Arkansas native Ashley McBryde will once again represent the Natural State on one of country music’s most prestigious stages when she joins Chris Stapleton and Steve Earle as featured performers during the 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Tuesday, September 22, at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
Hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in partnership with City National Bank, the annual event celebrates the songwriters whose words and melodies have shaped country music while honoring some of the industry’s most influential writers and artists.
For Arkansas country music fans, the announcement is especially exciting as McBryde continues to build one of the most respected careers in country music while proudly representing her Arkansas roots.
During the evening, McBryde, Stapleton and Earle will each perform songs they have said they “wish they had written,” while paying tribute to the year’s honorees and some of country music’s biggest songs.
Arkansas’s Grammy-Winning Star
Ashley McBryde, who grew up in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, has become one of country music’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters.
Since breaking through nationally, McBryde has earned multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and widespread praise for her authentic songwriting and powerful performances.
Her appearance at this year’s Nashville Songwriter Awards continues her reputation as one of Nashville’s premier storytellers.
Star-Studded Lineup
Joining McBryde on stage will be two of country music’s most respected artists.
Chris Stapleton, one of the most decorated artists in modern country music, and legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle will headline the evening’s performances.
Additional performers include:
Dan Alley
Ryan Beaver
Jacob Davis
Ray Fulcher
Ben Johnson
Chris LaCorte
Chase McGill
Neil Medley
Josh Miller
Blake Pendergrass
Hunter Phelps
Bobby Pinson
Jeremy Stover
Lydia Vaughan
Jordan Walker
Organizers say additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Special Awards
Several major awards have already been announced.
Vince Gill will receive the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Legendary songwriter Paul Williams will receive the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
Blake Pendergrass has been named Songwriter of the Year, while Riley Green will receive the Songwriter-Artist of the Year Award.
The winners of Song of the Year, 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written, and the Legendary Song Award will be revealed live during the ceremony.
Celebrating Nashville’s Songwriters
Each year, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to songwriters, hosts the event to recognize the talented writers responsible for country music’s biggest hits while continuing its mission of protecting and supporting songwriters.
The 2026 Nashville Songwriter Awards will take place Tuesday, September 22, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.
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