British country artist Gary Quinn and William Michael Morgan have won Vocal Event of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards for their George Strait-inspired collaboration, “Country Strait.”
The award was announced at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, giving the transatlantic collaboration another significant accolade just over a year after its release.
“Country Strait” was selected from 12 nominated collaborations in the Vocal Event of the Year category. It was one of two nominations for Quinn and Morgan, with the track also shortlisted for Song of the Year – Country (Duo/Collaboration).
Written by Quinn and Morgan and produced by Nick Gibbens, “Country Strait” was released in August 2025 and grew out of the pair’s friendship and shared enthusiasm for traditional country music.
As its title suggests, George Strait is at the heart of the song. The pair weave references to Strait songs through the lyrics, creating a tribute to the country legend and the traditional sound that has influenced their own music.
Dance to “Country Strait”
“Country Strait” has also made its way onto the line dance floor, with a dance choreographed to the Gary Quinn and William Michael Morgan track.
The song’s traditional country feel and George Strait-inspired lyrics give dancers another way to enjoy the collaboration, extending its life beyond radio and streaming.
If you already know the steps, it might be time to give “Country Strait” another spin. If not, this could be your excuse to learn them!
For Quinn, who was unable to attend the Nashville ceremony, hearing that the collaboration had won at the home of the Grand Ole Opry made the result particularly special.
“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.”
A memorable night in Nashville
The win came on the same night that Vince Gill received the Country Icon Award, something Quinn felt added to the occasion.
“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.”
Quinn also thanked producer Nick Gibbens and those who have supported the track since its release.
“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.”
A British country success story
Originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland, and now based in Greater Manchester, Gary Quinn is an eight-time British Country Music Association Award winner and a familiar name on the UK country scene.
His career has increasingly connected British country with Nashville, including performances at The Bluebird Café and appearances around CMA Fest. He has also performed with or supported artists including Clint Black, Chris Young, Phil Vassar, Kristian Bush, Sunny Sweeney and William Michael Morgan.
Morgan brings a firmly traditional Nashville sound to the collaboration and is best known for his US country hit “I Met a Girl.”
The pairing made “Country Strait” a natural meeting point between the British and American country scenes, and its latest accolade gives Quinn another international award to add to his successes at home.
“Country Strait” by Gary Quinn and William Michael Morgan is available now on major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.
