News, Reviews

Kentucky musicians recognized in Nashville Scene Critics Poll

by Jessica Blankenship

Nashville Scene’s 18th Annual Critics Poll results were just released this morning with several surprises from Kentucky.  Chris Stapleton, Angaleena Presley, Tyler Childers, and Carly Pearce received recognition from 94 music critics.

Chris Stapleton led the pack with multiple recognitions. His albums “From A Room Volumes 1 & 2″ were combined to be part of the top albums of the year. His singles “Broken Halos” and “Either Way” were part of the top 25 singles of the year. He landed top honors as Male Vocalist. He also landed in the poll as one of the top Songwriters and Live Acts. He was nestled in the number 2 spot just behind Jason Isbell for Artist of the Year.

Chasing her musical dreams from Beauty, Kentucky, stood Angaleena Presley who garnered attention this year from over 90 critics in the poll. Her album, “Wrangled” was named one of the top Albums of the Year. Angaleena also gained attention as being named one of the top Female Vocalists and Songwriters.

Several newcomer acts from Kentucky also captured the attention to the critics. Tyler Childers received honors in the Album of the Year category for “Purgatory” and the number two spot for best New Act.

Carly Pearce received honors for Single of the Year with “Every Little Thing,” top 10 Female Vocalist, and New Act.

Kentucky Country Music was featured in the comments in the Nashville Scene when it came to talking about the impact of females in country music. Jessica Bray noted, “Sometimes a woman wants to hear music from another woman. One of the year’s most emotional moments for me was hearing Margo Price perform at Farm Aid, knowing that her own parents had lost their family farm years ago. Hopefully one day she will be able to buy it back. And Angaleena Presley’s ‘Cheer Up Little Darlin’ helped me during the passing of my grandfather.”

To view the complete cover story, be sure to check out the Nashville Scene by clicking here.