John Morgan

John Morgan plays Odie's on Thursday, November 19, with special guest Erin Kinsey opening the night. If you've heard his name but aren't sure where he fits in, the easiest way to place him is as a songwriter first. He's a GRAMMY-nominated, six-time number-one country songwriter from Sylva, North Carolina, who grew up playing bluegrass festivals in his family band. For years, he's been one of the writers behind the scenes for some of the biggest names in country music.

That list is long. He's written 16 songs for Jason Aldean, including the number ones "How Far Does A Goodbye Go," "Trouble With A Heartbreak," "Whiskey Drink," and "Don't Tell On Me." He also co-wrote the GRAMMY-nominated "If I Didn't Love You" with Carrie Underwood, and has written for Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, and Thomas Rhett. For a long time, he was the guy other people sang.

Things changed when he stepped out from behind the pen. His debut single "Friends Like That," featuring Jason Aldean, hit number one at country radio—his fourth number one as a songwriter and his first as an artist. That same run earned him the CMA Triple Play Award. His debut album, Carolina Blue, features the rising single "Kid Myself," and the live set will draw from that material. He's played the Grand Ole Opry and toured with Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Riley Green, and ERNEST, and he's heading out on Brantley Gilbert's Real American Tour this fall.

So when he stops by Odie's, you're getting the songwriter in the front of the room rather than the studio. The show is Thursday, November 19, at 7 PM, with Erin Kinsey opening.