CMA Names 16 Triple Play Winners, Honors Bart Herbison Advocacy Work

The Country Music Association announced 16 songwriters earned Triple Play Awards for 2026, recognizing writers who scored three No. 1 hits in a single year. The April 13 Nashville ceremony will spotlight both established hitmakers and rising talents who shaped country radio throughout the past year.

Ashley Gorley leads the pack with his 27th Triple Play Award, cementing his status as country music's most prolific chart-topper. First-time recipients include Riley Green, Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, and Austin Post, alongside veteran writers Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, and Ernest Keith Smith.

Bart Herbison, Executive Director of Nashville Songwriters Association International, will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award for his legislative victories. Herbison championed the Music Modernization Act and secured a 44% increase in mechanical royalties, returning millions to songwriters. His advocacy work established the Mechanical Licensing Collective and protected long-term capital gains for creators.

The ceremony also honors over 40 songwriters celebrating their first No. 1 country hit. CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern called the event one of the association's most meaningful celebrations, recognizing the creative force behind country music's continued success.