Power of Women Nashville: Celebrating Female Songwriters
In an industry often characterized by male dominance, female songwriters are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. At Variety’s Power of Women Nashville, the emphasis is on highlighting the impact these talented women have on the music scene in Nashville, an epicenter for song creation.
This Year’s Honoree Highlights
The inaugural Power of Women Nashville Songwriter Honorees include an impressive array of talent, from established figures to rising stars. Here’s a closer look at these influential songwriters:
Jessi Alexander
Affiliation: Warner Chappell Music
Jessi Alexander made her mark with her debut album, “Honeysuckle Sweet,” in 2005. Initially facing setbacks, she experienced a turnaround as a songwriter following her co-writing success on Miley Cyrus’s hit, “The Climb.” Her career highlights include the country No. 1 hit, “Drink on It,” by Blake Shelton, and a Grammy nomination for non-classical songwriter of the year.
Jessie Jo Dillon
Affiliation: Big Machine Music
A prolific songwriter, Jessie Jo Dillon has garnered six Grammy nominations, including for the 2025 songwriter of the year for her collaborations with various artists such as Brandy Clark and Jelly Roll. Coming from a musical family, she co-wrote the Grammy-nominated song “The Breath You Take” with her father, Dean Dillon.
Natalie Hemby
Affiliation: Jody Williams Songs
Natalie Hemby’s versatility shines through her collaborations across different genres. Recently, she co-wrote songs featured on albums by Mumford & Sons and Jessica Simpson, while also working with contemporary country artists like Parker McCollum. Hemby has penned eight No. 1 country singles, showcasing her wide-ranging appeal in the music industry.
Ink
Affiliation: Big Loud
Known for her work with high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, Ink, also known as Atia Boggs, is carving her own path in country music. Recently signing a deal with Big Loud, she emphasizes the storytelling aspect of country music, aiming to break traditional genre molds.
Steph Jones
Affiliation: Reservoir Media
With collaborations across pop music’s upper echelons—working with artists from Sabrina Carpenter to Kelsea Ballerini—Steph Jones has made a significant impact over the last two years. Her foundational experiences in the church and subsequent journeys through different musical hubs have shaped her dynamic songwriting style.
This event aims to shine a spotlight on the ever-growing contributions women make in the music industry, particularly in Nashville. Each honoree exemplifies the diversity and talent within the realm of songwriting, underlining the importance of female voices in crafting the soundtrack of our lives.