From a commercial standpoint, Ashley Gorley is the most commercially successful songwriter of all time.
A native of Kentucky, Gorley has written an unprecedented 80 No. 1 radio singles and nearly 500 releases with artists including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi and Weezer.
Career-defining moments
Regarding his career-defining moments, he revealed: “Probably the 11 years I was in the city before I was a success! I don’t think it’s easy.”
“It drives me to get my songs right, so the work ethic helped me, especially knowing how hard it was in the beginning,” he added.
Advice for young and aspiring composers
To young and emerging country songwriters, he declared, “Patience is part of it. Don’t try to copy anybody else.”
“Bring all your influences; don’t deny your influences,” he said. “If no one is ready for it now, they might be in two or three years, so write for the future. Don’t write for what’s out now.”
Success
In his definition of the word success, he revealed: “Success, to me, means being able to make my kids’ ball games at 3:30 p.m. if I want to.”
“Being able to be my own driver. Success is being happy doing something you love and getting paid for it is a bonus. That’s success to me,” he noted.
Favorite song by Martina McBride
When asked what his favorite Martina McBride song is, Gorley revealed contemporary radio staples like “Independence Day,” “This One’s for the Girls,” “Happy Girl” and “Broken Wing.” “Martina McBride is amazing,” he exclaimed.
Fun fact: Ashley Gorley wrote Blake Shelton and Martina McBride’s duet “I’m Sorry” from their album “Red River Blue.”
