ACM Tempo | Spring 2023

Q&A with reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year PARKER McCOLLUM

ACM AWARDS NOMINEES A Complete List

For the first time, unite to host the 58th ACM Awards

DOLLY PARTON AND GARTH BROOKS

COUNTRY MUSIC’S PARTY OF THE YEAR

WATCH LIVE | MAY 11 | ONLY ON

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12 | ACM LIFTING LIVES LIVE: MORGAN WALLEN & FRIENDS

PRESENTED BY VGT BY ARISTOCRAT GAMING

The sold-out fundraising concert will precede the ACM Awards

14 | THE INTERNS

Meet the 2023 ACM interns as they gear up for Frisco

32 | ACM NOMINEES

The complete list of the 58th ACM Awards nominees

46 | FROM THE RED BARREL LOUNGE

Some of Country Music’s newest artists visit ACM HQ in Nashville

50 | Q&A

Hear from reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year Parker McCollum

Cover Story

Garth Brooks

This Ain’t Our First Rodeo

As all of us at the ACM®, our Board, Members, and Staff and our partners at dcp and Prime Video, prepare for the 58th ACM Awards®, it’s clear we’ve done this before. However, as we head to a new venue and a new city, we are boasting numerous first-time moments and accomplishments proving not only Country Music’s relevance but also its ability to adapt, reinvent, and feel fresh.

This year marks the first time the ACM Awards will be held at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas — the first time the Awards show will be hosted by superstar pair Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks; the first time Brooks will ever host an awards show; the first ACM Kickoff at The Star, a free fan festival; and the first ACM Songs & Stories brunch, showcasing the ACM Songwriter of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year nominees. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

Additionally, the Academy proudly celebrates its talented list of nominees, many of whom had first-time or record-breaking nominations, including Kane Brown’s first nominations for Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, Miranda Lambert with her record-breaking 17th Female Artist of the Year nomination, Cole Swindell’s first time Single of the Year, Visual Media of the Year, and Music Event of the Year nominations, and The War and Treaty’s first nomination for Duo of the Year, which also marks the first time a Black duo received the nod. See the full list of nominees on P. 32.

ACM Lifting Lives®, always in the forefront of the Academy’s efforts, fittingly will proceed the ACM Awards with two events: ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On and ACM Lifting Lives LIVE: Morgan Wallen & Friends Presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming. This first-time fundraiser concert sold out in days raising thousands of dollars for the organization.

Don’t get me wrong — Country Music and the Academy’s focus remains about the music. But this time of year, as songwriters, artists, musicians, industry-folks, and fans converge in person to celebrate achievements and this art form, we’re reminded that Country Music transcends the physical. It brings us together wherever we are. Whether you’ll be in Frisco with Dolly, Garth, and all of us at the Academy or watching on Prime Video, we’ll all be feeling the undeniable presence of Country Music.

And while it’s not our first rodeo, when that first chord rings out onstage, it’ll sure feel like it.

Cheers, Libby Gardner ACM Tempo Editor

E ditor

Libby Gardner

A ssistA nt E ditor

Brittany Uhniat

C ontributors

Hannah Musiak, Craig Shelburne

d E sign

Randi Karabin, Karabin Creative

P rinting

Graphic Visions Commercial Printing

P hotos

ACM, David Bergman, Getty Images, Chris Kleinmeier, Zach Pigg, John Shearer, Art Streiber, Aubrey Wise, Jim Wright

ACADEMY STAFF CE o

Damon Whiteside

E x EC utiv E d ir EC tor /ACM L ifting L iv E s

Lyndsay Cruz

vi CE P r E sid E nt/ fin A n CE & o PE r Ations

Alexa Fasheh

vi CE P r E sid E nt/ str At Egi C PA rtn E rshi P s

Jen Heaton

vi CE P r E sid E nt/M A rk E ting

A nd d igitAL str At Egy & E ng Ag EME nt

Rory Levine

vi CE P r E sid E nt/A rtist & i ndustry r ELAtions ,

b oA rd A d M inistr Ation & g ov E rn A n CE

Tommy Moore

d ir EC tor /C r EAtiv E & C ont E nt

Brandon Campbell

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

Lori Kraft

d ir EC tor / b r A nd M A rk E ting & PA rtn E rshi P s

Steve Mekler

d ir EC tor /C o MM uni CAtions , M E di A r ELAtions & r A dio

Melissa Moldovan

d ir EC tor /Ev E nts

Lanni (Gagnon) Niggli

d ir EC tor / fin A n CE & o PE r Ations

Kris Reyes

d ir EC tor /A rtist & i ndustry r ELAtions , b oA rd A d M inistr Ation & g ov E rn A n CE

Maddy Stessman

M A n Ag E r /Ev E nts

Jennifer Davis

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

Rebecca Fisher

M A n Ag E r /C ont E nt & E ditori AL

Libby Gardner

M A n Ag E r / P ub L i C ity & M E di A r ELAtions

Jesse Knutson

M A n Ag E r /A wA rds & M EM b E rshi P

Haley Montgomery

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

Taylor Wolf

C oordin Ator /C r EAtiv E & C ont E nt

Brittany Uhniat

E x EC utiv E A ssistA nt to th E CE o

Kristan Pridgen

M A n Ag E r /o ffi CE

Michael Stern

A ssistA nt/Ev E nts

Alexis Bingham

i nt E rns

Sophie Biancalana – ACM Lifting Lives

Brooke Boyd - Events

Lauren Brown - Marketing

Maddie Campbell - Publicity & Media Relations

Anam Faruqi – ACM Lifting Lives

Celia Hunter – Artist & Industry Relations

Hannah Musiak - Creative & Content

Mimi Perry - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Taylor Rand - Events

Ashley Ward - Strategic Partnerships

Dear Members,Academy

We are in the final planning stages of bringing Country Music’s Party of the Year® to life for a global audience for a second year with our partners at Prime Video, and we could not be prouder that this year’s show will be helmed by music’s biggest superstars, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. This year will be one for the record books thanks to this iconic host pairing, the stellar list of performers, the groundbreaking format of a commercial-free, two-hour streaming event, and, of course, christening our brand-new home at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters in Frisco, Texas!

The Academy continues to innovate and identify new ways to reach our Country audience, as well as identify value for our Membership. After the 58th ACM Awards nominees were revealed live on The Bobby Bones Show for the first time in ACM history, we received tremendous excitement from the media and fans about our returning nominees, our first-timers, and the overall diversity of the nominations slate. It is rewarding to see the reaction to the nominees that our Members selected and to shine the spotlight on the breadth of our artist community. In fact, HITS called us, “The genre’s most important TV show.”

This year, we’re excited to have the ACM Awards back in full swing. In addition to the sold-out Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On concert event, ACM Lifting Lives LIVE: Morgan Wallen & Friends Presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming benefiting ACM Lifting Lives, we also have two days of music and interactive activities for fans. They can enjoy the ACM Country Kickoff, an intimate ACM Songs & Stories brunch event powered by The Bluebird Cafe and NSAI in celebration of our ACM Songwriter and ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year nominees. Plus, we’ll have our reimagined Media Row, live red carpet show, Party in the End Zone afterparty, and so much more. As we prepare for an action-packed week in Texas, please refer to our website and our “Countdown to the Party” Member email updates for specific information.

Everything we are doing this year during ACM Awards week is elevating the experience for our Members, providing opportunities to our entire artist community, and making sure we connect artists, the industry, and the fans, which is the mission of the Academy.

We can’t wait to see you in Texas!

Damon Whiteside Chief Executive Officer

GLOBAL SUPERSTARS DOLLY & GARTH TAKE ON FRISCO

Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks are teaming up to host the 58th ACM Awards which will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240-plus territories on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. This iconic host pairing will make history on May 11 as it marks the first time Brooks will take the stage to host an awards show and the second consecutive year that the show will be hosted by Parton. Limited tickets remain at SeatGeek.com.

NOMS NOMS NOMS!

In April, four-time ACM Award Winner The Bobby Bones Show exclusively revealed the nominees in some of the categories for the 58th ACM Awards. Reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year HARDY leads with seven nominations followed by reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson with six nominations. New this year, the Academy’s Entertainer of the Year category features seven nominees, expanding from five last year. Those nominees are: Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen. Additionally, Songwriter of the Year will now be split into two categories, Songwriter of the Year and ArtistSongwriter of the Year, and Video of the Year has been expanded into Visual Media of the Year to include additional formats of visual content.

Read the full list of nominees on P. 32.

LEVeling Up

The 2023 LEVel Up Cohort officially kicked off its programming in January with a conversation with Warner Music Nashville Artist Madeline Edwards. The cohort had an open question-and-answer dialogue about her musical upbringing in a biracial family, moving from California to Texas and finally to Nashville in 2021, as well as her views on diversity in Country Music and the struggles underrepresented artists and industry professionals face in the industry. Edwards offered words of encouragement and her hopes for change in Country Music all while spreading the message that Country Music is for everyone.

LEVel Up has continued its workshop series for undergraduate students pursuing careers in the music industry. The second workshop focused on touring and production, which included Nate Towne (WME) and was moderated by Morgan Kenney (WME) and Shelby White (AEG Presents), highlighted what brings everyone’s favorite Country stars on the road and how they create the sold-out shows from clubs to stadiums all around the world. The most recent workshop dove into A&R, Business Management, Marketing, and Radio and featured speakers Raffaella Braun (Triple Tiger Records), Duane Clark (FBMM), Mason Domke (Warner Music Nashville), Synnovea Halsel (Sony Music Publishing), Rory Levine (Academy of Country Music), and Christy WalkerWatkins (AristoPR).

Learn more about LEVel Up at acmcountry.com/levelup.

FROM GUITAR STRUM TO INCOME

In February, ACM Members attended an exclusive membership event featuring a panel presented by the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) followed by a writers’ round. The MLC, an organization born out of the 2018 Music Modernization Act, strives to ensure that songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services. MLC CEO Kris Ahrend gave members insights about the tools that the MLC offers writers and publishers. After the panel, Members were treated to drinks and performances by Lauren Watkins, Caroline Watkins, and Jasper Charles.

Taking the OnRamp

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and the ACM launched a new program, “OnRamp,” focused on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, and other opportunities to increase personal growth, industry exposure, exclusive Academy membership panels and tentpole live events, and visibility with Academy Board members and industry leaders. Additionally, through the program, each participant will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend for one year. Learn more about the program at acmcountry.com/onramp.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Haley Montgomery (ACM); Kris Ahrend (MLC); Lauren Watkins (songwriter); Caroline Watkins (songwriter): Jasper Charles (songwriter); Ellen Truley (MLC); Tommy Moore (ACM)

Tee Off and Rock On!

ACM Lifting Lives announced the return of Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On Fundraiser presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming, set to take place on Wednesday, May 10, at Topgolf The Colony, ahead of the 58th ACM Awards. In addition to the reimagined celebrity golf tournament experience fans have come to love in prior years, the event will be followed by a separately ticketed all-star concert on the golfing green, ACM Lifting Lives LIVE: Morgan Wallen & Friends, Presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming. The concert portion of the fundraiser, to take place after the golf tournament, brings reigning ACM Album of the Year winner Morgan Wallen, reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year HARDY, reigning ACM New Female Artist and ACM Song of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ERNEST, Bailey Zimmerman, and DJ 13lackbeard to the stage on the Topgolf green to raise money for ACM Lifting Lives. The show sold out within days of the announcement.

Lyndsay Cruz Makes Billboard’s Women in Music List

Congratulations to ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz on being named one of Billboard’s Women in Music for 2023, which celebrates the most influential women in the music business. ACM Lifting Lives has had a special focus on mental health over the last year, especially with the launch of “The Check-In” series.

“We created the series to help destigmatize mental health challenges and raise awareness about their prevalence, as well as educate viewers on ways to treat and cope with their own struggles,” said Cruz.

We are so proud of the extraordinary Cruz, her work, and the entire ACM Lifting Lives organization.

The Rising Stars of the ACM

BY HANNAH MUSIAK

While they may not be playing the honky-tonks on Broadway, these select 10 college students are still Country Music enthusiasts, moving up the ranks in the industry. Combining their experiences and passions for Country Music, the 2023 ACM interns are eager to chase their dreams and give the Academy their all.

1. | Sophie Biancalana

ACM LIFTING LIVES

Chicago native Sophie Biancalana is a sophomore at Belmont University pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration in Music Business with an emphasis in Business. At Belmont, she is a member of Phi Mu and Service Corps, a music industry volunteer organization, and the director of events at Music Row Promo.

Before interning with ACM Lifting Lives, Biancalana held previous internships at CMA Fest and the Windy City Smokeout Festival. She plans to return to intern at the Windy City Smokeout for her second year this summer.

It’s safe to say that Biancalana has made the most of her Nashville experience. She recently was accepted into the Country Music Association’s Leadership Development Program for the Class of 2023, a professional development program for music industry students. The program will help her become more immersed in the music industry and learn industry practices.

Biancalana’s love of music began at an early age. She played piano and guitar in elementary school, and eventually got involved in her school’s musical theater program. As she got older, she became interested in working in the music business.

“Since being in Nashville, it’s been so cool to see everything that goes into the behind-the-scenes production of a show,” Biancalana said.

In her role, she assists the Academy’s philanthropic efforts and manages the organization’s inventory of signed guitars.

2. | Brooke Boyd EVENTS

Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Brooke Boyd graduated from Clemson University this past December, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and minored in Psychology with an emphasis in Human Resources. While an undergraduate, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, and had various internships. She was a Human Resources Intern for ZF Group, a Business Administration Intern for High Spirits Hospitality, and a Communications and Event Planning UPIC Intern at Clemson. Now, she is an Events Intern at the ACM.

Country Music has always been an important part of Boyd’s life and moving to Nashville was an easy decision for her. Her first ever CD was Rascal Flatts’ Me and My Gang, which she recalls playing nonstop, and ultimately sparking an interest in her pursuit of a career in the music business. When college and careers became a topic of conversation, Boyd immediately knew her decision.

“I started asking myself what career I could pursue that would genuinely make going to work every day enjoyable, and the Country Music industry has always been that dream,” Boyd said.

In her role, she helps research and plan the Academy’s upcoming events, including ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On and the 58th ACM Awards.

3. | Lauren Brown MARKETING

Lauren Brown is a Texan through and through. Originally from Arlington, Brown attended Texas Christian University (TCU) where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management in May 2022. At TCU, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, where she also served as chief administrative officer. Before interning with the ACM, Brown was a Digital Analytics Intern for Schaefer Advertising Co. and a Marketing Intern for Trademark Property Company. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Belmont University to further cement her knowledge of the music industry and will graduate in August 2023.

Brown was immersed in music at a young age. Following in the footsteps of her musical parents, Brown and her brother grew up taking guitar and piano lessons.

“I was raised to appreciate artists across all generations and genres,” said Brown.

Brown never imagined she would be working for the Academy. For her, it’s truly a full-circle moment. When she was a freshman in high school, she attended the 50th ACM Awards in her hometown — notably the anniversary event that broke the Guinness World Record as the highest attended broadcast awards show. My favorite part about my internship experience at the ACM has been forming relationships with others in the office and having the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the industry. I have really enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes perspective of such a complex industry.

At the Academy, Brown is responsible for tracking social posts, researching music industry news, brainstorming advertising opportunities, and developing playlists.

4. | Maddie Campbell

PUBLICITY & MEDIA RELATIONS

Maddie Campbell hails from the small town of Trenton, Illinois, less than an hour outside of St. Louis. Currently. Campbell serves as the Publicity & Media Relations Intern at the ACM and is in her final semester at Belmont University. This May, she will receive her Bachelor of Business Administration in Music Business with an emphasis in Business and Production.

Before her internship at the Academy, she interned at Nashvillebased PR firm Elicity PR and fan engagement platform With The Band. At Belmont, she serves on the leadership team for Service Corps and is a member of Grammy U. Recently, Campbell attended the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, working as a talent escort.

“Working the Grammy’s red carpet allowed me to expand my publicity knowledge and get exposure to working in different music genres,” said Campbell. “I’ll be able to use the skills I learned at the 58th ACM Awards coming up in May.”

It’s no secret that Campbell loves Country Music. She’ll tell anyone that she’s in the top 0.05% of Carrie Underwood listeners on Spotify and has a kitten named after Dolly Parton. In addition to her studies, Campbell is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), where she continues to play and write music.

At the Academy, Campbell edits press releases, gathers media coverage, and does marketing research.

5. | Anam Faruqi

ACM LIFTING LIVES

Anam Faruqi graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2022 from the University of Southern California (USC) with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Media, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. Currently, she is earning a Master of Communication Management with an emphasis in Entertainment and Social Impact at USC. In addition to interning for ACM Lifting Lives, Faruqi is also a Communications Consultant for the United Nations Foundation, where she works on their malaria elimination campaign.

Faruqi was born in West Virginia and raised by Pakistani immigrant parents in Southern California. Ultimately, it was her father’s discovery of a Garth Brooks CD, thousands of miles away from our shores and years before Faruqi herself was born, that led to her own love for Country Music. Her father raised her on artists like Lee Brice, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban, allowing her to recognize the broad impact of the genre not just beyond the South but across oceans.

“My California friends find the combination of my identity and love for Country Music amusing,” said Faruqi. “It is a little random, but I believe that no matter your background, Country Music should be for everyone.”

In her role, Faruqi’s responsibilities include communications, research, fundraising, event coordination, and everything in between. She loves having a wide range of duties but most importantly enjoys being able to see how her work helps people. She’s thankful for her mentors, Lyndsay Cruz and Taylor Wolf, who constantly inspire and teach her.

6. | Celia Hunter

ARTIST & INDUSTRY RELATIONS

Covington, Louisiana, native Celia Hunter didn’t always envision herself working in the music industry. Only two years ago, she was studying kinesiology at Mississippi State University (MSU) on track for a career in occupational therapy. However, two semesters before graduating, she realized that career field wasn’t for her. She finished the degree, graduating from MSU in December 2021 and then immediately began her Master of Business Administration at Belmont University.

An avid music listener, some of Hunter’s favorite artists include Harry Styles and Shania Twain.

“I always remember having a passion for music and for the industry itself, but I never thought of it as a possible career avenue,” said Hunter.

As a second semester Artist & Industry Relations Intern with the Academy, she finally feels like she’s in the right place. In the fall, she got to work quickly. Just two weeks into her internship she was helping at the ACM Honors™ show, backstage assisting with trophies. When it’s not showtime, she’s responsible for tasks relating to membership, trophy maintenance, artist outreach, ticketing, award submissions, and maintaining Board of Directors documents.

She attributes her success at the Academy to her mentors, Maddy Stessman, Haley Montgomery, and Tommy Moore, who gave her a chance when she didn’t have previous industry experience.

7. | Hannah Musiak

CREATIVE & CONTENT

Hannah Musiak grew up in the Chicagoland suburbs and is a sophomore at Florida State University (FSU). Before interning at the ACM, Musiak participated in FSU’s First Year Abroad program in London, United Kingdom, and Florence, Italy. Spending her first year of college in Europe, her sophomore fall semester on campus at FSU, and now living in Nashville interning at the ACM and completing online classes, Musiak emphasizes her college journey has been quite a whirlwind.

“A year ago, I was hopping on the Tube, studying British literature in cafes around Bloomsbury, and going to pubs with friends,” Musiak said. “Now, I’m in Nashville working in Country Music surrounded by big-name artists and key industry professionals.”

A double major in Creative Writing and Media & Communication Studies with a minor in Film at FSU, Musiak is also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and has written for three campus publications: HerCampus FSU, Strike Magazine, and The Eggplant. Later, she became an editor at HerCampus FSU Musiak was also a Media Productions Captain for Dance Marathon FSU, where she shot and edited content for the organization’s events.

As a Creative & Content Intern for the ACM, Musiak’s responsibilities include various editorial and marketing tasks. The internship has also given her the opportunity to dive into the video production world more, assisting with content shoots and video editing.

8. | Mimi Perry

DIVERSITY,

EQUITY, & INCLUSION

Mimi Perry is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is in her final semester at Belmont University studying Administration in Music Business with an emphasis in Legal Studies. At Belmont, she was a student recruiter where she gave tours to potential students and participated in Service Corps. Previously, she completed two internships — one as a Digital Marketing Intern for Weller Media Agency and another as an Influencer Marketing Intern for Songfluencer.

From North Carolina to Tennessee, music has always been an important part of Perry’s life. Singing for over 10 years in church, school choir, and an acapella group in high school, Perry explored genres from Country to pop to classical music. But it was Luke Combs’ 2019 album, What You See Is What You Get, that sparked her love of Country Music — an album, when released, she had on repeat.

At the Academy, Perry is a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Intern and works closely with the ACM LEVel Up program. She helps determine values for the DEI test, an assessment to advance competencies so DEI can be implemented in the workplace. Interestingly, Perry’s first time working with the ACM came before this internship. While at Belmont, she worked at the 14th ACM Honors show. For Perry, volunteering at ACM Honors confirmed that she wanted to pursue a career in entertainment.

“Working ACM Honors was my first music industry gig,” said Perry. “That event made me realize more than anything that I wanted to be part of the behind-the-scenes work and continue witnessing shows come to life.”

9. | Taylor Rand EVENTS

Taylor Rand is a junior at Belmont University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Creative & Entertainment Industries. Previously, she was a Production Intern for Taillight TV and now is an Event Management Intern for the Academy.

Rand grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Nashville for college. As a member of Belmont’s Service Corps, she recently volunteered at the 65th Grammy Awards as a red carpet talent escort for both the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala and the 65th Grammy Award Show. She also was a volunteer for MusiCares’ 2023 Persons of the Year Gala.

Rand was a theater fanatic in middle and high school, starting as an actor and then joining the backstage crew her junior year of high school. This led her to realize how much she loved the behind-the-scenes aspect of shows and inspired her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Rand’s health journey may have an even greater impact on her love of music. When she was 14 years old, she was diagnosed with heart failure and spent three months in the hospital waiting for a heart to become available. Her condition was so critical that she was at the top of the transplant list.

“Music was what got me through that time in my life,” said Rand. “There was nothing else to do in the hospital but listen to music.”

Now, seven years later, she lives her life to the fullest, continuing to remember the lasting effect music had and still has on her.

In her internship, Rand assists the events team with the execution of the ACM Awards show and Topgolf event, including venue logistics, signage, volunteers, and more.

10. | Ashley Ward STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Now living in Nashville, Ashley Ward is just an hour from her hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Ward recently graduated from the University of Kentucky where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. There, she participated in the Student Government Association and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She also participated in DanceBlue, a dance marathon at the University of Kentucky to raise money for the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

During her undergraduate years, she was a Law Student Intern at C&F Abogados Carman & Fullerton PLLC and a Marketing Intern for Camping World. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Belmont University, which has opened up her world to the music industry.

“I took the leap to pursue an MBA at Belmont because of the limitless opportunities I knew it would provide,” said Ward. “The close-knit relationships that Belmont has created with the Nashville community and entertainment industry were very appealing.”

Music has always been an important part of Ward’s life. She grew up performing in choir and theater and later assisted with the Camping World Concert series as well as a Jake Owen event during her college internship. Ward always looks for ways to help others, and a career in the entertainment industry allows her to give back to communities and connect people.

At the Academy, she is a Strategic Partnerships Intern. Her responsibilities include organizing partnership data, tracking event tickets, and maintaining partner activations for awards week events.

Album Releases

George Birge

George Birge: Mind On You

May 12

Willie Jones

Something to Dance To

June 16

Corey Kent Blacktop

June 2

King Calaway

Aug 4

Erin Kinsey

Bet My Heart

May 19

Justin Moore

STRAY DOG

May 5

Megan Moroney

Lucky

May 5

Griffen Palmer Unlearn

April 28

EP Releases

Karley Scott Collins Hands On The Wheel

May 5

Adam Doleac Barstool Whiskey Wonderland (Wonderland Sides) Out Now

Brooke Eden Outlaw Love

June 9

Morgan Evans Life Upside Down Out Now

Ryan Griffin Phases

July 14

Kimberly Perry Bloom

June 9

Frank Ray

Frank Ray

July 7

Jelly Roll Whitsitt Chapel

June 2

Jordyn Shellhart Primrose

May 19

Nate Smith

Nate Smith + Nate Smith Deluxe Out Now

Cole Swindell Stereotype Broken Out Now

Bailey Zimmerman Religiously. The Album.

May 12

Drew Parker At The End Of The Dirt Road

June 2

Alana Springsteen TWENTY

SOMETHING: Figuring It Out

July 14

Noah Thompson Middle of God Knows Where

June 9

Tenille Townes Train Track Worktapes Out Now

Ella Langley Excuse The Mess

May 19

Neon Union Double Wide Castle Sessions

July 21

Track45 Grew Up On July 14

Lauren Watkins

Introducing: Lauren Watkins Out Now

Single

Releases

Colby Acuff

“Playing God Again”

May 5

Jason Aldean

“Try That In A Small Town”

May 26

Chayce Beckham

“Till The Day I Die”

April 28

Danielle Bradbery

“Monster”

April 28

Shy Carter & Caitlin Smith

“How Did You Sleep?

May 5

Adam Doleac

“Wrong Side of a Sunrise”

May 5

Hannah Ellis

“Wine Country”

June 9

Tyler Farr

“Rednecks Like Me”

May 26

Harper Grace

“Oh Say Can You See”

May 19

Riley Green feat. Luke Combs

“Different ‘Round Here”

May 11

Ryan Griffin “Heart to Break” Out Now

“God Made Fridays”

May 19

“Been Missing You”

June 16

“If All I Ever Do Is Love You”

July 14

Kelsey Hart “4x4”

June 2

James Barker Band

Spring ’23

Andrew Jannakos “Changing Me”

May 18

Corey Kent “Wild As Her (Live)”

May 12

King Calaway

“Tennessee’s Waiting”

June 9

Randall King

“When My Baby’s In Boots”

May 5

Ella Langley

“That’s Why We Fight (feat. Koe Wetzel)” Out Now

Niko Moon

“HEAVEN HAS A BAR (with Zac Brown Band)” Out Now

John Morgan

“Man of Few Words”

May 19

Neon Union

“Country Radio Song”

June 23

“How You Don’t”

July 21

“Redneck Rich”

May 26

“This Thing”

April 28

Old Dominion

“I Should Have Married You” Out Now

Kimberly Perry

“If I Die Young Pt. 2”

May 5

Jameson Rodgers

“Built for a Heartbreak” Out Now

Jordyn Shellhart

“Joni”

May 12

Matt Stell

Summer ’23

Noah Thompson & HunterGirl

“One Day Tonight (Duet)” Out Now

Track45

“Last Man In Tennessee” Out Now

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 libby@acmcountry.com.

TourDates

Colby Acuff

Direct support for The Cadillac Three

April 20–April 29

Direct support for Flatland Cavalry

May 4–May 26

Direct support for Luke Combs

Whiskey Jam Tailgates

May 27–June 10

Jason Aldean Highway Desperado Tour

July 14

Avery Anna

The Narcissist Tour

May 4–May 20

Chayce Beckham

Direct support for Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour

June 15–October 28

Tyler Booth

Co-headline with Randall King

April 28

Direct support for Darius Rucker

April 21

Direct support for Cody Johnson

May 18–June 16

Direct support Jake Owen

August 3

Tyler Braden

Direct support for Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour

June 15–August 26

Kane Brown Drunk or Dreaming Headline Tour

March 16–June 10

Kenny Chesney

I Go Back Tour

April 25–May 27

Luke Combs

Luke Combs World Tour

March 25–October 28

Jackson Dean

Direct support for Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour

July 6–30

Adam Doleac

Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Headline Tour

April 20–May 6

Riley Green

Direct support for Luke Combs’s World Tour

April 22–July 29

Corey Kent Headline Tour

April 1–July 9

Direct support for Jason Aldean’s Highway Desperado Tour

July 14–October 28

King Calaway

Direct support for Zac Brown Band

June 30–November 4

Elle King

Direct support for Tyler Chiders

August 2–3

Direct support for Jelly Roll

August 4–September 30

Dylan Marlowe

Tour

April 28–September 16

Direct support for Hardy

August 31–December 9

Kameron Marlowe We Were Cowboys Headlining Tour

April–August

Direct support for Jordan Davis

June 23

October 5

Direct support for Chase Rice

April 21–22

Direct support for Parker McCollum

June 22–24

Direct support for Dierks Bentley

August 24–26

Justin Moore

The You, Me, and Whiskey Tour

April 20–August 26

Megan Moroney

Direct support for Brooks and Dunn

May 4–June 17

Lucky Tour

September 20–December 10

Maren Morris

Direct support for The Chicks

June 20–July 4, September 5–18

Old Dominion No Bad Vibes Tour

May 27–December 12

Parmalee

Direct support for Train Tour

August 22–26, September 7–12

Restless Road

Direct support for Kane Brown

June 17–July 9

Thomas Rhett Home Team Tour 23 Cole Swindell and Nate Smith

Supporting

May 4–September 29

Chase Rice

Direct support for Jelly Roll’s Backroad Baptism Tour

August 29–September 2, October 12–14

Jameson Rodgers

April 20–September 8

Jelly Roll Backroad Baptism Tour

July 28–October 14

Direct Support for Eric Church’s The Outsiders Revival Tour

September 8–16

Conner Smith

Direct support for Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour

July 6–October 14

Nate Smith

Direct support for Thomas Rhett’s Home Team 23 Tour

May 4–September 29

Alana Springsteen

Direct support for Adam Doleac’s Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Headline Tour

February 9–May 6

Direct support for Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour

June 15–August 4

Mitchell Tenpenny

Direct support for Jason Aldean

July 14–October 28

Tenille Townes

Direct support for Zac Brown Band

October 5–7

Direct support for Shania Twain

November 7–14

Morgan Wade

Crossing State Lines (And Oceans!) Acoustic Tour

May 2–May 24

Direct support for Eric Church

June 30–July 1

Morgan Wallen One Thing At A Time Tour

April 14–October 7

Lainey Wilson

Direct support for Luke Combs’ World Tour

April 15–July 29

Direct support for HARDY’s the mockingbird & THE CROW Tour

August 31–December 9

Brett Young Five, TOUR, Three, Two, One Tour

April 20–September 9

BY LIBBY GARDNER

Party, “Let's Party”Party,

Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks gear up to host the 58th ACM Awards

In Country Music and arguably globally, there are few people as recognizable as the two hosts of the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards — Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. While they seem like a perfect match, this marks the first time these iconic powerhouses have hosted an event together and even been onstage together. It’s also the first time Brooks has hosted an awards show.

“I’ve never got to work with Dolly like this,” said Brooks after their first media day in preparation for the show. “So many times, when you work with someone you have admired from a distance, and you finally meet them, they are sometimes not what you wanted them to be. Dolly was more than I could have ever imagined in all the good ways. So sweet and so personal. We were surrounded by a hundred people, and I felt like it was just her and I. That’s the true mark of an icon and a legend.”

Despite their monumental individual successes, both Parton and Brooks approach their careers and art with the same vigor and spirit they did decades ago, which Country fans will soon witness when the two take the stage in Frisco, Texas.

“I get up every day and start as if it’s the first day of my career,” said Parton. “I have never taken any of it for granted, and work just as hard today as I did when I first came to Nashville in 1964. All that legends stuff can start after I’m long gone … Lord knows, I still got too much work to do!”

While Brooks has won more ACM Entertainer of the Year trophies than any other artist in the Academy’s history, when it

“So many times, when you work with someone you have admired from a distance, and you finally meet them, they are sometimes not what you wanted them to be. Dolly was more than I could have ever imagined in all the good ways ...” said Brooks.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd, and Naomi Judd perform at the 35th ACM Awards at Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on May 3, 2000; Dolly Parton hosts the 35th ACM Awards; Garth Brooks performs during the 43rd ACM Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada

comes to co-hosting alongside Parton, he still feels like he could learn a thing or two from her.

“Getting to work with Dolly is not a chance you pass up,” said Brooks. “She is simply the professor at the University of Country Music. I’m going to learn so much about entertaining … I want to represent Country Music the way it deserves, and I want to be the partner to Dolly that she deserves.”

The chemistry is evident. Not only have the pair been friends for years, but also, they are each other’s biggest fans.

“Lord, I’m a huge fan just like everybody else is,” said Parton. “Garth is a genius; he knows exactly what he’s doing at all times. He really cares about his fans and knows just what they want to hear from him. And if you’ve ever been lucky enough to see him perform, you know that he is one of the best showmen out there.”

Brooks feels similarly about Parton, and is quick to praise her songwriting.

“I had no idea that virtually every single we

have ever heard from Dolly has been written by her — incredible,” said Brooks.

Coincidentally, it’s Parton’s songwriting that she values most about her music.

“To me, it [songwriting] is the most important part,” said Parton. “I have said for years if I could only pick one thing to do for the rest of my life, it would be to write songs. It’s where it all begins, and I believe it’s the soul of music.”

Brooks attributes the success of his career to his “just-your-average" guy mentality.

“I never felt my strength was what sets me apart, but rather I believe my strength is just like being everybody else — like the guy who lives next door to you or you work with. Being just one of the guys makes me feel that if a song really hits home with me, it just may hit home with everybody else, and after all, that is who you are playing for.”

Although both are quintessential entertainers, Parton and Brooks have different favorite aspects of Country Music. Brooks values being

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Garth Brooks backstage after winning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Country Music Video of the Year, Album of the Year, and Single of the Year awards at the 26th ACM Awards on April 26, 1991; Dolly Parton accepts the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award onstage during the 11th ACM Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017; Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, and Clay Walker perform onstage at the 32nd ACM Awards at Universal Amphitheatre on April 23, 1997

OUR 2023 ACM AWARDS

BROTHERS OSBORNE

BUDDY CANNON

CHRIS DESTEFANO

CHRIS DUBOIS

DAN + SHAY

DANN HUFF

DYLAN SCOTT

F. REID SHIPPEN

HAILEY WHITTERS

HUNTER PHELPS

ILYA TOSHINSKIY

JERRY ROE

JIM “MOOSE” BROWN

JOHN OSBORNE

JONATHAN SINGLETON

JORDAN DAVIS

JORDAN SCHMIDT

JOSH MATHENY

KELSEA BALLERINI

LADY A

LEX PRICE

MACKENZIE PORTER

MADDIE & TAE

MARK D. SANDERS

MATT ROGERS

MIDLAND

MORGAN WADE

NATE SMITH

OLD DOMINION

TONY LUCIDO

TRENT WILLMON

LAINEY WILSON

CARLY PEARCE

ASHLEY GORLEY

JOSH OSBORNE

CHRIS STAPLETON

ZACH CROWELL

an entertainer, while Dolly values being a songwriter. But what they do share is their approach to career “success,” which can be narrowed down to one word — connection.

“Be it one person or 1 million people, it’s all about connection,” said Brooks. “Are you making a one-on-one connection with the person or people you are playing for? In a dive bar, you are trying to make it feel like a stadium, and in a stadium, you are trying to make if feel like a dive bar.”

And Parton’s take?

“My music comes from my soul,” said Parton. “I can’t control it, it controls me. I don’t ever look at it in hopes that it will be popular, I only hope that it touches people.”

Aside from their pure talent, it’s their continuous dedication to the genre that — even through its evolution — makes Parton and Brooks beloved artists.

“Every generation of music is special,” said Parton. “As the audiences have changed over the years, the music has changed to meet it. It’s a really beautiful evolution that brings us to where we are today. No matter how much music changes over the years, there is one thing that will never change, and that is the story. Every song tells a story, and that’s why we love music.” ●

“My music comes from my soul,” said Parton. “I can’t control it, it controls me. I don’t ever look at it in hopes that it will be popular, I only hope that it touches people.”

Dolly Parton accepts the Tex Ritter Award for "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" onstage at the 51st ACM Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

IN APRIL, NOMINATIONS WERE ANNOUNCED FOR THE 58TH 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, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Across all categories, HARDY leads with seven nominations and Lainey Wilson with six, followed by Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and Cole Swindell all tied with five each.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

FAST FACTS

Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton are nominees for Entertainer of the Year.

A win for either artist in this category will also clinch the coveted 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.

JASON ALDEAN

KANE BROWN

LUKE COMBS

CARRIE UNDERWOOD MORGAN WALLEN

MIRANDA LAMBERT

CHRIS STAPLETON

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DUO OF THE YEAR

FAST FACTS

Most-awarded artist in ACM history, Miranda Lambert, receives her record-breaking 17th Female Artist of the Year nomination (passing Reba McEntire with 16), as well as four other nominations. Lambert’s five nominations give her the opportunity to break more records following her Triple Crown Award presented at ACM Honors in the fall.

KELSEA BALLERINI MIRANDA LAMBERT ASHLEY M c BRYDE CARLY PEARCE LAINEY WILSON

BROOKS & DUNN

KANE BROWN

BROTHERS OSBORNE

LUKE COMBS DAN + SHAY

JORDAN DAVIS

MADDIE & TAE

CHRIS STAPLETON

THE WAR AND TREATY

MORGAN WALLEN

The new album from GRAMMY award-winner

LUKAS NELSON + POTR

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE JULY 14TH Includes the hit single

“More Than Friends” (feat. Lainey Wilson)

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GROUP OF THE YEAR

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

FAST FACTS

At least one woman is nominated in every eligible Main Awards Category this year.

Lainey Wilson receives the most nods for a female artist with six nominations including Female Artist of the Year. She is nominated in more categories than any other artist. Last year, Wilson won in both categories she was nominated in.

LADY A LITTLE BIG TOWN MIDLAND OLD DOMINION ZAC BROWN BAND

ZACH BRYAN

PRISCILLA BLOCK

JACKSON DEAN

MEGAN MORONEY

ERNEST

CAITLYN SMITH

DYLAN SCOTT

MORGAN WADE NATE SMITH BAILEY ZIMMERMAN

HAILEY WHITTERS

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

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

ASHLEY McBRYDE PRESENTS: LINDEVILLE ASHLEY McBRYDE

PRODUCER: John Osborne

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Warner Music Nashville

BELL BOTTOM COUNTRY LAINEY WILSON

PRODUCER: Jay Joyce

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Broken Bow Records

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

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

GROWIN’ UP LUKE COMBS

PRODUCERS: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Columbia Records

“ HEART LIKE A TRUCK ” LAINEY WILSON

PRODUCER: Jay Joyce

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Broken Bow Records

“ NEVER WANTED TO BE THAT GIRL” CARLY PEARCE & ASHLEY McBRYDE

PRODUCERS: Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Big Machine Records/ Warner Music Nashville

MR. SATURDAY NIGHT JON PARDI

PRODUCERS: Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Ryan Gore

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Capitol Records Nashville

PALOMINO MIRANDA LAMBERT

PRODUCERS: Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Mikey Reaves

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

“ SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA” COLE SWINDELL

PRODUCER: Zach Crowell

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Warner Music Nashville

“ THANK GOD” KANE BROWN WITH KATELYN BROWN

PRODUCER: Dann Huff

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: RCA Nashville

“ ‘TIL YOU CAN’T ” CODY JOHNSON

PRODUCER: Trent Willmon

RECORD COMPANY- LABEL: Warner Music Nashville/CoJo Music

SONG OF THE YEAR

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

“

SAND IN MY BOOTS ” MORGAN WALLEN

SONGWRITERS: Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Michael Hardy

PUBLISHERS: Relative Music Group; Round Hill Songs; Sony/ATV Accent; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Sony/ ATV Tree Publishing

“

“ SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA” COLE SWINDELL

SONGWRITERS: Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Thomas Rhett, Tim Nichols

PUBLISHERS: Ashley Gorley Publishing Designee; Be A Light Publishing; Colden Rainey Music; EMI Blackwood Music Inc; Songs Of Roc Nation Music; Sony Tree Publishing; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Universal Music Corp; WC Music Corp; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

‘TIL YOU CAN’T ” CODY JOHNSON

SONGWRITERS: Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers

PUBLISHERS: Anthem Canalco Publishing; Dead Aim Music; The Stennis Mightier Music

FAST FACTS

For the second time in ACM history, three albums released by all-female acts have been nominated for Album of the Year in the same year, with Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville by Ashley McBryde, Bell Bottom Country by Lainey Wilson, and Palomino by Miranda Lambert each receiving nominations. The only other time three all-female acts had albums nominated for Album of the Year in the same year was in 1999 with Faith by Faith Hill, I’m Alright by Jo Dee Messina, and Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks all receiving nominations. Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks ended up winning the category.

“ WAIT IN THE TRUCK ” HARDY FEAT. LAINEY WILSON

SONGWRITERS: Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Renee Blair

PUBLISHERS: Humerus Publishing Global; Nontypical Music; Pile of Schmidt Songs; Rednecker Music; Relative Music Group; Round Hill Verses Publishing; Sony/ATV Accent; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; The Money Tree Vibez; WC Music Corp; Who Wants to Buy My Publishing

“ YOU SHOULD PROBABLY LEAVE ” CHRIS STAPLETON

SONGWRITERS: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois, Chris Stapleton

PUBLISHERS: One77 Songs; Round Hill Songs; Sea Gayle Music; Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing; Spirit Two Nashville; WC Music Corp

HARDY leads with seven nominations including Song of the Year and ArtistSongwriter of the Year. HARDY shares three of his nominations with fellow artist and collaborator Lainey Wilson for their song “wait in the truck. ”

This is the fourth year in a row that Luke Combs is nominated for both Male Artist and Entertainer of the Year.

Kane Brown receives his first ever nominations for Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR

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

FAST FACTS

HEARTFIRST

KELSEA BALLERINI

PRODUCERS: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry

DIRECTOR: P Tracy

SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA

COLE SWINDELL

PRODUCER: Troy Jackson

DIRECTOR: Spidey Smith

THANK GOD KANE BROWN WITH KATELYN BROWN

PRODUCER: Luke Arreguin

DIRECTOR: Alex Alvga

Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown receive three nominations together for their song “Thank God” in the Single, Music Event, and Visual Media of the Year categories. This marks Katelyn’s first nominations, and with an additional two solo nominations this year, brings Kane’s total nominations to 14.

‘TIL YOU CAN’T CODY JOHNSON

PRODUCER: Maddy Hayes

DIRECTOR: Dustin Haney

WAIT IN THE TRUCK HARDY

FEAT. LAINEY WILSON

PRODUCERS: Taylor Vermillion; Ben Skipworth

DIRECTOR: Justin Clough

FAST FACTS

WHAT HE DIDN’T DO CARLY PEARCE

PRODUCER: Ryan Byrd

DIRECTOR: Alexa Campbell

Cole Swindell receives first-time nominations in three categories including Single of the Year, Visual Media of the Year, and Music Event of the Year, in which he shares a nomination with his collaborator and fellow artist Jo Dee Messina who receives her first nomination in 22 years.

Luke Combs, Kane Brown, and Cole Swindell follow HARDY with the second-most nominations for a male artist, with five total nods each.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

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

"AT THE END OF A BAR"

CHRIS YOUNG WITH MITCHELL TENPENNY

PRODUCERS: Chris DeStefano, Chris Young

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: RCA Nashville

"SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA [REMIX]"

COLE SWINDELL & JO DEE MESSINA

PRODUCER: Zach Crowell

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Warner Music Nashville

"THANK GOD"

KANE BROWN WITH KATELYN BROWN

PRODUCER: Dann Huff

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: RCA Nashville

"THINKING ‘BOUT YOU"

DUSTIN LYNCH

FEAT. MacKENZIE PORTER

PRODUCER: Zach Crowell

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Broken Bow Records

"WAIT IN THE TRUCK

HARDY FEAT. LAINEY WILSON

PRODUCERS: Derek Wells, HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt

RECORD COMPANY-LABEL: Big Loud Records

NICOLLE GALYON ASHLEY GORLEY CHASE M c GILL JOSH OSBORNE HUNTER PHELPS

LUKE COMBS ERNEST HARDY MIRANDA LAMBERT MORGAN WALLEN

ACM RADIO AWARDS

NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Big D, Bubba, Patrick Thomas, Carsen

The Big D & Bubba Show

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

The Bobby Bones Show

Ania Hammar

Nights with Ania

Elaina Smith

Nights with Elaina

Shawn Parr

Shawn Parr’s

Across the Country

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Kix Brooks

American Country Countdown

Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase

Crook and Chase Countdown

Michael Knox, Shalacy Griffin

Knox Country 360

Kelleigh Bannen

Today’s Country

Elaina Smith

With Elaina

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(MAJOR MARKET)

The Morning Bullpen with George, Mo, and Erik

KILT-FM (Houston, Texas)

“At Work” Show – Michael J

WPOC-FM (Baltimore, Md.)

Tampa Bay’s Morning Krewe

– J.R. Jaus, Launa Phillips, Kevin Ebel

WQYK-FM (St. Petersburg, Fla.)

The Andie Summers Show –Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, Donnie Black, Shannon Boyle

WXTU-FM (Philadelphia, Penn.)

Josh, Rachael & Grunwald in the Morning – Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter, Steve Grunwald

WYCD-FM (Detroit, Mich.)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(LARGE MARKET)

Tim + Chelsea Morning Show

WIRK-FM (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

Ridder, Scott, and Shannen

WMIL-FM (Milwaukee, Wis.)

The Q Morning Crew Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry

WQDR-FM (Raleigh, N.C.)

The Wayne D Show Wayne D and Tay Hamilton

WSIX-FM (Nashville)

The Big Dave Show Big Dave, Stattman, and Ashley

WUBE-FM (Cincinnati, Ohio)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(MEDIUM MARKET)

Brent Michaels

KUZZ-FM (Bakersfield, Calif.)

Cliff & Tanya in the Morning

Cliff Dumas and Tanya

KUZZ-FM (Bakersfield, Calif.)

Steve & Gina in the Morning

Steve Lundy and Gina Melton

KXKT-FM (Omaha, Neb.)

New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody –

Nancy Wilson, Aaron Woods

WHKO-FM (Dayton, Ohio)

Julie and DJ in the Morning

Julie Kansy, Dale Sellers

WPCV-FM (Lakeland, Fla.)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(SMALL MARKET)

Deb Miles

WBYT-FM (South Bend, Ind.)

Steve & Tiffany in the Morning –

Steve Waters and Tiffany Kay

WFLS-FM (Fredericksburg, Va.)

Kicks Morning Crew –Sean Lamb and Dave Patrick

WQLK-FM (Richmond, Ind.)

Morning Air Show –Steve Stroud, Ben Walker, and Nikki Thomas

WXBQ-FM (Bristol, Va.)

Cat Pak Morning Show –Brent Lane and Mel McCrae

WYCT-FM (Pensacola, Fla.)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

(MAJOR MARKET)

KILT-FM (Houston, Texas)

KKBQ-FM (Houston, Texas)

KMLE-FM (Phoenix, Ariz.)

KSCS-FM (Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas)

WXTU-FM (Philadelphia, Penn.)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

(LARGE MARKET)

KFRG-FM (San Bernardino, Calif.)

KSOP-FM (Salt Lake City, Utah)

WKDF-FM (Nashville)

WMIL-FM (Milwaukee, Wis.)

WPGB-FM (Pittsburgh, Penn.)

WQDR-FM (Raleigh, N.C.)

WSIX-FM (Nashville)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

(MEDIUM MARKET)

KIIM-FM (Tucson, Ariz.)

KSKS -FM (Fresno, Calif.)

KXKT-FM (Omaha, Neb.)

WIVK-FM (Knoxville, Tenn.)

WQMX-FM (Akron, Ohio)

WUSY-FM (Chattanooga, Tenn)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

(SMALL MARKET)

WAYZ-FM (Harrisburg, Penn.)

WBYT-FM (South Bend, Ind.)

WCOW-FM (Tomah-La Crosse, Wis.)

WXFL-FM (Florence, Ala.)

WYCT-FM (Pensacola, Fla.)

INDUSTRY AWARDS

CASINO OF THE YEAR | THEATER

Deadwood Mountain Grand

Deadwood, S.D.

Golden Nugget

Lake Charles, La.

Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nev.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hollywood, Fla.

Soaring Eagle

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

CASINO OF THE YEAR | ARENA

Fallsview Casino Resort

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Harrah’s Council Bluffs, Iowa

Harveys Lake Tahoe

Stateline, Nev.

Mystic Lake Casino Showroom

Prior Lake, Minn.

Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Airway Heights, Wash.

Turning Stone Resort Casino

Verona, N.Y.

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

C2C: Country to Country

UK

Carolina Country Music Fest

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Country Concert

Fort Loramie, Ohio

Country Fest

Cadott, Wis.

Country Thunder

Bristol, Tenn.

Stagecoach Festival

Indio, Calif.

Tortuga Music Festival

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

FAIR/RODEO OF THE YEAR

Auburn Rodeo

Opelika, Ala.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Cheyenne, Wyo.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Plant City, Fla.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston, Texas

Iowa State Fair

Des Moines, Iowa

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Billy Bob’s Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Coyote Joe’s

Charlotte, N.C.

Grizzly Rose

Denver, Colo.

Gruene Hall

New Braunfels, Texas

Joe’s on Weed St.

Chicago, Ill.

THEATER OF THE YEAR

Crystal Grand Music Theatre

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Florida Theatre

Jacksonville, Fla.

Grand Ole Opry House

Nashville

Orpheum Theater

Omaha, Neb.

Stiefel Theatre

Salina, Kan.

OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR

Bank of NH Pavilion

Gilford, N.H.

FirstBank Amphitheater

Franklin, Tenn.

Greek Theatre

Los Angeles, Calif.

Santa Barbara Bowl

Santa Barbara, Calif.

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

St. Augustine, Fla.

The Wharf Amphitheater

Orange Beach, Ala.

ARENA OF THE YEAR

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Dickies Arena

Fort Worth, Texas

Hertz Arena

Estero, Fla.

Moody Center

Austin, Texas

Simmons Bank Arena

Little Rock, Ark.

Thompson-Boling Arena

Knoxville, Tenn.

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR

Ron Pateras

Pat Powelson

Michelle Romeo

Stacy Vee

Troy Vollhoffer PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

Patrick McDill

Aaron Spalding

Ed Warm

Adam Weiser

Jay Wilson

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Mark Hill

Tony Lucido

Steve Mackey

Lex Price

Craig Young

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

Fred Eltringham

Miles McPherson

Jerry Roe

Aaron Sterling

Nir Z

ACOUSTIC GUITAR

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Tim Galloway

Todd Lombardo

Danny Rader

Bryan Sutton

Ilya Toshinskiy

PIANO/KEYBOARDS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jim “Moose” Brown

Dave Cohen

Charles Judge

Billy Justineau

Alex Wright

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Dan Dugmore

Stuart Duncan

Jenee Fleenor

Josh Matheny

Justin Schipper

ELECTRIC GUITAR

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kris Donegan

Kenny Greenberg

Rob McNelley

Sol Philcox-Littlefield

Derek Wells

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Drew Bollman

Josh Ditty

Gena Johnson

Justin Niebank

F. Reid Shippen

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Buddy Cannon

Luke Dick

Jay Joyce

Joey Moi

Jon Randall

Derek Wells

The 2023 Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards will be presented to recipients at the 16th ACM Music Honors, a special event held annually in August at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This year’s show will be held August 23, with more details to be announced in the coming months.

BY LIBBY GARDNER

SPENCER CRANDALL

Q: What is the Spencer Crandall story?

I know you have a kind of a unique one.

CRANDALL: The story of how I got into music is definitely unique and different. I did not plan on doing music growing up. I sang in the choir maybe ’til I was like 12. And then puberty hit me like a ton of bricks, and I couldn’t sing anymore. I had the squeak, so I didn’t really think about it until I went to college. I went to go play college football, got two big shoulder surgeries, and every doctor was like, “Stop doing that. You’re going to mess up your body for the rest of your life. Pick something else.” I had a guitar that I stole from my little brother. I started out of sadness and boredom — learning chords, learning covers, and I just posted them on the internet and didn’t really think much of it. And, all of a sudden, I got a pretty cool reaction, and I had people asking me to come to Nashville. They were saying, “When are you coming to town?” I took a couple of trips, and I became addicted. I was like, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life — write songs.”

AVERY ANNA

Q: How did you get your start in Country Music?

ANNA : I was doing school online during the pandemic, and I would get really, really bored during it. So, I turned off my mic and my camera, and I would sing all day. And one day, I decided to post a cover of “Say Something” on TikTok. I was singing in my mom’s bathtub because the acoustics were really good in there, and it got like 10 million views. From there, I signed a record deal, and I moved from Arizona to Nashville, and now this is all happening. It’s really crazy.

Q: It sounds like you’ve been writing songs for a long time. Where do you draw inspiration?

ANNA: I draw inspiration from my journals. My aunt gave me a journal when I turned eight because I got baptized into my church, and she wanted me to write down everything that I remembered about it because it was such a spiritual experience. And I did. I wrote down how I felt about that. Ever since then, I started that habit of writing down how I felt. I’m a very bubbly girl, and I feel like I’m able to put my darker emotions or just more personal emotions into journaling. And that’s what I do with music, too — I don’t really let the emotions take control of my life. I let them take control of my music, and it helps me relate to other people that feel the same exact emotions. So, whenever I go into the writing room, I just open up my journal and read all about my personal life, and then that’s how it comes out.

Q: Was there a moment that really solidified it for you that this is what you’re going to do for your career?

CRANDALL: I’ve had a few moments where things felt like they were supposed to happen that way. Playing the Grand Ole Opry was a big one for me. It feels like for so long I was just a kid playing music in my dorm room, or I was the guy on the internet. For that to translate to fans and ticket sales and streams, and for that to be enough to be invited into the most prestigious stage for this genre was one of those moments. I was like, “Okay, I’m in the right place.”

During their recent visits to ACM HQ in Nashville, we heard from some of Country Music’s brightest emerging artists

MaRYNN TAYLOR

Q: What is the MaRynn Taylor Story?

TAYLOR: The MaRynn Taylor story is a long one. But if I have to shorten it … I am originally from Rockford, Michigan. It’s a small town in West Michigan. I have loved Country Music for a long time. I grew up listening to Carrie Underwood, Jo Dee Messina, Trisha Yearwood, and all the ’90s and ’00s Country women. I’m just obsessed with them, and I have been learning from them ever since. I still am. Getting to be here at the ACM today, it’s so cool. I think the little girl in me would be really excited because she watched the ACM Awards religiously. I moved to Nashville when I was 17, and I met my label pretty quickly, and they’re just like family now.

Q: It sounds like your career really took off when you moved to Nashville. You moved when you were 17, and you’re 21 now. What happened in the course of those four years?

TAYLOR: A lot has happened between 17 and 21. I feel like I’ve grown up a lot. Living in an apartment now, I’m in the studio, and I’m living life on my own — I’m an adult now. So, I think there’s a huge difference between 17 and 21. I was baby — so small. And I’m still small; I’m five foot one. I didn’t know what I was doing. I just thought, “I’m going to come here, and I’m going to make as many friends as I can.” And I feel like I did that. It’s been a ride for sure. I feel like I’ve been songwriting a bunch. I’ve been in the studio a bunch. And this year, 2023, is feeling good because I’ve got some new music, and I’m proud of it.

GRIFFEN PALMER

Q: Did you have any major influences? Who or what led you to pursue Country Music?

PALMER: Initially when I first dove into Country Music, Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs were really big at the time. Then I got into Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line, and I just went down the rabbit hole and fell in love with it.

Q: What’s the story behind the song, “Second Guessing”?

PALMER: I had some friends that were getting married, and they wanted me to come sing at their wedding. But I had just moved to Nashville and the wedding was up in Michigan. I couldn’t make it, but I thought, “Maybe I can send them a wedding song and that’ll make up for it.” So, I wrote this song “Second Guessing” and sent it to them hoping that it would be a good consolation for me not being able to make it. Then from there, I still had the song lying around. I sent it in to Song Land, and that’s all she wrote.

A Candid Conversation with the Gold Chain Cowboy

TE MP O: Just to kick things off, how does it feel to be the reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year? How did last year’s win set up the trajectory of the rest of your year?

M c COLLUM: Reigning winner is always a good thing to hear. It means you did something good, but last year was such a crazy whirlwind. Just in that week [57th ACM Awards week] alone, I had my second No. 1, sold out the Rodeo Houston NRG Stadium, and won that award in the span of seven days. It kind of felt like a rocket ship from there. Everything I thought about as a kid happened last year, and so far, this year as well. It’s just been magical … and I think a lot of that has to do with winning that award.

TE MP O: That's awesome to hear. You had some great successes last year, and you’re already starting off 2023 on a high note. You’ve started releasing some songs from your new album, Never Enough, one of those being “Speed,” which you say is a song about your obsession with living fast and the awareness that you need to slow down sometimes. So, how do you stay grounded?

M c COLLUM: I think living like that for so long, you’re gonna find out the hard way, which is what I did — everything in moderation. You gotta stop, smell the roses. You gotta rest, and you gotta have time to recharge your battery … Your body and mind will let you know, ‘Hey, this is too much.’

I struggle finding that balance because of the guilt I have when I’m not working as hard as I can and giving everything I have with as much fire and conviction as I possibly can ... I don’t know how to relax. That’s something that I’ve had to try to work on over the last several months, and it just comes from running so hard for so long. It catches up with you. On the other side of that, if you live like that for a while, you do progress a lot, and you’re able to put a little money away, build a career, and then you can make it easier on yourself … But it’s hard to walk that line without going too far one way.

TE MP O: Right. It's a relatable song. I think we all feel that in our lives at some point. When you do have moments of, “OK, I need to take a break and relax,” what do you like to do?

BY LIBBY GARDNER

M c COLLUM: My main thing is just being home and being in a routine. I’ve got my routine on the road dialed in — the best I’ve ever had it dialed in these last several months and mainly just this year. My wife, Hallie Ray, has played an instrumental part. She’s everything on the other side of the coin. So, you know, just to be home and in a routine, working out, eating good, prioritizing sleep. You know, part of the year

Parker McCollum reflects on his past year as the reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year

I’m in record mode. Right now, I’m working, I’m hustling, and when I come home, I just try to put the guitar away. I just try to sit still for a little while, which is not my forte by any means. But once I allow myself to do it and take a breath and relax a little bit, I always really enjoy it. But it does not take long, and I’m ready to roll again.

TE MP O: So, when you do come back, do you feel more creative and energized?

M c COLLUM: Creative, certainly. Last year, I had a couple days where I was just gonna quit. I was done. I was like, ‘I’ve done what I wanted to do, singing and writing songs.’ And I was over it. Nobody really knows that. I don’t know if I’ve told anybody that. I was texting one of my buddies back home saying, ‘Dude, I think I’m done.’ And man, it didn’t take three months before I was like, ‘I’m an idiot.’ I just did too much for too long. And as soon as I was home and off the road, I remembered how passionate I am about songwriting, performing, working hard, trying to do things the right way, and leading by example. My career allows me to satisfy all those cravings.

TE MP O: I think we’ve all had moments like that, and I love that you share that message in “Speed.” It’s just one of the songs off this new album Never Enough. What can fans expect to hear from the rest of the album?

MCCOLLUM: It’s kind of funny. I’ve gotten bored writing the same kind of songs I always find myself writing. So, on this record, I just had fun. I was listening to a lot of Vince Gill, and a lot of his songs have these beautiful, beautiful melodies … A couple songs on this record, I went after that — “Don’t Blame Me” and the one that John Randall and I wrote — “Tough People Do.” A lot of this record sounds like my early records, more so than Gold Chain Cowboy, it sounds like the old me. But there’s a couple I think listeners will be able to tell that are a little something different.

TE MP O: When you’re writing these songs by yourself or with co-writers, where do you find inspiration?

M c COLLUM: This is the first record where I don’t have any songs that I wrote by myself, which was kind of scary to me, but it really worked well. I don’t write with a map. I don't like titles. I pick up a guitar and sing something and try to find a melody that I just can’t get enough of. And that’s when I’ll buy into starting to write the song. Most of this record is me hanging out with my songwriter friends who were in town, and I’d just say, “Hey, look, I wrote this, do you want to finish it?” I don’t write songs the normal way … All the people I write with, Liz Rose, Lori

McKenna, Tony Lane, Brett James, John Randall, Lee Miller, and Hillary Lindsey, they all get it. They understand how I operate and how I work, and they don’t come in and try to push anything. As much as I was touring, they really helped me finish this record.

TE MP O: Wow, that's awesome. You talked a little bit about this being the first album where you didn't write a song by yourself. Where do you foresee your songwriting career going?

M c COLLUM: Well, I was just trying to do new things, and I’ve never done a record of songs all [that are all] co-writes. So, I was kind of keen on that idea to see what kind of record I could come up with leaning on those people and opening up to them … But, I think on my next record I might write it by myself with no co-writers. I know they don’t like to hear that. I’ll do whatever is going to light that fire in me again.

TE MP O: And to go back to your point where you said last year you were at your breaking point with your career and even thought about quitting. Do you ever worry that one day you're going to run out of things to sing about?

M c COLLUM: I feel that way every time I write a song like, “Oh, so, what am I going to say next time?” But I don’t think so. What makes me want to write songs is when I listen to great songs. So, I listen to my favorite records or my favorite songs, I’m like

“Golly that’s why I do it” — trying to write songs like that. So, I think that will always be enough fire and inspiration for me.

TE MP O: I know you have plenty to keep you busy this year. You’re going on tour with Morgan Wallen, and you have your new album. What are you most excited about, and what else do you have in store?

M c COLLUM: You know, I’m really excited to get this record out — just to see if anybody likes it or not. I’m very excited for the summer. The Morgan shows are so big — it’s such an opportunity. You just hope to do stuff like that one day and so to get to do this, it’s gonna be an awesome summer. I think we have nine or 10 shows … We’re doing Stagecoach. I’ve never been to that, and I don’t know what to expect, but there’s a lot of hype about it. I’m excited to play these new songs and see if they connect with anybody. At some point this year, I’ll start writing my next record — I just don’t know when.

TE MP O: Lots of exciting stuff! I was doing a deep dive on your Instagram and went all the way back to the beginning and saw you played a lot at a place called Saxon Pub?

M c COLLUM: Yeah, the Saxon Pub on South.

TE MP O: I know that was probably 10 or so years ago, but thinking back to that moment when you were playing at that venue — I’m sure young Parker felt like, “I've made it,” in a sense. How does it feel now to have said you’ve won an ACM award, you’re going on tour with Morgan Wallen, you’re going to play Stagecoach, and you're releasing your second album? What would young Parker think about that?

M c COLLUM: I knew I had something to offer to Country Music. I felt it so deep in my soul as a kid connecting with songs, classic Country songs, that, you know, really kind of inspired me to pick up the guitar in the first place. I was so aware as a kid. I thought a lot about the reality of chasing a dream. I was naïve, but at the same time I knew it was possible. I felt like I could do it. I just didn’t know if I would ever really put it together, if that makes sense. A lot of luck’s involved and a lot of hard work, and I didn’t always have the best work ethic as a kid. Luckily, that changed fairly quickly for me as a young man. I’m really proud to say I said I was gonna do something, and I did it. There’s a great sense of pride that comes with that. I don’t think I’ve “made it” by any stretch of imagination. I have a long, long way to go to get to where I’ll say, “I’ve made it.” But, certainly, I’ve had some pinch-me moments and blessings from God that I’m very grateful for.

The biggest thing for me is to carry myself the right way. I really hope my family and my parents are extremely proud of how I’ve handled everything I’m blessed with. I try to lead by example, try not to get caught up with making money or being famous … What really appeals to me is being respected as a songwriter, a businessman, and a performer, and I think I’ve accomplished that. And I think young Parker would like to know that those are still at the forefront of his mind. ●

KIMBERLY PERRY

4M ALBUM EQUIVALENTS SOLD W/ THE BAND PERRY

NEW MUSIC COMING SPRING ’23

“MIND ON YOU” TOP 50 & GROWING COUNTRY RADIO

NEW MUSIC COMING SPRING ’23

550M CATALOG STREAMS

NEW MUSIC COMING SPRING ’23

100M CATALOG STREAMS

NEW MUSIC COMING SPRING ’23

50M CATALOG STREAMS

NEW MUSIC COMING SPRING ’23

GEORGE BIRGE

MATT STELL

JAMES BARKER BAND

Burt Bacharach

1929–2023

Burt Bacharach, a legendary pop songwriter who also composed two chart-topping Country hits, died on February 8, 2023. He was 94. Growing up in Queens, New York, Bacharach developed an ear for music through piano lessons, and later, by sneaking into jazz clubs. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bacharach placed “The Story of My Life” with Marty Robbins, who carried the Country single (co-written with Hal David) to No. 1 for four weeks in 1958. In addition to writing classics for Carpenters, B.J. Thomas, and Dionne Warwick, he returned to No. 1 on the Country chart in 1982 with Ronnie Milsap’s remake of “Any Day Now.” Other Bacharach classics include “I Say a Little Prayer,” “On My Own,” and “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Pat Bunch

1940–2023

Pat Bunch, who co-wrote No. 1 hits for Ty Herndon, Faith Hill, and Restless Heart, died on January 30, 2023. She was 83. By the late 1970s, as the Ohio native neared her 40th birthday, Bunch secured cuts with Lynn Anderson, Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley, and others. In the 1980s, she landed Top 10 hits with Janie Fricke, Crystal Gayle, and Lee Greenwood. She achieved her first No. 1 with Restless Heart’s “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” a 1987 nominee for ACM Single of the Year. Bunch also co-wrote Faith Hill’s “Wild One,” a four-week No. 1 smash in 1994. Other credits include Ty Herndon’s “Living in a Moment” (No. 1, 1996) and Martina McBride’s “Safe in the Arms of Love” (No. 4, 1995).

David Crosby

1942–2023

David Crosby, whose love of harmony and talent for songwriting helped usher in the folk-rock sound, died on January 18, 2023. He was 81. Crosby grew up in Southern California and became a cornerstone of the Laurel Canyon sound of the 1970s. Fascinated by the Everly Brothers’ vocal blend, Crosby brought a gift for singing harmony as a founding member of The Byrds; he also co-wrote one of their most beloved songs, “Eight Miles High.” After leaving the group, he co-founded Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their lush vocals and exquisite songs such as “Guinnevere” (another Crosby original) led to a Grammy win in 1970 for Best New Artist. In 2019, Crosby shared his life story in the Cameron Crowe documentary film, David Crosby: Remember My Name

Stephen Allen Davis

1949–2022

Stephen Allen Davis, whose extensive songwriting credits include Jo Dee Messina’s “Stand Beside Me,” died on December 26, 2022. He was 73. A native of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Davis found his first songwriting success with Percy Sledge’s 1968 pop and R&B hit, “Take Time to Know Her.” In the late 1970s, Tammy Wynette reached the Top 10 with his compositions “One of a Kind” and “No One Else in the World.” Throughout his long career, he landed Top 10 singles with Little Texas, Barbara Mandrell, Charly McClain (including her No. 1 hit, “Radio Heart”), Reba McEntire, and others. “Stand Beside Me” spent three weeks at No. 1 in 1999, while Messina earned ACM nominations for Top Female Vocalist and Album of the Year with I’m Alright

BY CRAIG SHELBURNE

Bruce Gowers

1941–2023

Bruce Gowers, an award-winning director who worked with superstar artists in pop, rock, and Country Music, died on January 15, 2023. He was 82. Born and raised in England, Gowers may be best remembered for directing Queen’s 1975 landmark music video, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” although his career flourished for decades afterwards. Among his hundreds of credits, Gowers directed John Mellencamp’s iconic 1982 video, “Jack & Diane,” and won a Grammy in 1985 for Huey Lewis & The News’ longform video, “The Heart of Rock & Roll.” For multiple years, Gowers directed the Academy of Country Music Awards (2002-2004), the American Music Awards (2001, 2003) and the Billboard Music Awards (1996-2006). Starting in 2002, he directed the first nine seasons of American Idol, winning an Emmy in 2009.

Stan Hitchcock

1937–2023

Stan Hitchcock, a television executive who guided the early years of CMT while balancing a career as a host and recording artist, died on January 4, 2023. He was 86. Hitchcock was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and started performing at 12 years old. While in the Navy, he formed a Country band. Upon his discharge in 1958, he settled in Springfield, Missouri. Discovered by Red Foley, Hitchcock secured a contract with Epic Records. Although his singing career yielded modest results, he found a national audience through hosting two syndicated television shows. Hitchcock joined CMT in 1983, just as music videos were becoming prevalent. In addition to his interview series, Heart to Heart With Stan Hitchcock, he founded the Americana Television Network and BlueHighways TV.

Kyle Jacobs

1974–2023

Kyle Jacobs, an ACM Award-winning songwriter and husband of Kellie Pickler, died on February 17, 2023. He was 49. Born and raised in Minnesota, Jacobs signed with Curb Music Publishing in 2003. His breakout moment as a Country songwriter arrived in 2007 with Garth Brooks’ instant No. 1 hit, “More Than a Memory,” co-written with Lee Brice and Billy Montana. Jacobs later produced Brice’s bittersweet No. 1 single, “I Drive Your Truck,” which was named the 2013 ACM Song of the Year. Jacobs earned producing credits on four of Brice’s albums. The friends also shared a 2019 ACM Single of the Year nomination and co-writing credit on Brice’s chart-topping “Rumor.” From 2015 to 2017, Jacobs appeared in the CMT reality series

I Love Kellie Pickler

Peter McCann

1949–2023

P eter McCann, an advocate and songwriter best remembered for “Right Time of the Night,” died on January 26, 2023. He was 74. McCann got his start in Los Angeles in the 1970s as a founder of folk-rock band The Repairs. After shifting his focus to songwriting, he secured a publishing deal with ABC and made an impact with “Right Time of the Night,” a 1977 pop hit recorded by Jennifer Warnes and produced by Jim Ed Brown. He charted his own pop hit in 1977 with “Do You Wanna Make Love.” McCann moved to Nashville in 1985 and placed cuts with Earl Thomas Conley, Janie Fricke, Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire, and many others. Often working with NSAI, he spent decades lobbying for songwriters in Washington.

Ray Pillow

1938–2023

Ray Pillow, a longtime Grand Ole Opry member, died on March 26, 2023. He was 85. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Pillow earned a business degree and served in the U.S. Navy before launching his music career. When a strong showing in a talent contest earned him a guest slot on the Opry, Pillow set his sights on Country Music. Signing with Capitol Records, Pillow enjoyed a banner year in 1966 with a Top 10 duet with Jean Shepard (“I’ll Take the Dog”), an invitation to join the Opry cast, and new artist accolades from Billboard and Cashbox. Between 1965 and 1981, Pillow charted 18 singles. With Lee Greenwood’s manager Larry McFaden, Pillow co-founded Sycamore Valley Music Company, which published the 1984 classic, “God Bless the USA.”

Michael Rhodes

1954–2023

Michael Rhodes, a first-call studio musician who won 10 ACM Awards as a bassist, died on March 4, 2023. He was 69. Rhodes was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and taught himself to play guitar around age 11. After a period of time living in Memphis, Austin, and Los Angeles, he moved to Nashville, where his funky style and adaptability led to a job as a demo session player for Tree Publishing in the late 1970s. Producers soon sought him out for major label projects, and he received his first of 17 ACM nominations as a bassist in 1987. Rhodes was named a Nashville Cat by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2015, and he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019.

Liz Thiels

1945–2023

Liz Thiels, a pioneering public relations executive who represented the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as numerous Country artists in the 1980s and 1990s, died on March 19, 2023. She was 78. The Louisiana native worked as a newspaper reporter and press secretary before moving to Nashville in 1969. Within two years, she’d become a partner and co-founder in the Nashville venue Exit/In. In 1979, Thiels co-founded Network Ink, considered Nashville’s first publicity firm to focus on music. She became sole owner in 1985, and mentored a generation of Country Music publicists. In 2001, Thiels closed the company to join the executive team of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, her longtime client. She retired as Senior Vice President in 2015.

Bob “Norton” Thompson

1943–2023

Bob “Norton” Thompson, the entrepreneur who opened the Nashville rehearsal studio Soundcheck, died on March 24, 2023. He was 80. Following gigs as a roadie in the 1970s, Thompson signed on with the Eagles as a guitar tech for Glenn Frey, who became a lifelong friend and business partner. Thompson also worked on tours with the Bellamy Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, and others. In 1989, he and his wife co-founded Third Encore rehearsal studios near Los Angeles. After selling that company, Thompson and his family moved to Nashville and opened the Soundcheck facility in 1993, with Frey as co-owner. They sold Soundcheck in 2004 when Thompson retired. In 2020, Thompson published a memoir, Last Encore: My Time With Glenn Frey, The Eagles, and Other Hit Artists

Brooks Brings Down the House

50th ACM Awards

AT&T Stadium | April 19, 2015

Garth Brooks takes the stage with his signature energy, captivating the record-breaking audience at the 50th ACM Awards at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on April 19, 2015.