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SHEFFIELD-Cypress Moon Productions, Inc. takes home Best Video Production Company and “Sally Sue Brown” by L.A. Shepherd takes home Best Music Video by a Male Artist.
L. A. Shepherd is a Franklin County-based artist who recorded the song at Muscle Shoals Music Marketing recording studio owned by Donnie and Jan Gullett. The song, “Sally Sue Brown,” was written by Earl “Peanutt Montgomery, Arthur Alexander, and Tom Stafford. Songwriter, “Peanutt” Montgomery, who lives in Sheffield, Alabama, is L.A. Shepherd’s Uncle. Shepherd decided to record the song as a tribute to his Uncle “Peanut”. The song had originally been recorded by Arthur Alexander, then later by Bob Dylan. Shepherd wanted to do a video to honor his uncle, but it soon turned into a much bigger vision. L.A. Shepherd and his father, Paul Shepherd, decided to meet with Tonya Holly. Tonya’s daughter, Lily Holly Retherford, joined the meeting on that day as well. Lily handles Shepherd’s social media, photography, and behind-the-scenes videography. Lily brought in several of her clients from the Shoals to be in the video as well. “This video has so many of our local business owners and professionals in front of and behind the camera. It’s such a team effort from everyone,” Retherford said. L.A. Shepherd said, “I never imagined that my idea for a tribute to my uncle would become an award-winning video! I’m humbled and extremely honored.”
Cypress Moon Productions, Inc. is a Sheffield, Alabama-based production company that produced the L.A. Shepherd music video, “Sally Sue Brown.”
Tonya Holly wrote, produced, and directed the video. The Rattlesnake Saloon was the location for the video shoot. “ I brought together a great team of talented people from all across North Alabama. “ We had over 60 cast and crew on this production,” Holly said. “The camera team, makeup and hair team, photographer, background extras, and lead actors are all Alabama-based,” she said. “ The Rattlesnake Saloon was the perfect location to turn back time to the 1800s. This has been such an honor to win these awards and to see this happen here in The Shoals. It takes a village.”
The 12th annual Josie Awards were held at The Grand Ole Opry Sunday night, September 20, 2026. The Josie Awards are the largest and most prestigious international award show focusing specifically on independent singers, musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals in the music business.
This year, over 101,000 entries were submitted from dozens of countries for consideration for the coveted award. Only 2.5-3.5 percent are selected as nominees. The winners are announced at the award show. Being nominated and winning a Josie Award can have a lasting career boost for those selected, such as expanded radio airplay, media interviews, and major networking opportunities.
The winners list for The Josie Awards can be found on www.josiemusicawards.com. The music video, “Sally Sue Brown,“ by L.A. Shepherd, can be seen on YouTube. Visit cypressmoonstudios.org, the Cypress Moon Studios Facebook page, and L.A. Shepherd’s Facebook page for upcoming announcements!
Media Release/Amanda Perry/Photo credits/Lily Holly Retherford
