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Clayton Mullen Releases New EP ‘Varsity Blues’

Quickly emerging as one of Country music’s most exciting new voices, Clayton Mullen has cemented his status as one to watch with his brand new EP Varsity Blues.

Praised for his tone, poise, and vocal chops of a seasoned country pro, Mullen’s new project is a nostalgic time capsule of the moments that shape us from young love and heartbreak to small town dreams and everything in between.

Blending smooth melodies, honest lyrics and a sound built for the open road, Mullen penned four of the collection’s five tracks.

Featuring standout songs like “Love On The Radio,” “Blue” and the Ryan Hurd-penned title track, Varsity Blues is full of heart and hard-hitting hooks.

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Grand Ole Opry Releases 100th Year Anniversary Album

The Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio program in history, has partnered with Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent artists, labels and entrepreneurs, to release OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs.

The exclusive one-of-a-kind album commemorates 100 years of the Opry, featuring 20 never-before-released live recordings from its iconic stage. OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs is set for worldwide release on November 7th, just weeks before the institution’s 100th anniversary on November 28th.

“For me, this collection of great songs truly captures the spirit of the Opry and our centennial celebration,” said Dan Rogers, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “These songs, voted on by Opry fans, come to life through remarkable live performances pulled from our rich archives. From debuts of songs that went on to become classics, to covers of past Opry members’ standards by current members of the cast, to vocal collaborations so perfect it’s hard to believe they were recorded live just one time, I believe the project is truly historic.”

The first single from the star-studded collection is “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” performed by Ashley McBryde and originally recorded by Hank Williams in 1952.

“The Grand Ole Opry is the pinnacle of success and greatness in country music,” said Jacqueline Saturn, President of North America and EVP, Global Artist Relations Virgin Music Group. “To be working with the team at the Opry to put out this commemorative album is really a huge career milestone for so many of us at Virgin Music Group. We can’t wait for fans all over the world to hear this incredible collection.”

The album is the latest in a series of special releases and events celebrating the Opry’s 100th year. Other highlights include Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, a highly anticipated performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on September 26. The Opry also released 100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry, offering an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the iconic American institution.

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Verna Margaret Breaks the Mold with ‘Fair Weather Wife’ EP

Rising country artist Verna Margaret is set to release her new EP Fair Weather Wife.

With two singles already out—“White Shutters, Red Door” and “Paper Cut”—the project offers a sharp, soulful look at relationships, self-awareness, and emotional independence.

The third and final single, “Lookin Back,” arrives alongside the EP and flips the traditional love song on its head: it’s a tribute to lifelong love built on trust, confidence, and freedom.

On Fair Weather Wife, Verna Margaret fuses traditional country instrumentation with wry, poignant storytelling, touching everything from missed connections and delusional barflies to bittersweet breakups and self-secure devotion.

“Lookin Back” draws on the timeless sounds of Patsy Cline and Tom Petty to celebrate love as liberation rather than sacrifice, while “Paper Cut” and “White Shutters, Red Door” highlight the singer’s range for dry humor and heartache alike.

Originally from Virginia Beach and now based in Los Angeles, Verna Margaret draws inspiration from legends like John Prine, Lucinda Williams, and Emmylou Harris while bringing a fierce, original voice to today’s Americana landscape.

Tracks from her upcoming EP, Fair Weather Wife, have been featured by Rainbow Rodeo, Holler, Wide Open Country, and Americana Highways, and her writing embraces both classic country tradition and indie experimentalism. Verna is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, which often shapes the stories she tells in her music.

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Drew Baldridge Duets with Emily Ann Roberts on “Get Me Gone”

Chart-topping singer-songwriter Drew Baldridge will release his latest single, “Get Me Gone,” a stirring duet featuring rising star Emily Ann Roberts.

The emotionally charged track is available on Friday, July 25 on all streaming platforms via Lyric Ridge Records/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Written by Baldridge alongside acclaimed songwriters Josh Jenkins, Allison Veltz Cruz, and Trannie Anderson, and produced by Nick Schwarz, “Get Me Gone” tells the story of magnetic attraction. The pair trade verses with raw vulnerability and fiery tension in a moment that feels both fleeting and unforgettable.

“As soon as I wrote this song, I knew it’d be a powerful duet,” says Baldridge. “It took me a while to find the perfect voice for it, but one day I came across Emily Ann on social media and I loved her sound. So I just hopped in her DMs and asked if she’d collab with me! It’s been amazing to work with her on this song.”

Adds Roberts, “When Drew sent me the song I knew he had something special. I was honoured he wanted to include me on it. ‘Get Me Gone’ immediately makes you think of the person you love and how you don’t need anything but them to have a good time.”

“Get Me Gone” showcases Baldridge’s signature heartfelt storytelling while highlighting the undeniable vocal chemistry between him and Roberts, whose breakout solo career continues to earn widespread acclaim. The duet follows Baldridge’s second consecutive Top 10 country radio hit, “Tough People” (Lyric Ridge Records/Stoney Creek Records), further building on his momentum and his partnership with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

In addition to a run of summer tour dates supporting Bailey Zimmerman, Baldridge was recently announced as a performer at the NSAI Songwriter Awards, taking place at the Ryman Auditorium on September 23. “Get Me Gone” also serves as the first preview of more new music from Baldridge, expected later this year.

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Hudson Westbrook Brings Texas to the Circle at Grand Ole Opry Debut

River House Artists / Warner Music Nashville rising Texas star Hudson Westbrook marked a major milestone in his career last week as he made his Grand Ole Opry debut.

A nearly sold-out Opry house watched as he stepped into the Circle for the first time and shared a captivating three-song introduction.

Playing “Take Your Time,” “Sober,” and his on-fire debut country radio single “House Again” for the packed out crowd, Westbrook brought Texas with him as he stepped center stage. His “blend of grit, twang and Lone Star State confidence” (Billboard) connected, with fans from the front row to the rafters giving Westbrook a standing ovation at the close of his set.

“It was one of the great honors of my life,” Westbrook shares of the moment. “To perform in the Circle and become part of the 100-year history of the Opry was surreal.”

Last week, Westbrook headlined a sold-out Marathon Music Works in Nashville. His set was broadcast live on SiriusXM’s The Highway at 10:15p ET / 7:15p PT, including a live pre-concert interview with host Buzz Brainard.