In Pictures: Harold Bradley Receives 2016 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award

Harold Bradley (center) with daughters Beverly Bradley and Bari Bradley Brooks

Legendary Nashville guitarist Harold Bradley received the 2016 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award during a gala event at the Musicians Hall of Fame on May 17.

Pictured (L-R): Harold Bradley, Jo Walker-Meador, Mike Curb, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Ray Walker, Ray Stevens, Joe Scaife, Bob Fisher, Charlie McCoy

Pictured (L-R): Harold Bradley, Jo Walker-Meador, Mike Curb, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Ray Walker, Ray Stevens, Joe Scaife, Bob Fisher, Brenda Lee, Charlie McCoy

The award, founded in the name of the music industry pioneer and veteran, Cecil Scaife, is given annually to an individual whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry.

Pictured (L-R): Cecil Scaife’s granddaughter Jaela; son Joe; grandson Tristan; Joe’s wife, Danielle.

In the early 1970s, it was Scaife’s vision to create a music business program for musicians, artists, songwriters, and future music business executives to formally learn the industry he loved so dearly. His vision grew to become the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in Nashville. Scaife died in 2009.

Del and Dane Bryant with Joe Scaife

“It’s been an unbelievable journey for me in Nashville, from my first recording session in 1946 to now. This award means a lot to me, Cecil Scaife was a wonderful guy and it was his vision to merge all this talent with the Belmont College,” Bradley stated. “I accept this award on behalf of my family and my brother Owen, who is a true visionary.”

Pictured (L-R): Becky Judd; Harold Bradley; event co-chair Pamela Davis Needham

“Harold, no one is more deserving of the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award than you are. Thank you for being such a great example to all of us,” musician and friend David Briggs remarked.

Pictured (L-R): Andy Valentine; former Cecil Scaife Visionary Award recipient David Briggs; Bergen White

“As a young artist in the studio with Harold Bradley, I knew I was in the presence of greatness,” said Brenda Lee. “For myself and countless other artists he has worked with and still works with, the hits came and continue to come when Harold Bradley is in the room.”

Brenda Lee poses with granddaughter Tracy Hatton

“Harold Bradley represents everything you would want your son to be, everything that you would want to be. If anyone can live up to the standards of Harold Bradley, as a musician, as a man, as a person of faith, they can be a success in this world,” said label executive Mike Curb.