CMA Announces 2025 Triple Play Award Recipients

The Country Music Association, the premier trade organization supporting professionals within the Country Music industry, announced recipients of the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards, which honor the songwriters behind some of the genre’s most notable No. 1 hits. This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients are Rocky Block, John Byron, Zach Crowell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley (two-time recipient), Charlie Handsome (two-time recipient), Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Chase McGill, Jordan Minton, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen. In addition, legendary music publisher David Conrad will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. This year, CMA will also proudly honor 73 songwriters who have achieved their first No.1 Country hit since the previous ceremony. The CMA Triple Play Awards ceremony will be hosted by composer and CMA Board member, Jim Beavers, on Tuesday, April 29 in Nashville.

“Songwriters are the heartbeat of Country Music, and the CMA Triple Play Awards allow us to recognize the incredible talent and dedication it takes to write not just one, but three No. 1 songs in a year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re also proud to celebrate those reaching their first No. 1—a milestone that marks the beginning of many great stories. We look forward to uniting our songwriting community later this month to honor these achievements and the creative contributions that continue to shape the genre.”

“Some of my favorite folks in the Nashville song business have been recognized before me so it’s twice the honor,” says Conrad. “This is as good as it gets, and I am privileged to be included.”

The CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honors individuals who have significantly supported and advanced the art and careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on Country Music and the songwriting community. Conrad, a music publishing veteran with over 35 years of experience, is a pioneer in establishing Nashville as a leading songwriting hub. Starting as general manager for Charley Pride’s PiGem/Chess Music in 1973, he nurtured award-winning songwriters and influenced the careers of artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell and Steve Wariner. Later, as head of Almo/Irving Music’s Nashville office, Conrad broadened the company’s influence across multiple genres, working with renowned artists and songwriters such as Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch. His contributions have had a profound and enduring impact on the music industry.

The CMA Triple Play Award is presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. As part of CMA’s broader mission to honor excellence across the industry, the award underscores the vital role songwriters play in shaping the sound and success of Country Music. Through the Triple Play Awards and other awards and industry honors, CMA celebrates the individuals whose creativity and commitment continue to drive the genre forward.

Celebrating their first CMA Triple Play Award this year are Block, Byron, Dillon, Minton and Phillips. Gorley remains the most decorated recipient and is set to receive his 25th and 26th CMA Triple Play Awards at this year’s ceremony…

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