Nominees Revealed For 2023 Americana Honors & Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Henry Hicks (President & CEO of NMAAM); S.G. Goodman; Ann, Regina, Alfreda (The McCrary Sisters); Gina Miller (SVP/GM of MNRK Music Group); Margo Price; Jed Hilly (Executive Director of Americana Music Association). Photo: Terry Wyatt (Getty for Americana Music Association)

The Americana Music Association has revealed the nominees for its 22nd annual Americana Honors & Awards. Gina Miller, SVP and GM of MNRK Music Group and member of the Americana Music Association’s Board of Directors, served as the host for today’s (May 9) announcement event, which was held at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and featured performances from S.G. Goodman, The McCrary Sisters and Margo Price.

The Americana Music Association honors distinguished members of the music community with six member-voted annual awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards including the NMAAM co-presented Legacy of Americana Award, which will all be announced leading up to the awards ceremony.

“We’re excited to collaborate once again with the National Museum of African American Music to unveil our nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Thanks to our performers, S.G. Goodman, The McCrary Sisters and Margo Price for a wonderful afternoon of music. Congratulations to all the member-selected nominees!”

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The celebrated program is the hallmark event of Americanafest, which returns for its 23rd year on Sept. 19-23, 2023.

A full list of categories and nominees for the Americana Music Association’s 22nd annual Americana Honors & Awards is below:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Big Time | Angel Olsen; Produced by Angel Olsen and Jonathan Wilson
Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven? | Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers
El Bueno y el Malo | Hermanos Gutiérrez; Produced by Dan Auerbach
The Man from Waco | Charley Crockett; Produced by Bruce Robison
Strays | Margo Price; Produced by Margo Price and Jonathan Wilson

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Margo Price
Allison Russell
Billy Strings

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
49 Winchester
Caamp
Nickel Creek
Plains
The War and Treaty

EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Adeem the Artist
S.G. Goodman
William Prince
Thee Sacred Souls
Sunny War

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Isa Burke
Allison de Groot
Jeff Picker
SistaStrings (Chauntee and Monique Ross)
Kyle Tuttle

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Change of Heart,” Margo Price; Written by Jeremy Ivey, Margo Price
“I’m Just a Clown,” Charley Crockett; Written by Charley Crockett
“Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt; Written by Bonnie Raitt
“Something in the Orange,” Zach Bryan; Written by Zach Bryan
“You’re Not Alone,” Allison Russell featuring Brandi Carlile; Written by Allison Russell

Dan Pellarin Signs With Warner Chappell Music, Matchless Publishing & Artist Development

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Gus Chancy (Victory Ent.), Chris Perkins (Victory Ent.), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Alexa Morris (WCM); (L-R, bottom): Matt Wallace (Matchless Pub.), Dan Pellarin, BJ Hill (WCM)

Singer-songwriter and producer Dan Pellarin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Matchless Publishing and Artist Development.

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Pellarin has written with artists including Teddy Swims, Kolby Cooper, Pecos & The Rooftops, Lydia Vaughan, David Ray Stevens, Michael Whitworth, Justin Ebach, YX, Brad Rempel, Sam Bergeson, Saliva, Attack Attack!, Roan Ash, Shane Stevens, Karley Scott Collins, Zack Dyer, Brandon Lancaster, Andrew Baylis, Filmore, Atlus and Savage Hands, among many others.

“The ability to play any roll that’s needed in the writing room, and be good at all of them, is very rare,” says BJ Hill, WCM Nashville, VP, A&R. “Dan is really impressive at all facets and does it with a warm yet intense passion for creating great music.”

Matt Wallace of Matchless Publishing and Artist Development, adds, “Danny Pellarin defines multi-faceted in a way no other songwriter or musician I’ve worked with could. No matter the genre, the instrument, or the emotion, he delivers music with a meaning every day he enters the room. Time and time again his ability to mix unapologetic tenacity and unfiltered authenticity with his words, melodies and higher-level knowledge of music theory makes him the next talent to lock your eyes on.”

Morgan Wallen Suffering Vocal Fold Trauma, Rescheduling Six Weeks Of Shows

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Ryan Smith

Morgan Wallen has re-injured his vocal cords following three shows this week and is now under mandatory vocal rest, which has forced him to cancel the next six weeks of shows as well as his appearance at the ACM Awards on Thursday (May 11) and the ACM Lifting Lives fundraiser event (May 10).

Wallen shared the message with his fans via social media on Tuesday (May 9).

“I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking ten days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible. So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I re-injured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that’s what I’m going to do,” Wallen shared, adding that he also healing after tearing his LAT (latissimus dorsi) in Australia.

“[The doctors] told me that if I do this the right way, I’ll get back to 100% and they also said that if I don’t listen and I keep singing, then I’ll permanently damage my voice,” he said. “So for the longevity of my career, this is just a choice I had to make. I hate it. But I love you guys, and I appreciate all the support that you always give me. I’ll see you soon and I’ll be back better than ever. God bless you.”

Tickets for Wallen’s original dates will be honored for all rescheduled performances. A 30-day refund window will open at point of purchase when new dates are announced imminently. His team is working to reschedule any missed festival appearances to 2024.

Wallen is nominated for four awards at Thursday’s ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

Dolly Parton Launches Partyware Line With Creative Converting

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Photo: Courtesy of Creative Converting

Dolly Parton has teamed with paper and party goods supplier Creative Converting on a new line of eco-friendly disposable party supplies.

The Dolly inaugural collection includes a series of floral and musically-inspired paper plates and single-use wooden cutlery, What Would Dolly Do?  plates and Be A Diamond in A Rhinestone World napkins, cake toppers, disposable tablecloths, special message banners, beverage kits featuring drink stirrers and coaster kits, wine bag options, treat bags and more.

With an initial rollout on Amazon, the Dolly-inspired collection will also hit retail locations across the U.S. and Canada over the coming weeks.

“I love to celebrate all the seasons of the year with my family and friends. Whether it’s birthdays or holidays, making memories with those you love is what matters most in life. I am excited to bring my new collection of party supplies to your homes and events, and even though I may not be there in person, I’ll be celebrating with you in spirit. Let’s party!” says Parton.

“Creative Converting is excited to partner with Dolly Parton on the launch of her first partyware collection,” says Andy Romjue, President of Hoffmaster.  “From celebratory disposable plate and napkin ensembles to reusable party decorations, consumers can now bring the spirit of Dolly Parton to at-home celebrations.”

Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen Brew Up ‘Hold My Beer Vol. 3’

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Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen are teaming up once again for Hold My Beer Vol. 3, which arrives on July 7. The latest entry to their Hold My Beer collection, Vol. 3 features six songs exploring love, life on the road, nostalgia, and of course, hoisting a cold one.

Rogers and Bowen first decided to join forces in 2015 when they released Hold My Beer, Vol. 1. Their newest project, much like the first EP and 2020’s Vol. 2, is a collection made for drinking, dancing and reminiscing, with the artists trading off as they sing about heading to the bar after a broken heart in “I Moved Into A Bar,” or looking back on their youth in “Dumb Kids.” Rhett Akins joins Rogers and Bowen on the track “We Ain’t The Only Ones,” where the trio shout out fellow Texas artists like Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson and Cody Johnson in their ode to putting in miles on the road.

“Hold my Beer Vol. 3 is finally here,” Rogers shares. “I absolutely love making these records with Wade and am so proud of these songs — we wrote every single one. Listen responsibly. Cheers!”

“If you don’t have fun listening to these songs, I feel sorry for ya,” Bowen adds. “No reason we should have this much fun ‘working!’ I hope you love these songs as much as we love making them. Grab some friends and drink a few for us! Cheers!”

Following the release, the two friends will hit the road on the “Hold My Beer Tour” beginning in July. The trek will run through Texas, kicking off in College Station on July 19 and stopping in Lubbock, Dallas and Corpus Christi as well as Billy Bob’s Texas for two shows in Fort Worth before wrapping in Helotes on Aug. 19.

Hold My Beer Vol. 3 Track Listing:
1. “Shooting Hand” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Drew Kennedy)
2. “We Ain’t The Only Ones” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Rhett Akins)
3. “Things That Never Change” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Brad Clawson)
4. “It’s A Beautiful Day” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Aaron Raitiere)
5. “I Moved Into A Bar” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Taylor Phillips)
6. “Dumb Kids” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Allen Shamblin)

Creative Nation Signs Oscar Charles

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Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Abby Holcomb, Alex Tamashunas, Emily Furman, Oscar Charles, Beth Laird, T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Kelsey Granda. Photo: Spencer Combs

Creative Nation has signed songwriter/producer Oscar Charles to its publishing roster.

Charles has written and produced songs for Chase Rice, Elvie Shane, Boy Named Banjo, Madeline Edwards, Hannah Dasher, Carly Pearce, Charlie Worsham, Jacob Powell and more. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Charles grew up playing drums and played in various bands. He moved to Nashville in 2010 to attend Belmont University’s Audio Engineering program, and signed his first publishing deal in 2014.

“There’s a unique element to Oscar’s writing that makes his songs memorable and timeless. He is also producing some of the most interesting music coming out of Nashville. He’s a true songwriter and a true producer; we’re inspired by the creative impact he’s making on this community and are thrilled to be on board,” says Emily Furman, Creative Nation’s VP of Creative.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be working with Creative Nation. Finding new champions in both the staff and writers here has been humbling—from the songs that have had such a large impact to the giving back in our local community, this is a music business family I’m proud to call home,” Charles says.

Freeman Wizer Named Senior Creative Director At Sheltered Music

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Freeman Wizer

Freeman Wizer has joined Sheltered Music Publishing as Senior Creative Director. The music publishing veteran of more than 20 years brings a significant background of experience and success to the company.

“Freeman is joining us with a wealth of proven leadership working with songwriters and artists, and his extensive knowledge of working with catalog is remarkable,” shares Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music Publishing. “He is passionate, driven and has the creative vision to help us support our growing roster of songwriters and artists.”

Holding both a BBA and MBA from Belmont University, Wizer’s experience includes 12 years at Universal Music Publishing, as well as high level creative roles at Sea Gayle, Spirit and Porchlight. Throughout his career in publishing, Wizer has worked closely with artists and songwriters such as Luke Laird, Brandy Clark, Ingrid Andress, Nathan Chapman, Clint Daniels, Ryan Hurd, Radney Foster, and many more.

“I’m honored to work with accomplished professionals Lance and Darrell,” says Wizer. “Darrell’s ability to recognize great music and passion for songs and songwriters is something I have always respected, while Lance Freed is widely regarded as one of the most respected music publishers. It’s no surprise they have assembled incredible talent at Sheltered and I’m excited to contribute to its continued success.”

Ashley Gorley Reclaims The Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley

Ashley Gorley moves to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

The award-winning songwriter is a co-writer on 12 charting songs, including “All I Need Is You” by Chris Janson, “Girl In Mine” by Parmalee, “God Gave Me A Girl” by Russell Dickerson and “Gold” by Dierks Bentley, as well as eight Morgan Wallen tunes, including “Cowgirls,” “Everything I Love,” “Last Night,” “Me + All Your Reasons,” “One Thing At A Time,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Whiskey Friends” and “You Proof.”

Morgan Wallen shifts down one spot to No. 2 with 11 charting songs. Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) complete the 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.

Dierks Bentley & Miranda Lambert Create Four Songs For CBS’ ‘Fire Country’

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Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert have penned four new songs exclusively for the final two episodes of CBS’s popular new TV show Fire Country.

The new songs, which were inspired by the themes of the show, can be heard in the episodes on Friday May 12 and May 19 on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.

The four songs include “Saved,” written by Jon Randall and Luke Dick; “Still Burning” written by Lambert, Randall and Dick; “Something in the Water” written by Lambert, Bentley,  Randall and Dick; and “Barbed Wire Heart” written by Bentley and Randall.

“I’m a huge country music fan! Dierks and Miranda have written and performed some of my all-time favorite songs, so to get the chance to work with them on Fire Country was a dream come true,” says series creator and star, Max Thieriot. “Their songs provide the perfect backdrop for our dramatic conclusion to the season.”

“Dierks and I got together with our buddies Luke Dick and Jon Randall, and we started writing for Fire Country,” says Lambert. “It’s a different process to write to another storyline that’s already been written and sort of go along with the script. It’s been a cool project!”

“From the moment I saw the very first scenes of the pilot for Fire Country, I knew I wanted to try to write songs for it,” adds Bentley. “Writing for TV stretches different muscles than writing for my own albums. And getting to collaborate with my friends Miranda, Luke Dick and Jon Randall made the whole process explorative and, of course, a lot of fun.”

Bentley and Lambert aren’t the first country artists to join the world of Fire Country. Kane Brown guest-starred on an episode earlier this year.

Cody Hibbard Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Droptine Music

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Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Jenna Heideman, Cody Hibbard, Jim Catino, Molly Shehan and Cass Scripps. Photo: Courtesy of Droptine Records

Cody Hibbard has signed a co-venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine Music.

The deal comes on the heels of Hibbard’s first release with Droptine, “Looking Back Now.” The Oklahoma native and former pipeline worker will unveil a follow-up single, “We Speak Country,” this Friday, May 12.

“Cody Hibbard’s future is so bright and I’m excited to be part of his creative team,” shares Jim Catino, Droptine Music Founder. “His music and touring are growing exponentially and that is a direct result of his songwriting abilities. I’m so happy to be part of his artist career and now [represent] him as a songwriter as well. I also want to thank Rusty Gaston and Sony Publishing for their continued support of Droptine. It has been an amazing partnership.”

“Cody’s voice is full of grit and heart, and his songs were built for blue collar America. Jim Catino is one of Music Row’s best A&R executives and he’s keeping that streak alive with Cody Hibbard,” says Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Droptine and Sony Music Publishing family, and for the opportunity to work alongside Jim, Rusty and the rest of the crew,” shares Hibbard. “It’s an honor to join such a tremendous team, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead!”