Sean Gasaway aka “Bacon” is a Two-Time Native American Music Awards Song of the Year winning songwriter, recording artist, educator, and actor. Sean has over 250 revenue earning cuts in every major genre on the radio, in movies, television shows, commercials, and video games. Sean has performed with and written for 3 Doors Down, Chapel Hart, Cowboy Troy, Mickie James, Gayle, Rosevelt, and The Ying Yang Twins to name a few.

Dave Gibson moved to Nashville in 1982 and had his first top five song "Midnight Fire" with Steve Wariner that same year.  He got his first publishing deal with the Oak Ridge Boys and went on to write #1 songs for Tanya Tucker, Alabama, Confederate Railroad, Joe Diffe and Montgomery Gentry. Dave is currently writing children's books and his first one, “War at the Ice Cream Store” has received many awards.

Doug Gill has spent the last thirty years writing, recording and performing music in Nashville.  His songs have been recorded by Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, Chris LeDoux, Tammy Wynette, Wynonna and the Marshall Tucker Band. Doug's song "I Just Come Here For The Music", a duet with Don Williams and Alison Krauss, was nominated for a 2013 Grammy award. In 2018 his song “Peace In This House” was featured in the British film “Wild Rose”.

The music of Austin Gray has been described as “a sweet fusion of Country and Americana.” Austin has become known as one of a handful of artists to whom audiences listen intently. His songwriting—lyrics and music—combine the influences of Jason Isbell, Shakey Graves, Merle Haggard, Sturgill Simpson, and Jimmy Yeary.

Florida based artist John Hart is an acclaimed guitar player all along the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Leading up to his creation of the John Hart Project, John spent a few years touring the States. The warm, rich tones of John’s classical guitar playing background brings an exciting and fresh presence to his live show, while his unique weaving of finger picking and blues influence brings a flavor to the sound like no other.

The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival strives to offer the most talented songwriters on the gulf coast.  We continue that tradition with Grammy® Award Nominee Rhonda Hart who co-wrote “Did I Shave My Legs For This” with Deanna Carter. The twice Grammy nominated song recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary RE-RELEASE in collaboration with Vince Gill, Terri Clark, Sara Evans and Ashley McBride and is named one of the top 100 Best Female Country Songs of all time.

Son of country music legends, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Shepard, Hawk Jr. has made a name of his own, having recordings from such acts as Hank Williams Jr., Johnnie Lee, Ronnie McDowell  and many many others.  Hawk Jr. has had a magical career himself, opening for many great acts such as Marshall Tucker, Confederate Railroad, Aaron Tippen and many ,many other major acts. Hawk has played the Grand Ole Opry many times and lives and records in Nashville Tn. 

J.Hawkins is an institution on the gulf coast. J. has been playing at the FloraBama since 1978 and was the 2nd artist ever to play at the FloraBama on a regular basis.  He was involved with the 1st Frank Brown Songwriters Festival and has participated every year since that first year. He’s written songs with Hank Cockran, Larry Butler, Rusty McHugh, Troy Martin and many others. 

Mason Henderson, a Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Native began his career as a singer playing around town as a Duo at age fourteen. Mason has written and co-written over 50 original Rock/Alternative Rock/Indi Rock songs and is currently the Lead Singer/Lead Guitarist of the band “Saucy FuzZ”.

Born and raised in the heart of Kentucky, Connor Hicks moved to Nashville in 2021. He has since been plugged in with hit songwriters such as Jessi Alexander, Brock BerryHill, Doug Johnson, Billy Montana and several more. He draws inspiration from artists such as Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, and Billy Currington. The end of 2024, he introduced his first two songs to the world with Remembering Somebody and Heart I Used To Have. He has since released his third single, “Lonely Season”on Aug 1st of 2024 after catching traction on social media.

Monty Holmes, a Lubbock, Texas native, has been writing hit country songs in Nashville for over 25 years. Inspired by legends like Merle Haggard and Jimmie Rodgers, Holmes has penned major hits for George Strait, including “Troubadour” and “When Did You Stop Loving Me,” and co-wrote Lee Ann Womack’s debut single “Never Again, Again.” A respected demo singer and collaborator, he’s worked with top names in the industry. Holmes is a Grammy nominee, a multiple BMI Million-Air awardee, and currently signed with EMI Music Publishing.

Cass Hunter celebrates her 26th year at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Cass says this is her most FAVORITE time of year, in her most favorite place, Perdido Key, with her most favorite creative friends and music supporters.  Cass has shared the stage with a long list of Country Music greats.  That list includes the likes of Marty Stuart, LeRoy Parnell, George Jones, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Louvin, & many of her songwriting heroes.  

At eighteen he landed a job with superstar, Glen Campbell.  And, for twelve years Campbell introduced Carl all over the globe as “the greatest banjo player in the world”.   As a vocalist and musician, Carl has performed with practically every big name in the business and his production and songwriting credits include three Grammys along with countless other awards and nominations.  He’s a member of the  Mississippi Musician’s Hall of Fame and has been honored with an official Country Music Trail Marker in his hometown of Louisville, MS. 

He's had 27 #1 hits including the 2006 Grammy winning "Jesus, Take the Wheel." More than 700 of his songs have appeared on albums recorded by some of the biggest  artists in the world, realizing combined sales of over 110 million copies. Named ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010 and Music Row Magazine's Songwriter of the Year in 2015, he was elected into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. He served 18 years on the board of directors of the CMA and as a national trustee of The Recording Academy (The Grammys) and presently serves on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Mickie James-Aldis is a world-renowned American professional wrestler & award-winning singer & songwriter. An 11-time World Champion in a 25+ year career in World Wrestling Entertainment & TNA Wrestling, Mickie released her debut album in 2010 entitled "Strangers and Angels" & was Inducted in the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2017, winning the Nammy Award for Song of the Year for "Shooting Blanks." Mickie has performed worldwide, multiple CMA Country Music Fests & has shared the stage with other country music recording artists such as Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Gretchen Wilson and Randy Houser among others. 

Paul Jenkins is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer from Southeast Texas. After moving to Nashville at 20, he worked with artists like Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, and Katy Perry. In 2009, he signed with Sony ATV and scored a #1 hit with “Don’t You Wanna Stay” (Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson), earning Music Row’s Breakthrough Songwriter nomination. His songs have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Chris Young, and Rascal Flatts, receiving multiple industry awards. Now heading Bone Bone Creative, Jenkins recently celebrated another #1 with Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange.”

Cody Johnson (Alabama Cody) has been involved with the FB In-Schools Outreach program for a decade. He has written hundreds of songs - from classical to country to movie scores - and has performed in venues from the Gulf Coast to Carnegie Hall. Cody's students have won awards in songwriting, along with music scholarships to multiple universities throughout the years. Cody currently teaches voice, guitar, bass, piano, drums, and songwriting at Minds On Music® in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

“I tell folks, ‘I’m Cowboy. But don’t let the name fool you.’ Louis “Cowboy” Johnson doesn’t play countrymusic exclusively. His originals run in the acoustic folk, singer-songwriter vein,  incorporating elements of not just country but genres like soul and gospel.

Jason Justice is a Southern songwriter who is true to the roots of Country Music.  He has drawn his inspiration from icons like Waylon, Merle, Hank, Billy Jo and Guy Clark. Jason has opened for Alan Jackson, David Allan Coe, and Confederate Railroad and performed with his All Time Honky Tonk Hero, Billy Jo Shaver. His album, PAWN SHOP SIDE OF TOWN is getting radio play across the country and is available on iTunes!

Jim Parker has traveled extensively around the planet playing in 43 states opening for major acts. Jim’s facilitated Jim Parker‘s Songwriters Series at the Von Braun Center, Playhouse in Huntsville, Alabama since 2005. He’s written hits songs with and for John Anderson, Billy Droze and Mark O’Connor and has currently licensed a song on Netflix ABC, CBS, NBC plus two major Canadian networks on the “DB Cooper documentary “Where Are You”.

Canadian country artist Paige Penney brings a smoky edge and magnetic presence to the genre. Hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland, she’s been called “if Morgan Wallen and Halsey had a baby.” A 2025 Billboard and Mediabase Top 40 artist, she earned iHeart Radio’s Future Star and Acadia’s Breakout Artist. Her single “Southern Draw(l)” hit #34 and surpassed 500K streams. A John Lennon Songwriting Contest winner, Paige has opened for Alanis Morissette and Johnny Reid. Now based in Nashville, she’s writing with top producers and carving her place in modern country music.

Gretchen Peters is a Grammy-nominated, CMA Song of the Year-winning songwriter known for hits like “Independence Day” (Martina McBride), “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” (Patty Loveless), and “The Chill of an Early Fall” (George Strait). Raised in New York and Colorado, she moved to Nashville in 1987, where her songs were quickly picked up by top artists. She’s written for Faith Hill, Pam Tillis, and collaborated with Bryan Adams. Honors include Songwriter of the Year (1996 Nashville Music Awards) and the 2021 ACM Poet's Award. Peters is celebrated for her powerful, poetic storytelling.

Born in Mobile, she’s toured the country but makes the Gulf Coast her home. 

She’s a singer/songwriter/ guitarist who was "country when country wasn't cool." Her rockabilly style lends itself to the list of originals she has penned.

Bobby Pinson’s songs embody real-life situations, personal mantras, and the examination of the human condition. Bobby has had over two hundred of his songs recorded by country music superstars such as Toby Keith, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Sugarland, Brantley Gilbert, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Tracy Lawrence, Montgomery Gentry, and many more. Bobby has written over thirty Top 40 hits, including ten number one singles.

With over 40 years in music, Bo Porter has performed with legends like Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, and Diamond Rio. A former Dollywood entertainer, Bo has lived across the U.S. but proudly calls Texas home. He’s a regular at the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival and won the 2003 APRN Country Song of the Year. Bo was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year (2011) and Song of the Year at the 2014 Texas Music Awards. In 2016, he was one of eight selected for Texas Songwriters University, continuing his journey as a respected artist and storyteller.

One of the hardest working, independent women in the music business, Amanda, does things the old fashion way. With five records and two EPs under her belt, she is also a creative storyteller and living gypsy with a sound that will touch your soul. Touring across America with her guitar and one big story to tell- this unique and original sweetheart is one to watch push for success! Amanda has opened for several artists but her favorites were Robert Earl Keen and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Amanda is the president of Annie Mae Ministries, a non-profit organization that aids in helping the incarcerated learn survival and professional skills in songwriting. Geared for the highway, Amanda is eager to play music that matters and write songs that people will never forget. With a mission of "Bringing People Hope through Music and Songwriting", this gem is one to watch and really set a stage on fire.

With a voice as warm as a Gulf Coast sunset and a sincerity that’s felt in every line, Jonathan Puzan brings soul, honesty, and heart to every performance. A lifelong singer-songwriter and the creative force behind Honey Hive Records in Perdido Key, Jonathan has been captivating audiences along the Emerald Coast with his deeply personal storytelling and magnetic stage presence. Whether he's on stage or around a campfire, Jonathan’s music feels like a conversation with an old friend — honest, melodic, and full of life.

Ricky Randolf is a talented lifelong musician/songwriter and son of Mack Vickery.  His songs have been cut by a number of artists including Trent Tomlinson and The Band Perry. Over the years he has performed with Michael McDonald, Gregg Allman, the Derek Trucks Band and was the drummer for the amazing Col. Bruce Hampton.  Ricky offers a blend of country, rock and blues sounds.

Shelby Raye, a South Carolina-born country artist, brings southern grit and grace to Nashville. Singing since age 5, she fell in love with songwriting at 12. Her debut single, "Call Me Crazy," kicked off her journey to stardom. After performing with Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, and others, she moved to Nashville at 21 to chase her dream. Known for her sweet-but-sassy personality and powerful voice, her singles "Betty Crocker" and “Parachute” (Chris Stapleton cover) showcase her rising potential as a country superstar.

Described as, "Americana Heart & Southern Soul", Karen E. Reynolds has appeared in front of tens of thousands, has a respectable list of independent cuts and major label holds, and as an accomplished songwriter, was Inducted into the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame alongside Dolly Parton. A music industry consultant, Karen has taught songwriting and music business for universities and serves as Director for the FBISF Educational Outreach. This is her 25th year associated with FBISF. 

Alan Rhody’s songs are imaginative and compassionate stories, some of which can bring tears, others causing you to laugh out loud. He’s received BMI’s MillionAir-Plays Award for “I’ll Be True To You,” The Oak Ridge Boys No.1 classic. His songs have also been recorded by: George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Barbara Fairchild, Tanya Tucker, Del McCoury, Hoyt Axton, Lee Greenwood and Billy “Crash” Craddock, earning Rhody five Platinum and six Gold Record Awards along the way. 

Jessie Ritter plays a heartfelt brand of country. She is truly “Living the Dream” being a full time mom and part time musician. Through her career Jessie has been a songwriter in Nashville, sang all over the world performing for Carnival Cruise Line, and released four albums independently. In 2018 Jessie won Nash Next, a national country music competition, and signed a record deal with Big Machine Label Group. In 2021 she reached number one on The Country Network’s Top 20 Countdown and was featured on CMT with her song “Home”. She is currently writing and recording new music.

Bo’s first job playing guitar was playing with John Fogerty. He was lead guitarist and band leader for Hank Jr. for three years, lead guitarist for Gene Watson, writing songs for Gene, including #1, “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without.” Bo has a song called “Ten With a Two,” which was cut by Willie Nelson, then again in 2008, by Kenny Chesney. In 2012 Bo co-wrote the title track of Jamey Johnson’s “Living For a Song” Grammy -nominated album.

Henry Rogers was born and raised in Nashville, TN. He plays, sings, and writes in the Nashville-based band Willie Pearl. Henry has been writing songs and playing in bands since he was a kid. His influences include Jason Isbell, Jim James, Brittany Howard, Band of Horses, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, and Jason Molena.

Grammy award winner Matt Rossi is one of Nashville’s most talented songwriters, known for his emotionally rich lyrics and memorable melodies. His work has been recorded by legends like Garth Brooks and Willie Nelson. Rossi co-wrote standout tracks on Brooks’ 2023 album Time Traveler, including “Neon Neighborhood,” and contributed to 2020’s Fun with songs like “Stronger Than Me” and “Party Gras.” Brooks has praised him as “one of the most talented guys on the planet.” A true storyteller, Rossi blends heart and commercial appeal, creating songs that resonate across generations.

Referred to by Billboard Magazine as "One of Music Row's greatest veteran tunesmiths," Jerry Salley has had a successful, multi award-winning songwriting career.  Salley is the 2018 & 2019 IBMA Songwriter of the Year, the 2003 SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year, and was nominated for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2024 he was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame.   He has had over 600 songs recorded and his songs have sold in excess of 19 million records worldwide.

Originally from Chicago,  Pete Sallis knew he wanted to do music full time and Nashville was the one place where music was made.He got a gig on the road as a drummer. A dream come true!! Making a living as a musician. He traveled and played for different artists like Bob Carlilse, Michael English, , Mindy McCready,  Tim Rushlow (Little Texas singer), and many others.  Pete Sallis has cuts by American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, RCA pop star Betty Who, 3 time Grammy award winner blues artist Keb Mo, country superstars Ronnie Dunn, Maddie & Tae, Shenandoah,  and many more..  

Anna Scott brings gritty rock, soulful blues, and powerhouse vocals to modern country music. Raised in Cleveland and based in Nashville, she pairs blue-collar storytelling with bold, genre-blending production. A Belmont grad, she’s performed nationally and backed stars like Carrie Underwood and Russell Dickerson. Her original music has drawn comparisons to Ashley McBryde and Kassi Ashton, earning over 5,000 monthly listeners. Known for her magnetic stage presence and raw lyricism, Anna is quickly rising as a standout voice among emerging female country artists.

Mark Sherrill has been writing songs for over 30 years. He has cuts with George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Hoyt Axton, Charlie Rich, Tanya Tucker, Lacey J. Dalton, Willie Nelson, and Blake Shelton just to name a few. In 2002 he received the Nashville Songwriters Association International's Achievement Award for "Ole Red", co-written with Don Goodman and James Bohon.

Grammy-winning songwriter Jeff Silbar co-wrote “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” one of ASCAP’s most-performed songs and an AFI Top 100 Movie Song. With over thirty ASCAP awards, Jeff has written hits recorded by Ringo Starr, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Lang, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and many more. His work spans pop and country, earning multiple platinum albums and a Song of the Century Award. He was also named Songwriter of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Indiana native Jeff Silvey is a two-time ICA Producer of the Year, Dove Award winner, and accomplished pianist and baritone. He joined his first Gospel Quartet at 14 and later moved to Nashville, where he became a successful Christian and Country music artist. Jeff has over 300 recorded songs by artists such as George Strait, DC Talk, and The Oak Ridge Boys. He’s earned multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum awards. Formerly with Wimberley Music, he now writes and produces from Florida, while his music continues to be heard around the world.

Donna Slater is a singer/ songwriter whose vocal style and storytelling writing style reflects her Ozark roots. Slater has entertained primarily on the Gulf Coast and is equally at home in a listening room venue or rowdier stage. Donna’s mesmerizing vocal style can be best described as pure Ameicana. Her first album of originals was released Nov 2019 and is available on all digital platforms and her website.

Alabama-born singer-songwriter JB Somers blends gospel, soul, and modern pop to create music rooted in honesty and self-discovery. A former contestant on The Voice (Team Kelly Clarkson), JB turned his personal journey—from life in the Evangelical church to embracing his identity—into raw, emotional storytelling. His latest EP, Love, Myself, invites listeners to find freedom through vulnerability and authenticity, showcasing his soaring vocals and heartfelt songwriting.

Scott has released 8 CDs and has over 90 Independent Cuts. He performs regularly in Nashville at the Bluebird Cafe and the Commodore Grille as well as house concerts and many songwriting festivals around the country and overseas, recently headlining festivals in France, Spain, Norway, Germany and New Zealand. As a writer, Scott has had over 90 Independent Cuts and was named Country Music People Magazine's "Indie Songwriter of the Year for 2018". ALM Nashville Hall of Fame, AWA 2018 Pure Country Album of the Year and 2024 Josie Award Winner - Traditional Country Song of the Year. 

He’s a Grammy award winning producer and writer of multiple number one hits including "I Hate Everything" by George Strait, "Don't Rock The Jukebox" by Alan Jackson and "I Do (Cherish You)" by 98 Degrees. As Alan Jackson's longtime producer, the pairing has sold over 60 million records and with the Zac Brown Band, he  produced the group's first three albums, resulting in the group's first nine singles to reach number one on the country charts. 

Even Stevens, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, has written iconic hits like “When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman” by Dr. Hook and “I Love A Rainy Night” with Eddie Rabbitt. With 53 BMI Awards, he also penned ASCAP’s Most Played Song of the Year, “Love Will Turn You Around” by Kenny Rogers, and won BMI’s Song of the Year for “Suspicions.” Stevens has earned the BMI “Songwriter of the Century” title and a CMA Triple Play Award.

Tim is a modern-day troubadour. Born and raised in the arrowhead range of northern Minnesota, he has spent the last decade on the road, and has played some of the most iconic venues in the United States. Including The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and The Whiskey a go-go in Hollywood, CA.  The quality and content of his songwriting lets the listener into a world where following your dreams isn’t make-believe – it’s necessary.

Richard Sullivan is best known as being the worship leader at WOW, Worship on the Water, the church that meets at the Flora-Bama.  

He started playing guitar and singing in churches at 12. During his tenure of the past 8 years, the local Gulf Coast music scene has nurtured and encouraged him to write more.

His style covers multiple genres from country to rock blues. He has written songs about faith, family and failure. His 1st album is named “Testimony”.