From Toby Keith to Morgan Wallen: Country Music’s Top 5 Stories in 2024

Country music marked significant gains (Post Malone) and losses (Kris Kristofferson and Toby Keith) in 2024. The genre wasn’t lacking headlines and news in 2024, and while women are a massive part of the story, country radio doesn’t play their music. Until December 6, a female artist hadn’t had a No. 1 radio hit in 2024. While women were marginalized, the genre did open its doors for others. Shaboozey and Malone were first-time mainstays on the country charts this year. Wallen also continued his power play in the genre. His music might be everywhere, but by the end of the year, his face wasn’t.

Videos by American Songwriter

Here are five significant stories out of Nashville’s country music scene in 2024:

Women Helm Nashville’s Country Community

Before Cris Lacy and Ben Kline stepped in for chairman/CEO John Esposito at Warner Music Nashville at the end of 2022, no women sat at the top of a major label in Nashville. By January 1, women will helm or co-helm all the major labels in Nashville. Cindy Mabe took over for Mike Dungan as the chairman and CEO of UMG Nashville in the spring of 2023. Taylor Lindsey will be chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville when Randy Goodman retires on January 1.

Female artists hit glass ceiling: While female executives reign supreme in Nashville right now, the same can’t be said for ladies on country radio. Billboard’s Country Airplay chart tracks what is popular on country radio. Until Friday, December 6, a female hadn’t been part of No. 1 country hit in 2024. Ella Langley and Riley Green snapped the streak when reports surfaced “You Look Like You Love Me” topped the charts.

Country Music Diversified

Out-of-genre artists, including Beyonce and Post Malone, releasing country albums to varying degrees of success in 2024 is a huge talking point, but it is part of a bigger picture. Not only did country music embrace Post Malone in 2024, but the genre’s fans also wrapped their arms around Shaboozey.

Music fans got a glimpse of Shaboozey as a collaborator on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter. Just a few months later,  Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was a 19-week No. 1 hit on the Hot 100, which set the record for a non-collaborative, solo effort. The song was a seven-week No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay and a 24-week chart-topper on Hot Country Songs. He’s also a five-time Grammy nominee, including a mention in the all-genre Best New Artist category.

But it doesn’t stop there. While Hispanic country artists haven’t yet broken through on country radio, it seems they’re on the brink. Mexican-American actress and singer MŌRIAH is making waves with her new song “Hasta Mañana.” Former American Idol contestant Cash Cortes is bridging cultures with “Poor Man’s Gold,” and Angie K just made her Grand Ole Opry debut to multiple standing ovations.

Morgan Wallen’s Comeback—and Disappearance

Morgan Wallen has had more than his fair share of public mishaps since 2021. But 2024 was a banner year for Wallen, who became the first artist to have five No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in one year. He didn’t do it alone. Most of his chart-toppers came with a collaboration with another artist.

 “Cowgirls” featured Ernest. Wallen joined Post Malone on “I Had Some Help.” He and Eric Church teamed up for “Man Made a Bar,” and Wallen and Thomas Rhett collaborated on “Mamaw’s House.”
Wallen has a controversial history, but this fall, he stepped to the forefront of hurricane relief efforts in East Tennessee. He is one of the prominent famous faces drawing attention to the victims of the tragedy.

However, when the Country Music Association gave him their top honor, Entertainer of the Year, a few weeks later, Wallen didn’t attend the ceremony or acknowledge the win.

Legends Lost and Crowned

While country music mourned the loss of genre stalwarts in 2024, including Kris Kristofferson, Toby Keith, and the Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall, the country music community also crowned a new class of greats into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

There was some overlap. This year’s Country Music Hall of Fame class included Toby Keith, John Anderson, and James Burton.

(Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage)