A SINGER and songwriter based in Somerley has become the first Brit to win an American music award - but had to wait anxiously for it to reach him through customs.

Clint Bradley is the first British artist to win the western male artist of the year award from the Academy of Western Artists.

Unfortunately, because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, he was unable to attend the awards ceremony - where he was due to perform - which was held in Fort Worth, Texas on August 13, and instead had to watch it over live stream.

Since the ceremony he has been waiting for his award to make its way through customs.

Clint said: “It’s a real treat and a relief to finally have the award statue safely in my hands. I still can’t believe that it’s mine.

“There was a massive amount of paperwork to do to get it through customs. It’s something I’ll treasure for the rest of my days, and hopefully my children after me.”

Clint was also nominated for album of the year and song of the year, which he had also been shortlisted for back in 2016.

He added: “Since the announcement of the award I’ve had more welcome airplay on BBC Radio 2, album sales and Spotify steaming has been fantastic. And a lot more interest from the UK music media in general, it really is quite a thing to be the first Brit to win an Academy of Western Artists award.”

Salisbury Journal:

Western music has always been a passion for Clint since childhood.

The Academy has invited Clint to perform at next year’s awards night in Texas. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the world will be back to normal by then,” said Clint.

“I am slowly rebuilding our live diary in the UK and Europe for 2021, again fingers crossed as it all depends on where we are with Covid next year.”