Last Monday night in Nashville, performance rights organization ASCAP awarded Kenny Chesney with the Voice of Music Award. Big & Rich's John Rich was also honored, with the Songwriter/Artist of the Year Award. In addition to co-writing with his duo partner, Big Kenny, John has also co-written several of Gretchen Wilson's hits, including "Redneck Woman" and "When I Think About Cheatin'"; additionally, he wrote Faith Hill's "Mississippi Girl." "You boil us down, we're songwriters," John said. "We want to write songs forever, and I'd love to have another 100 cuts." Other ASCAP winners included the Tim McGraw hit "Live Like You Were Dyin'," which picked up Country Song of the Year honors, and Craig Wiseman—one of that song's two writers—earned Songwriter of the Year. Among his other credits that contributed to his award are the Phil Vassar hit "In a Real Love," the Trace Adkins hit "Rough & Ready," Brooks & Dunn's "That's What It's All About" and Kenny Chesney's "The Woman With You."

All photos by Curtis Hilbun