Gary P. Nunn Tops Lineup of Lone Star Talents Performing on the Texas Country Music Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas Nov. 2-9th
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GALVESTON, Texas – Cosmic cowboy legend Gary P. Nunn headlines the fabulous Lone Star lineup for this year’s Texas Country Music Cruise, sailing from Galveston Nov. 2-9 aboard the Royal Caribbean’s luxurious Harmony of the Seas.
The Texas Country Music Cruise delivers an unparalleled experience with full-band performances in Studio B, boasting the largest dance floor at sea and the majestic Royal Theater, as well as intimate acoustic shows that bring fans up close and personal with the artists. Unlike many music cruises, Harmony of the Seas will offer all of Royal Caribbean’s world-class entertainment, including Cirque du Soleil-inspired Aqua Theater performances, Broadway-caliber musicals, stand-up comedy and dazzling ice-skating shows. As the largest cruise ship to ever sail from Texas, Harmony of the Seas features 20 dining options, 16 bars, and 18 decks of nonstop entertainment. This extraordinary voyage takes guests to breathtaking destinations, including the vibrant shores of Roatán, the tropical beauty of Costa Maya, and the lively charm of Cozumel, Mexico. With turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and rich cultural experiences at every port, this immersive musical adventure is designed for true country music fans who want to combine their passion for live music with the joy of cruising.
Nunn, founder of the Lost Gonzo Band and composer of longtime Austin City Limitstheme song “London Homesick Blues” (most famous line: “I want to go home with the armadillo”), will be joined by top Texas talents Bart Crow, Micky & the Motorcars, Thom Shepherd, Will Banister, Darrin Morris, Tanner Sparks, Cari Hutson & Good Company, and Big Joe Walker. Hosting this unforgettable experience is Craig Vaughn who shines as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring an extraordinary journey for all Texas Country Music Cruise attendees.
Crow, a Maypearl, Texas, native, combines red dirt, country and Americana influences into a sound all his own. Born in Idaho but arriving in Texas as soon as they could, Micky & the Motorcars co-founders Micky and Gary Braun (brothers of Reckless Kelly co-founders Willy and Cody Braun), front this popular red-dirt outfit. Shepherd, a Nashville veteran, has written two Grammy-nominated songs; his compositions have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Pat Green, George Jones and many others. Raised just over the Texas state line in New Mexico, Banister was influenced by ‘90s country stalwarts; his voice can be heard on the opening tune of director Clint Eastwood’s film, Cry Macho.
Based in Gilmer, Texas, soulful vocalist Morris and his band began performing together informally in 2012, but quickly grew in popularity; they now tour throughout the South, Southwest and Western states. East Texan Sparks grew up on a diet of Willie, Waylon and George Jones, which helped form his self-described “old-fashioned country music” style. Austin-based Hutson is known for fusing country, blues, rock and pop. Dallas singer-songwriter Walker draws on his gospel background to create country music as big — and dynamic — as his football-player physique.
Craig Vaughn from KPUR radio in Amarillo captivates the VIP audience with morning interview storytelling shows with Texas Country Music Cruise artists as well as serving as master of ceremonies throughout the week.
Check out the artists — and get psyched for a singular experience of the Texas Country Music Cruise sailing since 2018— with this Spotify playlist featuring Texas Country Music Cruise ’25 talents.
Bri Bagwell Releases Texas Country/Americana Duet “Ain’t That Love”
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX…Reigning Texas Female Vocalist of the Year, Bri Bagwell, teamed up with fellow Texas duo, Timber Wilde, to release the tongue-in-cheek duet “Ain’t That Love,” this past Valentine's Day, February 14th. Written by Bagwell and Dustin James, the song is a playful and gritty take on a couple coming together and, sometimes reluctantly, meeting in the middle. Lead singer of Timber Wilde, Bo Brumble, trades soulful lead vocals with Bagwell while head-bobbing electrics, wailing organ, and red dirt acoustics drive the fun Texified love song that is more sassy than sappy.
“Ain’t That Love” is a hometown affair, recorded at the brand new Gruene Studios in Bagwell’s home base of New Braunfels. Opened by AJ Vallejo and viral comedian Steve Treviño, they invited her to be one of the first musicians to record at the new state-of-the-art studio. AJ lent his producing talents while Paul Eason (The Wilder Blue) played guitar and mixed the recording.
Bagwell shares that the song was almost lost in the vault. “I wrote this tune a long time ago when I was a songwriter at Sony ATV in Nashville. I think my co-writer Dustin James and I had never met before our songwriting session, and we knocked out this really awesome duet that I loved. I had sent it to my long-time buddy Bo Brumble years ago, and then, honestly, I forgot about it! Bo reminded me about the song, and we vowed to record it.”
Longtime collaborator and friend, Bo Brumble, adds, “I’m not a writer on this one, but I wish I was! I love the humor in the lyrics and the message. I’m so pumped to finally have a recording out there with Bri!”
To celebrate, Bri performed the song at the legendary venue, Gruene Hall, on February 14th for her sold-out show with Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. “Ain’t That Love” will head to Texas Country Radio, where Bri has a staggering #13 No.1 songs under her belt. If her track record is any indication, this song is likely to be number 14 on that list.
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​2025 Texas Country Music Industry Awards Voting Now Open
The Texas Country Music Association announced the top 5 Finalists in the 2025 Texas Country Music Industry Awards.
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Categories include Artist Manager of the Year, Tour Manager of the Year, Radio Promoter of the Year, Videographer of the Year, Recording Studio of the Year, and many more!
Winners in each category will be announced at the 2025 Texas Country Music Industry Awards on June 12, 2025 at Rhinestone Saloon in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
You must be a TCMA Member or Verifiable Texas Country Music Industry Stakeholder to vote! VOTING ENDS MARCH 31ST!
VENUE SPOTLIGHT Silver Saddle Saloon
Granbury, Texas
Silver Saddle Saloon is a unique Wild West themed ice cream parlour, bar & live music venue, located on the Historic Granbury Square.
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While you’re there you’ll want to check out the best kept secret on the square, which is their Ice House & Patio located out back, behind the main building. That’s where all the music magic happens!
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Silver Saddle Saloon is an intrical part of the Texas Music Office Music Friendly Community designation for Granbury. The owner serves on the TMFC Committee in partnership with Visit Granbury, Local Musicians & other music related businesses of Hood County. Silver Saddle Saloon is also a proud member of the Texas Country Music Association.
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Be sure to check out their website so you don’t miss out on their live music, TX Hold ‘Em nights & many other events.
This Week's Texas Country Music Chart
The Texas Country Music Chart is the only Texas-based, digitally-monitored airplay chart for Texas Country Music and is a service of the Texas Country Music Association.
