ACM Tempo | Spring 2024

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ACM

It’s All About Connection

’ve never been “a single mom who works two jobs,” or a single mom, or any kind of mom for that matter (except a cat mom). So, when Reba sang those lines in the opening credits of her self-titled sitcom, I personally didn’t have much to relate to, but my own mom can vouch for the fact that every day after high school, the first thing I’d do was turn on reruns of Reba I can’t quite pinpoint what fueled this 16-year-old girl’s obsession or what exactly made me feel so connected to her, aside from us sharing birthdays. What I do know: Reba has the innate ability to make people feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood in everything she does. Hear from her, the 16-time, (soon to be 17-time) ACM Awards® host, on page 26.

Human connection is key in life, especially in music. The artists know that; the fans know that. Four-time ACM Awards nominee Jelly Roll and six-time ACM Awards nominee Megan Moroney dive into its importance on pages 46 and 50, respectively.

Above all, fans feel bonded to the stories told by the artists who make them feel less alone. It’s in the lyrics that put words to the feelings they can’t articulate. They even tattoo them on their bodies to carry with them through life. That’s what makes music so powerful. It’s not just entertainment or an escape; it ties us all together.

So, as we near the 59th ACM Awards, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and lose track of why we do what we do. We’re not just celebrating another year of Country Music standing tall, artists sharing their truths, breaking records, and achieving worldwide success — we’re also honoring the human connection woven into every song, every lyric, and every story shared that speak to us, and, most importantly, that stay with us.

Libby Gardner ACM Tempo Editor

E ditor

Libby Gardner

A ssistA nt E ditor

Brittany Uhniat

C ontributors

Lydia Farthing, Heather Howard

d E sign

Randi Karabin, Karabin Creative

Printing

Graphic Visions Commercial Printing

Photos

ACM, Alexa Alvga, Erick Frost, Keith Griner, Jeff Johnson, Robby Klein, MA2LA, David McClister, Andrew Pollitt

ACADEMY STAFF

CEo

Damon Whiteside

E

Lyndsay Cruz E

Gil Beverly

Tommy Moore

Kris Reyes

d

Steve Mekler

d ir EC tor/ d E sign A nd b r A nd C r EAtiv E

Lori Kraft

d ir EC tor/ d igitAL M A rk E ting

Matt Brum-Taylor

d ir EC tor/ i ndustry r ELAtions & AwA rds

Haley Montgomery

d ir EC tor/P ub L i C ity & M E di A r ELAtions

Jesse Knutson

s E nior M A n Ag E r/C o MM uni CAtions A nd

Lexi Cothran

s E nior M A n Ag E r/Ev E nts

Jennifer Davis

s E nior M A n Ag E r/ str At Egi C PA rtn E rshi P s Becca Fisher

s E nior M A n Ag E r/C ont E nt A nd E ditori AL

Libby Gardner

s E nior M A n Ag E r/ACM L ifting L iv E s

Taylor Wolf

M A n Ag E r/Progr AMM ing & C o MM

Kortney Toney

M A n Ag E r/C r EAtiv E & C ont E nt Produ C tion

Brittany Uhniat

C oordin Ator/Ev E nts

Alexis Bingham

C oordin Ator/ s o C i AL M E di A Katie Casserly

C oordin Ator/ fin A n CE A nd o PE r Ations

Kendra Williams

A ssistA nt/ACM L ifting L iv E s Brooke Boyd

A ssistA nt/M A rk E ting

Heather Howard

A ssistA nt/ i ndustry r ELAtions & AwA rds

Delaney Loughran

E x EC utiv E A ssistA nt to th E CEo Kristan Pridgen

M A n Ag E r/o ffi CE

Michael Stern

i nt E rns :

Kennedy Brady: Media Archives

Karenna Cox: Artist and Industry Relations

Kylyn Healy: Events

Jamea Kollie: Community Engagement

Lexie LaPlante: Publicity

Karson Leighton: Finance and Operations

Reese Manning: Marketing

Mollie Schumaker: ACM Lifting Lives

Molly Tetterton: Graphic Design

Gianna Thomas: Creative & Content Production

Mason Welch: Partnerships

OKLAHOMA CITY

AMARILLO• PAWHUSKA

Dear ACM Members,

We hope you are having a great spring season so far! It is exciting to see the continued growth and excitement around our Country Music genre as it expands further into the mainstream and spreads across the globe in its popularity. There has never been a better time to be a part of our great music community, and I am proud of the Academy’s Staff and Board of Directors for how we are supporting the growth, creating valuable conversations, and bringing resources and opportunities to our Membership and to young and diverse future music industry professionals.

As we head back to Frisco, Texas, for the 59th ACM Awards, we promise a show and several days of exciting events that will be bigger and better than ever, including the return of ACM Lifting Lives® LIVE Presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts at Topgolf featuring Parker McCollum and Friends, which will raise funds to support the important mission of the organization. Based on the recent announcement that the legendary entertainment icon Reba McEntire is set to return as our ACM Awards host for her 17th time, it is clear that this will be another unforgettable “party” that only the ACM can create. Don’t miss the exclusive interview with Reba on page 26 of this issue.

As we get ready for Country Music’s Party of the Year ®, we must also keep those we’ve lost in our hearts. This issue highlights the lives and contributions of two irreplaceable industry icons, Fran Boyd (P. 54), former Executive Director of the ACM, and management titan, Erv Woolsey (P. 56), both of whom will never be forgotten.

We’re excited for all of you to experience the ACM Awards spectacle in person, but in case you can’t make it, you can catch every minute of the red carpet and the ACM Awards live on Prime Video, Amazon Live, and the Amazon Music Twitch channel. And this year it is once again free to stream live in front of the paywall for our global audience to access even without Prime membership.

See you in Texas!

Damon Whiteside Chief Executive Officer

Reba Returns

Entertainment icon Reba McEntire will host the 59th ACM Awards on May 16 in Frisco, Texas, free to stream live on Prime Video across 240+ countries and territories.

Returning as host for the 17th time, the most of any artist, Reba has a celebrated history with Country Music’s Party of the Year and will also take the stage for a show stopping special performance, debuting brand-new music.

Reba said, “I am tickled to pieces to get to host the ACM Awards for the 17th time! What an honor to have been part of the past, present and now the future of the Academy of Country Music with Amazon Prime Video. I can’t wait to get to Texas and see everybody May 16th!”

NEW DIGITAL CONTENT SERIES EPISODES

ACM GARAGE TALK

The Academy continues to release digital content giving fans an inside-look into the lives of some of their favorite Country Music artists. The most recent episode of ACM Garage Talk featured Tenille Townes, who made the 46-hour drive from Canada to Nashville in her truck that she still drives to this day. She also gave fans a sneak peak of her recently released single “The Thing That Brought Me Here,” which was inspired by her truck. Also, featured in an episode, Nashville native Mitchell Tenpenny recollected his upbringing within a family deeply rooted in the music industry. He recounted memories of his grandma, a former Sony Music Publishing executive, taking him on drives up and down Music Row.

LAND.COM PRESENTS: ACM & LYRICS

And in case you missed it, the digital content series Land.com Presents: ACM & Lyrics followed Brantley Gilbert around his 300+ acre farm in North Georgia and explored his outdoorsman’s paradise.

LEVel Up: Empowering The Next Generation of

Country Music Leaders

The Academy of Country Music invited LEVel Up members to hear from three industry leaders in the PRO, producer, management, and publicity fields to further their professional development.

In February, ACM Board Member and immediate past chair of the Lifting Voices Council, Shannon Sanders (BMI), spoke about his journey in the music industry. He highlighted his work as a three-time GRAMMY award-winning producer and becoming the first African American President of the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, while providing insight into the PRO world.

The March event featured ACM Lifting Lives Board Chair, Daniel Miller (Fusion Music), who spoke about his career as an artist manager and how it led him to launch his own company. Additionally, Miller gave insight into the ins and outs of what it takes to help create rising and established artists, including touring budgets, traveling logistics, and studio recording sessions.

Cindy Hunt (Monarch Publicity), spoke from the publicist standpoint detailing preparation for media days, crisis management, and more.

Catch up on all the previous episodes of both series on the Academy’s YouTube channel

THE ACM TAKES OVER NASHVILLE’S WHISKEY JAM

The Academy of Country Music partnered with Whiskey Jam for the first time to host a live show as part of Whiskey Jam’s outdoor concert series. Taking place at Skydeck on Broadway, the event garnered recordbreaking attendance with fans packing out the rooftop venue to enjoy the ACMcurated lineup. Beginning with remarks from Ward Guenther (Whiskey Jam) and Damon Whiteside (ACM), the evening featured performances by Tyler Braden, Benjamin Joseph, Tiera Kennedy, Matt Koziol, LANCO, Meghan Patrick, Chase Rice, as well as surprise appearances from Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw.

OnRamp Showcases

Nasvhille’s Emerging Artists

In February, OnRamp, a program in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), hosted a songwriters round at Jackalope Brewing Company. The event featured performances by some members of the inaugural class including Larysa Jaye, Tae Lewis, Nick Tabron, Kendall Warner, and Julie Williams. Most recently, in April, members of the OnRamp class, Jasmine Bavaro, Tylar Bryant, Larysa Jaye, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Roz Malone, Daisha McBride, Jerison “Qualls,” and Nick Tabron, performed for an intimate group at Live Nation’s Nashville office. The inaugural class will close out its performance showcase with a grand finale at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley at the end of May. Tickets are available to purchase.

OnRamp’s Marketing Mastery Workshop

The inaugural OnRamp class culminated their year-long program with a workshop focused on navigating the dynamic marketing landscape. The panel consisted of industry professionals including Justin Luffman (WMG Nashville), Stephanie Davenport (WMG Nashville), Beville Dunkerley (Maverick), Lisa Chader (The Change Agent-Cy), Shelley Kirkman (Artist Stylist) and Kristan Pridgen (ACM). They discussed topics including social media management, media training, digital marketing, professional wardrobe, and more.

Back Row L-R: Kortney Toney (ACM), Erica Baker, Tatyana Carter, Nick Tabron, Jasmine Bavaro, Larysa Jaye, Tylar Bryant, Brandon and Derek Campbell (The Kentucky Gentlemen), Nina Owens

Front Row L-R: Jerison Qualls, Daisha McBride, Roz Malone, Dede Neahn West

Front Row L-R: Kortney Toney (ACM), Tae Lewis, Julie Williams, Kendall Warner, Derek and Brandon Campbell (The Kentucky Gentlemen), Tylar Bryant, Larysa Jaye

ACM Lifting Lives LIVE Returns

ACM Lifting Lives LIVE Presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts is back once again on the green at Topgolf The Colony on May 15, ahead of the 59th ACM Awards. ACM Award winner and Texas native Parker McCollum is set to headline the tentpole fundraising concert event of ACM Awards Week.

Joining McCollum will be six-time reigning ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion, four-time ACM Awards nominee Jordan Davis, first-time ACM Awards nominees Ashley Cooke and Kameron Marlowe, and more.

ACM Lifting Lives LIVE Presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts will raise money and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives, which works to improve lives through the power of music with a specific focus on health-related initiatives that use music therapy as a way of healing. Significant annual commitments include the ACM Lifting Lives Autism Lab at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and their annual Music Camp, a week-long, music-driven residential program for individuals with Williams syndrome. Their work also includes contributions to various organizations that provide mental health support for the Country Music community, along with grants through The Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, given to individuals who face unexpected emergencies or hardships.

ASCAP CONGRATULATES OUR 2024 ACM NOMINEES

KELSEA BALLERINI

KACEY MUSGRAVES

CHAPMAN

OLD DOMINION

SINGLETON

ASHLEY GORLEY

AUSTIN NIVAREL

BEN WILLIAMS

BROTHERS OSBORNE

DAN + SHAY

DAVID DORN

DYLAN SCOTT

F.REID SHIPPEN

HILLARY LINDSEY

ILYA TOSHINSKIY

JEDD HUGHES

JERRY ROE

JIM “MOOSE” BROWN

JIMMIE LEE SLOAS

JOSH MATHENY

JOSH OSBORNE

LADY A

LEX PRICE

MADDIE & TAE

NATE SMITH

PAUL DIGIOVANNI

PAUL FRANKLIN

TONY LUCIDO

TRENT WILLMON

ZACH CROWELL

JONATHAN

CHRIS STAPLETON

DANN HUFF

TRACY

JORDAN DAVIS

The Academy’s Intern Island

BY KENNEDY BRADY AND GIANNA THOMAS

1.| Kennedy Brady

MEDIA ARCHIVE

In this season of Intern Island, the next generation of creatives and professionals are building their dream careers

From Viola, Tennessee, Kennedy Brady is a senior in the honors program at Belmont University, studying music business with an emphasis in legal studies. She was a member of the first ethics case team from Belmont University to secure a first-place title in the Stetson-Templeton Business Ethics Case Competition, beating out Penn State and Georgetown. After her graduation, she plans to work in the industry for one year before pursuing a law degree, potentially returning to Belmont.

Previously, Brady worked at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, as the assistant box office manager. There she found joy in the people she served. An avid lover of the outdoors and a seasoned hiker, Brady loved that she was able to merge her passion for music and love of nature through The Caverns.

Currently, Brady has started a new entrepreneurial venture. She launched her blog — He Did What Now? — in April of 2024. Not even a month into publishing, her blog reached 25 states and three countries outside of the U.S. Brady hopes that as her career continues, she will be able to combine her passions for music, ministry, writing, and law.

“I remember watching the ACM Awards as a kid, soaking in every performance and speech,” said Brady. “A younger Kennedy would be thrilled to be a part of this organization, which makes me incredibly proud.”

As a Media Archive Intern, Brady works with the Academy’s prodigious content library and vault, documenting almost six decades of Country Music history. This includes sorting and cataloging footage and physical press while maintaining a newly created digital inventory system. She also assists with plans to package and publish archival content for the celebration of the 60th ACM Awards anniversary in 2025.

2.| Karenna Cox

ARTIST AND INDUSTRY RELATIONS

Artist & Industry Relations Intern

Karenna Cox is a Belmont University senior from Brentwood, Tennessee. She will graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor of business administration in music business with an emphasis in live event management, as well as a minor in music. At Belmont, she participates in organizations like Service Corps, a music industry volunteer organization, and Showcase Series, a collection of six student-run shows put on throughout the year.

This past January, Cox was the producer for Belmont’s Country Showcase, where she led the creative process and logistics for the show. Before interning with the Academy, she interned at SSM Nashville in label services and with Song Suffragettes working in the show’s merchandise department. She also studied in Los Angeles, where she interned at Next Step Talent.

“I can’t imagine working in any other industry besides music,” said Cox, “and I am so excited to take what I’ve learned at Belmont, continue to learn, and give people the best things they could experience: music and connection.”

As an Artist and Industry Relations Intern, Cox assists the Awards and Membership department with tasks surrounding the 59th ACM Awards show. She acts as the bridge between ACM Staff and Members of the Academy, often communicating with Board members, sponsors, artist teams, charity beneficiaries, nominees, and Members.

3.| Kylyn Healy EVENTS

Set to graduate in May 2024, Kylyn Healy is a senior at Belmont University studying music business. Healy has been a performer since childhood; she grew up singing, dancing, and performing in theatre. She loves going to live shows, which makes Nashville the perfect city to live, work, and study in. Healy also loves fashion and dancing, and most importantly, she loves Country Music.

“I fell in love with Country Music at an early age,” said Healy, “and now I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The fact that it has weaved its way into my work life as well is really no surprise.”

This love for music is evident in Healy’s previous internships and work experiences. She worked the Belmont Showcase Series in both 2022 and 2023, and she interned at Good Neighbor Festivals, where she worked at both Nashville Pride and Tomato Art Fest.

As an Events Intern at the Academy, Healy assists the department in preparation for the 59th ACM Awards with tasks such as creating and maintaining department inventories, vendor research, and outreach.

4.| Jamea Kollie PROGRAMMING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

From Detroit, Michigan, Community Engagement Intern Jamea Kollie is a senior at Tennessee State University (TSU) majoring in mass communications with a concentration in integrated marketing. She is set to graduate in December.

Before interning at the ACM, Kollie interned in radio promotions at Warner Music Nashville and volunteered at WFSK Jazzy 88.1. She interned at both Third Man Records and Wasserman Music, while also performing her duties as a GRAMMY U campus ambassador.

“Growing up in Detroit cultivated my love for music,” said Kollie. “The city’s rich cultural heritage of Motown, the transformative sounds of J Dilla, and the vibrant music scene — from El Club to The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre — exposed me to different genres and ignited my passion for creativity in music.”

In her free time, Kollie DJs around TSU’s campus, curates playlists, and enjoys reading philosophical pieces. Also, she is a co-founder of Music Unites, a music business organization at TSU.

As a Community Engagement Intern, Kollie supports the Academy’s diverse initiative programs, including OnRamp, LEVel Up, and the Lifting Voices Council.

5.| Lexie LaPlante

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Lexie LaPlante is currently studying at LIM College in New York City. This May, she will receive her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. Before making the big move to Nashville and into the music industry, her first few years of college were spent working in fashion PR in the Big Apple.

LaPlante has always had a strong love and appreciation for music. She began songwriting, singing, and playing guitar at the age of 8. Her love for Country Music bloomed later in life when she discovered artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Cooke, and Carly Pearce, who inspired her in the same way artists she had grown up listening to like Jewel and Stevie Nicks had. In 2019, LaPlante visited Nashville for the first time and fell in love with the city and its music scene.

Outside of fashion and music, LaPlante is also passionate about reading, cooking, and traveling. Interestingly enough, she went to a performing arts high school in the hangar of a New Jersey military base where the iconic Hindenburg airship was once kept.

“Working at the Academy of Country Music has truly been such an honor and one of the best experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of,” said LaPlante.

“Having watched the awards for years from my hometown in New Jersey, working here has been like getting to go behind the scenes of your favorite movie. Watching all of the moving parts and how everything comes together to create such a beautiful product has been an amazing learning experience and a whole lot of fun too!”

As a Public Relations Intern, LaPlante assists in drafting press announcements, tracking press coverage, and crafting media plans for major events, including the 59th ACM Awards.

6.| Karson Leighton

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Karson Leighton grew up in Schoolcraft, Michigan, and is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) studying music business. Leighton’s passion for music began early in life. At a young age, he started learning to play the piano, which led to writing and producing his own songs.

Prior to interning at the Academy, Leighton previously interned at The Basement as a venue management intern and was a part of the SOLID Mentorship Program. He has volunteered for the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and the MTSU Concert Council, and he’s currently the creative services and marketing executive and vice president of Match Records, MTSU’s student-run record label with 13 signed artists.

In Leighton’s free time, he likes doing landscaping projects, thrifting, hiking, and meeting new people.

“Growing up, I always dreamt of having a career in music but never knew what I wanted to do,” said Leighton. “What’s so great about the music scene in Nashville is there is a wide array of things to learn about, yet there’s still so many people who want to help you find your spot in the mix.”

As a Finance and Operations Intern, Leighton assists with various operational areas including inputting expenses, tracking incoming invoices, maintaining records and archives, and office management.

7.| Delaney Loughran

ARTIST AND INDUSTRY RELATIONS

Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, Delaney Loughran obtained her bachelor of arts in both public relations and advertising at Marist College. In her junior year of college, Loughran enrolled early into an accelerated/dual-degree five-year program. She will graduate in May 2024 with her master of arts in integrated marketing communications.

During her undergrad, she was heavily involved in a student-run communications firm focusing on nonprofit clients in the Hudson Valley, where she helped with community engagement and events. On a larger scale, Loughran previously interned with a global advertising agency, working in the client relations and account management department for Marriott.

Loughran is a huge fan of soul music and R&B. Her two favorite musicians of all time are Sam Cooke and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

“Moving to Nashville for this internship was the biggest — and, I’ve come to realize, best — decision that I’ve ever made. Prior to this, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I only knew that I desperately wanted to be in an environment that pushed me to do and be better, and I truly feel that the ACM team has given me that opportunity, and then some. So, as a result, I have found exactly what I want to do and where I want to be. Here I am surrounded by people that inspire me with both their work ethic and their genuine kindness.”

As an Artist and Industry Relations Intern, Loughran assists the Awards and Membership department with tasks surrounding the 59th ACM Awards. She also acts as a liaison when needed with ACM Board members, VIP donors and sponsors, talent teams, charity beneficiaries, and more.

8.| Reese Manning

MARKETING

Marketing Intern Reese Manning is a graduate student at Vanderbilt University receiving her master’s in marketing in May 2024. Originally from Houston, Texas, Manning graduated from Dallas Baptist University (DBU) in May 2023 with her bachelor of business administration in marketing. At DBU, she was the varsity cross country and track team captain and co-founded the school’s athletic outreach organization, AIM. During her undergrad, Manning interned at the semi-private airline JSX, assisting in travel marketing and brand management.

Moving from Dallas to Nashville was an easy decision for Manning after being accepted into Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management in 2023, as the Country Music culture has always been a significant part of her life.

“Growing up, I attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every single year and absolutely loved experiencing the thrill of seeing my favorite Country Music stars take the stage,” said Manning. “Singing my favorite songs with thousands of other fans in NRG Stadium instilled a unique appreciation for Country Music in my life.” Interning for the Academy seemed like the perfect opportunity for Manning to experience an industry she has admiration for while simultaneously developing her marketing skills. Outside of her love for Country Music, she enjoys running and will be participating in her first half-marathon in Nashville this spring.

As a Marketing Intern, Manning assists the Academy’s marketing, communications, and digital departments with preparations, promotion, and publicity for the 59th ACM Awards and ancillary events.

9.| Mollie Schumaker

ACM LIFTING LIVES

Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Mollie Schumaker graduated in May 2023 from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She decided to continue her education, pursuing an accelerated MBA with a music business concentration at Belmont University. She’ll graduate in August 2024. Prior to landing an internship with the Academy, Mollie interned at BMG as a marketing intern and at Johnson & Johnson as a customer development intern.

Schumaker has had a lifelong passion for making music and performing. In high school, she founded a service-oriented performance trio, building custom performances and playing in concerts for nonprofits on both local and national stages. This led her to performing for the U.S. Congress and the vice president and president of the United States at a congressional retreat. During her time at Penn State, she also was the music director of an a cappella group.

“Music has meant everything to me since day one,” said Schumaker. “As someone who has always particularly loved any music with guitar and/or strings, Country Music evokes a lot of feeling in me. I am beyond thrilled to be surrounded by it at the Academy of Country Music!”

As an ACM Lifting Lives intern, Schumaker works directly for the charity and supports the team with all ongoing projects and initiatives, including the ACM Lifting Lives annual fundraising concert event at Topgolf.

10.| Molly Tetterton

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Molly Tetterton is from Wilmington, North Carolina, and is currently studying music business at Belmont University. She is set to graduate in May 2024.

Before interning with the Academy, Tetterton interned at Mailbox Money Music as a social media content creator. Tetterton is also a member of Bear House Writer Management, a Belmont University writer management enterprise designed to promote the efforts of selected Belmont songwriters and provide professional opportunities for exposure for students interested in management and publishing. She has won a Belmont ASCAP Writers Showcase and has performed in the Belmont Country Showcase, two of six student-run shows put on throughout the year.

Tetterton’s passions are songwriting and performing. She’s had the opportunity to headline at renowned Nashville venue The End and played at 3rd and Lindsley.

“I used to beg my dad to let me move to Nashville when I was younger,” said Tetterton. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted, and to be now living and working somewhere as iconic as the Academy of Country Music is such an honor.”

As a Graphic Design Intern, Tetterton collaborates with the design and marketing team to conceptualize and create visual assets for the Academy’s social media platforms that align with the brand, including ACM Awards promotional materials, event signage, and more.

The 2025 ACM Internship application will open this fall.

The 2025 ACM Internship application will open this fall. Visit acmcountry.com/ employment for more information.

11.| Gianna Thomas

CREATIVE AND CONTENT PRODUCTION

Originally from California, Gianna Thomas graduated from California State University, Northridge, where she earned her bachelor of arts in film. After graduating, Thomas continued her education at Santa Ana College, pursuing a digital publishing certificate to help foster a career in concert photography and videography.

Growing up in a family that loved Country Music, she was bound to love the genre. Thomas grew up watching the CMT Top 20 Countdown, along with any award show she could get her eyes on. Over the years she has attended many Country concerts, watching artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Parker McCollum, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

Before interning with the Academy, she previously interned with the Sacramento Kings as an A/V technician, assisting in the Creative and Content department.

“During my time with the Sacramento Kings, I was lucky enough to be able to shoot a P!NK concert, and I remember thinking to myself in that moment, ‘This is what I want to do,’” said Thomas. “I fell in love with capturing these moments and memories, which led me to making the decision to apply to the ACM, something so close to home to me. It’s such a surreal moment.”

As a Creative and Content Intern, Thomas’ role focuses on three areas: video, writing, and social media. She serves as a production assistant on video shoots and assists in shooting, editing, and pulling photos/videos for the Academy’s social media portfolio.

12.| Mason Welch

PARTNERSHIPS

El Dorado Hills, California native Mason Welch is a senior at Belmont University, graduating in May 2024. He found his interest in Country Music and singing at a very young age watching performers like Scotty McCreery on American Idol with his family.

Before his internship at the Academy, Welch interned with ADP, allowing him to get some of the best “business-tobusiness” networking knowledge and learning to create beneficial connections.

“I took a huge risk by moving across the country to come to school in Nashville, but I couldn’t imagine my life in any other city,” said Welch. “It’s everything I could have ever asked for all in one place. I’ve enjoyed this internship experience because I have been given the opportunity to feel a part of a meaningful mission, reaching people through music. I have always wanted to do that in some shape or form, whether I was the one making it [music] or not.”

In addition to having a strong passion for the networking side of the music industry, Welch loves to sing and play the guitar. He also takes pride in being active; if you can’t find him on the golf course, you might find him at the gym. He also loves to have coffee with friends, spending quality time with people over a cup of joe.

As a Partnerships Intern, Welch helps integrate brands with the Academy and contributes to day-to-day development and execution of partnership agreements. He also helps track and organize partner data, deliverables, and activations.

• AEG PRESENTS CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR'S ACM AWARD • NOMINEES & WINNERS� INCLUDING OUR FRIENDS=

KACEY MUSGRAVES

KANE BROWN KELSEA BALLERINI

COMBS

Album Releases

Lily Rose Runnin’ Outta

Time

May 10

Terri Clark

Terri Clark: Take Two

May 31

Brian Kelley

Tennessee Truth

May 10

Tracy Lawrence Out Here In It

June 7

Kameron Marlowe

Keepin’ The Lights On

May 31

Megan Moroney Am I Okay?

July 12

Carly Pearce hummingbird

June 7

Various Artists A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty

June 21

Anne Wilson REBEL Out Now

SingleReleases

Colby Acuff

“Scared of the Dark” Out Now

Kane Brown & Marshmello

“Miles On It” Out Now

Mackenzie Carpenter “Sound of a Heartbreak”

May 17

Karley Scott Collins featuring Charles Kelley “How Do You Do That” Out Now

Kolby Cooper “Mama” May 31

Mae Estes “What I Shoulda Done” May 3

HunterGirl “Bad Boy”

May 3

Corey Kent “Rust” Out Now

Gary LeVox “Make It Rhyme” Out Now

Kameron Marlowe “On My Way Out” Out Now

Megan Moroney “Indifferent” Out Now

Thomas Rhett “Beautiful As You”

May 10

Colin Stough “Sober” May 24

Georgia Webster featuring Nightly “This Ain’t A Breakup”

May 10

Tour Dates

Colby Acuff

Colby Acuff Tour

Now–June

Direct support for Luke Combs’ Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Stadium Tour

Now–August

Jason Aldean

Highway Desperado Tour

May–October

Graham Barham

Direct support for Tyler Braden’s Real Friends Tour

Now–May

Direct support for Chayce Beckham’s Bad For Me Tour

May

Direct support for Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold Tour

June–September

Chayce Beckham

Bad For Me Tour

Now–October

Brooks & Dunn Reboot Tour

May–August

Kane Brown In The Air Tour

March–September

Karley Scott Collins

Direct support for Dwight Yoakam

May

Direct support for Nate Smith’s Through the Smoke Tour

September–November

Luke Combs

Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Stadium Tour

Now–August

Jackson Dean

Direct support for Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again Tour

May–November

Riley Green

Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour

Now–June

Jelly Roll

Beautifully Broken Tour

August–October

Tour Dates

Corey Kent

Direct Support for Parker McCollum’s Burn It Down Tour

Now–August

Dylan Marlowe

Direct support for Dan + Shay’s The Heartbreak On The Map Tour

July–September

Kameron Marlowe Strangers Tour

Now–May

Tim McGraw

Standing Room Only Tour

Now–June

Justin Moore and Randy Houser

The Country Round Here Tonight Tour

September 5–October 12

Megan Moroney

The Lucky 2.0 Headline Tour

Now–July

Direct Support for Kenny Chesney’s Sun Goes Down Tour with Zac Brown Band

Now–August

Georgia Girl Tour

September

Old Dominion Summer Festivals

Now–November

Carly Pearce

Direct support for Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only Tour

Now–June

Restless Road

Direct support for Cole Swindell’s Win The Night Tour

July

Nate Smith

Direct Support for Morgan Wallen’s

One Night At A Time Tour

Now–August

Through The Smoke

Headline Tour

September–December

Mitchell Tenpenny

Direct support for Luke Combs’ Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour

Now–August

Direct support for Jordan Davis’ Damn Good Time World Tour

Now–October

Morgan Wade

Crossing State Lines Tour

Now–May

Direct support for Alanis Morrisette’s

The Triple Moon Tour

June–August

The Obsessed Tour

July–November

Lainey Wilson Country’s Cool Again Tour

May–November

Chris Young Young Love & Saturday Nights Tour

Now–September

If you are an ACM Member and would like your artists’ upcoming releases and tours featured in the next issue of ACM Tempo , please email brittany@acmcountry.com.

BY LIBBY GARDNER

World Reba's Keeps Expanding

If you even occasionally stay up to date with the latest in pop culture, you’ve likely heard Reba McEntire’s name come up a lot recently. Not only is she a mentor on The Voice, working on new music, and starring in an upcoming sitcom, but she is also hosting the 59th ACM Awards, marking her 17th time in the gig, more than any artist in ACM Awards history.

“The ACM Awards feel like home to me,” said McEntire. “I feel so honored to have been a part of the Academy of Country Music over so many different eras. I could have never dreamed that I would be here about to host for the 17th time.”

McEntire first hosted the ACM Awards in 1986 alongside Mac Davis and John Schneider at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. And in reminiscing about past shows, there’s one moment that sticks out in her mind and one person in particular, a big-time entertainment legend and longtime producer of the ACM Awards, whom she credits for cultivating her hosting talents.

“Dick Clark taught me so much, and he really taught me how to be a host,” she recalled. “One year when I was hosting, he told me to go out on stage and fill some time while they tracked down Keith Urban’s guitar. I was scared to death and had no idea what to do. He ended up coming onstage with me and put his arm around me, and we made our way through it with some laughs.”

Over the years, McEntire has learned that showing up on time and being prepared ensure success, but keeping it light and making it fun is key, which seems to be consistent with her personality.

“Award shows are just a big ol’ family reunion,” she said. “Everyone is supporting each other.”

Yet, McEntire realizes the ACM Awards is more than just artists supporting artists — it’s about showcasing the genre we love to the world.

“The ACM Awards help bring Country Music to the masses and give artists an amazing platform and exposure,” she said. “They do amazing work for the genre, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.”

McEntire has witnessed firsthand and contributed to Country Music’s growth. She believes it’s hotter than ever these days.

“I love seeing more people paying attention [to Country Music] and joining the party,” she said. “It’s great for the genre and raises the bar for everyone.”

And McEntire herself is continuing to elevate Country Music even higher. She’ll debut a brand-new song on the ACM Awards stage this May.

“I’m going to be performing a new song called ‘I Can’t’ that was written by Victoria Banks, Tania Hancheroff, and Tia Sillers,” she said. “It’s a very dramatic, powerful song with killer background vocals, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’re doing with it! I can’t!”

If you’re wondering what’s on McEntire’s playlist (because I was), she’s listening to a lot of powerhouse females these days, including Lainey Wilson. She loves Brandy Clark’s songwriting style. And outside of Country Music, she’s a big fan of Lauren Daigle, Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, and P!NK.

Reflecting on her success, noting that she never thought she would have reached this level of stardom, McEntire credits her family for keeping her humble.

“They don’t let me get too big for my britches,” she said.

“My sister Alice once gave me a toilet seat cover for Christmas that said ‘The Twinkle.’ It reminded me that I’m just a twinkle, not a star!”

Still, McEntire has had some standout moments in her fivedecade-long career. She has won 16 ACM Awards and two GRAMMYs, sold more than 75 million records worldwide, and had 25 of her singles go to No. 1. One of her recent favorite highlights as a performer was singing the national anthem at Super Bowl LVIII this past February, but she draws even more satisfaction from coaching and mentoring other artists, like she’s doing on The Voice

“I’m most proud of the opportunities where I’ve been able to help other people,” she explained. “Anytime I can pass on some of what I’ve been blessed with, that’s what I’m most proud of … I’ve been lucky over the course of my career to have had great teachers, and I love having the chance to share as much as I can of what they taught me with this next generation.”

It’s safe to say that Reba McEntire is much more than a twinkle — she’s an immense, multi-dimensional star bringing light to the entirety of the genre. And as she balances her busy schedule between recording new music, taping episodes of The Voice and her new sitcom, and more, she tries not to take herself too seriously, taking it one day at a time and remaining steadfast in her faith.

“God gives me strength every day and tells me where I’m headed next!”

Undoubtedly, we’ll watch her star continue to rise. ●

NOMINEES THE

IN APRIL, NOMINATIONS WERE ANNOUNCED FOR THE 59TH ACM AWARDS .

The Bobby Bones Show kicked off the announcement, revealing nominees in some of the categories including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, Duo of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Across all categories, Luke Combs leads with eight nominations, Megan Moroney and Morgan Wallen follow with six, and Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson are tied with five each.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

WALLEN

WILSON

Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson are nominees for Entertainer of the Year. A win for either artist in this category will also clinch the coveted ACM Triple Crown Award, which consists of an Entertainer of the Year win, plus wins in an act’s respective New Artist (Male, Female, Duo or Group) and Artist (Male, Female, Duo, or Group) categories. Past ACM Triple Crown Award recipients include Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert , Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and others.

KANE BROWN

CHRIS STAPLETON

LUKE COMBS

MORGAN

JELLY ROLL

LAINEY

CODY JOHNSON

NOMINEES

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

COMBS

ROLL

Luke Combs leads with eight nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year, plus Music Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for their song “Different ‘Round Here.”

FAST FACTS

First-time ACM Award nominee Jelly Roll receives four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year. The last artist to be nominated for Entertainer of the Year as part of his or her first set of nominations was Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992, the same year he gained fame for his smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart.”

ASHLEY M c BRYDE

KACEY MUSGRAVES

KELSEA BALLERINI

LAINEY WILSON

MEGAN MORONEY

CHRIS STAPLETON

CODY JOHNSON

JELLY

LUKE

MORGAN WALLEN

Old Dominion receives a nomination for Group of the Year, making this the ninth consecutive year it has been nominated in the category. The group has taken home the title every year for the last six years.

Little Big Town receives its 18th nomination for Group of the Year, which ties the all-time record of 18 nominations for Group of the Year held by Alabama. Little Big Town has been nominated in the category every year since 2005, with the exception of 2011.

Brothers Osborne’s nomination for Duo of the Year marks its 17th ACM Awards nomination and its tenth year in a row being nominated for ACM Duo of the Year.

DUO OF THE YEAR

GROUP OF THE YEAR

BROOKS & DUNN BROTHERS OSBORNE DAN + SHAY

MADDIE & TAE THE WAR AND TREATY

LADY A OLD DOMINION

FLATLAND CAVALRY

ZAC BROWN BAND

LITTLE BIG TOWN

NOMINEES

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

GOLD

FAST FACTS

This is the first time since 2018 that the New Duo or Group category will be presented at the ACM Awards with all first-time nominees: Neon Union, Restless Road, and Tigirlily Gold.

KYLIE MORGAN

CONNER SMITH

HANNAH ELLIS

DYLAN SCOTT

TIGIRLILY

ASHLEY COOKE

KAMERON MARLOWE

RESTLESS ROAD

KASSI ASHTON

ERNEST

NEON UNION

MEGAN MORONEY

NATE SMITH

FAST FACTS

Megan Moroney receives the most nods for a female artist with six, including both Female Artist of the Year and New Female Artist of the Year. Moroney also received nominations for Song of the Year as artist and songwriter for “Tennessee Orange,” as well as nods for Visual Media of the Year, and Music Event of the Year for “Can’t Break Up Now” alongside Old Dominion.

Morgane Stapleton receives her first nomination as a producer, for work on her husband Chris Stapleton’s album Higher.

Kane Brown receives his 15th nomination as he’s up for Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company-Label(s)

GETTIN’ OLD LUKE COMBS

PRODUCERS: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: River House Artists / Columbia Nashville

HIGHER CHRIS STAPLETON

PRODUCERS: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Mercury Nashville

Kelsea Ballerini receives three nominations, including two separate nominations for Album of the Year as both Artist and Producer, marking her first album to be nominated for ACM Album of the Year. She is also nominated for Female Artist of the Year for the seventh time.

LEATHER CODY JOHNSON

PRODUCER: Trent Willmon

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville LLC

ONE THING AT A TIME MORGAN WALLEN

PRODUCERS: Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Big Loud Records / Republic Records / Mercury Records

ROLLING UP THE WELCOME MAT (FOR GOOD) KELSEA BALLERINI

PRODUCERS: Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Diener, Alysa Vanderheym

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Black River Entertainment

NOMINEES

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company-Label(s)

“BURN IT DOWN” PARKER MCCOLLUM

PRODUCER: Jon Randall

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: MCA Nashville

“FAST CAR” LUKE COMBS

PRODUCERS: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: River House Artists / Columbia Nashville

“ LAST NIGHT” MORGAN WALLEN

PRODUCERS: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Big Loud Records / Republic Records / Mercury Records

“ NEED A FAVOR” JELLY ROLL

PRODUCER: Austin Nivarel

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Stoney Creek Records / BMG Nashville “ NEXT THING YOU KNOW ” JORDAN DAVIS

PRODUCER: Paul DiGiovanni

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: MCA Nashville

Tracy Chapman receives her first nomination for writing “Fast Car,” which was originally released by Chapman in 1988 before Luke Combs released his version of the song in 2023. “Fast Car” has reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Lainey Wilson’s nomination for Song of the Year marks her third consecutive year being nominated and her fifth total nomination (including artist and songwriter credits) in the category.

FAST FACTS

The Single of the Year and Visual Media of the Year categories will both have first-time winners this year, as there are no previous winners nominated in those categories.

Cody Johnson’s five nominations this year make this the most ACM Award nominations he has ever received in one year and make him the Texas-born artist with the most nominations this year.

SONG OF THE YEAR

Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)

“FAST CAR” LUKE COMBS

SONGWRITER: Tracy Chapman

PUBLISHER: Purple Rabbit “ HEART LIKE A TRUCK ” LAINEY WILSON

SONGWRITERS: Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson

PUBLISHERS: Sony / ATV Countryside; Songs of Riser House; Songs of Wild Cat Well Music

“ NEXT THING YOU KNOW ” JORDAN DAVIS

SONGWRITERS: Chase McGill, Greylan James, Jordan Davis, Josh Osborne

PUBLISHERS: Anthem

Entertainment; Family Farm Songs; Hold On Can I Get A Number 1 Music; Songs of Universal Inc.

“THE PAINTER ” CODY JOHNSON

SONGWRITERS: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins

PUBLISHERS: Big Music Machine; BMG Platinum Songs US; Nashblonde Music; Pompano Run Music; Songs for Ellie May; Sony / ATV Tree Publishing; WarnerTamerlane Publishing Group; Well That Was Awkward Music

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR

Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

BURN IT DOWN PARKER M c COLLUM

PRODUCERS: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry

DIRECTOR: Dustin Haney

HUMAN CODY JOHNSON

PRODUCERS: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry

DIRECTOR: Dustin Haney

IN YOUR LOVE TYLER CHILDERS

PRODUCERS: Kacie Barton, Whitney Wolanin, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton, Silas House

DIRECTOR: Bryan Schlam

NEXT THING YOU KNOW JORDAN DAVIS

PRODUCERS: Wed Edwards, Angie Lorenz, Jamie Stratakis

DIRECTORS: Running Bear (Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone)

“TENNESSEE ORANGE ” MEGAN MORONEY

SONGWRITERS: Ben Williams, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins

PUBLISHERS: 33 Creative; Bone Bone Creative; Major Bob Music, Reservoir, Sony / ATV Tree Publishing

TENNESSEE ORANGE MEGAN MORONEY

PRODUCERS: Lauren Starr, Saul Levitz, Laura Burhenn

DIRECTOR: Jason Lester

NOMINEES

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company-Label(s)

“ CAN’T BREAK UP NOW ” OLD DOMINION, MEGAN MORONEY

PRODUCERS: Old Dominion, Ross Copperman, Kristian Bush

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Three Up Three Down, LLC / Columbia Nashville “ DIFFERENT ‘ROUND HERE ” RILEY GREEN (FT. LUKE COMBS)

PRODUCER: Dann Huff

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: BMLG Records “ I REMEMBER EVERYTHING ” ZACH BRYAN (FEAT. KACEY MUSGRAVES)

PRODUCER: Zach Bryan

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Belting Bronco Records / Warner Records, Inc “ MAN MADE A BAR ” MORGAN WALLEN (FEAT. ERIC CHURCH)

PRODUCER: Joey Moi

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Big Loud Records / Mercury Records / Republic Records “ SAVE ME ” JELLY ROLL (WITH LAINEY WILSON)

PRODUCERS: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Stoney Creek Records / BMG Nashville

FAST FACTS

Parker McCollum received two nominations, his first since winning New Male Artist of the Year in 2021.

Kacey Musgraves’ two nominations this year bring her total nominations count to 27, including eight nominations for Female Artist of the Year. She won the award in 2018, the same year she won Album of the Year for Golden Hour.

Zach Bryan receives three nominations for Music Event of the Year for “I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)” as artist and producer and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. This follows up his first ACM Award win at the 58th ACM Awards, where he took home New Male Artist of the Year.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

JESSIE JO DILLON

ASHLEY GORLEY

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

ZACH BRYAN

ERNEST

Morgan Wallen receives six nominations and ties Luke Combs for receiving nods in the most categories, including Album of the Year for One Thing At A Time, which spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart and tied Garth Brooks’ Ropin’ the Wind with the most weeks at No. 1 for a Country album. Wallen is also nominated for Single of the Year for “Last Night,” which is the longest-running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history, with 16 weeks atop the chart.

Chris Stapleton receives five nominations, including his ninth consecutive nomination for Male Artist of the Year, an award he’s won three times in the past.

Chris Stapleton is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, which he won for the first time at the 58th ACM Awards last year.

Watch the 59th ACM Awards on May 16 live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, only on Prime Video.

CHASE M c GILL

CHRIS STAPLETON

JOSH THOMPSON

MORGAN WALLEN

HILLARY LINDSEY

HARDY

ACM RADIO AWARDS

* Denotes winner(s)

NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Producer Eddie, Morgan, SZN, Mike D, Abby, Pitts, Kevin, Lauren, and Scuba Steve

The Bobby Bones Show

Ania Hammar

The Highway/Nights with Ania

Katie Neal*

Katie & Company

Elaina Smith

Nights with Elaina

Rob Stone and Holly Hutton

The Rob + Holly Show

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Buzz Brainard

Hot 30 Countdown with Buzz Brainard

Kix Brooks

American Country Countdown

B-Dub*

B-Dub Radio Saturday Night

Lon Helton

Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton

Wayne D and Tay

iHeartCountry

House Party

Kelly Sutton

Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(MAJOR MARKET)

The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister –

Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer, and “Captain Ron” Koons

KKWF-FM (Seattle, Wash.)

The Jason Pullman Show –

Jason Pullman*

KPLX-FM (Dallas, Texas)

Paul Schadt and Sarah Lee in the Morning –

Paul Schadt, Sarah Lee, and Producer Geoff

WKKT-FM (Charlotte, N.C.)

Angie Ward – Angie Ward*

WUBL-FM (Atlanta, Ga.)

The Most Fun Afternoons with Scotty Kay –

Scotty Kay

WUSN-FM (Chicago, Ill.)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(LARGE MARKET)

Dale Carter Morning Show –

Dale Carter

KFKF-FM (Kansas City, Mo.)

Anthony – Anthony

KFRG-FM (Riverside, Calif.)

Annie & Cole –

Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar*

WLHK-FM (Indianapolis, Ind.)

The Wayne D Show –

Wayne D and Tay Hamilton

WSIX-FM (Nashville, Tenn.)

Jesse & Anna –

Jesse Tack and Anna Marie

WUBE-FM (Cincinnati, Ohio)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(MEDIUM MARKET)

Drive Home with Jody Jo – Jody Jo

KSKS-FM (Fresno, Calif.)

Steve & Gina in the Morning –

Steve Lundy and Gina Melton

KXKT-FM (Omaha, Neb.)

The Doc Show –Doc Medek and Chewy Medek*

WGGY-FM (Scranton, Pa.)

New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody

– Nancy Wilson and Aaron Woods

WHKO-FM (Dayton, Ohio)

Mo & StyckMan –Mo and StyckMan

WUSY-FM (Chattanooga, Tenn.)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(SMALL MARKET)

Hilley & Hart –

Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart

KATI-FM (Jefferson City, Mo.)

Liz & Scotty in the Morning –Liz DelGrosso and Scotty Cox

KCLR-FM (Columbia, Mo.)

Morning Show with Pat James –

Pat James

KHUT-FM (Hutchinson, Kan.)

The Eddie Foxx Show –

Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx

WKSF-FM (Asheville, N.C.)

Steve, Ben and Nikki –Steve, Ben, and Nikki*

WXBQ-FM (Bristol, Va.)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

(MAJOR MARKET)

KILT-FM (Houston, Texas)

KKWF-FM (Seattle, Wash.)

KSON-FM (San Diego, Calif.)

WXTU-FM (Philadelphia, Pa.)*

WYCD-FM (Detroit, Mich.)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET)

KFRG-FM (Riverside, Calif.)

KNCI-FM (Sacramento, Calif.)

WDSY-FM (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

WLHK-FM (Indianapolis, Ind.)

WQDR-FM (Raleigh, N.C.)

WUBE-FM (Cincinnati, Ohio)*

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET)

KUZZ-FM (Bakersfield, Calif.)

KXKT-FM (Omaha, Neb.)

WBEE-FM (Rochester, N.Y.)*

WGGY-FM (Scranton, Pa.)*

WTHT-FM (Portland, Maine)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET)

KATI-FM (Jefferson City, Mo.)

KCLR-FM (Columbia, Mo.)

WFLS-FM (Fredericksburg, Va.)*

WNGC-FM (Athens, Ga.)

WRTB-FM (Rockford, Ill.)

INDUSTRY AWARDS

CASINO

OF THE YEAR

| THEATER

Choctaw Grand Theater

Durant, Okla.

Deadwood Mountain Grand

Deadwood, S.D.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Mashantucket, Conn.

Lucas Oil Live at WinStar

World Casino and Resort

Thackerville, Okla.

Resorts World Theatre at Resorts

World Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nev.

CASINO OF THE YEAR | ARENA

Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Lake Charles, La.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Atlantic City, N.J.

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

St. Louis, Mo.

Mohegan Sun Arena

Uncasville, Conn.

Mystic Lake Casino Showroom

Prior Lake, Minn.

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

Carolina Country Music Fest

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

CMC Rocks

Ipswich, Queensland

Crash My Playa

Riviera Cancun, Mexico

Tortuga Music Festival

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Windy City Smokeout

Chicago, Ill.

FAIR/RODEO OF THE YEAR

Auburn Rodeo

Opelika, Ala.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Cheyenne, Wyo.

Iowa State Fair

Des Moines, Iowa

Minnesota State Fair

Falcon Heights, Minn.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

San Antonio, Texas

CLUB OF THE YEAR

8 Seconds Saloon Indianapolis, Ind.

Billy Bob's Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Georgia Theatre

Athens, Ga.

Joe's Live

Rosemont, Ill.

Mission Ballroom

Denver, Colo.

THEATER OF THE YEAR

Beacon Theatre

New York, N.Y.

The Franklin Theatre Franklin, Tenn.

Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater

Austin, Texas

Ryman Auditorium

Nashville, Tenn.

Tabernacle Atlanta, Ga.

OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR

Ascend Amphitheater

Nashville, Tenn.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Morrison, Colo.

Santa Barbara Bowl

Santa Barbara, Calif.

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

St. Augustine, Fla.

The Wharf Amphitheater

Orange Beach, Ala.

ARENA OF THE YEAR

Bridgestone Arena

Nashville, Tenn.

Dickies Arena

Fort Worth, Texas

Hertz Arena Estero, Fla.

KFC Yum! Center

Louisville, Ky.

T-Mobile Center

Kansas City, Mo.

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR

Gil Cunningham

Andrew Fortin

Nicole More

Stacy Vee

Ed Warm

PROMOTER

OF THE YEAR

Jered Johnson

Patrick McDill

Brian O'Connell

Aaron Spalding

Adam Weiser

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Tony Lucido

Steve Mackey

Lex Price

Jimmie Lee Sloas

Craig Young

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

Fred Eltringham

Evan Hutchings

Greg Morrow

Jerry Roe

Nir Z

ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Todd Lombardo

Danny Rader

Bryan Sutton

Ilya Toshinskiy

Charlie Worsham

PIANO/KEYBOARDS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jim “Moose” Brown

David Dorn

Charlie Judge

Billy Justineau

Alex Wright

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Dan Dugmore

Paul Franklin

Josh Matheny

Justin Schipper

Bryan Sutton

ELECTRIC GUITAR

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Tom Bukovac

Kris Donegan

Jedd Hughes

Rob McNelley

Sol Philcox-Littlefield

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Drew Bollman

Jeff Braun

Jim Cooley

Jason Hall

Buckley Miller

F. Reid Shippen

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Charlie Handsome

Dann Huff

Joey Moi

Jon Randall

Derek Wells

The 2024 Studio Recording and Industry Awards will be presented to the winners at the 17th ACM Honors, a special event held annually at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. More details will be announced in the coming months.

Congratulations to our partner nominees!

Promoter of the Year — Adam Weiser, SVP Touring, AEG Presents

Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year — Stacy Vee, EVP, Goldenvoice/AEG Presents

Casino of the Year, Arena — Golden Nugget Casino, Lake Charles

Casino of the Year, Theatre — Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas

Arena of the Year — T-Mobile Center

Club of the Year — Billy Bob’s Texas and Mission Ballroom

Fair/Rodeo of the Year — Cheyenne Frontier Days

Outdoor Venue of the Year — Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Santa Barbara Bowl

Theater of the Year — Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater and Ryman Auditorium

Your Friends at

BY LIBBY GARDNER

JellyEmbraces Roll His Superpower —

Vulnerability

A four-time ACM Awards nominee, including first-time Entertainer of the Year nominee, Jelly Roll has learned that there’s power in his truth — a power that transcends far beyond the scope of just him, reaching fans and artists alike

TEMPO: Just to kick things off, I want to say congratulations on your four ACM Awards nominations. I know it’s the first time you’ve been nominated as well. So, how are you feeling?

JELLY ROLL: Unreal, man. I was at the ACM Awards last year, and of course, we debuted the duet with Lainey Wilson, which was just such a launchpad for what ended up happening with that song “Save Me” for us. But I just remember thinking, “Man, it don’t get no bigger than being nominated here.” I remember looking at the people in the front row, and Dolly and Garth hosting, and Stapleton, all the big dogs sitting up front. I mean, it’s one night that everybody in Country Music shows up for.

TEMPO: You’re nominated for Music Event, Single, Male, and then Entertainer, which is huge. And it’s the first time an artist has gone from never being nominated to be being nominated in the Entertainer of the Year category since Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992. So, what’s it like breaking a record like that?

JELLY ROLL: Man, I thought if I ever made any kind of history in life, it would only be for bad stuff. So, to be a part of little footnotes like that is the coolest thing ever. You know, the

obvious joke here is, “I hope they don’t break my ’Achy Breaky Heart.’” I’m such a dad. But, no, it’s really, really cool, man. I’ll tell you a story about being nominated for Entertainer of the Year. The first two people to text me were Cody Johnson and Kane Brown. Thought that was really cool.

TEMPO: I know you’re a Nashville native, yet you started in the rap world, and now you’ve entered the Country scene. Have people been accepting of that? Are people like, “No, this isn’t your wheelhouse. You need to get out?” How have both fan and artist reaction been?

JELLY ROLL: It’s a threefold question. The fan reaction was just awesome. It was, from day one, immediately open. Most artists were extremely in early with me. And I think this ACM nomination is solidifying that I have the respect of my peers. I don't know what it is about artists, but when you’re in this industry and this industry acknowledges what you do, there’s truly no better feeling. It’s the weirdest thing. This business is wild. We all know how wild it is. So, when you can get the respect of the people in this insanity, it’s the coolest feeling ever.

TEMPO: What is it about you or your music that you think people respect you for?

JELLY ROLL: I think that this is bigger than me and the music. I think this is a sign that people are behind the message. The message of what the music stands for, and what I stand for, has become so much bigger than me. The music was already bigger than me as a human, and the message has become even bigger than the music. I think it also sends an echo wave through the industry that, one, it’s never too late, and two, second chances can happen.

TEMPO: There’s vulnerability in your music, but also in how you go about your everyday life. And you’re very vocal about your past. Did you set out wanting to be vulnerable in your music or did it unfold in time?

JELLY ROLL: Well, one of my favorite things about Country Music was the vulnerability of it — in the music. I hate to talk about such old-school stuff, but I was turning a rock-and-roll friend of mine onto — that had never heard “Mama Tried”

— played him “Mama Tried” the other day. And he was like, “This is the most gangster stuff ever. I was like, “That’s what Country Music was built on — raw honesty.”

For me as a human, I’ve always believed that vulnerability was my superpower because I’m willing to eat it. And I think it makes people comfortable around me and makes people willing to eat it, too. I have really cool conversations with people that I don’t think they have with people normally, every day. And that’s a really cool feeling.

TEMPO: I know it’s not just your music — I know you’re vocal in the community, and especially with the fentanyl epidemic in the United States. Obviously, you felt motivated to speak up about this. Has this always been something you’re passionate about?

JELLY ROLL: I’ve always been passionate about it, but I think it just really opened up the opportunity recently, as my platform has grown. I just think it’s important that when fans, our industry peers, and God gives us a platform — it’s a culmination of the three — I feel like we owe it to all of them to use our platform in a positive way. It’s crazy to me how many people, even in our genre, use their platform to spread hate and division. I’ve watched it enough over the years and just knew I wanted to do it differently if I ever got a chance.

TEMPO: I think that’s incredible. Switching gears, I want to talk about your music. What can you share about any new music you’re working on?

JELLY ROLL: Oh, yes. New music is it, baby. I probably wrote 100-something songs last year towards this new album. I have never been more inspired or wrote more songs. I can’t quit. I got two weeks of writing coming up. I’m just losing my mind loving songwriting. I’m so inspired being on the road, hearing all these stories from different fans. Different people just encouraged me in a way I never would have dreamed.

TEMPO: What is it that gets your songwriting gears going?

JELLY ROLL: I’m inspired by people: conversations I’m having, stuff fans are telling me when they see me at grocery stores. It’s so funny; you write these songs as an expression of how you feel deeply, and then you start finding out that millions of people feel the way you feel. When they are open to be vulnerable and share that with you, it’s even more encouraging to write because now you have a muse.

TEMPO: I know you’re big on collaborations. Are those in the works too?

JELLY ROLL: Oh, man, we got some stuff cooking. We got some big in-genre collabs. We got a couple of out-of-genre collabs. The album is gonna be packed.

TEMPO: What do you love about collaborating?

JELLY ROLL: I just love people, I love art, and I love this shared experience. I don’t know how to describe this. Sorry if it comes off weird, but this is such a unique thing — what we do. Where I’ve ended up in life, making music, there’s maybe only 30 to 50 artists in America that do it at the level at which we do it. You just have such a shared chemistry with those people by nature. We're already all friends, and to me, it’s like, “Why would we not be making music if we’re friends?”

You know what I mean? People I talk to about it, they're like, “Man, I never thought of collabing as much as you do.” I was like, “Wow, that’s crazy to me that you haven’t.”

TEMPO: Do you think it's an ego thing — that people don't want to share their music?

JELLY ROLL: I think sometimes it’s an ego thing. I think sometimes people let management and record labels get in the way of art. I’m blessed that my management and my record label, Jon Loba, kind of let me do what I want and trust the process.

TEMPO: Is there a moment that you’re most proud of? It can be over the course of the last couple of years or in your lifetime. Is there something that sticks out to you that you’re just really proud of, music related or not?

JELLY ROLL: Goodness. The moment I’m probably the most proud of — ah, that’s a really good question. Over the last few years, I’ve been really proud of the way my daughter is handling high school. It’s such a sensitive time in a young lady’s life. And I’ve had to watch her deal with it, from mean girls to just what y’all go through in high school. You remember. Loving your best friend, fighting with your best friend. Just, this boy likes me, this boy now likes my friend. I’m just so proud of the way she’s handled it. It's been so fun to watch her become her own little human.

TEMPO: That’s so sweet. Does she come to you for advice?

JELLY ROLL: Oh, all the time. We have the coolest relationship. You know what I’ve learned? They don’t always want advice. Sometimes they just want you to listen. It took me a

You write these songs as an expression of how you feel deeply, and then you start finding out that millions of people feel the way you feel.

while to learn that everything’s not a teachable dad moment. Sometimes she just wants to come lay her head on my shoulder and bitch, and I’m totally okay with that.

TEMPO: To go back to the ACM Awards ... I know you were there last year, and I’m sure you had a blast. But what are you looking forward to most about this year’s show?

JELLY ROLL: The obvious: coming in four-time nominated. I don’t think people know how much the song “Save Me” meant to me. “Save Me” saved me from a dark place in my life. It went on to be the biggest record of my life. That song being nominated itself means almost as much as Entertainer of the Year to me because of the circumstances in which I wrote that song. Me and a high school best friend wrote that song together, and neither one of us had a publishing deal, and neither one of us had a record deal. It’s just a really cool story.

It’s gonna be a totally different experience this year. I’m super excited. My favorite opening monologue to a Country Music award show ever was last year at the ACM Awards. When Dolly Parton said that GOAT stood for “Garth organizing a threesome,” I pissed myself a little bit.

TEMPO: I think we all did. I don’t think we were expecting that to come out of her mouth. I have one final question. You’ve had so much success in this past year. How do you deal with the pressure of maintaining that success?

JELLY ROLL: I really don’t think about it. I felt the pressure at one point a little bit and the recording of the album, where I started overthinking it. But the pressure I feel is more to try to be a present father in the middle of this success. The pressure I feel is trying to make sure I make date-night time for my wife. Music, man, I just love it, dude. No pressure. I get pressure when I walk on stage. I’m nervous, but other than that, no pressure at all.

In life, we just all want to feel heard and seen. And I think that I’ve never felt more heard and more seen. And I think there are millions of people that spend a long time in life not feeling heard and seen that feel heard and seen now, too. ●

Emo Stay Cowgirl The is

here to

MEGAN MORONEY, the most nominated female at the 59th ACM Awards, is proving that emo cowgirls can write happy songs too. With new music on the horizon, she’s continuing to share her tales of heartbreak, while leaving room for the songs that celebrate cheerful stories radiating joy.

BY LIBBY GARDNER

TEMPO: Congratulations on your six ACM Awards nominations. That’s just absolutely incredible. I'm sure you're feeling a lot of things right now. So, how are you feeling overall with this news?

MORONEY: I’m still kind of trying to wrap my head around it. I just can’t believe it. I’m so excited, and it's just hard to believe a little bit.

TEMPO: And to be the most nominated female at this year’s show, that must mean something, too, right?

MORONEY: (Laughs) It’s very surreal, the feeling. I don’t know ... I just love writing songs, and so the fact that my love for songwriting has turned into this … it’s just crazy.

TEMPO: Now that you know you’re a six-time nominee, what are you looking forward to most about the ACM Awards this year?

MORONEY: I think just being at an award show when you’re nominated adds a different layer of excitement. And obviously, being nominated for six, that’s like, crazy. It’s fun, because, you know, I’ve got the new female artist category — got some friends in that category — the female artist category, and then the one with Old Dominion (Music Event of the Year). It feels like a reunion almost, at award shows, and I’m excited to catch up with everyone.

TEMPO: I want to go back to the beginning of your career. I know you were studying accounting at the University of Georgia, and then played at the Georgia Theatre, and everything changed. What happened in that moment? Was it as you were performing for the crowd, you realized, “Oh, this is what I want to do?”

MORONEY: Yeah, it happened exactly like that. I played that show, and I walked offstage and basically told my parents that I wanted to drop out and move to Nashville. I played like, maybe a 20-minute or 30-minute set, and it was all covers, except for the one song that Chase Rice told me that I needed to write to be able to open for him. So, I wrote my first song to be able to do that. There’s just something about performing a song that I had written, and then having people be like, “Oh, my gosh. Wow, that’s a great song.” I was like, “Yep, I’m not doing taxes. I’m gonna figure out how to make this work.”

I think the sad songs — they touch people. Music definitely helps everyone feel less alone.

TEMPO: I don’t blame you. I think you chose the right path. Now, I want to segue into your songwriting because I know that’s important to you. It’s very prolific, and it feels very honed in for somebody who is at the beginning of their career. Does that just come naturally to you?

MORONEY: I think, obviously, the more you write, the better you get. And I mean, I’ve always been a good writer. I felt [I was] in school, but I never tried to write songs. And then once I tried to write songs, COVID happened. So, there was really nothing to do except to write songs every day. I wrote at least one song a day for a long time. There was something so exciting [about songwriting] where I couldn’t get that feeling anywhere else, and I wanted to feel that a lot. I combine that excitement and passion for songwriting with my horrible taste in men and then the bad relationships that I’ve been in, and they just come out. I feel like a lot of my songs write themselves, the ones that make the record. And they’re coming from a place of honesty and vulnerability — just trying to really feel my feelings, and then, make it rhyme.

TEMPO: Clearly, you’re inspired by the real-life moments. But what does your songwriting process look like? Are you more of lyrics first and then the melody, or vice versa?

MORONEY: I’ll come up with the hook first, so that helps me come up with the melody and the music for it. But as far as like coming up with the hook, that's literally based on real life. Like for “Lucky” — “Tonight you’re lucky I’m drinking” — that was an experience like, “I would never talk to you again, but you’re lucky I’m drinking.” So, we're gonna turn that into a song. “Sleep on My Side”: “I sleep on my side, and you sleep with everyone.” I got cheated on, and I was like, “Well, I’m not gonna burn his house down, but I will make him think about it all the time by writing the song and putting it out.”

TEMPO: That’s the way to do it.

MORONEY: I would say that there’s a few songs that come out of left field. There’s one off my upcoming album that I wrote inspired by a movie, but I feel like that’s a rare case.

TEMPO: You’ve branded yourself as this emo cowgirl. You obviously write happy songs, too, but I feel like sad songs are your forte and they really seem to stick with the fans. Is it exhausting to write sad song after sad song?

MORONEY: Sometimes I will go into a writer’s room and I’m like, “I cannot write another sad song. We exhausted all of our sad-song topics.” Then, I’m just in the mood to write something happy, but it just depends. I think the sad songs — they touch people. Music definitely helps everyone feel less alone. I feel like a lot of people, we all go through the same things. So, to have the songs they can go to — I probably have some passive listeners with a song like “Traitor Joe,” but fans that can really relate to “Girl in the Mirror,” I think would go to war for me.

TEMPO: So, are you then the type of person who turns on a sad song when you’re sad?

MORONEY: I like to pour gasoline on fire. I’m like, “Yup, let’s get more sad.”

TEMPO: I know you're working on new music. You have two new songs out, so I’m curious to hear your take on this new album that you’re getting together and what fans can expect from it.

MORONEY: So, I actually just got the mixes back yesterday. As far as the standard album goes, that is basically done, on my end at least. So, I’m very excited about that. I feel like sonically it’s similar to Lucky. Some songs lean a little more modern. I’ve explained it on my Instagram caption as, “It feels like Lucky ’s cooler older cousin that can drink” because there’s just something more grown up and cool about this one. And even the visuals are more elevated. My debut album wasn’t even out this time last year, so it’s not like I did a complete one-eighty. They’re very much on brand. There are definitely emo cowgirl songs. There are fun songs. I’m excited.

It used to be a thing where your album cycle was two years, and then I started writing and I was like, “Wait, I have enough to put out an album. I should give my fans what they want.”

We’ve just been working overtime to get that done before I go out on the road, because once I’m out on the road, my brain goes into touring mode.

TEMPO: Now that you’re ACM nominated, you’re on tour with Kenny Chesney, and you’re playing festivals, do you feel pressure to keep up the success?

MORONEY: I try not to think about it, which is a weird response to that question. I know that at the end of the day, what is driving my whole career is the songwriting. So, if I can continue to write good songs and make that my numberone priority, then everything else will follow behind it. And songs matter the most. I can’t start writing bad songs and putting them out. I guess there’s more pressure to write good songs, I would say.

Everything has happened so quickly. And I’ve done things that because it’s happened so quickly, I’ll go into it not even feeling prepared. The first time I got to play on TV was for “Tennessee Orange,” and it was ESPN Game Day. I was like, “We’ve never even done the Weather Channel.” (Laughs) So, I feel like a lot of my career has been me looking in the mirror and being like, “You can do this.” And then, I just really don’t really think too far into the future. I try to take it day by day and know that if I continue to work hard and continue to write good songs, good things will continue to happen. ●

FRemembering

Fran Boyd

BY LYDIA FARTHING

ran Boyd, former Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music, passed away peacefully in her home on March 9, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 84.

Growing up in a military family, Boyd spent her childhood traveling around the Eastern U.S. and Europe before meeting and marrying her husband, Bill Boyd, in 1957. In 1968, she joined the ACM Staff, coming on as an executive secretary and becoming the Academy’s first paid employee. Over the next quarter century, she worked her way up through the Academy, overseeing daily operations, serving as Talent Producer of the annual ACM Awards, coordinating the yearly Bill Boyd Celebrity Golf Classic, and more. Bill himself led the organization from 1981 until his death in 1995, when Fran became the Academy’s Executive Director. She retired from her role in 2002.

At the time of her retirement, Boyd said, “I continue to be proud of all the Academy of Country Music has accomplished in my time. It has given me great joy to see so many young Country artists rise from newcomers to having great careers. The Academy has helped music fans acknowledge Country Music as the enduring genre it deserves to be.”

The Academy’s signature “hat” trophy was created the same year Boyd joined the Academy, and throughout her 34 years of service, she saw the organization open its first office in Hollywood, California, refresh its name from the Academy of Country and Western Music to the Academy of Country Music in the early 1970s, and move the awards show to a number of major California venues, including Disneyland, Universal Amphitheatre, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

“Her tireless work and years of dedication to this organization, the Country Music industry, and its artists cannot be overstated, and her legacy with the Academy will forever live on.” —DAMON WHITESIDE

“Her tireless work and years of dedication to this organization, the Country Music industry, and its artists cannot be overstated, and her legacy with the Academy will forever live on,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music.

“Fran Boyd played an essential part in the Academy’s history, stretching way back to the earliest days in the 1960s and steering the ship through decades of change, innovation, and growth, all while fostering an incredible passion for Country Music,” said Gayle Holcomb, ACM Board Sergeant-At-Arms and longtime Board member. “Fran will always be remembered as a champion for our industry, its artists, and this organization. On behalf of the ACM Officers and Board of Directors, I send our gratitude, prayers, and condolences to the Boyd family.” ●

1. Fran Boyd and Ron Martin at the 13th ACM Awards in 1978. 2. Fran Boyd and Gene Weed at the 7th ACM Awards in 1972. 3. Fran Boyd and Dick Clark at the 33rd ACM Awards in 1998. 4. Fran Boyd works on the 28th ACM Awards seating chart in 1993.

Erv Woolsey 1944-2024

Erv Woolsey, a former music executive, entrepreneur, and longtime manager for Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait, died on March 20, 2024, due to complications from surgery. He was 80.

Born Eugene Ervine Woolsey, the Texas native began his career in the music industry in Decca Records’ promotion department. Making his way to Nashville in 1973, he took on the role of head of promotions for ABC Records’ Country division. From there, he moved to MCA during the 1980s, working closely with an array of acts, including future Country Music Hall of Famers Barbara Mandrell, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, and more, before leaving the record industry in 1984 to manage then up-andcomer George Strait. The pair enjoyed a nearly five-decade-long partnership that saw Strait become one of the most revered artists in Country Music history. With Woolsey by his side, Strait secured two ACM Entertainer of the Year awards, notched more than 60 No. 1 songs, and sold over 105 million albums.

Woolsey’s mark on modern Country Music extends beyond Strait; he managed a number of hitmakers throughout his career, including Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Milsap, Clay Walker, and Lee Ann Womack. More recently, his lengthy management roster also featured Ian Munsick, Kylie Frey, and Leftover Salmon founder Vince Herman, among others.

Erv Woolsey and George Strait just after Strait’s first appearance at the Houston Rodeo in 1983

Reba Returns

21st ACM Awards

Knott’s Berry Farm in California | April 14, 1986

Reba McEntire, John Schneider, and Mac Davis pose as the hosts of the 21st ACM Awards held on April 14, 1986, at Knott’s Berry Farm, marking Reba’s first time as the host. She holds the record for the most hosting appearances in ACM Awards history, returning this year for the 17th time.