Arkansas Country Music Awards

It’s been a “Wide River to Cross,” but “People Get Ready,” because the Arkansas Country Music Awards (Arkansas CMAs) will be live and inperson once again, much to the enjoyment of performers, fans and nominees. Making this a year to remember, the event will be held on June 7 at the Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. An extensive lineup of performances and awards is chock-full of Arkansas talent — the best kind, really.

Country music enthusiasts are in for a treat as legendary names — such as Debby Campbell, daughter of Glen Campbell; Amy Helm, daughter of Levon Helm; and Billy Dean will be in attendance. Additionally, the three Lifetime Achievement honorees from 2020 will be recognized alongside the 2021 recipients. The nail-biting outcomes of the other categories are also to be announced at the event.

The process of nominating an artist to selecting a winner may seem like a gray area, but Charles Haymes, vice president and co-host of the Arkansas CMAs, is here to explain every detail. “There’s a three-week period that’s open for nominations in all of the categories,” Haymes explains. “Fans or country music professionals can go in and fill out a nomination ballot. When the time ends for nominations, there are executive checks of criteria, as in checking that the song nominated did come out in this year, the vocals did release during this time, and so on. Once everything meets the criteria for that particular category, the nominations move on to be reviewed by special committees. These committees are made up of music professionals, and they have ballots with links to all of the information they need to know about the nominee.”

He shares that these committees never meet in person, so they don’t have the opportunity to discuss with one another. One committee person does not know who another committee person is.

“They select the final five in each category, and the ones with the most votes become the final five of each category,” Haymes says. “When the final nominations are announced, the final ballot goes out to the committees, and each person makes their final selection per category. There is then a two-week period online, March 1-14, where fans can go in and vote. The nominee with the most votes from fans counts as one committee person’s vote.”

Understanding this process gives more perspective on how and why some artists, individuals and teams may be chosen over others.

The team behind the Arkansas CMAs show has really turned up the heat for this comeback year with 26 categories, six Lifetime Achievement honorees and about 20 performances. Pushing through the obstacles and tragedies of the past year, this event celebrates the Arkansas voices that carried us through. We’ve been walkin’ these streets so long, it’s time to start feelin’ good.

COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2021 LIVEARKANSAS

Jabe Burgess. (Courtesy)

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: David Adam Byrnes, Erin Enderlin, Jabe Burgess, Lance Carpenter, Maybe April

Starting off hot and anyone’s game is the Entertainer of the Year award. This award has had a different recipient every year since the start of the award show back in 2018. So there really is no way of telling which of these five nominees will take the title home — especially when each nominee is up for many other categories.

AMERICANA ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Grace Stormont, Maybe April, National Park Radio, Pam Setser, Ten Penny Gypsy

Maybe April was the 2020 recipient after a two-year reign from Bonnie Montgomery. Grace Stormont, nominated in four other categories next to this one, is an artist to give ear to. National Park Radio, Pam Setser and Ten Penny Gypsy round out the competitive group as worthy nominees also deserving of recognition.

BLUEGRASS ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Arkansauce, Butch Suitt, Possum Trot, Spillwater Drive, Tacie and the Sunshine Band

Always a fun group of nominees, the Bluegrass Artist of the Year is another category that is unpredictable. None of the 2021 nominees have yet to land this title, so this will be the year for one talented group. COUNTRY ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Bailey Hefley, David Adam Byrnes, Erin Enderlin, Jabe Burgess, Ward Davis

Looking at the rundown of past winners and nominees in all categories, it’s evident that Erin Enderlin is a champion. 2020 Country Artist of the Year, 2018 and 2020 Album of the Year, 2019 and 2020 Song of the Year, 2019 Female Vocalist of the Year and 2018, 2019 and 2020 Songwriter of the Year, Enderlin has the receipts proving she is the one to beat. Bailey Hefley and David Adam Byrnes each bring their own wins to the table, while Jabe Burgess and Ward Davis are definitely rising names to watch out for.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Erin Enderlin, Grace Stormont, Mae Estes, Pamela Hopkins, Sarah Jane Nelson

The massive amount of talent nominated for this category each year never fails to highlight how technical this selection can get. These five women earned their nominations, and there is no telling which way the wind will blow.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Cory Jackson, David Adam Byrnes, Jabe Burgess, Lance Carpenter, Tyler Kinch

The 2020 winner of this category, David Adam Byrnes, is back for another round. Nominated in four other categories this year, Byrnes is looking at a good year. Lance Carpenter has also returned to the lineup as a nominee, so there is a strong chance this will be his year to take the title of Male Vocalist.

Erin Enderlin. (Jamison Mosley)

ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: The Creek Rocks, Grace Stormont, Lee Street Lyrical, Mallory Everett, Ryan Harmon

Raw and classic, Acoustic Act of the Year brings out the barebones of country music. As this category has not had a consistent winner or nominee list, a new name will join the winner’s circle this year.

Lance Carpenter. (Kristin Barlowe)

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Diane Berry/Joe Wade Smith, Hayefield, Maybe April, Nik & Sam, The Salty Dogs

Celebrating the groups and duos that may not always receive the recognition they deserve, this category is another that’s had a different winner each year. The Zac Dunlap Band (2018), The Reeves Brothers (2019), and Anna Brinker and Adam Cunningham (2020) have all paved the way for another nominated group to join their ranks.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Black Cats and Crows by Ward Davis, produced by Jim ‘Moose’ Brown; The Country Blues by Billy Don Burns, produced by Charlie Ammerman, Thomas Gramuglia, Billy Don Burns, Jeff Williams, Mike Randolf and Aaron Dethrage; Horses and Steel by Kenny Drain, produced by Kenny Drain; Neon Town by David Adam Byrnes, produced by Trent Willmon; Rain and Whiskey by Anna Brinker, produced by B.J. Taylor and Kevin Sokolnicki.

Choosing one album from the list nominated must not be an easy feat. Each album above encompasses the dedication and talent put forth by a whole team of writers, producers and, of course, the performers. Hats off to the professionals that had to make the hard decision and choose our 2021 Album of the Year winner.

Mae Estes. (Courtesy)

SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: “Dianne’s Song,” written by Jabe Burgess, Steve Williams and Mark Alan Springer, performed by Jabe Burgess; “Great Again,” written by Justin Wilson and Brice Long, performed by Lance Carpenter; “On Your Own,” written and performed by Grace Stormont; “Recycled,” written by Autumn McEntire, Hannah Blaylock, Mae Estes and Josh Matheny, performed by Mae Estes; “Say it Again,” written by Lydia Dall, Morgan Johnston and Joe Tounge, performed by Kelsey Lamb.

The Song of the Year is a well-sought-after award that gives recognition to the songwriters that pour time and talent into memorable lyrics. Each year brings a fresh set of songs, one of which will be deemed as No. 1. VIDEO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: “Everything but Us” by Jabe Burgess, directed by Noah Coffey III; “Lost Boy” by The Render Sisters, directed by Joe Sikkema and Pam Tillis; “Old School” by David Adam Byrnes, directed by Dylan Rucker; “She Knew Better” by Abby Lindsey, directed by Lexy Burket; “Water” by Lauren Richmond, directed by B.J. Taylor and Brent Wheeler.

New list of performers, new list of directors. This year’s Video of the Year award will be a first for both sides of the video production. Music videos are the visual accompaniments to the songs we love. The videos, with endless opportunities for additional elements, are another way for artists to show the story they’re sharing with their listeners. No telling which video will have that extra something that impresses the judges; the outcome of this category has us all on the edge of our seats.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Charley Sandage, Erin Enderlin, Jason Lee Campbell, Kenny Drain, Phil McGarrah

The champion and three-time Songwriter of the Year winner, Erin Enderlin, remains on the list of nominees for her fourth year. She’s stiff competition, but the four other nominees have obviously earned their places next to her and may give her a run for the title.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR David Adam Byrnes Erin Enderlin Jabe Burgess Lance Carpenter Maybe April

AMERICANA ARTIST OF THE YEAR Grace Stormont Maybe April National Park Radio Pam Setser Ten Penny Gypsy

BLUEGRASS ARTIST OF THE YEAR Arkansauce Butch Suitt Possum Trot Spillwater Drive Tacie and the Sunshine Band

COUNTRY ARTIST OF THE YEAR Bailey Hefley David Adam Byrnes Erin Enderlin Jabe Burgess Ward Davis

INSPIRATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Brenda Denney The FlatLand Gospel Band Grace Stormont The Tiptons The Villines Trio

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Erin Enderlin Grace Stormont Mae Estes Pamela Hopkins Sarah Jane Nelson

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Cory Jackson David Adam Byrnes Jabe Burgess Lance Carpenter Tyler Kinch

ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR The Creek Rocks Grace Stormont Lee Street Lyrical Mallory Everett Ryan Harmon

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Diane Berry / Joe Wade Smith Hayefield Maybe April Nik & Sam The Salty Dogs

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

ALBUM OF THE YEAR The Country Blues by Billy Don Burns. Produced by Charlie Ammerman, Thomas Gramuglia, Billy Don Burns, Jeff Williams, Mike Randolph and Aaron Detharge. Horses and Steel by Kenny Drain. Produced by Kenny Drain. Neon Town by David Adam Byrnes. Produced by Trent Willmon. Rain and Whiskey by Anna Brinker. Produced by B.J. Taylor and Kevin Sokolnicki.

SONG OF THE YEAR “Dianne’s Song,” written by Jabe Burgess, Steve Williams and Mark Alan Springer. Performed by Jabe Burgess. “Great Again,” written by Justin Wilson and Brice Long. Performed by Lance Carpenter. “On Your Own,” written and performed by Grace Stormont. “Recycled,” written by Autumn McEntire, Hannah Blaylock, Mae Estes and Josh Matheny. Performed by Mae Estes. “Say it Again,” written by Lydia Dall, Morgan Johnston and Joe Tounge. Performed by Kelsey Lamb.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Charley Sandage Erin Enderlin Jason Lee Campbell Kenny Drain Phil McGarrah

VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Everything But Us” by Jabe Burgess. Directed by Noah Coffey III. “Lost Boy” by The Render Sisters. Directed by Joe Sikkema and Pam Tillis. “Old School” by David Adam Byrnes. Directed by Dylan Rucker. “She Knew Better” by Abby Lindsey. Directed by Lexy Burke. “Water” by Lauren Richmond. Directed by B.J. Taylor and Brent Wheeler. MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Andy Wallis Jon Raney Kent Wells Nathanael Stone Tim Crouch

SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR Bryce Roberts Darren Crisp Jon Raney Ryan Ceola Woody Wood

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR Alice Walker Beth Brumley Bill and Linda Lovett Cliff and Susan Prowse Joannie Howell

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR KCYT “96.7 The Coyote,” Springdale KDXY “The Fox 104.9,” Jonesboro KSSN “US 96,” Little Rock KQUS “US 97,” Hot Springs KZHE “KZ-100,” Magnolia

RADIO DJ OF THE YEAR Amy G, KABF, Little Rock Big Dan Hentschel, KAMO, Rogers D.J. Taylor, KSSN, Little Rock J.R. Runyon, Y107, Conway Lisa Lindsey & Jim Weaver, KKYR, Texarkana

PUBLICATION/BLOG/PODCAST OF THE YEAR AY Magazine Acoustic Music Talk with Brad Apple If That Ain’t Country Jonesboro Occasions Th e Vine Brothers Songwriter Series Presents:

VENUE OF THE YEAR The Collins Theatre George’s Majestic Lounge Jimmy Doyle Country Kings Live Music Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Music Theatre YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR Lance Curtis Lillyanne McCool The Render Sisters Savannah Free TRIPPP

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Big Shane Thornton Doug DeForest Garrett Jones Irl Hees Michael Rinne

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR Bart Angel David O’Neal Evan Hutchings Jon Blum Quin Hill

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Garry Murray Jenee Fleenor Jonathan Adams Nathan Agdepa Tim Crouch

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR Buddy Case Charlie White Jon Conley Luke Williams Randall George

STEEL/DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR Josh Matheny Randy Terry Robby Springfield Robert Jones Zane Kin

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 2021 RECIPIENTS The Original Rhodes Show Elton Britt Bill Carter

The Lifetime Achievement 2020 recipients are also being recognized at the 2021 event: Levon Helm Charlie Rich Wayland Holyfield