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.
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.
Industry Ink: Morgan Wallen, Elle King, Macy Dot Neal, Bill Pursell
/by Caela GriffinMorgan Wallen Donates $100,000 To Chicago’s Bessemer Park
Pictured (L-R): Jenna Sanchez, Cubs Charities Representative; Morgan Wallen; Rosa Escareño, General Superintendent & CEO of Chicago Park District. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen presented a $100,000 check for the revitalization of Chicago’s Bessemer Park baseball fields as his “One Night At A Time World Tour” resumed in Chicago at Wrigley Field.
Wallen’s donation to the home field of Baker and Bowen High School students complemented a previous $150,000 donation form Cub Charities. Altogether, the donations will contribute to a fully upgraded diamond with new backstop, side wings and dugouts, as well as a full rehabilitation of the playing surface for multiple levels of play.
“Our mission with the Morgan Wallen Foundation is to support youth programs in the areas of sports and music. We are thrilled to donate $100k to Bessemer Park to give the kids a place to play ball here in South Chicago,” says Wallen. “This donation combined with being back on stage performing for my fans tonight at Wrigley is a true double header for me.”
Wallen’s donation comes as his “One Night At A Time World Tour” is once again underway, with 83,076 fans in attendance across both nights in Chicago, making him the first country artist to sell out two back-to-back nights at Wrigley Field.
Elle King Joins Campaign to Save Rockwood Music Hall In New York
Elle King. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Elle King has joined the Campaign to Preserve Rockwood Music Hall in New York City.
The iconic venue that has hosted more than 75,000 shows and helped launch the careers of thousands of artists is struggling to stay open. The benefit concert series will kick-off on June 30 with a performance by Sara Bareilles, who is leading the campaign. King will headline a show there on July 31 and the series also includes performances by Chris Thile, Ingrid Michaelson and more.
King also recently teamed with with hit producer Diplo to release a new song, “Without You.” Earlier this month, she hosted CMA Fest with Dierks Bentley and Lainey Wilson in Nashville. The three-hour primetime concert special will air July 19 and includes performances by some of the biggest names in music. That weekend, King and Diplo also filmed the music video for “Without You.”
Macy Dot Neal Wins Inaugural Dolly Parton Songwriters Award
Picture (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Macy Dot Neal, BMI’s Mitch Ballard. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
The BMI Foundation presented Nashville-based singer-songwriter Macy Dot Neal with the inaugural Dolly Parton Songwriters Award for her song “Texas, Tennessee” at the CMA Fest Ryman and BMI Block Party on June 8.
The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual, national competition open to aspiring songwriters with a monetary prize of $10,000 for the best original song entry in the genres of Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk and roots.
Originally established in 2015 as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship, the award was created to celebrate the BMI 75th anniversary and pay homage to the musical epicenter and “Songwriting Capital of the World,” Nashville, Tennessee. In 2022, the program was revised to honor the creativity and generosity of the legendary artist Dolly Parton with an endowment from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston as well as a contribution from country superstar Luke Combs.
Neal has performed at venues across both Austin and Nashville and has opened for Kacey Musgraves, Gary P. Nunn and Zane Williams, among others. She was named the 2020 Young Artist of the Year by the Texas Country Music Association and is studying songwriting and music business at Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
Upon receiving the award, Neal said, “I have been writing songs for as long as I can remember, and I truly cannot thank you enough for supporting my dreams. And it’s named after the Queen herself, Ms. Dolly Parton, which makes it even more special! Thank you BMI and thank you for all you are doing to support songwriters.”
Songwriting legend Parton commented, “Congratulations to Macy on receiving the BMI Scholarship this year! I know you are building quite a reputation as a songwriter as well as being a great singer and entertainer. Songwriting for me has always been my first love and I have been with BMI since I published my first song as a very young girl. They have always been so supportive of me as well as all young writers that come to town. I want to thank BMI for their support of the songwriters’ award named in my honor. We all wish you the very best, Macy, and we look forward to hearing your songs throughout the years.”
‘Lost In Time: A Tribute To Bill Pursell’ Wows At 3rd & Lindsley
Photo: JaiJai Jackson
3rd & Lindsley celebrated a musical tribute for the late composer, arranger, pianist and Belmont University’s 37-year professor of Music, Dr. William (Bill) Pursell, with a grand performance on June 15.
Vocalist Laura Pursell, The Nashville All-Stars and the Nashville Recording Orchestra conducted by Steve Maudlin performed Pursell’s iconic arrangements and songs from his 50-year musical career. Pursell played on recordings with Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg, Chet Atkins and more along with some of his last original works.
Country Music Hall of Fame musician and longtime friend of Pursell, Charlie McCoy, opened the evening with a spirited and harmonica-filled set and guest vocalist Julia Holland stepped in for one song from Pursell’s Millenium LP. An A-list of musicians onstage was comprised of guitarists Tom Hemby and Pat Bergeson, bassist Jim Ferguson, drummer Bob Mater and pianist Jason Coleman.
Kane Brown Plays Largest Headlining Show Yet
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Darius Rucker, Kane Brown and Restless Road
Kane Brown marked a major milestone this weekend when he performed at Boston’s Fenway Park. Playing to over 35,000 fans, it was the entertainer’s largest career headlining show to date.
The show also marked the first time a Black artist has headlined the historic ball park solo. Brown was joined by Darius Rucker, Gabby Barrett and Restless Road for the historic night on his “Drunk or Dreaming Tour.”
The milestone comes as the newest of Brown’s recent career achievements. The singer-songwriter just celebrated his multi-week No. 1 with his wife Katelyn, “Thank God,” while his current single, “Bury Me in Georgia,” is rising on the charts. Earlier this year, he was nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the ACM Awards for the first time in his career.
Brown’s “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” follows the success of his “Blessed & Free Tour,” during which he visited all 29 NBA basketball arenas, making him the first country artist in history to headline every NBA basketball arena in a single tour and one of only 10 other country acts to sell out Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center).
Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Old Dominion, More To Play Benefit For The Covenant School
/by LB CantrellA full slate of Nashville artists have signed on for a concert benefiting The Covenant School. Taking place Aug. 7 at the Grand Ole Opry House, the night will honor the students, faculty and the families impacted by the horrific shooting at the Nashville school this spring.
Hosted by longtime country music radio and broadcast personality Storme Warren, “A Covenant Knight at the Grand Ole Opry House” will feature performances from Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Old Dominion, Lee Brice, Maddie & Tae, Jeffrey Steele, Needtobreathe, Anne Wilson, Brandon Heath, Zach Williams and other special guests.
The show is produced by two Covenant School parents and industry music veterans, Houston Phillips and Chad Schultz, along with Covenant Staff, in conjunction with Opry Entertainment Group.
“This event stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering strength of Nashville’s country music community, friends, neighbors, and especially parents,” says Phillips. “I was truly moved by the inherent goodness of those who offered support, no questions asked, as we worked to create an event that would lift up our community and contribute to Covenant School’s ongoing recovery efforts.”
Limited tickets will be available to the public beginning Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. central. All proceeds will go to The Covenant School Community Fund to continue mental health support for healing, ease the transition back into the building and equip the school for a safe, successful new year together.
Following the Aug. 7 show, A Covenant Knight at the Grand Ole Opry House will air for six consecutive nights on Circle Network, starting Aug. 19.
2023 Country In The Keys Festival Set For July
/by Lorie HollabaughThe second annual Country in the Keys Festival is set for July 1-4 at the Isla Bella Beach Resort in the Florida Keys.
Hosted by Isla Bella Beach Resort and Sony Music Publishing Nashville, the event will showcase singer-songwriters including Tenille Arts, Filmore, Tyler Braden, Emily Weisband, Matt Rogers, Tim Nichols, JT Harding, Trannie Anderson, Zach Kale, Jimmy Yeary, The Isaacs and Lindsay Rimes.
All events will be emceed by Storme Warren, and performances will be for resort guests with a select group of tickets for outside invitees. The Isla Bella Beach Resort is a hotel and spa based at the threshold of the Seven Mile Bridge. The resort sits on 24 waterfront acres. In addition to the private, mile-long coastline, the property offers five oceanfront pools as well as four distinct dining spots. For more information, click here.