“Great means incredibly well crafted, easily memorable, with a universally relatable sentiment and a sense of authenticity—“from the heart” as they say. Iconic means touching a cultural nerve, standing the test of time and instantly recognizable by many people - that holds true even if it’s not widely considered… Read more...
BMI is saddened by the passing of three Outlaw-Country pioneers, Billy Joe Shaver, Jerry Jeff Walker and Johnny Bush. Shaver was the writer of some of country music’s greatest songs, including “Honky Tonk Heroes,” “Georgia on a Fast Train,” “Old Five and Dimers Like Me,” and “Live Forever.” Along with… Read more...
BMI is proud to announce that our legendary songwriters, Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart and Dean Dillon, make up this year’s class of inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of honorees to 142. Dean Dillon, who was named a BMI Icon in 2013, earns… Read more...
While other kids were out doing what kids do, multi-instrumentalist composer/songwriter Joseph Stephens began experimenting and creating music with 4-track-tape machines, delay pedals, guitars, radios, and anything else he could get his hands on. Then in college, he wrote songs and scored student films, and the payoff came, because since… Read more...
Growing up in Chicago in the 80’s and 90s, songwriter/producer Tommy English took to music early. Spurred by his parents, who placed a high value on music education, English picked up piano, trumpet, drums and guitar, versing himself in musicianship and songwriting at a young age. By his late teens,… Read more...
BMI is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary singer/songwriter John Prine, yesterday in Nashville, due to complications from COVID-19. Though primarily considered to have strong folk and Americana roots, Prine’s vivid storytelling was revered by songwriters, artists and listeners in all genres, with songs like “Sam Stone, “Speed of… Read more...
On September 15, master storytellers Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan and Julie Dunfey’s new eight-part documentary, Country Music, will debut on PBS. The much-awaited series chronicles the evolution of country music and explores the question most asked about the genre, especially in today’s world, “What is country music?” The Emmy-winning trio… Read more...
Hailing from New York City, up-and-coming singer/songwriter Celia Babini is a name to watch. A student at the renowned Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School, Babini had been recording original songs and posting them on Soundcloud, eventually releasing her first EP, Lola, in 2017. Currently a contestant on NBC’s The Voice,… Read more...
When Ruston Kelly’s debut full-length, Dying Star, came out on Rounder Records in September, he was immediately pegged as an artist to watch, drawing comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Townes Van Zandt. Lauded for his vulnerable, fearless songwriting – and a masterful melodic sensibility, no doubt shaped… Read more...
If you’ve seen Michael and Tanya Trotter — better known as The War and Treaty —live in concert, you’ve witnessed the magical chemistry of this rising duo. The Trotters have found a welcoming home in the Americana community, known for embracing multiple musical genres and for having a particular fondness… Read more...
