Riley Green and Blake Pendergrass Receive Early Honors for Nashville Songwriter Awards

Riley Green and Blake Pendergrass have been recognized with early honors ahead of the ninth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. The ceremony is set to take place on September 22 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) with City National Bank as a presenting partner.

Blake Pendergrass was named 2026 Songwriter of the Year. This award recognizes the Nashville-associated songwriter with the most charting success on Billboard's airplay charts across Christian, country, mainstream top 40, and rock genres during the eligibility period of May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Pendergrass's notable works include "Just In Case" and "I Got Better," recorded by Morgan Wallen, and "Heart of Stone," recorded by Jelly Roll. He also earned his first CMA Triple Play award in April 2026.

Riley Green received NSAI's 2026 Songwriter-Artist of the Year award. This accolade is presented to an artist who has achieved the most charting success within the same eligibility period with songs they both recorded and wrote. Green is known for penning many of his own successful tracks, including "Worst Way," "Don't Mind If I Do," and "You Look Like You Love Me."

The event will also honor Vince Gill with the Kris Kristofferson lifetime achievement award and Paul Williams with NSAI's keystone award. Additional categories will include Song of the Year, the 2026 Legendary Song award, and the "10 Songs I Wish I'd Written" awards, recognizing the respective songwriters.

The first round of performers for the awards ceremony is scheduled to be revealed on July 15. Tickets for the event will go on sale on July 17 at 10 a.m. CT via the Ryman's official website.

According to Billboard, the awards highlight significant achievements in songwriting.