The War and Treaty

American country music duo

The War and Treaty

The War and Treaty performing in Italy in 2024

Background information
Origin| Albion, MI US
Genres|

* Americana
* southern soul
* blues
* folk
* rock
* gospel
* country

Years active| 2014–present
Labels|

* UMG Nashville
* Mercury Nashville

Members|

* Michael Trotter Jr.
* Tanya Trotter

Website| thewarandtreaty.com

The War and Treaty are an American husband and wife duo consisting of singer-songwriters Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter.[1][2] Their debut studio album Healing Tide (2018), received critical acclaim upon its release. Soon afterwards, they released their sophomore album Hearts Town (2020), which featured a collaboration with American singer Emmylou Harris, and spawned the Triple A top 40 hit single "Five More Minutes".[3] In 2022, they signed to UMG Nashville, and released their major label debut Lover's Game (2023). Their collaboration with Zach Bryan on the song "Hey Driver" reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Duo was nominated for "Vocal Duo of the Year" for CMA Awards in 2024 and received an Emmy for their work with the Tennessee Titans in 2025.

In 2023, The War and Treaty became the first Black duo to be nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Duo of the Year;[4] along with being the first Black duo to be nominated for the Academy of Country Music Award for Duo of the Year.[5] They have received two nominations for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. An upcoming biopic based on the group’s life is set to be released.[6][7]

## Career

[edit]

In 2016, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount released the duet album Love Affair as Trotter & Blount.[8] In 2017, The War and Treaty released the EP Down to the River, described as a mix of 'blues, gospel, soul, bluegrass, country' and heralded by Estey as 'a splendidly made immediate classic about conflict and redemption'.[9][10] Yet the two can sensually help heal the wounds from those confessional blasts with a sweet ballad like "Till The Mornin’" — they truly live up to the dynamic tension of their moniker.'[10]

In 2018, Rolling Stone reported The War and Treaty's debut album Healing Tide was due for release on August 10, 2018, describing the lead single as a 'joyfully relentless title track, reminiscent of classic Ike and Tina Turner rock-infused soul'.[11]

On September 25, 2020, The War and Treaty released its sophomore studio album, Hearts Town, on Rounder Records. On April 18, 2021, the duo joined Dierks Bentley for a performance of U2's "Pride (In the Name of Love)" for the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards.[12]

The group signed a major label deal with Mercury/Universal Music Group Nashville in May 2022.[13] The duo performed a cover of "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" alongside Brothers Osborne at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards on November 9, 2022, and surprise-released its second EP Blank Page on the same day.[14] The duo’s major label debut album Lover's Game, was released on March 10, 2023.

The duo collaborated with American country star Zach Bryan on the track "Hey, Driver" from his self-titled fourth studio album. The song debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 marking the duo's first appearance on the chart.[15]

## Personal lives

[edit]

From 2003 to 2007, Michael Jr. served in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division and served in Iraq and Germany. His highest achieved rank was Private First Class.[16]

During his deployment, his unit was encamped in one of Saddam Hussein's private palaces, which had a piano in its basement. Michael Jr. learned how to play the instrument when his company commander, Captain Robert Scheetz, encouraged him to toy around with the piano knowing he had a passion for singing. Scheetz was killed on a mission shortly after. Michael Jr. wrote his first song in Scheetz's honor and sang it at his memorial. He then began performing at the services of other fallen soldiers.[17]

The duo performed and endorsed Kamala Harris for president on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.[18]

## Discography

[edit]

### Studio albums

[edit]

List of albums, with selected chart positions  Title  | Album details[19][20] | Peak chart positions

|
|

Curr.
Sales
[21] | US
Heat.
[22] | US
Indie
[23]
Love Affair[24]
(as Trotter & Blount) |

* Released: March 4, 2016
* Label: Seven49Group
* Format: CD, Digital download

| – | – | –
Healing Tide[25] |

* Released: August 10, 2018
* Label: Strong World Entertainment (marketed and distributed by Thirty Tigers)
* Format: LP, CD, Digital download[26]

| – | 11 | 26
Hearts Town[27] |

* Released: September 25, 2020
* Label: The War and Treaty Corporation
(under exclusive license to Rounder Records/Concord Music Group)
* Format: LP, CD, Digital download[28]

| 70 | – | –
Lover's Game |

* Released: March 10, 2023
* Label: Mercury/UMG Nashville
* Format: LP, CD, Digital download

| 56 | – | –
Plus One[29] |

* Released: February 14, 2025
* Label: Mercury/UMG Nashville
* Format: LP, CD, Digital download

| – | – | –

### EPs

[edit]

List of EPs  Title  | Album details

|

Down to the River[30] |

* Released: October 19, 2017
* Label: Strong World Entertainment
* Format: Digital download

Blank Page[31] |

* Released: November 9, 2022
* Label: Mercury/Universal Music Group Nashville
* Format: Digital download

### Singles

[edit]

#### As a lead artist

[edit]

List of singles with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications  Title[20] | Year  | Chart positions  | Album

|
|
|

Triple A
[32] | US

[33]
"Hi Ho"[34] | 2016  | —  | —  | Down to the River
"Healing Tide"[35][11] | 2018  | —  | —  | Healing Tide
"Are You Ready to Love Me?"[36] | —  | —
"Jealousy / Hustlin'"[37] | 2020  | —  | —  | Hearts Town
"We Are One"[38][39] | —  | —  | Charity single
"Five More Minutes"[40] | 22  | —  | Hearts Town
"Everything New (Sessions)"
(with John Mark McMillan) [41] | 2021  | —  | —  | Non-album single
"That's How Love Is Made"[42] | 2022  | —  | —  | Lover's Game
"Lover's Game"[43] | —  | —
"A Sunday Kind of Love"[44] | 2023  | —  | —  | TBA
"Stretch Out"[45] | —  | —
"Cold"
(Live from The Academy of Country Music Honors) [46] | —  | —  | Non-album single
"Called You By Your Name"  | 2024  | —  | —  | Plus One
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
(with Josh Groban) | —  | 22  | Non-album single

#### As a featured artist

[edit]

List of singles with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications  Title[20] | Year  | Chart positions  | Album

|
|
|

Triple A
[32]
"America the Beautiful"
(Kristin Wilkinson and Matt Rollings featuring Trisha Yearwood, Keb' Mo', Amy Grant & The War and Treaty)[47] | 2021  | —  | Non-album singles
"The Times They Are a-Changin'"
(Nitty Gritty Dirt Band featuring Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell & The War and Treaty)[48] | —
"Chuck-will's-widow" (Video Mix)
(Amy Ray featuring The War and Treaty & Michelle Malone)[49] | —

### Other charted songs

[edit]

List of singles with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications  Title[20] | Year  | Peak chart positions  | Certifications  | Album

|
|
|
|

[50] | AUS
[51] | CAN
[52] | IRE
[53] | WW
[54]
"Hey Driver"[55]
(Zach Bryan featuring The War and Treaty)  | 2023  | 14  | —[A] | 14  | 29  | 33  |

* RIAA: 3× Platinum[56]
* ARIA: Platinum[57]
* BPI: Silver[58]
* MC: 3× Platinum[59]
* RMNZ: Platinum[60]

| Zach Bryan

### Guest appearances

[edit]

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name  Title  | Year  | Other artist(s)  | Album  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

"It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)"  | 2023  | Brothers Osborne | Stoned Cold Country | [61]
"Hey Driver"  | Zach Bryan | Zach Bryan | [55]
"From a Distance"  | —  | More than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith | [62]

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Ceremony  | Nominated Work  | Category  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

2019  | Americana Music Honors & Awards | The War and Treaty  | Emerging Artist of the Year  | Won  |
2020  | Folk Alliance International | Artist of the Year  | Won  |
2021  | Pop Awards  | Band/Group of the Year  | Nominated  | [63][64]
Americana Music Honors & Awards | Duo/Group of the Year  | Nominated  |
2022  | Won  |
2023  | CMT Music Awards | "That's How Love is Made"  | Duo/Group Video of the Year  | Nominated  | [65]
Academy of Country Music Awards | The War and Treaty  | Vocal Duo of the Year  | Nominated  |
Americana Music Honors & Awards | Duo/Group of the Year  | Won  |
Country Music Association Awards | Vocal Duo of the Year | Nominated  |
Grammy Awards | Best New Artist | Nominated  | [66]
"Blank Page"  | Best American Roots Song | Nominated
2024  | Academy Of Country Music Awards  | The War And Treaty  | Duo of the Year  | Nominated  | [67]
People's Choice Country Awards  | "Hey Driver" - Zach Bryan feat. The War and Treaty  | The Collaboration Song of 2024  | Nominated  | [68]
The War And Treaty  | The Group/Duo of 2024  | Nominated
Country Music Association Awards  | Vocal Duo of the Year  | TBA  | [69]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ "Hey Driver" did not enter the ARIA Top 100 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 20 on the ARIA Top 20 New Music Singles Chart.[51]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Donelson, Marcy. "The War and Treaty Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
2. ^ Bernstein, Jonathan (2020-09-18). "The War and Treaty's Journey Toward Hope". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
3. ^ "Music is a matter of life, death, redemption for The War and Treaty's lead singers, Tanya and Michael Trotter". San Diego Union-Tribune. 2022-10-26. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
4. ^ "CMA Awards 2023: Nominees, Host and How to Watch". WWD. 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
5. ^ "Nominations Announced for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards". www.acmcountry.com. 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
6. ^ Willman, Chris (2024-01-16). "The War and Treaty: How the Best New Artist Grammy Nominees Came to Be 'Friends' With the Emmys, Too, and Win Over Superfan Zach Bryan". Variety. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
7. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2022-06-06). "Gilbert Films, Get Lifted Film Co & Harvey Mason Media Producing 'The War And Treaty'; Numa Perrier Directing". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
8. ^ St. Vil, Christine (13 June 2013). "Power Couple: Michael & Tanya Trotter (Blount)". Black and Married With Kids. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
9. ^ "The War & Treaty "Down To The River" A Sight To Behold". Soul Bounce. July 17, 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
10. ^ a b Estey, Chris (July 17, 2017). "The War & Treaty "Down To The River" A Sight To Behold". Paste. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
11. ^ a b L. Betts, Stephen (31 May 2018). "Hear Gospel-Blues Duo the War and Treaty's Celebratory New Song 'Healing Tide'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
12. ^ "See All the Performers and Presenters for the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards". Archived from the original on April 19, 2021.
13. ^ "Husband and Wife Americana Duo the War and Treaty Sign to UMG Nashville". 23 May 2022.
14. ^ "The War & Treaty and Brothers Osborne Cover a Rolling Stones Classic at the CMA Awards". Rolling Stone. 10 November 2022.
15. ^ Zellner, Xander (2023-09-06). "Hot 100 First-Timers: Sierra Ferrell & The War And Treaty Debut With Zach Bryan Features". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
16. ^ "Michael Trotter, Jr. Collection". loc.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
17. ^ "How The War and Treaty's Michael Trotter Jr., an Iraq War Veteran, Came Full Circle on a USO Tour (Exclusive)". people.com. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
18. ^ Jordan, Chris. "Jon Bon Jovi stumps, sings two songs for Kamala Harris in NC: I'm not here to 'sling mud'". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
19. ^ "Trotter & Blount Discography". Discogs. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
20. ^ a b c d "The War and Treaty Discography". Discogs. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
21. ^ "The War And Treaty (Top Current Album Sales)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
22. ^ "Heatseekers Albums: Up and Coming Musicians Chart (August 25, 2018)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
23. ^ "Independent Albums (August 25, 2018)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
24. ^ "Love Affair by Trotter & Blount on Apple Music". Apple Music. 4 March 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
25. ^ "Healing Tide by The War and Treaty". Apple Music. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
26. ^ "Music". The War and Treaty. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
27. ^ "Hearts Town by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
28. ^ "Hearts Town". The War and Treaty. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
29. ^ https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-war-and-treaty-new-album-plus-one/
30. ^ "Down to the River by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. 21 July 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
31. ^ "The War and Treaty hit CMA stage, release new EP, pursue greater country stardom".
32. ^ a b "The War and Treaty Chart History (Triple A Songs)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
33. ^ "The War and Treaty Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
34. ^ "Hi Ho - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. 21 July 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
35. ^ "Healing Tide - Single by The War and Treaty". Spotify. 31 May 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
36. ^ Graff, Gary (12 July 2018). "The War and Treaty Get Real About Relationships on 'Are You Ready to Love Me?': Premiere". Billboard.com. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
37. ^ "Jealousy / Hustlin' - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
38. ^ Pikus, Lia (June 19, 2020). "The War And Treaty Release New Song Benefitting ACLU". Paste. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
39. ^ "We Are One - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
40. ^ Bernstein, Jonathan (July 16, 2020). "The War & Treaty Channel Seventies Soul in New Song 'Five More Minutes'". Rolling Stone. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
41. ^ "Everything New (Sessions) - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
42. ^ "That's How Love Is Made - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
43. ^ "Lover's Game - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
44. ^ "A Sunday Kind Of Love - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
45. ^ "Stretch Out - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
46. ^ "Cold (Live From The Academy of Country Music Honors) - Single by The War and Treaty on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
47. ^ "America the Beautiful (feat. Trisha Yearwood, Keb' Mo', Amy Grant & the War and Treaty) - Single". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
48. ^ "The Times They Are a-Changin' - Single (feat. Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell & The War and Treaty) - Single by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
49. ^ "Chuck Will's Widow (Video Mix) [feat. The War and Treaty & Michelle Malone] - Single by Amy Ray". Apple Music. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
50. ^ "The War and Treaty Chart History (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
51. ^ a b "ARIA Top 20 New Music Singles for week of 4 September 2023". ARIA Charts. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
52. ^ "The War and Treaty Chart History (Billboard Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
53. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart on 05/01/2024 | Official Charts". Official Charts Company. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
54. ^ "The War and Treaty Chart History (Billboard Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
55. ^ a b "Zach Bryan by Zach Bryan on Apple Music". Apple Music. August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
56. ^ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
57. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
58. ^ "British single certifications – Zach Bryan Ft War & Treaty – Hey Driver". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
59. ^ "Gold and Platinum - Music Canada". Music Canada. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
60. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Zach Bryan feat. The War And Treaty – Hey Driver". Radioscope. Retrieved 19 January 2025. Type Hey Driver  in the "Search:" field.
61. ^ Brodsky, Rachel (November 4, 2022). "Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Steve Earle, & More Cover Rolling Stones on New Tribute Album". Stereogum. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
62. ^ Douglas, Hill (September 1, 2023). "Billy Strings & Molly Tuttle Reunite For Cover Of Nanci Griffith's "Listen To The Radio"". Whiskey Riff. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
63. ^ Mackle, Jenna (January 17, 2021). "Welcome to the POP AWARDS 2021, the fourth annual Pop Awards". Pop Magazine. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
64. ^ "Pop Awards 2021, the 4th annual Pop Awards". Pop Awards. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
65. ^ Greg Evans (March 8, 2023). "CMT Music Awards 2023 Nominations: Lainey Wilson Leads Roster – Complete List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
66. ^ "2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List | GRAMMY.com". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
67. ^ "Winners | acmcountry.com".
68. ^ "Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs Are Top Winners at 2024 People's Choice Country Awards: Full List | billboard.com".
69. ^ "2024 CMA Award Nominations | cmaawards.com". www.cmaawards.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* The War and Treaty on Facebook
* The War and Treaty on Twitter

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

*[TBA]: To be announced