Music News (9/23/26)
NSAI Crowns 2026 Nashville Songwriter Awards Winners [Full List]
Songwriters, industry members and music fans gathered at the Ryman Auditorium this evening (Sept. 22) for NSAI’s ninth 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 “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honors.
Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley and Joybeth Taylor earned Song of the Year for global smash hit “Choosin’ Texas” recorded by Langley. Blake Pendergrass was named Songwriter of the Year, and Riley Green took home Songwriter-Artist of the Year.
The evening also saw NSAI present the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award to country legend Vince Gill, while Paul Williams received the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
The Legendary Song award—which honors a song that has achieved timeless status—went to Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” solo-penned by Don Schlitz.
Click here to see the full list of winners.
NaSHOF Adds Don Cook & Jodi Marr As Directors
Don Cook & Jodi Marr
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) has expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of Hall of Fame songwriter Don Cook and songwriter, producer, and Belmont University educator Jodi Marr.
“We are so excited to have Don and Jodi join our board,” says Rich Hallworth, Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. “They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to enhance our mission to honor the legacy of our members and to celebrate Nashville as home to the finest songwriters from all genres of music.”
Born in San Antonio, Cook began writing songs at 12 and made his first demo at 14. He spent his teenage years performing in Houston coffeehouses before moving to Nashville shortly after graduating from the University of Texas. There, he connected with publisher Don Gant, who signed him to Acuff-Rose Publishing. When Gant later moved to Tree Publishing, Cook joined him.
During his first year at Tree, Cook earned 11 cuts, including The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Cryin’ Again” and John Conlee’s “Lady Lay Down,” which became Cook’s first No. 1 as a songwriter. He continued to place hits throughout the 1980s, including Conway Twitty’s “Julia,” T. Graham Brown’s “I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again,” Steve Wariner’s “Small Town Girl” and Lee Greenwood’s “Somebody’s Gonna Love You.”
In the early 1990s, Cook co-wrote Brooks & Dunn’s debut single, “Brand New Man,” and began producing the duo. Their partnership produced several No. 1 hits, including “My Next Broken Heart,” “Only In America” and “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.”
Marr is an award-winning songwriter, producer, composer, author and educator whose career has included work across pop, Latin, country and international music. She has written and produced for artists including Dolly Parton, Ricky Martin, Carole King, Kristin Chenoweth, Charli XCX, Melanie C, Orianthi, Iam Tongi, Rita Wilson, Jordin Sparks, Monica, Sara Evans and Johnny Reid.
Marr co-wrote and produced several songs on Mika’s multi-platinum debut album Life in Cartoon Motion, including the global No. 1 “Grace Kelly,” which earned Ivor Novello and BRIT Awards. She also co-wrote and produced Paloma Faith’s breakout hit “New York.” At Belmont University, Marr teaches Commercial Songwriting and Artist Development. She also created a course focused on Artist Identity and Development and developed a Dolly Parton songwriting curriculum through Belmont’s partnership with the artist.
Also serving on the 17-member board are Hallworth (Chair), Acorn Health (President & Chief Executive Officer), Gretchen Peters (Vice-Chair), Sharon Vaughn (Secretary), Mike Vaden (Treasurer), Pat Alger, Doug Howard, Amy Kurland, Gary Nicholson, Robert K. Oermann, Ken Paulson, Fiona Whelan Prine, Barry Neil Shrum, Anthony L. Smith, John Stein and John Van Mol. Mark Ford is the nonprofit’s Executive Director.
Melody Place Adds Kacey Flory & Kayla Smith
Kacey Flory & Kayla Smith
Melody Place is expanding its digital team with the addition of Kacey Flory as Head of Digital Marketing and Kayla Smith as Digital Marketing Coordinator.
Flory brings nearly 10 years of industry experience to the role, including more than seven years at Crowd Surf, where she worked her way from Digital Marketing Assistant to Director of Marketing & Management. During her time there, she worked on digital campaigns for artists and clients across pop, country and other genres, including Camila Cabello, New Kids on the Block, Joshua Henry, Atsuko Okatsuka and Jim Gaffigan.
She also worked with major-label clients including Interscope Records, MCA and BBR Music Group. A member of the Academy of Country Music’s Class of 2025, Flory will oversee digital marketing and social media efforts for Melody Place’s artist roster and other entertainment projects.
Smith began building her career in music four years ago by shadowing industry professionals and volunteering at shows, where she gained experience in touring merchandise. She spent three years working as an elementary school teacher while continuing to pursue opportunities in music, working shows during nights, weekends and summers. During that time, she also earned a master’s degree in marketing and analytics. This summer, Smith worked as a digital intern at The Core Entertainment before joining Melody Place.
“Kacey is such a pro, with vast knowledge and incredible instincts for how artists across a multitude of genres can connect with audiences. Kayla is incredibly bright, eager, and creative, and with Kacey leading the team, they make a dream digital duo. The unique perspective each of them brings to their work will continue to propel Melody Place to new heights. We’re so pleased to have them both on board,” says Sandy McGraw, President and GM.
Midland Renews Worldwide Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Photo: Harper Smith
Midland has renewed their global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
The group broke onto the country music scene in 2017 with “Drinkin’ Problem,” which has since earned six-time RIAA Platinum status and reached No. 1. They have continued to build their catalog with Platinum and Gold-certified songs including “Burn Out,” “Cheatin’ Songs,” and “Make A Little.” They recently released their newest album, Stages, and earned a CMA nomination for Vocal Group of the Year.
“Warner Chappell has been part of the Midland story for a long time, and we’re really proud of everything we’ve accomplished together,” shares the band. “They’ve always understood how important the songs are to us and have given us the support and freedom to keep making music that feels true to who we are. We’re excited to keep building on what we’ve started with a team that really believes in this band and where we’re going.”
“Midland has been building their own unique musical brand for over a decade, brilliantly weaving together traditional country sounds with rock, folk, and a distinctly modern sensibility,” adds Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “They’re fantastic songwriters, outstanding singers and players, and charismatic live performers. It’s been incredibly exciting to support their evolution over the years, and we couldn’t be prouder to continue to be a part of their creative journey.”
Midland formed in Dripping Springs, Texas, and takes its name from a Dwight Yoakam song. The trio, comprised of Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson, has become known for its harmonies, steel guitar and classic country sound. The group’s catalog includes its RIAA Gold-certified debut album, On The Rocks, the Billboard Top Country Albums No. 1 Let It Roll, The Last Resort: Greetings From, 2024’s Barely Blue, and projects including The Sonic Ranch soundtrack and Live From The Palomino. Their creative work also extends to lifestyle ventures such as Insólito Tequila and Kingsmaker cigars.
This fall, Midland will take its “Stages Tour” across North America. Along with headlining shows, the trio will join Kacey Musgraves for select dates before partnering with Clint Black for an eight-date co-headlining run.
Parker Welling & Lydia Vaughan Launch ‘Women’s Writes’
Parker Welling and Lydia Vaughan has launched their new podcast, Women’s Writes.
The podcast gives listeners an inside look at the songwriting process through conversations with artist-songwriters. Each episode explores the stories behind the songs, as well as the friendships and creative partnerships behind them.
Welling and Vaughan’s first guest is Lauren Alaina, with whom they have co-written three songs, including “Household” and “Spin” from her new album, Stages. New episodes arrive Thursdays, with guest episodes every other week featuring artists and songwriters such as Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington, and Ashley McBryde and Terri Jo Box.
Between guest episodes, Welling hosts shorter solo installments. Each one starts with a story, song, lyric, or question and follows wherever the idea leads, from songwriting and creativity to psychology, history, and other unexpected topics. While the guest episodes focus on conversations with songwriters, the solo episodes explore the connections between ideas, songs, and the people who write them.
“Parker knows how to tell a story and how to listen to a story,” says Vaughan. “She deeply cares about songs and people, and somehow she can connect the dots in someone’s story that they might not have even connected yet themselves.”
The name Women’s Writes was inspired by a writing retreat Welling and Vaughan attended. When a male writer canceled at the last minute, the group became an all-female room. The experience made them realize they had never been part of a girls-only writing trip, inspiring them to create their own female-focused retreat and name it Women’s Writes.
Women’s Writes episodes can be found here.
BMI Launches BMI Health Connect Healthcare Coverage Service
BMI has launched a new free service, BMI Health Connect, designed to help its music creators find healthcare coverage.
The service is available exclusively for its U.S.-based songwriters and composers, and makes it easier to find the right healthcare coverage for them and their immediate families. Created in collaboration with Gallagher Alternative Health Solutions, a global leader in insurance brokerage, the program connects creators with advisors who provide personalized, one-on-one guidance to help understand options and choose the best healthcare coverage that fits their individual needs, circumstances and budget.
Through BMI Health Connect, music creators will be able to understand and compare nationally recognized health coverage options, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange plans, private off-exchange plans and Medicare, as well as dental, vision and other types of insurance offerings. They can also get answers to questions from independent and unbiased healthcare insurance experts who have access to hundreds of insurance plans, including those not available on state exchanges, and whose goal is to help find the best insurance options available.
“Supporting our music creators is at the heart of everything we do at BMI,” says Mike O’Neill, CEO, BMI. “We know first-hand from our affiliates that finding the right healthcare coverage can be overwhelming and isn’t a one size-fits-all experience, especially for music creators and their families. BMI Health Connect was created to help bring clarity to an often-complex process and connect our songwriters and composers with a trusted resource so they can spend less time navigating health coverage and more time doing what they do best – creating the world’s best music.”
BMI Health Connect is available right now, and BMI affiliates are encouraged to contact an advisor before open enrollment begins for ample time to ask questions and go over available options. BMI Affiliates in need of immediate coverage can enroll in short-term medical plans right now or enroll in other plans with a Qualifying Life Event. Click here to learn more or call (833) 997-5805.
Enrollment deadlines for 2027 coverage:
Medicare Open Enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
ACA Open Enrollment: Nov. 1 – Dec. 15
Jeremy Lister Inks With Jody Williams Songs & Warner Chappell Music
Pictured (L-R, back row): Tenasie Courtright (JWS Director, Creative & A&R), Nina Fisher (JWS VP/GM), Sophie Hopkins (Warner Chappell Music Senior Director, Sync) and Jody Williams (JWS Founder and CEO) (L to R, front row): Jeremy Lister and Jonah Gordon (JWS Manager, Sync/A&R). Photo: Anna Norwood
Jeremy Lister has signed a global publishing deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
A Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter and producer, Lister has built a strong track record of music placements across film, television and advertising. His work has been featured on shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Found and All American, as well as in campaigns for Jeep, Toyota, Google and T-Mobile.
Lister is also an accomplished recording artist, having performed with vocal group Street Corner Symphony and as a solo artist with Nashville songwriter collective Ten Out Of Tenn. He has most recently toured as a background vocalist for Post Malone. His solo releases and collaborations with Alison Krauss are among his career highlights. At Jody Williams Songs, Lister will serve as the company’s first dedicated sync writer while also writing for artists across multiple genres.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to JWS,” shares Jonah Gordon, Jody Williams Songs Manager, Sync/A&R. “He embodies all of the talent and skill for JWS to excel in the sync area and beyond.”
“Jonah’s first signing at JWS is a perfect fit for us,” says Nina Fisher, Jody Williams Songs VP/GM. “Jeremy is a master of his craft, and we are excited to help him build the next chapters of his career.”
“I’ve known Jody for almost my entire 23 years in Nashville, and I’m honored to finally be working with him,” adds Lister. “I’m also thrilled to be back with my longtime sync wizard and pal Jonah Gordon from my Big Yellow Dog years. Over the last few months, I’ve gotten to know Nina, Tenasie [Courtright] and the rest of the JWS team, and I’ve been so impressed by how much time they pour into their writers, their warmth, and the family atmosphere there. I can’t wait to add something new to their already incredible catalog.”
Owen Waidley Inks With SMACKSongs
Owen Waidley has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.
Inspired by artists including The Rolling Stones, The Lumineers and Joshua Slone, the California native brings real-life experiences into his songwriting. His songs reflect lessons he has learned firsthand, giving them an honest and personal feel. His creativity, work ethic, and natural ability in the writing room quickly caught the attention of SMACK, making him a strong fit for the team.
“The moment I heard Owen’s songs and voice, I was in,” says Jeremy Groves at SMACKSongs. “The more I’ve gotten to know him, see how hard he works, and how he carries himself, the prouder I am for SMACK to be a part of this next chapter of his story. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“There’s something special about having a team that feels like family, and not only is SMACK an unbelievable team but it is truly a family that I am deeply proud to be a part of,” adds Waidley.
Category: Music News
