The Academy of Country Music unveiled the winners of the Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards today (June 17) through video announcements featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Tigirlily Gold and Keith Urban as well as local media personalities from across the nation.
All winners and the soon-to-be-announced Special Award recipients will be celebrated during the 17th Annual ACM Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The ACM Studio Recording Awards recognize the creators behind the music. To be eligible, each artist, musician, producer and engineer must have played a part in a commercially-released single or album embodying the creator’s performance that achieves top 20 chart position or better during the eligibility period. Nominees are then selected by a professional panel of judges approved by the ACM Officers before being voted on by members classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist categories and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager categories.
Paul Franklin won his second ACM Specialty Instrument Player of the Year award, marking his 18th ACM Award overall while tying fellow steel guitar player J.D. Maness for most ACM Studio Recording Award wins. Dann Huff scored his fifth win for ACM Producer of the Year, bringing his total ACM Award count to 11. Huff is the most-nominated non-artist in ACM Awards history with 57 nominations, surpassed only by artists Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and George Strait.
Jimmie Lee Sloas took home his fifth win for ACM Bass Player of the Year. Rob McNelley won his first ACM Electric Guitar Player of the Year award, bringing his ACM Award total to four. His previous three awards fell in the ACM Guitar Player of the Year category, which was split into standalone Electric and Acoustic categories in 2021.
Jim “Moose” Brown scored his third ACM Piano/Keys Player of the Year award. Audio engineer Jim Cooley, piano/keys player David Dorn and guitar player Charlie Worsham each received their second career ACM Award for Audio Engineer of the Year, Piano/Keys Player of the Year and Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, respectively. Lastly, Jerry Roe earned his first ACM Award with the Drummer of the Year title.
The ACM Industry Awards honors venues and talent buyers/promoters who have bought or promoted a predetermined number of country music concerts and helped to promote country music ticket sales. Nominees are selected by a professional panel of judges approved by the ACM Officers, with ACM members classified in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Venue, Manager, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter categories voting to determine the winners.
Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, which are one block away from each other, were named ACM Theater of the Year and ACM Arena of the Year, respectively. This marks the Ryman Auditorium’s eighth win, and Bridgestone Arena’s sixth. Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut took home its eighth ACM Award as well in the Casino of the Year – Arena category.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado earned its third ACM Outdoor Venue of the Year title and fifth overall ACM Award. Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinois received its third ACM Award for Club of the Year, and the club’s owner Ed Warm notched his first win for ACM Talent Buyer of the Year, bringing his total personal trophy count to six.
Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida took home its third ACM Award for Festival of the Year, and Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma scored its third ACM Award with Casino of the Year – Theater. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo won its second ACM Award for Fair/Rodeo of the Year, and AEG Presents’ Adam Weiser marked his first ACM Award for Promoter of the Year.
Ricky Young Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Taylor Phillips, Ricky Young, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music
Singer-songwriter Ricky Young has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
The South Carolina native moved to Nashville in 2011 after working with producer Nick Autry. He aims to encapsulate the soul of country music as his songwriting skills continue to evolve. Young’s credits include Lee Brice’s “I Carry It With Me” and Bubba Sparxx’s “Baby Wussup,” among others. He has also toured with superstar Luke Combs in addition to opening for established artists such as Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker.
Performances Revealed For ‘CMA Fest’ Concert Special
/by Liza AndersonThe Country Music Association has revealed 30 performances set to be featured in the CMA Fest television concert special. Hosted by Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde, the special will air Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and next day on Hulu.
Filmed during the 51st annual CMA Fest, the three-hour event will include performances by Jelly Roll, McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Big & Rich, Clint Black, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Terri Clark, Jordan Davis, Jackson Dean, Billy F Gibbons, Hardy, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Blake Shelton, Brittney Spencer, The War And Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.
“Stepping onto the stage in front of 50,000 people to host CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium in my hometown in Nashville was indescribable,” shares Jelly Roll. “The magnitude of the moment really hit me, to be across the street from the juvenile detention center I was in and to now be on stage hosting—how do you describe being in the same exact place while being in a place that couldn’t be more different, at the same time.”
“When my buddy Jelly Roll and I walked out into this massive crowd and felt the electric energy for the first time, it felt important,” says McBryde. “We were nervous! But it also felt good, because at the root of it all, it’s just me and my pal cutting up, only we’re doing it on national television for CMA Fest.”
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Wraps 2024 Event
/by Liza AndersonBonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2024. Photo: Charles Reagan
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival wrapped its 2024 event over the weekend in Manchester, Tennessee. The annual festival took place June 13–16, and featured an array of acts across multiple genres.
Post Malone and Billy Strings perform during Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2024. Photo: Pooneh Ghana
Fans filled The Farm for the four-day function on Thursday (June 13). Acts such as Chapel Hart, Matt Maltese, Say She She, Eggy and more entertained the crowd on the Centeroo stages and around the Outeroo campgrounds before opening headliner Pretty Lights took the What Stage that evening to play a range of tunes including Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Pink Floyd’s “Goodbye Blue Sky.” Post Malone headlined the What Stage on Friday night (June 14), performing hits “Better Now,” among others. Following “Rockstar,” he brought Billy Strings for two songs during his set, while the Which Stage radiated energy emitted by Maggie Rogers and T-Pain, among others.
Saturday (June 15) featured Which Stage performances by Reneé Rapp, Melanie Martinez and more as well as an Other Stage set by Diplo, This Tent performance by Sean Paul and That Tent appearance by Tanner Usrey, along with many others. Talent including Jon Basiste and Cage The Elephant set the tone on the What Stage before the Red Hot Chili Peppers took over. After rocking out, the group invited all attendees to a Waffle House afterparty. Chappell Roan graced the Which Stage on Sunday (June 16) with tracks from her new album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, followed by Charles Wesley Godwin, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and others, while Galantis and more hit The Other Stage. Despite a rain delay, Carley Rae Jepsen jammed out with fans on the What Stage, incorporating her 2012 smash “Call Me Maybe” into her set. Megan Thee Stallion was up next and reportedly brought the heat with “Hot Girl Summer” and a cover of Cardi B’s “Wap,” before headliner Fred Again closed out the festival.
Red Hot Chili Peppers headlining Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2024. Photo: Josh Brasted
Jake Owen Presented With Pandora Billionaires Plaque
/by John Nix ArledgeJake Owen with his Pandora Billionaires Plaque
Country music star Jake Owen was presented with a celebratory plaque from Pandora honoring his two billion streams on the platform. This award came as Owen kicked off SiriusXM’s CMA Fest party during The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour at Margaritaville on June 6.
The hardware was presented by SiriusXM/Pandora’s Johnny Chiang, VP Music Programming, Country, Alina Thompson, Associate Director, Strategy & Operations/Artist & Industry Relations, Victoria Alfonso, Coordinator, Artist & Industry Relations, and The Highway Hosts Ania Hammar and Ashley Till. The artist boasts an array of Gold and Platinum albums, billions of streams across multiple platforms and ten No. 1 songs, including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Made For You,” and “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).”
“It’s truly an incredible feeling to reach two billion streams on Pandora,” expresses Owen. “Knowing that our music is resonating with so many people is deeply gratifying. As artists, we simply hope to connect with listeners, and seeing this kind of support is humbling and heartwarming.”
“We are thrilled to congratulate Jake on this remarkable achievement,” says Chiang. “Reaching over two billion spins on Pandora is a testament to Jake’s incredible talent and the deep connection he has with his fans. Everyone at SiriusXM Pandora looks forward to celebrating many more successes with him.”
Additionally, Owen is currently preparing to hit the road with duo Dan + Shay on “The Heartbreak On The Map Tour,” which kicks off July 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio and continues through the United States until the end of September.
Priscilla Block To Begin New Era Of Music This Friday
/by Madison HahnenPriscilla Block will kick off a new era of music this Friday (June 21) with the release of her new EP, PB2, via Mercury Nashville.
Block first announced the news during her CMA Fest fan club party, and shared a preview of the project’s accompanying visualizers. The five-song EP features already-released track “Hey Jack,” and her current radio single “Good On You,” which has amassed over 14 million streams.
“It’s been a while leading up to this next era for me and I’m so excited it’s finally here,” shares Block. “I wanted to drop three songs that showcase three different sides of me as an artist. ‘Apartment’ is my vulnerable, heart-on-my-sleeve side. ‘Bad Guy’ is the sassy anthem that I want to dance to all night long in a club. ‘Hell Out of a Hometown’ is the country girl inside of me that’s always evolving. This is the start of an ongoing story so make sure y’all pay close attention. Here’s to PB2!”
Coming off of her headlining “Hey Jack Tour,” Block will continue touring throughout the year and open for Jon Pardi on his “Mr. Saturday Night Tour.” She is also set to make festival appearances at Country Thunder Bristol, Windy City Smokeout, Crossroads 41 Festival and among more.
PB2 Track Listing:
1. “Good On You”
2. “Hell Out Of A Hometown”
3. “Bad Guy”
4. “Hey Jack”
5. “Apartment”
On The Cover: Hailey Whitters Graces Cover Of MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster Issue
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2024 Artist Roster print issue, featuring ASCAP songwriter and Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus Records recording artist Hailey Whitters on the cover.
Over the past year, Whitters’ career has continued to skyrocket as she took home the ACM Award for New Female Artist of the Year and was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards. Last year alone, Whitters made her night TV debut on multiple programs and performed her hit single “Everything She Ain’t” at the ACM Awards. The hit appeared on her breakthrough album Raised, which, like her 2020 album The Dream, appeared on over 15 year-end best-of lists, and was named Rolling Stone’s No. 1 country album of the year.
“Everything She Ain’t” marked multiple firsts for the Iowa-born artist including her first-ever top 20 single at country radio, appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 and RIAA Platinum certification. The song has been played over 175 million times on TikTok, inspiring many trends on the platform.
This year’s Artist Roster print edition features exclusive editorials including a celebration of Curb Records’ 60th anniversary. In the six decades since its inception, the company has achieved an impressive 435 No. 1 hits, garnered over 1,500 top 10 songs and charted over 4,500 total records. Founder and Chairman Mike Curb talks to MusicRow about the label’s journey and his vision.
Three of Nashville’s top managers—Daniel Miller, Charly Salvatore and Juli Griffith—come together for a roundtable discussing the opportunities and challenges they face in our rapidly-growing industry.
The Artist Roster issue also explores the impact of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album on the industry and the featured artists that have been championed because of it. Elsewhere, Asha Goodman, Exec. VP of Sacks & Co. and head of its Nashville office also talks with MusicRow about elevating their expansive client list.
Finally, this issue features a look inside the exciting Nashville Yards development. Pinnacle’s Head of Music, Sports and Entertainment Andy Moats; CAA Co-Head of Nashville Music Jeff Krones; Southwest Value Partners’ Managing Partner Cary Mack and AEG Presents’ Regional VP Mike DuCharme all give their expertise on the value the new neighborhood will bring to the industry.
In addition to its editorial features, MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster contains a six-part company directory, complete with client rosters in the categories: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, Artist Services (Banking, Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing and Radio Promotion), Media and Organizations (Trade & Professional Development, Performing & Mechanical Rights and Unions).
This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in Label, Management, Talent Agency and Publicity categories.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Trent Fisher Inks With Dream 3 Publishing & Kobalt
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Dream 3’s Laurel Kittleson-Cobb, Greg Hill, Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Dream 3’s Emily Olson and Trent Fisher
Trent Fisher has inked an exclusive publishing agreement with Dream 3 Publishing and Kobalt.
The California native was born into a football family. He eventually walked onto the team at Auburn University, while also playing music and leading worship at church on Sunday mornings. Fisher moved to Nashville in 2017 and worked various jobs, but remained committed to developing his songwriting skills. He began teaching history and psychology at his former high school in 2019, and had his first cut with Pryor & Lee’s “Good Ol’ Dogs and God” in 2021.
Fisher joins Ben Caver, Jon Stark and Dawson Edwards on the Dream 3 roster.
“So many people around town know and love Trent, but not many know what an incredible songwriter he is,” says Emily Olson, Partner & Creative Director, Dream 3 Publishing. “He’s been quietly writing amazing songs and working at his craft over the years. We are so excited to help take him and his songs to the next level, and for him to be a part of the Nashville songwriting community.”
“It’s an honor to join the team at Dream 3. Not only do Greg [Hill], Laurel [Kittleson-Cobb] and Emily bring a wealth of experience from different facets of the industry, they’re also incredible people who have felt like family since our first meeting,” shares Fisher. “I want to thank them for believing in me and for the love and support they’ve shown my family and I since day one.”
Dasha Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughDasha during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Juan Flores Mena
Dasha made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (June 15).
Pictured (L–R): Reflection Management’s Katy Cooper, King Publicity’s Avery King, Dasha, Warner Records’ Ben Farber and Type A Management’s Alex Lunt. Photo: Juan Flores Mena
The emerging country-pop artist received a standing ovation after performing her smash single “Austin” as well as “Talk of the Town,” both of which are featured on her debut country album What Happens Now?.
“It was such an honor to get to step into that circle,” shares Dasha. “The Opry is the home of country music and from the second I stepped in the building, I could feel the magic that everyone always talks about.”
Amassing 10 billion views on TikTok, “Austin” has vaulted to No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in addition to scoring a spot in the top 40 of Billboard ‘s Hot 100, peaking at No. 20. Dasha has also scaled Billboard‘s Emerging Artists Chart, landing at No. 2, with What Happens Now? simultaneously peaking at No. 124 on the Billboard 200.
ACM Unveils Industry & Studio Recording Award Winners
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music unveiled the winners of the Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards today (June 17) through video announcements featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Tigirlily Gold and Keith Urban as well as local media personalities from across the nation.
All winners and the soon-to-be-announced Special Award recipients will be celebrated during the 17th Annual ACM Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The ACM Studio Recording Awards recognize the creators behind the music. To be eligible, each artist, musician, producer and engineer must have played a part in a commercially-released single or album embodying the creator’s performance that achieves top 20 chart position or better during the eligibility period. Nominees are then selected by a professional panel of judges approved by the ACM Officers before being voted on by members classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist categories and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager categories.
Paul Franklin won his second ACM Specialty Instrument Player of the Year award, marking his 18th ACM Award overall while tying fellow steel guitar player J.D. Maness for most ACM Studio Recording Award wins. Dann Huff scored his fifth win for ACM Producer of the Year, bringing his total ACM Award count to 11. Huff is the most-nominated non-artist in ACM Awards history with 57 nominations, surpassed only by artists Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and George Strait.
Jimmie Lee Sloas took home his fifth win for ACM Bass Player of the Year. Rob McNelley won his first ACM Electric Guitar Player of the Year award, bringing his ACM Award total to four. His previous three awards fell in the ACM Guitar Player of the Year category, which was split into standalone Electric and Acoustic categories in 2021.
Jim “Moose” Brown scored his third ACM Piano/Keys Player of the Year award. Audio engineer Jim Cooley, piano/keys player David Dorn and guitar player Charlie Worsham each received their second career ACM Award for Audio Engineer of the Year, Piano/Keys Player of the Year and Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, respectively. Lastly, Jerry Roe earned his first ACM Award with the Drummer of the Year title.
The ACM Industry Awards honors venues and talent buyers/promoters who have bought or promoted a predetermined number of country music concerts and helped to promote country music ticket sales. Nominees are selected by a professional panel of judges approved by the ACM Officers, with ACM members classified in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Venue, Manager, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter categories voting to determine the winners.
Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, which are one block away from each other, were named ACM Theater of the Year and ACM Arena of the Year, respectively. This marks the Ryman Auditorium’s eighth win, and Bridgestone Arena’s sixth. Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut took home its eighth ACM Award as well in the Casino of the Year – Arena category.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado earned its third ACM Outdoor Venue of the Year title and fifth overall ACM Award. Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinois received its third ACM Award for Club of the Year, and the club’s owner Ed Warm notched his first win for ACM Talent Buyer of the Year, bringing his total personal trophy count to six.
Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida took home its third ACM Award for Festival of the Year, and Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma scored its third ACM Award with Casino of the Year – Theater. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo won its second ACM Award for Fair/Rodeo of the Year, and AEG Presents’ Adam Weiser marked his first ACM Award for Promoter of the Year.
SiriusXM’s Jeremy Tepper Dies At 61
/by John Nix ArledgeJeremy Tepper
Jeremy Tepper, Program Director for SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, has passed away at age 61.
“Jeremy Tepper was a beloved member of SiriusXM. With an unwavering dedication to music and an innovative spirit, Jeremy profoundly influenced us all,” said SiriusXM in a recent Instagram post. “His contributions to our organization, particularly in shaping the identity of Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, are beyond measure. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
“We lost an amazing friend here at SiriusXM,” echoes Outlaw Country radio host Sunny Sweeney. “[Jeremy] was like my big brother, the best boss I’ve ever known and a completely irreplaceable piece of Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw Country. Some of you may not know him by name, but please know that Jeremy Tepper will be so greatly missed and has left a gigantic hole in our world. He was a magical human being [who] was so passionate and knew more about music than any other person I’ve ever known. He had absolutely impeccable taste and knew all the deep cuts. He was the independent artist’s knight in shining armor.”
Willie Nelson’s publicist Elaine Schock adds, “Jeremy was a good friend and we had lots of adventures working with Willie for about twenty years. This just hurts my heart. I’m sick of getting it punched with these blindsides. I will miss him terribly. I was going to see him in a few weeks. I’m so sad for his family–and for myself to be honest. Jeremy was one of the good ones.”
A visitation will take place on Monday, June 24 from 2–6 p.m. CT at Greenwich Village Funeral Home in New York City, NY.