09/22/2026
🏆 A JOSIE AWARD WINNER — AND A LITTLE PIECE OF RATTLESNAKE SALOON HISTORY! 🏆
We are so excited to congratulate Lucas “L.A.” Shepherd, Tonya Holly, Cypress Moon Productions, and the entire cast and crew of “Sally Sue Brown” on winning the 2026 Josie Award for Male Music Video of the Year!
The award-winning video was filmed entirely on location right here at Rattlesnake Saloon, which makes seeing it receive this incredible recognition even more special to us.
But there’s another reason this one hits close to home. ❤️
Our very own Andrea Chowning, a longtime Rattlesnake Saloon employee, server, and even longer-time friend, had a part in the “Sally Sue Brown” music video! We couldn’t let this amazing accomplishment be celebrated without giving Andrea a special shoutout. We are so proud that she got to be a small part of a project that brought together so many talented people and showcased a place that means so much to all of us.
From filming under the rock right here at Rattlesnake Saloon to taking home Music Video of the Year in Nashville — how awesome is that?!
Congratulations to L.A. Shepherd, Tonya Holly, Cypress Moon Productions, Andrea, and everyone who helped bring “Sally Sue Brown” to life. What an accomplishment for everyone involved and such a cool piece of Rattlesnake Saloon history!
🎬 Watch the award-winning “Sally Sue Brown” music video here:
https://youtu.be/QEDH1xO4a4Q?is=XdULrnb6CgXbsqYg
And a huge congratulations to Andrea Chowning — our server, our friend, and now part of an award-winning music video! 🏆🐍❤️
Shepherd’s ‘Sally Sue Brown’ music video wins coveted Josie Award for Male Video of the Year
Sep 21
Written By John Pilati
Several months ago, Russellville singer/songwriter Lucas ‘L.A.’ Shepherd discussed the impact of just being nominated for a Josie Award, the most prestigious award an independent artist can receive.
As of Sunday night, Shepherd can now discuss the impact of being a Josie Award winner.
At the 2026 Josie Awards, presented September 20th in Nashville, Shepherd’s music video for ‘Sally Sue Brown,’ which Shepherd recorded as a tribute to his uncle, Grammy-nominated songwriter Earl ‘Peanutt’ Montgomery, who co-wrote the song with Arthur Alexander and Tom Stafford, received the Josie over 11 other finalists in the Male Music Video of the Year category.
“I’m humbled. All glory to God first and foremost. He’s seen me through a lot to even be able to still be doing this,” Shepherd said. “A big thank you to Tonya Holly, Lily Retherford, and everyone who put time and effort into making this all that it was.
“Thanks to everyone who watched the video. And especially, thanks to everyone who’s believed in me from the beginning—my mom, my dad, everybody,” Shepherd added.
‘Sally Sue Brown’ was a song first released in 1960 by June Alexander. When Bob Dylan recorded the song in 1988, though, it reached next-level status.
The video was produced last year by Tonya Holly’s Cypress Moon Productions, Inc., a film and music production facility in the former Muscle Shoals Sound Studio building in Sheffield, and shot entirely on location at the Rattlesnake Saloon in Colbert County.
Holly, a Franklin County native raised in Red Bay, said when the song was pitched to her, she felt an instant connection to it.
“I immediately started pulling the cast and crew to get there that would be able to do a period piece. Directing this video was one of my favorite projects and I’m very proud of Lucas and the entire team,” Holly said after the video was nominated for a Josie.
When she learned it had won the Male Music Video of the Year Award, Holly reflected on the tremendous team effort that went into making it.
“It’s an amazing honor. We worked really, really hard on this video. It takes a village. We had at least 50-60 people working on this. I hope that everyone will go and watch it! ‘Sally Sue Brown—L.A. Shepherd, the music video of the year!,” Holly said.
Shepherd signed with Cypress Moon Productions last year and continues working on an album and additional music videos.
The award-winning video features other Russellville connections in addition to Shepherd. His father Paul, Wayne Frederick, Bobby Winston and Tommy Sherrod all make appearances.
Meanwhile, Shepherd’s music career moves forward. You can follow his show dates, and music and video releases, by following his page (L.A. Shepherd) and/or TikTok ().
To see Shepherd’s award-winning video, click the following link: https://youtu.be/QEDH1xO4a4Q?is=XdULrnb6CgXbsqYg
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