At this year’s Nashville Songwriters Association International event, the organization handed out so many awards on Tuesday night (Sept. 17), it was almost hard to keep track. Did virtually everyone go home a winner? Did all the songs I love earn some love? Did very cool things happen on stage at the Ryman? Yes, yes, and hell yes.
But my favorite part of this annual ceremony is always when the NSAI celebrates what they call the year’s 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written. And what a list it was for 2019.
“Meant To Be”
Written by Tyler Hubbard, David Garcia, Josh Miller and Bebe Rexa
Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Whiskey Glasses”
Written by Kevin Kadish and Ben Burgess
Recorded by Morgan Wallen
“Drunk Girl”
Written by Chris Janson, Tom Douglas and Scooter Carusoe
Recorded by Chris Janson
“God’s Country”
Written by Devin Dawson, Jordan Schmidt and Michael Hardy
Recorded by Blake Shelton
“Burning Man”
Written by Luke Dick and Bobby Pinson
Recorded by Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne
“Tequila”
Written by Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds and Nicolle Galyon
Recorded by Dan + Shay
“Some Of It”
Written by Bobby Pinson, Clint Daniels, Eric Church and Jeff Hyde
Recorded by Eric Church
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
Written by Chris Stevens, David Lee Murphy and Jimmy Yeary
Recorded by David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney
“Up Down”
Written by Brad Clawson, CJ Solar and Michael Hardy
Recorded by Morgan Wallen
“Drowns The Whiskey”
Written by Brad Kinney, Jeff Middleton and Josh Thompson
Recorded by Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert
Other big winners from the special night included:
Luke Combs was crowned the Songwriter-Artist of the Year
Josh Osborne was named Songwriter of the Year
Loretta Lynn won the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award
George Strait won the President’s Keystone Award
Senator Lamar Alexander won the White Hat Award for backing the Music Modernization Act
Cole Swindell and songwriters Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill and Jon Nite won the NSAI’s 2019 Song of the Year for “Break Up In The End.”
