As 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.  

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 Stalnecker
Published by: Blunts and Bonfires Music, Feels Like Friday, Sony Music Publishing, Chorus 2 Music, RMM 416 Publishing
Recorded by: Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown

“DANCIN’ IN THE COUNTRY”
Written by: Jon Nite 
Published by: Cuts Like A Nite Music, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Tyler Hubbard 

“TENNESEE ORANGE”
Written by: Megan Moroney
Published by: Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing 
Recorded by: Megan Moroney 

“YOUR HEART OR MINE”
Written by: Justin Ebach
Published by: Phat Racoon, Universal Tunes
Recorded by: Jon Pardi 

“YOU DIDN’T”
Written by: Jon Nite
Published by: Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Brett Young

“PICK ME UP”
Written by: Jon Nite
Published by: Cuts Like A Nite Music, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Gabby Barrett 

“GIRL IN MINE” 
Written by: Casey Brown
Published by: Track & Feels, Warner Chappell Music, Tape Room Tunes
Recorded by: Parmalee

“WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Hang Your Hat Hits, Concord Tunes
Recorded by: Sam Hunt 

“BURY ME IN GEORGIA”
Written by: Josh Hoge
Published 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 Publishing
Recorded by: Zac Brown Band

“Y’ALL LIFE”
Written by: Josh Jenkins, Pete Good
Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by: Walker Hayes

“SON OF A”
Written by: Dillon Carmichael 
Published by: Riser House Tunes, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Dillon Carmichael 

“PARTY MODE”
Written by: Jared Keim
Published by: Twelve6 Sequoia, Warner Chappell Music 
Recorded by: Dustin Lynch 

“CHANGE OF HEART” 
Written by: Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey
Published by: Peach Pit, Fisheye, RMM 416 Publishing, Good Songs We Love
Recorded by: Margo Price 

“THAT KIND OF LIFE (THAT KIND OF DAY)” 
Written by: Jim Lauderdale
Published by: Wudang Mountain Songs, Critter City Music
Recorded by: Jim Lauderdale

“TALL AND MIGHTY”
Written by: Kelsey Waldon
Published by: MyKaintuck Publishing, Do Write Music
Recorded by: Kelsey Waldon

“DON’T LET THE DARKNESS”
Written by: Ed Jurdi
Published by: Three Pisces Music
Recorded by: The Band of Heathens

“ALL I REALLY WANNA DO”
Written by: Henry Brill
Published by: Kobalt Group Publishing 
Recorded by: Devon Gilfillian  

sesac.com