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Nashville’s creative community gathered last night at The Twelve Thirty Club to honor the writers behind the biggest Country and Christian hits of the past year at the annual ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration. More than 65 songwriters were recognized for crafting the most-performed songs in their genres, marking another strong year for music created right here in Music City.
The evening’s top honors reflected both longtime excellence and new voices making a major impact. Ashley Gorley was named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year, extending his record with an incredible 12th win. The Kentucky-born hitmaker—who has collaborated closely with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and many others—continues to set the standard in the writers’ room. With 83 No. 1 singles across his career and a recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gorley remains one of the most respected figures in modern country songwriting.
Rising genre-blending artist Shaboozey claimed two of the night’s biggest awards: ASCAP Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year and ASCAP Country Song of the Year for his runaway hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The track dominated the charts, spending 19 weeks at No. 1 and tying Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” as one of the longest-running leaders in Hot 100 history.
Shaboozey penned six of this year’s most-performed country songs, but he pointed to his collaboration with Jelly Roll, “I Am Not Okay,” as the most meaningful. The song, which openly tackles mental health struggles and the hard work of pushing through dark moments, has resonated with audiences as a powerful expression of vulnerability—particularly among men, who have connected deeply with its message.
On the Christian music side, Brandon Lake was recognized as ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year, celebrating another strong year of songwriting that continues to bridge worship, artistry, and wide-reaching spiritual impact.
Publisher honors rounded out the night with Sony Music Publishing taking home ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year, while Essential Music Publishing earned ASCAP Christian Music Publisher of the Year.
The annual celebration once again highlighted the immense talent shaping the soundtrack of Nashville—writers who, whether longtime veterans or first-time honorees, continue to bring unforgettable songs to the world.
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