On November 17th, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was abuzz with excitement as SESAC songwriters, publishers, and industry insiders gathered for the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. This event, held just days before the 58th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, set the tone for a week celebrating the best in country music. With more than 400 attendees, including songwriters and music publishers, the evening was a grand celebration of the country music community.
Tyler Rich expressed his enthusiasm about the gathering, noting how rare it is to see familiar faces due to busy touring schedules. He described the event as a heartwarming reunion for those who pour their creativity into crafting songs. Lee Brice echoed these sentiments, highlighting the joy of connecting with both old friends and new faces in the industry.
The night kicked off with a performance from 27-year-old Megan Moroney, who sang her hit “Am I Okay?” from her second album. Following her performance, she was honored with the SESAC Spotlight Award, recognizing her recent achievements, including three CMA Award nominations and her headlining tour. Moroney expressed her appreciation for the recognition and her love for songwriting, which she considers her favorite part of her career.
Warren Zeiders, another highlight of the evening, performed “Pretty Little Poison” with co-writers Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim. The song was celebrated as SESAC Song of the Year, a moment of pride for Zeiders, as it marked the trio’s first number one hit. He shared his excitement about being at the awards with his collaborators and the special connection audiences have made with the song.
Jaron Boyer was distinguished with the SESAC Songwriter of the Year Award, a recognition of his work on hits like Jason Aldean’s “Let Your Boys Be Country” and George Birge’s “Mind On You.” Along with the award, Boyer received a custom-designed Gibson guitar and a Jostens ring, and he was met with a standing ovation. He reflected on his near decision to retire from songwriting and credited his friends for encouraging him to continue.
The night’s honors also included the Publisher of the Year award, which went to Warner Chappell Music. As the evening unfolded, the audience celebrated a roster of talented individuals who have contributed significantly to the country music landscape.
The list of honorees at the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards included numerous notable songs, such as “Pretty Little Poison,” recorded by Warren Zeiders and published by Warner Chappell Music, and “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” performed by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton. Other recognized works included “Mind On You,” “Tucson Too Late,” and “Let Your Boys Be Country,” showcasing the diverse and vibrant talent within the country music community.
