NSAI honors the pursuit of craft at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards

Honorees celebrate on stage at the conclusion of the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by City National Bank. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

If there was anything on display at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards last night (September 24), it was the relentless pursuit of the craft that fills the lives of both new and established songwriters every day.

Staged by NSAI and presented by City National Bank, the popular awards show showcased the careers of industry greats who spent their lives searching for good songs, as well as modern hitmakers who search for good songs every day.

Amanda Shires performs “Always On My Mind” in honor of the first-ever NSAI Legendary Song Award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

The evening, which honored the winners of the Song, songwriter and songwriter-artist of the year categories, as well as the 2024 Legendary Song Award and the 10 Songs I Wish I Had Written, was full of stories behind the song, special speeches and tender moments between employees. Enduring Heroes of Country Music Alan Jackson And Buddy cannon were also honored for their limitless contributions.

The evening began with a breathtaking performance by Amanda Shireswho was on hand to sing NSAI's iconic 2024 song “Always On My Mind,” written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher And Mark James.

Pictured (left to right): 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 of songs he co-wrote, including “Livin' On Love”, sung by Hailey Whitters“Here In The Real World” performed by Lee Ann Womack and “Midnight In Montgomery,” performed by Josh Turner.

When he introduced him was the COO of NSAI Jennifer Turnbow described Jackson as a “monolith of country music as both a songwriter and an artist.” At the panel, he shared stories about his early days on Music Row and his desire to write about real life.

“I tell people I sing real country songs about life, love, heartbreak, drinking, dancing, crying and having a good time,” Jackson said to thunderous applause. “That’s what I’ve always been about: life.”

Pictured (left to right): Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon (2024 NSAI President's Keystone Award recipient), and Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board Chair). Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Another prestigious award of the evening, 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 company Bill Anderson.

NSAI Board Chairman Lee Thomas Miller introduced Cannon, sharing that he is “a rare treasure that connects old Nashville with new Nashville.” Cannon reflected on the players who helped him along the way: Bob Luman, Mel Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney.

“I love great songs and I love the people who write them,” Cannon said. “This award means a lot to me.”

During a break, NSAI CEO Bart Herbison took the stage to address the songwriters and publishers in the room and share updates about their ongoing lobbying efforts and their high-profile battle with Spotify.

“As songwriters continue to grapple with compensation and the challenges of the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the Nashville Songwriter Awards are an emotional reminder that the entire music ecosystem begins with the song,” said Herbison.

Ashley Gorley accepts his eighth NSAI songwriter of the year award. Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Ashley Gorley was named 2024 songwriter of the year for the eighth time. Nate Smith shared a performance of their multi-week hit “World On Fire” and Chris Young played their “Young Love & Saturday Nights”.

Speaking, Gorley shared, “I’m just proud to still have a spot on the Team Nashville roster. In case you haven't noticed, everyone wants to be on this team right now. The whole world has discovered that we have the best artists, writers, songs, shows, fans and people behind the scenes who make everything possible.

“There is no better city or community for a newcomer or veteran. I appreciate the chance to still be in the game,” Gorley said. The house screamed and hollered like he was the star quarterback.

Jellyroll won the songwriter-artist of the year award that night, but was unable to attend the event.

In between the evening's big awards, NSAI reveals the winners of the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I Had Written” category. Winners are chosen by NSAI's professional songwriter members and awarded with a video interview with the songwriters who wrote the hit and a subsequent performance.

Patrick Murphy took the piano to play his own, Craig Wiseman And Tommy Cecil's winner “Standing Room Only;” as well Monty Criswell for his and Parker McCollumis “Handle On You.” Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta And Rob Ragosta rocked their hit “Need A Favour” with Jelly Roll; and siblings Mackenzie And Micah Carpenter had a lot of fun with their hit “I'm Not Pretty”, which was co-written with them Megan Moroney And Ben Williams.

Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins perform the 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, “The Painter.” Photo: Jason Davis for NSAI

Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet And Brett Tyler performed their hit “Man Made A Bar,” which they wrote with Rocky block. Greylan James carried out his, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill And Josh Osborneis “Next Thing You Know”; while Ryan Beaver And Jared Keim played along to their hit Warren Zeiders “Pretty little poison.” Randy Montana And Dave Turnbull sang her winner “Where The Wild Things Are”; And Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace And Neil Thrasher joined the votes for “Try That In A Small Town.”

Dan Wilson rocked on his and Chris Stapletonis “White Horse”. Lauren Watkins And Will Bundy covered the writers of “Last Night” –John ByronAshley Gorley, Charlie Handsome And Jacob Kasher Hindlin– to a sultry rendition of the song.

The top voter for “10 Songs I Wish I Had Written” will receive the title of “Song of the Year,” which is the final award of the night. The cup went up Benjy Davis, Cat Higgins And Ryan Larkins for “The Painter”.

The three delivered their message of gratitude for their believers and support systems before performing the song to close the evening.

The NSAI Nashville Songwriter Awards returns to the Ryman Auditorium for the eighth annual ceremony on September 23, 2025.

LB Cantrell is Editor/Operations Manager at MusicRow Magazine where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication's six annual print editions and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University's Recording Industry Management program.

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