Johnny Angel, a New Orleans entertainer best known as the singer and bandleader of the Western swing-jazz group The Swingin’ Demons, was named Best Western Swing Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists.

The Academy of Western Artists recognizes excellence in “Pure Country,” Western Swing and Western Music but also everything from Radio Station of the Year to Saddlemaker of the Year.

This year’s 24th annual awards ceremony was held ien Fort Worth, Texas on August 13, 2020. In a statement, Johnny Angel said, “I am humbled and proud to bring home to New Orleans and all of Louisiana,  a very TEXAN award in the world of Western Swing music…This city and state knows how to swing…and now…we show the world we can do it WESTERN STYLE with a Lou-easy-easy- anna twist…”

Angel was recognized in part for his work on albums including Crawfish and Cowboys and Ready…Set…Hold On! The Staten Island, New York native — who’s made New Orleans his home for over two decades — is currently working on a new album, tentatively called Step Aside.