Nashville Hosts an Exciting Night at the 62nd Country Music Awards
Nashville was buzzing with excitement on Monday evening as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) rolled out the red carpet for its 62nd Country Music Awards. This annual event is always a highlight in the country music calendar, and it certainly didn’t disappoint this year, especially with the esteemed CMA Awards just around the corner on Wednesday night!
Celebrating Songwriters and Artists
The ASCAP Country Music Awards are all about celebrating the hard work and talent of songwriters, publishers, and artists who make waves in the country genre. Leading the night’s celebrations were esteemed musicians Ashley Gorley and Chris Stapleton, who walked away with the most coveted awards. Chris Stapleton, known for his soulful voice and masterful songwriting, was honored as the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year. With two of his tracks, “White Horse” and “Think I’m in Love with You,” ranking among the year’s most-performed ASCAP songs, it’s clear why he’s a fan favorite.
Stapleton’s Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
As Stapleton took to the podium to accept his award, he reflected on his journey, saying, “I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter … that was my dream. That was my whole plan.” His words resonated with many aspiring songwriters in the audience, emphasizing the enduring passion for songwriting. “If you’re a songwriter, then you’re always going to be a songwriter and nobody can ever take that away from you,” he said, igniting applause and cheers from the crowd.
Gorley Shines Bright
Meanwhile, Ashley Gorley celebrated his impressive achievement by securing his 11th ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year title. This prolific writer has penned a whopping 11 of the most-performed ASCAP songs this year, showcasing his incredible talent in the industry. Among his accolades, Gorley also clinched the ASCAP Country Song of the Year for the chart-topping track “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen, co-written with JKash. It’s safe to say that Gorley has firmly planted his name in the hearts of country music lovers.
Humbled by Success
Gorley described the experience of receiving such recognition as “surreal.” He added, “(As songwriters) we all think we’re awesome, and we think we suck at the same time. All these things are definitely just a bonus.” His humble attitude reflects a theme heard often among artists in Nashville, as they navigate the ups and downs of the music industry.
Looking to the Future
The talented songwriter also expressed excitement about charts beyond the country genre, stating, “It does mean a lot to me to be part of more people coming to the country genre and understanding how awesome our artists are and songwriters are.” When asked about future projects, Gorley hinted at wanting to keep things fresh, and even extended an invitation to Bruno Mars to join him in the songwriting room if he ever finds himself in Nashville.
Publisher of the Year
This year’s award for ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year went to Sony Music Publishing, further solidifying the success of notable names in the industry. The event overall was a heartwarming celebration of the dedication and talent within country music, creating buzz for the upcoming CMA Awards later this week.
For those eager to catch the excitement live, be sure to tune in to the CMA Awards at 7 p.m. CST on ABC, where country music’s biggest stars will gather once again in the heart of Nashville. With an evening packed with outstanding performances and unforgettable moments expected, it promises to be another great night for the genre.
