Music begins within each of our souls. If we are lucky, God bestows us the gifts to let it out.

Some sing, some play, some do both and their gifts bless their families, their church, their neighbors.

For many years now, the advent of the internet has broken down the hold gatekeepers had on reaching the mass audience. Now folks can sit in their living rooms with a camera, make music and people from around the world can find the, like them and buy their music.

Of course, the old fashion approach, town to town, church to church, club to club still helps build an audience too. Now, stars can come out of nowhere.

I was recently in attendance for an independent music awards called the 10th Annual Josie Music Awards.For 10 years, these have grown and expanded recognizing artists in country, Americana, bluegrass, folk, R & B, Rock and Roll, World Music and other forms. This was my second time to attend and both times I have taken it in as an artist who was nominated in categories in the awards. For me, it was Inspirational Vocalist and Musician of the Year – Fiddle. I have been so honored the last couple of years by their recognition of my musical efforts.

The Josie Awards are coordinated by Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino. Beginning small it has grown to now be held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. Folks travel from all over the U.S. and Canada and even foreign countries to attend the events surrounding the awards.

When I started in country music, we had a grassroots system operated by fan clubs that allowed artists to grow their followings and climb the ladder in a way. That has been replaced by largely by social media and followers.

While attending I met artists from around the country, many who have been growing and building their careers for years and some just starting but they all were standing side-by-side as award nominees, dressed in their finest, posing for photos, interviewing with media trying to expand their audiences.

In this award show, new and seasoned artists saw long-time artists, multi-million sellers, many hits in varying genres come across the stage and be honored and also perform. This year, they joined Neil McCoy (Lifetime Achievement Award Winner), Tiffany (Icon Award Winner), and John McCuen (Musician Lifetime Achievement Award Winner), and Randy Edelman (Songwriter Legend Award Winner), Doug Stone was also a presenter as were some recent music stars created by American Idol and similar shows.

I was so impressed by the artists I saw walk across the stage. They came from many backgrounds and regions. Their looks, musical talents and fashion choices varied. Their acceptance speeches were heartwarming and a dominant overall theme was faith in God and the revelation that He bestowed their talents and salvation. It was so refreshing!

As I sat towards the back of the auditorium watching folks, I realized the hosts called my name from the stage, so I made my way to the stage, climbed up the stairs on stage and awaited the other winners in the Musician of the Year categories.

We then each got to walk center stage and stand on the Circle. A section of floor taken from the Ryman where the Grand Ole Opry called home for so many years. As a Grand Ole Opry guest star, I had stood there before, so the experience was not new to me, but still highly revered by me.

“Forty years ago, Bill Monroe brought me here as an artist,” I said.

I thanked some of the fiddlers who influenced me like Howdy Forrester and Kenny Baker, Tommy Jackson, Chubby Wise, and Paul Warren who inspired me to want to be better at fiddling. Also my early Georgia fiddling influences – my Great Uncle Tom Franks who learned from my Great Grandfather A.J. Harve Franks, Dr. Donald Grisier, Dallas Burrell, Gordon Tanner, Eugene Akers and so many others.

I thanked my late parents Pearl and Floyd Franks, and God above for the honor. I also attributes all that has come to my mentors Grand Ole Opry stars Jim & Jesse McReynolds.

All in all, I can probably sum up the sentiments of the winners and the nominees and their families and friends who attended. It was such wonderful night, everyone walking the red carpet, sharing interviews with media folks and meeting other music artists from around the world. New friends made, old friends renewed and our musical toils recognized.

For those interested in my work as 2024 Musician of the Year – Fiddle, my latest single is the fiddle-backed patriotic film monologue “The American’s Creed – Recitation” and brand new on Nov. 1 is the historical fiddle single “Cotton-Eyed Joe” performed live with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys raising funds for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian Music Scholarships. Both available on ITunes and Amazon.

Learn more about the Josie Music Awards at https://www.josiemusicawards.com/.