Mayor John Cooper Announces 'Nashville Needs a Song' Songwriting Winners .
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 25, 2020
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor John Cooper announced today the winners of the “Nashville Needs A Song” COVID-19 songwriting competition. “Nashville Needs a Song” was a joint initiative between the Mayor’s Office, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) to inspire and uplift Nashvillians as they navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We Will Survive,” written by Ryan Kinder and Justin Morgan was chosen by NSAI as the “Songwriters Choice” Nashville song. Residents were also encouraged to vote for their “Fan Favorite” Nashville song. “Looking Up,” written by Jesse Labelle, Rob Crosby, and Jamie Moore, won the “Fan Favorite” award.
“For generations, Nashville songwriters have played a vital role in telling the stories and creating the intricate melodies that encourage us all through difficult times,” said Mayor Cooper. “I’m grateful to all the contestants of the ‘Nashville Needs a Song’ competition. The winning songs remind us that we are ‘Nashville Strong’ and will continue to push forward, in solidarity, through any challenge that comes our way.”
The contest was created to solicit compositions from Music City’s songwriters that would help inspire and uplift Nashvillians as they navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Over 100 songwriters submitted their entries to the “Nashville Needs a Song” contest. The top three songs were selected by NSAI to participate in the city’s “Fan Favorite” competition. Of the fan favorites, “Times Like These” by Conner Sweet, Lance Carpenter, and Liz Hengber won second place, and “We Will Survive” took third.
“I am so proud of the quality of songs submitted for ‘Nashville Needs a Song,’” said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of Nashville Songwriters Association International. “They were inspiring, uplifting, and met the goal of utilizing music to help us navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to all of the songwriters who joined in this exercise.”
Winning songs may be used by the city and NCVC as part of marketing initiatives. Writers and their publishers will retain all future rights to their songs.
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