Photo Courtesy of JRamsey Photography
Photo Courtesy of JRamsey Photography
This honor marks the second year in a row that Harper has been nominated for a Josie Music Award as she continues to grow her collection of original songs
JACKSON, MI, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — JACKSON, Mich. — Sept. 16, 2026 — Country performer and songwriter Kay Harper, based in Michigan, is returning to Nashville after earning two nods in the 2026 Josie Music Awards, making this her second straight year of recognition from the independent music awards organization.
Harper has been named a finalist for Rising Star of the Year – Country Female and Song of the Year – Country Female for her track, “Backwoods.”
This latest acknowledgment comes after Harper received three Josie Music Awards nominations in 2025, marking a period of momentum for the Michigan musician as she focuses on widening her audience, putting out new music and advancing her career on her own terms.
Kay will make the trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend the 2026 Josie Music Awards ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 21. The Josie Music Awards honor independent musicians, songwriters and industry professionals, and the event is scheduled to be broadcast on Country Music Network at a later time.
“Getting to go back to Nashville with two nominations and celebrate at the Grand Ole Opry is pretty surreal,” she said. “I started seriously chasing this dream in my 30s, and every year I feel like I inch a little closer. To be recognized two years in a row, especially for music I wrote, means so much to me.”
Mixing country with touches of soul and rock, Harper has steadily built her career through original tracks and live shows across Michigan and beyond. Her released catalog includes “Freight Train,” “Give Me a Sign,” “Backwoods” and “Honky Tonk Style.”
And she’s not hitting the brakes.
Harper is actively writing and developing new material, with a growing backlog of original songs ready to be recorded. She is currently aiming to return to the studio and hopes to put out additional original music soon.
“The biggest thing for me is to just keep going – to keep working hard and making new music,” Kay added. “I love writing. I love singing and connecting with people. And I have so many songs I still want people to hear. These nominations are an incredible reminder that maybe I’m headed in the right direction.”
Kay performs both as a solo act and with her full band, Kay Harper & Company, delivering a blend of original country songs and fan-favorite covers to festivals, fairs and venues throughout the area.
For additional details about Kay Harper, upcoming shows and her original music, visit kayharperofficial.com.
About Kay Harper
Kay Harper is a Michigan-based country singer-songwriter and Nashville recording artist whose style merges country, soul and rock influences. Harper continues to develop her independent music career through songwriting, original releases and live performances across Michigan and beyond. Performing both as a solo artist and with her full band, Kay Harper & Company, she brings powerful vocals, original songs and country classics to festivals, fairs and venues throughout the region. Her original music can be found on all major streaming platforms.
Kay Harper
Kay Harper Music
kayharperofficial@gmail.com
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