Gordon Scott Kennedy, born in November 1959 in Shreveport, Louisiana, is an esteemed American songwriter, musician, and record producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is best known for co-writing the international hit song "Change the World," recorded by Eric Clapton, which earned Kennedy and his co-writers a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1996. Additionally, Kennedy won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album in 2007 for his work on Peter Frampton's "Fingerprints," where he co-produced, composed, and performed.

Kennedy's early life was steeped in music; his father, Jerry Kennedy, was a successful session musician and later the CEO of Mercury Records' Nashville division. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Kennedy was influenced by the country music his father produced and was inspired by "Meet the Beatles!" from a young age. He received his first guitar, a Fender Telecaster, at age 15.

Kennedy was a member of the Christian rock band White Heart in the 1980s and has collaborated with notable artists such as Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs, and Peter Frampton. His songwriting credits include works recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Stevie Nicks, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood. His compositions have also featured in several film soundtracks, including "Phenomenon" and "Almost Famous."

Kennedy's career, spanning from 1984 to the present, showcases his versatility across genres such as Christian rock, pop, country, and bluegrass.