The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recently held its annual member awards, a celebration of talent and dedication within the music industry. The event, held at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, was a star-studded affair, with over a dozen individuals honored for their contributions. The ceremony was a testament to the power of community and the impact of individual efforts within the music scene.
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by NSAI Board Member and songwriter Lydia Vaughan, who shared a few songs and words of inspiration with the audience. Her performance set the tone for the rest of the ceremony, which was filled with heartfelt moments and well-deserved recognition.
The Ones To Watch Award was presented to Dewey Longuski, a rising star in the music industry. Megan Kelley, a talented songwriter, received the Bob Kingsley Top 40 Award for her impressive song placements on Bob Kingsley’s NSAI Top 40 lists in 2025. Jonathan Olivares, a longtime NSAI member, was honored with the Volunteer Award, recognizing his dedication and support to the organization.
The Friend of NSAI Award recipients were also celebrated with special performances. Brooke Hatala surprised Ralston Wells with a performance, and Victoria Shaw honored Adam Epstein with a song. Julia Keefe, Partner at Edgehill Music Publishing, was recognized with a performance by Willie Morrison.
NSAI also recognized several individuals with Milestone Awards, including Gabe Walsh, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe, Philip Morgan, and Jessie Brackin. The Online Pitch Award went to Carl Slack, the Mentor Award to Bella Garland, and the Online Song Feedback Award to Bryan Mitschell.
Various competitions and challenge winners were also celebrated, including the Grand Prize winners of the 25th annual NSAI Song Contest, Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto. James Maltese and Jake Arthur were recognized as the NSAI’s 2025 Chapter Challenge winners, and Grayson May was the latest recipient of the Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship.
The evening concluded with the Song of the Year award, presented to James Maltese for his song "Grass Roots." The ceremony was a testament to the power of community and the impact of individual efforts within the music scene, and it served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the talent and dedication of those who contribute to the music industry.
In my opinion, the NSAI annual member awards are a highlight of the music industry calendar. They provide a platform for recognizing and celebrating the talent and dedication of those who contribute to the music scene. The ceremony is a testament to the power of community and the impact of individual efforts, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the talent and dedication of those who contribute to the music industry.
