ACM Announces Industry Award And Studio Recording Winners For 55th ACM Awards

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The Academy of Country Music’s reigning New Male Artist Riley Green and New Female Artist Tenille Townes announced the Industry Award and Studio Recording Award winners for the 55th ACM Awards today (Dec. 8) via Facebook.

The 2020 Industry Awards, the 2020 and 2021 Studio Recording Awards, along with Special Award recipients (to be announced next spring), will be honored during the 14th ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from both the 55th and 56th ACM Awards. There will not be 2021 Industry Award recipients as eligibility requirements were unable to be met due to the live entertainment shutdown caused by the pandemic.

The 14th ACM Honors will take place on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at the historic Ryman Auditorium, with more details to come in early spring.

“A huge congratulations to this year’s Industry and Studio Recording Award winners. In recognition of the recent announcement of the re-opening of our ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund which has already raised $3.5 million to aid our industry, it is especially fitting to acknowledge these deserving winners this year, and we are excited to properly recognize them in person in Nashville next August 2021 at the 14th ACM Honors,” said CEO of the Academy of Country Music, Damon Whiteside. “Never has there been a more important time to recognize these individuals and highlight our industry’s on-going dedication and innovation throughout this difficult year. Our community has been devastated by the pandemic, and we can’t wait to see it come back stronger than ever in 2021.”

Below is a complete list of the Industry Awards and Studio Recording Award winners for the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards:

INDUSTRY AWARDS:
CASINO OF THE YEAR – THEATER: The Joint: Tulsa – Tulsa, OK
CASINO OF THE YEAR – ARENA: MGM Grand Garden Arena – Las Vegas, NV
FAIR/RODEO OF THE YEAR: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Houston, TX
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR: Tortuga Music Festival – Fort Lauderdale, FL
CLUB OF THE YEAR: Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
THEATER OF THE YEAR: The Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
ARENA OF THE YEAR: Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR: Gil Cunningham – Neste Live!
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR: Brian O’Connell – Live Nation

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jimmie Lee Sloas
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Miles McPherson
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Rob McNelley
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Gordon Mote
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jenee Fleenor
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Paul Franklin
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Justin Niebank
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – busbee (Awarded Posthumously)

The Academy of Country Music Studio Recording Awards are voted on by the membership categorized in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer category. Industry Awards are voted on by the membership categorized in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Venue, Manager, Talent Agent and Talent Buyer/Promoter.

Musician, Songwriter, & Producer Dave Cohen Signs With Spirit Music Nashville

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Dave Cohen. Photo: Delaney Royer

Spirit Music Nashville has signed a worldwide publishing deal with musician/producer/songwriter Dave Cohen. Co-producer of eight No. 1 songs and session musician on over 50 No. 1 songs, Cohen is teaming with Spirit to bolster his songwriting career.

Cohen moved from Calgary, Canada to Nashville in 2007, and began his time in Nashville touring with artists including Joe Nichols, Big & Rich, and Wynonna Judd before making the shift to session work as a studio musician in 2012. An award-winning keyboard player, Cohen was named ACM Keyboardist of the Year in 2017 and 2019 and MusicRow‘s Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians of the year for Keyboard in 2018 and 2020.

His production credits include Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, Dallas Smith, Jake Owen, HARDY, and more. Cohen has also collaborated with top notch producers like Joey Moi, Dann Huff, Ross Copperman, Corey Crowder, and Shane McAnally.

“Dave Cohen has been a force in the session world for a long time, and we are beyond excited to partner with him to kickstart his songwriting career. Dave is a fantastic producer, hard worker, and brings all the good vibes into every room. He’s always been a songwriter at heart and I’m thrilled he’s taken this opportunity to work with the Spirit team,” said Spirit Music Nashville’s Creative Director, Kara Jackson.

“I look forward to finally getting to be creative in this new kind of way, with the songwriters and producers that I’ve spent so much time with in the studio over the years. I’m really excited to continue the success we have had together! I couldn’t think of a better, more seasoned team to help me navigate this new arm of my career than Frank, Kara and the Spirit family,” said Cohen.

Cohen joins a roster at Spirit Music Nashville that includes hit songwriter Jonathan Singleton, Grammy-winning songwriter David Garcia, a MusicRow Song of the Year winner and Grammy-nominated writer Jeremy Bussey, and ACM Guitar Player of the Year Derek Wells, as well as Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Frank Ray, and Neil Thrasher.

Industry Ink: Grand Ole Opry, Casting Crowns, Brit Taylor

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Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 75th Anniversary Of Bluegrass

Del McCoury. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry hosted a special show celebrating the 75th anniversary of bluegrass music Saturday night (Dec. 5) with Opry member Del McCoury, a member of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, The Travelin’ McCourys, Brooke and Darin Aldridge, and the recently named 2020 International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year Sister Sadie.

Sister Sadie. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

During the show it was announced that multi-award-winning bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent will officially be inducted as an Opry member on Feb. 6, 2021. The seven-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2001 IBMA Entertainer of the Year had been invited to join the Opry earlier this year, but her induction had been delayed due to the pandemic.

 

Casting Crowns Receive YouTube Gold Button Award, Two RIAA Gold Singles

Casting Crowns and Provident Label Group. Photo: Courtesy Merge PR

Casting Crowns has received the YouTube Gold Button Award for surpassing more than one million subscribers. Since 2018 when the band released the album Only Jesus, they have gained more than 500,000 new subscribers, released 77 videos, and have more than 250 million total views. Casting Crowns has also received their newest RIAA Gold Certifications for their No. 1 singles “Only Jesus” and “Nobody.” These songs are from the album Only Jesus, which produced two No. 1 singles, including the group’s 15th career No. 1, a Grammy nomination, a 2019 Dove Award, two 2020 Dove Award nominations and most recently two Billboard Music Awards nominations for Top Christian Album and Top Christian Song (“Nobody” ft. Matthew West). The album has racked up more than 290 million streams to date, and the videos for the newly-certified songs have a combined 75 million views.

“It is a rare honor to congratulate an artist on these special milestones of sales achievements and YouTube subscribers in the Contemporary Christian Music genre,” says CEO and President, Provident Entertainment Terry Hemmings. “The fact that Casting Crowns has surpassed this YouTube one million subscribers mark as well as received two additional RIAA Gold plaques in a relatively short period of time clearly speaks to the power of the songs and the message this band has communicated over the last decade, and particularly with their 2018 release Only Jesus. We are so grateful to walk alongside Casting Crowns and support sharing their music with a world that needs their message, especially in this difficult season.”

 

Brit Taylor Inks Distribution Deal With ONErpm

Pictured (L-R): Sydney Guilliams, ONErpm Marketing Manager; Ken Madson, ONErpm GM, USA; Ken Adbo, Fox Rothschild, LLP; Brit Taylor; Tiffany Bearden, CEO, Evolution PR; Jeff Tobias, ONErpm A&R Representative

Brit Taylor has signed a distribution deal with global music solutions company ONErpm. Taylor recently released Real Me, her self-reflective 10-song debut. The project, produced by Dave Brainard, features a handful of songs Taylor co-wrote with the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.

“It’s not often you get to work with artists who have honed in on who they are and what they’re trying to say through their music,” says ONErpm’s A&R representative Jeff Tobias. “Brit is a one of a kind artist who is creating undeniably standout music that will continue to wow audiences everywhere.”

Morgan Wallen And Co-Writers Show Out On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Morgan Wallen leaps from No. 10 to No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with his “7 Summers,” “More Than My Hometown,” “Somebody’s Problem,” “Still Goin Down,” and “Livin’ The Dream” lighting up the streaming charts.

A frequent collaborator, Michael Hardy, makes a significant leap to No. 2 with Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown,” “Livin’ The Dream,” and “Still Goin Down,” as well as Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night” and his own recent No. 1 hit, “One Beer.” Some of Wallen’s other co-writers, including Ernest Keith Smith (No. 5), Jacob Durrett (No. 9), and Ryan Vojtesak (No. 14), move up the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart as well.

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.

The Bobby Bones Show’s Annual Radiothon Raises $2.25 Million For St. Jude

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Pictured (L-R, back row): The Bobby Bones Show’s Ray Slater, Morgan Huelsman, Lunchbox (Dan Chappell), Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, Eddie Garcia and Scuba Steve (Stephen Spradlin); (L-R, front row): The Bobby Bones Show’s Hillary Borden, Mike Deestro, Abby Anderson. Photo: Kaitlyn Huerta

Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio’s The Bobby Bones Show raised $2.25 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its annual two-day Radiothon that took place Dec. 3 and 4. Featuring performances from a star-studded lineup including Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt and more, Bones’ CMA and ACM Award-winning national radio show and its loyal listeners have now helped garner over $16.25 million overall for the special cause.

“I say it all the time, but none of this is possible without the passion of the #BTeam,” Bones said. “Supporting the kids and families at St. Jude is so important to us and I’m so grateful all of you show up year after year and make this event so incredible.”

Bones is currently filming his travel TV series Breaking Bobby Bones, slated to debut on National Geographic early next year. He has also returned to his role as official in-house mentor on American Idol’s upcoming 4th season, premiering on ABC on Feb. 14.

Weekly Register: Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton Christmas Albums Make Top Three

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Dolly Parton (Photo: Stacie Huckeba); Carrie Underwood (Photo: Joseph Llanes)

With the holiday season fast-approaching, Christmas music is well represented at the top of the country albums chart. Carrie Underwood‘s My Gift is in the No. 1 spot this week with 44K total consumption (28K album only/19 million song streams), according to Nielsen. Dolly Parton‘s Christmas project, A Holly Dolly Christmas, moves up to No. 3 this week with 29K, and Gene Autry‘s Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer album rises from No. 11 to No. 5 with 19K (264 album only/23 million song streams).

Following Underwood at No. 2 is Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get with 36K, and Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over is at No. 4 with 28K in total consumption.

Combs sits atop the country streaming songs chart with “Forever After All” earning 7.3 million streams. Morgan Wallen dominates the songs streaming chart, at No. 2 with “More Than My Hometown” (7.2 million), No. 3 with “Somebody’s Problem” (7 million), and No. 5 with “Still Goin Down” (6.5 million). Gabby Barrett‘s “I Hope” is at No. 4 with 6.6 million streams.

Women’s Music Business Association Announces 2021 Officers, Donation Drive

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Kortney Toney, Baylee Kuss, Melanie Boukas, Lizzy Stone; (L-R. bottom row): Virginia Brick, Katie Maifeld, Jackie Ebnet, Jaimee Thein

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) announced today (Dec. 7) that it has elected Kortney Toney, Baylee Kuss, Melanie Boukas, Lizzy Stone, Virginia Brick, Katie Maifeld, Jackie Ebnet, and Jaimee Thein as 2021 Officers and Committee Chairs.

WMBA Officers:
President – Kortney Toney (Marketing Professional/Consultant, Nashville Symphony, Nashville Music Equality, Recording Academy’s 2020 NEXT Class and Diversity & Inclusion Committee)
Vice President – Baylee Kuss (Hipgnosis Songs Group)
Secretary – Melanie Boukas (Ramsey Solutions)
Treasurer – Lizzy Stone (Wiles+Taylor & Co)

Committee Co-Chairs:
Events & Education – Virginia Brick (SESAC) & Katie Maifeld (Live Audio Engineer)
Membership & Marketing – Jackie Ebnet (Marketing Professional) & Jaimee Thein (Touring Professional)

The non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering opportunities for women within the music business through education, networking, industry involvement, community service, and organizational fellowship. In conjunction with the election of Officers and Committee Chairwomen, WMBA awarded the following members for their outstanding commitment to the association and/or in their professional careers.

WMBA 2020 Wonder Woman Award Winners:
Rookie Of The Year – Lizzy Stone
Extra Mile Award – Aimee Graham
Movin’ On Up Award – Ritz McCain
Virtual Vixen Award – Jenn DiChiara
Wonder Woman Award – Baylee Kuss

To close out the year and give back for the holiday season, WMBA will be hosting a virtual donation drive to benefit MusiCares. The donation drive will run from December 7 – December 18. Visit this link to join WMBA in donating to MusiCares.

Jingle Beat Light Show At Nashville Speedway To Benefit MusiCares COVID Relief Efforts

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Production company EAMOTION is offering a new immersive Christmas light experience, Jingle Beat, now through December 31. The zero-contact, drive-thru audiovisual experience is taking place on the speedway track at the Nashville State Fairgrounds. Jingle Beat is being produced by the creatives behind world-renowned tours and installations, and benefits MusiCares Covid Relief efforts.

The sound and sensory experience uses video screens, laser lights, and other high-tech concert production equipment not currently being used on the road, paired with beat-driven remixes of classic holiday songs, all programmed in perfect synchronicity to create a safe, unique drive-thru experience for families for the holidays.

EAMOTION’s Jingle Beat experience is employing 200 out-of-work industry crew in addition to benefitting MusiCares Covid Relief efforts.

Jingle Beat tickets range from $45-60 per ticket/per car, and one ticket covers the admission of the entire vehicle. All General Admission driving tickets are sold on a per-vehicle basis, admitting one passenger car, truck or SUV per ticket. Drive-up tickets are available as capacity allows. Tickets are available for purchase here.

ACM Awards Submissions Now Open Through Jan. 8

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The Academy of Country Music announced today (Dec. 7) that submissions for the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards are open now through January 8, 2021. Categories eligible for submissions include Main Awards, Radio Awards, Studio Recording Awards and Video of the Year Award. There will not be 2021 Industry Award recipients as eligibility requirements were unable to be met due to the live entertainment shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Main Awards are voted on by all membership categories. Studio Recording Awards are voted on by the membership categorized in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer category and the Radio Awards are voted on by the membership categorized in the Radio category.

Click here to submit for select ACM Awards categories.

The submissions eligibility period for the 56th ACM Awards is January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Key dates for Academy professional members for the 2021 ACM Awards cycle are as follows:

Submissions Period Opened: December 1, 2020
Submissions Period Closes: January 8, 2021
First Round Voting: January 19, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Second Round Voting: February 10, 2021 – February 17, 2021
Final Round Voting: March 17, 2021– March 24, 2021

Justin Moore And Big Machine Music Extend Publishing Alliance

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Justin Moore. Photo: Seth Hellman

Multi-Platinum selling artist Justin Moore and prominent independent music publisher Big Machine Music announced the extension of their long-term, exclusive music publishing agreement. As one of the founding artist-songwriters initially signed to Big Machine Music (then Super 98 Music), Moore has co-written five of his nine No. 1 songs as an artist. His most recent chart-topper “Why We Drink” marked Big Machine Music’s 35th No. 1 on country radio.

“Loyalty and friendship are things I learned to really value from my parents and hope my own kids appreciate,” says Moore. “These moments are another reminder of the people who have believed in me and continue to invest. Thank you, Mike and everyone at Big Machine Music as we create more stories through song.”

“Justin is part of the foundation of Big Machine Music. ‘Til My Last Day’ was the first No. 1 song in this catalog and I’m so excited and honored that he will continue to be a big part of our future,” says BMM General Manager Mike Molinar.

Moore was also recently recognized with four BMI Million-air Awards for a collection of songs he both wrote and recorded, including: “Til My Last Day,” “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll” and “Small Town USA.” Each accumulated over one million U.S. broadcast performances.

“Justin Moore has been a mainstay on country radio for the last 12 years. Millionaire certificates are such a huge milestone in the career of a songwriter and show the true reach and impact of a song in such a tangible way. We are thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment with Justin, who has been a BMI songwriter since 2013,” says BMI Executive Director, Creative—Nashville, Leslie Roberts.

“I can’t say it enough, but the team taking care of us and celebrating our music the way the fans do, I’m just really grateful,” says Moore.