The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual CMA Awards, which airs live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00 – 11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC.
Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead the nominations, with five each. Other top nominees are Gabby Barrett along with mix engineer Jason Hall and producer Jay Joyce each with four nominations. Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris and Chris Young each earned three nominations a piece.
The nominees for the night’s top honor, the Entertainer of the Year award, include Church, Stapleton, Combs, Lambert, and Carrie Underwood.
Lambert also receives a nomination in the Female Vocalist category, and is joined by last year’s winner Morris, as well as McBryde, Barrett, and Carly Pearce. This is Barrett and Pearce’s first nomination for Female Vocalist Of The Year.
Church, Combs, and Stapleton appear in the Male Vocalist of the Year category alongside Dierks Bentley and Thomas Rhett.
Kane Brown received his first ever CMA Awards nomination this year. Other first-time CMA Awards nominees include Mickey Guyton, Ryan Hurd, Dave Cohen, Corey Crowder, Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Matt Dragstrem, Jacob Durrett, Aaron Eshuis, Chris Galland, Charlie Handsome, Nicolette Hayford, Martin Johnson, Emily Landis, Manny Marroquin, Jim McCormick, Sean Moffitt, Travis Nicholson, Drew Parker, Ed Pryor, Teddy Reimer, Running Bear and Aaron Sterling.
Notably, Morgan Wallen‘s blockbuster album Dangerous: The Double Album is nominated for Album of the Year. Wallen was not eligible to be nominated for individual artist categories (Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year categories), but he was eligible for categories that honor artistic works (Single, Song, Album, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year categories).
“This year, we have the opportunity to honor the superstars, new artists and emerging creators who are paving the way for country music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “These nominees exemplify the creativity, passion and heart that make our country music community unlike any other genre. The breadth of voices is evident in this year’s nominations, and we could not be more thrilled to celebrate our deserving nominees in November!”
On the radio front, two MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart reporting stations earned nominations, WXFL for Station of the Year (Small Market) and WPAP’s Shane Collins and Tess Connell for Personality of the Year (Small Market).
Winners of the 55th Annual CMA Awards will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting CMA members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Thursday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
See the full list of final nominees for the 55th Annual CMA Awards below:
Entertainer Of The Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
Male Vocalist Of The Year
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
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
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
New Artist Of The Year
Jimmie Allen
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Hardy
Musician Of The Year
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Aaron Sterling – Drums
Ilya Toshinskiy – Banjo
Derek Wells – Guitar
Album Of The Year (Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s))
29 – Carly Pearce
– Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Jimmy Robbins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– Record Label: Big Machine Records
Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Dave Cohen, Matt Dragstrem, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi
– Mix Engineer: Joey Moi
– Record Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records
Heart – Eric Church
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton
– Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Single Of The Year (Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s))
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
– Producers: Corey Crowder and Chris Young
– Mix Engineer: Sean Moffitt
– Record Label: RCA Nashville
“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman and Zach Kale
– Mix Engineers: Chris Galland and Manny Marroquin
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
“Hell Of A View” – Eric Church
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
“One Night Standards” – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
“Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton
– Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Song Of The Year (Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“Forever After All”
– Songwriters: Luke Combs, Drew Parker, Robert Williford
“The Good Ones”
– Songwriters: Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick
“Hell Of A View”
– Songwriters: Casey Beathard, Eric Church, Monty Criswell
“One Night Standards”
– Songwriters: Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde
“Starting Over”
– Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
Musical Event Of The Year (Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s))
“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
– Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
– Record Label: MCA Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
– Producers: Aaron Eshuis and Teddy Reimer
– Record Label: Arista Nashville
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King & Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Martin Johnson
– Record Label: RCA Records / Columbia Nashville
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
– Producers: Corey Crowder and Chris Young
– Record Label: RCA Nashville
“Half Of My Hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
– Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins
– Record Label: Black River Entertainment
Music Video Of The Year (Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s))
“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
– Director: TK McKamy
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
– Director: Peter Zavadil
“Gone” – Dierks Bentley
– Directors: Wes Edwards, Travis Nicholson, Ed Pryor, Running Bear and Sam Siske
“Half Of My Hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
– Director: Patrick Tracy
“Younger Me” – Brothers Osborne
– Director: Reid Long
Finalists For Broadcast Personality Of The Year (by market size):
Weekly National
“American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
“Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“Country Gold” (Terri Clark) – Westwood One
“The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
“Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” (Tracy Lawrence and Patrick Thomas) – Compass Media Networks
Daily National
“The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek Haskins, Sean 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 “Utility Hillary” Borden) – Premiere Networks
“CMT After Midnite” (Cody Alan) – Premiere Networks
“The Lia Show” (Lia Knight) – Westwood One
“The Music Row Happy Hour” (Buzz Brainard and Ania Hammar) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Major Market
“Angie Ward” – WUBL, Atlanta, Ga.
“Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
“Hawkeye in the Morning with Hawkeye and Michelle” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk and Michelle Rodriguez) – KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
“The Morning Bull: George, Mo & Cowboy Dave” (George Lindsey, “Mo” Monica Lunsford and “Cowboy Dave” Bayless) – KILT, Houston, Texas
“Tampa Bay’s Morning Krewe with J.R., Launa and Kevin” (“J.R.” Jon Jaus, Launa Phillips and Kevin Ebel) – WQYK, Tampa Bay, Fla.
Large Market
“Jesse Tack” – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
“Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Lexi & Banks” (“Lexi” Elena Abatgis and “Banks” Jared Danielson) – KUBL, Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, Utah
“Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
“The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Taylor Rosenberg) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market
“Brent Michaels” – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
“Ellis and Bradley Show” (Bill Ellis and Beth Bradley) – WSSL, Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
“Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy and “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
“Mo & StyckMan” (“Mo” Melissa Wagner and “StyckMan” Greg Owens) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
“Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
“Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (Shane Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
“KTTS Morning Show with Nancy & Rick” (Nancy Simpson and Rick Moore) – KTTS, Springfield, Mo.
“Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
“Steve, Ben and Nikki” (Steve Stroud, Ben Walker and Nikki Thomas) – WXBQ, Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
Finalists For Radio Station Of The Year (by market size):
Major Market
KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
KNUC – Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
KYGO – Denver-Boulder, Colo.
WNSH – New York City, N.Y.
WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market
WFMS – Indianapolis, Ind.
WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market
KATM – Modesto, Calif.
KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
KUZZ – Bakersfield, Calif.
WQMX – Akron, Ohio
WXCY – Wilmington, Del.
Small Market
KCLR – Columbia, Mo.
KTTS – Springfield, Mo.
WBYT – South Bend, Ind.
WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.
Relative Music Group & Sony Music Publishing Sign Nick Donley
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Nick Donley, Jesse Matkosky
Relative Music Group, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing, have signed country songwriter Nick Donley to a worldwide publishing agreement.
Originally from Ohio, Donley began writing songs in college and started his career writing commercials for radio. He moved to Nashville in 2006 to pursue his career as a professional songwriter.
Since then Donley has written popular songs including “Sittin’ Pretty” by Florida Georgia Line; “Unapologetically Country” and “4×4” by Hardy; “That Ain’t Me No More” by Matt Stell; “Mama Got The Chair” by Chevel Shepherd; and many more.
“We’ve been wanting to work with Nick for quite a while now, and I am so excited it finally happened. Nick is a perfect fit for Relative—he brings great ideas and a work ethic that won’t quit, and he is a great hang. We have an amazing team between Relative and our Sony Family and we can’t wait to get to work,” says Founder of Relative Music Group, Dennis Matkosky.
Relative Music Group Partner, Hardy, adds: “I’m so excited to start working with Nick Donley. I’ve heard and have been a fan of his songs for a long time and I’m happy that he is finally a part of this team. Nick is a hardworking, positive guy with a ‘go get it’ attitude, which is exactly what we need here at Relative. Nick is also one of the first people I ever met in this town, and after 11 years, I’m proud to see such a full circle moment come together. Welcome to the family, Nick.”
Donley sums, “Relative Music is a small family with a big vision and I’m grateful to call it my songwriting home. I couldn’t be more excited to work with this driven creative tight-knit group of people.”
Hardy Enlists 33 Artists For ‘Hixtape: Vol. 2’
/by LB CantrellExpanding on the country collaboration series he started with 2019’s Hixtape: Vol. 1, Hardy has announced its second installment, as Hixtape: Vol. 2 begins rolling out this Friday (Sept. 10).
Produced by Joey Moi, Hixtape: Vol. 2 will feature 14 new tracks and 33 artists in total, with one new track will arriving each Friday through Dec. 10.
Hardy, billed as the founder of the Hixtape country collaboration series, appears on six new songs while his co-stars populate the rest.
Hixtape: Vol. 2 includes Ashland Craft, Ben Burgess, Brantley Gilbert, Brothers Osborne, Chase Rice, Chris Lane, Chris Shiflett, Colt Ford, David Lee Murphy, Dierks Bentley, Ernest, Granger Smith, Jake Owen, Jake Worthington, Jimmie Allen, Jon Pardi, Josh Thompson, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson, Larry Fleet, Lee Brice, Marty Stuart, Matt Stell, Midland, Morgan Wallen, Randy Houser, Rhett Akins, Ronnie Dunn, Scotty McCreery, Sean Stemaly, The Cadillac Three and Travis Denning.
“I am beyond excited about this release,” says Hardy. “I think it’s really the first one that’s going to truly introduce what Hixtape is all about, how it can take on a life of its own, and just be the first original country mixtape with all different artists. I think the songs are great and everybody involved from the singers to the songwriters to the Big Loud family are some of my favorite people in the world. I’m just happy to be part of such a cool project and I have really high hopes for it.”
The rollout of Hixtape: Vol. 2 begins tomorrow (Sept. 10) with the release of the project’s first track, “Hometown Boys (feat. Matt Stell, Dierks Bentley & Hardy).”
Chris Stapleton, Reba, Lady A, More Honor The Late Kenny Rogers In CBS Special
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Rogers. Photo: Jay Fletcher, Courtesy of The Estate of Kenny Roger
Kenny Rogers’ legacy will be honored in a new star-studded concert special, Kenny Rogers: All In For The Gambler, airing on Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. CT on CBS and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena before Rogers’ passing, the special includes appearances from Chris Stapleton, Idina Menzel, Lady A, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town and Reba McEntire performing some of Rogers’ greatest hits such as “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “She Believes in Me,” “Through the Years,” “Lucille,” “We’ve Got Tonight” and more.
The show includes on-stage tributes, anecdotes, and inspiring performances in front of the music icon himself, as he bid farewell to performing and announced his retirement. In a special tribute, Rogers’ dear friend and longtime duet partner, superstar Dolly Parton will take the stage to share touching memories and perform an emotional finale with Rogers.
“Kenny Rogers’ enormous impact on Country music was matched only by the love all the artists and fans showed Kenny on this incredible night. We are so thrilled to share this special with his friends, family and fans all around the world as he will remain forever in our hearts,” share Executive Producers Keith Wortman and Ken Levitan.
Nominees Revealed For 55th CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual CMA Awards, which airs live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00 – 11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC.
Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead the nominations, with five each. Other top nominees are Gabby Barrett along with mix engineer Jason Hall and producer Jay Joyce each with four nominations. Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris and Chris Young each earned three nominations a piece.
The nominees for the night’s top honor, the Entertainer of the Year award, include Church, Stapleton, Combs, Lambert, and Carrie Underwood.
Lambert also receives a nomination in the Female Vocalist category, and is joined by last year’s winner Morris, as well as McBryde, Barrett, and Carly Pearce. This is Barrett and Pearce’s first nomination for Female Vocalist Of The Year.
Church, Combs, and Stapleton appear in the Male Vocalist of the Year category alongside Dierks Bentley and Thomas Rhett.
Kane Brown received his first ever CMA Awards nomination this year. Other first-time CMA Awards nominees include Mickey Guyton, Ryan Hurd, Dave Cohen, Corey Crowder, Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Matt Dragstrem, Jacob Durrett, Aaron Eshuis, Chris Galland, Charlie Handsome, Nicolette Hayford, Martin Johnson, Emily Landis, Manny Marroquin, Jim McCormick, Sean Moffitt, Travis Nicholson, Drew Parker, Ed Pryor, Teddy Reimer, Running Bear and Aaron Sterling.
Notably, Morgan Wallen‘s blockbuster album Dangerous: The Double Album is nominated for Album of the Year. Wallen was not eligible to be nominated for individual artist categories (Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year categories), but he was eligible for categories that honor artistic works (Single, Song, Album, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year categories).
“This year, we have the opportunity to honor the superstars, new artists and emerging creators who are paving the way for country music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “These nominees exemplify the creativity, passion and heart that make our country music community unlike any other genre. The breadth of voices is evident in this year’s nominations, and we could not be more thrilled to celebrate our deserving nominees in November!”
On the radio front, two MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart reporting stations earned nominations, WXFL for Station of the Year (Small Market) and WPAP’s Shane Collins and Tess Connell for Personality of the Year (Small Market).
Winners of the 55th Annual CMA Awards will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting CMA members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Thursday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
See the full list of final nominees for the 55th Annual CMA Awards below:
Entertainer Of The Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
Male Vocalist Of The Year
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
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
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
New Artist Of The Year
Jimmie Allen
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Hardy
Musician Of The Year
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Aaron Sterling – Drums
Ilya Toshinskiy – Banjo
Derek Wells – Guitar
Album Of The Year (Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s))
29 – Carly Pearce
– Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Jimmy Robbins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– Record Label: Big Machine Records
Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Dave Cohen, Matt Dragstrem, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi
– Mix Engineer: Joey Moi
– Record Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records
Heart – Eric Church
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton
– Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Single Of The Year (Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s))
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
– Producers: Corey Crowder and Chris Young
– Mix Engineer: Sean Moffitt
– Record Label: RCA Nashville
“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman and Zach Kale
– Mix Engineers: Chris Galland and Manny Marroquin
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
“Hell Of A View” – Eric Church
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
“One Night Standards” – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall and Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
“Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton
– Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
Song Of The Year (Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“Forever After All”
– Songwriters: Luke Combs, Drew Parker, Robert Williford
“The Good Ones”
– Songwriters: Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick
“Hell Of A View”
– Songwriters: Casey Beathard, Eric Church, Monty Criswell
“One Night Standards”
– Songwriters: Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde
“Starting Over”
– Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
Musical Event Of The Year (Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s))
“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
– Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
– Record Label: MCA Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville
“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
– Producers: Aaron Eshuis and Teddy Reimer
– Record Label: Arista Nashville
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King & Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Martin Johnson
– Record Label: RCA Records / Columbia Nashville
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
– Producers: Corey Crowder and Chris Young
– Record Label: RCA Nashville
“Half Of My Hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
– Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins
– Record Label: Black River Entertainment
Music Video Of The Year (Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s))
“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
– Director: TK McKamy
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
– Director: Peter Zavadil
“Gone” – Dierks Bentley
– Directors: Wes Edwards, Travis Nicholson, Ed Pryor, Running Bear and Sam Siske
“Half Of My Hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
– Director: Patrick Tracy
“Younger Me” – Brothers Osborne
– Director: Reid Long
Finalists For Broadcast Personality Of The Year (by market size):
Weekly National
“American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
“Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“Country Gold” (Terri Clark) – Westwood One
“The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
“Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” (Tracy Lawrence and Patrick Thomas) – Compass Media Networks
Daily National
“The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek Haskins, Sean 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 “Utility Hillary” Borden) – Premiere Networks
“CMT After Midnite” (Cody Alan) – Premiere Networks
“The Lia Show” (Lia Knight) – Westwood One
“The Music Row Happy Hour” (Buzz Brainard and Ania Hammar) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Major Market
“Angie Ward” – WUBL, Atlanta, Ga.
“Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
“Hawkeye in the Morning with Hawkeye and Michelle” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk and Michelle Rodriguez) – KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
“The Morning Bull: George, Mo & Cowboy Dave” (George Lindsey, “Mo” Monica Lunsford and “Cowboy Dave” Bayless) – KILT, Houston, Texas
“Tampa Bay’s Morning Krewe with J.R., Launa and Kevin” (“J.R.” Jon Jaus, Launa Phillips and Kevin Ebel) – WQYK, Tampa Bay, Fla.
Large Market
“Jesse Tack” – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
“Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Lexi & Banks” (“Lexi” Elena Abatgis and “Banks” Jared Danielson) – KUBL, Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, Utah
“Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
“The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Taylor Rosenberg) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market
“Brent Michaels” – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
“Ellis and Bradley Show” (Bill Ellis and Beth Bradley) – WSSL, Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
“Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy and “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
“Mo & StyckMan” (“Mo” Melissa Wagner and “StyckMan” Greg Owens) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
“Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
“Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (Shane Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
“KTTS Morning Show with Nancy & Rick” (Nancy Simpson and Rick Moore) – KTTS, Springfield, Mo.
“Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
“Steve, Ben and Nikki” (Steve Stroud, Ben Walker and Nikki Thomas) – WXBQ, Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
Finalists For Radio Station Of The Year (by market size):
Major Market
KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
KNUC – Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
KYGO – Denver-Boulder, Colo.
WNSH – New York City, N.Y.
WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market
WFMS – Indianapolis, Ind.
WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market
KATM – Modesto, Calif.
KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
KUZZ – Bakersfield, Calif.
WQMX – Akron, Ohio
WXCY – Wilmington, Del.
Small Market
KCLR – Columbia, Mo.
KTTS – Springfield, Mo.
WBYT – South Bend, Ind.
WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.
Kacey Musgraves, Spotify Host ‘Star-Crossed’ Album Preview Experience
/by Lydia FarthingKacey Musgraves attends Kacey Musgraves Simpler Times Time Machine presented by Spotify on Sept. 7, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify hosted an exclusive album preview experience with Kacey Musgraves at The Peach Truck in Nashville yesterday (Sept. 7). Inspired by a track on her upcoming album, Star-Crossed, Spotify created the “Simple Times Machine” for her top fans in Nashville. Fans were transported to an immersive, 90s-themed experience curated by Musgraves.
The walk-through experience took fans through four themed moments personal to Musgraves from across the decade. Fans first walked through a 1994-outfitted bedroom based on Musgraves’ own childhood room, featuring personal photos from her early days and various memorabilia.
Kacey Musgraves attends Kacey Musgraves Simpler Times Time Machine presented by Spotify on Sept. 7, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Spotify
A secret passageway then led fans into a VHS rental store, complete with a preview screening of Musgraves’ forthcoming Star-Crossed film, and some of the actual outfits the singer wore in it. Passing through a glamor photo studio with three bespoke backdrops and a photographer on-hand to provide that dreamy ’90s photo finish, fans were given the perfect Star-Crossed photo op.
The experience culminated at a ’90s convenience store featuring custom merch giveaways and red and blue slushies. The whole experience was set to six new songs from the album as an exclusive advanced listen.
Kacey Musgraves attends Kacey Musgraves Simpler Times Time Machine presented by Spotify on Sept. 7, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Spotify
“We’re all craving the simple times again,” says Musgraves. “It was so sweet and nostalgic for Spotify to be able to take me back to all my favorite old places: my teenage bedroom, local video rental, and the grocery store by my house. Rad way to kick off release week.”
Musgraves highly anticipated fourth studio album, Star-Crossed, will be available everywhere Sept. 10.
Star-Crossed Track List:
Star-Crossed
Good Wife
Cherry Blossom
Simple Times
If This Was A Movie..
Justified
Angel
Breadwinner
Camera Roll
Easier Said
Hookup Scene
Keep Lookin’ Up
What Doesn’t Kill Me
There Is A Light
Gracias A La Vida
John Prine Tribute Concert Series Postponed To 2022
/by Lydia FarthingJohn Prine. Photo: Rett Rogers
Due to the rising case numbers of COVID-19 and the threat of the Delta variant, the “You Got Gold” concert series that was intended to celebrate the life and music of John Prine has been postponed. “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Life & Songs of John Prine” will now take place Oct. 7-12, 2022.
“This decision to reschedule was not made lightly. We worked tirelessly to find a way to move forward in a safe and responsible manner, while also keeping in mind the intended joyful spirit of this long-awaited celebration and remembrance,” the Prine family shared in a statement. “This event is extraordinary in the sheer number of artists, crews, and fans that are planning to travel and gather together. In light of how John died, we just could not reconcile pushing forward and adding any undue stress and anxiety during an already fraught season.”
Prine died on April 7, 2020 due to complications from contracting COVID-19.
The statement continues to say, “Our deepest apologies to those disappointed in hearing this news. Our family wanted nothing more than to gather with you all and remember John together. We very much look forward to seeing you all next year when we can gather safely and joyfully, and truly be together as a big family and community to remember and celebrate the life and songs of one extraordinary man.”
Net proceeds from this year’s event were intended to benefit the Prine family’s newly created The Hello In There Foundation, as well as Nashville based non-profits Room In The Inn and Thistle Farms. The foundation will continue making gifts to both organizations and will complete its full charitable commitments next year.
Ticketing and refund information is available here.
B.J. Thomas Estate Items Available For Purchase
/by Lorie HollabaughB.J. Thomas
The belongings of five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, are available for purchase through an online sale curated by Rockology and overseen by the B.J. Thomas Estate.
Items that were personal to B.J. including his Rolex watches, signed baseballs, guitars, awards, personal letters including one from President Reagan, and various other items are included in the sale which is live now. New items will be added weekly.
“The hardest thing for me was losing the love of my life, B.J., my honeyman,” says Gloria Thomas. “Now, working with a team of people, we are placing items of B.J.’s in museums and are working to keep his legacy and memory alive. Doing this sale will also allow many of his loyal fans the chance to have a piece of history and memorabilia that normally wouldn’t be available to them. I can’t take everything with me, so I must downsize and the best way to keep B.J.’s memory alive is to share his stuff with the fans.”
Since his emergence in the 1960s, Thomas’s career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations. His career was anchored by numerous hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song.
Thomas sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ year career. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years.
Thomas passed away on May 29, 2021 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.
Circle Announces New Series ‘Road Stories,’ Exclusive Livestream Of Farm Aid 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughCircle Network is launching its first animated series, Road Stories, hosted by singer-songwriter Chuck Wicks. In the new series, artists like Luke Bryan, Terri Clark, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, and more will be transformed into animated characters to relive their greatest stories from being on the road. The 30-minute, weekly primetime series will premiere with Jason Aldean on Friday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. CT.
“Circle is excited to develop an innovative talk show that takes our viewers on a fun journey with famed Country Artists,” says Evan Haiman, SVP of Content. “The animation takes these behind-the-scenes stories to a new level. And best of all, our host Chuck Wicks and his friends tell the wackiest stories that will have our viewers in stitches!”
“I’ve been friends with these artists for a long time, and I’ve never heard these stories before from them. I believe that’s what makes this show so unique and special. The minute the artists find out they will be animated, it’s like an entire protective wall that they normally would have for themselves in an interview setting goes down for what really happened,” shares Wicks. “And they share it all on Road Stories which all comes to life for the viewer through animation. This was fun for everyone to do!”
The network is also partnering with Farm Aid to exclusively livestream the 2021 festival. The sold-out event will feature performances by Willie Nelson & Family, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and more.
“Circle is proud to begin a strong partnership with Farm Aid, in support of their invaluable efforts to benefit and uplift America’s vital farming community,” Haiman says. “We are excited to have the opportunity to share this amazing musical event with our audience, bringing them the unforgettable performances that only Farm Aid can provide.”
Farm Aid 2021 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. CT.
Nashville Musician, Publisher & Producer Ron Cornelius Dies
/by Lorie HollabaughRon Cornelius with 1959 Gretsch Country Gentleman Guitar. Photo: Courtesy Terry Bell
Ron Cornelius, a Music Row session musician, publisher, and producer, passed away on Aug. 18 following complications from a stroke. He was 76.
Cornelius got his start in music as a teen guitarist in California, cutting his musical teeth while backing a list of artists including Chubby Checker, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Jan & Dean, Bobby Rydell, Glen Campbell, Sonny & Cher, Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells, and more. At age 16, he landed a label deal with his own group The Untouchables on Dot Records.
Ron Cornelius. Photo: Courtesy Terry Bell
After years as a backing guitarist, Cornelius formed the group West. In 1967, they signed with Epic Records and cut two albums in Nashville. A single, “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” (a Bob Dylan composition), climbed to No. 17 on the national charts. The group went on to record a final LP for Paramount Records before dissolving. Altogether, Cornelius had five major label deals as an artist including one with A&M Records and his release of “Tin Luck” for Polydor Records.
In 1969, Cornelius was part of the production team for Johnny Cash’s album Live at San Quentin. He also served as lead guitarist on albums by Cash, Marty Robbins, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Hoyt Axton, Loudon Wainwright III, and many others. Cornelius also played lead on seven multi-Platinum albums for the legendary Bob Dylan. During this time, Cornelius also helped assemble a band for singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, serving as band leader for six major world tours, four albums, and a movie. He also provided guitar on several film soundtracks including I Walk the Line starring Gregory Peck, Concrete Cowboy, Little Fauss and Big Halsy, and The Big Lebowski.
He moved to Nashville in 1980 and pursued a career as a producer, songwriter, and publisher in addition to his work as a guitarist. Joining forces with Pete Drake, he served as professional manager and producer of Drake Music Group’s Nashville publishing administration service, and later headed and produced for The A.T.V. Music Corporation’s Nashville office. At that time, A.T.V. was the fourth largest publisher in the world, administering the works of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, as well as a 6,000-song catalog of country greats.
In 1986, Cornelius founded The Cornelius Companies, an independent Nashville-based production and publishing company. Cornelius represented and administered catalogs for Cabin Fever Entertainment, Inc., Charlie Daniels/Miss Hazel Music, and The Lowery Music Group out of Atlanta. In 1995 Gateway Entertainment, Inc., a division of The Cornelius Companies, was created, and Cornelius racked up 11 Top 10s, eight Top 5’s, and two No. 1 singles, all produced by him.
In recent years Cornelius worked on projects for Colt Prather for Epic Records, the band Cooper Berry for Warner Brothers Records, California country singer Summer Schappell, and Miko Marks. Cornelius was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame museum’s 2015-2018 Exhibition of Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City. He loaned the museum his custom made 1959 Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar and other artifacts for the exhibit, and participated in a 2015 panel discussion about his work with Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. He is also the author of the book, The Guitar Behind Dylan and Cohen.
Music Executive Stan Moress Dies
/by LB CantrellStan Moress
Beloved music executive Stan Moress died Monday afternoon (Sept. 6). Although Moress’ cause of death is unknown at this time, he fought a 10-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Moress was born on April 26, 1938 in Rochester, New York. He was the eldest of three and was very close to his family throughout his life. Moress graduated from Rollins College in 1960, where he was on the water skiing team.
Stan Moress. Photo: Courtesy Joe Galante
He started his career in the mailroom of the PR firm Rogers & Cowan. Moress moved to Nashville in the 1980s and went on to become an A&R executive and manage the careers of countless of country artists throughout his career, including Eddie Rabbitt, K.T. Oslin, Roger Miller, Lorrie Morgan, Don Williams, Clint Black, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, Mindy McCready, Donna Summer, and many others. He also led Gloria Estefan and The Miami Sound Machine from South Florida nightclubs to international acclaim.
Along with Bernard Porter, Mike Martinovich, and Al Schlitz, Moress was a partner in Nashville-based artist management and consulting firm the Consortium. The firm’s management clients included Joe Diffie, Sherrie Austin, Tammy Cochrane, Mandy Barnett, Catherine Britt and Red Saturday. This partnership was part of the team that helped launch Broken Bow Records.
As a champion of people, Moress encouraged and helped many to recognize and live to their fullest potential. He mentored notable Nashville manager Clarence Spalding, as well as many others in the industry. Moress also served as a Country Music Association board member.
Moress is preceded in death by his sister Shelley, and is survived by his brother Stephen; nieces Hilary and Romi; and nephews Ryan, Steven, and Jordan.
Memorial details for Moress have not yet been announced.