Published: October 15, 2009 11:45 pm      

John Kennedy returns to Meridian

The lineup for the monthly Nashville Songwriters night at the Temple Theater Saturday will be a homecoming for one of the performers.

John Kennedy, raised in Meridian, moved to Nashville in 1996.

He credits his musical training to church choirs and his high school band. He first tried his hand at song writing while at The University of Mississippi.

In April 2002 he signed a writing deal with Almo Irving Music

Publishing, which is now Universal Music Publishing Group.

His song "Probably Wouldn't Be This Way," was a top 5 hit recording for LeAnn Rimes.

Kennedy's songs also have been recorded by Jack Ingram, Josh Gracin, Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Chris Cagle.

The Temple Theater in downtown Meridian holds Nashville Songwriters night on the third Saturday each month.

Archie Jordan also will be part of Saturday's entertainment.

Jordan has had more than 100 artists record his songs, including Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers, B.J. Thomas, Tina Turner, Glenn Campbell, Engelbert Humperdinck, Anne Murray, and Amy Grant.

Some of Jordan's best-known songs include "What A Difference You've Made In My Life," and "It Was Almost Like A Song," co-written with Hal David. Both of those songs topped the country charts and were performed by Ronnie Milsap.

A two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, Jordan has written and co-written eight No. 1 songs.

He is the recipient of seven gold and three platinum album awards, and 15 ASCAP awards.

Singer-songwriter James Slater will share the Temple stage Saturday. Known for his energetic, soul-driven performances, he has become a regular at the monthly Durango Songwriter's Night in Nashville.

Slater wrote "In My Daughter's Eyes," sung by Martina McBride.

He's quiet.





• What: Nashville Songwriters Night

• When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

• Where: Temple Theater, 2320 Eighth St.

• Tickets: $10