Kostas (songwriter)

Kostas (born Konstantinos Lazarides, March 21, 1949, Thessaloniki, Greece) is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, primarily known for his contributions to country music. He moved to the United States and began writing songs, achieving success in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Kostas is recognized for his distinctive songwriting style, often characterized by simple, direct lyrics and memorable melodies. He frequently co-wrote with other artists, and his songs have been recorded by numerous prominent country singers, including Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakam, Travis Tritt, and Martina McBride.

His notable songwriting credits include "Timber, I'm Falling in Love" (recorded by Patty Loveless), "Highways and Heartaches" (recorded by Tanya Tucker), "Ain't That Lonely Yet" (recorded by Dwight Yoakam), "Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man" (recorded by Travis Tritt), and "Blame It On Your Heart" (recorded by Patty Loveless). "Blame It On Your Heart" is perhaps his most recognizable and commercially successful composition.

Kostas was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. His work has significantly impacted the sound of contemporary country music, and he continues to be regarded as a respected and influential figure in the songwriting community.