NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Grammy-winning songwriter Pat McLaughlin, whose decades-long career includes writing hits for country stars and collaborating extensively with the late John Prine, will be honored this fall at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
McLaughlin will be the next songwriter featured in the museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series, which recognizes songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.
The program is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer will moderate an in-depth interview with McLaughlin featuring rare photographs, film and recordings from his career. McLaughlin will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters following the program.
McLaughlin is the third and final songwriter selected for the series in 2026. Josh Osborne was featured in February, followed by Ashley Gorley in May.
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From Nashville carpenter to hit songwriter
A native of Waterloo, Iowa, McLaughlin moved to Nashville in 1977 after living in San Francisco and Boston.
According to the museum, McLaughlin immersed himself in Nashville’s music scene at night while supporting himself through carpentry work during the day.
His first major songwriting success came a decade later, when Steve Wariner’s recording of “Lynda” reached No. 1 on the country charts in 1987.
McLaughlin went on to write songs recorded by some of country and Americana music’s best-known artists.
His credits include “Tell Me About It,” which became a No. 4 country duet for Tanya Tucker and Delbert McClinton; Josh Turner’s No. 2 hit “Firecracker”; Gary Allan’s “Songs About Rain,” which reached No. 12; and “Years,” the title track of John Anderson’s 2020 album.
His songs have also been recorded by artists including Dan Auerbach, Phoebe Bridgers, Marcus King, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Lee Ann Womack.
McLaughlin has maintained his own recording career along the way, releasing 10 solo albums. His most recent, “Nashville After Dark,” was released in 2025.
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Longtime collaborator with John Prine
McLaughlin was also a longtime band member and collaborator of John Prine.
The pair co-wrote numerous songs, including five tracks on Prine’s final album, “The Tree of Forgiveness.”
McLaughlin later won the Grammy Award for best American roots song for co-writing “I Remember Everything,” Prine’s final recorded song. The song also earned the Americana Music Association’s song of the year award in 2021.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched “Poets and Prophets” in 2007. The series has since highlighted more than 52 songwriters.
McLaughlin’s Oct. 3 program is included with museum admission and is free for museum members, although a separate program ticket is required because seating is limited.
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale to the public Thursday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. You can purchase them here.