Biography[edit]

Clawson was raised in Gruver, Texas. Through the encouragement of his friend and former student John Rich, Clawson signed to his publishing contract in 2000. His first hit as a songwriter was "I Can't Be Your Friend" by Rushlow.^[1]


Clawson co-wrote the songs "Why", "Amarillo Sky" and "Johnny Cash" for Jason Aldean. In 2008, he received a Song of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association for George Strait's number 1 single "I Saw God Today".^[2] That same year, Clawson moved to a publishing contract with Big Loud Shirt, owned by songwriter Craig Wiseman.^[1]


Other artists who have recorded his songs include Faith Hill, Big & Rich and Buddy Jewell.^[2][3] He has also produced singles by Jake Owen and James Wesley.^[4]


He is married to singer-songwriter Nicolle Galyon, who was also a contestant on the second season of The Voice. They have two children- a daughter, Charlie Jo Clawson (born May 29, 2013) and a son, Ford Sterling Clawson (born April 14, 2015).^[5] He also has three children from a previous marriage, including Brad Clawson, who is also a Nashville songwriter.^[6]