New Country Music Initiatives Launched In Kentucky

Country Music Hall of Famer and Kentucky native Tom T. Hall has joined Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Country Music Highway committee members and TourSEKY members to launch two new initiatives surrounding US Route 23, now known as the Country Music Highway. Numerous country greats have come from areas surrounding the highway, including Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn, and more.

The announcement introduced the Country Music Highway Road to Fame talent competition, which aims to cultivate and discover a new generation of talent from the area, as well as established the Country Music Highway Arts Education Fund to support music programs in Kentucky schools.

“I am certain that Governor Beshear will agree with me when I say how proud we are to honor the rich musical heritage springing from the State of Kentucky,” said Jeff Crowe, President and CEO of Tour SEKY. “Our youth is teeming with musical talent and I am excited to see the impact the program will have upon them.

The talent competition will begin in mid-March, and the winner will receive career development and coaching from PCG Nashville and an acoustic guitar. The contest is open to anyone ages 13-35 from the 15 counties that border the US Route 23. More info here.