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Music City Minute is the quickest, easiest way to stay up-to-date with country music news. We live busy lives and it can be hard to follow all of our favorite artist's moving and shaking. Music City Minute compiles all the latest information into an easy-to-digest sixty-second audio and visual segment. From Nashville to Denver, entertainment to breaking news, Music City Minute is your local source for country music content.
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A modern-day "Man in Black" is now a bona fide member of the Grand Ole Opry. This week, friends Craig Morgan, Ernest and comedian Leanne Morgan were on-hand to celebrate Jelly Roll's Opry induction in front of a packed house. Additionally, Lainey Wilson delivered a heartfelt speech where she called Jelly Roll a true friend and mentor, followed by the presentation of the Nashville native's official membership trophy. The night was made even more special with the inclusion of Jelly Roll's family, who watched in awe from the front row. Not only that, the "Haunted" singer was strengthened by the spirit of Johnny Cash: proudly wearing a gold cross, on loan from the Cash estate, that belonged to the original man in black. Jason "Jelly Roll" DeFord joins the 100-year-old highly elite club consisting of 235 total members. Of those, only 77 are active members, while two members are considered active but retired.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Not only is Tucker Wetmore musically talented, the 26-year-old is also properly fit and not afraid to shake his moneymaker on and off the stage. While there is no shortage of thirst trap pictures on the "Wind Up Missing You" singer's social feed, one particular photo shared recently had country music interwebs abuzz. Appearing in a carousel of candid snaps, the photo in question is that of what I am going call a "three-quarter moon" (in an effort to stay PG). Although the Washington native received a flood of comments from friends and fans alike, apparently not everybody was impressed. Texas hitmaker Aaron Watson offered up a few tips to help the country youngin' add some shape to his "pancake moon." Watson suggested Tucker complete a circuit of 100 to 132 "mom squats" a day in order to achieve a fuller, three-dimensional shape. By the way, Tucker Wetmore's latest single, "Brunette," is an up-tempo, tongue-twisting treat. Brunette is also the name of Wetmore’s world tour, which will wrap up October 27 at Red Rocks!
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Here is a name we have not heard in a while: Morgan Evans. After he and Kelsea Ballerini finalized their very public divorce, the Aussie singer-songwriter felt the best way to heal was to step back and assume a low profile. Like so many of us, Evans processed his sadness and grief by throwing himself into work. Now three years post breakup, Evans is ready to feel a spotlight again. In a recent interview, the 40-year-old became an open book. He described how his lowest points were punctuated with confusion and anger over public scrutiny aimed at him through tabloids and social media. Thankfully, with the help of family, friends, writing, recording and much-needed rest and relaxation in his native Newcastle, Australia, the "Day Drunk" singer has found peace. In fact, he is releasing a new 11-song album called "Steel Town" March 20, followed by a headline tour around Australia and New Zealand. Not only that, Evans has found a special someone to take up his time: fellow Nashville artist Laci Kaye Booth.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
In the immortal words of Geoffrey Chaucer, all good things must come to an end. Having said that, within the last month, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church and their support acts celebrated the conclusion of multi-week performances with traditional end-of-tour gifts. As a "thank you" for setting the tone each night of the Life Is A Highway tour, the boys of Rascal Flatts surprised their openers Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina with a brand spankin' new Ford Mustang and Ford Bronco, respectively. On the flip side, technically Eric Church's Free The Machine tour has not fully concluded, with shows scheduled through April. However, Ella Langley's spell as tour opener reached an end Valentine's Day in Albany, New York. The "Choosing Texas" singer expressed her gratitude with a unique gift she randomly found in an antique store. The Chief instantly fell in love with the 1920s pocket watch and vintage knife, which are attached by delicate a gold chain. Perhaps the wildest (and spookiest) part about this gift was an original engraving of the letter “E” adorning the watch.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Carrie Underwood's stint as a judge on "American Idol" has felt different this season. The one-time winner of the reality competition show seems a lot more comfortable sharing her true opinions, both positive and constructive. That said, not everybody agrees with her forward approach, especially the live Nashville audience. More than once during the Music City takeover week, the 42-year-old received negative feedback from the crowd in the form of "boos," which is practically unheard of for an artist of her caliber. The congregation's discontent grew especially heavy after the elimination of a young artist named Mor. Even though auditioning with an original song initially earned him a golden ticket to the next round, unfortunately Mor's tactic did not land with the judges a second time. Yet, in spite of the forthcoming displeasure, Carrie Underwood held strong. Armed with the confidence of a global superstar with over 50 industry awards, she gave her honest assessment and then told the live and social media audience to take their "boos" and shove it.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
In the event you needed a country music artist to keep a secret, consider Jelly Roll your Huckleberry. That said, the "Need a Favor" singer has opened up about painful information he has held close to vest. For over a month, Jelly Roll has been quietly undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. But, hold on, it is not what you are thinking. Just before the Grammy Awards, the country rocker was in a serious accident, breaking his collarbone and totaling his ATV. After seeing an x-ray of the injury and considering the amount of pain he would have been in, it is remarkable the 41-year-old even made it to the Grammys days later. Even though the award ceremony was a personal and professional high for Jelly Roll, he admits he was barely keeping it together, describing how anytime someone came in for a hug, he wanted to cry. On the side note, unfortunately, ATV accidents within the country music community regularly occur. Indeed Jelly Roll, Matt Ramsey of Old Dominion and Zach Bryan could start an ATV crash club, but instead of in a jacket, inductees would receive a personalized, members-only cast.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed their nominees for the class of 2026. On the surface, we do not see nominees of obvious country influence like current members Dolly Parton or Willie Nelson. However, if we dig a little deeper, at least three embody a distinctly roots-y, Americana vibe. Let us start with The Black Crows. Their mix of folk, blues and rock helped nurture the modern jam band scene, which is currently exploding in popularity with artists like Billy Strings. Next is Melissa Etheridge, who was dominant in alternative rock circles. Yet today, her raspy vocals, honest storytelling, consistent use of acoustic guitar and producing music with Shooter Jennings, I would say she is easily a country and rock icon! Finally, we are going to examine Jeff Buckley...hear me out. Buckley's unique mix of aching lyrics, affinity for telecaster guitars and subtle use of Hammond B3 organ and slide guitar would place him right at home with up-and-comers like Max McNown and Hudson Westbrook. At the end of the day, these artists certainly deserve recognition for their contributions in the rock genre, but also for their role in shaping modern country music.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Luke Bryan famously said, or sang, rather, "Most mamas ought to qualify for sainthood." In truth, folks of all shapes, sizes and occupations routinely demonstrate goodwill worthy of veneration. My favorite example is an angel from the Smoky Mountains who has a knack for delivering long-term impactful miracles. Dolly Parton's latest endeavor aims to provide hope, support and longevity for sick kids. "I’ve always believed every child deserves a chance to grow up healthy, hopeful and surrounded with love. I am so excited to share East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is becoming, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Together, [Parton & the hospital staff] are committed to strengthening a relationship where world class care, and a caring heart, go hand-in-hand for children across East Tennessee and beyond," declared the 80-year-old icon via a recorded statement. Goodness gracious, I believe that woman’s heart is truly bigger than her hair. Unfortunately, official circles would never recognize a “country canonization.” Never the less, to us, Saint Dolly has more than earned a bona fide title.
I'm Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.
Perpetual change throughout life's ebb and flow is inescapable. Thankfully, two things always remain constant: time marching forward and a relatable country song. On that note, sweeping winds of change have picked up in Music City lately. Let us start with huge congratulations to Luke and Nicole Combs, who welcome their third baby, a boy named Chet Wiley! I am sure big brothers Tex and Beau warmly welcomed the news of a baby brother. Next, an upscale restaurant in Nashville co-owned by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and former MLB player Adam LaRoche has closed its doors. A statement noted the team at E3 Chophouse is exploring new opportunities and a potential rebrand. If E3 Chophouse sounds familiar, it could be because a second one is located in Steamboat Springs. Solely owned by LaRoche, the Colorado location will not be affected by the closure. Finally, Kane Brown has inked a deal to open a venue on the Honky-Tonk Highway. Kane Brown's On Broadway will be a four-story saloon, include an iconic rooftop bar and set to open this summer. Hey, if we are lucky, these recent headwinds may stir-up new song inspiration too.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Well, well, well, look who is living their bluegrass dream! One of Colorado’s (favorite) adopted sons, Dierks Bentley, will be heading out on tour this summer with the legendary Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Needless to say, Bentley's hits are going to sound different on this tour – less contemporary and more like the mountain music that Grandma and Grandpa used to play. Interestingly, the idea to call the tour Off The Map was inspired by a composition of the same name from Bentley's "Broken Branches" album. Moreover, the song itself refers to that one place where you can truly relax, forget about your worries and give your soul a good recharge. Now, you might be thinking Bentley is settling for a slowdown, but that assumption is a full bubble off plumb. In fact, I have heard the bluegrass remix of "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)," and I can assure you the show will deliver a high-energy vibe. The Off The Map tour has eleven dates and includes a stop in Colorado Springs, July 2 at the Ford Amphitheater. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind Bentley show have already gone on sale. Learn more under the events page at KYGO.com.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Music is a way of interpreting human experience. Whether it's hiring a wino to decorate your house, your daddy giving you a funny name, waiting on a woman or describing a date at Applebee’s, someone has written a country song about it. Of course, not all compositions have a comedic tone. Matter of fact, I bet you know a few songs about love, respect, war, heartache and a fellow who was burning the candle at both ends until a woman walked in his life and saved him. On that note, Tim McGraw will be the first to admit that his wife Faith Hill was his saving grace. The 58-year-old goes on to explain how his threadbare upbringing could not have prepared him for massive fame. For the first time in his life, he had an abundance of cash, which he used to fuel a never-ending party. Luckily, McGraw was blessed with divine intervention, and through the love and patience of Faith Hill, he realized there was a lot more to live for besides getting stoned and singing all night long. Today, the country power couple remain strong, having raised three beautiful daughters, Audrey, Gracie and Maggie, and will celebrate 30 years of marriage in October.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
In a bustling music hub such as Nashville, artists are a dime a dozen. That said, a musically versatile artist would likely have more opportunities than the one-trick pony. Over the years, plenty of country stars have dipped their toes into other genres. Take, for example, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes and Taylor Swift, who all had successful forays in pop music. Meanwhile, Johnny Cash, Hardy and Carrie Underwood have expertly blurred the lines between rock and country on occasion. Then, we have folks like Dierks Bentley, who is just as comfortable playing bluegrass as his mainstream hits. Interestingly, Thomas Rhett has given this topic a lot of thought. The "Life Changes" singer admits he would love to give Motown a shot, complete with a six-to-eight-piece band, which actually is not too far off from his current sound. With that in mind, prepare to have to "timbers shivered," because Rhett's true crossover dream is to write and perform Rat Pack, Las Vegas-esque crooner tunes with a full orchestra. The 35-year-old goes on to say that he cannot promise it would be good, but it would definitely be a fun experience. Personally, I think he should git'r done sooner rather than later.
I'm Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.
Country music has evolved significantly over the decades, yet male dominance in the format has stayed the same. Legendary female artists like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba, The Judds, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson will admit that just because they’re a woman, they had to work twice as hard to get even half the exposure of a male artist. Fortunately, those women and many more in country music are survivors, and I am so proud to recognize Ella Langley for her latest achievement. Langley's current single, "Choosin' Texas" has claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But that’s not all! The 26-year-old's hit record also tops the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, which is equal parts impressive and historic. According to Billboard, only three other songs have simultaneously topped all three charts, and yes, they were all by males. By the way, "Choosin' Texas" has been streamed over 300 million times, earning the single a bona fide platinum certification. For all that hard work, Ella Langley deserves a big "hell yeah!"
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Country music artists have a lot of pride in their work. Viral songs, award winning albums and touring the world are a reflection of their dedication and spirit, after all. However, there’s another form of art that seems to get just as much focus and practice within the music community: pranking. A couple of the best jokesters in the biz, Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan, pulled a hilarious prank over on Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie during filming for "American Idol." The gruesome twosome recruited a fake auditioner Dylan Holmes to really sell the believability of the scenario, starting with Luke Bryan returning to the judge's desk with a hidden earpiece. Backstage, Brad Paisley secretly fed Bryan lines via the earpiece during Holmes' fake audition, leaving Bryan's co-judges believing his cheese had slipped completely off his cracker. To call the execution flawless would be an understatement. After the ruse was revealed, a clearly shocked Carrie Underwood admitted she was clueless of the lark and never questioned Luke Bryan's shenanigans as anything other than authentic.
I'm Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.
As a society, we have come to expect compelling backstories for high-achieving individuals. Specifically, in pop culture, hallmarks of an artist’s lore are a key part of their identity – and by golly, we are suckers for a redemption story. A shining example of his concept is Jelly Roll. He has been very open about his troubled past and the poor choices that landed him in juvenile and adult detention. Even though he cannot right the wrongs of his past, the “Amen” singer recognized his opportunity to use his solid foundation of redemption songs to help others going through similar or hopeless situations. With that in mind, Jelly Roll has big plans to share his latest professional achievements at the Grammy Awards with the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center in Nashville. The Tennessee native is hoping that by gifting one of his Grammys to the center, he can bring hope an inspiration to youths just like him, and ideally motivate the boys to turn their lives around.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Have you heard the story about the starving artist on the verge of desperation and down to their last few bucks who then catch their big break? It is a tale as old as time and a key component of many artists' origin story. Luke Combs recently opened up about this very specific era in his career. The North Carolina native described arriving in Nashville with stars in his eyes and eager to record songs for a demo tape. Unfortunately, professional studio time is very expensive, especially for a struggling artist. With only $200 left to his name, Combs was at a crossroads. In order to release any of the songs for public consumption, they would need to be professionally mastered (essentially the last step in audio production when a full final song is polished) before distribution could begin. Not only that, the mastering process was going to cost him $200 per song! Armed with the confidence of a 25-year-old, Combs put all his chips on the line to master one song: "Hurricane." Thankfully, it was a gamble that paid off and ultimately launched him into superstardom.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Ella Langley has revealed big plans for 2026. The Alabama Honky-Tonk angel will be dropping her brand new album "Dandelion" on April 10. A few short weeks after that, the "Choosin' Texas" singer will kick off a headline tour, playing 16 dates throughout the spring and summer. Langley recruited top-notch support acts to join her on the road such as Kaitlin Butts, Kameron Marlowe and Dylan Marlowe. Even though the tour will not be stopping in Colorado, Langley is slated to open for Morgan Wallen May 30 at Empower Field at Mile High. On a side note, seeing Dylan and Kameron Marlowe's names side-by-side made me wonder if they are related. Honestly, it would not be that far-fetched considering the disproportionately high number of familial ties in country music compared to other genres. Despite the same spelling of their last name, sharing surprisingly similar eyes and nose, growing up only four hours from each other and above average singing and songwriting skills landing them in Nashville, Kameron and Dylan Marlowe, to the best of their knowledge, are not family. That being said, I feel like they would be great candidates for an episode of "Finding Your Roots."
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
Music is a uniquely powerful force that transcends human constructs such as age, nationality, tax bracket and even time, allowing us to connect and unite physically and spiritually. That said, artists from across the musical spectrum gathered to celebrate and recognize the fruits of their labor at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. There were plenty of surprise wins and deeply moving acceptance speeches. As far as the country leaning categories are concerned, Jelly Roll led the pack with his three wins for Best Contemporary Country Album, Best Country Duo or Group Performance with Shaboozey and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance with Brandon Lake. Tyler Childers' "Bitin' List" won Best Country Song, Chris Stapleton's "Bad As I Used To Be" won Best Country Solo Performance and Zach Top's "Ain’t In It For My Health" was awarded the first ever Grammy in the newly-added Best Traditional Country Album category. Congratulations to all of this year's Grammy nominees and winners!
I’m Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
For at least a week, Tim McGraw, Eric Church and HARDY have been dropping clues and Easter eggs on their social media (a la Taylor Swift) leading up to their surprising brand new collaborative release called "McArthur." Written by the wordsmith himself, HARDY's “McArthur” embodies exemplary storytelling synonymous with the country western genre. Recorded by Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Hardy and Morgan Wallen, the song explores the history and dynamics of the fictional McArthur family over four generations. Each artists adopts a character from the lineage, with McGraw portraying the patriarch John McArthur, Church portraying his son Junior, followed by HARDY, who portrays Jones and finally Wallen, who is the youngest and only surviving male of the bloodline, Hunter. Ending on a thoughtful yet cautious note, the final verse asks, "When you pass on, what you gonna pass down?" Whew, anyone else getting modern-day "Highwaymen" vibes?
I’m Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.
Kenny Chesney has sold millions of records, rocked millions of faces at stadiums around the world and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. You would think with all that success a big star like Chesney wouldn’t get hung up on little things such as songs that didn’t make it to No. 1 status. However, the Tennessee native recently confessed there is one song he believes didn’t get a fair shake, and it’s stuck in his craw since 2003. Two major records dominated radio airplay that summer, Chesney's, "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems" and "5 O’Clock Somewhere" from Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett, which sat in the No. 1 position for eight straight weeks. Although he considered both icons good friends, Chesney's disappointment over his song only peaking at No. 2 is palpable. Revealing the innerworkings of the music business, he explained how both songs were released from the same label, but Jackson and Buffett's song was so “hot” there was no room for the label to maneuver his song on the charts. That said, the "Pirate King of Country Music" puts a little extra into performances of "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems," essentially, giving the song the love and attention it didn’t receive from the industry.
I'm Sheena, and that's your Music City Minute.
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