First look at the 61st ACM Awards blue carpet in Las Vegas
Country music’s biggest stars are set to arrive at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as the ACM Awards return to Las Vegas with host Shania Twain.
Hot off the heels of a new album announcement, The Red Clay Strays hit the stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17.
The country-rockers delivered a moving performance of their new song “Demons in Your Choir” alongside an on-stage choir.
Lead singer Brandon Coleman’s emotive baritone shone during the soulful gospel-country track.
“You’ve been singin’ with the liars / And they’re playin’ your worst desires,” he belted out with passion.
“If I could pull you from the fire / Then maybe I could save you / From those demons in your choir.”
The band performed as a part of the awards show’s jam-packed lineup, which featured stars including Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Riley Green.
The group from Mobile, Alabama, has quickly become one of the biggest country bands on the scene, creating an old-school roots-rock revival.
In their few years together, they’ve released two studio albums and have already begun headlining arenas.
Here’s what to know about The Red Clay Strays.
When did The Red Clay Strays get famous?
The band is comprised of six members – Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix (guitar, vocals), Andrew Bishop (bass), Zach Rishel (guitar), John Hall (drums) and Sevans Henderson (keyboards).
The group broke onto the music scene with their debut album, “Moment of Truth,” in 2022. When their single “Wondering Why” went viral on TikTok in late 2023, their career launched to new heights.
Now, their debut album, which was crowdfunded, is RIAA gold-certified.
The group has come to be known for their blend of Southern rock, classic country and gospel music, as well as lead singer Brandon Coleman’s gritty, strong baritone and vintage sound.
In 2024, the band won Americana Music Honors & Awards’ 2024 award for emerging artist of the year.
The next year, they took home the ACM’s 2025 new vocal duo or group of the year award and the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards’ 2025 vocal group of the year.
When The Red Clay Strays accepted their award at the 2025 CMAs, they dedicated the win to a late member of their band.
“My little brother, Jacob, took his own life in 2020. He should be up here with us, but he’s not,” drummer John Hall said to the crowd. According to a 2020 Alabama Public Radio interview, Jacob Hall could “play anything” and often performed with the band. Losing Hall was hard on the band.
“He taught me how to play harmonica with the little bit that I know, but he taught me how to do it. He quite literally has changed our lives,” said band member Drew Nix.
“God bless him,” John Hall said at the podium. “This is for Jacob.”
Are The Red Clay Strays releasing a new album?
Yes, the band is releasing the new record “Grateful” on June 5, which includes the track “Demons In Your Choir,” which dropped on April 23.
It will be produced by Dave Cobb, who has worked with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.
Are The Red Clay Strays on tour?
The Red Clay Strays will play at music festivals this summer, including Nashville’s CMA Fest on June 5.
Starting in July, the band is playing highly-anticipated headlining shows in Maryland, Massachusetts and New York. On October 22 and 23, the band will hit the stage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
To learn more, visit redclaystrays.com/tour.
Audrey Gibbs is a music reporter at The Tennessean. You can reach her at [email protected]. Follower her on Instagram at @audreyraegibbs.
