Holly Gleason
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Holly Gleason’s Biography
Read Full Bio →I am a music critic, who focuses on roots, rock, country, Americana, pop and songwriters, especially the vintage before Americana was extant. Over the years, I've been a regular contributor to ROLLING STONE, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, PASTE, NO DEPRESSION, OXFORD AMERICAN, THE MIAMI HERALD, AMERICAN SONGWRITER, CREEM, MUSICIAN, MIX, ROCK & SOUL, TOWER PULSE and contributed multiple music and lifestyle pieces to THE NEW YORK TIMES, PLAYBOY, VARIETY, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, PALM BEACH DAILY NEWS, TEEN PE…
Holly Gleason’s Journalist Portfolio
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Interview
See all 16 answers →What was your first job as a journalist?
Have you ever used a typewriter?
How is social media changing news?
Awards
See all 13 awards →Los Angeles Press Club Award
2023 - Entertainment Journalist of the Year
Excellence in overall coverage of entertainment/beat.
Los Angeles Press Club Award
2023 - Music Criticism (winner)
Submitted works of critical analysis, social relevance, impact/meaning within genre and larger pop music.
CMA Media Achievement Award
2019 - Impact, Expanding Coverage and Insight Into Country Music
Given to the media person whose had the greatest impact on how country music is understood beyond the obvious coverage. Impact for artists, the genre and the business are taken into consideration. Awarded in part for: POLLSTAR Cover: A Woman's Place Is On The Road Carrie Underwood Cover feature, Miranda Lambert's All Woman Tour, Tenille Townes Shining Star, Woman's Place in Country Music HITS Nashville issue Music industry trade FOR the NY/LA Industry. POLLSTAR John Prine cover. POLLSTAR Alabama 50th Anniversaryy Cover HITS Academy of Country Music & Country Music Awards issues
International Network of Street Papers Awards
2019 - Best Cultural Feature
Society of street newspapers from around the world recognize the best culture/features. Nominees are recognized for singularity of reporting, writing, global interest and how the message inspires others.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Authors Series
2018 - Selection
One of ten books selected by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to be part of their annual Authors Series. In addition to the designation, contributors Shelby Morrison, Aubrie Sellers, Deb Sprague + myself did a reading and panel about the impact of Women's Voices in Country Music. In addition, I was invited to interview Wanda Jackson for her EVERY NIGHT IS SATURDAY NIGHT memoir at the Rock Hall.
Belmont Book Award
2018 - Best Book About Country + Roots Music
Given in conjunction with the international Country Music Conference, a symposium of academics devoted to the study of varying strands of country music, the Belmont Book Award recognizes the best book published each year about the genre. WOMAN WALK THE LINE: How The Women of Country Music Changed Our LIves (University of Texas Press) took 27 women of varying ages, races, occupations and sexual/gender orientations and allowed them to write a person essay about who the artist was, what she meant to them and how that music changed their life in palpable ways. At a time when women's art is written off, this is testimony to why women musicians, songwriters, artists and stars matter deeply.
SOURCE Awards
2018 - Hall of Fame
Given to the women behind the scenes in the music industry who have shaped the evolution, presentation, artistry and way business is done. Must have career impact of 25 years, and distinguished themselves as a groundbreaker and leader, as well as a mentor to others.
International Network of Street Papers Awards
2016 - Best Cultural Reporting from Street Papers Nominee
One of two American nominees at the Global Summit of the International Network of Street Papers, a coalition of newspapers supporting/sold by the homeless, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being Taylor Swift," originally published in Nashville's CONTRIBUTOR for a June issue coinciding with CMA Music Festival, ended up being published in the UK, Japan, Australia and several European nations.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame/Case Center for the Study of Pop Culture 2016 Fellowship
2016 - Research; EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES
An honorarium to continue research at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library + Archives into a book about the country impact of Emmylou Harris on rock fans (and her introducing aspects of pop/rock to Nashville's establishment)
Los Angeles Press Club Award
2023 - Entertainment Feature Breaking News
Much ado over Dolly Parton trying to decline her 2022 nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame... In a far-ranging conversation, the international icon/songwriter/activist/actress/amusement park owner takes on her doubts about her worthiness, an upcoming rock album, issues of inclusion, COVID vaccines and why she keeps rocking.
Los Angeles Press Club Award
2023 - Entertainment Feature
Recognizing a feature profile that reveals depth of character, achievement and reason for cultural impact. Miranda Lambert came out of Texas hot, determined to forge her own path with music SHE could believe in. Strong-willed, hot-tempered, kick-ass and not afraid to throw down or throw back, she was a fearless young woman who cut against the grain. She is also now a headliner who defies the status quo, but has fun doing it.
National Arts + Entertainment Journalism Awards
2023 - (D1) Non-Fiction Book, Runner-Up (Y'ALL EAT YET:-- MIranda Lambert and Holly Gleason)
Presented for the Best Book in Entertainment of the Year... Recognizes content, approach, research and writing.
American Society of Journalists + Authors' ANDY Awards
2024 - Memoir + Narrative NonFiction (Runner Up) Y'ALL EAT YET -- Miranda Lambert & Holly Gleason
Recognizes collaboration between subject and writer to realize an engaging story, originality and execution of voice.