Music City honored the men and women behind the hit songs with the induction of the 2020 & 2021 classes into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame.

With the world on hold last year, there was no ceremony, which only meant that this year was a more star studded event.

Members of the 2020 class include Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham 

2021’s class members are Rhett Akins, Buddy Cannon, Amy Grant, Toby Keith and John Scott Sherrill.

Before the event Amy Grant said “What a great circle to be a part of…cause everybody else’s songs have been so impactful in my life.”

Steve Earle shared “Most of the people I learned to do this from are already in this Hall Of Fame, so it’s an honor. I’m really happy to be here.”

Rhett Akins joked that “If we knew the secret, everybody would be here” but he added, “I know the secret for me is never giving up, and loving country music – even when it does not love you back.”

Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney and Thomas Rhett were some of the artists on hand to honor the songwriters during the Hall Of Fame Gala.

Headline Photo Courtesy of Rhett Akins, Amy Grant, & Toby Keith