The Writers Behind the Hits: Nashville’s Top Songwriters Come to The Church Studio

Church Studio Media Release

Step inside a Nashville songwriter round and hear the stories behind songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Luke Bryan, and more.

(Tulsa, OK) — Tulsa music fans will have a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind some of country music’s biggest hits when The Hit List: Nashville’s Writer’s Round comes to The Church Studio on July 17, 2026.

Presented by Talent Fountain and Black Sheep Tequila, The Hit List brings the songwriters behind hits recorded by Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Luke Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, and more to Tulsa for an intimate Nashville-style songwriter round.

Rather than a traditional concert, guests will experience the songs the way they were born, one writer, one guitar, and one story at a time. Throughout the evening, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Chris DeStefano and hitmaker Justin Wilson will perform the songs they've written, sharing the inspiration, unexpected moments, and behind-the-scenes stories that turned ideas into chart-topping hits.

Collectively, DeStefano and Wilson have earned 21 No. 1 songs and more than 150 artist cuts.

Together, DeStefano and Wilson have written songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Randy Houser, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and many more. During this intimate Nashville-style songwriter round, they’ll share the stories behind the hits and perform the songs that made them favorites with fans across the country.

“Tulsa has earned its reputation as the ‘other Music City,’ and The Church Studio is a big reason why,” said Chris DeStefano. “I’m excited to perform in such an iconic room and share a memorable evening of music and stories.”

The Hit List: Nashville’s Writer’s Round Event Details:
Friday, July 17, 2026
Doors: 6:00 p.m. Show: 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Church Studio, 304 S Trenton Avenue, Tulsa, OK
Tickets: Live Room Seating $79 / Lounge Seating $20. Lounge seating does not include admission to the Live
Room with the artists. Limited seating is available and advance purchase is encouraged.
https://www.thechurchstudio.com/the-hit-list-nashvilles-writers-round/

Event experience includes:
• Live performances by the songwriters behind hits recorded by Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Luke Bryan,
Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, and more
• Stories and insights from the creation of chart-topping songs
• Premium tequila tasting presented by Black Sheep Tequila
• Light bites
• Merchandise available for purchase
• Optional docent-led mini tours of The Church Studio

Meet the Songwriters:
Chris DeStefano is the Grammy Award-winning songwriter behind several of Carrie Underwood’s biggest hits,
including “Something in the Water,” which spent seven weeks at No. 1, along with fan favorites “Good Girl”; and “Little Toy Guns.”  His songwriting credits also include No. 1 songs for Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Billy Currington, Rascal Flatts, and Jason Aldean, making him one of Nashville’s most successful and influential contemporary songwriters.

Justin Wilson has become one of Nashville’s hottest songwriters, earning cuts with some of country music’s biggest names. His catalog includes Mitchell Tenpenny’s hit “Drunk Me,” Randy Houser’s “We Went,” Dustin Lynch’s “Momma’s House,”  Michael Ray’s “Kiss You in the Morning,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Whatcha Think About Country Now.”  Additional credits include songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Tyler Farr, Granger Smith, Craig Campbell, Parmalee, Joe Nichols, and Avery Anna. With a growing list of hits and artist cuts, Wilson has established himself as one of Music City’s most sought-after songwriters.

About Black Sheep Tequila
Black Sheep Tequila is an award-winning, handcrafted tequila produced from 100% Single Estate Blue Weber Agave in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Rooted in a fifth-generation agave farming heritage, Black Sheep is crafted using traditional methods that honor the land, the plant, and generations of expertise.
Recognized as one of the most highly awarded pure agave tequila brands in recent history, Black Sheep has earned more than 35 medals from Tasting Alliance competitions, including 10 Double Gold medals for its Añejo expression, along with Best Overall Tequila, Best of Class, Triple Platinum, and Triple Still honors.
Known for its commitment to authenticity, Black Sheep is additive-free, kosher certified, and crafted without compromise. From its agave fields in Jalisco to stages, venues, and gatherings across the United States, the brand celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and the independent spirit shared by great tequila and great music alike. Learn more at BlackSheepTequila.com

About The Church Studio
The Church Studio, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a renowned recording facility and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Previously operated by Oklahoma legends Leon Russell and, later, Steve Ripley, The Church Studio has played a pivotal role in the music industry, hosting numerous legendary artists and producing timeless hits. It offers a professional recording environment, educational programs, exhibits, artist grants, and events such as Tunes @ Noon and In Session. The studio continues to support and inspire music makers while honoring its storied legacy in the industry. TheChurchStudio.com/