The Essie's
Recognizing Traditional 21st Century Country Music

The Essie's was established to recognize traditional country music of the 21st Century. In the current world of country music, country music radio and other venues have replaced traditional country music with pop hip-hop country. Traditional country music songs and artists are no longer the predominant music on country music radio or other popular country music venues such as Country Music Television.  

The mission of The Essie's is to honor songs and artists who continue the traditional country sound and artistry despite being ignored by the country music industry. These songs and artists earned this recognition because of the outstanding performance by the artist, excellent lyrics, and the musicality of their songs and performances, which keep the traditional country music sound alive. 

In addition to The Essie's Artist and Song of the Year recognition for traditional country music in the 21st century, we have created two other distinctive recognition categories for traditional country music artists and songs of the 21st century. Those categories are: 

• Diamond—The Essie's highest recognition for an artist's commitment and performance as a traditional country music artist. It is our equivalent to a Hall of Fame.
• Gold--The Essie's highest song recognition for songs representing traditional country music. 

The Essie's Recognition for 21st Century Traditional Country Music

The Essie's Diamond Honorees
(Essie Country Accolades Hall of Fame for the 21st Century Artists)

 Daryle Singletary   An example of his singing style     George Strait   An example of his singing style

Alan Jackson  An example of his singing style           Kyle Park   An example of his singing style

Dale Watson    An example of his singing style      Randy Travis   An example of his singing style

The Essie's Gold Honorees
for outstanding songwriting and artist's performance in the traditional country style:

Heaven's Honky Tonk     Be Here Now
Human   By the Light of the Burning Bridge  Damn Strait  Spilled Whiskey

To review The Essie's songs of the year, click here.