At the Regional Sites

Chords and Conversation Raises Awareness, Funds

By Jessica Thomas, Section Manager

The third-annual Chords and Conversations songwriters event hosted by Texas Tech University at Waco was held Jan. 30 at the Waco Hippodrome.

Lewis Snell, director of Texas Tech at Waco, says Chords and Conversations was created to raise awareness about Texas Tech's programs in Waco by connecting with the local alumni base and offering an opportunity to support – in a powerful way – local college students who are pursuing their dreams.

The night began with a special appearance by the Texas Tech Masked Rider and a pre-show catered dinner. Set to perform were three of Nashville's most-recognized and prolific songwriters: Scotty Emerick, Marv Green and Paul Overstreet, who presented acoustic versions of their hit songs.

"The song writers were authentic and related stories about the people, places and circumstances that inspired their songs," Snell said. "Even those folks who do not listen to country music on a regular basis can appreciate the progression of writing a song and enjoy the lyrics behind the music. Having the Masked Rider attend is also becoming a spirited addition to the evening."

Emerick has penned several of his friend and fellow country music star Toby Keith's chart-topping hits. With songs like: "Beer for My Horses," "I Love This Bar," "Whiskey Girl," and "As Good as I Once Was," it is no wonder Emerick has earned such awards like the Nashville Songwriters Association "Songwriter of the Year."

As a songwriter, Overstreet has written and co-written 27 top-10 songs. Artists like Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, The Judds, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton and Brad Paisley have recoded his songs. As an artist, Overstreet has written and recorded many songs himself. His first solo project began when he released "Sowin' Love." The five singles released from this album were all top‑10 hits.

Southern California native, Marv Green, has written hits for artists such as George Strait, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and so many more. Green captured his first No. one hit, "True," recorded by George Strait in 1998. He co-wrote "Creepin" by Eric Church, and his most recent No. one songs are "Who I Am With You" by Chris Young and "Shotgun Rider" by Tim McGraw.

Snell said that for the third year, the event proved to be another success.

"I heard numerous compliments thought the evening and enjoyed meeting new people and visiting with old friends," he said. "The Waco Hippodrome did a great job, and the dessert reception was enjoyed by all that attended."

The date for next year's event is already in place for Jan. 28, 2021, and Snell looks forward to hosting another scholarship opportunity with three different songwriters. He also expressed his thanks for those who made this year's evening a success.

"This event would not be possible without our generous sponsors and the hard work by the TTU Waco staff and student volunteers."