SESAC Celebrates Songwriters and Publishers at 2017 Nashville Music Awards

Justin Ebach Named Songwriter of the Year

“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” Named Song of the Year

Warner Chappell (W.B.M. Music Corp) Named Publisher of the Year

Nashville, Tenn. – SESAC Inc., the nation’s only music rights organization in the country, celebrated its songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed country and Americana songs at the company’s Nashville Music Awards held Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Sponsors for this year’s event include Bose®and Sound Royalties.

Justin Ebach, who has topped the charts with smash hit “Sleep Without You” performed by Brett Young, was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year. This was not only the debut single for Young, but also the first No. 1 country song for the songwriter.

“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” written by Cary Barlowe, published by Castle Bound Music and Spirit Nashville Three, and recorded by Billy Currington, was named SESAC Song of the Year.

This year, a SESAC Legacy Award was presented to music icon Kenny Rogers, who has made immeasurable contributions to the world of entertainment and paved the way for countless songwriters and artists.

The seven-time GRAMMY-winning trio Lady Antebellum was honored with the SESAC Humanitarian Award for their generous contributions and philanthropic efforts through LadyAID®.

In addition, SESAC was proud to recognize Michael Knox, vice president of peer music, for his notable accolades in recent years. Knox has produced more than 20 No. 1 hits that have resulted in more than 40 million singles and 18 million albums sold. He’s won multiple CMA and ACM awards, and produced some of country’s biggest acts, including Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Montgomery Gentry and Michael Tyler, just to name a few.

The awards ceremony kicked off with Old Crow Medicine Show performing a lively rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary album Blonde On Blonde. The evening also featured memorable ballad tributes to Kenny Rogers including “Twenty Years Ago,” performed by Lee Brice; “Lady,” performed by Craig Campbell; “The Gambler,” performed by Dustin Lynch; and “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer,” performed by Kim Carnes and Andy Childs. Lastly, recording artist Billy Currington performed the SESAC Song of the Year “It Don’t’ Hurt Like It Used To.” Guest presenters included Billy Currington, Linda Davis, Jim Lauderdale, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, Luke Pell and Hillary Scott.

The festive event, hosted by Shannan Hatch, SESAC’s vice president of Creative Services, honored top songwriters and publishers behind the year’s biggest hits in the genres of country and Americana. SESAC is the only PRO that awards songwriters and publishers in Americana music. More than 500 songwriters, publishers and industry professionals attended the awards dinner, sponsored by Bose® and Sound Royalties.

Country Awards: