On Thursday (Aug. 3) the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) announced its Class of 2023. Those inductees include Keith Urban, Kix Brooks, Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy and Rafe Van Hoy.
The inductees were revealed during an event at Nashville’s historic Columbia Studio A. The announcements were made by Rich Hallworth, Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, and Mark Ford, its Executive Director. The event was attended by Hall of Fame members, family, friends and media.
“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 will be inducted in the Contemporary Songwriter category. Van Hoy will be in the Veteran Songwriter category. Urban will enter as the Contemporary Songwriter/Artist and Brooks as the Veteran Songwriter/Artist.
The newly announced inductees will join 235 previously inducted members during the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Music City Center.
Murphy is best known for his own “Dust On The Bottle” as well as “Living In Fast Forward” (Kenny Chesney) and “Big Green Tractor” (Jason Aldean). Some of Beathard’s songwriting credits include “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” (Tracy Byrd), “Hell Of A View” (Eric Church) and “There Was Jesus” (Zach Williams & Dolly Parton). Van Hoy’s penned tunes include “Golden Ring” (George Jones & Tammy Wynette), “Baby I Lied” (Deborah Allen) and “What’s Forever For” (Michael Martin Murphey). Urban has written hits such as “But For The Grace Of God,” “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and “Days Go By.” Within Brooks & Dunn, Brooks recorded many of his own songs including “Brand New Man,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” and “Only In America.”
