Jody Williams   •  BMI Creative, Nashville

 

“How does a songwriter who had big success in the 80’s still have hit singles in

2018? Just ask Ed Hill. Ed’s family upbringing, his unmatched work ethic, and his love of songwriting paint a picture of success in a business that some call “the most difficult way to make a living on planet earth”. It’s all in this book. No amount of success, or lack of, altered his focus as a family man and true friend. If you aspire to be a successful songwriter and have a long career, Ed’s career is one to emulate.”

 

 

Bart Herbison  •  Executive Director Nashville Songwriters Association International

 

“As I began to read Ed’s story I found it truly mattering to me. Not just the music-industry part, which I expected to care the most about, but his personal life growing up and beyond. The way Ed weaves the story behind each song is fascinating and a genuine pleasure for the reader. This book is worth your time and one that I believe will also matter to you.”

 

 

Robert K. Oermann

 

“ I love the book and the stand-up guy it portrays. I love the warmth and humanity in it’s pages. I love the sense of integrity, dignity, honesty and the little moments of self-deprecating humor. I felt like I was sitting down with a great, story-telling pal. I really didn’t want it to end.”

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Tom Roland  •  Billboard Country Update, CMA Closeup, RolandNote.com

 

“Thank God for your problems.” Songwriters, it has been said, are the ultimate small business, and that makes them prone to abuse from larger companies and corporations. So when Ed Hill’s biography documents the ways in which a

sometimes-cruel music industry has attempted to cheat him or manipulate him, it’s a reassuring read. Here’s a guy who’s at times walked the high road and, at other times, rolled up his sleeves and scrapped the mud. He’s invariably done the right thing to support his vocation, the viability of his creative works and his dignity. “It Matters To Me” takes the reader through his early years in California, where he interacted with Stevie Wonder, Doobie Brothers co-founder Tom Johnston and Merle Haggard, who briefly became his boss. And it ventures into the writing rooms at Music Row publishing houses, lifting the veil on what it takes to dodge the sharks and land hit singles with the likes of Faith Hill, George Strait and Martina McBride.

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Hill lays out the adversity of the music business – and the ways he handled it –

making it clear the whole time that he feels damn lucky to be part of it. Ed co-wrote Luke Bryan’s song “Most People Are Good” and despite the hardships that come with the job he’s chosen, he really means it.”

 

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Troy Tomlinson  •  President /CEO Sony / ATV Nashville

 

“I’ve known Ed for almost three decades and I’ve always known him to be a straight shooter. Never has that been more evident than within these pages. He honestly and transparently helps the reader navigate the choppy waters of life and the music business with the same storytelling ease that makes him a respected hit songwriter.”

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Brandy Blanton   •   Founder/Publisher, Southern Exposure Magazine

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"Ed Hill is recognized as a great songwriter, and in his case, that translates into being a great storyteller too. “It Matters to Me” takes you back to the beginnings of his musical journey where he not only pays homage to his parents and the values they instilled in him, but he tours you through the honky-tonks and music scenes of California and Texas (during the “Urban Cowboy” era). This was back in a simpler time when success wasn’t only based on talent, but relationships. Fast forward to today, and Hill shares his first-hand experience on how much things have changed and provides insight on how the “system” works – for better or worse. The stories behind the songs are priceless, as readers (and in his case listeners) are able to connect to the origin of the idea.  

 

Hill isn’t one to chase fame or fortune, just an innate drive to share his talent and insight – as a collective effort or not – and fight for the rights of the artistry of songwriting … all in the name of providing for those he loves – his “reason”.  

 

Having been privy to many a long conversation – or should I say listening session – with Ed, this is authentic to the core. Kudos to you my friend."