NSAI Honors Pursuit Of The Craft At Seventh Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards

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Award winners celebrating on stage at the close of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

If there was one thing on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (Sept. 24), it was the unrelenting pursuit of the craft that fill the lives of both new and established songwriters day in and day out.

Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the beloved awards show showcased the careers of industry stalwarts who’ve chased good songs their whole careers as well as modern hitmakers who are in the pursuit every day.

Amanda Shires performing “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Honoring category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” the evening was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between collaborators. Enduring country music heroes Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.

The night began with a stunning performance from Amanda Shires, who was on hand to sing NSAI’s 2024 Legendary Song, “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.

Pictured (L–R): Shannon Wright, Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, Denise Jackson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Josh Turner. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Jackson was honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy was celebrated with several performances featuring songs he co-wrote, including “Livin’ On Love” performed by Hailey Whitters, “Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery” performed by Josh Turner.

When introducing him, NSAI’s COO Jennifer Turnbow referred to Jackson as a “monolith of country music both as a songwriter and an artist.” At the podium, he shared stories of his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.

“I tell people I sing real country music songs about life, love, heartache, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to a thunderous applause. “That’s what it’s always been about for me: life.”

Pictured (L–R): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient) and Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Another prestigious award of the night, the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, was presented to the incomparable producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon. Cannon was honored by Jamey Johnson with a performance of “Give It Away,” a song co-written by Cannon, Johnson and Bill Anderson.

NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure who connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players that have helped him do just that, from Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.

“I love great songs and I love the people that write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”

During a break, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room, sharing updates about their ongoing advocacy work and their highly-publicized battle with Spotify.

“As songwriters still press to navigate compensation and the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” Herbison said.

Ashley Gorley accepting his eighth NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Ashley Gorley was named the 2024 Songwriter of the Year for a record eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”

When Gorley spoke, he shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the roster of Team Nashville. If you haven’t noticed, everyone wants to be on this team now. The whole world has found out that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes making it all happen.

“There is no better town or community for a rookie or a veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house hooped and hollered like he was the star quarterback.

Jelly Roll won the night’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, but was unable to attend the event.

In between the night’s big awards, NSAI reveal the winners of the highly sought-after “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category. Voted on by professional songwriter members of NSAI, the winners are recognized with a video interview from the songwriters who wrote the hit and then a performance.

Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his, Craig Wiseman and Tommy Cecil‘s winning “Standing Room Only;” as did Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollum‘s “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta rocked out on their hit with Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor;” and siblings Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter had a ball on their hit “I’m Not Pretty,” co-written with Megan Moroney and Ben Williams.

Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins performing the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler played their winning “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky Block. Greylan James performed his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne‘s “Next Thing You Know;” while Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim played their hit with Warren Zeiders “Pretty Little Poison.” Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull sang their winner “Where The Wild Things Are;” and Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher joined voices for “Try That In A Small Town.”

Dan Wilson rocked out on his and Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse.” Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy treated the writers of “Last Night”—John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Jacob Kasher Hindlin—to a sultry performance of the song.

The top vote-getter for “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” earns the title of Song of the Year, which was the final award of the evening. The trophy went to Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins for “The Painter.”

The three shared message of thanks for their believers and support systems before performing the tune to close the night out.

NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.

LB Cantrell
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