The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored the creative forces behind Nashville’s vibrant music scene at the prestigious Nashville Songwriter Awards. The star-studded event, held at the iconic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, September 24th, celebrated the achievements of songwriters and artists who have significantly impacted the music industry.
Ashley Gorley Named Songwriter of the Year at Star-Studded Event
Ashley Gorley earned the coveted Songwriter of the Year title, solidifying his position as a leading songwriter in the industry. Gorley’s remarkable success over the past year includes penning chart-topping hits for artists like Nate Smith and Chris Young. Smith paid tribute to Gorley’s songwriting prowess with a performance of their hit collaboration, “World on Fire,” while Young captivated the audience with his rendition of “Young Love and Saturday Nights,” another successful collaboration with Gorley.
Jelly Roll Honored, Cody Johnson’s “The Painter” Wins Big
Jelly Roll, the versatile singer-songwriter-rapper, received the prestigious Songwriter-Artist of the Year award, recognizing his unique artistry and lyrical depth. Adding another layer of excitement to the evening, the Song of the Year award went to “The Painter,” a poignant track recorded by rising country star Cody Johnson. The winning song was penned by the talented trio of Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins.
Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
The ceremony was marked by two extraordinary lifetime achievement awards. Country music legend Alan Jackson received the prestigious Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to American songwriting and his profound influence on aspiring artists. Jackson, known for his heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies, has penned numerous chart-topping hits throughout his illustrious career, including classics like “Livin’ on Love” and “Here in the Real World,” which were performed live by Hailey Whitters and Lee Ann Womack, respectively.
Alan Jackson at the Nashville Songwriter Awards
Veteran songwriter-producer Buddy Cannon received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award for his significant contributions to the songwriting community. Cannon boasts an impressive career, shaping the sounds of country music icons such as Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, and Willie Nelson. Jamey Johnson honored Cannon with a moving performance of “Give It Away,” a testament to Cannon’s songwriting prowess.
Inaugural Legendary Song Award Goes to a Timeless Classic
In a historic first, the Nashville Songwriter Awards presented the inaugural Legendary Song Award to “Always on My Mind,” a timeless ballad penned by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James. This accolade, determined by votes from NSAI’s professional songwriter members, celebrates songs from 1967-1983 that have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Amanda Shires captivated the audience with her soulful rendition of the iconic song, originally recorded by Brenda Lee and later popularized by Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson.
Nashville Songwriter Awards at the Ryman
“10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” Honors Top Chart-Toppers
The Nashville Songwriter Awards also unveiled its annual “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” list, determined by votes from NSAI’s professional songwriting members. The list celebrates songs with at least one Nashville-based writer that reached the top 20 of a Billboard Airplay chart across various genres. The evening featured captivating performances of several songs from the list, including Jelly Roll’s “Need a Favor,” Warren Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison,” and the Eric Church and Morgan Wallen duet, “Man Made a Bar.”
The 2024 Nashville Songwriter Awards marked a night of celebration and recognition for the songwriters and artists who continue to shape the sound of Nashville and beyond.
