Number One party celebrates with co-writers
Scotty McCreery turned his own love story into a No. 1 hit. “This Is It” became Scotty’s second No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts, following 2017’s smash hit, “Five More Minutes.”
He celebrated the success of “This Is It” at a Number One party on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, with co-writers Aaron Eshuis and Frank Rogers. The song was produced by Eshuis, Rogers and Derek Wells. The party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, was held at ASCAP’s Nashville offices.
“If you’d told me a couple of years ago that I’d be here, I’d have told you you’re crazy,” said Scotty as he began his remarks at the party. “It’s been an incredible ride.”
A very personal song
“This Is It” has become a very personal song for Scotty. He and long-time girlfriend, Gabi Dugal, had known each other since kindergarten and dated for about six years before Scotty proposed while on a hike to a romantic spot near Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.
“I wrote it a couple of days before our engagement,” Scotty revealed during the No. 1 party. He played the song to Gabi just an hour after he proposed. He sang the song to her at their wedding and says that he sees Gabi in his mind when her performs it on the road every night. “It’s easy to write love songs about you, baby,” Scotty said to Gabi during the presentation ceremony. “I appreciate you saying yes and marrying me, otherwise this song probably wouldn’t have made it to radio!” He added, “’This is NOT It’ is not a good title!”
Scotty thanked co-writers Eshuis and Rogers for being by his side. “Frank, you’ve been a mentor to me for years now. I feel you really ‘get’ me and what I want to say, and you help me say it. I appreciate you, brother.”
“I’ll always be your first”
Turning to Eshuis, Scotty said, “It’s incredible to be here for your first Number One [as a songwriter]. I think you’re going to have many more, but always remember, I’ll always be your first.”
Scotty reminisced about the “This Is It” writing session. “I walked into the pool house that day at Frank’s place and I said, ‘Guys, I haven’t told anybody this yet, but I’m planning on popping the question in a couple of weeks. I’m going to take her up into the mountains in North Carolina [and propose].’ I described the place and had the story in my head, but I needed some help telling it.” Turning to Rogers and Eshuis beside him at ASCAP, Scotty said, “I appreciate you diving in with me on such a personal song and helping me tell our story.”
Co-writers Aaron Eshuis and Frank Rogers
Accepting his first Number One award, an emotional Eshuis turned to his wife, Jessica, and said, “Thank you for spoiling me.” Eshuis signed a worldwide publishing deal with SMACKsongs in 2017 and is known for his cuts on A Thousand Horses, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, Cole Swindell and more.
Frank Rogers founded Sea Gayle Music Publishing with Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois. Sea Gayle is credited with more than 650 cuts and 36 number one copyrights. He is now producing and songwriting with Fluid Music Revolution, a joint venture with Spirit Music Group.
“This Is It” and Scotty’s previous No. 1 “Five More Minutes” are both cuts from his 2018 album, Seasons Change (Triple Tigers).
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com