Music News (7/22/26)
Nominees Unveiled For Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026
Twelve songwriters, representing two of the organization’s five categories, were revealed as nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The full class of inductees will be announced in the coming weeks and officially inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame later this year.
“Well-deserved congratulations to all the nominees in our contemporary categories,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. “We look forward to announcing those who will be inducted this fall as members of our Class of 2026.”
The Contemporary Songwriters category nominees are Jim Beavers, Shawn Camp, Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Marv Green, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher and Chris Tompkins.
The 2026 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category include Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift and Phil Vassar.
All nominees wrote their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. Hall of Fame members and other professional songwriters and artists will vote to elect two songwriters and one songwriter/artist.
Click here to read about the nominees.
Centricity Music Elevates Matt Ewald To Head Of A&R
Matt Ewald
Centricity Music has elevated Matt Ewald to Head of A&R.
Ewald joined Centricity in 2016 and serves as Vice President of A&R. In his expanded role, he will oversee the company’s A&R strategy, including artist discovery, signing, development, song selection, repertoire direction and long-term creative planning while simultaneously working closely with Centricity’s label, publishing, marketing and executive teams.
“Matt has been a trusted creative voice and steady advocate for Centricity’s artists and writers,” says Caren Seidle, CEO of Centricity Music. “He understands the heart of our mission, the importance of long-term artist development and the responsibility we carry in offering music that encourages and inspires people. His role in A&R reflects both the leadership he has already demonstrated and the vision he brings for shaping the future of our roster.”
Ewald succeeds outgoing President of A&R John Mays in leading the A&R department.
“There was so much to learn from Matt during my decade of working alongside him,” says Mays. “How to be a better A&R person, sure, but also how to be a better man. Centricity is fortunate to move into the future with Matt heading up the A&R team and contributing more involved leadership to the company’s mission, vision and direction.”
Stephony Smith Inks With SMACKSongs
Pictured (L-R): Lee Krabel, Carly Sater, Stephony Smith, Robin Palmer, Jeremy Groves and Sam Sarno
Stephony Smith has inked with SMACKSongs.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, the Grammy-nominated writer has amassed a catalog of hits including the solo penned “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, “Yes!” by Chad Brock, “How Was I To Know” by Reba McIntire, and “Perfect Love” by Trisha Yearwood. She has earned two BMI Pop awards, nine BMI Million-Air Awards, been named Billboard’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year and earned the Guild Of Music Supervisors Best Song TV Sync for “Look At Us Now,” featured in Daisy Jones and the Six.
“I’ve always been a fan of Stephony Smith’s writing and love how she keeps bringing her best into every room every day,” says Robin Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACKSongs. “We worked together a while back at EMI and it feels like we just picked up where we left off with a whole new cast of characters! We are all excited to welcome her into our SMACK family.”
“I am thrilled and excited to be at SMACK with some of the best writers on the planet!” shares Smith. “Can’t wait to do this all again with my friend Robin Palmer and the amazing crew at SMACKSongs.”
Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde, Chris Stapleton More To Celebrate Honorees At Nashville Songwriter Awards
Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton
Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton are among the first set of performers confirmed for the upcoming 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.
Produced by The Nashville Songwriters Association International with presenting partner City National Bank, the event will feature special performances from over a dozen songwriters, who will perform and celebrate their peers at the celebration. Additional performers for this year’s lineup include Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver, Jacob Davis, Ray Fulcher, Ben Johnson, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Neil Medley, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps, Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, Lydia Vaughan and Jordan Walker.
Performances will center around industry honorees, songs celebrated by peers as ones they “wish they had written,” and writers who have achieved top chart performance throughout the past year. Previously announced honorees are Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award), Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award), Pendergrass (Songwriter of the Year) and Riley Green (Songwriter-Artist of the Year).
The ‘Song of the Year’, ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards, and the ‘Legendary Song’ award honors will be concealed until night-of, revealed through stories and performances from the stage. Tickets for the ceremony are on sale now.
‘Songwriters Under the Stars’ Returns To Cheekwood
Under the Stars Concert Series 2024. Photo: Diana Rosales
Chris DeStefano and The Warren Brothers are set to share the stories behind their biggest hits at this year’s “Songwriters Under the Stars” concert series, which returns to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville on Aug.21-22.
The writers will be accompanied by the Music City Symphony, and the concerts will also include a special tribute to the late singer-songwriter and producer Brett James, a beloved fixture of “Songwriters Under the Stars” for many years.
DeStefano is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has penned multiple No. 1s for artists including Carrie Underwood, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean.
Brothers Brett Warren and Brad Warren are Grammy, CMA, and Emmy-nominated songwriters with 10 No. 1 singles. Their songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Faith Hill and more.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for the evening while enjoying seasonal beers, wine by the bottle, craft cocktails, and offerings from local food trucks and Perenn at Cheekwood.
Tickets are on sale now.
Whitefish Songwriter Festival Returns To Montana For Sixth Year
The 6th Annual Whitefish Songwriter Festival is set to take place Sept. 18–20 in Whitefish, Montana.
Quartz Hill Music Group is the event’s presenting sponsor, and songwriters Marla Cannon-Goodman, Aaron Rattiere, Frank Meyers, Paul Jenkins, Adam Hambrick and more will light up the stages around Whitefish during the annual event. Label artists Spencer Hatcher, Lakelin Lemmings and Gabe Walsh will also join the festival this year.
“I’ve always believed in the power of a song – as well as in both the joy and in the healing that music can bring,” says Benny Brown, Quartz Hill Music Group founder. “I’m excited to partner with the Whitefish Songwriter Festival because it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talented songwriters who create those special moments with a new audience that truly values great music and how it all begins. ”
The all-ages event has something for everyone and works in conjunction with the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce to offer educational elements throughout the event. Several of the artists/songwriters will visit local schools and encourage the art of songwriting with the local students. The festival is also unveiling more opportunities for music education and cultivating aspiring artists with a songwriter workshop and songwriting contest. Each year, the festival transforms Whitefish into a destination for music lovers, hosting acclaimed songwriters performing throughout downtown, supporting working artists while enriching the cultural life of the community and generating significant local economic activity.
“The Whitefish Songwriter Festival is built on the power of great songs and the connections they create,” says Cari Klepper, festival producer and founder. “Having Quartz Hill Music Group as our presenting sponsor allows us to expand opportunities for songwriters while bringing even more world-class music to our community.”
A full list of performers can be found here, and tickets are available here.
Jackson Wendell Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Perfect Game Creative
Austen Adams (President, WCM), Jackson Wendell, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Perfect Game Creative) and Phil May (VP & GM, WCM). Photo: Grace Hartrick
Texas singer-songwriter Jackson Wendell has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative.
Hailing from Lufkin, Texas, Wendell’s passion for music began at an early age. After picking up a guitar as a child and playing on his church’s worship team, he started writing songs of his own, penning his first original “Ain’t Coming Home” at just 14 years old.
As a homeschool student, Wendell had the freedom to focus on music while traveling with his family, experiences that helped shape his songwriting. During his senior year of high school, he planned to attend Ole Miss, but an opportunity to open for Scotty McCreery in his hometown changed everything. Inspired to pursue music full-time, he instead enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University, balancing college with performing across the Texas music scene before leaving school after two years to dedicate himself to touring and songwriting.
Since then, Wendell has shared the stage with artists including Parker McCollum, Tucker Wetmore, Flatland Cavalry, Randy Rogers and William Beckmann. Named to Pandora’s and One Country’s 2026 Artists to Watch lists, he is known for heartfelt storytelling, classic country influences, and a fresh, modern sound. His 2025 single, “Drunk Words Are Sober Thoughts,” has earned nearly three million global streams.
“Songwriting has always been the foundation of my passion and getting to call it a career is such a blessing,” says Wendell. “I am beyond grateful to be starting this next chapter with Perfect Game and Warner Chappell. Having a team that not only is passionate but also pushes me creatively means more than I can put into words.”
“Jackson is a rare talent who captivates listeners with his sharp songwriting and authentic storytelling,” shares Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “His ability to blend traditional country roots with a fresh, contemporary edge is exactly what makes him stand out, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Warner Chappell alongside our partners at Perfect Game Creative.”
“I am so thrilled to be working with Jackson,” adds Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Founder, Perfect Game Creative. “I love the raw emotion, honesty, and vulnerability he brings to his songwriting and artistry. Those authentic qualities have helped him build a rapidly growing fan base that deeply connects with him and his music. I can’t wait to champion his career and build something meaningful together alongside our incredible partners at Warner Chappell.”
Category: Music News
