The Songwriters
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturdays at 10 PM beginning Feb. 21 (preempted March 7 & 14)
Sundays at 2 AM beginning Feb. 22 (preempted March 8 & 15)
THE SONGWRITERS features engaging conversations with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members about their creative processes and the inspirations for some of the greatest hits of all time.
Kix Brooks
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 PM & Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 AM
Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn revisits some of the biggest songs he’s written. In addition to being a member of one of the most successful duos in country music history, Brooks is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and recalls the first time the duo performed “Only in America” in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11.
Amy Grant
Saturday, March 21, at 10 PM & Sunday, March 22, at 2 AM
Multi-platinum and Grammy® Award-winning artist Amy Grant discusses a songwriting career that stretches from her gospel roots through her pop stardom and into contemporary projects; performances include “Tennessee Christmas,” “Baby, Baby,” and a new, unreleased song.
Allen Shamblin
Saturday, March 28, at 10 PM & Sunday, March 29, at 2 AM
Songwriter Allen Shamblin launched his career with a number one record by Randy Travis. In this episode, he revisits the songs that led to his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, including the Bonnie Raitt classic recording of “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”
Brett James
Saturday, April 4, at 10 PM & Sunday, April 5, at 2 AM
Brett James has written number one hits for Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean and Martina McBride. The member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame didn’t have a straight path to success, though. He dropped out of medical school — twice — before becoming one of the most successful songwriters in Music City.
Bob Depiero
Saturday, April 11, at 10 PM & Sunday, April 12, at 2 AM
Bob DePiero tells the back story of his career as a successful songwriter with 15 number one hits. The roster of artists who have recorded his music includes the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Neal McCoy, Faith Hill, Tanya Tucker and George Strait, among many more.
Spooner Oldham
Saturday, April 18, at 10 PM & Sunday, April 19, at 2 AM
Working with partner Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham wrote “Cry Like a Baby” for the Box Tops and “I’m Your Puppet” for James and Bobby Purify while working as a musician on some of the most historic soul recordings and R&B sessions of the 1960s.
Larry Gatlin
Saturday, April 25, at 10 PM & Sunday, May 2, at 2 AM
Country and gospel singer-songwriter and member of the chart-topping Gatlin Brothers trio, Larry Gatlin talks about the importance of his high school education, meeting Dottie West, and how he developed two of his biggest hits, “I’ve Done Enough Dyin’ Today” and “All the Gold in California,” both of which he performs.
Buddy Cannon
Saturday, May 9, at 10 PM & Sunday, May 10, at 2 AM
George Strait, Mel Tillis and Vern Gosdin have all recorded hit songs by Buddy Cannon. But that’s just the start. In addition to writing songs leading to his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Cannon was also a top music producer in Nashville working with the likes of Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire and George Jones.
Marcus Hummon
Saturday, May 16, at 10 PM & Sunday, May 17, at 2 AM
The Chicks, Alabama and more have enjoyed big hits thanks to songwriter Marcus Hummon. The Hall of Fame songwriter responsible for “Ready to Run,” “The Cheap Seats” and “Born to Fly,” is also a multi-faceted performer and composer who has scored films and written operas and musicals.
Joe Melson
Saturday, May 23, at 10 PM & Sunday, May 24, at 2 AM
With partner Roy Orbison, Joe Melson wrote legendary songs “Crying” and “Only the Lonely.” The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member tells host Ken Paulson about writing and recording in the early years of pop and rock, and the run of legendary songs he and Orbison collaborated on more than six decades ago.