George Strait-inspired collaboration takes home 2026 Josie Music Award at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House
UK country artist Gary Quinn and Nashville recording artist William Michael Morgan have won Vocal Event of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards for their collaboration “Country Strait.”
The award was announced at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, with “Country Strait” selected from a field of 12 nominated collaborations in the Vocal Event of the Year category. The song entered the awards as a double nominee, also receiving recognition for Song of the Year – Country (Duo/Collaboration).
Written by Gary Quinn and William Michael Morgan and produced by Nick Gibbens, “Country Strait” grew from the pair’s friendship, their shared love of traditional country music and, in particular, their admiration for George Strait.
Featuring a string of references to Strait classics, the song is the pair’s tribute to The King of Country and to country music fans around the world who continue to embrace the genre’s traditional roots.
“To find out that our names had been read out as winners at the Grand Ole Opry House was a pretty special moment,” said Quinn.
“William and I are buddies who share a genuine love of traditional country music and George Strait. Country Strait came from that, and it was really our tribute to the music we love and country fans around the world.
“I wasn’t able to be in Nashville for the awards, but knowing our names were announced as winners on that stage is something I’m incredibly proud of. To make it even more special, it happened on the same night that the legendary Vince Gill was honoured with the Country Icon Award. For our little tribute to traditional country music to be recognised at the Opry on a night celebrating someone of Vince’s stature and contribution to the genre made it a pretty memorable one.
“Huge thanks to Nick Gibbens for bringing the record to life and to everyone who has streamed it, requested it, played it on radio, shared it or supported it since we released it.”
Gill, a long-standing Grand Ole Opry member and one of country music’s most decorated artists, was presented with the Country Icon Award during the ceremony and also performed on the Opry House stage.
The win came from a 12-strong Vocal Event of the Year field, which included collaborations featuring Grammy-winning country and Americana artist Jim Lauderdale.
Released in August 2025, “Country Strait” brought together Quinn’s transatlantic country career with Morgan’s firmly traditional Nashville sound.
Originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland, and now based in Greater Manchester, Quinn is an eight-time British Country Music Association Award winner who has performed extensively throughout the UK, Europe and Nashville.
His career has included performances at Nashville institutions including The Bluebird Café, The Listening Room and The Stage on Broadway, as well as appearances at CMA Fest. He has opened for artists including Clint Black and Chris Young and toured or performed alongside names including Phil Vassar, Kristian Bush, Sunny Sweeney and William Michael Morgan.
As a songwriter, Quinn has worked with Nashville writers and artists including Brett James, William Michael Morgan, Trent Tomlinson, Ronnie Bowman and Steve Wariner.
The 2026 Josie Music Awards received more than 101,000 submissions, with nominees spanning independent artists, songwriters, musicians and music industry professionals from around the world.
For Quinn, the award adds another chapter to a song that began simply as two friends celebrating the country music that inspired them.
“Country Strait” – Gary Quinn feat. William Michael Morgan – is available now on all major streaming platforms.
