Ella Langley Co-Writer JoyBeth Taylor Talks 'Choosin’ Texas'

JoyBeth Taylor has steadily built a prominent reputation within Nashville’s songwriting community, emerging as a vital creative force behind some of country music’s recent chart successes. Her collaborative work with rising star Ella Langley, notably on hits such as "Choosin’ Texas" and "I Can’t Love You Anymore," has cemented Taylor’s status among the top-tier songwriters shaping the genre today.

Taylor’s breakthrough moment came during a challenging personal period, shortly after the birth of her son, when she was called to join a writing session with Langley and co-writer Austin Goodloe. That session birthed "I Can’t Love You Anymore," a duet performed by Langley and Morgan Wallen that climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. This success was a crucial milestone in Taylor’s career, illustrating the importance of persistence and presence in the industry.

Alongside this duet, Taylor co-wrote "Choosin’ Texas," a song that achieved remarkable longevity on multiple Billboard charts, including a 17-week run atop the Hot 100 and extended dominance on the Hot Country Songs listings. The song’s enduring appeal has sparked curiosity, with Taylor attributing its resonance to a familiar melodic structure and Langley’s meticulous attention to crafting memorable melodies.

The origins of "Choosin’ Texas" trace back to a collaborative retreat near Nashville, where Taylor worked alongside Langley, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Dick. This writing session also produced other tracks, reflecting the fertile creative exchanges among these artists. Taylor’s involvement in Langley’s projects is extensive, co-writing numerous tracks on Langley’s debut album "Hungover," its deluxe edition, and the forthcoming sophomore album "Dandelion," underscoring their deep professional partnership.

In addition to these hits, Taylor’s songwriting credits include other notable songs such as "Weren’t For The Wind," which achieved significant airplay, and collaborations with artists like Koe Wetzel. Her work has garnered industry recognition, including contributing to Langley’s first GMA Dove Awards nomination for "Speaking Terms," highlighting the cross-genre impact of her songwriting.

Taylor’s journey to success began in her native Alabama, where she was immersed in classic country and rock influences from an early age. Her songwriting evolved from poetry and lyric writing to full compositions after learning guitar in her adolescence. She relocated to Nashville a decade ago, drawing inspiration from established songwriters and refining her craft through study and performance at well-known venues such as the Bluebird Cafe.

Her connection with Langley developed over several years, deepening through shared cultural roots and mutual artistic sensibilities. Their collaboration, initiated in 2020, grew into a prolific partnership that has become central to Langley’s musical identity and Taylor’s rising profile. This alliance exemplifies how artist-writer relationships can shape contemporary country music narratives.

Taylor’s affiliation with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and the Verse 2 label, co-founded by Kent Earls and Kane Brown, has provided broader industry opportunities, including upcoming ventures into writing sessions in Los Angeles. Taylor has expressed interest in expanding into pop songwriting, citing admiration for artists like P!nk, which may signal a diversification of her songwriting portfolio in the near future.

Throughout her career, Taylor emphasizes the importance of resilience and community within the competitive Nashville songwriting scene. Her philosophy encourages emerging writers to embrace opportunities despite anxieties, emphasizing that consistent engagement often leads to pivotal breakthroughs.

From her early days absorbing the sounds of Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson to becoming a driving force behind chart-topping country hits, JoyBeth Taylor’s trajectory illustrates the evolving landscape of country music songwriting. Her partnership with Ella Langley showcases the power of collaboration and the emergence of women as influential creators in the genre’s next chapter.