Mark Daniel Sanders (born September 7, 1950) is an American country music songwriter. He has written 15 No. 1 hits, 50 singles, and over 200 cuts, including the famous

Lee Ann Womack Lee Ann Womack (; born August 19, 1966) is an American singer and songwriter. She has charted 23 times on the American ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs charts; her highest peaking single there is her crossover signature song, " I Hope You Dance" ...

single "

I Hope You Dance "I Hope You Dance" is a crossover country pop song written by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers and recorded by American country music singer Lee Ann Womack with Sons of the Desert. (Drew and Tim Womack of Sons of the Desert are not related to L ...

", co-written with

Tia Sillers Tia Maria Sillers is an American songwriter. She has written over 40 singles in multiple music formats, including the Lee Ann Womack single "I Hope You Dance (song), I Hope You Dance", and the Kenny Wayne Shepherd single "Blue on Black". Siller ...

. He has recently proclaimed himself the Vice Mayor of Centennial Small Dog Park in Nashville.

Early life

Sanders was born in

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...

on September 7, 1950. He lived in the Lemiert Park area of Los Angeles until his family moved to the City of Orange in Orange County. He graduated from Villa Park High School in 1968, lettering in basketball all three years, and then played two more years of basketball at Fullerton Junior College. While majoring in literature, Sanders also enjoyed surfing at the

University of California, San Diego The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego in communications material, formerly and colloquially UCSD) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in San Diego, California, United States. Es ...

, where he wrote his first songs. After graduation he worked as a VISTA volunteer in Arkansas for eighteen months, then earned his teaching certificate at the

University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas (U of A, UArk, or UA) is a Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States. It is the Flagship campus, flagship campus of the University of Arkan ...

in Fayetteville. He and his first wife returned to California in 1975, where he taught for three years in the

Orange Unified School District Orange Unified School District (OUSD) is a Public school (government funded), public school district headquartered in Orange, California. Orange USD serves the cities of Orange, California, Orange and Villa Park, California, Villa Park, the un ...

. He abandoned a teaching career after the passage of California's controversial

Proposition 13 Proposition 13 (officially named the People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation) is an amendment of the Constitution of California enacted during 1978, by means of the initiative process, to cap property taxes and limit property reassessmen ...

, then had a succession of menial jobs until making the decision to pursue songwriting as a career in Nashville in early 1980. He and the same first wife arrived in Tennessee on March 5, 1980. There were more menial jobs awaiting Sanders in Nashville: cooking at the Sailmaker and Ruby Tuesday's, substitute teaching, two years in charge of In School Suspension at Hillsboro High School and driving a tour bus. In 1986, he married Cindy Sasser whom he met while working at Hillsboro High School. After a lengthy, successful songwriting career, Mark now enjoys fly fishing the Yampa river in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where he and Cindy spend their summers, body surfing in Maui where they spend their winters, traveling and spending time with their adult children.

Career

Sanders' first songwriting credits included tracks on

Garth Brooks Troyal Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962) is an American Country music, country singer and songwriter. His integration of pop and rock elements into the country genre has earned him his immense popularity, particularly in the United States, ...

' 1990 album ''

No Fences ''No Fences'' is the second studio album by the American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released on August 27, 1990, and reached No. 1 on ''Billboard's'' Top Country Albums chart. The album also reached No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 ...

''. He also wrote singles for

Diamond Rio Diamond Rio is an American country music band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of Marty Roe (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, banjo), Dan Truman (keyboards), Dana Williams (bass guitar, vocals), Micah Schweinsberg ( ...

Tracy Lawrence Tracy Lee Lawrence (born January 27, 1968) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Atlanta, Texas, and raised in Foreman, Arkansas, Lawrence began performing at age 15 and moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 19 ...

, and

John Anderson John Anderson may refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * John Anderson (jazz trumpeter) (1921–1974), American musician * Jon Anderson (John Roy Anderson, born 1944), lead singer of the British band Yes * John Anderson (producer) (1948–2024 ...

.Mark D. Sanders :: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation
. Nashville Songwriters Foundation (July 9, 1950). Retrieved on 2011-11-16. Sanders was the NSAI Songwriter of the Year in 1995, a year that brought him five No. 1 hits. He also earned the same award in 1996. In 1997 he was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year, and had the ASCAP song of the year with

Lonestar Lonestar (formerly known as Texassee) is an American country music band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of Drew Womack (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Michael Britt (lead guitar, background vocals), Dean Sams (key ...

's "

No News "No News" is a song recorded by American country music band Lonestar. It was released in January 1996 as the second single from their debut album, ''Lonestar''. "No News" reached the top of the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in Ap ...

". In his career Sanders has written for a number of publishers: Acuff-Rose Publishing, Alabama Band Music, Mid-Summer Music, MCA Music Publishing, Starstruck Writers Group, Universal Music Publishing, and Large Vista Music. His self-owned publishing companies include: Mark D Music (sold to Universal Music in 1997), Soda Creek Songs, Yampa Tunes, Blue Clear Music, and Songs of the Sanderosa. On November 7, 2011, Mark D Sanders released "History & Hope", an album that features him singing 10 of his songs spanning his career, including "I Hope You Dance," and in 2017 he released a second CD entitled "First Fast Car." Sanders collaborated with

on the

song "

". The song became a No. 1 country hit and Top 20 pop hit for Lee Ann Womack, and received the Grammy Award for "Best Country Song," as well as a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. The song also received CMA & ACM Awards for Song of the Year in 2000. The song stayed atop the Billboard Country chart for five consecutive weeks.Tia Sillers I Hope You Dance
SongwriterUniverse Article. Retrieved on November 16, 2011. The song's popularity led to the release of a book entitled "I Hope You Dance", another collaboration of Sillers and Sanders, with sales of over 2,000,000 books to date. The book contains poems and writings inspired by the song. There is also an "I Hope You Dance" children's book and journal. Sanders and Sillers later collaborated again on an inspirational book entitled "Climb". In 2009 Sanders was inducted into the

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1970 by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. A non-profit organization, its objective is to honor and preserve the songwriting legacy that i ...

Inspiration and technique

Sanders attributes his writing abilities to self-editing and having faith in his writing.MARK SANDERS: Turning His Hobby Into A Career
American Songwriter (January 1, 1997). Retrieved on 2011-11-16.

No. 1 Hits

* " (This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing" –

Trace Adkins Tracy Darrell Adkins (born January 13, 1962) known professionally as Trace Adkins, is an American country music singer and actor. Adkins made his debut in 1996 with the album ''Dreamin' Out Loud'', released on Capitol Records Nashville. Since t ...

* " Blue Clear Sky" –

George Strait George Harvey Strait Sr. (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Strait has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He holds ...

* "

Come Cryin' to Me "Come Cryin' to Me" is a song recorded by American country music group Lonestar and it was released in April 1997 as the first single from their second studio album ''Crazy Nights''. The song reached the top of the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles ...

", "

" –

* " Daddy's Money" –

Ricochet A ricochet ( ; ) is a rebound, bounce, or skip off a surface, particularly in the case of a projectile. Most ricochets are caused by accident and while the force of the deflection decelerates the projectile, it can still be energetic and almost ...

* "

Don't Get Me Started "Don't Get Me Started" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Rhett Akins. It was released in March 1996 as the lead single from Akins' ''Somebody New (album), Somebody New'' album, it is also Akins' only number one hi ...

" –

Rhett Akins Thomas Rhett Akins Sr. (born October 13, 1969) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to Decca Records between 1994 and 1997, he released two albums for that label (1995's ''A Thousand Memories'' and 1996's ''Somebody New (a ...

* " She Had Me at Heads Carolina" -

Cole Swindell Colden Rainey Swindell (born June 30, 1983) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He has written singles for Craig Campbell (singer), Craig Campbell, Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery, and Luke Bryan, and has released four albums for W ...

* "I Hope You Dance" – Lee Ann Womack * "

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter ''The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter'' (1940) is the debut novel of American author Carson McCullers, who was 23 at the time of publication. It is a Southern Gothic novel about a deaf man named John Singer and the people he encounters in a 1930s m ...

" –

Reba McEntire Reba Nell McEntire ( ; born March 28, 1955), or simply Reba, is an American country music, country singer and actress. Dubbed "Honorific nicknames in popular music, The Queen of Country", she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Sin ...

* " If You've Got Love" –

John Michael Montgomery John Michael Montgomery (born January 20, 1965) is an American country music singer. Active from 1992 to 2025, he has had more than 30 singles on the ''Billboard (magazine), Billboard'' country charts. This total includes seven number-one singles ...

* "

It Matters to Me ''It Matters to Me'' is the second studio album by American country music artist Faith Hill. It was released in August 1995 via Warner Bros. Records Nashville. Having been certified 4× Platinum by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) ...

" –

Faith Hill Audrey Faith McGraw (; born September 21, 1967), known professionally as Faith Hill, is an American Country music, country singer. She is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, having sold almost 50 million albums worldwide ...

* " Money in the Bank" –

* " Runnin' Behind" –

* " They're Playin' Our Song" –

Neal McCoy Hubert Neal McGaughey Jr. (born July 30, 1958), known professionally as Neal McCoy and previously as Neal McGoy, is an American country music singer. He has released 10 studio albums on various labels, and has released 34 singles to country radio ...

* "

Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy ''Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy'' is an album released by American country music artist Chris LeDoux. It is his 24th album and his second for Liberty Records. "Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy" and "Cadillac Ranch" were released as singles. The fi ...

" –

Chris LeDoux Christopher Lee LeDoux (October 2, 1948 – March 9, 2005) was an American country music singer-songwriter, bronze sculptor, and hall of fame rodeo champion. During his career, LeDoux recorded 36 albums (many self-released), which have sold mor ...

* "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing" – Trace Adkins, 1997 (No. 1 Country) * "A Door" –

Aaron Tippin Aaron Dupree Tippin (born July 3, 1958) is an American country music singer, songwriter and record producer. Initially a songwriter for Acuff-Rose Music, he gained a recording contract with RCA Nashville in 1990. His debut single, " You've Got ...

, 1997 (No. 65 Country) * "A Matter of Wine" –

Mel Tillis Lonnie Melvin Tillis (August 8, 1932 – November 19, 2017) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Although he recorded songs since the late 1950s, his biggest success occurred in the 1970s as part of the outlaw country movement, ...

, 1983 * "A River Like You" –

Vince Gill Vincent Grant Gill (born April 12, 1957) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He played in a number of local bluegrass music, bluegrass bands in the 1970s, and from 1978 to 1982, he achieved his first mainstream attention after ta ...

, 2006 * "Ain't That the Way It Goes" –

Dave Kemp David Michael Kemp (born 20 February 1953) is an English former professional football player and manager. He was assistant manager at Middlesbrough. Playing career Kemp began his career with Harrow Borough, subsequently playing for Maidenhea ...

, 1983 (No. 75 Country) * "Another Friday Night" –

Kenny Chesney Kenneth Arnold Chesney (born March 26, 1968) is an American country singer. With 30 million albums sold worldwide, he released his debut, '' In My Wildest Dreams'', in 1994, and has since released 19 follow-ups. His albums spawned 27 singles tha ...

, 1996 * "Anytime" –

Rick Trevino Ricardo Treviño Jr. (born May 16, 1971), known professionally as Rick Trevino, is an American country music artist. Signed to Columbia Nashville in 1993, Trevino began his career that year with the release of his debut single "Just Enough Rope", ...

, 1996 * "Baby's Gone" – Trace Adkins, 2003 * "Backslider's Prayer" –

Ty England Gary Tyrone England (born December 5, 1963) is an American country music singer and guitarist. Initially a member of Garth Brooks' band, England began his solo career in 1995, recording a self-titled debut album on RCA Nashville. A second album ...

, 1996; Lesley McDaniel, 2000 * "Better Than It Used to Be" – Rhett Akins, 1998 (No. 47 Country) * "The Big Bad Broken Heart" –

Regina Regina Regina Regina was an American country music duo formed in 1995. The duo consisted of female singers Regina Leigh and Regina Nicks, respectively natives of Marshville, North Carolina and Lufkin, Texas. Leigh was formerly a backing vocalist in Reb ...

, 1997; Kimberlee Nash, 2003 * "Blue Clear Sky" – George Strait, 1996 (No. 1 Country);

Bob DiPiero Robert John DiPiero (born March 3, 1951) is an American country music songwriter. He has written 15 US number one hits and several Top 20 singles for Tim McGraw, The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Shenandoah, Neal McCoy, ...

, 2001 * "Bobbie Ann Mason" – Rick Trevino, 1995 (No. 6 Country) * "Buckaroo" – Lee Ann Womack, 1998 (No. 27 Country) * "Careful What You Wish For" –

Ricky Lynn Gregg Ricky Lynn Gregg (born August 22, 1959) is a country music artist of Native American descent. Active between the years of 1992 and 2001, he has recorded three studio albums: two on Capitol/Liberty Records (1992's ''Ricky Lynn Gregg'' and 1994's ...

, 2001; Texas Unlimited Band, 2005 * "Cheatin' On Her Heart" –

Jeff Carson Jeffrey Lee Herndon (December 16, 1963 – March 26, 2022), known professionally as Jeff Carson, was an American country music artist. Originally a session musician in Branson, Missouri, and later a demo singer, he was signed to Curb Records in 1 ...

, 1998 (No. 52 Country) * "Cold Dog Soup" –

Guy Clark Guy Charles Clark (November 6, 1941 – May 17, 2016) was an American folk and country singer-songwriter and luthier. He released more than 20 albums, and his songs have been recorded by other artists, including Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff ...

, 1999 * "Come Cryin' to Me" – Lonestar, 1997 (No. 1 Country) * "Come Home" – Trace Adkins, 2001 * "Come With Me" –

Zane Lewis Zane Lewis (born 1981) is an American visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York.Slenske, Michael"Spray It Loud" '' Wmagazine.com'', 10 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014. His abstract paintings and sculptures reference color field painting, poin ...

, 2008 * "Daddy's Money" – Ricochet, 1996 (No. 1 Country); Country Kickers, 1997 * "Divine Intervention" –

Greg Holland Gregory Scott Holland (born November 20, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamon ...

, 1994; Jeff Carson, 2001 * "Don't Get Me Started" – Rhett Akins, 1996 (No. 1 Country) * "Don't Take Your Love Away from Me" –

Randy Travis Randy Bruce Traywick (born May 4, 1959), known professionally as Randy Travis, is an American country and gospel music singer and songwriter, as well as a film and television actor. Active since 1979, he has recorded over 20 studio albums and ...

, 1996 * "Drinkin' Problem" –

Lori McKenna Lorraine McKenna ( Giroux; born December 22, 1968) is an American folk, Americana, and country music singer-songwriter. In 2016, she was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and won Best Country Song for co-writing the hit singl ...

, 2007 * "Fools Hall of Fame" – Barry and Holly Tashian, 1997 * "Geronimo" –

Andy Childs Andy Childs (born December 7, 1962) is an American country music singer-songwriter. In 1993, Childs released one studio album for RCA, which produced three singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. His highest charting s ...

, 1993; James T. Horn, 1997 * "Get a Guitar" – Jeff Carson, 1995 * "Girls Ride Horses Too" –

Judy Rodman Judy Mae Rodman (née Robbins; May 23, 1951)California Birth Index, 1905–1995 is an American country music singer and songwriter. In the mid-1980s, she was a successful recording artist; making it all the way to number one on the Billboard Ho ...

, 1987 (No. 7 Country) * "Hands On Man" –

Jeff Bates Jeffery Wayne Bates (born September 19, 1963) is an American country music artist. Signed to RCA Nashville in late 2002, Bates released his debut album ''Rainbow Man'' in May 2003. In 2005 he released his second album, ''Leave the Light On'' ...

, 2006 * "Happy As We Wanna Be" – Rhett Akins, 1998 * "Have a Nice Rest of Your Life" – Randy Travis, 1989 * "Heads Carolina, Tails California" –

Jo Dee Messina Jo Dee Marie Messina (born August 25, 1970) is an American country music artist. She has charted six number-one singles on the ''Billboard charts, Billboard'' country music charts. She has been honored by the Country Music Association and the ...

, 1996 (No. 2 Country) * "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" – Reba McEntire, 1995 (No. 1 Country) * "Here's Hopin'" –

Kathy Mattea Kathleen Alice Mattea (born June 21, 1959) is an American country music and bluegrass singer. Active since 1984 as a recording artist, she has charted more than 30 singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs charts, including four that reac ...

, 1989;

Roy Rogers Roy Rogers (born Leonard Franklin Slye; November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998), nicknamed the King of the Cowboys, was an American singer, actor, television host, and Rodeo, rodeo performer. Following early work under his given name, first as a c ...

& Randy Travis, 1991 * "Hills & Hollers" –

Adrienne Young Adrienne Adeana Young is an American Charlottesville, Virginia-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She is founder and operator of AddieBelle Music which produces her recordings. History A native of Tallahassee, Florida, in f ...

& Little Sadie, 2005 * "Hotwired" – Shawn Camp, 2006;

Porter Wagoner Porter Wayne Wagoner (August 12, 1927 – October 28, 2007) was an American country music singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. In 1967, he introduced singer Dolly Parton on his television show, ''The Por ...

, 2007 * "House Huntin'" – Matthews, Wright & King, 1992 (No. 68 Country) * "I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" –

Martina McBride Martina Mariea McBride (née Schiff, July 29, 1966) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is known for her soprano singing range and her country pop material. McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas, and relocated to Nashville, T ...

, 1999 * "I Hope You Dance" – Lee Ann Womack, 2000 (No. 1 Country/No. 1 AC /No. 14 Pop) ** NSAI Song of the Year for 2000–2001 ** 2000 ACM and 2000 CMA Song and Single of the Year ** 2000 Grammy for Best Country Song ** 2001 ASCAP Country Song of the Year ** 2001 BMI Country Song of the Year Sons of the Desert ** 2000

Oleta Adams Oleta Angela Adams (born May 4, 1953) is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter. She found limited success during the early 1980s, before gaining fame via her contributions to Tears for Fears' international chart-topping album '' The Seeds o ...

** 2001 Reigning Mercy ** 2001 Dennis Caplinger ** 2002 Willie Jolley ** 2003 Lisa Otey & the Desert Divas ** 2004 Ronan Keating ** 2004 Deborah Lippman ** 2005 Tia Sillers ** 2005 Glendon Smith Quintet ** 2006 Kim McAbee ** 2006 Gladys Knight * "I'm Up For Gettin' Down Tonight" – Clifford Curry, 1985; Savannah, 1985 * "I'd Rather Ride Around With You" – Reba McEntire, 1997 (No. 2 Country) * "I'd Say That's Right" –

Clay Walker Ernest Clayton Walker Jr. (born August 19, 1969) is an American country music artist. He made his debut in 1993 with the single " What's It to You", which reached Number One on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Son ...

, 1997 * "If I Could Live Your Life" –

Linda Davis Linda Kaye Scott (née Davis; born November 26, 1962) is an American country music singer. Before beginning a career as a solo artist, she had three minor country singles in the charts as one half of the duo Skip & Linda. In her solo career, Dav ...

& Reba McEntire, 1996 * "If I'm Ever Over You" –

Michelle Wright Michelle Wright (born July 1, 1961) is a Canadian country music artist. She won the Canadian Country Music Association's Fans' Choice Award twice (1993 and 1995). In 2011, Wright was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Wright ...

, 1992 * "If You've Got Love" – John Michael Montgomery, 1995 (No. 1 Country) * "I'll Take Care Of You" – Kathy Mattea, 1989 * "I'm Your Man" – Jason Sellers, 1997 (No. 37 Country) * "In The Blood" – Rob Crosby, 1992 (No. 48 Country) * "It Goes Without Saying" – Tim Malchak, 1988 (No. 35 Country) * "It Matters To Me" – Faith Hill, 1996 (No. 1 Country / No. 74 Pop) * "It's About Time" –

Julie Reeves Julie Reeves (born June 18, 1974) is an American country music recording artist and radio personality. She has had three hit singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart with two of those singles charting in the Top 40. Reeves was form ...

, 1999 (No. 51 Country) * "Just Another Heartache" –

Chely Wright Chely Wright (born Richell Rene Wright; October 25, 1970) is an American Activism, activist, author, and country music artist. She initially rose to fame as a commercial country recording artist with several charting singles, including the numb ...

, 1998 (No. 39 Country) * "Just As Dead Today" – Shawn Camp, 2006 * "Knocked Up" –

Heidi Newfield Heidi Kay Newfield (born October 4, 1970) is an American country music artist. She was lead singer, rhythm guitarist and harmonica player for the group Trick Pony, alongside Keith Burns and Ira Dean from 1996 until 2006, when she left in pursui ...

, 2008 * "Leaving This Life" – Lori McKenna, 2007 * "Like a Hurricane" – Kathy Mattea, 1987;

Pat Alger Patrick J. Alger (born September 23, 1947, in LaGrange, GeorgiaCarlin 2003, p. 3.) is an American country music songwriter, singer and guitarist and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010) and the Georgia Music Hall of ...

, 1991;

The Dillards The Dillards are an American bluegrass music, bluegrass and country rock band from Salem, Missouri. They are notable for being among the first bluegrass groups to have electrified their instruments, and they are considered to be pioneers of cou ...

, 1992 * "Little Miracles" –

Jenny Simpson Jennifer Simpson (née Barringer; born August 23, 1986) is a retired American middle- and long-distance runner. She won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 2011 World Championships, silvers at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships, and a ...

, 1998 * "Loretta Lynn's Lincoln" –

Josh Turner Joshua Otis Turner (born November 20, 1977) is an American Country music, country singer and songwriter. In 2003, he signed to Universal Music Group Nashville, MCA Nashville Records. That same year, his Long Black Train, debut album's title t ...

, 2006 * "Love and Gravity" –

BlackHawk Black Hawk and Blackhawk may refer to: Animals * Common black hawk, ''Buteogallus anthracinus'' * Cuban black hawk, ''Buteogallus gundlachii'' * Great black hawk, ''Buteogallus urubitinga'' * Mangrove black hawk, ''Buteogallus (anthracinus) s ...

, 1997 * "Love Like a River" – Daylon Wear, 2001 * "Love Will Carry The Load" –

Susie Luchsinger Martha Susan McEntire-Eaton (formerly Luchsinger, ; born November 8, 1957) is an American contemporary Christian music singer. She is the younger sister of Reba McEntire, Reba, Alice, and Pake McEntire, Pake. Susie Luchsinger profile Allmusi ...

, 1995 * "Love Won't Wait" – The Whites, 1986 (No. 36 Country) * "Macon Love" – David Wills, 1984 (No. 69 Country) * "The Man Behind the Wheel" – Charlie Floyd, 1993 * "Many a Mile" –

Collin Raye Floyd Elliot Wray (born August 22, 1960), known professionally as Collin Raye and previously as Bubba Wray, is an American country music singer. He initially recorded as a member of the band The Wrays between 1983 and 1987. He made his solo debut ...

, 1992 * "Many Mansions" –

Moe Bandy Marion Franklin "Moe" Bandy Jr. (born February 12, 1944) is an American country music singer. He was most popular during the 1970s, when he had several hit songs, both alone and as part of a duo with Joe Stampley. Early life and recordings Ma ...

, 1989 (No. 34 Country) * "The Memories Remain" –

Emmylou Harris Emmylou Harris (born April 2, 1947) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, and activist. She is considered one of the leading music artists behind the country rock genre in the 1970s and the Americana (music), Americana genre ...

, 1983; Barry and Holly Tashian, 1993 * "Mirror, Mirror" –

, 1991 (No. 3 Country); Bob DiPiero, 2001 * "Money In the Bank" – John Anderson, 1993 (No. 1 Country) * "My Heart Has a History" –

Paul Brandt Paul Rennée Belobersycky (born July 21, 1972), known professionally as Paul Brandt, is a Canadian country music artist. Growing up in Calgary, he was a pediatric nurse at the time of his big break. In 1996, he made his mark on the country music ...

, 1996 (No. 5 Country) * "Never Had a Reason To" – Reba McEntire, 1996 * "New Orleans" –

Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys are an American vocal quartet. The classic and most well-known lineup of the group, which performed together for over 40 years, consisted of William Lee Golden (baritone), Duane Allen (lead), Richard Sterban (bass), and Joe B ...

, 1999;

Toby Keith Toby Keith Covel (July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024) was an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman. Keith released his chart-topping debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy", in 1993. During the 1990s ...

, 1999 * "No News" – Lonestar, 1996 (No. 1 Country) — 1997 ASCAP Country Song of the Year * "Off My Rocker" –

Billy Currington William Matthew Currington (born November 19, 1973) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to Universal Music Group Nashville, Mercury Records Nashville in 2003, he has released seven studio albums for the label: his Billy Cur ...

, 2002 * "Off to Join the World" – Blaine Larson, 2003;

Cowboy Jack Clement Jack Henderson Clement (April 5, 1931 – August 8, 2013) was an American musician, songwriter, record producer, film producer and music executive. He was producer and engineer for Sam Phillips at Sun Records in its early days, discovering Je ...

, 2004 * "Oh Carolina" – Vince Gill, 1984 (No. 38 Country) * "On Again, Off Again" –

Nashville Bluegrass Band The Nashville Bluegrass Band is an American bluegrass music ensemble founded in 1984. The group's members first played together in 1984 as a backing band for Vernon Oxford and Minnie Pearl; each of the members was an established musician from th ...

, 1993 * "One Love, One You" – Oak Ridge Boys, 1987 * "The Other Side of This Kiss" – Mindy McCready, 1998 (No. 41 Country) * "Preachin' To The Choir" – Jeff Carson, 1995 * "The Quittin' Kind" –

Joe Diffie Joe Logan Diffie (December 28, 1958 – March 29, 2020) was an American country music singer and songwriter. After working as a demo (music), demo singer in the mid 1980s, he signed with Epic Records' Nashville division in 1990. Between then and ...

, 1999 (No. 21 Country / No. 90 Pop) * "Runnin' Away With My Heart" – Lonestar, 1996 (No. 8 Country) * "Runnin' Behind" – Tracy Lawrence, 1992 (No. 1 Country) * "Save This One For Me" – Rick Trevino, 1995 (No. 45 Country) * "See Rock City" – Rick Trevino, 1997 (No. 44 Country) Kentucky HeadHunters, 1997 * "She's Still There" – Trace Adkins, 1999 * "Small Towns Are Smaller for Girls" –

Holly Dunn Holly Suzette Dunn (August 22, 1957 – November 14, 2016) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Dunn recorded for MTM Records between 1985 and 1988, Warner Bros. Records between 1988 and 1993, and River North Records between 199 ...

, 1987 * "Spinning Straw Into Gold" – Barry & Holly Tashian, 1994 * "Straight to You" –

Brian McComas Brian McComas (born May 23, 1972) is an American country music artist. Originally signed to Mercury Nashville Records, and then Lyric Street Records in 2001, McComas charted two minor singles in 2001 and 2002. A year later, he charted the Top T ...

, 2003 * "Talk to My Heart" – Joan Kennedy, 1994 * "That'd Be Alright" –

Alan Jackson Alan Eugene Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American country music singer-songwriter. He is known for performing a style widely regarded as "neotraditional country", as well as writing many of his own songs. Jackson has recorded 21 studi ...

, 2003 (No. 2 Country / No. 29 Pop) * "That's a Man" –

Jack Ingram Jack Owen Ingram (born November 15, 1970) is an American country music artist formerly signed to Big Machine Records, an independent record label. He has released eleven studio albums, one extended play, six live albums, and 19 singles. Alt ...

, 2009 (No. 15 Country) * "That's Enough of That" – Mila Mason, 1996 (No. 18 Country) * "That's Me (Every Chance I Get)" – George Strait, 1997 * "That's One You Owe Me" –

Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter. Most of his music contains themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially songs from the later stages of his career. ...

, 1989 * "That's the Way I Feel" –

Delbert McClinton Delbert McClinton (born November 4, 1940) is an American blues rock and electric blues singer-songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player, and pianist. From his first professional stage appearance in 1957 to his most recent national tour in 2018, h ...

, 1990 * "That's What I Like About Love" –

Billy Dean William Harold Dean Jr. (born April 2, 1962) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He first gained national attention after appearing on the television talent competition '' Star Search''. Active as a recording artist since 1990, ...

, 1993 * "That's What Love'll Get You" –

Joe Nichols Joseph Edward Nichols (born November 26, 1976) is an American country music artist. Between 1996 and 2001, he held recording contracts with the Intersound and Giant Records (Warner), Giant labels. In 2002, he signed with Universal South Records, ...

, 2005 * "The Day That She Left Tulsa (In A Chevy)" –

Wade Hayes Tony Wade Hayes (born April 20, 1969) is an American country music artist. Signed to Columbia Records in 1994, he made his debut that year with his gold-certified album '' Old Enough to Know Better''. Its title track " Old Enough to Know Better", ...

, 1998 (No. 5 Country / No. 86 Pop) * "There You Are" – Martina McBride, 2000 (No. 10 Country / No. 15 AC / No. 60 Pop) * "They're Playin' Our Song" – Neal McCoy, 1995 (No. 3 Country) Bob DiPiero, 2001 * "Thinking 'Bout Leaving" – James & Michael Younger, 1983;

Gene Watson Gary Gene Watson (born October 11, 1943) is an American country music singer. He is most famous for his 1975 hit " Love in the Hot Afternoon", his 1981 number-one hit " Fourteen Carat Mind", and his signature 1979 song " Farewell Party". Wats ...

, 1983;

Butch Baker Butch Baker (born October 22, 1958) is an American country music artist. He recorded for Mercury Records in the late 1980s, releasing multiple singles between 1984 and 1990, as well as the album ''We Will''. His highest-peaking single, "That's W ...

, 1984 (No. 56 Country) * "This'd Be a Real Good Day" –

Chad Austin Chad Slivenski (born September 15, 1972) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler, known by his ringname Chad Bowman, who competed in East Coast and Mid-Atlantic independent promotions during the 1990s and 2000s. Early in his career, ...

, 2000 * "Those Hands" – Rhett Akins, 1995 * "Time Is a Bandit" – Ricky Skaggs, 1997 * "Tune of a Twenty Dollar Bill" – Lonesome River Band, 2002; Shawn Camp, 2004; Joey & Rory, 2008 * "Two Ways to Fall" – Barry & Holly Tashian, 1997; Rodney Redman, 2002; Ty England, 1996 * "Victim of the Game" – Garth Brooks, 1990;

Trisha Yearwood Patricia Lynn Yearwood (born September 19, 1964) is an American country singer. She rose to fame with her 1991 debut single "She's in Love with the Boy", which became a number one hit on the ''Billboard (magazine), Billboard'' Hot Country Songs ...

, 1991 * "Vidalia" –

Sammy Kershaw Samuel Paul Cashat (born February 24, 1958), known professionally as Sammy Kershaw, is an American country music singer. He has released 16 studio albums, with three RIAA platinum certifications and two gold certifications among them. More than 2 ...

, 1996 (No. 10 Country) * "Waitin' for the Day to Break" – Shawn Camp, 2006 * "Walking to Jerusalem" –

Tracy Byrd Tracy Lynn Byrd (born December 17, 1966) is an American country music artist. Signed to Universal Music Group Nashville, MCA Nashville Records in 1992, Byrd broke through on the country music scene that year with his 1993 single "Holdin' Heaven" ...

, 1995 (No. 15 Country / No. 92 Pop) * "Way Beyond The Blue" – The Bonners, 1988 (No. 99 Country); Roger Ballard, 1993 * "The Way Things Are Goin'" –

Darryl Worley Darryl Wade Worley (born October 31, 1964) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to DreamWorks Records Nashville in 1999, Worley released four albums for the label: ''Hard Rain Don't Last'' (2000), ''I Miss My Friend'' (200 ...

, 2000 * "What If I Do" –

Mindy McCready Malinda Gayle McCready (November 30, 1975 – February 17, 2013) was an American country music singer. Active from 1995 until her death in 2013, she recorded a total of five studio albums. Her debut album, 1996's '' Ten Thousand Angels'', w ...

, 1997 (No. 26 Country) * "What More Do You Want from Me?" –

Rhonda Vincent Rhonda Lea Vincent (born July 13, 1962) is an American Bluegrass music, bluegrass singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Vincent's music career began when she was a child in her family's band The Sally Mountain Show, and it has spanne ...

, 1996; Diamond Rio, 1998 * "Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy" – Chris LeDoux & Garth Brooks, 1992 (No. 7 Country); Country Dance Kings, 1993 * "When Her Love Was Mine" –

Pirates of the Mississippi Pirates of the Mississippi were an American country music band founded in 1987 in Nashville, Tennessee. The original members were Bill McCorvey (lead vocals, guitar), Rich Alves (lead guitar, background vocals), Jimmy Lowe (drums), Pat Severs ( ...

, 1995 * "When I Get Where I'm Goin'" – Nashville Bluegrass Band, 1993 * "When Life Hits Hard" – Ricky Skaggs, 1997 * "Willow In the Wind" – Kathy Mattea, 1989 * "Yeah Buddy" – Jeff Carson, 1995 (No. 69 Country) * "You Are What You Do" –

Highway 101 Highway 101 was an American country music band founded in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. The initial lineup consisted of Paulette Carlson (lead vocals), Jack Daniels (guitar), Curtis Stone (bass guitar, vocals), and Scott "Cactus" Moser (drum ...

, 1993;

The Moffatts The Moffatts are a Canadian pop/rock Country music, country band composed of brothers Scott Moffatt, Scott, Clint, Bob and Dave Moffatt. Scott was born on March 30, 1983, in Whitehorse, Yukon, and multiple birth, triplets Bob, Clint and Dave wer ...

, 1995 * "Your Woman Misses Her Man" – Chely Wright, 1997

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sanders, Mark D. American country songwriters American male songwriters Living people 1950 births Musicians from Los Angeles Songwriters from California Fullerton College alumni Musicians from Nashville, Tennessee University of California, San Diego alumni Songwriters from Tennessee