Ride Cowboy Ride by country-reggae singer Wesrok, is one of 132 songs considered for the Best Country Solo Performance category, at next year’s Grammy Awards.

The preliminary lists for music’s biggest showpiece were released on October 3 by the Recording Academy.

Ride Cowboy Ride, released last June, was named alongside songs by country legend Dolly Parton and contemporary stars such as Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan.

“It is a wonderful feeling; words can’t explain. This is an inspiration to me to do more each day,” Wesrok told the Jamaica Observer. “My expectations for the song were very high because it has the authentic country flavour produced in Nashville by Beaird Studio and 360 Global Entertainment.”

The Grammy consideration lists are a precursor to the actual nominations which will be announced on November 7. To be eligible for nomination music must be released within a specific time frame (August 31 2024 to August 30 2025) for the 2026 Grammys.

Most Grammy categories have a maximum of five nominees.

The 2026 Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Ride Cowboy Ride was released around the same time as True Love, Wesrok’s collaboration with dancehall star Busy Signal and American reggae band Big Mountain. Its blend of country music and reggae is consistent with the songs he has released since launching his recording career five years ago with Poor Country Boy and Born As A Winner.

Approximately 73 albums and EPs are being considered for the Best Reggae Album Grammy.

Ghetto Reggae by Mr Vegas, Sherlock by Cham, and Vybz Kartel’s Heart & Soul were named in the preliminary list.

Bob Marley: One Love — Music Inspired by The Film (Deluxe) won the 2025 Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

— Howard Campbell