Red Clay Strays Win First CMA and Rally for Unity with “People Hatin'” Performance

The Red Clay Strays delivered a powerful message of unity at the 59th CMA Awards. The Alabama band performed their song “People Hatin'” live for a national audience. They were later crowned Vocal Group of the Year, securing their first CMA win.

The performance and award cap a remarkable year for the band. Their call for unity resonated strongly during the televised ceremony from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Red Clay Strays CMA Awards Performance Champions Unity

The band’s performance was a standout moment. Lead singer Brandon Coleman sang with raw conviction about societal division. The lyrics directly addressed a nation tired of conflict.

“I’m sick of people turning on their neighbor,” Coleman sang. “I’m sick of people dying in the street.” The song urges listeners to reject anger and embrace compassion. It proposes unconditional love as the path forward.

This message is central to the band’s identity. According to Reuters, message songs have been part of their story since forming in Mobile, Alabama in 2016. Their faith often informs their music, providing a foundation for their hopeful lyrics.

Historic Victory for the Rising Band

Winning Vocal Group of the Year was a massive upset. The Red Clay Strays beat out perennial winners Old Dominion for the honor. This victory signals a significant shift within the country music landscape.

The win recognizes their rapid ascent in the industry. Their authentic sound and meaningful lyrics have garnered a dedicated fanbase. The band’s success highlights a growing appetite for substantive music.

Their evening was a full-circle moment. They performed a rock-edged song about healing division. Hours later, they accepted one of the night’s top awards.

The Red Clay Strays’ CMA success story proves that music with a heartfelt message can still win the biggest prizes. Their call for unity has clearly struck a chord, propelling them to the forefront of modern country music.

Thought you’d like to know

Who are the Red Clay Strays?

The Red Clay Strays are a country-rock band from Mobile, Alabama. They formed in 2016 and have built a reputation for their authentic sound. Their music often blends rock influences with heartfelt, message-driven lyrics.

What song did they perform at the CMAs?

They performed their original song “People Hatin'” at the ceremony. The song is a direct commentary on political and social division. Its lyrics advocate for turning the other cheek and loving unconditionally.

What award did they win?

The band won the Vocal Group of the Year award. This was their first-ever CMA Award. It is considered one of the night’s most prestigious categories.

Who did they beat for the award?

They beat the band Old Dominion, who have dominated the category for years. This victory is seen as a major changing of the guard. It underscores the band’s rapid rise to prominence.

Have they released other music recently?

Yes, they teamed up with the band Needtobreathe earlier this year. They released the comforting ballad “Momma Loves Me.” The song was produced by Grammy-winner Dave Cobb.