic as me —makes it feel like you’ve truly made an impact. And that has always been my goal.”

“June Carter Cash represents the whole cloth of Country Music, it’s breadth and heritage,” says the Cash family. “And June’s place in Country Music is undeniable. From the 1940s, across the decades and into the current century, her voice has been heard across the country and throughout much of the world, both with Mother Maybelle Carter, sisters Helen and Anita, and on her own, as well as with her duet partners, including her beloved Johnny Cash, with whom she told stories and inspired musicians both past, present, and future. She was a loving wife and mother, an actress, singer, songwriter, comedienne and a truly gifted performer whose persona was never exactly what was expected but was always and totally June. She profoundly respected, and was respected for, her craft, and that endures to this day. We, the Carter and Cash families, are most grateful and proud that the County Music Association has given June this well-deserved honor for her undeniable contribution to the fabric of Country Music and American culture.”

“You don’t dare dream of being in the Country Music Hall of Fame, alongside legends including George Jones, Willie Nelson, Alabama, even Dean Dillon,” says Chesney. “I’ve been lucky enough to get to call them my friends, and that was plenty. But hearing the news I’d been voted into the Hall, I can honestly say beyond my wildest dreams, it’s an honor that defies words. I am humbled, grateful, honored…as much for all the songwriters, musicians, artists and people who’ve helped me build my career; they have truly inspired me every single day.”

KOLBY COOPER’S FORTHCOMING ALBUM, LOVE YOU, GOODNIGHT, AVAILABLE APRIL 11

Kolby Cooper kicks off his latest album, Love You, Goodnight, with the electrifying smash hit “Under My Skin.” Dubbed “Country music’s newest badass” (People), Cooper will release his fiercely passionate and soul-stirring album—a thrill ride where raw emotion meets rebel spirit and unfiltered storytelling, blending gritty authenticity with soaring melodies—on Friday, April 11.

“It just feels like the most ‘me’ album we’ve ever made. I wasn’t even trying to force this sound out,” Cooper shares in anticipation. “I was just sitting down like ‘Let’s write something badass.’ I hope the lyrics carry the weight of how cool the production is, how hard we worked on it, and the countless hours I’ve spent making sure it told a story.”

Establishing himself as a skilled songwriter, Cooper has been recognized as “the current buzzworthy artist in country music” (People) and is making waves with his 2025 headlining tour. At just 25 years old, he has spent the past six years captivating audiences and is “well on his way to headlining shows at Yankee Stadium and Red Rocks Amphitheatre” (Sounds Like Nashville).

The brand-new album arrives as Cooper has amassed over 440 million on-demand streams, made his Grand Ole Opry debut and filled stages across the country, including dates opening for acts like Jelly Roll and Koe Wetzel. The Texas native and father of three presents Love You, Goodnight, featuring 14 incendiary anthems, each showcasing a different facet of life on the road. All written or co-written by Cooper, including a powerhouse duet with fellow Texan Danielle Bradbery, the country outlier has already given fans a sneak peak with previously released heart-pounding tracks like “Running Away,” “Hate You Too,” “Kill Me,” “Mama” and the poignant “Hello From The Road.”

About Kolby Cooper:
As an old-school troubadour whose fans keep him on the road, Kolby Cooper has spent the last six years winning one crowd after another, and slowly building his rep as a rough-around-the-edges, country-rock phenom. But the infinite horizons of the highway come with a cost. Dialing up Love You, Goodnight in response – his second album for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville with Combustion Music – the burning conflict within his late night calls home becomes a blowtorch of country grunge, as a modern-day outlaw shoots from the sonic hip, pushing his sound to its high-voltage limit. A 25-year-old husband and father of three, the Texas native grew up in the shotgun seat of his long-haul trucking family members, switching CDs between Waylon Jennings and Cross Canadian Ragweed – but also Nirvana, Blink-182, and more. Starting his own career at 18, the singer-songwriter soon reached exit velocity on his orbit through the Texan live circuit, and his grassroots fan base now drives sold-out national headline tours and supporting runs with Jelly Roll, Koe Wetzel and more. Meanwhile, Cooper has racked up over 440 million on-demand streams, a Grand Ole Opry debut, and industry-wide accolades, dubbed “country music’s newest badass” by People. Featuring 14 fuse-busting anthems – each one revealing a different aspect of life on the road, written or co-written by Cooper himself – Love You, Goodnight arrives as a hard-hitting fusion of the Texas country tradition with 2000s-era alt-rock, metal and punk. This ferocious follow up to Cooper’s roughshod Red Dirt beginnings marks a heavy creative turn to match his heavy soul. More than sonic aggression, these tunes depict epic emotionality and an edgy, East-Texan rasp.

BLAKE SHELTON RETURNS WITH NEW ALBUM FOR RECREATIONAL USE ONLY AVAILABLE MAY 9

After nearly four years since his last studio album, Blake Shelton is back with For Recreational Use Only, his highly anticipated debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, set for release May 9.

Leading the charge is the Top 10 hit single “Texas,” which has already resonated with fans and country radio alike, with People Magazine describing it as “rollicking.”

“It’s been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” said Shelton. “Scott (Hendricks) and I have been working on this music for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with the fans.”

The song “Let Him In Anyway,” available today, offers another powerful preview of the album. The emotionally gripping ballad tells the story of a man hoping for divine forgiveness for a lost friend who was just shy of redemption.

“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” said Shelton. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”

Spanning 12 tracks, For Recreational Use Only captures life’s highs and lows with authentic storytelling, raw emotion, and unforgettable melodies. The album also features special guest appearances from superstar Gwen Stefani, country legend John Anderson, and longtime friend and tourmate Craig Morgan.

Currently on the road with his sold-out Friends & Heroes Tour, Shelton is joined by an all-star lineup, including Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts. The tour is more than just a concert—it’s a magical, multigenerational celebration of country music, bringing together legendary voices and rising stars for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling.

With For Recreational Use Only, Blake Shelton reaffirms his place as one of country music’s most compelling voices, delivering a deeply personal and universally resonant album.

GRACE TYLER GETS THE LAST WORD IN HER DEBUT EP “EVERYTHING I DIDN’T SAY” – OUT NOW

One of Nashville’s most promising rising artists, Grace Tyler, has released her debut EP, Everything I Didn’t Say, out now. The emotionally gripping project chronicles in sequence the downfall of a once unshakable relationship. Tyler’s raw and honest songwriting, and impressive vocal, details the heartbreaking reflection of not being able to truly say the things she wished she had to the man who broke her.

“Everything I didn’t say. The words I thought of days, weeks, months after it all ended. Sometimes you think of everything you want to say when it’s too late. This EP allowed me to say it all without having to say it to his face. It was a process of healing – taking the listener along for every step of the process following a breakup. I’m so proud of this project and so excited to finally share it!” -Grace Tyler

Tyler teamed up with Raised Rowdy for a spectacular celebration of talent for her EP Release Party held at Loser’s bar in Nashville. The night included guest performances from Averie Bielski, Ryan Kohn, Olivia Daponte, Carson Wallace, Ben Foster and Kinsley. Tyler then took the stage with her full band to perform the full EP, plus her soon to be released track, “Heal the Heart You Broke” and closed the show with her 2022 track, “Cowboys & Tequila.”

About Grace Tyler:

Born and raised in Frisco, TX, Grace Tyler was indoctrinated at an early age by the melodies of her idols such as Dolly Parton, George Strait and Miranda Lambert. With a vocal presence and songwriting sensibility that harnesses traditional Country music roots with contemporary appeal. Cutting her teeth as a performer in her teens, Tyler performed at venues throughout the Texas Country and Red Dirt music scene. After gaining industry recognition, she moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and hone her craft – taking mentorship from multi-Platinum recording artist and unequivocal storyteller, Lee Brice. Tyler first felt the taste of fame when publishing “My Mistake,” the viral breakup single which first captured ears and hearts on TikTok. She was awarded the cover of Texas Country Now playlist on Spotify June of 2022, playlist placement on Fresh Finds all genres and Fresh Finds Country. Tyler also performed for Spotify’s Coastal Cowgirls series in Venice Beach, CA (April 2024) and her first CMA Fest performances of her young career (June 2024) via Spotify’s Fresh Finds Stage and Hard Rock Stage at Hard Rock Cafe. Tyler has also been featured on the cover of Amazon’s “Breakthrough Country” playlist for her song, “Lose Me,” currently sitting at #3 (Dec. 2024), and was 1 of 8 multi-genre artists nominated for Spotify’s “Fresh Finds Favorites” with her song, “Weak Man,” (Nov. 2024). At the end of 2024, the rising star hit the road on her first tour, opening for popular Texas act, Shane Smith and the Saints. Tyler’s debut EP, Everything I Didn’t Say, was released on March 14th. The testimonial collection is a raw and honest recounting of all the things one holds back from saying and this is Tyler’s emotional unburdening and marks a path forward to her next chapter.

RUSSELL DICKERSON HITS THE ROAD ON RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025 WITH ELECTRIFYING FIRST WEEKEND

Multi-Platinum entertainer and “born showman” (Music Row) Russell Dickerson launched his RUSSELLMANIA TOUR this weekend, kicking off an electrifying run of shows in his hometown of Nashville, TN on Friday (3/14), followed by a performance in Atlanta, GA on Saturday (3/15).

The weekend featured Dickerson performing fan favorites like “God Gave Me A Girl,” “Home Sweet,” “Yours,” and a sing-along performance of his powerful rising single “Happen To Me,” along with many more. Nashville fans were also treated to special guest appearances from award-winning singer/songwriter Carly Pearce, who joined him for a duet of Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley’s “Whiskey Lullaby,” and rising country star Dylan Marlowe, who performed his hit “Back Home Boys.” Opener Jake Scott also joined Dickerson for a performance of their hit “She Likes It” before closing the show with the 2X Platinum hit “Blue Tacoma” and a burst of confetti.

Dickerson’s new song “Happen To Me” made a significant impact on country radio following its release on 2/21. Praised as his “best song to date” by Country Swag, the high-energy anthem achieved the biggest streaming debut week of Dickerson’s career and in Triple Tigers label history. With over 13.9 million global streams and more than 32.3 million views across social media, Music Row calls it “a good-time banger with energy that doesn’t let up. Perfect for a springtime playlist.” Written by Dickerson, Chase McGill, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chris LaCorte and Robert Hazard, the track blends catchy rhythms and infectious lyrics to capture the excitement and carefree spirit of a spontaneous night out.

Catch Dickerson on his high-energy RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025 on the road this spring and summer, with Jake Scott and Niko Moon joining the fun on select dates.

RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025 Dates
3/20 Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live SOLD OUT *
3/21 Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live SOLD OUT *
3/22 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis SOLD OUT *
3/28 Madison, WI – The Sylvee SOLD OUT *
3/29 Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *
4/3 Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom *
4/4 Salt Lake City, UT – The Union
4/5 Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House *
6/5 New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *^
6/6 Asbury, NJ – Stone Pony Summerstage *^
6/7 Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion *^
6/13 Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater *^
6/14 Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amp *^

  • Jake Scott
    ^ Niko Moon

About Russell Dickerson:
Muliti-Platinum artist and all-in performer Russell Dickerson made a name for himself as an “ace songwriter” (Billboard) full of “unstoppable energy fans can’t get enough of” (E! News). After bursting onto the scene, the Tennessee native quickly stood out by releasing four consecutive career-launching singles that each reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since then, Dickerson has earned platinum or multi-platinum status on hits like “Yours” (3X Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2X Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum), and “She Likes It” ft. Jake Scott (2X Platinum). In 2023, he scored his fifth No. 1 hit with “God Gave Me A Girl,” followed by the release of “Good Day to Have a Great Day,” “Bones” and his latest single “Happen To Me” which marked the biggest debut of his career, notching over 9 million global streams in the first week. Known for his electric performances, Dickerson will hit the road this year on the RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025, extending into amphitheaters this summer, with direct support from Jake Scott and Niko Moon on select dates..

VETERAN HIT COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER BILL NASH’S NEW SINGLE “LOCKED IN YOUR LOVIN’ ARMS” TRIBUTES THE MUSICAL STYLE OF HANK WILLIAMS SR.

Veteran hit country singer-songwriter Bill Nash, and his son Jimmy Nash will release their swanky new single “Locked In Your Lovin’ Arms” [pre-save here] on Friday, March 21 from Cloverdale Music. Bill’s son Jimmy has both songwriting and production credits on the new single, along with renowned Nashville music producer Kenny Royster (Luke Combs, Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan) who recorded the EP at his Direct Image Recording Studio in the Broadway corridor.

“Locked In Your Lovin’ Arms” is the first single from their forthcoming new EP – Oh Hank – honoring the musical legacy and artistic singing style of Hank Williams Sr. The five-song EP will be available everywhere digitally on Friday, June 6th.

“I told my son, Jimmy, I wanted to do a Hank tribute, and he had already written this song for me to feature my yodel, just like I do on Hank songs,” Bill said. “It was a perfect fit!”

“Locked In Your Lovin’ Arms” will also be getting a visual treatment, as the Nash’s will be filming a new music video around Houston and Nashville this month, for an anticipated late spring or early summer release. The video will be produced and directed by Tommy Mauser and Jimmy Nash.

“Hank Williams songs were the first songs I sang as a young, aspiring singer-songwriter,” Nash recalled. “Little did I know that those Hank songs would be the start of my Country career, that led me to Houston, and then Nashville, and on to 5 major labels, and a lifetime in music. This EP of songs tributing Hank’s timeless style was a labor of love.”

About Bill Nash:

Bill Nash is a country singer-songwriter whose career spans seven decades, and five major record labels. Along with his wife and songwriting partner, Kim Nash, they have written hit songs for Reba McEntire, Diamond Rio, Eddy Arnold among others. As a solo artist, Bill Nash was the first artist to record the Kris Kristofferson classic song, “For The Good Times,” in 1967. Nash’s song, “You Can’t Say Love Enough,” was recorded by Dolly Parton, Wayne Newton, Larry Gatlin and 16 other stars for the Juvenile Diabetes Association in 2009.

Bill and Kim currently reside in Houston, Texas, and love to travel and spend every minute possible with their grandkids. They also founded Champions Kids Camp, a camp for survivors of traumatic events, in honor of their oldest son’s healing of leukemia.

ALLIE COLLEEN CELEBRATES RELEASE OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EP, SINCERELY, ROLLING STONE

Rising country artist Allie Colleen marked a milestone in her career with a memorable EP release party at the iconic Cannery Ballroom. The celebration of her highly anticipated EP, Sincerely, Rolling Stone, was an evening filled with raw emotion, electrifying performances, and an intimate look into the artist’s heart. Colleen shared her five-song collection with an enthusiastic crowd of fans, industry insiders, and fellow artists.

With Sincerely, Rolling Stone, Allie Colleen has solidified her place as an unapologetically authentic artist, one who owns the stage, no matter the size.

The special event began with a songwriter’s round of some of the writers on the project. Megan Barker, Stephen Hunley, Matt Wynn, and Lockwood Barr, set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Allie Colleen, known for her engaging songwriting and storytelling, brought together the talented singer/songwriters who shared stories behind the songs, perfectly capturing the spirit of Nashville’s intimate songwriting scene.

When Allie Colleen took the stage with a full band, the energy in the room soared. The 10-song setlist included tracks from her new EP, fan favorites like “Grass on the Grave”, “Halos and Horns”, and “Stones” as well as songs that have solidified her place in the hearts of her growing fanbase.

Her authentic style was on full display throughout the evening as she rocked a custom leather jacket created by Lifeline Custom adorned with a custom skeleton arm sleeve, complementing her iconic skeleton hand tattoo. Lyrics from her songs graced the right sleeve, while the back of the jacket proudly displayed the name of her EP, Sincerely, Rolling Stone, in bold lettering. Allie’s signature look was completed with mismatched Converse sneakers, bright pink fishnet stockings, and chains, underscoring her unique edge and individuality. Allie Colleen remains a natural in every environment. Her motto, expressed in her song Stones (I Don’t Give A), resonates deeply with her approach to life and music, staying true to herself no matter the stage.

About Allie Colleen:
Allie Colleen is a Country music artist, singer, and songwriter who recently toured and performed in 2024 with Jelly Roll on the final leg of his Beautifully Broken Tour and also toured and performed with Lee Brice on his Me and My Guitar tour as well as headlined many shows of her own. Her music style defines how life shaped her, alongside her personal lyrics and transparency in her vocals and performance. Her passion for singing and songwriting since a young age has garnered her a reputation for being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice. Her impeccably strong voice with hints of timeless tradition falls between classic and emerging country sounds. The room never fails to silence as Allie Colleen begins to sing about the layers of love and heartbreak that have shaped her. Unlike most of today’s songs, some of her newest songs have witty lyrics and a connection to the song. With more than 351,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok combined and organically won over nearly 300K Spotify listeners and an accumulated streaming total of four million streams, she is one of the most powerful and popular female independent label acts on a trajectory to stardom.

3X GRAMMY NOMINEE JOE NICHOLS PRESENTED WITH PANDORA BILLIONAIRE LAQUE FOR SURPASSING ONE BILLION STREAMS ON THE PLATFORM

Multi-platinum-selling Quartz Hill Records artist Joe Nichols was honored Friday evening (2/28) with a Pandora Billionaire Plaque after his performance at SiriusXM The Highway’s weekly Music Row Happy Hour at Margaritaville in the heart of downtown Nashville.

Nichols was surprised with the coveted plaque – which is presented to artists that have achieved OVER ONE BILLION song streams on Pandora – by SiriusXM The Highway host Buzz Brainard. Joining Nichols and Brainard onstage was Bekah Digby, Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations – Country & Christian at SiriusXM and Pandora, who also represented Johnny Chiang, Vice President of Music Programming – Country at SiriusXM and Pandora.

“Joe Nichols’ music has been a staple for country fans for over two decades,” said Chiang. “Hitting a billion streams on Pandora is a testament to his staying power and the deep connection he has with his listeners. We’re thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with him.”

“This means the world to me,” said Nichols. “To the Pandora listeners, thank you for caring enough to engage with my music, which is what I’ve wanted most from the time I was a kid. And to Pandora, thank you for giving me a platform to play my music on and giving me the chance to go out there and meet the fans.”

The Music Row Happy Hour’s live audience enthusiastically sang along to Nichols’ three-song set, which included two of his No. 1 country classics, “Brokenheartsville” and “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” as well as a new fan favorite, “Helpless in a Honky Tonk,” from Nichols’ 11th studio album, Honky Tonks and Country Songs, released this past Fall.

The Pandora Billionaire honor came the same week that the album’s first radio single, “Better Than You,” a powerhouse duet with rising star Annie Bosko, broke into the Top 40 at U.S. Country Radio (Mediabase).

The steamy, emotionally charged “Better Than You” entered the airwaves as a Top 5 Most Added Song at U.S. Country Radio (Mediabase)for five consecutive weeks, including one week before the track’s official impact date. Additionally, the duet has been a Top 10 Most Added Song for nine non-consecutive weeks and has earned triple-digit radio adds to-date.

“Better Than You” has garnered critical praise, including from legendary MusicRow critic Robert K. Oermann, who described the vocal chemistry between Nichols and Bosko as “Goosebump-thrilling sounding” and awarded Bosko his DISCovery Award “for her sterling work alongside the mighty Joe Nichols.” New Music Weekly, meanwhile, gushed that Nichols and Bosko have delivered “what has to be one of the best duets in town.”

Penned by chart-topping songwriters Derek George (Darius Rucker’s No. 1 “For the First Time”) and John Pierce (Zac Brown’s No. 1 “Sweet Annie”), and produced by George with Mickey Jack Cones (Dustin Lynch, Trace Adkins), “Better Than You” is about love at first sight, your last first kiss, and realizing that nothing else could compare with the magic you’ve found in your lover’s arms.

Nichols returns to the road in March with shows in Belle Glade, FL (3/22), Orange Park, FL (3/27) and Tallahassee, FL (3/28) before heading to the Midwest in April.

RYAN AND RORY UNLEASH HIGH-OCTANE ANTHEM “TRUCK STOP” – OUT NOW!

“Set to make major waves on the country music scene” (MusicRow), Ryan and Rory find out that the best times in your truck can happen while you’re in park in this high-energy anthem “Truck Stop.” Swapping speed limits for tailgate-foolin’-around.

“’Truck Stop’ was so fun to write,” says Ryan. “But it’s even more fun to play out live. It’s got such a great groove.”

Adds Rory, “Lyrically, it’s a spicy twister…’cause if you think it’s about stopping for gas off the interstate, think again!”

Named a SiriusXM The Highway “Highway Find,” “Ryan and Rory are primed to become the next major male duo in country music” (Music Mayhem). Co-written by Ryan, Emily Reid, and producer Kevin Bard, this revved-up, pavement-pounding track is featured on their electrifying setlist as they hit the road with Brett Young this spring after just wrapping dates with Tyler Braden.

Wrapping up 2024 on a high note, the “2025 Artist to Watch” (Music Mayhem) made their Grand Ole Opry debut, released the poignantly nostalgic track “Heaven’s Got A Country Station,” and toured with Sam Hunt and Jamey Johnson, who declared, “if I were a gambler, I’d bet on these two.”

Between concert and recording dates, Ryan and Rory are prolific songwriters with a stockpile of new songs ready to be dropped in 2025.

About Ryan and Rory:
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s country music duo Ryan and Rory “are bursting onto the scene” (Country Swag). Named SiriusXM The Highway’s latest “Highway Find,” Ryan and Rory’s buzzy party starter “Pour Decisions” is a nod to the universal heartache band-aid, with the lively smash launching their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP, available now. Ryan Follesé is a Nashville native, 2X PLATINUM #1 hit singer-songwriter and American Music Award winner. Rory John Zak, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17. Having opened for Sam Hunt, Jamey Johnson and Tyler Braden and acclaimed by MusicRow “to make major waves on the country music scene,” Ryan co-wrote all six tracks on the project, with Rory adding his masterful instrumentals and expertly smooth harmonies to Ryan’s robust lead vocals. Featuring their vivacious anthem along with standout smash “This Town” that Billboard applauded as a “must-hear” new country song, the EP embodies that vibrant, wide-open spirit, while also showcasing their musical depth with bright imagery, buoyant lyricism, and soul-stirring ballads. Delivering “commercial polish and good-natured, honest storytelling” (Tennessean), “Ryan and Rory are the next heir apparent to the country duo throne” (Country Swag). Having just made their Grand Ole Opry debut on December 7, the duo is already back in the studio working on new music. They closed out 2024 with the nostalgic “Heaven’s Got A Country Station” and are revving up more than just engines in their latest release “Truck Stop.” See them on the road throughout the spring across the US and Canada with select dates opening for ACM Award winner Brett Young.