Nashville, TN — Singer-songwriter John Hiatt is set to take center stage in the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s esteemed “Poets and Prophets” interview series on August 10 at the Ford Theater.
With a career spanning five decades, Hiatt has solidified his place as a revered figure in the music industry, renowned for his prolific songwriting that has influenced artists across genres. Beginning his journey at age 18 in Nashville’s Tree Publishing, Hiatt’s compositions have resonated with listeners through hits performed by icons such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, and Willie Nelson. His early successes included songs like Rosanne Cash’s “The Way We Make a Broken Heart” and the Desert Rose Band’s “She Don’t Love Nobody,” establishing him as a formidable force in songcraft.
Hiatt’s breakthrough as a recording artist came with his critically acclaimed 1987 album, Bring the Family, featuring memorable tracks like “Have a Little Faith in Me” and “Memphis in the Meantime.” His influence further extended as his songs were covered by major artists including Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King with Eric Clapton.
Returning to Nashville in the mid-1980s after a stint in Los Angeles, Hiatt continued to evolve, releasing over two dozen albums to date, including his 2021 collaboration with the Jerry Douglas Band, Leftover Feelings.
Recognized for his contributions to music, Hiatt was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008 and received a lifetime achievement award from the Americana Music Association. In 2019, he was honored with the BMI Troubadour Award, celebrating his enduring impact as a songwriter.
The upcoming interview at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum will be moderated by museum writer-editor Dave Paulson, featuring archival photos, films, and recordings that highlight Hiatt’s storied career. The event, open to museum visitors and members, requires a program ticket for admission due to limited seating.
