NSAI Honors ALABAMA and Brenda Lee at 8th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards

(Nashville, Tenn.) – May 8, 2025 – The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has announced that the 8th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards will return to the historic Ryman Auditorium on September 23, 2025. Presented once again by City National Bank, the evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the people behind the music — complete with live performances and stories that honor the art of songwriting.

"At City National Bank, we recognize the incredible talent and creativity that fuels the songwriters of Nashville and across the nation," said Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, Co-Managers of City National Entertainment in Nashville. "That's why we're proud to return as presenting sponsor of the Nashville Songwriter Awards, which recognize individuals for their artistry, storytelling, and impact in music.”

While many award recipients remain a surprise until the show, the first honorees announced are Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen, and Jeff Cook (honored posthumously) of ALABAMA, along with Brenda Lee — two acts whose careers have left an indelible mark on music history.

• ALABAMA will receive NSAI’s highest honor, the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating their 43 No. 1 hits, over 80 million records sold, and profound influence on generations of artists. Previous recipients include Alan Jackson (2024), Bobby Braddock (2023), Garth Brooks (2022), Bill Anderson (2018), and Willie Nelson (2013).
• Brenda Lee will receive the NSAI President's Keystone Award, selected personally by NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller. Lee’s groundbreaking career includes over 100 million albums sold, being the first woman inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame, and a record-breaking gap between No. 1 hits — from “I’m Sorry” (1960) to “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” (2023).

The evening will also feature awards for Legendary Song, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter-Artist of the Year, and the coveted 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written. Categories are determined through a mix of chart performance and peer voting by NSAI’s professional songwriter membership.

In the coming weeks, NSAI will announce additional honorees and performers for this one-of-a-kind night.

Tickets on sale now at Ryman.com

The Nashville Songwriter Awards are produced annually by NSAI, the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization, committed to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres.

Follow @nsaiofficial and #songwriterawards on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.For more information, please visit nashvillesongwriters.com.