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Billy Currington Joins Writers of "Don’t It" at No. 1 Party

Ashley Gorley, Jaren Johnston, Ross Copperman Composed His Latest Hit

Music Row toasted Billy Currington and the three writers of his latest hit, “Don’t It," with a No. 1 party Monday afternoon (Aug. 3) at the CMA building in Nashville.

The writers are Ashley Gorley, Jaren Johnston and Ross Copperman, all of whom were present with Currington to bask in the accolades.

Mike Sistad spoke for ASCAP, the performance rights society of which Currington, Gorley and Johnson are members.

He noted that “Don’t It” is Johnston’s sixth No. 1 as a writer and Gorley’s 21st and that it is Currington’s 10th as an artist.

“I was excited about (having) six,” Johnston cracked after Gorley’s more massive total was announced.

Sistad said Gorley has had more than 300 songs recorded.

BMI’s Leslie Roberts praised Copperman, who’s signed to that organization, for having written four No. 1s. She also pointed out he’s the co-writer of three songs currently on the charts for Brett Eldredge, Keith Urban and Jake Owen.

A former recording artist himself, Copperman scored two singles on the British charts, Roberts said.

Mike Dungan, head of Universal Music Group Nashville, for which Currington records, came to the stage to declare that Currington is “one of the best [singers] I’ve ever heard.”

Speaking directly to the singer, he added, “The (chart) numbers are one thing, but it’s really your work that stands out.”

Copperman agreed, proclaiming, “Billy’s voice is like butter.”

Johnston, who leads the Southern rock and country group the Cadillac Three, thanked his family for attending the party and, particularly, his father who stood beaming near the stage.

“Daddy used to put money in my bank account,” he said.

In his remarks, Gorley gave a thumbs up to his daughter, Sadie. He recalled she had enthused, “It’s a hit,” when he first played her the demo of “Don’t It.”

“Anybody want to hire her?” he inquired. “She just turned 11.”

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