Music News Today — August 23, 2026
Dale Morris, Titan of Nashville Management Who Forged Superstar Careers for Kenny Chesney and Alabama, Dies at 89 and more — today's music signal.
The music industry is saying goodbye to several legends today, as we mourn the loss of Dale Morris, a titan of Nashville management who helped shape the careers of country music superstars Kenny Chesney and Alabama, and Janie Bradford, a Motown songwriter behind hits like "Money (That's What I Want)". Morris passed away at 89, while Bradford died at 87. Their contributions to music will be remembered for years to come. Meanwhile, the music industry's current scene is also making headlines, with rapper BigXthaPlug being arrested on drug and gun charges in Texas.
In other news, the music world is also reflecting on the changing landscape of the industry, with a recent article asking farewell to the last music mogul. On a brighter note, artists continue to create and release new music, such as Olivia Rodrigo, who has just dropped a new song, "Serena Joy", via CD single at one indie record shop. While not directly music-related, actress Emily Watson also made headlines with her work on "Dune: Prophecy", discussing the upcoming season and her experiences on set. These stories highlight the ongoing evolution of the music and entertainment industries.
Today's signal:
• Dale Morris, Titan of Nashville Management Who Forged Superstar Careers for Kenny Chesney and Alabama, Dies at 89 (variety.com)
• Janie Bradford, Motown Songwriter Who Co-Wrote ‘Money (That’s What I Want’), Dead at 87 (rollingstone.com)
• BigXthaPlug Arrested on Drug and Gun Charges in Texas (rollingstone.com)
• Farewell to the Last Music Mogul (rollingstone.com)
• Olivia Rodrigo Releases New Song ‘Serena Joy’ Via CD Single at One Indie Record Shop (rollingstone.com)
• Emily Watson Says ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Season 2 Will Have ‘Lots of New Elements,’ Led Her on ‘A Quest in a Way Actors Always Get to Do and Actresses Don’t’ (variety.com)