2026 BMI ICON HONOREE JEFFREY STEELE'S AMERICAN STORYTELLER: CHAPTER ONE AVAILABLE NOW
Acclaimed Hit Songwriter and Artist Unveils New Collection of Original Songs Ahead of Prestigious BMI Icon Honor on November 17
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (November 13, 2026)— Jeffrey Steele's, one of Nashville's most celebrated songwriters, American Storyteller: Chapter One, a new collection of original songs showcasing the powerful storytelling, emotional depth and uniquely musical voice that have defined his extraordinary career, is available now.
Listen here.
The release arrives during a milestone year for Steele, who will be honored with the prestigious 2026 BMI Icon Award on November 17, recognizing his remarkable contributions to songwriting and his lasting influence on generations of artists and music lovers.
Jeffrey Steele explains, “’American Storyteller’ is a by-product of 50 years of songwriting true stories about living through all the ups and downs of this life we go through: the triumph, the tragedy, the unknown, the pondering, the wishing, the giving up, the starting all over again, the top of the mountain to being squashed at the bottom a million times."
“Being celebrated, being hated, being a light for others on their journey by writing about everything I saw and everyone I’ve met on my journey,” he continued. “The same way I’ve always approached songwriting: not to write a hit, but to capture the essence of a moment, a thought, or an event. It’s literally taken me 20 years to get this record finished. My last release was in 2007 Hell on Wheels, a different man, a different life. 65 years, looking back, not trying to be 20 but the perspective of the whole journey.”
Known for writing some of country music's most enduring hits, Steele has built a career on capturing the human experience through songs that are honest, relatable and deeply personal. With American Storyteller: Chapter One, he steps forward as both songwriter and recording artist, bringing his own voice to a collection that reflects his passion for telling stories that matter.
The project features five songs, including solo compositions and collaborations with fellow songwriters Wyatt Edmondson, Alissa Moreno and Brandon Hood. It was produced by Steele and Scott Baggett.
American Storyteller: Chapter One — Track Listing
“Universe” — Jeffrey Steele
“Some Days” — Jeffrey Steele
“Don't Buy A Guitar” — Jeffrey Steele and Wyatt Edmondson
“A Fog That Falls” — Jeffrey Steele and Alissa Moreno
“I Know People Up There” — Jeffrey Steele and Brandon Hood
American Storyteller: Chapter One reveals another side of Steele's artistry, celebrating how songs connect people through shared memories, struggles and triumphs. Look for more chapters in 2027.
The upcoming BMI Icon recognition further underscores Steele's extraordinary legacy as a songwriter whose work has helped shape the sound of contemporary country music. His most recent release, “A Voice,” generated a wave to everyday Americans. It is anthem for compassion, connection and shared humanity.
About Jeffrey Steele
Jeffrey Steele is an acclaimed Nashville songwriter, recording artist and performer whose songs have been recorded by some of country music's biggest stars. Known for his distinctive writing style, emotionally compelling lyrics and powerful performances, Steele has earned a place among the industry's most respected creative voices. With a discography and accolades that reads like a novel, see here Steele is one of the most approachable and humble talents in the industry. In 2026, he will receive the BMI Icon Award, honoring his exceptional contributions to music and songwriting.