2019 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Producer of the Year

Following Monday morning’s (May 13) announcement of this year’s nominees for the 31st annual MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Producer of the Year category. Nominees conjured up some of country music’s most innovative projects during the last 12 months.

The MusicRow Awards will be presented at a private ceremony on June 26. Subscribed members received invitations for complementary balcony seating for the 2019 event, which expands to a private event at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium. Floor seating upgrades are also available.

See the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting begins tomorrow (May 14) at 11 a.m. and closes on May 21 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive a ballot.

Buddy Cannon continued his hitmaking run, co-producing songs with longtime collaborator Kenny Chesney. They continue to churn out radio ready singles more than 20 years into Chesney’s career. In the studio, Cannon also revived ‘90s star David Lee Murphy with the No. 1 “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” featuring Chesney, and helmed albums by Willie Nelson (My Way and Last Man Standing), Reba McEntire (Stronger Than The Truth), and Aaron Lewis (State I’m In). Cannon was named 2004 MusicRow Producer of the Year.

David Garcia is a co-writer and co-producer of “Meant to Be,” the runaway hit by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line. Garcia also collaborated with Carrie Underwood on her current album Cry Pretty, home to hits including the title track and “Love Wins.” Garcia worked with rapper NF on his album Perception, featuring the hit “Let You Down.” Among Garcia’s other recent projects are Walker Hayes and Steven Lee Olsen. This is Garcia’s first MusicRow Awards nomination.

Scott Hendricks returns as a nominee for Producer of the Year, with credits including fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Dan + Shay, who had an outstanding year with the hits “Tequila” and “Speechless.” Hendricks also continued his long tenure of success with Blake Shelton, fostered the growth of Michael Ray, and guided newcomer Tegan Marie. Hendricks serves as Warner Music Nashville Exec. VP, A&R/Creative Advisor.

Dann Huff’s fingerprints appear multiple times throughout this list of nominations, with credits including Artist of the Year nominee Kane Brown, Discovery Artist of the Year nominee Seaforth, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Riley Green. Huff’s long list of studio collaborations includes recent work with Thomas Rhett, Midland, Brad Paisley, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, Eli Young Band, Thompson Square, Runaway June, Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell (“What Happens In A Small Town”), Rachel Wammack, Ryan Hurd and Delta Rae. Huff is a two-time MusicRow Producer of the Year winner.

Jay Joyce helmed projects by many of this year’s nominees, including Artist of the Year nominee Eric Church, Breakthrough Artist nominee Ashley McBryde, and Discovery Artist of the Year nominee Tenille Townes. Additionally, McBryde’s “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” is vying for Song of the Year. Working from his East Nashville church-turned-studio, Joyce also lent his talents to Devin Dawson, Brothers Osborne, LANCO and The Wild Feathers. Joyce is a two-time MusicRow Producer of the Year winner.

Joey Moi had a hand in the success of multiple MusicRow Awards nominees, including Morgan Wallen who is up for Breakthrough Artist, and HARDY, who is nominated for both Breakthrough Artist-Writer and Discovery Artist of the Year. Moi continued making hits as producer for Florida Georgia Line, and Big Loud Records artists Jake Owen (“I Was Jack (You Were Diane)),” Chris Lane (“Take Back Home Girl” ft. Tori Kelly), Mason Ramsey, and Dallas Smith. This is Moi’s first MusicRow Awards nomination.