Lauded by Los Angeles Times as “one of Nashville’s most reliable and sophisticated songwriters,” Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde earns a nomination from the International Bluegrass Music Association for Song of the Year with “Willow,” marking her first nomination as a sole writer, and performed by eight-time 2024 IBMA nominees Sister Sadie (Deanie Richardson, Gena Britt, Jaelee Roberts, Dani Flowers and Maddie Dalton).

“About a decade ago, I had just bought a little Recording King parlor guitar, and I couldn’t wait to write on it,” McBryde explains. “I sat down and out popped ‘Willow.’ It sure felt good to stay connected to my bluegrass roots. Sister Sadie has given this song the best life it could live. Congratulations, ladies!”

As longtime friends and co-writers, Flowers reached out to McBryde for any hidden gems she had available, immediately sharing “Willow.”

“I remember Ashley working on this song years ago when we were roommates and have always loved it,” shares Flowers. “I wasn’t aware that she had finished the tune until I joined Sister Sadie, and she sent it to us to consider for our latest record! It became an instant favorite of everyone in the band the second we heard it. Ashley McBryde is truly a master at her craft of songwriting.”

“When I first heard ‘Willow,’ I could hear us doing it,” adds Richardson. “I could hear Jaelee slaying this tune vocally. I could hear this funky groove that came to life in the studio. It’s got a deep pocket and has been a crowd favorite out on tour.”

“We’re so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to bring this song to life and to the world,” shares the bluegrass supergroup. “We were extra excited to learn about its nomination for Song of the Year at this year’s IBMA awards and to share the nomination with our honorary ‘sister’ Ashley!”

Found on their album No Fear, which received a nod for IBMA’s Album of the Year, McBryde is also a co-writer and featured on “Ode to the Ozarks.” As frequent collaborators, she also co-wrote their GRAMMY nominated song “Something to Lose” with Flowers and Terri Jo Box from 2018’s Sister Sadie II.