Award winners celebrating on stage at the close of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
If there was one thing on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (Sept. 24), it was the unrelenting pursuit of the craft that fill the lives of both new and established songwriters day in and day out.
Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the beloved awards show showcased the careers of industry stalwarts who’ve chased good songs their whole careers as well as modern hitmakers who are in the pursuit every day.
Amanda Shires performing “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Honoring category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” the evening was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between collaborators. Enduring country music heroes Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.
The night began with a stunning performance from Amanda Shires, who was on hand to sing NSAI’s 2024 Legendary Song, “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Pictured (L–R): Shannon Wright, Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, Denise Jackson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Josh Turner. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jackson was honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy was celebrated with several performances featuring songs he co-wrote, including “Livin’ On Love” performed by Hailey Whitters, “Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery” performed by Josh Turner.
When introducing him, NSAI’s COO Jennifer Turnbow referred to Jackson as a “monolith of country music both as a songwriter and an artist.” At the podium, he shared stories of his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.
“I tell people I sing real country music songs about life, love, heartache, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to a thunderous applause. “That’s what it’s always been about for me: life.”
Pictured (L–R): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient) and Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Another prestigious award of the night, the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, was presented to the incomparable producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon. Cannon was honored by Jamey Johnson with a performance of “Give It Away,” a song co-written by Cannon, Johnson and Bill Anderson.
NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure who connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players that have helped him do just that, from Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.
“I love great songs and I love the people that write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”
During a break, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room, sharing updates about their ongoing advocacy work and their highly-publicized battle with Spotify.
“As songwriters still press to navigate compensation and the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” Herbison said.
Ashley Gorley accepting his eighth NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Ashley Gorley was named the 2024 Songwriter of the Year for a record eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
When Gorley spoke, he shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the roster of Team Nashville. If you haven’t noticed, everyone wants to be on this team now. The whole world has found out that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes making it all happen.
“There is no better town or community for a rookie or a veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house hooped and hollered like he was the star quarterback.
Jelly Roll won the night’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, but was unable to attend the event.
In between the night’s big awards, NSAI reveal the winners of the highly sought-after “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category. Voted on by professional songwriter members of NSAI, the winners are recognized with a video interview from the songwriters who wrote the hit and then a performance.
Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his, Craig Wiseman and Tommy Cecil‘s winning “Standing Room Only;” as did Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollum‘s “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta rocked out on their hit with Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor;” and siblings Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter had a ball on their hit “I’m Not Pretty,” co-written with Megan Moroney and Ben Williams.
Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins performing the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler played their winning “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky Block. Greylan James performed his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne‘s “Next Thing You Know;” while Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim played their hit with Warren Zeiders “Pretty Little Poison.” Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull sang their winner “Where The Wild Things Are;” and Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher joined voices for “Try That In A Small Town.”
Dan Wilson rocked out on his and Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse.” Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy treated the writers of “Last Night”—John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Jacob Kasher Hindlin—to a sultry performance of the song.
The top vote-getter for “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” earns the title of Song of the Year, which was the final award of the evening. The trophy went to Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins for “The Painter.”
The three shared message of thanks for their believers and support systems before performing the tune to close the night out.
NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.
NSAI Honors Pursuit Of The Craft At Seventh Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards
/by LB CantrellAward winners celebrating on stage at the close of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
If there was one thing on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (Sept. 24), it was the unrelenting pursuit of the craft that fill the lives of both new and established songwriters day in and day out.
Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the beloved awards show showcased the careers of industry stalwarts who’ve chased good songs their whole careers as well as modern hitmakers who are in the pursuit every day.
Amanda Shires performing “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Honoring category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” the evening was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between collaborators. Enduring country music heroes Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.
The night began with a stunning performance from Amanda Shires, who was on hand to sing NSAI’s 2024 Legendary Song, “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Pictured (L–R): Shannon Wright, Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, Denise Jackson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Josh Turner. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jackson was honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy was celebrated with several performances featuring songs he co-wrote, including “Livin’ On Love” performed by Hailey Whitters, “Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery” performed by Josh Turner.
When introducing him, NSAI’s COO Jennifer Turnbow referred to Jackson as a “monolith of country music both as a songwriter and an artist.” At the podium, he shared stories of his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.
“I tell people I sing real country music songs about life, love, heartache, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to a thunderous applause. “That’s what it’s always been about for me: life.”
Pictured (L–R): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient) and Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Another prestigious award of the night, the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, was presented to the incomparable producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon. Cannon was honored by Jamey Johnson with a performance of “Give It Away,” a song co-written by Cannon, Johnson and Bill Anderson.
NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure who connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players that have helped him do just that, from Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.
“I love great songs and I love the people that write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”
During a break, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room, sharing updates about their ongoing advocacy work and their highly-publicized battle with Spotify.
“As songwriters still press to navigate compensation and the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” Herbison said.
Ashley Gorley accepting his eighth NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Ashley Gorley was named the 2024 Songwriter of the Year for a record eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
When Gorley spoke, he shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the roster of Team Nashville. If you haven’t noticed, everyone wants to be on this team now. The whole world has found out that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes making it all happen.
“There is no better town or community for a rookie or a veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house hooped and hollered like he was the star quarterback.
Jelly Roll won the night’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, but was unable to attend the event.
In between the night’s big awards, NSAI reveal the winners of the highly sought-after “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category. Voted on by professional songwriter members of NSAI, the winners are recognized with a video interview from the songwriters who wrote the hit and then a performance.
Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his, Craig Wiseman and Tommy Cecil‘s winning “Standing Room Only;” as did Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollum‘s “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta rocked out on their hit with Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor;” and siblings Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter had a ball on their hit “I’m Not Pretty,” co-written with Megan Moroney and Ben Williams.
Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins performing the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler played their winning “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky Block. Greylan James performed his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne‘s “Next Thing You Know;” while Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim played their hit with Warren Zeiders “Pretty Little Poison.” Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull sang their winner “Where The Wild Things Are;” and Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher joined voices for “Try That In A Small Town.”
Dan Wilson rocked out on his and Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse.” Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy treated the writers of “Last Night”—John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Jacob Kasher Hindlin—to a sultry performance of the song.
The top vote-getter for “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” earns the title of Song of the Year, which was the final award of the evening. The trophy went to Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins for “The Painter.”
The three shared message of thanks for their believers and support systems before performing the tune to close the night out.
NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.
Anne Wilson & Cain Among Second Round Of Performers For 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
/by Lorie Hollabaugh©Blue Amber Photography
The second round of performers have been announced for the upcoming 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on Oct. 1 in Nashville.
On tap for the show are Anike, Anne Wilson, Cain and Tye Tribbett. Chandler Moore will join previously-announced performers Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine. Additionally, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes will band together for a special multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” at the event, which will take place at the Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus.
Performers were announced on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host Tauren Wells. Confirmed presenters on the show include Anthony Brown, Autumn Nelon, Bill Gaither, Colton Dixon, Darlene Zschech, David & Tamela Mann, DOE, Erica Campbell, for King + Country, Gabby Barrett, Jekalyn Carr, Lecrae, Matthew West, Rachael Lampa, Rhett Walker, Sarai Rivera and Steven Curtis Chapman.
The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT, and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (channel 65) and on the SiriusXM App.
Riley Green Channels ‘Smokey & The Bandit’ Vibes For New Tour Announcement
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green. Photo: Harper Smith
Riley Green announced his new headlining “Damn Country Music Tour” in a throwback video featuring a bunch of his buddies.
The video is a nod to the classic Smokey and the Bandit movie featuring all of Green’s opening acts on the new tour. Released today, Green revs up his engine in the fun-filled parody of the iconic 1977 film, and in a playful reenactment, he channels the Bandit with Ella Langley as runaway bride Carrie as they evade the cops in a sleek Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Green grabs the CB radio to call out to his opening acts and invite them to join him on the road, set to the Jerry Reed tune “East Bound and Down.”
“I learned to play guitar to my granddaddy’s favorite country songs from back in the day and the new album is a throwback to the era when I first became a fan,” shares Green. “For this tour I was able to find some of my favorite artists and songwriters to join us, and singing with Ella every night will be a lot of fun.”
General tickets sales for the trek begins this Friday (Sept. 27). Additional dates will be announced in the coming months. For more information, click here.
Leo33 Signs Jason Scott & The High Heat
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Leo33’s Natalie Osborne, Chris Fabiani, Katie Dean, Wasserman’s Olly Hodgson, Anna Kathryn Groom, Triple 8 Management’s Mark Noel, Wasserman’s Tommy Alexander, Lenore Kinder, Jason Scott, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Mor, Ryan Magnani, Bobby Wade, Wasserman’s Chappel McCollister, Charlotte Meade, Hayden Waddell, Leo33’s Meg Goggins, Dusty Cantrell and Daniel Lee. Photo: Justin Harper
Leo33 has signed Americana and heartland rock band Jason Scott & The High Heat.
The group has also inked with Triple 8 Management and Wasserman for booking. Frontman Jason Scott shared the news during their sold-out performance at AmericanaFest.
“Signing with Leo33, Triple 8 Management and Wasserman feels like finding a team that truly gets who we are as artists. We’ve built something special, and with their support, we’re ready to take it to the next level,” expresses Scott. “Making our debut at AmericanaFest with the support of such a respected team, in front of such an incredible crowd, was a moment we’ll never forget.”
Hailing from Oklahoma City, Jason Scott & The High Heat features Scott (lead vocals & guitar), Gabriel Mor (guitar), Ryan Magnani (bass), Bobby Wade (drums) and Garrison Brown (guitar & keyboard), along with former bandmate turned producer Taylor Johnson. The band’s debut album, Castle Rock, garnered recognition from NPR, The Boot and BBC Radio. Additionally, they’ve performed at festivals such as Stagecoach, Born & Raised Festival and Mile 0 Fest, and shared the stage with acts like Eli Young Band, The Band of Heathens and Josh Abbott.
“Jason Scott & The High Heat have a sound that feels both timeless and refreshing,” says Katie Dean, Head of Leo33. “They bring an authenticity and energy that perfectly aligns with our vision at Leo33. We couldn’t be more thrilled to support them on this next chapter.”
The group will release their new EP, High Country Heat, on Oct. 25. The project includes five tracks co-written by Scott and Johnson like “Natalie” and “If We Make it Til the Mornin,'” and aims to blend groove, grit and heartfelt storytelling. The title track, “High Country,” seeks to capture the raw spirit of the band’s Oklahoma roots, while “Me & the Bottle” attempts to take a tongue-in-cheek look at masculinity and emotional vulnerability.
BREAKING: Warner Chappell Music Elevates Spencer Nohe
/by Liza AndersonSpencer Nohe. Photo: Gina Di Maio
Warner Chappell Music has elevated Spencer Nohe to Vice President, A&R.
He will continue reporting to Warner Chappell Music Nashville President & CEO Ben Vaughn to develop both emerging and established songwriters as well as expand creative opportunities for the publisher’s country roster.
Throughout his time in the industry, Nohe has worked with chart-topping superstars and rising hitmakers like Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Matt Jenkins, Alysa Vanderheym, Devin Dawson, Alana Springsteen, Brittney Spencer and Conner Smith, among others.
While attending Belmont University, he interned at Warner Music Group. Nohe went on to serve as Senior Director, A&R at Curb|Word Entertainment, followed by Creative Director at BMI. In 2020, he joined Warner Chappell Music Nashville as Director, A&R, where he focused on signing and developing songwriters and producers in a variety of genres. In 2022, he celebrated a Song of the Year win at the CMA Awards alongside Warner Chappell writer Matt Jenkins for hit single “Buy Dirt.”
“Spencer is a true, thoughtful music professional that balances the creativity expected when working daily with songwriters with the business mind needed to ensure their career paths are served and protected,” says Vaughn. “Happy to announce this well-deserved promotion today.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue serving the greatest roster of songwriters in the world alongside the best publishing staff in the world at Warner Chappell,” shares Nohe. “I have a great reverence for this town, its songwriters, and I feel truly honored to be a part of this community. Thank you to every writer who trusts me to be their champion and thank you to all of my publishing partners and managers who I work alongside daily. I’m looking forward to writing this next chapter with y’all!”
JUST IN: The Core Records Taps Jon Borris As General Manager
/by Liza AndersonJon Borris
The Core Records has hired Jon Borris as General Manager. In this new role, Borris will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations, focusing on artist strategy, A&R, marketing and distribution.
Bringing over 25 years of experience, he joins The Core Records following a six-year tenure at Republic Records, where he worked with top talent such as Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Drake, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and Post Malone as well as played a key role in ushering Big Machine Label Group’s country crossovers into the pop music landscape. Prior to Republic, Borris spent nearly two decades at Sony Music Entertainment, where he helped to develop the careers of Adele, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, The Chainsmokers, Shakira and John Legend.
“We are beyond excited to have Jon join The Core Records,” say Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders & CEOs, The Core Entertainment. “His unparalleled expertise in artist development, combined with his track record of success, makes him the perfect fit as we continue building the future of music.”
“From the first conversation with Simon and Chief, I knew I wanted to be a part of The Core’s culture,” shares Borris. “What they and their exceptional team have built and already accomplished is extraordinary and my goals are to help magnify our brand, compete at the highest levels, and lead the mission to make The Core Records’ artists superstars. I can’t thank Simon and Chief enough for this tremendous opportunity.”
BREAKING: NSAI Crowns Nashville Songwriter Award Winners [Full List]
/by LB CantrellSongwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 24) for NSAI’s seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank.
In addition to staging many meaningful performances, the event revealed category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards.
Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins won the title of Song of the Year with their Cody Johnson-recorded “The Painter.” Songwriter of the Year was awarded to Ashley Gorley, and Jelly Roll was minted as the Songwriter-Artist of the Year.
In addition to these category winners, NSAI also honored Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. Legendary songwriter and producer Buddy Cannon received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
Click here to read MusicRow‘s full recap of the show.
The full list of winners for the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is below:
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“The Painter” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Ashley Gorley
SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jelly Roll
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.
Alan Jackson
NSAI PRESIDENT’S KEYSTONE AWARD:
Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President.
Buddy Cannon
LEGENDARY SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Always On My Mind” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James
“10 SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN” AWARDS:
Voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024. The NSAI Song of the Year is the highest vote-getter.
– “Handle On You”
Written by: Monty Criswell, Parker McCollum
(recorded by: Parker McCollum)
– “I’m Not Pretty”
Written by: Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
(recorded by: Megan Moroney)
– “Last Night”
Written by: John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
– “Man Made A Bar”
Written by: Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet, Brett Tyler
(recorded by: Eric Church and Morgan Wallen)
– “Need A Favor”
Written by: Jelly Roll, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta
(recorded by: Jelly Roll)
– “Next Thing You Know”
Written by: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
(recorded by: Jordan Davis)
– “Pretty Little Poison”
Written by: Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim, Warren Zeiders
(recorded by: Warren Zeiders)
– “Standing Room Only”
Written by: Tommy Cecil, Patrick Murphy, Craig Wiseman
(recorded by: Tim McGraw)
– “Try That In A Small Town”
Written by: Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
(recorded by: Jason Aldean)
– “Where The Wild Things Are”
Written by: Randy Montana, Dave Turnbull
(recorded by: Luke Combs)
– “White Horse”
Written by: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson
(recorded by: Chris Stapleton)
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Rissi Palmer, Wasserman Music, Jackie Shane
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney Donates Over A Million Dollars To Massachusetts Charities
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney and his charitable foundation donated more than $1 million across several Massachusetts nonprofit organizations before his three-night-stand at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in August. Chesney donated $100,000 each to the police and fire departments, and also gave back to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, the Boston Medical Center and Music & Youth, a nonprofit that creates accessible, sustainable music programs.
Rissi Palmer, Saaneah Perform at Grand Ole Opry
Saaneah, Alice Randall and Rissi Palmer
Rissi Palmer and Saanaeh joined songwriter and author Alice Randall for a photo op backstage at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday night (Sept. 20). Palmer later performed her soulful rendition of “Who’s Minding The Garden,” while Saaneah celebrated her Opry debut with a medley of “Get The Hell Out of Dodge” and “Went For A Ride.”
Palmer and Saaneah then joined forces to perform “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” showcasing songs penned by Randall, whose work is featured on the album, My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall.
Wasserman Celebrates Americana Awards Wins At Annual Bash
Pictured (L-R, back row): Anna Kathryn Groom, Mike Betterton, Matt Malcolm, Margaret Bushart, Lynn Cingari, Chappel McCollister, Max Wiebrecht and Jonathan Insogna; (L-R, front row): Kristen Mitchell, Lindsay McDowell and Leigh Millhauser. Photo: Kurt Heinecke
Wasserman Music’s Nashville team celebrated big 2024 Americana Honors & Awards wins for its clients Brandy Clark (Song of the Year for “Dear Insecurity) and Sierra Ferrell (Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Trail of Flowers) at its annual AmericanaFest Party. The awards show was hosted by Wasserman Music artist The Milk Carton Kids and featured performances by clients MJ Lenderman, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz and The War And Treaty.
CMHOFM Hosts Film Screening of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
Pictured (L-R): Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Vonnie Moore, Michael Mabbott, Andrenee Majors-Douglas, Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray and Jimmy Church. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a film screening this weekend of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers Lucah Rosenberg-Lee and Michael Mabbott; Shane’s nieces Andrenee Majors-Douglas and Vonnie Moore; and musician Jimmy Church.
Shane, a Nashville native, was a pioneering artist who was transgender and worked in the city’s R&B nightclubs and recording studios. In 1960, she relocated to Canada, where her song “Any Other Way” became a hit in 1963 and she gained a devoted following. In 1965, Shane returned to Nashville to perform on the TV show Night Train. Despite her prominence in the Toronto music scene, Shane disappeared from public life in the early 1970s. In 2017, Numero Group released the Grammy-nominated album Any Other Way, a compilation of her music.
Second Annual People’s Choice Country Awards To Focus On Community [Executive Interview]
/by LB CantrellNBCUniversal’s Greg Lee
Later this week, the country music community will file through the doors at the Grand Ole Opry House for the second annual People’s Choice Country Awards. The star-studded evening will air live on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.
Last year’s inaugural show, hosted by Opry members Little Big Town, recognized top talent in the industry and showcased electric performances, including Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Toby Keith and Wynonna Judd.
This year, PCCA executives are promising the same exciting night, with some refinements. Greg Lee, Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, spoke to MusicRow leading up to the big night.
“More than any other genre, country music truly feels like a community, with artists supporting fellow artists,” he says when asked what he learned from last year’s PCCAs. “Last year, we saw firsthand how supportive and passionate the country music fans are. The room was literally vibrating with excitement for winners”
This year, fans can expect to see the community lifting up top nominees Zach Bryan, Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. Unlike the industry-voted CMA and ACM Awards, though, the PCCAs are entirely fan-voted, with the voting taking place in August.
“The People’s Choice Country Awards is a modern awards show crowning the music, artists, and storytellers that mattered most to those who matter: the people,” Lee says. “A prestigious honor bestowed not by insiders, but by the academy of fans. This show is for the people by the people and is truly representative of what’s trending in pop culture and country music. Fans are at the core of everything we do.”
Winners will be crowned across 18 categories, including six that were added this year to honor one of Nashville’s greatest exports: songs.
“Our goal is to celebrate and honor all aspects of the country music genre and give artists and songwriters the spotlight,” Lee says. “We endeavor to find new ways to be more inclusive and add opportunities for fans to support their favorite artists. This year we added six new categories that will highlight this year’s artistry in the genre.”
In addition to the fan-voted awards, two artists will be highlighted with specially-chosen honors during the evening. Miranda Lambert will receive the Country Icon Award for her decades-long career, during which she’s built an authentic, female-forward brand of country that has shaped the industry. Kane Brown will be honored the Country Champion Award for his passion for service and groundbreaking contributions to the country music industry and beyond.
On the performance side, the second annual PCCAs has a new host: global music icon Shania Twain.
“Shania is truly a country icon for the people, she doesn’t worry about the rules and has broadened the country music space. She focuses on her fans, and that is exactly what this show embodies: a celebration of the people,” Lee says.
Twain will kick off the evening with a show-opening moment before welcoming Lambert, Brown, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Parker McCollum and The War And Treaty. Today it was revealed that award-winning rapper MGK and country star Brad Paisley would bring a collaboration to the PCCAs stage, as well.
Country artists Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Rice, Cody Rhodes, Dasha, Orville Peck, McCollum, Priscilla Block, Scotty McCreery, Shaboozey and Tanner Adell, wrestler Cody Rhodes, TODAY host Dylan Dreyer and comedians Matt Rife and Nate Bargatze will present awards and performances throughout the night.
“This year more than ever, country music is driving pop culture,” Lee shares. “It’s more commercially popular than ever. It feels like a movement and unites us all as Americans. We see this with artists from all genres entering the space. Country music is all about storytelling and songwriters are truly the heart of the genre.”
For the second year, NBC has worked to lift the show’s profile, inviting the signature Live From E! franchise to broadcast live from the Grand Old Opry House as a lead into the PCCAs. Lee points out that the show is part of NBC’s overall interest in country music.
“NBCUniversal has continued its investment in country music, Nashville and the PCA brand by adding more programming, including the upcoming Christmas at the Opry special and Toby Keith: American Icon, which aired in August.”
The Valory Music Co. Appoints Andi Brooks As Director Of Streaming
/by Liza AndersonAndi Brooks
The Valory Music Co. has appointed Andi Brooks as Director of Streaming.
Brooks moves to the new position from her role as Director of Southwest Promotion & Marketing at fellow Big Machine Label Group imprint Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly known as BMLG Records). Now on the job, reporting to President George Briner and Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion Ashley Sidoti, she collaborates with The Valory Music Co.’s streaming partners to strategize and promotes both new releases and the existing catalog.
“We’re excited to have Andi join The Valory Music Co. team,” says Briner. “Her enthusiasm and passion for music, along with her desire and drive to be the best in the streaming world makes her a great addition.”
Brooks came to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in 2019, and previously spent time as a radio host and morning show co-host at WWQM in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I started this journey in radio promotion five years ago with Big Machine Label Group and I’ve been able to work with some of the best artists, managers and radio programmers,” Brooks shares. “Thank you, Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Ryan Dokke and my amazing team for the incredible opportunities and leading me along the way. I’m beyond excited for this next chapter in my career and ready to hit the ground running with the wonderful team and artists at VMC and work alongside our DSP partners!”