Inductees Include Jim Beavers, Shane McAnally, Kimmie Rhodes, and Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughan
Austin, TX (June 22, 2026) – The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association will honor four extraordinary creative forces as they enter the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame: Jim Beavers, Shane McAnally, Kimmie Rhodes, and Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughan. Together, these influential songwriters, performers, and musical trailblazers embody the spirit, soul, and storytelling tradition that define Texas music and continue to shape American culture far beyond the Lone Star State. In addition, legendary producer, musician, and songwriter Lloyd Maines will be recognized as the recipient of the Darrell K. Royal Texas Music Legend Award for his outstanding contributions to Texas music and its enduring legacy. Their induction will be celebrated at the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Show on February 20, 2027, at ACL Live in Austin.
As the Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award honoree, Lloyd Maines is a Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and one of the most influential figures in Texas music. Renowned for his masterful work in Americana, country, folk, and roots music, Maines has helped shape the sound and careers of countless artists through his acclaimed production work and musicianship. A longtime champion of authentic Texas songwriting and musical tradition, he has left an indelible mark on the state’s rich cultural legacy and the broader American music landscape.
Born in Midland and raised in Garland and Jacksonville, Texas, Jim Beavers built a celebrated career as one of Nashville’s premier hitmakers. A Baylor University graduate with deep Texas roots, Beavers has written songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Chris Stapleton, and many others. His songwriting credits include chart-topping hits such as “Drink a Beer,” “Red Solo Cup,” and “Am I the Only One,” while his blend of Texas grit and emotional honesty has made him one of country music’s most respected writers, receiving multiple CMA and ACM Awards, as well as being named Sony Music Publishing’s Songwriter of the Year four times.
Shane McAnally, born in Mineral Wells and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, has become one of the most influential songwriters and producers in modern country music. A Grammy-winning creative force, McAnally has written and produced hits for artists including Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, Kenny Chesney, and Miranda Lambert, with credits on songs such as “Merry Go ’Round,” “Follow Your Arrow,” and “Body Like a Back Road.” He also served as a key producer and primary songwriter for Midland, helping shape the band’s acclaimed throwback country sound while continuing to push the genre forward with fearless creativity and storytelling. McAnally has won multiple CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and four Grammy Awards, and co-wrote the musical Shucked with fellow songwriter Brandy Clark.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Kimmie Rhodes has spent decades building a singular career as a songwriter, performer, playwright, author, and cultural ambassador. Her songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd, and Joe Ely, while her own acclaimed catalog spans 19 albums. A beloved figure in the Austin music community since the late 1970s, Rhodes has also authored books, created theatrical productions, and championed music education through her work with the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. In 2023, she was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame for her contributions to music and entertainment.
Texas-born brothers Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan helped define the sound and spirit of modern Texas blues. Raised in Dallas, the Vaughans drew from the state’s deep blues and roadhouse traditions to create styles that made them internationally revered musicians. Jimmie first rose to prominence as the founder of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, while Stevie Ray Vaughan became a global icon through his groundbreaking work with Double Trouble and landmark albums like Texas Flood. Together, the brothers carried Texas blues to worldwide audiences, leaving a lasting musical legacy rooted in authenticity, virtuosity, and unmistakable Lone Star swagger.
The Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Show is more than a ceremony. It’s a one-night-only awards program where stories, songs, and Texas pride take center stage. Audiences can expect unforgettable performances, heartfelt tributes, and a celebration of the craft that places Texas songwriters in a league of their own. Tickets will be available soon at ACL Live.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Sponsorships.
