Jazmine Croom and Shannon Sanders Co-Write a Song and Discuss Musical Authenticity

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 second episode, follow Jazmine Croom on her inspiring journey to the heart of what makes a song, and ultimately, a successful recording artist. Guided by Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, arranger, and BMI executive Shannon Sanders, Jazmine takes her story and her song, "Last Thing," from the page to the stage, her journey culminating in recording a demo and performing her song live in the CMA Theater with the help of producer and engineer Kevin Dailey and Big Machine Music President, Mike Molinar.

About Shannon Sanders

Songwriter, producer, arranger, and BMI executive Shannon Sanders is a three-time Grammy-winner, a two-time Emmy winner, and a Dove award winner. He has worked with artists including India.Arie, Jonny Lang, John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Robert Randolph, and Chris Stapleton. He is also the founder of Nashville's classic R&B station 102.1 FM "The Ville", a city commissioner for the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, and a board member of the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, the Nashville Ballet, CMA, and ACM. Sanders was named as one of the 2016 Black Enterprise 100 Modern Men of Distinction.

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.

Learn more: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.or…

Stay Tuned

In the third episode of "Words & Music: Journey of a Song," join student songwriter Max Rees on his journey of a song, featuring singer-songwriter and Monument Records recording artist Caitlyn Smith, set to premiere December 27, 2023.