The Josie Music Awards
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What is being said about the Josie Music Awards...
(Also known as "JMA" or "Josies")


What's being said...
The Largest Independent Industry Award Show!       
 The Event of the Year for Indies! 
Largest Internationally Recognized Independent Award Show Organization & Event!    An EPIC Show!
The Most Sought After & Revered Award in the Independent Music Industry!
The Major Show for Indies!                 
Honest, Fair, Highly Respected!       
Makes a difference in the careers of indies with signings, more radio airplay, more interviews, more shows, better pay at shows, better venues, better perks at shows, respect,  larger fan base, collaborations, extreme exposure, networking, and so much more. 
Fun, supportive, friendly, like a big family reunion!  There is nothing else like it!
Pro Judging Panel - NOT judged by a panel of your peers.   Professional Production!
                               A Majors Production for Indies!
The "Josie" is a coveted award in the independent music industry! 
The company that treats indies as major label signed artists!   The Passantino's are the first family of the Independent Music Industry.
“I just wanted to thank the Josie Awards for the Nomination and the Win for “Female Rising Star of The Year” 2022!
I’ve been blessed to be a part of Awards Presentation groups like this one in the past but there’s none like The Josies!
No other organization that’s so professional. I’m proud to be a part of the JMA Family- and once again, I thank you for the support; for the love; and for acknowledging my music!”
~ Chesney Claire
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​Michael Hoback
"Wow! My first one and I already can’t wait for the next one!!"
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Sandy Hall
"Epic! Absolutely loved it! Congratulations on a fantastic show! We had a wonderful time! Thank you!"

​"All I got to say is that y’all truly gave us magic.
To be able to dress up, go to The Grand Ole Opry House and be able to celebrate music with the BIGGEST Independent Awards Show ever!!!! Y’all are the best! I know it had to been so many hours and days hard work to put this on and make it work, and you did it!"
​-Lee Newton
Morgan White
"It was a spectacular show this year! You girls really outdone yourself! I can’t wait for next year."

​Gretchen Holcer
"I love this so much! Thank you for being so very supportive of original live musicians!!! We NEED more people who are in this for all the right reasons!!!"
Annemarie Picerno  - Always innovative, always inventive to raise the bar and present opportunities and recognition for independent artists and music industry members worldwide, while establishing a network brand that is professional, exciting, and unique!

Bruce Lev  "I have been involved with a number of awards programs, including the Grammys, and none of them can match the true caring nature for independent artists and the desire to help independent artists network and get major exposure than at the Josie Music Awards and their team.  Josie, Tina, and Vito have made me and anybody else who wanted to get closer to them feel like family.  They have always listened to my concerns and suggestions and even allowed me to get more involved when I thought I could help them in some ways.  Their award shows have been exciting and fun, and each year they find a way to make it even more interesting and exciting.  They even run their own radio program for independent artists and are always accepting interviews with any who properly inquire.  No favorites, no prejudices, no worries.  Always a fun and interesting show.  I am proud to say I have been involved with the Josie Music Awards for many years now...and counting!"
 
Randy Hayford  - IMPRESSIVE....Twang Thang Country & The Richard Lynch Band have participated in several Josie Awards events. Each time we have witnessed well organized and very special ceremonies. It is truly unique and heartwarming to see the attention being paid to often over looked indie artists. Keep up the excellent work and THANK YOU for all you do!!


Ora Walker -  I've been involved with the Josie Music Awards for the past three years. Josie provides a fantastic opportunity for exposure and networking to many Indie artists. Her efforts continue to be far reaching, worthwhile and very effective. Ora Walker Photography
 
Chris Ising  - As an independent artist, being nominated for several Josie award over the past three years has gained me fans that may never have had the opportunity to hear my music. It has also opened doors within the business for me internationally. Having the opportunity to perform in Nashville at the Josie Awards was an experience that not only made the papers back home but also brought recognition across Canada. Josie, Tina and their team work selflessly to put on a show that gives a voice to us indie artists worldwide. Everyone involved in the Josie Music Awards do what they do for the love of the music.

Gene Copley Last year was the first time for 3 Days in the Grave it was an awesome experience. Since we went and got nominated it has opened a lot of doors for us to do bigger shows. The Josie music awards is the best along with Josie Passantino and Tinamarie Passantino. Thank you both for all you do for the independent artist and bands. Looking forward to this year
 
Glenn Steed I have attended all the Josie Music Awards shows and have been very impressed with the professional manner in which they have been organized. I was nominated last year in the Outlaw Country Band category (The Wild West Band) ...Josie and everyone associated with the Josie Awards show do more to promote the indie artists than anyone. Thanks, so much Josie, keep up the excellent work...we appreciate all you do!
 
Ryan Keown  The Josie Music Awards helped me gain International recognition which is almost impossible as an independent artist. It’s a valuable platform to gain and expand an artist’s fan base.... plus Josie Passantino is plain and simply an INCREDIBLE person!! How else does a guy like me get a shot at playing Nissan Stadium in Nashville TN!

Donna Ray My experience at the Josie Music Awards, I've been in the music business all my life singing throughout the United States, I wouldn't change a thing I've enjoyed my experience. Knowing Josie and Tina they have given their lives to all the independent music artist throughout the world getting them noticed by writers, radio airplay and meeting great talented people. My experience with the Josie Awards will forever be in my heart. Josie and Tina made this possible for me to be a part of the adventure. The award show has recognized many artists and we have all become the Passantino family. No other award show can show that kind of love. If anyone has never experienced this award show I advise you to attend one because you will love it.
 
Daniel John Kensy 2017 was my first Josie Awards experience. The feeling of acceptance was just so overwhelming. It was very humbling to be recognized with so many talented artists. Lights, cameras, performances, acceptance speeches and so much more gave the Josie's a day that no one would forget. 
Keep 'em coming!

Chuck Thomas Last year was my first experience and nomination to the Josie Awards and it was more than amazing. You and your organization made all nominees, winners, family, friends and fans feel like celebrities. within days of the award show I received over 100 new friend requests, whether be from people I met at the show or were in the crowd. Numbers always matter, and I would have never done this without your help... From the bottom of my heart, Thank You

Kathryn Shipley Last year was my first year, being nominated for the JMAs, I didn’t know what to expect and quite honestly so caught up in just being nominated and the “moment” the experience was just “Gold”. Then my name was called as the Artist of the Year, in the Gospel / Country Category! Wow Wow and Wow! I remember standing on the stairs “frozen” and Bruce Lev, saying to me. Go get your award girl! The networking was phenomenal, but the most important thing was the friendships I have made over this past year. My facebook friends amassed to over 400 in less than a week, and everything else grew as well. The opportunities that have come from being a part of the JMAs is endless. It is about Music, It is about the strength of the Indie Artist growing in their given craft. I applaud the hard work and dedication of Josie and her mother Tina, you put all the extras into this show and you go all out as much as you can! You are very much appreciated, this awards show will soon become a household name as this past year has evolved so much! Now, not only am I nominated in 4 categories, but now I will perform with fellow Indie Artist, Chuck Thomas and his incredible song he wrote, “God Gave Me All I Need” at the celebrity theatre! Blessings to the panel and all the staff who have helped make every year memorable for us all..
 #JMAStrong #IndieStrong


 Donna/ Richard Lynch  - You're show, and Awards Event is over the top the best! We love you and Tina and all you do for the artist! Thanks!

Connie Cassell Tuck I have attended The Josie Music Awards in 2016 and 2017. I was nominated in 2016 for Songwriter of the year and 2017. I was nominated for SONG OF THE YEAR IN 2017 in category Folk/Bluegrass/Americana. MOUNTAIN STRONG won!!! If not for the Josie Music Awards in 2016 I would not have met the two great songwriters and artist that I collaborated with on this song. Since then my music career has taken off. I have a met a wonderful loving and caring Music Family. Josie and Tina along with their team have truly helped Indie Artists see their dreams come true. The recognition the Indies truly deserve for all their dedication and efforts have been rewarded. I now have artists asking me for songs or to collaborate with them. My dream came true the evening my name was called out on that stage at THE NISSAN CENTER. Thank you, Josie and Tina. God Bless. 🙏🎶💙
 
Dani-elle Kleha I have had the honor of performing at all 3 Josie Awards and have to say what a professional and incredible event it truly is in the music industry for independent artists. Josie, Tina and their entire team do everything they can to make it the smoothest process and are always there to answer a question. The event itself is always a first-class affair that continues to impress myself, my band and team more and more every year. It has also been very humbling and honoring for me to accept awards at these events voted on by industry professionals. All in all, The Josie Music Awards are truly one of the most professional events out there for independent artists and I am forever grateful for them and all that they do!!

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Drake Aaron King The Josie Awards was my favorite event last year. From how they organize the voting with a panel instead of insisting on fans to be the judge to the beautiful venues for their events, they put forth the effort to make sure that the indie artists not only get recognized for their challenging work and talent, but that they feel like a star at the same time. Keep up the awesome work, guys!

Kamber Cain - "The Josie Music Awards is so much fun! There is no other independent music awards show like it that allows musicians from all genres and areas to come together and celebrate their crafts. Josie, Tinamarie and all of the Josie crew go above and beyond. The support they have for independent artists, like myself, is such a blessing! They do all they can to spread the word of independent music and help to get all of our music heard. They are the most down-to-earth wonderful people you will ever meet! The awards show is top-notch and always guarantees a memorable experience. I am honored that I have not only attended and been a nominee in this amazing awards show, but have won some awards and was lucky enough to be chosen to perform. It is definitely a must go to event that once it is over, will leave you counting down to the next year's show!" 
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Steve Owen -  I’ve attended and performed in the 2016 and 2017 shows. Also won Song of the Year, Folk/Bluegrass/Americana, 2016. 
Josie, Tina and team, work extremely hard and are focused on giving the Independent an Artists/Songwriters an opportunity to move forward in their career. 
I’m a Songwriter and due mainly networking via the Josie Shows (Radio/Awards Shows) It has given me the opportunity to collaborate with several very Professional Songwriters. It has improved my songwriting a 100-Fold resulting in having 42 songs cut by several Artists. Most of the songs have received multiple plays on several Radio stations around the world and USA. The shows are centered around, not only for awards and performances but to meet the very best Independent Talent, literally, in the world. Josie and Tina’s team strives, and does, improve their station and Award Show every year. Just can’t say enough good things, but from everyone I’ve talked to them agree this is best venue for Independent Artists, Songwriters, Publishers....to get the very best recognition of their talents!

Natalie Jean The Josie Music Awards is a place where you can meet the best of the best in the indie music industry. I am very grateful for the Josie Music Awards, it allowed me to meet the amazingly talented Levi Moore, as a result, it gave us the opportunity to collaborate on a song. The Josie Music Awards show is an exciting place to have an enjoyable time and where dreams come true!!😀

Rita Faye Tanner Josie Passantino. Tinamarie Passantino. I heard of you in 2016. I submitted my music. I got nominations in 3 category and brought home the prestigious Josie Music Award for Gospel/Country Gospel Artist of the Year! 
Changed my life? Change my music career level?? YES. YOU SURE DID!! Your network not only gave opportunities for music but to co-write in your fabulous THE ARTIST COLLECTION a book of over 100 indie artists! Nominations in 2017 took me to the Nissan Stadium! Yes. Your light and LOVE have touched and changed my life! Thank you. God bless you! Looking forward to 2018!!!
 
Michelle Leigh To be associated with an organization with such professionalism and integrity is a blessing. The Josie Awards gives Indie artists from all genres and all parts of the world equal platforms to showcase their craft. As an artist, I greatly appreciate the fact that a panel of select professionals take the time to review the material submitted, so I know that the Josie Awards I've been so very fortunate to have won were done so based on QUALITY and industry standards. That speaks volumes! I'm very proud of my association with the Josie Awards, and I love telling other artists about them.
 
Jocelyn Parlee The Josie awards was key to elevating my emerging career in music. It was a groovy experience to hit the red carpet and meet passionate musical souls from around the planet! I hope to attend again this year!😊
 
Thomas Rittmeyer  - My Name is Thomas Rittmeyer and I am member of the New Berührt Band from Germany. In 2016 & 2017 I was a nominee and I did the ride from Germany to Nashville. I meet many fantastic musicians from all over the World and I will never forget the atmosphere during the Award Show. I go to Nashville as a stranger and leave Nashville as a friend. The Josie Music Award helps my career as musician make many musical collaborations in 2017 and 2018 with artist we meet during the Award weekends. We had produced 3 CDs (Fair play country music, Behind the clouds and Looking for Gold.). More songs coming soon with artist we meet in 2017.So I will say thank you Josie Passantino & Tinamarie Passantino for this chance. I hope to see all my friends in 2018 again. Good luck to all. God bless you.
 
Eugene Hutton Hi being part of the Josie show in the Josie Country Music Awards is awesome I've had the honor of working with them and appearing on the award show stage 2015 and 2016 it was totally awesome the win group of the year two years in a row Josie along with their mother and father are some of the most upstanding respectable people that I know in the Indie music world today they have always been upfront and honest which is hard to find in this business is everybody knows it's helped in a lot of ways as far as booking and agents calling to ask about who's booking us. Right when it really started getting good as when we lost one of my lead players Mike so being with Mike is was part of the family not only one of the lead singers we chose to take off for a year. Now we all decided to rehearse we've written a few new songs we will be hitting the road again probably in a couple months lot of rehearsals and studio and new songs to get done but I just want to say thank you to Josie her mom and dad for everything they've done and everything they do for the artist on the Indie side look forward to seeing her and her family again this year along with the new member of the family Matt Boone Let It Go Matt that's awesome Talent right there too really nice guy but anyway we hope to see you guys at this year's award show in Nashville going to be exciting to see where it's at this year sorry we missed it last year and missed all of you guys are awesome performers awesome artist and awesome people everybody in the Indy feel that I met that is associated with the Josie Country Music Awards is totally awesome people thank you
 
Shaista Siddiquie -  Being a musician's wife I also feel part of the Josie Music Awards family...all musicians are like my family friends.. I didn't know about Josie Music Awards until Imran Ahmed was nominated in 2016. my husband gave me this good news that he was nominated in 2 categories for The Josie Music Awards. I felt proud of my husband and was too much excited about attending Josie Music Awards and walk on the Red Carpet. in Nashville USA I made beautiful friends who gave me lots of love. Although 
I spent little time in Nashville. I collected lovely memories which are unforgettable... Again in 2017 my husband got nominated and this time he won The Josie Music Awards 2017. unfortunately, I was unable to attend but I was overwhelmed and excited and celebrated awards winning party with my family and friends back at home. In the end I would like to say that Josie Music Awards is a Grammy Award for indie artists all over the world. Thank You so much Josie and Tina for doing an excellent job God bless you. Looking forward to meeting you all again this year hopefully.
 
Sheila Clark -  Been.. here from day 1 & So Honored to be Thank y'all Josie, Tina & All your staff for helping me & so many other Great Independent Artists reach our goals & dreams ..I never would come true after all I’ve been thru ..You are Wonderful & Humble folks as I stay myself no matter what 😎🎶😇🎶😻🎶Love you all bunches 😎🎶😇🎶😻🎶🍀🎶🍻🎶
 
Audrey Aguillard  - I have been a part of The Josie Music Awards for two years now. 2016 as an extra photographer, and 2017 Photographer and Nominee for Photographer of The Year. I love being a part of The Josie Music Awards, Love Josie Passantino and Tinamarie Passantino THANKS for allowing me to be a part of Josie Team xo 
 
Jimmy Parker -  The Josie Music Awards has risen to heights that have helped the independent artists in many ways. It gives notoriety, it gives credence, it gives legitimacy to all the indie artists with their attempts to do wonderful things with their music. 
I remember the first one, about 500 people from around the world came to witness it (sorry If I'm off on that...I seem to remember someone saying that was the crowd size). They not only saw Josie and her network of people working so hard but got the chance to see so many artists who finally were getting the opportunity to realize that their demanding work was being recognized. 
The next year, the size grew, and the location was at a top well-known venue in Nashville, The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, where many greats in music and other fields have performed. The crowd grew by 3 times from the first year. 
Last year, Nissan Stadium hosted the event. The crowd doubled. Josie Music Awards have grown leaps and bounds in the three years of its existence. The sky is the limit and with the prowess, the imagination, the work ethic, and the desire to succeed by Josie, Tina, and their crew, it can only get better. 
This is not an individual thing. As an artist I don't look at it as to what it can do for me. I look at it as an organization, an event, that I can be proud of the fact that I am a part of. It’s not about me or what it can do for me and my career. It is about seeing something that recognizes our hard work, all artists and what they do. It started off as a promising event to bring us all together. Leaving the egos aside, we are all one in this. 
Josie, Tina, you both have created something that will be here for years to come. I am so thankful that I have had that opportunity to be involved from the start. Awards or no awards, it is a complete rewarding feeling to just be a part of it. 
Thank you for what you do, what you will do, and especially for all the friendships I have made along the way with not just the both of you, but so many talented artists that are out there. 
Continue. Grow. Become. That is what you are doing. God bless you and all Independent artists and all the dreams that we share.
 
Michael Stover I've never seen commitment to helping indie artists like that displayed by Josie and Tina Passantino, and the Josie Music Awards team. Top notch venues sold out awards shows, gorgeous statuettes, and fantastic performances. The Josie Music Awards truly shine the spotlight on indie music.
 
Brandon Maddox The Josie Awards is an amazing show that gives a platform to Artists like myself who don't fit into the Lightning 100 and others (No Country Allowed) format. Many times, Indie COUNTRY Artists slip through the cracks because it takes money to make it in the Music Business. The Josie Awards are awesome because the fans decide and it's not about paying someone (or big radio) to play your song! Let's keep this thing going and growing!
 
Debb Debby Smith I got introduced to the Josie Music organization in 2014. They have been very supportive to me and played my music on Josie radio. I have been blessed to do 2 radio interviews with Josie. I have attended 2 Josie Music Awards as a Nominee, in 2016 and 2017, and was so excited when I won an award in the Jazz Category in 2017! I am happy to also be a spokesmodel for the Confidently Ready by Josie Passantino cosmetic line. I am honored to be associated with Josie and her team. They have been a blessing and wonderful connection in my life. They have supported me even when I felt like giving up. They are always innovative, professional in every way, and always work extremely hard to support independent artists!😊
 
Jeremy Stork This Jeremy and Chris from Studeo....being nominated for a Josie Music Award was a great boost to our Studeo brand and to win was a great personal achievement. The professional level of the awards program was great, and we felt so privileged to be there. The other great takeaway from the awards was the networking and friendships that were initiated through the awards process.... for us, we feel so honored and proud to have our Josie Award on display at home. So, thanks to Josie and Tina and whole team responsible for these awards for delivering such an amazing awards program.
 
Sam Lee It was an honor to be a 2017 nominee. Being part of an organization that gives so many talented independent artists a platform to be heard and celebrated is just awesome!
 
 Imran Ahmed I'm honored to be a part of the big family of The Josie Music Awards. thank you so much Josie..
 
Elvis Carden The Josie Music Awards Show the Awesome opportunity to get recognized and to meet all our friends Talented Indie Music Artist around the world 2 years going won last year for Song Saluting America and Military only Josie Passantino and Tina Passantino and her great grew can make this happen What And Honor That Day Was The song was #1 46 times
 
Jason Hamor The best!
 
Imran Ahmed My experience with The Josie Music Awards was, is and always will be a unique one. It is one such Award which has literally catapult me to the International stardom status. Coming from a place like Pakistan and doing English rock music is not easy. I am considered a rebel in my own country as far as music is concerned. The has given me a platform which no other Award(s) can even dare to. Recognizing my talent and giving me a break in US market is an unprecedented move for me. I would personally like to thank Josie Passantino Tina and the entire team. Who have worked day in and day out to make it happen. Only for the indie artists around the globe. In 2016 I was nominated for The Josie Music Awards and walking on the Red Carpet at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville in 2016 was a dream come true and after winning the Award in 2017 for the first time in my life I felt that my hard work has finally paid off. Thank you so much The Josie Music Awards for recognizing our talent throughout the world. Looking forward to the best music awards of the USA.
 
Tim Angie Walden · 
It’s the greatest awards show and I was humbled to be a part. Looking forward to this year and hopefully get that Josie award
 
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CONTACT
  • Home
    • About
    • What is being said...
  • Tickets
  • Nomination Review Submission Forms
    • Artist of the Year
    • Duo/Group of the Year
    • Vocalist of the Year
    • Rising Star of the Year
    • EP/Album of the Year
    • Song of the Year
    • Music Video of the Year
    • Best Performance in a Music Video
  • Nomination Review Submission Forms (cont)
    • Business Categories
    • Songwriter of the Year
    • Vocal Event of the Year
    • World Music Artist of the Year
    • Musician of the Year
    • Tribute Artist of the Year
    • Songwriter Achievement (demo/unreleased songs)
    • Fan's Choice
  • Performance Application 2023
  • JMA FEST
  • Official Nomination Announcement
  • Memories
  • Sponsorship
    • 2023 Sponsors
  • Advertise
  • Press
  • Media
    • Media Credential Application
  • Photographer Application
  • JMA Gives Back
    • 2023 Hope Wins
    • We Got This - American Cancer Society
    • Bobby Ray Boone Music Foundation
    • St Jude
    • JMA Military and Veterans Tribute Song
  • Gallery/Photographers
    • 2022 JMA Photography
    • 2021 JMA Photography
    • 2020 JMA Photography
    • 2019 Photography
    • 2018 Josie Music Awards Gallery
    • 2017 Josie Music Awards Gallery
    • 2016 Josie Music Awards Gallery
    • 2016 Red Carpet Coverage by Casie Mason
    • Gallery 2015 Award Show
  • Nomination Criteria/Guidelines
    • Nomination Categories
  • JMA Monthly Song Recognition
    • Recognized Songs
  • The 7th Annual JMA Book
  • IndiesVoice Magazine