Ira Dean Named CDX Male Artist of the Year

Nashville, TN (March 20, 2026) —

CDX Nashville, the industry-leading radio distribution and promotion platform for country music, celebrated its 35th Anniversary while announcing the winners of the 2026 CDX Star Airplay & Artist Awards during the annual CDX Meet & Greet, held March 17th at The Listening Room in Nashville, Tennessee.

Widely regarded as an “Unofficial CRS Kick-Off” event, the afternoon gathering brought together radio programmers, artists, label executives, and industry leaders from across the country for an afternoon of networking, recognition, and celebration of the independent spirit that fuels country radio.

Adding to the excitement of the event, country star Sara Evans made a surprise appearance in partnership with event sponsor Melody Place, where she shared new music and spent time taking photos and visiting with attendees—creating a memorable, fan-first moment that energized the room.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of The Randy Jones Memorial Award to Dani Holland (WALS-FM), honoring exceptional dedication and impact in country radio. The award was presented by Joe Kelly (CDX Nashville), Mike Thomas (KFAV-FM), Melissa Frost (KRRV-FM), and Jim Quinton (WPPL-FM)—a powerful show of peer recognition from respected industry leaders.

“These awards represent the heartbeat of our format,” said Joe Kelly, President of CDX Nashville. “For 35 years, CDX has been about relationships—between artists and radio, between songs and audiences. Celebrating this milestone alongside the people who make this business work every day made this year especially meaningful.”

2026 CDX STAR AIRPLAY & ARTIST AWARD WINNERS:

• Label of the Year – Marshalls of the Revolution

• Station of the Year – KFAV

• Programmer of the Year – Melissa Frost

• Breakout Artist of the Year – Tyson Leaman

• Male Artist of the Year – Ira Dean

• Female Artist of the Year – Ashley Ryan

• Group of the Year – Due West

  
  

Each honoree was recognized for their outstanding contributions to the country music ecosystem, particularly in the independent and secondary market radio space—where passion, persistence, and relationships remain key drivers of success.

The CDX Meet & Greet continues to serve as a cornerstone event for fostering meaningful connections between artists and radio, while spotlighting those making a measurable impact on the charts and in their communities.