The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is set to welcome a celebrated new class of inductees whose songs have left a lasting impact on country music. The 2025 honorees include Kent Blazy, Jim Lauderdale, David Lee Murphy, and Hillary Lindsey, along with previously deferred inductee Brad Paisley, who requested his 2024 induction be moved.
Each of the honorees has penned beloved hits that have shaped the sound of Nashville for decades. Lauderdale, inducted in the contemporary songwriter-artist category, is recognized for his blend of country and Americana, with songs like “I Feel Like Singing Today.” Hillary Lindsey joins the hall as one of modern country’s most successful hitmakers, credited for chart-toppers like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Girl Crush.” David Lee Murphy, best known for “Dust on the Bottle” and co-writing hits for Kenny Chesney, enters in the contemporary songwriter category, while Kent Blazy, who helped launch Garth Brooks’ career with “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” is honored in the veteran songwriter category.
Brad Paisley, a three-time Grammy winner, will officially be inducted after deferring last year. Known for his sharp wit and heartfelt lyrics, Paisley has co-written many of his own hits, including “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” and “Remind Me.”
The announcement was made on August 6 at the historic Columbia Studio A, now part of Belmont University. Chair Rich Hallworth praised the inductees for their contributions, stating, “We are proud to honor you this fall, when you will officially join your legendary peers in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.”
With these inductions, the Hall of Fame continues its mission of honoring those who have written the soundtrack of American life. These six electees will join the 247 previously inducted members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame when they are formally honored during the 55th annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, taking place on Monday, Oct. 6, at Nashville’s Music City Center.
SOURCE: Billboard