The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present a Breakthrough Artist Award to rising Country star Maren Morris at the Music Biz 2017 convention’s Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 18, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Morris released her debut album for Columbia Nashville, HERO, on June 3, 2016, becoming the label’s first artist of the SoundScan era to top the Billboard Country chart with their first album. Fueled by the Platinum-certified single “My Church,” Morris went on to win New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, after tying Eric Church and Chris Stapleton for most nominations. She also received the Breakthrough Artist Award at Billboard’s annual Women in Music Gala, and performed on the Dec. 10, 2016 episode of Saturday Night Live. She is also nominated for four 2017 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “My Church,” and Best Country Album for HERO.
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Maren Morris, along with pop and soul band Lukas Graham, will join the ranks of past Music Biz Breakthrough Artist Award recipients Carrie Underwood, John Legend, the Killers, Nicki Minaj, Emeli Sandé, Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, Sam Hunt and Halsey.
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“It’s been a fantastic year for Maren, and we’re happy to recognize her many accomplishments with a Music Biz 2017 Breakthrough Artist Award,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “From writing songs for Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, the Brothers Osbourne and the TV show Nashville; to opening shows for Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, Loretta Lynn and Little Big Town; to achieving massive success as a performer on the back of her new album, HERO; Maren has already accomplished more at the young age of 26 than most artists do in a lifetime. We can’t wait to see where she goes from here.”
“Thanks to Music Biz for this Award, and thanks to my fans for making this a truly amazing year for me and my music,” said Morris. “All I ever wanted to do was write songs, so it’s a true gift to see them resonating with so many people. I’ll see you all in Nashville!”
Photo by John Shearer
Discounted early bird registration for Music Biz 2017 is now open. For a full list of currently confirmed programming, visit musicbiz2017.sched.org.
For more information, visit musicbiz2017.com.
