Ashley Gorley continues to defy the odds, solidifying his status as the perennial frontrunner for the coveted ASCAP Country Music Awards’ Songwriter of the Year accolade. With the tailwind of an abundant supply of fresh Morgan Wallen tracks, he once again clinched the top honor when the award winners were unveiled on Monday night in Nashville. As of 2023, Gorley’s remarkable winning streak has now reached an unprecedented 10 victories, surpassing any ASCAP country songwriter’s prior achievements.
In addition to this remarkable feat, Gorley also seized the Country Song of the Year award, marking only his third win in this particular category. This triumph was attributed to the chart-topping Wallen hit “You Proof.”
In total, Gorley played a pivotal role in crafting 10 songs recognized as ASCAP’s most-performed tunes in the past year. Five of these belonged to Morgan Wallen, with “You Proof” at the forefront, accompanied by additional praise for “Last Night,” “Everything I Love,” “One Thing at a Time,” and “Thinkin’ Bout Me.” The remaining quintet of songs that contributed to his Songwriter of the Year triumph included “Gold” (performed by Dierks Bentley), “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” (sung by Cole Swindell), “What He Didn’t Do” (interpreted by Carly Pearce), “Girl in Mine” (by Parmalee), and “You Didn’t” (as performed by Brett Young).
Another notable victor was acclaimed hitmaker Jordan Davis, who clinched the Artist/Songwriter of the Year award for the first time, a distinguished recognition bestowed upon artists who actively participate in the co-writing of their own material. Davis had two of his songs, “Next Thing You Know” and “What My World Spins Around,” emerge as some of the most-performed tracks of the past year.
Sony Music Publishing received the coveted title of ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year, with 21 of the year’s most-played songs being affiliated with Sony. This impressive roster included hits like “Heart Like a Truck” (popularized by Lainey Wilson), “Need a Favor” (recorded by Jelly Roll), and Davis’ “Next Thing You Know.”
In a departure from the traditional formal ceremony, this year’s award recipients were celebrated at an event held at Nashville’s Twelve Thirty Club.
As is customary, the ASCAP Awards ceremony took place two nights before the CMA Awards, which were scheduled for Wednesday night at Bridgestone Arena.
