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HONKY TONK MUSIC ASSOCIATION INAGURAL AWARDS CEREMONY NOW PREMIERING WORLDWIDE ONLINE!
Now Premiering Worldwide from THE RACH
The Honky Tonk Music Association 2025–2026 Inaugural Awards Season is now live online and premiering worldwide from THE RACH — Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH), internally known as THE ROCK. Audiences from the United States, Ireland, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Brazil, and beyond are already watching as the award ceremony unfolds online.
FOR IMMEDIATE WORLDWIDE RELEASE
NOW PREMIERING WORLDWIDE FROM THE RACH
THE HONKY TONK MUSIC ASSOCIATION INAUGURAL AWARDS SEASON IS NOW LIVE ONLINE
Official Honky Tonk Music Association Website
For official awards information, winners, nominees, registry updates, artist spotlights, media announcements, and worldwide inaugural season coverage, visit the official Honky Tonk Music Association website.
Visit HonkyTonkMusicAssociation.comSomething extraordinary is happening in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Not next year. Not months from now. Right now.
Founded in 1999 and incorporated in 2000, Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. — Murfreesboro’s 1st Music Publisher — has officially launched the 2025–2026 Inaugural Awards Season of the Honky Tonk Music Association in a way the entertainment industry has never quite seen before.
The award ceremony is now live online worldwide from THE RACH — Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH), internally known as THE ROCK.
Unlike traditional award shows limited to a single broadcast, the Honky Tonk Music Association inaugural season is unfolding continuously online through ongoing award announcements, worldwide artist recognitions, nominee spotlights, special presentations, Horizon Awards, Pioneer Awards, Kings and Queens honors, entertainment stories, and international artist features.
Audiences from the United States, Ireland, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Brazil, and additional international regions are actively watching the inaugural season online as excitement surrounding the Honky Tonk Music Association continues expanding worldwide.
This is not simply another award show. This is the launch of a new international multi-genre entertainment movement.
One where legendary entertainers stand beside unknown dreamers. One where international artists stand beside hometown performers. One where emotional authenticity matters more than industry politics. One where real entertainment, real storytelling, and real artists still matter.
The inaugural registry already includes George Strait, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Kevin Costner, Jordan McCullough, Makayla Renee, Hannah Marie Kelley, Colton Bowlin, Roy Caudill, Travis Yee, Daniel Wheeler, Josh Leonard, THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION of Scotland, William Hitchell of Scotland, The Great Jimmy Steele of Scotland, Philomena Begley of Ireland, Jools Holland of the United Kingdom, and Grant Stott of Scotland.
According to the organization, one of the most important parts of the inaugural season is fulfilling a dream connected to legendary Grand Ole Opry star Cowboy Copas — the belief that authentic entertainers should still have a chance to be seen no matter where they come from or whether they are already famous.
THE SILVER DOLLAR AWARD
The Silver Dollar Award is a worldwide competition connected to the search for the 2026 New Queen of Honky Tonk Music.
Anyone in the world can compete. Famous or unknown. Major label or independent. International or local.
The organization says the competition is searching for emotionally authentic entertainers who embody heart, storytelling, strength, stage presence, grace, authenticity, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of real entertainment culture.
At the center of the international spotlight stands legendary Irish entertainment icon Philomena Begley of Ireland, whose career spanning more than six decades has become one of the defining symbols of the organization’s growing international reach and commitment to honoring emotionally authentic entertainment across generations and genres.
Until Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH) is physically completed, THE ROCK serves as the worldwide digital entertainment home of the Honky Tonk Music Association inaugural season while planning discussions continue regarding the organization’s future entertainment initiatives, planned corporate headquarters, and venue development connected to Murfreesboro’s growing role in worldwide entertainment and media.
What began more than 25 years ago with Murfreesboro’s 1st Music Publisher is now evolving into a worldwide multi-genre entertainment movement reaching audiences across the globe.
From Murfreesboro to London… From Tennessee to Scotland… From Ireland to the United States… From Sweden to Brazil…
The Honky Tonk Music Association says the next era of entertainment has officially begun.
And this time, the world is watching it happen live online from THE RACH.
Continue Watching at the Official HTMA Website
All official HTMA awards updates, winners, nominees, registry information, and inaugural season coverage are available through the official Honky Tonk Music Association website.
Visit HonkyTonkMusicAssociation.com
Media & Artist Information:
Honky Tonk Music Association
Xcelsius Media
Affinity Publishing Group, Inc.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
news@xcelsiusmedia.com
awards@honkytonkmusicassociation.com
1-800-581-8183
Affinity Publishing News Today
Official News for Affinity Publishing Group, Inc., Murfreesboro’s 1st Music Publisher, and the Honky Tonk Music Association
This newsroom is the corporate source for up-to-date news about Affinity Publishing Group, Inc., Honky Tonk Music Association, the 2025–2026 Inaugural Awards Season, THE RACH, Xcelsius Media, and related entertainment announcements.
Top Story: HTMA Inaugural Awards Season Now Premiering Worldwide from THE RACH
Honky Tonk Music Association Awards Are Now Live Online
The 2025–2026 Honky Tonk Music Association Inaugural Awards Season is now premiering worldwide online from THE RACH — Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH), internally known as THE ROCK.
Audiences from the United States, Ireland, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Brazil, and additional international regions are already watching as the award ceremony unfolds through ongoing online presentations, official award announcements, artist recognitions, nominee spotlights, and multi-genre entertainment features.
Founded in 1999 and incorporated in 2000, Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. is Murfreesboro’s 1st Music Publisher. The organization has officially launched the 2025–2026 Inaugural Awards Season of the Honky Tonk Music Association in a way designed for the modern entertainment world: continuous, online, international, and artist-centered.
Unlike traditional award shows limited to one broadcast, this inaugural season is unfolding through ongoing online award presentations, official announcements, registry honors, international artist features, and special entertainment stories.
The launch represents a multi-genre international entertainment movement where legendary performers, unknown dreamers, independent artists, international entertainers, songwriters, musicians, and rising voices are able to stand together under one growing worldwide platform.
Until Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH) is physically completed, THE ROCK serves as the digital worldwide entertainment home of the Honky Tonk Music Association inaugural season while planning discussions continue regarding Affinity Publishing Group’s planned corporate headquarters, entertainment initiatives, and future venue development connected to Murfreesboro’s growing role in entertainment and media.
Philomena Begley of Ireland Honored as 2026 Queen of Honky Tonk Music
Legendary Irish entertainment icon Philomena Begley of Ireland is being honored as one of the living Queens of Honky Tonk Music for 2026, standing alongside Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Lorrie Morgan, Deana Carter, and Tanya Tucker.
Honky Tonk Music Association Shines a Global Spotlight on Philomena Begley
For more than 64 years, Philomena Begley has carried the emotion, endurance, love, truth, and storytelling spirit of traditional entertainment across generations, oceans, and borders.
Her journey began in 1962, launching a remarkable career that would span more than six decades in country music history.
The Honky Tonk Music Association proudly places Philomena Begley alongside legendary living honorees Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Deana Carter, Lorrie Morgan, and Tanya Tucker as part of the 2026 Queens of Honky Tonk Music recognition.
The Silver Dollar Award
The Honky Tonk Music Association proudly announces the creation of the Silver Dollar Award, a worldwide competition connected to the search for the 2026 New Queen of Honky Tonk Music.
The Silver Dollar Award is open worldwide. Anyone in the world can compete — famous or unknown, major label or independent, international or local.
This special honor is inspired by Philomena Begley and Cowboy Copas, two artists whose music represents emotional honesty, humility, storytelling, and timeless spirit.
The competition is searching for emotionally authentic entertainers who embody heart, storytelling, strength, stage presence, grace, authenticity, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of real entertainment culture.
Jordan McCullough Named 2026 King of Gospel Music and 2026 Gospel Horizon Award Winner
The Honky Tonk Music Association officially announces Murfreesboro native Jordan McCullough as the recipient of the 2026 King of Gospel Music Award and a 2026 Gospel Horizon Award Winner during the historic inaugural awards season.
The Horizon Award is a special artist-support recognition created by the Honky Tonk Music Association to help encourage, recognize, and support rising artists believed to represent the future of music and entertainment.
According to the organization, Jordan McCullough symbolizes the beginning of a new era for Murfreesboro, Tennessee — one where the city no longer exists merely in the shadow of Nashville, but stands as a powerful entertainment force and international music destination in its own right.
It will be the honor of the Honky Tonk Music Association to present Jordan McCullough with the 2026 King of Gospel Music Award.
Breaking News & Featured Awards
William Hitchell Wins 2026 King of Soul Music and King of Honky Tonk Music Honors
William Hitchell has won the 2026 King of Soul Music Award for his performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and the 2026 King of Honky Tonk Music Award for his performances of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” and Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”
THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION of Scotland Named 2025–2026 Band of the Year
THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION of Glasgow, Scotland continues to stand as one of the defining international stories of the HTMA inaugural season.
THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION is from Glasgow, Scotland. Band members include lead vocals Will Hitchell, guitar Connor Smith, double bass Richard Anderson, drums Ian Hendry, piano Dan Brown, tenor sax The Great Jimmy Steele, and baritone sax Konrad Wiszniewski.
The group is recognized by HTMA as 2025–2026 Band of the Year and Affinity Radio Lifetime Award winner. Will Hitchell is recognized as 2026 Entertainer of the Year, 2026 King of Soul Music, 2026 King of Honky Tonk Music, and Best New Pop Song winner for “Thinkin’ of You.”
The Great Jimmy Steele Wins 2026 Musician of the Year
The Great Jimmy Steele from Scotland has won the Honky Tonk Music Association 2026 Musician of the Year Award.
“Thinkin’ of You” Written by Will Hitchell Wins 2026 Best New Pop Song
“Thinkin’ of You,” written by Will Hitchell, has won the 2026 Best New Pop Song Award by Honky Tonk Music Association.
Artist Spotlights & Nominee News
Kevin Costner & Modern West Nominated
Kevin Costner & Modern West are nominated for the 2026 Best Rock Song Award for “Stand Strong.”
Kevin Costner & Lily Costner Nominated
Kevin Costner & Lily Costner are nominated for the 2026 Best Father/Daughter Duet Award for “Let Me Be The One.”
Tayla Lynn Wins 1st Daughter Award and Sunshine Award
Tayla Lynn has won the Honky Tonk Music Association 1st Daughter Award and Sunshine Award.
Tyler Reese Tritt — 2026 Pop Horizon Award Winner
Tyler Reese Tritt has been named a 2026 Pop Horizon Award Winner.
Emmy Russell — 2026 Pop Horizon Award Winner
Emmy Russell has been named a 2026 Pop Horizon Award Winner.
Colton Bowlin Nominated
Colton Bowlin is nominated for 2026 Best New Honky Tonk Artist, and “On My Way” is nominated for 2026 Best New Honky Tonk Song.
Roy Caudill Nominated
Roy Caudill is nominated for 2026 Best New Honky Tonk Artist, and “Memory” is nominated for 2026 Best New Honky Tonk Song.
Georgette Jones — Horizon Award Winner
Georgette Jones is a 2025–2026 Honky Tonk Horizon Award Winner.
Grayson Marlow Nominated
Grayson Marlow is nominated for 2025–2026 Best New Honky Tonk Artist and 2026 Best New Artist.
Ebbing Family Band Nominated
Ebbing Family Band is nominated for 2026 Best Bluegrass Band.
Kameron Marlowe Nominated
Kameron Marlowe is nominated for 2025–2026 Best New Honky Tonk Artist and 2026 Best New Artist.
High Carbon Steel Band Nominated
High Carbon Steel Band is nominated for 2026 Best Bluegrass Band.
Bryan Touney Nominated
Bryan Touney is nominated for 2025–2026 Best New Honky Tonk Artist, 2026 Best New Artist, and 2026 Best New Pop Artist.
Take It To The Limit Band Winner
Take It To The Limit Band has been recognized as the 2026 Tribute Band of the Year Winner.
Travis & Cris Mobley Nominated
Travis & Cris Mobley are nominated for 2025–2026 Best New Honky Tonk Duet and 2025–2026 Best New Song for “Missing You Tonight.”
Ernie Lynn & Tayla Lynn Nominated
Ernie Lynn & Tayla Lynn are nominated for 2025–2026 Best New Honky Tonk Duet.
Travis Yee Nominated
Travis Yee is nominated for 2026 Best New Honky Tonk Artist.
Corporate Headquarters, THE RACH & Murfreesboro Development News
Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. Plans for New Corporate Headquarters
Affinity Publishing Group, Inc., Murfreesboro’s 1st Music Publisher, is working with the City of Murfreesboro’s Planning Department regarding a planned corporate headquarters and the future Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH), internally known as THE ROCK.
The planned development initiative is connected to Affinity’s corporate direction, Music Row Murfreesboro, and the company’s expanding entertainment, publishing, artist development, media, and event initiatives.
April 21, 2026 — Affinity Publishing Group, Inc., Murfreesboro’s 1st Music Publisher, is working closely with the City of Murfreesboro’s Planning Department to find a suitable location for its planned corporate headquarters.
Royal Affinity Concert Hall (RACH), internally known as THE ROCK, is planned as an entertainment and event venue initiative designed to support concerts, television productions, live entertainment events, special events, corporate functions, and expanded tourism opportunities for Middle Tennessee.
Official Awards Registry Archive
Official 2025–2026 HTMA Winners & Nominees Archive
The complete foundational registry is preserved below in a cleaner archive format so visitors can review the history without making the entire homepage feel too long.
Guardian Angels
- Patsy Cline
- Hawkshaw Hawkins
- Cowboy Copas
- Randy Hughes
- Loretta Lynn
- George Jones
- Tammy Wynette
- Waylon Jennings
- Kenny Rogers
- Earl Scruggs
- Bill Monroe
- Johnny Cash
- Keith Whitley
- Ernest Tubb
- Lester Flatt
- Hank Williams
- Conway Twitty
- Merle Haggard
- Freddy Fender
- Elvis Presley
- Marty Robbins
- Jeannie C. Riley
- Kitty Wells
- Minnie Pearl
- June Carter Cash
Honky Tonk Horizon Award Winners
- Kameron Marlowe
- Hunter Cook Band
- Daniel Wheeler
- Travis & Cris Mobley
- Frank Ray
- Hannah Marie Kelley
- Lisa Freeman
- Georgette Jones
- Travis Yee
- Ron Haynes
- Makayla Renee
- Grayson Marlow
- Tre Twitty
- Roy Caudill
- Colton Bowlin
- Tayla Lynn
- Jordan McCullough
Five Kings of Honky Tonk
George Strait, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Clint Black
Five Queens of Honky Tonk
Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Lorrie Morgan, Deana Carter
Major Winners
- Best Honky Tonk Female Artist: Hannah Marie Kelley
- Band of the Year: THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION
- Entertainer of the Year: William Hitchell
- Musician of the Year: The Great Jimmy Steele
- Affinity Radio Lifetime Award: THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION
- 2026 King of Soul Music: William Hitchell
- 2026 King of Gospel Music: Jordan McCullough
- Best New Pop Song: “Thinkin’ of You,” written by William Hitchell
- Best Gospel Quartet: Work In Progress Quartet
- MC of the Year: Michael Henderson
- Best New Tribute Band: Take It To The Limit
Honky Tonk Music Pioneer Award Winners
- Tracy Lawrence
- Pam Tillis
- Reba McEntire
- Lorrie Morgan
- Mark Wills
- Trace Adkins
- Travis Tritt
- Billy Dean
- Tracy Byrd
- Garth Brooks
- Deana Carter
- Ricky Van Shelton
- Mark Chesnutt
- Doug Stone
- LeAnn Rimes
- John Berry
- Jason Sanders
Other Award Recognitions
- Heart of Honky Tonk: Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Brad & Kimberly Williams Paisley
- Golden Cowboy: Willie Nelson, Billy Dean, Clint Black
- Sunshine: Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Tayla Lynn
- Best Affinity Demo Singer: Josh Leonard
- Kenny Rogers Award: Ron Haynes
- Miss Minnie Award: Lisa Freeman
- Grandfather of Honky Tonk Lifetime Award: Alan Jackson
- Best Male Honky Tonk Artist: Zach Top
- Ballad King of Honky Tonk: Vince Gill
- Ballad Queen of Honky Tonk: Trisha Yearwood
- First Lady of Honky Tonk Music Lifetime Award: Tanya Tucker
- First Son Award: Tre Twitty
- First Daughter Award: Tayla Lynn
Pop / Rock / Hip-Hop / R&B Horizon Award Winners
- Tyler Reese Tritt — Pop
- Emmy Russell — Pop
- Donna Marie Underwood — Pop
- Lily Costner — Pop/Rock
- Maurice R. Ross — R&B/Hip-Hop
- Diana Bugg — R&B/Pop/Hip-Hop
- Devlin Wayne — Gospel Hip-Hop
All awards will be presented in 2026 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Location, date, and time will be announced by Honky Tonk Music Association and Xcelsius Media.
About Xcelsius Media & HTMA
Who Is Xcelsius Media?
Xcelsius Media is the only official news website for Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. and Honky Tonk Music Association.
Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. is a multimedia entertainment corporation located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The corporation was established in 1999 and incorporated in 2000 by Angela R. Anderson, President & CEO, with C. Blake Parks as Secretary.
Angela R. Anderson is also a Pega Certified Business Architect, author, BMI songwriter, musician, country music singer, TV show host, producer, actress Bryangela Dusti Roads, and founder of Honky Tonk Music Association.
Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. divisions include Honky Tonk Music Association, The Dusti Roads Show, Honky Tonk Network, Xcelsius Media, Xcelsius Music, Affinity Ministries, Apocalypse of God, Tape To DVD Treasures, and Bryangela Entertainment Fashions.
What Is Honky Tonk Music Association?
Honky Tonk Music Association is a division of Affinity Publishing Group, Inc. and part of a multi-genre international entertainment movement honoring authentic artists, performances, musicianship, songwriting, and entertainment culture.
Cowboy Copas, Guardian Angels & The Artist-Support Mission
Honky Tonk Music Association Is a Dream Come True for Guardian Angel Cowboy Copas
Honky Tonk Music Association honors Guardian Angel Cowboy Copas and the idea that artists and songwriters deserve protection, visibility, and opportunity.
Honky Tonk Music Association is a dream come true for Guardian Angel Cowboy Copas. A music veteran comes out of the shadows and into the limelight and initiates a needed course correction with the launch of Honky Tonk Music Association.
Cowboy Copas wanted to help protect music, sound, songwriters, and artists. Honky Tonk Music Association Horizon winners, Band of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Affinity Award winners are beneficiaries of the dream to change the direction of the music industry and help artists at different stages in their careers.
One of Dusti’s first jobs in the music industry was working in “The Vault” at Acuff-Rose Publishing/Opryland Music Group. Her task was to review contracts and wills of songwriters and make sure the correct beneficiaries were receiving royalties.