ArtistDirect News
Bill Anderson Celebrates 65 Years at Grand Ole Opry as Country Stars Spotlight Charity, New Projects and Exhibitions
Bill Anderson marked the 65th anniversary of his membership in the Grand Ole Opry on July 15, 2026, becoming the longest‑serving continuous member in the institution’s history. The celebration, held inside Nashville’s iconic Opry House, drew a crowd that included Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Rogers praised Anderson’s “soft‑spoken voice” and his lifelong bond with the venue, noting that the singer has “always come home to this Opry he loves” and that the organization is “honored, proud, and looking forward to the next 65.” Anderson’s induction date—July 15, 1961—makes this milestone the first 65‑year anniversary reached by any Opry member.
In other Nashville events, country guitarist Brad Paisley surprised an audience at Whiskey Jam on July 20. The pop‑up show featured Paisley’s new single “Hi Ho Silverado” from Tacklebox – Disc 1 and a duet with David Lee Murphy on “Dust On The Bottle.” The performance was part of a free‑ticket series that brings rising and established artists to the venue twice a week.
A week earlier, on July 17, Kane Brown performed “Miles On It” at the fifth annual Faith Fight Finish Foundation Gala in Dallas. Hosted by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, the event focuses on colon‑cancer research, mental‑health and suicide prevention, community policing, and support for families in crisis. Brown’s set was one of several musical highlights that drew a crowd of donors and community leaders.
Sony Music Publishing hosted a parking‑lot party on July 16 to honor legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock. The gathering featured Mark Wills, who performed Braddock’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “19 Somethin’.” The event, organized by Sony’s publishing division, served as a tribute to Braddock’s influence on country songwriting.
In artist‑management news, singer‑songwriter Rylie Bourne signed a management deal with Todd Wilkes Entertainment on July 16. Bourne has recently earned two cuts with Sister Sadie, and her single “Company I Keep” has entered rotation on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. She is touring as an acoustic guitarist and background vocalist for Mae Estes. Todd Wilkes said he was “really excited to work with Rylie” and praised her talent.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced a partnership with radio host Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio to launch the Yellow Glasses Project. The initiative will allow customers to purchase a pair of yellow sunglasses for $2 at participating Dollar General stores on International Literacy Day, September 8. Proceeds support literacy and education programs in Dollar General’s hometown communities.
Finally, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened the free art exhibition “We’re Still Here” on July 10. Created by Native‑American artist Jeremy Salazar in collaboration with The Forge and IndigeNash, the show features painted and photographic works that highlight Indigenous perspectives. The exhibition remains open to the public through September 11.
These events illustrate the breadth of activity in the country music community this month, from historic milestones and charitable performances to new artist development and cultural exhibitions.
In other Nashville events, country guitarist Brad Paisley surprised an audience at Whiskey Jam on July 20. The pop‑up show featured Paisley’s new single “Hi Ho Silverado” from Tacklebox – Disc 1 and a duet with David Lee Murphy on “Dust On The Bottle.” The performance was part of a free‑ticket series that brings rising and established artists to the venue twice a week.
A week earlier, on July 17, Kane Brown performed “Miles On It” at the fifth annual Faith Fight Finish Foundation Gala in Dallas. Hosted by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, the event focuses on colon‑cancer research, mental‑health and suicide prevention, community policing, and support for families in crisis. Brown’s set was one of several musical highlights that drew a crowd of donors and community leaders.
Sony Music Publishing hosted a parking‑lot party on July 16 to honor legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock. The gathering featured Mark Wills, who performed Braddock’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “19 Somethin’.” The event, organized by Sony’s publishing division, served as a tribute to Braddock’s influence on country songwriting.
In artist‑management news, singer‑songwriter Rylie Bourne signed a management deal with Todd Wilkes Entertainment on July 16. Bourne has recently earned two cuts with Sister Sadie, and her single “Company I Keep” has entered rotation on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. She is touring as an acoustic guitarist and background vocalist for Mae Estes. Todd Wilkes said he was “really excited to work with Rylie” and praised her talent.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced a partnership with radio host Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio to launch the Yellow Glasses Project. The initiative will allow customers to purchase a pair of yellow sunglasses for $2 at participating Dollar General stores on International Literacy Day, September 8. Proceeds support literacy and education programs in Dollar General’s hometown communities.
Finally, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened the free art exhibition “We’re Still Here” on July 10. Created by Native‑American artist Jeremy Salazar in collaboration with The Forge and IndigeNash, the show features painted and photographic works that highlight Indigenous perspectives. The exhibition remains open to the public through September 11.
These events illustrate the breadth of activity in the country music community this month, from historic milestones and charitable performances to new artist development and cultural exhibitions.