Garth Brooks, Jessi Alexander, Bobby Braddock, Lee Brice Share ‘First & Worst’

Pictured (L-R): Wynn Varble, Bobby Braddock. Photo: Glen Rose

On Tuesday, March 1, Music City celebrated The First And The Worst from its talented songwriter community as hit-makers Jessi Alexander, Bobby Braddock and Lee Brice, along with special guest Sandy Knox, performed the very first and worst songs they have ever written, as well as their biggest hits, to benefit Music Health Alliance. The event was hosted by Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Peter Cooper.

Garth Brooks performs at Music Health Alliance, The First And The Worst fundraiser. Photo: MusicRow

Joining for the sold-out show was Garth Brooks, who stepped in for Chris Stapleton after an unforeseen scheduling conflict. The second annual event raised over $200,000 for the non-profit, representing more than half of its annual budget. Music Health Alliance has secured over $10 million dollars in life-changing healthcare resources and enabled access to doctors, medicine, health insurance and financial assistance for 4,100 music industry entrepreneurs and professionals in only three years.

“It gives me chills to witness our amazingly talented creative community come together to support the long-term health of our own industry at The First And The Worst,” said Music Health Alliance Founder and 2015 Nashville Healthcare Hero, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “Not only was it an incredibly memorable night of music, the funds raised will allow us to provide access to life-saving medicines, surgeries, treatments and health insurance that is not readily available to the majority of the music industry who are self-employed and part of small businesses.”

Country Music Hall of Famer Braddock received the “Crappy” Award for a song he wrote at the ripe old age of four, voted by over 500 audience members, as The First And The Worst’s most memorable song of the night. Last year’s recipient, Wynn Varble, presented the award. Braddock later received a standing ovation for his iconic song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Angela Talley

Pictured (L-R): Lee Brice, Jessi Alexander. Photo: Angela Talley

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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