SESAC Celebrates Songwriters and Publishers at 2023 Nashville Music AwardsAs CMA Awards week commences in Nashville, SESAC Performing Rights kicked off the celebrations, honoring songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed country and Americana songs at the company’s annual Nashville Music Awards held at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.Jon Nite was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year for his hits like “Dancin’ In The Country,” recorded by Tyler Hubbard, “You Didn’t,” recorded by Brett Young, and “Pick Me Up,” recorded by Gabby Barrett. With over 18 #1 songs to his name, Nite is one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters. SESAC’s Song of the Year was awarded to the smash crossover hit “Thank God,” penned by Josh Hoge and Christian Stalnecker, and recorded by Kane Brown and his wife, Katelyn Brown. Sony Music Publishing took home the title of Publisher of the Year, after winning seven awards throughout the night.  To kick off the evening, Megan Moroney performed her award-winning song “Tennessee Orange,” a contender for Song of the Year at the 57th Annual CMA Awards. At the end of the night, Dillon Carmichael performed his moving single, “Son of A,” which received a performance award during the show.  

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 05: Megan Moroneyattends the 2023 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on November 05, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC)

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Shannan Hatch, Blanco Brown and Lydia Schultz Cahill attend the 2023 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on November 05, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC)

The SESAC Heritage Award was presented in recognition of Albert E. Brumley, honoring 80 years of partnership with SESAC, and celebrating his legacy. Betsy Brumley was in attendance to accept the award, and guests were treated to a special performance of “I’ll Fly Away” by Jamey Johnson.  The celebration was hosted by SVP, Head of Nashville Creative Shannan Hatch, alongside Senior Directors, Creative Services, ET Brown and Lydia Schultz Cahill. More than 400 songwriters, publishers, and industry professionals attended the awards celebration, sponsored in part by Gibson Guitars, Hatef Aesthetics, Badger, Better Than Booze, Bombas, Chewsy, Essie, Garnier, Havaianas, Kiehl’s, Osea, Otterbox, PuraVida, Redken, and Soapy Faith. For more, visit www.sesac.com 

Honorees:“THANK GOD”Written by: Josh Hoge, Christian StalneckerPublished by: Blunts and Bonfires Music, Feels Like Friday, Sony Music Publishing, Chorus 2 Music, RMM 416 PublishingRecorded by: Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown“DANCIN’ IN THE COUNTRY”Written by: Jon Nite Published by: Cuts Like A Nite Music, Sony Music PublishingRecorded by: Tyler Hubbard “TENNESEE ORANGE”Written by: Megan MoroneyPublished by: Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing Recorded by: Megan Moroney “YOUR HEART OR MINE”Written by: Justin EbachPublished by: Phat Racoon, Universal TunesRecorded by: Jon Pardi “YOU DIDN’T”Written by: Jon NitePublished by: Sony Music PublishingRecorded by: Brett Young“PICK ME UP”Written by: Jon NitePublished by: Cuts Like A Nite Music, Sony Music PublishingRecorded by: Gabby Barrett “GIRL IN MINE” Written by: Casey BrownPublished by: Track & Feels, Warner Chappell Music, Tape Room TunesRecorded by: Parmalee“WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE”Written by: Chris LaCortePublished by: Card Tables Music, Hang Your Hat Hits, Concord TunesRecorded by: Sam Hunt “BURY ME IN GEORGIA”Written by: Josh HogePublished by: Blunts and Bonfires Music, Chorus 2 Music, Sony Music Nashville Recorded by: Kane Brown“OUT IN THE MIDDLE”Written by: Ben Simonetti, Zac Brown Published by: Simonetti Music Publishing, Day For The Dead PublishingRecorded by: Zac Brown Band“Y’ALL LIFE”Written by: Josh Jenkins, Pete GoodPublished by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACKWORKS MusicRecorded by: Walker Hayes“SON OF A”Written by: Dillon Carmichael Published by: Riser House Tunes, Sony Music PublishingRecorded by: Dillon Carmichael “PARTY MODE”Written by: Jared KeimPublished by: Twelve6 Sequoia, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by: Dustin Lynch “CHANGE OF HEART” Written by: Margo Price, Jeremy IveyPublished by: Peach Pit, Fisheye, RMM 416 Publishing, Good Songs We LoveRecorded by: Margo Price “THAT KIND OF LIFE (THAT KIND OF DAY)” Written by: Jim LauderdalePublished by: Wudang Mountain Songs, Critter City MusicRecorded by: Jim Lauderdale“TALL AND MIGHTY”Written by: Kelsey WaldonPublished by: MyKaintuck Publishing, Do Write MusicRecorded by: Kelsey Waldon“DON’T LET THE DARKNESS”Written by: Ed JurdiPublished by: Three Pisces MusicRecorded by: The Band of Heathens“ALL I REALLY WANNA DO”Written by: Henry BrillPublished by: Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Devon Gilfillian  

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