Award winners celebrating on stage at the close of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
If there was one thing on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (Sept. 24), it was the unrelenting pursuit of the craft that fill the lives of both new and established songwriters day in and day out.
Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the beloved awards show showcased the careers of industry stalwarts who’ve chased good songs their whole careers as well as modern hitmakers who are in the pursuit every day.
Amanda Shires performing “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Honoring category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” the evening was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between collaborators. Enduring country music heroes Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.
The night began with a stunning performance from Amanda Shires, who was on hand to sing NSAI’s 2024 Legendary Song, “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Pictured (L–R): Shannon Wright, Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, Denise Jackson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Josh Turner. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jackson was honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy was celebrated with several performances featuring songs he co-wrote, including “Livin’ On Love” performed by Hailey Whitters, “Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery” performed by Josh Turner.
When introducing him, NSAI’s COO Jennifer Turnbow referred to Jackson as a “monolith of country music both as a songwriter and an artist.” At the podium, he shared stories of his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.
“I tell people I sing real country music songs about life, love, heartache, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to a thunderous applause. “That’s what it’s always been about for me: life.”
Pictured (L–R): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient) and Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Another prestigious award of the night, the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, was presented to the incomparable producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon. Cannon was honored by Jamey Johnson with a performance of “Give It Away,” a song co-written by Cannon, Johnson and Bill Anderson.
NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure who connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players that have helped him do just that, from Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.
“I love great songs and I love the people that write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”
During a break, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room, sharing updates about their ongoing advocacy work and their highly-publicized battle with Spotify.
“As songwriters still press to navigate compensation and the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” Herbison said.
Ashley Gorley accepting his eighth NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Ashley Gorley was named the 2024 Songwriter of the Year for a record eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
When Gorley spoke, he shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the roster of Team Nashville. If you haven’t noticed, everyone wants to be on this team now. The whole world has found out that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes making it all happen.
“There is no better town or community for a rookie or a veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house hooped and hollered like he was the star quarterback.
Jelly Roll won the night’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, but was unable to attend the event.
In between the night’s big awards, NSAI reveal the winners of the highly sought-after “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category. Voted on by professional songwriter members of NSAI, the winners are recognized with a video interview from the songwriters who wrote the hit and then a performance.
Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his, Craig Wiseman and Tommy Cecil‘s winning “Standing Room Only;” as did Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollum‘s “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta rocked out on their hit with Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor;” and siblings Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter had a ball on their hit “I’m Not Pretty,” co-written with Megan Moroney and Ben Williams.
Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins performing the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler played their winning “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky Block. Greylan James performed his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne‘s “Next Thing You Know;” while Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim played their hit with Warren Zeiders “Pretty Little Poison.” Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull sang their winner “Where The Wild Things Are;” and Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher joined voices for “Try That In A Small Town.”
Dan Wilson rocked out on his and Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse.” Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy treated the writers of “Last Night”—John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Jacob Kasher Hindlin—to a sultry performance of the song.
The top vote-getter for “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” earns the title of Song of the Year, which was the final award of the evening. The trophy went to Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins for “The Painter.”
The three shared message of thanks for their believers and support systems before performing the tune to close the night out.
NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.
Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, More To Honor 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees
/by Liza AndersonThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has revealed the lineup of special guests who will take the stage to present, perform and honor this year’s inductees during the ceremony on Oct. 19 at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The lineup includes Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, James Taylor, Slash, The Roots, Sammy Hagar, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Dr. Dre, Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Ella Mai, Julia Roberts, Lucky Daye, Method Man and Roger Daltrey.
“Every year the biggest names in music, film and culture step onto the stage at our ceremony to pay tribute to the iconic inductees whose music has defined generations,” says John Sykes, Chairman, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “These are once in a lifetime moments created that will be remembered forever.”
The 2024 honorees consist of Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest as well as Alexis Korner, John Mayall and Big Mama Thornton for Musical Influence and Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick and Norman Whitfield for Musical Excellence. Additionally, Suzanne De Passe will be recognized with the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Frampton, Kool & the Gang and Warwick are also set to perform during the ceremony.
The event will stream live coast to coast on Disney+ at 6 p.m. CT, and will be available to watch afterwards. ABC will then air a primetime special featuring performance highlights and standout moments on Jan. 1 from 7–10 p.m. CT, which will be available the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
Randy Travis Honored With SoundExchange Music Fairness Award
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, 117 Entertainment’s Zach Farnum, SoundExchange’s Marc Rucker and Michael Huppe, Randy and Mary Travi and Ontourage Management’s Tony Conway. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville
Randy Travis has been chosen to receive SoundExchange’s Music Fairness Award for his advocacy for Congress to modernize the nation’s copyright law to protect creators and support of the American Music Fairness Act.
Though he was hospitalized with viral cardiomyopathy in 2013 and now suffers from aphasia, making it difficult to speak and sing, earlier this year Travis and his wife Mary joined SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe to testify before Congress in support of modernizing copyright law to protect creators.
“Randy Travis is a music icon and a courageous leader, willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that everyone—from music fans to lawmakers—is aware of the inequities suffered by creators for more than a century,” says Huppe. “Randy and Mary’s powerful testimony is a step forward in paving a better future for the next generation of artists. We are honored to present Randy Travis with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award.”
“Thank you to SoundExchange for recognizing Randy for his advocacy. He loves country radio and everyone in it, he also loves his fellow creators. What he is advocating for here is an equitable solution to better align artists, labels and radio going forward under the changing environment of the music industry,” Mary says on behalf of Randy. “An old Greek proverb says ‘a society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit’—it’s up to artists like Randy to help make a better world for those to come… he embraces that responsibility whole-heartedly.”
AMFA would require terrestrial broadcasters in the U.S.—the only democratic nation in the world without a performance right for artists on AM/FM radio—to pay artists royalties when their songs are played on the air.
Travis has been a SoundExchange member since 2003 and entrusts SoundExchange to collect worldwide neighboring rights royalties on his behalf through more than 65 agreements with counterpart organizations, covering nearly 90% of the global neighboring rights market.
‘Got It From My Momma’ Podcast To Hold Live-Audience Event With Patsy & Emmy Russell
/by Lorie HollabaughJennifer Vickery Smith‘s podcast, Got It From My Momma, will present a live-audience event with Loretta Lynn’s daughter Patsy Russell and granddaughter, American Idol finalist Emmy Russell, who will also perform, on Oct. 23 at BMI Nashville.
Hosted by partners Change The Conversation and The Change Agent·cy, the special event will have a limited number of free tickets available. For more information, click here.
“This event is such a special opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of what it was like to be raised by one of the most influential women in music, Ms. Loretta Lynn,” says Smith. “Both Patsy and Emmy are so talented, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to partner with Change the Conversation and The Change Agent·cy to share this discussion with country music royalty in front of a live audience.”
The event marks another 2024 highlight for the podcast, following a CMA Fest live taping event with author, mom and wife of Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins, in June as well as a performance and recorded event with reigning ACM New Duo of the Year Tigirlily Gold and their mom, Brenda, in May.
Nickelback Shares Nashville Show Magic On New Live Album
/by Lorie HollabaughNickelback performs. Photo: Timothy Hiehle
Diamond-certified rock band Nickelback will celebrate Music City with their new album, Live From Nashville, out Nov. 15 via BMG.
Kicking off with lead single “San Quentin,” Nickelback: Live From Nashville will feature live recordings from the band’s sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on their 2023 “Get Rollin’ Tour.”
Nickelback’s set featured several special guests, and the magic of that show can be experienced again with the new album. The project will include the band’s rendition of Ernest’s “Flower Shops,” a cover of “Copperhead Road” with Josh Ross and Brantley Gilbert, “Savin’ Me” featuring Chris Daughtry, “Rockstar” with Bailey Zimmerman and a rendition of Hardy’s “Sold Out.”
The single, “San Quentin (Live from Nashville)” delivers a blistering take on the riff-riddled track that was inspired after frontman Chad Kroeger met a real-life warden from the notoriously high security California prison. It’s available to stream now.
Nickelback: Live from Nashville Track List:
1. “San Quentin”
2. “Savin’ Me” (with Chris Daughtry)
3. “Far Away”
4. “Animals”
5. “Someday”
6. “Worthy to Say”
7. “Figured You Out”
8. “Hero”
9. “Copperhead Road” (with Brantley Gilbert and Josh Ross)
10. “High Time”
11. “Flower Shops” (with Ernest)
12. “Photograph”
13. “Rockstar” (with Bailey Zimmerman)
14. “Those Days”
15. “Sold Out” (with Hardy)
16. “How You Remind Me”
17. “Gotta Be Somebody”
18. “Burn It to the Ground”
CMHOFM Selects Newest Circle Guard Initiates
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L–R): Country Music Hall of Fame members E. W. “Bud” Wendell and Emmylou Harris; Circle Guard members Jody Williams and Jay Orr; Commander General of the Circle Guard and Museum CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has selected Jay Orr and Jody Williams as the newest initiates to the museum’s Circle Guard.
The selection recognizes their significant contributions to the institution. Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris announced the news during an intimate luncheon today (Sept. 25) on the CMA Theater stage.
Orr is a former senior leader, editor and music historian of the museum who served across nearly three decades. Williams is a longtime member of the museum’s Board of Officers & Trustees and is currently Board Chair, in addition to being a music publisher.
The Circle Guard brings together and celebrates individuals whose highest-level contributions of time, talent and treasure to the museum protect the principle of country music and make it accessible to a worldwide audience. The Circle Guard recognition ranks as the grandest distinction afforded to benefactors who exhibit an enduring commitment to the museum and its educational mission. This is the fourth time the Circle Guard’s ranks have expanded since the designation was introduced by Circle Guard Founder Steve Turner in 2018.
Orr retired from the museum in December 2022, after more than 26 years of service. He held a plethora of important leadership positions, most recently serving as Executive Senior Director for Research, Editorial and Content, as well as led the museum’s editorial team, overseeing the development of exhibits, publications and more. Orr also helped grow the museum’s education and public programming initiatives into the varied menu of programs currently offered.
Williams, Founder of Jody Williams Songs, has been serving on the museum’s Board for 17 years. He has been a Trustee since 2011 and chaired the Board’s Development Committee for the past decade, serving as a trusted collaborator and entertainment producer for fundraising initiatives in support of the nonprofit museum’s educational mission. He was named Chair of the museum’s Board of Officers & Trustees earlier this year.
Each year, the Circle Guard members share the life stories in the Hall of Fame Rotunda by leading the “Road to the Hall of Fame: Rite of Remembrance & Salute.” The annual ceremony, open to all museum visitors and occurring daily for two weeks, pays tribute to each of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s yearly classes and their inducted members.
Orr and Williams join other Circle Guard initiates David Conrad, Bill Denny, Ken Levitan, Mary Ann McCready, Mike Milom, Ken Roberts, Seab Tuck, Steve Turner, Jerry B. Williams and Kyle Young.
Niko Moon Celebrates Birthday With Sold-Out Ryman Show
/by Lorie HollabaughNiko Moon during his sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jordan Lavagnino
Niko Moon celebrated his birthday this year with a sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last Friday (Sept. 20).
Pictured (L–R): Mission 22’s Misha Knea, Niko Moon, Anna Moon and Mission 22’s Carley Hill
Photo: Courtesy of Mission 22
He delivered a high-energy set that included “Good Time” and “Paradise to Me,” along with new tracks from his recent These Are The Days EP. During the show, Moon paused to make a heartfelt announcement on behalf of the Happy Cowboy Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Anna. He presented a check for $22,000 to Mission 22, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. In launching the Happy Cowboy Foundation, he hopes to raise awareness and funds for individuals battling mental health challenges who may not have access to the resources they need.
“Mission 22 is doing incredible work, offering free, long-term programs that focus on healing and growth for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress, brain injuries and other challenges,” shared Moon. “It’s an honor to support their mission and help those who have given so much to our country.”
Additionally, the artist recently announced his plans to hit the road next year on “These Are The Nights: The Tour.”
Artist Action: Miranda Lambert, Midland, Mitchell Tenpenny, Warren Zeiders
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert Celebrates Postcards With Slate Of TV Appearances
Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson. Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Miranda Lambert celebrated the release of her Postcards from Texas album with a full slate of TV appearances this week. She joined fellow Texas native Kelly Clarkson for a special “Songs & Stories” episode of NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show yesterday (Sept. 24), appearing on the rooftop of the 30 Rock building in New York City. Lambert also appeared on ABC’s Nightline for a conversation about the new album and returns to ABC’s Tamron Hall today,(Sept. 25) for a full episode takeover.
The week-long celebration will culminate at the People’s Choice Country Awards airing live on NBC and Peacock this Thursday (Sept. 26). Lambert will perform and receive the Country Icon Award honor for her career and continued contributions to the genre.
Midland Presented With Platinum During Opry Appearance
Pictured (L-R): Allison Jones (BMLG), Todd Ramey (Sandbox Entertainment), Scott Borchetta (BMLG), Erik Powell (BMR), Jess Carson (Midland), Mark Wystrach (Midland), Cameron Duddy (Midland), Kris Lamb (BMR), Matt Graham (Range Media) and Jordy Dettmer (Range Media)
Last week Midland performed at the Grand Ole Opry ahead of the release of their new LP Barely Blue, where they were presented with five-times Platinum plaques for their smash hit “Drinkin’ Problem” by label head Scott Borchetta and the rest of the Big Machine team.
The band kicked off their cross-country “Get Lucky Tour” on Sept. 20 and will make a stop at Red Rocks on Oct. 12.
Mitchell Tenpenny Gets Gold During Big Apple Show
Pictured (L-R): Allie Vidunas (Red Light Management), Lee Gomila (tour manager), Mitchell Tenpenny, Kristen Ashley (Red Light Management) and Devin DeToro (Red Light Management)
Mitchell Tenpenny released his third studio album, The 3rd, last week and played a sold-out show at Terminal 5 in New York City. Before the concert, he celebrated the release with his Sony family and was presented with a Gold plaque signifying half a million copies sold of “Bitches” from his debut album Telling All My Secrets.
Warren Zeiders Takes ‘Relapse’ To TODAY Show
Warren Zeiders. Photo: Nate Congleton
Warren Zeiders rocked the TODAY show on Monday (Sept. 23) with an intoxicating performance of “Relapse,” the title track of his latest project. Zeiders announced this week that his headlining Nashville show, which will kick off his 2025 “Relapse Tour” on March 25, will be at The Pinnacle, AEG Presents’ new venue at the Nashville Yards.
2024 Bourbon & Beyond Sees Record-Setting Attendance
/by Liza Anderson2024 Bourbon & Beyond. Photo: Sam Shapiro
The Kentucky bourbon and music festival, Bourbon & Beyond, saw a record-setting attendance of 210,000 people over the course of its four days last week (Sept. 19–22) as well as a record of 60,000 on Saturday (Sept. 21), marking the highest single-day attendance and the largest music festival in the state’s history.
Held on Louisville’s Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the sixth Bourbon & Beyond closed out Thursday (Sept. 19) with headlining performances from Sting and Beck. On Friday (Sept. 20), Dave Matthews Band jammed for nearly two hours while covering David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” and Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower.” Derek Trucks of Tedeschi Trucks Band, who played a headlining set of their own, joined Dave Matthews Band for “Lie In Our Graves” in addition to accompanying Black Pumas on “Dirty Dirty” and launching his new Ass Pocket Whiskey at the event.
Cody Jinks headlining 2024 Bourbon & Beyond. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Headliner Zach Bryan thanked local fans for supporting him since his very first show in the small town of Pineville, commenting that Bourbon & Beyond is “the greatest festival anywhere,” and Cody Jinks treated fans to a rendition of AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll)” on the historic third day.
Sunday night (Sept. 22) wrapped with back-to-back performances from headlining Kentucky natives Tyler Childers and My Morning Jacket, who covered Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” alongside Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius.
The lineup of more than 100 artists also included Matchbox Twenty, The National, Whiskey Myers, The War On Drugs, The Beach Boys, Mt. Joy, Fleet Foxes, Young the Giant, Maren Morris, The Head And The Heart, Melissa Etheridge and Teddy Swims, among others.
Additionally, The Culinary Atelier and The Bourbon Experience on the festival’s Workshop Stage showcased culinary programming from chefs across the nation and a wide array of bourbon tastings and workshops and featured special guests Etheridge, Trucks, Young the Giant, Mat Kearney, Jim Gaffigan, Charles Wesley Godwin, Molly Tuttle and more.
NSAI Honors Pursuit Of The Craft At Seventh Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards
/by LB CantrellAward winners celebrating on stage at the close of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
If there was one thing on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (Sept. 24), it was the unrelenting pursuit of the craft that fill the lives of both new and established songwriters day in and day out.
Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the beloved awards show showcased the careers of industry stalwarts who’ve chased good songs their whole careers as well as modern hitmakers who are in the pursuit every day.
Amanda Shires performing “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Honoring category winners for Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year as well as the 2024 Legendary Song award and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” the evening was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between collaborators. Enduring country music heroes Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.
The night began with a stunning performance from Amanda Shires, who was on hand to sing NSAI’s 2024 Legendary Song, “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Pictured (L–R): Shannon Wright, Adam Wright, Hailey Whitters, Denise Jackson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Josh Turner. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jackson was honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy was celebrated with several performances featuring songs he co-wrote, including “Livin’ On Love” performed by Hailey Whitters, “Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery” performed by Josh Turner.
When introducing him, NSAI’s COO Jennifer Turnbow referred to Jackson as a “monolith of country music both as a songwriter and an artist.” At the podium, he shared stories of his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.
“I tell people I sing real country music songs about life, love, heartache, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to a thunderous applause. “That’s what it’s always been about for me: life.”
Pictured (L–R): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient) and Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Another prestigious award of the night, the NSAI President’s Keystone Award, was presented to the incomparable producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon. Cannon was honored by Jamey Johnson with a performance of “Give It Away,” a song co-written by Cannon, Johnson and Bill Anderson.
NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure who connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players that have helped him do just that, from Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.
“I love great songs and I love the people that write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”
During a break, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room, sharing updates about their ongoing advocacy work and their highly-publicized battle with Spotify.
“As songwriters still press to navigate compensation and the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” Herbison said.
Ashley Gorley accepting his eighth NSAI Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Ashley Gorley was named the 2024 Songwriter of the Year for a record eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
When Gorley spoke, he shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the roster of Team Nashville. If you haven’t noticed, everyone wants to be on this team now. The whole world has found out that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes making it all happen.
“There is no better town or community for a rookie or a veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house hooped and hollered like he was the star quarterback.
Jelly Roll won the night’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, but was unable to attend the event.
In between the night’s big awards, NSAI reveal the winners of the highly sought-after “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category. Voted on by professional songwriter members of NSAI, the winners are recognized with a video interview from the songwriters who wrote the hit and then a performance.
Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his, Craig Wiseman and Tommy Cecil‘s winning “Standing Room Only;” as did Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollum‘s “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta rocked out on their hit with Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor;” and siblings Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter had a ball on their hit “I’m Not Pretty,” co-written with Megan Moroney and Ben Williams.
Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins performing the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI
Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler played their winning “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky Block. Greylan James performed his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne‘s “Next Thing You Know;” while Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim played their hit with Warren Zeiders “Pretty Little Poison.” Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull sang their winner “Where The Wild Things Are;” and Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher joined voices for “Try That In A Small Town.”
Dan Wilson rocked out on his and Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse.” Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy treated the writers of “Last Night”—John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Jacob Kasher Hindlin—to a sultry performance of the song.
The top vote-getter for “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” earns the title of Song of the Year, which was the final award of the evening. The trophy went to Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins for “The Painter.”
The three shared message of thanks for their believers and support systems before performing the tune to close the night out.
NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.
Anne Wilson & Cain Among Second Round Of Performers For 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
/by Lorie Hollabaugh©Blue Amber Photography
The second round of performers have been announced for the upcoming 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on Oct. 1 in Nashville.
On tap for the show are Anike, Anne Wilson, Cain and Tye Tribbett. Chandler Moore will join previously-announced performers Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine. Additionally, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes will band together for a special multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” at the event, which will take place at the Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus.
Performers were announced on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host Tauren Wells. Confirmed presenters on the show include Anthony Brown, Autumn Nelon, Bill Gaither, Colton Dixon, Darlene Zschech, David & Tamela Mann, DOE, Erica Campbell, for King + Country, Gabby Barrett, Jekalyn Carr, Lecrae, Matthew West, Rachael Lampa, Rhett Walker, Sarai Rivera and Steven Curtis Chapman.
The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT, and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (channel 65) and on the SiriusXM App.