The recipients of the Academy of Country Music’s Special Awards have been revealed. These winners will be celebrated during the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium. The night will once again be hosted by Carly Pearce, a four-time ACM Award winner.
ACM Special Award honorees for 2023 include Clint Black, Breland, Kane Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Charlie Cook, Charlie Daniels, Mike Dungan, Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Bill Mayne, Tim McGraw, K.T. Oslin, Chris Stapleton and Troy Vollhoffer. Each winner will be given a specific award for their achievements, as outlined below.
Additionally, previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Hardy, Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley as well as Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at the ACM Honors ceremony. Reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Hailey Whitters will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards portion of ACM Honors.
Tickets for ACM Honors will be available to ACM A-List email newsletter subscribers and Academy members through an exclusive pre-sale beginning Thursday (June 29), with general on-sale beginning Friday (June 30) through AXS. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting,” Pearce says. “To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night!”
“This year’s ACM Special Award honorees have made a tremendous impact on the music we know and love, from icons and veteran executives who have shaped and steered the industry for years, to newer artists making a splash and welcoming fresh audiences into the community, and I am so excited about celebrating them in August at what is always one of the best nights of the year,” says Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards Committee. “I’d like to thank our committee members for their invaluable participation and contributions in selecting this year’s exceptionally worthy class of honorees and offer my congratulations to all of the recipients.”
Special Award Honorees:
ACM Triple Crown Award – Chris Stapleton will receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following his first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. Stapleton qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout his career, an honor only eight other artists have been awarded. Previous recipients of the ACM Triple Crown Award include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Barbara Mandrell and Carrie Underwood.
ACM Icon Award – Mike Dungan and Tim McGraw have both been chosen to receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts. Past recipients of the ACM Icon Award include Alabama, Connie Bradley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Joe Galante, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, George Jones, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr. and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
ACM International Award – Kane Brown has been chosen to receive the International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves and presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world. Past recipients of the ACM International Award include Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
ACM Lift Every Voice Award – Breland has been chosen to receive the first-ever ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography. The nominee for this category is proposed by the rising leaders in the Academy’s LEVel UP: Lift Every Voice professional development and enrichment program, a two-year curriculum designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.
ACM Lifting Lives Award – Troy Vollhoffer has been chosen to receive the Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors. Past recipients of the ACM Lifting Lives Award include Paul Barnabee, Ross Copperman, Gayle Holcomb, Lady A, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Wiles.
ACM Poet’s Award – Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter and K.T. Oslin have each been chosen as recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music. Previous recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Dean Dillon, Kye Fleming, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Billy Joe Shaver, Shel Silverstein, Sonny Throckmorton, Shania Twain, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams, among others.
ACM Service Award – Charlie Cook and Bill Mayne have both been chosen as the recipients of the ACM Service Award, honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy. This award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music. Previous recipients of the ACM Service Award include Barry Adelman, Duane Clark, RAC Clark, Bob Kingsley, Reba McEntire, Gayle Holcomb, Keith Urban and Gene Weed, among others.
ACM Spirit Award – Charlie Daniels has been chosen for the ACM Spirit Award, honoring the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career, including the Triple Crown Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country music legend Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. Previous recipients of the ACM Spirit Award include Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.
Bluegrass Superstar Bobby Osborne Dies At Age 91
/by Robert K OermannBobby Osborne. Photo: Stacie Huckeba
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne died today (June 27) at age 91.
The Opry confirmed his death. Opry VP/Executive Producer, Dan Rogers, shared, “Bobby Osborne was among the last of his generation of bluegrass pioneers. What a profound loss for the Opry family and bluegrass music fans around the world. Mr. Osborne’s legacy will live forever on this stage we love and wherever his style is emulated. Thank you to Bobby Osborne for more than 70 years of music and memories.”
Bobby Osborne. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry Archives
Even into his 90s, the tenor singer and mandolin player performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry with his band The Rocky Top X-Press.
Robert Van Osborne Jr. was born in Kentucky in 1931 and grew up in the Dayton, Ohio area. He was inspired to become a bluegrass singer after seeing a show by Bill Monroe & The Blue Grass Boys in 1947. He began performing on WPFB in Middletown, Ohio two years later.
He spent several seasons with The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, then graduated to Jimmy Martin’s band. Following a brief stint with The Stanley Brothers, Bobby Osborne joined the Marines for combat duty in Korea. He was wounded and was discharged in 1953.
At this point, he joined forces with younger brother Sonny Osborne (1937-2021). They honed their skills working for Jimmy Martin, Charlie Bailey and Red Allen. The bluegrass classic “Once More” was recorded by Allen with the Osbornes in 1958.
The Osborne Brothers recorded on their own for RCA and MGM during this period. From the start, the act’s calling card was Bobby’s sky-high tenor lead singing. In fact, Monroe once said that there were only three great tenors in country music — himself, Ira Louvin and Bobby Osborne.
Brother Sonny soon garnered industry recognition for his cutting-edge approach to banjo playing and for arranging the group’s complex harmony vocals. Around 1963, Sonny made contact with Doyle Wilburn of Nashville’s hit-making Wilburn Brothers. Wilburn got the brothers a contract with Decca Records, arranged for them to join the Grand Ole Opry (1964) and signed them for publishing and booking.
The Osborne Brothers. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry Archives
This coincided with the modernization of the band. Sonny electrified his banjo, and the act added drums and electric bass to The Osborne Brothers sound. As a result, the group scored hits on the country hit parade and toured with mainstream pop and country acts.
Their charted favorites included “Roll Muddy River” (1967), “Rocky Top” (1968), “Tennessee Hound Dog” (1969), “Ruby Are You Mad” (1970), “Midnight Flyer” (1973), “Blue Heartache” (1973) and “I Can Hear Kentucky Calling Me” (1980).
“Rocky Top” was named one of the state songs of Tennessee in 1982. It is performed in Knoxville every time the University of Tennessee Vols score a football touchdown. In 1992, the Osbornes’ rendition of the Karl & Harty classic “Kentucky” led to a similar honor from the Blue Grass State.
By then, the Osbornes had ditched electrified instruments and reverted to acoustic bluegrass. They recorded for labels such as CMH, Sugar Hill and Pinecastle.
The Osbornes were also recruited to play on records by others. They have backed Conway Twitty, Carl Smith, Charley Pride, Wade Ray, Jethro Burns and Mac Wiseman. They also collaborated with jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton.
Bobby Osborne. Photo: Chris Hollo, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry Archives
The brothers mentored such future stars as The Grascals and Dale Ann Bradley. They also performed with the 1997 bluegrass/hip-hop fusion act The GrooveGrass Boyz.
Bobby’s mandolin performance of “Ashokan Farewell” appeared on the all-star Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza album, which won the IBMA Instrumental Album and Recorded Event awards in 2000.
The Osborne Brothers are believed to be the first bluegrass act to play on a college campus (1960) and to be invited to perform at The White House (1973). They were elected to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and were presented with a National Heritage award by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997.
Brother Sonny Osborne underwent rotator-cuff surgery, which caused him to quit playing and to retire from the road in 2004. This is when Bobby formed The Rocky Top X-Press and became a solo Opry star. He was joined in the new group by his guitarist son Bobby Osborne III.
The new band recorded for Rounder and Compass. In 2021, Osborne had a late-career bluegrass hit with a version of Merle Haggard’s “White Line Fever.”
Sonny Osborne passed away in October of 2021 at age 83.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Sets New Record, Raising More Than $1.8 Million
/by Lorie HollabaughToby with OK Kids Korral alumni parent Travis at 19th Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic
The 19th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in Oklahoma June 2 and 3 raised a record $1.8 million for Keith’s OK Kids Korral.
Toby Keith with $10,000 shootout winner Pete Penner
This year’s successful event brings its all-in total to almost $18 million in support of the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children battling cancer.
The Saturday golf tournament (June 3) featured 55 teams and celebrated the morning winners Isa Camall, Joe Lemeux, Lane Wallace, Mark Moore and Ben Hayes. Afternoon tournament winners were Ryan Sparkman, Harvey Sparkman, Drew Goodman, Carson Sparkman and Evan Sparkman. The $10,000 shootout winner was Pete Penner.
The event’s high-water mark was driven by record-setting auction items from the Sawyer Brown-headlined, denim and diamonds-themed dinner Friday (June 2) that was attended by more than 750 people.
Among the top bids were:
– Guitar signed by Taylor Swift: $120,000
– Fishing trip with Toby Keith and Jimmy Houston: $80,000
– Dinner with Toby Keith: $70,000
– Game of Thrones trip to Croatia & Spain: $20,000 (11 were sold)
– Guitar donated by Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton: $44,000
– Signatures from Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, Brantley Gilbert, Russell Dickerson, Brett Young, Ingrid Andress, Maren Morris, Luke Bryan and Jelly Roll.
Ryan Beuschel Joins The Neal Agency
/by LB CantrellRyan Beuschel. Photo: Nathan Chapman
Music industry veteran Ryan Beuschel has joined The Neal Agency (TNA) as Head of Business Development.
He brings more than 20 years of experience to his role, most recently serving as VP of A&R / Strategy at Warner Chappell Music Nashville. While at WCM, Beuschel was named to Billboard’s 40 under 40 list for signing some of country music’s fastest rising stars, including 2022’s most-streamed all-genre debut artist Bailey Zimmerman. In addition to up-and-coming talent, he directly supported established artists and writers including TNA client Riley Green.
At TNA, Beuschel will aid in artist development across all of The Neal Agency roster, including Green, Zimmerman, Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Hardy, Nate Smith, Ernest, John Morgan, Josh Ross, Seaforth, Ella Langley, Anne Wilson, Palmer Anthony, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Ashland Craft, mike., Lauren Watkins and Jake Worthington, along with lifestyle brands Stevenson Ranch and Whiskey Jam.
“Ryan has been a close friend of mine for many years. He carries the same entrepreneurial spirit and artist first mentality that aligns with the core values of our company,” shares Austin Neal, Co-head and Founder of TNA. “We are very fortunate to add another great leadership team member to the company.”
“We are thrilled to add Ryan Beuschel to our team and his reputation in this town is unmatched,” added Adi Sharma, Co-Head/Agent. “In Ryan, we cannot have a better person to help spearhead the new initiatives and business verticals we plan on being involved with moving forward.”
Beuschel is a Michigan native and a graduate of Hope College. He began his career as an intern at Universal Music Publishing Group before taking a job as A&R Manager at Universal Music Group. Beuschel’s experience also includes time at ASCAP as Associate Director of Membership. He resides in Nashville with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Reese.
Of his addition to the team, Beuschel says, “It’s truly incredible to see what Austin, Adi and the entire TNA team has built in such a short period of time. Their approach and vision of supporting artists and executives alike is one I am completely aligned with. I couldn’t be more excited to join this super star company and its impeccable client roster.”
Congratulate Beuschel at Ryan@TheNealAgency.net.
Needtobreathe To Launch New Album & Tour This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughNeedtobreathe
Needtobreathe is embarking on a new musical chapter, with their ninth studio album out this fall and the announcement of a new tour.
“The Caves World Tour” is set to kick off Oct. 13 in Savannah, and will feature alternative rockers Judah & The Lion as special guests. The band will visit Lexington, Fort Worth, Tulsa, Reno, Albuquerque, Boston and more through Nov. 18, with a Nashville Bridgestone arena show set for Nov. 15.
The tour will support Needtobreathe’s new studio album Caves, which is set to release this fall.
“Caves is the most ambitious album we’ve made so far, and it really feels like a new chapter for us as a band,” says Needtobreathe frontman, Nashville-based Bear Rinehart. “We can’t wait to take this new energy to our fans on the road and perform these songs live. It’s going to be special.”
The band has released a taste of the album with new track “Everknown,”as well as its music video.
“‘Everknown’ is a song inspired by those in our lives that have helped shape us into the people we are today,” the band shares. “It’s dedicated to the humble heroes that don’t get enough credit for the good they have brought to the world.”
“The Caves World Tour” Dates:
10/13/2023 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
10/14/2023 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/15/2023 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
10/17/2023 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
10/19/2023 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
10/20/2023 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
10/21/2023 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
10/23/2023 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
10/24/2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/26/2023 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
10/27/2023 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
10/28/2023 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
10/30/2023 – Orem, UT – UCCU Center
11/2/2023 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
11/3/2023 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
11/4/2023 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
11/5/2023 – Waukee, IA – TBD
11/7/2023 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
11/10/2023 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
11/11/2023 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
11/13/2023 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
11/15/2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
11/16/2023 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
11/17/2023 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum Complex
11/18/2023 – Atlanta, GA – Gas South Arena
Tyler Farr To Release New EP ‘Rednecks Like Me’ In July
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Farr‘s new EP, Rednecks Like Me, is slated for release across all streaming platforms on Friday, July 14.
The BBR Music Group/Night Train Records artist announced news of the project and performed the title track and some other hits while headlining the 15th Annual Fox & Friends All American Summer Concert Series this past Friday, including his No. 1 hits “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey In My Water” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” He was also surprised live on Fox & Friends with a double Platinum plaque for “Redneck Crazy” and a Platinum plaque for “Guy Walks Into a Bar.”
Rednecks Like Me marks the first time Farr has co-written every song on a project. Other writers contributing to the EP include Michael Tyler, George Birge, Andy Sheridan and more. Produced by Jason Aldean with his long-time band-members Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy, the EP also features a collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Country As Shit.”
“This is the first project I’ve co-wrote all the songs on, so this is a big step in my career for me,” says Farr. “I’m so proud of this album and hope fans will really get a chance to hear what I’m all about.”
JUST IN: Tim McGraw, Mike Dungan, Chris Stapleton, More To Receive ACM Special Awards
/by LB CantrellThe recipients of the Academy of Country Music’s Special Awards have been revealed. These winners will be celebrated during the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium. The night will once again be hosted by Carly Pearce, a four-time ACM Award winner.
ACM Special Award honorees for 2023 include Clint Black, Breland, Kane Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Charlie Cook, Charlie Daniels, Mike Dungan, Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Bill Mayne, Tim McGraw, K.T. Oslin, Chris Stapleton and Troy Vollhoffer. Each winner will be given a specific award for their achievements, as outlined below.
Additionally, previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Hardy, Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley as well as Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at the ACM Honors ceremony. Reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Hailey Whitters will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards portion of ACM Honors.
Tickets for ACM Honors will be available to ACM A-List email newsletter subscribers and Academy members through an exclusive pre-sale beginning Thursday (June 29), with general on-sale beginning Friday (June 30) through AXS. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting,” Pearce says. “To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night!”
“This year’s ACM Special Award honorees have made a tremendous impact on the music we know and love, from icons and veteran executives who have shaped and steered the industry for years, to newer artists making a splash and welcoming fresh audiences into the community, and I am so excited about celebrating them in August at what is always one of the best nights of the year,” says Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards Committee. “I’d like to thank our committee members for their invaluable participation and contributions in selecting this year’s exceptionally worthy class of honorees and offer my congratulations to all of the recipients.”
Special Award Honorees:
ACM Triple Crown Award – Chris Stapleton will receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following his first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. Stapleton qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout his career, an honor only eight other artists have been awarded. Previous recipients of the ACM Triple Crown Award include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Barbara Mandrell and Carrie Underwood.
ACM Icon Award – Mike Dungan and Tim McGraw have both been chosen to receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts. Past recipients of the ACM Icon Award include Alabama, Connie Bradley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Joe Galante, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, George Jones, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr. and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
ACM International Award – Kane Brown has been chosen to receive the International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves and presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world. Past recipients of the ACM International Award include Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
ACM Lift Every Voice Award – Breland has been chosen to receive the first-ever ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography. The nominee for this category is proposed by the rising leaders in the Academy’s LEVel UP: Lift Every Voice professional development and enrichment program, a two-year curriculum designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.
ACM Lifting Lives Award – Troy Vollhoffer has been chosen to receive the Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors. Past recipients of the ACM Lifting Lives Award include Paul Barnabee, Ross Copperman, Gayle Holcomb, Lady A, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Wiles.
ACM Poet’s Award – Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter and K.T. Oslin have each been chosen as recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music. Previous recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Dean Dillon, Kye Fleming, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Billy Joe Shaver, Shel Silverstein, Sonny Throckmorton, Shania Twain, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams, among others.
ACM Service Award – Charlie Cook and Bill Mayne have both been chosen as the recipients of the ACM Service Award, honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy. This award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music. Previous recipients of the ACM Service Award include Barry Adelman, Duane Clark, RAC Clark, Bob Kingsley, Reba McEntire, Gayle Holcomb, Keith Urban and Gene Weed, among others.
ACM Spirit Award – Charlie Daniels has been chosen for the ACM Spirit Award, honoring the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career, including the Triple Crown Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country music legend Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. Previous recipients of the ACM Spirit Award include Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.
Farris, Self & Moore Moves Across Music Row
/by LB CantrellSome of the FSM team in front of their new office building
Farris, Self & Moore, LLC (FSM) has outgrown its space and moved to 1 Music Circle South, Suite 100.
Taking over two floors and 10,000 square feet, the company has grown significantly since Kella Farris, Stephanie Mundy Self and Catherine Moore opened its doors in 2015. FSM now employs 26.
The new office has an internal stairwell between its two floors as well as common areas, such as a big kitchen and a break area with a ping-pong table—elements that are important to FSM’s culture. The new office also has several conference rooms in addition to a large multi-purpose room.
“We love our side street close to this rich musical history of Music Row but with ample parking, which is hard to find anywhere in Nashville much less close to the Row,” says the three partners. “Our new space is close to BMI and other labels for clients’ performances and events. It’s convenient for walkable meetings that occur on the Row. We enjoy being in a building with other music business companies where collaboration and clients popping by is encouraged.”
The history of 1 Music Circle South is also important to FSM. The address was home to the Country Music Association from 1990 to 2016.
“We’ve always been a Music Row firm—from KSCO (The Kella Stephenson Company) in a little blue house in 2006 to starting FSM in 2015, we’ve always been on Music Row. The camaraderie, history and energy you get on the Row is so special,” the women share. “We’d like to thank Tatum Flynn, Solomon Builders and Elevate Design for building out an incredible space for FSM. The history of Nashville’s music scene is important to our firm. In addition to the history, we are enthusiastic about the future and the role we get to play in the lives of our clients.”
SOLID Presents CMA Foundation With Large Check
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Victoria Rutledge, CMA Director, Major Gifts; Lindsey Jones Morrison, CMA Community Engagement Manager; Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director/CMA SVP of Industry Relations and Philanthropy; SOLID’s Music Market Chairs Jenny Methling, Lizzy Stone & Colin McKay. Photo: Drew Noble (CMA)
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) recently delivered a check to the CMA Foundation for $37,900, setting a new benchmark for SOLID as it was the largest contribution to the CMA Foundation in the organization’s 26-year history.
The funds were raised via the SOLID’s Backstage Auction at CMA Fest, which sets up shop during the festival where attendees can bid on items from country superstars. This year marked the first time that the Backstage Auction was both onsite and online via Better World. The web-based online auction portal allowed fans the convenience of staying up-to-date on their favorite items without having to make return visits to the exhibition.
“We are truly grateful for SOLID’s continued partnership during CMA Fest, and this year is further proof of our shared commitment in supporting music education programs throughout the United States,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “We often say it takes a village, and thanks to the generosity of not only our industry but our fans, we have the opportunity to positively impact students, teachers and communities across the country.”
“The Backstage Auction establishes the financial backbone of our organization,” says SOLID President Erin Pettit. “In 2018, it was elevated to the auction inside CMA Fest’s Fan Fair X and this year, the event chairs took it to a whole new level by establishing a multi-year partnership with the CMA Foundation and adding an online element for more inclusion and participation for the festival’s fans. We love to see return patrons visiting each year and welcome the new fans who are always interested in the uniquely curated collection of items and experiences up for bid.”
The backstage auction was coordinated and executed under the direction of the 2023 SOLID Music Market Chairs Jenny Methling (615 Leverage + Strategy), Lizzy Stone (Wiles + Taylor & Co.) and Colin McKay (Clair Global).
Pettit says, “I’m incredibly proud of the innovation and determination of our Music Market Chairs, Jenny, Lizzy and Colin for executing such a monumental event and raising an unprecedented donation for the foundation. Thank you to all of the members that volunteered their time and to the music community for donating items and resources to set this new record. The partnership with the CMA Foundation is one that truly is life changing for our organization and we look forward to continuing this relationship supporting one another for years to come.”
The 2023 partnership with the CMA Foundation also brought the Backstage Auction to ticket holders at Nissan Stadium each night via a video anchored by Thomas Rhett airing in rotation on the side stage screens.
“We are so thrilled with the support that both the CMA and CMA Foundation offered as part of our multi-year partnership,” says Methling. “Much of this year’s success can be attributed to the mass promotion in newsletters, social channels, the CMA Fest website and mobile app in addition to the stadium. We are excited to have a blueprint for successful auction events for the next few years and look forward to continuing SOLID’s support of the CMA Foundation.”
Ashley Gorley Notches Eight Weeks Atop The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
Ashley Gorley has remained at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for eight consecutive weeks.
The ACM Songwriter of the Year is a co-writer on Chris Janson’s “All I Need Is You,” Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Hardy’s “Truck Bed” and Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” “One Thing At A Time,” “Cowgirls,” “Everything I Love,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me” and “You Proof.”
Tracy Chapman remains at No. 2 this week as Luke Combs’ cover of her solely-written “Fast Car” rises on the country charts.
Zach Bryan (No. 3) Ryan Vojtesak (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) complete the top five.
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.
Eric Church, Keith Urban, Jake Owen To Play Country Fest 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Eric Church, Keith Urban and Jake Owen
Eric Church, Keith Urban and Jake Owen have been announced as performers for Country Fest 2024 in Wisconsin, June 27-29.
For over three decades, Country Fest has brought Nashville’s biggest acts to the Midwest. Taking place in a Wisconsin hayfield, festival goers enjoy three days of entertainment, food, interactive exhibits, activations and partnering hotel accommodations with daily shuttle service.
“Eric Church is one of the biggest acts in the genre, an unmatched stage presence in country music,” says Festival Promoter & General Manager Wade Asher. “We are jacked to have him back. And Keith Urban, another massively talented artist, hasn’t graced these grounds since 2015. He always leaves everything on the stage and the way he brings it night after night is mind blowing. And Jake Owen, we know a lot of fans were bummed to hear he couldn’t make 2023’s festival, so we were determined to follow through on our promise to bring him back in 2024. Jake is a staple here; our fans just can’t get enough of him. His show is always on point. All in all, another great year is in the works!”
Fans who attended this year’s festival had first dibs on 2024 VIP and Reserved Lawn tickets. All remaining tickets will be available tomorrow (June 27) at 10 a.m. Festival organizers will release the full lineup in the fall and general admission tickets and camping will go on sale at that time. For more information, click here.