Songwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 23) for NSAI’s eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank.
Along with a night full of moving performances, the event celebrated winners in the Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year categories, among others, including the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honors.
Josh Phillips earned Song of the Year for his solo-penned “Dirt Cheap,” recorded by Cody Johnson. Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year, and Matthew West took home Songwriter-Artist of the Year.
The evening also saw NSAI present the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award to country legends Alabama, while icon Brenda Lee received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
The Legendary Song award—which honors a song that has achieved timeless status—went to Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
“City National Bank is proud to celebrate the craft and impact of songwriters through our ongoing partnership with The Nashville Songwriter Awards,” share Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, Senior Vice Presidents, Entertainment & Sports Banking Nashville, City National Bank. “These awards recognize the artistry and creative storytelling that help bring music to life and inspire audiences around the world.”
Click here to read more about the evening.
The full list of winners for the eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is below:
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Dirt Cheap” Written by Josh Phillips
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Matthew West
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.
ALABAMA
NSAI PRESIDENT’S KEYSTONE AWARD
Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President.
Brenda Lee
LEGENDARY SONG
“I Will Always Love You” Written by Dolly Parton
“10 SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN” AWARDS
Each year, the highly-coveted ‘10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards’ are voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the Top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. The NSAI Song Of The Year is the highest vote-getter.
“4X4XU”
Written by: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
(recorded by: Lainey Wilson)
“Espresso”
Written by: Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, Sabrina Carpenter, Steph Jones
(recorded by: Sabrina Carpenter)
“I Had Some Help”
Written by: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Jonathan Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen feat. Post Malone)
“I Never Lie”
Written by: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
(recorded by: Zach Top)
“I’m Gonna Love You”
Written by: Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens
(recorded by: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
“Lies Lies Lies”
Written by: Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
“One Bad Habit”
Written by: Marc Beeson, Aaron Eshuis, Tony Lane
(recorded by: Tim McGraw)
“She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined)”
Written by: Drew Baldridge, Cameron Jaymes, Jimmy Yeary
(recorded by: Drew Baldridge)
“Texas”
Written by: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
(recorded by: Blake Shelton)
“You Look Like You Love Me”
Written by: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
(recorded by: Ella Langley feat. Riley Green)
Drake White Unveils 2025 ‘Benefit For The Brain’ Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkDrake White.
Drake White has unveiled the lineup for this year’s “Benefit For The Brain.”
Alongside White, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Kassi Ashton and more special guests to be announced will take the Ryman Auditorium stage on Nov. 17. Tickets are on sale now.
In 2019, White endured a stroke on stage that later led to a Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) diagnosis that required seven brain surgeries. The event raises money for mental wellness for military and veterans, especially PTSD, brain health in children and adolescents and innovative approaches to stroke recovery and neurological treatment. White’s non-profit The Benefit For The Brain will donate and disperse proceeds from the show to select charity organizations. The inaugural installment sold out the Ryman and raised over $253,000.
White will then headline his “Keep It Movin’ Tour” this fall before joining Green’s 2026 Cowboy As It Gets Tour.
Eric Church Extends ‘Free The Machine Tour’ Into 2026 With 24 New Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church. Photo: Robby Klein
Eric Church is expanding his “Free The Machine Tour” into 2026 with 24 new dates, kicking off Jan. 22-23 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
New stops on the tour for 2026 include Toronto, Buffalo, Kansas City, Tulsa, Austin, Birmingham, Charlotte and more through April 11. He will be joined across varying dates by special guests Kashus Culpepper, Caylee Hammack, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Stephen Wilson Jr. and 49 Winchester.
Tickets to all shows are available to the general public beginning Oct. 3. Premium members of the Church Choir will have early access to tickets through the pre-sale beginning Sept. 29. A registration pre-sale via Seated, available to non-premium Church Choir members and the general public, kicks off Sept. 30.
Church’s 2025 run resumes tomorrow in Green Bay with special guests Marcus King Band.
Newly Announced “2026 Free the Machine Tour” Markets, Venues and Special Guests:
Jan. 22 || Washington, D.C. || The Anthem || Caylee Hammack
Jan. 23 || Washington, D.C. || The Anthem || Caylee Hammack
Feb. 5 || Omaha, Neb. || CHI Health Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 6 || Sioux Falls, S.D. || Denny Sanford PREMIER Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 7 || St. Paul, Minn. || Grand Casino Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 12 || Toronto, ON || Scotiabank Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 13 || Buffalo, N.Y. || KeyBank Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 14 || Albany, N.Y. || MVP Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 19 || North Little Rock, Ark. || Simmons Bank Arena || 49 Winchester
Feb. 20 || Kansas City, Mo. || T-Mobile Center || 49 Winchester
Feb. 21 || St. Louis, Mo. || Enterprise Center || 49 Winchester
Feb. 26 || Tulsa, Okla. || BOK Center || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 27 || Fort Worth, Texas || Dickies Arena || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 28 || Austin, Texas || Moody Center || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Mar. 5 || Knoxville, Tenn. || Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center || 49 Winchester
Mar. 6 || Greensboro, N.C. || First Horizon Coliseum || 49 Winchester
Mar. 7 || North Charleston, S.C. || North Charleston Coliseum || 49 Winchester
Mar. 19 || Birmingham, Ala. || Legacy Arena at the BJCC || 49 Winchester
Mar. 20 || Atlanta, Ga. || State Farm Arena || 49 Winchester
Mar. 27 || Hollywood, Fla. || Hard Rock Live || Kashus Culpepper
Apr. 3 || Greenville, S.C. || Bon Secours Wellness Arena || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 4 || Charlotte, N.C. || Spectrum Center || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 10 || Jacksonville, Fla. || VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 11 || Tampa, Fla. || Benchmark International Arena || Ashley McBryde
Early Bill Anderson Albums Now Available Digitally For First Time
/by Lorie HollabaughBill Anderson
Bill Anderson fans can now get five of the albums from his catalog on streaming and digital platforms.
Wild Weekend (1968), If It’s All The Same To You with Jan Howard (1970), Always Remember (1971), Ladies Choice (1979), and Nashville Mirrors (1980) are now all available digitally from the legendary singer-songwriter. Anderson’s vast catalog continues to be digitalized after nearly seven decades writing and recording hits.
Earlier this year, the Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member celebrated 64 years as the longest-serving member of the Grand Ole Opry and in April, the Tennessee Songwriters Association International honored Anderson with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In fall of 2024, Anderson was honored with the Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame.
Anderson’s collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the Grammy-nominated “Two Teardrops,” Kenny Chesney’s “A Lot Of Things Different,” Vince Gill’s “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” and two CMA Song Of The Year trophies for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Strait’s “Give It Away” in 2005 and 2007, respectfully. He continues to write today with recent cuts like Brad Paisley’s “Dying To See Her.”
Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, More To Honor Anne Murray At Grand Ole Opry
/by Lauryn SinkThe Grand Ole Opry is set to host “The Music of My Life: An All-Star Tribute to Anne Murray” Oct. 27. Tickets are on sale now.
The lineup includes Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, k.d. lang, Kathy Mattea, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Shenandoah, The Gatlin Brothers, Collin Raye, Natalie Grant, Michelle Wright, Victoria Shaw and more to be announced. Additional appearances include Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, Brenda Lee and Randy Travis.
Murray’s career has spanned more than five decades, earning over one billion global streams and selling over 55 million albums worldwide. One of only four female solo artists to win the CMA’s Album of the Year award between 1967 and 1990, Murray became a trailblazer for women in pop, country and adult contemporary music. She has been recognized with four Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, three CMA Awards, and a record-breaking 26 JUNOs. A Companion of the Order of Canada, Murray is honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Nashville’s Walkway of Stars, and Canada’s Walk of Fame as well as inductions into multiple Halls of Fame in both the U.S. and Canada
BREAKING: NSAI Crowns 2025 Nashville Songwriter Awards Winners [Full List]
/by LB CantrellSongwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 23) for NSAI’s eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank.
Along with a night full of moving performances, the event celebrated winners in the Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year categories, among others, including the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honors.
Josh Phillips earned Song of the Year for his solo-penned “Dirt Cheap,” recorded by Cody Johnson. Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year, and Matthew West took home Songwriter-Artist of the Year.
The evening also saw NSAI present the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award to country legends Alabama, while icon Brenda Lee received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
The Legendary Song award—which honors a song that has achieved timeless status—went to Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
“City National Bank is proud to celebrate the craft and impact of songwriters through our ongoing partnership with The Nashville Songwriter Awards,” share Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, Senior Vice Presidents, Entertainment & Sports Banking Nashville, City National Bank. “These awards recognize the artistry and creative storytelling that help bring music to life and inspire audiences around the world.”
Click here to read more about the evening.
The full list of winners for the eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is below:
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Dirt Cheap” Written by Josh Phillips
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Matthew West
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.
ALABAMA
NSAI PRESIDENT’S KEYSTONE AWARD
Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President.
Brenda Lee
LEGENDARY SONG
“I Will Always Love You” Written by Dolly Parton
“10 SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN” AWARDS
Each year, the highly-coveted ‘10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards’ are voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the Top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. The NSAI Song Of The Year is the highest vote-getter.
“4X4XU”
Written by: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
(recorded by: Lainey Wilson)
“Espresso”
Written by: Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, Sabrina Carpenter, Steph Jones
(recorded by: Sabrina Carpenter)
“I Had Some Help”
Written by: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Jonathan Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen feat. Post Malone)
“I Never Lie”
Written by: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
(recorded by: Zach Top)
“I’m Gonna Love You”
Written by: Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens
(recorded by: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
“Lies Lies Lies”
Written by: Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
“One Bad Habit”
Written by: Marc Beeson, Aaron Eshuis, Tony Lane
(recorded by: Tim McGraw)
“She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined)”
Written by: Drew Baldridge, Cameron Jaymes, Jimmy Yeary
(recorded by: Drew Baldridge)
“Texas”
Written by: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
(recorded by: Blake Shelton)
“You Look Like You Love Me”
Written by: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
(recorded by: Ella Langley feat. Riley Green)
Healing Appalachia Wraps Sixth Annual Festival
/by Lauryn SinkTyler Childers. Photo: Emma Delavante
Hope In The Hills’ sixth annual Healing Appalachia festival hosted sold-out crowds in Ashland, Kentucky this weekend. The three-day event welcomed over 20,000 fans hailing from 40 states and 8 countries this year.
Kicking off the festival, Jeremy Short and Andy Frasco & The U.N. hosted a free welcome concert Thursday night. Short released his Live From Healing Appalachia deluxe vinyl, with all proceeds from streaming and sales donated directly to the mission of the festival.
Chris Stapleton. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit
Jesse Welles warmed up the main stage on Friday, leading into the Infamous Stringdusters, followed by Presenter’s Stage performers Abe Partridge, Desert Hollow and Sunny War and Molly Tuttle. After Lukas Nelson performed an intimate set, Chris Stapleton stepped onto the stage, calling it “a great honor” to be with the over 20,000 fans in attendance.
With Presenter’s Stage shows by Conrad Moore, Brad Goodall, Hill Country Devil and Jonas Conner, Saturday’s main stage welcomed Kentucky native Cole Chaney, American Aquarium and Blackberry Smoke. Remi Wolf dazzled the crowd before the weekend closed out with festival co-founder Tyler Childers.
The festival is run by volunteers in recovery. The Matthew Perry Foundation provided housing and amenities for the more than 400 volunteers camping on-site, alongside 500 additional day volunteers drawn from recovery facilities across Appalachia. The festival has generated more than five million in regional economic impact and reinvested over one million into grassroots nonprofits over the past five years.
Molly Tuttle. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit
Blackberry Smoke. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit
Remi Wolf. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit
Photo: Neon Jackrabbit
Bailey Zimmerman To Host ‘Different Night Same Rodeo College Tailgate Experience’
/by Lauryn SinkBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Masonn1k
Bailey Zimmerman will bring his new album to college campuses across the country this fall for his “Different Night Same Rodeo College Tailgate Experience.”
The free, pop-up event coordinates with his upcoming headline tour and will bring fans exclusive merch, a temporary tattoo parlor, photo opportunities and more.
The experience kicked off this past weekend at Clemson University during the Syracuse vs. Clemson game.
“Different Night Same Rodeo College Tailgate Experience” Events:
University of Georgia – Athens, GA – Alabama vs. Georgia – September 27
Texas Christian University – Fort Worth, TX – Colorado vs. TCU – October 4
University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN – Arkansas vs. Tennessee – October 11
October 18, 2025 – To Be Announced
Zach Williams Celebrates That ‘Jesus Loves’ On Latest Album
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Williams has released a hope-filled new album, Jesus Loves.
The 12-track project features Williams’ signature Southern rock sound in a collection of anthems of faith and freedom. Drawing its title from his latest top 3 radio single, Jesus Loves weaves together themes of hope, redemption and belonging. With raw storytelling and heartfelt conviction, the songs remind listeners that God’s love is unwavering and unconditional.
From the soaring radio hit “Jesus Loves” to the fan-favorite “Friend In High Places,” Williams’ songs speak straight to the heart, weaving themes of grace and grit into every lyric. The album closes with a brand new collaboration with label-mate Cain on the powerful final track, “Church Kids.”
“This album comes from some of the most honest places in my life,” shares Williams. “I wanted these songs to speak directly to the people who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. Whether you’re a misfit, a church kid, or a prodigal, Jesus Loves is a reminder that God’s love isn’t earned—it’s already yours.”
To celebrate the release, Williams will take these songs on the road this fall on his “Revival Nights Tour,” which will hit cities across the country with We The Kingdom, Leanna Crawford, and Ben Fuller beginning in October.
Jesus Loves Track List:
1. “Jesus Loves” (Zach Williams, Ethan Hulse, David Spencer, Jonathan Smith)
2. “Paradise” (Zach Williams, Jeff Sojka, Ben Glover)
3. “Killed A Man” (Casey Beathard, Tucker Beathard, Ben Stennis)
4. “Wait For Me” (Zach Williams, Ben Fuller, Micah Kuiper)
5. “Friend in High Places” (Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, Paul Duncan)
6. “Hated” (Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard)
7. “Story Of My Life” (Zach Williams, Trannie Anderson, Jonathan Smith)
8. “The Potter (Nothing Is Wasted)” (Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, Emily Weisband)
9. “Say A Prayer” (Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, Chase McGill)
10. “Hello Hallelujah” (Zach William, Allen Shamblin, Jonathan Smith)
11. “Thank You” (Zach Williams, Jeff Pardo, Jonathan Smith)
12. “Church Kids” (Zach Williams, Tony Wood, Jonathan Smith)
GRAMMY Museum To Bring GRAMMY Camp To Nashville
/by Madison HahnenGRAMMY Camp, the program for high school students interested in a career in the music industry hosted by the GRAMMY museum, will host its inaugural Nashville program from May 31-June 6, 2026 at Belmont University’s Music Row’s facility. The program will also continue to hold its Los Angeles, Miami and New York camps.
GRAMMY Camp Nashville will take place over seven days. Attendees will go through career preparation and instruction across multiple sectors, including Music Business, Instrumental Performance, Music Production, Songwriting and Vocal Performance. GRAMMY Camps are led by numerous industry professionals and GRAMMY nominees and winners.
High school students from across the U.S. can apply for any of the GRAMMY Camp programs here.
2026 GRAMMY Camp sessions:
GRAMMY Camp Nashville- Belmont University’s Music Row facility- May 31 to June 6, 2026
GRAMMY Camp Miami- Art House Studios- June 23 to June 27, 2026
GRAMMY Camp Los Angeles- July 12 to July 18, 2026
GRAMMY Camp New York- August 2 to August 8, 2026
Luke Bryan Wraps ‘Country Song Came On Tour’ & ‘Farm Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): DJ Rock, Zack John King, Rhett Akins and Tyler Hubbard; (L-R, front row): Ben Haslip, Luke Bryan and Dallas Davidson
Luke Bryan wrapped his 16th annual “Farm Tour” last weekend just days after the finale of his 30+ city sold-out “Country Song Came On Tour.”
For the first-time ever, “Farm Tour 2025” was held in both the spring and the fall, playing inaugural dates on the West Coast in California (Merced, Fresno & Kern Counties) and back to the Midwest this past weekend for concerts in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. More than 100,000 fans attended the shows in 2025.
“Farm Tour 2025” was sponsored by Bayer, Fendt and Citi. Bryan and Bayer have enjoyed a 10-year partnership, helping provide more than 10 million meals to the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, Feeding America, through the Take Care, Now campaign and #Herestothefarmer social media initiative. The campaign addresses both food insecurity and “hidden hunger”—nutrient gaps that can impact long-term health even when caloric needs are met—and celebrates the vital role farmers play in feeding the nation. At last weekend’s dates, fans were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to local Feeding America member food banks, and 15,000 pounds of food were donated over the three days.
Since his “Farm Tour” began in 2009, Bryan has given back to the farmers by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. To date, 90 scholarships will have been granted.