Some losses leave us searching for words where there are none. The sudden passing of Brett James Cornelius, along with his wife and her daughter, in a plane crash on September 18, 2025, has left Nashville's music community reeling in grief. This special episode stands as a raw, heartfelt tribute to a songwriter whose pen crafted some of country music's most enduring hits, and whose heart crafted friendships that defined the Nashville community.

Brett James wasn't just a Grammy-winning songwriter behind Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel," Kenny Chesney's "When the Sun Goes Down," or Dierks Bentley's "I Hold On"—he was a presence you felt. Born in Missouri and twice attempting medical school before answering Nashville's persistent call, Brett approached songwriting with humility that elevated everyone in the room. "Some days you write something nobody will ever hear," he once said, "and then one day you write 'Jesus Take the Wheel.' That's the job, that's the beauty."

This episode weaves through Brett's musical journey, from his self-titled solo album in 1995 to his 2020 EP "I Am Now," featuring the moving "True Believer." Through tears and memories, we explore the stories behind his biggest hits and the profound impact of his genuine character. The episode concludes with a poignant performance of "Fall Into His Hands," the last song shared when Brett and I performed together earlier this year—a fitting reminder that while we may never understand such profound loss, music remains our collective solace.

Join me in honoring a true Nashville legend whose voice may be silenced but whose songs will forever echo in the hearts of millions. Share his music, remember his spirit, and keep his family in your prayers as we navigate this unthinkable loss together.

Grammy-winning artist Colbie Caillat sits down for an intimate conversation about the winding road from MySpace sensation to seasoned songwriter. With her trademark warmth and authenticity, she reveals how music was always coursing through her veins—singing at the top of her lungs every morning as a child and eventually being guided toward songwriting by her father's wisdom that it would "be more meaningful."

The conversation takes us through the unexpected explosion of "Bubbly" that catapulted her career, to touring with John Mayer in 2009, to her transformative relationship with vulnerability on stage. "I was taught to try to be extroverted and don't let anyone know that you're nervous," Colbie shares, describing how writing "Try" became the turning point that freed her from hiding her true self. "I just tell the audience everything on stage now. It feels so nice."

Colbie's upcoming album "This Time Around" (releasing September 26th) reimagines her greatest hits as duets with artists including Maren Morris, Hillary Scott, Walker Hayes, and Mitchell Tenpenny—many of whom had personal connections to her songs before the collaboration. "Mitchell was so cute because when I asked him to sing on 'Realize,' he's like 'that's my favorite song, I sang it in high school,'" she recalls with genuine delight. The album also features three new original songs, including one written with Lee Brice and another featuring Maddie & Tae.

Whether discussing the creative process behind her Grammy-winning duet "Lucky" with Jason Mraz, her Christmas tour with best friend Gavin DeGraw, or the first song she ever wrote ("Someday," which she plans to release someday), Colbie's reflections on her journey offer wisdom for creators at any stage: "Trust yourself and have fun with it and really embrace who you are." Connect with Colbie at colbiecaillat.com to follow her continuing musical evolution.

The first time Abbie Callahan heard Dolly Parton perform live, something clicked. At just 14 years old, watching from the audience with her mother and grandmother, Abbie experienced what she describes as an epiphany: "I saw that and I was like, 'oh, that's what I want to do.'" That moment set her on a path from Iowa City to Nashville, where she's now carving out a distinctive space with what she calls "Kaleidoscope Country."

Abbie's debut EP "Grossly Aware" showcases her remarkable ability to blend Americana, indie pop, bluegrass, and folk into something uniquely her own. Her journey hasn't been straightforward—moving to Nashville during COVID meant isolation instead of the typical music scene immersion. Yet that solitude shaped her songwriting process, leading to deeply personal tracks like "I'll Bring Flowers," which she describes as "journaling when your therapist tells you to write in the morning."

When her playful, suggestive song "Mary Jane" went viral, it created both opportunities and pushback. Some questioned whether her music belonged in country, but Abbie turns criticism into creative fuel: "When someone says 'you can't do that,' I think, 'I have to prove everyone wrong.'" This determination has taken her from grueling nights playing Broadway bars until 3 AM (then attending 8 AM classes at Belmont) to performances at CMA Fest and Bonnaroo.

What stands out most about Abbie is her authenticity—her voice doesn't sound like anyone else's, and her lyrics reflect genuine experiences rather than manufactured emotions. As she prepares for her Americana Fest showcase and upcoming collaborations (including a reimagined "Mary Jane" with a special guest), she remains committed to the advice she'd give her younger self: "Try to be yourself more and not someone that people like, because that just doesn't work out."

Ready to experience Kaleidoscope Country for yourself? Stream "Grossly Aware" now and follow Abbie's journey as one of Nashville's most captivating new voices.

What does it take to go from waiting tables to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars? In this compelling conversation, songwriter Blake Pendergrass opens up about his remarkable year since his last appearance on the podcast – a year that's seen him secure 15 cuts on Morgan Wallen's latest album (including his first #1 hit), pen songs for Jelly Roll, Tucker Wetmore, and Post Malone, and have eight singles charting simultaneously on country radio.

Behind these impressive statistics lies a deeply human story of perseverance through doubt. Pendergrass shares how after 13 years in Nashville with minimal success, his faith kept him going when logic suggested otherwise. The emotional high point comes when he discusses "The Dealer," a song he wrote entirely by himself during a period of uncertainty. "I wasn't really planning on writing a full song," he reveals, his voice breaking slightly. "I was in a season of feeling defeated... I sat down essentially to prove to myself I can still write songs." That vulnerable moment produced a powerful track that became one of his proudest accomplishments.

The conversation delivers fascinating insights into the mechanics of modern country songwriting – from the collaborative process of creating Morgan Wallen's "Just In Case" with multiple established writers to pushing genre boundaries with Tucker Wetmore's "Brunette." Pendergrass explains how writing changes when working with artists at different career stages and how he approaches rooms with multiple strong creative voices. His perspective on balancing artistic exploration with commercial sensibility provides valuable wisdom for creators in any field.

Whether you're an aspiring songwriter, a music industry professional, or simply a fan curious about how your favorite songs come together, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into both the craft and the heart behind today's biggest country hits. Listen now to experience the stories behind songs that are shaping the soundtrack of modern country music.

From the rolling hills of Scotland to the hallowed circle of the Grand Ole Opry, Callum Kerr's musical journey defies conventional paths. Our conversation reveals the beautiful synchronicity of events that led this actor-turned-country artist to find his true calling.

Callum shares how his musical awakening happened at 17 when a Texas sports camp job unexpectedly introduced him to country music. "I was just blown away," he recalls of hearing artists like Dierks Bentley and Zac Brown Band for the first time. "This is the sound that I've been looking for." His authentic passion is palpable as he describes moving between acting jobs in the UK and musical adventures in the American South.

The pivotal turning point came when Callum landed a role as a Texas country singer on Fox's "Monarch" alongside Trace Adkins. Being in the studio with Nashville session players sparked something profound: "If I'm good enough to be in their TV show with a budget of 10 million per episode, maybe I could do this." This realization brought him to Nashville, where he immediately felt at home.

We dive deep into Callum's songwriting process, his philosophy of "best song wins" regardless of who wrote it, and the meaningful stories behind tracks like "Used to Love This Town" and "It Ain't Working" from his Dan Huff-produced EP. The conversation culminates with his emotional recounting of making his Grand Ole Opry debut—a dream realized on the very same day his EP was released.

Whether you're fascinated by the creative journey, drawn to authentic country storytelling, or simply love discovering artists on the rise, Callum's story will resonate. His final advice to his younger self speaks volumes: "If you like it, then it's cool. One day people are going to find that cool." Listen now and witness the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.

Cole Taylor's journey from small-town Georgia to Nashville success story perfectly captures the dreams that bring so many songwriters to Music City. Within just nine months of arriving in Nashville, Taylor landed a publishing deal that would launch a career filled with chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars.

Growing up immersed in a rich musical tapestry—from Alan Jackson's storytelling to Lynyrd Skynyrd's southern rock—Taylor developed a versatile songwriting approach that makes him a sought-after collaborator. "My head is just a burnt CD of just anything and everything," he explains, describing how his diverse influences allow him to adapt to any writing room situation.

The stories behind Taylor's biggest hits reveal both his craftsmanship and the serendipitous moments that define songwriting. His first number one, "Sippin' on Fire" with Florida Georgia Line, came from a writing session with Matt Dragstrom that later received input from veteran songwriter Rodney Clawson. Taylor received the life-changing news while turkey hunting back home in Georgia—a fitting full-circle moment for the small-town songwriter making it big.

Taylor's catalog includes standout duets like "Home Alone Tonight" (Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild) and "You Me and Whiskey" (Justin Moore and Priscilla Block), showcasing his ability to create musical conversations that resonate with listeners. His thoughtful approach to songwriting balances commercial appeal with genuine emotion, as evidenced in songs like "Good News Sold" and "Can't Kill a Prayer."

Beyond his songwriting success, Taylor gives back through "Playing Through," a company he co-founded that combines his passions for golf and music while raising money for charities. This entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community reflect the values that have guided his career from the beginning.

For aspiring songwriters, Taylor's advice is refreshingly straightforward: "Keep showing up" and "Get through the bad songs, find the great ones." His journey proves that with talent, persistence, and the right connections, those Nashville dreams can absolutely come true.

Braden Jamison's voice hits you immediately – authentic, rooted in tradition, yet distinctly his own. The Oklahoma native's path to Nashville wasn't straight, having grown up playing four sports simultaneously before making the pivotal decision to quit basketball his junior year to pursue music. That choice led to an unforgettable opportunity: opening for Toby Keith after just one band rehearsal.

After moving to Nashville in 2020 to attend Belmont University, Braden embraced the songwriter's grind, collaborating with anyone willing while developing thick skin through critique. His persistence paid off when a publishing class introduction to Chris at Seagull Music led to an internship that evolved into his first publishing deal in 2024.

The stories behind Braden's songs reveal both his creative process and lived experience. "CattyWampus," a standout track from his May EP release, began as a title nobody wanted to write until Lee Star embraced the concept, resulting in what Braden describes as his favorite song sonically. "Suits Me Just Fine" captures the reality of driving between gigs with barely enough money for gas while watching friends pursue more lucrative careers – "Ain't nobody getting rich, sometimes we play for tips." Meanwhile, "When It Comes to You" emerged victorious after Braden wrote three consecutive love songs, searching for the perfect track to complete his project.

Braden's band name "The Neon Strangers" came about accidentally when his brother jokingly suggested it during a show introduction. Now touring regularly, he finds the greatest reward in fans singing his lyrics back to him and sharing how his music has become part of their lives.

With his distinctive voice, thoughtful songwriting, and hard-earned wisdom ("The only way it for sure doesn't happen is if you stop doing it"), Braden Jamison represents country music's promising future. Listen and discover an artist whose honky-tonk heart and genuine approach to his craft will leave you wanting more.

What does it take to go from a small Louisiana town to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars in just a few years? Beau Bailey's songwriting journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

In this captivating conversation, Beau reveals how a dislocated shoulder from an impromptu boxing match at age 15 led him to pick up guitar and accidentally discover his songwriting gift. His path to Nashville began with a pop-rock band and a Universal Records deal that launched right before COVID hit—talk about timing! When health issues caused the band to dissolve, Beau found himself at a crossroads that ultimately led him to country songwriting, where his authentic voice and storytelling talents have flourished.

Beau takes us behind the curtain of writing sessions that produced hits like "Dirty Dancing" for Cole Swindell, "Broken Branches" for Dierks Bentley, "Favorite Country Song" for Hardy, and "Stay Country or Die Trying" for Blake Shelton. The viral success of "Oil Money" (25+ million streams) showcases his ability to blend rock sensibilities with country storytelling, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners. You'll hear the surreal moment of writing alongside his songwriting heroes Ashley Gorley and Hardy, and how these collaborations transformed from intimidating to inspiring.

What makes Beau's perspective particularly valuable is his emphasis on idea generation and authentic storytelling. His philosophy of surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives and constantly mining conversations for lyrical gold provides practical wisdom for aspiring songwriters. Beau's humility shines through as he describes the moment he heard his songs on the radio and performed at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest.

Whether you're a songwriter looking for inspiration, a music fan curious about how hit songs come together, or simply love great storytelling, Beau Bailey's journey from Louisiana to Nashville success proves that sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most remarkable destinations. Listen now and discover the stories behind the songs you love.

This week I sit down with @ashlandcraft !

From growing up in small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with country icons, Ashland Craft’s journey is as raw and real as her voice. We talk about her time on The Voice, what it taught her about trusting her gut, and how it led her to pack up everything and take a leap of faith in Nashville.

Ashland opens up about the early grind—bar gigs, long nights, and finding her sound in a town full of noise. She shares stories behind her favorite songs, the power of staying true to who you are, and the female artists who paved the way for her.

From church pews to honky tonk's, Ashland brings grit, soul, and honesty to every part of her story. You won’t want to miss this one.

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- 

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

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SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

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A special shout out to our sponsors

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In this episode, I sit down with @TheSwonBrothers!

From their Oklahoma roots to writing songs with @BlakeShelton and touring with @CarrieUnderwood, Zach and Colton share the highs, lows, and full-circle moments of their journey in country music.

We dive into the story behind their latest cut with Blake, the emotional writing of “Mamas,” and the crowd reaction that made them believe in their new song “Diamond Rio.” They talk about the ups and downs of the road, the beauty of writing as brothers, and why keeping faith and humility at the center has mattered most.

This one’s full of laughter, heart, and the kind of stories you only get from artists who’ve lived it. Don’t miss it!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @TheSwonBrothers

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠