Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Braden Hull

Jul 24, 2026 at 07:13 am

Braden Hull is a rising singer/songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee, who hails from Lexington, North Carolina. I first met him at CRS 2026, where he immediately impressed me w.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment | Life & Human Interest

Country Superstar Thomas Rhett Receives Star on Music City Walk of Fame

Jul 10, 2026 at 04:11 pm

Diamond-certified superstar Thomas Rhett, whose career has produced 25 Number One hits over the past decade, was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Wednesday, July 8.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Spencer Hatcher

Jul 09, 2026 at 04:05 pm

Out of the 43 artists I interviewed at CRS this year, one who clearly stood out to me was Spencer Hatcher. Because he has a bluegrass background, a traditional country sound.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Music Spotlight: DEK of Hearts

Jul 02, 2026 at 05:19 pm

When I went to see one of my artists' Opry debuts in May, another group was also having their Opry debut: DEK of Hearts. The trio, who met while attending Trevecca Nazarene.... Read More
Life & Human Interest

Artist Spotlight: Devin Wright

Jun 30, 2026 at 11:49 am by Bethany Bowman

One thing that Nashville is known for is its hundreds of magnificent murals inside and outside of buildings all over town. For those of us who appreciate art but can't reall.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Emily Hackett Releases New Album 'Must Be Present to Win'

Jun 26, 2026 at 08:09 am by Bethany Bowman

I always appreciate those artists who gave me a chance way back when I had little experience or reputation to rely on. Emily Hackett is one of the artists I featured back in.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Dennis Quaid Releases "On My Way to Heaven" Featuring Tanya Tucker and Kris Kristofferson

Jun 22, 2026 at 02:39 pm by Bethany Bowman

Multi-talented artist Dennis Quaid, Tanya Tucker, and the late legendary Songwriter Kris Kristofferson recently released a new single, “On My Way to Heaven,” ava.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment | Life & Human Interest

Songwriting With: Soldiers Releases Daddy's Son for Father's Day

Jun 19, 2026 at 08:00 am by Bethany Bowman

Anyone who has listened to and/or written music knows that there is a healing aspect to it, and it is never more evident than when working with veterans. Veterans John ".... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Carrie Brockwell

Jun 11, 2026 at 09:18 am by Bethany Bowman

When Carrie Brockwell started compiling her collection of songs for her new album, That's Real, which blends country music storytelling with Yacht Rock influences, she had n.... Read More
Education | Politics | Voices

Teacher Attrition Remains a Significant Challenge

Jun 09, 2026 at 02:02 pm by JC Bowman

Recently, I joined WKRN News anchor Tori Gessner on a story about teacher attrition. Tennessee saw the largest percentage decline in its teacher workforce between the 2023-24.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Travis Bolt Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Jun 02, 2026 at 12:08 pm by Bethany Bowman

Music Spotlight artist Travis Bolt recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut on May 29th, the week before CMA Fest. This follows his recent TV debut, where he performed "Blues.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Paige King Johnson

May 29, 2026 at 07:18 am by Bethany Bowman

I was instantly drawn to Paige King Johnson and her music when I first met her at CRS in 2023. I knew then that I wanted to feature her in my column, and, more than three ye.... Read More
Education | Politics

Bluff City Education Blues

May 27, 2026 at 02:23 pm by JC Bowman

There was a time when the people of Memphis believed their public schools could not possibly become any more complicated. Then the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation arrived.... Read More
Leisure: Arts & Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Jordan Rainer

May 22, 2026 at 01:40 pm by Bethany Bowman

Many of the artists I now feature came upon my radar because of a singing competition show. You may remember Rainer as the “girl in the sunglasses” from Team Reb.... Read More
Education | Politics | Voices

A Profession at the Breaking Point: Why Tennessee Is Right to Rethink Teacher Licensure

May 20, 2026 at 03:29 pm by JC Bowman

Public policy debates sometimes reveal something deeper than regulatory language or bureaucratic procedure. The proposed revisions to teacher licensure policy in Tennessee are.... Read More