Country Music 411

Post Malone Mini Beer

Post Malone is celebrating 10 years of teaming up with Bud Light with a new product: MINI BEERS. Posty said it's simple, "If the Bud Lights are mini, they stay cold longer. . .Genius, if I say so myself."  Budweiser will feature 7-oz. bottles and 7.5-oz. cans, both co-branded with the "Posty Co." logo. The minis will make their debut at the Stagecoach Festival next week.  He's headlining on Sunday, April 26th. The limited edition production will be available nationwide on May 4th. Check out the video for "The Smallest Bar in the West" below. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @postmalone


 

photo credit:  Chrisallmeid

Taylor and Travis Wedding Date

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have sent out save-the-dates for their wedding on July 3 in New York City. The couple, who got engaged last August, reportedly chose a NYC venue over previous rumors of a Rhode Island ceremony to celebrate over the Fourth of July weekend.  Swift and Kelce were originally slated to tie the knot on June 13.  US Weekly previously reported the original Rhode Island venue was located close to Swift’s $18 million mansion. The five-star seaside resort Ocean House was scheduled to host the wedding before the reported change.

 

 

photo credit: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

We Like It, We Love It!

Tim McGraw will soon be a part of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The singer's name was announced on Friday, along with singer-songwriter Paul Overstreet. In a recent interview, McGraw said, "I don't know if I ever thought it would happen in my lifetime."  He added, "...it makes me want to live up to it." McGraw said he has to prove he belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame now. The 2026 class will be inducted this fall.  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tim McGraw (@thetimmcgraw)


 

photo credit: 1035 WEZL

Riley Green Injured Onstage By Fan

Riley Green is all stitched up after being injured during a performance Sunday in Australia. It happened during his show in Melbourne when a fan threw their phone on stage, hitting the singer on the side of the head. Green began bleeding on stage and required 5 stitches in his right earlobe. His next tour stop is tonight in Sydney.

 

@shifisher Surely the fuckwit got a tap on the chin on his way out ????????                #rileygreen #melbourne @Riley Green ? The Fightin' side of Me - Merle Haggard

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Riley Green (@rileyduckman)

photo credit: Sgt. Jordan Arnold / 

Public Domain

 

 

Jelly Roll Opry Induction Tonight

The Grand Ole Opry gets a brand new member tonight.  Jelly Roll will be welcomed into the coveted circle by friend and fellow musician, Lainey Wilson.  The ceremony will feature performances by the multi-GRAMMY award winner, plus Craig Morgan, ERNEST, and more. A portion of ticket purchases will be donated to the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, a cause close to Jelly Roll’s heart.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Grand Ole Opry (@opry)


 

It's a Boy for Thomas Rhett!

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins are welcoming their 5th baby together.  The singer and his wife shared the news in a post on Instagram this weekend, writing "welcome to the world, Brave."  Akins gave birth to their baby boy on Friday.  While Brave is their first son, the couple is already parents to four daughters. Brave Elijah Akins was born almost 2 weeks early, but weighed nearly 10 pounds.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lauren Akins (@laur_akins)


 

photo credit: Lunchbox LP

March Madness for Zac Brown Band

March Madness has a new anthem for 2026 and it's going to sound a lot more country.  The official CBS/TNT anthem for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is set, as the Zac Brown Band has lent “Give It Away” to the 68-team event coverage.  The action starts next month and culminates with the Final Four on April 4-6 in Indianapolis. The song will be played before every tip-off . . .

 

 

photo credit: Lunchbox LP

Baby #3 for Luke Combs!

Luke Combs recently welcomed his third child, another boy, with his wife Nicole. Little Chet Wiley joins his two big brothers, who also have very down-home first names, Tex - age 3, and Beau - age 2. 

They announced the happy news in a recent joint Instagram post, greeting the “littlest Combs BOY”. No official birthdate was given, the family kept the arrival private for several days. Combs is preparing to embark on his "My Kinda Saturday Night Stadium Tour", but for now he’s savoring the early days with this newest addition to his family. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NICOLE COMBS (@nicolejcombs)


 

photo credit: Manouel Roman

Lainey Wilson Netflix Documentary

 A Lainey Wilson documentary is coming to Netflix.  "Keepin' Country Cool" is directed by Amy Scott, who promises a "deeply personal, wildly inspiring" and authentic look at the singer's life.  Additional details about the documentary will be released in the coming weeks.  "Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool" will appear on the streaming service starting April 22nd.

photo credit: Helloburton 

Luke Combs Cancels Superbowl Gig

Luke Combs was planning to perform at the Madden Bowl concert tonight in Santa Clara, California (Feb. 6), ahead of Super Bowl LX.  Reps for the singer confirmed yesterday that he will no longer be performing at the event.  Combs is expecting his third baby with wife Nicole, and she is expected to go into labor at any time.  Combs says, “family always comes first.” The new baby will join big brothers Tex (2) and Beau (3). Combs new album, The Way I Am, drops in March. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NICOLE COMBS (@nicolejcombs)


 

photo credit: David Bergman

Zach Top Wins Grammy!

Zach Top took home the award for Best Traditional Country Album for "Ain't In It For My Health" at yesterday's Grammy Awards. This is Top's first Grammy win.  The country star earned a total of (3) nominations this year, including Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for "I Never Lie." Jelly Roll picked up (2) Grammy’s last night for Best Contemporary Country album and for his collaboration with Shaboozy on “Amen”Chris Stapleton won for Best Country Solo Performance for “Bad As I Used to Be”, a song featured in “F1 the Movie”.  Unfortunately, as in years past, the country awards were not part of the televised portion of the show. 

He's Gone Country!

Are we being punked? Actor Ashton Kutcher is jumping into the world of music.  In a recent interview with Good Morning America, the star revealed that he's currently working on writing a country music album.  The former That 70's Show actor admitted that he's "not a very good singer," but that isn't stopping him from pursuing his dream. He said he's always wanted to write a country music album and he's "obsessed with getting that done." The actor didn't reveal when fans could expect his debut album. 

 


 

photo credit: JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US

Chris Stapleton Contemplating Retirement

Say it isn't so! Chris Stapleton is considering retiring from music. The singer recently revealed that he hasn't been feeling creative lately and he wants to make a "thoughtful decision" about the future of his career.  Stapleton said he's at a bit of a crossroads and doesn't know when or if he's going to make another record or song.  The star's last album, "Higher," was released in 2023.  We hope it's just a writer's slump. . .

 


 

photo credit: Steve Kwak - Maryland GovPics

Jelly Roll Invited to be Opry Member

Jelly Roll is being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry as an official member.  The invitation came from member Craig Morgan during a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience."  In a video that came up during the show, Morgan praised Jelly Roll's music and impact and said , "...and who would have ever dreamed back then that I'd be back at the Opry House today, to say 'Jelly Roll, you're officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry'."   As a response, Jelly Roll said "it doesn't get any bigger in country music."  He also admitted that he never thought he'd be allowed to play at Opry or be a member of it.   Jelly Roll made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 and has become an Opry fan favorite over the years. He has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry NextStage program, and serving as host of Opry NextStage LIVE shows in Texas.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jelly Roll (@jellyroll615)


 

photo credit: Setoxxx

Public Funeral for Raul Malo

Raul Malo's funeral will be open to the public.  The singer's funeral mass service is set for this Thursday at 12 p.m. Central Time at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee.  A private reception will follow the public event.  The Maverick's frontman passed away on December 8th at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer. He continued to perform through September of this year when he was forced into treatment that took him off the road.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raul Malo (@raulmalo01)


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raul Malo (@raulmalo01)

photo credit: Alejandro Menéndez Vega for The Mavericks

 

George Strait - Kennedy Center Honoree

George Strait is among the class of 2025 Kennedy Center honorees who received medals at the White House's Oval Office over the weekend.  On Saturday, President Donald Trump presented them with their medals, calling the artists "a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans."  Trump introduced Strait as a "country music legend" as he put the medal around his neck.  Other honorees also included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, and Michael Crawford.  

 


 

photo credit: Bede735

Post Malone Gives Free Thanksgiving Meals

Post Malone’s Nashville bar, Posty's, is giving first responders a free meal this week. If you're a first responder on duty and in uniform between Nov. 26 and Nov. 28, simply visit Posty's on Broadway in Nashville. You will receive a free Thanksgiving meal. While Posty's doesn't have turkey on the menu, it does offer up dishes like brisket mac and cheese and seared salmon. Just be sure to save some room for the deep-fried Oreos.  If you're hoping to catch Post Malone at his bar this holiday, he'll be out of town. He's headlining The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show in Dallas when the Cowboys face the Kansas City Chiefs. The game airs on CBS and launches The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @postysbar


 

photo credit: Chrisallmeid

Judge Dismisses Kellie Pickler Poisoning Lawsuit

A federal judge is dismissing a lawsuit that was filed against Kellie Pickler.  A North Carolina man, who is now facing several charges in connection to a September mass shooting that left three people dead, filed the suit against the singer, claiming she poisoned him.  Nigel Max Edge accused Pickler of handing him a poisoned glass of Jim Beam during a date to the CMT Awards over a decade ago.  The judge dismissed the case calling the claims "nonsensical and delusional" and finding that the lawsuit "fails to plausibly allege a violation of a law." Edge, who changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023, walked the CMT red carpet with Pickler and his service dog, Rusty in 2012. The pair met at a charity event for wounded soldiers.  Edge is facing three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon after opening fire at the American Fish Company restaurant in Southport Yacht Basin on September 27th, leaving three people dead and five others injured. 

 

 

photo credit: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff / public domain

 

Cody Johnson Cancels Through End of Year

Cody Johnson is off the road through the end of the year due to an "immediate surgery."  Johnson's ear drum recently ruptured while the singer was battling a severe upper respiratory and sinus infection and he was forced to undergo immediate surgery.  Johnson says that the healing process will take many weeks and it's not possible for him to sing during this time. Concertgoers will have their tickets refunded. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson)


 

photo credit: Bearas 

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman Separate

After 19 years of marriage, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman have reportedly separated. According to TMZ, Urban has moved out of the family home and acquired his own residence in Nashville. Back in July the couple raised eyebrows when Nicole applied for residency in Portugal without Keith. At the time he said it was just a conflict with his touring schedule. The couple hasn't been seen publicly since June.

photo credit: Galeria de burningkarma

Grammy-Winning Songwriter Dies in Plane Crash

Grammy award-winning country singer/songwriter Brett James, whose string of top hits includes “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood and “When the Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney, died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57. The small plane crashed Thursday afternoon “under unknown circumstances”.  The Cirrus SR22T, registered to James, left Nashville and went down in a field west of a local elementary school. James' wife and stepdaughter also perished in the crash. James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. His first No. 1 hit was “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews in 2001. “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which he co-wrote for Underwood, earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, among other honors.  James had more than 500 of his songs recorded for albums with combined sales of more than 110 million copies. Other artists who sang his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor. Additional hits include “Cowboy Casanova” by Underwood, “Out Last Night” by Chesney and “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts.

photo credit: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff/D. Myles Cullen

 


 

 

3rd Time's a Charm for Reba

Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn are engaged. People Magazine confirmed the news after a reporter called the couple "fiancés" during Sunday night's Emmy Awards. The couple met back in the 1990's but reconnected in 2020. Reba has been married and divorced twice. She was married to rancher Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and married her second husband, (her former steel player) Narvel Blackstock in 1989.  They divorced in 2015.

photo credit: Gage Skidmore 

CMA Nominees Announced

Three of country music's favorite women lead the field for this year's CMA Awards.  Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley each landed six nominations.  Moroney and Wilson are each up for Album of the Year while Langley and Moroney are both nominated for Single of the Year.  The nominees for the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year include Wilson along with Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen.  The 59th CMA Awards will take place November 19th.

TAYLOR'S ENGAGED!!

In an Instagram post just moments ago, Taylor Swift posted one sentence that sent fans into a frenzy:  "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married."  ESPN's Adam Schefter, who also broke the news of a possible engagement ring purchase last month, appears to have dropped the story before any other entertainment site, posting: "On the day of hundreds of NFL transactions, the biggest one of all...Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are engaged."

Love the flowers.

photo credit: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)


 

Jimmie Allen Wants Name Cleared

Jimmie Allen's court battle isn't over yet as he wants to clear him name after being found liable for sexual assault.   A judge found the singer liable for sexual assault charges this week, but Allen's representation says they're planning on asking the court to set that judgment aside. The singer was found liable by default after he missed several deadlines and failed to comply with court orders. Although Allen has denied all allegations against him, the judgment means he's forfeited the right to defend himself against the charges.  The charges stem from a woman accusing the country star of assaulting her in a Las Vegas hotel room and filming the encounter without her knowledge or permission in 2022.