With an unprecedented 83 No. 1 radio singles to his name, Ashley Gorley was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame yesterday, June 12, alongside The Doobie Brothers, George Clinton, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Tony Macaulay.
Following an introduction and performance by Dan + Shay – whose smash hits “Nothin’ Like You” and “Save Me The Trouble” were co-written with the inductee – Gorley’s daughter Sadie took the stage to welcome her father, adding a personal note to the milestone moment.
“I spent the last few weeks trying to internalize that this is a real thing, and that I somehow belong on this list, and in this room with you guys,” Gorley shared during his speech. “And as much as part of me is still in shock, I look around this room, and I know I belong.
“I belong because it’s a room full of people who love music. People who are passionate about creating. Who have 10,000 untitled voice memos on their phones of random gibberish and melody scats, like me. Who write down titles and ideas in the middle of the night and hope the next morning they look half as brillant…I look around this room, and I see family.”
Ahead of the induction ceremony, Gorley joined Anthony Mason, Adriana Diaz and Vladimir Duthiers on CBS Mornings Plus to discuss the honor. Watch the segment HERE.
He also appeared on the debut episode of Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s new podcast Thank A Songwriter, hosted by SMPN’s CEO Rusty Gaston. Part 1 of his in-depth conversation with Gorley is available now. Listen HERE.
Gorley recently received his 25th and 26th CMA Triple Play Awards, continuing his reign as the most-decorated recipient. He is ASCAP’s 2024 Country Songwriter of the Year and has been honored with the award 11 times. ASCAP also celebrated his co-written monster hit, “Last Night,” released by Wallen, as their 2024 Country Song of the Year.
In recent years, Gorley has held the number-one spot on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 Songwriter chart for multiple weeks, earned GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Award honors, including Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year, and has co-written multiple most-played songs of the year on country radio, including Nate Smith’s ten-week number-one, “World On Fire,” in 2024. He was named Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019 at the Nashville Songwriter Awards and has earned all-genre Songwriter of the Year honors from Variety and iHeart Radio. Gorley’s songs “Last Night” by Wallen and “I Had Some Help” by Malone and Wallen are two of the biggest country crossover hits of all time.
Recent hit, “I Am Not Okay” released by Jelly Roll, has served as a platform for important conversations about mental health, sparking an initiative cultivated by Gorley to create songwriter-specific therapy programs at Onsite in Nashville, Tenn.
In 2011, Gorley formed his own publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music. Under his leadership and mentorship, writers for Tape Room have celebrated over No. 1 songs, including 2018 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, “Body Like A Back Road,” 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls,” and 10-week Country Airplay number-one hit, “World On Fire.”
Tape Room Music Takes Home SIX CMA Triple Play Awards
Tape Room Music is celebrating a company-wide standout afternoon at the 2025 Country Music Association Triple Play Awards, where five of its writers were honored with six awards at the April 29 ceremony, which recognizes the songwriters behind some of the genre’s most notable No. 1 hits.
Tape Room Music founder and most decorated recipient Ashley Gorley received his 25th and 26th CMA Triple Play Awards for six No. 1 hits within a 12-month period: “I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen; “Cowgirls,” recorded by Morgan Wallen ft. ERNEST; “Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith; “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” recorded by Chris Young; “Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen; and “I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll.
“I consider it a great privilege to be here,” Gorley remarked in his acceptance speech. “Our crew of writers had an amazing year. I’m super lucky to have these songs, but more than that, to get to publish these guys and be a part of their lives.”
Tape Room Music celebrated writers Zach Crowell (“God Gave Me A Girl,” recorded by Russell Dickerson; “Stars Like Confetti,” recorded by Dustin Lynch; “Outskirts,” recorded by Sam Hunt); Ben Johnson (“TRUCK BED,” recorded by HARDY; “Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith; “Liar,” recorded by Jelly Roll); and Hunter Phelps (“TRUCK BED,” recorded by HARDY; “Take Her Home,” recorded by Kenny Chesney; “Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith) were also honored, along with Taylor Phillips (“Thinkin' Bout Me,” recorded by Morgan Wallen; “World On Fire,” recorded by Nate Smith; “I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll), who received his first CMA Triple Play Award.
“It feels impossible to get a cut, then a single, then a No. 1, much less three in a year,” imparted Johnson. “I don’t really understand how that happens, but I am really grateful to my collaborators for writing these songs with me.”
“I didn’t realize how cool it was the first time I received one of these, but now I do. It seems like they are impossible to get, but it happens by being surrounded by awesome people and learning from the best,” acknowledged Phelps. “Thank you to everyone who has believed in me over the years, this is just a crazy thing. So thankful to be a part of the country music family, and thankful to be receiving this award.”
“I am so glad to be here tonight. This is something I always dreamed of since I started writing songs. I once didn’t believe this dream was reachable,” Phillips revealed while accepting his first CMA Triple Play Award. “Thank you to all my songwriters for writing songs with me, without you I wouldn’t be here.”
The CMA Triple Play Award is presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. As part of CMA’s broader mission to honor excellence across the industry, the award underscores the vital role songwriters play in shaping the sound and success of Country Music. Through the Triple Play Awards and other awards and industry honors, CMA celebrates the individuals whose creativity and commitment continue to drive the genre forward.
Leading up to tonight’s awards, Tape Room Music had a landmark year as its writers dominated the Country Aircheck and Billboard Most-Heard Songs of 2024. With contributions from Casey Brown, Brad Clawson, Crowell, Gorley, Johnson, Wyatt McCubbin, Phelps and Phillips, Tape Room’s team continues to shape the sound of modern country music.
Tape Room Music celebrates six CMA Triple Play Awards.
Standing L to R: Tape Room Music President Blain Rhodes, Andy Sheridan, Taylor Phillips & Hunter Phelps
Sitting L to R: Tape Room Music Director, A&R Caroline Hodson, Ben Johnson, Tape Room Music Founder Ashley Gorley & Tape Room Music Manager, A&R Katherine Godwin
Tape Room Music 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards Recipients:
Ashley Gorley
“I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen (July 2024)
“Cowgirls,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST (July 2024)
“Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith (August 2024)
“Young Love & Saturday Nights,” recorded by Chris Young (September 2024)
“Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen (October 2024)
“I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll (November 2024)
Zach Crowell
“God Gave Me A Girl,” recorded by Russell Dickerson (November 2023)
“Stars Like Confetti,” recorded by Dustin Lynch (November 2023)
“Outskirts,” recorded by Sam Hunt (April 2024)
Ben Johnson
“TRUCK BED,” recorded by HARDY (March 2024)
“Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith (August 2024)
“Liar,” recorded by Jelly Roll (February 2025)
Hunter Phelps
“TRUCK BED,” recorded by HARDY (March 2024)
“Take Her Home,” recorded by Kenny Chesney (June 2024)
“Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith (August 2024)
Taylor Phillips
“Thinkin' Bout Me,” recorded by Morgan Wallen (October 2023)
“World On Fire,” recorded by Nate Smith (December 2023)
“I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll (November 2024)
About Tape Room Music
Tape Room Music is an independent music publishing company founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley, where writers have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls.” In 2022, Tape Room celebrated 8 weeks topping radio charts, with two year-end No. 1 songs. Ben Johnson’s “Take My Name” topped the year-end Billboard Country Airplay chart, while Hunter Phelps and Will Weatherly’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” led the Mediabase Year-End Country Airplay chart. Recent number-one hits include Nate Smith's 10-week smash “World On Fire,” HARDY's boundary-defying “TRUCK BED,” Morgan Wallen's 6-week chart topper “Thinkin’ Bout Me” and more. Tape Room Music writers continue to stretch the bounds of their abilities, spreading their talents across writing, producing and performing. Visit TapeRoom.com for additional information.
Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Recognizes Ashley Gorley
CBS News Senior Culture Correspondent Anthony Mason revealed the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2025 honorees this morning on CBS Mornings recognizing inductees The Doobie Brothers, George Clinton, Mike Love from the Beach Boys, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins alongside Nashvillian Ashley Gorley. Gorley was at home starting his day as the news broke.
“I’m honestly shocked. I started out in the tape room listening to some of the greatest songwriters turn in demos,” Gorley shares, reflecting on his journey. “Being welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and this legendary group of music makers is a dream come true. I’ve always looked up to this organization, and I’m proud to join representing Nashville and the country music community.
“I’ve attended this event as a fan and it always leaves me inspired, so this moment is truly surreal for me and my family,” Gorley adds. “I’m incredibly grateful for the Hall of Fame and all the songwriting heroes who shaped music as we know it today, and I’m looking forward to celebrating everyone in June.”
Morgan Wallen congratulated his friend and “Love Somebody” and “Last Night” collaborator sharing, “Ashley, your talent and work ethic are unmatched. I’m glad you’re being celebrated for your craft and there is no one more deserving of this honor. After as many hits as you’ve had, you don’t have to show up like you do for me and other artists and writers, and yet, your passion and love of songwriting inspires us every day. Congratulations on being named to the Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2025!”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston expressed admiration for Gorley’s journey and character, noting, “From dreams that began in Danville, KY to creating songs that have touched lives and hearts all over the world, Ashley Gorley is truly one of a kind. His drive, determination and perseverance are only eclipsed by his heart, genuine spirit and his faith. It’s astounding what he has achieved thus far, and he has no signs of slowing down, with hit songs on the chart today and many, many more to come. Every member of his family at Sony Music Publishing could not be more proud of him and congratulate him on this well deserved recognition.”
Tape Room Music President Blain Rhodes remarks, “This is a huge accomplishment! The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates the great songwriters from all genres who have enriched the world's culture through their music. Ashley has been, and continues to be one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. His body of work is unmatched and his songs have helped shape Country Music. This is a very well deserved honor.”
Gorley grew up in Danville, Kentucky and attended Belmont University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1999. Since, he has continued to give back to the University through leading seminars, mentoring students and serving as an adjunct instructor. Gorley has met with Senators and The Library of Congress to promote songwriters’ rights and bills such as the Music Modernization Act. In 2011, Gorley formed his own publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music. Under his leadership and mentorship writers for Tape Room have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including 2018 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, “Body Like A Back Road,” 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls,” and 10-week Country Airplay number-one hit, “World On Fire.” An 8-time NSAI, 11-time ASCAP and 2023 Songwriter of the Year (all-genre) by Variety, the publication proclaimed “Gorley is widely considered contemporary country’s most successful writer.” In 2024 he supported the launch of a program designed for the creative community by The Onsite Foundation: Creatives Support Network, providing free mentorship, education, resources and mental wellness support specifically designed for members of the songwriting community gifting 80 grants for 80 individuals to commemorate his 80th chart-topper. Gorley’s recent collaborations with Jelly Roll and Post Malone/Morgan Wallen (“I Am Not Okay” and “I Had Some Help”) are being honored at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards with two nominations in the Best Country Song category.
Ashley Gorley | Photo Credit: Katie Kauss
Ashley Gorley Commemorates 80th No. 1 by Donating Royalties from “I Am Not Okay” to Onsite Wellness Group’s Creatives Support Network
Ten-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley looks at No. 1’s a little differently these days as he notches his record-extending 80th No. 1 with this week’s “I Am Not Okay,” recorded and co-written by Jelly Roll along with Tape Room writers Taylor Phillips and Casey Brown. To commemorate the milestone, Gorley wanted to look beyond the celebrations that traditionally accompany a No. 1 chart hit and use the moment to support the launch of a program designed for the creative community by The Onsite Foundation: Creatives Support Network, providing free mentorship, education, resources and mental wellness support specifically designed for members of the songwriting community.
“A song about struggling to get out of bed in the morning is No. 1 and that really speaks to where we are in the world,” Gorley reflects. “It was important for us to take this moment to say ‘you’re not the only one,’ and to support a creative network with programming that is tailored to songwriters at any stage of their journey.”
Songwriter-Focused Intensives are a big part of the program, two-day immersive individual or group coaching and therapy sessions explicitly curated for creatives. Additionally, the program includes mentorship and social impact initiatives as well as online curriculum and conversation resources complimentary to the creative community thanks to Gorley’s gift in the form of 80 grants for 80 individuals as well as program infrastructure support.
“This song in particular, along with the Jelly Roll Era, is creating a movement and timely conversation regarding the need to equip creatives with necessary tools to optimize their personal and professional pursuits,” adds Onsite’s Miles Adcox. “I’ve been at the intersection of Music and Mental Wellness for the better part of my career and have experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing today’s creatives. Music is medicine, and the comfort, relief, support, and overall impact it provides globally to humanity is immeasurable. Our storytellers are a national treasure we should pour into and protect at all costs. We’re grateful to Ashley, Jelly Roll, and the Tape Room writers for starting this conversation in the songwriting community and for lending their expertise and resources.”
Learn more HERE.
About Ashley Gorley
Gorley is the most commercially successful Country songwriter of all time. The Kentucky-native has written an unprecedented 80 No. 1 radio singles with artists such as Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi, Weezer and more. Most recently, Gorley co-wrote 10 songs on Post Malone’s debut country album including the global hit, “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen, which topped the Billboard Global 200, Hot 100, US Radio Songs, Pop, Adult Pop and Country Airplay charts. Gorley’s eighth chart-topper of 2024 and his most recent hit, the poignant “I Am Not Okay” written with and recorded by Jelly Roll, depicts the challenges of mental health in an honest light. The commercial success of the song provides a platform for further mental health advocacy for fans and members of the music community alike.
Last year (2023), Gorley celebrated multiple weeks as Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Songwriter, all-genre. His GRAMMY-nominated hit with Wallen, “Last Night,” reigned as Billboard’s Top Hot 100 Song for a record-setting 16 weeks, proving to be one of the biggest country crossover hits of all time. In the same year, Gorley was awarded ACM Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year with Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina;” landed ASCAP Country Song of the Year with Wallen’s “You Proof;” and was awarded 2023 Songwriter of the Year (all-genre) by Variety in their year-end prestigious Hitmakers issue. Gorley was also honored as NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, and is a ten-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year.
Gorley attended Belmont University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1999. Since graduating, he has continued to give back to the University through leading seminars, mentoring students, and serving as a professor. He is a songwriting advocate who has met with the Library of Congress and Senators to support songwriters' rights and the Music Modernization Act. In 2011, Gorley formed his own publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music. Writers for Tape Room have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including 2018’s ASCAP Country Song of the Year, “Body Like A Back Road,” 2021’s ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song of the Year, “One Of Them Girls,” and 10-week Country Airplay number-one hit, “World On Fire.”
Awards history and No. 1’s are available upon request.
About Onsite
Onsite is part of a family of brands that provide in-person and digital emotional health and wellness services, including Onsite Workshops, Milestones, Onsite Adventures, Onsite Entertainment, Onsite Business Consulting Services and Onsite Wellness House. Onsite serves an international client base with experiences that combine some of the best therapeutic and clinical minds with its signature healing hospitality. Onsite’s mission is to design and deliver transformational experiences that optimize life and build meaning and value into the human experience. Onsite’s work has been featured on 20/20, Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, People, The Doctors, and more. For more information, experienceonsite.com and experiencemilestones.com.
Ashley Gorley Inducted into 2024 TICUA HOF
Belmont University alumnus and renowned songwriter Ashley Gorley has been named to the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association's 2024 Hall of Fame class. Now in its fifth year, the TICUA Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni from its 34 member institutions, highlighting their contributions to the state, nation and world.
"As we welcome this new class of honorees, it's inspiring to see the diverse ways TICUA institution alumni are shaping the world," said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. "Each inductee's story underscores the profound impact private higher education can have, not only on personal success, but also on shaping communities and industries."
Gorley, who graduated from Belmont with a B.B.A. in Music Business in 1999, has become a powerhouse in the music industry. His journey from a small-town Kentucky native to a songwriting icon spans more than two decades, resulting in a record-breaking 75+ No. 1 radio singles and over 400 songs recorded by artists across multiple genres.
Named Nashville Songwriter Association International's Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, Gorley has earned an astounding 24 CMA Triple Play Awards, recognizing songwriters with three No. 1 hits within a year. His recent accolades include being named ACM Songwriter of the Year and Variety's Songwriter of the Year (all-genre) in 2023. His GRAMMY-nominated hit "Last Night," performed by Morgan Wallen, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-setting 16 weeks in 2023 while Wallen’s collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” reigned for 6-weeks in 2024.
Beyond his personal success, Gorley has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing new talent through his publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music, founded in 2011. The company has produced more than 50 No. 1 songs, including the 2018 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, "Body Like a Back Road" and 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, "One of Them Girls."
Gorley's dedication to the music industry extends to his advocacy for songwriters' rights. He has actively promoted crucial legislation such as the Music Modernization Act, meeting with senators and the Library of Congress to champion fair compensation and intellectual property protection in the digital age.
At Belmont, Gorley continues to shape the next generation of music industry professionals, regularly returning to campus to mentor students and lead seminars.
He joins 22 other distinguished inductees in the 2024 TICUA Hall of Fame class, representing a variety of professions and showcasing the lasting impact of Tennessee's private institutions on shaping global leaders.
Photo Credit: Katie Kauss