The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented its Partners in Music Award to Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s “The Bobby Bones Show,” at its 54th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards on Monday, October 31 at Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The event also honored the writers and publishers of country music’s most-performed songs of 2015 before an audience of distinguished Nashville songwriters, top country stars and music industry leaders.
The Partners in Music Award recognizes an ASCAP licensee who has shown exceptional dedication in presenting ASCAP members’ music to the public. ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart presented the award to Bones for his unwavering support of emerging and established ASCAP songwriters and artists on his nationally-syndicated, award-winning country radio program, “The Bobby Bones Show.” Fast-rising country music star Kelsea Ballerini, whom Bones championed early in her career, opened the show with a performance of her hit song, “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
“We salute Bobby Bones for his genuine commitment to exposing new country music on his program,” said Vincent Candilora, ASCAP EVP Licensing. “By giving songwriters the opportunity to be heard by his broad and influential audience, he helps everyone — songwriters and radio succeed, and music listeners get to enjoy great new music.”
Bobby Bones, dubbed by New York Times as “the biggest thing in country radio,” has proven to be one of the genre’s most influential tastemakers, breaking some of country music’s freshest talent. The host of iHeartMedia’s “The Bobby Bones Show” reaches millions of listeners on nearly 100 stations.
“Bobby Bones And The Raging Idiots,” the comedy group comprised of Bones and Producer Eddie, recently released THE RAGING KIDIOTS: KIDDY UP! on Black River Entertainment. With the aim of educating and entertaining the younger set, the album debuted last month as the top downloaded children’s album. Sounds Like Nashvilledeclared that the 12-track disc, co-written by Bones, showcases his ability to “fill lyrics with important lessons and a catchy tune that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head and [make you] remember what you learned, no matter how old you are.” The release came hot on the heels of the comedy group’s #1 debut EP THE RAGING IDIOTS PRESENTS – THE RAGING KIDIOTS, as well as their #1 comedy album THE CRITICS GIVE IT 5 STARS.
Earlier this year Bones released BARES BONES: I’M NOT LONELY IF YOU’RE READING THIS BOOK (Dey Street Books), which spent four weeks on New York Times Bestsellers List after capturing the #1 spot on multiple lists including USA Today and Wall Street Journal.
