CMA Unveils 2026 Triple Play Award Recipients, Honors Bart Herbison

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The Country Music Association has unveiled 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients for its 2026 Awards, taking place April 13 in Nashville. The ceremony will be hosted by Jim Beavers.

This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award honorees are Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. CMA will also celebrate over 40 songwriters who earned their first No. 1 Country hit since the last ceremony.

Additionally, Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.

“I am humbled at this recognition by the Country Music Association,” shares Herbison. “And I want to use this opportunity to thank the hundreds and hundreds of writers, particularly anyone who served on the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Board of Directors during my tenure, who have all been integral to our advocacy efforts.”

The CMA Songwriter Advocate Award recognizes individuals who have championed the art and careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on Country Music and the songwriting community. Herbison has been a leading advocate for songwriters, spearheading major industry advancements including the Music Modernization Act and long-term capital gains protections that have returned millions to creators. He spearheaded efforts that produced a historic 44% increase in mechanical royalties and helped establish the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Through strategic investments like the Bluebird Café and Music Mill studios, Herbison has strengthened the songwriting community while developing its future.

“Songwriters are the heartbeat of Country Music, and the CMA Triple Play Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the creativity and hard work it takes to land three No. 1 songs in a single year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It’s just as special to recognize Bart with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, as well as honor those celebrating their very first No. 1 — a milestone that is often the start of an extraordinary career. Bringing our songwriting community together to recognize these achievements is one of the most meaningful ways CMA supports the people behind the music and the continued growth of the genre.”

The CMA Triple Play Award celebrates songwriters who achieve three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period, as measured by the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. The honor spotlights their essential influence on defining the sound and success of the genre.

Celebrating their first CMA Triple Play Award this year is Albert, Bell, Green, Kasher Hindlin, Langley, Morgan, Pendergrass and Post. Gorley remains the most decorated recipient, receiving his 27th CMA Triple Play Award at this year’s ceremony.

Madison Hahnen
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