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This week's premiere issue includes: country stars and rising talent you absolutely shouldn’t miss, exclusive interviews and videos, fresh Nashville tips, an international take on this year's CMA Awards, a happy 100th anniversary to the Grand Ole Opry, a little bit of Dolly (of course) and more.

Ideas and feedback are always welcome at [email protected] (just hit reply!)

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When I opened the door to the green room (“Trisha’s Kitchen” at Garth Brooks’ place, Friends in Low Places, on Broadway in Nashville), I was stunned by the number of stars packed into one room. There stood Jordan Davis with his thick beard and flawless smile; my favorite honky-tonker Randall King, his hat perfectly set; and there stood the one and only Kix Brooks, chatting warmly with everyone who wanted to thank him for a lifetime of cultural contributions through Brooks & Dunn.

Members from the CMA Board were there, and cheerful Opry VP Dan Rogers was smiling in the corner. Between them: top names from the Nashville industry and the international country community.

I was there to receive the CMA International Broadcaster Award 2025, for my work with P4 Country on Swedish National Radio and for covering, supporting, and spreading country music in media since the 1980s.

To my surprise, later that day I learned that it would be Randall King himself who would say a few kind words about my work and present the award.
See that moment — and my acceptance speech — in the attached video. Fair warning: tears and laughter included.

Of course, I took the opportunity to congratulate Dan Rogers in advance on the Opry’s 100-year anniversary, which happens TODAY, Friday November 28, 2025. Exactly 100 years since the world’s greatest — and most important! — live country show began: The Grand Ole Opry.

As part of the 100-year celebration, I was honored to be invited as a Guest Announcer on the legendary Nashville stage earlier this year. And to honor the 100-year tradition of GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, I surprised my girlfriend (and shadow producer!) by proposing to her inside the famous circle, at center stage.
And can you believe it — she said YES!
See the video elsewhere in this newsletter.

Receiving a CMA Award and being invited to appear in both Saturday shows at the Grand Ole Opry in one evening… that’s something I’ve always dreamed of but never dared hope for. Now it’s happened — and my gratitude knows no limits.

In this newsletter, I hope to share everything worth knowing about the music we all love the most.
Welcome to the warmth. Together, we keep the fire burning.

Straight from the small town of Castlederg, Ireland, to Music City USA comes Gareth with what can only be described as THE voice. And the ability to sing his way straight into your emotions — or your tears.

Guess who I’m talking about?
See the clip from when I met Gareth on the red carpet at this year’s CMA Awards.

She’s been around for a few years, but the bigger audiences haven’t caught up yet. They will soon — I’m certain. Because she has everything it takes: songwriting chops, artistry, charm, personality, and of course… that voice.

I met Caylee on the red carpet at this year’s CMA Awards in Nashville and asked the Georgia native about her own favorite song in her catalog. Here’s what she told me:

As an anniversary tribute to my favorite show of all time, The Grand Ole Opry — 100 years old TODAY — I can now present you with an exclusive field-tested instruction guide on how to propose inside the magic circle, at the center of country music’s most legendary stage.

New Zealander Kaylee Bell — a Nashvillian name if there ever was one — became an industry sensation after performing her song “Keith” for her coach, Keith Urban (another Kiwi), on The Voice. Her star continues to rise in her adopted hometown of Nashville. No surprise that she’s released one of this year’s best original holiday songs, with sparkle: “Wake Me Up When It’s Christmas Time.”

Follow, listen, and support here.

Neotraditional country is everywhere — and trust me, nothing makes me happier. As Alan Jackson prepares to retire and Zach Top takes the crown for hardcore traditionalists, there’s also a wide field of new talent growing along the side streets.

My personal favorite right now: Chandler Dozier.

Listen to the first single, “It’s Not Me, It’s You” from his debut EP Bakersfield East, and you’ll understand.

Follow here.

P.S. On a related — or maybe the same? — note: DO NOT MISS Spencer Hatcher with “Honky Tonk Hideaway”.

I’m guessing you already have your favorite country ugly Christmas sweater, right?
Here’s me in one example from the shops at The Ryman and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. You decide which one is the ugliest — and let me know.

Living legend Dolly Parton has always stayed close to the outdoors — smelling the bluegrass around her Tennessee mountain home, etcetera, etcetera. But hunting?
However, I am quite sure the other picture shows Johnny Cash on a real moose hunt in Newfoundland back in 1961. All denim, all ready, all cool. And did I mention: HARDY.

If you made it all the way down here — you deserve a little extra. Here are a few behind-the-scenes moments and snapshots from this year’s CMA Awards. Enjoy the chaos, the glitter, and the cowboy boots.

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