The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced their 2020 class of inductees: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham. 

<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style><div class='embed-container'><iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/19pgFzNTd4g' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Because of the pandemic, the new 2020 class will be celebrated Nov. 1, 2021, at the "50-51" edition of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. The yet-to-be-named 2021 class will also be officially inaugurated then. 

"This year marks our 50th year to welcome a new class into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame," Sarah Cate, chair of the board of directors of the organization, said in a statement. "And although our year has looked different, we couldn't be more excited to continue our commitment and core mission by announcing the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2020." 

GRAMMY-winning Americana artist Earle has been releasing music since his GRAMMY-nominated 1986 debut, Guitar Town. "Copperhead Road" and "The Devil's Right Hand" are among the most popular songs he's penned. The late GRAMMY-winning country/pop singer/songwriter/producer Gentry is best known for her 1967 GRAMMY-winning No. 1 hit "Ode To Billie Joe," as well as "Fancy" and others.

Kentucky-born country songwriter Blazy has written several hits for Garth Brooks, including "If Tomorrow Never Comes," the GRAMMY-winning country singer's first No. 1 on the country charts. GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter/producer James has lent his songwriting skills to many major country acts including Billy Ray Cyrus, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood. He co-wrote Underwood's GRAMMY-winning No. 1 single "Jesus, Take the Wheel," among other No. 1 hits.

Muscle Shoals session musician and songwriter Oldham cowrote R&B and pop hits including James & Bobby Purify's 1967 GRAMMY-nominated gem "I'm Your Puppet," the Box Tops' "Cry Like a Baby" and Percy Sledge's "A Woman Left Lonely" and "It Tears Me Up."

This year's class joins the 219 songwriters inducted over the last 50 years.

Meet House Gospel Choir: The London Vocal Group Bringing Faith To The Dance Floor