Roger Wayne Sovine

Roger Wayne Sovine, longtime Vice President of BMI and visionary steward of Nashville’s rise to becoming The Music City, passed away peacefully at Alive Hospice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 17, 1943, in Eleanor, West Virginia, to country music legend Woodrow Wilson “Red” Sovine and Norma Searls Sovine, Roger grew up immersed in the music business. When he was twelve years old, the family moved to Nashville, where Roger would spend the rest of his life contributing to the city’s rich musical heritage. He graduated from Father Ryan High School and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

After his military service, Roger’s distinguished career in music began in 1965 at Nashville’s Cedarwood Publishing Company. He joined BMI in 1972 as Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations, later serving with the Welk Music Group and Tree International before rejoining BMI in 1985 as Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations, a position he held until his retirement in 2001.

Throughout his career at BMI Nashville, Roger was more than an executive—he was a champion of songwriters and artists. He recognized raw talent before it had a stage and fought to ensure that artists and the songwriters behind them were not only heard but valued. Roger helped foster the Outlaw Country movement by backing independent-minded artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. He nurtured the artistry of Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, and Marty Stuart — names that today headline arenas and halls of fame but once relied on Roger’s faith in their craft. His guidance helped Keith Urban, then a struggling newcomer, build a sound that would reshape country music for a new generation.

Roger’s impact extended far beyond chart success. He championed fairness for songwriters when industry shifts threatened their livelihoods and served as a mentor to executives and young professionals throughout the industry. His service included roles as a trustee of the Country Music Foundation; a national trustee of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS); member of the board of governors and four-term president of the Nashville Chapter of NARAS; past chairman of the Copyright Society of the South; executive vice president and board member of R.O.P.E.; and past president and chairman of the board of the Country Music Association. He was also a former commissioner of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission, a charter organizer and board member of Leadership Music, and an executive committee member of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, Leukemia and AIDS Research, MusiCares, and the United Way of Middle Tennessee.

In recognition of his outstanding lifetime contributions to the music community, Roger received the Nashville Recording Academy’s Governors Award in 2000—a distinction previously given to icons Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley.

Roger retired early to travel with his beloved wife Shirley and spend time doing what he loved most—playing music with his grandchildren, fly fishing, golfing, and playing guitar. In his later years, close family friends introduced Roger to the joyful students at Nashville

Classical West Charter School. The culture and warmth of the school captured his heart, and he remained a devoted advocate and supporter of their mission and growth.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Norma Sovine; his son, Roger Wayne Sovine Jr.; his daughter, Ashley Elder; and his grandson, Ben Crafton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Shirley Sovine; son Jim Sovine (Belinda), daughter Amy Sovine; grandchildren Roger Wayne Sovine III, Wesley Sovine, Hope Sovine, Haley Sovine, Nick Peterson, Hannah Meskimen (Bronson), Madison Peterson, and Lily Elder; and great-grandsons Jackson Sovine and Harvey Beau Meskimen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow, at BMI Headquarters, 10 Music Square East, Nashville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

· Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.

· Nashville Classical West Charter School where an arts endowment will be established in Roger’s honor to ensure that Nashville’s children have the foundation to discover their voices and hearts on stage and in life (Sovine Endowment – 1015 Davidson Drive, Nashville, TN 37205).

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.