FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE NOW!
6+ VENUES | 40+ SONGWRITERS | 3 DAYS
The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival stands as a tribute to exceptional songwriters, passionate music enthusiasts, and celebrates the unique charm of the Shoals, Alabama – a place globally renowned as the Hit Recording Capital of the World.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
IN MY TICKET?
WEEKEND PASS
• Access to (3) Festival Days (November 1st-3rd, 2024) at various venues across the Shoals
• Access to All After-Party Events
• Access to Award Show and All-Star Songwriter Round Happening Saturday, November 2nd at Marriott Shoals Conference Center
• Does not include access to FAME Recording Studio Show(s)
FRIDAY ONLY PASS
• Access to Full Festival Duration on Friday, November 1st
• Access to All After-Party Events happening on Friday, November 1st
• Does not include access to FAME Recording Studio Show(s)
SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY PASS
• Access to Full Festival Duration on Saturday, November 2nd - Sunday, November 3rd
• Access to Award Show and All-Star Songwriter Round Happening Saturday, November 2nd at Marriott Shoals Conference Center
• Access to All After-Party Events happening on Saturday, November 2nd
• Does not include access to FAME Recording Studio Show(s)
FAME SHOW TICKET ADD-ON (LIMITED AVAILABILITY!)
• Access to FAME showcase happening Friday, November 1st
introducing
our 2024 lineup
Hit Songwriter
WROTE 'WAITIN' ON A WOMAN'" #1 HIT FOR BRAD PAISLEY
Wynn Varble
Wynn has had many hits including three number ones...all three were nominated for “Song Of The Year” by the CMA or ACM and sometimes both. Wynn’s three number one songs are “Have You Forgotten” by Darryl Worley, “Waitin’ On A Woman” by Brad Paisley, and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” by Easton Corbin. In addition to his number ones, Wynn has had songs recorded by artists such as Garth Brooks, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Trace Adkins, Mark Chesnutt, Willie Nelson, Kellie Pickler, Lee Ann Womack, and many others. In 2009, Wynn received the Nashville Songwriters Association’s Songwriter of the Year Award.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "ONE MORE DAY" #1 HIT FOR DIAMOND RIO
Bobby Tomberlin
CMA, ACM & Grammy nominee, Bobby Tomberlin, was raised in Luverne, Al, where he was a disc jockey at the age of 11, interviewing icons like Johnny Cash, Waylon and Keith Whitley. Bobby co-wrote "One More Day", recorded by Diamond Rio, Darryl Worley’s Top 10 hit, "A Good Day To Run” and the 2023 Grammy nominated Dolly Parton/Bill Anderson single, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”. Some of the other artists to record Bobby’s songs include Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Faith Hill, Josh Turner, Kenny Rogers, Joe Nichols, Vince Gill, Pam Tillis, Rodney Atkins, Joe Diffie, Jamey Johnson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chris Young, The Oak Ridge Boys, Terri Clark, Craig Morgan, Sam Williams, The Isaacs, Thompson Square, Bobby Bare, Neal McCoy & Deana Carter. Bobby has also been in several films including Wheeler with Kris Kristofferson.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "SOME OF IT" #1 HIT FOR ERIC CHURCH
Clint Daniels
Born in Panama City, Florida, Clint Daniels is an American country music singer and songwriter. He was signed as solo artist with Arista Nashville in 1998. There, Daniels released four songs, two of which charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. In 2003, Daniels signed to Epic Records but never released an album. Having already co-written his first Number One single for Joe Nichols (Brokenheartsville), he focused his career on songwriting and has been primarily known for his songwriting and performing at showcases across the country. As a BMI award-winning songwriter, Daniels has co-written Number One singles for Joe Nichols, Montgomery Gentry (Roll With Me) and most recently, Eric Church (Some Of It). His songs have helped shape country music for almost 20 years and have been recorded by George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Clay Walker, Easton Corbin, Jon Pardi, Brandy Clark and other country acts. Daniels is currently signed to publishing with Porch Light Music.
Songwriter
WROTE 'ALREADY HAD IT' FOR TUCKER WETMORE
Johnny mcguire
Johnny McGuire first crossed country music's radar as half of Walker McGuire, a duo who landed a Top 40 hit called "Til Tomorrow" in 2017. He went solo two years later, bringing his friendly nasal twang to an amiable, Americana influenced spin on country. Raised in Texas and Kansas, Johnny is a versatile writer in both the Country and Americana/Texas red dirt genres. His influences include John Prine, Dean Dillon and Tom Petty among others. Johnny writes for other artists as well as releasing his own music. One of his recent songs he wrote, 'Already Had It' by Tucker Wetmore, was featured in the major motion picture "Twisters". He has written songs for Tucker Wetmore, Vince Gill, Aaron Lewis, Read Southall Band, Kolby Cooper, Billy Ray Cyrus and his previous band Walker McGuire.
WROTE "TROUBADOUR" #1 HIT FOR GEORGE STRAIT
Hit Songwriter
Leslie Satcher
To put it very simply, native Texan Leslie Satcher is Nashville songwriting royalty. Best known for her huge hit songs “When God Fearin’ Women Get The Blues” by Martina McBride, “Troubadour” by George Strait and the Gretchen Wilson & Merle Haggard hit “Politically Uncorrect”. Leslie’s songs have been recorded by a veritable who’s who of the music world. Her list of cuts include Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, Reba, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Sheila E., Ariana Grande and dozens more. She has received multiple BMI “Million-Air” awards recognizing a song’s one millionth airplay and her incomparable vocals contribute to an astounding number of Grammy, CMA & ACM award winning projects. While maintaining a heavy songwriting schedule at Notting Hill Music with some of music’s biggest talents, Leslie is constantly performing nationally & internationally and is often found doing benefits for those less fortunate with friends Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Paul Overstreet and others. Her current single, “Someone To Take Your Place”recorded by Tara Thompson, is climbing the charts and can be seen on Country Music Television.
WROTE "TENNESSEE ORANGE" #1 HIT FOR MEGAN MORONEY
Hit Songwriter
Ben Williams
Most recently nominated for CMA and ACM Song of The Year, People’s Choice Country Awards Song of The Year, Musicrow’s Breakout Songwriter of The Year, AIMP’s “Rising Songwriter of the Year”, and NSAI’s “Ten Songs I’ve Wish I’ve Written.” Ben’s most recent cuts include RIAA Certified Gold Single “Narcissist”, “Critic”, “La Di Da”, “Can’t Miss You Anymore” “Make It Look Easy” “Lose You Again ft. Parmalee” (Avery Anna), “Lucky”, “Traitor Joe”, “Sleep On My Side” “Mustang Or Me” “Another On The Way” “Hair Salon” “He Made Me Do It” “Keep The Flowers” “I Know You” “Mama I Lied” “The Girls” “Indifferent””28th of June” RIAA Certified Platinum single“I’m Not Pretty” and “Tennessee Orange” — RIAA Certified Double Platinum #1 Hit Single at Country Radio. (Megan Moroney) Also, “Silverado In The Sky” (Kidd G) “Water and Beer” (Trea Landon), “Midnight On A Map Dot” (Derek Austin), “Little Bit” “I Do Two” (Drew Baldridge) Everybody’s Drunk, Love Like That Again, But I Do (Logan Crosby) and “Old Phone”/“Someone Else’s Summer” (CB30). Ben also co-produces Tayler Holder and other artists. He also wrote “Someone You Knew” and “Time In This Truck” (Tayler Holder” A diverse writer, Ben also enjoys writing in other genres and penned a Pop/EDM single “I Still Remember” with artist Caroline Romano which was remixed by R3HAB, racking up streams in the millions and charting at #13 on Billboard EDM Airplay.
WROTE "HIGHWAY DON'T CARE" FOR TIM MCGRAW, TAYLOR SWIFT, KEITH URBAN
Hit Songwriter
MARK IRWIN
Coming from the Northeast, moving to Nashville in 1987, it took Mark Irwin four years to land his first cut, which happened to be the Christmas song “Meet Me Under The Mistletoe” recorded by Randy Travis for his “Old Time Christmas” album. Soon after, Mark co-wrote Alan Jackson’s first number one hit “Here In The Real World”, a two time CMA Song of the Year nominee, ACM Song of the Year nominee and winner of the Music City News’ Award for Song of the Year 1990. Mark also co-wrote the Tyler Farr number one single “Redneck Crazy” and the Tim McGraw number one hit song “Highway Don’t Care”, featuring Taylor Swift on guest vocals and Keith Urban on guitar…as well as Blake Shelton’s number one hit single, “Neon Light”. Other recent cuts that Mark co-wrote include Tim McGraw’s recent single “Looking For That Girl” and Chris Janson’s “Power of Positive Drinking” Also, along with having songs on Alan Jackson’s “DRIVE” CD and Garth Brooks’ “THE LOST SESSIONS”, Mark co-wrote the singles, “Bama Breeze” for Jimmy Buffet and That’s How They Do It In Dixie” for Hank Williams Jr. Over the years Mark has had 5 songs recorded Tim McGraw, 4 songs recorded by Martina McBride and other cuts by George Jones, Faith Hill, Lee Brice, Thomas Rhett, Bomshel, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jessie James, Tracey Lawrence, Sammy Kershaw, Chely Wright, Patty Loveless, Highway 101, The Whites, Chris LeDoux, Bucky Covington, Glen Campbell, Neal McCoy, The Amazing Rhythm Aces and The Dirt Drifters, among others. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow also recorded one of Mark’s songs for her movie “Country Strong” Recently Mark had the song “Bet You Still Think About Me” on Blake Shelton’s CD “If I’m Honest” and “Sleeping in the Stars” on the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill duets CD ‘The Rest Of Our Life” At present Mark is working with a number of young artists and is prominently featured in the Bluebird Café documentary “Bluebird.”
WROTE "THE GOOD ONES" #1 FOR GABBY BARRETT
Hit Songwriter
EMILY LANDIS
Originally from St. Louis and a graduate of Belmont University, Emily Landis is a CMA nominated hit songwriter currently signed to BMG Nashville. Emily's first big success was with Gabby Barrett's "The Good Ones" which spent three straight weeks at Number One and is now 4x certified platinum. The song was nominated for Song Of The Year and Single Of The Year at the 55th annual CMA Awards, Country Song Of The Year at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards, and was voted Favorite Country Song at the 2021 American Music Awards. Following the success of “The Good Ones”, Landis received two Music Row Award nominations for “Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year” and “Female Songwriter of the Year”. In September 2023, Landis received her first #1 song at Canadian country radio with Mackenzie Porter’s “Chasing Tornadoes”. Landis has had songs recorded by Sheryl Crow, Lauren Watkins, Dylan Scott, Ashley Cooke, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna, and more.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "KNOWING YOU" #1 HIT FOR KENNY CHESNEY
Adam James
Adam James was raised on a farm in central Illinois. As a child of 90s country radio, he always dreamed of making music in Music City. Now, Adam currently writes for Universal Music Publishing Group and his songs have been recorded by Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, Cody Johnson and Jelly Roll, just to name a few. He has four songs on Johnson’s new album “Leather” and recently achieved his first #1 hit with Chesney’s “Knowing You”, which was also nominated for ACM Song Of The Year.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "ONE MISSISSIPPI" #1 FOR KANE BROWN
levon gray
Levon Gray is a singer and platinum-selling songwriter from Mobile, Alabama. Growing up in the original home of Mardi Gras, he was exposed to various styles of music, ranging from Salsa and Reggae to Country and Blues. His multiethnic background also helped introduce him to sounds that would inspire him to write and sing in various styles as well. Having been a Music minister for several years, he decided to pursue his own career. Opening for artists such as Case, KeKe Wyatt, and Tamela Mann, he also begin to work on songs for other artists. In 2018, he provided guitar for Lil Baby’s RIAA Certified Gold “Street Gossip” Project. Struggling to find success in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, he began to go back to some of the sounds that inspired him, which ultimately led him back to country music. After posting a series of videos on Instagram, he was discovered by Country star Kane Brown, who then invited him to write in Nashville. Now as a songwriter, he is signed to Verse 2 Music/Sony under Kane Brown and Publishing Veteran Kent Earls. His first cut “One Mississippi”, released by Kane Brown in August of 2021, reached number one on the American and Canadian Country charts, and he’s already worked with a slew of successful writers and artists. He’s currently working on material for his debut country project, and is extremely excited about the future.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "THE DANCE" #1 FOR GARTH BROOKS
Tony Arata
Tony Arata was born in Savannah, Georgia and grew up on nearby Tybee Island. While studying for a journalism degree from Georgia Southern University, he began performing his original songs in local bands. In 1986, he and wife Jaymi moved to Nashville where his unique, soulful style began to get the attention of people like Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks. Garth to date has recorded seven of Tony’s songs, and “The Dance” won song of the year at The Academy of Country Music and received both a Country Music Association and a Grammy nomination, as well as a most performed song in Radio and Records Magazine. He has also had No. 1 records with “Here I Am” for Patty Loveless, “I’m Holding My Own” for Lee Roy Parnell, and “Dreaming With My Eyes Open” for Clay Walker. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Delbert McClinton, Don Williams, Reba McEntire, Suzy Bogguss, and Hal Ketchum. Tony has also done three solo albums featuring new songs, covers, and guest appearances by many of Nashville’s finest musicians as well as folks who have recorded his songs, including Garth, Patty, and Lee Roy. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2012.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "TOMORROW" #1 FOR CHRIS YOUNG
Anthony smith
Anthony Smith is a versatile songwriter, producer and arranger who has achieved great success in many genres, including Country, Pop, R&B, and Jazz. Artists who have recorded his songs include Chris Young, Reba, Parmalee, Lauren Alaina, Ben Gallerher, Bucky Covington, Lonestar, Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Joanna Smith, Regina Belle, Vince Gill, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, RBD, Emerson Drive, Adam Gregory, Heartland, Donna Summer, Shane Yellowbird, Jaydee Bixby, Trent Tomlinson, Rio Grand, The Wilkinsons, Kirk Whalum, Suzy Bogguss, Kenny Rogers, Ash Bowers, Aleksander With, John & Audrey Wiggins, Julie Reeves and Anita Cochran. Smith's hit songs include: “Tomorrow” – Chris Young (SESAC Song Of The Year 2011) “What About Now” – Lonestar (also used in a national "Toyota" campaign) “I Want My Life Back” – Bucky Covington “When Love Cries” – Donna Summer “Watch This” – Clay Walker “Love Happens Like That” – Neal McCoy “Jimmy’s Got A Girlfriend” – The Wilkinsons "Too Late To Worry" – Jo Dee Messina “Pictures” – Aleksander With (Sony International)
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "EVERY LITTLE THING" #1 FOR CARLY PEARCE
EMILY SHACKELTON
Emily Shackelton is a songwriter and performer from Biwabik, Minnesota. After studying at Berklee College of Music, during which time she won the coveted BMI John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Emily made the move to Nashville. She’s penned the #1 Carly Pearce single, Every Little Thing, along with singles and cuts with Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Runaway June, Cassadee Pope, the Civil Wars’ Joy Williams, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles, Seth Ennis, Sara Evans, Jana Kramer, David Cook, and more. Several of her songs have also been featured on TV shows like Nashville, American Idol, and Dancing With the Stars. She won Music Row’s 2018 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award, and “Every Little Thing” was recognized as one of NSAI’s 2018 Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written. She currently serves on the NSAI board and just signed a new worldwide publishing deal with Winsongs Music Publishing.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "POSTCARD FROM PARIS" FOR THE BAND PERRY
Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen a multi-award-winning songwriter/producer/publisher based in Nashville/London whose songs have appeared on over 20 million albums sold, over 10 million video games and over 100 placements in TV/Film. Jeff’s songs have been recorded by The Band Perry (Hit single/BMI Award - Postcard From Paris), Evan and Jaron(Hit single/BMI award - Crazy For This Girl), Big and Rich(Hit single/BMI award - Holy Water), Laura Bell Bundy(Hit single - Giddy On Up), RichieMacDonald of Lone Star(Hit single - I Turn To You), The Shires(Hit Singles - 1000 Hallelujahs and Daddy’s Little Girl), Ilse DeLange(Hit Single - Beautiful Distraction), Worry Dolls(UK Americana Awards Song Of The Year nominee - Endless Road), Sugarland, Josh Groban, Macy Gray, Nick Lachey, Teitur, Doc Walker, Mandy Moore, Mickey Guyton, Nikhil D’Souza, MarcBroussard, Spin Doctorsand many more. His songs have been featured in movies such as Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Stuart Little 2, Aquamarine, Grandma’s Boy and TV shows such as Jack and Jill (theme), I Married A Princess (theme), The Exes (theme), Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, One Tree Hill, The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live and many more. He is also founder and songwriter of the critically acclaimed band Pancho's Lament. In a previous life Jeff was a music executive at BMI working with such talent asJeff Buckley, Kara DioGuardi, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne, Ani DiFranco, Spin Doctorsand many more.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE 'THAT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SUNDAY'S" #1 FOR CRAIG MORGAN
Mark narmore
HomeBioDiscographyGalleryMore NarmorePhoto Gallery More Soul From The Shoals Copyright 2013 MarkNarmoreMusic.com | All Rights Reserved Mark Narmore Mark was raised and still resides in Center Star, Alabama, in the shadow of the music mecca of Muscle Shoals. He grew up loving and emulating the sounds from those Shoals studios and has had a 37 year career as a songwriter. He graduated from Brooks High in 1983, then attended the University Of North Alabama where he received a degree in commercial music in 1988. Mark also worked locally as a radio announcer. He has had songs recorded by Josh Turner, Tonja Rose, Chris Golden, Bernard Allison, Brandy Clark, Reba, Alabama, John Michael Montgomery, Shenandoah, Neal McCoy Blackhawk, Terri Clark, Sandy Carroll(Jim Gaines producer) Craig Morgan, Tenille Arts, Big Daddy Wilson(Jim Gaines producer),Carly Pearce, CoCo O'Connor(Grant Walden producing) and many others. His song "That's What I Love About Sunday" was the most performed song at country radio in 2005 according to Billboard magazine and spent five weeks at number one. Also it was the #8 Billboard country song of the 2000's decade, and achieved gold sales status. His first cut was on the Shoals supergroup Shenandoah-- the solely penned "Moon Over Georgia" became a top five hit nationally. Mark was also co-writer along with Walt Aldridge on the number two country hit by Blackhawk, "Like There Ain't No Yesterday". Mark was awarded a bronze star for his musical achievements which is on permanent display in the lobby of the Alabama Music Hall Of Fame. His songs have appeared on nine gold or platinum albums. Mark has been a staff songwriter for FAME, Jody Williams Music, Reba McEntire's Starstruck Music Group, March Music, Sony ATV Tree and Noble Vision Music Group in Nashville, and is currently affiliated with Sandmark Music Group in Muscle Shoals. Mark has had 16 songs co-written with and recorded by Josh Turner. In 2016, Mark appeared as a songwriter on records by Brandy Clark and Shenandoah respectively that were nominated for both Grammy and Dove awards. Mark has recorded three albums with Andreas Werner for Crazy Chester Records including "This Ol' Wurlitzer", "Soul Fillin' Station" and "Country Soul Funk".Mark was honored with the George Jackson Contemporary Songwriter Award by the Muscle Shoals Music Assoc. in 2022.
Hit Songwriter
LISTEN TO ERIC ERDMAN ON APPLE MUSIC
Eric erdman
Eric Erdman was writing songs at 8 years old. When he and his older brother sat at the end of their family’s pier on Mobile Bay, they learned to play guitar to the rhythm of the waves and they pulled as many tunes from that water as they did fish. Eric’s passion for and knowledge of music grew throughout his high school and college years. After graduating from the University of South Alabama with a B.S. in Statistics, Eric continued to pursue his music career, forming the funk rock band The Ugli Stick. The group recorded four albums and toured worldwide for years with Eric as front man. Soon Eric joined the writing staff in Muscles Shoals at legendary Fame Studios, where he not only met and impressed producer Jimmy Nutt, but also soaked up inspiration from the history and roots of the small north Alabama town known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Smart lyrics, gorgeous melodies, soulful ballads: Eric’s range transcends genre. As a guitarist, Eric’s mastery and versatility has him touring with world class acts like the Buddy Rich Band, Kristy Lee, Nadirah Shakoor. Besides his own singer/songwriter credentials, Eric produces projects for other artists as well. “Being the singer, artist, writer, and producer is a lot, and it is hard to wear all of those hats at once, but Eric is one of the few people who can do it.” – Jimmy Nutt, Grammy winning producer / owner of The Nutthouse Claiming influences like James Taylor, Jim Croce, Mac McAnally and David Wilcox, Eric’s style moves through soulful rhythm and blues into jazzy funk, then turns the corner and brings you right back to your roots with a smooth country tune. “The songwriters I look up to are open channels for any experience that comes to them,” Erdman says. “Nothing is off limits. If it is a human emotion , it is valid song fodder.” Eric takes this same fearless mindset to the stage , where his decades of touring experience has honed his ability to fully bring his songs to life. With confidence he delivers a dynamic display of his tunes, that always leaves audiences wanting more.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "SHE'S COUNTRY" #1 FOR JASON ALDEAN
Bridgette Tatum
t’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly the driving force behind many of artist Bridgette Tatum’s high profile career milestones. In 2009, this native of Florence, South Carolina, co-wrote the Most Played Song on Country radio stations across the United States. A tremendous achievement for any songwriter, the song, “She’s Country” (recorded and released by Platinum-selling country superstar Jason Aldean), held the #1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks, reached two million plays, and out sold every genres ringtones, all of which are rare accomplishments, as well. In 2010, Tatum’s song, “Loud” was selected as the Official Theme Song for ACC Football’s 2010 Season. This fast-paced anthem celebrates the excitement and energy of ACC Football, captured in a raucous music video that was seen in all ACC Markets, resulting in exposure for Bridgette totaling over 27 million households. Add to these accolades Tatum’s own Album released on iTunes, her single releases ("I like my (Cowboy’s Dirty)," "That’s Love Y’all," "Hillbilly Rockstar") and her recent Randy Houser, Kristy Lee Cook, The Farm and George Clinton cuts, ("Back," "Good Timin," "Lookin’ for a Cowgirl," "Farm Party," etc.) and you have the makings of a woman building a sustainable music career for a lifetime of success. Bridgette is also in production with “The Lockets,” creating a new fresh duo sound for country music. While Bridgette continues to create music, she balances it with her charitable work within The Charley Foundation (www.charleyfoundation.org), and donating her time and talents to various charities around the Middle Tennessee area. “If it's real and you are making it honest, that's what people want to hear.” With unfailing honesty and a penchant for risk-taking, Bridgette Tatum is storming the scene on her own terms and winning fans at every turn.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "JUKEBOX IN MY MIND" FOR ALABAMA
DAVE GIBSON
David Lowell Gibson, born on October 1, 1946, is an iconic figure in American country music, renowned for his exceptional songwriting talent. Gibson's songs, characterized by their soulful lyrics and enchanting melodies, have been performed by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Montgomery Gentry, Conway Twitty, Pam Tillis, Steve Wariner and many others. Born in El Dorado, Arkansas, and raised in Odessa, Texas, Gibson's roots in the heartland of America played a significant role in shaping his musical style. His journey to the hub of country music, Nashville, Tennessee, began in 1982. This marked a turning point in his career, as he was soon to leave an indelible imprint on the country music scene. In Nashville, Gibson held a publishing contract with a company owned by The Oak Ridge Boys. His songwriting prowess quickly caught the attention of prominent artists and led to collaborations that produced many chart-topping country hits. From 1990 to 1994, Gibson showcased his musical versatility as the frontman of the Gibson/Miller Band. Not only did he captivate audiences with his soulful voice, but he also penned many of the band's hits, including "High Rollin'", "Texas Tattoo", "Red, White, and Blue Collar", and "Stone Cold Country". He received the ACM award for ‘Best New Group’ in 1993. He’s also won six BMI awards, two NSAI awards, and was nominated for a Grammy. But for him, this is just the beginning. Gibson's portfolio of written songs is nothing short of impressive. His notable works include Alabama's "Jukebox in My Mind", Tanya Tucker's "If It Don't Come Easy", and Confederate Railroad's "Queen of Memphis" and "Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind". Gibson's songs have a unique ability to resonate with listeners, often exploring themes of love, loss, and the quintessential country lifestyle. Among his contributions to the country music scene, Gibson also co-wrote Joe Diffie's "Ships That Don't Come In", Pam Tillis' "Do You Know Where Your Man Is", and Conway Twitty's "House on Old Lonesome Road". His collaboration with Montgomery Gentry resulted in the hit song "Lonely and Gone", which further demonstrated his knack for creating deeply emotional and relatable music. Whether on an intimate stage or in front of a roaring crowd, his magnetic stage presence and powerful voice command attention, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences. Dave's genuine passion for music shines through every note, and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level has made him a beloved performer. Over his more than 40 year career, his contributions to country music have left an indelible legacy and influenced countless aspiring songwriters all through ‘the power of a song’. He is a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music. As we celebrate his contributions to country music, we look forward to the beautiful melodies and compelling stories that are yet to come from this gifted songwriter.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "HILLBILLY HIPPIE" FOR LAINEY WILSON
TERRI JOE BOX
Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, singer-songwriter Terri Jo Box has spent the last 25 years as a forerunner in the flourishing Nashville music scene. Growing up writing poetry, singing in church and inspired by country music, Box moved from East Texas to Music City in 1999 and immersed herself in the Nashville writing community. She wrote for MERF Music Group from 2010-2016. In 2019, she became the flagship writer signed to Jonas Group Publishing. She has earned placement on four GRAMMY-nominated albums including two cuts on Lainey Wilson’s ACM, CMA and GRAMMY Award-winning Bell Bottom Country, Miranda Lambert’s 2018 ACM Album of the Year, The "Weight of These Wings", bluegrass group Sister Sadie’s "Sister Sadie II" and Ashley McBryde’s debut, "Girl Going Nowhere", who also earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for her performance of “American Scandal” which Box co-wrote. She has also written songs recorded by Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Gary LeVox, Joe Nichols, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Trent Tomlinson, Gwen Sebastian, Gary Chapman, Wade Hayes, Michelle Wright, Annie Bosko, Bryan Martin and many more. Honoring her humble beginnings Box created the popular Music Row Freakshow writer’s round in 2014 which she hosts twice weekly. With appearances around the nation and internationally, a slew of writing accolades and a stacked writing calendar, Box remains one of the most sought-after assets in a writer's room and shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to set the bar yet higher for herself.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "MY BOY" #1 FOR ELIVE SHANE
Lee starr
Lee Starr is a Songwriter and Producer originally from Texarkana, Arkansas currently signed as a writer with KP Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing. He has penned viral hits recorded by Conner Smith, Drew Green, Ashland Craft, Brothers Osborne and Elvie Shane— including Elvie’s debut Number One radio single, My Boy.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES" #1 FOR GARTH BROOKS
KENT BLAZY
Kent Blazy is a successful, American songwriter with a total of seven number one hits. In 1987, Kent was introduced to a new demo singer by Bob Doyle, then with ASCAP, soon to be the manager for this emerging talent, Garth Brooks. Garth became Kent’s most requested demo singer and Bob Doyle also advised, “Garth writes a little bit too.” The first song Garth and Kent penned together was "If Tomorrow Never Comes,” which became the first number one song for both. The friendship and writing partnership continued as Garth Brooks included eight more of their songs on his albums. Kent has also since pinned the #1 hit song "Gettin You Home (The Black Dress Song)", recorded by Chris Young, the title track on Reba's latest album "All The Women I Am,” Randy Houser’s "The Power of a Song" and "Empty Beer Cans" on Jon Pardi's record.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "THE CLIMB" #1 FOR MILEY CYRUS
Jon MaBE
Jon Mabe is an award winning songwriter hailing from Madison, North Carolina. He made Nashville his home after coming to complete a summer internship with EMI Music Publishing. He was hired there shortly thereafter and worked for years with artists and songwriters Phil Vassar, Black Hawk, Mark Chestnut, Brad Paisley and others. As a respective publisher, Mabe later joined Big Picture Entertainment as Senior Creative Director. Eventually, he ventured from publishing to his first love – songwriting. In 2006 Mabe signed a songwriter publishing deal with Stage Three Music and enjoyed success with cuts by Miley Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Point of Grace, Brother’s Osborne, Casting Crowns, Ronnie Milsap and others. Mabe’s song, “The Climb,” recorded by Miley Cyrus, held the #1 chart position for 16 weeks and enjoys on-going global airplay. The song also won Best Song In A Movie at the MTV Movie Awards. Mabe is married to songwriter, Connie Harrington, and resides in Franklin, TN.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE “WHO I AM" #1 FOR BEN FULLER
Krystal Polychronis
Krystal Polychronis is a # 1 hit songwriter in the Contemporary Christian Music space. Hailing from New England she is now based in Nashville, Tennessee where her thriving artist management company is headquartered. She has written songs for charitable organizations and international artists, showcasing her versatility and skill as a songwriter. As the Owner/CEO of 3 Strands Management, Krystal has worked with various artists, including CCM artist Ben Fuller, to which she found and developed resulting in a major record deal from Sony Provident in 2020. Additionally, she she has worked alongside publishers since moving to town and has been heavily involved in country writing and song plugging. Krystal's diverse experience and talents has made her a unique and valuable asset to the music industry. As a result, Ben Fuller’s debut single “Who I Am” in which she was a writer, reached #1 and sat for 2 consecutive weeks and 5 weeks total. Originally from Rochester, NH, Krystal grew up following Jesus and was part of her church's worship team for 6 years. She moved to Nashville in 2017 to pursue songwriting after a 21 year stint as a professional gymnastics coach. Along the way she co-founded a non-profit organization called “Jesus in a Bar” bringing faith-based music into bars, prisons, nursing homes, hospitals and missions across TN and will be all initiating songwriter tours all across the country starting in 2025. Krystal now has a roster of 5 artists under her management company and continues to work hard investing in their careers and futures.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE #1 "I LIKE IT, I LOVE IT" FOR TIM MCGRAW
Mark Hall
Mark Hall is the Co-Owner and Chairman of Fame Music Publishing and House of Fame Music. He is a 40 year veteran of the Music industry and an Award winning Songwriter and Publishing Executive. The company has been awarded 43 ASCAP, BMI or SESAC Awards during his tenure along with hundreds of cuts on major label artists, mostly based in Nashville. In the mid nineties, the companies won back to back to back Song of the Year awards by the CMA, the Grammys, and his song I Like it, I Love it was awarded Song of the Year for 1995 by American Songwriter Magazine. The song has been the Nashville Predator’s Goal song for every home goal of the franchise’s history and has been recently featured regularly in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. More recently, the company has published Jason Isbell for most of his career as he has ascended to become a superstar of the Americana genre. To date, Jason has won four grammy awards and Alabama Pines, a Fame song, won Americana Song of the Year in 2013. Mark is also a USCG 25T Master Captain, mild mannered Insurance Salesman and the Proprietor of Pirate Tow Enterprises. He lives in Nashville with his wife Jessica.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE "MY BOY" #1 FOR ELIVE SHANE
Russell Sutton
Russell Sutton was born and raised in Austin, TX. He grew up around the country music scene with his dad playing guitar and tour managing for Austin native Rick Trevino. After graduating from Texas A&M and spending 6 years working at Dell Computers, he cashed in all of his chips in 2014 and moved to nashville to pursue his songwriting dream after a weekend at the Austin Songwriters Group Symposium. In 2018, Russell signed his first publishing deal, and spent the year touring the country as a part of the duo Grassroots Revival, sharing the stage with the likes of Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington, Brothers Osborne, Cole Swindell, Walker Hayes, and others. As a songwriter, 2021 brought his first #1 single “My Boy” by Elvie Shane as well as a joint venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing and Droptine Publishing. In 2022, Russell landed a 2 week #1 hit with Nate Smith’s “Whiskey on You”, as well as cuts by Warren Zeiders, Drew Green, Dalton Dover, Erin Kinsey and more. This year, he has already landed 4 new songs by Chris Young - “Knee Deep in Neon”, Nate Smith - “Rather Be Lonely”, Kane Brown “Fiddle in the Band”, and Morgan Evans “Say What You Want”. He resides in Nashville, TN with his wife, Melissa, daughter Phoebe, and their dog Bubs.
Hit Songwriter
WROTE “REDNECK YACHT CLUB” #1 FOR CRAIG MORGAN
Thom Shepherd
A veteran of Nashville’s Music Row, Thom Shepherd is the writer of five #1 singles including “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Riding with Private Malone,” and “My Texas.” In total Thom has written over 10 radio singles, two Grammy nominated songs, and has had over 100 songs recorded by Blake Shelton, George Jones, Pat Green, Easton Corbin, Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Pam Tillis, and many more. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri and spent his high school years in Virginia before moving to Nashville in 1993 after graduating from George Mason University. Thom moved to Texas in 2011, has a home in Sandpoint, Idaho, and in 2024 moved back to Nashville to continue songwriting and is currently developing video content for his latest project. Thom, along with his Radio Margaritaville hit “Always Saturday Night,” are featured in the “The Parrot Heads Documentary” with Jimmy Buffett. His song “New York to Montana” has recently been turned into a novel. He is the producer of the two-time TRMA Event of The Year, The Lone Star Luau, which happens March 27-30, 2025 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Conroe, TX. His music has taken him on 10 tours performing for our military in 18 different countries. He is a two time cancer survivor, a father of two, an avid snow skier, and an accomplished artist in chalk pastels.
Your ticket purchase supports our nonprofit endeavors.
The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival is organized by the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the past five years, we have given back half a million dollars to songwriters and music industry professionals.
Under the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Foundation, our initiative 'Chords For Change' aims to donate high-quality guitars to aspiring songwriters in need in 2024 during the holiday season. This effort, part of our broader mission through the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival, represents our major music-focused endeavor.