Jessie Jo Dillon Re-Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jessie Jo Dillon.

Jessie Jo Dillon has re-entered the top 10 on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart. “Lies Lies Lies,” “Am I Okay?” and “Messed Up As Me” put Dillon in the No. 6 spot this week.

Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 with “Cowgirls,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “What Don’t Belong To Me” and “Whiskey Whiskey.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Chris Stapleton (No. 4) and Riley Green (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

JUST IN: Hosts Announced For 58th CMA Awards

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Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson will host The 58th Annual CMA Awards. The show airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m. CST on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

This year will mark Bryan’s fourth time hosting, Manning’s third and Wilson’s first.

“Hosting the CMA Awards is such an honor and it’s crazy when I realize this is my fourth year back,” shares Bryan. “Peyton and I have really worked to build off each other and now adding Lainey to the mix will just bring another fun element to the night. Celebrating country music never gets old to me.”

“I am honored to be back hosting the CMA Awards again this years,” says Manning. “The past two years have been a lot of fun, and I know Lainey is going to bring a special flare. Hopefully she can help me keep Luke in line! Either way, I’m excited for an incredible night of celebration and country music.”

“I could not be more excited to host the CMA Awards this year with Luke and Peyton,” shares Wilson. “It’s such an incredible honor and something I’ve always dreamed of doing. We’re planning a really great show for y’all, so make sure to watch on November 20!”

In addition to serving as host, Wilson is up for four awards this year, including Entertainer of the Year.

Performers and presenters for the 58th annual CMA Awards will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for this year’s ceremony are currently on sale through Ticketmaster.

BREAKING: Superstar Kris Kristofferson Passes

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Kris Kristofferson. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Country Music Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson passed away at his home in Maui, Hawaii on Saturday (Sept. 28) at age 88.

One of the greatest songwriters in music history, he revolutionized Nashville with his lyrics’ frank sexuality, poetic structures and intellect. Kristofferson’s musical legacy includes such masterpieces as “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “Why Me (Lord)” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” He had success as a solo recording artist, in a duet with Rita Coolidge and as a member of the country supergroup The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Along the way, he earned four Grammy Awards and seven Gold records.

He graduated from music stardom to a thriving film career in such features as A Star Is Born, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Semi-Tough and Blade. He was also a novelist, a poet, a short story writer and an essayist.

Kris Kristofferson was born in Texas, but the family moved several times because his father was in the military. A major general in the Air Force, he urged his son to emulate him. In high school in California, Kristofferson excelled in rugby, track, soccer, boxing and football. He was also a brilliant student. While enrolled in Pomona College, he had two essays published by The Atlantic Monthly. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa, he graduated summa cum laude, then became a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in England. While there, he began his recording career as “Kris Carson,” but that music went nowhere.

His father pressured him to join the Army. Kristofferson became a helicopter pilot while in the service. A fellow soldier was related to Nashville songwriter Marijohn Wilkin, who took an interest in Kristofferson’s music. The two later co-wrote the million-selling alcohol-recovery anthem “One Day at a Time.”

Instead of taking a position as an instructor at West Point, Kristofferson quit the Army and moved to Nashville in 1965. His parents reportedly disowned him. During his early years on Music Row, the singer-songwriter worked as a janitor at Columbia Studios and as a bartender at the Tally-Ho Tavern. He also flew helicopters for a Louisiana oil company. He’d write songs on an oil rig, then return to Nashville to pitch them. At one point, he landed a helicopter on Johnny Cash’s yard to get attention for his tunes. Songwriters Mickey Newbury, Shel Silverstein and Tom T. Hall befriended and encouraged him.

Kristofferson had his first Nashville success in 1966 when Dave Dudley had a hit with “Viet Nam Blues.” In 1968, Roy Drusky made the country charts with “Jody and the Kid.” In 1969, Roger Miller recorded “Me and Bobby McGee;” Faron Young had a top 10 hit with “Your Time’s Comin;’” Billy Walker scored with “From the Bottle to the Bottom,” and Ray Stevens had “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Major successes occurred the following year when Johnny Cash hit the top of the country charts with “Sunday Morning Coming Down;” Waylon Jennings scored with “The Taker;” Jerry Lee Lewis had a smash with “Once More With Feeling” and Ray Price had a massive pop crossover success with “For the Good Times.” The last was named the Country Music Association (CMA) Song of the Year. Meanwhile, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) bestowed its 1970 Song of the Year honor on “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Following a brief, unsuccessful stint at Epic Records, Kristofferson signed with Monument Records. His 1970 LP debut was packed with hits, including “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” a 1971 pop-crossover smash for Sammi Smith that earned the songwriter his first Grammy Award. That was also the year that Janis Joplin topped the pop charts with his “Me and Bobby McGee;” Ray Price scored with “I’d Rather Be Sorry” and Bobby Bare had back-to-back top 10 country hits with “Come Sundown” and “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends.” Sammi Smith returned to his catalog for her 1972 hit “I’ve Got to Have You.”

Kristofferson and Coolidge were married in 1973-80. She and Larry Gatlin sang backup on his gospel song “Why Me.” In the summer of 1973, it became his only No. 1 hit as an artist. The couple earned two Grammys for their recordings together.

Brenda Lee’s top 10 success with Kristofferson’s “Nobody Wins” in 1973 marked her transition from pop stardom to country hit maker. Ronnie Milsap’s revival of “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” hit No. 1 on the country hit parade in 1974. Singers Marilyn Sellars and Don Gibson both recorded “One Day at a Time” that year, and the Sellars version became a top 20 country hit. In 1976, Johnny Duncan went into the top 10 with the songwriter’s “Stranger” (featuring vocal accompaniment by Janie Fricke). Kristofferson’s own recordings continued, with nine albums issued between 1972 and 1979.

Kris Kristofferson began his silver-screen career in the 1970s. Early credits included The Last Movie (1971), Cisco Pike (1972), Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), Blume In Love (1973), Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974), The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1976) and Vigilante Force (1976). He co-starred with Barbra Streisand in 1976’s A Star Is Born, which earned him a Best Actor Golden Globe Award. Its soundtrack album sold more than four million copies. He went on to star in Semi-Tough (1977, with Burt Reynolds), Convoy (1978), Songwriter (1980, with Willie Nelson) and Heaven’s Gate (1980). His Songwriter soundtrack was nominated for an Oscar.

As a songwriter, he continued to be a force on the country charts. In 1980, Cristy Lane scored an No. 1 smash with “One Day at a Time.” Nelson recorded an entire album of Kristofferson songs and hit the top 10 in 1980 with his revival of “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” In 1981, The Glaser Brothers scored the biggest hit of their career with Kristofferson’s “Lovin’ Her Was Easier.” The songwriter had based that song on a Shakespeare sonnet.

Kristofferson teamed up with Nelson, Lee and Dolly Parton on the hit 1982 album The Winning Hand. The first Highwaymen all-star album was issued in 1984 and earned a Platinum record. The group scored major hits the following year with Jimmy Webb’s “Highwayman” and Guy Clark’s “Desperados Waiting for a Train.” Kristofferson, Cash, Nelson and Jennings issued two more collections and became a hugely popular concert attraction.

Toward the end of the decade, Kristofferson moved from Monument to Mercury Records. His Repossessed (1988) and Third World Warrior (1989) albums for Mercury illuminated his progressive, leftist political positions. One of his songs from this era endured: “They Killed Him” was an homage to Kristofferson’s martyred heroes Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Jesus Christ. Bob Dylan soon re-popularized it on his Knocked Out Loaded album.

The songwriter’s film career continued to thrive with Rollover (1981, with Jane Fonda), Flashpoint (1984), Big Top Pee Wee (1988), Welcome Home (1989), Knights (1993), Lone Star (1996) and Fire Down Below (1997). In 1998, he was cast in the vampire superhero action film Blade, which spawned two sequels. In the new millennium, Kristofferson took roles in Planet of the Apes (2001), Where the Red Fern Grows (2003), The Jacket (2005), Fast Food Nation (2006), He’s Just Not That Into You (2009, with Jennifer Anniston), Dolphin Tale (2011, plus a 2014 sequel) and Joyful Noise (2012, with Parton). He was also featured in a number of high-profile television films and miniseries. In 2015, he portrayed President Andrew Jackson in the historical miniseries Texas Rising.

His music continued to be prominent. “Help Me Make It Through the Night” was a soul-music hit three times—for Joe Simon, O.C. Smith and Gladys Knight—and his songs were also recorded by Black music stars Al Green, Tina Turner, Millie Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr. and Lena Horne. Such diverse artists as Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Olivia Newton-John, Joan Baez, Tom Jones, Pattti Page, The Grateful Dead, Frank Sinatra and Carly Simon recorded Kristofferson songs, as did a who’s-who of country celebrities—Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Tanya Tucker, Rosanne Cash, K.T. Oslin, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Hank Snow, Dottie West, LeAnn Rimes, Merle Haggard, Charlie McCoy, Lynn Anderson, Roy Clark, Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers, etc.

Career accolades rolled in. Kris Kristofferson was voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977. The national Songwriters Hall of Fame followed suit in 1985. Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame came in 2004.

The new Americana music genre coalesced in 1999-2000. This reinvigorated his recording career and brought him new honors. In 2003, he received the “Spirit of Americana” free-speech award from the Americana Music Association. In 2006, he issued This Old Road, his first album of new material in 11 years. It was succeeded by more Americana-music favorites, his Closer to the Bone (2009), Feeling Mortal (2013) and Cedar Creek Sessions (2016) albums. They demonstrated that he was still writing as powerfully as ever. He was also the subject of a tribute album 2006’s The Pilgrim.

In the fall of 2009, Kristofferson was celebrated as a BMI Icon. By then, his songwriting had earned him 48 BMI awards. In 2013 he won a Poet’s Award from the ACM. He was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. An all-star concert in Nashville celebrated his 80th birthday in 2016, and he appeared at the Newport Folk Festival that year. The CMA presented him with its Lifetime Achievement honor in 2019.

Kristofferson announced his retirement in January 2021. He had been experiencing memory loss for several years, possibly as a result of old head injuries from sports. He assigned his estate management to Morris-Higham Management in Nashville. In October 2023 he attended the Country Music Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony. This was his final public appearance.

Kris Kristofferson is survived by his wife Lisa and by eight children—Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John Robert, Kelly Marie and Blake—as well as by seven grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Brad Paisley Is Proving That His ‘Truck Still Works’ [Interview]

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea

With instantly recognizable hits such as “Whiskey Lullaby,” “She’s Everything,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her” and many more, it’s easy to say Brad Paisley has cemented himself as a country music legend. With a career spanning more than 25 years, some would have hung up the cowboy hat by now, but Paisley recently spoke to MusicRow about how he doesn’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

Today (Sept. 27), Paisley released his newest single “Truck Still Works,” after premiering it at the People’s Choice Country Awards last night live from the Grand Ole Opry. Written by Paisley, Chris Dubois, Will Bundy, Hunter Phelps and Rodney Clawson, with production from Luke Wooten and Paisley, the new tune serves as a precursor for the Opry member’s next era.

Youtube video

At first listen, fans will recognize the ode to one of Paisley’s biggest hits “Mud On The Tires.” Co-written with Dubois, the track became a No. 1 single in 2005. There are little easter eggs hidden throughout “Truck Still Works,” including the same guitar licks and the beloved lyric, “how ‘bout a little test drive down by the lake.”

“‘Truck Still Works’ feels like we did something brand new and also feels like a return to certain themes. But more than that, it’s the feeling of way back when I first started,” Paisley says.

Co-writers Bundy, Phelps and Clawson already had the idea for “Truck Still Works” in hand when the A&R team at UMPG heard it and suggested the writers bring Paisley and Dubois in. That’s where the ode to “Mud On The Tires” came to life.

“I don’t know whether or not they were trying to stay off of ‘Mud On The Tires’ at all with what they were doing, but once we were involved, it was like, ‘No, let’s say it,'” he says, recalling how the writes balanced what to add in from the 2005 hit and what to leave out. 

One of the first people to recognize the connection to Paisley’s older hit was his youngest son, who was away at summer camp while Paisley was writing and recording the song.

“He hadn’t heard any incarnation of it prior. We got in the car and I hit play and didn’t tell him about it. He turned to me and said, ‘Dad, while I was at camp you wrote the sequel.'” 

With the release of the new single, Paisley is giving a glimpse into what fans can expect from his new music moving forward.

“There’s plenty of heavy topics [to talk about right now]. Just watch the news. I wanted to do something here that really exists for feeling good,” Paisley says. “Turn this thing up in whatever vehicle you’re driving. It should sound really good and it should take you away from some of those things. More than that, it’s a return. It’s nostalgia. I love things that evoke good memories, and that’s what this did for me.”

While making his new music, Paisley recorded and wrote for Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion album, which included co-writes with Ernest and Lainey Wilson. He says that though the modern country hitmakers were excited to work with him, he had questions for them as well.

“What’s funny is when we sat down to write together, they had a lot of questions. But for me, it was the same thing. I wanted to know what the new guys that are doing so well would think of a [song] like this” he shares.

Gearing up to kick off the new era, Paisley got the call to debut the song at the People’s Choice Country Awards. It was a no-brainer decision for him. When discussing the opportunity with the show’s producers, Paisley recalls how the idea came up to not only live debut “Truck Still Works,” but also how he was going to integrate “Mud On The Tires.” The performance was also a way for Paisley to show that he’s still here to make an impact on the country genre.

“It’s a nice way to check back in and [for everyone to] see what I’m up to—’cause I’m not retired yet.”

Paisley is excited to show the world what he has been working on, and says that he genuinely loves what he is going to be sharing with everyone.

“I’m really excited because I like what I’m doing,” he sums. “It’s so much fun to bring you great memories and nostalgia, but it also sonically sounds new for me.”

People’s Choice Country Awards Dedicates Night To Fans During Second Annual Ceremony

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Shania Twain hosts the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards at Grand Ole Opry House. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC

The second annual People’s Choice Country Awards was held at the historic Grand Ole Opry last night (Sept. 26), where the country music community gathered to celebrate the genre’s favorite people: the fans.

Host Shania Twain came down from the rafters on a pink heart with to start off the electric night. As the country legend was descending with “Man! I Feel Like A Women” playing in the background, fans and other country stars in attendance were on their feet for the first of many times throughout the night.

Immediately after hitting the ground, Twain welcomed Kane Brown for the first performance of the evening. Brown came out with high energy to perform his current single “Fiddle In The Band.” After the hostess reappeared for a few opening remarks, it was already time for the first award of the night.

2024 PEOPLE’S Miranda Lambert performs on stage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Ralph Bavaro/NBC

Nashville native and comedian Nate Bargatze presented the award for The New Artist Of 2024 to Shaboozey, marking his first of two trophies during the night. “I never thought I’d be up on the Grand Ole Opry stage accepting something like this,” he shared at the podium.

Lady A then took the stage for a fiery rendition of Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Dragging My Heart Around,” which the trio recorded for the Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty album.

Twain was welcomed back to the stage, this time wearing her iconic all black look. She welcomed out Ashley Cooke and WWE champion Cody Rhodes to present The Group/Duo of 2024.

Kane Brown accepts the Country Champion award on stage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Ralph Bavaro/NBC

When Dan + Shay were accepting their trophy, they shared, “this has been the best year of our career. We’ve been out on the road all year getting to play for and hug our fans, and we are so grateful.”

Buzzing with anticipation, the entertainment started back up with Keith Urban playing his current single “Messed Up As Me” solo. After Urban fired the place up by shredding the guitar and showing off his vocals, Carly Pearce appeared to present The Crossover Song of 2024.

The award went to “Lonely Road” by MGK and Jelly Roll. Since Jelly Roll is currently out on his “Beautifully Broken Tour,” MGK accepted the award for both of them. “Thank you to the John Denver estate for trusting us with this one. I love you Jelly!”

Shaboozey accepts the award for New Artist 2024 during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC

With no signs of the show slowing down anytime soon, it was time for one of the night’s highest honor. Parker McCollum began the presentation of the Country Icon Award to superstar Miranda Lambert. McCollum pointed out Lambert’s incredible talent, longevity and influence in the genre, as well as her big heart off stage. After a video montage of Lambert’s career from the beginning to now, the icon took the stage to perform “Kerosene” and “Dammit Randy,” and proved exactly why she deserved the crown.

“It’s been a lot of years, tears, beers and Tito’s,” Lambert shared. “I feel like I’ve been able to make so many great memories in my life and career because of the fans. Y’all keep creating all these years, 20 years later.”

Dasha accepts The Female Song of 2024 award on stage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Ralph Bavaro/NBC

Keeping the female power going, Kelsea Ballerini took the stage to perform her newest song “Two Things” in a “field” of sunflowers, eventually having the set switch mid-song to a city back drop. The night’s host then handed out the trophy for The Female Song of 2024, which was presented to Dasha‘s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).”

“Country music has just opened its arms to me. Thank you for that,” she noted in her speech. The War And Treaty were welcomed to the stage after and brought the Grand Ole Opry crowd to church with “Can I Get An Amen,” featuring a whole choir. The duo received a rowdy standing ovation after their powerhouse performance.

Bailey Zimmerman began the night’s celebration for Kane Brown, who was chosen as this year’s Country Champion Award recipient. Zimmerman noted that Brown “gives back not for headlines or pats on the back [but because he’s] always there doing the right thing.”

MGK performs onstage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards at Grand Ole Opry House. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC

While accepting the honor, Brown stated, “I just want to say for any kid that’s watching, anybody that has a dream, anybody that wants to give back…there’s a lot of people that need your help. Don’t listen to people that tell you no when you’re trying to do something.”

With two guitars in hand, it was time for Brad Paisley to debut his brand new song, “Truck Still Works” with a mashup of 2005 hit “Mud On The Tires.” Paisley spent the first half of the performance with his acoustic guitar and then spent the rest of the time showing off his skills on the electric.

Keeping the performances going, McCollum then took the stage again to play his current single “What Kinda Man,” where he stood in the coveted Opry circle for the classic country sounding song. Shaboozey and Dasha then came out onto the stage to present the final award of the night, The Group/Duo Song of 2024.

Pictured: (L-R) Geoff Sprung, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey and Brad Tursi of Old Dominion accept The Group/Duo Song of 2024 award onstage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC

Old Dominion took home the last televised trophy for “Different About You” off their Memory Lane project. The group thanked the fans for voting for a deep cut on their album.

With the night winding down and fans still buzzing from anticipation inside the Opry, the stage was prepared for MGK’s performance. Set to look like a two lane country road, MGK stood in the center and went into Denver’s “Take Me Home” before transitioning into his now-award-winning collaboration “Lonely Road.” After the stunning performance, he ran over to Twain and the two closed the night off together.

Dan + Shay react to winning the Group/Duo of 2024 award during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Ralph Bavaro/NBC

Kelsea Ballerini performs on stage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Ralph Bavaro/NBC

Keith Urban performs on stage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Award. Photo: Mickey Bernal/NBC

Jelly Roll Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Jelly Roll rises to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “I Am Not Okay.”

The track comes off of his upcoming album Beautifully Broken, releasing on Oct. 11, and was written by Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Jason Deford and Taylor Phillips.

Jelly Roll is on the road on his “Beautifully Broken Tour” with upcoming stops in cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago.

“I Am Not Okay” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

BREAKING: People’s Choice Country Awards Names 2024 Winners [Full List]

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Country music artists, industry professionals and fans gathered at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville for the second annual People’s Choice Country Awards tonight (Sept. 26).

Morgan Wallen was the night’s big winner, taking home four trophies total, including The People’s Artist of 2024, The Concert Tour of 2024, The Social Country Star of 2024 and The Song of 2024 for “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone. Luke Combs picked up three wins for The Male Artist of 2024, The Album of 2024 for Fathers & Sons and The Male Country Song of 2024 with “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.” Country newcomer Shaboozey left the venue with The New Artist of 2024 and The New Artist Song of 2024 for “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Also among the night’s other winners were Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Cody Johnson, Old Dominion, Zach Bryan, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), Jelly Roll and more.

In addition to his win for The Music Video of 2024, Kane Brown was presented with the Country Champion Award, recognizing him for his dedication for service and groundbreaking contributions to the country music industry and beyond. Lastly, Miranda Lambert was honored with the Country Icon Award for her barrier-breaking, trend-setting career. Read MusicRow‘s full recap of the show here.

See the full list of winners below.

The People’s Artist of 2024:
Beyoncé
Jelly Roll
Kacey Musgraves
Kane Brown
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen — WINNER
Zach Bryan

The Female Artist of 2024:
Beyoncé
Carly Pearce
Dolly Parton
Kacey Musgraves
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson — WINNER
Megan Moroney
Miranda Lambert

The Male Artist of 2024:
Bailey Zimmerman
Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Kane Brown
Luke Combs — WINNER
Morgan Wallen
Zach Bryan

The Group / Duo of 2024:
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay — WINNER
Old Dominion
Ole 60
The Red Clay Strays
The War And Treaty
Tigirlily Gold
Zac Brown Band

The New Artist of 2024:
Chase Matthew
Chayce Beckham
Dasha
Koe Wetzel
Nate Smith
Shaboozey — WINNER
Tucker Wetmore
Warren Zeiders

The Social Country Star of 2024:
Bailey Zimmerman
Beyoncé
Dolly Parton
Jelly Roll
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen — WINNER
Reba McEntire

The Song of 2024:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (Songwriters: Collins Obinna Chibueze, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Mark Williams, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook)
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” – Dasha (Songwriters: Adam Wendler, Anna Dasha Novotny, Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger, Kenneth Travis Heidelman)
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen (Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Austin Post, Chandler Paul Walters, Ernest Smith, Hoskins, Louis Bell, Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak) — WINNER
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan)
“Miles On It” – Marshmello & Kane Brown (Songwriters: CASTLE, Connor McDonough, Earwulf, Jake Torrey, Kane Brown, Marshmello, Nick Gale, Riley McDonough)
“Pink Skies” – Zach Bryan (Songwriter: Zach Bryan)
“Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé (Songwriters: Beyoncé, Brian Bates, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro, Raphael Saadiq)
“Wild Ones” – Jessie Murph feat. Jelly Roll (Songwriters: Feli Ferraro, Gregory Aldae Hein, Jason Deford, Jeff Gitelman, Jessie Murph)

The Female Song of 2024:
“16 Carriages” – Beyoncé (Songwriters: Atia Boggs, Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin, Ink, Raphael Saadiq)
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” – Dasha (Songwriters: Adam Wendler, Anna Dasha Novotny, Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger, Kenneth Travis Heidelman) — WINNER
“Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves)
“Hang Tight Honey” – Lainey Wilson (Songwriters: Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Lainey Wilson, Paul Sikes)
“Hummingbird” – Carly Pearce (Songwriters: Carly Pearce, Jordan Reynolds, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally)
“No Caller ID” – Megan Moroney (Songwriters: Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Megan Moroney)
“Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé (Songwriters: Beyoncé, Brian Bates, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nathan Ferraro, Raphael Saadiq)
“Wranglers” – Miranda Lambert (Songwriters: Audra Mae, Evan McKeever, Ryan Carpenter)

The Male Song of 2024:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (Songwriters: Collins Obinna Chibueze, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Mark Williams, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook)
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma (From Twisters: The Album)” – Luke Combs (Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs) — WINNER
“Bulletproof” – Nate Smith (Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson (Songwriter: Josh Phillips)
“I Can Feel It” – Kane Brown (Songwriters: Gabe Foust, Jaxson Free, Kane Brown, Phil Collins)
“Let Your Boys Be Country” – Jason Aldean (Songwriters: Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer, Micah Wilshire)
“Pink Skies” – Zach Bryan (Songwriter: Zach Bryan)
“Take Her Home” – Kenny Chesney (Songwriters: Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)

The Group / Duo Song of 2024:
“Break Mine” – Brothers Osborne (Songwriters: John Osborne, Pete Good, Shane McAnally, TJ Osborne)
“Different About You” – Old Dominion (Songwriters: Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Zach Crowell) — WINNER
“For The Both of Us” – Dan + Shay (Songwriters: Andy Albert, Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds)
“I Tried A Ring On” – Tigirlily Gold (Songwriters: Josh Jenkins, Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Pete Good)
“Love You Back” – Lady A (Songwriters: Emily Weisband, James McNair, Lindsay Rimes)
“Smoke & A Light” – Ole 60 (Songwriters: Jacob Ty Young, Justin Eckerd, Ryan Laslie, Tristan Roby)
“Tie Up” – Zac Brown Band (Songwriters: Ben Simonetti, Chris Gelbuda, Jonathan Singleton, Josh Hoge, Zac Brown)
“Wanna Be Loved” – The Red Clay Strays (Songwriters: Dakota Coleman, Matthew Coleman)

The Collaboration Song of 2024:
“Blackbiird” – Beyoncé, Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts (Songwriters: John Lennon, Paul McCartney)
“Can’t Break Up Now” – Old Dominion & Megan Moroney (Songwriters: Emily Weisband, Matthew Ramsey, Tofer Brown, Trevor Rosen)
“Chevrolet” – Dustin Lynch feat. Jelly Roll (Songwriters: Chase McGill, Hunter Phelps, Jessi Alexander, Mentor Williams)
“Hey Driver” – Zach Bryan feat. The War And Treaty (Songwriter: Zach Bryan)
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan) — WINNER
“Mamaw’s House” – Thomas Rhett feat. Morgan Wallen (Songwriters: Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem, Morgan Wallen, Thomas Rhett)
“The One (Pero No Como Yo)” – Carin Leon & Kane Brown (Songwriters: Bibi Marin, Edgar Barrera, Elena Rose, Johan Sotelo, Jonathan Capeci, Julio Ramirez, Kane Brown, Oscar Armando Diaz de Leon)
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley feat. Riley Green (Songwriters: Aaron Raitiere, Ella Langley, Riley Green)

The Cover Song of 2024:
“Blackbiird” – Beyoncé, Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts (Songwriters: John Lennon, Paul McCartney)
“Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other” – Orville Peck & Willie Nelson (Songwriter: Ned Sublette)
“Dancing with Myself” – Maren Morris (Songwriters: Billy Idol, Tony James)
“Jolene” – Beyoncé (Songwriter: Dolly Parton)
“Perfectly Lonely” – Parker McCollum (Songwriter: John Mayer)
“Sun to Me” – MGK (Songwriters: Zach Bryan) — WINNER
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” – Lana Del Rey (Songwriters: Bill Danoff, John Denver, Taffy Nivert)
“Three Little Birds (Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film)” – Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Bob Marley & The Wailers)

The Crossover Song of 2024:
“Better Days” – Zach Bryan feat. John Mayer (Songwriter: Zach Bryan)
“Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini feat. Noah Kahan (Songwriters: Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan)
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen (Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Austin Post, Chandler Paul Walters, Ernest Smith, Hoskins, Louis Bell, Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak)
“II Most Wanted” – Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus (Songwriters: Beyoncé, Michael Pollack, Miley Cyrus, Ryan Tedder)
“Lonely Road” – mgk feat. Jelly Roll (Songwriters: Bill Danoff, Brandon Allen, Colson Baker, John Denver, Mary Danoff, Nick Long, Steve Basil, Taffy Nivert Danoff, Travis Barker) — WINNER
“Midnight Ride” – Kylie Minogue, Orville Peck & Diplo (Songwriters: Christopher Stracey, Kylie Minogue, Marta Cikojevic, Orville Peck)
“Miles On It” – Marshmello & Kane Brown (Songwriters: CASTLE, Connor McDonough, Earwulf, Jake Torrey, Kane Brown, Marshmello, Nick Gale, Riley McDonough)
“My Fault” – Shaboozey feat. Noah Cyrus (Songwriters: Bailey Bryan, Collins Obinna Chibueze, Doug Walters, Nevin Sastry, Noah Cyrus, PJ Harding, Sean Cook)

The New Artist Song of 2024:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (Songwriters: Collins Obinna Chibueze, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Mark Williams, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook) — WINNER
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” – Dasha (Songwriters: Adam Wendler, Anna Dasha Novotny, Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger, Kenneth Travis Heidelman)
“Betrayal” – Warren Zeiders (Songwriters: Ali Tamposi, Blake Pendergrass, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Justin Ebach, Warren Zeiders)
“Bulletproof” – Nate Smith (Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
“Devil You Know” – Tyler Braden (Songwriters: Graham Barham, Jon Hall, Sam Martinez, Zack Dyer)
“Sweet Dreams” – Koe Wetzel (Songwriters: Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Josh Serrato, Ropyr Wetzel, Sam Nelson Harris)
“Tennessee Don’t Mind” – Kameron Marlowe (Songwriters: Charles Kelley, Daniel Tashian)
“Wind Up Missin’ You” – Tucker Wetmore (Songwriters: Chris LaCorte, Thomas Archer, Tucker Wetmore)

The Storyteller Song of 2024:
“16 Carriages” – Beyoncé (Songwriters: Atia Boggs, Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin, Ink, Raphael Saadiq)
“Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves)
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson (Songwriter: Josh Phillips) — WINNER
“Pink Skies” – Zach Bryan (Songwriter: Zach Bryan)
“Sorry Mom” – Kelsea Ballerini (Songwriters: Alysa Vanderheym, Hillary Lindsey, Jessie Jo Dillon, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
“The Little Things” – George Strait (Songwriters: Bubba Strait, George Strait, Monty Criswell)
“The Man He Sees in Me” – Luke Combs (Songwriters: Josh Phillips, Luke Combs)
“Too Good to be True” – Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Anna Nalick, Kacey Musgraves)

The Album of 2024:
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs — WINNER
Higher – Chris Stapleton
Highway Desperado – Jason Aldean
Leather – Cody Johnson
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going – Shaboozey
Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan

The Music Video of 2024:
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma (From Twisters: The Album)” – Luke Combs
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” – Dasha
“Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Let It Burn” – Shaboozey
“Lonely Road” – MGK feat. Jelly Roll
“Miles On It” – Marshmello & Kane Brown — WINNER
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton

The Concert Tour of 2024:
“Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour” – Luke Combs
“Highway Desperado Tour” – Jason Aldean
“One Night At A Time 2024” – Morgan Wallen — WINNER
“Shania Twain: Come On Over – The Las Vegas Residency – All The Hits!” – Shania Twain
“Stadium Tour” – George Strait
“Standing Room Only Tour ‘24” – Tim McGraw
“Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour” – Kenny Chesney
“The Quittin Time 2024 Tour” – Zach Bryan

My Music Row Story: CAA’s Meredith Jones Long

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Meredith Jones Long

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

Meredith Jones Long is a Music Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in CAA’s Nashville office, Jones Long also books the greater mountain state region for the agency’s country, classic rock and Americana rosters. She represents successful acts, including Little Big Town, Whiskey Myers, Lori McKenna, Hailey Whitters, Wyatt Flores, Southall and more.

Jones Long graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on music business. She just celebrated 16 years at CAA, having started her career at the agency in 2007. Jones Long was then promoted to Agent in 2012.

Her dedication to inclusiveness is evident throughout her work, both externally and within CAA. She has led the team that created THE HUBB, a networking and professional development summit that was designed to provide diverse internship- and career-ready college students with the tools and resources needed to successfully enter the music business. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the PENCIL Foundation Board, an organization that connects the local business community and Metro Nashville Public Schools through partnerships and programs.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Hockessin, Delaware, which is in the greater Philadelphia region. I was really into music growing up, and actually played French horn and sang pretty poorly in like a children’s church choir.

Pictured (L–R): Kylen Sharpe, Meredith Long and Katie Germano

I learned piano from my grandmother, who was an organist at her church in St. Michaels, Maryland, which is on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. She was very much into classical music and playing music for her grandkids. She helped motivate me and a lot of my cousins to foray into music.

What was high school like?

My high school in Delaware, AI DuPont, had an incredible marching band that was very large. We had a horrible football team because everybody wanted to be in the band. [Laughs] My band director had pushed the program to be elite, and we got to do really fun things like march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, the London New Year’s Day Parade and the Orange Bowl in Florida. We did concert band trips to Montreal and Toronto. As a teenager, getting a little freedom with your friends to run around in a foreign country was awesome.

Meredith Long with Whiskey Myers and team

Did you know you wanted a career in the music business then?

I fell really hard into country music in middle school, starting with Garth Brooks. In high school, I took it to a new level of exploration. I think part of me wanted to go against the grain of what everyone else thought was cool on MTV. I had a couple friends that were into country music, so we banded together and shared artists we were listening to and enjoying. Some of my first concerts were Kenny Chesney at the amphitheater in Hershey, Pennsylvania and Tim McGraw at the arena in Philly with The Chicks.

I heard about Belmont University through my dad’s cousin, who had a Lee Greenwood cut. He randomly showed up during one of our summer vacations and I was telling him that I was interested in music, but I wasn’t exactly sure if I was good at music. He was like, “You should move to Nashville and go to Belmont University.” On a whim, I came down here with my parents and toured it. I just felt the community of Nashville and that college immediately.

I remember seeing Jason Aldean in the house band at a bar on 2nd Avenue when I was here for orientation. We got his demo and my mom said, “You need to get it signed!”

Pictured (L–R): Meredith Long, Hailey Whitters and Kylen Sharpe

Tell me about your time at Belmont.

Ashley Gorley was my publishing teacher. He had just gotten a few cuts with Carrie Underwood—this girl who won American Idol. [Laughs] I was actually in that publishing class with a bunch of executives that I run into and do business with now, which is really fun.

I really liked some of the core business classes, especially the number-driven ones like economics and accounting, as well as the marketing-driven business classes. There wasn’t a class on live music at the time, and I think the little rebel in me was like, “That’s what I want to do.” My advisor said, “You don’t want to be an agent. Agents are mean!” Then I really wanted to be an agent.

I started trying to use some relationships that I had. My internship boss [knew I wanted to be an agent] and said to me one day, “I’m in Bible study with this guy who runs an agency. His name is John Huie. I’ll introduce you.” That one introduction changed everything.

Meredith Long & Wyatt Flores

What happened?

I started as an intern filing paperwork. At the time we printed every single part of a show: the deposit slips, contracts, deal memos and offers. Everything fit into a file folde,r and we had to title all the folders with the artist name, show date, venue and city. There were cabinets all over the office.

I would get done and then have nothing to do, which was probably frustrating for the HR Director, but I would go around to all the assistants and just say, “What can I do?” I organized the CD closet, made grids of tour dates and other little projects here and there. A lot of those young assistants are now my colleagues, like Jeff Krones and Bobby Cory, and Brett Saliba [who is now at UTA]. I just started being a helpful hand. I would get them lunch if they wanted—I didn’t care.

What was next?

I did the Belmont West program, taking my last semester in Los Angeles. There I interned for a manager that wanted to hire me, but I got a call from CAA Nashville saying, “Hey, we have a receptionist position opening up. Would you like an opportunity for that job?” I was like, “Absolutely.” I loved everybody I hung out with there. They were interested in and passionate about the same things I was. I really didn’t even know what an agent did, but I wanted to learn more. So I ended up taking that job and starting the day after graduation. 17 years later, I’m still here.

Pictured (L–R): Matt Stubbs, Meredith Jones Long, Tyler Braden, Kylen Sharpe, Allie Petko, Chris Burrus and Halie Hampton Mosely

How did you know you were in the right field?

Lady A was an unknown trio in town, and they were friends with one of the assistants who is now Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer. At the old office, we had this thing called The Pit where all the assistant desks were, with all the agent offices were around it. CAA would invite young artists to play acoustically in The Pit—it was kind of a gauntlet thing. Michelle had Lady A come perform and they blew our socks off. She ended up helping them get signed at CAA and assisting with some of the early strategy. Watching the growth of their career is where I remember seeing how this all works.

What did you do as a receptionist?

It was fun. In classic Meredith form, they were like, “Here’s what you have to do.” I was like, “Great, I can do all of that in five minutes. What else can I do?” You’re kind of the frontline of the agency, so you have to be a good face. You get weird phone calls because your number is on artists’ websites, so having intuition mattered. I would also pick up random jobs around the office so that I could be more visible and be around all my colleagues. I was there for about six months before I moved onto the next position.

Meredith Long & Lori McKenna

What was that?

It’s a position that doesn’t exist anymore, but Ticket Accounts. Before Ticketmaster and Axis had a fancy system where you can log in and see how your artist sales are progressing, my job was calling box offices and saying, “It’s me again! How many tickets has Martina McBride sold since we last spoke?” Then I would put them all into grid format so the agents could be tracking sales and understanding where marketing needed to be spent. Then I moved on from that to an assistant.

What was that like?

Scott Clayton was the first desk I had. He promoted Buster Phillips, who was going to start the college division and see if there was real business there. I became Buster’s assistant when that was created, so we trucked along together in the early days, trying to figure out the players.

I would get all the phone calls from the 19-year-olds running their college division in their student activities groups. I would have to tell them that they couldn’t afford Katy Perry, but we can talk about a young bubbling artist. It was a great education for me to learn how to deal with buyers that aren’t established yet. It was also great to learn what was happening and what college students were interested in. Some of our bosses in L.A. and New York were calling and asking, “Who are the college kids talking about and asking for?” It ended up being a really valuable resource and a big business.

From there, I got promoted to take over and do that job when Buster moved on to a different territory. Then I got promoted to Agent in 2012.

Meredith Long & Just Jayne

What was that transition like?

At the time, our training program sent us out to L.A. to work in the physical mail room there and learn the ropes of the whole agency, not just the music department. It took you out of your comfort zone and allowed you to network with a lot of other people with your same level of experience in all the different departments. It was brilliant and I loved it.

I came back to Nashville gung ho. I started signing clients in country music. Four years later, CAA pulled me out of the college world to give it to the next generation and keep me focused on country.

Who were the first clients you signed?

My first client was Chase Rice. He’s no longer a client, but I have deep love for that guy and the rise that we shared together. I worked with Maren Morris from the get go. I worked with Whiskey Myers after they had been a band for a few years. They were focused on Texas but I saw a vision outside of that, so they signed with me and we’ve developed a pretty strong business for those guys, internationally as well. I joined the Little Big Town team alongside Darin Murphy. I learned a lot from Darin and have more recently stepped in to run point on their career.

I’ve had a lot of fun being a part of developing artist’s teams. I’ve been on Hailey Whitters‘ team. We got her on Maren’s tour very early before she even had music out. I’ve been a part of Carter Faith‘s journey and Wyatt Flores. I was brought onto Shaboozey‘s team—he’s been a client for many years with Jenna Adler, and when he started writing songs with country themes a few years ago, I joined the team . He’s having an unbelievable ride, and he so deserves it.

Meredith Long & daughter, Evelyn

What is your favorite part of your job now?

Being alongside these clients for years and watching the many iterations they’ve had, either musically or touring, those moments are absolutely the driver for me. What really sustains me, though, is the culture of this company and being here with the individuals that I get to sit around with and learn from. I’ve been working alongside a lot of them for all 17 years. I’ve been supported by them and never felt alone in a down moment. That’s a super important part of why I come in and do this job every day.

Who have been your mentors?

I’ve learned a lot from Darin and Jeff Krones. Doing business with Andrew Simon taught me a lot. Marlene Tsuchii has taught me so much.

What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do?

I spoke to a student recently and told her two of the major qualities of a good agent are that they’re a good people person and an intelligent person. People have to like them, want be around them and trust them with their business, but agents also have to be incredibly intelligent on deal-making and have the ability to think outside the box with tour packaging or deal structures. It’s a numbers and a people job.

It’s not to be mean?

No! [Laughs] That’s not a quality! Maybe that’s from Entourage.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ernest & Lainey Wilson Are ‘Duet Perfection’

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Ernest & Lainey Wilson.

As we ease into the fall season, the country stars have warm sounds to accompany us.

The highlights here are Kelsea Ballerini, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Brian Kelley. The Disc of the Day is unquestionably the dandy duet by Ernest and Lainey Wilson, both of whom sing like hillbilly angels.

Give a DISCovery Award to Georgia-born newcomer Vincent Mason.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Heaven’s Sake”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox/Seth Ennis; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Lotsa rock guitar. Lotsa drumming. Lotsa volume. Headache inducing. It’s the lead track of his new album, which drops tomorrow.

SHABOOZEY / “Highway”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/McKay Stevens/Sean Cook; Producers: McKay Stevens, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Love the strummy acoustic guitar and his plaintive vocal. The aimless heartache “road” song could use a few hooks.

REYNA ROBERTS / “A Hundred”
Writers: Danny Myrick/Reigna Roberts; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: ReynaRed Records/EMPIRE
– A melody would have been nice.

WILLIE NELSON / “Last Leaf”
Writers: Kathleen Brennan/Tom Waits; Producer: Micah Nelson; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Achingly beautiful. In a tremulous, vibrato-shaken delivery, Willie contemplates mortality as he realizes that he is the last man standing from his generation. This is the title tune of his 153rd (!) album, due Nov. 1.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Two Things”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Jessie Jo Dillon/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini; Label: Black River Entertainment
– Amid a swirling, wooshing sonic landscape, Ballerini muses that conflicting, opposing emotions can both be true at the same time in a complicated relationship. It’s a preview of her Patterns collection, an all-female project due next month.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Truck Still Works”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Hunter Phelps/Rodney Clawson/Will Bundy; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: EMI Records Nashville
– Remember “Mud on the Tires?” Paisley suggests that we take that ol’ vehicle out for a spin again to rekindle romance and memories. Warmly nostalgic and rhythm happy. Watch for the star to premiere this merry tune on tonight’s People’s Choice Country Awards telecast.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Guitar Lady”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/David Brown/Maurice Wade; Producers: Carrie K, Gabe Simon; Label: Elektra Entertainment
– This languid, laid-back track sings of troubadour gals who make you want to sing along and ease your troubled mind. Mellow and groovy. Imaginatively produced.

VINCENT MASON / “Train Of Thought”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Vincent Mason; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– Mason has amassed considerable online success with his ballads “Hell Is a Dance Floor” and “Heart Like This.” This lovelorn outing demonstrates that the youngster  knows his way around a tempo tune, too. Nicely done.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “Slip Away”
Writers: Marcus Daniel/Wilbur Terrell/William Armstrong; Producers: Billy Lawson, Sammy Kershaw; Label: Goldenlane Records
– Country vet Kershaw took a trip down to Muscle Shoals for his latest album. On it, he revisits soul and rock oldies, such as this 1968 Clarence Carter classic. It’s an enduringly cool cheating song.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Hold On Cowboy”
Writer: Brian Kelley; Producers: Caleb Gilbreath, Katlin Owen; Label: Big Machine Records
– No matter what you are going through emotionally, hold your head up and persevere. He lends a sympathetic ear to your troubles and points the way to a brighter tomorrow. This uplifting tempo tune is tied to this being National Suicide Prevention Month, and it carries that message admirably.

ERNEST & LAINEY WILSON / “Would If I Could”
Writers: Dean Dillon/Skip Ewing; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Wow. The song is country eloquent, and their duet performance is perfection. The supremely well crafted ballad closes the book on a relationship that’s better off in the past. The exquisite vocals are beautifully shaded and evocative to convey its emotional complexity. I love this record. A solo version from Ernest impacts radio on Oct. 7.

THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “What Might Have Been”
Writer: Mike Stern; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Nolivian
– Dobro master Jerry Douglas will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame this evening in North Carolina. The Set was released last week as his first solo album in seven years, although he continues to record and tour with Alison Krauss. You’ll find this deliciously dreamy, echoey meditation on the The Set. It blends his mournful picking with wordless vocalizing by Aoife O’Donovan and drawn-out fiddle notes by Christian Sedelmyer to cast a midnight spell.

NSAI Honors Pursuit Of The Craft At Seventh Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards

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Award winners celebrating on stage at the close of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

If there was one thing on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (Sept. 24), it was the unrelenting pursuit of the craft that fill the lives of both new and established songwriters day in and day out.

Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the beloved awards show showcased the careers of industry stalwarts who’ve chased good songs their whole careers as well as modern hitmakers who are in the pursuit every day.

Amanda Shires performing “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Honoring category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” the evening was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between collaborators. Enduring country music heroes Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.

The night began with a stunning performance from Amanda Shires, who was on hand to sing NSAI’s 2024 Legendary Song, “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.

Pictured (L–R): Shannon Wright, Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, Denise Jackson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Josh Turner. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Jackson was honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy was celebrated with several performances featuring songs he co-wrote, including “Livin’ On Love” performed by Hailey Whitters, “Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery” performed by Josh Turner.

When introducing him, NSAI’s COO Jennifer Turnbow referred to Jackson as a “monolith of country music both as a songwriter and an artist.” At the podium, he shared stories of his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.

“I tell people I sing real country music songs about life, love, heartache, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to a thunderous applause. “That’s what it’s always been about for me: life.”

Pictured (L–R): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient) and Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Another prestigious award of the night, the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, was presented to the incomparable producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon. Cannon was honored by Jamey Johnson with a performance of “Give It Away,” a song co-written by Cannon, Johnson and Bill Anderson.

NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure who connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players that have helped him do just that, from Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.

“I love great songs and I love the people that write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”

During a break, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room, sharing updates about their ongoing advocacy work and their highly-publicized battle with Spotify.

“As songwriters still press to navigate compensation and the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” Herbison said.

Ashley Gorley accepting his eighth NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Ashley Gorley was named the 2024 Songwriter of the Year for a record eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”

When Gorley spoke, he shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the roster of Team Nashville. If you haven’t noticed, everyone wants to be on this team now. The whole world has found out that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes making it all happen.

“There is no better town or community for a rookie or a veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house hooped and hollered like he was the star quarterback.

Jelly Roll won the night’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, but was unable to attend the event.

In between the night’s big awards, NSAI reveal the winners of the highly sought-after “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category. Voted on by professional songwriter members of NSAI, the winners are recognized with a video interview from the songwriters who wrote the hit and then a performance.

Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his, Craig Wiseman and Tommy Cecil‘s winning “Standing Room Only;” as did Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollum‘s “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta rocked out on their hit with Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor;” and siblings Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter had a ball on their hit “I’m Not Pretty,” co-written with Megan Moroney and Ben Williams.

Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins performing the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler played their winning “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky Block. Greylan James performed his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne‘s “Next Thing You Know;” while Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim played their hit with Warren Zeiders “Pretty Little Poison.” Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull sang their winner “Where The Wild Things Are;” and Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher joined voices for “Try That In A Small Town.”

Dan Wilson rocked out on his and Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse.” Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy treated the writers of “Last Night”—John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Jacob Kasher Hindlin—to a sultry performance of the song.

The top vote-getter for “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” earns the title of Song of the Year, which was the final award of the evening. The trophy went to Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins for “The Painter.”

The three shared message of thanks for their believers and support systems before performing the tune to close the night out.

NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.