CMA Unveils 2026 Triple Play Award Recipients, Honors Bart Herbison
The Country Music Association has unveiled 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients for its 2026 Awards, taking place April 13 in Nashville. The ceremony will be hosted by Jim Beavers.
This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award honorees are Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. CMA will also celebrate over 40 songwriters who earned their first No. 1 Country hit since the last ceremony.
Additionally, Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.
“I am humbled at this recognition by the Country Music Association,” shares Herbison. “And I want to use this opportunity to thank the hundreds and hundreds of writers, particularly anyone who served on the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Board of Directors during my tenure, who have all been integral to our advocacy efforts.”
The CMA Songwriter Advocate Award recognizes individuals who have championed the art and careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on Country Music and the songwriting community. Herbison has been a leading advocate for songwriters, spearheading major industry advancements including the Music Modernization Act and long-term capital gains protections that have returned millions to creators. He spearheaded efforts that produced a historic 44% increase in mechanical royalties and helped establish the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Through strategic investments like the Bluebird Café and Music Mill studios, Herbison has strengthened the songwriting community while developing its future.
“Songwriters are the heartbeat of Country Music, and the CMA Triple Play Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the creativity and hard work it takes to land three No. 1 songs in a single year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It’s just as special to recognize Bart with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, as well as honor those celebrating their very first No. 1 — a milestone that is often the start of an extraordinary career. Bringing our songwriting community together to recognize these achievements is one of the most meaningful ways CMA supports the people behind the music and the continued growth of the genre.”
The CMA Triple Play Award celebrates songwriters who achieve three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period, as measured by the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. The honor spotlights their essential influence on defining the sound and success of the genre.
Celebrating their first CMA Triple Play Award this year is Albert, Bell, Green, Kasher Hindlin, Langley, Morgan, Pendergrass and Post. Gorley remains the most decorated recipient, receiving his 27th CMA Triple Play Award at this year’s ceremony.
Michael Riggs Rises To SVP, Licensing & Income Tracking At Sony Music Publishing
Michael Riggs
Michael Riggs has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Licensing and Income Tracking at Sony Music Publishing.
Riggs
Since first joining Sony Music Publishing as an Income Tracking Analyst nearly three decades ago, Riggs has been integral in the company’s continued advancement of its digital royalty tracking, collection and licensing capabilities, working closely across SMP’s global teams to drive faster, more efficient payments for songwriters and clients.
“Michael’s unwavering persistence in the digital space has strengthened our ability to collect more, collect faster, and ensure timely payments to our songwriters,” says Esworthy. “His relentless pursuit of unpaid royalties and leadership in licensing emerging revenue streams have been invaluable to our mission, and I am thrilled to recognize him with this promotion.”
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Las Vegas Songwriters Festival To Return To Mandalay Bay In August
The Las Vegas Songwriters Festival (LVSF) will return to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Aug. 20-22.
The lineup will include Dean Dillon, Liz Rose, Bob DiPiero, Billy Montana, Marti Frederikson, Anthony L. Smith, Anthony Smith, Bobby Pinson, Brian Davis, Brian White, Brice Long, Bridgette Tatum, Brinley Addington, Carolyn Dawn Johnson , D. Vincent Williams, Dave Pahanish, Earl Bud Lee, Elisha Hoffman, Eric Paslay, Jamie Floyd, Jerrod Niemann, Jim McCormick, Justin Wilson, Lance Miller, Mark Irwin, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Marti Frederiksen, Matt Warren, Phil Barton, Rachel Thibodeau, Ray Fulcher, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rob Hatch, Ronnie Bowman, Shane Minor, Steve Bogard and Wynn Varble.
“Las Vegas is known for incredible entertainment, but the Las Vegas Songwriters Festival gives fans something truly unique – the chance to experience the songs they love directly from the people who wrote them,” says Rob Hatch, President of Entersong Entertainment and LVSF co-founder. “There’s something magical about hearing a hit song in the room with the songwriter who created it, and bringing dozens of those writers together in one place makes this weekend unlike anything else.”
“Some of the greatest songs ever written started with a songwriter sitting in a room with a guitar,” adds Matt Warren, songwriter, artist and LVSF co-founder. “What makes this festival special is that fans get to be in that room with us – hearing the songs, the stories and the moments that brought them to life.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday (March 13), following various pre-sales. Additional ticket information is available here.
Nathan Wallace Signs With Concord Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Matt Turner (Concord), Nathan Wallace and Brad Kennard (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord
Nathan Wallace has signed with Concord Music Publishing.
Wallace’s work has secured a multitude of sync placements across Love Is Blind, Love Island USA, Teen Mom, 90 Day Fiancée, All American, Married At First Sight and Found as well as in the film This Is The Year (2020).
Wallace frequently collaborates with Grammy-nominated Gospel and Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter, Blessing Offor, co-writing and producing Offor’s 2025 Christmas album, To All A Good Night. Other production credits and collaborations include work with artists such as Honest Man, Lee Brice and Desmond Child, among others.
“Nathan came highly recommended by mutual friends, and it didn’t take long to understand why,” shares Matt Turner, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing. “His infectious energy fills the room, his production is fresh and unique, and his personality is one that makes collaboration feel effortless and inspiring! We at Concord, are super excited to see what the next few years holds for Nathan Wallace!”
“Joining Concord feels like the start of a really exciting chapter,” adds Wallace. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the belief they’ve shown in me. They’ve built a thriving home for songwriters, and I’m proud to be part of the family. I’m excited to keep pushing creatively and build something lasting alongside an outstanding team.”