So many times you hear it said that the “Country Music Industry is a Family.” Last night (10/16) that was put on stage for the world to see at the CMT Artists of the Year Special.

I have had the honor of being a part of the Country Music Family for my entire career. Like any family we have our good moments and our bad moments. We have good times together and we have squabbles. Let’s be honest, country music has had some intense squabbles in the past. However, more times than not the people who call the Country Music Industry their family have each other’s back.

Kane Brown lost close personal friend and drummer Kenny Dixon in a car accident last weekend. Just days later Kane was in attendance at the CMT Artists of the Year event. During his acceptance speech the pain Kane was enduring was overpowering.

It was obvious that not only Kane, but his entire Country Music Family was hurting from this tragic loss. What was even more obvious was that like families do, the entire industry was supporting their brother during this very difficult time.

Chris Young gave an emotional performance of his song “Drowning” after dedicating it to Kane and Kenny.

Thomas Rhett used his acceptance speech time to lift up Kane, Kenny and their family and friends in prayer.

Reba McEntire highlighted how this Country Music Family always supports and teaches each other year after year and always has. Watch her speech in the video at the top of the page.

Some may say that calling it a “Country Music Family” is cliche and just a thing people say. To those people I say, “Watch the 2019 CMT Artists of the Year Special and tell me this isn’t really a family.”

I am proud to call every artist, songwriter, record company employee, radio personality, band member, crew member and country music fan my brothers and sisters in the Country Music Family that truly does exist.

By: Buck Stevens