Abby Whitman and Tenille Townes Co-Write a Song and Cover Real-Life Musical Inspiration

Over the course of four days, four teenaged students took the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's crash course in songwriting, each crafting, recording, and performing an original composition with the help of industry professionals. The five-episode series, "Words & Music: Journey of a Song," documents their experiences.

In this first episode, follow Abby Whitman on her inspiring journey to the heart of what makes a song, and ultimately, a successful recording artist. Guided by singer-songwriter and two-time ACM Award winner Tenille Townes, Abby takes her story and her song, "Peter in the Garden," from the page to the stage, her journey culminating in a professional demo and performance with the help of producer and engineer Kevin Daily and Big Machine Music President, Mike Molinar.

About Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes is a 15-time Canadian Country Music Association Award winner, a two-time JUNO Awards Country Album of the Year winner, and a two-time Academy of Country Music award winner. She is also the first female artist in Mediabase Canada history to achieve two #1 singles for “Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking)” and “Somebody’s Daughter.” Townes has opened for artists such as Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Keith Urban. She has also toured extensively in Australia, Ireland, and Germany, as well headlined sold-out shows in the UK. Her international touring efforts earned her a nomination for the Country Music Association’s International Artist Achievement Award.

Start Your Own Journey of a Song

Interested in starting your own journey of a song? Use the official "Words & Music: Journey of a Song" curriculum guide to write your own original lyrics or song and submit your work to the "Words & Music: Journey of a Song" Contest, presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with support from Omni Hotel Nashville and American Airlines. Enter by January 31 for the chance to win one of several prizes, including a scholarship to the Museum's songwriting camp in June of 2024.

Enter to win: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.or…

Stay Tuned

In the second episode of "Words & Music: Journey of a Song," join student songwriter Jazmine Croom on her journey of a song, featuring Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, arranger, and BMI executive Shannon Sanders, set to premiere December 20, 2023.