Pictured (L-R): 2025 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductees Don Cook, Steve Bogard, Brad Paisley, Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale and Tony Martin. Photo: Bev Moser
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) celebrated its 55th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 6), officially inducting seven remarkable tunesmiths into the Class of 2025. The ceremony at Nashville’s Music City Center paid tribute to the new members with heartfelt speeches and star-studded performances of some of their biggest hits.
This year’s class includes Steve Bogard and Tony Martin in the songwriter category; Jim Lauderdale and Brad Paisley in the songwriter/artist category; Don Cook in the veteran songwriter category; and Emmylou Harris in the veteran songwriter/artist category. The late JJ Cale was also recognized in the Legacy category, which honors NaSHOF-worthy candidates who are deceased.
“Tonight, we are gratified to welcome seven more extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “Along with their families, friends and members of the music industry, we celebrate them as they join this Hall of elite songwriters.”
Following opening remarks from NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford and Hallworth, the evening opened with a tribute to Cale. Hall of Fame member Gary Nicholson presented the honor, and Americana artist John Fullbright delivered a soulful rendition of Cale’s blues-rock classic “After Midnight.” Christine Lakeland-Cale accepted on behalf of her late husband.
Hall of Fame member Tom Shapiro presented Tony Martin, who was saluted by longtime friend Wendell Mobley with their co-written Jason Aldean hit “A Little More Summertime.”
“Next to being the sheriff of Mayberry, being a songwriter is the best job in the world,” Martin quipped when he accepted.
Gretchen Peters introduced Jim Lauderdale, followed by Lee Ann Womack’s tender performance of his signature “The King of Broken Hearts,” accompanied by Buddy Miller.
“I’m so grateful for this,” Lauderdale shared. “I will cherish this night for the rest of my life.”
Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner, both Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry members, teamed up to honor Brad Paisley—Anderson presenting and Wariner performing “We Danced.”
“I have always wanted to be you,” Paisley told the room of songwriters. “I moved here wanting to be a songwriter because I knew that community is what made this town so unique.”
Kix Brooks presented longtime collaborator and producer Don Cook, then joined Ronnie Dunn to perform their 1991 Brooks & Dunn debut “Brand New Man,” co-written by all three.
“I can’t believe they want me in this organization,” Cook said. “It blows my mind that I get to be in this group of heroes and friends.”
Dierks Bentley took the stage to salute Steve Bogard with a rendition of their Grammy-nominated hit “Every Mile a Memory.” Rory Bourke, a Hall of Fame member himself, presented the honor.
“I’m as dedicated as ever to trying to write great songs,” Bogard noted. “It’s still the best part of our day.”
The evening concluded with a poignant moment as Vince Gill performed Emmylou Harris’ beloved “Boulder to Birmingham,” following remarks from Hall of Famer Rodney Crowell.
“I stand here as a champion of the songwriter,” Harris said. “As someone who lives off the song and appreciates the hard work and artistry that goes into it, I’m so grateful for your work. Please don’t stop, because the world needs songs.”
The gala also paid tribute to three Hall of Fame members lost since last year’s event—Troy Seals, Sonny Curtis and Brett James. Kenny Chesney honored the late James with a moving performance of his hit “When the Sun Goes Down.”
The celebration began with a welcoming performance from The Garrett Boys and was once again hosted by the legendary Bill Cody, longtime “voice” of the gala and host of 650 AM WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody.
LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.
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