THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION HONORS THE UNSUNG HEROES OF
COUNTRY MUSIC TOURING AT STAR-STUDDED AWARDS HOSTED BY KEITH URBAN
CMA Touring Awards Celebrate Country Music’s Top Touring Professionals and
Posthumously Honor Ben Farrell with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award
Touring Mentorship Program Applications Open Through March 12, Mentors and Mentees Can Apply HERE.
The energy was electric last night as the Country Music Association honored the unsung heroes of the road at the 19th CMA Touring Awards, held at a packed Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Hosted by Keith Urban, the evening was a high-energy celebration of the industry’s top touring professionals—the people behind the scenes who bring Country Music to life on the road.
With the touring sector making up the largest portion of CMA’s membership, this year’s event was particularly meaningful, marking a historic and record-breaking year for Country tours. The room buzzed with camaraderie as industry pros, artists, and executives raised a glass to the road warriors who keep the show rolling night after night. Country stars including Luke Combs, Caylee Hammack and Old Dominion were in attendance, taking time to recognize the tireless dedication of their teams.
The biggest moment of the night belonged to Combs and his crew, who took home the prestigious Crew of the Year award for their work on the Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old Tour. Now in its second year, this coveted honor celebrates the ultimate road team—one that sets the standard for professionalism, skill, teamwork, hospitality, innovation and heart.
“We’re going to take this trophy to places Country Music has never been before,” said Combs on stage accepting the award alongside his team.
The late Ben Farrell, former promoter for Varnell Enterprises, was also posthumously honored with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Farrell’s passion for the Country Music business was evident, dedicating 52 years of his life to the industry he loved. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in shaping the live music landscape, working with legendary artists such as Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson and George Strait. Clint Higham, President of Morris Higham Management, presented the award to Farrell’s wife, Autumn Farrell, and daughter, Ella Farrell, alongside Jim Varnell. This award is given to an individual who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout the years. It honors an individual that has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on Country Music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on Country Music and CMA for generations to come. Farrell is one of only seven people to have ever received this honor, a testament to his extraordinary influence and lasting legacy in the touring industry.
Following a successful inaugural year, the CMA Touring Mentorship Program was announced to return, continuing its mission to equip early-career touring professionals with the knowledge and support needed to thrive in the industry. This six-month program offers monthly mentorship meetings, hands-on learning experiences, and multiple tracks covering key touring roles, from Tour Manager to Lighting Director. Applications are now open for both mentees and mentors. Apply HERE.
Winners in 20 categories were determined by current professional voting members of CMA in the Affiliated, Artist, Composer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Company, Talent Agent, Advertising/Marketing/Communications, Venue, Talent Buyer/Promoter and Touring Personnel categories of membership. Nominees were based on shows originating between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024. All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.
The 2024 CMA Touring Awards winners are as follows:
CATEGORY 1 – CREW OF THE YEAR
“Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old Tour” Crew – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 2 – BACKLINE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Derek Benitez – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 3 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Julie Boos – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy
CATEGORY 4 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Wendy Holt – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 5 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Todd Lewis – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 6 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Kevin Northrup – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 7 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Clint Higham – Morris Higham Management
CATEGORY 8 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Michael Zuehsow – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 9 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jerry Slone – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 10 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Carla Sacks – Sacks & Co.
CATEGORY 11 – STAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Donnie Floyd – Morgan Wallen
CATEGORY 12 – SUPPORT SERVICES COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Dega Catering – Nashville, TN
CATEGORY 13 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Austin Neal – The Neal Agency
CATEGORY 14 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Adam Weiser – AEG Presents
CATEGORY 15 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ethan Strunk – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 16 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Charlie Worsham – Dierks Bentley
CATEGORY 17 – TOUR VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Andy Barron – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 18 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Tyler Hutcheson – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 19 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ryman Auditorium– Nashville, TN
CATEGORY 20 – UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Robin Majors – Kenny Chesney
About the CMA Touring Awards
The CMA Touring Awards, originally called the SRO (Standing Room Only) Awards, were created by the CMA Board of Directors in 1990 to honor outstanding professional achievement within the touring industry. The first awards were presented at a black-tie gala hosted by K.T. Oslin and Roger Miller during CMA’s Entertainment Expo, also known as the Talent Buyers Entertainment Marketplace. Ten awards were presented at the first gala, and the number has grown over the years now settling at the current 20. The SRO Awards were renamed the CMA Touring Awards in 2016.
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, CMA is the premier trade association of the Country Music industry. Representing professionals making a living in Country Music globally, the organization serves as a critical resource of support and information, honors excellence in the genre and provides a forum for industry leadership. CMA is dedicated to expanding Country Music around the world through a number of core programs and initiatives including the organization’s three annual television properties—the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas,” all of which air on ABC. The organization’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, works tirelessly to provide equitable access to music education in order to create impactful change for students and teachers across the United States.
Photo Credit: John Russell/CMA
Photo Credit: John Russell/CMA
Photo Credit: John Russell/CMA
Photo Credit: John Russell/CMA
For more information about CMA Touring Awards, visit CMAworld.com/cma-touring-awards/.
