Sony Music Publishing Nashville Launches New Podcast 'Thank a Songwriter' Featuring Award-Winning Hitmaker Ashley Gorley

12 June 2025 - Press release

First episode launches June 12 in celebration of Gorley's Songwriters Hall of Fame induction

  

Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the launch of Thank A Songwriter, a new podcast that celebrates the artistry and impact of songwriters shaping country music and beyond. Hosted by Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston, the debut episode features part 1 of his in-depth conversation with multi-award-winning songwriter Ashley Gorley and is set to release on June 12, the day of Gorley's induction into the esteemed Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In this candid and intimate episode, Gorley reflects on his expansive journey as a songwriter, as well as the significance of his 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. Future episodes will showcase a wide range of acclaimed SMP songwriters across genres, where they will share their stories, influences, and the personal truths that fuel their creativity. Listeners will be able to tune into the first episode HERE.

"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 Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty 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."

Speaking about his induction in the debut episode, Gorley shared, "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. That I would even be in the same breath as the people getting up there means the most to me."

Gorley is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and commercially successful country music songwriters of his time. He has written over 83 No. 1 singles for artists including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi, Weezer, and many more.

In addition to his upcoming induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gorley has received notable honors in recognition of his songwriting. He is an 11-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, six-time Billboard Top Country Songwriter, eight-time NSAI Songwriter of the Year and NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019. He was named Variety's 2023 Songwriter of the Year at its prestigious Hitmakers event, and has secured multiple GRAMMY, CMA and ACM nominations and wins. Gorley also oversees a roster of 13 songwriters at his publishing company, Tape Room Music, which has celebrated 53 No. 1 singles.