There’s much more behind the voices of country music than you think. Many of your favorite singers in the genre are also accomplished songwriters. In fact, most country stars kick off their careers by writing songs for other artists. Along their journey to stardom, they often have writing sessions with tour mates and share material. Grammy Award winning group Lady A, made up of Charles Kelly, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood are no exception. Did you know Lady A co-wrote these 10 terrific songs for other artists?

From big hit singles to album cuts, you’ll see songs recorded by some of country music’s biggest names, here. Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and Sara Evans all recorded songs written by Lady A. Most of the songs mentioned were written by the the individual members the group. But, in one case, all three of them collaborated with the artist who recorded their song.

Not Just A Group

Charles Kelley had a hand in writing most of these songs, in addition to the majority of Lady A penned hits. Think of all the great Lady A songs that have become hits over the years. “Need You Now” was a smash success. It was written by all three member and won four Grammy Awards in 2011! It also won Song of the Year and Record of the Year and spent five weeks at #1.

No doubt, the band has a way with words. Their self-penned hits like “Just a Kiss,” “Bartender” and “I Run To You” became instant classics. Over the course of an incredible 15 year career, Lady A has amassed an impressive 11 #1 hits. We all know and love them as a group. So, consider this a celebration of Hillary, Charles and Dave the songwriters. Did you have any idea that Lady A co-wrote these 10 terrific songs for other artists?

• 1. Do I- Luke Bryan

  Luke Bryan’s first co-wrote his first top 40 with Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley from Lady A. And yes, that’ s Lady A’s Hillary Scott singing background vocals for Luke. The song is about a couple questioning their relationship and took Luke nearly to the top of the chart. It was a #2 hit in 2009 and really set the ball rolling for Bryan.

• 2. A Little Bit Stronger- Sara Evans

  Sara Evan’s 5th and last #1 hit was co-written by Hillary Scott of Lady A, in addition to noted songwriters Luke Laird and Hillary Lindsey. Hillary also sings backing vocals on this one. The 2011 women’s anthem was featured in the movie, Country Strong. Sara performed it at the 2011 CMA Awards and got a standing ovation. According to Wikipedia, “the lyrics were inspired by a real-life experience from Scott, who had just dealt with a break up with a loved one.”

• 3. Where It All Begins- Hunter Hayes

  In 2015 Hillary, Charles and Dave worked with Hunter Hayes on this upbeat song. Hunter told Radio.com, “We found a day in our schedules where all four of us could get together and create something, So Dave had this musical thing he pulled up on his computer and Charles started kinda just singing random stuff and I swear I heard him say ‘Where it begins’ or something like that.” The song about turning challenges into positive changes made it onto Hunter’s 21 Project and featured Lady A on background vocals.

• 4. Here Tonight- Brett Young

  Brett Young co-wrote his fourth consecutive #1 hit, “Here Tonight” with Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ben Caver and Just Ebach.  Brett wrote most of the lyrics and  said that Charles came up with the melody, (Wikipedia). According to Young it’s all about “those moments in your life that are so good and you’re so present in them that you are able, while you’re in them, to realize how good they are.”

• 5. Home Sweet - Russell Dickerson

  Russell Dickerson co-wrote his 2021 top 10 hit with Charles Kelley and songwriter Casey Brown. The song was inspired by Russell’s wife Kailey.

• 6. Better In The Long Run- Miranda Lambert

  From Miranda’s 2011 album Four the Record, “Better in The Long Run” was written by Charles Kelley, Ashley Money (Pistol Annies) and songwriter Gordie Sampson. At the time Lambert was married to Shelton and he sings on this one as well.

• 7. Suffocating- Blake Shelton

  This track was feature on Blake Shelton’s second “Six Pak” EP, a collection of 6 songs. It was written by Miranda Lambert and Hillary Scott when the 2 were on tour with Kenny Chesney. Hillary told The Boot, “It was one of the many nights I hopped on her (Miranda’s) bus and we stayed up late just drinking wine and playing music and writing music, And I actually sang background vocals on Blake’s cut of that song,”

• 8. Homegrown Honey- Darius Rucker

  Darius did a couple of tours with Lady A over the years. He co-wrote this hit single with Charles Kelley and Nathan Chapman. It 2015 it became a #2 hit for him. It’s on his 5th studio album, Southern Style. Darius and Charles are very good friends, and often play golf together.

• 9. Growing Old With You- Restless Road

  In 2022 Restless Road released this beautiful love song. It was written by Charles Kelley, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds. It’s a perfect wedding song that highlights the groups tight harmonies.

• 10. Love Song- Miranda Lambert

  Featured on Miranda’s Revolution album, this 2009 song was a collab with Charles and Dave from Lady A. According to Song Facts, Lambert shared, “It’s not this fairy tale, bubblegum, happy, everybody’s in love song. It’s just about two real people. And Charles sings on it, which is unbelievable. It’s so different for me. I guess I’ve reached a point where it’s all right to maybe love somebody.”

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