Urban, Brooks, Murphy to join Nashville Songwriters Hall

Keith Urban, Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn), Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy and Rafe Van Hoy will join the Hall of Famey in October, it was announced today.

"Gathering for this occasion – to recognize and welcome the members of our incoming class – is always one of the highlights of our year," said Hallworth. "To this stellar group of songwriters, we say thank you for your songs and for your artistry. You are exceptional talents, and we are proud to honor you this fall, when you officially join your legendary peers in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame."

Beathard and Murphy join in the contemporary songwriter category; Van Hoy in the veteran songwriter category, Urban as the contemporary songwriter/artist and Brooks as the veteran songwriter/artist.

The five inductees-elect will join the 235 previously inducted members of the elite organization when they are formally inducted during the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on on Oct. 11, at the Music City Center.

Beathard's songwriter credits include "Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo" (Tracy Byrd), "Hell Of A View" (Eric Church) and "There Was Jesus" (Zach Williams & Dolly Parton).

Murphy's resume is known for "Dust On The Bottle" (David Lee Murphy), "Living In Fast Forward" (Kenny Chesney) and "Big Green Tractor" (Jason Aldean).

Van Hoy's hits include "Golden Ring" (George Jones and Tammy Wynette), "Baby I Lied" (Deborah Allen) and "What's Forever For" (Michael Martin Murphey).

Urban popularized many of his self-penned hits, including "But For The Grace Of God," "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" and "Days Go By."

rooks recorded many of his own compositions, including "Brand New Man," "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone" and "Only In America."