CMHOFM To Feature Pat McLaughlin As Next Poets And Prophets Honoree

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will feature singer, songwriter and guitarist Pat McLaughlin in its Poets and Prophets interview series on Oct. 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.

McLaughlin is one of three 2026 honorees selected for the series, which highlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music. The interview will be moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and will feature rare photos, film and recordings. Following the program, McLaughlin will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.

The program is included with museum admission and is free for museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (Aug. 20) at 10 a.m.

A Waterloo, Iowa, native, McLaughlin moved to Nashville in 1977 after living in San Francisco and Boston. He was drawn to the city’s diverse music community and spent his nights immersed in music while working as a carpenter during the day. His first major songwriting success came in 1987 when Steve Wariner took “Lynda” to No. 1 on the country charts.

Along with writing for other artists, McLaughlin has released 10 solo albums, including his latest, Nashville After Dark. He has also recorded collaborative projects including Tiny Town and The World Famous Headliners.

His songwriting credits include “Tell Me About It,” a No. 4 country hit for Tanya Tucker and Delbert McClinton; “Firecracker,” a No. 2 hit for Josh Turner; “Songs About Rain,” a No. 12 hit for Gary Allan; and “Years,” the title track of John Anderson’s acclaimed comeback album.

His songs have also been recorded by artists including Dan Auerbach, Phoebe Bridgers, Marcus King, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Lee Ann Womack.

A longtime collaborator and band member with the late John Prine, McLaughlin co-wrote several songs with Prine, including five tracks on The Tree of Forgiveness. In 2021, McLaughlin won a Grammy for Best American Roots Song and the Americana Music Association’s Song of the Year award for co-writing Prine’s final recorded song, “I Remember Everything.”

Madison Hahnen
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