CMA Celebrates Triple Play Award Recipients, Honors Troy Tomlinson

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Hunter Phelps, Troy Tomlinson, Jelly Roll and Chase McGill; (L-R, bottom row): Ashley Gorley and Jordan Schmidt at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Not pictured: Charlie Handsome and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Ford Fairchild/CMA

The Country Music Association held its 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards ceremony on Monday night (April 15). The evening honored seven CMA Triple Play Award recipients for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period, as well as awarded publishing veteran Troy Tomlinson with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.

The evening took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and was hosted by songwriter and CMA Board member Jim Beavers. His humor and familiarity with those in the room highlighted the spirit of togetherness the Nashville publishing community has always had.

Kenny Chesney performs “Old Blue Chair,” to honor Troy Tomlinson at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo” John Russell/CMA

Throughout the night, each of the Triple Play recipients were celebrated, with a collaborator or friend doing the honor of inviting the winners to the stage.

Hitmaker Jesse Frasure was on hand to present for honoree Jelly Roll, who notched three No. 1 hits in the period with his own “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and “Save Me.” Jelly Roll shared that at the end of the day, he was a songwriter first, and that the honor was very special to him.

Mitchell Tenpenny shared words about his friend and collaborator Jordan Schmidt, who clinched the Triple Play trophy with “Wait In The Truck,” “Bury Me in Georgia” and “Watermelon Moonshine.” Schmidt, who brought his eight-month-old son with him to the podium, thanked his village of supporters. His son kept the room grinning as he grabbed at his dad’s award.

Hardy took to the mic to present the Triple Play award to Hunter Phelps, who co-wrote the No. 1 hits “Best Thing Since Backroads,” “New Truck” and “Wait In The Truck.” Phelps shared his appreciation for the CMA for putting the event together each year, as songwriters can have a hard time slowing down and appreciating the wins since their careers often feel like an up-hill battle.

Troy Tomlinson receives the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Jordan Davis presented honoree Chase McGill with his Triple Play award. He earned the trophy with “5 Foot 9,” “With A Woman You Love” and “Next Thing You Know.” McGill talked about the balancing act of career and family, and spoke of his gratitude for his co-writers.

Chris DuBois presented a historic CMA Triple Play honor to Ashley Gorley, who took home four trophies for garnering three No 1 songs in a 12-month period four different times. The feat makes the iconic hitmaker the first to take home that many trophies in the 14-year history of CMA Triple Play. Gorley was as humble as usual when he spoke, making sure to thank everyone in his village and encouraging the songwriters in the room with his wisdom.

Charlie Handsome (“Wasted On You,” “You Proof” and “Last Night”) and Thomas Rhett (“Half Of Me,” “Angels” and “Stars Like Confetti”) were also 2024 Triple Play honorees, but were not able to attend. Both shared video acceptances for their awards.

Halfway through the night, the focus turned on CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honoree Troy Tomlinson. A video played honoring the UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO, where clips of interviews and congratulatory messages were shared with the room. Kelsea Ballerini, Dean Dillon, Tom Douglas, Mike Dungan, Ronnie Dunn, Joe Galante, Jody Gerson, Josh Tomlinson, Sylvia Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ben Vaughn, Jody Williams, Lainey Wilson and narrator Cliff Williamson all spoke about Tomlinson’s legacy in the songwriting community. Each of them commented on his passion for songwriters, but also his commitment to the people in his life at a personal level.

Pictured (L-R): Chase McGill, Jim Beavers and Tom Douglas perform at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Kenny Chesney emerged to pay tribute to the Music Row icon. He spoke about Tomlinson’s impact on his life and career. He then sang “Old Blue Chair,” and shared an anecdote about the publisher’s role in the song.

Tomlinson tried to keep his emotions at bay when he gave his speech, but the room went from teary-eyed admiration to relatable laughter throughout his remarks. He spoke about all of the people who poured into his life—like Williamson, Donna Hilley, Jerry Bradley, Gerson and many more—and thanked his family for their sacrifices in sharing him with the community.

He pointed out that his success was in large part due to exceptional songwriters and A&R teams, and he encouraged everyone in the room to show their writers—or collaborators—that they care.

To end the night, McGill returned to the stage alongside Beavers and Douglas to do a surprise writer’s round featuring songs that Tomlinson helped pioneer. McGill performed “Next Thing You Know,” Beavers sang “Drink A Beer” Douglas performed “The House That Built Me,” ending the night with a joyful standing ovation.

LB Cantrell
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