This week brought another fairytale moment for an Alabama band: While in the studio with a star producer, they got a call from a country superstar letting them know they’d won a significant industry award.

According to information released by the Academy of Country Music, it was Miranda Lambert who dialed up the Red Clay Strays while they were working on new music with Dave Cobb, who previously produced their breakthrough album “Made By These Moments.” Lambert was calling to let them know that they’d won their first ACM Award, for New Duo or Group of the Year.

The award was one of a few handed out before an ACM Awards telecast that will stream on Prime Video Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. Another early honoree was Alabama native Ella Langley, who won for New Female Artist of the Year.

The Academy said that the early winners will be celebrated for their wins on the main telecast. They could also win again during the main show: Langley is this year’s top nominee, with eight ACM nominations total. The Red Clay Strays are also nominated in the Group of the Year category. (Another Alabama act, Muscadine Bloodline, is a nominee for Duo of the Year.)

The Red Clay Strays formed around 2016 in the Mobile area and spent years honing their sound through constant touring. Though the band’s music is more roots-rock than country, it isn’t the easiest to pigeonhole. Between its classic rockabilly and Southern rock influences and the tent-revival fervor of its lyrics, the group maintains appeal for country music listeners. According to Billboard.com, “Made By These Moments” hit No. 9 on the country album chart and No. 29 on the overall Billboard 200 album chart.

Related: The Red Clay Strays say ‘We bet on ourselves every time’

Some industry sites suggested that the win means the Strays will be invited to perform during the May 8 Awards show. Billboard.com said the group “will probably join the line-up of performers, though for now we are told only that they ‘will be celebrated’ on the show.”

The band members are singer Brandon Coleman, guitarists Drew Nix and Zach Rishel, bassist Andrew Bishop, drummer John Hall and keyboardist Sevans Henderson. Signature songs include “Good Godly Woman” and “Wondering Why.”

Since releasing their 2022 album “Moment of Truth,” the Strays have gained increasing notice from publications such as Rolling Stone and Billboard. 2024 was a breakout year marked by a three-night stand at the Ryman, the release of the album “Made By These Moments” on RCA, a date opening for The Rolling Stones and a CMA nomination for vocal group of the year.

The news that the band has been back in the studio with Cobb raises the possibility that fans might not have a long wait for their next release.

The Fourth of July Weekend, the Red Clay Strays will headline a three-day stand at the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach. Muscadine Bloodline will be among several other Alabama acts on the bill, including Abe Partridge, Justin Jeansonne and Laurie Anne Armour.