Gorley named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year for sixth time
Alumnus Ashley Gorley won his sixth Country Songwriter of the Year prize at ceremonies held at the Renaissance Hotel Monday night for ASCAP’s top honors in country music. In his acceptance speech, Music Row reported Gorley said, “This continues to be more than I deserve… I’ve still got a lot to learn. That’s the thing about the creative process… I’m so thankful to God that He crafted us to be creators.”
In addition, the ASCAP Golden Note Award, which is presented to artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones, was given to alumna LeeAnn Womack. Previous winners have included Don Williams, Lindsey Buckingham, Alan Jackson, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire and J.D. Souther, among others. A number of artists performed musical tributes to Womack at the event, including Buddy Miller, Chris Stapleton and Alison Krauss.
Other Belmont alumni honored during the ceremony for their songwriting accolades were Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite and Frank Rogers.
Finally, Warner/Chappell was named the ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year, and the Nashville office is helmed by alum Ben Vaughn.
