Dale Franklin Leadership Awards Honorees Named for 2015
Pictured (L-R): Jo Walker-Meador, Steve Buchanan, Reba
The Dale Franklin Leadership Awards honorees have been revealed for 2015. The gala is slated to take place Monday, Nov. 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.
CMA’s legendary long-time Executive Director, Jo Walker-Meador, will receive a new award named for Leadership Music’s Founding Council. Steve Buchanan, President of the Opry Entertainment Group (a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties), has been chosen as the recipient of the Brian Williams Ambassador Award. Reba McEntire, award-winning musical artist, television personality and Broadway star, will be honored with Leadership Music’s prestigious Dale Franklin Award.
Big Machine Label Group is the title sponsor for the 2015 event.
The Leadership Music® Dale Franklin Award, named for the first Executive Director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest attributes of leadership and leading by example. Previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), CMA (2011) and Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Alabama’s Randy Owen (2012).
“These are three exceptional leaders who have devoted their lives to the music industry,” noted Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn. “Both Jo Walker-Meador and Steve Buchanan have commanded respect and admiration throughout their careers for their integrity, their professionalism and their passion for country music’s heritage. Reba is an iconic leader who has left an indelible mark on a variety of entertainment platforms over the past four decades, including music, television, movies, and musical theater as well as being a respected entrepreneur. All three have been deeply involved in charitable endeavors as well.”
Tickets for the industry-only event will go on sale Oct. 5.
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