(Nashville, Tennessee – January 29, 2025) Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has unveiled additional talent for the highly anticipated “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” taking place on Thursday, February 20, during CRS 2025 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Joining the star-studded lineup are Rhett Akins, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Johnny Clawson, who will perform alongside previously announced artists Old Dominion and Tyler Hubbard.
“Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” hosted by Fitz from Country Top 40, celebrates the craft of songwriting and features performances from some of the most talented songwriters in the industry. Adding to the evening’s excitement, Radio Ink will present its “Top Country PDs” awards during the event.
Georgia native Rhett Akins began his music career in 1994 with Decca Records, quickly making his mark with two albums. His debut, A Thousand Memories (1995), featured the #1 hit and signature song “That Ain’t My Truck,” followed by Somebody New (1996) and its chart-topping single “Don’t Get Me Started.” As a songwriter, Rhett Akins has achieved unparalleled success, penning more than 36 #1 hits for country superstars, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, and Jon Pardi. Notably, Rhett has shared the spotlight with his son, Thomas Rhett, co-writing several of TR’s #1 hits, including “It Goes Like This,” “Life Changes,” and “What’s Your Country Song.” Rhett has received numerous accolades, including the CMA Triple Play Award eight times, the ACM Songwriter of the Decade honor, and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. With a legacy spanning decades, Rhett Akins remains one of the most influential and celebrated figures in country music.
Hailing from the small town of Hull, GA, Mackenzie Carpenter is the spunky blonde girl-next-door who fell in love with music as a kid, writing alongside her brothers and singing in church. Years later, the charming singer-songwriter has used her pure, classic Country voice to write and sing her truth, armed with an undeniable knack for penning songs that deeply resonate with listeners time and time again. With an upbringing consisting of a rowdy support system, back porch hootenannies and juicy drama, the warm and authentic Carpenter also embraces the crazy and sometimes humorous aspects that make life more interesting. She kickstarted her career as a songwriter for Lily Rose’s 2021 No. 1 hit “Villain,” and has since co-written songs including Top 15 single “I’m Not Pretty” and new fan-favorite tracks “Indifferent” and “28th of June” with breakout star Megan Moroney all while starting her own career as an artist. Since signing her record deal with The Valory Music Co. in 2022, Mackenzie has been named to MusicRow Magazine’s ‘Next Big Thing’ Artists Class Of 2025, Spotify’s Hot Country 2024 Artists To Watch, CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2023 and Nashville Briefing’s Artists To Watch 2023. She has opened for talents like Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Jake Owen, Parker McCollum, Craig Campbell and Ryan Hurd. Last year, the young star released the “cathartic and empowering” (All Country News) track “Sound Of A Heartbreak,” “Only Girl,” which “feels destined to be a wedding dance staple” (Billboard), and “irresistibly catchy” (Holler) “Boots On.” Her highly anticipated debut album, HEY COUNTRY QUEEN, is set for March 7 and will give fans a deeper view of her multidimensional talents while paying homage to the beloved Country Queens that paved the way for her to speak her mind, write her truth and have some fun along the way.
Johnny Clawson is a Nashville-based songwriter and artist from Leesburg, Virginia. Signed to SMACK Songs in 2022, Clawson co-wrote Blake Shelton’s current single, “Texas,” as well as Ella Langley’s “weren’t for the wind.” Other credits include tracks by Lauren Alaina, Chris Young, Seaforth, Jon Pardi, Michael Ray, Josh Ross, and more. His own releases, including “Time Is Money,” have earned significant recognition, including a feature on Bobby Bones’ Top 30 Countdown.
Drake Hyde, the winner of the Loot8 competition—a virtual singer/songwriter contest aimed at discovering emerging country talent—will also perform.
Sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, with the bar sponsored by ASCAP, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley is a hallmark event of CRS, providing an intimate platform for songwriters and artists to share the stories behind their biggest hits.
Advance registration for CRS 2025 is now closed. However, on-site registration will be available starting Wednesday, February 19, at the walk-up rate of $799. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
About Country Radio Seminar (CRS): Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is an annual event that brings together professionals from across the country music and radio industries to share ideas, collaborate, and celebrate achievements. CRS 2025 will be held at the Omni Nashville Hotel from February 19 to February 21, 2025, featuring panels, presentations, and special events designed to educate and inspire.
