A few days before what would have been Fred Rogers’ 94th birthday on March 20, music producer Dennis Scott and television personality Tom Bergeron (America’s Funniest Videos, Dancing With The Stars) are leading the call for Rogers, better known as Mister Rogers, to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Using a Change.org petition, which now has over 1,100 signatures, both ask fans of Mister Rogers to sign.

Leading the Rogers induction effort is Scott, who has worked to preserve Rogers’ musical legacy and will appear with actor David Newell who played Mister McFeely on Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood from 1968 to its last episode in 2001, on an upcoming episode of the syndicated country music series Nashville Insiderwhich will begin airing on March 21.

“There continues to be a great deal of interest in the life and work of Fred Rogers,” Scott said in a statement. “Over the past few years, the world has collectively agreed that we need more Fred Rogers. Part of that is due to the ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor? documentary, Tom’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood? Hanks and even my two tribute albums “Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories” and “Songs From The Neighborhood – The Music of Mister Rogers”.

“Mister Rogers – Now More Than Ever”, features interviews with Bergeron, Lee Greenwood, David Newell, Jim Brickman, Kellie Pickler and others, while her 2019 album Thank You, Mr. Rogers: Music and Memories features artists Micky Dolenz, Sandi Patty, Vanessa Williams, Jim Brickman, Jon Secada, Lee Greenwood, Rita Wilson, Tom Bergeron singing songs written by Rogers.

“If you look closely at his songs, you can see what a lyrical craftsman he was,” said Scott, who developed a deeper appreciation for Rogers’ songwriting skills after producing the two albums featuring the icon. “And his choice of chords is more complex than you would expect to hear in any ‘children’s song’. That’s the magic of Mister Rogers. He never spoke to children, musically or otherwise. His songs have messages for all ages, and his composition is as sophisticated as many of our great American writers.

Bergeron, who is also calling for Rogers to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, added, “If songs are meant to move you, comfort you and enlighten you, then how was Fred Rogers not inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame already?”

Singer Sandi Patty also joins the call for Rogers’ induction. “Because there was such a low-key nature about ‘Mister Rogers’, we forget he was an incredible musician, pianist and songwriter,” Patty said. “He wrote so many great songs and I want to be one of many to say he should be in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. It’s something we can do for him. He’s done so much for us.

Throughout his career, Rogers has composed over 200 songs for television, albums and videos. “That’s why so many people believe Mister Rogers belongs in the Songwriters Hall of Fame,” said Newell, who starred on the show from 1968 until its last episode in 2001 and remained a longtime friend. of Rogers. “If I know Fred Rogers, this honor would mean the world to him because it’s recognition of his music.”

Photo: Lynn Johnson Collection: Ohio University Libraries

Songwriters in Texas and elsewhere sometimes fly under the radar of the music industry, overshadowed by the big stars recording their songs. But truth be told, songwriters are the backbone of good country music and deserve recognition.

The Lone Star State can lay claim to some of country music’s most famous songwriters like Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Towns Van Zandt. Many Texans have spent their entire lives writing (and recording) songs for the enjoyment of country music fans. Let’s dig into the songs of some of the best Texas troubadours:

Jamie Lin Wilson

D’Hanis, TX songwriter Jamie Lin Wilson is one of the best lyricists working today.

Kacey Musgraves

Raised in the small town of Golden, Kacey Musgraves of the Lone Star State has been captivating listeners since her major label debut in 2013. Same Trailer Different Park.

Miranda Lambert

Lindale-raised Miranda Lambert is as famous for her writing as she is for her incredible voice.

Ray Wylie Hubbard

Ray Wylie Hubbard will take you on a ride with his song “Screw You, We’re From Texasand other fan favorites. He wasn’t born in Texas, but you can’t tell. The state claims it as its own and so will we. He’s a great guitarist, a great songwriter, and a great Texan.

Terry Allen

Terry Allen grew up in the wild west of Lubbock and goes down in history as one of the greatest. With 12 records to his credit, he has created a body of work that will influence the next flight of Texas songwriters.

Rodney Crowell

Originally from Houston, Rodney Crowell had a career about as big as Texas sky. With a few Grammys, five No. 1 hits and stars like Waylon Jennings and The Oak Ridge Boys recording his songs, he is a legend of country music.

Courtney Patton

From Stephenville, Courtney Patton brings heart and soul to Texas the music. She is a born and bred storyteller. His last album, What’s it like to fly alone, debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes country chart and entered the Top 20 of BillboardAmericana Album Sales Chart.

Dressing gownrt Earl Keen

Robert Earl Keen always brings humor to honky-tonk. His biological says that “some people spend their lives playing music with the goal of one day achieving fame and fortune; but from the start, Keen just wanted to write and sing his own songs, and keep writing and performing them. sing as long as possible.” That’s all you need to know about REK.

jerry jeff walker

Corn jerry jef was from New York, he arrived at Texas as fast as he could. He moved to Austin in the 70s and reinvented himself. He became an outlaw legend, right next to Nelson and Ray Benson. Jerry Jeff died in 2020.

Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett was born in Houston and attended Texas A&M in College Station…it doesn’t get more Texas than that. Beyond his songwriting contributions, the Grammy winner has starred in more than 20 films.

Joe Ely

From Lubbock, Joe Ely paved the way not only for country music, but also for rock music. He was in the group The Flatlanders with other Lubbock musicians (and stellar songwriters) Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. He also spent time on tour with The Clash and sang harmonies on their hit song “Should I Stay or Should I Go”.

Michael Martin Murphey

From Dallas, Michael Martin Murphey took the rock scene by storm before he even took the country scene by the reins. His songs have been cut by The Monkees, Kenny Rogers, Roger Miller and Bobbie Gentry. He was known as the Cosmic Cowboy in the 70s as he played Austin along with many names that have preceded him on this list.

willie nelson

Before becoming an American icon, Willie Nelson was an aspiring singer-songwriter from Abbot, Texas. Without Nelson’s lyrics, country music wouldn’t be the same.

Kris Kristofferson

‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down,’ ‘Why Me’ – Kris Kristofferson’s timeless songs are American standards.

Towns Van Zandt

Townes Van Zandt, born in Fort Worth, was nothing short of an American songwriting master and poet.

Guy Clark

Guy Clark is the heartbeat of Texas song writing. His songs have been recorded by artists like Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris. He has won Grammys, been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2005 the Americana Music Association presented him with their Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. Clark died in 2016.

Editor’s Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission.

READ MORE: ‘Without Getting Killed or Caught’ is a breathtaking look at the life and legacy of Guy Clark

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On the eve of his 15th studio album, countless Billboard hits and an illustrious career that spans more than four decades, Canadian rock superstar Bryan Adams has solidified his rank as one of the most world titles of all time – and the most recent inductee to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF).

Adams last played in North Bay on February 17, 2001 at Memorial Gardens.

Adams’ writing partner Jim Vallance will also be inducted as a songwriter, best known for a catalog of classics written for Anne Murray, Rick Springfield, Joan Jett, Glass Tiger and Heart’s What About Love which has been inducted into Canadian Songwriters. Hall of Fame in 2021.


“I’m thrilled to see Jim Vallance get the recognition he deserves, he’s a masterful songwriter and an incredible musician,” says Bryan Adams.


“Glad to see my name added to the list of songwriters I idolized when I started 50 years ago, and still idolize today – Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Robbie Robertson, among others – and I’m especially happy to be inducted with my friend and songwriting partner Bryan Adams,” says Jim Vallance.


The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame will present an in-person gala with presenting partner The El Mocambo, taking place at Massey Hall in Toronto on Saturday, September 24. The bilingual live show will honor Adams, Vallance and the rest of the Class of 2022 inductees with tributes and performances from other Canadian and international stars and recording artists.


“The collaboration between Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance is one of the most prolific musical partnerships in Canadian rock history, and we are thrilled to honor them separately for their incredible talent and craftsmanship as songwriters,” said Stan Meissner, Chairman of the Board, CSHF. .

It was a chance meeting with Jim Vallance in a music store in Vancouver that would launch his solo career – and a lifelong friendship and collaboration.


“It was an incredible climb to have had to borrow a bus ticket, to have broken records. It was also the first time I ate boiled cauliflower,” says Adams.


Vallance also recalls: “From day one I was impressed with Bryan. It was obvious he had tremendous talent coupled with extraordinary drive.”

1983’s “Cuts Like a Knife” roared onto the scene with singles including Straight from the Heart and This Time, winning JUNO Awards for Best Male Singer for Adams and Songwriter of the Year for Adams and Vallance.


The follow-up album “Reckless” reached No. 1 on the Billboard and Canadian Albums charts, producing another string of Adams-Vallance hits, including the duo’s first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single, Heaven; classic SOCAN and #1 mainstream rock, Run to You; and all-time favorite, nostalgic Summer of ’69.


Adams’ songwriting includes 1991’s (Everything I Do) I Do It For You (written with Robert “Mutt” Lange and Michael Kamen), which won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Motion Picture. The song is among Adams’ countless No. 1 hits, including Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman, All for Love, Please Forgive Me, Don’t Give Up, Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, Thought I’d Died and Gone. to heaven, and let’s have an unforgettable night. Many of his songs have been in feature films, earning him three Oscar nominations and five Golden Globe nominations throughout his career.


In 2018, Adams and Vallance reunited to collaborate on the music and lyrics for Pretty Woman – The Musical, which broke Broadway records and is now touring the world. Meanwhile, Adams is set to release her 15th studio album “So Happy It Hurts” on March 11 and will embark on a world tour in 2022.


Just before this release, Adams has also just released his own versions of the songs from “Pretty Woman – The Musical”.


The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) honors and celebrates Canadian songwriters and those who have dedicated their lives to the legacy of music; and works to educate the public about these accomplishments.

Watch Bryan Adams sing Summer of ’69 below.

Calling all Bryan Adams fans! We have special news for you!

Bryan Adams is about to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Bryan Adams is one of the most successful musicals of all time and now he’s on his way to becoming the newest inductee into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Check this article for the event!

Bryan Adams to be inducted into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

Bryan Adams is heading to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Canadian rocker Bryan Adams will recently be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside his co-writer Jim Vallance.

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame will celebrate two legends at its September 24 gala. The ceremony will take place at Massey Hall in Toronto.

Also inducted will be Jim Vallance, who has written for artists like Anne Murray, Joan Jett and Glass Tiger, among others. Her partnership with Bryan is one of the most prolific partnerships in Canada and their songs are among the best in Canada.

The ceremony will feature the Class of 2022 inductees. The livestream will honor Adams, Jim and the rest of the Class of 2022 inductees. Some inductees have yet to be announced, along with their live performances.

There will be a special tribute for inductees from other Canadian and international artists.

What is the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) was founded in 1998 to express gratitude to all songwriters who have been recognized for their work in Canada.

Each year there is an induction event that welcomes donations and provides honorable mentions for all eligible artists. There are two categories in which songs can be nominated in English or French.

Winners are inducted into one of three categories: Songs, Songwriters and Special Achievement, for those who have made a significant contribution to the development and recognition of Canadian songs and songwriters.

The CSHF has inducted over 60 songwriters and over 170 songs since its inception.

The CSHF has two integration committees: an Anglophone and a Francophone. They determine the guidelines for the induction and designate the artists for each of the three categories. The number of artists inducted each year is determined by the Board of Directors.

A bit about Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams is a Canadian singer and songwriter. He is also a photographer and social activist working for the elevation of various causes in society. Adams was a musical prodigy from an early age and learned to play the guitar.

Her father served in the Canadian army and was also a diplomat. Due to her father’s career, the family had to move a lot.

Growing up with divorced parents, at 16 he moved in with his mother just north of Vancouver. He left high school a year later and dove into the music business full time without looking back.

Having previously been the lead singer of Canadian glam-rock band Sweeney Todd, Bradley had quite the resume by the time America came calling.

Adams and Vallance’s songwriting partnership began in the ’70s after a chance meeting, which happened at a Vancouver record store.

In 1983, Adams released the album Cuts Like a Tangible Object, which became popular due to its various hit singles.

This album also won the Juno Adams Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and they received a special honor as Songwriters of the Year.

With the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, of which Bryan and Jim are inductees, it will be exciting to see the next ones!

The Songwriters Hall of Fame is moving forward with its 51st induction and awards gala on June 16. The event will be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, which has been the venue since 2005.

The show has been postponed twice due to COVID-19. It was originally scheduled for June 11, 2020, then postponed to June 10, 2021. As a result of these double postponements, winners and inductees who were first notified of their awards in December 2019 will have had to wait 2-1 / 2 years to finally bow out.

Among the winners are Paul Williams, who will receive the organization’s highest award, the Johnny Mercer Award, and Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, who will receive the Abe Olman Publisher Award.

The inductees are Mariah Carey, Steve Miller, Rick Nowels and William “Mickey” Stevenson and former members of three famous ensembles: Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics; Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of the Neptunes; and Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley and Chris Jasper of the Isley Brothers.

The June 16 date was first announced on February 10, 2021, but with surges and variations, it only recently became clear that the event could go ahead. The decision to move forward was made by SHOF’s eight-member executive committee, including Linda Moran, president and CEO.

“I’m relieved the decision has been made and I’m really excited to get back to what we hopefully see as a standard,” Moran said. “But now I am also anxious. I’m about three months old and there are so many details to sort out. I have spoken to all of the honorees and inductees. They will all be able to do it. We couldn’t do it if some of them said they don’t want to travel. They have all confirmed their attendance.

“I think our event is going to be very cathartic for people,” adds Moran. “We are considered an annual family reunion of the songwriting and music publishing communities. People want to come back to the same venue, same show format, and hopefully see the same people.

Moran thinks the cozy familiarity of the evening’s format is part of its appeal: “We don’t have the millions of dollars [to] put on a really glitzy show. Everything is on a small budget.

The event was more than half sold out when the pandemic hit, so Moran only has to sell the remaining 40% of the venue. (Ticket buyers have all allowed SHOF to hold onto the money until the event takes place, rather than asking for refunds.)

Moran likes to have a full house, believing it adds to the intimacy of the event, but she may have to change her ways this year.

“I’ve been known to have a hard time turning down a sale,” she says with self-deprecating charm. “They say I might even sell the Brooklyn Bridge. But I’m going to have to really hold back this year. I may need to cut 10-20 paintings. We usually have 1,300 people on the floor. Now we may have to [reduce] than by 200. As we go along, we’ll see if we can open it up more.

SHOF was lucky in one respect: None of the winners or inductees died in the long wait for the honors, even though four of the people are over 80.

The SHOF will award an additional prize, the Hal David Starlight Award. SHOF has yet to reveal the identity of this year’s recipient.

This award was first presented in 2004 as the Starlight Award and was renamed two years later to honor the Oscar- and Grammy-winning lyricist (and president of SHOF from 2000 to 2010 ). The award is given to songwriters “who are at the peak of their career”. It’s supposed to be a balancing act with the Johnny Mercer Award, which goes to a master songwriter. The last five winners of the Hal David Starlight Award are Nate Ruess, Nick Jonas, Ed Sheeran, Sara Bareilles and Halsey.

The annual induction and awards gala is SHOF’s single major source of revenue. So how was the organization able to stay afloat?

“We have a shoestring budget, including office management,” Moran says. “We only have one full-time employee. We were lucky enough to have enough money from income from past dinner parties, which were very successful. So we were OK. But now it’s time to put some money in the coffers.

Not having the event was also difficult for Moran personally. As she says, “I think what touched me most emotionally about the first cancellation was that I realized through everyone’s feelings towards me how much they looked forward to the event. . They realized the importance of what the evening means and that it is different from other award ceremonies. Everyone who attends feels like a member of the family for at least that night.

Moran, whose long career in the industry includes being Warner Music Group’s first female executive, considers her role with SHOF the “most rewarding” she has ever had. “I got to see how much respect and prestige the organization has gained while honoring the songwriters who are the truly unsung heroes.”

There are approximately 450 Hall of Fame inductees. A songwriter with a remarkable song catalog qualifies for induction 20 years after a song’s first major commercial release.

Gala tables, which seat 10 to 12 people, range from $17,500 to $50,000.

If Moran is forced to cut some tables, the cheapest tables will be the first to go. Moran realizes this will force some people to choose more expensive tables, but she notes (in full sale mode) “You always get the best night and it’s all tax deductible.”

For more information regarding purchasing tables, tickets or newspaper advertisements, contact Julia Schuettenberg or Linda Buckley of Buckley Hall Evens at 914-579-1000 or by email at SHOF@buckleyhallevents.com.

The virtual All-Star event will be presented on March 3

The Songwriters Hall of Fame will celebrate this year’s Oscar-nominated songwriters with an all-star virtual event, A conversation with songwriters nominated for the 2022 Oscars for Best Original Songwhich premieres March 3 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

This is the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s sixth annual program that exclusively spotlights major songwriters nominated for an Oscar in the prestigious Best Original Song category.

The highly anticipated event is co-hosted and hosted by Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Nile Rodgers, who is currently the Songwriters Hall of Fame President, and Paul Williams, winner of the 1977 Academy Award for Best Original Song for ” Evergreen”. The all-star panel includes the following Oscar-nominated songwriters: Dixon, co-writer of “Be Alive” by King Richard (Warner Bros/HBO MAX); Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, co-writers of ‘No Time To Die’ no time to die (MGM/UA); Lin-Manuel Miranda, author of “Dos Oruguitas” by Encanto (WaltDisney); Van Morrison, SHOF inductee and Johnny Mercer Award winner, author of “Down To Joy” by Belfast (Main Features) ; and Diane Warren, SHOF inductee, author of “Somehow You Do” from four good days (Vertical Entertainment).

Nominees will engage in a lively discussion about how they got here, their writing process, the challenges and differences of writing for a film versus a song for a recording artist, and more. again.

The virtual event is free to the public with advance registration required via Eventbrite. It will also be available for a limited time on the Songwriters Hall of Fame website. songhall.org starting Thursday, March 3 at 8 p.m. ET.

Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame honors those whose work represents an array of the most beloved songs in the world’s popular music songbook. The ongoing mission of the Songwriters Hall of Fame is to celebrate and honor the contributions and legacy of songwriters of all genres of music while developing and nurturing the next generation of songwriters through Master Sessions, songwriting forums, scholarships and digital initiatives.

In 2014, songwriter Tom Douglas was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, thanks to an enviable catalog of compositions that includes co-writing Collin Raye’s “Little Rock,” “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert, “Grown Men” by Tim McGraw. Don’t Cry”, the Keith Urban/Eric Church collaboration “Raise ‘Em Up” and “I Run to You” by Lady A.

During his inspirational 12-minute acceptance speech that night at the Music City Center in Nashville, Douglas offered a poetic synthesis of the impact music has had on culture over the years.

His new movie, Love, Tomwhich will premiere today (February 24) on Paramount+, marks the latest iteration in the evolution of that discourse, with Douglas, 69, telling the story of his own life and career and bringing viewers far beyond the successes, deep within the struggles, doubts, hopes and personal stories that fuel the creative process.

Years after that acceptance speech, the five-time Grammy nominee extended it into a one-man show, inspired by seeing Bruce Springsteen Springsteen on Broadway in 2018.

“He was talking about his life growing up in Freehold, New Jersey. His story was my story,” says Douglas Billboard. “The details were different, but the story was exactly the same. That’s just the power of storytelling. With that, I hope to guide the listener and the viewer to remember their own story.

Douglas says the speech went through five iterations as people started asking him to speak at conferences and retreats. Oscar nominated director Michael Lennox (Boogaloo and Graham) saw one of these performances in 2019 and contacted Douglas with the idea of ​​turning the performance into a film.

“I immediately said, ‘Absolutely’. I’ve always wanted to be in and around film, to see the convergence of drama and song,” Douglas says. “I was fascinated to see how it would come to fruition, but honestly, it’s Michael’s creative vision revealed on screen.”

The film begins at Douglas’ home in Nashville, as he recalls receiving a letter from a frustrated young songwriter asking for his advice.

“I did what any good songwriter does: I wrote back to him,” Douglas says in the opening moments of the film. “We all got here the same way, I guess. We followed the song. We have a gift and with it comes an immense responsibility. Mine is truly a failure story. I wanted to give up, but I can’t give up something I love.

Douglas tried his luck in Nashville in his late twenties, but was quickly rejected. He and his wife Katie left Music City for Texas, where Douglas spent 13 years working in commercial real estate while the couple raised their three children.

Eventually, Douglas gave Nashville and songwriting another shot. He was 41 when he got his first “cut”, when Raye recorded “Little Rock”. The 1994 song reached number two on Billboard‘s Hot Country Tracks Chart and earned Douglas his first CMA Award nomination, for Song of the Year.

In Love, Tomhe tells the story of his childhood in Atlanta, remembers a pivotal moment watching the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show and recounts his father’s struggle with painkiller addiction. It also bears witness to the emotional ups and downs that are part of a songwriter’s life – including courage, inspiration, fear of failure and frequent anxiety (or “the rat that sits at the edge of the piano”, as Douglas calls it). It also details how a marathon race inspired a Lady A hit and how her relationship with her daughter inspired “My Little Girl”, recorded by McGraw as part of the film. Girl. Another song, “Coming Home”, from the movie strong countryreceived an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

Along the way, Douglas visits various Nashville landmarks, including the Bluebird Café, the Nashville Pedestrian Bridge, Printers Alley, and Parnassus Books. In one of the film’s most impactful scenes, Douglas, seated at the piano onstage in the Ryman Auditorium, shares the inspiration and painstaking writing process he and co-writer Allen Shamblin went through to create the four weeks Billboard “The House That Built Me” topped Country Airplay’s list, which was named CMA Awards Song of the Year in 2011. (In 2020, the ACM Awards declared it Song of the Decade.)

“Nashville almost becomes another actor in the movie,” says Douglas. “Places are so important, where songwriters live, work and dream. I just wanted to shine a light on songwriting and the importance of what we do. We really write the soundtrack to people’s lives.

The film’s final song, “My Father’s Reputation”, discusses his difficult relationship with his father, who died in 1996, and its impact on his career.

“It was a tumultuous rollercoaster at times. In the last three years of his life, he really came to his senses,” Douglas says. “I made peace with my dad’s passing and his life. But over time, I developed this fire of ambition that I couldn’t explain. It wasn’t about money or rewards or even validation. Years later, I realized that I thought that if I was successful enough, people would think better of my father. It seems crazy to say it now, but at the time it was very real. It’s an unhealthy weight to carry. It really is like that that ‘My Father’s Reputation’ was born.

Love, Tom was produced in association with Sandbox Productions (led by Sandbox Entertainment Founder/CEO, Artist Manager and Monument Records Co-President Jason Owen) with Sony Music’s Premium Content Division. The project’s executive producers include Douglas, Owen, Tommy Douglas, Austin Fish and Lennox. The film was directed by Lennox and written by Tom and Tommy Douglas.

An accompanying soundtrack, courtesy of Monument Records, features demos of Douglas songs featured prominently in the film, along with the artists who made those songs hits – including McGraw, Lambert, Lady A, Chris Janson, Raye and more – lending their voices alongside his .

“I know all of these people, so I just texted them asking if they could sing with me on all or part of it. Within days, they all said yes,” says Douglas. “There’s just a lot of love, back and forth. I am so grateful for their friendship and artistry, that they would lend it to this project.

In recent months, numerous writers and artist-writers — including Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan and many more — have made headlines for selling all or part of their music rights. Douglas says he has no plans to sell his catalog.

“I’ve never sold a catalog, but nobody offered me $300 million for my catalog either,” says Douglas, who is signed to Sony Music Publishing. “I love owning the songs. They’re part of me. If a hedge fund in New York pays you a huge multiple for your catalog, they’re not doing it out of altruism. They think there’s a financial advantage for them I was in the real estate business and I almost consider these songs like little pieces of real estate that I own along the way Some go up in value over time Some don’t but you never know which of them will become hot and take on a life of its own.

What Douglas has planned for April 2 is a performance of Love, Tom at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Given the film’s origins as a one-man show, Douglas says he would love to shoot Love, Tom in residence.

“I wish I could find a little theater in Nashville, maybe off Broadway, and bring in tourists three nights a week. It’s cool to share this story with country music fans. So I’m actively looking for a place to do a residency like this. It’s a wonderfully interactive piece and I hope it will take the audience on a journey through their own life and childhood.

Finally, he hopes Love, Tom will inspire the next generation of songwriters, creatives and music lovers in general.

“It’s in the pain and in the struggle, that’s really where the beauty and the creativity comes out,” says Douglas. “Keep creating, keep struggling, keep bleeding to a page and beautiful things will bloom.”

KENDALLVILLE — “Hits & Grins,” an award-winning trio of singer-songwriters from Nashville, Tennessee, will perform the second in a three-concert series presented by the Community Learning Center Performing Arts Committee.

Singer-songwriters Steve Dean, Victoria Venier and Bill Whyte perform their great stories, hit songs and comedies in the CLC Auditorium on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. as “Hits & Grins.” The acoustic and intimate “in the round” performance is a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

Dean and Venier are Grammy-nominated songwriters and Whyte is a member of the Country Radio Broadcast Hall of Fame as well as a talented songwriter and comedian. They perform songs originally written for country music royalty like George Strait, Ray Stevens, Reba McIntire and Alabama, among others.

Hits and Grins audiences can expect to hear number one hits like George Strait’s “Round About Way”, Lee Greenwood’s “Hearts Aren’t Made to Break”, “Don’t Your Memory Ever Sleep Tonight?” by Ronnie Milsap, “Rodney Atkins” Watchin’ You,” Alabama chart-topper, “Southern Star” and LeeAnn Womack’s “The Preacher.”

Plus, the cast of Hits & Grins will share stories about how and when these familiar tunes were written.

Tickets are $20 per person at the door for each concert. A season ticket for all three concerts costs $50 per person.

The other two performances in the concert series are “Sultans of String” on Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. and “Heartland Karaoke” with Fort Wayne’s Heartland Sings on Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m.

Season tickets are available in advance at the Community Learning Center by calling 260-544-3455; email, kendallvilleclc@gmail.com; or by mailing the form and check for payment to the Community Learning Center, 401 E. Diamond St., PO Box 98, Kendallville IN 46755.

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) – A Franklin-based music producer says it’s high time a certain songwriter got the credit he deserves. Dennis Scott leads efforts to induct Fred Rogers into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“A lot of people don’t know what a gifted songwriter he was,” Scott said, speaking from his studio. “These songs really stand out as part of the great American songbook. He wrote over 200 songs on this show. The sophistication of his songwriting is kind of disguised by the fact that he sang to children. His choice of chords and his lyrical craft are truly on par with some of the greatest writers we have.”

Scott is close to these songs heard on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. He has produced two artist albums covering music written by Fred Rogers. Artists include Lee Greenwood, Kellie Pickler and Vanessa Williams. The first of the albums won a Grammy.

As part of his Mr. Rogers tribute albums, Dennis and his collaborators recorded an original.

“We have people like Crystal Gale and Amy Grant, Donna Summer, CeCe Winans,” Scott said. “It really expresses how we feel about Mr. Rogers.”

Scott started a change.org petition to encourage the induction of Fred Rogers into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Because Fred gave me so much, the joy of working with his music, I just want to do it for Fred,” he said.

If you would like to visit the petition to induct Fred Rogers into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, visit here.