Alabama’s Randy Owen Leads 2013 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame have announced their inductees for 2013. Alabama front man Randy Owen, Will Jennings, Jeffrey Steele and Layng Martine, Jr. will each be inducted into the prestigious organization in a ceremony this fall

“Among all the great songwriters who have put the music in Music City, only a few are elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” says Pat Alger, chair of the foundation’s Board of Directors.  “This year we are delighted to bestow this honor upon Will Jennings and Jeffrey Steele in the songwriter category; Randy Owen in the songwriter/artist category, and Layng Martine, Jr. in the veteran songwriter category.”

Owen had a hand in penning many of Alabama's biggest hits, including 'Mountain Music,' 'How Do You Fall in Love' and 'Tennessee River.' Owen has also earned 12 BMI Awards, honoring his prolific songwriting abilities.

Jennings has had multiple cuts in all genres, including Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven,' Steve Winwood's 'Higher Love' and Tim McGraw's 'Please Remember Me.' He also wrote the Oscar-winning tune, 'My Heart Will Go On,' sung by Celine Dion for the 1997 film, 'Titanic.'

Steele has had over 500 songs recorded, including Rascal Flatts' 'Every Day,' Trace Adkins' 'I'm Tryin,' and 'Hell Yeah' by Montgomery Gentry. He has had 95 singles in the past eight years, which have collectively sold more than 50 million units.

Martine, Jr.'s success in music spans the decades. His many credits include Reba McEntire's 'The Greatest Man I Never Knew,' 'Way Down' by Elvis Presley and 'I Wanna Go Too Far' by Trisha Yearwood, as well as cuts by Kathy Mattea and the Pointer Sisters.

The four new inductees join 188 existing members of the organization, including Gene Autry, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Guy Clark, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks. The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, Oct. 17 at the Music City Center in Nashville. Tickets begin at $225 and can be purchased by calling 615-256-3354, or e-mailing hoftix@nashvillesongwriters.com.