Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum

The Museum has named Jay Orr and Jody Williams as the newest initiates to the Museum’s Circle Guard in recognition of their significant contributions to the institution. Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris announced the news during an intimate luncheon yesterday on the Museum’s CMA Theater stage. Orr is a former senior leader, editor, and music historian of the Museum who served across nearly three decades, and Williams, a music publisher, is a longtime member of the Museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees and currently serves as Board chair.   The Circle Guard unites and celebrates individuals whose highest-level contributions of time, talent, and treasure to the Museum safeguard the integrity of country music and make it accessible to a global audience. The Circle Guard recognition ranks as the grandest distinction afforded those benefactors who exhibit an unwavering commitment to the Museum and its educational mission. This is the fourth year in which the Circle Guard’s ranks have expanded since the designation was introduced by Circle Guard Founder Steve Turner in 2018.   Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gh78BYF2

Last night, Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist Jordan Davis took the stage at the Museum’s 12th annual "Nightfall at the Hall" concert. The event, presented by Maverick Nashville, is the ultimate after-hours celebration exclusively for the Museum’s Troubadour members, a community of leaders, ages 21 to 45, who collaborate with other like-minded professionals in supporting their community and the Museum. "Nightfall at the Hall" admission is a benefit of Troubadour membership. Young professionals can become a Troubadour member until Sept. 22, at a discounted rate of $5 off an individual Troubadour membership and $10 off a dual membership. Prior to Davis’s performance, student artist Miley Henderson performed "Lavender Blue," a song that she wrote with guidance from Museum staff as part of the Museum’s flagship educational program, "Words & Music." The 17-year-old from Clarksville, Tennessee, participated in the Museum’s summer intermediate-to-advanced songwriting camp this year. To become a Troubadour member, visit https://lnkd.in/e4DwFqth.

Make a mark on Music City—sign up to volunteer at the Museum or with one of 170+ local organizations during Nashville Volunteer Week. Choose a volunteer opportunity on the Hands On website September 14–21 and be entered to win prizes—including tickets to the Museum. Opportunities to volunteer with the Museum include: · Encourage creativity through art and music-making · Welcome guests from around the world · Inspire students as a school tour guide · Support the Museum’s live program offerings · Help guests get inky at Hatch Show Print Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gHxuC9gB

Last night, hit recording artists Clint Black, Robert Earl Keen, Scotty McCreery and Carly Pearce took the stage at the second ever "All for the Hall Dallas," presented by Winston & Strawn LLP, which was a benefit for the Museum.   The two-day musical event kicked off on Monday, September 9, with a performance by Grammy-nominated trio Midland at a Patron Party at the home of Anne and Steve Stodghill, honorary co-chairs of the event.   The intimate "guitar pull" and auction held at Gilley's Dallas Event Venues raised more than $375,000 for the nonprofit Museum’s educational programs, including its flagship "Words & Music" program. The program, which is provided within the Dallas Independent School District and beyond, promotes language arts by pairing professional songwriters with school classrooms to create original songs.   This year’s "All for the Hall Dallas" leaders included Lisa Arpey and Vikram Agrawal as chairs, the Stodghills as honorary chairs and Carri Hyde as a production partner. Annabel Morgan and Emily Hyde served as Troubadour Dallas Ambassadors co-chairs, engaging next generation patrons in "All for the Hall." American Airlines was the official travel partner and Alvies Boots supported the event.   The Museum extends a heartfelt thank-you to all those who contributed their time, talent, and support to make the evening possible.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/eC8f23K7

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"Nightfall at the Hall," presented by Maverick Nashville Management, is an after-hours party for Troubadour Members. The evening will feature cocktails, light bites, and a performance by singer, songwriter, and UMG Nashville recording artist Jordan Davis. In 2017, Davis's debut single, "Singles You Up" reached #1 on the "Billboard" Country Airplay chart, skyrocketing him to stardom. Since then, he's had four other singles reach the #1 position on the chart, including "Buy Dirt," a duet with Luke Bryan which was named CMA's Song of the Year in 2022. Davis's song “Next Thing You Know” won ACM's Song of the Year in 2024. Don’t miss his performance at the twelfth annual "Nightfall at the Hall." Through September 22, save up to $10 on Troubadour Membership. Become a Troubadour Member: https://lnkd.in/grYf_ar6

This weekend, the Museum featured keyboardist Bobby Wood for its in-depth interview series "Nashville Cats." The interview was moderated by Museum writer-editor RJ Smith and illustrated with vintage photos, film and recordings. The ongoing series highlights musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours. Bobby Wood earned the admiration of the musicians he has worked with, including Country Music Hall of Fame members Garth Brooks, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley.

Congratulations to four newly promoted Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staff members, named to either associate director or director roles within the Museum's CEO, Education, Sales, and Security teams. Haley Houser, Associate Director to the CEO Aaron Helvig, Director of School and Music Programs Dana Romanello, Director of Museum Sales Joe Bridges, Director of Security Read more: https://lnkd.in/exUYFi3P

This weekend, the Museum featured singer-songwriter John Hiatt in a recent program for its in-depth interview series Poets and Prophets. The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. The program was moderated by Museum writer-editor Dave Paulson and was accompanied by vintage photos, film and recordings.   Throughout his 50-year recording career, Hiatt has established himself as one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation, as well as a hit composer for country and rock artists alike. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson are among the artists who have covered his acerbic, soul-stirring songs.

Yesterday, the Museum recognized music industry executive Sally Williams at its 16th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum in the Museum’s Ford Theater. This annual forum, which began in 2007, recognizes music industry leaders who continue the legacy of trailblazer Louise Scruggs, a formidable businesswoman who set new professional standards in artist management. During an in-depth interview with Museum writer-editor Angela Stefano Zimmer, Williams discussed her more than 30 years in music and entertainment, many spent working with the industry’s biggest names.   Williams is president of Nashville music and business strategy for Live Nation Entertainment and co-manager of the Grammy-winning band Old Crow Medicine Show. She began promoting concerts while attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. Prior to joining Live Nation, she spent nearly 20 years with Ryman Hospitality Properties/Gaylord Entertainment Company. After becoming general manager of the Ryman Auditorium in 2008, she became Opry Entertainment Group’s senior vice president of programming and artist relations, as well as the first woman general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, in 2017.