The Unscripted Dynasty: How Old Dominion Redefined “Group of the Year”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the glittering, often predictable world of awards shows, moments of genuine, history-making triumph are rare. But at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, Old Dominion didn’t just win; they cemented a legacy, taking home their eighth consecutive “Group of the Year” honor. This remarkable achievement doesn’t just add another trophy to their crowded shelf; it shatters existing records, establishing them as both the group with the most “Group of the Year” wins of all time, and the architects of the longest winning streak in the category. It’s a testament not just to their musical output, but to an authentic journey that began without a master plan and evolved into something truly extraordinary.
Rewind to the early days, and you find five songwriters – Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, and Whit Sellers – piling into a van, driven by a simple desire to play some songs, have a laugh, and connect with anyone who’d listen. There was no grand strategy for global tours or record-breaking awards. Yet, from this unassuming genesis, something special blossomed. Old Dominion’s music, characterized by an irrepressible joy and an earnest commitment to creating fun wherever they went, began to resonate. They weren’t just playing songs; they were inviting you along for the ride.
Lead singer Matthew Ramsey, accepting the historic honor from The Oak Ridge Boys, perfectly captured the band’s humble disbelief and deep gratitude: “It’s amazing that we are now standing here having won more times than anyone in this category. That’s a pretty special thing to us. To our fans, thank you for letting us goof off and explore – we can’t wait to see you out there on the road.” This acknowledgment of their fans, affectionately known as the “Odies,” speaks volumes about the reciprocal relationship they’ve cultivated. Old Dominion isn’t a distant, polished entity; they’re the guys you’d want to grab a beer with, the band that feels like a collective, rather than an exclusive club.
Their songwriting prowess, honed over years, has been a quiet engine of their success. Before they were headlining arenas, they were crafting hits for titans like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Kelsea Ballerini. This deep-rooted understanding of song structure, lyrical wit, and infectious hooks has seamlessly translated into their own material, leading to a string of iconic No. 1s including “Break Up With Him,” “Hotel Key,” “Written in the Sand,” “One Man Band,” and “I Was On A Boat That Day.” Their music isn’t overly complex, but it’s undeniably clever, relatable, and undeniably catchy – a winning formula that has resonated with millions.
Beyond the awards and the chart-toppers, Old Dominion has fostered a genuine community. Their “Odies” are more than just fans; they’re fellow travelers on this journey, celebrated at every turn. Even their “off the beaten path” bar, Odies, serves as a tangible extension of this inclusive philosophy, a place where the connection can continue even when the stage lights are off.
As they prepare to embark on their massive “How Good Is That World Tour” and finalize their sixth album, Old Dominion continues to embody a “we’re all in this together” worldview. Their strong emphasis on harmonies and guitars creates a familiar, welcoming sonic landscape, while their lyrical themes often touch upon the everyday realities and simple pleasures that bind us all. They’ve become a destination for listeners, a collective of gifted artists who somehow create a haven for people just trying to make the most out of whatever their day hands them.
Ramsey’s concluding remarks at the ACMs, “It’s an unbelievable honor to be a part of the fabric of country music. Thank you for making us come up here and take that in 8 years in a row,” perfectly encapsulate their humble astonishment at their own sustained success. Rolling Stone citing them as “one of mainstream country music’s most popular live groups” only scratches the surface of their impact. With nine No. 1 singles, over five billion on-demand streams, a dozen RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications, and headline tours across the globe, Old Dominion has not just broken records; they’ve redefined what it means to be a dominant force in modern country music, all while maintaining the infectious joy and genuine camaraderie that started it all in that old van. Their recent Odies but Goodies compilation, a 31-track tribute spanning their career, further solidifies their bond with fans, delivering exactly what the “Odies” asked for – a musical scrapbook of a truly unique and enduring journey.