The Magic of Nashville’s Songwriting Tradition

For the first time, a show featuring the biggest hits in country music comes to a movie theater near you.
The Magic of Nashville’s Songwriting Tradition
Audiences will experience the magic of a Nashville Writer’s Round, featuring three of Nashville’s hottest songwriters (L-R) Brett James, Kelly Archer, and Matt Jenkins—who have collectively written over 40 No. 1 songs. Nashville Music Network
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Country music hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” and Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan’s “Buy Dirt” have dominated radio waves for years. The chart-toppers accompany listeners during long car rides, are a soundtrack for grocery shoppers, and offer entertainment while moms and dads wait in car lines to pick kids up from school. Now, fans across the United States have a front row seat to a first of its kind performance featuring the songwriters who penned these hit singles and other popular country tunes. “Music Night: Live from Nashville!” brings Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters centerstage, where they’ll reveal stories behind how our favorite country songs were written and how they were recorded by the industry’s brightest stars.
Those attending won’t have to navigate Nashville’s bustling Broadway strip to get to the show. The special event is playing in movie theaters across the country.

Nashville’s Writer’s Round, Nationwide

Radio show host Bobby Bones is no stranger to country music. In fact, he’s one of the genre’s leading voices. For over a decade, his top-ranked program, “The Bobby Bones Show,” has interviewed the who’s who of Nashville. For one night, Bones will trade in radio for the silver screen when he hosts “Music Night: Live from Nashville!” at the listening room style venue, Analog, in the heart of Music City.
Award-winning radio personality Bobby Bones will take the stage to host "Music Night: Live from Nashville!," on March 8. (Nashville Music Network)
Award-winning radio personality Bobby Bones will take the stage to host "Music Night: Live from Nashville!," on March 8. Nashville Music Network

In an official statement, Bones spoke about the uniqueness of the event.

“There’s something truly special about getting to hear the stories behind the songs we all know and love. Songwriters are the heart of the music industry, and this event is a chance to shine a light on their incredible talent. I’m thrilled to bring the magic of Nashville’s songwriting tradition to audiences in theaters across the country in a way that’s never been done before.”

“Music Night” debuts Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 8 p.m. EST and 7 p.m. CST. It will stream live across all time zones. Film viewers will get to experience the feeling of one of Nashville’s longtime musical staples, the Writers’ Rounds (a group of songwriters singing their songs in turn), in a completely new way. Featuring three of the industry’s top songwriters, Kelly Archer, Brett James, and Matt Jenkins, the musicians will take turns chatting about the hits they’ve penned for artists like Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, and Trisha Yearwood. They’ll also perform acoustic renditions of the songs they discuss.

The three songwriters have written more than 40 top hits for country music, and other genres as well.

In a press release, event organizers promise viewers “a unique chance to connect with the people behind the music and witness the power of storytelling and song.”

(L–R) Brett James, Kelly Archer, and Matt Jenkins have collectively written over 40 No. 1 songs recorded by more than 20 of the biggest names in country music and beyond. (Nashville Music Network)
(L–R) Brett James, Kelly Archer, and Matt Jenkins have collectively written over 40 No. 1 songs recorded by more than 20 of the biggest names in country music and beyond. Nashville Music Network

The Heartbeat of Nashville’s Culture

The man behind the creation of “Music Night” is independent executive producer Dean Sell. Though he moved to Nashville just a few years ago in 2021, he quickly embraced the music that makes the city one of the country’s most visited destinations. The special live event is a way for him to honor those who act as the heartbeat of Nashville—the songwriters.

“I had been in and out of Nashville for years, but it wasn’t until I moved here that I discovered the city’s most prized possession: the songwriters. … Nashville is a very special place, but not everyone can get here. So we’re bringing a little piece of Music City to the world.”

One of the event’s partners, Fathom Entertainment, will stream the broadcast to American movie complexes. Fathom has been in the entertainment business for more than 20 years, and its chief executive officer, Ray Nutt, believes the show has a little something for everyone with a connection to country music.

“Fans of Nashville’s dynamic live music scene, the music business, and the art of songwriting will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the heart and soul behind the music like never before.”

An Unforgettable Experience

"Music Night" will broadcast live from the <a href="https://www.huttonhotel.com/analog-music-venue/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Analog</a>, one of Nashville's most intimate and sought-after live music venues. (Nashville Music Network)
"Music Night" will broadcast live from the Analog, one of Nashville's most intimate and sought-after live music venues. Nashville Music Network

An encore showing of “Music Night: Live from Nashville!” will also be available in movie theaters on Tuesday, March 11. The encore will be broadcast at 7 p.m. local time.

Both longtime fans of country music and those new to the genre can expect an unforgettable experience as they enjoy a night of music and stories centered around “a cherished and unique tradition,” the art of songwriting in country music’s capital city.

Tickets for “Music Night: Live from Nashville!” are available now. Check your local movie theater for listings.
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Rebecca Day
Rebecca Day
Author
Rebecca Day is an independent musician, freelance writer, and frontwoman of country group, The Crazy Daysies.