Music City Songwriting Competition Adds Black River VP

Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau has added Black River Entertainment VP of A&R, Doug Johnson to the listening panel. Johnson will review all songs submitted or postmarked between Jan. 27-29, and the writer of his top pick will be given the opportunity to perform before one of Black River artist Craig Morgan’s 2012 shows. Entries for the amateur songwriting competition will continue to be accepted through Jan. 31.

The competition will be narrowed to the top 25 entries to be judged based on melody, composition, originality, lyrics and commercial appeal by a panel including Morgan, Tim Nichols, Mike Sistad, Alex Torrez, Storme Warren and Butch Spyridon.

The winner will recieve $1,000 cash, five nights admission and airfare for two to Nashville’s CMA Music Fest with an interview on GAC and Sirius XM. A mentoring session from Craig Morgan will be offered along with a feature in American Songwriter, a co-write session, demo recording session and a single song publishing deal with Black River Entertainment.

Johnson has had over 100 cuts and seven No. 1s and worked with the careers of Patty Loveless, Collin Raye, Doug Stone, Joe Diffie, Ty Herndon, Clay Walker, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Leann Rimes, Wynonna and Lee Brice.

Songs are accepted by mail or mp3 online for $25. Additional songs for $15. All entries receive a copy of Morgan’s upcoming CD.