The Stories Behind the Songs, presented by H.G. Hill Realty Company, returns April 21 to The Franklin Theatre
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Feb. 11, 2026 — The 21st District Recovery Court (Recovery Court) will host its annual singer-songwriter night, The Stories Behind the Songs, presented by H.G. Hill Realty Company, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 7–9 p.m. at The Franklin Theatre.
This year’s artist lineup features HARDY, songwriting duo The Warren Brothers, and Charles Kelley of Lady A, who will share the stories behind their many chart-topping hits and collaborations while supporting Recovery Court’s 23-year mission to end the cycle of addiction in the community.
The intimate musical experience offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that fuels some of country music’s most recognizable songs. The Warren Brothers will once again serve as event hosts, bringing their signature storytelling style and songwriting catalog to the stage alongside Kelley and HARDY.
“We are thrilled with this year’s lineup,” said Amy Gray, 21st District Recovery Court board member and event manager. “Anytime we can bring The Warren Brothers and these incredible artists together to perform and share stories, it’s going to be a good time.” Past performers have included Tim McGraw, Jelly Roll, Martina McBride and more.
Recovery Court is funded through grants and donations and receives no taxpayer funding. For every $1 invested in recovery courts, at least $35 is saved in avoided criminal justice costs, making the program one of the most effective tools in reducing repeat offenses related to substance abuse.
“All proceeds from the event go directly to support Recovery Court’s mission of restoring lives and families,” Gray said. “This event allows us to raise critical funds while highlighting the power of accountability, compassion and community support in helping participants achieve long-term recovery.”
Recovery Court’s alternative sentencing program in the 21st Judicial District allows local nonviolent offenders who suffer from substance use disorders the opportunity to complete an intensive, two-year, court-supervised recovery program instead of, or in addition to, traditional sentences.
“Our program is not an easy way out,” said Program Director Connie Martin. “The court only considers applicants who demonstrate a genuine desire to confront their addictions. Those who are accepted undergo rigorous treatment and intensive monitoring while learning life skills and new habits for successful living. Our model is unique in that it uses a non-adversarial, therapeutic approach to crimes rooted in addiction.”
In addition to an unforgettable show, attendees will learn how recovery courts reduce the revolving door of drug- and alcohol-related crime while lowering costs to the criminal justice system. Recovery Court spends approximately $15,000 per participant annually compared to more than $45,000 to incarcerate an individual for one year. Since 2004, more than 376 participants have successfully graduated from the program.
In addition to presenting sponsor H.G. Hill Realty Company, additional sponsors include A Vintage Affair; David & Tracy Asmussen; Jay Brown; Buerger, Moseley & Carson, PLLC; Choate Construction; Todd & Stacey Downs; Judge & Mrs. Timothy L. Easter; Freeman & Fuson; Jamison Graphics, LLC; Senator Jack Johnson; Knight Family; Doug Lackey; Larsen Law PLLC; Let It Shine Gymnastics; Sony; Tim & Janie Richards; Brett Warren; Weir & Associates, and Nicole Wick.
Tickets are available online at The Franklin Theatre. For more information about Recovery Court, visit 21districtrecoverycourt.org.
About 21st District Recovery Court
The 21st District Recovery Court serves non-violent offenders with a history of substance use disorders through a highly supervised, two-year program that combines treatment, accountability, and life-skills development. The program reduces recidivism, strengthens families, and provides cost-effective alternatives to incarceration.
About The Warren Brothers
The Warren Brothers are an American songwriting duo. Brad and Brett Warren have written hits for Tim McGraw (“If You’re Reading This”, “Felt Good on My Lips”, “Highway Don’t Care”, “Thought About You”), Toby Keith (“Red Solo Cup”), Keith Urban (“Little Bit of Everything”), Faith Hill (“The Lucky One”), Martina McBride (“Anyway”, “Wrong Baby Wrong”), Dierks Bentley (“Feel That Fire”), Jerrod Niemann (“Drink To That All Night”), Jason Aldean (“Lights Come On”, “We Back”), Blake Shelton (“Every Time I Hear That Song”), Chris Young (“Sober Saturday Night”) and more. They’ve recorded songs by Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Gary Allan, Tyler Farr, Billy Currington and many other A-list country artists. In addition, the brothers have also written songs for rock bands including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nickelback, Hinder, Joss Stone and Boys Like Girls. They moved to Nashville from Tampa, Fla. in 1995 and in 1997 signed with RCA records, making three albums for RCA’s sister label BNA Records. During that time, they toured with Martina McBride and Faith Hill. As artists, they have seven Billboard Top 40 hits. McGraw took an interest in their songwriting and has recorded more than 30 of their songs. They were CMA nominees for Duo of the Year for six straight years and had GRAMMY® nominations for Song of the Year (“If You’re Reading This”) and a CMA Song of the Year (“Anyway”). In 2013 the duo won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Original Song for ‘Good Afternoon America,’ the theme song for the ABC program ‘Good Afternoon America’ which they co-wrote with Little Big Town.
About Charles Kelley
Charles Kelley is most known as one third of the GRAMMY® Award-winning Lady A, one of the 21st century’s premier vocal groups, blending deeply felt emotions with classic Country sounds, with the group amassing 11 No. One hits with more than 18 million album units and 34 million tracks sold and nearly 5 billion digital streams. In addition to his massive success with Lady A, Kelley has released music as a solo artist, including his album, THE DRIVER, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for its title track and he also recently released a reflective new song, “As Far As You Could.” Along with penning a number of hits for Lady A, Charles Kelley has co-written No. One hits for Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and Brett Young as well as songs for Miranda Lambert and more. For more information on Charles Kelley and Lady A, visit.www.LadyAMusic.com.
About HARDY
For heavy hitter HARDY the next round is in the chamber with his new album COUNTRY! COUNTRY! proving why “he’s one of country music’s most talented tunesmiths” (Billboard). With critical acclaim, the record adds to HARDY’s six billion career streams with recent single “Favorite Country Song” topping the charts at country radio. The pride of Philadelphia, Mississippi has earned his reputation as “a promising purveyor of keeping the spirit of classic heavy Southern rock alive” (American Songwriter), “capable of writing the big hits for radio, obstinate enough to do something completely unexpected, and savvy enough to find the throughline for it all” (Rolling Stone). A 5x ACM award winner and 2x CMA Award winner, HARDY has also won three CMA Triple Play awards, was named the 2022 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year and is a three-time AIMP Songwriter of the Year. HARDY has written 18 No. 1 singles including most recent “Favorite Country Song,” 3x Platinum “TRUCK BED” and award-winning duet “wait in the truck” feat. Lainey Wilson, 4x Platinum chart topper “ONE BEER” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, the Platinum Dierks Bentley and BRELAND collaboration “Beers On Me” and rock radio No. 1 “JACK.” The hitmaker kicks off his THE COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR! this year at arenas and amphitheaters across North America.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Gray, APR
Gray Public Relations
615.497.1799