[Waylon Hanel | Photo: Heidi Hanel/JWA Media | Download JPG]
24-Year-Old Self-Taught Michigan Country Artist Adds Major Honor To Growing List Of Awards, Chart Success And National Acclaim
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 21, 2026) — Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel, the 24-year-old self-taught musician from Millington, Michigan, added another major honor to his growing career Sunday night, taking home the Artist of the Year – Traditional/Classic Country award at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Josie Music Awards for believing in me and recognizing what we’re building,” says Hanel. “I grew up loving traditional country music, and I’ve always wanted to carry that sound forward while making it my own. To receive this award in Nashville, surrounded by so many incredible independent artists, songwriters and musicians, means more to me than I can put into words.”
The honor marks Hanel’s second consecutive year receiving recognition from the Josie Music Awards. In 2025, he was named Male Country Artist of the Year, establishing the young artist as a rising presence within the independent country music community.
Named after country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel has built his career around a deep connection to traditional and outlaw country while developing his sound and audience independently. His growing résumé includes performances alongside artists including Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Chris Cagle, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar and Mitchell Tenpenny, as well as appearances on national television and major country-focused media outlets.
Hanel’s latest recognition arrives during a particularly active year. His 2025 album, When Waylon Came To Nashville, earned a place on Saving Country Music’s 2025 Essential Albums list, while songs from his catalog have appeared on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. His 2025 single “Tow Truck Driver” also reached No. 9 on the CDX True Indie Chart.
His 2026 campaign has included the release of “When Waylon Came To Nashville” as a music video, national media coverage and the September 18 release of “Blame It On The Rain,” the first single from his forthcoming EP, Price Of Smokes, due November 27 through CDX Records.
The new single continues Hanel’s commitment to classic country storytelling, combining upbeat honky-tonk energy with a humorous take on heartbreak. The official video received an exclusive premiere from The Country Note, while American Country Network has selected the video for airplay beginning October 5.
The 2026 Josie Music Awards recognition also comes as Hanel continues to receive nominations across the Traditional/Classic Country categories, including Artist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Red Bricks,” and Album of the Year for When Waylon Came To Nashville.
For Hanel, the Artist of the Year honor represents another milestone in a career he began building as a self-taught musician in Michigan.
Hanel will continue promoting his forthcoming Price Of Smokes EP throughout the fall with performances across Michigan and beyond.
Upcoming Shows:
SEPT 26 – Kohl Farms / Unionville, Mich. [tickets/info]
OCT 02 – Big Country Fest / Frankenmuth, Mich. [tickets/info]
OCT 09 – Tinkers Junction / Grayling, Mich. [admission/info]
OCT 10 – The Buddy Derby / Flushing, Mich. [tickets/info]
OCT 17 – Best Bear Resort & Campground / Irons, Mich. [admission/info]
**For Waylon’s most updated show schedule visit waylonhanel.com/shows or follow on BandsInTown
About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 24-year-old self-taught traditional country singer-songwriter from Millington, Michigan known for his textured vocals, vivid storytelling, and straightforward delivery. Named after country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel blends outlaw country, blues, and southern rock into a vintage yet contemporary sound that connects with both traditional country audiences and newer listeners.
Hanel has steadily built a following through his recordings and energetic live shows since 2022, sharing stages with artists including Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar, Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Colt Ford, and Chayce Beckham.
His releases New Old Outlaws (2023) and Don’t Mess With My Country (2024) produced songs that reached MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, including “New Old Outlaws (Rewind)” and “Lighten That Load.” In 2025 he released his third studio album, the critically acclaimed When Waylon Came To Nashville and won Male Country Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards.
2026 will deliver a new EP, Price Of Smokes, produced by acclaimed Nashville producer Kenny Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy) which continues to build Hanel’s status as one of the top next generation of traditional and outlaw country songwriters.
# # #