Jody Williams is the recipient of the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award for the 13th CMA Triple Play Awards.
According to the association’s website, the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award is awarded to an individual “who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of songwriting in the country music genre throughout a course of years and has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on the songwriting community.”
Williams, as the founder of Jody Williams Songs, a publishing company that works to shepherd one-of-a-kind songwriters, has done just that through his dedication to supporting and advancing the songwriting art form. Some of the songwriters Williams has mentored and championed over the years include Liz Rose, Ashley McBryde, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Maren Morris, Jeffrey Steele, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, Natalie Hemby and Alison Krauss.
“Being honored by the CMA with this award is the cherry on top of the incredible experience I have had serving on the CMA board,” Williams tells American Songwriter.
“Songwriters are the heart of our business and the most vulnerable industry group,” he adds. “So, I’m grateful to CMA for affording me the opportunity to advocate for songwriters among the other music community leaders represented by their board. The 16 years I served on the board gave me experiences and relationships that greatly enhanced my career and hopefully the songwriting community as well.”
