The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2020 on Nov. 2: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham.
The five new electees will follow in the footsteps of more than 200 previous honorees, including Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Buck Owens, John Prine, Tammy Wynette, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton and more.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Class of 2020 will be inducted with the yet-to-be-named Class of 2021 on Nov. 1, 2021, at the Music City Center in Nashville.
Class of 2020 With Partial Songwriting Credits
- Kent Blazy: âIf Tomorrow Never Comesâ [Garth Brooks], âAinât Goinâ Down (âTil The Sun Comes Up)â [Garth Brooks] and âGettinâ You Home (The Black Dress Song)â [Chris Young]
- Brett James: âJesus Take The Wheelâ [Carrie Underwood], âWhen The Sun Goes Downâ [Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker] and âSummer Nightsâ [Rascal Flatts]
- Spooner Oldham: âIâm Your Puppetâ [James & Bobby Purify], âCry Like A Babyâ [The Box Tops] and âSweet Inspirationâ [The Sweet Inspirations]
- Steve Earle: âGuitar Town,â âCopperhead Roadâ and âThe Devilâs Right Handâ
- Bobbie Gentry: âOde To Billie Joe,â âFancyâ and âMorninâ Gloryâ
photo by Jim Casey