Texas Music News — October 17, 2026
The Galleys, a new awards show for Texas and Red Dirt music, just announced its first nominees. The ceremony lands Sunday, December 13, at the Country Line Events Center in West, Texas. Galleywinter.com runs the show, and the site has covered the scene for more than 20 years. Brad Beheler speaks for the outlet on the awards.
Red Dirt is a country-rooted style from Oklahoma and North Texas that blends folk, rock, and bluegrass. Nashville rarely hands out trophies for it, so the scene decided to build its own trophy case. Think of it as a family reunion with a ballot box. A panel of artists, journalists, broadcasters, and independent-music supporters picks the nominees and winners. Radio airplay, streaming numbers, and industry politics do not decide the outcome.
The Ballot Reads Like a Dancehall Marquee
Artist of the Year puts Wade Bowen, Kaitlin Butts, and Flatland Cavalry on the ballot. William Clark Green, Treaty Oak Revival, and Turnpike Troubadours join them. Charley Crockett completes the field, and he also earns an Album of the Year nomination.
Song of the Year includes “Stubborn and Remains” from Green and “Rain” from Bowen. Meanwhile, Hamilton, Texas, songwriter Presley Haile earns nods for both Songwriter and Emerging Artist of the Year. Eligible work spans November 2025 through October 2026, so the first class gets a full year to shine. For one December night, a small town off I-35 becomes the capital of Red Dirt.
Details at Saving Country Music
More Texas Music News
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