Nashville songwriters are busy putting their creative vehicles into drive and preparing to mold the shape of country music for 2018. So before the year gets underway, let’s take a moment to salute the hitmakers of 2017. Other publications focus on the Top Songs, but we honor the writers who create them.
The attached chart (click to enlarge) shows the Top 100 Country Songwriters of 2017, based upon points earned from streaming, sales and airplay.
Hats off to Ashley Gorley who claims the top spot again this year based on earning 4170.5 points compared with scoring 4971.84 last year. (Note to publisher: please set up weekly co-writes in 2018 with this guy!!!)
Songwriters who repeated in the Top 10 this year include: Shane McAnally (No.3=>No.4); Rhett Akins (No.5=>No.5); busbee (No.7=>No.3); and Josh Osborne (No.10=>No.7).
Click To enlarge…
New names in the Top 10 include runner up Jesse Frasure (No.2), Hillary Lindsey (No.6), Brandon Lancaster (No.8), Ben Hayslip (No.9) and Mitch Rosell (No.10).
Two brother teams made the list this year, the affable Brad and Brett Warren (aka Warren Brothers) at No. 65 and 66; plus the Brothers Osborne— T.J. and John—at No. 74 and 75.
One of the great testimonials to the talent of Nashville’s songwriters is that they make it sound so easy. The songs sound so natural, anyone could just throw them together, right? Ha. If you believe that’s true then get a guitar and jump in. All you gotta do is write a hit, get it recorded, then heard by the public and be available to jump up to the podium and accept all the awards…!!!
However, after interviewing countless hitmakers and publishers, and trying it myself, I can tell you it would be wise to allocate a few years to this journey—at least!! (#harderthanitlooks)
Finally, thanks to our chart watchers who click to see the weekly lists. Here’s to a productive 2018 and some great songs!
See The Top Country Songwriters of 2016 HERE
Comments, observations, thoughts for 2018…???? Post ’em below!
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