Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, Tom Shapiro & Keith Urban Celebrate at BMI

BMI toasted the veteran trio of hit-makers behind BMI songwriter Keith Urban’s latest no. 1, “You Look Good in My Shirt,” Monday, November 3 in its Music Row offices. Written by BMI troubadours Tony Martin, Mark Nesler and Tom Shapiro, the single originally earned a spot on Urban’s 2002 releaseGolden Road, but its effervescent popularity led to its second recording for his Be Here project and subsequent release as a single.

Keith Urban and the song’s writers pause for a photo. Pictured are (l-r): Mark Nesler, Tom Shapiro, Keith Urban, and Tony Martin.

All three of the song’s writers boast enduring familiarity with chart success, both together and individually: Mark Nesler’s compositions include Tim McGraw’s “Just to See You Smile” and George Strait’s “Go On”; Tony Martin co-wrote “Just to See You Smile” with Nesler, but also co-penned Dierks Bentley’s “Settle for a Slowdown” and much more; and Tom Shapiro’s long list of smashes earned him a spot in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. Addressing the crowd after the numerous award presentations, Tony Martin quipped, “Songs are like children. I’m just so happy some of them actually go off and make a living.”

Tom Shapiro receives an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd assembled to toast “You Look Good in My Shirt.”

Songwriter Mark Nesler enters the buzzing reception.

BMI’s Jody Williams (right) and David Preston (center) congratulate BMI songwriter Keith Urban (left).

Keith Urban says his “thank-you’s.”

Tony Martin addresses the crowd.

Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s David Preston, songwriters Mark Nesler and Tom Shapiro, Keith Urban, songwriter Tony Martin, and BMI’s Jody Williams.

Keith Urban shows off his new plaque.

Tom Shapiro grins with his new BMI Takamine guitar.

Pictured are (l-r): co-writers Mark Nesler, Tom Shapiro and Tony Martin; Keith Urban; Disney Music Publishing Vice President Lisa Ramsey Perkins; BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville Jody Williams; EMI Music Publishing Executive Vice President and General Manager, Nashville Gary Overton; President & CEO of Capitol Records Nashville Mike Dungan; Sony/ATV Senior Vice President, Creative Terry Wakefield; and Disney Music Publishing Senior Vice President & General Manager Doug Howard. (Photos by John Russell)