Music News (3/25/26)

Tim McGraw, The Stanley Brothers & Paul Overstreet To Be Inducted Into Country Music Hall Of Fame

This year’s inductees for the Country Music Hall of Fame were announced this morning (March 20). Paul Overstreet, The Stanley Brothers and Tim McGraw will join the prestigious Hall later this year.

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

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

“Each year, this moment serves as a powerful reminder of the people whose passion and dedication have defined Country Music at its very best,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As we welcome Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers into the Country Music Hall of Fame, we celebrate not only their extraordinary achievements, but the lasting influence their music will have on future generations. It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to help recognize these legacies and share in this unforgettable milestone.”

“The new inductees each followed their own distinctive career paths, but they have one critical commonality: they have left an indelible mark on Country Music,” said Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO. “Louisiana native Tim McGraw has built a catalog of hits defined by emotionally resonant, thought-provoking songs, achieving more than 60 Top 10 Country hits, nearly 30 No. 1 Country singles, and a formidable acting career. Raised in Mississippi, hit songwriter Paul Overstreet has penned modern Country classics for numerous Country Music Hall of Fame members, as well embarking on a successful recording career of his own. Hailing from mountainous southwestern Virginia, the Stanley Brothers – Ralph and Carter – were a foundational act in bluegrass whose music has influenced generations of artists in a variety of genres. Now, they will permanently be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside their esteemed peers and fellow pioneers.”

“First of all, as a writer, sometimes we’re faced with the task of putting into words something there aren’t really words for,” says Overstreet. “But in this case, my writer instinct didn’t have the words at all. I was in a bit of shock – total surprise. When Sarah called, I was in the South China Sea, or the Gulf of Thailand on a boat and the words she spoke gave me such an amazing feeling. I was sitting at a table with 10 people, and I had to fight back tears. What an honor it is to be recognized for my work by such an iconic institution as the Country Music Hall of Fame. I realize now what my friends felt when they were told they were being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Wow… it still hasn’t completely hit me yet.”

“This moment is deeply personal for our entire family,” says the family of The Stanley Brothers. “Seeing Ralph and Carter – The Stanley Brothers – inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is an extraordinary honor, and something we know would have meant so much to them. The fact that people around the world still love their music speaks to the heart and soul they poured into every recording and performance. Carter’s emotional lead combined with Ralph’s haunting tenor created a sound that was truly special. After Carter’s passing, Ralph carried on the music they began together, dedicating his life to preserving the spirit of traditional mountain music and sharing it with audiences everywhere through the Clinch Mountain Boys before his passing in 2016. To see The Stanley Brothers recognized together, side by side, is incredibly meaningful for our family and a testament to a legacy that continues to live on through their music.”

“Everything good in my life has come from Country Music,” says McGraw. “From my best memories as a kid, to meeting my wife, to this music community, to the friendships I’ve made along the way. To represent Country Music at the highest level is the greatest honor anyone could bestow on me. I admit, I’ve imagined this moment many times through my career — worked towards it, thought of how I could be the kind of artist who was worthy of it. But my imagination didn’t do it justice. As I stand here, I’ll be the first to tell you I’m only worthy of it because it’s not mine alone. It also belongs to my family, to my team on and off the road, to the songwriters who trust me with their songs, to the musicians, the actors, the co-authors and to the many, many greats that came before me and taught me how it’s done. I am so honored.”

Read more about the inductees here. 

 

Beloved Artist-Songwriter Ronnie Bowman Passes

Award-winning bluegrass artist and country songwriter Ronnie Bowman died Sunday (March 22) following a motorcycle accident. He was 64.

A native of Mount Airy, North Carolina, Bowman became one of bluegrass music’s most respected voices, earning widespread recognition both as a solo artist and as a longtime member of the Lonesome River Band. He joined the group in 1990 as a vocalist and bass player, remaining until 2001, and previously performed with The Lost and Found after joining that band in 1987.

Over the course of his career, Bowman received numerous honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including three Male Vocalist of the Year awards. His song “Three Rusty Nails” earned both Gospel Performance of the Year and Song of the Year, while “Cold Virginia Night” also took home Song of the Year honors.

Bowman launched his solo career with 1994’s Cold Virginia Night, an acclaimed project featuring Alison Krauss, Del McCoury and Tony Rice that won IBMA Album of the Year. He later released Starting Over (2003) and It’s Gettin’ Better All The Time (2006), further cementing his reputation as a leading artist in the genre.

In addition to his work as a performer, Bowman found major success as a country songwriter. He co-wrote Brooks & Dunn’s No. 1 hit “It’s Getting Better All the Time” with Don Cook, and Kenny Chesney’s chart-topping “Never Wanted Nothing More” with Chris Stapleton.

Bowman also contributed two songs to Stapleton’s multi-Platinum album Traveller, including “Nobody to Blame,” co-written with Stapleton and Barry Bales, which earned the ACM Award for Song of the Year. Continuing their collaboration, Stapleton’s 2025 single “It Takes A Woman,” co-written with Bowman, won the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.

His catalog was recorded by a wide range of artists, including Don Williams, Lee Ann Womack, Cody Johnson, Ralph Stanley, Jake Owen and Marcus King.

Born into a musical family, Bowman began singing gospel music at age three, performing in churches across North Carolina and Virginia alongside his four sisters.

In recent years, Bowman continued to record and perform, releasing a self-titled album and collaborating with the Band of Ruhks alongside fellow former Lonesome River Band members Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith. He also frequently performed with Dan Tyminski. In 2021, Bowman extended his publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the bluegrass and country music communities.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Bowman’s wife Garnet and their family shared the following statement: “Ronnie was beloved by so many in our music community, whom he loved so dearly… and we are beyond grateful for all of the love & outpouring toward us already. Right now, as we process, we just covet your prayers. We have no words at this time, but thank you and graciously request that you honor our privacy while we try to put our heads around this and grieve. What we know and hold onto, is that he is with his Savior Jesus in Heaven, although already terribly missed here on Earth.”

Michael August Exits Demolition Music

Michael August has exited Demolition Music.

August moved to Music City in 2014 and signed as a staff-writer with Demolition Music Publishing. In July of 2017, he was added as Creative Manager. August has served as General Manager of the company since 2019 where he oversaw day-to-day operations and curated creative and strategic partnerships.

During his tenure as General Manager, August established a Film & Television Department that has secured over 300 placements, strategized and set up sessions that resulted in cuts with Kelly Clarkson, Iggy Azalea, Roddy Rich, Dolly Parton, Blessing Offor and Erin Kinsey, among others, became a committee member for Nashville Film Festival, and more.

As a songwriter, August has earned over 200 cuts with Adam Doleac, Madeline Merlo, Harper Grace, Cooper Alan and more. He has also notched 30 placements in film and television, including in The Kardashians, Dynasty and American Idol, among others.

August will step back into full-time songwriting. He can be reached here.

 

Warner Chappell Music Hosts 7th Annual Next Up Music City Camp [Exclusive]

Warner Chappell Music (WCM), in partnership with YouTube Music, recently hosted its seventh annual Next Up Music City songwriting camp, bringing together more than 100 world-class songwriters, artists and producers.

The sessions focused on fostering deep connections and unique collaborations among attendees. In collaborations with label partners including Warner Records, Sony Music Nashville, RCA, MCA, and BBR/BMG, the lineup featured Dustin Lynch, Maddox Batson, Elizabeth Nichols, Dougie F and Skyler Stonestreet, among others.

“There is something truly special about bringing songwriters from all over the country together in Nashville,” share Katy Wolaver, SVP, A&R and Bethany Mako, Manager A&R, WCM. “Beyond the incredible songs that were written, there’s a deep sense of community that’s built at this camp among creators who wouldn’t otherwise have met. We’ve seen firsthand how this collaborative environment builds long-lasting creative friendships that lead to shared success far beyond our studios.”

“We’re so proud to support Warner Chappell’s Next Up Music City writing camp and the extraordinary roster of songwriters and producers who attended,” adds Jenna Rubenstein, Head of Songwriter Relations for YouTube Music. “Both YouTube Music and Warner Chappell share a joint mission of empowering songwriters at all stages, and this camp has done just that. Warner Chappell has proven ability to bring the right creative voices together and we can’t wait to hear the incredible records that will come from these sessions.”

Julianna Rankin Signs With Big Loud Texas Publishing & Sony Music Publishing

Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing.

Alongside the announcement, Rankin is releasing her second song via Big Loud Texas, “Little Miss Behavin,’” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. “Little Miss Behavin’” follows Rankin’s label debut “Bad Habits and Good Horses,” which was featured in the season finale of Landman via Paramount+.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas,” says Anna Weisband, SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She’s the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can’t wait to help share that with the world!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” shares Lizzy Rector, Publishing Director, Big Loud Publishing. “She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s ahead.”

Beginning in April, Rankin will support label-mate Jake Worthington on his “Intent To Tonk Tour” with stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston and New York.

 

Hadlie Jo Inks Publishing Deal With Sony Music Publishing Nashville In Partnership With GREAT DAANE MUSIC

Singer-songwriter Hadlie Jo has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Whitney Daane‘s GREAT DAANE MUSIC.

“Hadlie Jo writes songs with an authentic heart and delivers them with a traditional honesty that reminds you why you fell in love with country music,” shares Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “We couldn’t be more excited to champion Whitney and Hadlie Jo as they bring her unique songs to life.”

Hailing from Jena, Louisiana and growing up in Midland, Texas, she played music with her dad and began writing songs at 12 during COVID, where she honed in on her guitar skills. She also plays piano, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. In 2025, she graduated with honors with a degree in Commercial Music from South Plains College, majoring in Voice.

She soon after moved to Nashville, where she began working with songwriter/producer Jimmy Melton and A&R exec Renee Bell. Jo has collaborated with Vince Gill and Sharon Vaughn, co-penning Gill’s “Nothing Like They Used To Be.”

“I am beyond excited that I get to work with Rusty Gaston, Chelsea Kent, and the whole amazing Sony Music Publishing team, as well as with my ‘fairy song mother’, Whitney at GREAT DAANE MUSIC,” says Jo. “Getting to write with so many incredible songwriters, many of whom I have idolized for years, is literally a dream come true, and the fact that my first big cut is by one of my musical heroes, Vince Gill, and that I got to write it with Sharon Vaughn and him blows my mind! Now I’ve got to get to work to prove all of them right for taking a shot on a young artist and writer that just got to town with her Gibson guitar and her medical support dog, Lucy!”

Jo has a rare genetic immune deficiency, hypogammaglobulinemia, with an Antibody Deficiency. “My hope is that I can bring awareness to my unique condition and normalize having to work around illness or special needs for other kids,” she explains. “Participating in the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and Musicians on Call is one of my goals for 2026 now that I am 18. Sometimes it can be challenging, but I never let it hold me back, and Lucy, my medical support dog, makes that possible… and she has her own headphones!”

Her new single “Things” will release this Friday (March 20). It was co-penned alongside Melton and Mike Mobley, and is a homage to the floods in Texas last summer, and her first night in Nashville spent sheltering in an Airbnb bathtub for hours during a tornado.

“You can’t replace your loved ones, but losing your home, all your belongings, all your photos and memories is devastating,” says Jo. “It’s like erasing your life and starting over. My heart goes out to everyone who has suffered that kind of loss… ‘they’re not just THINGS.’”