Nashville Songwriters Hall names new members

The five new inductees-elect – who next year will join 219 of their previously named colleagues in the organization – will be officially inducted during the "50-51" edition of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, at the Music City Center.

The Class of 2020 will join the yet-to-be named Class of 2021 to celebrate the 50th and 51st anniversaries of the event, which was postponed this year because of COVID-19.

"This year marks our 50th year to welcome a new class into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame," said Sarah Cates, chair of the organization's board of directors. "And although our year has looked different, we couldn't be more excited to continue our commitment and core mission by announcing the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2020. It's our great honor today to welcome our class of 2020: Kent Blazy and Brett James in the songwriter category; Spooner Oldham in the veteran songwriter category, Steve Earle as our songwriter/artist and Bobbie Gentry as our veteran songwriter/artist."

Blazy's songwriter credits include "If Tomorrow Never Comes" (Garth Brooks), "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)" (Garth Brooks) and "Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)" (Chris Young).

James' resume is known for "Jesus Take The Wheel" (Carrie Underwood), "When The Sun Goes Down" (Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker) and "Summer Nights" (Rascal Flatts).

Oldham is the writer of R&B and Pop hits such as "I'm Your Puppet" (James & Bobby Purify), "Cry Like A Baby" (The Box Tops) and "Sweet Inspiration" (The Sweet Inspirations).

Earle recorded many of his self-penned hits, including "Guitar Town," "Copperhead Road" and "The Devil's Right Hand."

Gentry popularized many of her own compositions such as the oft-recorded smash "Ode To Billie Joe," "Fancy" and "Mornin' Glory."