About the artist
Thom Shepherd has spent decades turning great stories into songs. A veteran of Nashville’s Music Row, Thom is the songwriter behind some of country and Texas music’s most recognizable hits, including Craig Morgan’s “Redneck Yacht Club,” David Ball’s “Riding with Private Malone,” Josh Abbott and Pat Green’s “My Texas,” Kevin Fowler’s “Beer Season,” and Kyle Park’s “The Night Is Young.”
His songwriting catalog includes more than 100 songs recorded by other artists, with cuts by artists including Blake Shelton, George Jones, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Easton Corbin, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan and Colt Ford. His work also includes songs associated with two Grammy-nominated projects.
Two songs in particular helped establish Thom’s place among Nashville songwriters. He co-wrote “Riding with Private Malone,” recorded by David Ball, and “Redneck Yacht Club,” recorded by Craig Morgan. “Redneck Yacht Club” was certified Platinum, while both songs became enduring parts of Thom’s songwriting catalog.
Thom’s success extends into the Texas music scene, where his writing credits include the chart-topping “Beer Season,” “My Texas” and “The Night Is Young.” He has been recognized as CMA of Texas Songwriter of the Year and Trop Rock Music Association Songwriter of the Year.
Originally from St. Louis, Thom spent his high school years in Virginia and graduated from George Mason University before moving to Nashville in 1993. Today, he continues writing and creating music in Nashville as a staff songwriter at 8 Track Entertainment, while touring with his wife and fellow singer-songwriter Coley McCabe.
Together, Thom & Coley have earned multiple Trop Rock Music Association honors and built a live show around the songs, stories and experiences behind their music. From Nashville hits to Texas anthems and songs inspired by life on the water, Thom’s performances offer audiences the chance to hear the stories behind songs they already know and discover plenty they may be hearing for the first time.
Blast on the Bay is excited to welcome Thom Shepherd to the 2026 festival lineup on Florida’s Forgotten Coast.