Nashville Hitmakers

Experience the stories behind the hits in this intimate evening of music and storytelling. Featuring Hall of Fame songwriters Victoria Shaw and Gary Burr alongside Richmond’s own Carrie Brockwell, this program brings Nashville’s biggest songs to life with the Richmond Symphony. Hear the songs you love—and the stories that made them. Click on the songwriter’s image below to learn more about their careers! Gary Burr Long before his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, Gary Burr had already established himself as one of the most respected songwriters in the music industry. Widely known in Nashville as a songwriter's songwriter, Burr has earned more than 20 ASCAP Awards, multiple Songwriter of the Year honors, and a reputation for crafting songs that stand the test of time. His impressive catalog spans country, pop, and adult contemporary music, with hit songs including "That's My Job" (Conway Twitty),"I Try to Think About Elvis" (Patty Loveless),"Can't Be Really Gone" (Tim McGraw),"In a Week or Two" (Diamond Rio),"To Be Loved By You" (Wynonna), and "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me" (Juice Newton). His songwriting talents have also reached the pop charts through songs recorded by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bolton, Clay Aiken, Ricky Martin, and Christina Aguilera. What sets Burr apart is his remarkable versatility. Whether writing an emotional ballad, a radio-ready country hit, or a crossover pop success, he has a unique ability to capture complex emotions in simple, memorable lyrics. His collaborators have included legendary artists such as Carole King, Kenny Loggins, and Ringo Starr, further cementing his place among music's most respected creative voices. Learn More Victoria Shaw When Victoria Shaw was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024, it marked the culmination of a career that has helped shape modern country music. Known for writing songs that blend emotional honesty with unforgettable melodies, Shaw emerged as one of Nashville's defining hitmakers in the 1990s, earning a CMA Triple Play Award for writing three No. 1 songs in a single year. Her catalog includes some of country music's most enduring favorites, including "The River" (Garth Brooks),"She's Every Woman" (Garth Brooks),"I Love the Way You Love Me" (John Michael Montgomery), and "Too Busy Being in Love" (Doug Stone). These songs helped define an era of country music and remain staples for fans today. Beyond country radio, Shaw's songwriting has reached audiences around the world through songs such as "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely" (Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera), demonstrating her rare ability to connect across genres. What makes Shaw especially beloved in Nashville is her gift for storytelling. Her songs often begin with deeply personal emotions and evolve into universal experiences, allowing listeners to see their own lives reflected in the music. Learn More Included in the Pops @ Carpenter curated subscription package