Porter Howell has helped distinguish country music through his lyrics and trademark guitar work for more than 35 years. As a founding member and lead guitarist of the multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated vocal band Little Texas, he developed a signature slide guitar style that defined the sound of a band that carved its niche by writing and performing its own music. For the past 20 years, Howell has been both guitarist and lead vocalist, splitting his time between the road and the writing room. Recognized among Nashville’s elite songwriters, Howell co-wrote several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Kick a Little,” “First Time for Everything,” “My Love,” “What Might Have Been,” and “God Blessed Texas.” As a result, he received the CMA Triple Play Award, which honors country music’s greatest storytellers, for penning three No. 1 singles in a 12-month period.

A prolific songwriter, he also co-wrote the top-five single “If A Promise Ain’t Enough” by Hall & Oates, and has had songs recorded by Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, James Otto and many others. In addition to recording and touring with Little Texas today, the east Texas native continues writing songs and mentoring emerging songwriters. He is also a founding member of hilljack, the indie-country band featuring fellow Nashville songwriters and musicians that brings together a shared history of friendship, songwriting, and a passion for authentic music.