Country Music News: Lakeview, Chase Rice, Brian Kelley, Trace Adkins & More!

Nashville country-rockers Lakeview have a new single that was released on Friday, March 28, called “Lips of an Angel.”

“This is the only cover song we’ve really ever played live since we started Lakeview. Over the last few years, it’s become a fan-favorite moment in our live set. Taking on the task of re-recording a hit song in the studio is a balancing act—we want to honor the original track while giving it the Lakeview edge.”

The song brings Lakeview’s fusion of metal-core and country to the 2000s rock staple. It’s already a fan favorite on stage, the recording will no doubt resonate with country and rock fans alike. Click here for more from Lakeview and be sure to check out the "Jamming Out" column from Hook & Barrel's March/April 2025 issue.

Known for the positive vibes of his music and quasi-island rock, Kenny Chesney will join the 2025 Class of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“That’s just something you don’t dare to imagine,” said Chesney, waiting to step into the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall as this year’s Modern Era Artist of their Class of 2025. “I would never have even thought about being here because it’s almost too much. Just walking past so many of these bronzes, realizing how many are friends or whose music I’ve listened to my whole life, this is an honor that extends beyond anything my heart would dare think.”

The singer/songwriter from East Tennessee is also the first in the country music genre to play Sphere in Vegas. Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill read the bio that introduced Chesney to the Hall of Fame—the two have known each other since his first Capricorn Records album in 1993.

“For me, this is beyond a dream,” said Chesney. “I keep thinking I’m gonna wake up on my couch back at ETSU. But standing here, this is more than real; it’s surreal. I couldn’t be more thankful or humble.”

Kenny Chesney will be inducted alongside Tony Brown and June Carter Cash. For tour dates and more from Kenny Chesney, click here.

“Surf Post Sessions Live,” the special live album and concert film from Brian Kelley, is out now.

“Surprise! I’m really proud of our SURF POST SESSIONS and excited to give fans who haven’t been able to join us a live album and concert film to kick back to,” shares Kelley. “To be able to unite as a community and create a little world together for a couple hours in the backyard of our Surf Post has just been good for the soul. Whether you live in town or are just visiting, we get to hang out as neighbors – just vibe and enjoy music together. I hope y’all dig this live cut, and we get to see some new faces come this SPRING BREAK 2025!”

The album and film were filmed in Grayton Beach, FL, in Kelley’s backyard of his Tribe Kelley Surf Post. Give it a watch and listen up right here. 

Multi-platinum entertainer Trace Adkins is out with a new single, “What Color’s Your Wild.”

Adkins joined NBC’s TODAY in early March to debut his new single on TV. The song follows his announcement of the “What Color’s Your Wild Tour” that will kick off at the end of March in Du Quoin, IL. Due to fan demand, the tour is already leaning toward expanding, but the current tour lists a dozen shows from Minnesota to Florida.

Adkins will also be joining Blake Shelton for his “Friends & Heroes” tour, with shows along the Eastern U.S.

Click here for more on Trace Adkins.

Fresh off a run of shows in Australia, Chase Rice announced he will expand his “Go Down Singin’” Tour with 24 new dates, taking the tour through the fall of 2025.

The tour brings Rice’s critically acclaimed “Go Down Singin’” album to audiences across the globe, with stops all over the U.S., Australia, and Canada.

This album in particular highlights the singer's shift from country-pop music anthems to "introspective lyrical themes,” so says Billboard. Rice also just released “Live from Chief’s,” a kind of surprise EP including covers from Eric Church - “Carolina” - and George Strait - “I Can Still Make Cheyenne.”

For more on Chase Rice and information on tickets, click here.  

Country music singer/songwriter and U.S. Army Veteran Craig Morgan was chosen as the 2025 Grand Marshall for the 2025 Music in the Mountains Parade in Pigeon Forge, TN. The parade takes place on April 4, 2025.

The parade celebrates the rich musical history of East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains, previously known as the Dolly Parade or Dolly’s Homecoming Parade. It highlights the country and bluegrass music artists and Appalachian folk music.

For more information on the parade, click here. 

Rising Country music artist Hudson Westbrook, known for his Texas red dirt country music, announced 29 tour dates for his 2025 Summer Tour.

“With every new city we visit, I’m realizing how much I love touring,” Westbrook shares. “Seeing you guys sing just the few songs we have out word for word back to me and the band is so surreal, and I feel lucky to meet you guys and get to know you at our merch table every night. Thank you for the support, and we’ve got more coming this year. We’re just getting started.”

Tickets for the tour are on sale NOW. Click here for more information.