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Songs of Nashville

The Real Stories Behind Country Music's Greatest Hits

Published by Diversion Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Taking readers inside the songwriting mecca of Nashville’s Music Row for the real stories behind country’s most influential songs—and featuring exclusive interviews with songwriters like Vince Gill, Clint Black, Buddy Cannon, Jelly Roll, and Taylor Swift co-writer Liz Rose—Songs of Nashville gives you a front-row seat to the lives and work of the artists who’ve shaped country music.

Songs of Nashville is the ultimate insider’s guide to the stories behind country music’s biggest and most unexpected hits over the past fifty years. For the first time, go behind the scenes with the songwriters who crafted the anthems of your life—discover the inspiration, heartbreak, and triumph behind the lyrics, melodies, and more that defined generations. From legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to superstars like Luke Combs and Carrie Underwood, this intimate musical exploration reveals the untold stories of the songs you know and love.

More than a celebration of hit songs; Songs of Nashville is a tribute to the brilliant minds who wrote them. With in-depth interviews, readers will read firsthand accounts of how these songs were born, from spontaneous moments of inspiration to the magic of collaboration on Music Row.

Whether you’re a fan of Johnny Cash, Miranda Lambert, or Jelly Roll, or an aspiring songwriter yourself, Songs of Nashville is a must-read to discover the secrets of the creative process and the enduring power of storytelling that makes country music timeless. Get ready to fall in love with your favorite songs all over again.

About The Author

Award-winning biographer Jake Brown has authored sixty books since 2001, published in eleven countries. His works include bestsellers and collaborations with music legends like Heart, Joe Satriani, Merle Haggard, Tupac Shakur, and Motorhead. Brown is also the creator and host of About The Authors TV, airing on TUBI TV. His TV work includes series like Music’s Greatest Mysteries on AXS TV and Breaking the Band on REELZ. In 2012, he received the ARSC Award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Diversion Books (June 24, 2025)
  • Length: 304 pages
  • ISBN13: 9798895150245

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Raves and Reviews

"The first of its kind book series offers songwriters the opportunity to step into the spotlight and share their back stories, struggles, stumbles and successes."
Nashville Music Guide

"Chronicles the stories behind many of Country’s top songs!"
Music Row Magazine

"You know the words, but do you know the story behind them? In a new book, Nashville Songwriter, music biographer Jake Brown interviews elite country songwriters...to get the true stories behind country music’s biggest and most enduring hits."
Parade Magazine

"Veteran music journalist Jake Brown spoke to a wide variety of the top songwriters in Nashville for his new book, taking a look at the writing process behind some of the most popular songs in classic and contemporary country."
TheBoot.com

"A new Jake Brown book…goes deep."
Country Music Television

"Puts songwriters in the spotlight!"
Billboard Country

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