Photo Credit: Tyler Conrad
On Saturday evening, the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association inducted four iconic songwriters into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame during a celebration at ACL Live in Austin, Texas.
The ceremony was hosted by Texas native and legendary singer-songwriter Ronnie Dunn and paid tribute to the remarkable careers of Don Cook, Keith Gattis, Miranda Lambert, and George Strait. Together, the inductees represent generations of Texas songwriting that have shaped both the state’s musical identity and the broader country music landscape.
The evening featured performances from Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Parker McCollum, Randy Houser, Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe, Dean Dillon, Waylon Payne, and Bubba Strait, along with appearances from inductees Lambert and Strait.
Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, the evening recognized Lisa and Freddy Fletcher with the Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award. The honor celebrated their longstanding commitment to supporting songwriters and strengthening the Texas music community.
As founders of Arlyn Studios, a historic Austin recording facility that has played a vital role in the city’s music scene, the Fletchers have provided generations of artists with a creative home while preserving Austin’s cultural legacy.
Don Cook’s Enduring Impact
Photo Credit: Ted Parker
Don Cook, a defining force behind the sound of 1990s country, was honored with a three-song tribute by Brooks & Dunn. The duo performed “Brand New Man,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” and “That Ain’t No Way to Go,” spotlighting Cook’s deep influence on their catalog.
Cook’s career includes co-writing 20 No. 1 hits and producing chart-toppers for artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Alabama, and George Strait, solidifying his place as one of country music’s most important behind-the-scenes architects.
Remembering Keith Gattis
Keith Gattis was celebrated for his emotionally rich and authentic songwriting. Randy Houser performed “Reconsider,” while Waylon Payne, joined by Melonie Cannon and Ashley Monroe, delivered a powerful rendition of “El Cerrito Place.”
The tribute concluded with a surprise appearance by George Strait, who performed his hit “I Got A Car,” also penned by Gattis. Gattis’s award was accepted by his wife, Penny Gattis, and their children, McKenzie and DeLaney.
Miranda Lambert’s Songwriting Legacy
From her early days performing in small Texas venues to international recognition, Miranda Lambert has built one of the most decorated careers in country music. As the Academy of Country Music’s most-awarded artist of all time, she has amassed 10 No. 1 singles, seven No. 1 albums, and three GRAMMY Awards, while also establishing herself as a producer, label co-founder, and entrepreneur.
Her songwriting was celebrated with Parker McCollum’s performance of “Famous in a Small Town,” followed by Natalie Hemby and Ashley Monroe delivering an acoustic medley of “Bluebird” and “Heart Like Mine.”
Lambert closed her tribute by joining fellow Hall of Famers Jack Ingram and Jon Randall for a stirring rendition of “Tin Man,” underscoring her lasting mark on the genre.
A Fitting Tribute to George Strait
Photo Credit: Ted Parker
With more than 100 million RIAA certifications, over 60 major industry awards, and recognition at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors in December, George Strait’s legacy stands among the most storied in country music history. Known as the “King of Country Music,” Strait is also the only act to achieve a Top 10 hit every year for more than three decades.
Jamey Johnson began Strait’s tribute with “Kicked Out of Country,” followed by Dean Dillon’s performance of “Drinkin’ Man.” The celebration culminated in a moving rendition of “Here for a Good Time,” featuring Strait alongside his son Bubba, highlighting the enduring influence of his music across generations.
Celebrating the Legacy of Texas Songwriting
The 2026 Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony honored Don Cook, Keith Gattis, Miranda Lambert, and George Strait as defining voices of Texas music. The evening served as a powerful reminder that the storytelling tradition rooted in the Lone Star State continues to shape and inspire audiences far beyond its borders.
About the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the legacy of Texas songwriting. For generations, Texas writers have helped shape American music, crafting songs that reflect the state’s independent spirit and lived experience.
Through education, recognition, preservation efforts, and support for songwriters at every stage of their careers, the Association works to ensure that Texas’ rich musical heritage continues to thrive for years to come.