country
MUSIC PEOPLE
NEWS
JULY 2025 Volume 56 Number 7 Issue 665
Editor Kelly Gregory
Contributors David Allan, Janet Aspley, Donnie Ayers, Craig Baguley, Jonny Brick, Chris Brown, Tony Byworth, Larry Delaney, Rosie Carter, Don Cusic, Julie Flaskett, Michael Hingston, Stan Hitchcock, Tony Ives, Sianna King, Spencer Leigh, John Lomax III, Bryce Martin, Adrian Peel, Paul Riley, Chris Smith, Tom Travis, Walt Trott, Dan Wallace, Dave Watkins, Jack Watkins
New release consultant Steve Tidbury
Photographers Patricia Presley, Barry Dixon
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GRAMMYS ADD NEW CATEGORY FOR BEST TRADITIONAL COUNTRY ALBUM
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T he Recording Academy has
announced the addition of a new Grammy category for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Traditional Country Album, whilst the existing Best Country Album Category has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album. The move comes amid ongoing debates about the direction of mainstream country music and growing calls from artists and fans for greater recognition of roots-based country sounds.
It is yet to be seen whether the new category will honour albums that exemplify traditional country music elements, including classic instrumentation like steel guitar, fiddle, and acoustic guitar, along with storytelling lyrics that reflect country music’ s historical themes and musical structures. But it marks the first time the Grammys have specifically recognised traditional country as a distinct category separate from the existing Best Country Album award.
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