When Anthony Smith moved from East Tennessee to Nashville in the mid-1990s, he didn’t realize a golden era of country music ended. Sometimes not knowing is best because this singer-songwriter achieved major successes when artists like Lone Star, George Strait, and Trace Adkins recorded his songs. 

There’s no shortage of accomplished songwriters in Nashville. What separates them is consistently combining lyrics and melody to create a song that brings tears or a smile in unison. And those who can get industry executives and artists to hear their songs.

RELATED: Taylor and Brett Young Love Nashville

Anthony’s desire to perform began when his dad brought home a powder blue Fender Mustang guitar. Initially purchased for his dad’s enjoyment, the electric instrument’s sound resonated with his son. By age five, Anthony knew a few chords and started constructing melodies within a few years.

Anthony Smith sings his own song, “If That Ain’t Country”

A few years later, Anthony played guitar for his church band and instructed the older adults on harmonies’ finer points. During his formative years, Gospel music was all Anthony knew, although he occasionally heard Elvis and Creedence Clearwater Revival songs. But the day a classmate introduced him to Aerosmith’s Toys in the Attic album, he realized his chosen instrument could make lots of cool sounds.

Fast forward to the mid-90s, Anthony was married and ready to try his hand in Nashville. The young couple made the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Music City, where Anthony landed a decent job with a cable company. Admittedly, the aspiring artist knew little-to-nothing about the music business. 

RELATED: Paul Stanley Interviews Hank Williams

The objective was simple: Anthony Smith wanted to ride the coattails of the great artists like Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and others that came from the infamous class of 1989. “Back then, all the artists and bands coming out of Nashville had their own unique sound,” says Anthony. “It’s not that way today. I was in Nashville at the end of one era and started another. But I can’t complain because the business has been good to me.”

Anthony didn’t get his first break until he signed with Mercury Records and released his debut album If That Ain’t Country. If you haven’t heard the album, you may want to listen sometime because it’s a favorite of Music City superstars such as Chris Stapleton. “I’ve written with Chris, and he always compliments me on that project.”

Although Anthony’s career as a solo artist or frontman didn’t expand as planned, his songwriting skills made him one of the sought-after writers in town. His songwriting credits include “Run” and “Cowboys Like Us,” by George Strait, “Chrome” and “I’m Tryin,” by Trace Adkins. Other songs include “I’m Already There” by Lonestar, as well as cuts by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McIntyre, and Chris Stapleton.

Listen as Anthony, and I discuss his songwriting strategies and how the music business is continuously evolving.