Recognition marks Harper’s second consecutive year as a Josie Music Awards nominee as she continues building her catalog of original music
JACKSON, MI, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — JACKSON, Mich. — Sept. 16, 2026 — Michigan-based country artist and songwriter Kay Harper is heading back to Nashville with two nominations in the 2026 Josie Music Awards, marking her second consecutive year receiving recognition from the independent music awards program.
Harper is nominated for Rising Star of the Year – Country Female and Song of the Year – Country Female for her original song, “Backwoods.”
The recognition follows three Josie Music Awards nominations for Harper in 2025, continuing a period of growth for the Michigan artist as she works to expand her reach, release original music and build her career independently.
Kay will travel to Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 Josie Music Awards celebration at the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 21. The Josie Music Awards celebrate independent artists, songwriters and music industry professionals, with the awards ceremony set to air on Country Music Network at a later date.
“Getting to go back to Nashville with two nominations and celebrate at the Grand Ole Opry is pretty surreal,” she said. “I started seriously chasing this dream in my 30s, and every year I feel like I inch a little closer. To be recognized two years in a row, especially for music I wrote, means so much to me.”
Blending country with elements of soul and rock, Harper has steadily built her career through original releases and live performances throughout Michigan and beyond. Her released catalog includes “Freight Train,” “Give Me a Sign,” “Backwoods” and “Honky Tonk Style.”
And she isn’t slowing down.
Harper continues to write and develop new material, with a growing catalog of original songs waiting to be recorded. She is currently working toward getting back into the studio and hopes to release more original music in the near future.
“The biggest thing for me is to just keep going – to keep working hard and making new music,” Kay added. “I love writing. I love singing and connecting with people. And I have so many songs I still want people to hear. These nominations are an incredible reminder that maybe I’m headed in the right direction.”
Kay performs both as a solo artist and with her full band, Kay Harper & Company, bringing a mix of original country music and crowd-favorite covers to festivals, fairs and venues across the region.
For more information about Kay Harper, upcoming performances and original music, visit kayharperofficial.com.
About Kay Harper
Kay Harper is a Michigan-based country singer-songwriter and Nashville recording artist whose sound blends country, soul and rock influences. Harper continues to build her independent music career through songwriting, original releases and live performances throughout Michigan and beyond. Performing both as a solo artist and with her full band, Kay Harper & Company, she brings a mix of powerhouse vocals, original music and country favorites to festivals, fairs and venues across the region. Her original music is available on all major streaming platforms.
Kay Harper
Kay Harper Music
kayharperofficial@gmail.com
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