ACM Tempo | Summer 2022

TEMPO ACM

SUMMER 2022

Miranda Lambert ACM Entertainer of the Year is Heading to Vegas

57 TH ACM AWARDS MAKES HISTORY s TOPGOLF TEE-OFF & ROCK ON DRAWS RECORD CROWD s SAVE THE DATE: ACM HONORS AUGUST 24

Contents

8 | SAVE THE DATES Mark your calendars for the 15th Annual ACM Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 24 and Party For a Cause at Ascend Amphitheater on August 23 12 | BOGEY AND BOOGIE Topgolf Tee-Off & Rock On draws record crowd and donations for ACM Lifting Lives during the ACM Awards weekend

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Editor’s Note

6

CEO Note

8

ACM News

12

Let’s Lift Lives

16

The Buzz

54

In Memory

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ACM Moment

Cover Story Newly crowned ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert discusses her new music and plans for the rest of 2022 PAGE 42

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18 | 57TH ACM AWARDS Dolly Parton hosted this year’s ACM Awards alongside co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett 28 | ACM WINNERS See the full list of Country artists who took home ACM Awards on March 7 50 | GRAND INTRODUCTIONS Get to know Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum, your ACM New Male and New Female Artists of the year

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ON THE COVER: Miranda Lambert photographed by Robert Ascroft

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ACM

TEMPO

E D ITO R ’ S N OTE

E ditor

Libby Gardner A ssistant E ditor

Hannah Kellis C ontributors

Sally Bishop, Tricia Despres, Craig Shelburne

Monumental Moments

T

D esign

Randi Karabin, Karabin Creative P rinting

Graphic Visions Commerical Printing P hotos

ACM, Robert Ascroft, Getty Images ACADEMY STAFF CEO

he Academy continues to make history and set

Damon Whiteside

precedents — adding another hit stadium show to its

Lyndsay Cruz

E xecutive D irector/ACM L ifting L ives

repertoire and setting the bar high for awards shows

Vice P resident/Finance & O perations

to come as the first award show to bypass network TV

Vice P resident/Strategic Partnerships

Alexa Fasheh

and livestream exclusively on Prime Video. But this

Jen Heaton

of course would not be possible without the support

Vice P resident/M arketing and D igital Strategy & E ngagement

of our entire industry, from its artists to publicists to Country radio, our hardworking, talented ACM staff,

our incredible dedicated ACM and ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors, and our amazing partners at MRC Live & Alternative and Prime Video. The feat of the 57th ACM Awards continues to prove the Country community is a strong one.

In this issue, we not only recap and reflect on the success of the 57th ACM Awards weekend, but we also exclusively hear from some of this year’s winners.

Rory Levine

Vice P resident/A rtist & I ndustry R elations , B oard A dministration & G overnance

Tommy Moore

D irector/C reative & C ontent

Brandon Campbell

D irector/D esign & B rand C reative

Lori Kraft

D irector/B rand M arketing & Partnerships

Steve Mekler

Our reigning (and first-time) Entertainer of the Year, Miranda Lambert, tells us

D irector/C ommunications , M edia R elations & R adio

how she will be embracing this title and gives us a glimpse into the inspiration

D irector/Events

Melissa Moldovan

behind her new album and upcoming Las Vegas residency. Read it on pg. 42.

Lanni (Gagnon) Niggli

And get to know the ACM New Male and New Female Artists of the Year, Parker

M anager/Events

McCollum and Lainey Wilson starting on pg. 50.

M anager/Strategic Partnerships

And as summer quickly approaches, we are already gearing up for one of the Country Music industry’s favorite nights, ACM Honors, and this year’s has even

Jennifer Davis

Rebecca Fisher

M anager/C reative & C ontent

Libby Gardner

more significance with it being the 15th anniversary. On top of that, we also are

M anager/ P ublicity & M edia R elations

bringing back the beloved Party for a Cause event, preceding ACM Honors on

M anager/Awards & M embership

August 23 at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville.

Finally, I would be remiss without acknowledging the departure of our very own ACM Tempo Assistant Editor, Hannah Kellis, who is returning to her television and film roots continuing her career in LA. Thank you for your dedication to the Academy and of course, to this publication.

Jesse Knutson

Haley Montgomery

M anager/A rtist & I ndustry R elations , B oard A dministration & G overnance

Maddy Stessman

M anager/ACM L ifting L ives

Taylor Wolf

C oordinator/C reative & C ontent

Hannah Kellis

C oordinator/D igital & S ocial M edia

Wishing everyone a safe and sun-filled summer!

Dayna Poskanzer

E xecutive A ssistant to the CEO

Kristan Pridgen

A ssistant/Events

Alexis Bingham

Libby Gardner Tempo Editor

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A ssistant/M arketing & C ommunications

Carrie McDonough I nterns

Dalila Bevab - Marketing Sally Bishop - Creative & Content Anam Faruqi - Lifting Lives Ciara McKay - Artists & Industry Relations Charlotte Meade - Events Cara Siegel - Partnerships Michael Stern - Events Julia Wang - Marketing

FRO M TH E CEO

Dear Valued Academy Members, We did it! Country Music’s Party

the great work of ACM Lifting Lives and featured an

of the Year returned to Las

afternoon of golfing, reconnecting and lots of music,

Vegas after a two-year hiatus and

headlined by 2020 ACM Entertainer of the Year, Luke

was bigger and better than ever. We

Bryan. This year also marked other milestones, with

could not have made the impossible

one of our biggest and most elegant ACM Awards Red

possible without the support of our

Carpets ever, that featured our first-ever exclusive

dedicated ACM Staff, the leadership

ACM Awards Red Carpet show that streamed live on

of our ACM and ACM Lifting Lives

Prime Video. This issue is filled with a great recap of

Board of Directors, and the support

the fashionable photos. Radio Row was also back in

of our passionate artists and

person and in full swing again with stellar Country

industry Members.

Radio and artist participation. Thank you to our

In less than six months,

Country Radio stations and shows that were on site,

the Academy, with the partnership of MRC Live &

and another congratulations to all of our ACM Radio

Alternative, our visionary executive producer, RAC

Award winners.

Clark, as well as our new distribution partner, Prime

As we look back on the success of the 57th ACM

Video, pulled off a show so big that only a stadium could

Awards, we also are looking forward with excitement

hold it, all while making the precedent-setting transition

to one of the industry’s favorite nights, ACM Honors.

to a streaming-exclusive format that reached audiences in 235 countries and territories across the world. We proudly showed the world “This Is How We Country,” and we did it with the global icon Dolly Parton and the 2020 ACM New Artist of the Year winners, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett as our centerpiece. A HUGE thank you to everyone involved for the support and for the patience and understanding as we navigated another event complicated by COVID-19 in a completely new location. I simply could not be prouder of the show we put on and how brightly Country shined that night as all eyes across the world in the entertainment industry and fan community were on us!

I hope you were able to join in the event by watching live or the special “encore edition” on demand on Prime Video or IMDbTV. This issue celebrates our winners and performers from the night including special features on our first-time

This year marks the 15th anniversary of this poignant show, which is taking place at the historic Ryman Auditorium, and celebrates our Special Awards, Industry and Studio Recording Awards winners, along with this year’s Songwriter of the Year, HARDY. We are also bringing back our popular concert event, ACM Party for a Cause, at Ascend Amphitheater for its second year in Nashville, and all proceeds will be once again benefiting ACM Lifting Lives. Please mark your calendar and save the dates for these two events and be on the lookout for other important announcements and updates in the coming weeks.

As always, thank you for your support of the Academy, and please feel free to reach out to me or the Membership team with any feedback or suggestions you have.

Have a great summer!

Entertainer of the Year, Miranda Lambert, and New Artist of the Year winners Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum. We are also celebrating the return of the Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On, which benefited

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Damon Whiteside Chief Executive Officer

N E WS

SAVE THE DATE The Annual Academy of Country Music Honors™ returns to Nashville for its 15th iteration on Wednesday, August 24 at the Ryman Auditorium. The event will honor winners of the 2021 Industry and Studio Recording Awards, while also celebrating recipients of the ACM Special Awards. More details to be announced in the coming months.

New Nashville Tradition ACM Party For A Cause® is back in Nashville for the second year in a row! On Tuesday, August 23, your favorite Country artists will take over Ascend Amphitheatre to perform a night of hits, with all proceeds from the event benefiting ACM Lifting Lives®, the Academy’s philanthropic arm. Keep an eye on the Academy’s social account for more details.

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N E WS

Tin Pan South Festival

F

or its 30th anniversary, the Academy sponsored the Bluebird Stage at the Tin Pan South Festival, which took place from March 29 - April 2.

The festival was put on by NSAI across 9 stages and featured Nashville’s songwriter community. The Academy utilized the sponsorship to support the songwriting community and to increase the number of songwriters involved in ACM membership. All proceeds from the festival went towards NSAI’s mission of fighting for songwriter rights.

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Songwriters featured on the Bluebird stage include Bill Anderson, Phil Barton, Cameron Bedell, Jason Boyer, Jim “Moose” Brown, Buddy Cannon, Cecilia Castleman, Jeff Cohen, Jason Duke, Seth Ennis, Johnny Gates, Sam Grow, Lera Lynn, Jason Massey, Taylor McCall, Sean McConnell, Madeline Merlo, Josh Miranda, Danny Myrick, Will Nance, Ashley Ray, Matt Rogers, Liz Rose, Kylie Sackley, Jason Sever, Brittney Spencer, Mason Thornley, Keesy Timmer, Jeff Trott and Brian White.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Haley Montgomery (ACM), Jason Duke, (Songwriter) Jason Massey (Songwriter), Keesy Timmer, (Songwriter) and Matt Rogers (Songwriter); Haley Montgomery (ACM), Rebecca Fisher (ACM), Taylor Wolf (ACM), and Jennifer Davis (ACM); Haley Montgomery (ACM), Buddy Cannon (Songwriter), Bill Anderson (Songwriter), Nicole Marchesi (Collective Artist Management) and Carrie McDonough (ACM)

A Secure Retirement Is Too Important to Fiddle With Whatever professional responsibilities you perform, you want your career to end on a high note with regard to retirement. Since 1892, 30 years before fiddler A.C. (Eck) Robertson made the first commercial country music recording, Security Benefit has helped people arrange stronger financial futures for themselves and their families. Compose a comfortable, confident retirement in harmony with your goals. Ask your financial professional how our medley of innovative retirement savings solutions can help you To and Through Retirement®.

99-00487-34 2018/05/04

LE T ’ S LI F T LIVE S

Topgolf Takeover

A

CM Lifting Lives® Topgolf Tee Off & Rock On Presented by Canteen Spirits returned to the Vegas scene for 2022. On Sunday, March 6 at Topgolf Las Vegas, headliner Luke Bryan was joined by Jordan Davis, ACM New Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, rising star Erin Kinsey, Spotify “Hot Country Artist to Watch” Ian Munsick, multi-Platinum singer and songwriter Chase Rice, dynamic trio Restless Road and ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominee Elvie Shane. Topgolf Tee-Off & Rock On has become a fan-favorite awards-week event as it features a reimagined golf tournament experience that brings artists, industry members and fans together. At the tournament’s conclusion multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Scotty McCreery was named overall winner for the third consecutive year.

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LE T ’ S LI F T LIVE S

OWN A PIECE OF ACM HISTORY Lucky fans got to take home a piece of history from the 57th ACM Awards, all while supporting ACM Lifting Lives.

The reigning and three-time ACM Duo of the Year, Brothers Osborne, rocked the Allegiant Stadium stage with an unforgettable performance of “Skeletons.” Immediately following the performance, TJ and John’s hand-painted Gibson guitars went up for auction on Charity Buzz and were available for bidding until Wednesday, March 23. All proceeds from the auction benefitted ACM Lifting Lives.

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Hanging Out & Rocking On

I

n an exciting partnership with The Morning Hangover, ACM Lifting Lives participated in the first ever Hangover Fest. BRELAND, Jordan Davis, HARDY, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Caitlyn Smith, Conner Smith, Tenille Townes and Lainey Wilson took to the stage at House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on the evening of March 6 to perform for fans and the industry.

Hangover Fest 2022 was hosted by comedian Dusty Slay and proceeds from the event benefitted ACM Lifting Lives. This year’s leading ACM nominee Chris Young made a personal donation to Lifting Lives after a surprise appearance.

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TH E BUZ Z

Single Releases Album Releases Dillon Carmichael

Son Of A (Deluxe Edition)

Fall 2022

Eli Young Band

Love Talking

June 3

Ray Fulcher

Spray Painted Line

June 10

Midland

The Last Resort: Greetings From

May 6

Dylan Scott

Livin’ My Best Life

August 5

MaRynn Taylor

Something I Would Do

June 3

Aaron Watson

Unwanted Man

June 17

George Birge

“Mind On You”

Impacting radio late summer

Jessie James Decker

“Should Have Known Better”

Impacting radio May 2

Cody Johnson

“Human”

Impacting radio June 6

Jake Owen

“1x1”

April 29

Matt Stell

“Man Made”

April 29

MaRynn Taylor

“Every Single Summer”

Out now

Morgan Wallen

“Don’t Think Jesus”

Out now

EP Releases George Birge George Birge

Out now

Erin Kinsey 40 East

Out now

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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

Kameron Marlowe

Conner Smith

July 21 August 4-5 August 11-12

June – October

Maren Morris

March – August

Opening for Morgan Wallen’s The Dangerous Tour

Humble Quest Tour

Beginning June 2022

Opening for Thomas Rhett’s Bring the Bar to You Tour

Eli Young Band

Love Talking Tour

The Cadillac Three

Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour

Jake Owen

April – December

Label Me Proud Tour 2022

April – September

June 2 – September 24

Winstock Country Music Festival

Opening for Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town’s The Bandwagon Tour

Lee Brice

Dillon Carmichael Son of A Tour

May 6 – August 20

Jackson Dean

Opening for Lee Brice's Label Me Proud Tour 2022

June – September

Ray Fulcher

CMA Music Fest

June 9 | Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry

June 11 | Nashville, TN Country Fest

June 24 | Cadott, WI Faster Horses

July 23 | Brooklyn, MI WE Fest

August 5 | Detroit Lakes, MN

Riley Green

We Out Here Tour 2022

Now – July Opening for Luke Bryan’s Raised Up Right Tour

June – October

Jessie James Decker First headline tour

Through June

Elle King

Headline Tour

Morgan Wallen

June 27

The Dangerous Tour

Bayfront Country Jam

April – October

July 1

Patriotic Festival

Music on the Mountain Festival

May 19

July 2

Tailgates N’ Tallboys Festival

Delaware County Fair

June 17

July 14

The Country Fest

Country Stampede Festival

June 18

July 15

Country Concert Festival

Faster Horses Festival

July 9

July 22

Country Thunder Saskatchewan

Watershed Festival

July 16

July 29

Faster Horses Festival

Tailgate Fest

July 22

August 13

Country Thunder Wisconsin

Bash on the Bay Festival

July 23

August 24

Rock The South Festival

Country in the Burg Festival

August 6

August 27

Tidalwave Music Festival

Carly Pearce

August 13

Opening for Kenny Chesney’s Here and Now Tour

April – August

Thomas Rhett

Bring the Bar to You Tour

Country Thunder Alberta

August 20 Windy City Smokeout

August 4 – 7

June – October

Opening for Chris Stapleton’s All American Roadshow

April 28 – October 28

Miranda Lambert

Band Wagon Tour with Little Big Town

May 6 – June 11 Velvet Rodeo, The Las Vegas Residency

September 23, 2022 – April 9, 2023

Lady A

Request Line Tour

August 13 – October 29

Justin Moore

Country On It Tour

April – September

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THIS IS HOW WE

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BY CRAIG SHELBURNE

The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards Makes History

B

reaking ground as the first Country Music awards show to debut on a streaming platform, the 57th ACM Awards shared a bold message with viewers worldwide: “This Is How We Country.” Streaming live from Las Vegas on Prime Video, the allstar event dazzled viewers with top-tier talent, award-winning hit songs, and a feel-good vibe from host, the legendary Dolly Parton, and her co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.

Taking the stage in a glimmering gown, Parton remarked, “Well, I wanted to shine tonight. Did I make it?” Indeed, she did — and she wasn’t the only one. Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson were among the ACM Award recipients who performed at the March 7 ceremony at Allegiant Stadium. Meanwhile, Miranda Lambert picked up the evening’s top award, Entertainer of the Year, virtually from London, ensuring her status as the most awarded artist in ACM history.

The beloved Parton often kept the mood light by poking fun at herself and her wardrobe. Yet, in a heartfelt speech, she added, “I love to laugh, I love to joke, and we’re going to have a good time tonight.

But I do want us, before we get started with all of our fun, to take a serious moment. Now I don’t want to be political and this is not. I’d rather pass a kidney stone than do that. But I want us to send our love and hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. So why don’t we just dedicate this entire show to them and pray for peace all around this crazy old world.”

In just over two hours, the 57th ACM Awards repeatedly hit the jackpot with amazing performances. Even before the first award was presented, the crowd embraced Jimmie Allen’s shining rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Gabby Barrett’s jubilant cover of Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go to Vegas.”

Surveying his 16-year career at Country radio, Eric Church rolled out a medley of his most famous singles, reminding the crowd why he’s at the top of his game. After that, newcomer Walker Hayes kept the party going by roaming through the venue while singing the crowd favorites “AA” and “Fancy Like.”

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When Brothers Osborne accepted their third ACM Duo of the Year award, John Osborne told the audience, “We never, ever expect these. Literally never and it always comes as a huge surprise.” Along with thanking his wife, their dog, and other members of his family, he added, “I couldn’t have done it without my brother. I love him to death. And we couldn’t have done it without y’all! We love all y’all!”

In addition, Old Dominion collected their fifth award as the ACM Group of the Year. Lead singer Matthew Ramsey told the audience that they don’t take these wins for granted. He continued, “I’m so thankful that Dolly said what she said at the beginning because I was feeling a little bit strange. Because we’re in this beautiful bubble here where every person whose name is mentioned tonight has fought for their dreams. But there are people fighting for their lives right now.”

Incorporating various stages throughout the stadium, the winning streak of performances continued with Maren Morris singing “Circles Around This Town,” Parmalee collaborating with Blanco Brown and Brooke Eden on “Just the Way” and Chris Stapleton delivering a riveting version of “Watch You Burn.”

Lainey Wilson walked to the stage in a daze when “Things a Man Oughta Know” received ACM Song of the Year honors.

Breathlessly, she told the audience, “Country Music is my life. It has been my life for as long as I can remember. I’m from a town of 264 people in northeast Louisiana, where Country Music is life.” Reading from a list of people to thank, she continued, “First of all, I don’t need a note for this, but I want to thank my Lord and Savior for putting this dream on my heart. I want to thank my family who has been so supportive of me from the beginning, who helped me buy my camper trailer, move it to Nashville, and all that.”

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She thanked her co-writers Jason Nix and Jonathan Singleton, producer Jay Joyce and other members of her team. She concluded, “Country radio has supported me so much, and I tell you what, the Country Music fans have wrapped their loving arms around me, which is a prayer answered. I just appreciate y’all so much. This song is about treating people right and it’s not something that just a man oughta know. It’s something that we all need to know! It’s about the Golden Rule!”

Upon accepting ACM Single of the Year honors for “If I Didn’t Love You,” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood graciously thanked each other for taking part in the powerhouse duet. Aldean saluted its writers — Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, John Morgan and Lydia Vaughan — while Underwood extended her thanks to Country radio and Country fans.

One of the night’s most poignant moments came with Jimmie Allen’s performance of “Down Home,” a nod to his late father. Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde then teamed up for “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” an emotional single that earned an off-camera award for ACM Music Event of the Year. Thomas Rhett also touched listeners with the nostalgic “Slow Down Summer.”

With more performances in the pipeline, prolific author James Patterson spoke about his collaboration with Dolly Parton for a thriller titled “Run, Rose, Run.” Parton returned to center stage to sing a new composition inspired by that book, “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans,” with guest Kelsea Ballerini.

Morgan Wallen referenced notes on his phone as he accepted the ACM Album of the Year award for

Clockwise from top left: Kelsea Ballerini and Dolly Parton; Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde; Blanco Brown, Brooke Eden and Parmalee; Maren Morris; Morgan Wallen; Lainey Wilson; Old Dominion

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Dangerous: The Double Album. He told the audience, “When I started this album, I was a kid. By the time I put it out, I was a father, and that’s become more important to me than anything else. To my son, this award and this album will signify that his daddy was a fighter, and that he chased his dreams and worked hard to make them a reality.”

He added, “I want to say a special thank you to all the songwriters, producers, and musicians that played on this album. I wish you were standing here next to me now. This project would not be complete without each of you. I’d also like to thank my good Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, my close friends, my band, my team in Nashville, Country radio, and everyone who has shown me grace along the way. But most importantly I have to address my fans personally and directly: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

In the spirit of a well-curated playlist, the show shuffled through Country Music’s past, present and future. Brothers Osborne electrified viewers with “Skeletons,” while Gabby Barrett revisited a modern classic, “I Hope You Dance.” Parker McCollum, the ACM New Male Artist of the Year, sang “Pretty Heart,” which led into Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist BRELAND joyously singing “Praise the Lord” with Thomas Rhett.

Lainey Wilson, recipient of the ACM New Female Artist of the Year award, presented a sterling rendition of “Things a Man Oughta Know.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood reunited for “If I Didn’t Love You,” with Underwood making a grand entrance gliding from the ceiling to the stage in an elegant hoop. Kane Brown showed his romantic side on “Leave You Alone,” followed by Luke Bryan offering “Up,” an ode to small-town life. Jordan Davis took the stage alongside Bryan for the sentimental “Buy Dirt.”

Showing Country Music’s heart, Mickey Guyton spoke about two important charitable organizations: ACM Lifting Lives and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. That eloquent moment naturally led into an uplifting and impassioned performance of “What a Song Can Do” by Lady A.

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Clockwise from top left: Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood; Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis; Lady A; Brothers Osborne; Mickey Guyton; Gabby Barrett; Kane Brown; Parker McCollum; BRELAND and Thomas Rhett

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The crowd roared as Chris Stapleton heard his name called as ACM Male Artist of the Year. At the podium, he noticed some exuberant fans and remarked, “Well, these are a rowdy bunch over here.”

After thanking his wife and two of their children who joined him at the show, Stapleton observed, “This is a dream every minute we get to live this. Everybody that is in these seats, and all the fans that are here — it’s a dream. It really is, and I’m evidence that dreams come true all the time. So, thank you. Thank you to everybody and to all the guys in this category. It’s a wonderful field of guys. Any one of them deserved this award and that’s the truth. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community. Thank you so much.”

Accepting the trophy for ACM Female Artist of the Year, Carly Pearce commented, “I truly don’t know how to put this into words to you, but this is all I’ve ever wanted to do in the whole world, and I feel like the last couple of years of my life, especially just the last year, has been the craziest thing in the whole world. I feel so honored just to be a female amongst all of the females that I love so much.” In addition to thanking her team and Country radio, she gave a shout-out to her fans, stating, “You guys have let me tell my truth and I feel like you’ve found your truth inside of my songs, and I just want you to know that Country Music is everything to me, and I just love you guys so much. God bless you guys. Mom and Dad, I did it! Thank you, guys!”

No stranger to Country fans, Chris Young sang “At the End of a Bar” with his friend Mitchell Tenpenny, which led into his hit, “Raised on Country.” A sensational performance of “I Will Always Love You”

by Kelly Clarkson led Parton to comment, “I was backstage trying not to cry my false eyelashes off!”

Just before the night’s final performance with

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Brothers Osborne and newcomer Brittney Spencer reviving “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” Parton presented the ACM Entertainer of the Year award to Miranda Lambert who was watching the show abroad on Prime Video.

“I cannot believe I’m not there to celebrate!” she said. “I’m in London. I have shows this week. It’s my first time to miss an ACM in 17 years, so my heart’s a little broken but I’m happy to be where I am. I’ve been waiting for this for a really, really long time. I actually never thought it would happen. But thank you so much to the Country Music family for embracing me all these years and continuing to support me.”

In addition to thanking the Academy and her manager, Lambert concluded, “This one goes out to all the singer-songwriter girls out there that are putting their blood, sweat and tears into their guitar strings.

We did it! This is for us! Thank y’all so much. See you in Nashville!” X

Clockwise from top left: Chris Stapleton; Brothers Osborne and Brittney Spencer; Kelly Clarkson; Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny; Eric Church; Walker Hayes; Miranda Lambert

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RED CARPET

SHOW

The Official ACM Awards Red Carpet Show streamed Monday, March 7, on Prime Video from 7–8 p.m. E.T./4–5 p.m. P.T., preceding the 57th ACM Awards. Hosted by Priscilla Block, Kristin Cavallari, Zuri Hall and Elaina Smith, the party before the party gave fans VIP access to all the excitement from the red carpet, including the night’s biggest fashion trends, a look behind the scenes, and special performances from up-andcoming Country duo Kat & Alex and ACM Award winner Tenille Townes. A replay of the Official ACM Awards Red Carpet Show is available now to stream on Prime Video.

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WINNERS ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Miranda Lambert

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Carly Pearce

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Stapleton

DUO OF THE YEAR

Brothers Osborne

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Lainey Wilson

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Parker McCollum

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ALBUM OF THE YEAR

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

Dangerous: The Double Album

Morgan Wallen PRODUCERS: Joey Moi / Jacob Durrett / Charlie Handsome / Matt Dragstrem / Dave Cohen RECORD LABELS: Big Loud Records / Republic Records

WINNER HIGHLIGHTS of the 57 TH Academy of Country Music Awards™

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

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

“IF I DIDN'T LOVE YOU”

Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood PRODUCER: Michael Knox RECORD LABELS: Broken Bow Records / Macon Music, LLC / BBR Music Group / BMG

SONG OF THE YEAR

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

“Things A Man Oughta Know”

Lainey Wilson SONGWRITERS: Jason Nix / Jonathan Singleton / Lainey Wilson PUBLISHERS: Sony/ATV Accent / Sony/ATV Countryside / Spirit Two Nashville / Super Big Music

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

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

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”

Elle King and Miranda Lambert PRODUCERS: Angie Lorenz / Wes Edwards / Lora Criner / James Stratakis / Alexa Kinigopoulos DIRECTOR: Stephen

Kinigopoulos

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

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

“Never Wanted To Be That Girl”

Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde PRODUCERS: Shane McAnally / Josh Osborne RECORD LABELS: Big

Machine Label Group / Warner Music Nashville

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

This is MIRANDA LAMBERT’s first win for Entertainer of the Year, and her win qualifies her for the coveted Triple Crown Award (New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year). Her two wins tonight bring her total ACM Awards count to 37, more than any artist in ACM Awards history.

This marks CARLY PEARCE’s first win for ACM Female Artist of the Year and her second win for Music Event of the Year, bringing her total ACM Awards count to four.

After winning New Female Artist of the Year, LAINEY WILSON was awarded Song of the Year, marking her second and third ACM Award wins as both artist and song co-writer.

This is CHRIS STAPLETON’s third Male Artist of the Year win, and his 13th ACM Award overall.

OLD DOMINION’s win for Group of the Year marks their 5th win in the category, and seventh win overall.

With their win for Single of the Year, CARRIE UNDERWOOD takes home her second ACM Award in the category (“Jesus Take the Wheel,” 2005) and 16th award overall, and JASON ALDEAN takes home his second ACM Award in the category (“Don’t You Wanna Stay,” 2011) and 15th award overall.

BROTHERS OSBORNE’s win for Duo of the Year marks their third win in the category, and sixth win overall.

LAINEY WILSON, MORGAN WALLEN, and PARKER McCOLLUM all take home their first ACM Awards.

HARDY

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This is the third overall win for Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman, and their second win as a show for Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year for Jim, Deb, and Kevin in the Morning. Additionally, this is the third win for WUBE-FM for Large Market Radio Station of the Year. WHKO-FM and WXBQ-FM each received their first wins for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year and Small Market Radio Station of the Year, respectively. Shows receiving their first On-Air Personality Awards include Mo & StyckMan and Liz and Scotty in the Morning.

ACM RADIO WINNERS NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Jerry Broadway, Tim Wall, Mitch English, Becca Walls, The Bud and Broadway Show

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Bryan “B-Dub” Washington

B-Dub Radio

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (Major Market) Tracy Dixon

KYGO-FM (Denver, Colo.)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(Large Market) Jim, Deb, and Kevin in the Morning, Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, Kevin Freeman

WFMS-FM (Indianapolis, Ind.)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(Medium Market) Mo & StyckMan, Melissa “Mo” Wagner, Greg “StyckMan” Owens

WUSY-FM (Chattanooga, Tenn.)

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ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

(Small Market) Liz and Scotty in the Morning – Liz DelGrosso and Scotty Cox,

KCLR-FM (Columbia, Mo.)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (Major Market) KYGO-FM

(Denver, Colo.)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (Large Market) WUBE-FM

(Cincinnati, Ohio)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

(Medium Market) WHKO-FM

(Dayton, Ohio)

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (Small Market) WXBQ-FM

(Bristol, Va.)

AND

We’re Back I

n the lead up to the 57th ACM Awards, the Academy produced a successful Radio Row for artists and radio stations. Sixteen participating stations and shows took over ballrooms at Park MGM on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. Over thirty artists participated in the events, including Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett and Chris Young. The Country Music stars discussed their excitement for the ACM Awards return to Las Vegas, the thrill of this year’s stellar hosts and venue and divulged plans for new music and tours on the horizon. This year’s Radio Row was sponsored by Ashley Furniture and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, providing great coverage in the lead up to the 57th ACM Awards on Prime Video.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Blanco Brown; Kelly Sutton, Amber Anderson, and Chase Rice; Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, and Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion and Katie Neal; Maren Morris; BRELAND and Parker McCollum; Priscilla Block

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FROM THE

PRESS ROOM “What has kept us going for the past eight years are these [awards]. It has kept wind in our sails, not only what it does in terms of the fan base and the notoriety, but what it does for us as people that are constantly fighting, what we feel like is an uphill battle, even when we do win. It puts the wind in our managers’ sails and our label’s sails, our band and our crew.

It’s a lot bigger than people, I think, actually know. These things really, truly do keep you going.” —JOHN OF BROTHERS OSBORNE

“I enjoyed coming back here [Las Vegas], man. I always have a great time being here. Some of the highlights of my career happened in this town at this particular show. So I have a lot of great memories from here and always enjoy coming back, with exception of the one time [Route 91], it’s always been great.”

— JASON ALDEAN

“I am so grateful there are people who love Country Music as much as I do and I got more to say. I got a whole lot to say and I just am so glad y’all are along for the ride. It’s gonna be a damn good one. So hop on, toot toot, let’s go.” —LAINEY WILSON

“I think Country for the longest time has prided itself on just being, like Harlan Howard said, ‘three chords and the truth’ and I think that now that it is a place where you can live your own truth, as cliché as that is, I think it is that way. I think to end the award show with so much different representation with my brother, me and Brittney up there, that was really cool and to me, felt very natural and not forced. It was really a great musical moment.”

—TJ OF BROTHERS OSBORNE

“What I wanted to do with this album was just lay it all out there and I think what I have found is that my purpose is so much greater than just being a singer on a stage. I feel that my duty as a person and as a woman and as a songwriter is just to make sure that people know you can go through hard things, but you can also go through them, learn things from them and become better.” —CARLY PEARCE

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“There are so many incredibly talented women in this genre and Miranda’s long overdue for winning this award so I couldn’t be more proud of her as a sister in this genre of music, in this industry. There were a lot of incredible females on stage tonight and I look forward to more of that happening.”

— CARRIE UNDERWOOD

“Since I was a little kid, all I wanted to do was play Country Music for a living. I worked my butt off, my team has worked their butt off, so to get to have a night like this after putting out a record like that, just to know that it worked a little bit, you know you didn’t waste your time for nothing, I don’t know what anybody else could ask for. That’s a good feeling.”

— PARKER McCOLLUM

“ When I moved to Nashville, all I wanted to do was be a songwriter and that is no discredit to my artist career whatsoever, but first things first, I care about the song more than anything else. It’s a huge honor and it sounds very cliché to say that, but it really, this is all I care about: the song. The music industry would not exist without the song.” — HARDY

“I’m feeling very grateful that we are living in a country that allows us to fight for our dreams. These are things that we take for granted that we work so hard and imagine something and we can make it happen. I’m feeling very grateful that we’re here, but also my heart just hurts for the people right now who are hiding in basements and trying to get out of the country and their lives and the lives of their children are in danger.”

—MATTHEW RAMSEY OF OLD DOMINION

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VERIFIED

B R I T T N E Y S P E N C E R @brittneyspencer

these boots closed out the @acmawards tonight love you, @tjosborne & @jinglejohnosborne

K E L S E A B A L L E R I N I @kelseaballerini

It has been an unexplainable honor being around the force that is Dolly Parton. A trailblazer and legend in the truest sense of the word, and does it all with wit and heart and grace. I’m just so giddy that I was able to tap into that magic for those three minutes on the @acmawards. Also, her novel Run Rose Run is out now and it was SO fun voicing the character of AnnieLee!! Go check it out.

Feeling the luckiest.

C A R LY P E A R C E

@carlypearce My girls ♥ #acmawards

JASON ALDEAN

@jasonaldean

WA L K E R H AY E S

@walkerhayes We ready @acmawards

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What a great weekend in Vegas at the @acmawards! I feel like a double winner. We won for Single of the year, and I got to have this stunner as my date!!

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TIL MY LAST DAY • LETTIN’ THE NIGHT ROLL • GIRL IN A COUNTRY SONG • A GUY WALKS INTO A BAR • ANY OL’ BARSTOOL • HURRICANE • IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW • YOURS IF YOU WANT IT •WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS • I’LL NAME THE DOGS • LIKE I LOVED YOU • I COULD USE A LOVE SONG • ONE NUMBER AWAY • MERCY • DROWNS THE WHISKEY • S U N R I S E, S U N B URN, SUNSET • BREAK UP IN THE END • SHE GOT THE BEST OF ME • SLEEP W I T H O U T YO U •SPEECHLESS • B E A U T I F U L CRAZY • HERE TONIGHT • BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART • THE ONES CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF HITS T H A T DIDN’T MAKE IT BACK HOME • EVEN THOUGH I’M LEAVING • WHAT IF I NEVER GET OVER YOU • 10,000 HOURS • THE BONES • CATCH • DOES TO ME • I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY NOW • IN BETWEEN • ONE MARGARITA • DIE FROM A BROKEN HEART • WHY WE DRINK • LOVIN’ ON YOU • BE A LIGHT • BETTER TOGETHER • LADY • FOREVER AFTER ALL • MERCY • WAVES • THINGS A MAN OUGHTA KNOW • WHISKEY AND RAIN • ABCDEFU •WILD HEARTS • CIRCLES AROUND THIS TOWN • WITH A WOMAN I LOVE • YOU DIDN’T • LEARN FROM IT • WHAT A SONG CAN DO • IT’S CAUSE I AM • RICH • COWBOYS 39 AND ANGELS • FLY • NIGHTS ON FIRE acmcountry.com

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“awe-inspring”

“powerhouse, redemptive” “captivating”

“larger-than-life”

High f eat uring t he new s ingle “DOWNTOWN BABY” acmcountry.com

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BY LIBBY GARDNER

Lambert Saddles Up for Vegas

Residency Miranda Lambert secures her first ACM Entertainer of the Year win amidst a jam-packed year of new music, touring and a Las Vegas residency.

Bound

L

ambert, a gypsy at heart who unequivocally embraces her “Wandering Sprit,” has continued to take us on a musical journey that consistently elevates the Country Music genre and her newly

released album, Palomino, keeps the journey going with its badass road trip vibes.

As the world came to a halt at the start of the pandemic, Lambert turned to longtime collaborators Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby. “We got together in 2020 when we all had time to sit and write, because that’s all we could do,” Lambert said. “We went to my farm and we started writing some songs. I wasn’t sitting down and planning to write for a project per say, but we wrote ‘Tourist’ and ‘Scenes,’ and we realized that it had sort of taken on this kind of travel vibe, so we started writing towards that. I wouldn’t call it a concept record or a theme record, but it definitely has this road trip vibe and it takes you all over the place. There’s 36 different places we go in this record.”

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From Fort Worth, Texas to Battambang, Cambodia, from the Mojave Desert to Maine, Lambert takes us on a road trip unlike any other with Palomino. Having written this album at a time when many people were unsettled and lost in life, Lambert credits not only those shared feelings but also her innate traveling spirit for sparking the initial conceptualization of the record. “I think the pandemic probably started the conversations because of the time we started writing it,” she explained, “but we kept writing towards this project for another year and a half when everything was sort of opening and life was happening again. I think that’s always been a theme in my music, and Luke Dick is really great at that kind of vibe. He and Natalie wrote ‘Highway Vagabond.’ We sort of just played off of that and how much we love to travel. I’m a vintage trailer collector; I’ve got like five vintage camper trailers. That’s always been a big part of my life — that gypsy spirit — and I live on a bus for a living, so I feel like this record just sort of reflected that more than any record I’ve ever made.”

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What’s truly remarkable and arguably stands out more than the destinations are the detailed, life-like characters within the songs — all of which came from the powerful imaginations of Lambert, Dick and Hemby. “We made up a bunch of people that we want to meet,” Lambert shared, “pulling inspiration from people we have met in our travels and maybe combining them all into one. And then there’s three songs from The Marfa Tapes on there as well that we brought to life, which was a really fun process because it’s not very often that the fans hear the very raw version of a song and then the recorded album version of a song.

But the three songs we put on Palomino really, really fit with the theme and also had characters in them. It just fit in like a puzzle piece.”

An ethereal, nostalgic lullaby that leaves you with a sense of longing is the one song on the record that Lambert specifically knew when writing would be

TAKING HOME THE TROPHIES

the song to strike listeners with all kinds of emotions. “‘Carousel’ gave me the same feelings as ‘The House That Built Me’ or ‘Bluebird’ did,” Lambert said. “You hope to have one on every record and sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t. But it’s one of those songs that you’re like, ‘Oh wow, okay, we’re writing this. This is getting deep.’ And like crying writing it. It’s one of those songs … I was just so taken aback by this story and this character in this story.”

In addition to the new music, Lambert is continuing her travels as she’s hit the road with Little Big Town for The Bandwagon Tour.

Juxtaposed with her typical “on the move” nature, Lambert will also put down roots in Las Vegas this fall with her Velvet Rodeo residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Zappos Theater. “I’m looking forward to a lot about it,” she said. “I mean it’s been in talks for over a year, and it’s been a lot of processing for me because I’ve toured one way for 20 years now. It’s just a whole different ballgame.

But I’m excited about the possibility of the production stuff that we’ve never been able to do before on the road, because we’re not packing it in trucks every night. It opens up a lot of possibilities to take it up a notch. I usually keep my production kind of minimal because I just always am like, ‘It’s about the music.

My band is great. Let’s just go out there and play and have some pretty lights.’ This is an opportunity to really take it up a notch and do some things I haven’t done before production wise, wardrobe wise and setlist wise. So, I’m excited. I know Vegas is supposed to be a very different show than what people have ever seen so I’m going to really work hard to make that happen.”

And as the most awarded artist in ACM history, Lambert finally took home the ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy this past April — a well-deserved moment she has longed for but felt her time to secure the title had potentially slipped away.

1. Lambert takes home the ACM Album of the Year trophy at the 43rd ACM Awards; 2. Lambert poses in the press room after winning ACM Female Vocalist, Single and Song of the Year at the 48th ACM Awards.

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3. At the 49th ACM Awards, Lambert poses in the press room after winning ACM Album, Female Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year.

4. Lambert, takes home 5 total trophies at the 50th ACM Awards for ACM Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and the Milestone Award.

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1. At the 51st ACM Awards, Lambert poses in the press room after winning ACM Female Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year; 2. At the 52nd ACM Awards, Lambert accepts the trophy for Female Vocalist of the Year; 3. Lambert takes home ACM Awards for Album and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 52nd ACM Awards; 4. Lambert, winner of Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year poses in the press room during the 53rd ACM Awards; 5. Lambert virtually accepts her first ACM Entertainer of the Year Award at the 57th ACM Awards.

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“I felt like it had left my reach at one point,” Lambert shared. “I sort of stopped counting on it because it’s a very hard one to win and because females don’t win that often, so the chances were even slimmer. And I’m not waving that flag. It just was the fact. I always was very obviously honored to get nominated but I didn’t want to set myself up to be heartbroken. So, I just kind of was like if it’s supposed to happen it will happen at the right time.”

Of course, “the right time” came when Lambert, who had previously attended 17 consecutive ACM Awards ceremonies, was unable to attend due to being overseas for the C2C music festival. Missing out on the Vegas party, Lambert was still able to celebrate with some fellow artists in London. “I was feeling kind of sad to be disconnected from my friends because I miss my pals, but also I had pals over there,” she said. “Luke Combs was there as well as Tenille Townes and Caitlyn Smith. We all got together the first night we were in London, and I got to celebrate with them. Luke was like, ‘Cheers to the reigning Entertainer!’ And that really meant a lot because I was feeling like ‘I’m on the other side of the world and I’m not in my Country Music community.’

But I felt like that was a cool thing to get to do even though I was not in Vegas for the first time.”

The win still comes as a shock to Lambert, but further gives her the motivation and reinforcement to continue this musical excursion, and better yet gives her pride to represent the women of Country Music. “It means the world,” Lambert said. “I guess for so long I just had not counted on it that it sort of hit me as a shock. I’m very honored and I feel like this one, compared to every other ACM Award I’ve won, it put another stake in the ground somehow. I feel like now I have an even bigger responsibility for the women in this

“...this community embraced me and lifted me up as their Entertainer of the Year.”

industry and, you know, every time a female wins it, I feel like we all win. So that’s how I feel about this time, too.”

And it’s what Lambert does for the Country Music community as a whole that she feels really sets her apart and makes her worthy of the ACM Entertainer of the Year title.

“I always have thought about this award in such a different way than maybe some people do,” she said. “It’s not about ticket sales to me. I mean I think that’s part of it obviously, and how much you tour, but it’s so much more than that to me. I feel like it’s how you represent Country Music, how you express yourself through Country Music and what you’ve done for the community and how much art you’ve put out.

And so, I did tour last year and I put out two albums last year and made a third that’s out now. I work really hard on my charity, MuttNation, and my brands. So, I felt like with all of that, all those arms reaching out, that encompasses what

I think Entertainer is. We all do that though, so everyone in the category deserves it, you know what I mean? I’m not sure what pushed everybody over the edge to vote for me this year, but I’m so thankful because I heard peers saying really nice things about it being ‘long overdue’ and ‘well deserved.’ That’s all that matters to me is that this community embraced me and lifted me up as their Entertainer of the Year.”

Regardless of not being present to accept the award, Lambert still feels this win came at the right time in her career — keeping her gypsy spirit humbled, grounded and seeking more. “I’m on a tour with Little Big Town, and then I’m off to my Vegas residency,” she said. “I have my new record and I’ve got other projects up my sleeve. This is a good year for me to have that title because I’m going to work so hard to feel like I earn it every day of this year.” ●

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CORPORATE

PARTNERS

WE’D LIKE TO EXPRESS A SINCERE THANK YOU to our corporate partners for their support of the Academy of Country Music and the 57th ACM Awards.

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ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

NEW ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW F E AT U R I N G T H E H I T S I N G L E

“IF I WAS A COWBOY”

NEW ALBUM

FAMOUS FRIENDS (DELUXE EDITION) OUT JUNE 3

F E AT U R I N G

AND NO. 1 SINGLE

“EVERYBODY “FAMOUS FRIENDS” NEEDS A SONG” W I T H K A N E B R O W N

WITH OLD DOMINION

 Live from Oxford, MS 

AVAILABLE MAY 6 FEATURING

“SOME GIRLS” AND

“MISSING ONE” © 2022 Sony Music Entertainment.

All rights reserved. acmcountry.com

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“Bellbottom

COUNTRY ”

ACM Award winner, Lainey Wilson, brings her own vintage flare to Country Music.

TEMPO: Congrats again on your three ACM Awards.

When you won Song of the Year in Vegas what was going through your head?

WILSON: I’ll be honest, I was not expecting it just because

I mean the songs that were nominated, my goodness, were huge songs this year and just to be nominated was already incredible and just a huge honor. But when they called my name, I blacked out. I really did. I blacked out. I don’t know what I said but I know whatever I was saying was coming straight from the heart. I was just — it was an honor to be there … I always said I never wanted to go to an ACM Awards unless I had a reason to be there. And so this year I had several reasons to be there but winning Song of the Year, for me, it just felt really prestigious. It kind of gave me that little extra pep in my step I needed as a songwriter. I was a songwriter before I was an artist and I take a whole lot of pride in my writing. I wrote my first song when I was nine years old. So winning Song of the Year was definitely one that I was like, “Wow, okay, we are definitely on the right track” and kind of gave me the confidence to keep on just doing what I do and saying what I say.

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TEMPO: So, this win motivated you to keep writing songs?

WILSON: Absolutely. I moved to Nashville a little over

ten years ago and those are the things that keep me going, like little baby steps just here and there. But this was a giant step for me. This was one that I was like, “There is no doubt that this dream was placed on my heart for a reason, and I’m supposed to be here.” I’m supposed to be sharing my story. I’m supposed to make people feel something, and that’s why I was put here on this Earth and I believe that 190%. And so yes, it did give me that little extra kind of push I need to keep on going.

I think that’s really with anything in life though, you know, not just the music business. But it does absolutely help getting recognized and being like alright, I was built for this. Let’s keep going.

TEMPO: You got to perform on the show, too.

What were you feeling in that moment?

WILSON: I was so nervous. I’ll be honest though,

I get nervous in front of five people, ten people, 10,000, 20,000. It don’t matter. Maybe nervous is not the right word … anxious, butterflies. But I kind of feel like if I wasn’t getting a little nervous then what in the world am I doing. I always want to put myself out there. I want to push the limit and I enjoy getting anxious and excited.

I want to always be excited.

TEMPO: And it was your first ACM Awards.

Did you have a favorite moment of the weekend?

WILSON: Probably just being in the same building as Dolly

Parton to be honest with you. I didn’t get to meet her but just the — I mean when she was standing up there on stage just seeing her with my own two eyes it was literally like there was a light surrounding her. And it was — in my opinion, it’s like the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and then Dolly Parton. Really. That’s how I feel about it. So just being in the presence of her and winning my very first ACM in the presence of Dolly Parton is pretty dang cool.

TEMPO: You talked about how songwriting came first. Where do you draw your inspiration when you’re writing and creating songs?

WILSON: I’m from a town of 264 people in Northeast Louisiana.

A little town called Baskin. There’s not a whole lot to do unless Daddy puts you to work on the farm. When all the work was done what we would do for fun is we would sit around the kitchen table and my parents would tell the same old stories that they had been telling for years, the ones I literally had memorized. But for some crazy reason it was the kind of story that just got better every single time you heard it and you would hear it in a different kind of way the next time you heard it. And I truly think that’s where my, you know, my desire for wanting to tell a story came from. I just wanted to tell a story and make people feel something. So, at nine years old I wrote my first song. I mean, I was writing about tequila and cigarettes. We didn’t even have either of those at the house, but I had a big imagination … I find inspiration from a lot of different things in life but I will tell you the thing that inspires me the absolute most would have to be my family and my people back at home — the hard working, blue collar people who get up every single day and bust their tail and take pride in working hard, take pride in working hard for their families, the kind of people who would give you the shirt off their back. And I feel like here lately every town that I go to, every small town, every big town, I see my town in those other people too. And it’s cool to know that those people are really everywhere.

be able to see the growth of me as a person but also musically.

And I think a lot of people have grown over the past couple of years. We’ve kind of been forced to grow. So um, I’m hoping everybody will kind of feel like they were on this journey with me.

TEMPO: Finally, I need to ask about the bellbottoms because you are always wearing them. Is there a reason and how many pairs do you have?

WILSON: It is really embarrassing how many pairs of

bellbottoms I have. It’s really, really embarrassing. So, if you’re ever looking for a pair of bells just call me. But, my mama bought me a pair of leopard-print blue bellbottoms when I was about ten years old, and I was absolutely obsessed with them. At one point she was like, “Alright Lainey, you’ve got to take them off. We’ve got to wash them.” I’ve just always loved that style. I love everything throwback. I mean if you walk into my house my daddy’s old rodeo cowboy chaps are hanging up and my mama’s old china cabinet. I feel like things that are throwback come with a story and I’m a sucker for a good story. I like to call it “bellbottom Country,” whether it’s my sound, my look, whatever it is. I kind of feel like everybody has a little bellbottom Country about them.

It’s finding whatever it is that makes you, you, whatever makes you stand out or you unique or special and leaning into it as much as you possibly can. ●

TEMPO: You’ll be getting to experience that a lot this year with the shows you have coming up. What are you most looking forward to?

WILSON: Oh my gosh, I’m so excited to be kind of putting

some faces to some names. I’ve gained a lot of fans, new fans over the past couple of years and I hadn’t met all of them. So I’m ready to just hug their neck and thank them for giving me this opportunity. Yeah, that’s one of my favorite parts of this.

People ask me, they’re like “what’s your favorite part of the whole process?” And I mean to be honest it’s kind of whatever I’m doing at that moment. If I’m writing a song, that’s my favorite. If I’m on stage performing, that’s my favorite. But when I’m meeting my fans, it truly is like just a special bond and connection, and in my opinion there ain’t nothing like a hug around the neck or a handshake. It does wonders.

TEMPO: Do you have any new music coming this year?

WILSON: Yeah, so I’m actually going into the studio here

in the next couple of weeks and we are cutting a record, which I am so pumped about. I feel like people are definitely going to

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“Just

HOLD ON for Dear Life”

BY LIBBY GARDNER

Male Artist you found out before. So you go to the show already as a winner. It’s just different. It’s just interesting to figure out how it all works. But I don’t know, to see how proud my family was to, you know, watch this thing go from where it was to winning an ACM Award is probably the coolest feeling I’ve ever had. And the people I care the most to make proud of me, being that proud is just an unbelievably — it’s just an incredible feeling. I really don’t know how else to explain it.

TEMPO: Did this reinforce anything in you that you’re on the right career path?

PARKER: No, I don’t think so. All day today I was in a

Reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Parker McCollum reminisces on one “Hell of a Year” and gears up for the next.

TEMPO: Congratulations on the New Artist of the Year win.

How do you feel now compared to when you first found out?

PARKER: You know, I don’t know. The awards are kind of

just super new to me even like what happens when you win one or what does it change, what is different after. I’m still in the middle of kind of figuring out what exactly comes along with that. But you know I’ve watched the awards shows, all of them, since I was a little kid. I always just dreamed about being on them, right, and getting to have an award on the shelf and that whole deal. And the ACM Awards are a little different because they don’t — the New

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write and yesterday as well and kind of life is 100 miles an hour right now and I’m constantly — the one thing on my mind is am I really good enough to make it and get to the level I’m trying to go to, play the stages I’m trying to play and tour on the level I want to tour on every single day. And some days I feel like I am good enough to do it and some days I’m like, it seems further away and less realistic. So it’s just I don’t know, it's like a constant back and forth, kind of a constant battle that I don’t think any award will ever … I don’t know if the award itself is enough for me to go “Yeah, I’m good enough.”

TEMPO: So, what keeps you motivated?

PARKER: I mean I still compete with myself quite a bit

over it. I still have that same hunger to prove myself as a songwriter and as a performer and all the other things that kind of come with doing it as a career and so that I would like to have a place in Country Music history one day and

one day, hopefully, be in the Hall of Fame. So that’s really what motivates me the most. And just doing it the right way.

It’s one thing to win a New Artist award and maybe have a number one, but 20 years from now if I’m still learning and growing and getting better and still winning awards 20 years from now and having number ones that far down the road, then it’s really like — you know, that’s really the impressive thing to do. I’m not sure that anything I’ve done thus far is too impressive or enough, certainly.

TEMPO: To go back to the ACM Awards, you got to perform on the stage in Vegas. I’d say that’s pretty impressive.

What was going through your head in that moment?

PARKER: I mean I certainly was thinking about being on

television. I’ve watched the awards my whole life, always thought about one day being the guy on the television.

Just to put it in a real adolescent kind of verbiage, I mean when I was a kid I would sit there and watch the show and be like I want to do that. And then so in the moment while I’m actually singing the song I’m like ‘this is it!’

And walking up to the stage. I always wondered how they get the artists from their seats to change, to on stage and back. When they came and got me to go perform I was like, “this is how they do it.” So it was just kind of like being in a movie for a split second.

TEMPO: What was your favorite part of the entire ACM Awards weekend?

PARKER: You know my favorite part was probably as soon

as I found out I won, my dad and stepmom and my mom all called and everybody flew out. They wanted to be there and see it, which I thought that was really cool. They could have just watched it at home on television and they flew out there to be a part of it. I thought that was really cool.

TEMPO: Have they always been supportive of your music career?

PARKER: Yeah, my dad especially. He’s such a business-

man and I think he saw me as a young kid who didn’t know anything about business or the music business or any kind of business or anything. And he really was instrumental in me understanding how important that is and how when you’re 40, 50 years old you’re going to wish you had handled the business side of things just as much as you handled the artist side of things. And that was really critical in me just as a young man having that influence and because I wanted to just be a songwriter and get discovered or whatever. He’s like ‘Man, you treat this like a job it will reward you like one.’

TEMPO: What’s in store for you for the rest of this year?

PARKER: I’m writing this new record right now. It’s

kicking my butt. I have Thomas Rhett’s Bring The Bar To You tour this whole summer and a bunch of headlining shows dropped in there inbetween, before and after that tour. Some really, some of my favorite places to play we’re going to headline and sell it out and just such a great

summer ahead, which is a great feeling after kind of the way the last two years have been, you know. So I’m really, really looking forward to that. But I don’t know. My main thing right now is … it’s like this huge amount of pressure I’ve felt come over myself. Just the CMT Award and ACM Award and a couple of number ones and it’s just going so well and kind of seeing these things happen I always wondered if they would really happen … I just really want to make sure I’m levelheaded from an artist standpoint and remain focused on writing songs and making a record and focused on the show because there’s a lot of stuff.

You make good money and I just got married and all this other stuff that’s so great in life but this has to be equally as great.

I have to continue to, you know, still feel like a 19-year-old kid trying to write songs and be a Country Music star. And so really just kind of making sure that fire is still burning. I feel like a lot of people lose it at some point or another and it kind of becomes more of a — I don’t know, it just doesn’t seem as authentic or as genuine as it once was and I just kind of try to be conscious of that.

TEMPO: Congratulations on your marriage, too!

What’s been your favorite part of being a married man?

PARKER: Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t hardly been home. I came

home the day after the honeymoon, got back on my bus, went on the road, came home, played a show Sunday night ... I’m on the road again just to come home and leave on Monday, so I haven’t really gotten to experience it. But, the wedding was the coolest day of my life. I didn’t know what it was going to be like.

I just never said all those things out loud, all that good stuff.

And I really, really enjoyed that day.

TEMPO: How do you keep it all balanced, your personal life and your career?

PARKER: Oh, I just hold on for dear life. I don’t know. It’s so fast

right now and it’s so much on my plate at one time. And the thing that makes it so much pressure is having this opportunity to go to a level that could change my life and my family’s life and take care of my parents when they get old and that kind of thing. It’s a really — not a lot of people get an opportunity to do something like that. And I just don’t want to mess it up or miss it. ●

acmcountry.com

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I N M E M O RY

Naomi Judd

Bruce Burch

1946–2022

1953–2022

Naomi Judd, a former

Bruce Burch, a songwriter whose credits include

nurse whose talent and

Reba McEntire’s “Rumor Has It” and “It’s Your Call,”

tenacity carried her

died on March 12, 2022. He was 69.

to legendary status in

A native of Gainesville, Georgia, Burch scored Top 10 hits

Country Music, died on

for T. Graham Brown and Billy Joe Royal in the 1980s. His

April 30, 2022. She was 76.

song “Nobody Calls From Vegas Just to Say Hello” appeared

With her daughter Wynonna,

on Vern Gosdin’s ACM-nominated landmark album, 1988’s

The Judds won the ACM

Chiseled in Stone. Throughout the 1990s, Burch placed album

Award for Top Vocal Duet

cuts with John Anderson, Faith Hill, George Jones, Collin

for seven consecutive years

Raye, and Aaron Tippin. In 1996, he published a book titled

(1984 to 1990). Starting in 1984 with “Mama He’s Crazy,” they

Songs That Changed Our Lives. He also worked with multiple

secured 14 No. 1 hits at Country radio. One of their many

universities in Georgia to create music industry courses.

signature hits, “Why Not Me,” collected a 1984 trophy for ACM

Loretta Lynn recorded one of his most-admired songs, “Wine

Song of the Year. Also, the duo cohosted the awards show

Into Water,” for 2016’s Full Circle.

twice, including the 25th anniversary show in 1990.

While working at a hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, Naomi was taking care of producer Brent Maher’s daughter, Dianna, who had been in a car accident. Dianna attended the same

Jeff Carson

high school as Wynonna and recognized Naomi from the

1964–2022

duo’s performances on a local morning television show. After Dianna’s discharge, Naomi delivered a homemade demo tape to Maher’s office. Upon finally listening to it, Maher arranged for a live audition at RCA Records, which led to a recording contract.

The dynamic between mother and daughter, which could be charming as well as challenging, made the Judds feel intimately familiar to Country fans. Their effortless harmony and acoustic arrangements appealed to traditionalists as well. Following a Hepatitis C diagnosis, Naomi announced her imminent departure from the group in 1990, adding a poignancy to the ballad “Love Can Build a Bridge” (which she co-wrote). In the decades to come, the Judds remained beloved, earning an ACM Pioneer Award in 2012 and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

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acmcountry.com

Jeff Carson, a ‘90s Country star who won an ACM Award for his music video of “The Car,” died on March 26, 2022. He was 58.

Born in Oklahoma, Carson gigged around Rogers, Arkansas, and Branson, Missouri, before moving to Nashville.

After working as a demo singer, he landed a recording contract with MCG/Curb Records. Carson reached No. 1 with the romantic “Not On Your Love” in 1995. He returned to the Top 10 with “The Car” and “Holdin’ Onto Somethin’.” Carson staged a surprising comeback in 2001 with “Real Life (I Never Was The Same Again).” His 2003 rendition of “I Can Only Imagine” became his 14th charting single. In 2009, he retired from music to work as a police officer in Franklin, Tennessee.

BY C R A I G S H E L B U R N E

Kerry Chater

Mike Dekle

1946–2022

1944–2022

Kerry Chater, a 1983 ACM Award nominee as a

Mike Dekle, who enjoyed a career resurgence

co-writer of Lee Greenwood’s “I.O.U.,” died on

by co-writing two Brantley Gilbert hits, died on

February 4, 2022. He was 76.

February 24, 2022. He was 77.

Chater first established himself in the pop market in

Dekle tried making it as a folk singer in the 1960s, then as a

the late 1960s as a founding member of Gary Puckett and

Nashville songwriter in the 1970s. Without much traction, he

the Union Gap. In the 1970s, he cultivated an interest in

sold insurance for State Farm while striving to get his songs

songwriting and co-wrote Jennifer Warnes’ 1979 pop and

heard. Championed by songwriter-publisher Byron Hill, Dekle

Country hit, “I Know a Heartache When I See One.” His

soon landed multiple cuts with Kenny Rogers. Dekle’s catalog

credits include No. 1 singles such as Alabama’s “If I Had You,”

would later include Tracy Byrd’s “Don’t Love Make a Diamond

Reba McEntire’s “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About

Shine,” Joe Nichols’ “Size Matters (Someday),” and Keith

Leaving,” and George Strait’s “You Look So Good in Love.”

Whitley’s “A Day in the Life of a Fool.” In 2011, he secured a

In addition, Greenwood won a Grammy for “I.O.U.” Chater

No. 1 hit with Gilbert’s “Country Must Be Country Wide,”

moved to Nashville in 1987 with his wife and writing partner,

then repeated that feat in 2015 with “One Hell of an Amen.”

Lynn Gillespie.

Mickey Gilley

Jimbeau Hinson

1936–2022

1952–2022

Mickey Gilley, acclaimed singer/songwriter died on May

Jimbeau Hinson, who co-wrote the 1995 hit “Party

7, 2022. He was 86.

Crowd” with David Lee Murphy, died on March 4, 2022.

Gilley, cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, got his start playing the club circuit in Texas, eventually opening his first nightclub in Pasadena, Texas called the Gilley’s Club. And with songs such as “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories” and “She’s Pulling Me Back Again” along with some well-known covers he quickly established himself in the Country Music

Born in Mississippi, Hinson had his own radio show and became a performer before he turned 12. After Loretta Lynn discovered him, he moved to Nashville at 16 to join the Wilburn Brothers’ touring show. In the 1970s, he managed the Oak Ridge Boys’ publishing company. That group turned Hinson’s “Fancy

genre. However, in the 1980’s, Gilley found himself implanted in

Free” into a No. 1 hit in 1981. Other notable cuts include Brenda

the pop landscape thanks to his cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand by

Lee’s “Broken Trust,” Steve Earle’s “Hillbilly Highway,” and

Me,” a song featured in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy.

Kathy Mattea’s “Train of Memories.” Hinson was diagnosed

Throughout his career, Gilley was recognized many times

with HIV/AIDS in 1985, battled that disease for a decade, and

by the ACM, bringing home awards for everything from ACM

slipped into a coma in 1996. Upon his recovery, he became an

Most Promising Male Vocalist in 1974 to ACM Entertainer

advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness.

of the Year just two short years later. And in 2005, he was presented with the ACM Triple Crown. — Tricia Despres

acmcountry.com

55

I N M E M O RY

Francis La Maina

Warner Mack

1940–2022

1936–2022

Francis La Maina, the former COO of Dick Clark

Warner Mack, a Country traditionalist who charted

Productions, died on April 8, 2022. He was 82.

11 Top 10 hits for Decca Records, died on March 1, 2022.

La Maina also served on the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors. He joined Dick Clark Productions in 1966

Born in Nashville as Warner McPherson, he grew up

as head of the accounting department. By 1972, he became a

in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and gained a following through

director of the company and rose to Vice President of Business

performances on the Louisiana Hayride and the Ozark Jubilee.

Affairs in 1973. He was appointed Executive Vice President in

His 1957 single, “Is It Wrong (For Loving You),” became his

1977 and COO in 1986. For over 25 years, La Maina represented

breakout hit and crossed over to the pop chart. Webb Pierce and

Clark as his business advisor. In addition, La Maina handled

Sonny James would later chart with the song, which Mack wrote

business matters related to the company’s programming,

as a teenager. After recovering from a 1964 car accident, he

including the ACM Awards, American Bandstand, the American

resumed his career momentum with singles such as “The Bridge

Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, TV’s Bloopers &

Washed Out,” a No.1 hit in 1965. That same year, he became the

Practical Jokes and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

first Country artist to record a national Coca-Cola jingle.

C.W. McCall

Blake Mevis

1929–2022

1949–2022

C.W. McCall, credited with co-writing and

Blake Mevis, a producer and songwriter who shaped

recording the 1976 truck-driving classic “Convoy,”

George Strait’s early career, died on February 9, 2022.

died on April 1, 2022. He was 93.

He was 73.

“Convoy” arrived at the height of a CB radio craze, spending

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He was 86.

Mevis moved to Nashville in 1971 and soon built

six weeks atop the Country radio chart and even topping the pop

relationships in the publishing community. Mevis found the

parade. C.W. McCall was actually the alter ego of advertising

song “Unwound” in his own publisher’s catalog and produced

executive William Fries, who created the trucker character

it for Strait’s first album on MCA, Strait Country. That debut

of C.W. McCall for a campaign for Old Home Bread. Fries

single reached No. 6 in 1981 and established a bond between

co-wrote “Convoy” with Chip Davis, who later founded the

Strait and one of its writers, Dean Dillon. Mevis also co-wrote

group Mannheim Steamroller. McCall’s corresponding album on

Strait’s first No. 1 single, “Fool Hearted Memory,” and

MGM Records, Black Bear Road, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top

produced his second album, Strait from the Heart. In addition,

County Albums chart. He showed his sentimental side with the

Mevis produced albums for Vern Gosdin, Clay Walker, and

melodramatic 1977 ballad, “Roses for Mama,” then stepped away

Keith Whitley, and wrote No. 1 hits for Charley Pride (“Night

from the music business the following year.

Games,” 1983) and Joe Nichols (“Brokenheartsville,” 2003).

acmcountry.com

Bobbie Nelson

Carolyn Tate

1931–2022

1958–2022

Bobbie Nelson, pianist, singer, edler sister of Willie

Carolyn Tate, a key staff member at the Country

Nelson and member of his band, Willie Nelson and

Music Hall of Fame and Museum for more than 25 years,

Family, died on March 10, 2022. She was 91.

died on March 3, 2022. She was 64.

Bobbie and Willie were raised by their grandparents in

A Nashville native, Tate first worked at the Hall from

Abbot, Texas. Growing up playing music in the church and

1986 to 1994 as production and advertising manager, with

starting on the honky-tonk scene together as teenagers, the

duties ranging from creative direction to the production of

siblings would go on to share stages for decades to come. After

books, magazines, and historical albums. She returned to

her husband was killed in a 1961 car accident, Bobbie took a

the Hall in 2002 and served as project manager for the $87.5

job demonstrating organs and playing piano in restaurants,

million expansion completed in 2014. In the role of Senior

lounges and supper clubs. When Willie signed with Atlantic

Vice President of Museum Services, Tate administered the

Records, he invited Bobbie to play on a 1973 recording session

museum’s collection and supervised the planning, design, and

and join his touring band. In 2021, the siblings issued a

installation of exhibitions. She stepped away from the Hall

children’s book and released a Country gospel album, The

in 2018 to launch her own company for private celebrity and

Willie Nelson Family.

family archival collections.

Mary Jane Thomas

Scotty Wray

1964–2022

1958–2022

Mary Jane Thomas, the wife of Hank Williams Jr.,

Scotty Wray, the longtime guitarist in Miranda

died on March 22, 2022. She was 58.

Lambert’s band, died on February 18, 2022. He was 64.

A Daytona Beach, Florida, native, Thomas met Williams

Wray was the older brother of Country artist Collin Raye

in 1985 while she was a model for Hawaiian Tropic suntan

(formerly known as “Bubba” Wray). As kids, the siblings sang

lotion. They married in Missoula, Montana, in 1990, and lived

with their mother, Lois Wray, a local musician in DeQueen,

in Paris, Tennessee. Williams filed for divorce in 2007, with

Arkansas. With a country-rock sound, the brothers charted

a press release citing Thomas’ addiction issues. However,

four singles in the 1980s, with two released on Mercury Records

they reconciled in 2011 and appeared together at Williams’

billed as The Wrays. Lambert wrote on social media that

2021 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The

she met Wray in Greenville, Texas, when she was 17. She has

couple’s son, Sam Williams, is a recording artist for Mercury

recorded several of the songs they wrote together, including “I

Nashville. Their daughter, Katie Williams-Dunning, was killed

Wanna Die,” “Easy Living,” “Gravity Is a Bitch” and “I’ve Got

in a 2020 car accident. Hank Williams Jr. is a three-time ACM

Wheels.” In 2020, Raye released an emotional recording of

Entertainer of the Year and received the 2008 ACM Cliffie

Wray’s song, “Scars,” with Lambert singing harmony.

Stone Pioneer Award.

acmcountry.com

57

ACM M O M E NT

Support System 50th Academy of Country Music Awards AT&T Stadium | April 19, 2015 Miranda Lambert accepts the award for ACM Song of the Year for “Automatic” from songwriter and friend Natalie Hemby onstage during the 50th ACM Awards in Arlington, Texas.

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acmcountry.com

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