On November 18, ASCAP celebrated the writers and publishers of the biggest country songs of 2023 at an exclusive gathering in downtown Nashville. Ashley Gorley earned his unprecedented 11th ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year honor, for writing 11 top songs, including Song of the Year "Last Night" (co-written with JKash). Chris Stapleton was on-hand to pick up his first ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor, and Sony Music Publishing took home ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year for the 11th time.

It was a momentous celebration of a watershed year for country music. 23 of the night's honorees won their first-ever ASCAP Country award – proof that Nashville opened its arms this past year, to new talent and new styles. It’s an incredible time to be a country music fan.