Keith, Akins lead Songwriters Hall of Fame class

The five will be inducted into the Hall this November, according to Sarah Cates, chair of the organization's board of directors, and Mark Ford, its executive director.

The five new inductees-elect will join the 213 previously inducted members of the organization when they are officially inducted during the "50/51" Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 1.

Because the organization's 50th anniversary celebration was postponed last year due to COVID-19, this year's event will honor two classes in a double-sized event that will also spotlight NaSHOF's previously named Class of 2020: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham.

"Today is one of my favorite days of the year, as we begin our journey to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in November with the announcement of our upcoming class," said Cates. "Nashville has always been the home of legendary songs written by the world's finest songwriters, and this class is no exception. It's our great honor today to welcome our class of 2021: Rhett Akins and Buddy Cannon in the songwriter category; John Scott Sherrill in the veteran songwriter category; Toby Keith as our songwriter/artist and Amy Grant as our veteran songwriter/artist."

Akins' songwriter credits include his own "That Ain't My Truck," as well as "Honey Bee" (Blake Shelton) and "It Goes Like This" (his son, Thomas Rhett).

Cannon's resume is known for "Set 'Em Up Joe" (Vern Gosdin), "I've Come To Expect It From You" (George Strait) and "Give It Away" (George Strait).

Sherrill's hits include "Wild And Blue" (John Anderson), "The Church On Cumberland Road" (Shenandoah) and "How Long Gone" (Brooks & Dunn). He also was a member of the group Billy Hill and wrote many of their songs.

Grant popularized many of her own compositions, including "Baby Baby," "That's What Love Is For" and "Tennessee Christmas."

More news

• 08/26/24: Keith special coming Wednesday; two remasterd disc coming in October
• 06/26/24: Concert pays tribute to Keith
• 06/10/24: Keith annual fundraiser raises record total
• 05/08/24: University of Oklahoma honors Keith with degree
• 03/18/24: Keith, Anderson, Burton named to Country Music Hall of Fame
• 02/12/24: Keith returns to the top
• 02/06/24: Toby Keith passes away at 62
• 02/06/24: Country community reacts to Keith passing

CD reviews

Peso In My Pocket

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The Bus Songs

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35 mph Town

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