Combs wins big at CMA Touring Awards

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – The Country Music Association 19th annual Touring Awards' biggest moment on Monday belonged to Luke Combs and his crew, who took home the prestigious Crew of the Year award for their work on the Growin' Up And Gettin' Old Tour.

Now in its second year, the honor celebrates the ultimate road team — one that sets the standard for professionalism, skill, teamwork, hospitality, innovation and heart, according to the CMA.

"We're going to take this trophy to places country music has never been before," said Combs on stage accepting the award alongside his team.

The late Ben Farrell, former promoter for Varnell Enterprises, was also posthumously honored with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Farrell's dedicated 52 years to country. He worked with Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson and George Strait. Clint Higham, President of Morris Higham Management, presented the award to Farrell's wife, Autumn Farrell, and daughter, Ella Farrell, alongside Jim Varnell. This award is given to an individual who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout the years. Farrell is one of only seven people to have ever received this honor.

Winners in 20 categories were determined by current professional voting members of CMA in the Affiliated, Artist, Composer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Company, Talent Agent, Advertising/Marketing/Communications, Venue, Talent Buyer/Promoter and Touring Personnel categories of membership. Nominees were based on shows originating between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024.

Winners were:

CATEGORY 1 – CREW OF THE YEAR
"Growin' Up And Getting Old Tour" Crew – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 2 – BACKLINE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Derek Benitez – Chris Stapleton

CATEGORY 3 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Julie Boos – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy

CATEGORY 4 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Wendy Holt – Lainey Wilson

CATEGORY 5 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Todd Lewis – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 6 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Kevin Northrup – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 7 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Clint Higham – Morris Higham Management

CATEGORY 8 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Michael Zuehsow – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 9 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jerry Slone – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 10 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Carla Sacks – Sacks & Co.

CATEGORY 11 – STAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Donnie Floyd – Morgan Wallen

CATEGORY 12 – SUPPORT SERVICES COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Dega Catering – Nashville, TN

CATEGORY 13 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Austin Neal – The Neal Agency

CATEGORY 14 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Adam Weiser – AEG Presents

CATEGORY 15 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ethan Strunk – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 16 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Charlie Worsham – Dierks Bentley

CATEGORY 17 – TOUR VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Andy Barron – Chris Stapleton

CATEGORY 18 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Tyler Hutcheson – Luke Combs

CATEGORY 19 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ryman Auditorium– Nashville, TN

CATEGORY 20 – UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Robin Majors – Kenny Chesney