Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced the launch of Thank A Songwriter, a new podcast series honoring the creativity and impact of songwriters shaping country music and beyond. Hosted by Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston, the podcast debuts on June 12 with part one of an in-depth conversation with acclaimed songwriter Ashley Gorley—coinciding with the day of his official induction into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In the debut episode, Gorley offers a candid reflection on his expansive songwriting journey and shares what his 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction means to him. “It’s writers and people like that voting for this. It’s a different kind of thing than some of the other awards, so this one definitely, so far in my career, means the most to me,” said Gorley. “That I would even be in the same breath as the people getting up there means the most to me.”
Future episodes of Thank A Songwriter will feature a diverse lineup of acclaimed Sony Music Publishing songwriters across genres, spotlighting their personal stories, creative influences, and the experiences that shape their craft.
“We’re thrilled to launch Thank A Songwriter and honored to welcome the legendary Ashley Gorley as our first featured guest ahead of his well-deserved induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame,” said Gaston. “We couldn’t be more excited to commemorate Ashley’s prestigious honor, and we are so lucky to be a part of his journey.”
Ashley Gorley is widely recognized as one of the most prolific and successful country music songwriters of his generation. He has penned more than 83 No. 1 singles for an eclectic roster of artists including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi, Weezer, and many more.
Gorley’s accolades include 11 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honors, six Billboard Top Country Songwriter titles, eight NSAI Songwriter of the Year awards, and NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010–2019. In 2023, he was named Variety’s Songwriter of the Year at the Hitmakers event. He is also a multiple GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM nominee and winner.
Beyond his personal songwriting achievements, Gorley is the founder of publishing company Tape Room Music, where he oversees a roster of 13 writers. The company has celebrated 53 No. 1 singles to date.