No. 1 Party: Billy Currington’s “Hey Girl”

Pictured (L-R, Back row): Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, producer Dann Huff, Combustion’s Chris Farren, Warner/Chappell’s Steve Markland and UMG’s Mike Dungan. Pictured (L-R, Front row): Songwriters Rhett Akins and Ashley Gorley, Billy Currington and songwriter Chris DeStefano. Photo by Ed Rode.

ASCAP, BMI and the Country Music Association celebrated the creative team behind ASCAP songwriter-artist Billy Currington‘s eighth No. 1 song, “Hey Girl,” during a celebration at the CMA offices on Tuesday, Dec. 3. ASCAP songwriters Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano celebrated their 12th and 3rd chart-toppers, respectively, while BMI songwriter Rhett Akins was honored for his 14th. Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg and Warner/Chappell’s Steve Markland, as well as UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, were among those in attendance to honor the songwriters. Avenue Bank made a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee on behalf of all the song’s writers.

The CMA office’s main hallway was already decked for the holidays, adding to the party’s festive atmosphere.

Producer Dann Huff was feted for earning his 37th chart-topper as a producer. “The understatement is how great this demo was. It was nearly a record handed to us,” said Huff. Huff first worked with Currington on Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee album.  “I don’t know how you got that voice, but the first time we stepped into the studio, it was electric,” he told Currington.

Dungan thanked the entire label radio promotions staff, and commented on Currington’s vocal talents. “I always knew Billy was a great singer,” said Dungan,”but until I worked with him, I didn’t realize what an incredible vocal stylist he is.”

Akins recalled first meeting Currington several years ago in Nashville. “He was new to town and had this jacked up pickup truck. He kept asking me for advice about things–‘Should I hire an agent? Should I get a manager?’ The only advice I have now for him is to keep cutting my songs,” Akins quipped.