PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2012 TIN PAN SOUTH

 Nashville, Tennessee - Nashville Songwriters Association International's 20th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank is set for March 27-31, 2012 and promises to present a slate of songwriters that range from the hottest new tunesmiths on the scene to a host of hall of famers from all genres of music. Performers already confirmed for this year's event include MCA Records artist Josh Turner, critically-acclaimed composer Jimmy Webb, Big Machine Records trio Edens Edge and "Peaceful Easy Feeling" writer Jack Tempchin.  

Tempchin and Webb bring a sense of history to this year's event as they have both been recognized and honored as "Legendary Songwriters" in past years' festivals. Webb's more than 40 years of success are as remarkable as the accomplishments they honor: he is a member of the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and The National Academy of Songwriters' 1993 recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award. Songs like "By The Time I Get To Phoenix," "Up, Up and Away," "Wichita Lineman" and countless other have been recorded by the likes of Tony Bennett, Glen Campbell, Rosemary Clooney, Joe Cocker, Shawn Colvin, Reba McEntire and Linda Ronstadt. His works have been included in blockbuster movies, hit television movies and series and on stage.

In addition to "Peaceful Easy Feeling," which has been cut by over 20 artists, The Eagles recorded Jack Tempchin's "Already Gone," "Somebody" and "It's Your World Now." Glenn Frey's solo mega hit "Smuggler's Blues" was penned by Tempchin as were Frey hits "You Belong to the City," "The One You Love" and others. His smash hit "Slow Dancing" has been recorded no less than 25 times over the years. Cuts by Coolio, Jay-Z, Glen Campbell, George Jones and Patty Loveless spotlight his diversity as a songwriter.

Created in 1992, the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival was designed to bring attention to those who create the hits, often hidden behind the limelight of the stars who perform the songs. Throughout the past 20 years, some of the world's most significant songs have been performed at the weeklong event and tunesmiths from all over the world come to be a part of the event.

"The festival's first year featured 30 shows in five venues over three nights," said Bart Herbison, executive director of NSAI. "Twenty years later, we continue to honor and celebrate those people who create the soundtrack of our lives."

Close to 350 talented songwriters will perform 90 shows at nine of Nashville's most popular venues during this year's Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Produced by NSAI, Tin Pan South reigns as the world's largest all-songwriter festival. Over 9,000 enthusiastic music fans attended last year's event to hear songwriters tell stories behind hit songs they have written and perform the songs as they're were originally composed.

The 20th Annual Tin Pan South Press Preview Party is set for Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. at The Rutledge, 410 4th Avenue South in Nashville. There, several featured writers will perform and announcements will be made regarding schedules, venues, participating writers and more.

Visit nashvillesongwriters.com or tinpansouth.com to purchase Fast Access passes and check out Festival updates. Fast Access passes will go on sale ­Wednesday, March 7, 2012.