Bailey Zimmerman Celebrates ‘Chevy Silverado’ & ‘Backup Plan’ At Double No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Warner Chappell’s Bryce Gravitt, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Sony Music Publishing’s Dale Bobo, Little Louder’s Jefferson Brown and ASCAP’s Duane Hobson; (L-R, front row): Gavin Lucas (ASCAP), Heath Warren (BMI), Bailey Zimmerman (BMI), Austin Shawn (Producer), Tucker Beathard (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

BMI’s lobby was filled yesterday afternoon (Sept. 23) as industry members gathered to celebrate Bailey Zimmerman and his chart-toppers “Chevy Silverado” and “Backup Plan,” featuring Luke Combs.

The first half of the afternoon focused on “Chevy Silverado,” co-written by Zimmerman, Gavin Lucas, Heath Warren, Ilsey Juber and Tucker Beathard. Serving as emcee, BMI’s Mason Hunter welcomed the writers.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Worktape Music’s Travis Gordon, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Little Louder’s Jefferson Brown and Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy; (L-R, front row): Jon Sherwood (BMI), Jimi Bell (BMI), Bailey Zimmerman (BMI), Austin Shawn (Producer), Tucker Beathard (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox; Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

Also sharing their stories about the crew were ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Sony Music Publishing’s Dale Bobo and Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill.

Warren was up first to express his gratitude, noting “It takes a village for songwriters to get to the top of the mountain and to get to celebrate these things.”

“Bailey, thanks for putting your heart into the songs that we do. If you didn’t stick your neck out all of the time for us, none of this would matter,” Lucas said.

“He knew what he wanted to do with it,” recalled Beathard when Zimmerman initially sent him the tune. “I was very grateful to be a small piece of the ride.”

“It’s one of my favorite things when we get to celebrate things like this,” said Zimmerman.

Next up on the agenda was “Backup Plan,” co-penned by Beathard, Jimi Bell and Jon Sherwood. Up on the mic to share their congratulations was Hunter, Little Louder’s Jefferson Brown, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Worktape Music’s Travis Gordon and Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy.

Studio Bank’s Ron Cox also went onto the stage to announce the company’s donation on behalf of the writers to Wags N’ Walks Nashville.

The producer of both tracks Austin Shawn took the mic next, sharing “It never gets old. Making music is not easy by any means. There’s a lot of ups and downs. To see these songs and the work you put in be celebrated is a big deal.”

“This song is a reminder and an important message,” an emotional Bell shared. “At the end of the day, we channel these things.”

“It takes having a community. Isn’t a sole individual experience. We all help each other out and we all carry each other’s burdens,” noted Sherwood.

Pictured (L-R): The Core’s Simon Tikhman, The Core’s Tracy Martin, The Core’s Chief Zaruk; Front Row L-R: Gavin Lucas (ASCAP), Heath
Warren (BMI), Bailey Zimmerman (BMI), Austin Shawn (Producer) and Tucker Beathard (BMI); Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

Pictured (L-R): The Core’s Simon Tikhman, The Core’s Tracy Martin, The Core’s Chief Zaruk; Front Row L-R: Gavin Lucas (ASCAP), Heath
Warren (BMI), Bailey Zimmerman (BMI), Austin Shawn (Producer) and Tucker Beathard (BMI). Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

Madison Hahnen
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