Luke Bryan, co-writers, celebrate three Number Ones – Review by Preshias Harris for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Luke Bryan, co-writers, celebrate three
Number Ones – Review by Preshias Harris for Country Music News International
Magazine & Radio Show

‘Move,’ ‘Fast,’ ‘Light It Up’ all
chart-toppers

Luke Bryan is a songwriter at heart.  Admittedly, a songwriter who can really
sing, with a string of hits and awards to prove it.  But it’s clear that Luke truly values
songwriting and loves the amazing songwriters that he gets to work with.

He celebrated his 17th, 18th and 19th
Number One singles at a party held at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. Note that
those are all Number Ones as a recording artist, but his songwriting
career goes back a little further.  I
attended the party for his first Number One as a writer  back in July 2007, honoring ‘Good Directions’
that Luke co-wrote with Rachel Thibodeau for Billy Currington.

The three songs being recognized as Luke’s
latest chart toppers were:

·        
‘Move’ written by Luke Bryan,
Michael Carter and Jay Clementi

·        
‘Fast’ written by Luke Bryan,
Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird

·        
‘Light It Up’ written by Luke
Bryan and Brad Tursi

As Luke stepped up to receive his awards,
he was introduced as a two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year and a three-time
CMA Entertainer of the Year. In 2017, it was noted, Luke played live shows for
more than 1.5 million fans and chalked up over one billion streams.

Each of Luke’s co-writers shared some
memories about the songs.  Jay Clementi
said that this was his first No. 1 Award, drawing appreciative applause from
the attendees. “Cathy Gurley brought me to town and hooked me up to write with
[hit writer] Radney Foster who mentored me,” said Jay, who added that Foster
“must have seen something in me.”

Speaking about co-writing ‘Move,’ Michael
Carter said, “I was very fortunate to work with one of my best friends, Luke.”  Michael recalled writing for the first time
with Luke. “The very first place Luke and I stayed was Motel 6 off Harding
place [in Nashville]. I know that’s where we started writing.”

Luke said that he was in Europe when he
first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I
can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke,
adding, “and I co-wrote it!”

Brad Tursi told the story of ‘Light It Up,’
his first co-write with Luke at Luke’s new house.

“It was the first write in my new writer’s
room at my house,” added Luke. “When these genius songwriters give the demo to
genius musicians to record,” said Luke, the result is “genius songs” for fans
to hear.

When Rodney Clawson talked about co-writing
‘Fast,’ he took a moment to say, “Thank you, Luke, for letting me fish in your
pond.”  After the presentation, Rodney
reminded me that ‘Fast’ was his twenty-fourth No. 1 as a songwriter.

Luke Laird recalled an earlier writing
session that was his first ‘big’ co-write. 
“I suddenly realized that my co-writer thought I was Luke Bryan,”
said Laird with a smile.

Making the achievement even more
remarkable, all nineteen of these songs were consecutive Number Ones for
Luke Bryan.  He will soon be celebrating
again.  In May, ‘Most People Are Good’
became his 20th career chart-topping single.

Visit Luke Bryan’s website, https://www.lukebryan.com/welcome  for music and tour updates, including info on
the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018.

The party at the
Hutton Hotel was presented by ASCAP, BMI, Global Music Rights and
KPEntertainment.

Photo by Preshias Harris

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