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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Nashville hit songwriter Marv Green, the man behind country favorites like Lonestar’s “Amazed” and Tim McGraw’s “I Called Mama.”

Marv looks back on his journey to Nashville and shares stories about working with some of country music’s biggest names, including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and Tim McGraw. He also opens up about the inspiration behind great songwriting, the importance of paying attention to everyday life, and the moments that turn an idea into a song. Listen now.

In This Episode:

• Marv tells the story of his afternoon writing with a young Taylor Swift and why he wishes he had skipped the mixes and focused on the song
• He explains how he landed in Nashville in 1993, waiting tables at the same restaurant where Kenny Chesney parked cars
• We talk about “Amazed,” including the demo that Lonestar’s Richie McDonald heard, which you can still find on Apple Music and Spotify
• Marv shares how Scott Hendricks and Michael Knox at Warner/Chappell gave him his first real shot
• He describes writing with Hudson Westbrook, who rewrote a second verse overnight and cares about country music history
• We talk about Marty Robbins, “El Paso,” and a very memorable night at Rosa’s Cantina
• Marv explains why he reads so much and why he writes better when he is in the middle of a good book
• We close by talking about our moms and what it means to keep a voicemail you can’t erase

This episode is sponsored by:

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License #: 679261

Tags: Marv Green songwriter, Marv Green interview, Nashville songwriter, country music songwriter, country music hits, songs written by Marv Green, Lonestar Amazed songwriter, Tim McGraw I Called Mama, George Strait songs, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift songwriting

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Some of the most important people in an industry aren't always the ones standing in the spotlight. Country music reminded us of that in 2026.

This year, we lost performers whose voices were unmistakable, songwriters responsible for songs that became part of our lives, talented musicians who helped bring those songs to life, and radio personalities who made millions of mornings a little better.

This week on Once Around the Country, we remember the artists, songwriters, musicians, and radio personalities who left their mark on country music.

You'll hear about Dolly Parton, John Anderson, David Allan Coe, and several others. You'll also hear stories about the songwriters and musicians whose names might not be as familiar but whose work certainly is.

With personal reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, a little humor, and plenty of appreciation, this episode reminds us how much these individuals gave to country music. Their voices may be gone, but the music and memories will stay with us.

Join us for this special tribute to the people who helped make country music what it is today.

Who we remember in this episode

• Dolly Parton passed away at age 80, and we talk about her health, her marriage to Carl Dean, and her bluegrass version of Stairway to Heaven.
• John Anderson grew up in Apopka, Florida, loved Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, and hit country radio Swingin’.
• David Allan Coe died at 86 and wrote Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone) for Tanya Tucker.
• Jim McBride died at 78 and wrote Chattahoochee, Chasing That Neon Rainbow, and Someday with Alan Jackson.
• Don Schlitz died at 73 and wrote The Gambler, Forever and Ever, Amen, and When You Say Nothing At All.
• Pete Finney died at 70 and played the steel guitar lick at the start of Blame It On Your Heart.
• Jerry Kennedy died at 85, signed his first record deal at 11, and played dobro on Harper Valley PTA.
• Wayne Moss died at 88 and is one of the players credited with the opening riff of Pretty Woman.
• Ronnie Bowman died at 64 and wrote Nobody to Blame, a hit for Chris Stapleton.
• Jimmy Nichols died at 64 and served as musical director for Reba McEntire and Faith Hill.
• Bill Cody, born Trent Klutz, hosted the morning show on WSM in Nashville for 30 years and died in June 2026.

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Reed Animal Hospital

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Tags: In Memoriam 2026, Country Music Legends We Lost in 2026, Country Music Tribute 2026, Country Music Memorial, Country Music Legends, Country Music History, Dolly Parton, John Anderson, David Allan Coe, Jim McBride Songwriter, Don Schlitz, Bill Cody Radio, Nashville Songwriters, Nashville Session Musicians, Country Music Songwriters, Country Music Hall of Fame, Once Around the Country, Gary Scott Thomas, Here's What We Know, Country Music Stories, Country Music Artists Remembered, Country Music Legacy, Country Music Tribute

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
• Follow Gary on Instagram
• Gary's Tiktok
• Gary's Facebook
• Watch the episodes on YouTube
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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
• Follow Gary on Instagram
• Gary's Tiktok
• Gary's Facebook
• Watch the episodes on YouTube
• Advertise on the Podcast

Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!