Music News (4/22/26)

Hall Of Fame Songwriter Don Schlitz Passes At 73

Don Schlitz, the architect behind many of country music’s most enduring songs, passed away on April 16 at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. He was 73.

As a writer of such country standards as “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “The Greatest” and “When You Say Nothing At All,” Schlitz was a member of the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Read his full obit here. 

 

CMA Celebrates Songwriting Excellence At 2026 Triple Play Awards

The Country Music Association brought together some of country music’s most accomplished songwriters Monday night (April 13) at the 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards, held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The annual event recognizes the elite achievement of writing three No. 1 songs within a single year.

The full list of honorees includes Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. Many of the honorees were in attendance, each taking a few moments to thank their families, teams and collaborators.

Jim Beavers, a CMA Board member and acclaimed songwriter, emceed the evening, infusing the event with his trademark wit and warmth. Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, opened the ceremony with remarks, saying “CMA exists to celebrate excellence, to support and advocate for the people who make this music possible, and to help expand the reach of country music.”

CMA also honored 43 songwriters who earned their very first No. 1 hit since the last Triple Play celebration, may of whom were in attendance and received a commemorative medallion.

The annual in memoriam segment paid tribute tho those who the music community has lost over the past year, and was accompanied by a performance of The High Kings’ “The Parting Glass” performed by Cary Barlowe, Gordie Sampson and Hillary Lindsey.

One of the evening’s standout moments came as NSAI’s Executive Director Bart Herbison was honored with the 2025 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, recognizing his decades of impact on the songwriting community. Ahead of the presentation, a video tribute featured messages from songwriters, and industry peers impacted by Herbison’s continuous advocacy for songwriters.

Before Herbison took the stage, Josh Osborne took the stage to perform one of Herbison’s favorite tunes, Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.”

Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Herbison highlighted different legislation passed for songwriters and more on the horizon. He also thanked his family, team and mentors. Herbison closed with a statement that sent applause through the room: “Our trademark is ‘it all begins with a song.’ Here’s what I want it to say in a few years: ‘It all begins with a song, a song that a human wrote, a song from which they were fairly paid.’”

A surprise performance from Lee Roy Parnell followed, performing “They Don’t Know You” in honor of Herbison.

In the last surprise of the night, CMA honored Paul Overstreet for his pending induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame by bringing together four of his children, Chord, Nash, Harmony and Summer, to perform a medley of his hits. The medley captivated the room, and included hits such as Randy Travis’ “On The Other Hand,” Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach,” Paul’s own “Seein’ My Father In Me,” and many more.

 

Independent Songwriters & Publishers Celebrated At 2026 AIMP Awards [Recap]

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) held its 2026 AIMP Nashville Country Awards earlier this week at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. Bringing together members of Nashville’s music business in celebration, the annual event celebrated the successes of independent songwriters and publishers.

Guests snacked on sliders, mini chicken sandwiches, caprese skewers, fried pimento cheese bites, specialty popcorn and a bevy of sweet treats while visiting with each other before the program began. Radio veteran Storme Warren served as emcee for the evening.

Country newcomer Emily Ann Roberts won her first-ever industry award with the Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. She thanked her team for their support, and shared that she would work hard to “live up to who [you] believe [I] am.”

Lauren Hungate took home the 2026 Rising Songwriter of the Year award, and shared her surprise and gratitude when accepting the honor. SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel received the 2026 AIMP Song Champion Award, bringing his signature wit and heart to his speech.

Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive year. She dedicated the win to her mother, who she lost a few months back. Zach Top, who was not in attendance, was recognized as Artist-Writer of the Year.

Big Loud Publishing took home Top Independent Music Publisher of the Year, with the recently-promoted Mike Giangreco shouting out Big Loud songwriters and “the best team in Nashville.”

Two of the night’s highlights came with the performances of award-winning songs. Tigirlily Gold did an excellent job covering the AIMP Publisher’s Pick of the Year winner, “Come Home To You,” written by Jim McCormick, Makayla Lynn and Michael Wayne Wilkes, and performed by Emily Ann Roberts. Carly Pearce brought her classic country vocals to the night’s Song of the Year, “Weren’t For The Wind” written by Johnny Clawson, Ella Langley and Joybeth Taylor, and performed by Langley.

Another highlight came when HARDY was presented with the Independent Spirit Award. A video montage with messages of admiration for the singer-songwriter played before his wife, Caleigh Hardy, gave a speech about HARDY’s steadfastness to being himself, and how that has impacted his career, the Music Row community and their family.

HARDY spoke about how honored he was, and thanked his team and the community for celebrating his commitment to authenticity.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s AIMP award winners. Our event truly highlights just how special and supportive the Nashville independent community is,” shared Ree Guyer and Courtney Crist, this year’s AIMP co-chairs. “Presenting the Independent Spirit Award to Michael Hardy—who genuinely embodies its meaning—was a magical moment. We’re also deeply grateful to our sponsors, our dedicated awards committee—Megan Pekar, Alex Heddle, Shannan Hatch, Janine Ebach, and Tim Fink—and our incredible coordinator, Haily Harris, for making this event possible.”

Jessi Alexander Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Perfect Game Creative

Grammy-nominated hitmaker Jessi Alexander has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative. This deal marks Alexander as the flagship signing for Perfect Game Creative, launched by industry veteran Jessi Vaughn Stevenson last year.

A Tennessee native, Alexander has penned 10 No. 1 hits throughout her career, including Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and Morgan Wallen’s “Don’t Think Jesus.” Additional cuts include Megan Moroney’s “No Caller ID,” Dustin Lynch & Jelly Roll’s “Chevrolet,” Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It,” Scotty McCreery’s “In Between,” Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson’s “Never Say Never,” and Justin Moore & Priscilla Block’s “You, Me, and Whiskey.”

Alexander is also behind the global hit “The Climb” performed by Miley Cyrus, which earned an MTV Movie Award for Best Song from a Movie.

“So grateful I still get to have my dream job of being a songwriter… and getting to continue my partnership with Austen, alongside my longtime collaborator Jessi Vaughn, feels like a dream come true,” shares Alexander. “I couldn’t be more excited to walk into this next chapter of my career with people that feel like family – and who believe in me every step of the way.”

“Jessi Alexander is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats in country music,” says Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “She’s a powerhouse songwriter with a deep catalog of hits that spans generations, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Our relationship goes back over twenty years, and I’m happy to partner with her once again. The entire Warner Chappell team is honored to continue this journey alongside Jessi A and Jessi Vaughn as we work together to further elevate her global impact.”

“To say this moment feels full circle is an understatement,” adds Vaughn Stevenson, Founder, Perfect Game Creative. “I began my career working alongside Jessi, and over the past decade we’ve continued that relationship in different capacities. To now launch something of my own, in partnership with my home for many years and to have a singer-songwriter of her caliber trust me enough to step into this next chapter together feels both incredibly special and deeply strategic. We have spent years building momentum together, but in a lot of ways this feels like we are just getting started.”

Her recent awards include MusicRow’s Female Songwriter of the Year for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and NMPA Gold & Platinum Gala Top Female Songwriter (2024). She also notched a GRAMMY nomination in 2025 for Best Song Written for Visual Media with “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and a Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 60th ACM Awards.

 

Capitol Christian Music Group Signs Jonathan Gamble & Jordan Sapp

Hit songwriter Jonathan Gamble and Dove Award winning-producer and songwriter Jordan Sapp have extended their publishing deals with Capitol Christian Music Group.

Hailing from Alabama and now in Music City, Gamble has amassed No. 1 hits with Jamie MacDonald (“Desperate”), Leanna Crawford (“Still Waters (Psalm 23)”), and Seph Schlueter (“Counting My Blessings”). His additional cuts also include Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, Jesus Culture, Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Ben Fuller and MaRynn Taylor.

Sapp started his career in Los Angeles where he worked with Pitbull, Austin Mahone, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, and Jennifer Lopez as part of RedOne’s production team. Since moving to Nashville, he has garnered 16 No. 1 radio singles, multiple Dove Awards, and more than 2.4 billion streams through Christian and pop music.

“Jonathan is a true student of the craft of songwriting and has taught me so much about what it looks like to come alongside and advocate for writers in today’s music economy,” says David Gutekunst, Executive Vice President of publishing for CCMG. “Jordan is one of the most kind and humble people I have met in this business. He champions and cheers others on in such a special way. We are happy not only to be extending our publishing relationship with Jonathan and Jordan, but as a part of those new deals – finding new and creative ways to incentivize them to lean in and partner with CCMG artists going forward. It’s a meaningful move in the right direction that underscores CCMG’s mission of serving artists and writers.”

“I’m thrilled to continue this partnership with Jonathan Gamble and Jordan Sapp,” shares Sr. Director Creative Publishing Katie Barolak. “Their songwriting speaks for itself, but it’s their character and drive that make them truly special. They have an incredible ability to push boundaries and elevate everyone in their orbit. What they’re doing is shaping the future of music, and it’s an honor to stand alongside them.”

“Jordan Sapp is an exceptional songwriter and creative force whose talent, vision, and work ethic consistently distinguish him in our market,” adds Sr. Director Creative Publishing Terryl Padilla. “He has a unique ability to understand the sound and direction of the artists he collaborates with and bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic to each of them. We’re proud to support him as his creative publisher and excited to see his continued evolution build on what is already an impressive and influential career.”

Tina Parol Inks With Curb | Word Music Publishing

Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Tina Parol has signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing.

Originally from New Jersey, Parol began songwriting after being diagnosed with scoliosis at eight years old. When she was 16, she signed her first publishing deal, before studying at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. While in school, she signed a record deal with Universal Motown. At 21, Parol earned a top 40 Billboard pop hit with “Who’s Got Your Money.”

Parol came to Music City in 2012 after some time in Los Angeles, and has since earned cuts with Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady A, Tenille Townes, Dallas Smith, Jerrod Niemann, Vince Gill and more. She is a back-to-back Canadian Country Music Association Songwriter of the Year award winner, and has had her tunes places in over 250 film, TV, and major ad campaigns. Her own “Live Your Story” was the official theme for Disney’s Dream Big Princess campaign and is performed globally at Disney On Ice shows. Parol was also inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame last year.

“From the first writing session I booked with Tina, it was apparent that she had a special combination of talent, drive, and dependability,” says Curb Records Sr. Director, Publishing/A&R, Trevor Mathiesen. “She has delivered with each artist I’ve put her with and can connect with writers and artists on a personal level as well as musical. Her faith and testimony are powerful and serve as a limitless source of inspiration for her song writing. We are genuinely excited and honored to partner with Tina during this season of her already impressive career.”

“Writing songs is such a blessing. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with the fantastic team at Curb | Word for this next chapter of my career.” adds Parol. “Being able to write songs about my faith is a dream come true. I look forward to all that is in store for us!”

In February 2022, she went through a 10-hour, 14-level spinal fusion surgery to correct her severe scoliosis, followed by complications that collapsed her lungs and required three weeks in ICU. She learned to walk, breathe and sing again while relying on her faith in Jesus. Since then, she has earned Christian cuts with Hannah Kerr, Micah Kuiper, Tedd T, Bobby Strand, Natalie Layne and Benji Cowart among others.

 

Jody Williams Songs Elevates Tenasie Courtright, Adds Jonah Gordon

Jody Williams Songs has elevated Tenasie Courtright to Director, Creative & A&R.

Formerly serving as Creative Director at the company, Courtright took on added duties by performing hands-on A&R for JWS writer-artists Emily Ann Roberts, Ashley McBryde, Harper O’Neill and Peytan Porter.

“When we discovered Tenasie’s natural abilities for A&R we encouraged her in this area and were extremely pleased with the results,” shares Nina Fisher, VP/GM of JWS. “She is a key member of our creative team, and we are lucky to have her.”

Additionally, Jonah Gordon has joined Jody Williams Songs as Manager, Sync & A&R.

Gordon comes to JWS from the sync department of Big Yellow Dog Music, which was recently acquired by Sony Music Publishing.

“Jonah is the right person at the right time to ramp up our sync business and enhance creative services for our writers,” Fisher adds. “He brings a skill set to our company that will help us to evolve and broaden the reach of our songs.”

 

Noted Percussionist/Producer/Songwriter Craig Krampf Passes

Craig Krampf, who drummed on dozens of Nashville recordings, died on April 16 at age 80.

He was formerly the Secretary/Treasurer of Nashville Local 257 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).

Krampf was a West Coast rock artist who migrated to Music City to become a session musician in the 1990s. He also worked as a record producer, notably on Nashville rocker Ashley Cleveland’s 1991 Big Town and 1993 Bus Named Desire collections for Atlantic and on the 1994 album by the Americana act Disappear Fear for Rounder.

His session credits in Nashville included percussion work on records by Tanya Tucker, Dan Seals, The Remingtons, Townes Van Zandt, Radney Foster, The Sky Kings, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, Ty Herndon, LeAnn Rimes, Jack Ingram, The Randy Rogers Band, The Kinleys, Billy Burnette and Burrito Deluxe. He did percussion and production work on Dolly Parton’s 1987 Rainbow album. He was also a mainstay of Alabama’s recording sessions, appearing on the group’s million-selling Southern Star, Pass It On Down, American Pride, Cheap Seats and In Pictures albums in 1989-95.

Over the years, he also logged session credits with such Nashville pop artists as Webb Wilder, Van Stephenson, Steve Cropper, Jason Ringenberg, Jill Sobule, Will Kimbrough, Newsboys, Bonepony, The Features, Essra Mohawk, Josh Leo, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Tom Kimmel and Jonell Mosser.

Read his full obit here. 

 

Jake Saghi Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Ace High Music

Jake Saghi has inked with Sony Music Publishing and Ace High Music.

“Chris and Abigail [Wate Ayala] are fighters and I’m stoked to have them by my side,” he shares. “This is the start of an exciting new chapter with Ace High and Sony, and I can’t wait to see how far we take it!”

A Colorado native, Saghi has worked with Kidd G, Redferrin, Dom Ellis, Cassadee Pope, Abby Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Lakeview, Sacha and more. His recent cuts include “If I Was California,” by Redferrin, “Circa 17’” by Jon Langston, and Kidd G’s “Probably Shouldn’t Drive,” among others.

“Jake is an incredibly talented songwriter and producer with a natural gift for crafting hits,” says Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “We’re excited to welcome him to SMP and partner with the Ace High team to support his growing career.”

“Jake is the kind of writer and producer we’re always searching for – authentic, disciplined, and creatively fearless,” adds Chris Poole, Ace High Music Vice President & Partner. “From the first conversation, it was clear he understood who he is and where he’s headed. We’re excited to help amplify that vision alongside Sony Music Publishing and build something incredible together.”

Category: Music News