The Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards began more than ten years ago as an idea to find a new, creative, music-related signature project for the Rotary Club of the Classic City of Athens.

From the outset, the intention was clear: rather than focus on performers, attention would be given to the musicians who write the songs, to the songwriters.

A small organizing committee soon hit on the concept of a contest for songwriters in the immediate Athens area, with public nomination of songs recorded in the preceding calendar year and selection of five finalists and an overall winner by a panel of music professionals.

Songs of any genre would be eligible.

Winners would receive cash and other prizes to assist their careers.

Musicians involved would always be paid for their work, even if modestly.

Funds raised beyond expenses would go to local charities, including Nuci's Space.

None of the organizers expected the enthusiastic response that the awards would soon receive.

In a stroke of good fortune, Tina Chesnutt, widow of beloved Athens songwriter Vic Chesnutt, agreed to let the awards be given in Vic's name.

And now, thanks to many volunteers and the shining talents of Athens area songwriters, the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards are approaching their tenth anniversary.

In celebration, we proudly release this compilation of the winning songs of the ten Vic winners over the history of the awards.