ACM Unveils Industry & Studio Recording Award Winners
The Academy of Country Music unveiled the winners of the Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards today (June 30).
All ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards winners, along with the previously announced Special Award recipients, will receive their trophies at the 19th ACM Honors on Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle.
This year, Bryan Sutton takes home Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, Justin Niebank earns his tenth win as Audio Engineer of the Year and Dann Huff nabs his sixth Producer of the Year award. Stuart Duncan earns his second Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year honor and Rob McNelley wins Electric Guitar Player of the Year for the second time. Gordon Mote claims his fourth Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year award, while Jimmie Lee Sloas, Fred Eltringham and Jerry Roe earn their sixth, second and second wins, respectively, in their categories.
The Pinnacle takes home Club of the Year while Cheyenne Frontier Days nabs Fair/Rodeo of the Year. Returning winners include Choctaw Grand Theater, earning its second Casino of the Year – Theater honor, Stagecoach, winning Festival of the Year for the second time, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, earning its fourth Outdoor Venue of the Year award, Bridgestone Arena, claiming Arena of the Year award for the third time, Mohegan Sun Arena, earning its third Casino of the Year – Arena award, Adam Weiser, earning his second Promoter of the Year award, Ed Warm, taking home his second Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year award, and the Ryman Auditorium, earning its third Theater of the Year award.
See the full list of winners here.
Academy Of Country Music Unveils Special Award Honorees For 19th ACM Honors
The Academy of Country Music has unveiled the special honorees to be celebrated at the 19th annual ACM Honors, set for Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Carly Pearce returns to host for the sixth time, alongside new co-host Parker McCollum.
Brett James and The Carter Family will each be honored posthumously with the ACM Poet’s Award. This award recognizes a country music songwriter whose work has had an enduring impact on shaping the country music genre with exceptional lyrical and musical contributions.
Bill Anderson and Mike Curb will each be honored with the ACM Icon Award, inspired by Cliffie Stone, which honors a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader whose multifaceted contributions across songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works and philanthropic efforts have positively impacted the country music genre and community.
Kacey Musgraves will be honored with the ACM Spirit Award. Inspired by 20-time ACM Award recipient Merle Haggard, this award is presented to an honoree that exemplifies Merle’s dedication to country music and passion for storytelling through music and performance.
Scott Zolke will be honored with the ACM Service Award, inspired by Mae Boren Axton. This award recognizes a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader that has served the Academy of Country Music.
Eric Church will be honored with the ACM Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Leslie Fram will be honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.
C2C: Country to Country will be honored with the ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves. This award is presented to a country music artist, group or industry leader for outstanding efforts in expanding country music’s influence worldwide. Landman will be honored with the ACM Film Award, inspired by Tex Ritter, which honors a television series, television movie, or feature film released within the past calendar year that prominently showcases Country Music.
These winners join previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Ella Langley and ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon. Additional awards will be announced at a later date.
Bluebird Cafe & The Titans Reveal New Satellite Space At New Nissan Stadium
The Tennessee Titans and Bluebird Cafe announce the Bluebird East partnership at Titans House on June 23, 2026 in Nashville, TN. Photo: Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Bluebird Cafe have unveiled the new Nissan Stadium will feature Bluebird East, a new space inspired by the iconic Nashville venue.
The announcement came on Tuesday (June 23) during a special songwriters round featuring Rhett Akins and Jessi Alexander at Titans House, the new Nissan Stadium experience center in Germantown. Centered around supporting the songwriting community, the partnership includes the legendary venue’s first-ever satellite space as well as opportunities for upcoming songwriters to develop their talents and other community initiatives centered around music education.
Blake Duncan & Scott Hendricks Launch TAYCAN Entertainment
Blake Duncan and Scott Hendricks
Blake Duncan and Scott Hendricks have launched TAYCAN Entertainment, a Nashville-based independent music publishing and A&R company.
Duncan will serve as the president of day-to-day operations for the company. The Louisiana native previously served as Senior Creative Director at Combustion Music where he worked with Corey Kent, Thomas Archer, Brett Tyler, Joybeth Taylor, and more. Prior to Combustion, Duncan held creative and A&R roles at Dreamlined Entertainment, where he worked closely with Keith Stegall and was recognized by MusicRow as a Next Big Thing.
“I’m excited to launch TAYCAN Entertainment alongside Scott Hendricks,” says Duncan. “Scott has done it all, and I look forward to learning from him while helping push our creatives to reach their highest potential. Our goal is simple: find great songs, invest in great people, and build careers that last.”
Hendricks has produced 82 No. 1 singles and 126 Top 10 hits while helping launch and shape the careers of Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, Trace Adkins, and more. He has previously served as President and CEO of Capitol Records Nashville, Executive Vice President of A&R at Warner Music Nashville, President and CEO of Virgin Nashville, and more.
“I couldn’t be happier starting TAYCAN Entertainment with Blake Duncan,” adds Hendricks. “I haven’t met an executive with Blake’s passion for songwriters, knowledge, and work ethic in years. Together, we’re building a company centered around creativity, relationships, and helping writers reach their full potential. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”
Chris Sligh Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Ace High Music
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Rusty Gaston (SMP), Travis Chaney (Ace High Music), Cam Caldwell (SMP). (Front Row, L-R): Abigail Wate Ayala (Ace High Music), Chris Sligh, Chris Poole (Ace High Music)
Chris Sligh has signed with Sony Music Publishing and Ace High Music.
Sligh has earned more than 200 cuts and multiple No. 1 singles with Rascal Flatts, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Austin Giorgio and more.
His credits include Rascal Flatts’ chart-topping, GRAMMY-nominated hit “Here Comes Goodbye,” Nate Smith’s Platinum-certified hit “Wreckage,” Bailey Zimmerman’s “Never Leave,” as well as his own single “Empty Me,” which won BMI’s Christian Song of the Year award in 2010. Most recently, Sligh collaborated on Austin Michael’s new record Lonestar, with tracks “Movin’ On” and “Least Of My Worries.”
“Ace High is the publishing company we as writers dream of – attentive and challenging; cheerleaders and critics when they need to be; friends and champions,” shares Sligh. “Travis, Poole & Abigail are all of the above. To partner with Sony and Ace High? Years ago, when I came back to music, my first dream publisher was Sony. I’m proud to call Ace High and Sony Music Publishing home!”
“Chris has built an incredible career by consistently creating songs that connect at the highest level. Beyond the accolades and hit records, what stands out most is his creative intuition, versatility and deep understanding of artists and songs. We’re honored to partner with someone of his caliber and excited for what’s ahead with Chris, Ace High and Sony Music Publishing,” adds Chris Poole, Ace High Music VP and Partner.
“Chris is a singular talent with a strong creative instinct that continues to rise above,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the SMP family alongside our partners at Ace High, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support the next chapter of his already remarkable career.”
Cary Barlowe Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music
Pictured (L-R): BJ Hill (WCM), Julie Hess (WCM), Cary Barlowe, Chris Owen (Cornman) and Nate Lowery (Cornman). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Grammy nominated songwriter Cary Barlowe has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music.
Barlowe has written songs for some of country music’s biggest artists, including Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay and Rascal Flatts.
Originally a member of the Rick Rubin-produced rock band Luna Halo, Barlowe has built a successful career as a songwriter across multiple genres. His work has also been featured on Nashville. A North Carolina native, he has written nine No. 1 songs for TobyMac, including “Made to Love,” “Feel It,” and “City On Our Knees,” which won the 2010 Dove Award for Gospel Song of the Year.
Barlowe has also co-written several No. 1 country hits, including Lady A’s “American Honey,” Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze” and Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used to.” His songwriting success earned him SESAC Songwriter of the Year in 2015 and SESAC Song of the Year in 2017.
More recently, he co-wrote Chris Young and Kane Brown’s No. 1 hit “Famous Friends” and worked with Chris Young on “Raised on Country.” He also co-wrote Taylor Swift’s “Untouchable.”
“So excited to be a part of the Cornman Music and Warner Chappell family,” says Barlowe. “Thankful to get to work with my friends!”
“Cary doesn’t just write hits, he pushes the musical boundaries in all the cool directions,” shares BJ Hill, SVP, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “The entire Warner Chappell team is thrilled to be championing his songs.”
“We are excited to be working with Cary,” adds Nate Lowery, General Manager, VP Creative, Cornman Music. “His attitude and his passion for great songs make a perfect addition to the Cornman and Warner Chappell family.”
Back Row Publishing Launches, Signs Christian Yancey As Flagship Writer
Pictured (L-R): Lindsay Will (VP A&R, Back Row Publishing), Taylor Antle (Director A&R Back Row Publishing), Christian Yancey and Michael Kozelj (President, Back Row Music). Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Music
Back Row Publishing has launched and signed Christian Yancey as its flagship writer.
The Georgia native relocated to Nashville in 2021 and earned more than 50 cuts with artists including Austin Snell, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore and Josh Ross. He recently notched his first No. 1 track with Ross’ “Hate How You Look.”
“I am so excited to join the Back Row team,” shares Yancey. “I’ve always enjoyed working with Lindsay and Taylor and am looking forward to continuing my journey with them as well as developing new relationships with the rest of the team and writers. I’ve always loved the idea of being on the ground floor of something new and working with everyone to grow it into something great. I’m thankful for the opportunity and pumped for what the future holds.”
Back Row Publishing will be led by Lindsay Will and Taylor Antle.
Will joins Back Row Publishing as Vice President of A&R. An Arkansas native and Middle Tennessee State University graduate, Will began her career at Liv Write Play in 2018 before joining Round Hill Music in 2021. There, she rose from Manager, A&R to Senior Director, A&R. She is a member of the Recording Academy and has been recognized on MusicRow’s Next Big Thing list. Will can be reached here.
“From my very first meeting with the team at Back Row, it was clear that our visions aligned perfectly,” says Will. “I’m so excited to work with a team that values hard work and putting songwriters first while also building a culture around great people who make working in the music industry fun.”
Antle joins Back Row as Director of A&R. A native of Oklahoma and graduate of Oklahoma State University, he began his career as a production manager and sound engineer before transitioning into publishing. Most recently he served as Director, A&R at Round Hill Music. Antle can be reached here.
“I’m excited to continue my publishing career alongside Lindsay and the team at Back Row,” shares Antle. “It’s the type of company and people I look forward to building something great with.”
Ashe Signs With Atlantic Records & Doomsday/Universal Music Publishing Group
Ashe. Photo: Carly Hubert
Ashe has inked a record deal with Atlantic Records and publishing deals with Doomsday/Universal Music Publishing Group.
“I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole career for the partnership I’ve found at Atlantic. Joining the label and this team was an effortless decision,” Ashe shares. “From our first meeting, I felt uniquely understood. They’re thoughtful, intentional, and genuinely care. The fact that our first meeting involved tacos, cookies, and painting pottery told me they understood me. I’m immensely grateful to begin this next chapter with people I trust so deeply.”
Last year, Ashe teamed up with her longtime friend and collaborator Finneas to form The Favors. The duo released their debut album, The Dream, to widespread praise.
Ashe’s latest solo album, Willson, marked a return to her Nashville roots and love of songwriting. The album completed a trilogy that began with Ashlyn and Rae.
Over the years, Ashe has collaborated with artists including Finneas and Niall Horan, and has toured with Kelsea Ballerini, Gracie Abrams and Noah Kahan. Her breakthrough hit, “Moral of the Story,” was featured in Netflix’s To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, earning billions of streams and reaching No. 2 on Spotify’s U.S. and Global Viral 50 charts.
Ashe will hit the road this summer supporting Benson Boone with stops in Denver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego and more.
Jake Hess Inks With Prescription Songs In Joint Venture With 7Hills Music & David ‘Messy’ Mescon
Jake Hess
Songwriter, artist and musician Jake Hess has signed with Prescription Songs, in a joint venture with 7Hills Music and producer David “Messy” Mescon.
The Georgia native grew up in a Gospel music family, bleeding into his songwriting today. Since moving to Nashville, he has built a strong presence in the country music community and has upcoming cuts with Chase Matthew and Dalton Davis. He regularly writes with Mescon, Matt Mulhare, Phil Morgan, Seth Michael and Will Terry, among others.
“Prescription’s global reach, plus 7Hills’ Georgia roots, made perfect sense for a guy whose musical tapestry has been woven by several influences, but still has a yearning to create something that feels like home,” says Hess. “This team doesn’t just want me in the building, they want me to feel like an important part of a bigger picture. I believe we’re going to accomplish great things together.”
“From the first time I met Jake, I was drawn to both his talented songwriting skills and the kind of person he is,” shares 7Hills Music Founder and Prescription Songs A&R consultant Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck. “His unique ability to connect through songwriting, paired with his focused work ethic, makes him someone people naturally want to create with. We’re so excited to welcome him to 7Hills and Prescription Songs and can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“Jake is not only a fantastic artist and songwriter, but an even better human!” adds Prescription Songs Nashville A&R Sophia Battaglia. “I’m such a fan of everything he does and feel so lucky to be a part of his creative journey. I look forward to watching him thrive, and am thrilled to welcome him to RX songs!”
“Jake Hess is one of the most talented, genuine, and capable songwriters of today,” shares Mescon. “He will be a key in crafting the future of country music.”
Hess recently performed at Prescription Songs’ CMA Fest Takeover showcase on June 6 at Tin Roof Broadway.
Nick Boyd Inks With Ern’s Cadillac Music & Jordan Schmidt Via Big Loud Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Kimberly Gleason, Mike Giangreco, Jude Warren, Jordan Marcus, Nick Boyd, ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and Dane Schmidt. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Nick Boyd has signed a publishing deal with ERN’s Cadillac Music and Jordan Schmidt via Big Loud Publishing.
Hailing from Rock Island, Illinois, Boyd grew up inspired by the sounds of the Eagles, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and more. He attended Belmont University, where he won the Curb College Country Music Showcase and earned a spot in Belmont’s School of Music’s Commercial Showcase. Signing a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music in 2019, Boyd has earned cuts including “Drinks Can Drink” and “TV On” by Cody Lohden, ATLUS’s “Spare Key,” “California Fit In Tennessee” by Tayler Holder and Brody Clementi’s “Act Like You Don’t.”
“The day I stepped foot in the building, I felt right at home,” Boyd shares. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and the rest of the Cadillac Music/Big Loud Publishing team. In a town with a million great songs, champions like them make the difference.”
“I started hearing Nick’s songs about a year or so ago,” says ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO ERNEST. “He has been writing great ones with my guy Cody Lohden and just became a name we’d see time and time again right by an outstanding song. When Jordan Schmidt called me and asked if he wanted to do this together, it made perfect sense to me. Jordan, a longtime friend and collaborator in town, has over a decade of hits as a writer and producer. So, combining his experience with a topliner / spark plug like Nick seemed like a no brainer. I love getting to know talent in this town. There is no shortage of it and Nick Boyd is no exception.”.
“Nick is a beast of a writer and a beauty of a human,” shares Schmidt. “I can’t wait for Nashville to see what we see in him!”