‘Song of the Year’ named, songwriters honored

George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Luke Combs, Josh Osborne receive Awards

By Preshias Harris

Country music ‘royalty’ came to the Ryman Auditorium on 17 September, but the real stars were songwriters.  The occasion was the 2019 Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and City National Bank.

Kid Rock escorts Loretta Lynn to podium. Photo: Catrina Engelby

The audience came to their feet to give a standing ovation to the real Coalminer’s Daughter, Loretta Lynn who was escorted by Kid Rock to the podium where she received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.  “Hello everybody.  I’m Loretta,” she said, as if she needed any introduction.

Reba, Kellie Pickler, Tayla Lynn sing to Loretta

The presentation was preceded by a performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta’s granddaughter, Tayla Lynn. Also on hand to honor Loretta were Kellie Pickler who sang “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl” and Reba McEntire who sang “You Ain’t Woman Enough.”

George Strait. Photo: Catrina Engelby

George Strait took the stage to accept the President’s Keystone Award.  Acknowledging the debt he owes to the songwriters who wrote so many of his chart-topping hits, Strait said, “I want to thank you for sharing your talent with me over the years and I want to thank NSAI for giving me this great honor tonight.” Continue reading “‘Song of the Year’ named, songwriters honored”