Steve Bogard—recently elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2025—is one of country music’s most enduring and influential hitmakers. He has written ten No. 1 country singles, including George Strait’s classics “Carried Away” and “Carrying Your Love with Me,” as well as the breakout hit “Prayin’ for Daylight” that launched Rascal Flatts’ career.

Albums featuring Bogard’s songs have surpassed 150 million units in worldwide sales. His catalog has earned twenty-two ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC awards, with cuts by a remarkable spectrum of artists ranging from Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless, and Restless Heart to Etta James, The Four Tops, Sinéad O’Connor, Jack Ingram, and more. He has received two Grammy nominations for Best Country Song with Dierks Bentley and has produced nine major-label album projects for Arista, Virgin, Lyric Street, and Sony. Recent cuts include songs by Gary Allan, Kristian Bush, and Restless Road.

Bogard’s longevity is unmatched—he has achieved at least one No. 1 song in each of the last five decades.

Beyond songwriting, Steve has been one of Nashville’s leading advocates for creators’ rights. More than fifteen years ago, he was elected to the Board of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), ultimately serving an unprecedented seven consecutive years as NSAI Board President. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in industry-wide legislative efforts, working closely with the NMPA, DiMA, RIAA, BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC to advance policy that strengthened protections and income for songwriters.