Blake Pendergrass to Receive Songwriter of the Year Honour at 2026 Nashville Songwriter Awards
The Nashville Songwriters Association International has confirmed that rising hitmaker Blake Pendergrass will be honoured as Songwriter of the Year at the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.
The ceremony is scheduled for September 22 at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, one of the most iconic venues in country music history.
Award Presented With City National Bank
Presented in partnership with City National Bank, the Songwriter of the Year award is given to the Nashville-connected songwriter who achieved the strongest chart success during the eligibility period.
The recognition is based on performance across the Billboard Airplay charts, including country, Christian, Top 40, and rock formats. For Pendergrass, the honour marks a major milestone after a breakout year that quickly placed him among Nashville’s most successful and sought-after songwriters.
Breakthrough Year for Blake Pendergrass
Pendergrass’ rise accelerated in July 2025, when he earned his first No. 1 as a co-writer of “Just In Case” for Morgan Wallen. That major achievement opened the door to even more success, as he went on to secure three additional chart-topping songs within the same year.
Since then, Pendergrass has also reached the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart and received his first CMA Triple Play Award. These accomplishments have strengthened his reputation as one of Music City’s most in-demand creative talents.
Nashville Songwriter Awards to Celebrate Hitmakers
The Nashville Songwriter Awards are known for highlighting the people behind some of music’s biggest songs. The annual event combines live performances, storytelling, and industry recognition to celebrate the craft of songwriting.
Pendergrass will be honoured alongside several previously announced recipients. The 2026 honourees include Riley Green, who will receive Songwriter-Artist of the Year; Vince Gill, who will be presented with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award; and Paul Williams, who will receive the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.
More Awards to Be Revealed During the Ceremony
Additional winners will be announced during the event, including the highly anticipated Song of the Year award and the popular “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honours.
The ceremony will also recognize the 2026 Legendary Song award, which celebrates a timeless composition from the 1969 to 1985 era. That period is widely considered one of the most important and influential chapters in modern songwriting history.
Performers and Tickets
The performers for the Nashville Songwriter Awards will be announced on July 15. Tickets are set to go on sale two days later through the Ryman Auditorium.
As in previous years, the event is expected to bring together leading songwriters, artists, and industry figures for an evening dedicated to the songs and stories that have helped shape the genre.
About the Nashville Songwriter Awards
The Nashville Songwriter Awards are produced each year by NSAI, the world’s largest not-for-profit trade organization focused on protecting, supporting, and advocating for songwriters.
The event remains one of the most respected nights on the Music City calendar, celebrating both rising talents and legendary figures whose work has left a lasting impact on music.
Blake Pendergrass’ selection as Songwriter of the Year reflects a remarkable breakthrough period in his career. With multiple No. 1 hits, major chart success, a CMA Triple Play Award, and recognition from NSAI, Pendergrass has firmly established himself as one of Nashville’s standout songwriters ahead of the 2026 Nashville Songwriter Awards.
