The winners of the ACM Radio Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed. The announcement was made with the help of Danielle Bradbery, Breland, Ashley Cooke, Russell Dickerson, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith and Tigirlily Gold.
There were ties in two categories (Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year and Medium Market Radio Station of the Year) and multiple first-time honorees. In the On-Air categories, first-time winners include Katie Neal of Katie & Company for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar of Annie & Cole for Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year and Doc Medek and Chewy Medek of The Doc Show for Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year. Angie Ward of Angie Ward and Jason Pullman of The Jason Pullman Show—both first time winners—tied for Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year.
B-Dub of B-Dub Radio Saturday Night received his second ACM Award for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year, and Steve, Ben and Nikki of Steve, Ben and Nikki took home their second ACM Award for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year.
In the Radio Station categories, WXTU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania took home its second win for Major Market Radio Station of the Year, and WUBE in Cincinnati, Ohio took home its fourth win for Large Market Radio Station of the Year. WBEE in Rochester, New York and WGGY in Scranton, Pennsylvania both took home their first wins for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year (tie), and WFLS in Fredericksburg, Virginia took home its first win for Small Market Radio Station of the Year.
Below is a complete list of the Radio Award winners for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards:
On-Air Personality Of The Year Winners:
National Daily: Katie Neal | Katie & Company
National Weekly: B-Dub | B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
Major Market (Tie): Angie Ward | Angie Ward – WUBL – Atlanta, GA & Jason Pullman | The Jason Pullman Show – KPLX – Dallas, TX
Large Market: Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar | Annie & Cole – WLHK – Indianapolis, IN
Medium Market: Doc Medek and Chewy Medek | The Doc Show – WGGY – Scranton, PA
Small Market: Steve, Ben, and Nikki | Steve, Ben and Nikki – WXBQ – Bristol, VA
Radio Station Of The Year Winners:
Major Market: WXTU – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Large Market: WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market (Tie): WBEE – Rochester, New York AND WGGY – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Small Market: WFLS – Fredericksburg, Virginia
The 59th ACM Awards will take place Thursday, May 16 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will steam exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video. Click here for a list of nominees.
Miranda Lambert Signs A New Record Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R): Republic’s EVP & CFO Joe Schmidt, Founder & Vice Chairman Avery Lipman, President & COO Jim Roppo; Miranda Lambert; Republic’s Founder & Chairman Monte Lipman, Big Loud Records’ CEO Seth England. Photo: Julia Drummond
Miranda Lambert has signed a record deal with Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud, who will add support on country radio promotion as well as other marketing efforts. Her first release under the new deal will be the single “Wranglers,” arriving May 3.
“Miranda Lambert’s legacy as both a consummate storyteller and legendary performer speaks for itself. Her new music is spectacular and we are thrilled and honored to welcome her to Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud,” says Republic Founder and Chairman, Monte Lipman.
“We’re honored Miranda Lambert has entrusted us with this next chapter of her career,” adds Republic President and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Roppo. “As she puts the final touches on her fantastic new body of work, it has all the hallmarks of her signature sound, yet she continues to push herself as a songwriter, producer and performer. We’re all at the beginning of a very special moment, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with her.”
The label deal expands on Lambert’s relationship with Big Loud. Last November, she and Jon Randall partnered with Seth England and the company to launch the imprint Big Loud Texas.
“Being in Texas with Jon, recording where I cut my teeth as a young artist, felt like coming home. I thought about the women—and men—who’ve lived, loved and found power in my music, and I wanted to get back to the root of those spaces,” Lambert says. “Talking to Monte, Avery Lipman and the team at Republic, as well as Seth and the Big Loud folks who are leaning in, everyone understood my desires and vision for this next era of my music. Aligning like that is empowering; it gives you a license to really chase it. Signing with Republic has inspired me to find the sweet spot for me and all the people like me. I can’t wait for everyone to hear ‘Wranglers,’ and the rest of this record.”
“Wranglers” will mark Lambert’s first new solo music since 2022’s critically acclaimed, Grammy-, ACM- and CMA-nominated Palomino.
“‘Wranglers’ is a tale of a woman taking her power back,” shares the three-time Grammy winner. “I think we can all identify with the character in this song, because we have all had a time in our life that we needed to find a way to find our strength and also get a little revenge on someone that did us wrong or hurt us.”
Lambert will headline Stagecoach this weekend (April 27). She also recently announced a return to the road, including a three-night stand at New Braunfels, Texas’ iconic Whitewater Amphitheater, as well as concerts from coast to coast.
Jordan Minton Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJordan Minton
Hit songwriter Jordan Minton has moved into the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Bigger Houses,” “Dance With You,” “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” and “Your Place” all pushed Minton into the No. 8 spot.
Beyoncé remains in the No. 1 spot this week with “16 Carriages,” “Alliigator Tears,” “Ameriican Requiem,” “Daughter,” “Just For Fun,” “Levii’s Jeans,” “ll Most Wanted,” “My Rose,” “Protector,” “Riiverdance,” “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Tyrant,” all off her Cowboy Carter album. Josh Phillips takes the No. 2 spot with “Dirt Cheap.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Jessie Jo Dillon (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.
Scott Stepakoff Extends Partnership With SMACKSongs
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Jeremy Groves, Robin Palmer, Chip Petree, Scott Stepakoff, Lee Krabel, Sam Sarno and Carly Sater
Singer-songwriter Scott Stepakoff has extended his partnership with SMACKSongs.
Stepakoff first signed with the company in 2019. He has collaborated with fellow established songwriters Josh Osborne, Alex Kline, Jason Gantt and Lori McKenna, among others. Stepakoff’s credits include Kip Moore‘s “She’s Mine,” Brandy Clark‘s Grammy-nominated “Love Can Go To Hell” and Kelsey Hart‘s “Life With You,” which is currently climbing the Billboard charts.
“Scott is one of the most prolific and hard-working songwriters in Nashville. SMACK is excited to continue working with Scott and watch his career take off,” says Lee Krabel, Senior Vice President of Publishing, SMACK.
“It’s a no-brainer for me to keep building my career with SMACK,” shares Stepakoff. “Good people who believe in what I do and great writers operating at the top of their game all trying to get better. There is no place I’d rather call home!”
Brad Paisley Named ‘Tennessean Of The Year – Music’ By Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley & Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Photo: John Snorten
Brad Paisley was honored as the “Tennessean of the Year- Music” by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee during last week’s CEO Roundtable Series 2024 at the Governor’s Residence.
The private event honored Tennessee’s brightest in business and innovation to spotlight the accomplishments of Tennessee’s most influential leaders.
“What a privilege it is to be among this great group of people who all believed that with community, ideas could prosper,” shared Paisley of the honor.
Paisley’s philanthropic endeavors in Tennessee include the 2021 nationwide campaign to promote Tennessee tourism with Governor Lee, “Tennessee on Me.” Alongside Belmont University, he and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley co-founded the nonprofit The Store—a free, referral-based grocery store which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Paisleys have been recognized by Belmont for their endowed scholarship fund, and in 2021, Belmont dedicated the “Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley Ballroom” in the University’s Fisher Center.
Paisley has also stepped up to help the “1 for All Campaign for the First Amendment” in conjunction with MTSU, Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon, the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee, Nashville’s annual “Dance Party to End Alzheimer’s,” the Nashville Film Festival, St. Jude’s Country Cares, the Tennessee Comedy Festival, Vanderbilt University’s “Gratitunes” program to recognize nurses on the frontlines during the pandemic as well as their “Take The Shot” PSA, and the capital campaign for the Monroe Carroll Jr. Children’s Hospital at Williamson Medical Center.
Leah Blevins Signs With Major Bob Music For Publishing & Management
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Mike Doyle, Graham Kothman, Tyler Burns, Patrick Belinson, Dennis Lord; (L-R, front row): Emily Hasty, Andy Friday, Leah Blevins, Bob Doyle, Kane Wayne
Singer-songwriter Leah Blevins has signed a publishing and management deal with Major Bob Music.
The Kentucky native released her debut album, First Time Feeling, in 2021, and has toured with Lainey Wilson, Marcus King, Flatland Cavalry, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Oates, Amanda Shires, The War And Treaty and more.
“Leah is the artist that everyone hopes to have the opportunity to work with in their career, and we’re just so thankful that she chose to land at Major Bob,” says Andy Friday, Major Bob Music’s Head of Publishing.
Major Bob Music is an independent Nashville-based publishing company owned and founded by Garth Brooks‘ longtime publisher/manager Bob Doyle. Bob Doyle & Associates is the longtime management for Brooks in addition to Zach Top and Treaty Oak Revival.
Jerry Flowers Inks With Twelve6 Entertainment & Warner Chappell Music
/by Madison HahnenJerry Flowers. Photo: Brennon Williamson.
Renowned singer-songwriter, producer and musician Jerry Flowers has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.
Flowers’ catalog of penned hits includes Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris‘ “Chasing After You,” Sam Hunt’s “House Party,” Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna” and many more. He just notched his sixth No. 1 with Hunt’s “Outskirts.” Flowers has also collaborated on tracks such as Hunt’s “Locked Up,” Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Drive Down Main,” Keith Urban‘s “Straight Line” and many more.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry Flowers over the years. Beyond his undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, and musician, he brings infectious joy and energy to every writer’s room, always keeping the vibe and the tempo up. We’re happy to be working with him alongside the entire Twelve6 team,” says Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville.
“Jerry Flowers is one of the most inspiring writers I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” shares Travis Myatt, President and General Manager, Twelve6 Entertainment. “He radiates originality and energy into the music he creates, pulling from years of experience on some of the largest stages in the world, seeing firsthand what crowds of people want to hear. He has been a mentor to me, and all of the songwriters on the Twelve6 roster. I am honored to continue working with him and furthering our collaborative relationship with Warner Chappell.”
UMG Nashville Announces Second Annual ‘Music Is Universal’ Event
/by John Nix ArledgeLast year, “Music Is Universal” showcased a diverse array of artists including Kassi Ashton, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Dalton Dover, Luke Grimes, Caylee Hammack, Sam Williams and Maddie & Tae, among others. The event attracted thousands of fans from all over the world to see over 20 artist performances, meet & greets, DJ sets and listening events.
A full schedule of events and additional information will be released in the coming weeks.
Grammy-Winning Christian Artist, Mandisa, Passes At 47
/by Lorie HollabaughMandisa
Grammy, Dove Award and K-LOVE Fan Award winner Mandisa was found deceased in her Franklin, Tennessee home on April 18. She was 47.
Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley in California, she attended Fisk University in Tennessee to study music, and was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. She rose to fame appearing on season five of American Idol in 2006, and released her first album, True Beauty, a year after her time on the show. The project debuted at the top of the Top Christian Albums chart, and was nominated for a Grammy—her first of five career nominations.
In 2014, she won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her album Overcomer, which included the chart-topping title track as well as the top 10 singles “Stronger” and “Waiting for Tomorrow.” In 2017, after a hiatus from music, Mandisa released her fifth and final album, Out of the Dark. In 2022 released a memoir, Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy, in which she detailed past trauma and overcoming some mental health struggles during a difficult season of life.
Along with her Grammys, Mandisa also won numerous Dove Awards in contemporary Christian categories and the K-LOVE Fan Award twice. With more than 1.6 million records sold, over 820 million global career streams, one Platinum and two Gold certified singles, Mandisa made a huge impact on Christian music.
Her cause of death has not yet been made public, and her services have not been announced.
ACM Radio Award Winners Revealed
/by LB CantrellThe winners of the ACM Radio Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed. The announcement was made with the help of Danielle Bradbery, Breland, Ashley Cooke, Russell Dickerson, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith and Tigirlily Gold.
There were ties in two categories (Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year and Medium Market Radio Station of the Year) and multiple first-time honorees. In the On-Air categories, first-time winners include Katie Neal of Katie & Company for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar of Annie & Cole for Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year and Doc Medek and Chewy Medek of The Doc Show for Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year. Angie Ward of Angie Ward and Jason Pullman of The Jason Pullman Show—both first time winners—tied for Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year.
B-Dub of B-Dub Radio Saturday Night received his second ACM Award for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year, and Steve, Ben and Nikki of Steve, Ben and Nikki took home their second ACM Award for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year.
In the Radio Station categories, WXTU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania took home its second win for Major Market Radio Station of the Year, and WUBE in Cincinnati, Ohio took home its fourth win for Large Market Radio Station of the Year. WBEE in Rochester, New York and WGGY in Scranton, Pennsylvania both took home their first wins for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year (tie), and WFLS in Fredericksburg, Virginia took home its first win for Small Market Radio Station of the Year.
Below is a complete list of the Radio Award winners for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards:
On-Air Personality Of The Year Winners:
National Daily: Katie Neal | Katie & Company
National Weekly: B-Dub | B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
Major Market (Tie): Angie Ward | Angie Ward – WUBL – Atlanta, GA & Jason Pullman | The Jason Pullman Show – KPLX – Dallas, TX
Large Market: Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar | Annie & Cole – WLHK – Indianapolis, IN
Medium Market: Doc Medek and Chewy Medek | The Doc Show – WGGY – Scranton, PA
Small Market: Steve, Ben, and Nikki | Steve, Ben and Nikki – WXBQ – Bristol, VA
Radio Station Of The Year Winners:
Major Market: WXTU – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Large Market: WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market (Tie): WBEE – Rochester, New York AND WGGY – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Small Market: WFLS – Fredericksburg, Virginia
The 59th ACM Awards will take place Thursday, May 16 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will steam exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video. Click here for a list of nominees.
Grace Bowers Forms Team
/by Madison HahnenGrace Bowers. Photo: Cedric Jones.
Rising guitarist and band leader Grace Bowers has formed partnerships with WME, Crowd Surf, Sacks & Co and more. The news comes with the release of her debut single “Tell Me Why U Do That,” which dropped on Friday (April 19).
Bowers’ full team consists of Kent Marcus (Partner, Marcus & Colvin, LLP), Lindsey Hastings (Agent, WME), Jay Williams (Partner/Co-Head Nashville, WME), Crowd Surf, Carla Sacks (Sacks & Co.), Kevin Lynch (Business Manager) and Marcie Allen (Founder, MAC Consulting).
“Tell Me Why U Do That” is the start of the musical journey for Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge. The track was co-penned by Bowers, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman, and was produced by Osborne.