Winners Revealed For 2023 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards

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The winners of the 2023 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced on Wednesday night (March 15) at the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner.

Big Loud was the night’s big winner. In addition to being named the Platinum Label of the Year, Stacy Blythe took home SVP-VP/National Promotion of the Year, Brittani Koster nabbed the Label Streaming Specialist title, Tyler Waugh earned Director/National Promotion of the Year and Nikki Wood took home the Regional Promotion of the Year title.

EMI Nashville was awarded as the Gold Label of the Year. WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville’s Allison Warren was named Market Manager/GM of the Year and WKDF/Nashville was named the Medium Market Station of the Year. WSIX/Nashville’s “Wayne D” Danielson and Tay Hamilton were named the Medium Market Personality/Show of the Year.

MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart promoter Lisa Smoot, of Jerry Duncan Promotions, was honored as the Independent Promotion Executive of the Year.

2023 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners:

Station:
KEEY/Minneapolis (Large Market)
WKDF/Nashville (Medium Market)
WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)

Platinum Label: Big Loud

Gold Label: EMI Nashville

OM/PD:
Meg Stevens, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
Carletta Blake, WGAR/Cleveland (Medium Market)
Brent Michaels, KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market – tie)
Chelsey Steinhauer, WMAD/Madison, WI (Small Market – tie)

APD/MD:
Lois Lewis, KNIX/Phoenix (Large Market)
Bob Pickett, KVET/Austin (Medium Market)
Melissa “Mo” Wagner, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)

SVP-VP/National Promotion: Stacy Blythe, Big Loud

Label Streaming Specialist: Brittani Koster, Big Loud

Director/National Promotion: Tyler Waugh, Big Loud

Market Manager/GM: Allison Warren, WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville

Personality/Show:
Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
“Wayne D” Danielson & Tay Hamilton, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Brent Michaels, KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market)

National Daily Personality/Show: Bobby Bones, The Bobby Bones Show, Premiere

National Weekly Personality/Show: “Wayne D” Danielson, iHeartCountry House Party, iHeartMedia

National Programmer/Curator: Jay Cruze, iHeartMedia

Regional Promotion: Nikki Wood, Big Loud

Independent Promotion Executive: Lisa Smoot, Jerry Duncan Promotion

New Face of Country Music: Scot “Froggy” Langley, WQIK/Jacksonville

Jelly Roll’s New Album ‘Whitsitt Chapel’ To Arrive In June

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Jelly Roll has revealed his new BMG/Stoney Creek Records album, Whitsitt Chapel, will be released June 2.

Titled after the church the Antioch, Tennessee native grew up attending, the debut full-length project features 13 tracks, including his current single, “Need A Favor.”  Earlier this week, Jelly Roll teased the announcement with images of Whitsitt Chapel’s outdoor sign featuring song lyrics from current and yet-to-be-released tracks on the album. Additional track list information will be announced at a later date.

“This album is about growth and gratitude happening in my life. I wanted to create a project that felt hopeful. I believe the worst feeling a person can have is feeling hopeless or worthless. This is therapeutic music. Real music for real people with real problems,” he shares.

Jelly Roll closed out last night’s New Faces Show at Country Radio Seminar, and will embark on his 44-date “Backroad Baptism Tour” this July.

Whitsitt Chapel Track List:
1. Halfway To Hell – Written by Jason DeFord, Jesse Frasure, Matt Jenkins, Jessie Jo Dillon
2. Church – Written by Jason DeFord, Michael Hardy, David Garcia
3. The Lost – Written by Jason DeFord, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert
4. Behind Bars (with Brantley Gilbert and Struggle Jennings) – Written by Jason DeFord, Brantley Gilbert, Michael Whitworth, Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Austin Nivarel
5. Nail Me – Written by Jason DeFord, Kevin Gruft, Austin Nivarel
6. Hold On Me – Written by Jason DeFord, Hillary Lindsey, Alysa Vanderheym, Michael Whitworth
7. Kill A Man – Written by Jason DeFord, Riley Thomas, Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth
8. Unlive (with Yelawolf) – Written by Jason DeFord, Ashley McBryde, Andrew Baylis, Zach Crowell, Michael Wayne Atha
9. Save Me (with Lainey Wilson) – Written by Jason DeFord, David Ray Stevens
10. She – Written by Jason DeFord, Austin Nivarel, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft
11. Need A Favor – Written by Jason DeFord, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta
12. Dancing With The Devil – Written by Jason DeFord, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell
13. Hungover In A Church Pew – Written by Jason DeFord, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell

Produced by Zach Crowell

MNRK Music Group’s Gina Miller To Receive Music Biz Presidential Award

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The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will award Gina Miller, SVP and General Manager, Nashville for MNRK Music Group, with its Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement in recognition of her leadership and commitment to bolstering diversity and inclusion across the music industry.

Miller will receive this honor during the 2nd Annual Bizzy Awards dinner May 17 as part of the Association’s Music Biz 2023 Conference at the JW Marriott Nashville.

Having spent nearly two decades with MNRK Music Group (formerly Entertainment One), Miller’s current role as the label’s SVP and General Manager for Nashville has her overseeing day-to-day operations and creative output for Nashville, including MNRK subsidiaries Light Records and IndieBlu Music. Throughout her career, she has used her platform and voice to both improve the ways the music business operates and create opportunities for those who are marginalized in our industry.

Miller is a Governor of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter, and serves on the boards of Nashville Music Equality (which she helped found), The National Association of Black Female Executives in Media & Entertainment, The Americana Music Association, Creatives Day, Music Biz and Harmonic South. She was most recently named to Leadership Music Nashville’s Class of 2022, as well as Billboard’s Women in Music executive class in 2018 and 2020 and the Nashville Business Journal’s Women Of Influence 2021 Class.

“Those who know Gina know that she’s a powerhouse, someone who has an infectious passion for making our industry and our world a better place,” shares Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “I’m lucky to call her a friend first and foremost, not to mention a distinguished colleague and professional inspiration, and I couldn’t be happier to present her with this well-deserved award!”

The Music Biz Presidential Award is one of the Association’s highest and longest-standing honors, presented to individuals or organizations who have contributed greatly to the overall success of the music industry. Past recipients have included Sony Music Entertainment’s Julie Swidler, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, RIAA’s Cary Sherman, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Epic Records’ Sylvia Rhone, the Country Music Association, the Recording Academy, and Dick Clark.

The 2nd Annual Bizzy Awards ceremony will be hosted by Fitz and the Tantrums co-lead vocalist, Elektra solo recording artist, and founder of Diversify the Stage, Noelle Scaggs.

Luke Combs Racks Up 26 New RIAA Certifications

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Luke Combs has earned 26 new RIAA certifications for his music, including reaching the nine million mark for his hit “Beautiful Crazy,” and notching eight million for “Hurricane” and “When It Rains It Pours.”

Other songs achieving heavy metal honors include “Forever After All” (four-time Platinum), “One Number Away” (four-time Platinum), “Better Together” (four-time Platinum), “Lovin’ On You” (double Platinum), “Must’ve Never Met You (double Platinum), “Does To Me” feat. Eric Church (double Platinum) and “Refrigerator Door” (Platinum).

Combs’ “A Long Way,” “All Over Again,” “Be Careful What You Wish For,” “Beer Can,” “Blue Collar Boys,” “Memories Are Made Of,” “Don’t Tempt Me,” “Lonely One,” “I Got Away With You,” “Nothing Like You,” “Out There,” “Reasons,” “Tomorrow Me,” “Used To You,” “What You See Is What You Get” and “Without You” feat. Amanda Shires, have all been certified Gold.

The certifications add to another historic week for Combs, who extended his record-breaking run at radio as his single, “Going, Going, Gone,” is currently No. 1. The song is Combs’ 15th consecutive chart-topper, marking the longest consecutive streak for an artist since their debut, and with it he becomes one the fastest to accumulate 15 No. 1 hits, joining the ranks of Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Alabama.

CRS Day Two: Curtis Legeyt, Kenny Chesney, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

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Day two of Country Radio Seminar took place Tuesday (March 14) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

Curtis Legeyt Gives Keynote Discussion

Pictured (L-R): Kurt Johnson (Board President, CRS/CRB); Curtis LeGeyt (President and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters); RJ Curtis (Executive Director, CRB).

CRB Board President Kurt Johnson led President and CEO of National Association of Broadcasters, Curtis LeGeyt, in a keynote discussion on day two of CRS.

LeGeyt serves as the chief advocate for America’s free, local radio and television broadcasters. During his time at NAB, Curtis has led several efforts to advocate for laws that strengthen broadcasters’ ability to innovate and serve their communities. This includes the successful passage of the Music Modernization Act, permanent reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR), and the inclusion of one billion dollars in RAY BAUM’s Act to reimburse stations impacted by the spectrum auction repack.

 

Kenny Chesney Does ‘The Artist Interview’

Kenny Chesney during “The Artist Interview.”

Kenny Chesney was the focal point of the 2023 ‘Artist Interview’ at CRS. Country Aircheck‘s Lon Helton led Chesney in the exclusive Q&A session presented by BMI, where he spoke about his career and detailed what’s on the horizon for him.

The eight-time Entertainer of the Year has sold a million-plus tickets on each of his full-sized tours since 2003. With his 2022 “Here And Now Tour” playing to over 1.3 million people with 21 stadium shows, Chesney expands his commitment to making music that reflects country fans’ lives.

 

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Songwriters at Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.

The beloved Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley showcase took place on day two of CRS. This year’s lineup included Rhett Akins, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Bryan Simpson, Jeffrey Steele, Anthony Smith and MaRynn Taylor.

In addition to the songwriter performances, Radio Ink presented its Top Country PDs awards during the event.

BBR Throws After-Hours Party

BBR Staff & Artists

To close out day two of CRS, BBR threw an official after-hours party. It was appropriately themed as a “Bell Bottom Music Celebration,” as Lainey Wilson was the night’s headliner.

Wilson was joined by Alexander Ludwig, Byron Kennedy, Blanco Brown, Brooke Eden, Chase Rice, Chayce Beckham, Craig Morgan, Drake Milligan, Dylan Schneider, Elvie Shane, Everette, John Morgan, Jordan Harvey, King Calaway, Kolby Cooper, LoCash, Madeline Merlo, Parmalee, Tim Montana, Track45, Tyler Farr and more, all performing the songs they grew up on. Hosted by Blair Garner, this evening was a nod to the Disco Party of seminar’s past.

Industry Ink: Thomas Rhett, Gabby Barrett, John Rich, More

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Thomas Rhett Sells Out International Shows

Pictured (L-R): Thomas Rhett, Niall Horan on stage at London’s O2. Photo: Luke Dyson

Thomas Rhett started the year with international shows—first, sold-out nights in Canada for the “Bring The Bar To You Tour” and then across the pond to headline three nights of C2C: Country Country, Europe’s biggest country music festival, in London, Glasgow, and Dublin.

While in the UK, Rhett surprised fans with special guests each night for one-time-only collaborations. In London on March 10, Niall Horan joined onstage for a joint performance of “Slow Hands.” Lainey Wilson joined Rhett on stage in Glasgow on March 11 where the two covered Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink.” On March 12, Rhett’s Canadian tourmate Jordan Davis hopped on stage in Dublin for Garth Brooks’ “Friends In Low Places.”

“It’s always amazing to see how much country music is loved when we travel out of the country,” says Rhett. “Our Canadian fans bring the party every time and I’m pretty sure my ears are still ringing from the UK. I already am thinking about when we get to go back!”

 

Gabby Barrett Surprises CRS Audience With Pop-Up Appearance, Receives Two Career Plaques

Pictured (L-R): Kristen Williams (SVP of Radio, WMN), Tom Martens (VP of Radio Accounts, WMN), Michael Chase (National Director of Radio, WMN), Gabby Barrett, Anna Cage (VP of Radio, WMN). Photo: Kayla Schoen.

Gabby Barrett surprised the packed Omni Hotel during Country Radio Seminar 2023 with a first-time live performance of “Build A Boat,” her Christian AC collaboration with Colton Dixon. She took the stage during the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon as part of CRS 2023. As an added bonus, Barrett’s label stunned her on stage with presentations of two plaques celebrating her RIAA-certified Platinum “Pick Me Up” and her 7x Platinum “I Hope.”

“Thank you guys very, very much from the bottom of my heart,” shares Barrett onstage. “Thank you, I mean that from the biggest part of me because this would definitely not be possible without everybody in this room. We’re coming hard with new music very soon, so thank y’all very much. God bless you.”

 

“Tennessee Music Pathways” Marker Honoring John Rich Unveiled

Pictured: John Rich. Photo: Randall Spradlin/State of Tennessee

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter John Rich was honored by the State of Tennessee and Dickson County with the installation of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker. This commemorates Rich’s contributions to Tennessee’s musical heritage.

As part of the country-rock duo Big & Rich, Rich has released four albums and 15 charting singles. He is an avid philanthropist who has raised over $1.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2014, he launched his lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera.

At the marker reveal, Rich shared memories of attending Dickson County High School. Joining him at Clement Railroad Hotel Museum were Bob Rial (Dickson County Mayor), Dr. Don L. Weiss (City of Dickson Mayor), Jody Barrett (State Representative) and Melanie Beauchamp (Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development Assistant Commissioner).

 

Turnpike Troubadours Set Rodeo Season Record with 74,657 Fans

On March 11 Turnpike Troubadours sold the most tickets of the 2023 Rodeo Season so far and performed to an audience of 74,657, their largest audience ever. The Houston Chronicle reported that they broke the record previously held by Bun B’s Southern Takeover by 84 people.

The reunited Turnpike Troubadours have a slate of upcoming shows across the country for their eager and growing fanbase.

 

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s ‘Songs For A Cause’ Raises $2,500

Pictured (L-R): Shayne Hill (Sawyer Brown), Robert Filhart (MHM), Johnny Dailey, Seth Taylor, Carol Ann Ford (NSHOF), Buddy Cannon, Gregg Hubbard (Sawyer Brown), Jamie Dailey, Mark Ford (NSHOF), Mark Miller. Photo: Morris Higham Management.

Morris Higham Management client Johnny Dailey joined Jamie Dailey (of Dailey and Vincent), Seth Taylor and Mark Miller (of Sawyer Brown), along with collaborators and bandmates, Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard and Shayne Hill (of Sawyer Brown) at the Bluebird Cafe for their “Songs For A Cause” concert.

Proceeds benefited the National Songwriters Hall of Fame (NSHOF) in honor of Buddy Cannon, a renowned songwriter, producer, and special guest and recent inductee. In total, proceeds tallied to $2,500 for the organization.

“We so appreciate Morris Higham Management, City National Bank and the Bluebird Café for honoring our nonprofit through their Songs For A Cause fundraiser on Wednesday night,” says Mark Ford, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Buddy, Jamie, Johnny and Mark truly brought their A games. Great songs. Great performances. A magical night, and we are grateful!”

Music Has Value Fund Offers Experience Packages For Dancing For Safe Haven

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Big Machine Label Group’s EVP, Creative Sandi Spika Borchetta and husband Big Machine Label Group’s Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta are hitting the dance floor to raise money for families experiencing homelessness during the 14th annual Dancing for Safe Haven event on April 28 at the Omni Hotel Nashville in Nashville.

The couple’s Music Has Value fund is a presenting sponsor for the fundraiser, and the charitable fund is offering exclusive experience packages to raise donations for the event, including a private dinner and acoustic performance with Brantley Gilbert and a recording contract with Big Machine Label Group with worldwide distribution of a single to be written and produced alongside producer Julian Raymond. All proceeds from the packages will directly benefit the Safe Haven Family Shelter.

Dancing for Safe Haven features a lively dance competition among Nashville notables, dinner, a silent auction and more. In addition to Sandi Spika Borchetta, other 2023 star dancers include Hal Cato (The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Tonya Mitchem Grindon (Baker Donelson Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Paul Novak (Community Health Systems) and Gerell Webb (itrain365 Fitness). Each dancer will be paired with professional instructors from The Ballroom of Nashville to compete for the titles of “Fundraising Favorite,” “Audience Favorite” and “Judges’ Favorite.” Fans can donate to vote for their favorite dancer, with every one dollar donation equaling one vote.

“Safe Haven does incredible work assisting families in an effort to end homelessness in Nashville,” Sandi Borchetta explains. “I’m honored to be a part of Dancing for Safe Haven, raising cash with the assistance of our amazing, generous friends and family and having fun dancing! All donations big and small are welcome, appreciated and make a difference for the families at Safe Haven.”

“I am so proud of my beautiful and talented wife, Sandi, for stepping out of her creative world and onto the dance floor to support Safe Haven,” Scott Borchetta adds. “We are thrilled to contribute some exclusive experiences, including a recording contract with Big Machine Label Group, to our donation efforts. The money we raise will directly benefit Safe Haven Family Shelter and their work to make a positive impact on families experiencing homelessness. This organization and event are so important to us, which is why we are also proud to announce that Music Has Value is a presenting sponsor of the event. We hope to see everyone there!”

Tickets and tables for the event can be purchased here, and anyone unable to attend can support Sandi’s efforts by donating here.

John Beiter Announces Retirement

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John Beiter

Entertainment and intellectual property attorney John Beiter is retiring after nearly 35 years.

Beiter most recently practiced at his own Beiter Law Firm, PLLC, and has represented a diverse group of entertainment industry clients including artists, producers, labels, publishers, filmmakers, and authors. His institutional clients included SESAC, the Americana Music Association, and the International Entertainment Buyers Association.

“I hope I’ll be able to personally thank every one of the many people in the business who gave me an opportunity or helped me along on this adventure,” Beiter shares with MusicRow about his transition. “Off the top of my head, I think of Roger Cook and the late Ralph Murphy, who let me in the door to write at their legendary publishing company, Picalic, soon after I fell off the turnip truck on Music Row; Pat Collins, who took a chance on a newbie music lawyer and engaged me to represent SESAC for many years; Jed Hilly and the Americana Music Association, which I represented from early days; and Pam Matthews at IEBA. I’m going to pass it on.”

Before attending Vanderbilt Law School—where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review—Beiter was a newspaper reporter and then wrote songs for a Nashville-based music publisher. Following law school, he served as a law clerk to Honorable John T. Nixon, U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee.

He is a former Chairman and current member of the Nashville Bar Association’s Entertainment Law Committee and a former Board member and alumnus of Leadership Music. He also is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries and the Tennessee Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section.

Beiter was selected to be included in the Best Lawyers in America in the category of Entertainment-Music and in MusicRow Magazine’s annual InCharge edition for many years. He has represented clients regarding copyright-related legislation such as the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act. He also has been a moderator and panelist at various music industry conferences and governmental roundtable discussions regarding copyright and related industry topics.

When asked what he will miss in retirement, Beiter speaks of the community. “I’ll miss the camaraderie: finding, listening to and discussing music with like-minded clients and colleagues. I got to make a great living doing what I would have been doing anyway with my Hoosier homeboys! I moved to Nashville 45 years ago to break into the music business and I got to be a legal cog in the machine that brings music and a bit of happiness and comfort to the world.”

Beiter and his wife Diane plan to relocate to the 30A area of Florida. He plans to get back into musicianship and to use his legal experience in community service.

Pecos Hurley Signs With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Floating Leaf Entertainment’s Chase Cooper, Pecos Hurley and Floating Leaf Entertainment’s Jeb Hurt at the IMGN x WMG So Satisfying House.

Pecos Hurley of the rising Texas-based band Pecos & The Rooftops has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

The announcement was made during the band’s headlining performance at the IMGN x WMG So Satisfying House during SXSW. Hot off the success of their debut single, the Platinum-certified “This Damn Song,” Pecos & The Rooftops also recently signed a record deal with Warner Records.

Hurley spent some time in the Marines before starting his band, a group of close friends that bonded over music during their school years. Hurley (lead singer-songwriter), Brandon Jones (rhythm guitar), Zack Foster (lead guitar), Kalen Davis (bass), Garrett Peltier (drums), and Hunter Cassell (guitars & keys) have collectively carved a niche for themselves with a soulful Americana sound packed with gritty guitar. Pecos & The Rooftops have already garnered over 350 million global streams, and more than 101 million video views.

“This Damn Song” has racked up more than 250 million global streams alone since its release, and soon after the song became a hit, the band started touring and opening for rising country star Zach Bryan. Their latest track and debut single with Warner Records, “5AM,” has already racked up half a million global streams.

“Pecos has an authentic writing style that really comes to life during his live shows,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “When he sings you can feel the passion that he has for every word. He stays true to who he is and that’s exactly why we’re so happy to welcome him to the Warner Chappell family.”

Pecos & The Rooftops’ upcoming album is set for release later this year, and their nationwide headlining tour just kicked off last week.

CMA Presents International Awards, Celebrates Tenth Country To Country Festival

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Pictured (L-R): Nigel Hassler, Bobbi Boyce, Chris Stevens receive CMA International Awards in London during C2C on March 9. Photo: Luke Dyson/CMA

The Country Music Association awarded four of its 2022 CMA International Awards and celebrated its return to C2C: Country to Country Festival in the U.K. this past weekend. These efforts are part of CMA’s mission to expand country music globally. 

“It’s been particularly rewarding over the last week celebrating C2C’s 10th year and honoring those who have made such an impact on our genre,” says Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development. “2023 is set to be a big year for country music in the U.K. with so much large-scale country touring taking place and the continual growth of streaming and radio support, which is a direct result of our industry working together. Meeting up as an industry this week has allowed us to take a moment to acknowledge together the huge strides country music has taken in a relatively short time.”

Bobbi Boyce, former and long-time CMA employee, won the Jo Walker Meador International Award for her advocacy and support of CMA’s international efforts with their partners and the Nashville Community. Olykan presented the award at the U.K. fan-filled CMA Songwriters Series on March 9.

Chris Stevens, CMA U.K. Task Force Member and CountryLine Radio (formerly Chris Country Radio) host, won the International Country Broadcaster Award for his outstanding achievements in broadcasting. Fellow host and broadcaster Baylen Leonard presented the award.

Nigel Hassler, CAA Country Initiative Leader and CMA U.K. Task Force member, won the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award for his contribution to building country music in the live music industry over many years. CAA Music agent and co-founder of CAA Music Nashville John Huie presented the award. 

Pictured (L-R): Bob Shennan, Bob Harris during an industry reception in London on March 10. Photo Credit: Luke Dyson/CMA

During an industry reception hosted by CMA and BBC Radio 2, Bob Shennan, BBC Group Managing Director, won the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award for his contributions and influence in the media which contributed to the mainstream exposure of country music in the U.K. on BBC Radio 2. Bob Harris OBE (Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, C2C, and BBC) presented the award to Shennan, who was a former member of the CMA Board of Directors and is a current member of the CMA U.K. Task Force. 

Pictured: Ilse DeLange

Dutch recording artist Ilse DeLange won the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award recognizing an artist that has furthered the popularity of country music and brought attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.

All of these awards come in addition to the previously announced CMA International Artist Achievement Award, presented to Ashley McBryde in November 2022.

Pictured (L-R): Nate Smith, Dalton Dover, Lainey Wilson and Ashley Gorley during the CMA Songwriters Series show at C2C in London on March 9. Photo Credit: Luke Dyson/CMA

CMA returned to the C2C Country to Country Festival with the CMA Songwriters Series and “Introducing Nashville” lineup. Featured performances by Dalton Dover, Nate Smith, and Lainey Wilson kicked off the weekend on March 9 with acclaimed songwriter Ashley Gorley. The weekend also saw guest appearances by Tyler Braden, Caylee Hammack, and Alana Springsteen.

The sold-out crowd sang along to hits by Wilson and Gorley, and enjoyed hearing the stories behind the songs from the artists and songwriters themselves. Wilson shared memories from her first trip to the U.K. in 2018, and Dover and Smith celebrated their first U.K. appearance.

Pictured (L-R): Caylee Hammack, Milly Olykan, Alana Springsteen, Tyler Braden, and Meredith Goucher (Senior Director – International Relations & Development, CMA). Photo Credit: Luke Dyson/CMA

“Introducing Nashville,” CMA’s international touring series, featured Braden, Hammack, and Springsteen in acoustic performances during the festival’s opening set on the main stages of London’s O2, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, and Dublin’s 3 Arena. For each of the artists, the warmly welcomed writers’ rounds marked their first U.K. experiences. 

CMA’s trip to London included hosting various industry events including a panel moderated by Anna-Sophie Mertens (VP of Touring, Live Nation U.K.) and featuring Jon Loba (BMG Nashville President), Becky Gardenhire (Co-Head, William Morris Endeavor Nashville), and Mike Rittberg (Executive VP Label Operations, Big Machine Label Group). They discussed the next steps for the growth of country music in the U.K., shared their views on the challenges of establishing artists internationally, and celebrated the huge inroads that have been made.