No. 1 Party: Gary Allan’s “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)”

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Lytle Management’s John Lytle, producer Greg Droman, Gary Allan, co-writers Hillary Lindsey and Matt Warren, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, MCA Nashville’s Mike Dungan and BMG’s Kos Weaver. Photo by John Russell.

Gary Allan, Matt Warren and Hillary Lindsey celebrated their No. 1 single, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” recently in Nashville. BMI’s Clay Bradley and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad co-hosted the event, held at Nashville’s Sambuca.

Allan received a guitar from BMI for his first No. 1 hit as a co-writer. BMI No. 1 cups were also given to Greg Droman and Mike Dungan. The crowd got a surprise when Dungan, Sr. VP, Promotion Royce Risser and VP, National Promotion Van Haze all took the stage in kilts.

Sistad honored ASCAP writers Warren and Lindsey for the chart-topping single. It also marked the first No. 1 song for Warren, who used to coordinate merchandise on the road for Allan.

Awards and plaques were given to the songwriters and artist from Dungan, the Country Music Association’s Brandi Simms, Country Radio Broadcasters’ Bradford Hollingsworth and Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox. Cox noted that Allan was slated to perform in the New York area when Hurricane Sandy hit earlier this year. On behalf of the songwriters, Avenue Bank made a donation to the Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.

Allan was quick to thank his two co-writers, especially Matt for introducing him to co-writer Lindsey. “I like writing with friends so if you don’t know Matt or Odie [Blackmon], it’s hard to get into my living room [to write],” quipped Allan.

The strong friendship among the three writers was obvious. “We support each other’s successes,” said Lindsey after thanking the crowd for sharing in the moment. “That shows what this town is about.” Lindsey, who has also been a vocalist on the road with Allan, also showed gratitude to his band members. “His band is amazing. Obviously he is a talent, but he’s a good man and has a good heart and good people around him. I’m so happy that you called and brought me in [to co-write].”