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Craig Wiseman
Craig Wiseman
Craig Wiseman
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Key Information

Craig Michael Wiseman is an American country music songwriter and producer, and the owner/founder of the Big Loud enterprise.[1] He has been writing since the late 1980s, and his songs have been recorded by Lorrie Morgan, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton,[2] and numerous other acts. He has written twenty-six No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs music charts, and has won a number of industry awards. In 2009, he was named "Songwriter of the Decade" by the Nashville Songwriters Association International,[3] and in 2015, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Michael Wiseman was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.[5] He began playing music while still a child, and later began playing drums professionally.[5] In 1985, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in songwriting.[5]

Music career

[edit]

Songwriting

[edit]

At age 24, Craig had his first chart success with the track "The Only One" from Roy Orbison's Mystery Girl album. In 1990, Wiseman was signed to Almo/Irving Music, where he wrote a number of hits.[5] In 1997, he was named "Writer of the Year" by both Music Row and the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).[5]

Wiseman signed to a new publishing contract with BMG Music Publishing in 2000. During his three years at BMG, he wrote or co-wrote 22 singles, among them was "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" by British pop star Beverley Knight.[5] In 2002, Billboard magazine named him a 2002 Top 2 Country Songwriter.[5]

Since then, Wiseman's songwriting career has continued to evolve. He has scored more than 300 cuts and 100 singles, including 26 No. 1 hits in Country, Rock, and Adult Contemporary.[6]

Big Loud Shirt

[edit]

In conjunction with his focus on songwriting, Wiseman opened his own publishing company, Big Loud Shirt, in the fall of 2003.[3] The first hit single in their catalog was "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw in 2005, which won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song and was named NSAI Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year, and ACM Song of the Year.[7][5] Wiseman continues his songwriting success, sharing it with other company writers Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson, Sarah Buxton, Matt Dragstrem and the Warren Brothers.

In 2003, 2005 & 2007, ASCAP named him Songwriter of the Year.[3][8] In 2009, he was named NSAI's Songwriter of the Decade,[3] and he won the 2014 Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. Additionally, Wiseman was nominated at the 2012 Grammy Awards for his role as producer on Red River Blue by Blake Shelton.[3] He is also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame[4] and was featured in Variety's Music City Impact Report in 2017,[9] as well as Billboard’s Country Power Players in 2018[10] and 2019.[11]

Big Loud Shirt officially changed its name to Big Loud Publishing in June 2017.[1]

Wiseman has since staffed the company with a stable of award-winning hitmakers, including Rodney Clawson (George Strait’s "I Saw God Today," Luke Bryan’s "Crash My Party"), Chris Tompkins (Carrie Underwood’s "Before He Cheats", Dierks Bentley’s "Drunk on a Plane"), Tyler Hubbard (Bebe Rexha’s "Meant to Be," Jason Aldean’s "You Make It Easy", Florida Georgia Line’s "Cruise"), Brian Kelley (Jason Aldean’s "You Make It Easy," Florida Georgia Line’s "Cruise"), Morgan Wallen (Jason Aldean’s "You Make It Easy"), Joey Moi, Matt Dragstrem, Jamie Moore, Chris Lane, Ashley Leone, Madison Kozak, Ernest K. Smith and Griffen Palmer.

Big Loud

[edit]

In 2011, Wiseman partnered with producer Joey Moi and artist managers Kevin "Chief" Zaruk and Seth England to found Big Loud Mountain Publishing and Management, an all-inclusive music company. In 2015,[12] the partners expanded with a record label division – Big Loud Records – and merged all three companies (along with the newly-opened Big Loud Capital) to create Big Loud in 2017.[13]

Under Wiseman's watch, Big Loud has grown from a songwriting business into a music-business hybrid,[14] earning notability for some collaborations.[15] for the digital age.

Wiseman's Big Loud has a guiding hand in the careers of country acts such as Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, Dallas Smith, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, HARDY, Mason Ramsey, and ERNEST, and continues to supply artists of all genres with a steady flow of ready-to-publish songs from their vault.

Authorship, film

[edit]

As a complement for Tim McGraw's Live Like You Were Dying, Wiseman co-wrote a book by the same title, which topped the New York Times bestseller list in 2004.[3] He later wrote a follow-up journal to the book, which turned into a worship campaign in American churches.[3] Additionally, he co-wrote the book A Baby Changes Everything in 2008, in conjunction with the No. 1 Faith Hill single of the same name.[3] The following year, Wiseman starred in a reality TV show The Hitmen of Music Row, on Great American Country.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

For the past 12 years, Wiseman has hosted The Stars of Second Harvest Show at the Ryman, giving all proceeds to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. To date, this concert event has raised $1,000,000 for the food bank.

Wiseman has been married to his wife KK since 1994.[5]

Publishing history

[edit]
  • 2004: Live Like You Were Dying by Wiseman and Tim Nichols (ISBN 978-1401602123)
  • 2006: Live Like You Were Dying Journal by Wiseman and Nichols (ISBN 978-1401602925)
  • 2008: A Baby Changes Everything by Wiseman, KK Wiseman, and Nichols (ISBN 978-1404187344)

Discography

[edit]

Songwriting credits

[edit]
Main article: List of songs written by Craig Wiseman
See also: Category:Songs written by Craig Wiseman

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Craig Wiseman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Craig Wiseman is an American country music songwriter, born on August 4, 1963, in , renowned for penning over 1,000 songs, including 29 number-one hits on the chart. His catalog features more than 350 recordings by artists such as , , , , and , contributing to over 90 million albums sold worldwide. Raised in Hattiesburg, Wiseman began his musical journey playing drums and guitar locally before moving to Nashville in 1985 at age 21, initially living in his van and working as a in nightclubs for $25 per night. His breakthrough came in 1989 with "The Only One," co-written and recorded by Roy Orbison on the posthumous album , followed by his first number-one hit in 1994, "If the Good Die Young" for . Signing publishing deals with Almo/Irving in 1990 and BMG in 2000 propelled his career, yielding over 60 recordings and 22 singles in just three years at BMG. Among his most celebrated works are "The Good Stuff" (2002, ), named ASCAP Country Song of the Year in 2003; "" (2004, ), which earned a Grammy for Best Country Song, CMA and ACM Song of the Year awards, and inspired a New York Times bestselling book; and "Believe" (2005, ), another CMA and ACM Song of the Year winner. Wiseman has received multiple honors, including ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2003, 2005, and 2007; NSAI Songwriter of the Decade in 2009; the 2014 ASCAP Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter of the century; induction into the in 2015; and in December 2024, an honorary Doctor of Music from the . In 2003, Wiseman founded , which evolved into a full-service company encompassing publishing, artist management, and a that launched stars like ; he co-founded its management division in 2012 and the label in 2015. He has also authored books, starred in the 2009 documentary The Hitmen of , and hosted the annual Stars of Second Harvest benefit concert at the , raising over $1.5 million for hunger relief. In March 2025, his hometown honored him with a Trail marker and the dedication of the Wiseman Bandshell in Hattiesburg's Midtown .

Early Life

Childhood in Mississippi

Craig Wiseman was born on August 4, 1963, and raised in , in a family that included musical influences such as his mother who played and a cousin who performed at the Grand Ole Opry. After losing his father at age 11, Wiseman began writing and songs. His early interest in music was sparked by witnessing a high school performance, which inspired him to take up the drums and guitar as a child. He joined the band, playing first chair , and later the high school , where he performed multiple gigs, including local tours. During his teenage years, Wiseman performed in local bands around Hattiesburg, gaining practical experience on stage. He briefly attended the , playing in a rock band and a country band. While still in high school and into early adulthood, he played drums six nights a week in Hattiesburg bars, developing foundational performance skills that shaped his musical foundation before moving to Nashville to pursue songwriting professionally.

Musical Beginnings and Move to Nashville

After moving to Nashville in 1985 at the age of 21, Craig Wiseman initially lived in his van for the first week, showering at a campground, and supported himself by playing in nightclubs for $25 per night. He also worked as a session in local bars and recording studios while dedicating time to his primary ambition of songwriting. Building on his childhood experience playing and guitar in , he immersed himself in the city's music scene, writing songs daily to refine his craft despite facing initial challenges in breaking through. Wiseman signed his first publishing deal in 1990 with Almo/Irving Music, a smaller Nashville firm that provided a platform for his emerging work. Prior to this agreement, he composed numerous songs that did not achieve major commercial success, allowing him to focus on developing his songwriting skills through consistent practice and collaboration within the local community. His entry into professional songwriting came in 1989 with "The Only One," co-written with Wesley Orbison and recorded by Roy Orbison on the posthumously released album . This track, serving as the B-side to the hit single "," marked Wiseman's first recorded song and an early validation of his efforts in Nashville's competitive environment.

Songwriting Career

Breakthrough Successes

Craig Wiseman's breakthrough as a prominent songwriter began in the mid-1990s, following years of persistence in Nashville after moving there in 1985. His first number-one hit came in 1994 with "If the Good Die Young," recorded by and co-written with Paul Nelson, marking a pivotal milestone that established his reputation for crafting resonant narratives. This success was followed by additional chart-toppers and widespread recognition, solidifying his position in the industry. In 1997, Wiseman was honored as Writer of the Year by both the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and MusicRow, reflecting his rapid ascent and the impact of his early work, which included songs for artists like , such as the 1996 single "Someone Else's Dream" co-written with Trey Bruce. These accolades highlighted his growing influence during a decade of honing his craft amid initial challenges in breaking into Nashville's competitive scene. By the early 2000s, his portfolio expanded with major hits for , including the 2004 number-one "" co-written with , and Brooks & Dunn's 2005 chart-topper "Believe," which drew on themes he had explored since the 1990s. Wiseman's signature style emerged prominently during this period, characterized by emotional, narrative-driven songs that delve into themes of life, loss, and redemption, often capturing the raw essence of human experience in relatable storytelling. His approach emphasized authentic emotion and vivid , as he described in interviews, aiming to connect deeply with listeners through songs that evoke personal reflection. By the mid-2000s, this style had propelled him to numerous recorded singles, underscoring his breakthrough era's lasting contributions to .

Notable Hits and Collaborations

Craig Wiseman's songwriting in the and beyond solidified his reputation as a master of emotive, narrative-driven anthems, with several tracks achieving massive commercial and critical success. One of his landmark compositions, "," co-written with and recorded by in 2004, topped the chart for seven weeks and became a cultural touchstone for its inspirational message about living fully in the face of mortality. The song earned Wiseman and Nichols the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2005, along with Song of the Year honors from both the and . Another powerhouse hit, "The Good Stuff," co-written with Jim Collins and released by in 2002, reached No. 1 on the chart and resonated with listeners through its heartfelt reflection on life's simple joys and . Wiseman's collaboration with and on "Boys 'Round Here," performed by in 2013, also hit No. 1 and captured the rowdy, authentic spirit of rural life, featuring guest vocals from and others in its celebratory version. These tracks exemplify Wiseman's ability to craft songs that blend raw emotion with broad appeal, contributing to his portfolio of 29 No. 1 hits on the chart as of 2025. Wiseman's collaborations extended across generations of artists and writers, fostering hits that transcended traditional country boundaries. His frequent partnership with Tim Nichols produced multiple chart-toppers, including the poignant "Believe," co-written in 2005 and recorded by Brooks & Dunn, which peaked at No. 1 and earned widespread acclaim for its themes of faith and redemption. Songs penned or co-penned by Wiseman have been recorded by Dolly Parton, notably "Jesus & Gravity" from her 2008 album Backwoods Barbie, showcasing his versatility in blending gospel influences with country storytelling. Regarding Garth Brooks' iconic "Friends in Low Places," Wiseman has cited it as an inspirational influence from his early Nashville days, though he holds no direct co-writing credit on the 1990 track. His ongoing collaborations include co-writing "Chasin' You" for Morgan Wallen, which reached No. 1 in 2020, and "Standing Room Only" for Tim McGraw, a No. 1 hit in 2023. By 2025, Wiseman's catalog had amassed over 350 cuts across country and beyond, with his songs influencing modern country music through their emphasis on authentic, heartfelt narratives that connect deeply with audiences on personal and universal levels.

Business Ventures

Founding Big Loud Shirt

In 2003, after his publishing deal with BMG Music Publishing concluded, Craig Wiseman founded Big Loud Shirt as an independent publishing company in Nashville, seeking greater creative autonomy and a supportive environment for songwriters that major labels often lacked. This move followed his earlier deals, including one with Almo/Irving Music in 1990. Wiseman invested personally by purchasing a building at 1111 16th Avenue South on Music Row, envisioning the company as a nurturing space where innovative songs could develop without corporate constraints. The company's initial focus was on publishing for emerging songwriters, starting with Wiseman himself as the primary writer and expanding to sign talent that aligned with a bold, authentic approach to . The name "Big Loud Shirt" embodied this philosophy, symbolizing standout, unapologetic creativity—much like wearing a vibrant Hawaiian shirt in a sea of subdued attire—and a commitment to amplifying "big ideas" through energetic, heartfelt music. Wiseman aimed to foster growth by providing resources for writers to hone their craft, prioritizing those with unique voices over established names. Big Loud Shirt's early trajectory gained momentum with its first major success: the 2004 hit "," co-written by Wiseman and for , which topped the chart for seven weeks and crossed over to pop audiences. This breakthrough not only earned ACM, CMA, and for Country Song of the Year but also propelled the company's expansion, attracting more signings like subsequent hitmakers who contributed to its reputation as a top independent publisher. The success underscored Wiseman's model of empowering writers, leading to steady growth in the competitive Nashville scene.

Expansion to Big Loud

Following the initial success of Big Loud Shirt Publishing, which had already produced several chart-topping hits in country music, Wiseman and his partners expanded the company into a multifaceted enterprise. In 2011, Wiseman co-founded Management alongside producer and manager Seth England, creating a division focused on artist development that quickly signed emerging talents like . This move marked the beginning of a broader diversification strategy, allowing the company to handle career guidance, touring, and branding for acts beyond just song placement. The expansion continued in 2015 with the launch of Big Loud Records, an independent label aimed at providing integrated support from songwriting through recording and promotion. The label's early roster included , whose albums achieved multi-platinum status, and later additions like and , who delivered successful tours and releases such as Wallen's If I Know Me (2018), which earned platinum certification. These efforts solidified Big Loud's role in nurturing crossover country stars, with artists under management and the label collectively generating high-profile hits and sold-out arena performances. In August 2017, the arm officially rebranded from Shirt to Publishing, consolidating all divisions—publishing, management, and records—under a unified "" identity to streamline operations and attract investment. In 2023, acquired the Shirt catalog and 50% of Wiseman's writer income streams, extending their prior partnership while Wiseman retained involvement in the broader operations. As a key partner and owner, Wiseman oversaw this growth, which by 2025 had resulted in a robust operation representing a diverse roster of writers and artists, including and HARDY. The company's catalog boasts over 100 RIAA-certified titles and more than 47 billion global streams, underscoring its significant impact on the landscape.

Other Creative Works

Authorship

Craig Wiseman has ventured into authorship by co-writing inspirational books that draw directly from the themes of his hit songs, transforming musical narratives into reflective literature focused on personal growth and spiritual insight. His debut book, , co-authored with fellow songwriter and published in 2004 by Thomas Nelson, expands on the story behind their chart-topping song of the same name, recorded by . The narrative weaves a fictional tale of a man's terminal diagnosis and subsequent embrace of life's joys, incorporating real-life inspirations from a friend's health scare to emphasize themes of resilience, , and living purposefully. This novella, spanning 178 pages, became a New York Times bestseller, selling over 300,000 copies and resonating with readers through its blend of emotional storytelling and motivational guidance. In 2006, Wiseman and Nichols co-authored the companion , a 144-page illustrated published by Thomas Nelson, designed to guide readers in applying the book's lessons through reflective prompts and exercises. In 2008, Wiseman co-authored A Baby Changes Everything with his wife, K.K. Wiseman, and , again published by Thomas Nelson, this time adapting the holiday-themed song he co-wrote for Faith Hill's #1 single. The 64-page illustrated volume serves as a devotional, pairing song lyrics with personal reflections on , transformation, and , accompanied by an audio CD of Hill's recording and a foreword from the artist herself. It portrays the profound impact of parenthood and divine birth through intimate vignettes, positioning the as a seasonal keepsake that highlights themes of wonder and change. Wiseman's writing style in these works features personal anecdotes intertwined with the emotional core of his song inspirations, underscoring life lessons such as seizing the moment and cherishing relationships without delving into overly didactic prose. Both books maintain a concise, accessible tone suited to inspirational readers, avoiding complex theology in favor of heartfelt, relatable narratives. No additional books by Wiseman have been published since , marking a focused but limited foray into of his songwriting .

Film and Television Involvement

In 2007, Wiseman starred in the series The Hitmen of Music Row, which aired on Great American Country (GAC) and provided an inside look at the collaborative songwriting process of Nashville's top hitmakers. The five-part series featured Wiseman alongside fellow songwriters , Tony Mullins, and , collectively known as the Hitmen, as they developed new material and shared insights into the craft of composition. The show highlighted their combined track record of over 38 No. 1 hits and more than 150 million records sold, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes dynamics of creativity without delving into personal drama typical of reality formats. Wiseman's involvement in film has primarily centered on soundtrack contributions, where his songs have enhanced key scenes in several productions. In the 1999 sports drama , directed by and starring , Wiseman co-wrote "The Only One" with Wesley Orbison, performed by Roy Orbison; the track underscored emotional moments in the story of a baseball pitcher's final game. His composition "Live Like You Were Dying," co-written with and originally a hit for , appeared in the 2015 musical comedy , directed by , as part of a medley during a competitive performance sequence. Similarly, in the 2016 Adam Sandler comedy , Wiseman's co-written "Boys 'Round Here" (with and others), performed by , featured in the film's party scenes, adding a energy to the narrative. These placements reflect Wiseman's role as a songwriter extending his influence beyond albums into visual media, though he has no credited , directing, or producing roles in feature films or television series.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Family and Personal Details

Craig Wiseman has maintained a notably private despite his prominence in the industry. He has been married to Kimberly "KK" Wiseman since 1994, a partnership that has provided steadfast support throughout his career. The couple emphasizes their preference for discretion away from the spotlight. Wiseman resides in , where he has been based since moving to the city in 1985 to pursue songwriting. This location aligns with his professional roots in Music Row and allows him to remain immersed in the Nashville music scene. Despite his long tenure in Tennessee, Wiseman maintains strong connections to his hometown of , through frequent visits and recent honors, including the dedication of the Wiseman Bandshell and a Mississippi Country Music Trail marker in 2025. In December 2024, he received an honorary doctorate from the , recognizing his contributions to music and ties to the state.

Charitable Contributions

Craig Wiseman has demonstrated a strong commitment to , focusing on relief and through targeted initiatives that leverage his influence in the industry. Since 2005, Wiseman has hosted the annual Stars for Second Harvest benefit concert at Nashville's , directing all proceeds to the Second Harvest Food Bank of to combat food insecurity in the region. Under his leadership, the event has raised funds supporting over 7 million meals for individuals and families in need from 2005 to 2023, highlighting the impact of music-driven community efforts. By 2025, the concert had generated more than $1.5 million over its run, underscoring Wiseman's ongoing dedication to this cause. In addition to hunger relief, Wiseman supports music education by participating in initiatives with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). His involvement includes leading workshops on songwriting techniques, storytelling in country music, and the pitching process, aimed at nurturing emerging talent and providing educational resources for aspiring songwriters. Wiseman's philanthropic motivations stem from personal values of gratitude and community building, often reflecting the themes of giving back found in his songwriting, as evidenced by his emphasis on using music to unite people for meaningful causes like food security.

Awards and Honors

Major Industry Awards

Craig Wiseman has received numerous accolades for his songwriting contributions to , particularly recognizing his prolific output during the . He was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 1997, 2003, 2005, and 2007. In 2009, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored him as Songwriter of the Decade for the , acknowledging his dominance in crafting chart-topping hits that defined the era's sound. This award highlighted his role in penning over a dozen No. 1 singles in that period, including timeless tracks that resonated widely with audiences. In 2014, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented Wiseman with its Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter of the , celebrating the enduring impact and performance metrics of his catalog up to that point. This recognition underscored his songs' cumulative airplay and commercial success, with works like continuing to accumulate millions of performances. Wiseman's songwriting excellence earned him one Grammy Award for Best Country Song. He won in 2005 for co-writing "Live Like You Were Dying," recorded by , which also swept major industry honors that year. The song's inspirational lyrics and massive popularity propelled it to multi-platinum status and cemented Wiseman's reputation for emotionally resonant storytelling. In 2015, Wiseman was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of songcraft pioneers for his innovative approach and over 100 charting singles. The induction ceremony emphasized his influence on contemporary country, with tributes noting his ability to blend humor, heart, and hooks in hits performed by artists like and . Wiseman has secured multiple Song of the Year victories at the (ACM) and (CMA) Awards, including for "Live Like You Were Dying" (ACM 2005, CMA 2004) and "Believe" (CMA 2006). These wins, shared with collaborators like and , reflect the critical and commercial acclaim his compositions received from peers and fans alike.

Recent Recognitions

In 2020, Wiseman was named to Billboard's Country Power Players list, recognizing his influence as a songwriter and co-founder of Big Loud. This inclusion marked the beginning of an ongoing pattern, with Wiseman continuing to appear on the list in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025 for his sustained impact on country music publishing and production. He was also featured in Variety's 2017 Music City Impact Report, highlighting his role in Nashville's creative ecosystem, with subsequent industry acknowledgments affirming his enduring contributions. In March 2025, Wiseman received a Mississippi Country Music Trail marker in Hattiesburg, his hometown, installed in Midtown Green Park to honor his songwriting legacy; this was the first such marker dedicated to a songwriter from the state. The ceremony included a bandshell dedication and proclamations, underscoring his roots and achievements in elevating Mississippi's presence in country music. On December 13, 2024, Wiseman was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the University of Southern Mississippi during its fall commencement ceremony in Hattiesburg, recognizing his contributions to music and philanthropy. Later that year , Wiseman served as guest DJ on SiriusXM's No Shoes Radio in July, sharing stories behind his hit songs during a special session. In October 2025, The Tennessean published a photo retrospective tracing his career from early Nashville days to collaborations with artists like Tim McGraw and Dolly Parton, celebrating his four-decade journey in songwriting. These tributes build on his prior induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, reflecting a continued celebration of his legacy.

Discography and Publishing

Songwriting Credits

Craig Wiseman has amassed over 350 song cuts, 125 singles, and 29 No. 1 hits across his career as a songwriter. His contributions span multiple decades, with collaborations featuring prominent artists in the genre, often blending heartfelt storytelling with commercial appeal. Notable examples include the reflective "Believe" recorded by in 2005, which topped the chart, and the energetic "Boys 'Round Here" by in 2013, also reaching No. 1. In the , Wiseman established his presence with cuts on albums by emerging country stars, focusing on themes of everyday life and emotion. For , he co-wrote "" with Trey Bruce, featured on her 1993 album The Song Remembers When, which charted on the list at No. 31. Another early highlight was "Better Things to Do," co-written with Al Anderson and recorded by on her 1995 self-titled debut, peaking at No. 3 and marking Wiseman's growing influence in Nashville songwriting circles. These tracks exemplified his ability to craft relatable narratives that resonated with listeners during the decade's boom in country radio. The 2000s saw Wiseman's dominance, particularly through his partnership with Tim McGraw, yielding several chart-topping singles that emphasized personal growth and resilience. "My Next Thirty Years," co-written with Phil Barnhart and recorded by McGraw in 2000, hit No. 1 and became a staple of motivational country anthems. This era peaked with "Live Like You Were Dying," co-authored with Tim Nichols for McGraw's 2004 album of the same name, which not only topped the charts but also earned Wiseman a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2005. Other key contributions included "The Good Stuff" for Kenny Chesney in 2002, another No. 1 hit that showcased Wiseman's knack for poignant, life-affirming lyrics. Entering the 2010s and 2020s, Wiseman continued his success with high-energy tracks for modern country acts, often incorporating pop-country elements. For , he co-wrote "Boys 'Round Here" with and , a 2013 No. 1 that captured rural pride and became a party anthem. With , "Anything Goes" (co-written with and Felix McTeigue) appeared on their 2014 album Anything Goes and reached No. 1, reflecting Wiseman's adaptability to the sound. More recently, his work on Morgan Wallen's "Chasin' You" in 2021 added to his tally of multi-decade No. 1s.

Publishing History

Craig Wiseman signed his first publishing deal with Almo/Irving Music in 1990, marking the beginning of his formal entry into the industry. This agreement provided a platform for his early songwriting successes in and lasted for a decade. In 2000, following the sale of Almo/Irving, Wiseman transitioned to a new deal with BMG , where he continued to develop his professional catalog until the agreement concluded in 2003. Seeking greater control over his work, Wiseman founded Big Loud Shirt in 2003 as an independent publishing venture, transitioning to and retaining ownership of his compositions. The company rapidly expanded, focusing on songwriters and achieving significant commercial milestones in its initial years. A key evolution occurred in 2014 when acquired Big Loud Shirt's song catalog and established a , enhancing the company's resources and global reach while Wiseman retained operational leadership. This partnership deepened in 2023 with Round Hill's acquisition of the remaining shares in Big Loud Shirt and 50 percent of Wiseman's personal writer income streams, solidifying a long-term collaboration. In 2017, Shirt rebranded to Big Loud Publishing amid a broader restructuring of the Big Loud conglomerate, streamlining its identity and operations. By 2025, the company oversees a robust roster of songwriters through global publishing deals and manages a catalog generating over 47 billion streams worldwide, alongside substantial royalty revenues.

References

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  13. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/tim-mcgraw-live-like-you-were-dying-chart-rewind-2004-1236016727/
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  18. https://morganwallen.com/morgan-wallen-takes-chasin-you-to-the-top-earns-third-consecutive-1-at-country-radio/
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  26. https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/live-like-you-were-dying
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  28. https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Changes-Everything-K-Wiseman/dp/1404187340
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  30. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/638358.Live_Like_You_Were_Dying
  31. https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/gac_introduces_the_hitmen_of_music_row
  32. https://www.realitytvworld.com/news/2007-reality-tv-fall-preview-coming-soon-tv-near-you-5680.php
  33. https://nypost.com/2007/10/07/heroes-of-honky-tonk/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126916/soundtrack/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2848292/soundtrack/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4769836/soundtrack/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4092091/
  38. https://tasteofcountry.com/florida-georgia-line-smooth-video/
  39. https://www.nashvillepost.com/songwriter-sells-music-row-site-for-1-5m/article_f8b3be3e-b144-58ec-a152-e7b688acae97.html
  40. https://www.hubcityspokes.com/award-winning-country-songwriter-returns-home-hattiesburg-philanthropy-and-fellowship
  41. https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/stars-through-the-years/
  42. https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/node/1219
  43. https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/nashvillesongwriterawards
  44. https://www.grammy.com/artists/craig-wiseman/14586
  45. https://musicrow.com/2024/12/craig-wiseman-awarded-honorary-degree2/
  46. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4092091/awards/
  47. https://www.billboard.com/music/country/billboard-country-power-players-list-2020-9433015/
  48. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-country-power-players-list-2021-9591602/
  49. https://www.billboard.com/h/billboard-country-power-players-list-2023-executives/
  50. https://www.billboard.com/h/country-power-players-2024-list/
  51. https://www.billboard.com/p/multi-sector-billboard-power-list-2025/
  52. https://variety.com/gallery/variety-music-city-impact-report-2017-photos/
  53. https://musicrow.com/2025/04/craig-wiseman-honored-with-mississippi-country-music-trail-marker/
  54. https://www.visithburg.org/media/press-releases/craig-wiseman/
  55. https://www.facebook.com/noshoesradio/videos/29-1s-a-grammy-decades-of-hits-this-week-craig-wiseman-brings-the-inside-scoop-t/721580027173021/
  56. https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/music/2025/10/08/craig-wiseman-nashville-songwriter-photos-tim-mcgraw-dolly-parton/85422940007/
  57. https://genius.com/Trisha-yearwood-if-i-aint-got-you-lyrics
  58. https://open.spotify.com/track/0SHWLoSFQKXZGFuTBBfhqv
  59. https://www.countryuniverse.net/2014/09/28/single-review-florida-georgia-line-anything-goes/
  60. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/round-hill-music-royalty-fund-expands-country-music-portfolio-with-acquisition-of-big-loud-shirt-and-craig-wiseman-rights/
  61. https://roundhillmusic.com/news/round-hill-music-acquires-big-loud-shirt-industries-song-catalog
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