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Tennessee Songwriters Association International

Spotlight

Every songwriter's path starts somewhere. This is where we welcome the ones just getting started — and celebrate the ones getting their songs heard.

New Members

City Lights at Night
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MarciaMauskopf

October 4, 2026

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Robert Bacon

September 29, 2026

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Amy Jo

September 22, 2026

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Edwina Smith

September 21, 2026

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William Cameron

September 3, 2026

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Marcia Maruskopf

September 4, 2026

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Heather Platania

September 12, 2026

Our Members Stories — Learn and grow with new friends.

Updated whenever there's a cut, a placement, or news worth celebrating.

Member Spotlight

50+ Years Supporting Songwriters       |        Global Membership          |         Industry Professionals

2013

Our Current Songwriter Spotlight is on: 

Mark Barnowski

From television stages to the top of independent and adult contemporary charts, Mark Barnowski’s career reflects decades of songwriting excellence and artistic versatility.

A staple of the Tennessee Songwriters Association International community, Mark was awarded 2015 TSAI Male Songwriter of the Year, followed by consecutive TSAI Song of the Year honors in 2016 and 2017. His performance legacy stretches back to winning The Gong Show trophy in 1979 with his family band, RELATION, and appearing as a solo performer on the inaugural season of Ed McMahon’s Star Search.

As an artist, Mark has achieved four Top 50 singles and reached #43 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts. His song catalog includes high-profile cuts such as "Too Old To Be Vegan" and "Beam Me Up"—which earned 2019 Record of the Year—recorded by William Shatner and Alabama’s Jeff Cook.

Please join the Tennessee Songwriters Association International in a massive round of applause for a true Nashville songwriting force!

We are exceptionally proud and thrilled to announce that our very own Mark Barnowski has been named the 2026 SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR at the prestigious Josie Music Awards!

From chart-topping singles and notable cuts to his dedicated mentorship in the community, Mark has consistently demonstrated the talent and craftsmanship that define Music City’s finest. To receive this honor on a national stage is a testament to his years of dedication to the art of songwriting.

Mark, we are so proud to call you a member and leader in the TSAI family. Your work inspires us all, and this award is so incredibly well-deserved.

Congratulations, Mark, on this monumental achievement! 🏆

Follow Mark Barnowski:

🌐 Website: helenspopart.com

📸 Instagram: @sleepybyelullabies

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/mark.barnowski

Songwriter of the Year - 2026 at the Josie Music Awards

Featured Song

Genre

TSAI Member Since

Stars In My Blood

Country

2013

2024

Our Current Songwriter Spotlight is on: 

Paula Slow

Paula Slow is a dynamic northern songstress whose powerhouse vocals, vibrant stage presence, and high-octane energy are making waves from her hometown roots all the way down to Music City.

Bringing a fresh, spirited perspective to contemporary country music, Paula seamlessly blends relatable storytelling with feel-good, infectious anthems. Her ability to light up any stage has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated regional following. As columnist Gina Mangan writes, “Her radiant personality and energetic performances add an atmosphere of fun and excitement to her shows, which has led to Paula’s regional popularity.”

Equally compelling online as she is on stage, Paula has built a thriving digital audience. Her breakout music video, "Good Kind of Crazy," has surpassed 200,000 views on YouTube, capturing fans nationwide with its celebrated mix of country-pop sensibilities, independent spirit, and feel-good energy.

Whether she is in the studio writing her next project, filming visual content, or bringing her energetic live shows to new venues, Paula continues to build momentum as an exciting, authentic voice in independent country music.

🌐 Website: paulaslow.com

📸 Instagram: @paulamslow

📘 Facebook: paula.slow.5

#1 Song "What I Don't Know" on GMT Charts and "Good Kind of Crazy" video has thousands of views!

Featured Song

Genre

TSAI Member Since

What I Don't Know

Country / Christian

2024

2025

Our Current Songwriter Spotlight is on: 

Bob Dellaposta

Bob Dellaposta is a multi-talented songwriter, music publisher, actor, and educator who has spent decades immersed in the heart of the Nashville music community. With a rich background spanning various corners of the entertainment industry, Bob has dedicated his career to creating, championing, and teaching music.

His music industry experience includes serving as an A&R representative for Banner Records, where he developed a sharp ear for talent and commercial song structure. Transitioning his passion for music into the classroom, Bob previously taught at Blairsville High School before joining the faculty at Nashville State Community College. As a professor, he shares his extensive knowledge, practical insights, and enthusiasm for the music business, guiding the next generation of creators and industry leaders.

As the founder and owner of My Three Kids Music, an independent publishing company, Bob continues to write and pitch material across genres, while actively advocating for fellow songwriters and connecting them with sync and licensing opportunities. A creative force both on and off the stage, his artistic endeavors extend to acting, performing (including his time with the comedy-musical group Badabing Badaboomers), and modern songwriting projects.

A longtime, dedicated member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Bob remains deeply rooted in the belief that songwriting is about much more than crafting a hit—it is about the people, the compelling stories, and the authentic relationships that make Music City special.

📸 Instagram: @bobdellaposta

📘 Facebook: bdellaposta

Just released his 3rd of his new country songs on the Bob Dellaposta and His AI Jedi's album

Featured Song

Genre

TSAI Member Since

Dandelion Wine

Country

2025

Tennessee Songwriters Association International

Street Music Show

Let us know about your cuts, placements, and milestones - we love sharing member wins. 

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