28: Phil Barnhart - Songwriter/Sony Music

After running heavy equipment for several years, Phil Barnhart began writing and developing as a songwriter. In 1984, at 40 years old, he was encouraged to move to Nashville. Phil soon began working with Rex Allen Jr and was getting cuts on records. In 1989 Phil received his first Dove nomination for Country Gospel Song of the Year. He continued working hard at his craft and eventually wrote a song that Waylon Jennings recorded on a major label. In 1991, Phil signed with Tree International Publishing Company, which was later acquired by Sony Music. Phil co-wrote many hit songs including several number one’s like, Shenandoah’s, "I want to Be Loved Like That", Lonestar’s, "No News" and Martina McBrides, "Broken Wing”. He had many album cuts on gold and platinum records.  Later he garnered several other awards including BMI Performance Awards, ASCAP Song of the Year Award and nominations for Song of the Year by The Country Music Association and by The Academy of Country Music. He was also fortunate enough to have been given several awards from the NSAI, which meant a great deal to him because they were awards voted on by his peers. In 2010 BMI honored Phil with several BMI Million-Air Awards. Recorded by Lonestar, Phil's song “No News” has accumulated over 3 million performances, while both Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing” and Shenandoah’s “I Want to Be Loved Like That” have amassed more than 2 million performances each. Currently, Phil spends most of his time in South Florida to be with his grandchildren and family. He enjoys writing short stories, playing golf and riding his bike in view of the ocean.