December 8, 2003

‘Tough Little Boys’ Grabs #1 Seat

"Tough Little Boys" was the center of attention during a luncheon at BMI Nashville, when BMI Award-winning writer Harley Allen, co-writer Don Sampson and MCA artist Gary Allan celebrated the song's #1 achievement. Also recognized for their contributions were publisher Coburn Music, Inc., producer Mark Wright and Luke Lewis on behalf of MCA Nashville.

Don Sampson, Harley Allen, BMI's Joyce Rice, Gary Allan

This is Harley Allen's fourth #1, following "The Baby" (Blake Shelton), "Between the Devil and Me" (Alan Jackson) and "The Little Girl" (John Michael Montgomery). Other artists who have recorded his songs include Daryl Worley, Ricky Skaggs, John Conlee, Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Hal Ketchum and Linda Ronstadt. He also garnered two Grammys (Album and Best Country Collaboration), two CMA Awards (Album and Single) and two ACM Awards (Album and Vocal Event) for his work with the Soggy Bottom Boys on 2001's smash soundtrack "O Brother, Where Art Thou?".

Gary Allan, Mark Wright

Sony Music's Clay Bradley, Gary Allan

With the success of "Tough Little Boys," from his platinum album See If I Care, Gary Allan has enjoyed back to back #1 singles - "Man To Man" was the first, from 2001's Gold+ release Alright Guy. His latest single is "Songs About Rain."

Storme Warren, BMI's Patsy Bradley and Patsy Wells

keith urban, Debbie Allen, Harley Allen, BMI's Joyce Rice

Harley Allen, Wayland Patton, Carl Jackson

Photos by Kay Williams

BMI represents more than 500,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers with more than 7.5 million works.