On the evening of Wednesday, June 4, Billboard hosted its prestigious annual Country Power Players event, proudly sponsored by Bud Light. This grand occasion took place at the renowned Category 10 venue, owned by Luke Combs, located in the vibrant heart of downtown Nashville. The event recognized and celebrated the outstanding achievements of several prominent artists and executives within the country music industry, highlighting their contributions to this beloved genre.
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The Country Power Players event also served as a significant call to action, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals within the music community—including artists, songwriters, musicians, touring personnel, executives, and other creatives—who may be facing challenges related to mental health. The gathering aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote accessible resources for those in need. By fostering a culture of openness, the event encouraged everyone to seek help and support one another, which is crucial in an industry often characterized by high pressures and emotional demands.
The talented country duo Brothers Osborne took the opportunity to honor Tatum Allsep, the founder of Music Health Alliance, with the prestigious Impact Award. This recognition celebrates her visionary leadership in establishing and driving the organization’s mission, which focuses on providing vital access to healthcare and mental health resources for professionals in the music industry. By connecting individuals with essential medical and financial solutions, Allsep has made a significant difference in the lives of countless music professionals who often struggle to navigate the complexities of healthcare.
In presenting the Impact Award to Allsep, John Osborne from Brothers Osborne expressed heartfelt gratitude for the services provided by Music Health Alliance. He highlighted that these services are available at no cost to anyone who has been employed in the music industry for three years or more, extending support to their spouses, partners, and children as well. John noted the recent collaboration between Music Health Alliance and their label’s parent company, Universal Music Group, in launching a mental health fund specifically designed for the music industry. This fund offers various mental health services, including personalized recommendations for mental health counselors and psychiatrists, as well as financial grants to help cover costs for those in the music sector. “That is huge,” he emphasized, recognizing the immense value of this initiative.
Brothers Osborne also announced a generous donation of $10,000 to Music Health Alliance in honor of Tatum Allsep, whom TJ affectionately referred to as “Nashville’s own Mother Teresa.” This contribution is aimed at further supporting the organization’s essential work in providing mental health resources to those in need within the music community.
Tatum Allsep took the stage to express her gratitude towards Brothers Osborne, stating, “Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the music mind and for being my friends since day one.” Her heartfelt words underscored the importance of community and support within the industry, emphasizing that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.
Allsep reminisced about the inception of Music Health Alliance fifteen years ago, sharing her vision to assist individuals within the music community in accessing necessary resources. “It is an honor to stand here with the people who shape the sound of our culture,” she stated. “The recognition of this little engine that could, MHA, is incredibly meaningful. Thanks to all of you who have stood by us over the years, we’ve been able to grow from a solo effort during a coffee shop tour in Nashville to a dedicated team of 15 serving 32,000 music professionals and helping save over $145 million. That’s not just a number; it represents real support and assistance.”
Allsep also gave a shout-out to the hardworking team at Music Health Alliance, stating, “You put your boxing gloves on every day and enter that ring, confronting challenging stories, battling broken systems, and cutting through red tape. Yet, you approach every music professional who reaches out with open arms and the most powerful medicine on this planet: hope. You are the reason our mission makes a real impact.” This acknowledgment highlighted the dedication and resilience of those working tirelessly to support the music community.
She extended her gratitude to UMG, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Marcus King, Sully Erna from Godsmack, and other supporters who have contributed funding and resources, enabling the organization to provide over 8,000 therapy sessions for individuals in need. This collaborative effort showcases the power of unity in addressing mental health issues within the music industry.
“The music mind is often filled with overwhelming noise,” Allsep remarked. “This noise comes from pressures, unstable incomes, and isolation, which collectively take a toll on our industry. Look around; everyone knows someone this has affected. It costs us creatively, emotionally, and corporately.” Her observations shed light on the widespread challenges faced by many in the music field, calling for a collective response to these pressing issues.
Allsep pointed out that in recent months, Music Health Alliance has experienced a staggering 250% increase in requests for mental health support. “This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a distress signal. It’s an SOS call, and we must do better,” she urged, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address mental health challenges within the music industry.
“I am serious when I say that MHA is equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and partnerships to ensure every artist, songwriter, crew member, and everyone in our industry can access the mental health services they deserve, not just in times of crisis. We need a long-term strategy. We know that music heals, but even the healers require healing. To every label, publisher, platform, and artist making a living in this industry: don’t merely admire our mission and impact—actively engage with us. Feel it, fuel it, and fund it,” she passionately conveyed.
She concluded by saying, “We desperately need you to stand with us and help nurture those in need. Only then can we truly heal the music.” Her words resonated deeply, calling for unity and support in addressing mental health issues within the vibrant world of country music.
Other notable individuals celebrated during the evening included Riley Green, who received the Groundbreaker Award, Ella Langley, honored with the Rising Star Award, BigXThaPlug, who received the Innovator Award, Little Big Town, who was recognized with the inaugural Ben Vaughn Song Champion Award, and Stacy Vee from Goldenvoice/AEG, awarded Executive of the Year. Each award highlights the remarkable contributions of these artists and executives to the country music landscape.
Billboard will continue to shine a spotlight on the incredible music of various artists throughout the week, as Billboard Country Live kicks off on June 5. This exciting event will feature two days of performances from a diverse lineup of talented artists, including Jake Worthington, Reyna Roberts, Max McNown, Graham Barham, Mitchell Tenpenny, Drew Baldridge, Alexandra Kay, and Cooper Alan. These performances will showcase the vibrant and dynamic nature of country music, further enriching the experience for fans and newcomers alike.
