The Franklin Theatre Songwriters Series Presents: Colton Venner, Kyle Sturrock, and Johnny Clawson

Colton Venner

Colton Venner is a Fort Worth, Texas–bred songwriter cutting his teeth in Nashville’s next wave of hitmakers. Since relocating in 2019, he’s signed a publishing deal with Concord and quickly built a reputation as an emotional storyteller. His songs have been recorded by artists including Jon Pardi, Luke Grimes, Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, McCoy Moore, Tyler Farr, Vincent Mason, and Tyler Halverson. Some recent radio singles include “Never Call Again” by Gavin Adcock and “Psychological” by The Band Perry. Beyond the writing room, Venner releases his own mixture of Red Dirt country and singer/songwriter music.

Kyle Sturrock

Kyle Sturrock is a Nashville-based songwriter from Stamford, Connecticut. He signed his first publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group in 2022, and co-wrote Blake Shelton’s #1 song “Texas”, which had the biggest radio add day of Shelton’s career and was nominated for CMA Song of the Year in 2025. He is also a co-writer on Zach John King’s first hit radio single “Get To Drinkin’”, which is currently in the top 15 and climbing, as well as the title track for Kenny Chesney's most recent album, "Silver Sands Marina". Other credits include songs recorded by Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Dasha, Ashley Cooke, and more.

Johnny Clawson

Johnny Clawson is a Nashville-based songwriter and artist from Leesburg, Virginia. Signed to SMACK Songs in 2022, Johnny co-wrote Blake Shelton’s No. 1 single “Texas,” which had a record-breaking radio debut and was named one of the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written by the Nashville Songwriters Association International — an honor that led him to perform it on the legendary Ryman Auditorium stage. He also co-wrote Ella Langley’s No. 1 hit single “weren’t for the wind,” which landed Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Johnny recently won Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 MusicRow Awards and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards for his song “Texas.” Other credits include tracks by Billy Currington, Walker Hayes, Jon Pardi, McCoy Moore, Chris Young, Josh Ross, Tanner Usrey, Clayton Mullen, Seaforth, Ava Hall, and more.