Winners Revealed At 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards

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Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris perform onstage for the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association)

The Americana Music Association revealed the winners of the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium last night (Sept. 10).

Sierra Ferrell continued her reign as the Americana Artist of the Year with her second consecutive win with the ceremony’s biggest award of the evening. Brandi Carlile presented Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats with the Album of the Year honor for their LP South of Here. The triumphant trio of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins comprising I’m With Her was awarded with Song of the Year for “Ancient Light,” written by the three songwriters themselves. Lifelong musical partners Gillian Welch & David Rawlings were crowned as Duo/Group of the Year award. MJ Lenderman took home Emerging Act of the Year and Alex Hargreaves, a current full-time touring member with Billy Strings, earned the nod for Instrumentalist of the Year.

Nathaniel Rateliff wins the Album of the Year Award onstage at the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

John C. Reilly hosted the evening. During the show, Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois performed a rendition of her “May This Be Love.” Buddy Miller returned as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, featuring Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke and Larry Campbell. Old 97’s, Joe Henry and Darrell Scott all received Americana Lifetime Achievement honors. The McCrary Sisters were recognized with the Legacy of Americana award (in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). John Fogerty presented the Spirit of Americana Free Speech in Music award to Jesse Welles.

Throughout the night, attendees were treated to additional performances by Dawes, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Emmylou Harris, I’m With Her, JD McPherson, John C. Reilly, Joy Oladokun, Maggie Antone, Maggie Rose, Margo Price, Medium Build, Nathaniel Rateliff, Noeline Hofmann and Old 97’s.

“What a great night!” shares Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation. “We saw the breadth of the Americana community and spirit. This legacy has stood strong for over two decades and will continue for many more to come.”

2025 Honors & Awards Winners [Full List]:

Album of the Year: South of Here; Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; Produced by Brad Cook

Artist of the Year: Sierra Ferrell

Duo/Group of the Year: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Emerging Act of the Year: MJ Lenderman

Song of the Year: “Ancient Light,” I’m With Her; Written by Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins

Instrumentalist of the Year: Alex Hargreaves

Maggie Rose performs onstage for the 24th Annual Americana Honors Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Margo Price and John C. Reilly perform onstage for the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Rodney Crowell and Rosanne Cash speak onstage for the 24th Annual Americana Honors Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Hayes Carll presents Darrell Scott with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Chris Cagle Extends ‘Unfinished Business’ Tour Into Fall & Winter

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Chris Cagle

Chris Cagle is extending his 2025 “Unfinished Business Tour” into the fall and winter.

The new leg adds 20 shows across the country, including stops in Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Texas and more before wrapping in Colorado on Dec. 20.

“This run has been one of the most exciting chapters of my career,” says Cagle. “From the first night, the fans made it clear they were ready to go all in with us. So we’re keeping it rolling into the fall and winter. The energy out there has been unreal, and we’re not slowing down. Bring your friends, bring your voices, and let’s make every night a party.”

This year Cagle hit major stages including Barefoot Music Fest, the Route 66 Patriot Salute, and Old Settlers Days, Neon Nights and shared the stage with Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Craig Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Nichols and more.

To date, Cagle has racked up over two billion global streams, and he continues to please audiences on the road with his fan-favorite singles like “Laredo,” “What a Beautiful Day,” “Miss Me Baby,” “Chicks Dig It,” “What Kinda Gone” and “Let There Be Cowgirls.”

2025 Chris Cagle “Unfinished Business Tour” Dates:
Sept 06 – Louisa, KY – Septemberfest
Sept 12 – Joplin, MO – 66 Speedway
Sept 13 – Pontotoc, MS – Bodock Fest
Sept 18 – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
Sept 19 – Billings, MT – Pub Station Ballroom
Sept 20 – Greeley, CO – Cattle Barron’s Ball
Sept 21 – Parker, CO – PACE Ceter
Sept 23 – Bartonville, TX – Marty B’s
Oct 03 – Canton, GA – Canton Cannon Park
Oct 04 – New Haven, KY – The Amp
Oct 10 – Bossier City, LA – The Stage
Oct 11 – Carmi, IL – Cor Days Festival
Oct 17 – Buda, TX – Bucks Backyard
Oct 18 – Montgomery, TX – Guitars & Cars
Nov 01 – Lake Charles, LA – Golden Nugget
Nov 07 – Champaign, IL – City Center
Nov 08 – Jackson, OH – Henderson’s Arena
Dec 19 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose
Dec 20 – Colorado Springs, CO – Whiskey Rose

Charles Wesley Godwin Captures Live Show Magic On New LP Due Sept. 26

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Charles Wesley Godwin is gearing up for the release of his upcoming album Live From The Steel City on Sept. 26 via Big Loud.

The 23-song collection chronicles Godwin’s expansive road-tested catalog, and a preview of the larger project, a three-song sampler, will drop tomorrow (Sept. 12) consisting of “Cue Country Roads,” “Family Ties” and “Hardwood Floors”

Live From The Steel City was recorded at Godwin’s sold-out show at Stage AE outdoors in Pittsburgh and will feature songs from his most recent studio album Family Ties (2023), like “All Again,” “Another Leaf” and “Miner Imperfections,” tracks from 2021’s How The Mighty Fall (“Jesse,” “Temporary Town,” “Strong”) and breakout favorites from Seneca (2019) including “Hardwood Floors,” “Seneca Creek” and more. The album also features a cover of Tyler Childers’ “Whitehouse Road” and John Denver’s iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Godwin is currently on tour with a sold-out stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater next month, alongside dates supporting Eric Church.

Live From The Steel City Track List:
1. “Cue Country Roads”
2. “That Time Again”
3. “The Jealous Kind”
4. “Miner Imperfections”
5. “Strong”
6. “Temporary Town”
7. “Sorry for the Wait”
8. “Dance in Rain”
9. “All Again”
10. “The Flood”
11. “10-38”
12. “Ah! Leah! (Band Intros)”
13. “Shrinks and Pills”
14. “Another Leaf”
15. “Willing and Able”
16. “Jamie”
17. “Jesse”
18. “Family Ties”
19. “Seneca Creek”
20. “Whitehouse Road”
21. “Ramblin’ Fever”
22. “Hardwood Floors”
23. “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces JJ Cale As 2025 Legacy Inductee

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JJ Cale. Photo: Jane Richey

The late JJ Cale will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame on Oct. 6 at the organization’s 55th Anniversary gala at Nashville’s Music City Center.

Cale was elected in NaSHOF’s Legacy category, designed specifically to honor hall of fame-worthy candidates who are deceased. He will be inducted posthumously along with the previously announced members of the Class of 2025: Steve Bogard, Don Cook, Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale, Tony Martin and Brad Paisley. The seven new electees will join the 247 existing members of the Hall, which was established in 1970.

Famed for his bluesy, rootsy, laid-back style, Oklahoma native JJ Cale moved to Nashville in 1959 and found work as a guitarist with touring Grand Ole Opry troupes. After stints in Los Angeles and Tulsa, Cale returned to Music City in 1970 to record his debut album. In 1972, he built his own studio in Nashville, where he continued to record and live part-time throughout the ’70s and early ’80s.  Both Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler have acknowledged JJ’s influence as a guitarist, with Clapton making international hits of Cale’s “After Midnight” and “Cocaine.”

Over the years Cale’s various albums have yielded “Crazy Mama” (a pop hit in 1972), “Call Me The Breeze” (turned into a Rock standard by Lynyrd Skynyrd),“Clyde” (a Top 10 country hit for Waylon Jennings in 1980), “Any Way The Wind Blows” (Brother Phelps in 1995) and “The Sensitive Kind” (Santana in 1981), as well as the oft-covered “I Got The Same Old Blues,” “Magnolia,” and “Travelin’ Light.” As an artist, Cale released 16 albums, including the Grammy-winning collaboration with Clapton, The Road to Escondido (2006).  In 2014, after Cale’s death, Clapton released the tribute album The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale.

“We are thrilled to have JJ Cale join this year’s class,” says chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s board of directors Rich Hallworth.  “With classics such as “After Midnight,” “Cocaine” and “Call Me The Breeze,” JJ’s work as both a songwriter and an artist will be remembered always.  He is richly deserving of our ultimate recognition.”

BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Kicks Off AmericanaFest

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The Droptines with BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

BMI hosted the final installment of this year’s Rooftop On The Row series on Tuesday (Sept. 9) with more than 900 industry players and Americana music fans.

The evening, which served as the official kickoff party to the 26th annual AmericanaFest, was emceed by BMI’s Mason Hunter. Fans packed the BMI Nashville rooftop for performances from The Droptines, Briscoe and Ken Pomeroy to end the seventh season of the series.

Pomeroy kicked off the night with “Rainbow,” “Bound to Rain,” and “Coyote,” ending her set with the new track, “Pocket Knives.” Big Loud Texas artist The Droptines brought their alternative Americana with “Over,” “Bill of Sale,” “Army Green” and “Calling All Cars.” Austin-based Briscoe performed “She Burns Away,” “The Well,” “Hooped Earrings,” and wrapped the night with “Hill Country Baby.”

Ken Pomeroy performs BMI’s Rooftop On The Row. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

The Droptines perform at BMI’s Rooftop On The Row. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

Briscoe performs at BMI’s Rooftop On The Row. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, Louisiana Grandstand, Bryan Sutton, More

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CMHOFM Hosts Panel Discussion With Lainey Wilson & Collaborators on Style and Branding

Pictured (L-R): Museum writer-editor Jon Freeman, CeCe Dawson, Lainey Wilson and Raina Gir at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photos: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a panel discussion with Lainey Wilson and two of her main creative collaborators, CeCe Dawson and Raina Gir, over the weekend. The program explored how Wilson’s style and branding have evolved as her profile has grown. The program was offered in support of the museum’s exhibition Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails. The exhibit will run until June 2026.

 

Inaugural Louisiana Grandstand Artist Ambassador Program Taps Jordan Davis & Kix Brooks

Jordan Davis & Kix Brooks

The inaugural Louisiana Grandstand Artist Ambassador Program has tapped Shreveport natives Jordan Davis and Kix Brooks as its 2025 mentors. Launched this past August, the program will pair one established talent mentor with one rising local artist mentee for one calendar year. Mentees will be chosen by a board of advisors of music industry professionals.

“I’m honored to be part of the Louisiana Grandstand Ambassador Program’s inaugural year, and proud to play a part in ushering in the next generation of musical talent from my home state,” says Davis.

“I, more than most, understand the importance that local venues like The Louisiana Grandstand have in supporting homegrown talent. As a Bossier/Shreveport native, I’m honored to join fellow native Jordan Davis in the first year of the Artist Ambassador Program,” adds Brooks.

 

Bryan Sutton Partners With Mountain Home, Readies ‘From Roots To Branches’

YouTube video

Bryan Sutton is set to release his first recordings in nearly a decade, From Roots to Branches, via Mountain Home Music Company. The new series of duets features Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Jake Workman, Chris Eldridge, Cody Kilby, Trey Hensley, Joe Bonamassa, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson and Tony Rice.

“It’s been fun to dive back into this idea of who I wanted to record with, what we would record, how we would do it,” Sutton shares.

 

The Women Of Country To Celebrate 10th Anniversary At 3rd & Lindsley


The Women of Country will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sept. 18 3rd & Lindsley. The show will be hosted by founder Nicole Marchesi and iHeartRadio’s Brooke Taylor, and feature Alli Walker, Kaylee Rose, Jenna Davis, Sophia Scott, Hailey Verhaalen, Jacquie Roar, Sarah Morey and Tezza.

“When I started The Women of Country in 2015, I never imagined the impact it would have. 10 years later, I’m filled with gratitude for the support we’ve received and the incredible community of women who continue to break barriers in country music,” shares Marchesi, Founder of The Women of Country.

Tickets are available now. 

 

Pedigree Foundation To Host Annual ‘Dogtober’ Writers Round


The Pedigree Foundation will host its annual “Dogtober” Writers Round on Oct. 1 at 3rd & Lindsley. Sponsored by Hillman Group and Pinnacle Financial Partners, the event will be emceed by Danielle Breezy (WKRN’s Chief Meteorologist) and Joe Breezy (Mix 92.9) and feature hit songwriters Jamie O’Neal, Jamie Floyd and Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

All proceeds will benefit Pedigree Foundation’s disaster relief efforts. Tickets are available now.

“We’re proud to host our annual Dogtober Writers Round once again this year,” said Deb Fair, Executive Director of Pedigree Foundation. “This event is more than a night of music – it’s a lifeline for pets in need. Through the support this event generates, Pedigree Foundation Disaster Relief Grants give shelters and rescues the ability to mobilize quickly with food, medical care and safe shelter for dogs impacted by disasters. Acting fast is what saves lives when every moment counts.”

 

Soundstripe Adds Jelena Grozdanich As Sync Director

Jelena Grozdanich.

Soundstripe has added Jelena Grozdanich as its Sync Director.

“Soundstripe is building one of the most inspiring music libraries by empowering independent artists and fueling authentic storytelling across all visual media,” Grozdanich says. “I’m excited to champion a community where real artistry drives creative opportunities and helps musicians thrive.”

Over the course of her career, Grozdanich has worked with a wide range of artists including Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Harry Styles, Hozier, Tyler, The Creator and Miley Cyrus. She has placed music in TV shows (The Bear, Love Island, Euphoria, and Ted Lasso), films (John Wick: Chapter 4), video games (Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto), as well as advertisements and promos (Apple TV+, HBO Max, ESPN, and TikTok).

‘American Idol’ To Host Production At Belmont University

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American Idol will shoot part of its 24th season on Belmont University’s campus. With the filming, special auditions will be offered to Belmont artists. The auditions will be taped at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Belmont has served as a pipeline to American Idol talent in the past, with alumni Walker Burroughs making it to top eight on Season 17, Melinda Doolittle becoming a third-place finalist on Season six, and Kimberly Locke finishing third on Season two. Last year, six current Belmont students were represented in the show’s Hollywood Week round.

“We’re proud to partner with Belmont University, a school that shares our passion for discovering and celebrating musical talent.” says American Idol Exec Producer/Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick. “With so many Belmont auditions through the years, this collaboration feels like a natural fit.”

“We’re honored to welcome American Idol to Belmont and showcase the Fisher Center, which we consider the largest classroom on campus,” adds University President Dr. Greg Jones. “This opportunity is a reflection of our reputation as a place where talent thrives, and our students have access to once-in-a-lifetime moments like this in which the classroom and real-world experience intersect.”

Alongside the auditions, students will also be able to participate in select tapings as a live audience member.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the upcoming season of American Idol, to provide excellent Nashville hospitality and to have a front-row seat to the action,” shares Fisher Center Managing Director Gage Baxter. “The Fisher Center is home to a variety of events and productions — both student-led and internationally renowned. It was a natural fit to connect an esteemed talent search show with a place known for hosting and fostering amazing talent.”

American Idol is now accepting “Idol Across America” virtual auditions through mid-September here.

Lauren Watkins To Showcase ‘Perfect World’ This October

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Lauren Watkins will release her sophomore album, In A Perfect World, on Oct. 10 via Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.

The 10 track project will feature stories of Watkins balancing life between touring and quiet nights at home with her husband. The album features already released tracks “I’ll Get Through It,” “Marlboro Man,” “Average Joe and Plain Jane” and “Lose My Cool,” with the final pre-release “Slippery Slope” feat. John Morgan dropping Sept. 19.

“I am so beyond proud of this music,” shares Watkins. “I’ve lived so much life in the past couple years, from playing shows all over the world and spending half of my time on the road, to building a sweet little life in a farmhouse with my husband. It’s made me appreciate so many parts of all of it. I’ve started embracing the simple things just as much as the chaos. And that’s what inspired these 10 songs. It paints a good picture of what my world looks like these days, but I really hope people can see their own world within it too.”

The project was produced by Watkin’s husband Will Bundy, with additional co-production from Joey Moi. Watkins co-penned all 10 tracks on the collection, with additional writing credits from Trannie Anderson, Rodney Clawson, Natalie Hemby, Mark Trussell and more.

In A Perfect World Track List:
1. “In A Perfect World” (Lauren Watkins, Mia Mantia, Caroline Watkins)
2. “Love Is Tough” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Mark Trussell, Lydia Vaughan)
3. “I’ll Get Through It” (Lauren Watkins, Trannie Anderson, Will Bundy)
4. “Marlboro Man” (Lauren Watkins, Natalie Hemby, Jeremy Spillman)
5. “Slippery Slope (feat. John Morgan)” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Mark Trussell, Lydia Vaughan)
6. “Average Joe and Plain Jane” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Caroline Watkins)
7. “Britches” (Lauren Watkins, Trannie Anderson, Will Bundy, Mia Mantia)
8. “Lose My Cool” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
9. “I Was Fine Before I Met You” (Lauren Watkins, Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird)
10. “Pretty Please” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird)

Runaway June Celebrate Good Times & Girl Power On Sophomore LP ‘New Kind Of Emotion’

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The sophomore album from Runaway June, New Kind of Emotion, is set for release Sept. 19 via Quartz Hill Records.

Runaway June band members Jennifer Wayne (vocals, rhythm guitar), Natalie Stovall (vocals, fiddle, mandolin) and Stevie Woodward (lead vocals and guitar, harmonica) co-wrote 11 tracks on the new project, which was produced by Kristian Bush, Ron Fair, Mickey Jack Cones, Stone Aielli and Austin Moody and is a modern country celebration of good times and girl power, friendship and independence, and romantic love.

A focus track from the album, “Drink Champagne” is a Latin-flavored celebration that makes the case that champagne shouldn’t only be for special occasions. The song reflects Wayne and Woodward’s Latin heritage, and Runaway June’s backstage pre-show tradition of popping open a bottle of bubbly.

“We were actually in a management meeting when we wrote that song,” recalls Wayne. “One of us started singing the hook, and then all three of us dove in and just had a blast writing it and we had to cancel our management meeting! I think that’s kind of the theme of the whole album – we’ve just been having so much fun together.”

Unreleased album highlights also include “Stars on the Ceiling,” a blissful mid-tempo escape from a world of grown-up troubles to the magical universe of a childhood bedroom with stars on the ceiling. “Sad Girl” is an instant pick-me-up, while “Come Home to Me” is an Irish-inspired blessing, promising someone you love that they can always return home if life gets too hard. Previously released album highlights include current radio single “New Kind of Emotion,” a feel-good ode to falling in love, “He Ain’t My Problem” a sassy and revealing breakup anthem, and “To Be Yours” a beguiling love song inspired by Woodward’s recent engagement.

“I want people to know that this album is authentically Runaway June,” says Stovall. “It’s us searching for who we are, and you’ll hear some different influences because it spans a three-year period for us. We were trying different things and we were in different stages of life, so the album really puts a stamp on that moment in time for us.”

New Kind of Emotion Track List: 
1. “Real Good Night” (Natalie Stovall, Emma-Lee, Jessica Cayne, Eric Arjes)
2. “Drink Champagne” (Stevie Woodward, Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall)
3. “New Kind of Emotion” (Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall, Paul Sikes, Stevie Woodward)
4. “Stars on the Ceiling” (Kylie Sackley, Grant Vogelfanger, Stevie Woodward)
5. “To Be Yours” (Aaron Eshuis, Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall, Stevie Woodward, Ron Fair)
6. “Done With Me Yet” (Trannie Anderson, Stevie Woodward, Natalie Stovall, Jennifer Wayne, Paul Sikes)
7. “Miss Me” (Ben Stennis, Blake Bollinger, Jessica Mitchell)
8. “He Ain’t My Problem” (Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall, Stevie Woodward)
9. “Make Me Wanna Smoke” (Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley, Jason Sellers)
10. “Fine Wine” (Stevie Woodward, Jennifer Wayne, Paul Sikes, Natalie Stovall)
11. “Come Home to Me” (Stevie Woodward, Natalie Stovall, Kylie Sackley, Stone Aielli)
12. “Sad Girl” (Jennifer Wayne, Stevie Woodward, Natalie Stovall, Gavin Slate, Jaden Michaels)
13. “Fine Wine” (Duke’s Version) (Stevie Woodward, Jennifer Wayne, Paul Sikes, Natalie Stovall)

Nashville Film Festival Announces New ‘Widelitz Music In Film Award’

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Stacy Widelitz

The Nashville Film Festival has announced the addition of the new “Widelitz Music In Film Award” in honor of longtime NashFilm supporter and former board member Stacy Widelitz.

NashFilm’s inaugural Widelitz Music In Film Award at the 56th Nashville Film Festival celebrates the power of music in film in honor of songwriter and composer Widelitz. The award recognizes outstanding music in film that elevates storytelling through unforgettable sounds, melodies and emotion, and spotlights the artists whose original music brings heart, soul and resonance to the big screen.

Over the course of his career, Widelitz composed music for feature films and more than 20 made-for-TV movies, and was nominated for an Emmy for his work on ABC’s World of Discovery. His song, “She’s Like the Wind,” co-written with his friend Patrick Swayze for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1988, driving the success of the film’s soundtrack. Widelitz passed away on June 17, 2025.

The Widelitz Music In Film Award has been added to the competitive jury-determined categories for the 56th Nashville Film Festival and the winner will be announced at the official awards ceremony, taking place Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Nashville Hilton Green Hills.