The Red Clay Strays Get the Surprise of a Lifetime with Their First ACM Award—Delivered by Miranda Lambert

Sometimes dreams come true in the middle of a studio session.

That’s exactly what happened for fast-rising Southern rockers The Red Clay Strays, who were deep in the groove with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb in Savannah, Georgia when they got a life-changing phone call. According to the press release, none other than Miranda Lambert—the most awarded artist in ACM history—rang in to deliver the news: they’d just won their first-ever ACM Award.

And it wasn’t just any award—it was ACM New Duo or Group of the Year.

The moment was capped off with an official ACM envelope, just like you see on TV, revealing their big win. Talk about a moment of truth (pun intended).

This surprise is the latest in a string of headline-worthy milestones for the Mobile, Alabama-based band, who are currently riding a rocket ship powered by grit, gospel-tinged vocals, and a sound that blurs the lines between country, rock, soul, and roots. Their debut album Moment of Truth—self-released in 2022—made waves with the breakout single “Wondering Why,” which stormed into the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart and cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. That momentum led to a record deal with RCA Records and set the stage for their latest studio release, Made by These Moments, produced by none other than Cobb himself. The album earned them their first entry into the Billboard 200, marking a significant leap into mainstream recognition.

Comprised of Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix (guitar, vocals), Zach Rishel (guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums), and Sevans Henderson (keys), The Red Clay Strays are no strangers to the grind—but it’s clear the tides are turning, and fast.

And the celebration isn’t over. The band is also nominated for Group of the Year at the upcoming 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire. The star-studded event will stream live across Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT, straight from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas—aka the home turf of the Dallas Cowboys.

With their first ACM win under their belt and a stacked studio session with Dave Cobb in motion, it’s safe to say The Red Clay Strays are just getting started—and country music better buckle up.