Josh Osborne has earned his first win as ASCAP’s country music songwriter of the year at the 59th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards, for his eight chart-topping songs during the eligibility period, including “7 Summers” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers and Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” and “Hard to Forget” (Sam Hunt), “Happy Anywhere” and “Nobody But You” (Blake Shelton), “How They Remember You” (Rascal Flatts) and “Next Girl” (Carly Pearce).
He’s among this year’s many ASCAP Country Music Awards winners, which are being feted with three days of celebratory social media posts, rolling out on ASCAP’s social media platforms beginning Monday (Nov. 8).
Osborne now has 35 ASCAP awards to his credit, including song of the year wins in 2015, 2018 and 2020. One of Osborne’s biggest influences, George Strait, announced Osborne’s win via a video shared on ASCAP’s social media platforms.
Ashley Gorley’s “One of Them Girls” (recorded by Lee Brice) was named ASCAP country music song of the year. ASCAP social media will highlight Gorley’s award acceptance for the certified platinum single, which hit the pinnacle of the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Sony Music Publishing was named publisher of the year at the ASCAP Country Awards for the first time since 2012. The company’s winning songs included “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “Hole in the Bottle” (Kelsea Ballerini), “Lady” (Brett Young) and “Things a Man Oughta Know” (Lainey Wilson). Sony Music Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston will be featured on ASCAP’s social media platforms, thanking their songwriters and staff.
The ASCAP Country Music Awards social media rollout will also feature performances of two other top award-winning songs. Madeline Merlo will perform her Songland hit recorded by Lady A, “Champagne Night,” and Wilson will share an exclusive performance of her recent Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper “Things a Man Oughta Know.”
ASCAP chairman of the board and president Paul Williams, CEO Elizabeth Matthews and EVP, chief creative officer John Titta launched the online festivities with a joint welcome video message along with congratulations from ASCAP vice president, membership Nashville Mike Sistad and the ASCAP Nashville team.
This year’s social media rollout also honored the late Connie Bradley, former head of ASCAP Nashville. Bradley, who died earlier this year, served for more than 30 years at ASCAP, rising to the role of senior vp and head of its Nashville office during a time when few women held top leadership roles in the music industry. Among those honoring Bradley as part of ASCAP’s online tribute are Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood.
For a complete list of winners, go to ascap.com.
Source
