Pictured (Back row, L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls and BMI’s Clay Bradley; (Front row, L-R): co-writer Troy Verges, Hunter Hayes and co-writer Lori McKenna.
This is shaping up to be a great week for Hunter Hayes; not only is he gearing up to headline the CMT On Tour: Hunter Hayes’ Let Be Crazy Tour on Oct. 10, but he recently celebrated his chart-topping single “I Want Crazy.”
“I Want Crazy” was penned by Hayes, Lori McKenna and Troy Verges, and published by Songs of Universal, Happy Little Man Publishing, Songs from the Engine Room, and Hoodie Songs.
The writers were honored at a No. 1 party yesterday (Oct. 8) at BMI’s Nashville office. Among those honored included Kent Earls for Universal Music Publishing Group, album co-producer Dann Huff, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Cyndi Forman, and Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito.
This marks the first chart-topping song for McKenna, who has had songs recorded by Faith Hill and other artists. “The day we wrote this song in Nashville I knew I was the luckiest woman in Nashville for being in the room with these writers,” said McKenna. “Barry Dean has a song called ‘Judge A Man,’ which talks about how you can judge a man by the woman that he’s with. If I am judged by the songwriters I’m around, I am a lucky woman.”
“This is one of those dream songs,” said Huff. “For those of us who are in love, it says what we want to say. Lightning struck twice with this and ‘Wanted.’ Then you have someone like Hunter who performs it so well,” said Huff.
Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuels was on hand to announce a donation that Avenue Bank would be making to MusiCares on behalf of the songwriters. BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley, Brandi Simms from the Country Music Association and Michelle Kammerer from the Country Radio Broadcasters also honored the songwriters.
“I am a fan of these professors of songwriting,” said Hayes. “I learn so much from everyone that I write with.” The celebration ended with McKenna, Verges and Hayes performing “I Want Crazy” for the enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers.
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
