Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, Craig Morgan join 2013 CMA Songwriters Series (Video)

Living legends Ronnie Milsap and Lorrie Morgan are among the hit-makers who'll take part in the CMA Songwriters Series as it returns in 2013 for the ninth consecutive year.

“Nashville’s songwriters are the best in the world and CMA is excited to showcase them, not only in the States, but overseas as well,” Steve Moore, CEO for the CMA, said in a Feb. 1 missive s hared with Examiner.com. “It’s great to see how this series has grown since it began in 2005. What started at Joe’s Pub in New York has expanded to other cities over the years. We have even taken the series overseas with shows in the U.K. and Ireland and we will be hitting Paris next month.”

As for this year's latest series performers, country singer-songwriter Craig Morgan will kick off the 2013 CMA Songwriters Series come Tuesday, March 19, with shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m. (ET) at the place where it all began, New York City’s Joe’s Pub.

"Songwriting is such a big part of my life," the troop-supporting Morgan shared via email. "I love telling stories and sharing my world with people and I’m blessed that I get to do that through song. It’s always great to be a part of the CMA Songwriter Series because we get to take part of what’s so special about Nashville – the songwriting community – and share it with other cities like New York."

Morgan, whose hits include “Almost Home,” “Bonfire,” “Look At Us” and his latest single, “More Trucks Than Cars” -- will be joined by Shane Minor (“Beautiful Mess” recorded by Diamond Rio, “Live A Little” recorded by Kenny Chesney and “International Harvester” recorded by Morgan); Phil O’Donnell (“Back When I Knew It All” recorded by Montgomery Gentry, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” recorded by Clay Walker and “Love Remembers” recorded by Morgan); and the evening’s staple host, Bob DiPiero (“Southern Voice” recorded by Tim McGraw, “Blue Clear Sky” recorded by George Strait and “Lovin’ You Is Fun” recorded by Easton Corbin).

The next evening, March 20, host DiPiero will be joined by two heavyweights of country music, the aforementioned Ronnie Milsap and Lorrie Morgan, respectively. The trio will perform beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) in Washington, D.C., at the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium.

As country fans well know, Milsap is one of the most successful and versatile country-crossover singers of his time with hits such as “It Was Almost Like a Song," "Smoky Mountain Rain," "(There's) No Gettin' Over Me," "I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World," "Any Day Now" and "Stranger In My House," among others. He's credited with 40 No. 1 country single and has won eight CMA Awards and six Grammys.

"I'm very honored to be a part of the CMA Songwriter Series,” Milsap said. “I look forward to being in Washington, D.C., with Lorrie Morgan and Bob DiPiero to perform at the Library of Congress."

Meanwhile, two-time CMA Award-winner Morgan has charted more than 25 singles on the Billboard Country chart. Her hits include "Five Minutes," "What Part of No," "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" and her trademark smash, “Something in Red.” This will be Morgan’s second appearance with the CMA Songwriters Series at the Library of Congress.

"Songwriting is powerful in so many ways; whether recorded for all the world to hear or just as a personal journal, it has always been therapy for me and I believe the same is true for the country-music listener," Morgan said in a correspondence shared with Examiner. "I am honored to join the roster of elite song crafters at the CMA Songwriters Series to celebrate a special 'gift' that comes from within."

Ticket info: Tickets for the March 19 CMA Songwriters Series at Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St., in New York City are $40 and $35 each and on sale now. For info about Joe’s Pub or to order tickets, visit joespub.com or call 201-967-7555 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. (ET).

The CMA Songwriters Series at the Library of Congress is free, but a ticket is required. Tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, Feb. 6, via ticketmaster.com (service fees do apply). There is a limit of two tickets per patron. Patrons who are unable to obtain tickets are encouraged to try for standby tickets on the evening of the concert beginning at 6 p.m. (ET). Tickets are often available even for sold-out events. For more details, please visit loc.gov/concerts.