Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Kelly Archer has been a signed songwriter in Nashville for the past 16 years. Her songs have been recorded by some of country music’s biggest artists, including Jason Aldean, Eli Young Band, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and many others. With five #1 country singles to her credit, Kelly has penned hits including Brett Young’s “Sleep Without You,” Travis Denning’s “After a Few,” Justin Moore’s “Somebody Else Will,” Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her,” and Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood’s #1 hit, “I’m Gonna Love You.” Known for heartfelt storytelling and undeniable hooks, Kelly brings her exceptional songwriting, beautiful voice, and engaging personality to performances, giving audiences an inside look at the stories behind the songs they know and love.
Born in San Antonio, Aaron Barker picked up his first guitar at six years old and quickly discovered a passion for music and songwriting. After more than a decade performing as the lead singer and bass player for The American Peddlers, Barker left the successful show band in 1988 to pursue his dream of becoming a songwriter. That same year, George Strait recorded Barker’s “Baby Blue,” launching a remarkable songwriting career that would produce numerous No. 1 and Top 10 hits. Barker’s songs have been recorded by artists including George Strait, Clay Walker, Lonestar, Doug Supernaw, Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, and many more. He has also enjoyed success as a recording artist and became widely recognized for writing and performing memorable advertising jingles, including those for Blue Bell Ice Cream. A member of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame since 2007, Barker’s songs have left an enduring mark on Texas and country music.
A Lampasas, Texas, native, Terry McBride spent his teenage summers on the road with his father, the late Dale McBride, a recording artist with several Billboard-charted singles. After three years traveling with his father’s band, Terry moved to Austin to pursue his own musical career before heading to Nashville in 1989. There, he formed McBride & The Ride, which scored several Top 5 singles, including the #1 hit “Sacred Ground,” and earned CMA and ACM nominations for Vocal Group of the Year. After the group disbanded in 1995, Terry turned his focus to songwriting. His songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr., Alan Jackson, and many others. His impressive catalog includes more than 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, including four #1s. Terry’s Texas grit, talent, and larger-than-life personality have made him one of Nashville’s most prolific and beloved songwriters.
Sassy, energetic, and undeniably authentic, Abbey Rowe brings a fresh voice and sharp storytelling to modern country music. A proud Texas native, Rowe competed in the prestigious Texas Songwriter U competition in both 2024 and 2025, earning the honor of 2025 Ambassador, selected by acclaimed songwriters Jack Ingram, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna. In May 2025, she signed her first publishing deal with Ace High Music in partnership with Sony Music Publishing, marking an exciting milestone in her rapidly growing career. As a songwriter, Rowe has contributed to projects including Jenna Davis’s releases “Really Bad Kisser” and “Miss Wannabe,” while collaborating with respected writers and artists across the industry. Driven by a desire to create joy through music, Abbey blends wit, heart, and high-energy storytelling into every song she writes.
Originally from Roosevelt, Texas, population 18, Delaney Ramsdell brings the unmistakable spirit and storytelling of West Texas to her music. Now based in Nashville, Ramsdell has been writing songs since she was 11 and performing since she was five, eventually pursuing songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville. A Grammy-nominated songwriter signed to One Riot Publishing and Reservoir Media, Ramsdell’s songs have amassed more than 70 million streams, with cuts including the Grammy-nominated “Make You Happy,” recorded by Lukas Nelson, “Thankful,” recorded by Paul Cauthen, and “East Texas and You,” recorded by Solon Holt. Rooted in the culture and character of her West Texas upbringing, Ramsdell brings authenticity, heart, and a storyteller’s perspective to every song.
A true child of the American Southwest, Frank Ray grew up between Laredo, Texas, and Columbus, New Mexico, surrounded by a vibrant collision of cultures and music. Country legends like George Strait and Tim McGraw shared space with Tejano and, Ranchera favorites, shaping the distinctive sound and storytelling that define Ray today. After spending 10 years as a law enforcement officer in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ray began performing his original songs on weekends with a country band that quickly became a local favorite. Eventually, he traded his badge for a career in music, blending organic honky-tonk, country pop, and smooth Latin twang. With two Texas radio No. 1s, a Top 20 Billboard Country Airplay hit, and a Grand Ole Opry debut, Ray has toured with Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, and more. His journey is as authentic as his sound—and he’s just getting started.
The Cleburne Education Foundation invites you to the annual singer/songwriter music event. Come and hear your favorite country songs and experience the backstory from the writers. Nashville Lights showcases the talents of highly acclaimed Nashville songwriter/singers. In addition, the show will be opened by up-and-coming Texas singer/songwriters.
Call For Sponsorships