Featured Songwriters
Acclaimed voices come together for an intimate weekend of shared stages, stories, and songs.
Stephanie Bentley
Stephanie Bentley is an American country singer-songwriter whose work has shaped some of the most memorable hits of the past few decades. Beyond her own recordings, she gained widespread acclaim for co-writing Faith Hill’s crossover hit “Breathe” and Martina McBride’s Top 5 single “Concrete Angel.” Bentley’s songs have also been recorded by artists such as Céline Dion, Pam Tillis, and Jo Dee Messina, showcasing her deep impact on country and pop songwriting.
Steve Bogard
Steve Bogard is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and the longest-serving President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
With ten #1 country hits spanning five decades, including George Strait’s "Carried Away" and Rascal Flatts' "Prayin' for Daylight". He is a pivotal advocate for creators' rights and currently serves as COO of Truth or Dare Music.
Brad Clawson
Brad Clawson is a Nashville songwriter known for pairing sharp lyrical instincts with melodies that feel effortless but hit deep. His writing balances personal detail with stadium-sized resonance, giving his songs both heart and lift.
He co-wrote “Keith Whitley” and “Up Down” by Morgan Wallen, the latter featuring Florida Georgia Line, as well as “Happy Does” by Kenny Chesney. From reflective tributes to feel-good anthems, his catalog moves fluidly between emotional depth and radio-ready energy.
Rosie Flores
Rosie Flores is a trailblazing singer-songwriter and guitarist whose career spans rockabilly, country, and Americana with fearless authenticity. Emerging from the San Diego music scene in the 1970s, she helped redefine roots music with her fiery guitar work and unapologetic presence.
Her songs, including “If There Was a Way” and “Simple Case of the Blues,” showcase a sound that blends grit, heart, and timeless groove. With decades of recordings and international touring, Rosie remains a defining voice in roots and alternative country—an artist whose influence continues to echo through generations.
Liz Hengber
Liz Hengber is an acclaimed Nashville songwriter whose work has helped define modern country music through emotional honesty and enduring storytelling. From her early days at the Bluebird Cafe to a career spanning more than three decades, she has built a catalog of songs that connect deeply and stand the test of time.
She first reached No. 1 with Reba McEntire’s “For My Broken Heart,” followed by chart-toppers “It’s Your Call,” “And Still,” and “Forever Love.” Her songs, including “She’s More,” “Unconditional,” and “A Father’s Love,” along with “Damn Drunk” and “The Bartender,” showcase a style rooted in emotional honesty, vivid storytelling, and timeless country craft.
Sean McCarthy
Sean McCarthy is a songwriter and performer rooted in Americana and narrative-driven songwriting, known for his authentic voice and natural connection to an audience. His work leans into lived experience, capturing everyday moments with clarity, warmth, and a strong sense of place.
His songs, including “Life in a Beach Town” and “Forget About It,” reflect a style grounded in honest storytelling and laid-back coastal energy. Whether on stage or in collaboration, Sean brings a deep appreciation for songcraft and the shared experience of music, creating performances that feel both personal and inviting.
Gary Nicholson
Gary Nicholson is a No. 1 hit songwriter, two-time Grammy-winning producer, and recording artist whose work spans country, blues, rock, folk, and Americana. With more than 700 recordings of his songs, he has built one of the most respected catalogs in modern songwriting.
Inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gary’s songs, including “One More Last Chance” by Vince Gill and “Worry B Gone” by Chris Stapleton, showcase a rare ability to blend sharp wit, emotional depth, and timeless musicality.
Rob Ragosta
Rob Ragosta is a Nashville-based songwriter whose work sits at the intersection of country, rock, and soul, grounded in raw honesty and real-life storytelling. A collaborative writer by nature, he has been part of one of the most impactful breakout songs in modern country.
He co-wrote “Need a Favor” by Jelly Roll, a genre-blending hit that reached No. 1 on country radio and crossed into rock charts globally . The song went on to win Song of the Year at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards and earn multiple major nominations and wins, including at the CMT Music Awards . He also co-wrote “Winning Streak,” further contributing to Jelly Roll’s deeply personal, crossover sound.
Jerry Salley
Jerry Salley is a highly respected Nashville songwriter, artist, and producer whose work spans country, bluegrass, and gospel. With a career dating back to the 1980s, his songs have been recorded by artists including Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, and Chris Stapleton.
His songs, including “Outlaw State of Mind” and “It Takes a Woman” by Chris Stapleton, as well as “The Bartender” by The SteelDrivers, reflect a style rooted in authenticity, soul, and strong storytelling. Additional cuts like “I’m Gonna Take That Mountain” highlight his range across genres.
An IBMA Award winner and Dove Award recipient, Jerry continues to shape American roots music through songs that are timeless, honest, and deeply felt.
James Slater
James Slater is a two-time Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriter whose catalog spans country, pop, and Americana, known for pairing strong melodic instincts with emotionally grounded storytelling. His songs have been recorded by a wide range of artists including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Willie Nelson, reflecting a versatility that moves seamlessly across genres .
His songs, including “Like It Ain’t” by Ian Munsick and “Joe” by Luke Combs, along with “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride and “High Cost of Living” by Jamey Johnson, showcase a gift for writing songs that are both deeply personal and widely resonant. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” became a modern country standard and earned major award recognition, while “God Whispered Your Name” by Keith Urban further highlights his chart impact.
Rachel Thibodeau
Rachel Thibodeau is a Nashville-based songwriter whose work blends contemporary perspective with classic country storytelling. Known for her emotional nuance and strong narrative voice, she has built a catalog that bridges modern country and timeless songcraft.
Her songs, including “I Don’t Want This Night to End” by Luke Bryan and “Good Directions” by Billy Currington, have become defining hits—“Good Directions” earning Song of the Year honors from ASCAP and helping establish her as a major voice in Nashville. She has also written for artists such as Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, and Parmalee, showcasing a versatility that spans radio hits and deeper cuts.
Bobby Tomberlin
Bobby Tomberlin is a Grammy-, CMA-, and ACM-nominated Nashville songwriter whose career spans decades at the core of country music. A longtime staff writer with Curb | Word, he has built a catalog of songs recorded by an extraordinary range of artists including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, and Kenny Rogers .
His songs, including “One More Day” by Diamond Rio, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense” by Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton, and “A Good Day to Run” by Darryl Worley, showcase a gift for writing songs that carry emotional weight while remaining timeless and accessible . “One More Day” became a No. 1 country and crossover hit, cementing its place as one of the most enduring songs of its era .
His catalog also includes recordings like “I’d Want It to Be You” by Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson, further highlighting his rare ability to move across genres while staying rooted in authentic storytelling.
Daniel Kim Ethridge
Daniel is a Nashville-based songwriter and member of Troubadour Blue, blending Texas-rooted storytelling with polished Nashville craft. In 2022, he signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing in a joint venture with Rodney Atkins, marking his rise among the city’s next wave of writers.
His songs have been recorded by Rodney Atkins (“Helluvit”), The SteelDrivers (“The River Knows,” “When the Last Teardrop Falls”), Ashley Cooke (“Strangers”), and Cole Phillips (“Magnolias in May,” “Broken Spanish”). In 2025, his work appeared on The SteelDrivers’ Grammy-nominated album Outrun.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Ethridge moved to Nashville at seventeen and has since appeared on American Idol, won the Texas Songwriter U competition, and performed at festivals including Bonnaroo and SXSW.