In the heart of Nashville, where lyrics shape legacies and melodies echo through generations, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has revealed its Class of 2025 — and while this year’s list includes some of the most revered names in songwriting, one name looms larger than all: George Strait.

No, Strait himself isn’t being inducted — he was honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. But this year’s entire class is united by one striking common thread: they’ve all penned hits for the man often called the King of Country Music.

The inductees include:

• Steve Bogard and Tony Martin – Contemporary Songwriter Category

• Jim Lauderdale and Brad Paisley – Contemporary Songwriter/Artist Category

• Don Cook – Veteran Songwriter Category

• Emmylou Harris – Veteran Songwriter/Artist Category

These six songwriters, responsible for timeless country and Americana classics, will be formally inducted on October 6 during the 55th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala at the Music City Center.

The George Strait Effect

If there’s a silent star of this year’s Hall of Fame class, it’s George Strait. His unmatched ability to identify great songs — and the writers behind them — has long served as a golden ticket for songwriters hoping to carve out a lasting legacy on Music Row. This year’s inductees are living proof.

Steve Bogard

Bogard co-wrote two major hits for Strait: “Carried Away” and “Carrying Your Love With Me,” both written with Jeff Stevens. The former became Strait’s 30th number one hit in 1996, cementing Bogard’s place in country songwriting history.

Tony Martin

Martin’s breakout moment came with “Baby’s Gotten Good at Goodbye,” his first demo, cut, single, and hit — recorded by Strait in 1988. He went on to co-write “Go On,” “Living and Living Well,” and more, becoming one of Strait’s most trusted collaborators.

Jim Lauderdale

Perhaps no inductee has a deeper catalog with Strait than Lauderdale. He’s credited with writing or co-writing more than a dozen songs for the Texas icon, including “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This,” “Twang,” “What Do You Say to That,” and “The King of Broken Hearts.” His impact on Strait’s discography — and country music as a whole — is undeniable.

Don Cook

Cook helped craft Strait’s sultry hit “I Just Want to Dance With You” with the late John Prine, as well as “One Night at a Time.” His songs blend traditional country roots with chart-ready polish — a formula Strait perfected.

Stars in Their Own Right

While George Strait’s shadow looms large, this year’s class includes legends in their own right:

• Brad Paisley, a three-time Grammy winner, is as known for his razor-sharp wit as his guitar chops. Hits like “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” and “Letter to Me” showcase his signature blend of humor and heart.

• Emmylou Harris, with 13 Grammys and a legacy that helped define Americana and alt-country, has long been a beacon for poetic songwriting. Her classics like “Boulder to Birmingham” and “Red Dirt Girl” remain staples of the genre.

Honoring the Architects of Song

The announcement took place on August 6 at the historic Columbia Studio A on Music Row — a fitting backdrop for honoring those who shaped Nashville’s sonic identity. While Harris, Paisley, and Lauderdale were unable to attend, each sent heartfelt messages of gratitude, with Harris penning a note read aloud to attendees.

Rich Hallworth, chair of the Hall of Fame board, summed up the spirit of the day:

“Gathering as we do each year — to reveal and welcome the members of our incoming class — is truly one of the highlights of our calendar. To these outstanding songwriters, we say: thank you for sharing your songs and your artistry with us.”

Strait to the Hall of Fame

With multiple inductees tied to his biggest hits, George Strait’s influence looms over the Class of 2025 like a guiding star. While each songwriter carved their own path, it’s clear: if George Strait records your song, you just might wind up in the Hall of Fame.

And in a town built on songwriting, there’s perhaps no higher endorsement.

For more details on the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the upcoming gala, visit:
👉 nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com