2026 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees: Who Made The Cut?
on Jul 16, 2026
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) has announced the nominees for two categories in the Class of 2026.
The non-profit organization is committed to “honoring and preserving the songwriting legacy that is uniquely associated with the Nashville music community.” Since its inception in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has inducted 254 members.
The Hall of Fame Gallery is on display on the first floor of the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, featuring interactive displays for visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Nashville songwriting and songwriters.
Each year, the NaSHOF highlights standout songwriters across five categories. The inductees will be elected by Hall of Fame members and other professional songwriters and artists. Mark Ford, executive director of the organization, shared:
“Well-deserved congratulations to all the nominees in our contemporary categories. We look forward to announcing those who will be inducted this fall as members of our Class of 2026.”
Nominees for the remaining three categories (Veteran Songwriter, a Veteran Songwriter/Artist, and a Legacy Songwriter) will be announced in the coming weeks, and the Class of 2026 will be inducted later this year. Be reminded of the Class of 2025 below.
First Wave Of 2026 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees Announced
To be nominated in the contemporary categories, the songwriter must have experienced their first significant song at least 20 years ago. One inductee will be chosen from the Contemporary Songwriter/Artist category, and two will be inducted from the Contemporary Songwriter category. See the list of nominees below!
Contemporary Songwriter/Artists Nominees
- Miranda Lambert
- In addition to her own songs, Miranda Lambert has written for Ella Langley, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and more.
- Chris Stapleton
- In addition to his own songs, Chris Stapleton has written for George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and more.
- Taylor Swift
- In addition to her own songs, Taylor Swift has written for Miley Cyrus, Little Big Town, Sugarland, and more.
- Phil Vassar
- In addition to his own songs, Phil Vassar has written for Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, Alan Jackson, and more.
Contemporary Songwriters Nominees
- Jim Beavers
- “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan, “Sideways” by Dierks Bentley, “Watching Airplanes” by Gary Allan
- Shawn Camp
- “A Beautiful Time” by Willie Nelson, “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn, “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks
- Rodney Clawson
- “I Saw God Today” by George Strait, “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, “Amarillo Sky” by Jason Aldean
- Dallas Davidson
- “Boys ’Round Here” by Blake Shelton, “Just a Kiss” by Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum), “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice
- Mary Green
- “Amazed” by Lonestar, “I Called Mama” by Tim McGraw, “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood
- Lee Thomas Miller
- “The Impossible” by Joe Nichols, “In Color” by Jamey Johnson, “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins
- Neil Thrasher
- “How Country Feels” by Randy Houser, “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney, “Try That in a Small Town” by Jason Aldean
- Chris Tomkins
- “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, “Drunk on You” by Luke Bryan, “Lies Lies Lies” by Morgan Wallen
Congratulations to all the 2026 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees!
