Americana Music Magazine – Bluegrass, Roots, Folk, Blues, and Old-Time
After nearly 30 years of honoring songwriters, it appears the annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest will be calling it quits. But not before awarding it’s 2020, and 2021 class – announced at the September 2021 edition of Merlefest.
Jim Lauderdale, the long-time contest coordinator and host, was also honored Saturday for his over twenty years of shared expertise, enthusiasm, and engagement.
First Place Winners for 2020
Gospel/Inspirational
Mark Atkinson (Charleston, W.Va.) – “Home”
Country
Sarah Jane Nelson (Nashville, Tenn.), Kenny Foster (Nashville, Tenn.) – “Sins of the Father”
Bluegrass
Aaron Burdett (Saluda, N.C.) – “Rockefeller”
General
Jomo Edwards (Austin, Texas) – “You Need It”
Firs Place Winners for 2021
Gospel/Inspirational
Daniel Davis (Bristol, Va.) – “Dear Lord”
Country
Ian Meadows (Higganum, Conn.), Dustin Meadows (Old Saybrook, Conn.) – “Trouble”
Bluegrass
Andrew Small (Floyd, Va.) – “Yesterday’s Blues”
General
Shay Martin Lovette (Boone, N.C.) – “For Rose Marie”