BMI, SESAC Celebrate Michael Ray’s No. 1 Hit “Kiss You In The Morning”

Pictured: (L-R): (Back Row) Parallel’s Tim Hunze, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton-Griffith, BMI’s David Preston, Warner Music Group’s John Esposito, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, producer Scott Hendricks. (Front Row) BMI songwriter Michael White, BMI affiliate Michael Ray and SESAC songwriter Justin Wilson. (photo by Steve Lowry)

Family, friends and music industry executives gathered at Nashville’s South venue Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) to celebrate the No. 1 hit, “Kiss You In The Morning,” written by BMI writer Michael White with SESAC writer Justin Wilson and performed by BMI affiliate and Warner Music Nashville artist Michael Ray. The song was produced by Scott Hendricks. Magic Mustang Music’s Juli-Newton Griffith and Parallel Music Publishing’s Tim Hunze were on hand to honor the songwriters, as were BMI’s David Preston and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch.

The tune was the first chart-topper for Michael Ray, who released the track off his debut self-titled album, and the second for White.

Preston offered White an Epiphone guitar to commemorate the No. 1 hit. “I hope you write a million more songs on it,” said Preston.

Among those offering accolades were CRB’s Holly Lane, Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, and more. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox announced a donation in honor of the songwriters to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Warner Music Nashville president John Esposito touted Ray’s work ethic, noting that Ray kept plugging away at his career, even when his beloved grandfather died while Ray was on a radio tour. “When he played the Grand Ole Opry, he played his grandfather’s guitar and did that promo tour in honor of his grandfather,” said Esposito. “This is the start of many number ones.”

It was an emotional celebration for Wilson, who was celebrating his first No. 1 song. He spoke of his early career attempts to become a recording artist himself, and gave credit to his family for believing in him when he decided to turn his attentions to songwriting. “To watch me get and lose a [recording] deal in six months, and then to see me fall in love with songwriting, they kept believing in me,” said Wilson.

Both songwriters used the platform to advocate for fair pay for songwriters. “We are not all hanging out with superstars,” said White. “My dad raised us and sent us to college on a writer’s royalties. We have to get a handle on the new technology. We are not asking to be rich and famous, we just want it to be fair.”

Michael Ray