Fellow Inductees Include David Lee, Leslie Satcher and the Late Charlie Robison
Photo Credit: Ted Parker Jr. | Photo ID (L to R): Jim Seals, Holley Seals-Lizarraga, Andrea Seals
AUSTIN, Texas (March 4, 2025) – The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association proudly celebrated the 2025 Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees in a spectacular evening at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Saturday, February 22. The event honored four legendary songwriters—the late Dan Seals and Charlie Robison as well as David Lee and Leslie Satcher —who have each made profound contributions to Texas’ rich musical legacy.
The night was especially poignant as friends, family, and fans gathered to pay tribute to Dan Seals, whose remarkable career spanned both pop and country music. Seals, a Texas native, first gained recognition as one-half of the pop duo England Dan & John Ford Coley before transitioning into country music, where he amassed eleven No. 1 Billboard country hits. Introduced by Dan’s beloved friend and co-writer, Bob McDill, iconic songs “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold) and “They Rage On” were performed by Larry Gatlin and Jon Randall in his honor, highlighting the timeless quality of his songwriting and vocal artistry.
“Dan had a way of making every song feel deeply personal, and his music continues to resonate with so many people,” said Tony Gottlieb, Seals’ longtime personal manager and close friend. “Tonight was a testament to his incredible legacy and the love that still surrounds his work.”
Beyond Seals, the night also celebrated the achievements of fellow inductees David Lee, Leslie Satcher, and the late Charlie Robison. Each artist was honored with performances that highlighted their songwriting prowess and the mark they have left on Texas music history.
About Dan Seals
Dan Seals was never one to follow convention. Born and raised in Texas, he played a right-handed 12-string guitar left-handed with only eight strings—”upside down and backwards,” as he liked to say. This unconventional approach carried through his entire career, as he seamlessly transitioned from pop stardom to country success. Seals first gained fame as “England Dan” in the soft rock duo England Dan & John Ford Coley. The pair’s 1976 hit “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” cemented their place in pop history, followed by other classics like “Nights Are Forever (Without You).” But when the duo disbanded, Seals, determined to find a new path, he embraced his country roots. In 1984, “God Must Be a Cowboy” gave him his first country top 10 hit, paving the way for an astonishing run of eleven No. 1 Billboard country hits. Songs including “Bop,” “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” and “Meet Me in Montana” with Marie Osmond showcased his ability to blend emotional depth with commercial appeal. His work earned him CMA awards, ACM and Grammy nominations and a loyal fanbase. Seals was known for his artistic integrity, only recording songs that stirred him emotionally. His producer, Kyle Lehning, recalled how he pursued excellence with “light-hearted seriousness” in the studio. When the radio hits slowed, Seals remained a beloved touring act, later performing with his brother Jim (of Seals and Crofts), bringing their respective catalogs to audiences worldwide. Diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2007, Seals faced his final days with the same grace he brought to his music. He passed away on March 25, 2009, at 8:30 p.m. His legacy remains one of versatility, authenticity, and an enduring impact on both pop and country music.
About Texas Heritage Songwriters Association
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association is a non-profit organization that honors and celebrates the songwriters who have played a crucial role in shaping Texas’ distinctive culture. By recognizing the immense contributions of these artists, the association keeps the Texas songwriting tradition alive for future generations. For more information about the 2025 inductees and the Hall of Fame event, visit the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association website at texassongwriters.com.
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Photo Credit: Ted Parker Jr. | Photo ID: Larry Gatlin
Photo Credit: Ted Parker Jr. | Photo ID: Andrea Seals, Jim Seals, Holley Seals-Lizarraga, Jennifer Kimball, Bob McDill
Photo Credit: Ted Parker Jr. | Photo ID: Kyle Lehning, Tony Gottlieb, Jim “Moose” Brown
