MEMPHIS
SONGWRITERS
ASSOCIATION
2024 TOP 8 FINALIST
| Songwriter(s) | Song |
|---|---|
| Dennis Jay | So Fine |
| Dutch Vanderpool | A Hundred Ways |
| JD Graffam & Josh Threlkeld | Electric Truck |
| Miz Stefani | The Prey |
| Reginald Taylor | Imposter |
| Sam Raines | Y |
| Shara Matlock | Taking it Back |
| Ted Horrell | When I Return |
50 Years of the Memphis Songwriters Association Gala and Awards Celebration!
The Family of Estelle Axton, The Founder of the Memphis Songwriters Association
Ms. Doris Axton Fredrick, Daugher of Estelle Axton receiving the award MSA presented to honor Estelle for 50 years of MSA.
Ms. Doris Axton Fredrick accepting at the award honoring her mother and MSA founder Ms. Estelle Axton.
Ms. Fredrick with Ms. Jil Sweeney listening to Ms. Fredrick reminiscing the early days of MSA.
Mr. Phillip Beasley accepting the MSA Estelle Axton Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing Mr. Beasley's contribution to the organization as president from 2006 to 2012.
Dr. Rice Drewry accepting the MSA Legend Award as the longest standing member of MSA from circa 1995 to present.
The 2022-2023 Memphis Songwriters Association Board of Directors with Estelle Axton's Daughter (left to right): Mike Mielenhausen, Mark Parsell, Amber Rae Dunn, Ms. Doris Fredrick, Jill Sweeney, and Joe Matthews.
The Board of Directors of MSA (left to right): Mr. Mike Mielenhausen, Ms. Jil Sweeney, Mr. Mark Parsell, Mr. Joe Matthews, and Ms. Amber Rae Dunn.
Honored Guest Mr. Willie Hall, a STAX Producer, Sessions Player, and Blues Brother.
50th Anniversary Celebration Cake!
A full room in Studio A at the STAX Museum of American Soul Music.
Congratulations
1st Place - Rice Drewry “Whirlwind”
2nd Place - Kyle Kite “Runner Up”
3rd Place - Deion Corley "Angels to Hold”
Kyle Rice Deion
Upcoming Events
MISSION
The mission of the Memphis Songwriters Association (MSA) is to create a vibrant COMMUNITY of songwriters and provide OPPORTUNITIES for them to grow - with the ultimate hope that we will transform the landscape of the music industry in Memphis, Tennessee.
History
Estelle Axton was the co-founder, with her brother Jim Stewart, of Stax Records. Born a Tennessee native, Axton was also the founder of the Memphis Songwriters Association in 1973.
The Memphis Songwriters Association was formed in order to foster the education and advancement of local area songwriters. MSA has consecutively maintained membership for over 40 years. Estelle's formation of the Memphis Songwriters Association led many local songwriters and singer/songwriters publishing their original material. Some of these songs and artists met with great success.