NASHVILLE, TENN. – Big Loud Partner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Craig Wiseman received an honorary degree during The University of Southern Mississippi‘s fall 2024 commencement ceremony today on the Hattiesburg campus. The Hattiesburg-native was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
“It’s an honor to recognize Craig Wiseman, whose talent has shaped the heart and soul of country music,” said University President Dr. Joe Paul. “His lyrics and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry, and we are thrilled to celebrate his success by awarding this honorary degree.”
As the founder of Big Loud Shirt Publishing, Wiseman is recognized for his colossal catalog spanning over 400 cuts, 150 singles, and 30 No. 1 hits, including genre-defining songs like Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe,” Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here” and Morgan Wallen’s “Chasin’ You.” His legend cemented in the company of legends with Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” which peaked at the top of the charts for ten weeks, was named the NSAI, CMA, and ACM Song of the Year, and won a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song.
Prior to being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015, Wiseman took the crown of NSAI’s 1997 Writer of the Year; ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2003, 2005, and 2007; NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade in 2009; and ASCAP’s 2014 Heritage Award as the most performed country songwriter of the century. The Mississippian was also recognized by his home state for his successes when he was presented with the Excellence in Music award at the 27th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards.
Wiseman’s consistent philanthropic work has made an enduring impact akin to his musical mark. As host of The Stars for Second Harvest Benefit Concert at the Ryman for eighteen years, the event raised over $2 million under his tenure for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
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