Country music icons Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks are being honored for their songwriting abilities, not just star power.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced its 2011 inductees. Brooks popularized many of his own compositions, like “The River” and “The Thunder Rolls.”
Alan Jackson wrote his songs “Chattahoochee” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
Three other pure songwriters are being honored. They include John Bettis, who wrote “Top of the World” by The Carpenters. Thom Schuyler is known for penning Kenny Rogers’ “Love Will Turn You Around.” And Allen Shamblin has crossed genres, writing for rocker Bonnie Raitt and country star Miranda Lambert.
The award ceremony will be held at the Renaissance Hotel October 16th.
This year the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame temporarily expanded its inductee class from three to five to accommodate more honorees. In the past, they’ve included Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Dolly Parton.