Pictured (L-R): Kara McCabe, Head of PR, SJM Concerts, Alex Simmonds, Promoter, SJM Concerts, York and Caroline Hamer, Head of Digital, SJM Concerts. Photo: Matt Woolliscroft
U.K. concert promoter Chris York received the 2021 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award on Monday (Sept. 20). He received the honor through a special video message from artists and industry members in Nashville and the United Kingdom.
The video included messages from Little Big Town; CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern; CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development Milly Olykan; President and Chief Strategy Officer, Live Nation Women Ali Harnell; CAA Agent Nigel Hassler; and WME Nashville Partner/Co-Head and Chair of the CMA International Committee Jay Williams.
“We are thrilled to congratulate Chris on this honor,” says Trahern. “Chris’ impact on country music has enabled artists in every stage of their career to begin building their platforms in the U.K. and beyond. His commitment to introducing U.K. audiences to fresh and new talent each year has helped drive the profile and consumption of country music in the U.K. at an incredible rate. We are so grateful for Chris’ work across our country music community.”
The Jo Walker Meador International Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
York is the Director of SJM Concerts and is also one of the founding co-promoters of the U.K.’s largest country event, Country to Country (C2C). Since its launch in 2013, the festival has paved the way for artists to regularly tour and develop their fan base across the U.K. and Europe. York also co-developed the C2C Presents brand and co-promoted acts including CMA’s Introducing Nashville during the U.K.’s annual Country Music Week.
York is also a member of the CMA U.K. Task Force, which works to increase the profile and opportunities for country in the United Kingdon. York is also known for his key role in the careers of Drake, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Lorde, Massive Attack, Oasis, Swedish House Mafia, The Chemical Brothers, and many more.
“While we have thoroughly missed not seeing Chris and being able to travel to the U.K. over the last two years, we are so pleased to now recognize him for his incredible work in our industry, growing and furthering country music on both sides of the Atlantic,” adds Olykan. “We send our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to him on this well-deserved honor and for his valuable work on behalf of our genre.”
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