Richard Lynch Named AWA Finalist for Western Country Male Vocalist

Richard Lynch is a finalist for Western Country Male Vocalist at the 2026 Academy of Western Artists (AWA) Awards. The winners will be announced on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Auction Barn Studio in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas.

The traditional country singer-songwriter, a member of both the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame and the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, shares the category with Jon Chandler, Kevin “Tuck” Tuckfield and Edward Williams. The Academy named finalists in 32 categories honoring work from 2025, after public nominations and two rounds of voting by Academy members and industry professionals; panels of judges decide the winners.

“I couldn’t be more honored and proud to be nominated for an AWA Award. The AWA is such a prestigious organization, it is amazing to be considered for recognition by them. I am blessed.”

Richard Lynch

A return to the Academy

The nomination continues a long relationship with the Academy: Lynch’s album A Better Place previously received its Pure Country Album of the Year honor. He names George Jones, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty and Keith Whitley among his influences. Exposed Vocals previously covered his single “Wait for Me”.

Away from recording, Lynch and his wife, Donna, run Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, Ohio, where they host concerts and charitable events. He is also a co-founder of the Love Tattoo Foundation, which supports American military veterans.

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Find Richard Lynch at richardlynchband.com and the 2026 awards at academyofwesternartists.com.

Photo: MTS Management Group. Announcement and quote supplied by MTS Management Group.