Winners of the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year are:

• 2002 Bart Millard
• 2001 Nicole C. Mullen
• 2000 Michael W. Smith
• 1999 Rich Mullins
• 1998 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1997 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1996 Michael W. Smith
• 1995 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1994 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1993 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1992 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1991 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1990 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1989 Steven Curtis Chapman
• 1988 Larnelle Harris
• 1987 Dick and Melodie Tunney
• 1986 Gloria Gaither
• 1985 Michael W. Smith
• 1984 Lanny Wolfe
• 1983 Michael Card
• 1982 Dottie Rambo
• 1981 Gary Chapman
• 1980 Don Francisco
• 1979 No Awards
• 1978 Dallas Holm
• 1977 Bill Gaither
• 1976 Bill Gaither
• 1975 Bill Gaither
• 1974 Bill Gaither
• 1973 Bill Gaither
• 1972 Bill Gaither
• 1971 No Awards
• 1970 Bill Gaither
• 1969 Bill Gaither