Michael Ray Launches Get To You Tour This Fall

Michael Ray is launching a second headlining tour in the second half of 2017 with the Get To You Tour. Named after the first single from Ray’s forthcoming sophomore album, Get To You, the tour will hit 15 cities through Dec. 9, including San Antonio, Lexington, Charlotte, and Savannah.

Devin Dawson will join him on select dates of the tour.

Tickets for the new dates go on sale beginning Friday, Aug. 25 at MichaelRayMusic.com.

“I had such an amazing time on the Think A Little Less Tour last year as it was really the first opportunity since we started this journey to really get out there and see what our fans wanted to hear and experience,” said Ray. “Since, I’ve been out opening for some incredible acts from Alabama and Sam Hunt to Darius Rucker; I treated every date we played as a chance to learn something – whether it was backstage training or standing sidestage just taking it all in – having those experiences have all led to this tour, and I can’t wait to share it with fans.”

2017 Get To You Tour dates:
10/05/17 – Tuscaloosa, AL -Druid City Music Hall
10/06/17 – Anderson, SC – Wendell’s Dippin Bran
10/12/17 – Nacogdoches, TX – Banita Creek Hall
10/14/17 – San Antonio, TX – Cowboys Dance Hall
10/19/17 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
10/20/17 – Dubuque, IA – Q Casino
10/21/17 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
10/27/17 – Rochester, NY – Anthology
10/28/17 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
11/24/17 – Holiday, FL – The Stockyard
11/25/17 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues – Orlando
12/01/17 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
12/02/17 – Savannah, GA – Saddlebags*
12/07/17 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
12/09/17 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

*Denotes dates Devin Dawson will not appear on.

Lee Brice Becomes A Partner In American Born Whiskey

Lee Brice is the latest artist to enter the spirits business, becoming a partner of American Born Whiskey, a new line of Tennessee-produced and bottled whiskeys that honor the spirit and tradition of America.

Joined by fellow partners Milestone Brands LLC, a premium spirits company based in Austin, Texas, Brice is now an investor in American Born Whiskey, an 83-proof whiskey blend of corn and rye grains. The Southern-made product is bottled in the Nations neighborhood of Nashville, not far from the family farm that serves as Brice’s home and workspace. In the two-year agreement, Brice will also serve as a liaison for Milestone Brand’s American Born Moonshine and Dulce Vida Spirits tequila.

“I believe in family, hard work, and that the American way is about quality and doing your best,” says the country chart-topper, whose 2014 hit, “Drinking Class,” connects traditional American values with another one of the country’s pastimes: a well-deserved night at the bar, following a long day at work. “It’s how I was raised and who I am. I’ve finally found a whiskey that reflects the same values, so when it’s time to wind down after a show or dive into writing music, you’ll find me sipping on a glass of American Born.”

“Lee Brice is our brand’s dream ambassador; his passion, integrity, and commitment to both his music and fans align with the vision for American Born Whiskey,” said Milestone Brands LLC CEO, Eric Dopkins. “We’re excited to bring great country music, Nashville whiskey and a feel-good time to our fans across the country!”

Brice is set to release his fourth album on Nov. 3. The self-titled album includes the new leadoff single, “Boy,” which has already reached the Top 20 on the country charts.

Chris Young Readies Seventh Album For October Release

Chris Young is gearing up for the release of his seventh studio album, Losing Sleep, on Oct. 20. Produced by Young and Corey Crowder, the album will be his third project in less than 24 months. Young co-wrote all 10 songs on the the anticipated new record, including the lead single/title track, “Losing Sleep,” which is currently climbing up the country charts.

“I think the experimentation I did on I’m Comin’ Over was the most I had really done,” said Young. “So with Losing Sleep it was about continuing that. There’s stuff like the lead track, which is really different sonically from a lot of things in my catalog – and there are going to be things that feel more familiar, too. Each song has a unique vibe and life to it.”

The 32-year-old joins Jason Aldean as special guest on his They Don’t Know Tour through October and will resume his own headlining dates later this year.

 

Tim McGraw To Develop New Signature Clubs With Snap Fitness

Tim McGraw has partnered with Snap Fitness, a 24/7 fitness club with locations around the world, on a new line of signature fitness clubs, TRU MAV. The new two-year partnership includes special fitness activities and the development of several custom-designed, Snap Fitness gyms called TRU MAV Signature Clubs.

McGraw’s signature clubs will be customized to reflect his independent style and hometown values, and plans for the clubs include custom equipment and workout programs based on McGraw’s own workout routines and music. Fitness is a big part of McGraw’s life as he uses it to help meet the demands of his rigorous tour schedule.

“Physical fitness is something I value – it can help you live your best life,” said McGraw. “Working out becomes a habit when it’s an easy part of everyday life, and that’s why I’m partnering with Snap Fitness. These gyms will help folks who are short on time find their fit. They’re encouraging communities that support people who are working toward their own fitness goals.”

“Tim’s passion for helping people get healthy is authentic to his core,” said Peter Taunton, founder of Snap Fitness. “His values align with ours: to help people achieve their health and wellness goals. Having Tim’s involvement will help encourage and motivate more people to start exercising and pay better attention to their health and well-being.”

Snap Fitness has 2,000 clubs open or in development in 19 countries. The franchise was founded in 2003 by Taunton.

ACM Honors Show Shines With Stars

George Strait performs onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

This year’s Academy of Country Music “Honors” event was the most star-studded in the organization’s history.

Staged at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday evening (Aug. 23), the 2017 edition of this annual show featured appearances by superstars Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley, as well as a bevy of younger hit makers. This was the 11th ACM Honors presentation.

“Tonight’s honorees are so iconic, they only need one name – Reba, Toby, Dolly and George,” said Maren Morris, who introduced the show with Thomas Rhett.

McEntire was presented with a Mae Boren Axton Award for outstanding service to the ACM. Hillary Scott sang “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” to salute the Hall of Famer. Scott then teamed with Karen Fairchild on “Does He Love You,” which McEntire originally sang with Scott’s mother, Linda Davis. Then Kimberly Schlapman sang lead on “Little Rock” with Scott and Fairchild providing trio harmonies on the chorus.

“The Academy of Country Music has been so sweet to me,” said McEntire. “For you girls, my buddies, to sing my songs, that meant so much to me. Mae has always been my guardian angel. I miss her so much. And I’m so proud to be getting this award with her name on it.”

Alan Jackson performs onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

“There are few artists who manage to write their own legacies,” said Jimmy Webb in saluting Keith. “He’s a master songwriter.” Webb presented the star with a Poet’s Award.

“I was a songwriter before I was an artist,” said Toby Keith. When the ‘artist’ is done, I will still be a songwriter. And I want to thank God for letting me be a songwriter.”

Keith then rocked and roared through “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Who’s Your Daddy,” demonstrating that his vocal power is the equal of his composing gifts.

Lady Antebellum presented the Gene Weed Milestone Award to Kelsea Ballerini for scoring No. 1 records with her first three singles.

“When I moved to Nashville, I was 15,” Ballerini recalled. “I didn’t know how to start. I watched music videos. I looked at the end for the names of the songwriters.

“Thank you, Nashville, for being so nice to me. And thank you, ACMs.” Ballerini sang her new hit “Legends,” plus a medley of her milestone makers “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs” and “Peter Pan.”

Maren Morris performs onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Chris Janson presented a second Poet’s Award to the late Shel Silverstein (1930-1999). “He ignited my creativity, like he’s done for so many writers,” said Janson.

He flew through Silverstein’s “A Boy Named Sue” in double time, then rocked “The Cover of Rolling Stone” with boundless stage energy and hot harmonica work. Janson drew a standing ovation, one of many that evening.

Susan Nadler accepted on behalf of her old friend: “His presence is still so strong, I dream about him once a month,” she said. “Shel was an original and an originator. And I wish we had more like him today.”

Paisley noted that we usually honor Parton for her songs. “Tonight, it’s her heart we’re celebrating. If you’re ever in need, there’s no better friend than Dolly Parton. She knows how to speak to people in their happiest day or in their darkest moment.”

Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton performs onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Paisley sang “My Tennessee Mountain Home” in her honor. Parton was given the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award for her Imagination Library literacy program and for coming to the aid of people in the wake of the East Tennessee wildfires this year.

“I’m blessed to be in a position to help inspire kids and to help victims of the fire to see a better and a brighter day,” said Parton. “The best way you can help us now is to come back to the Smokies. We’re open for business.”

The digital version of her debut children’s album, I Believe In You, comes out this week. Proceeds will go to the Dollywood Foundation.

Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini co-hosted a non-ACM segment, “XQ Super School Live.” Hume Fogg High School students were brought in to be the audience for Hunter Hayes as he sang “The Best In You” to and for them. This performance will become part of a special which will air, commercial free, on all of the networks Sept. 8.

Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town perform onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Back to the ACM’s business at hand, Cassadee Pope presented the Tex Ritter Award to the CMT-TV series Nashville. The show’s stars Charles Esten and Clare Bowen sang its soundtrack song “Sanctuary.”

Executive producer Steve Buchanan accepted, saying, “Keeping this show real and honest has always been our goal. We do this because we love music and we love this city.”

A Glen Campbell Tribute segment was introduced by Morris singing “Galveston.” A video of last year’s ACM Honors show followed, featuring Blake Shelton (“Southern Nights”), Dierks Bentley (“Gentle On My Mind”), Keith Urban (“Wichita Lineman”) and Toby Keith (“By the Time I Get to Phoenix”).

Bobby Bones presented a Mae Boren Axton Award to Bob Kingsley, who is the ACM’s longest serving board member. He first joined the board in 1967. Thomas Rhett sang “Die a Happy Man” and “Craving You” for the honoree.

Bob Kingsley accepts the Mae Boren Acton Award onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

“To receive this award gives me a chance to express my love and appreciation for the people who’ve contributed to the ACM down through the years,” said Kingsley.

Ross Copperman presented the Songwriter of the Year award to Lori McKenna, who penned this year’s so memorable “Humble and Kind.” Little Big Town (for whom she co-wrote “Girl Crush”) sang a soulful rendition of their current “When Someone Stops Loving You,” which she also co-wrote.

“It’s such an honor to be part of this,” said McKenna. “The thing about songwriters is, we don’t define ourselves by gender or race or anything else. We just call ourselves songwriters. Thank you to Nashville for accepting me as a Bostonian who writes country songs.”

Jason Aldean presented the Cliffie Stone Icon Award to George Strait. To salute the superstar, Chris Stapleton offered “When Did You Stop Loving Me” and Alan Jackson sang “Marina Del Ray” and “The Fireman.”

CMT’s Nashville wins the Tex Ritter Film Award during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

“When I first started out on the road, I thought I had maybe five years to sing my songs,” reflected Strait. “Well, now it’s been 30 years, and I still love it. I’ve been with the same record company my whole career. I signed with them in 1980, and I’ve been here longer than any of ‘em.”

He drew wild applause when he sang “Here for a Good Time” as the evening’s finale. The ACM Honors show will air as a CBS special on Sept. 12.

Brett Young hosted the pre-telecast honors. During the Studio Recording Awards, Glenn Worf (bass) and Jay Joyce (producer) were absent. Accepting were Dan Dugmore (steel/specialty instrument), Dave Cohen (keyboard), Miles McPherson (drums), Tom Bukovac (guitar), Chuck Ainlay (engineer) and Danny Rader (guitar).

Lori McKenna accepts the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ACM Honors in Nashville. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

During the Industry Awards, Sally Williams (Ryman Auditorium), David Kells (Bridgestone Arena), Lenore Kinder (talent buyer), Ed Warm (promoter, Joe’s Live) and Chas Smith (The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas) were all attending winners. The also awarded Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Tortuga Music Festival and Foxwoods Resort & Casion had no representative present.

The house band and sound included Steve Hinson, Frank Liddell, Jeff King, Nick Buda, Charles Judge, Chip Matthews, Tim Marks and Carl Miner. The capacity Ryman audience included both fans and music-industry professionals. Videos of earlier ACM telecasts were screened during the brief set changes.

Singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett performs onstage during the 11th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and George Strait backstage at ACM Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton backstage at ACM Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Kelsea Ballerini and Brad Paisley backstage at 2017 ACM Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Brett Young and Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood backstage at 2017 ACM Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Tyler Childers Sells Out Three-Show Run At Nashville’s The Basement

Tyler Childers

Tyler Childers has sold out three upcoming shows at Nashville venue The Basement, set for Sept. 11, 18 and 25. According to the venue, this is the first time a three-show residency has sold out. Childers will play an additional September show at The Basement on Sept. 14, as part of AmericanaFest.

Childers’ recent album, Purgatory, was produced by David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson and recorded at Nashville’s The Butcher Shoppe studio.

Purgatory, which released on Hickman Holler Records/Thirty Tigers, recently debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Heatseekers Album chart, and landed at No. 17 on the country albums chart, and No. 4 on the Americana/folk albums chart.

Indie Distribution Company Caroline Adds Regional Promotion Director John Mayer

John Mayer

Veteran radio programmer John Mayer has joined independent distribution company Caroline as a Regional Promotion Director. Mayer will be based in Nashville and report to Senior Vice President of Promotion, Marni Halpern.

Prior to Caroline, Mayer worked at iHeartMedia for 10 years, most recently as the Program Director of WFLZ in Tampa, and previously as the Program Director of WRVW in Nashville. Additionally, he has held positions at iHeartMedia as a Music Director, in marketing, and as on-air talent. Mayer has a Master’s degree from Quinnipiac University in broadcast journalism.

“We are excited to grow the Caroline team with someone like John whose passion and belief in our commitment to artist development will take our artists to the next level,” said Jacqueline Saturn, General Manager Caroline/Harvest Records “We wanted this position to be based in Nashville, the home of some of our most important label partners and artists, as well as the creative community that continues to grow at a rapid pace.”

“Music is all I ever wanted to do and I couldn’t be happier to further pursue that dream with an unbelievable company with an incredible ever-building roster of artists,” said Mayer. “I can’t wait to work more closely with Jacqueline, Piero, Marni, and a team that is second to none,” said John.

Classical Music Day Declared in Nashville

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, has proclaimed that Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 will be #ClassicalMusicDayNashville.

An celebration will begin at 1 p.m. on Sept. 15 with a public proclamation and performances by local musicians on the steps of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Nashville Opera CEO and Artistic Director John Hoomes will host the ceremony which will also include remarks by Nashville transplant, classical composer, and ex-Winger front man Kip Winger.

More than 200 years after Nashville was founded in 1806, the city known internationally as Music City, and has become a hub for award-winning classical music. The Nashville Symphony commissions and premieres many pieces every season and often records them as well. As a result, the orchestra, soloists, conductors, and engineers on those recordings have won 11 GRAMMY® Awards since the ensemble’s founding in 1946.

“Nashville’s music community is special not just because of the sheer breadth of talent here, but also because of the incredible spirit of creativity and collaboration that runs through everything we do,” said Giancarlo Guerrero, Nashville Symphony music director. “Because of this, artists of all kinds can take chances, break down barriers and make their own contributions to the Nashville Sound. That has resulted in genre-smashing collaborations between our own orchestra and artists like Ben Folds, Victor Wooten and Kip Winger — and it’s all possible because of the incredible support we receive from the entire community.”

 

Bobby Karl Works The 2017 SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards

Pictured (L-R): SOURCE President Christy Walker-Watkins, Inductees Amy Kurland, Susan Turner, Joyce Rice, Event co-chair Suzanne Lee, Nashville Mayor Megan Berry, Event co-chair Sharee Spoltore, Inductees Martha Moore, Judith Newby, Bonnie Sugarman, The Ryman’s Sally Williams (accepting on behalf of Lula Naff) and Event Host Jeannie Seely. Photo: Denise Fussell/Fussell Graphics [Click photo to enlarge]

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 571

This year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards featured landmark anniversaries and the nostalgia they inspire.

Staged at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum on Tuesday (Aug. 22), the sold-out event honored Amy Kurland, Martha Moore, Lula C. Naff, Judith Newby, Joyce M. Rice, Bonnie Sugarman and Susan Turner. This was the 15th anniversary of the SOURCE honors, the 35th anniversary of Kurland’s Bluebird Café and the 125th birthday of Naff’s Ryman Auditorium. Show host Jeannie Seely celebrates her 50th anniversary as an Opry member this fall.

While at First American, Rice made history in 1983 by opening the first bank satellite office catering to the music business. She became a pioneer female vice president there before moving to BMI in 1990. She was chosen for the inaugural Leadership Music class, helped form the Nashville NARAS chapter and was a founding board member of the W.O. Smith Community Music School.

Lisa Harless read the acceptance remarks — Joyce is recovering from a 2016 stroke: “There were no women executives when I started, and I am thankful to the men who mentored me….I was blessed to be in the music business at a very fun time. I’ve had a great career. I’m grateful to you all for being in my life.”

Pictured (L-R): Inductee Susan Turner, SOURCE HoF Awards Founder Kay Smith, Sally Williams. Photo: Denise Fussell/Fussell Graphics

Kurland is the daughter of a Nashville session musician. She founded The Bluebird Café in 1982. The venue created the songwriter “in the round” format and has been featured in books, movies and television shows. It is now operated by Amy’s buddy, attendee Erika Wollam-Nichols, for the Nashville Songwriters Association.

“I wouldn’t be here at all if it were not for the songwriters, musicians and singers who have graced the Bluebird stage,” said Amy. On behalf of them, she thanked attendee Thom Schuyler and quoted his “16th Avenue.”

Next up was Martha Moore. She began in Nashville at WLAC radio in 1976, then transitioned to being a publicist at ABC, MCA and Mercury/PolyGram. She worked with such superstars as The Oak Ridge Boys, Bill Monroe, George Strait, Brenda Lee and Johnny Cash. She opened her own “so much MOORE” PR firm in 1988 working with Hank Cochran, The Browns, Fred Foster and others.

“She had a 15-year association with the legendary Hank Cochran – longer than mine!” wisecracked host Jeannie Seely, who was once married to the Hall of Fame tunesmith.

SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards Committee Chairs Suzanne Lee and Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Denise Fussell/Fussell Graphics

“It’s hard to believe I’m celebrating 29 years with my boutique PR company,” Martha reflected. “I have truly had a blessed life….so far. I have many years left.”

Sally Williams gave a fantastic speech on behalf of honoree Lula C. Naff (1875-1960). Lula booked the Ryman Auditorium beginning in 1904 and took over its management in 1914. She brought Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, The Marx Brothers, Sarah Bernhardt, Gene Autry, The Ziefeld Follies, Harry Houdini, Mae West and other legends of the stage to Nashville and famously opened the Ryman’s doors to the Opry in 1943.

Lula was known as “America’s first lady of theater management.” Sally noted that the venue never operated at a loss during Lula’s stewardship and that she accomplished so much in an era when women didn’t even have the right to vote.

“She was tough, determined, shrewd and capable,” said Sally. “We are inspired by Lula’s legacy. She was courageous and fearless. She was loyal and dedicated. I look out at the SOURCE wall display, and I see women who are courageous and fearless and loyal and dedicated.” She tearfully recalled the late Jo Walker-Meador as one of those women and as the person who provided a personal connection to the life of Lula.

Music Row’s “Unofficial Mayor” Charlie Monk works the room at the 2017 SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards. Photo: Denise Fussell/Fussell Graphics

Judith Newby moved to Nashville in 1975 with hubby Tom Newby to run Charley Pride’s management company. She graduated from there to booking Ronnie Milsap, T.G. Sheppard and Mel McDaniel. A 1982-86 stint at Top Billing meant booking Tom T. Hall, Jerry Reed, Mel Tillis, Waylon Jennings and Lorrie Morgan. She then started J.P. Newby Management and worked with Johnny Rodriguez, Duane Eddy, The Everly Brothers and others. She co-founded the webcasting platform TappedInto in 1996.

“What a ride!” she exclaimed. “It was fun. It was exhilarating. We worked hard, but we worked together. We got through a lot of things just with good humor. Thank you my dear friends. I hope you get to look back at the end and say, ‘I loved my job.’ I did.”

Bonnie Sugarman has spent three decades at APA and is the co-head of the booking agency’s Nashville office. She was the NATD’s agent of the year in 1995 and 1996. She won the Hubert Long Award in 2005 and graduated from Leadership Music in 2010. She has been the agent for such legends as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, George Burns, Bob Hope, Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, Crystal Gayle, Charlie Daniels, Danny Davis and Donna Fargo.

For her acceptance speech, Bonnie related a highly amusing anecdote that involved guiding Red Skelton through a gig in Kansas City that involved a 1 a.m. dinner with 25 circus clowns in full makeup.

Sally Williams accepts on behalf of Lula Naff. Photo: Denise Fussell/Fussell Graphics

Susan Turner joined Capitol Records in 1974 when it opened its Nashville office. In 1978-80 she was in promotion at RCA. She went to Disc Mastering in 1980, then became Kerry O’Neil’s assistant in 1985 and the office manager for Moress/Nanas/Peay Management in 1987. She joined the promo firm headed by attendee Bruce Shindler in 1991 and they became partners a year later. She next ran Turner & Associates as one of Nashville’s top indie promo firms for 14 years.

Susan and her company promoted 253 No. 1 hits for folks including Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain and Tim McGraw. In 2005-08 she promoted events in Florida.

“This has been an incredible evening,” she said. “I’m honored to be in the company of these amazing women. I got to be part of this business when it was raw and real and beautiful. We celebrated each others’ successes. You had to be there. And I am so glad I was.”

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m still having fun. What’s not to like when you’re at a banquet table crowned with stupendous red roses dining with pals like MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson?

We enjoyed romaine salad with shaved parmesan and roasted tomatoes, then tender twin beef medallions on beds of whipped potatoes and asparagus. The finale was a tray of glass cups holding vanilla, chocolate and strawberry mousse (thank you, Gaylord). There were open bars (thank you, Chris Young). The staging, video and lighting were excellent (thank you, Matt Davenport Productions). And thank you, Platinum Partner Springer Mountain Farms.

Prior SOURCE honorees worked the room – Diane Cash, Alison Booth, Karen Conrad, Rose Drake, Peggy Motley, Pat Rolfe, Debi Fleischer-Robin, Areeda Schneider-Stampley, Sandy Neese, Mary Del Scobey, Paula Szeigis, Judy Harris, Joyce Jackson, Bonnie Garner, Bebe Evans, Kay Smith, Corky Wilson, Audrey Winters, Judy Wray and, of course, Sally Williams.

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. Photo: Denise Fussell/Fussell Graphics

The eve’s most distinguished guest was Mayor Megan Barry. She drew a long and huge ovation as an outpouring of sympathy and support when introduced.

“Thank you so much for that,” she responded. “It really means something to me. If you learn a couple of things about women, we are strong. Boy, are we strong. So many of you have hugged me tonight, and that fills my heart up.”

She referenced the recent overdose death of her only child and added, “Don’t be afraid to reach out. The counterweight to grief is community. And I am eternally grateful to all of you tonight.

“The music industry needs more women. Because we have our own way of leading. Women in this room, you are changing the face of what people expect.” As is Megan Barry, amen.

Let’s hear it for the boys. Among the supportive male attendees were Rod Essig, Sherrill Blackman, Charlie Monk, Butch Baker, Eddie Fussell, Gene Ward, Chuck Neese, Ray Shelide, Don Cusic, Joe Stampley, John Dorris, Woody Bomar, Ted Wagner, Frank Mull, Rick Rockhill, John Lomax III and Bob Doyle.

New artist Carter Winter was accompanied by Becky Young Harris. Our circulating hosts with the most were the museum’s Joe & Linda Chambers.

While Ronnie Brown serenaded us with pop and country classics during the cocktail hour, the fabulons schmoozed – Beverly Keel, Ronna Rubin, Pam Matthews, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Patsy Bruce, Renee White, Debbie Banks, Diane Pearson, Sylvia, Preshus Tomes Harris, Edie Emery, Joann Berry, Sherry Bond, Rita Allison, Stacy Schlitz, Tinti Moffatt, Cheri Cranford, Lori Badgett, Chris Dodson, Carol Ann Mobley, Whitney Daane, Sarah Brosmer, Laurie Hughes and Susan Myers Woelkers.

Video greetings came from Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire and Kelsea Ballerini. Guiding us through the whole experience were current SOURCE president Christy Walker-Watkins, plus event co-chairs Sheree Spoltore and Suzanne Lee.

Taylor Swift To Release Sixth Album ‘Reputation’ On Nov. 10

Taylor Swift is set to release her sixth studio album, Reputation, on Nov. 10. The news comes after Swift wiped her official website and socials clean last Friday (Aug. 18), and teased fans and the industry with videos of a reptile.

The album follows the release of her first official pop album, 1989, which dropped in October 2014 and earned an Album of the Year Grammy. Swift is the only female artist to have won the honor twice.

The first single from Reputation will release tomorrow night (Aug. 24).