BREAKING NEWS — A Celebration of Texas Songwriting
It’s official: George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Don Cook, and Keith Gattis will be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame early next year — a class that embodies the very heart and heritage of Texas music.
For decades, these artists have given voice to the stories of the Lone Star State, shaping country music and carrying its sound across the world.
George Strait: The King’s Timeless Pen
With over 60 No. 1 hits, George Strait has not only sung the soundtrack of Texas, he has helped write it. From Amarillo by Morning to Troubadour, his songs don’t just entertain — they endure, echoing with the values of resilience, humility, and pride.
“Songs are the way Texas speaks to the world,” Strait reflected in a statement. “To be honored for that part of my career — the writing — is something deeply humbling.”
Miranda Lambert: A Voice of Fire and Truth
Miranda Lambert has given country music some of its most raw, emotional, and powerful anthems. With songs like The House That Built Me and Tin Man, she has transformed personal stories into universal truths.
“Texas taught me how to write honest,” Lambert said. “The Hall of Fame is proof that truth matters — and I’m proud to stand among those who have carried it through song.”
Don Cook: The Architect of a Golden Era
Though his name isn’t always on the marquee, Don Cook shaped modern country music. As a songwriter and producer behind Brooks & Dunn’s Brand New Man and Boot Scootin’ Boogie, among countless others, his work defined a generation.
“I never chased fame,” Cook once said. “I just wanted to write songs that outlived me. To see them honored here, in Texas, is more than I ever hoped for.”
Keith Gattis: The Soul That Lingers
Gone too soon in 2023, Keith Gattis left behind a catalog that still resonates with aching beauty. His El Cerrito Place became an anthem of longing, and his collaborations with Strait, Chesney, and others revealed a writer with rare emotional depth. His posthumous induction ensures his voice will never fade.
“Keith wrote songs that came from the marrow of Texas,” shared a longtime friend. “This honor means his words will keep walking beside us.”
A Night of Legacy in Austin
The official induction ceremony will take place in Austin, Texas, with a star-studded night of performances and tributes. Fans can expect unforgettable collaborations as today’s rising stars join country legends to honor the class of 2026.
For Texas, this is more than an award. It is recognition that songwriting is the state’s truest export — carried from back-porch strums to stadium anthems, from dusty dancehalls to global stages.
Why It Matters
This class of inductees doesn’t just represent talent; it represents the soul of a culture. They remind us that songs aren’t just written — they’re lived. They hold the laughter, heartbreak, grit, and grace of Texas life.
And on the night of their induction, when the first chord is struck and the crowd rises in applause, it will be clear:
Texas doesn’t just make music. Texas is music.