13 songwriters have been announced as nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF). The new group will be among those honored at the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Music City Center.
“We congratulate this year’s nominees in our contemporary categories. Their nominations are richly deserved,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. “We look forward in several weeks to announcing those who will be inducted this fall as members of our Class of 2023.”
The 2023 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriters category are Casey Beathard, Shawn Camp, Jim Collins, Don Henry, David Lee Murphy, Leslie Satcher, Darrell Scott and Victoria Shaw. The 2023 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category are Steven Curtis Chapman, Martie Maguire, Keith Urban and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, who are nominated as a team.
All nominees experienced their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. A total of two songwriters and one artist-songwriter will be elected from the contemporary categories by members of the Hall of Fame along with other professional songwriters and artists from a variety of genres who are prominently associated with Nashville and who have written/co-written at least one original and significant Nashville song.
In addition, three more will be named to the Class of 2023. A separate body of veteran voters will elect a Veteran Songwriter, a Veteran Songwriter/Artist and a Legacy Songwriter (deceased), all of whom experienced their first significant songs at least 30 years ago. As part of that process, nominees in those categories are not announced.
For biographical information on the 2023 nominees, see below:
Category 1 – Contemporary Songwriters
Casey Beathard
Born in California, Casey Beathard grew up in Vienna, VA (near Arlington). In 1990 he graduated from Elon College in North Carolina with a degree in business management. The following year he moved to Nashville, where he worked jobs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluebird Café. By 1998 Casey had his first writing deal and the title track of Kenny Chesney’s I Will Stand album. By 2001 Casey had his first Top 10 song, and in 2002 his “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” by Tracy Byrd had reached No. 1. From there the floodgates opened for more chart-toppers: “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracy Lawrence and “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” by Rodney Atkins, as well as “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “Don’t Blink” and “The Boys Of Fall” – all by Kenny Chesney. Casey’s hits with frequent collaborator Eric Church have yielded hits such as “Like Jesus Does,” “Like A Wrecking Ball” and “Hell Of A View.” Casey’s co-written “There Was Jesus” by Zach Williams & Dolly Parton was a Christian AC hit and earned the 2021 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Casey was BMI’s 2004 and 2008 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year and the 2008 NSAI Songwriter of the Year.
Shawn Camp
Shawn Camp grew up on a farm outside of Perryville, AR. Shawn picked up a guitar at age five and by age 20 had moved to Nashville, where he found work in the late ’80s as a fiddle player in backing bands for The Osborne Brothers, Jerry Reed, Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood. After charting a pair of self-penned singles in 1993 as a Warner Bros. recording artist, Shawn turned his attention to writing songs for other artists — earning his first No. 1 hits in 1998 with “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks and “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn. In 2006, he had Top 5 singles with “Nobody But Me” by Blake Shelton and “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner. Shawn also co-wrote Turner’s “Firecracker,” as well as “River Of Love” by George Strait and “Love Done Gone” by Billy Currington. Shawn’s songs have also been hits for bluegrass artists such as Ricky Skaggs, The Lonesome River Band and Don Rigsby. Shawn’s “We Know Where He Is” by The Del McCoury Band was a 2007 GMA bluegrass song nominee and his “My Quiet Mind” by The Gibson Brothers was a 2018 SPBGMA bluegrass song nominee. In the Americana field, Shawn’s “My Love Will Not Change” by Aubrie Sellers w/ Steve Earle was an AMA song nominee in 2020.
Jim Collins
Jim Collins grew up on a dairy farm in Nacogdoches, TX. Gifted his first guitar at age 10, he played his first professional gig at 12, later moving on to various rock bands throughout high school. In the 1980s Jim began playing country music and writing original songs. He played the Texas music scene until 1995, when he moved to Nashville. Within a few months he had a publishing deal and was an in-demand demo singer. His first cut came in 1997 and his first Top 10 two years later. By 2000 Jim had his first No. 1 song with “Yes!” by Chad Brock. Jim’s particular success with Kenny Chesney has yielded hits such as “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven,” as well as “The Good Stuff,” which was named the 2002 ACM Single of the Year and the 2003 ASCAP Country Song of the Year. Other hits written by Jim include “Then They Do” by Trace Adkins, “It Just Comes Natural” by George Strait, “Big Green Tractor” by Jason Aldean, “I Don’t Feel Like Loving You Today” by Gretchen Wilson (a 2006 Grammy nominee for best country song), “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square (a 2011 Grammy nominee for best country song) and “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery. Jim is a 2020 inductee into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
Don Henry
California native Don Henry began writing songs at age 13. By the late 1970s, he was ready to give Nashville a try. His early successes came from cuts by T.G. Sheppard and John Conlee, who singled “Blue Highway.” Conlee also recorded “Class Reunion,” as did The Oak Ridge Boys, Gene Watson and Ray Charles. Kathy Mattea has recorded a several of Don’s songs, including “Beautiful Fool,” “Whole Lotta Holes,” and the heart-wrenching “Where’ve You Been.” Also recorded by Patti Page and Dailey & Vincent, that song earned the 1990 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 1989 ACM Song of the Year, the 1990 CMA Song of the Year and the 1990 NSAI Song of the Year. In 1993 Don released a critically acclaimed album on Sony Records titled Wild in the Backyard. Many of those songs, such as “Harley” and “Mr. God” have become staples in his solo acoustic performance repertoire. Among other hits from Don’s catalogue are “Heart Vs. Heart” by Pake McEntire, “Has Anybody Seen Amy?” by John & Audrey Wiggins and “All Kinds Of Kinds” by Miranda Lambert. Don also records and performs in the duo The Don Juans.
David Lee Murphy
David Lee Murphy developed his musical style as a teenager in Southern Illinois. Moving to Nashville in 1983, David Lee spent years honing his craft as a songwriter. During that time he formed a band, The Blue Tick Hounds, and played honky tonks across middle Tennessee and clubs throughout the south until he was signed to MCA Records a decade later. David Lee’s 1994 Platinum-selling debut album (the first of five solo efforts) yielded the hit singles “Party Crowd” (Radio & Records’ most played song on country radio in 1995) and the No. 1 single “Dust On The Bottle.” Beyond his own hits, David Lee began writing songs for other artists in the early 2000s. Among his five No. 1 hits recorded by Kenny Chesney are “Living In Fast Forward,” “Here And Now” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” (a duet with David Lee that earned the 2018 CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year). Some of David Lee’s other No. 1 songs include “Big Green Tractor” by Jason Aldean, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square (a 2011 Grammy nominee for best country song) “Anywhere With You” by Jake Owen, “The Only Way I Know” by Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan & Eric Church and “Why We Drink” by Justin Moore.
Leslie Satcher
Leslie Satcher grew up singing in churches and schools in her hometown of Paris, TX, before moving to Nashville to become an artist. During her first few years in town, she was befriend by Naomi Judd and Max D. Barnes, who helped her secure her first publishing deal at Island Bound Music. By the mid-1990s Leslie was receiving major-label cuts, then her first hit single in 1998 with “I Said A Prayer” by Pam Tillis. By the end of the decade, Leslie’s “There’s Only One” by Susie Luchsinger had become a 2000 GMA bluegrass song nominee. Also in 2000, Leslie signed as an artist with Warner Bros. Records, where she recorded a critically acclaimed debut album, Love Letters. As a songwriter, Leslie’s country hits include “When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues” by Martina McBride, “Cadillac Tears” by Kevin Denney, “Troubadour” by George Strait, “Tough” by Kellie Pickler and “Politically Uncorrect” by Gretchen Wilson w/ Merle Haggard. Leslie’s Bluegrass hits include “Too Good To Be True” by Alecia Nugent, “Where The Trees Know My Name” by Larry Cordle and “From Your Knees” by The Farm Hands, an SPBGMA Bluegrass song nominee in 2015.
Darrell Scott
Darrell Scott was born in the rural farming town of London, KY, then moved with his family to East Gary, IN. Darrell’s father encouraged each member of the family to play an instrument in the family band. By age 16, Darrell was playing bar gigs around southern California. After stints in Canada and Boston, Darrell moved to Nashville, where he joined Guy Clark’s band and began to play on sessions. Soon after, his songs began finding homes across a variety of genres. In the country world, he hit with “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive” by Travis Tritt, “Born To Fly” by Sara Evans (a 2001 CMA song nominee) and “Long Time Gone” by The Chicks (a 2002 Grammy nominee for best country song and a 2003 IBMA song nominee). Darrell’s Bluegrass hits include “Banjo Clark” by Sam Bush, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Patty Loveless, “Cumberland Plateau” by Darin & Brooke Aldridge and “Bleeding For A Little Peace Of Mind” by Blue Highway (a 2011 SPBGMA song nominee). Darrell’s Americana recording of “Hank Williams’ Ghost” was the 2007 AMA Song of the Year, while “Heavy Is The Head” by Zac Brown Band w/ Chris Cornell was a No. 1 Rock song in 2015. Darrell was named 2000-2001 NSAI Songwriter of the Year and. 2002 ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year
Victoria Shaw
Born in Manhattan, NY, Victoria Shaw moved with her family to Los Angeles at age five. Victoria wrote her first song at age 11 and at 13 formed her own band. At 18, she moved back to New York, where she managed a studio during the day and played in piano bars at night as she worked to launch her career as a singer-songwriter. After some encouraging success in New York, Victoria began commuting to Nashville in 1983. In 1990 Gary Morris signed her to his publishing company, and by 1993, Victoria earned a CMA Triple Play award for three No. 1 hits: “The River” by Garth Brooks, “Too Busy Being In Love” by Doug Stone and “I Love The Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery which was named the 1993 ACM Song of the Year. In addition to hits such as “She’s Every Woman” by Garth Brooks and “We Don’t Have To Do This” by Tanya Tucker, Victoria’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Jim Brickman (“Fa La La” and “Sending You A Little Christmas”) and Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera (“Nobody Wants To Be Lonely”). Victoria has also earned Daytime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Original Song) for “This Is Our Moment” by Olivia Newton-John (1999 – from As The World Turns) and “When I Think Of You” by Victoria Shaw (2000 – from One Life To Live).
Category 2 – Contemporary Songwriter/Artists
Steven Curtis Chapman
The most awarded artist in Christian music history, Steven Curtis Chapman grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, where he learned to play guitar at a young age by hanging out in his father’s music store. Following a brief college career as a pre-med student, Steven moved to Nashville to pursue music. The 1987 release of his debut album, First Hand, launched a flood of awards for his self-penned hits, including “His Eyes” (the GMA’s 1989 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “His Strength Is Perfect” (the GMA’s 1990 Inspirational Song of the Year), “The Great Adventure” (the GMA’s 1993 Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Go There With You” (the GMA’s 1994 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Heaven In The Real World” (the GMA’s 1995 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Let Us Pray” (the GMA’s 1998 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year) and “Dive” (the GMA’s 2000 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year). Other award-winning songs from Steven’s catalogue include “I Can See The Hand Of God” by The Cathedrals (the GMA’s 1990 Southern Gospel Song Of The Year) and “Voice Of Truth” by Casting Crowns (the GMA’s 2005 Inspirational Song of the Year). One of the most-honored artists in the history of Christian music, Steven is a 10-time winner of the GMA’s Songwriter of the Year award (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2009), as well as NSAI’s 1999 Songwriter/Artist of the Year. A four-time BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year (2001, 2003, 2004, 2010), he is the first Christian music songwriter to receive the BMI Icon Award (2022). In 2023, “Don’t Lose Heart” became his 50th self-penned No. 1 single as an artist.
Martie Maguire
Born in York, PA, Martie Maguire was raised in Addison, TX (near Dallas). She began learning violin at age five, and by her teenage years was placing in national fiddle competitions and playing in a high-school Bluegrass quartet. In 1989 she co-founded The Dixie Chicks, which released three albums in the early 1990s. Several years later, the group revamped its lineup then signed with Monument Records in Nashville. The band took off and so did her songwriting. In 1999 Martie’s “You Were Mine” became the band’s third No. 1 single, followed by “Ready To Run” (a 1999 Grammy nominee for best country song and featured in the film Runaway Bride) and “Cowboy Take Me Away” (later nominated for a Tony Award in 2003 as part of the Urban Cowboy musical). More of Martie’s songs became hits for the band (which changed its name to The Chicks in 2020), including “White Trash Wedding,” “Gaslighter,” “Everybody Knows,” “March March” and “Sleep At Night.” The band’s “I Hope” was a 2005 Grammy nominee for best country song, while their pop hit “Not Ready To Make Nice” earned the 2007 Grammy for Best Song. Martie was a 2000 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year.
Keith Urban
Born in New Zealand, Keith Urban moved with his family to Australia when he was two. Showing an early interest in music, he began playing the ukulele at age four and the guitar by age six. As his musicianship progressed, Keith began entering guitar competitions and acting in local theater. By the mid-1980s he was making inroads into the Australian country music scene. In 1991 he released a self-titled debut album, charting four singles in Australia before moving to Nashville in 1992. After an album in 1997 on Capitol as part of The Ranch, Keith’s U.S. solo debut yielded his first self-penned No. 1, “But For The Grace Of God,” in 2001. As a songwriter, Keith has topped the charts with other hits, including “Somebody Like You,” “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” “Days Go By,” “Long Hot Summer” and “The Fighter” (duet with Carrie Underwood). Keith’s “Tonight I Wanna Cry” was a 2006 CMA song of the year nominee, while “Better Life” was a 2006 CMA single of the year nominee. “For You,” featured in the film Act of Valor, was a 2012 Golden Globe best original song nominee. “Sweet Thing” was named the 2009 SESAC Country Song of the Year.
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings share a musical/songwriting partnership spanning three decades. L.A.-raised Gillian moved to Nashville in 1992. Rhode Island-native David arrived soon after, and the two became a duo (performing as “Gillian Welch”). Since their debut album in 1996, Gillian & David have crafted critically acclaimed songs encompassing a wide variety of genres. Some of the duo’s best-known songs include “Orphan Girl,” “To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High),” “Elvis Presley Blues,” “455 Rocket” (also a Country hit for Kathy Mattea) and “Tear My Stillhouse Down” (also a No. 1 bluegrass hit for The Nashville Bluegrass Band). “I Want To Sing That Rock And Roll” was a 2002 AMA song of the year nominee. “Ruby” was a 2010 AMA song of the year nominee. The Dailey & Vincent version of Gillian & David’s “By The Mark” reached No. 2 Bluegrass and was the 2009 SPBGMA Bluegrass Song of the Year. Gillian & David’s “Cumberland Gap” was a 2018 Grammy nominee for best roots song. Also in 2018, the duo’s “When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings,” recorded by Tim Blake Nelson & Willie Nelson for the film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, was an Oscar nominee for best original song. In 2015 Gillian & David received the AMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriters.
Entertainment Attorney Terri Nolan Passes
/by LB CantrellTerri Nolan
Entertainment attorney Terri Nolan passed away on June 20 after a long battle with cancer. She was 46.
Nolan most recently practiced law in Loeb & Loeb’s Nashville office.
Terri Lynn Nolan (McElrone) was born on Jan. 5, 1977, in Wilmington, Delaware. She was passionate about country music while growing up, often traveling to Nashville. After forming friendships with songwriters in Music City, Nolan eventually quit her job in banking to combine her passion for music with her dream of being a lawyer.
Nolan graduated from Wilmington University in 2007. She and her husband, Kevin, then moved to New Hampshire so that she could study intellectual property law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. With a degree from UNH, Nolan moved to Nashville.
She became an in-house legal counsel for Capitol Christian Music Group. After eight years at CCMG, Nolan joined Loeb & Loeb in 2020.
Nolan was known for her love of ’80s hair bands and country music, particularly that of Garth Brooks, who became a friend through her work. She was also a lover of shoes and bourbon.
Terri Nolan is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Lyons. She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Nolan; her mother Maryellen Lyons (McElrone); her brother, Ray Lyons and his wife, Shyla; her sister Shellie Lyons; her in-laws, Rob and Deb Furness and Richard and Ellen Nolan; her sister-in-law, Kristen Nolan; and her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Nolan took place at Smith Family Funeral Home on June 24.
Mark Your Calendar—July 2023
/by Caela GriffinSingle/Track Release Dates:
July 3
Andy Ross/I Stand For You/Buck Shot Records
Karly C/You Made Your Bed/Quirky Cowgirl
July 7
Matt Jordan/Always a Girl/ONErpm
Drew Baldridge/Honky Tonk Town
July 10
Corey Kent/Something’s Gonna Kill Me/RCA Nashville
Warren Zeiders/Pretty Little Poison/Warner Music Nashville
Dianña/Girl With No Last Name/Billiegee Productions
Andy Pursell/Right Amount Of Wrong/Southern Dreams Entertainment
Adam Warner/The Farmer/Duncan Music Group
July 14
Blanca/New Day (Wake Up Remix) [feat. Jekalyn Carr]/Curb Records
July 17
Kidd G/Daylight Savings/The Valory Music Co.
Jet Jurgensmeyer/Falling Too/Simba Entertainment
Kaitlyn Kohler/You’re Everywhere I Go/Kohler Music Group LLC
July 24
Ryne Brashear/Better With A Buzz/LIR Records
July 27
Corey Davis/Beer and the Bible
July 28
Andy Pursell/Me Myself & The Tide/Southern Dreams Entertainment
Album/EP Release Dates:
July 7
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen/Hold My Beer Vol. 3
Frank Ray/Frank Ray/Stoney Creek Records
July 14
Lukas Nelson + POTR/Sticks and Stones/6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers
Tyler Farr/Rednecks Like Me/BBR Music Group/Night Train Records
Alana Springsteen/Twenty Something: Figuring It Out/Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville
Colter Wall/Little Songs/La Honda Records/RCA Records
July 21
Lori McKenna/1988/CN Records/Thirty Tigers
Ashley Cooke/Shot in the Dark/Big Loud Records
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway/City of Gold/Nonesuch Records
July 28
Lewis Brice/Product Of
Dennis Quaid/Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners/Gaither Music Group
Industry Events:
July 10
Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner
Singer-Songwriter Nanci Griffith’s Legacy Celebrated With Two New Releases
/by Lorie HollabaughNanci Griffith
The legacy and 70th birthday of the late Texas singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith will be honored through two new special collections arriving in September.
The first collection, titled Working in Corners, reissues Griffith’s earliest—and long out-of-print—albums, including her 1978 debut, There’s a Light Beyond These Woods, 1982’s Poet in My Window, 1984’s Once in a Very Blue Moon and 1986’s Grammy-nominated The Last of the True Believers (featuring “Love at the Five and Dime” and “Goin’ Gone”).
Set for release on Sept. 8 via Craft Recordings, the collection also features rare photos and ephemera and liner notes by Holly Gleason and producer Jim Rooney, who worked closely with Griffith during the period. Rooney, who co-produced the box set, also weaves in memories from a myriad of Griffith’s friends, peers, and collaborators. Working in Corners will be available as four-CD and four-LP vinyl box sets, while There’s a Light Beyond These Woods, Poet in My Window and Once in a Very Blue Moon will make their long-awaited return to digital platforms.
Griffith’s music will also be celebrated through an all-star tribute, More Than a Whisper: Celebrating The Music of Nanci Griffith. Arriving Sept. 22 via Rounder Records on vinyl, CD and digitally, the album features Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Kathy Mattea, Shawn Colvin, John Prine, Kelsey Waldon, Sarah Jarosz, Steve Earle and Mary Gauthier interpreting Griffith’s most-beloved songs.
Recorded over several years, More Than a Whisper also includes stirring contributions from Brandy Clark, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Iris DeMent, Todd Snider and Aaron Lee Tasjan, while Ida Mae and The War and Treaty both appear exclusively on the expanded CD, digital and HD versions of the album. All proceeds from More Than a Whisper will benefit Nashville’s Cumberland Heights, a non-profit treatment facility offering hope and healing to those affected by drug and alcohol addiction.
Brandi Carlile’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Weekend’ Returns January 2024
/by Caela GriffinBrandi Carlile‘s “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” concert vacation is set to return next year on Jan. 18-21, 2024.
The fifth anniversary four-night event includes a new host resort, Barceló Resort in Mexico, to accommodate all attendees on one property. The closed “Brandi Land” campus there will provide additional opportunities for immersion as well as a bespoke concert venue, direct beach access, additional activations on-site and premium guest services.
The destination event curated by nine-time Grammy Award-winning Carlile featured all female-fronted acts in its inaugural year to promote a weekend of harmony and give female performers a stage festival experience not often granted to them. The artist line-up for this year as well as the full itinerary of performance times, activities, and local excursions will be announced soon.
Previous “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” performers include Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, Maren Morris, Sara Bareilles, Wynonna, Natalie Hemby, Brandy Clark and Brittney Spencer.
All event packages include luxury resort accommodations, concert access, round-trip airport transportation, bottomless top-shelf drinks, all inclusive culinary offerings, daily pool parties featuring acts hand-picked by Carlile, artist-curated activities, off-site adventures and more.
For more information about “Girls Just Wanna Weekend,” including booking and payment details, visit girlsjustwannaweekend.com.
Chris Stapleton’s ‘Star Spangled Banner’ Super Bowl Performance Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton’s tear-wiping rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner (Live from Super Bowl LVII)” is out now via EQ, just in time for 4th of July celebrations around the country.
The rousing performance was recorded earlier this year at Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Arizona and received praise from numerous media outlets and fans.
Stapleton is gearing up to hit the road again beginning this Thursday (July 6,) in Bethel, New York, with shows in Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Tampa, Memphis, Dallas, and more, along with two stadium dates with George Strait at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium July 28-29.
ACM Lifting Lives Summer Camps Celebrate Healing Power Of Music
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina with ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp participants on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry
ACM Lifting Lives hosted its 14th annual Music Camp with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center June 14-20 as well as the SENSE Theatre ACM Lifting Lives 2023 Summer Camp with SENSE Theatre, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Vanderbilt University Department of Theatre on June 12-24.
Both programs are designed to bring together individuals in Nashville for exclusive experiences, personal interactions with artists and unforgettable live performances, in addition to research opportunities in partnership with Vanderbilt University and other institutions.
Thirty campers from all around the U.S. and one camper from Australia participated in a full-slate of personalized activities, starting with the writing of an original song with some of Nashville’s top songwriters, and culminating with a live performance of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage in front of a packed audience. Stars who joined the campers throughout the week include Lauren Alaina, Ross Copperman, Charles Esten, J.T. Harding, Tiera Kennedy, Madeline Merlo, Frank Ray, Restless Road, Taryn Papa and Tigirlily Gold.
This year, campers started the week by co-writing a song called “Wrap Me Up” with Copperman, Harding, and Restless Road. Campers recorded “Wrap Me Up” with the help of Papa, Copperman and Harding at Ocean Way Nashville before performing the song on the Opry with Opry member Alaina – and earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
During the SENSE Theatre ACM Lifting Lives 2023 Summer Camp, Copperman, Girl Named Tom and Caleb Lee Hutchinson joined the campers during their rehearsals to learn a song and dance and offer encouragement as they prepared for their stage performances on Friday, June 23-24. The program provides a safe place to learn, explore and practice important life skills for individuals with and without autism.
“Hosting these camps is truly the highlight of the year for those involved, both for the campers and those volunteering and doing the research,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director and Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Sr. Manager and Music Camp lead. “ACM Lifting Lives has placed an important emphasis on mental health awareness and research, and these camps allow our partners at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to conduct important research on Williams syndrome and autism, all while providing campers with an experience they can’t find anywhere else. The artists and songwriters in Nashville who donate their time to these amazing summer camps are who make this research and fulfilling experience for campers possible, and we thank them for their positive energy and excitement.”
MaRynn Taylor Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughMaRynn Taylor makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Black River artist MaRynn Taylor made her Grand Ole Opry debut last weekend surrounded by family, friends and Opry member Jeannie Seely, who broke the news to Taylor that she would be making her Grand Ole Opry debut and welcomed her to the stage for the big moment.
Pictured (L-R): Opry Member Jeannie Seely, MaRynn Taylor, Opry VP/Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
“Hi, y’all! I’m MaRynn. I am so overwhelmed and thrilled to be here,” she said to the crowd as she took the stage. “This has been such a dream of mine ever since I was little. I just love country music, as much as you probably do, and I’m so thankful that I get to be here.”
Taylor performed her songs “01” and “Make You Mine” for the crowd, and following the emotional Opry debut, was celebrated by her management team, Jonas Group Entertainment, in Studio A for an intimate reception.
She also recently released a new lyric video for “01,” featuring animated images that Taylor drew herself. Penned by Taylor, McCall Chapin and Alex Angelo and produced by Josh Kerr, “01” is both a heartfelt apology to her younger self and a reminder to tap into the fearlessness, knowingness, freedom and open heart of her youth.
Industry Ink: Kameron Marlowe, NSAI, Mike Richards, PLA Media, More
/by Caela GriffinKameron Marlowe Releases New ‘I Can Lie (The Truth Is)’ With Erin Kirby
Karmeron Marlowe‘s “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)” took off on TikTok last November, garnering fan responses and a duet video from aspiring singer-songwriter Erin Kirby. Though Marlowe released a solo version of the track earlier this month, he recently surprised Kirby by bringing in her to the studio to record harmonies for the new release.
“A while back I teased this song on TikTok and the next day I got an insane amount of notifications about this girl named Erin Kirby. I listened to her video and immediately said we had to throw her on ‘I Can Lie,’” says Marlowe. “This song wouldn’t be true without her, and she was definitely the missing link to making the story of this song come to life. I’m excited for my first duet to be something the fans made happen and I can’t wait to see how Erin’s career takes off from here. She’s the real deal and I’m very proud of this song.”
Kirby adds, “This has been such a thrill getting to be a part of this song! From the response to me covering the song, to then getting surprised by Kameron to sing with him on it, I’m just so excited to be a part of this and can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”
Additionally, Marlowe invited Kirby to join him for their first joint live performance Tuesday (June 27) at the Grand Ole Opry.
NSAI Hosts Bluebird Cafe Concert for House Judiciary Subcommittee Members
Pictured (L-R): Tim Nichols, Jamie Floyd, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony at Bluebird Cafe in Nahsville. Photo courtesy of NSAI.
NSAI hosted members of The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet for lunch and a special performance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe this week. The members spent two days in Nashville, and attended a rare field hearing, “Five Years Later – The Music Modernization Act” to examine the law’s impact since its signing.
Performers at NSAI’s event included Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, Jamie Floyd, Lee Miller and Tim Nichols.
Mike Richards Signs With Billy Blue Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Ed Leonard, President of Daywind Music Group; Mike Richards; Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing; Rick Shelton, Vice President, Daywind Publishing
Billy Blue Publishing has signed multi-award-winning songwriter Mike Richards. With an impressive track record and extensive contributions to the bluegrass genre, Richards brings his exceptional talent to further elevate Billy Blue Publishing’s roster of songwriters.
As a founding member of The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri, Richards has garnered widespread recognition for his songwriting prowess. Richards brings an impressive list of accomplishments to Billy Blue that includes the 1999 GMA Dove Award Song of the Year “He Still Looks Over Me,” contributions to various projects by the legendary Lewis Family and Lee Greenwood. On the gospel side, Richards has had songs recorded by The Freemans, Amber Nelon Thompson, Morgan Easter, the Singing Cookes, Cumberland Quartet, Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, Mark Trammell Trio and others.
Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing, says, “We are thrilled to have Mike join our Billy Blue Music Publishing family. His exceptional writing skills and profound knowledge of the bluegrass genre will undoubtedly prove to be a huge asset for us and the entire bluegrass community. I eagerly anticipate the impact of his songs on this genre for years to come.”
“I am so very excited to become a part of this elite family of songwriters and staff at Billy Blue Publishing,” comments Richards. “I hope to contribute to their success for a very long time. Thank you to the Billy Blue team for believing in me!”
PLA Media Welcomes Jess Kellie Adams
Pictured (L-R): Mark Logsdon (PLA Media), Ava Hundley (PLA Media), Pam Lewis (PLA Media), Jess Kellie Adams, Becky Parsons (PLA Media) and Dean Sams (Lonestar)
PLA Media has welcomed breakout country singer-songwriter Jess Kellie Adams to its roster.
“When speaking with aspiring musicians, I always say ‘you have to want this for yourself more than I want it for you.’ Talent is just a small portion of what it takes, you have to put in the hard work. Jess has all the components, from looks to personality, talent and verve. I see her dedication and I am betting on her success,” says PLA President, Pam Lewis.
Beyoncé’s Former Musical Director, Bass Player Visits W.O. Smith Music School
Pictured (L-R): W.O. Smith Music Education Director Jordan Morrison, Divinity Roxx, Instrumental Horizons President Luke Putney, and Instrumental Horizons’ Jones Kolbinsky. Photo: Fred Pierson
Grammy-nominated bassist and Beyoncé‘s former Musical Director Divinity Roxx recently spoke and performed for students at W.O. Smith’s Camp Backbeat, a week-long summer camp in Nashville.
The visit was made possible by Instrumental Horizons, a nonprofit that shares the joy of music by donating musical instruments and volunteering services to economically and medically challenged communities around the world. Instrumental Horizons also presented W.O. Smith with a $10,000 donation.
MTSU Alum Medium Build Signed With Island Records
Middle Tennessee State University alum Nick Carpenter—also known as Medium Build—has signed with Island Records. To celebrate, he shared a photo of him singing the contract while holding an MTSU shirt.
Grammy-nominated Odie Blackmon, one of Carpenter’s professor at MTSU and the Commercial Songwriting Coordinator, shares in a social media post, “Nick has turned into everything I hoped for but also something that I couldn’t have envisioned. I can’t express how much I love his music and songwriting. I feel blessed to have played a very small part in his journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
Medium Build was most recently featured on the X Ambassadors‘ single “Friend For Life.”
Mike Molinar Promoted To President At Big Machine Music
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Vice President Grayson Stephens, President Mike Molinar and Senior Vice President of Publishing Alex Heddle. Photo: Alex Ferrari
Independent music publisher Big Machine Music (BMM) has announced a series of promotions, including the elevation of Mike Molinar to President. Effective immediately, Molinar will continue reporting to Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) CEO and Chairman Scott Borchetta.
BMM has also promoted Alex Heddle to Senior Vice President of Publishing and Grayson Stephens to Vice President overseeing royalties and finance. Both will continue to report to Molinar.
“I’m so proud to announce that Mike Molinar has been appointed President of Big Machine Music. His leadership, vision, artist relations and song sense are unmatched,” says Borchetta. “We are also acknowledging the outstanding work and accomplishments of BMM’s Alex Heddle and Grayson Stephens as they continue to power the Machine to new heights.”
Molinar has led BMM since inception in 2011. Under his direction, the company has grown a diverse roster and dynamic catalog, as well as added a West Coast division based in Los Angeles. Named a Billboard Country Power Player four years running, Molinar was selected for the Nashville Cohort of the Harvard Young American Leaders Program in 2021. The Leadership Music Class of 2015 graduate was a 2020 inductee into MSTU’s College of Media and Entertainment Wall of Fame after previously being named a member of the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2012-2013. Molinar currently serves as a board member on the National Music Publishers Association, Mechanical Licensing Collective designated by the U.S. Copyright Office, Music Health Alliance, Academy of Country Music and Country Music Hall of Fame Education Council.
“I’m honored by Scott Borchetta’s continued faith and partnership. Big Machine Music is my home; our incredible team and world-class songwriters are my family. I’m proud to continue our journey together,” shares Molinar. “In that spirit, I can’t understate how important Alex Heddle and Grayson Stephens have been through these past several years of transition and growth. I’m so happy to see their efforts recognized with such well-deserved promotions.”
Heddle has been at BMM for just over a decade and has been vital to the company’s creative success in both Nashville and Los Angeles. A graduate of Leadership Music’s class of 2022, Heddle currently serves on the Association of Independent Music Publishers Nashville board and as a Music Row Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The Belmont University alum’s prior stops include Love Monkey Music, Writer’s Den Music, Propel Music Publishing and Ash Street Music.
A graduate of Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, Stephens brings nearly 14 years of publishing administration experience, previously holding positions at Sony/ATV prior to joining BMM in 2017. Stephens will continue to oversee royalties and finance as well as acquisition analysis for the company. A Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, he previously served as a member of the Junior Board and Volunteer Recruitment Committee for BBBS of Middle TN.
Nominees Announced For 2023 Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala
/by LB Cantrell13 songwriters have been announced as nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF). The new group will be among those honored at the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Music City Center.
“We congratulate this year’s nominees in our contemporary categories. Their nominations are richly deserved,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. “We look forward in several weeks to announcing those who will be inducted this fall as members of our Class of 2023.”
The 2023 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriters category are Casey Beathard, Shawn Camp, Jim Collins, Don Henry, David Lee Murphy, Leslie Satcher, Darrell Scott and Victoria Shaw. The 2023 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category are Steven Curtis Chapman, Martie Maguire, Keith Urban and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, who are nominated as a team.
All nominees experienced their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. A total of two songwriters and one artist-songwriter will be elected from the contemporary categories by members of the Hall of Fame along with other professional songwriters and artists from a variety of genres who are prominently associated with Nashville and who have written/co-written at least one original and significant Nashville song.
In addition, three more will be named to the Class of 2023. A separate body of veteran voters will elect a Veteran Songwriter, a Veteran Songwriter/Artist and a Legacy Songwriter (deceased), all of whom experienced their first significant songs at least 30 years ago. As part of that process, nominees in those categories are not announced.
For biographical information on the 2023 nominees, see below:
Category 1 – Contemporary Songwriters
Casey Beathard
Born in California, Casey Beathard grew up in Vienna, VA (near Arlington). In 1990 he graduated from Elon College in North Carolina with a degree in business management. The following year he moved to Nashville, where he worked jobs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluebird Café. By 1998 Casey had his first writing deal and the title track of Kenny Chesney’s I Will Stand album. By 2001 Casey had his first Top 10 song, and in 2002 his “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” by Tracy Byrd had reached No. 1. From there the floodgates opened for more chart-toppers: “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracy Lawrence and “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” by Rodney Atkins, as well as “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “Don’t Blink” and “The Boys Of Fall” – all by Kenny Chesney. Casey’s hits with frequent collaborator Eric Church have yielded hits such as “Like Jesus Does,” “Like A Wrecking Ball” and “Hell Of A View.” Casey’s co-written “There Was Jesus” by Zach Williams & Dolly Parton was a Christian AC hit and earned the 2021 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Casey was BMI’s 2004 and 2008 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year and the 2008 NSAI Songwriter of the Year.
Shawn Camp
Shawn Camp grew up on a farm outside of Perryville, AR. Shawn picked up a guitar at age five and by age 20 had moved to Nashville, where he found work in the late ’80s as a fiddle player in backing bands for The Osborne Brothers, Jerry Reed, Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood. After charting a pair of self-penned singles in 1993 as a Warner Bros. recording artist, Shawn turned his attention to writing songs for other artists — earning his first No. 1 hits in 1998 with “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks and “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn. In 2006, he had Top 5 singles with “Nobody But Me” by Blake Shelton and “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner. Shawn also co-wrote Turner’s “Firecracker,” as well as “River Of Love” by George Strait and “Love Done Gone” by Billy Currington. Shawn’s songs have also been hits for bluegrass artists such as Ricky Skaggs, The Lonesome River Band and Don Rigsby. Shawn’s “We Know Where He Is” by The Del McCoury Band was a 2007 GMA bluegrass song nominee and his “My Quiet Mind” by The Gibson Brothers was a 2018 SPBGMA bluegrass song nominee. In the Americana field, Shawn’s “My Love Will Not Change” by Aubrie Sellers w/ Steve Earle was an AMA song nominee in 2020.
Jim Collins
Jim Collins grew up on a dairy farm in Nacogdoches, TX. Gifted his first guitar at age 10, he played his first professional gig at 12, later moving on to various rock bands throughout high school. In the 1980s Jim began playing country music and writing original songs. He played the Texas music scene until 1995, when he moved to Nashville. Within a few months he had a publishing deal and was an in-demand demo singer. His first cut came in 1997 and his first Top 10 two years later. By 2000 Jim had his first No. 1 song with “Yes!” by Chad Brock. Jim’s particular success with Kenny Chesney has yielded hits such as “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven,” as well as “The Good Stuff,” which was named the 2002 ACM Single of the Year and the 2003 ASCAP Country Song of the Year. Other hits written by Jim include “Then They Do” by Trace Adkins, “It Just Comes Natural” by George Strait, “Big Green Tractor” by Jason Aldean, “I Don’t Feel Like Loving You Today” by Gretchen Wilson (a 2006 Grammy nominee for best country song), “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square (a 2011 Grammy nominee for best country song) and “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery. Jim is a 2020 inductee into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
Don Henry
California native Don Henry began writing songs at age 13. By the late 1970s, he was ready to give Nashville a try. His early successes came from cuts by T.G. Sheppard and John Conlee, who singled “Blue Highway.” Conlee also recorded “Class Reunion,” as did The Oak Ridge Boys, Gene Watson and Ray Charles. Kathy Mattea has recorded a several of Don’s songs, including “Beautiful Fool,” “Whole Lotta Holes,” and the heart-wrenching “Where’ve You Been.” Also recorded by Patti Page and Dailey & Vincent, that song earned the 1990 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 1989 ACM Song of the Year, the 1990 CMA Song of the Year and the 1990 NSAI Song of the Year. In 1993 Don released a critically acclaimed album on Sony Records titled Wild in the Backyard. Many of those songs, such as “Harley” and “Mr. God” have become staples in his solo acoustic performance repertoire. Among other hits from Don’s catalogue are “Heart Vs. Heart” by Pake McEntire, “Has Anybody Seen Amy?” by John & Audrey Wiggins and “All Kinds Of Kinds” by Miranda Lambert. Don also records and performs in the duo The Don Juans.
David Lee Murphy
David Lee Murphy developed his musical style as a teenager in Southern Illinois. Moving to Nashville in 1983, David Lee spent years honing his craft as a songwriter. During that time he formed a band, The Blue Tick Hounds, and played honky tonks across middle Tennessee and clubs throughout the south until he was signed to MCA Records a decade later. David Lee’s 1994 Platinum-selling debut album (the first of five solo efforts) yielded the hit singles “Party Crowd” (Radio & Records’ most played song on country radio in 1995) and the No. 1 single “Dust On The Bottle.” Beyond his own hits, David Lee began writing songs for other artists in the early 2000s. Among his five No. 1 hits recorded by Kenny Chesney are “Living In Fast Forward,” “Here And Now” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” (a duet with David Lee that earned the 2018 CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year). Some of David Lee’s other No. 1 songs include “Big Green Tractor” by Jason Aldean, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square (a 2011 Grammy nominee for best country song) “Anywhere With You” by Jake Owen, “The Only Way I Know” by Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan & Eric Church and “Why We Drink” by Justin Moore.
Leslie Satcher
Leslie Satcher grew up singing in churches and schools in her hometown of Paris, TX, before moving to Nashville to become an artist. During her first few years in town, she was befriend by Naomi Judd and Max D. Barnes, who helped her secure her first publishing deal at Island Bound Music. By the mid-1990s Leslie was receiving major-label cuts, then her first hit single in 1998 with “I Said A Prayer” by Pam Tillis. By the end of the decade, Leslie’s “There’s Only One” by Susie Luchsinger had become a 2000 GMA bluegrass song nominee. Also in 2000, Leslie signed as an artist with Warner Bros. Records, where she recorded a critically acclaimed debut album, Love Letters. As a songwriter, Leslie’s country hits include “When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues” by Martina McBride, “Cadillac Tears” by Kevin Denney, “Troubadour” by George Strait, “Tough” by Kellie Pickler and “Politically Uncorrect” by Gretchen Wilson w/ Merle Haggard. Leslie’s Bluegrass hits include “Too Good To Be True” by Alecia Nugent, “Where The Trees Know My Name” by Larry Cordle and “From Your Knees” by The Farm Hands, an SPBGMA Bluegrass song nominee in 2015.
Darrell Scott
Darrell Scott was born in the rural farming town of London, KY, then moved with his family to East Gary, IN. Darrell’s father encouraged each member of the family to play an instrument in the family band. By age 16, Darrell was playing bar gigs around southern California. After stints in Canada and Boston, Darrell moved to Nashville, where he joined Guy Clark’s band and began to play on sessions. Soon after, his songs began finding homes across a variety of genres. In the country world, he hit with “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive” by Travis Tritt, “Born To Fly” by Sara Evans (a 2001 CMA song nominee) and “Long Time Gone” by The Chicks (a 2002 Grammy nominee for best country song and a 2003 IBMA song nominee). Darrell’s Bluegrass hits include “Banjo Clark” by Sam Bush, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Patty Loveless, “Cumberland Plateau” by Darin & Brooke Aldridge and “Bleeding For A Little Peace Of Mind” by Blue Highway (a 2011 SPBGMA song nominee). Darrell’s Americana recording of “Hank Williams’ Ghost” was the 2007 AMA Song of the Year, while “Heavy Is The Head” by Zac Brown Band w/ Chris Cornell was a No. 1 Rock song in 2015. Darrell was named 2000-2001 NSAI Songwriter of the Year and. 2002 ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year
Victoria Shaw
Born in Manhattan, NY, Victoria Shaw moved with her family to Los Angeles at age five. Victoria wrote her first song at age 11 and at 13 formed her own band. At 18, she moved back to New York, where she managed a studio during the day and played in piano bars at night as she worked to launch her career as a singer-songwriter. After some encouraging success in New York, Victoria began commuting to Nashville in 1983. In 1990 Gary Morris signed her to his publishing company, and by 1993, Victoria earned a CMA Triple Play award for three No. 1 hits: “The River” by Garth Brooks, “Too Busy Being In Love” by Doug Stone and “I Love The Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery which was named the 1993 ACM Song of the Year. In addition to hits such as “She’s Every Woman” by Garth Brooks and “We Don’t Have To Do This” by Tanya Tucker, Victoria’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Jim Brickman (“Fa La La” and “Sending You A Little Christmas”) and Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera (“Nobody Wants To Be Lonely”). Victoria has also earned Daytime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Original Song) for “This Is Our Moment” by Olivia Newton-John (1999 – from As The World Turns) and “When I Think Of You” by Victoria Shaw (2000 – from One Life To Live).
Category 2 – Contemporary Songwriter/Artists
Steven Curtis Chapman
The most awarded artist in Christian music history, Steven Curtis Chapman grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, where he learned to play guitar at a young age by hanging out in his father’s music store. Following a brief college career as a pre-med student, Steven moved to Nashville to pursue music. The 1987 release of his debut album, First Hand, launched a flood of awards for his self-penned hits, including “His Eyes” (the GMA’s 1989 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “His Strength Is Perfect” (the GMA’s 1990 Inspirational Song of the Year), “The Great Adventure” (the GMA’s 1993 Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Go There With You” (the GMA’s 1994 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Heaven In The Real World” (the GMA’s 1995 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Let Us Pray” (the GMA’s 1998 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year) and “Dive” (the GMA’s 2000 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year). Other award-winning songs from Steven’s catalogue include “I Can See The Hand Of God” by The Cathedrals (the GMA’s 1990 Southern Gospel Song Of The Year) and “Voice Of Truth” by Casting Crowns (the GMA’s 2005 Inspirational Song of the Year). One of the most-honored artists in the history of Christian music, Steven is a 10-time winner of the GMA’s Songwriter of the Year award (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2009), as well as NSAI’s 1999 Songwriter/Artist of the Year. A four-time BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year (2001, 2003, 2004, 2010), he is the first Christian music songwriter to receive the BMI Icon Award (2022). In 2023, “Don’t Lose Heart” became his 50th self-penned No. 1 single as an artist.
Martie Maguire
Born in York, PA, Martie Maguire was raised in Addison, TX (near Dallas). She began learning violin at age five, and by her teenage years was placing in national fiddle competitions and playing in a high-school Bluegrass quartet. In 1989 she co-founded The Dixie Chicks, which released three albums in the early 1990s. Several years later, the group revamped its lineup then signed with Monument Records in Nashville. The band took off and so did her songwriting. In 1999 Martie’s “You Were Mine” became the band’s third No. 1 single, followed by “Ready To Run” (a 1999 Grammy nominee for best country song and featured in the film Runaway Bride) and “Cowboy Take Me Away” (later nominated for a Tony Award in 2003 as part of the Urban Cowboy musical). More of Martie’s songs became hits for the band (which changed its name to The Chicks in 2020), including “White Trash Wedding,” “Gaslighter,” “Everybody Knows,” “March March” and “Sleep At Night.” The band’s “I Hope” was a 2005 Grammy nominee for best country song, while their pop hit “Not Ready To Make Nice” earned the 2007 Grammy for Best Song. Martie was a 2000 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year.
Keith Urban
Born in New Zealand, Keith Urban moved with his family to Australia when he was two. Showing an early interest in music, he began playing the ukulele at age four and the guitar by age six. As his musicianship progressed, Keith began entering guitar competitions and acting in local theater. By the mid-1980s he was making inroads into the Australian country music scene. In 1991 he released a self-titled debut album, charting four singles in Australia before moving to Nashville in 1992. After an album in 1997 on Capitol as part of The Ranch, Keith’s U.S. solo debut yielded his first self-penned No. 1, “But For The Grace Of God,” in 2001. As a songwriter, Keith has topped the charts with other hits, including “Somebody Like You,” “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” “Days Go By,” “Long Hot Summer” and “The Fighter” (duet with Carrie Underwood). Keith’s “Tonight I Wanna Cry” was a 2006 CMA song of the year nominee, while “Better Life” was a 2006 CMA single of the year nominee. “For You,” featured in the film Act of Valor, was a 2012 Golden Globe best original song nominee. “Sweet Thing” was named the 2009 SESAC Country Song of the Year.
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings share a musical/songwriting partnership spanning three decades. L.A.-raised Gillian moved to Nashville in 1992. Rhode Island-native David arrived soon after, and the two became a duo (performing as “Gillian Welch”). Since their debut album in 1996, Gillian & David have crafted critically acclaimed songs encompassing a wide variety of genres. Some of the duo’s best-known songs include “Orphan Girl,” “To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High),” “Elvis Presley Blues,” “455 Rocket” (also a Country hit for Kathy Mattea) and “Tear My Stillhouse Down” (also a No. 1 bluegrass hit for The Nashville Bluegrass Band). “I Want To Sing That Rock And Roll” was a 2002 AMA song of the year nominee. “Ruby” was a 2010 AMA song of the year nominee. The Dailey & Vincent version of Gillian & David’s “By The Mark” reached No. 2 Bluegrass and was the 2009 SPBGMA Bluegrass Song of the Year. Gillian & David’s “Cumberland Gap” was a 2018 Grammy nominee for best roots song. Also in 2018, the duo’s “When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings,” recorded by Tim Blake Nelson & Willie Nelson for the film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, was an Oscar nominee for best original song. In 2015 Gillian & David received the AMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriters.