The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored 35 Nashville-associated writers who contributed to Nashville-associated songs that topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts from August 2016 to November 2016. The Stephen Foster Award (in recognition of extraordinary service to the songwriting community) was presented to John A. Hardaway, Senior Sales and Marketing Executive for Brown-Forman Corporation.
The NSAI #1 Party, sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates (with special thanks to Jack Daniel’s for providing drinks), was held on Monday, February 21, at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row.
NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison with John A. Hardaway and Lee Thomas Miller
Songwriters with their #1 plaques
Songs Recognized
“Peter Pan”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Lee and Forest Glen Whitehead
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini
“Head Over Boots”
Writers: Luke Laird and Jon Pardi
Recorded by: Jon Pardi
“From The Ground Up”
Writers: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney and Chris DeStefano
Recorded by: Dan + Shay
“American Country Love Song”
Writers: Ross Copperman, Jaren Johnston and Ashley Gorley
Recorded by: Jake Owen
“Eye Of The Storm”
Writers: Ryan Stevenson and Bryan Fowler
Recorded by: Ryan Stevenson featuring GabeReal
“Different For Girls”
Writers: JT Harding and Shane McAnally
Recorded by: Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King
“Middle Of A Memory”
Writers: Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell
Recorded by: Cole Swindell
“You Look Like I Need A Drink”
Writers: Rodney Clawson, Natalie Hemby and Matt Dragstrem
Recorded by: Justin Moore
“I Know Somebody”
Writers: Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover
Recorded by: LoCash
“Thy Will”
Writers: Bernie Herms, Hillary Scott and Emily Weisband
Recorded by: Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
“Today”
Writers: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois and Brad Paisley
Recorded by: Brad Paisley
“Move”
Writers: Luke Bryan, Michael Carter and Jay Clementi
Recorded by: Luke Bryan
About John A. Hardaway:
John Hardaway, a resident of Brentwood, Tenn., is a senior sales and marketing executive for Brown-Forman Corp., one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies in the world. In this position John is responsible for all sales and marketing activities, including alliances with strategic partners. Flagship brands include Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester and Woodford Reserve. John speaks whiskey fluently. His vast knowledge from years in the spirits business makes John the ideal ambassador for Brown-Forman’s family of brands. John is also Chairman of the Board for Songs for Sound, a Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to enriching lives through hearing loss detection and treatment. Just recently, John attended the Veterans Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C during which the Songs for Sound Foundation was recognized by The American Legion for outstanding service to “hearing challenged” veterans around the country. In his spare time, John volunteers as the “Jump” coach for the Ravenwood High School Track & Field team in Brentwood. Over the years he has helped numerous student-athletes continue their track & field careers at the college level.
