Artists
JARED MULLINS
Songwriter of “Homemade,” "Beach Boys," and "Kinda Don't Care".
The varied social and economical tides between Westminster, MD and Romney, West Virginia, is where Jared Mullins emerged into the songwriter that he is today. With a connection to country music internally and a lifetime of labor, love, family, triumphs, and pitfalls, Mullins life rang out like many of the chorus’s that had been penned on 16th Avenue South for the last 65 years. Mullins landed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2013 and quickly made his way into the music industry by being himself.
Mullins, by way of southern country boy wit and grit quickly began to see that immersing himself into the Music Row country music scene was what he was absolutely born to do. After a brief stint selling blender's in Costco's across the southeast, Mullins was offered his his first publishing deal in 2014. From this point forward Mullins began to carve out and solidify his own network of artists, songwriters, publishers, and plainly stated, friends within the country music industry. This has led Mullins to where he is today on 16th Avenue South, in the heart of music row. If you do not know Mullins then turn your radios up a little louder, because you will very soon. Mullins' songwriting credits include Jake Owen's #1 hit "Homemade", LOCASH's upcoming single "Beach Boys" (ft. The Beach Boys) and cuts with Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Cole Swindell, Justin Moore, Granger Smith, Runaway June, Parmalee, and more.
MICHAEL RAY
Songwriter of " "Whiskey and Rain", "Her World or Mine", "Think a Little Less", "Kiss You in the Morning", and "Holy Water"
Michael Ray was born in Eustis, Florida. He was inspired by his grandfather Amos "Wilson" Roach, who played music for him and taught him how to play guitar, in addition to having him perform at assisted living centers. Ray chose to form a band in southern Florida after graduating high school, and a disc jockey at WPCV began playing his music. He released an album independently in 2010, which was discovered by manager Tony Conway.
Ray was mentored by John Rich of Big & Rich on the singing competition The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep, which he won. He and Rich co-wrote Big & Rich's 2015 single, "Run Away with You". After winning the competition, Ray was signed to Warner Bros. Records Nashville. His first EP, Tour Bootleg, was released in 2014. Two of the EP's tracks, "Kiss You in the Morning" (which went to number one on the Country Airplay charts in 2015) and "Think a Little Less," appeared later on his self-titled second album, released in 2015, becoming his first and third singles, respectively. The track "Real Men Love Jesus" was named as Ray's second single. Ray supported the album with a tour.
On June 16, 2017, Ray released the single "Get to You" ahead of his third studio album, Amos. After the album's release in 2018, it produced two more singles: "One That Got Away" and "Her World or Mine." It was produced by Scott Hendricks. In September 2020, Ray released the single "Whiskey and Rain" ahead of his fourth studio album, originally set to be released in 2021.
DAVE TURNBULL
Songwriter of “The More I Drink,” "Lucky Man," "Old Alabama" and "The Boys of Fall".
After attending the United States Naval Academy Prep School and graduating from Virginia Tech University in '93 with a degree in Ecomomics, Dave made the move to Nashville. He scored his first top ten hit eleven years later in '04 with Darryl Worley's "If Something Should Happen". That same year Trace Adkins recorded "Arlington" which went to #14 on the country charts. Since then Dave has had numerous songs recorded and has scored four #1 singles including "Lucky Man" by Montgomery Gentry, "The Boys Of Fall" by Kenny Chesney, "Old Alabama" by Brad Paisley and "Anything Like Me" also recorded by Paisley which he wrote about his son, David. He current has out Craig Campbell's "Outskirts Of Heaven" which just broke the top 40 and climbing.
MARK IRWIN
Songwriter of “Bama Breeze,” "Redneck Crazy," "Highway Don't Care" and "That's How They Do It In Dixie".
Coming from the Northeast, moving to Nashville in 1987, it took Mark Irwin four years to land his first cut, which happened to be the Christmas song “Meet Me Under The Mistletoe” recorded by Randy Travis for his “Old Time Christmas” album.
Soon after, Mark co-wrote Alan Jackson’s first number one hit “Here In The Real World”, a two time CMA Song of the Year nominee, ACM Song of the Year nominee and winner of the Music City News Award for Song of the Year 1990.
Mark co-wrote the Tyler Farr number one single “Redneck Crazy” and the Tim McGraw number one hit song “Highway Don’t Care”, featuring Taylor Swift on guest vocals and Keith Urban on guitar…as well as Blake Shelton’s recent number one hit single, “Neon Light”.
Other recent cuts that Mark co-wrote include Tim McGraw’s single “Looking For That Girl” and Chris Janson’s “Power of Positive Drinking”.
Also, along with having songs on Alan Jackson’s “DRIVE” CD and Garth Brooks’ “THE LOST SESSIONS”, Mark co-wrote the singles, “Bama Breeze” for Jimmy Buffet and That’s How They Do It In Dixie” for Hank Williams Jr.
Over the years Mark has had 5 songs recorded Tim McGraw, 4 songs recorded by Martina McBride, 2 recorded by Blake Shelton, 2 by Lee Brice and other cuts by George Jones, Faith Hill, Thomas Rhett, Bomshel, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jessie James, Tracey Lawrence, Sammy Kershaw, Chely Wright, Patty Loveless, Lisa Brokop, Highway 101, The Whites, Chris LeDoux, Bucky Covington, Glen Campbell, Neal McCoy, The Amazing Rhythm Aces and The Dirt Drifters, among others.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow also recorded one of Mark’s songs for her movie “Country Strong”.
Mark had the song “Bet You Still Think About Me” on Blake Shelton’s CD “If I’m Honest” and “Sleeping in the Stars” on the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill duets CD ‘The Rest Of Our Life”.
Mark’s latest cuts are on newcomers Ben Gallaher, Lainey Wilson and Tucker Beathard.
Mark is also prominently featured in the Bluebird Café documentary “Bluebird”.
KYLIE SACKLEY
Songwriter of “You Broke Up With Me,” "Speakers," "Nothin’ ‘bout Love Makes Sense" and "Sunshine and Summertime.
As a wunderkind performer in her birthplace of Australia, Kylie dazzled audience with her authentic grasp of country, her gorgeously expressive vocals, and her electrifying stage presence. When she won Australia's most prestigious country music talent search, Star Maker (Keith Urban was a previous winner), she made the fateful decision to go the route of being a professional songwriter, and she hasn't looked back since.
Now living and writing in Nashville, Kylie is adept at all facets of songwriting, comfortable writing lyrics, melodies, music, and contributing production ideas. Kylie's song have been recorded by Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Randy Houser, Alan Jackson, Danielle Bradberry, Faith Hill, LeAnn rimes and more; Including Walker Haye's single "You Broke Up With Me."
BRETT JONES
Songwriter of “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” “Crazytown,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and "Whole Lotta Fun"
Originally from Warm Springs, Georgia, Brett Jones came to Nashville 28 years ago, and signed a publishing deal songwriting for famous country singer Ronnie Millsap. His first hit in the U.S. country market was a 1993 top 20 hit, Confederate Railroad’s “When and Where.” Since then he has had more than 150 major label recordings, and 14 top 10 records, including seven number one records. His most recent hits include Billy Currington’s “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” Jason Aldean’s July 2010 chart topper “Crazytown,” and Justin Moore’s number one single, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.”
Jones also recently achieved rare status in country music by having number one records in each of the past three decades. In addition to his acclaimed songwriting, Jones is also a captivating stage performer. He has opened up for many performers including Tracy Byrd, Little Texas, Kenny Chesney, Andy Griggs, Confederate Railroad, Billy Currington, Michael McDonald, Kip Moore, Darryl Worley and many more.
JIMMY YEARY
Songwriter of "I Drive Your Truck", “In Another World,” "I Called Mama,” “Everything's Gonna Be Alright”
Jimmy yeary has been writing songs in nashville for 28 years. He has become one of Nashville's most sought after songwriters, with 8 top tens on the country music charts, 7 of which have reached #1. Some of his hits include, Anywhere With You, by Jake Owen. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, by Kenny Chesney and David Lee Murphy, and I Called Mama by Tim McGraw. He also was a writer on the 2013 CMA and ACM song of the year, I Drive Your Truck.
Yeay was the lead singer for the group, Shenandoah, for 8 years.
He is married to Sonya Isaacs Yeary, of the award winning gospel group, The Isaacs. They live in Hendersonville, TN with their 3 kids.
MEL WASHINGTON
Songwriter of "Love Wins”, “Whiskey River”, "Folly Beach Blues” (featuring Amber Carrington) and “Fireproof”.
Mel Washington, 38, was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He’s been a singer songwriter since he was 18 years old and has played venues across the US, Australia and Europe. Mel has pursued his career relentlessly and without exception to his principles; he believes music to be profoundly healing and that it should be shared with an open heart and mind.
Aside from his talents on the stage, Mel is a gifted conversationalist able to get to the heart of any story through his emotional range and intelligence. His life experience has been marked by the usual trappings of a traveling musician, the charm of southern religion, and even a stint of homelessness. He brings a genuine warmth to conversation that evokes great story telling from even a casual acquaintance.
> Watch Mel Washington & Wyatt Durrette's duet "Love Wins" on YouTube
MATT McGINN
Songwriter of "Like I Love Country", “Party Mode,” "7500 OBO,” and “What Ifs”
Matt McGinn is a multi-platinum chart-topping songwriter/producer and the two-time SESAC Songwriter of the Year. The Virginia turned Nashville native has had songs recorded by Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Cheat Codes, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Florida Georgia Line, Walker Hayes, John Legend, Dustin Lynch, Maddie & Tae, Marshmello, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Parmalee, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Staind, Chris Young, and many more.
JEFF MIDDLETON
Songwriter of "Drowns the Whiskey", “American Nights,” "Steal You Away,” “Whippoorwills and Freight Trains”
Originally from New Jersey, singer/songwriter Jeff Middleton moved to Nashville over twenty years ago to build a career in the music business. He was a member of the critically acclaimed Warner Music recording artist Dirt Drifters and has performed across the country and internationally with Chely Wright and Josh Thompson. In addition to spending time on the road and stage, Jeff has been a staff songwriter for Liz Rose Music, Universal Publishing, BMG and Stage Three Music. Over the past two decades, Jeff’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Lee Brice, Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis and Trace Adkins. He was nominated for CMA Song of the year for “Drowns the Whiskey”, a multi-week #1 on country radio for Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert. The song was recently certified by the RIAA as a platinum selling single.
CORY BATTEN
Songwriter of "Thinking of You”, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”, “Gettin' You Home”, and “Is the Grass Any Bluer".
Cory was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up exceeding at multiple sports, but ended up focusing on swimming and cycling. He finished the 111 mile El Tour de Tucson bike race twice. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1996 with a degree in psychology, he moved to Nashville in 1998 to pursue a career in music. He briefly moved back home to Arizona, but soon his dream would bring him back to Nashville in 2000.
It wasn't long before Cory found success with his songs. From bluegrass sweetheart Rhonda Vincent ("Is the Grass any Bluer") to one of country's newest duos, Love & Theft ("Thinking of You"), to Crystal Shawanda ("You Can Let Go"), to Blaine Larsen's “I Don’t Know What She Said”. Cory's songs have been receiving a lot of attention. Cory's first #1, Blake Shelton's “She Wouldn't Be Gone” was closely followed by his 2nd #1, Chris Young's “Gettin' You Home." Cory's duet "The Call" was recorded by country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood and featured on Garth’s Live from Vegas DVD.
Cory has recently landed cuts with new artists Runaway June and Jay Allen. Cory's live show is a must-see experience, full of stories of heart and humor.
BEN JOHNSON
Songwriter of “One of Them Girls”, “Beers On Me”, “Holy Water”, and “Give Heaven Some Hell”.
Ben Johnson is GRAMMY nominated songwriter, producer, and artist living in Nashville, TN. He is signed to a worldwide co-publishing deal with Tape Room Music (Nashville) and Artist Publishing Group (Los Angeles) as well as a record deal with BMG (Stoney Creek), and has written songs for artists such as Charlie Puth, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max, Lee Brice, Meek Mill, Justin Timberlake, Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bentley, HARDY, Parmalee, Jake Owen, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, and more.
Originally from Meridian, Mississippi, Johnson grew up surrounded by music. He is a classically trained pianist and cellist, and grew up performing everywhere from bluegrass festivals to orchestra concerts. From a young age, Johnson has written and produced music with his two sisters in their country band Track45 (managed by Missi Gallimore and Gary Borman, and signed to BBR/Stoney Creek).
In 2012, Johnson moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, and began co-writing. Johnson made appearances singing BGVs for the CMA Awards for several years performing with artists like Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Reba, and many more. Johnson met Ashley Gorley of Taperoom Music and they began working together, leading to Johnsonʼs eventual signing at Tape Room Music/APG in 2018.
His first major cut was “Patient” with multi-platinum pop artist Charlie Puth on the 2018 album “Voicenotes”. Since then, heʼs had many cuts in both the pop and country worlds, as well as success as a producer. Johnson had his first #1 in 2020 with Lee Brice’s “One of Them Girls”, which stayed at the top of the charts for 3 weeks. He has gone on to write many more #1 songs including “Gone” (Dierks Bentley), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “Best Thing Since Backroads” (Jake Owen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, HARDY, Breland), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), a Canadian country #1 with “11 Beers” (The Recklaws), and a 4 week Alternative Airplay #1 with Weezer’s “All My Favorite Songs”.
In 2021, Johnson broke into the top 10 on Music Row Magazine’s Top Songwriter Chart and has been in the top 5 for the last 6 months. He won the 2021 AIMP Song of the Year award for “One of Them Girls” as well as the 2021 AIMP Publisher’s Pick Award for HARDY’s “Give Heaven Some Hell”. Additionally, Johnson was nominated for the 2021 Music Row Magazine Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year. He made history in 2021 with the first song to ever win Country Song of the Year at all three PROs (BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC) with “One of Them Girls”. In 2022, Johnson received his first GRAMMY nomination for “Rock Song of the Year” with Weezer’s “All My Favorite Songs”.
As an artist, Ben is 1/3 of Track45, comprised of Ben and his sisters Jenna and KK. Track45 released their first EP in 2020, and their single “Met Me Now” went to radio in 2021. The song earned them a spot as the most added artist on country radio the week of its release and they were named that year’s Amazon Music “Artist to Watch”.
Currently, Ben is writing and producing from his new studio (Skyline Studios Nashville), and has had a full year with 6 songs in the top 20 at the same time and 4 #1’s in a less than 2 month span. In addition to writing and producing for other artists, he is gearing up for a much anticipated follow up release with his band Track45 (www.track45.com).
J. R. WARD
Songwriter of "We Don't Bring It Up," “90 Proof Sunrise,” “Southside of Empty,” and “Turn Your Eyes To Jesus”
J.R. Ward is an independent country singer/songwriter originally from Chattanooga, TN who currently resides in Palm Coast, FL. Drawing influences from artists such as Waylon Jennings, Gary Allan, and Jamey Johnson, J.R. writes and sings songs that show elements of another time with a fresh new sound all of his own. J.R. tours throughout the Southeast and continues to win over crowds with his soulful authentic approach to his performances and songwriting.
One of the biggest influences early on in J.R.'s career was playing for people in assisted living and nursing homes. "You really find out what's important when you play music for people who are at the end of their life. It reminds me to do what I love, and that's creating memories with music."
J.R. has both headlined venues and played support for national touring acts such as The Steel Woods, Ward Davis, Ray Scott, Wade Bowen, Dillon Carmichael, Josh Ward, Alex Williams and Sam Riggs throughout north and central FL. J.R. released his debut EP "My Own Way" in the fall of 2017. The EP is named after and for one of his greatest inspirations, Waylon Jennings, who once said, "There's always one more way to do things, and that's your way..."
CHUCK CANNON
Songwriter of “American Soldier,” “She Could've Been Mine,” “If a Man Answers," and "Me Too"
Chuck grew up in the South Carolina Low Country. He's a Southern boy whose music echoes the R&B, Rock & Roll, Country and Gospel music he grew up on. Chuck's songs have been recorded by an incredibly diverse array of recording artists from around the world and have logged over 25 million radio airplays.
As a recording artist, his critically acclaimed solo projects; GOD SHAPED HOLE, LOVE & MONEY and SYMPHONY OF SCARS deliver songs that are quite simply, stunning. He is also a published author and his spoken word recording, TRUE STORIES AND OTHER LIES: VOLUME ONE explores yet another aspect of his creative voice. His 2017 release, MACHINE, takes the listener on a wild song ride down back roads where the houses still have tin roofs, screen doors and front porches... Where rivers run with memories of where we can never go again... Then walking the streets and sidewalks of the soulless grey city where dreams are swallowed whole by cold clanging contraptions of our own making... His wry humor makes for social and political commentary which takes no sides, save that of the common folk who work hard, laugh loud and know only one thing for sure; we are lost without love. His live performances are riveting and always leave you wanting more.
TONY LANE
Songwriter of “On My Way To You,” "A Little Past Little Rock," "Hello World," and "Letters From Home".
Tony Lane comes from the small town of Comanche, Texas. By way of Waco, he made his way to the bars of Ft. Worth and Dallas where he played until the early morning hours for many years. Tony made the move to Nashville back in the 90s and played many songwriter nights before signing his first deal with Famous Music. He quickly celebrated his first number one with LeaAnn Womack’s “A Little Past Little Rock”. This hit was followed by many others, including “Run” by George Strait, “Letters from Home” by John Michael Montgomery, “I Need You” by Tim McGraw (featuring Faith Hill), “Hello World” by Lady A, “Roll with It” by Easton Corbin, “On My Way to You” by Cody Johnson, and many others. Through the years he’s enjoyed cuts by Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Chris Janson, and many others.
Tony currently writes at Warner Chappell. He has cuts on the recent Kenny Chesney, Tim Mcgraw, Cody Johnson and Chris Janson albums.
GARY NICHOLSON
Songwriter of “One More Last Time,” "Live Laugh Love," "She Couldn't Change Me," and "Worry B Gone"
Gary Nicholson is a number one hit songwriter, two time Grammy winning producer, recording artist, world traveling performer, and session guitarist. He was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2011. There are over six hundred recordings of his songs in various genres including country, rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, and pop by Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, Waylon Jennings, Fleetwood Mac, George Jones, Chris Stapleton, Van Morrison, The Dixie Chicks, BB King, Eric Clapton, Delbert McClinton, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Keb Mo, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Guy Clark, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Garth Brooks, Billy Joe Shaver, Marty Stuart, Robert Plant, Kenny Chesney, Joe Bonamassa, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, The Mavericks, Wynonna, The Judds, Trisha Yearwood, Buddy Guy, Brad Paisley, and the list goes on.
In addition to his two Grammy winning records with Delbert McClinton, he has produced records for Billy Joe Shaver, Marcia Ball, The Judds, Wynonna, Pam Tillis, T Graham Brown, Chris Knight, Seth Walker and many others. As a guitarist he has played live and recorded with Guy Clark, Billy Joe Shaver, Asleep at the Wheel, Bobby Bare, Joe Ely, and participated in Delbert’s Sandy Beaches Cruise for twenty five years. His songs have been included in many major motion pictures and television, the song “Falling and Flying" is featured in the Oscar winning film “Crazy Heart” performed by Jeff Bridges. Recent songwriting credits include the co-written title of Ringo Starr’s release “Give More Love” and the Grammy winning title song of Buddy Guy’s “The Blues is Alive And Well”, also a tribute to Merle Haggard recorded by Willie Nelson, “He Won’t Ever Be Gone” , and “Worry B Gone” is featured on Chris Stapleton’s new release.
Gary has conducted songwriting and guitar workshops at various festivals and colleges including Berklee School of Music. For more info and complete discography visit garynicholson.com.
T.J. BROWN & COLBY CRAIG
Songwriters of “While I'm Still Here,” “We Need Love,” “Mustang Memories," and "When I Look At My Woman"
T.J. Brown has released 5 albums since 2006 and Colby Craig has been not so quietly honing her craft performing since 2008. The two singer songwriters traveled in the same circles for 6 years before joining forces in 2021 and have now hit the ground running. Whether you want to hear power house vocals or soulful heartfelt lyrics they’ve got you covered. With a unique blend of southern soul and refreshingly modern americana style, The Vibe is making waves all over Florida. Look for release of their debut EP In 2022.
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