The Red Wheel 2026 Songwriter Series

Mae Estes is a Nashville songwriter and artist whose expressive voice and vivid writing have earned her widespread acclaim. Andy Griggs charted multiple hit singles including “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely” and “She Thinks She Needs Me,” bringing a seasoned artist’s perspective to the round. Anthony Smith is a veteran Nashville tunesmith best known for co-writing Tim McGraw’s smash “Something Like That.”

Jamie Floyd is a Nashville songwriter with a rich catalog of cuts and a gift for heartfelt storytelling. Jake Hoot won Season 17 of NBC’s The Voice and has since released music that showcases his soulful vocals and genuine country songwriting. Mark Taylor is a prolific Nashville writer whose credits span multiple genres and chart hits.

Dave Pahanish is a celebrated Nashville songwriter with chart-topping cuts and a gift for capturing real emotion in song. Hilary Williams is a powerhouse singer-songwriter and daughter of Hank Williams Jr., carrying on a legendary musical legacy with her own distinct artistry. Sam Williams continues the Williams family tradition as an artist and songwriter with a raw, deeply personal style.

Chris Wallin is one of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters, having topped the charts with hits including “Don’t Blink” (Kenny Chesney), “I’m Tryin’” (Trace Adkins), and “People Loving People” (Garth Brooks). He currently serves as Head of A&R for Baste Records and also teaches songwriting through his online course, Building Great Songs. Pat Alger is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee whose classic co-writes with Garth Brooks include “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers,” and “What She’s Doing Now.” Lance Cowan is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and veteran Americana publicist whose own recordings, including his 2026 release “The Air That You Breathe,” have drawn praise from outlets like SPIN Magazine.

Frank Myers is a hit songwriter whose credits include John Michael Montgomery’s chart-topping “I Swear,” Lonestar’s “I’m Already There” and “My Front Porch Looking In,” and Alabama’s “Once Upon a Lifetime” — a catalog that’s earned him 12 number-one songs and a 2025 induction into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame. Lost Saints is a Nashville-based country trio bringing fresh harmonies and energy to the stage, with music from their “Emotions” EP including the single “Rain.”

CJ Solar has spent the past decade writing hits for Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Justin Moore, earning a spot on Rolling Stone’s “New Artists You Need to Know” list and recognition as Music Row’s Independent Artist of the Year. Rick Huckaby is a Nashville songwriter with cuts across the country format and a reputation for crafting memorable hooks. Michael White comes from Nashville songwriting royalty and has written award-winning hits recorded by Blake Shelton, Michael Ray, George Strait, and Alan Jackson, among many others.

Ray Fulcher is a Georgia-born, Nashville-based songwriter with six number-one hits and more than 30 cuts with Luke Combs, including “Does to Me” and “Even Though I’m Leaving,” plus a 2021 CMA Triple Play award. Rob Snyder co-wrote Luke Combs’ Diamond-certified, 10x Platinum “She Got the Best of Me” and founded Revival, a respected Nashville songwriter showcase. Ben Williams is a creative Nashville writer known for his heartfelt approach and skillful storytelling.

Billy Montana has notched five number-one country hits, including Lee Brice’s “Memory I Don’t Mess With” and “Hard to Love,” Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory,” and Jo Dee Messina’s “Bring on the Rain.” Matt Wynn co-wrote Reba McEntire’s “Seven Minutes in Heaven” and Kristin Chenoweth’s “Live Like That,” featured in the film The King of Kings, alongside a run of songs with Alexandra Kay. Mark Nesler penned Tim McGraw’s “Just to See You Smile” and George Strait’s “Go On” and “Living and Living Well,” among many other country hits.

Dave Pahanish is a three-time #1 Billboard songwriter whose credits include Keith Urban’s “Without You” and Toby Keith’s “American Ride.” Bryan Simpson has had songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, and George Strait, amassing over 500 million streams and NSAI’s “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honor. Bob DiPiero is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee with 15 number-one hits and more than 1,000 recorded songs, including George Strait’s “Cowboys Like Us” and Shenandoah’s “Church on Cumberland Road.”

Don Sampson is an artist and songwriter whose writing has appeared on albums throughout the country genre and who charted with “Washing Cars and Breaking Hearts.” Monty Holmes’ credits include songs recorded by some of country’s biggest names, including “What’s It to You” and “Rumor Has It” (Clay Walker). Tony Arata is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and the writer of Garth Brooks’ iconic “The Dance.”

Tim James is a prolific Nashville songwriter with chart hits across the country format and a talent for memorable, radio-ready songs. Mark Irwin is a veteran Music Row writer whose catalog spans decades and multiple chart-topping recordings. Lance Miller wrote “Better As a Memory” (Kenny Chesney) and “Love Don’t Run” (Steve Holy), cementing his legacy as one of Nashville’s finest craftsmen.

Brinley Addington is a rising Nashville songwriter whose heartfelt writing has earned her recognition on Music Row. Benjy Davis is a Louisiana-born singer-songwriter whose soulful Americana-infused country style has won fans and critical praise across the genre. Steve Moakler is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose road-worn storytelling and honest lyricism have earned him a devoted following.

Earl Bud Lee is a Nashville legend best known for co-writing Garth Brooks’ iconic “Friends in Low Places.” Brian White is a country artist and songwriter who charted multiple singles and earned a strong reputation as a live performer and recording artist. Michael Dulaney is a respected Music Row writer whose songs have been recorded across multiple country formats.

Adam Craig is a Canadian country artist and songwriter who has built a strong following with his energetic performances and honest, relatable songwriting. Tucker Beathard is an artist and songwriter whose debut single “Rock On” was a top 10 country hit, and whose raw, guitar-driven style has set him apart on Music Row. Brynley Addington is a talented young singer-songwriter bringing fresh energy and a distinctive voice to the Nashville scene.

Justin Wilson is a Nashville songwriter whose melodic sensibility and gift for storytelling have earned him cuts with major country artists. Danny Myrick is a seasoned Nashville songwriter with chart cuts and a reputation for compelling, authentic storytelling. Megan Linville is a talented Nashville writer whose expressive style and musical depth have made her a respected voice on Music Row.