‘These Days,’ It’s Good To Be Jeffrey Steele

Posted in News on September 29, 2006

2006 just keeps getting better for Jeffrey Steele-and the bar for "better" doesn't get much higher than his. Named Music Row's 2006 Songwriter of the Year and author of the magazine's Song of the Year, "What Hurts the Most," Steele's status as the genre's go-to guy for chart-toppers has long since been cemented.

Following the presentation of their BMI cups, the honorees paused for a quick photo. Pictured (l to r) are: BMI's Jody Williams, Windswept's Steve Markland, BMI songwriter Jeffrey Steele and producer Dann Huff

The composer of five No. 1 singles and a barrage of hits for country's biggest stars, his role as producer for artists Montgomery Gentry, Keith Anderson and Trick Pony provides yet another creative outlet for the industrious artist. Brand New Girlfriend (Steve Holy), Me and My Gang (Rascal Flatts) and Something To Be Proud Of (Montgomery Gentry) are just three of a staggering eight albums named after songs penned by Steele. His tracks on upcoming releases by Gretchen Wilson, Pat Green, Montgomery Gentry and Craig Morgan promise to keep the ball rolling.

GAC's Storme Warren snagged a few minutes with the man of the hour, Jeffrey Steele

Steele's indisputable enthusiasm for his work proved infectious. He coached 12 hungry newcomers through his first-ever Songwriting Boot Camp held in Nashville Sept. 22-24. The attendees were hand-selected from hundreds of applicants and worked through an intense three-day, two-night writing seminar closely guided by Steele. For Jeffrey, the goal was simple: "We hope these writers leave challenged with a new perspective on the craft and grow into better writers as a result of their experiences," he shared.

Friends and family gathered to celebrate Steele's 4th no. 1 hit. Pictured are (l to r): Billy Block with Jeffrey and Stephanie Steele

When the two-time NSAI Songwriter of the Year and 2003 BMI Songwriter of the Year celebrated the chart-topping success of Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts the Most" at BMI's Music Row offices recently, the packed room reverberated with the easy chatter of hit songwriters, publishers and well-wishers. Jeffrey Steele relayed the song's back story, voiced his sincere thanks and moved about the room, perhaps already formulating the hook for his next hit song.

Steele's bootcampers took the opportunity to mingle with some of Nashville's top writers. Pictured is (center): BMI hit songwriter James Slater flanked by eager attendees Jeffrey Steele's songwriter bootcamp

Photos by Eric England

SOURCENews TAGS Country Montgomery Gentry Pat Green Steve Holy Rascal Flatts James Slater Jeffrey Steele Trick Pony