"It was through my music theory classes (at Averett) that I learned the inner workings of chords and chord progressions that I now use on a daily basis to communicate the language of the musicians that I get to work with."

Tony Wood, '83
Songwriter
Brentwood-Benson Publishing

Averett graduate Tony wood, '83, moved to Nashville in 1987 with no completed songs and no contacts — only a backpack of lyrics in need of melody. Doors began to open in 1990 when BMG signed him as a staff songwriter through their gospel division. Seven years there and ten years with Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing have resulted in 17 number one songs and over 300 songs recorded in the contemporary Christian music marketplace. Artists who have recorded Tony’s work include: Point of Grace, Michael W. Smith, Avalon, SELAH, 4-HIM, FFH, Brian Littrell (of the Backstreet Boys), Sandi Patty, Ginny Owens, Mark Schultz, Natalie Grant, Barlow Girl, Bob Carlisle, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Ronan Tynan, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Oak Ridge Boys, Gaither Vocal Band and many others. In addition to artist recordings, he has created over a dozen choral Christmas, Easter or Patriotic church musicals.

 Professional highlights:

• 1998 – Winner of ASCAP Foundation’s SAMMY CAHN AWARD for lyric writers;

• 2003 – 5 songs in the Top 20 for the week of April 15-21 on the R&R Inspirational chart;

• 2007 – Dove Award for Inspirational Song of the Year for Find Your Wings recorded by Mark Harris.