Ashley Gorley Honored During ASCAP’s “I Create Music” Expo

(L-R): Co-Head of A&R at Warner-Chappell Music Katie Vinten, ASCAP Publisher board member Jon Platt, ASCAP President Paul Williams, songwriter Ashley Gorley, ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews, and ASCAP Executive Vice President of Membership John Titta at ‘You Should Be Here: A Peek into the Country Music Market’ during the 2017 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO on April 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for ASCAP

Writer Ashley Gorley was recognized during yesterday’s opening day (April 13) of ASCAP’s “I Create Music” Expo in L.A. with a special plaque acknowledging his milestone achievement of penning 30 No. 1 hits. Gorley performed as part of ASCAP’s Annual Membership Meeting, along with Michael McDonald, Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s, and Brett McLaughlin, and was then featured on the panel “You Should be Here: A Peek Into the Country Music Market.” Gorley’s co-panelists for the session were moderator Beth Brinker, Creative Manager/ASCAP Nashville, and songwriters Zach Crowell and Matt Jenkins.

During the panel, ASCAP President Paul Williams and Warner/Chappell Music Chairman & CEO Jon Platt presented Gorley with the plaque recognizing his amazing slate of hits. Gorley was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2009, as well as Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year in 2013 and 2016.

Gorley also appeared on ASCAP’s “We Create Music” panel, which brought together a group of creators to discuss what binds songwriters from all genres together. Also featured on that panel, which was moderated by Melinda Newman, were Jeff Cardoni, James Fauntleroy, Sam Hollander and Dave Pirner.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP Creative Manager Beth Brinker, songwriter/producer Zach Crowell, songwriter Ashley Gorley, and songwriter Matt Jenkins speak onstage at ‘You Should Be Here: A Peek into the Country Music Market’ during the 2017 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO on April 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Ashley Gorley, composer Jeff Cardoni, and singer-songwriter James Fauntleroy speak onstage during the 2017 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO on April 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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