Nashville’s own Rocky Block, a celebrated country music songwriter, recently clinched his first CMA Triple Play Award, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by crafting chart-topping hits for icons like Morgan Wallen and Cole Swindell. Beyond his impressive list of songwriting credits, Block stands as a pivotal voice in the ongoing discourse surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative landscape, urging fellow writers to innovate and “beat the AI machine” with authentic artistry.
Block’s journey into the Nashville music scene was uniquely shaped by his upbringing as the son of late radio/TV host Billy Block. Immersed in music from a young age, he absorbed invaluable lessons and inspirations through osmosis, witnessing firsthand the perspectives of artists and writers who frequented his childhood home. This early exposure provided a tangible path to a songwriting career, fostering a deep understanding of the industry’s intricate dynamics and the collaborative spirit essential to crafting successful songs.
His undeniable talent culminated in the prestigious CMA Triple Play Award, recognizing his authorship on three No. 1 hits within a 12-month span: the powerful Morgan Wallen/Eric Church collaboration “Man Made a Bar,” the multi-week chart-topper “Pour Me a Drink” by Post Malone and Blake Shelton, and the infectious Wallen/Ernest track “Cowgirls.” This accolade, coupled with his recognition as the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville’s rising songwriter of the year, firmly cements his status as a leading country music songwriter.
A significant portion of Block’s impressive catalog includes numerous Morgan Wallen hits. He co-wrote nine tracks on Wallen’s highly successful current album, which dominated the Billboard 200 for two months, including the Billboard Hot 100 top 5 hit “Smile.” His contributions to Wallen’s previous album and the crossover sensation “Broadway Girls” further highlight their fruitful creative partnership, underscoring his role in shaping the sound of contemporary country music.
Beyond his prolific work with Morgan Wallen, Rocky Block’s versatile songwriting process has also yielded significant collaborations with a diverse array of artists. His credits span across genres and include notable songs for Jelly Roll (“Smile So Much”), Cody Johnson (“Whiskey Bent” feat. Jelly Roll), Cole Swindell (“Forever To Me”), Breland (“For What It’s Worth”), and even pop mainstays like Teddy Swims, showcasing his ability to adapt his craft to various musical styles while maintaining his signature lyrical depth.
At the heart of Block’s success is a steadfast commitment to his songwriting process, which he distills into a simple yet profound principle: write prolifically. Adhering to the advice he received early in his career, he still aims to write “at least a song a day during the week.” This dedication to consistent creation, combined with a seasoned perspective that prioritizes elevating others in the writing room, has allowed him to continually refine his craft and produce compelling narratives for artists across the industry.
However, the conversation around AI in music introduces complex challenges. Block openly questions the boundaries of copyright infringement with AI-generated compositions, noting a “slippery slope” as AI increasingly competes with human creators. While acknowledging the similar learning processes between AI and human writers—both consuming existing music to create new—he expresses caution about over-reliance on AI for core creative tasks, preferring to use tools like ChatGPT only for minor assistance such as rhyming or idiom lists.
Ultimately, Rocky Block’s message to aspiring songwriters and the broader Nashville music scene is clear: embrace originality and relentless practice. He believes that as AI becomes more sophisticated, human writers must respond by becoming “really good,” fostering unique perspectives and genuine artistry. His career exemplifies this ethos, proving that the human element of passion, experience, and original thought remains paramount in the ever-evolving world of music creation, offering a compelling roadmap for navigating the future of songwriting.
