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Dallas Davidson is an American country music singer and songwriter from Albany, Georgia, who has written for artists such as Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Lady Antebellum, and Billy Currington. He generally writes with others, notably as a member of The Peach Pickers.[1]

Career

[edit]

Davidson moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2004 and joined Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) for performing rights representation and signed a publishing deal with Big Borassa Music, which lasted until 2008.[2] Davidson signed with EMI Music Publishing Nashville in 2008 and extended his contract with them in 2012.[3]

Trace Adkins recorded Davidson's "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" shortly after Davidson arrived in Nashville, taking the song to number 2 on the country charts in early 2006.[4] Davidson co-wrote the Brad Paisley-Keith Urban duet "Start a Band", which reached number 1 in January 2009.[5][6] This song was nominated for a Grammy in the category Best Country Collaboration with vocals.[7] He also co-wrote Billy Currington's "That's How Country Boys Roll", which went to number 1 in 2010.[8]

Other singles that Davidson co-wrote in the late 2000s included "Put a Girl in It" by Brooks & Dunn, "Barefoot and Crazy" by Jack Ingram and "Gimmie That Girl" by Joe Nichols, all collaborations with Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, also known as The Peach Pickers. "Gimmie That Girl" made it to number 1 on the charts in April 2010.[9]

In 2010, Davidson also co-wrote "All About Tonight" by Blake Shelton, "All Over Me" by Josh Turner and "Rain Is a Good Thing" by Luke Bryan. These songs earned Davidson the award for Billboard's Hot Country Music Songwriter of 2010.[10]

Other songs that Davidson co-wrote and featured in the Billboard Hot 100 include Justin Moore's "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away",[11] Lady Antebellum's "Just a Kiss" and "We Owned the Night".[12] Luke Bryan also recorded Davidson's "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)", "I Don't Want This Night to End" and "That's My Kind of Night".[13] In 2013, he co-wrote "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" by Randy Houser, "Granddaddy's Gun" by Aaron Lewis and "Keep Them Kisses Comin'" by Craig Campbell.

Davidson received the 2012 ACM Songwriter of the Year; a 2012 ACM nominee for Song of the Year (for "Just a Kiss"); the 2011 BMI Country Awards’ Songwriter of the Year together with Rhett Akins. He is also a recipient of three CMA Triple Play Awards, one in 2010 and two in 2011; this award is given to songwriters who write three number-one singles in a one-year span. Davidson is the Chairman of the Georgia Music Foundation.[14] In 2015 he launched his own publishing company, Play It Again.[15]

Personal life

[edit]

Davidson is married with two sons.[16]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details
This Ole Boy
  • Release date: April 1, 2010
  • Label: String Stretcher Records

Collaboration albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart
positions
US Country US
Heat
Michael Waddell's Bone Collector: The Brotherhood Album
(with Rhett Akins) 		47 19

Music videos

[edit]
Year Video Director
2011 "Country Thang" (with Colt Ford) Potsy Ponciroli

Songs written

[edit]
Artist Album Song Co-written with
Trace Adkins Songs About Me (2005) "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson
Proud to Be Here (2011) "Always Gonna Be That Way" Chris Tompkins
Jason Aldean Old Boots, New Dirt (2014) "Tonight Looks Good on You" Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley
They Don't Know (2016) "Comin' In Hot" Ashley Gorley Rodney Clawson
Clayton Anderson Torn Jeans & Tailgates "Y'all Can Have This Town" Brian Kolb
"Shotgun Rider" Rhett Akins, Keith Anderson, Ben Hayslip
Keith Anderson C'mon (2008) "C'mon" Keith Andesron
Jessica Andrews — "The Clown" (2014) Hillary Lindsey, James T. Slater
Rodney Atkins It's America (2009) "Friends with Tractor" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Frankie Ballard Frankie Ballard (2011) "A Buncha Girls" Frankie Ballard, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Place to Lay Your Head" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Tell Me You Get Lonely" Marty Dodson
"Sober Me Up" (also on Sunshine & Whiskey) Ashley Gorley
Sunshine & Whiskey (2014) "Tell Me You Get Lonely" Marty Dodson
Lee Brice I Don't Dance (2014) "I Don't Dance" Lee Brice, Rob Hatch
Catherine Britt — "Dirt Cheap" Luke Bryan, Hillary Lindsey
Brooks & Dunn Cowboy Town (2007) "Put a Girl in It" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Kix Brooks New to This Town (2012) "Bring It One Home" Kix Brooks, Rhett Akins
"In the Right Place" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Luke Bryan Doin' My Thing (2009) "Rain is a Good Thing" Luke Bryan
"Doin' My Thing" Rhett Akin, Ben Hayslip
Tailgates & Tanlines (2011) "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" Luke Bryan
"I Don't Want This Night to End" Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Spring Break...Here to Party (2013) "Suntan City" Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Sorority Girl" Luke Bryan, Jim McCormick
Crash My Party (2013) "That's My Kind of Night" Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley
"We Run This Town" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
"Play It Again" Ashley Gorley
"Dirt Road Diary" Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Spring Break...Checkin' Out (2015) "Checkin' Out" Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"You and the Beach" Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Kill the Lights (2015) "Kick the Dust Up" Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley
"Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day" Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Buddies" Luke Bryan
Weston Burt Lucky Sometimes (2013) "Lucky Sometimes" Ben Hayslip, Charles Kelley
Chris Cagle My Life's Been a Country Song (2008) "Little Sundress" Rhett Akins
Craig Campbell Never Regret (2013) "Keep Them Kisses Comin'" Ben Hayslip
Sabrina Carpenter Singular: Act I (2018) "Diamonds are Forever" Sabrina Carpenter, Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan
Jason Michael Carroll Numbers (2011) "Meet Me in the Barn" Jason Michael Carroll, Patrick Davis
Billy Currington Little Bit of Everything (2008) "That's How Country Boys Roll" Billy Currington, B. Jones
Enjoy Yourself (2010) "All Day Long" Frankie Ballard, Ben Hayslip
Eric Durrance — "Angels Fly Away"
Ronnie Dunn Ronnie Dunn (2011) "Let the Cowboy Rock" Ronnie Dunn
Tyler Farr Redneck Crazy (2013) "Hot Mess" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Suffer in Peace (2015) "Criminal" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Poor Boy" Tyler Farr, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley
"Why We Live Here" Tyler Farr, Houston Phillips
Florida Georgia Line Anything Goes (2014) "Smile" Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley
Colt Ford Every Chance I Get (2011) "Skirts and Boots" (with Frankie Ballard) James T. Slater, Jimmy Yeary
"Country Thang" (with Eric Church) Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Overworked & Overpaid" (with Charlie Daniels)
Kevin Fowler Chippin' Away (2011) "Here's to Me and You" Ben Fowler, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Brantley Gilbert Halfway to Heaven (2010) "Back in the Day" Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip
Just as I Am (2014) "Small Town Throwdown" (featuring Justin Moore & Thomas Rhett) Brantley Gilbert, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Josh Gracin "You Don't Know Her Like I Do" John Kennedy
Trent Harmon Single "Falling" Keith Urban, Brett James
Hunter Hayes 21 (2015) "21" Hunter Hayes, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley
Randy Houser Anything Goes (2008) "Back to God" Randy Houser
"My Kind of Country" Randy Houser
How Country Feels (2013) "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
"Sunshine on the Line" Randy Houser
Fired Up (2016) "Mine Tonight" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Lucky Me" Randy Houser, Craig Wiseman
"Fired Up" Rob Hatch
"Gotta Get You Home" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
"Same Ole Saturday Night" Ben Hayslip, Martin Johnson
Houston County — "I Can't Make It Rain" (2009) Ben Hayslip, Adam Hooper, Zack Hooper, John Milldrum
Jack Ingram Big Dreams & High Hopes (2008) "Barefoot and Crazy" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Casey James Casey James (2012) "So Sweet" Casey James, Patrick Davis
Chris Janson Take It to the Bank (2014) "Where My Girls At" Chris Jansen
Jamey Johnson The Dollar (2006) "Flying Silver Eagle" Jamey Johnson
"She's All Lady" Jamey Johnson
The Guitar Song (2010) "Good Times Ain't What They Used to Be" Jamey Johnson, Jim McCormack
Jewel Sweet and Wild (2010) "Stay Here Forever" Jewel, Bobby Pinson
Picking Up the Pieces (2015) "The Shape of You" Jewel, David Lee Murphy
Lady Antebellum Own the Night (2011) "We Owned the Night" Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood
"Just a Kiss" Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood
Tracy Lawrence "Footprints on the Moon"
Aaron Lewis The Road (2013) "Granddaddy's Gun" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Bobby Pinson
Justin McBride Don't Let Go (2007) "Tough"
Love and Theft — "Night That You'll Never Forget" (2014) Ashley Gorley
Tim McGraw "Louisiana"
Emotional Traffic (2012) "Touchdown Jesus" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Neal McCoy XII (2012) "Real Good Feel Good" Jimmy Ritchy, Sam Hunt
"Shotgun Rider" Keith Anderson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Montgomery Gentry Rebels on the Run (2011) "Where I Come From" Rodney Clawson
Justin Moore Justin Moore (2009) "The Only Place That I Call Home" Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover
Outlaws Like Me "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" Rob Hatch, Brett Jones" (2011)
Craig Morgan This Ole Boy (2012) "This Ole Boy" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Joe Nichols Real Things (2007) "She's All Lady" Jamey Johnson
Old Things New (2009) "Gimmie That Girl" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
'The Shape I'm In" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
It's All Good (2011) "Take It Off" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
"The More I Look" Rodney Clawson, Jim Beavers
"This Ole Boy" Rhett Aksin, Ben Hayslip
Crickets (2013) "Smile on Mine" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Open Up a Can" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
Jerrod Niemann Yellow Brick Road (2007) "I Love Women My Momma Can't Stand" Rhett Akins
Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury (2010) "They Should Have Named You Cocaine" Jerrod Niemann, Jamey Johnson
Jake Owen Easy Does It (2009) "Nothin' Grows in Shadows" Rhett Akins, Doug Johnson
Barefoot Blue Jean Night (2011) "The One That Got Away" Jake Owen, Jimmy Ritchy
Days of Gold (2013) "Life of the Party" Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley
"Good Timing" Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell
American Love (2016) "You Ain't Going Nowhere" Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley
Brad Paisley Play (2008) "Start a Band" (with Keith Urban) Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
Rascal Flatts Changed (2012) "Hot in Here" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
Ashley Ray Single "Dirt Cheap" (featuring Mike Eli) Luke Bryan, Hillary Lindsey
Chase Rice Ignite the Night (2014) "Do It Like This" Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley
The Robertsons Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas (2013) "Ragin' Chajun Redneck Christmas" Willie Robertson
Darius Rucker True Believers (20130 "Heartbreak Road" Darius Rucker, Rhett Akins
Blake Shelton Startin' Fires (2008) "Country Strong" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
"Home Sweet Home" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Hillbilly Bone (2010) "Kiss My Country Ass" Rhett Akins, Jon Stone
All About Tonight (2010) "All About Tonight" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Red River Blue (2011) "Good Ol' Boys"
Based on a True Story... (2013) "Boys 'Round Here" Rhett Akins, Craig Wiseman
"Granddaddy's Gun" Rhett Akins, Bobby Pinson
If I'm Honest (2016) "One Night Girl" Ashley Gorley
Ashton Shepherd Where Country Grows (2011) "Keepin' It Rural" Ben Hayslip, Jimmy Yeary
Tate Stevens Tate Stevens (2013) "That's How You Get the Girl" Ben Hayslip, Rivers Rutherford
Josh Thompson Way Out Here (2010) "I Won't Go Crazy" Josh Thompson
Josh Turner Haywire (2010) "All Over Me" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Andy Velo Blue Collar Crusie "Meet Me in the Barn" Patrick Davis, Jason Michael Carroll
Jared Wade Drunk on Sunshine (2013) "Drunk on Sunshine" Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace
Chad Warrix Single "Rain on the Roof" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Hank Williams, Jr. Country Strong: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2010) "Thirsty" Rhett Akins, Brett Eldredge
Gretchen Wilson I Got Your Country Right Here (2010) "Blue Collar Done Turn Red" Gretchen Wilson
Jon Wolfe It All Happen at a Honky Tonk (2013) "Sweet Little Song and Dance" Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Chris Young Chris Young (2006) "I'm Heading Your Way, José" James T. Slater

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dallas Davidson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dallas Davidson is an American country music songwriter, singer, and publishing executive from Albany, Georgia, renowned for co-writing over 700 songs recorded by major artists, including 27 number-one hits on the Billboard Country charts. Davidson co-founded the acclaimed songwriting collective The Peach Pickers alongside Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, which has produced chart-topping collaborations for performers such as Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean. His breakthrough came in the late 2000s, with early successes like "All About Tonight" for Blake Shelton and "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" for Luke Bryan, blending traditional country elements with modern pop influences. Notable compositions include "Just a Kiss" by Lady A, which topped the charts in 2010, "Boys 'Round Here" by Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies in 2013, and "That's My Kind of Night" by Luke Bryan in 2013, earning him widespread acclaim for capturing contemporary Southern lifestyles. Throughout his career, Davidson has garnered prestigious awards, including ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2012 and 2013, BMI Country Songwriter of the Year in 2011 and 2012, and Billboard's Hot Country Music Songwriter of the Year in 2010. He has also received five CMA Awards for achieving three number-one singles within a 12-month period and six MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins since 2014. In 2008, he signed a deal with in Nashville, later transitioning to a co- agreement with in 2016. As an advocate for songwriters' rights and a father of three, Davidson founded and serves as CEO of Play It Again Music Publishing, where he continues to nurture emerging talent across genres. His work extends beyond , with credits on pop-influenced hits like "One Too Many" by featuring P!nk.

Early life

Upbringing in Georgia

Dallas Davidson was born on March 16, 1978, in , Georgia, and raised in Albany, a city in southwest Georgia known for its deep ties to Southern culture and music traditions. He attended Westover Comprehensive High School in Albany. Growing up in this rural environment, Davidson developed a strong connection to Georgia's agricultural landscapes and community-oriented lifestyle, which later informed the authentic Southern themes in his songwriting. As a native of the region, he was surrounded by the sounds of from an early age, though he did not initially pursue it as a personal interest. Davidson has described his childhood as non-musical, noting that he did not engage with instruments or songwriting until his mid-20s, when he picked up the guitar at age 24 shortly before relocating to Nashville in 2004. This late start underscores how his formative years in Albany focused more on local pursuits, such as real estate sales involving farms and timberland, rather than formal musical training. He earned a business degree from Georgia Southern University and a master's degree from the University of Georgia in 2000. The cultural fabric of Georgia, with its emphasis on , , and rural simplicity, profoundly shaped Davidson's worldview and creative perspective, laying the groundwork for his eventual contributions to .

Entry into music industry

Davidson's upbringing in , instilled a deep appreciation for southern musical traditions, influencing his early songwriting with elements of , soul, and drawn from artists like , , and . In January 2004, Davidson relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a professional career in music. Upon arrival, he joined Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) as a songwriter for performing rights representation. Shortly thereafter, Davidson secured his first publishing deal with Big Borassa Music from 2004 to 2008, administered worldwide by Third Tier Music, which formalized his entry into the Nashville music industry. During this period, he explored songwriting across genres including country, pop, and R&B, reflecting his diverse influences. Around 2008, Davidson formed the songwriting collective The Peach Pickers with fellow Georgia natives and , leveraging their shared regional roots to collaborate on material.

Career

Beginnings in Nashville

After moving to Nashville in 2004, encouraged by his childhood friend , Dallas Davidson quickly established himself in the songwriting community by joining BMI for performing rights representation and signing his first publishing deal with Big Borassa Music. This foundational step allowed him to focus on crafting songs amid the city's intense competition, where newcomers often struggled to secure placements without established networks. Davidson's early momentum built through persistent co-writing sessions, leading to his first notable hit with "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," co-written with and for ' 2005 album Songs About Me. The track, a playful ode to barroom attractions, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and marked his breakthrough as a fresh voice in country music. By the mid-2000s, he had amassed numerous song cuts across emerging artists, honing his craft in Nashville's demanding environment where rejection was common but persistence yielded gradual industry traction. A key element of his growth came from forming The Peach Pickers, a songwriting collective with fellow Georgia natives Rhett and Ben , whose shared Southern roots fostered collaborative sessions that expanded his connections among publishers and performers. These early partnerships not only refined his melodic and lyrical style but also positioned him for broader opportunities in the scene. In 2008, Davidson transitioned to Nashville, a move that provided greater resources and visibility, followed by a contract extension in 2012 that solidified his rising status.

Songwriting success

Davidson's breakthrough as a songwriter came in the late with several -topping hits that established his reputation in Nashville. One of his early significant placements was "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," recorded by in 2005, which peaked at number two on the and helped build his portfolio of party-themed anthems. His first number one came with "Start a Band," a by and released in 2008, which topped the in January 2009 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. Following this, "That's How Country Boys Roll," recorded by and co-written with Brett Jones, reached number one on the same in March 2010, showcasing Davidson's knack for capturing rural, lighthearted lifestyles. Over the course of his career, Davidson has amassed 27 number one hits on country charts and more than 700 tracks recorded across genres, including over 250 cuts by major artists such as , Lady Antebellum, , and . These achievements reflect his prolific output since moving to Nashville in the mid-2000s, with songs frequently selected as singles due to their commercial appeal. In the 2010s, Davidson solidified his success with additional chart-toppers that dominated country radio. "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum, co-written with Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley, topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2011 and also peaked at number 7 on the all-genre Hot 100, marking a crossover milestone. Luke Bryan's "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)," co-written with Bryan himself, became a major hit in 2011, peaking at number four on the Hot Country Songs chart and introducing upbeat, dance-oriented themes to mainstream audiences. Further successes included "Play It Again," which hit number one in 2014 and became one of Bryan's signature songs, emphasizing romance and nostalgia in a relatable narrative. These tracks contributed to Davidson's string of hits that propelled artists to stardom while generating billions of radio impressions. Davidson's songwriting has played a key role in shaping the modern country sound, often blending themes of rural life, romance, and partying with infectious hooks that appeal across genres, from pure to pop-infused tracks. His collaborations, particularly with the "Peach Pickers" group alongside and , produced anthems that captured the fun, escapist spirit of contemporary , influencing a generation of hits on radio and streaming platforms.

Publishing ventures and collaborations

In 2015, Dallas Davidson founded Play It Again Music Publishing in , serving as its president and focusing on developing emerging songwriters while advocating for stronger protections in the music industry. The company, co-founded with executive vice president Austin Marshall, initially signed talents such as , Houston Phillips, Brian Kolb, and Kyle Kelley, and expanded in 2021 into a full-service entity, Play It Again Music Group, encompassing publishing, artist development, and administration. Davidson has maintained an active role in The Peach Pickers, the songwriting collective he formed in 2009 with fellow Georgia natives and , contributing to numerous high-profile tracks in country music. Their collaborations include co-writing songs for the series, such as the 2010 album Bone Collector: The Brotherhood Album with outdoor television host Michael Waddell, which features hunting-themed tracks like "Openin' Day" and reflects the group's shared Southern roots. Davidson's recent collaborations highlight his versatility, including co-writing "Silverado for Sale" with and Marv Green for Morgan Wallen's 2021 double album Dangerous: The Double Album, a reflective that peaked at No. 34 on the chart. In 2024, he penned the title track "Neon Highway" for , serving as the theme for the film The Neon Highway, a about aspiring musicians that premiered in theaters and featured Brice alongside actors and . As a vocal for songwriters' , Davidson has led efforts to safeguard royalties, including submitting in to the U.S. Department of on the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and transparency in performance organizations. His advocacy extends to cross-genre projects, such as sessions with artists like and , and ongoing work supporting diverse rosters at Play It Again Music that blend with pop and hip-hop influences.

Awards and honors

Major industry awards

Dallas Davidson has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his songwriting prowess in country music, particularly for achieving multiple chart-topping hits within short periods. These honors from major industry organizations highlight his consistent success in crafting songs that resonate widely on the chart. In 2010, Davidson was named Billboard's Hot Country Songwriter of the Year, an accolade earned through co-writing five No. 1 hits that year, including "That's How Country Boys Roll" by and "Gimmie That Girl" by . This recognition underscored his pivotal role in shaping contemporary soundscapes during a banner year. Davidson shared the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award in 2011 with frequent collaborator , based on their combined contributions to five of the organization's most-performed country songs of the year, such as "All Over Me" by . He repeated this feat in 2012, sharing the honor with after each penned five top-performed tracks, including "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" by . The (ACM) named Davidson its Songwriter of the Year in 2012, celebrating his hand in hits like "Just a Kiss" by , which also earned an ACM Song of the Year nomination. He won the award again in 2013, further solidifying his status as a leading creative force in the genre. Davidson is a six-time recipient of the (CMA) Triple Play Award, given to songwriters for achieving three No. 1 singles within a 12-month span; his wins occurred in 2010, twice in 2011, and additional times through the and , exemplified by clusters like "That's My Kind of Night," "Play It Again," and "I Don't Dance" by in 2013-2014. Additionally, Davidson received a Grammy nomination in 2010 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for co-writing "Start a Band," the duet by and that topped the country charts.

Other recognitions

Davidson has served as Chairman of the Georgia Music Foundation, a dedicated to preserving Georgia's musical heritage and supporting programs across the state, a role he has held for many years and continued to fulfill as of 2024. In this capacity, he has overseen initiatives like the Georgia Music Relief Fund, established during the to aid musicians and industry professionals facing economic hardship, and annual benefits such as , which raise funds for educational grants in music programs. As of , Davidson remains actively involved on the foundation's board, contributing to efforts that have distributed grants to school band programs and cultural institutions throughout Georgia. Davidson has received multiple honors from the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), including the Songwriter of the Year award in 2012, recognizing his prolific output of chart-topping compositions during that period. These NSAI accolades highlight his influence within the songwriting community, where he has been celebrated for collaborations that blend traditional elements with broader appeal. Additionally, at the 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Davidson was named Songwriter of the Year, an honor presented alongside the induction of other notable figures, underscoring his contributions to the craft. Through Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Davidson has earned several Songwriter of the Year titles, including in 2012, as well as multiple Million-Air awards for high-impact songs that have amassed millions of radio performances, such as those co-written with the Peach Pickers collective. These BMI recognitions reflect the enduring airplay success of his catalog, with tracks achieving widespread rotation across country radio stations. His work has also garnered cross-genre acclaim, with cuts in pop and R&B alongside country hits. Davidson has earned six MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins since the award's inception in 2014, recognizing his contributions to multiple No. 1 hits on the MusicRow Chart. In a 2024 MusicRow feature, Davidson was profiled as a multi-platinum songwriter and rights advocate who has penned over 700 tracks recorded by diverse artists, emphasizing his role in advancing songwriter protections and his versatility across musical styles. This recognition highlights his broader industry impact beyond competitive awards, including brief nods to achievements like CMA Awards as part of his overall legacy in Nashville.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Dallas Davidson married Natalia Starzynski in 2014. The couple welcomed their first child, son Dallas Gerald Davidson Jr., on February 25, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee. Their second son, Monroe, was born circa 2018. In July 2021, they had their third child, daughter Georgia Victoria. Davidson and his family reside in Nashville, where he balances his songwriting career with his three children. This family life in Music City stands in contrast to his upbringing in rural Georgia. Natalia has been described by Davidson as a supportive partner and devoted mother.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Davidson has served as Chairman of the Georgia Music Foundation since 2015, overseeing initiatives that fund , preservation, and support programs for Georgia-based musicians and crew members. Under his leadership, the foundation has distributed more than $850,000 in grants to K-12 schools and non-profits for music-related projects since 2015, including equipment purchases, instructional programs, and community outreach efforts. Additionally, the Georgia Music Relief Fund, launched during the , has provided emergency grants to over 150 professional musicians and technical crew whose livelihoods were impacted by industry shutdowns. A key component of Davidson's philanthropic efforts with the foundation involves the annual benefit concert, which he co-initiated in 2013 with fellow songwriters and as part of their Peach Pickers collective. The event features performances by country artists to raise funds for music grants, with proceeds enabling awards of up to $5,000 per project for school and after-school programs statewide. In 2025, the concert, hosted by and , continued to bolster these efforts, contributing to the foundation's cumulative grant total exceeding $1 million since inception. Beyond the foundation, Davidson advocates for songwriter rights through his publishing company, Play It Again Music, launched in 2015 as a platform to empower emerging creators amid evolving industry challenges. He has publicly supported performance rights organizations, emphasizing their role in ensuring fair compensation for songwriters in a landscape dominated by digital streaming. In comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015, Davidson highlighted the limited advocacy resources available to creators and the need for robust protection of public performance royalties. His efforts gained renewed attention in a 2024 MusicRow interview, where he addressed inequities in streaming payouts and called for reforms to better support songwriters' livelihoods. As of 2025, Davidson continues to push for equitable royalty structures amid ongoing debates over mechanical and performance rights in the streaming era. Davidson also participates in country music-linked charity events focused on conservation and community support, including collaborations with the outdoor brand on initiatives that promote wildlife preservation through hunting-themed projects and fundraisers. These efforts align with his broader commitment to giving back via music industry networks, such as benefits for food insecurity organizations like Second Harvest.

Discography

Solo releases

Dallas Davidson's primary focus has remained on songwriting throughout his career, but he ventured into performing with a single solo studio , This Ole Boy, released in on the independent label String Stretcher Records. The project, comprising 17 tracks including bonus material, was self-produced and highlighted Davidson's own compositions centered on motifs like small-town living, relationships, and everyday struggles. Notable songs included the title track "This 'Ole Boy," which served as the , along with "Farm Party," "Tell Me You Get Lonely," and "I Can't Make It Rain," blending uptempo anthems with introspective ballads. The album's singles garnered limited radio play on independent country stations but achieved only modest commercial performance, failing to crack major . Critics and industry observers noted its raw, authentic sound as a fitting extension of Davidson's songwriting style, though it received scant mainstream review coverage due to its independent release. Produced as a personal artistic outlet amid his burgeoning success penning hits for artists like and Lady Antebellum, This Ole Boy underscored Davidson's roots in Georgia country music without pursuing further solo endeavors. Following the 2010 release, Davidson issued no additional solo albums, EPs, or singles of note by 2025, prioritizing his prolific output as a Nashville songwriter instead. The one-off project remains a testament to his versatility, with several tracks from the album later gaining wider exposure through covers by other performers.

Collaborative projects

Davidson has engaged in several collaborative music projects, primarily as a co-artist, co-writer, and co-producer, often tying into themes of lifestyle, , and camaraderie with fellow songwriters. A prominent example is Michael Waddell's : The Brotherhood Album, a 2010 release featuring Davidson alongside , inspired by the Outdoor Channel's hunting show hosted by Michael Waddell. Produced by Akins, Davidson, and Brian Kolb, the album includes 10 tracks blending humorous country tunes with outdoor motifs, such as "Weapons of Bass Destruction" co-written by Akins, Davidson, and , and "My Baby Looks Good in Camouflage" by Akins and Bobby Pinson. The project reflects the trio's shared passion for , evolving from fan club "Brotherhood Jams" events into a full recording. In 2020, Davidson reunited with Akins for the (Ten Year Anniversary Collection), a 12-track compilation marking a decade since the original album. Released on November 20 via Play It Again Records, it reissues select songs from the Brotherhood Album while adding new material like "Just Like Me" (written by Davidson, Kyle Fishman, and Bobby Pinson) and "Outside," alongside tracks such as "Duck Blind." The collection maintains the hunting-themed spirit, emphasizing brotherhood and rural adventures. Davidson also contributed to the 2017 soundtrack for the film : Pure Heart, performing the original track "Like a Country Boy" as a solo vocal feature amid ensemble cuts by artists including and . This collaboration aligns with his songwriting roots, showcasing his voice in a family-oriented narrative. More recently, Davidson joined a multi-artist ensemble for the 2025 single "Said No Boy Ever," a barroom celebrating country boy stereotypes. Featured alongside , , , , Rob Hatch, and The Traler Park, the track—written by Brice, Brian Davis, Brock Berryhill, and Cole Taylor—highlights collaborative energy in modern .

Music videos

Dallas Davidson has made notable appearances as a featured artist in several music videos, highlighting his collaborative spirit within the scene. In 2011, Davidson featured alongside in the music video for "Country Thang," directed by Potsy Ponciroli. The video captures a quintessential lifestyle, depicting the duo enjoying , on a lake, and a backyard with friends, emphasizing themes of camaraderie and outdoor leisure. Davidson also appeared in promotional clips related to project, including visuals tied to the album The Brotherhood Album, where he contributed vocals to tracks like "Keepers" and "Openin' Day" alongside . These clips often showcased and outdoor themes central to the brand, with Davidson performing in settings that aligned with the album's rustic, brotherhood-focused narrative. In the , Davidson collaborated on the 2025 music video for "Said No Country Boy Ever" as part of The Traler Park collective, featuring , , , , and Rob Hatch. The video portrays a humorous barroom scenario where the group embodies exaggerated country stereotypes, reinforcing the song's playful rejection of urban misconceptions about rural life.

Notable songs written

Chart-topping hits

Dallas Davidson has co-written numerous songs that reached high positions on the chart, including several number ones, contributing significantly to the commercial success of major artists in the . His compositions often blend traditional with pop-influenced hooks and relatable themes, helping to shape radio play and crossover appeal during that era. One of his most prominent hits is "Just a Kiss," co-written with Lady Antebellum (now Lady A) and released in 2011. The mid-tempo ballad peaked at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart and reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a breakthrough for the trio's crossover potential. It was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting strong sales and streaming performance. Another key success came with "Rain Is a Good Thing," co-written with and released in 2010. This upbeat track about small-town optimism topped the chart, becoming Bryan's first number-one single and solidifying his rise in the genre. The song earned 3× Platinum from the RIAA, underscoring its enduring popularity on . Davidson also co-wrote "Boys 'Round Here" for , released in 2013, which peaked at number two on the chart and featured guest vocals from and Friends. The rowdy anthem captured the spirit of rural camaraderie, achieving 5× Platinum RIAA status for its massive commercial impact. As of November 2024, Davidson has amassed 27 number-one hits as a songwriter across various artists, with his catalog generating multi-platinum sales that have influenced the genre's evolution toward broader accessibility. These tracks, including the aforementioned examples, exemplify his role in defining radio by incorporating pop elements while maintaining authentic narratives.

Other significant compositions

Davidson has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career, contributing over 700 noteworthy, cross-genre tracks that extend beyond his chart-topping successes in country music. His songwriting often incorporates influences from R&B and hip-hop, blending rhythmic elements with traditional narratives to appeal to broader audiences, as seen in his collaborations that push genre boundaries. One standout inspirational composition is "Back to God," co-written with and recorded by for her 2017 gospel album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope. The song, which McEntire had performed live prior to its studio release, resonated deeply with listeners through its themes of returning to amid personal hardship, earning for its emotional delivery and spiritual depth. Though not a commercial chart leader, it became a fan favorite and highlighted Davidson's ability to craft heartfelt, faith-based anthems. In the realm of traditional country storytelling, "Where I Come From," co-authored with and performed by on their 2011 album Rebels on the Run, captured the pride of small-town roots and reached No. 8 on the Country Airplay chart while achieving certification. The track's vivid depictions of rural life and community bonds underscored Davidson's skill in evoking without relying on high-octane production. Davidson's cross-genre explorations are evident in "The Shape of You," co-written with Jewel and David Lee for her 2015 album Picking Up the Pieces. This poignant folk-infused , inspired by loss and remembrance, marked a departure from into more introspective, acoustic territory, showcasing his adaptability across styles while maintaining emotional authenticity. "I Don't Dance," co-written with and serving as the title track to his 2014 album, peaked at number 5 on the chart and became a wedding-season staple with its romantic, lighthearted vibe. It received 3× Platinum from the RIAA, highlighting Davidson's ability to craft emotionally resonant hits. More recently, "Silverado for Sale," penned with Marv Green and and featured on Morgan Wallen's blockbuster 2021 double album Dangerous: The Double Album, exemplified Davidson's thematic versatility with its metaphor of trading a cherished —and the memories tied to it—for new beginnings in love. The song's relatable narrative of growth and transition contributed to the album's massive success, further illustrating his ongoing influence in contemporary country up to 2025.

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