IBMA Unveils 2025 Award Nominees, Award Recipients & Hall Of Fame Inductees

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The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has revealed its 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Award Nominees.

Up for Entertainer of the Year is Alison Krauss & Union Station, Appalachian Road Show, Billy Strings, East Nash Grass and The Del McCoury Band. Tunes nominated for Song of the Year include “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” recorded by Alison Brown and Steve Martin, featuring Tim O’Brien, “Big Wheels” recorded by Authentic Unlimited, “Coal Dust Kisses” recorded by The Grascals, “My Favorite Picture of You” recorded by Darin & Brooke Aldridge and “Outrun the Rain” recorded by Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland.

Album of the Year includes nominations for Alison Krauss & Union Station’s Arcadia, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland’s Carter & Cleveland, Tony Trischka‘s Earl Jam, Billy String’s Highway Prayers and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes‘ I Built A World.

A full list of nominations can be found below. Winners will be revealed at the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on Sept. 18, 2025, at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.

IBMA also has named the 2025 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients, celebrated for their contributions to bluegrass music. This years award recipients are Alan Arthur Knoth, Penny Parsons, Ron Thomason, Sidley Austin LLP and Missy Raines. The awardees will be honored on Sept. 18 during the IBMA Business Conference.

Lastly, the organization has also unveiled the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Class of 2025. This year’s inductees are Hot Rize, The Bluegrass Cardinals and Arnold Shultz. The induction ceremony will take place during the 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards.

2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Appalachian Road Show
Billy Strings
East Nash Grass
The Del McCoury Band

SONG OF THE YEAR
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown, Steve Martin, Featuring Tim O’Brien
Songwriters: Steve Martin/Alison Brown
Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West
Label: Compass Records

“Big Wheels” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriter: Jerry Cole
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Coal Dust Kisses” – The Grascals
Songwriters: Susanne Mumpower/Jerry Salley
Producer: The Grascals
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

“My Favorite Picture of You” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Songwriters: Darin Aldridge/Brooke Aldridge/Dennis Duff
Producers: Darin Aldridge/Mark Fain
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Outrun the Rain” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Songwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy Yeary
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station
Label: Down the Road Records

Carter & Cleveland – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records

Earl Jam – Tony Trischka
Producers: Tony Trischka/Lawson White
Label: Down the Road Records

Highway Prayers – Billy Strings
Producers: Billy Strings/Jon Brion
Label: Reprise Records

I Built a World – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Producers: Brent Truitt/Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Label: Sugar Petunia Records

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Authentic Unlimited
Blue Highway
Sister Sadie
The Del McCoury Band

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
East Nash Grass
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
The Travelin’ McCourys

GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Blue Collar Gospel” – Jerry Salley Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys
Songwriters: Rick Lang/Bill Whyte/Jerry Salley
Producer: Jerry Salley
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Dear Lord” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Songwriter: Daniel Davis
Producers: Darin Aldridge/Mark Fain
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Even Better When You Listen” – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Songwriters: Rick Lang/Mark BonDurant
Producer: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Label: Billy Blue Records

“He’s Gone” – Jaelee Roberts
Songwriter: Kelsi Harrigill
Producer: Byron House
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

“Wings of Love” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriters: Jesse Brock/Stephen Burwell/Jerry Cole/Eli Johnston/John Meador
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Bluegrass in the Backwoods” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Songwriter: Kenny Baker
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records

“The Drifter” – Danny Roberts
Songwriter: Danny Roberts
Producers: Danny Roberts/Andrea Roberts
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

“A Drive at Dusk” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriter: Jesse Brock
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Kern County Breakdown” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Songwriter: Buck Owens/Don Rich
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records

“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison Brown
Songwriter: Ralph Stanley
Producer: Alison Brown
Label: Compass Records

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Jason Carter
Red Camel Collective
Wyatt Ellis

COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown & Steve Martin Featuring Tim O’Brien
Songwriters: Steve Martin/Alison Brown
Producer: Alison Brown/Garry West
Label: Compass Records

“A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Featuring Vince Gill
Songwriter: Vince Gill
Producers: Darin Aldridge/Mark Fain
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Cora Is Gone” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski Featuring Rob McCoury & Billy Strings
Songwriter: Mac Odell
Producer: C.J. Lewandowski
Label: Turnberry Records

“Outrun the Rain” – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Jaelee Roberts & Vince Gill
Songwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy Yeary
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records

“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison Brown
Songwriter: Ralph Stanley
Producer: Alison Brown
Label: Compass Records

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Dan Tyminski
Del McCoury
Greg Blake
Russell Moore

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
AJ Lee
Alison Krauss
Brooke Aldridge
Jaelee Roberts
Sierra Hull

BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alison Brown
Gena Britt
Kristin Scott Benson
Ron Block
Tony Trischka

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Barry Bales
Mike Bub
Missy Raines
Todd Phillips
Vickie Vaughn

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Jason Carter
Maddie Denton
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan

RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Andy Hall
Jerry Douglas
Justin Moses
Matt Leadbetter
Rob Ickes

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Bryan Sutton
Cody Kilby
Molly Tuttle
Trey Hensley

MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alan Bibey
Jesse Brock
Ronnie McCoury
Sam Bush
Sierra Hull

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown & Steve Martin Featuring Tim O’Brien
Songwriters: Steve Martin/Alison Brown
Producer: Alison Brown/Garry West
Videographer: Joseph Spence
Label: Compass Records

“A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Featuring Vince Gill
Songwriter: Vince Gill
Producer: Jenny Gill
Videographer: Travis Flynn
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Big Wheels” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriter: Jerry Cole
Producers: Bryce Free/Kyle Johnson
Videographer: Bryce Free
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Gallows Pole” – Appalachian Road Show
Songwriter: Traditional arr. Barry Abernathy/Jim VanCleve/Darrell Webb
Producer: Steve Kinney
Videographer: Steve Kinney
Label: Billy Blue Records

“Tennessee Hound Dog” – The Grascals
Songwriter: Felice Bryant/Boudleaux Bryant
Producer: Ty Gilpin
Videographer: Nate Shuppert
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

“The Auctioneer” – The Kody Norris Show
Songwriters: Leroy Van Dyke/Buddy Black
Producer: James Gilley
Videographer: Nate Wiles
Label: Rebel Records

Pat Green And Friends To Host Live Stream Fundraiser For Victims Of Texas Flood

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Pat Green is set to host a livestream fundraiser from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas to benefit victims of the recent Texas flooding tonight (July 16) at 6:30 p.m. CT.

No audience will be in attendance, however a wide array of artists will perform or appear at the show streamed for free on YouTube. The livestream will be available here.

Working in partnership with the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Corey Kent, Casey Donahew, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Josh Abbott, Ryan Bingham, Eli Young Band, Flatland Cavalry, Joe Nichols, Kaitlin Butts, Ty Myers, Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson, Jon Wolfe, Bob Schneider and more to be announced will take part.

All proceeds from the concert and livestream will be distributed to Kerr County Relief, TEXSAR and the Do It For Durrett Foundation via The Pat Green Foundation, directly benefiting the families affected by this heart-wrenching disaster.

Preston Cooper Named Next iHeart ‘On The Verge’ Artist

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The Valory Music Co.’s Preston Cooper has been named iHeartCountry’s latest “On The Verge” artist with his debut single, “Weak.” The program is designed to elevate emerging artists and places him among past honorees including Luke Combs, Sam Hunt and Lainey Wilson.

“Weak,” the first song Cooper wrote in Nashville alongside Brett Warren, Brad Warren and Lance Miller, officially impacted airwaves in May and has been climbing the charts since. The 22-year-old Ohio native is set to release his debut album, Toledo Talkin’, on August 29. Cooper recently wrapped his run as direct support for Kameron Marlowe’s “Keepin’ The Lights On Tour” and is out on the road this summer for select dates of Riley Green’s “Damn Country Music Tour.”

Cory Asbury To Aid Flood Victims With ‘Texas On My Mind’ Benefit

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Cory Asbury

Cory Asbury is hosting a special benefit concert, “Texas On My Mind,” for families impacted by the recent floods in Texas at Basement East on July 21.

The event will feature Asbury alongside fellow artists Kameron Marlowe, David Kushner, Dante Bowe, Amanda Cook, Madeline Edwards, Thunderstorm Artis, Ruston Kelly and more. Tickets are available for purchase here.

“When we first heard about the devastation in Texas, my team and I felt a profound call to action; these are our brothers and sisters, and they need our help right now,” shares Asbury. “Music has always served as a bridge to hope, and there is no better time than now to bring that hope into a very dire situation.’ Every ticket sold and every dollar raised will provide actual supplies to those in need, helping to rebuild homes, restock pantries, and restore a sense of normalcy for these folks. Gathering in Nashville to sing, worship, and rally support is our tangible way of reminding these families that they are not alone and that love always shows up.”

In addition to the concert, an online auction will be held to raise further funds, and all money raised from this concert and auction will be donated to Youth-Reach Houston, an organization that supports communities in the aftermath of major hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Honors Opry For Long-Time Military Support

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Pictured (L to R): Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), David Corlew (The Journey Home Project), Gina Keltner (Grand Ole Opry) and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photo by Holly Freeman

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project recently honored the Grand Ole Opry during a special tribute concert held on July 8, celebrating the Opry’s long-standing commitment to supporting the United States military.

Daniels’ long-time manager and Co-Founder of The Journey Home Project, David Corlew, says, “This evening was special in so many ways. First, being part of honoring Charlie Daniels during the Opry’s 100th birthday celebration, surrounded by incredible music and cherished friendships. Then, giving back by presenting The Charlie Daniels Patriot Award to the Opry, a long-time ally of the military community. It was truly an unforgettable night for The Journey Home Project.”

Part of the Opry 100 Honors, the evening was a tribute celebrating Daniels with performances from Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Eddie Montgomery, The Travelin’ McCourys, Rhonda Vincent, Gretchen Wilson and Chris Young.

Daniels’ wife, Hazel, who was also celebrating her birthday that evening, joined her son, Charlie Daniels Jr., on stage, further reflecting the Daniels family’s continued support for the mission of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project. The organization is a not-for-profit organization co-founded by the late Daniels and Corlew in 2014 dedicated to assisting other organizations in securing funds to support causes benefiting U.S. Armed Forces veterans.

Tauren Wells To Host The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards In Nashville

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Tauren Wells is returning to host the 56th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for the third consecutive year. The awards are set to take place Oct. 7 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are on sale now. The worldwide broadcast will premiere Oct. 10, exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app.

“Hosting the Dove Awards in 2023 and 2024 was such an incredible experience. I’m so excited to run it back this year when we bring it to Bridgestone Arena. It’s going to be a great night!” says Wells.

The GMA also revealed the itinerary for its annual Music City Fan Experience which includes a new artist showcase featuring the 2025 class of New Artist Of The Year Nominees and Night of Worship, a river cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat including a songwriters showcase and stunning views of Nashville, a hotel stay at the Sheraton Grand Nashville, a ticket to the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

In celebration of the upcoming awards, Dove Awards Rewind: Favorite Moments from Christian Music’s Biggest Night will premiere July 25 on TBN and TBN+.

Fully Renovated Skaggs Place Studio Officially Reopens

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Charlotte Scott, Ricky Skaggs and Sean Badum. Photo: Skaggs Place Studio

Skaggs Place Studio, the studio founded by Ricky Skaggs in Hendersonville, Tennessee, has officially reopened today (July 16) after being shuttered for the past few years for some major renovations.

As the tech world rapidly evolved over the years, Skaggs decided it was time to fully revamp the studio, which includes an extensive renovation of its communal spaces, a general technical upgrade, a 14′ ceiling in the live room that will allow expanded video capabilities, as well as newly-constructed mic and amp lockers. The original Westlake-designed Superior Sound control room has since been converted into a versatile 17’x15’ iso booth, complimented by a 11’x12’ booth and a 10’x6’ booth.

The studio now also offers four isolated amplifier lockers. With a commanding view of the studio, the 23’x21’ control room serves as a sanctuary for an extensive collection of outboard gear and of course its beloved Amek 9098i console, affectionately known as “Dorothy.” With its 72-input Amek console, vast collection of outboard gear and microphones, as well as a diverse array of recording spaces, Skaggs Place offers an ideal environment for tracking, overdubbing, mixing and voiceover sessions.

“The studio has a great live sound, and it’s big enough to record live videos as well,” says Skaggs. “It’s also spacious enough that string sessions could easily fit into the cutting room. There are lots of old vintage photographs of many of my heroes and major influencers in the music industry. I believe anyone wanting to get away from downtown Nashville will find that Skaggs Place Studio will serve them well. I’m very excited for the future.”

The Skaggs Place building was first purchased by The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen in 1968, and in 1998, Skaggs acquired the space, updating its production quality extensively. Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have recorded in the studio, including Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Barry Gibb, Earl Scruggs, Huey Lewis, Doc Watson, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alison Krauss, Bruce Hornsby, John Fogerty, John Anderson, Joan Osborne, Bobby Bare, Martina McBride, Seals & Crofts, Patty Loveless and many more.

Charlotte Scott, longtime manager of Skaggs, will oversee operations of the studio as General Manager. Sean Badum will serve as Studio Manager/Engineer.

Story House Collective & Essential Music Publishing Sign Harrison Hackett

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Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Essential Music Publishing’s Raegan Corcoran, Story House Collective’s Matt Armstrong, Story House Collective’s Abby Dixon, Essential Music Publishing’s Jannah Smitherman and Essential Music Publishing’s Tegan McCormick. (Front Row, L-R): Story House Collective’s Matthew West, Harrison Hackett and Essential Music Publishing’s Jamie Rodgers. Photo: Tyler Meadows

Harrison Hackett has inked a publishing deal with Story House Collective and Essential Music Publishing.

“We’re excited to welcome Harrison Hackett to Story House,” shares Story House Collective Founder Matthew West. “From the moment I heard his work, it was clear he has a unique talent. Harrison’s authenticity and lyrical strength are exactly what we value here, and I’m confident his future is incredibly bright. I’m looking forward to watching his career soar.”

“I’ve always known, since I was a kid, that music and songwriting are a huge part of what God made me to do,” says Hackett. “The Lord has given me a gift — to tell my story, to help others tell theirs and to use that gift to spread the Gospel of Jesus. God clearly led me to Story House and Essential Music Publishing, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what He does through this partnership.”

The California native moved to Nashville at the age of two and began writing songs by the age of 12. With a passion for faith-based music, Hackett recently wrote a string of songs for Cory Asbury.

Save The Date: MusicRow Announces Date & Location For 2026 Rising Women On The Row

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MusicRow is proud to announce the date for its 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, honoring female executives in the music industry.

This year at a new location, the JW Marriott in downtown Nashville, Rising Women on the Row will take place the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Details regarding the nomination process and tickets will be announced at a later date.

MusicRow Owner & Publisher Sherod Robertson held the first-ever Rising Women on the Row in 2012. He was inspired to start the beloved event when thinking of his grandmother, and how she was never honored for her accomplishments and tenacious spirit. Since its inaugural year, MusicRow has recognized over 60 deserving executives as Rising Women on the Row.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.

Past honorees include—2025: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Julie Sturdivant; 2024: Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman, Candice Watkins; 2023: Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Jackie Jones, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband; 2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.

Kohl Almire Launches Under Color

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Maddie Medley, Kohl Almire and Charlie Holt. Photo: Curtis Wayne Millard

Following seven years of experience in artist management, A&R and digital marketing, Kohl Almire has launched a new artist management company called Under Color. His roster includes Kobalt singer-songwriter Maddie Medley and Charlie Holt, former bassist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

As one of the few transgender artist managers in the music industry, Almire is passionate about building a home for artists that celebrates identity and protects creative freedom, a unique viewpoint that earned him a spot in the highly competitive 2025 Equal Access cohort, an accelerator program led by mtheory.

“Under Color translates to ‘under belly’ – aka the underbelly of an animal. To me it means practicing the ‘soft side’ of artist management,” Almire explains. “The projects I do best on are the ones where the artist has a strong creative vision and pulls me in to supplement it. It’s about meeting artists where they are, helping them orchestrate dream projects, and finding meaningful ways to connect with their audience.”

“Kohl brings seven years of deep, varied experience in the music industry—and with Under Color, he’s channeling that knowledge into something powerful,” says mtheory’s CEO, Cameo Carlson. “As a trans man and a strategic, creative force, he’s redefining what leadership looks like in Nashville. His perspective isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. mtheory is proud to be part of his journey through the Equal Access program and beyond, and we believe his voice will help shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking future for our entire industry. Under Color reflects the future of artist management: fearless, visionary and unapologetically original.”

Prior to launching his own company, Almire spent over six years at Red Light Management, where he served as a day-to-day manager and helped shape digital campaigns for major artists including Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Brent Cobb, Moon Taxi, Jessy Wilson, Grouplove, 99 Neighbors and Maddie Medley.