The Country Music Association has revealed the final nominees for the 56th annual CMA Awards.
Lainey Wilson, a first-time nominee, is the most nominated this year with six nods. Other top nominees include Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, and Chris Stapleton, along with songwriter and producer Shane McAnally, each with five nominations.
Vying for the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, is Stapleton, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen.
First-time CMA Awards nominees include BRELAND, Alexa Campbell, Jack Clarke, Dan Grech-Marguerat, Jacob Davis, Dustin Haney, Walker Hayes, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Jason Lehning, Blake Lively, Chip Matthews, Parker McCollum, Michael Monaco, Jason Nix, Mikey Reaves, Harper Smith, Trent Willmon, and Wilson.
“It’s thrilling to celebrate these deserving nominees while our industry is returning to live music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s slate is impressive, with some nominees logging historic milestones while others are just getting started. No matter what stage in their career, they each bring a unique voice and unforgettable story to life, showing that country music is stronger than ever! We look forward to honoring them this November.”
The 56th CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00 – 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC.
See the full list of nominees below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
– Luke Combs
– Miranda Lambert
– Chris Stapleton
– Carrie Underwood
– Morgan Wallen
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer
– “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
– “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins
Mix Engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
– “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
– Humble Quest – Maren Morris
Producer: Greg Kurstin
Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
– Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves
Mix Engineer: Jason Lehning
– Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen
– Time, Tequila & Therapy – Old Dominion
Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion
Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriters
– “Buy Dirt”
Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
– “Sand In My Boots”
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
– “Things A Man Oughta Know”
Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
– “You Should Probably Leave”
Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Miranda Lambert
– Ashley McBryde
– Carly Pearce
– Carrie Underwood
– Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Eric Church
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
– Lady A
– Little Big Town
– Midland
– Old Dominion
– Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– LOCASH
– Maddie & Tae
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)
– “Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY
Producers: Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman
– “If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
Producer: Michael Knox
– “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
– “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
Producer: Zach Crowell
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
– Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
– Paul Franklin, Steel guitar
– Brent Mason, Guitar
– Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
– Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Directors
– “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift (featuring Chris
Stapleton)
Director: Blake Lively
– “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
Director: Harper Smith
– “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
Director: Michael Monaco
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Director: Alexa Campbell
– “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
– HARDY
– Walker Hayes
– Cody Johnson
– Parker McCollum
– Lainey Wilson
2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (by market size):
Weekly National
– “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
– “The Country Top 40 with Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
– “The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
– “Today’s Country with Kelleigh Bannen” (Kelleigh Bannen) – Apple Music Radio
– “With Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
Daily National
– “Angie Ward” – iHeartMedia
– “The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek “Big D” Haskins, Sean “Bubba” Powell, Patrick Thomas, and Carsen Humphreville) – Compass Media Networks
– “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
– “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
– “The Sam Alex Show” (Sam Alex) – Sam Alex Productions, LLC
Major Market
– “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
– “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and McKaila Poppen) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
– “Danny Dwyer” – KUPL, Portland, Ore.
– “Josh, Rachael & Grunwald” (Josh Holleman, Rachel Hunter, and Steve Grunwald) – WYCD, Detroit, Mich.
– “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Emily Raines, and Joe Wallace) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
Large Market
– “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
– “The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Tay Hamilton) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
– “The Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
– “The Big Dave Show” (“Big Dave” Chandler, Chelsie Shinkle, Jason “Stattman” Statt, and Ashley Hempfling) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
– “The Wake Up Call with David and Kelli” (David Bugenske and Kelli Green) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
– “The New Q-Morning Crew with Mike and Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
Medium Market
– “Buzz Jackson” – KIIM, Tucson, Ariz.
– “Cliff & Tanya in the Morning” (Cliff Dumas and Tanya Brakebill) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
– “Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy, “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers, and Jon Dennis) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
– “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
– “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market
– “The Cat Pak Morning Show with Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
– “Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (“Dr. Shane” Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
– “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
– “Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
– “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (by market size):
Major Market
– KILT – Houston, Texas
– KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
– KSCS – Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
– WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
– WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market
– KFKF – Kansas City, Mo.
– WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
– WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
– WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market
– KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
– WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
– WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
– WQMX – Akron, Ohio
– WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market
– WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
– WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
– WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
– WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
– WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Teresa George Exits Circle Network
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Teresa George
After helping to start Circle Network and serving as VP of Strategic Partnerships, Teresa George and the network have parted ways.
During George’s time at Circle, the network went from zero viewers to being available on linear, cable TV, OTT as well as to over 150 million users across such platforms as Roku, Peacock, Samsung, VIZIO, and more. With her on board, Circle was named Digiday’s Best Streaming TV Platform of 2021 and Pollstar’s No. 1 Livestreamer among all music genres in 2020.
“I truly enjoyed helping grow the network, handling marketing, digital, PR, music industry and affiliate relations, sponsorships and working closely on the original TV shows,” George shares.
While seeking her next adventure, George is currently teaching a digital media class at Lipscomb University as an adjunct professor and working as a producer on a nationally syndicated holiday TV special.
George can be reached at george.teresa@outlook.com
Callista Clark Named Opry Nextstage Artist For September
/by Lorie HollabaughCallista Clark. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Callista Clark is the latest addition to the Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022. The Big Machine Records artist will make her NextStage debut with Opry performances on Saturday, Sept. 10 and Friday, Sept. 23.
The 18-year old’s top 20 debut “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” was one of country radio’s most successful new artist debuts of 2021. Clark will release her first full-length album, Real To Me: The Way I Feel, on Oct. 14. The album features 10 tracks, including her latest single “Gave It Back Broken.” Billboard featured Clark two years in a row on their annual “21 Under 21” list, and she was also the youngest member ever named to CMT’s Next Women of Country in its 2022 class.
“Since my first trip to Nashville when I was 11, the Grand Ole Opry has seemed like the dreamiest stage,” Clark says. “I was over the moon when they chose me to be the newest NextStage artist. I am so thankful to have the support of my Opry family.”
Opry NextStage collaborations include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary-style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s content team. Opry NextStage presents rising artists who are making standout music at the forefront of their careers through the Opry’s marketing platforms, which are set to deliver more than 100 million impressions.
Clark is the fifth act to join the 2022 class that includes Elvie Shane, Morgan Wade, Breland and Restless Road. The two previous NextStage classes have featured artists such as Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green and Tenille Townes, who all went on to earn ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year trophies following their Opry NextStage debuts. NextStage launched in 2019 with an inaugural class that included Green, Tegan Marie, Townes and Travis Denning.
Sierra Hull Announces Headlining Tour This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughSierra Hull. Photo: Em Wailis
Sierra Hull will be hitting the road for a series of headlining shows throughout September and October with support from Lindsay Lou and Taylor Rae on select dates.
The tour kicks off Sept. 18 in Louisville, and will feature a full-length set of fan-favorites and new songs, including the premiere of a specially-commissioned piece written for the FreshGrass Festival on Sept. 23. Other cities on the trek include Cincinnati, Asheville, Charleston, Bakersfield and more.
Hull will wrap the year as a featured guest with Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) in November and Béla Fleck’s “My Bluegrass Heart Tour” in December.
A two-time Grammy nominated artist and songwriter, Hull is also a four-time recipient of IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year, the first woman to ever receive this distinction.
Sept. 18 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival
Sept. 21 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall ^
Sept. 22 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge ^
Sept. 23 – North Adams, MA – FreshGrass Festival
Sept. 24 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge +
Sept. 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall +
Sept. 28 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall +
Sept. 29 – Boone, NC – Appalachian Theatre +
Sept. 30 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station *
Oct. 1 – Raleigh, NC – Wide Open Bluegrass
Oct. 2 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House +
Oct. 4 – High Point, NC – Ziggy’s ^
Oct. 5 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern ^
Oct. 6 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere ^
Oct. 7 – Big Stone Gap, VA – Blue Highway Festival
Oct. 8 – Pelham, TN – CaveFest
Oct. 14 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records
Oct. 15 – Seaside, CA – Rebels and Renegades Music Festival
^ with Lindsay Lou
+ with Taylor Rae
* with The Infamous Stringdusters
Justin Moore Nabs 11th No. 1 On ‘With A Woman You Love’
/by Lydia FarthingThe Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore earned his latest No. 1 at country radio this week with the rise of “With A Woman You Love,” marking Moore’s 11th trip to the top.
Penned by Moore, alongside Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill and Jeremy Stover, the track follows the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter’s most recent chart-topper “We Didn’t Have Much.”
The Arkansas native recently took on the role as co-host of the sports radio show “Morning Mayhem,” which airs weekly on 103.7 The Buzz. He also co-hosts The Justin Moore Podcast, giving fans a behind-the-scenes peek into his life, featuring celebrity guests like Matthew McConaughey, Travis Tritt, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi and more.
With new music on the way, Moore will continue on his “Country On It” arena tour, which will make upcoming stops in Montana and Washington on Sept. 15, 16, and 17. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Blake Shelton Announces ‘Back To The Honky Tonk Tour’ For 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton has announced his headlining “Back to the Honky Tonk Tour,” which will kick off Feb. 16 and run through March 25. Carly Pearce and rising artist Jackson Dean will join Shelton for the shows.
The award-winning entertainer will visit Knoxville, Birmingham, Tampa, Louisville, Kansas City, Pittsburgh and more on the trek. Tickets for the 18-date run will go on sale Friday, Sept. 16 and Friday, Sept. 23.
“There’s nothing like getting out on the road and taking music to the fans,” Shelton shares. “I feel just as excited to step on stage and perform as I did the very first time. I know my tour mates Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean feel the same, and I can’t wait for y’all to get to know them better. Break out the hats and boots, ‘cause we’re going back to the honky tonk!”
Shelton’s latest single, “No Body,” became the most added song at country radio upon impact in August. He will perform the track tomorrow night (Sept. 8) on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon before taking the Grand Ole Opry stage on Sept. 10.
“Back to the Honky Tonk Tour” Dates:
February 16 // Lincoln, NE // Pinnacle Bank Arena
February 17 // Sioux Falls, SD // Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
^February 18 // St. Paul, MN // Xcel Energy Center
^February 23 // Greensboro, NC // Greensboro Coliseum
*February 24 // Knoxville, TN // Thompson-Boling Arena
February 25 // Birmingham, AL // Legacy Arena at the BJCC
March 2 // Jacksonville, FL // VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
^March 3 // Tampa, FL // Amalie Arena
March 4 // Orlando, FL // Amway Center
March 9 // Louisville, KY // KFC Yum! Center
March 10 // Columbus, OH // Nationwide Arena
^March 11 // Indianapolis, IN // Gainbridge Fieldhouse
March 16 // Little Rock, AR // Simmons Bank Arena
March 17 // Oklahoma City, OK // Paycom Center
^March 18 // Kansas City, MO // T-Mobile Center
March 23 // Cincinnati, OH // Heritage Bank Center
^March 24 // Pittsburgh, PA // PPG Paints Arena
*March 25 // Buffalo, NY // KeyBank Center
*Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. local time.
^Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. local time.
In Pictures: Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks Festival Returns With Star-Studded Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Dierks Bentley hosted his Seven Peaks Music Festival over Labor Day Weekend in its new location of Villa Grove, Colorado in the San Luis Valley. The three-day camping festival featured a host of surprise collaborations and spontaneous moments throughout the weekend.
Friday’s ‘90s night included performances by Rapidgrass, The Frontmen (Richie McDonald of Lonestar, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and Tim Rushlow of Little Texas) and Tracy Lawrence. Bentley’s Hot Country Knights wrapped the weekend’s first night with a raucous set that saw Lawrence return to the stage for a crowd singalong.
Hardy & Dierks Bentley. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Campers returned on Saturday for shows on the festival’s second stage, known as the Whiskey Row Stage, by Alanna Springsteen, Jackson Dean, Rapidgrass, as well as a surprise bluegrass pop-up set by Bentley.
Seven Peaks’ main stage lineup was also filled with high-energy sets by Boy Named Banjo, Travis Denning, Lainey Wilson and Hardy, who invited both Wilson and Bentley up for collabs during his set. Headliner Morgan Wallen brought down the house to close out the Saturday night shows.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Sunday featured sets by Caitlyn Smith, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jordan Davis and Ashley McBryde, while the Whiskey Row Stage hosted Aaron Raitiere, Ashley Cooke, Kendell Marvell, The Red Clay Strays and Ray Fulcher. Bentley hopped up on stage a few times throughout the day during a mass singalong of “Wagon Wheel” with Old Crow Medicine Show, and during The Red Clay Strays set.
Bentley closed out the weekend with guests during his show, including McBryde, Davis and surprise guest Peyton Manning, who appeared on stage and invited the Hot Country Knights back to the stage for a rousing rendition of “Friends In Low Places.”
Hot Country Knights. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Dolly Parton Celebrates Her Greatest Hits On Upcoming ‘Diamonds & Rhinestones’ Project
/by Lydia FarthingDolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman
RCA Records, Dolly Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, have partnered to release Dolly Parton – Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection. The special compilation will be available everywhere on Nov. 18, including on digital, CD and 2LP 12″ vinyl configurations.
A cross-label anthology, Diamonds & Rhinestones brings together recordings originally released on Dolly Records, RCA Victor and Columbia Records, as well as the Butterfly Records digital single, “When Life Is Good Again,” written and recorded in 2020 as the country icon’s message of hope as the pandemic rolled in. Containing 23 tracks from Parton’s extensive career, the project includes new liner notes penned by MusicRow‘s Robert K. Oermann, who collaborated with Parton on her 2020 autobiography, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics.
“Every one of these songs has a special memory behind it for me,” Parton shares in a note to fans. “I hope that you make some special memories of your own while listening to them. Enjoy the Diamonds & Rhinestones album.”
Included on the record are performances with Kenny Rogers (“Islands in the Stream,” “Real Love”), Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette (“Silver Threads and Golden Needles” from Honky Tonk Angels) and “Faith,” her 2020 collaboration with Swedish electropop dance duo Galantis featuring Mr. Probz. The album also features songs from Parton’s films, including “9 To 5,” “Red Shoes” from 2018’s Dumplin‘ and “Tennessee Homesick Blues” from 1984’s Rhinestone.
1. 9 To 5 – From the RCA Victor album 9 To 5 And Odd Jobs (1980)
2. Jolene – From the RCA Victor album Jolene (1974)
3. Here You Come Again – From the RCA Victor album Here You Come Again (1977)
4. Islands In The Stream (with Kenny Rogers) – From the Kenny Rogers album Eyes That See In The Dark (1983)
5. I Will Always Love You – From the RCA Victor album Jolene (1974)
6. Coat Of Many Colors – From the RCA Victor album Coat Of Many Colors (1971)
7. My Tennessee Mountain Home – From the RCA Victor album My Tennessee Mountain Home (1973)
8. The Bargain Store – From the RCA Victor album The Bargain Store (1975)
9. Baby I’m Burnin’ – From the RCA Victor album Heartbreaker (1978)
10. Better Get To Livin’ – From the Dolly Records album Backwoods Barbie (2008)
11. Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That – From the Columbia Records album White Limozeen (1989)
12. Love Is Like A Butterfly – From the RCA Victor album Love Is Like A Butterfly (1974)
13. Heartbreaker – From the RCA Victor album Heartbreaker (1978)
14. Red Shoes – From the Dolly Records/RCA Records album Dumplin’ (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2018)
15. The Seeker – From the RCA Victor album Dolly (1975)
16. Together You & I – From the Dolly Records album Better Day (2011)
17. Two Doors Down – From the RCA Victor album Here You Come Again (1977)
18. When Life Is Good Again – From the Butterfly Records digital single (2020)
19. Tennessee Homesick Blues – From the RCA Victor album Rhinestone (Original Soundtrack Recording) (1984)
20. It’s All Wrong But It’s All Right – From the RCA Victor album Here You Come Again (1977)
21. Real Love (with Kenny Rogers) – From the RCA Victor album Real Love (1985)
22. Silver Threads and Golden Needles – Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette – From the Columbia Records album Honky Tonk Angels (1983)
23. Faith – Galantis & Dolly Parton (featuring Mr. Probz) – From the Galantis album Church (2020)
Nominees Announced For 56th Annual CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has revealed the final nominees for the 56th annual CMA Awards.
Lainey Wilson, a first-time nominee, is the most nominated this year with six nods. Other top nominees include Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, and Chris Stapleton, along with songwriter and producer Shane McAnally, each with five nominations.
Vying for the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, is Stapleton, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen.
First-time CMA Awards nominees include BRELAND, Alexa Campbell, Jack Clarke, Dan Grech-Marguerat, Jacob Davis, Dustin Haney, Walker Hayes, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Jason Lehning, Blake Lively, Chip Matthews, Parker McCollum, Michael Monaco, Jason Nix, Mikey Reaves, Harper Smith, Trent Willmon, and Wilson.
“It’s thrilling to celebrate these deserving nominees while our industry is returning to live music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s slate is impressive, with some nominees logging historic milestones while others are just getting started. No matter what stage in their career, they each bring a unique voice and unforgettable story to life, showing that country music is stronger than ever! We look forward to honoring them this November.”
The 56th CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00 – 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC.
See the full list of nominees below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
– Luke Combs
– Miranda Lambert
– Chris Stapleton
– Carrie Underwood
– Morgan Wallen
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer
– “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
– “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins
Mix Engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
– “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
– Humble Quest – Maren Morris
Producer: Greg Kurstin
Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
– Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves
Mix Engineer: Jason Lehning
– Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen
– Time, Tequila & Therapy – Old Dominion
Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion
Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriters
– “Buy Dirt”
Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
– “Sand In My Boots”
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
– “Things A Man Oughta Know”
Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
– “You Should Probably Leave”
Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Miranda Lambert
– Ashley McBryde
– Carly Pearce
– Carrie Underwood
– Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Eric Church
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
– Lady A
– Little Big Town
– Midland
– Old Dominion
– Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– LOCASH
– Maddie & Tae
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)
– “Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY
Producers: Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman
– “If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
Producer: Michael Knox
– “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
– “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
Producer: Zach Crowell
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
– Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
– Paul Franklin, Steel guitar
– Brent Mason, Guitar
– Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
– Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Directors
– “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift (featuring Chris
Stapleton)
Director: Blake Lively
– “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
Director: Harper Smith
– “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
Director: Michael Monaco
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Director: Alexa Campbell
– “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
– HARDY
– Walker Hayes
– Cody Johnson
– Parker McCollum
– Lainey Wilson
2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (by market size):
Weekly National
– “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
– “The Country Top 40 with Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
– “The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
– “Today’s Country with Kelleigh Bannen” (Kelleigh Bannen) – Apple Music Radio
– “With Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
Daily National
– “Angie Ward” – iHeartMedia
– “The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek “Big D” Haskins, Sean “Bubba” Powell, Patrick Thomas, and Carsen Humphreville) – Compass Media Networks
– “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
– “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
– “The Sam Alex Show” (Sam Alex) – Sam Alex Productions, LLC
Major Market
– “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
– “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and McKaila Poppen) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
– “Danny Dwyer” – KUPL, Portland, Ore.
– “Josh, Rachael & Grunwald” (Josh Holleman, Rachel Hunter, and Steve Grunwald) – WYCD, Detroit, Mich.
– “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Emily Raines, and Joe Wallace) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
Large Market
– “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
– “The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Tay Hamilton) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
– “The Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
– “The Big Dave Show” (“Big Dave” Chandler, Chelsie Shinkle, Jason “Stattman” Statt, and Ashley Hempfling) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
– “The Wake Up Call with David and Kelli” (David Bugenske and Kelli Green) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
– “The New Q-Morning Crew with Mike and Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
Medium Market
– “Buzz Jackson” – KIIM, Tucson, Ariz.
– “Cliff & Tanya in the Morning” (Cliff Dumas and Tanya Brakebill) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
– “Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy, “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers, and Jon Dennis) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
– “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
– “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market
– “The Cat Pak Morning Show with Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
– “Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (“Dr. Shane” Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
– “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
– “Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
– “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (by market size):
Major Market
– KILT – Houston, Texas
– KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
– KSCS – Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
– WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
– WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market
– KFKF – Kansas City, Mo.
– WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
– WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
– WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market
– KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
– WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
– WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
– WQMX – Akron, Ohio
– WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market
– WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
– WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
– WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
– WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
– WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
The Electric Jane: One Part Nostalgia, One Part Discovery, All Parts Magical [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingThe Electric Jane. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Tucked away right outside the heart of Music City, perfectly housed between the Gulch and iconic Music Row, sits one of Nashville’s newest and most mystical entertainment spots: The Electric Jane.
Taking inspiration from the once-popular supper clubs of the 80s, which offered patrons dinner and a show, the Electric Jane is the product of a decade of friendship between its owners Jason Scoppa and Sam Bakhshandehpour.
Scoppa got his start in event promotions, eventually leading him to music programming at clubs in and around Hollywood. “I needed to find a way to be passionate about it so I started adding live music,” he shares with MusicRow. “There were a lot of jazz artists in the beginning. That was a catalyst to begin a rock night, which led to us [starting] another venue called Bardot.”
Curt Chambers on opening night at the Electric Jane. Photo: Tristan Cusick
Hosting a slew of artists from Bruno Mars and Young the Giant, to Jane’s Addiction and even Prince, the success of Bardot led Scoppa to create the famed Sayers Club in Hollywood, which is where the pair’s paths crossed. At the time, Bakhshandehpour was serving as CEO of SBE, a leading hospitality company based in LA.
Launched in May of 2012, the Sayers Club was a venue all its own. As a hub for artist discovery, the spot featured performances from an array of big acts, such as The Black Keys, Fitz & the Tantrums, Lady A, Stevie Wonder and countless others, all for intimate audiences of less than 300 people.
“Night in and night out we experienced people of all walks of life coming together around this love for music. We didn’t even have a sign out front, yet people found this little hole in the wall in Hollywood, made memories, and walked away. It went viral,” Bakhshandehpour reflects. “There was a certain privacy and intimacy about it, and occasionally you would have the surprise of major artists popping on stage.
“The irony is, despite the big names, it was always the acts that you hadn’t heard of that would make the hair on your arms stand up straight. It was that element of discovery and the beauty of bringing people together around music that really blew my mind.”
The Electric Jane. Photo: Nathan Zucker
That promise of discovery is what led the pair to turn their eyes towards Nashville, a city drenched in both untapped and well established talent.
With hopes of growing what they had already started at the Sayers Club, the pair decided to add a food component to its Nashville location, allowing guests to be treated to worldly food such as their “Cheese on Fire” dish or their cannoli-topped espresso martinis, coupled with world-class entertainment from some of Music City’s brightest musicians.
“When Sam and I were working on what this thing was going to become, we felt like we were either rediscovering or inventing a category that didn’t really exist at the time in terms of hospitality,” Scoppa explains. “It’s an intimate, living room type feel that can’t hold more than about 300 people at a time, but you get big production and big acts in a small space.”
The Electric Jane. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Officially opening its doors in February of 2022, the Electric Jane gets its name from Scoppa’s grandmother, whom he was born exactly 50 years apart from. From the electric blue of Jane’s eyes, the birds that she often drew represented in the logo, the bright red floors that resemble her iconic lipstick and the almost exclusively velvet furniture, Jane’s influence can be felt and seen throughout the venue.
However, one cannot overlook the obvious Prince inspiration within the venue, as well. Decked out with his signature purple in place of the traditional green room, and the notable mural of the groundbreaking entertainer on the side of the building, Scoppa credits Prince as a massive influence on his career.
“I don’t know that I’d necessarily be doing this if I hadn’t met him along the way,” Scoppa admits. “I started getting addicted to him playing at my venues because he wasn’t just playing in anybody’s room. My whole hook from venue to venue was to design a space that he would play from a sonic, ambiance, and audience standpoint. I knew that if he would play it, then anybody on planet Earth would too.”
The Electric Jane. Photo: Nathan Zucker
When it comes to their programming, the guys are always in the mindset of trying to facilitate discovery. Starting with a slate of some of Nashville’s impressive session players, Scoppa mixes and matches members together until he finds the right band to create the perfect showcase for the Electric Jane.
“There’s no exact map to it, it’s more of a feeling,” Scoppa explains. “Our programming is still evolving and we’re quality biased, not genre biased. We’re learning more and more every day about the emerging artists and how to approach each night individually with its own character.”
Currently, the venue boasts quite the slate of weekly shows, including Women Wednesdays that celebrate a variety of Nashville’s women in music, Thursday residencies with Golden West and the Spazzmatics, Kyndle Wyld on Fridays, local superstar-in-the-making Gyasi taking over the stage on Saturdays nights, and plenty of brunch-time entertainment for weekend “Rue De Brunches.”
Nate Smith. Photo: Tara
The space has already taken up its spot as one of Music Row’s new go-to locations for industry events as well, with rising Sony singer-songwriter Nate Smith taking his turn at the mic for a pair of shows, Scotty McCreery celebrating his recent No. 1 hits on the venue’s stage, and plenty more in the works.
“We’ve been pleasantly surprised at how many businesses in the music industry have already gravitated to us as an event space. That’s a part of our business that we always knew would be there. We launched in this location with an eye towards Music Row,” Bakhshandehpour notes. “We developed this space with Jason’s aesthetic and eye towards events, and I’ve been blown away by the reception of people wanting to throw special events here, like album release parties, corporate functions and happy hours.”
While they continue to evolve and create a global menu, as well as fully tap into the room’s potential, the Electric Jane and its two seasoned leaders are well on their way to becoming a foothold in Nashville that offers an entertainment and dining experience unlike any other the city has seen before.
The Electric Jane. Photo: Nathan Zucker
“Cities all across this country are hungry for discovery and new places to experience hospitality in a new way. At the end of the day, it’s all built around bringing people together.” Scoppa sums, “We’re really proud that we’re bringing all the arts together and letting the venue make everybody feel important, regardless of your status. I think we need to bring people together now more than ever.”
“We’re bringing something that’s a little differentiated. We wanted to slot ourselves in and fill a space that we saw, while also paying respect to all of the amazing venues that are around us,” Bakhshandehpour adds. “Nashville already has such an incredible culture and community of music lovers, artists, and people that come here with a dream. It’s a community that brings everyone together and allows that dream to come to fruition. We want to be the venue where the music industry comes together and makes magic happen.”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues His Reign Atop The Country Streaming Songs & Albums Charts
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen keeps his reign atop both the top country streaming songs and albums charts for yet another week with two placements on each respective chart.
The Big Loud/Republic recording artist’s “You Proof” claims the top spot with 13 million streams, while his “Wasted On You” notches the fifth spot with 7.7 million. On the album’s front, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album takes No. 1 with 50K in total consumption (4.3K album only/58 million song streams). He also seals the top 5 as If I Know Me adds 16K in total consumption.
Luke Combs earns the second spot on the top country streaming songs chart as “The Kind Of Love We Make” nabs 11 million streams this week. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” follows in third with 9.4 million streams and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock and A Hard Place” takes fourth with 8.9 million.
As far as album consumption goes, Bryan’s American Heartbreak takes second with 23K in total consumption. Combs’ claims the final two slots as Growin’ Up gains 19K and This One’s For You tallies 16K in total consumption.