For the first time in the network’s history, CMT announced plans Thursday (April 16) to finance and produce a music video for a music artist.

During a private event in Nashville, CMT executives said the music video will be created for independent artist Chris Janson’s “Buy Me a Boat” with plans to add the video to heavy rotation on the network.

The Missouri native’s independently-released single shot to No. 1 on the iTunes country songs chart last month following just a few radio spins on the nationally-syndicated Bobby Bones Show.

After Janson performed a three-song acoustic set during a CMT gathering at Margaritaville on Nashville’s Lower Broadway, CMT president Brian Philips and senior vice president of music strategy Leslie Fram surprised Janson with the offer to produce the music video.

“Music discovery and connecting independent artists with fans is one of our core tenants,” Fram said. “We’re thrilled that Chris’ talents are being recognized and CMT can bring this song to life in a music video.”

Janson, who began writing songs at age 18, has a catalog of original songs that includes Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah.” He co-wrote “Buy Me a Boat” with Chris DuBois, whose credits include Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” Darius Rucker’s "It Won't Be Like This for Long" and numerous No. 1 hits for Brad Paisley.

After moving to Nashville, Janson landed a year-long, four-shows-a-day gig at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway. He has opened concerts for Florida Georgia Line, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr. and has made more than 90 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Janson is currently focusing on a heavy summer touring season and writing.

Although it marks the first time the network has produced a music video for an artist, CMT has long been a champion of music discovery and just last week announced its first-ever Next Women of Country tour headlined by Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini.