Annie Reuter
Senior Manager of Institutional Giving @countrymusichof / ✍️ Freelance writer + band bios / Founder yousingiwrite.com / 📧: atreuter@gmail.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Annie Reuter
Through Songs of Heartbreak and Hope, Erin Enderlin Continues to Honor Her Influences While Carving Out a Voice Uniquely Her Own
Erin Enderlin has been writing songs for as long as she can remember. Her narratives stop listeners in their tracks thanks to their vivid imagery, heart-wrenching storylines, and clever turns of phrase. It’s no surprise that country music royalty, including Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and Willie Nelson, have recorded her songs.
David Nail Embraces a New Chapter, Discovering His Most Meaningful Role is Sharing Stories That Offer Hope
David Nail never intended to make another album. The country singer-songwriter, who made his chart debut in 2002 with “Memphis,” didn’t enjoy making records. So, it comes as no surprise that Flowers marks his first solo album in more than a decade. The now-independent artist details the “insane pressure” he felt while on a major label.
Latest News, Stories, and Commentary
Get David Nail news, stories, and commentary from American Songwriter Magazine, the #1 source for music news since 1984
Jessie Jo Dillon Archives
Get Jessie Jo Dillon news, stories, and commentary from American Songwriter Magazine, the #1 source for music news since 1984
Kelly Clarkson Totally Didn’t Want to Win ‘American Idol’
Kelly Clarkson was the first-ever American Idol winner on Sept. 4, 2002, and she has gone on to have one of the most successful careers of any Idol alum. In 2018, sixteen years after she was crowned, she reflected on her big win in a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly. Clarkson admits that she didn't actually want to win the reality singing competition.
Kelly Clarkson Totally Didn’t Want to Win ‘American Idol’
Kelly Clarkson was the first-ever American Idol winner on Sept. 4, 2002, and she has gone on to have one of the most successful careers of any Idol alum. In 2018, sixteen years after she was crowned, she reflected on her big win in a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly. Clarkson admits that she didn't actually want to win the reality singing competition.
Kelly Clarkson Totally Didn’t Want to Win ‘American Idol’
Kelly Clarkson was the first-ever American Idol winner on Sept. 4, 2002, and she has gone on to have one of the most successful careers of any Idol alum. In 2018, sixteen years after she was crowned, she reflected on her big win in a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly. Clarkson admits that she didn't actually want to win the reality singing competition.
Annie Reuter
This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts
Latest News, Stories, and Commentary
Get Lori McKenna news, stories, and commentary from American Songwriter Magazine, the #1 source for music news since 1984
Bridging Past and Present: Jo Dee Messina’s Latest Project Marks First Album of New Music in 12 Years
Jo Dee Messina is known for her powerful anthems, confident kiss-offs, and heartfelt ballads. Throughout her career, the singer has amassed nine No. 1 hits and 16 Top 40 songs. A fixture on country radio in the ’90s, Messina made chart history in 1998 as the first female country artist to garner three consecutive multi-week No. 1 songs from an album with “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” and “Stand Beside Me.” Nearly 30 years later, the Massachusetts native returns.
After 45 years, Jeffery Steele Says He’s Still Having Fun
Jeffrey Steele has written the soundtrack to many people’s lives with his universal lyrics and catchy melodies. For the past 45 years, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer has intertwined his life within the lyrics of his songs. The tragedy of losing his father and son (Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most,” Steven Wilson Jr.’s “Grief is Only Love”) and his teenage years spent in rock bands (Rascal Flatts’ “These Days,” Montgomery Gentry’s “Hell Yeah”) are several examples.
WATCH: Faith Hill Gave One of the Best Super Bowl Anthem Performances of All Time
On Jan. 30, 2000, just before the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans at Super Bowl XXXIV with a score of 23–16, Faith Hill sang the national anthem, and she killed it. The Rams captured their first Super Bowl win and first NFL championship since 1951 that year, and Hill's home team, the Tennessee Titans, made their first appearance in a Super Bowl.
Faith Hill Gave One of the Best Super Bowl Performances
It's one of the best Super Bowl performances of all time. Continue reading…
When Faith Hill Gave One of the Best Super Bowl Anthem Performances of All Time
Annie Reuter January 30, 2026 at 8:20 AM On Jan. 30, 2000, just before the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans at Super Bowl XXXIV with a score of 23–16, Faith Hill sang the national anthem, and she killed it. The Rams captured their first Super Bowl win and first NFL championship since 1951 that year, and Hill’s home team, the Tennessee Titans, made their first appearance in a Super Bowl. What Was Faith Hill’s Super Bowl National Anthem Performance Like?
Songwriter Sandy Knox Reinvents the Memoir by Combining Narrative and Song in a First-Of-Its-Kind Audiobook Musical
Sandy Knox, the Grammy-nominated songwriter behind many of Reba McEntire’s hits, laughs as she recalls the first song she wrote at age 11. It was a song titled, “Oh Since We Broke Up, Chuck.” “I called it, ‘Up Chuck,’” she tells American Songwriter. “It was so bad, but it was clever.” Knox’s parents fostered her love of music and bought her a guitar before she penned her first song.
American Songwriter September/October Cover Story: Sarah McLachlan Finds Joy on 'Better Broken,' Her First Album of New Music in 11 Years-“I Thought This Would Probably Be My Last Record” - American Songwriter
“I thought this would probably be my last record,” Sarah McLachlan says of Better Broken, her first new album in over a decade. The singer-songwriter isn’t sure why it took so long, but returns with a project that is timely and includes some of the best songs she’s written. “There was just life,” she tells American Songwriter during a video call from her home in Canada, reflecting on the 11 years since Shine On, her last album of original material. “I got really busy. I had two teenage daughters.
Crafting Careers with Care: SESAC Elevates Songwriters and Creators
Songwriters are the heartbeat of the music industry. With a constantly changing landscape, creators need more guidance when navigating the business. That’s where SESAC comes in. The Performing Rights Organization, which licenses the public performance of more than 1.5 million songs on behalf of its 15,000+ affiliated songwriters, composers, and music publishers, also fosters invaluable relationships between its creatives and artist reps.
How Cam's 'All Things Light' Was Inspired By Her Daughter, Beyoncé & "Exploring Deeper Questions"
Cam The GRAMMY-winning country star opens up about the life experiences and lessons that shaped her introspective new album, and how the project is "100 percent what I wanted it to be." |GRAMMYs/Jul 22, 2025 - 04:21 pm Cam admits she's been in survival mode for the past five years. But it resulted in one of her most authentic projects to date. All Things Light, her reflective new album out now via RCA Records, sees the country singer/songwriter embracing life's highs and lows.
Porter Martin’s “Walking the Floor” is out now
Country singer-songwriter releases sultry debut radio single Song link: Walking the Floor - Porter Martin Songwriters: Porter Martin, Philip Darrel Hooper, James Travis Dawes, Sean Overbeeke NASHVILLE, Tenn.
One Direction's Liam Payne & Cheryl Cole Welcome a Baby Boy
By Annie Reuter (RADIO.COM) – Liam Payne is now a proud father. His first child, a boy, was born on March 22. The former One Direction member and his girlfriend, Cheryl Cole, announced the birth on Sunday. Former X Factor judge Cole announced the news via Instagram with a photo of Payne holding their baby. "On Wednesday 22nd March Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy, weighing 7lb 9 and looking like a dream," she wrote.
Scott Stapp Goes Behind “If These Walls Could Talk” with Dorothy as They Ready to Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
Scott Stapp teams up with Dorothy on the captivating acoustic ballad “If These Walls Could Talk,” which he penned with Kylie Sackley and frequent collaborators Marti Frederiksen and Scott Stevens. Stapp’s first duet, “If These Walls Could Talk” was an emotional writing session. “There were things going on in my personal life, and it was heavy for me that day,” he recalls of the writing session. “I came in, and I needed to get these emotions out.
Kelly Clarkson Totally Didn’t Want to Win ‘American Idol’
The singer reflects on her big win … that she didn't really want. Continue reading…
Kelly Clarkson Totally Didn’t Want to Win ‘American Idol’
By signing up for our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Kelly Clarkson Totally Didn’t Want to Win ‘American Idol’
Kelly Clarkson was the first-ever American Idol winner on Sept. 4, 2002, and she has gone on to have one of the most successful careers of any Idol alum. In 2018, sixteen years after she was crowned, she reflected on her big win in a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly. Clarkson admits that she didn't actually want to win the reality singing competition.
Darius Rucker Shares His Truth in New Memoir ‘Life's Too Short’
Darius Rucker has shared his life through music for 30 years. Now, the Hootie & the Blowfish frontman and Grand Ole Opry member peels back the curtain to his genre-bending career with an in-depth memoir. Life’s Too Short: A Memoir by Darius Rucker, available May 28 via Dey Street Books, is an honest and heartfelt look back on the three-time Grammy Award-winning singer’s life.
Darius Rucker and Jennifer Nettles Go Behind the Song: “Never Been Over”
“Never Been Over” Written by Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne Featuring Jennifer Nettles Darius Rucker teams up with Jennifer Nettles on the heartbreak ballad “Never Been Over,” which he penned with Lee Thomas Miller and Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne. Originally featured on his 2023 album Carolyn’s Boy, Rucker re-recorded the song to include Nettles on the new version. Osborne recalls Miller bringing the idea to the table on the day the trio signed onto Zoom in May 2020.
Hit Songwriter Skip Ewing Paints a Scenic Picture with ‘Road to California’ (Exclusive)
“Every songwriter I know wants to write something that matters,” Skip Ewing tells American Songwriter. “It’s not just about charts. It’s about hearts.” As it turns out, Ewing knows how to write both songs that matter and chart-topping hits. The award-winning country singer/songwriter has penned 11 No. 1 singles for artists including Kenny Chesney (“You Had Me From Hello”), Clint Black (“Something That We Do”), Diamond Rio (“I Believe”), and Collin Raye (“Love, Me”).
Randy Travis Debuts on the Grand Ole Opry
Randy Travis is celebrating a major milestone today (March 7). On this day in 1986, the singer made his debut on the famed Grand Ole Opry stage. Travis was introduced by Little Jimmy Dickens and performed Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Three months later, he would go on to release his debut album, Storms of Life. The year proved to be a pivotal one for the singer, who returned to the Opry on Dec. 20 and was asked to become an Opry member that night.
Remember When Randy Travis Made His Opry Debut?
On this day in 1986, the singer made his debut on the famed stage. Continue reading…
Exclusive: Country Music Hall of Fame Member Bob McDill Shares Unique Journey to Nashville and Country Music
Country Music Hall of Fame member Bob McDill never envisioned himself as a country songwriter. A fan of folk music, his early songwriter inspirations included Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon. “They were great lyricists,” McDill tells American Songwriter of Mitchell and Simon. “Paul Simon, especially, had something to say. He painted beautiful pictures but he never preached. He never tried to tell you this should be your point of view.
You Sing I Write Featured On Nashville Voyager
I recently chatted with Nashville Voyager about my journey to Music City. It was quite the experience to be on the other side of an interview! Below is an excerpt of our chat. Annie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved to write. As a kid, I’d write plays when my cousins visited that we’d later act out for our parents during family get-togethers.
24 Years Ago Today: Faith Hill Sings the National Anthem at Super Bowl — Watch!
On Jan. 30, 2000, just before the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans at Super Bowl XXXIV with a score of 23–16, Faith Hill sang the national anthem, and she killed it. The Rams captured their first Super Bowl win and first NFL championship since 1951 that year, and Hill's home team, the Tennessee Titans, made their first (and so far, only) appearance in a Super Bowl.
24 Years Ago Today: Faith Hill Sings the National Anthem at Super Bowl — Watch!
On Jan. 30, 2000, just before the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans at Super Bowl XXXIV with a score of 23–16, Faith Hill sang the national anthem, and she killed it. The Rams captured their first Super Bowl win and first NFL championship since 1951 that year, and Hill's home team, the Tennessee Titans, made their first (and so far, only) appearance in a Super Bowl.
Tigirlily Gold Says New Single “I Tried a Ring On” Reveals a “More Vulnerable Side of Who We Are”
Tigirlily Gold kicks off 2024 with new music. The country duo, made up of sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, unveiled their new single “I Tried a Ring On” today (January 5). The introspective ballad shows a different side of the sisters, who introduced themselves with the feel-good top 40 single “Shoot Tequila” last year. Kendra shares that “I Tried a Ring On” is one of her favorite songs the pair has written. She penned the track with Krista, Pete Good, and Josh Jenkins.
Tigirlily Gold Says New Single “I Tried a Ring On” Reveals a “More Vulnerable Side of Who We Are”
Tigirlily Gold Says New Single “I Tried a Ring On” Reveals a “More Vulnerable Side of Who We Are” Tigirlily Gold kicks off 2024 with new music. The country duo, made up of sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, unveiled their new single “I Tried a …
Jeff Cohen on New Single “All the Light” and Songwriting: “I Will Keep Doing This Until I Can’t”
Jeff Cohen has shared his songs with the world for more than 20 years. His cross-genre catalog includes cuts by Sugarland, Josh Groban, and Marc Broussard alongside hit singles by Evan & Jaron (“Crazy for This Girl”), Big & Rich (“Holy Water”), and The Band Perry (“Postcard From Paris”).
The Writer’s Block: Tauren Wells on the Importance of Songwriting and “Making Music with a Conscience”
Tauren Wells welcomes the new year on a high note. The Christian singer/songwriter and eight-time GMA Dove Award winner is preparing to release new music and open a church in Austin, Texas. American Songwriter chatted with the singer about his songwriting journey, finding his creative tribe, and how songwriting and preaching go hand in hand.
5 Things to Know About George Birge
George Birge kicked off 2024 with the No. 1 song in country music this week. “Mind on You” marks the singer/songwriter’s debut No. 1 on the Mediabase country chart. Birge, who penned the song with Colt Ford, Jaron Boyer, and Michael Tyler, also celebrates a decade of living in Nashville this year. The solo artist and father of two has proven Music City’s ten-year town adage true with his long journey to the top of the charts. Here are five things to know about the hit solo artist.
American Songwriter January/February Cover Story: Sheryl Crow Pours Honesty and Vulnerability into Her Music-“Telling the Truth Feels Instinctual”
“I was a kid who dreamed rock and roll, who pored over album covers,” Sheryl Crow said during her 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction acceptance speech in November. “I knew every name of every musician on every album cover, and I found my identity in the lyrics from the songs that I’m sure were written for me. … Music is a universal gift that we all share.” For more than 30 years, Crow has shared her timeless songs with the masses.
Corey Kent on Roy Clark’s Impact: “He Was a Master of Commanding a Room”
Corey Kent’s 2023 included many firsts. The singer kicked off the year with his Grand Ole Opry debut in January and celebrated his first No. 1 at country radio with “Wild As Her” in May. In an interview with American Songwriter backstage at the Grand Ole Opry during the Opry NextStage Live concert in early December, the Texas-based artist reflected on his whirlwind year, shared songwriting advice, and detailed what the late Country Music Hall of Famer Roy Clark taught him.
Jackson Dean Reflects on 2023 Whirlwind: “I’m Just Doing the Best I Can”
Jackson Dean has been writing songs for the past decade. The 23-year-old Maryland native credits inspiration for his early songs to his older brother, whom Dean frequently wrote about while his sibling was at sea. In an interview with American Songwriter backstage at the Grand Ole Opry during the Opry NextStage Live concert in early December, Dean recalls penning his first song, details the meaning behind his single “Fearless (The Echo),” and shares what’s in store for 2024.
Songwriter U: How Vinyl is Made from the Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association
As vinyl sales continue to increase year to year, the Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association (VRMA) aims to bring awareness and advocacy to the industry. A professional trade association of independent businesses committed to the craft of vinyl record manufacturing, VRMA explains how vinyl is made in their guest piece for American Songwriter.
Writer's Room: Jessie Jo Dillon—“What Would My Dad Say?”
Written by Jessie Jo Dillon When I began writing songs, I often thought: ‘What would my Dad say? How would he express it? How would he sing it? How would he write this song?’There was rarely a writing room in my early days when he wasn’t brought up, and I’m still often asked about him. After all, he is Dean Dillon, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, BMI Icon, Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame member, writer of all our favorite George Strait songs, and my hero. The bar will always be high.
American Songwriter's Top 25 Artists of 2023
There was no shortage of new music, groundbreaking tours, or chart-setting records made in 2023. Whether it was Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour breaking a Guinness World Record, a Travis Scott concert being mistaken for an earthquake, or a rock album from global favorite Dolly Parton, the year was a memorable one. After much deliberation on who were the biggest artists of the year, American Songwriter shares our top 25 artists of 2023.
The Gaslight Anthem Make Triumphant Return and Share Advice from Bruce Springsteen-“I Can't Believe That it Happened”
The Gaslight Anthem’s reunion story is so unbelievable, that one might think it was simply New Jersey lore. The incredible tale involves a fundraiser for the governor and meetups with Garden State musical heroes Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen.
Jessie Jo Dillon on Sharing Grammy Songwriter of the Year Nom with Shane McAnally: “He Helped Give Me Some of My First Little Wings as a Writer”
Jessie Jo Dillon finds herself among the Songwriter of the Year nominees at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Having penned Old Dominion’s No. 1 hit “Memory Lane,” she was selected alongside Edgar Barrera, Shane McAnally, Theron Thomas, and Justin Tranter.
Tigirlily Gold Discuss Holiday Single “Falalala Falling” and Reflect on 2023: “This Year Has Given Us Whiplash in the Best Way”
Tigirlily Gold’s whirlwind year includes career bucket list items like making their Grand Ole Opry debut, garnering their first top 40 single at country radio with the anthemic single “Shoot Tequila,” and releasing their debut EP Blonde. The country duo made up of sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, close out 2023 with the feel-good holiday original “Falalala Falling.” In their last interview of 2023, Kendra and Krista discuss writing “Falalala Falling” in the spring.
George Birge Pitched Top 5 Single “Mind on You” to Jason Aldean and Then Took It Back: “It Completely Changed My Life”
George Birge was at a crossroads the day he wrote “Mind on You.” In between an artist career and a songwriting career, Birge says the song was penned during an eight-month period where he was “in limbo.” “I was a songwriter,” he tells American Songwriter. “I was trying to get outside cuts from other people.
Exclusive: Ronnie Dunn Says Garth Brooks Named His Next Album
Ronnie Dunn and Garth Brooks team up on the rollicking country single “Rodeo Man.” The high-energy duet, the most added song the week of its release, is now in the top 40 at country radio. In an interview with American Songwriter at the 2023 BMI Country Awards, Dunn shared how the collaboration came together and explained that you don’t tell Brooks no. “I’m doing a cowboy record called Lone Star, which he named actually,” Dunn tells American Songwriter. “I had another name for it.
Old Dominion Close Out 2023 with Sold-Out Nashville Show, Announce New Midtown Bar Odie’s
Old Dominion’s No Bad Vibes Tour came to a triumphant end on Friday (December 15) with a sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. For two hours and over 20 songs, the band proved why they’re the six-time CMA and ACM Group of the Year with a dynamic set that spanned their catalog of hits and showcased their adept songwriting. The night was a special one for the band of songwriters, who had learned their No. 1 single “One Man Band” surpassed 1 billion streams moments before stepping onstage.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Annie
Contact Annie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack