Chris Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran turned Nashville songwriter, was named winner of American Songwriter’s 2025 Heart Toppers Lyric Contest for “How Forever Sounds.” His new single “Behind That Badge,” a tribute to law enforcement, is out now.
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Chris Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran turned Nashville songwriter, was named winner of American Songwriter’s 2025 Heart Toppers Lyric Contest for “How Forever Sounds.” His new single “Behind That Badge,” a tribute to law enforcement, is out now.
Chris Nelson Wins American Songwriter’s 2025 Heart Toppers Contest for “How Forever Sounds”
Chris Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran turned Nashville songwriter, was named winner of American Songwriter’s 2025 Heart Toppers Lyric Contest for “How Forever Sounds.” His new single “Behind That Badge,” a tribute to law enforcement, is out now.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Army veteran and songwriter Chris Nelson was named the winner of the 2025 Annual American Songwriter Magazine Heart Toppers Lyric Contest for his song “How Forever Sounds.” The win includes prizes and a feature spread in the publication.
The winning entry is a ballad about building a lasting relationship. “It’s about real love, the kind built brick by brick, vow by vow,” Nelson said. “No castles, just promises that hold up.”
Nelson, who enlisted at 17, turned to songwriting full-time after his military service. His previous work includes “Moonshine Memories,” a tribute to his late father, and “No Flag Higher,” a song honoring fallen soldiers that has amassed nearly 2 million streams. Nelson credits his wife’s encouragement for his pursuit of a music career.
Nelson’s new single, “Behind That Badge,” a tribute to law enforcement, is out now on streaming platforms. Rising country artist Megan Knight is also scheduled to release “Let It Ring,” a song Nelson co-wrote with Justin Morgan. Nelson develops and pitches songs through his company, InkStringer LLC.
