Stafford to Perform at Mildred Haun Conference

Tim Stafford has had over 300 songs recorded by artists in many genres.

Tim Stafford to Lead Songwriting Workshop, Perform at Mildred Haun Conference

Bluegrass icon Tim Stafford will offer a songwriting workshop and a concert on Saturday, Feb. 8 as part of the 14th Annual Mildred Haun Conference at Walters State. 

Over 300 songs written by Stafford have been recorded and the International Bluegrass Music Association has named him “Songwriter Of the Year” in 2014, 2017 and 2023. His song “Lonesome Highway,” written with Bobby Starnes, was named the most-played bluegrass song in 2023.

Stafford views songwriting as more of a craft than an art.

“There’s no right way to write a song,” Stafford said. “All I can do is really give you tips based on what has worked for me. Over a period of years, you develop your craft and that continues developing as long as you keep writing.”

Stafford said he will also talk about some of the key elements of a song: melody, lyric, harmony, rhythm, rhyme structure. 

“This information works with all genres,” Stafford added. “I’ve had students that write rock, folk, punk and country. Anyone who wants to write a song is invited.”

Stafford is also an established studio musician, having played for artist ranging from Kenny Chesney to Willie Nelson. He was a member of Allison Krauss’ Union Station when the album “Every Time You Say Goodbye” earned a Grammy.

Stafford now performs with Blue Highway, one of the most influential and awarded bands in bluegrass history. He formed the band in 1994. The band has been nominated for three Grammys and earned a Dove award. Readers of “Bluegrass Today” named the band the most popular bluegrass band in history. He was a member of the first band formed as part of the Appalachian Students program at East Tennessee State University. He currently serves as the program’s artist in residence. 

His songwriter workshop begins at 10:14 a.m. on Saturday and his concert closes the conference at 2:30 p.m. Saturday events include a poetry workshop with Danita Dodson and scholarship workshops on “Singing in the Hills” and “Packhorse Librarians.” Friday events include a fiction workshop, a roundtable discussion on “The Creek Did Rise,” and keynote speaker poet Jane Hicks.

All events are free. This year, a buffet lunch will be offered at no cost in exchange for books or school supplies to be donated to those impacted by the fall floods. For more information, including a registration form and complete schedule, visit www.ws.edu/mildred-haun or contact Gayle Nelson at Gayle.NelsonFREEWS.