
Songwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 23) for NSAIâs 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 â10 Songs I Wish Iâd Writtenâ honors.
Josh Phillips earned Song of the Year for his solo-penned âDirt Cheap,â 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 Presidentâs Keystone Award.
The Legendary Song awardâwhich honors a song that has achieved timeless statusâwent to Dolly Partonâs âI Will Always Love You.â
âCity 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
âDirt Cheapâ 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
âI Will Always Love Youâ Written by Dolly Parton
“10 SONGS I WISH IâD WRITTEN” AWARDS
Each year, the highly-coveted â10 Songs I Wish Iâd Written Awardsâ 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.
â4X4XUâ
Written by: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
(recorded by: Lainey Wilson)
âEspressoâ
Written by: Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, Sabrina Carpenter, Steph Jones
(recorded by: Sabrina Carpenter)
âI Had Some Helpâ
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)
âI Never Lieâ
Written by: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
(recorded by: Zach Top)
âIâm Gonna Love Youâ
Written by: Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens
(recorded by: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
âLies Lies Liesâ
Written by: Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
âOne Bad Habitâ
Written by: Marc Beeson, Aaron Eshuis, Tony Lane
(recorded by: Tim McGraw)
âSheâs Somebodyâs Daughter (Reimagined)â
Written by: Drew Baldridge, Cameron Jaymes, Jimmy Yeary
(recorded by: Drew Baldridge)
âTexasâ
Written by: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
(recorded by: Blake Shelton)
âYou Look Like You Love Meâ
Written by: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
(recorded by: Ella Langley feat. Riley Green)
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 Straitâs “Give It Away” in 2005 and 2007, respectfully. Â He continues to write today with recent cuts like Brad Paisleyâs “Dying To See Her.â
Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, More To Honor Anne Murray At Grand Ole Opry
/by Lauryn SinkThe Grand Ole Opry is set to host âThe Music of My Life: An All-Star Tribute to Anne Murrayâ 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.
Murrayâs 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 CMAâs 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, Nashvilleâs Walkway of Stars, and Canadaâs 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 NSAIâs 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 â10 Songs I Wish Iâd Writtenâ honors.
Josh Phillips earned Song of the Year for his solo-penned âDirt Cheap,â 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 Presidentâs Keystone Award.
The Legendary Song awardâwhich honors a song that has achieved timeless statusâwent to Dolly Partonâs âI Will Always Love You.â
âCity 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
âDirt Cheapâ 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
âI Will Always Love Youâ Written by Dolly Parton
“10 SONGS I WISH IâD WRITTEN” AWARDS
Each year, the highly-coveted â10 Songs I Wish Iâd Written Awardsâ 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.
â4X4XUâ
Written by: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
(recorded by: Lainey Wilson)
âEspressoâ
Written by: Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, Sabrina Carpenter, Steph Jones
(recorded by: Sabrina Carpenter)
âI Had Some Helpâ
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)
âI Never Lieâ
Written by: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
(recorded by: Zach Top)
âIâm Gonna Love Youâ
Written by: Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens
(recorded by: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
âLies Lies Liesâ
Written by: Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins
(recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
âOne Bad Habitâ
Written by: Marc Beeson, Aaron Eshuis, Tony Lane
(recorded by: Tim McGraw)
âSheâs Somebodyâs Daughter (Reimagined)â
Written by: Drew Baldridge, Cameron Jaymes, Jimmy Yeary
(recorded by: Drew Baldridge)
âTexasâ
Written by: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
(recorded by: Blake Shelton)
âYou Look Like You Love Meâ
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 Hillsâ 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 Presenterâs 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 âa great honorâ to be with the over 20,000 fans in attendance.
With Presenterâs Stage shows by Conrad Moore, Brad Goodall, Hill Country Devil and Jonas Conner, Saturdayâs 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 âDifferent Night Same Rodeo College Tailgate Experienceâ
/by Lauryn SinkBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Masonn1k
Bailey Zimmerman will bring his new album to college campuses across the country this fall for his âDifferent Night Same Rodeo College Tailgate Experience.â
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 â Athens, GA â Alabama vs. Georgia â September 27
Texas Christian University â Fort Worth, TX â Colorado vs. TCU â October 4
University of Tennessee â Knoxville, TN â Arkansas vs. Tennessee â October 11
October 18, 2025 â 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 Williamsâ 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 Godâs love is unwavering and unconditional.
From the soaring radio hit âJesus Lovesâ to the fan-favorite âFriend In High Places,â 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, âChurch Kids.â
“This album comes from some of the most honest places in my life,â shares Williams. âI wanted these songs to speak directly to the people who feel like theyâre on the outside looking in. Whether youâre a misfit, a church kid, or a prodigal, Jesus Loves is a reminder that Godâs love isnât earnedâitâs already yours.â
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 Universityâs 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 Universityâs 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 âCountry Song Came On Tour.â
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 nationâs largest hunger-relief organization, Feeding America, through the Take Care, Now campaign and #Herestothefarmer social media initiative. The campaign addresses both food insecurity and âhidden hungerâânutrient gaps that can impact long-term health even when caloric needs are metâand celebrates the vital role farmers play in feeding the nation. At last weekendâs 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.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Holds On To Top Spot
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen.
Morgan Wallen has held on to his spot atop the streaming charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, âWhat I Want,â remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 12.4 million streams this week adding to its 336 million total, while his Iâm The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 97K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, Wallen holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 33K in total consumption and the No. 3 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 25K in total consumption. Shaboozey takes the No. 4 spot with Where Iâve Been, Isnât Where Iâm Going with 21K in total consumption. Rounding out the albums chart is BigXThaPlugâs I Hope Youâre Happy earning 20K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. âI Got Betterâ takes the No. 2 spot with 11 million streams this week. âIâm The Problemâ and âJust In Caseâ come in at No. 3 and No. 4 with 9.8 million and 10 million streams each this week respectively. At No. 5 this week is Shaboozeyâs âA Bar Song (Tipsy)â 8.1 million streams.
Grand Ole Opry Hosts Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Madfun Entertainment Writers
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Madfun Entertainmentâs Alicia Pruitt, Grand Ole Opryâs Dan Rogers, Sam Ellis, Drew Parker, Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, McCoy Moore, Brock Berryhill, Heather Morgan, Lauren Hungate, Lauren Watkins, Jon Nite, Jameson Rodgers, Brad Clawson, Randy Montana, Leslie Satcher and Jordan Rowe.
The Grand Ole Opry hosted Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Madfun Entertainment songwriters for their two-day âOpry 100 Celebrates The Songâ writers retreat last week at the Grand Ole Opry House. The camp had 25 country music hitmakers in attendance.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jordan Rowe, Travis Denning, Andy Albert, Drew Parker, Schmitty, Trisha Yearwood, Ben Williams, Beau Bailey, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore and Tommy Acker. (L-R, front row): Sam Ellis, Jameson Rodgers, Jessi Alexander, Deana Carter, Heather Morgan and Madfun Entertainmentâs Alicia Pruitt.
âThe basis of this camp is built around great songs and family, much like our Nashville songwriting community and the Opry,â says Madfun Entertainmentâs Alicia Pruitt. âItâs important for all of us in the music industry as executives and creators, to continue to pour back into those things that first brought us to love music. This camp helps bring together some of the best songwriters in the world, writing at the best venue in the world, the Grand Ole Opry House, which helps our music community feel even more like family.â
âThe sign on one of our Opry House dressing rooms says it best: âIt All Begins With A Song,'” shares The Opryâs Dan Rogers.”It was great to welcome so many great writers backstage last week, including so many familiar faces who have performed their songs for Opry audiences. As we invite fans to vote for their very favorite among the songs they selected earlier this year as the 100 greatest in country music history, itâs pretty cool to think one deemed the greatest in the Opryâs next century may have been written backstage this week.â
On both days, the writers watched the film of history of the Grand Ole Opry in the Circle Room before breaking out into groups to head backstage for writing sessions in the Opry dressing rooms. Monday (Sept. 15) hosted Rhett Akins, Brock Berryhill, Brad Clawson, Kashus Culpepper, Sam Ellis, Lauren Hungate, Randy Montana, McCoy Moore, Heather Morgan, Jon Nite, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Rowe, Leslie Satcher and Lauren Watkins. Tommy Acker, Jessi Alexander, Andy Albert, Deana Carter, Travis Denning, Sam Ellis, McCoy Moore, Heather Morgan, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Rowe, Schmitty, Nick Walsh, Ben Williams and Trisha Yearwood then took over on Tuesday (Sept. 16).