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.
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.
Ian Munsick Shares Stripped-Down Tracks From ‘White Buffalo’ On New EP
/by Lorie HollabaughIan Munsick has stripped down five tracks from his album White Buffalo for his new EP Me And A Fiddle.
He and violinist Tim Hayes take viewers to the majestic landscape of Sun Valley, Idaho on a set of live performance videos that accompany each track on the new collection.
“Country music is at its finest when you strip it down. All the best songs translate the same (if not better) when all the noise is muted and it’s just a voice and one instrument. Well… maybe two instruments, cuz you know I gotta have a fiddle,” shares Munsick. “I believe these five stripped versions from White Buffalo will take you right into my childhood living room in Wyoming where I fell in love with songwriting in the first place. Back where it all began. Just me and a fiddle.”
Fans can see Munsick, the fiddle and the rest of his band at fairs and festivals throughout the summer. He’ll join Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour” on Aug. 11 (Ohio Stadium) and Aug. 30 (PNC Park) before heading out this fall on his own headlining “The Buffalo Roams Tour.” Announced last week, the run will feature a rotating lineup of special guests including Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Randall King, Triston Marez, Catie Offerman, Tanner Usrey, Jake Worthington and Chancey Williams.
Me And A Fiddle Track Listing:
1. “River Run (Me and a Fiddle)” – Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Beaver
2. “More Than Me (Me and a Fiddle)” – Ian Munsick, Carlton Anderson, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell
3. “Long Live Cowgirls (Me and a Fiddle)” – Ian Munsick, Aby Gutierrez, Phil O’Donnell
4. “Ranch Hand (Me and a Fiddle)” – Ian Munsick, Jeff Hyde, Jeremy Spillman
5. “White Buffalo (Me and a Fiddle)” – Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Randy Montana
Whiskey Myers Launches Uncle Chicken’s Sippin’ Whiskey
/by Lorie HollabaughWhiskey Myers. Photo: Margaret Pattillo
Whiskey Myers has gotten into the spirits game, debuting new brand, Uncle Chicken’s Sippin’ Whiskey. The new straight bourbon whiskey is infused with the untamed spirit of a legendary figure within the Whiskey Myers universe.
The venture speaks to the band’s musical philosophy of refusing to be confined by genre. Whiskey Myers guitarist John Jeffers explains, “Uncle Chicken’s stays true to that notion. We didn’t want to create just another mundane bourbon—Uncle Chicken’s embodies that renegade spirit.”
To create the new offering, Whiskey Myers partnered with Bespoken, the craft whiskey maker with over 150 medals in just the past three years. Bespoken embarked on an ambitious endeavor to test over 5,000 unique whiskey variations, and this relentless pursuit of perfection led them to what they believe is a whiskey masterpiece in Uncle Chicken’s Sippin’ Whiskey. The bourbon combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques, resulting in a whiskey that harmonizes complexity and smoothness in every sip.
“Uncle Chicken’s Sippin’ Whiskey encapsulates the untamed essence of Whiskey Myers and their relentless pursuit of breaking boundaries,” says Peter Iglesias, CEO of Bespoken. “This release expands the possibilities of what a whiskey can be, inviting enthusiasts on an exhilarating journey with every sip.”
Uncle Chicken’s is available online at unclechickenswhiskey.
Little Big Town To Host Inaugural ‘People’s Choice Country Awards’
/by Caela GriffinLittle Big Town. Photo: Blair Getz Mezibov
Superstar country music group Little Big Town will host the first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The two-hour ceremony will air live on Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT across NBC and Peacock.
Inducted as Opry members in 2014, Little Big Town will also perform a medley of their greatest hits at the iconic venue.
“We are honored to host the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, especially on one of our most beloved stages in the entire world,” says Little Big Town. “We look forward to welcoming so many of our talented peers to take the Opry stage for this magical night of music.”
“Little Big Town is a force in country music and a beloved staple on Music Row,” says Cassandra Tryon, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “As Opry members, they’ve delighted fans for years on the world-famous stage and we’re honored to have them host, perform and bring this inaugural ceremony to life for our NBC and Peacock audiences.”
Touted as “the only award show for the people and by the people,” the People’s Choice Country Awards will recognize the biggest and best country music has to offer chosen entirely by the fans across various categories. Several honorary awards will also be bestowed during the awards ceremony.
The two-hour telecast will lean into the rich connection between country music and the Opry through chart-topping musical performances, genre-bending collaborations, legendary tributes and surprise moments that regularly happen from the iconic venue.
The telecast is produced by Den of Thieves with Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski serving as executive producers, along with RAC Clark as executive producer and showrunner. The show will extend to social platforms with Backstage Live, bringing fans at home behind the scenes as well as interactively connecting country’s most popular stars with their biggest fans.
This project is an example of collaboration resulting from NBCUniversal’s equity investment in Opry Entertainment Group alongside Atairos, which was finalized last year.
Jelly Roll Earns First MusicRow No. 1
/by LB CantrellJelly Roll. Photo: Ashley Osborn
Jelly Roll‘s “Need A Favor” jumps three positions to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. This marks the multi-genre artist’s first MusicRow No. 1
Jelly Roll co-wrote “Need A Favor” with Joe Ragosta, Austin Nivarel and Rob Ragosta. It appears on his debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and top three on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart with 90,000 album equivalents. Jelly Roll’s album is the highest charting first week release from a debut country artist in the history of BBR Music Group.
The singer-songwriter also recently released the documentary Jelly Roll: Save Me, which shares his story and early struggles with addiction and incarceration.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Darryl Worley Releases Reimagined Version Of ‘Have You Forgotten?’ For 20th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, The Valory Music Co.’s Ashley Sidoti, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, The Valory Music Co.’s Chris Palmer; (L-R, front row): The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Darryl Worley. Photo: Nick Rau
Darryl Worley has given his stirring song “Have You Forgotten?” a fresh modern-day perspective on its original themes in a new reimagined version titled “Have We Forgotten,” available now via The Valory Music Co.
It’s been two decades since “Have You Forgotten?” was released. The original was penned alongside Wynn Varble and created as a post-9/11 anthem ensuring people would never forget those lost. Its message quickly resonated with millions, topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in only its fifth week and reigning for seven weeks.
“One of the first times we played ‘Have You Forgotten?’ live back then was on the Grand Ole Opry. The incredible response we received from that performance is how it all started,” recalled Worley. “We recently decided to sit down and write a new lyric for the song that’s appropriate for this day and time with what’s happening in our country today. For the new version ‘Have We Forgotten,’ we wanted to be certain we said what we were truly feeling in our hearts and didn’t compromise what we believe in, which is exactly how it went down with the original. I’m very proud of the message of the song.”
Featuring all-new lyrics from Worley and Varble, alongside co-writer Noah Gordon, the trio now wonders during the chorus, Have we forgotten / Who we really are / All the storms we’ve had to weather / And how we ever got this far / Have we forgotten / How it used to be / When we could still sit down together and agree to disagree. Worley recently debuted “Have We Forgotten” on the same stage he did the original version 20 years ago—in the circle at the Grand Ole Opry.
The new release finds Worley reuniting with label execs Scott Borchetta, Allison Jones, George Briner and Jimmy Harnen, who were pivotal players at DreamWorks when the original version launched in 2003 and are now all at Big Machine Label Group.
“It is so great to be reunited with Darryl twenty years on from the impact of ‘Have You Forgotten?’ and remind everyone about its moment in history,” says Borchetta, Chairman & CEO of BMLG. “Now, he’s reimagined this classic with a timely and relevant read posing a question that all Americans are asking themselves – ‘how did we get here?’”
Borchetta continues, “America experienced this extraordinary moment with 9/11 that brought us all together and now, here we are twenty years later, and our political parties can’t agree on what day it is. Hopefully, this will be a positive step forward in reminding us all that, as Americans, we’re at our best when we’re taking care of each other.”
Russell Dickerson Releases Summer EP, Celebrates With Party At Pearl Diver
/by LB CantrellRussell Dickerson celebrates the release of new summer EP with Triple Tigers team
Russell Dickerson is making the most of the heat by releasing a new summer-focused EP, Three Months Two Streets Down. The five-song project contains a collection of summer songs that Dickerson didn’t want to wait to put out on his next album cycle.
“I’ve had these songs for awhile and wanted to do something cool with them—releasing a summer EP just seemed like the perfect fit,” he says. “I like how there’s a track on there for everyone—whether it’s one that makes you nostalgic or more of a feel-good song to blast in your car. So glad I can officially share these tracks with the RD Fam!”
The Triple Tigers team celebrated the fun release with a summer kick-off party at East Nashville’s Pearl Diver earlier this week. While industry members walked around with fruity, summery drinks named after the EP’s tracks, Dickerson mingled and eventually played a few songs from the project.
Dickerson co-wrote the EP’s central song “Ride The Wave” with John-Luke Carter and Shay Mooney. He says that the track set the tone for EP, as it captures the feeling of summer love.
Another track, “Down on the Beach,” which is the only song Dickerson didn’t have a hand in writing, features a really great line. Dickerson grinned when he sang, “sippin’ on a heine’ with my hiney in the sand,” from the Jordan Schmidt, Chase McGill and Tyler Hubbard-written tune.
Other tracks include “Steal My Summer,” co-written with Jon Nite and Casey Brown; “Beauty and the Beach,” co-written with Nite, Ben Johnson and Ashley Gorley; and “SMR LV,” co-written with Sofia Quinn.
Three Months Two Streets Down is available to stream now.
Warner Chappell Music & TurnTable Music Sign Jon Robert Hall
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Ben Johnson, Jon Robert Hall, Warner Chappell’s Katy Wolaver and Chelsea Junker
Warner Chappell Music and TurnTable Music, founded by hitmaker Ben Johnson, have teamed up to sign singer-songwriter Jon Robert Hall to a global publishing deal.
Hall has experience in many spaces within the entertainment industry, from television, film and Broadway to pop and country songwriting as well as his own solo career as an artist.
Hall has worked with a diverse range of artists including Machine Gun Kelly, Kygo, Rosa Linn and more. He most recently provided songwriting support to Morgan Wallen and Hardy on their hit single, “In The Bible,” which debuted in the top 50 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart earlier this year. Other recent collaborators include Johnson, Morgan Evans, Jessie Murph, Alana Springsteen, John Byron, Geoff Warburton, Fraser Churchill, Andrew Cedar, Jake Scott, David Brook, Luke Niccoli and Kevin White.
His acting career consists of roles in the hit television series Glee and Millennials: The Musical as well as films Grease Live! and Sing. Hall also played Fiyero during the national tour of the Broadway sensation Wicked The Musical.
“Jon is a creative force who has worked with songwriters and artists of all levels and across genres. He’s had an illustrious career spanning multiple disciplines, and we’re incredibly excited to work with him alongside our partners at TurnTable Music,” says Katy Wolaver, Warner Chappell Senior Vice President, A&R.
Spencer Nohe, Warner Chappell Senior Director, A&R, adds, “We’re thrilled to welcome Jon to WCM. In both Nashville and Los Angeles, he’s already made an impact among some of the industry’s top acts. I’m grateful for Ben Johnson’s partnership on this deal and looking forward to everything we’re going to accomplish together.”
“I am so unbelievably pumped to be a part of the Warner Chappell family and partner with Ben Johnson at TurnTable Music,” says Hall. “The road has been long and wide to get here, and every win and loss has led to this pinnacle moment. Thanks for believing in me, let’s get to work!”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw Is ‘Eloquently Heartbreaking’ On New Track
/by Robert K OermannTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Country music is unashamed to wear its heart on its sleeve, and that’s abundantly true in this edition of DISClaimer.
Sam Hunt openly worships the women in his life. Ashley McBryde explores the dark side of her childhood. Elle King sings of loneliness. Drew Holcomb praises friendship. The late Kenny Rogers embraces the sentiments of fatherhood. Most powerful of all is the emotion Todd Tilghman pours into “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” which wins him a DISCovery Award.
Our Disc of the Day is also nakedly emotional. Tim McGraw’s “Hey Whiskey” mourns the damage done. Brilliantly.
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS / “Find Your People”
Writers: Drew Holcomb/Kevin Scott Rhoads; Producer: Cason Cooley; Label: Magnolia Music/Tone Tree Music
– This guy has been making great music for 20 years. This happy, rhythmic track boasts hearty vocals, chunky beats, acoustic strumming and a lot of cheer. Holcomb sings of the value of friendships while the band sets the mood. Drawn from his just-released Strangers No More album, the celebratory tune is presently at No. 1 on the Americana chart.
SAM HUNT / “Women in My Life”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley/Josh Osborne; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris LaCorte/Sam Hunt; Label: MCA Nashville
– This swaying, atmospheric, echoey outing is sung with soft sincerity. He muses how empty his life would be without the women who made him the person he is. The performance is perfect, and the sentiment is superb. His best yet.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Learned to Lie”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Sean McConnell/Nicolette Hayford; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– “Light on in the Kitchen” is still the single, and its parent album The Devil I Know isn’t due until September. But here’s another advance track from it. The lyric takes you down a dark passageway into a dysfunctional childhood while the ballad’s guitar, steel and bass draw out a slow, sad accompaniment. Stunning and powerful.
TIM McGRAW / “Hey Whiskey”
Writers: Brad Hutsell/Joel Hutsell/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– Eloquently heartbreaking. He addresses the drink that took his money, drove away a good woman, occupied his life and left him in hell. Sighing steel and brushed percussion hurt with every note. One more reason to eagerly anticipate the release of his new Standing Room Only collection in August.
LORI McKENNA / “The Town in Your Heart”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Jessie Jo Dillon/Dustin Christensen; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: CN Records/Thirty Tigers
– The troubadour takes a strummy, uptempo ride in this ode to two wandering souls who take to the road. She’s fine with traveling, as long she has a home in his heart. The Everly-esque vocal harmonies are a bonus.
KENNY ROGERS / “Catchin’ Grasshoppers”
Writers: Laura McCall Torno/Earl Torno; Producers: Randy Dorman & Kenny Rogers; Label: UMG
– The new Kenny Rogers album Life Is Like a Song is a compilation of previously unreleased tunes. Its first single is a heart-tugging, downbeat ode to fatherhood. He puts aside his busy life to spend time playing outside with his little twins.
HANNAH ELLIS / “Wine Country”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Clint Lagerberg/Nick Wayne; Producers: Jason Massey/Clint Lagerberg; Label: Curb Records
– It’s a rollicking, romping drinkin’ song. Only this time it’s chardonnay in a solo cup instead of beer. Lotsa fun. Raise your glass and sing along.
RODNEY CROWELL / “You’re Supposed to Be Feeling Good”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Jeff Tweedy; Label: New West Records
– This song first appeared on the 1977 Emmylou Harris LP Luxury Liner, but Crowell never got around to recording it, himself. Until now. The partnership with Jeff Tweedy on the songwriter’s new The Chicago Sessions album brings him renewed vigor and an utterly fresh audio approach. And this track couldn’t be a better example. It’s kinda twangy and Beatles-y at the same time.
ELLE KING & DIPLO / “Without You”
Writers: Daniel Silberstein/Elle King/Henry Agincourt Allen/Jamison Baken/Sasha Alex Sloan/Thomas Wesley Pentz; Producers: Diplo/King Henry; Label: Columbia
– Rapid, rushed snare beats and a tickling banjo propel this dreamy, airy lovelorn track. Heartache has seldom sounded more inviting.
ASHLEY COOKE / “Shot in the Dark”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Jordan Minton/Emily Weisband/Corey Crowder; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music
– This is the title tune of her album, which drops next month. With 24 tracks, it surely must be the longest debut country collection in history. The song is a splendid introduction, wafting with young romance and twirling in melody. The extremely well written lyric puts you right in that barroom, watching love at first sight occur over tequilas.
BEN RECTOR / “Wonderful World”
Writers: Ben Rector/Jordy Searcy/Andrew Tufano; Producers: Ben Rector/Andrew Tufano; Label: OK Kid Recordings
– Rector appears at the Let Freedom Sing concert when Music City celebrates the Fourth of July next Tuesday. He’ll be sharing the bill with Brad Paisley and The War & Treaty, so he’ll be bringing his pop/Americana “A” game. The current video by this Nashvillian is an endearing puppet production featuring likenesses of him and his daughter out in gorgeous nature scenery. The track is lilting, sweet and pop-folkie. It’s also an audio delight.
TODD TILGHMAN / “Blood, Sweat & Tears”
Writers: Joe Hanson/Justin Morgan/Victoria Banks; Producers: none listed; Label: Straight Arrow Records
– Wait a second: This dude won on The Voice, but you’ve never heard of him? That might be because production shut down when the COVID pandemic hit and he finished the show remotely. When coach Blake Shelton introduced him on the Opry, Todd wowed me with “Home Wasn’t Built in a Day,” a tender and beautifully sung evocation of home-and-hearth. Now comes this powerful single/video with a gospel lyric exalting, “His blood, my sweat and her tears.” It will make you shout, “Amen.” At age 45, he’s the oldest champ in the show’s history, but this father of eight and former pastor from Mississippi has a heartfelt voice with no age limit. He has released several other fine singles, but so far has no album. Somebody give this gifted guy a break. And a label deal.