In Pictures: Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Brandi Carlile, SESAC

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Lady A Honored With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award

Photo By Getty/Brett Carlse

Lady Antebellum was honored during the celebration of the 31st year of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids as the 2020 recipients of the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award. Recognizing individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to St. Jude, the award was presented to Lady A last Friday (Jan. 18) by Alabama lead singer Randy Owen and Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For over a decade, Lady Antebellum has supported the lifesaving mission of St. Jude in a multitude of ways, including raising funds and awareness through their own philanthropic organization LadyAID, performing in benefits, participating in the This Shirt Saves Lives campaign, spending time with patients, and more. Last year, they co-hosted the first St. Jude Presents: Curated event, convening industry members to raise more than $650,000 for the hospital.

 

Lauren Alaina Launches That Girl Was Me Tour With Multiple Sold-Out Stops

Devin Dawson and HARDY join Lauren Alaina on stage to perform “One Beer” on opening night of Lauren’s That Girl Was Me Tour in Nashville.   Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

Lauren Alaina kicked off her headlining That Girl Was Me Tour with special guest Filmore with back-to-back sold-out nights at Nashville’s Exit / In (Jan. 15-16) followed by a sold-out show at 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis (Jan. 18). Opening night also saw surprise guests Devin Dawson and HARDY join Lauren on stage for a performance of the trio’s “One Beer.” The That Girl Was Me Tour continues this weekend in Columbia, MO.; Rosemont, IL and Warrendale, PA., before heading to New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. While in NYC, Lauren will also stop by NBC’s TODAY Show to perform her current single “Getting Good” on Monday, Jan. 27. 

 

Brandi Carlile Wraps Triumphant Ryman Run

Pictured (L-R:) Phil Hanseroth (Bass), Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth (Guitar) and Chrissy Hall (Director of Concerts, Ryman Auditorium). Photo: Steve Lowry

Brandi Carlile wrapped her sold out, six-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 21. The run of shows from Jan. 14-16 and 19-21 featured different special guests each night including Tanya Tucker, Sheryl Crow, Kim Richey, Lucie Silvas, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna and Courtney Barnett. Carlile peppered the shows with fan favorites like her Grammy-winning “The Joke,” early works such as “The Story” as well as covers of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”

 

SESAC Hosts First Bluebird Songwriter Series of 2020

(L-R): SESAC’s Zach Green, Lyla Joyce, Alicia Witt, Larry McCoy, Hadley Park, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz

 SESAC hosted its first SESAC Presents Songwriter Series of 2020 at the Bluebird Café on Tuesday, Jan. 21, featuring a round of talented affiliate songwriters including Lyla Joyce, Alicia Witt, Larry McCoy, and Hadley Park. 

 

Kelsea Ballerini Sets Release Date For Third Album, ‘Kelsea’

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Kelsea Ballerini took to social media yesterday (Jan. 22) to announce she will release her third studio album, Kelsea, on March 20. The album will be available for pre-order on Friday (Jan. 24). “Homecoming Queen” was released as the lead single from the project, while Ballerini has hinted that a new song, titled “LA,” is set to also release Friday.

Kelsea follows Ballerini’s 2017 release Unapologetically, which yielded chart-toppers including “Miss Me More” and “Legends.” When she debuted in 2015 with her album The First Time, Ballerini became the only female artist in country music history to reach No. 1 with her first three consecutive singles, including “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” and “Peter Pan.”

Spirit Music Nashville Signs Neil Thrasher

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Pictured L-R: Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville; Clay Hatton, Administrative Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville; Neil Thrasher; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; Frank Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville; and Derek Wells, Sr. Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville.

Neil Thrasher, known for penning songs including Kenny Chesney’s seven-week No. 1 “There Goes My Life,” Rascal Flatts’ four-week No. 1 “Fast Cars and Freedom,” and Jason Aldean’s “Fly Over States,” has inked a deal with Spirit Music Nashville. The new contract covers future works and does not include Thrasher’s back catalog.

“I am super excited to be part of the Spirit family! Frank, the staff, the vibe, and the energy that everyone has, is very inspiring,” Thrasher said. “Can’t wait to get this new venture going and cranking out some new tunes! Let’s do this!”

“Neil Thrasher is a badass,” said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “His songs have helped shape the sound of country radio, built artist careers and made stadiums sing along. And the amazing part is…he’s just getting started! We could not be more excited to welcome Neil to the Spirit Music family. This is going to be fun!”

In 2013, Thrasher earned ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year for Randy Houser’s “How Country Feels.” In 2010, he earned the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards’ Country Song of the Year for Jason Crabb’s “Somebody Like Me.”

Thrasher is the latest hit songwriter added to Spirit Music Nashville’s roster, as the company has over the past several months inked deals with David Garcia, Jeremy Bussey, Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Abe Stoklasa, and a joint venture with Derek Wells.

Karen Waldrup Signs Management Deal With Carter & Company

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Pictured (L-R): Joe Carter, Carter and Company; Tiffany Bearden, Evolution PR; Karen Waldrup; Tyler Middleton, Graffam Middleton; Mike Taliaferro, Carter & Company. Photo: Victoria Metzger

Country singer and social media star Karen Waldrup announced she has signed with Carter & Company for exclusive management representation. The singer-songwriter has amassed a substantial following on social media, with 600,000 social media followers across multiple platforms. Her online videos have been viewed over 350 million times.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Joe [Carter] and Mike [Taliaferro],” says Waldrup. “They are really open minded and creative and I know this is going to be a great partnership for many years to come.”

“We are so thrilled to be working with Karen Waldrup,” says Carter. “Karen’s work ethic has allowed her to build a strong musical foundation and has opened up unlimited options for continued success in this new streaming world of country music. We look forward to collaborating and building a future with her.”

Waldrup’s debut album JUSTIFIED, was produced by multi-award winner Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, Alabama) and funded solely through fan participation via an Indiegogo campaign. Waldrup recently released her most vulnerable single to date, “Me Again” featuring William Michael Morgan.

Casadie Pederson Launches Muse Creative Management

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Casadie Pederson

Industry exec Casadie Pederson has launched Muse Creative Management, which will focus on artist management, A&R services, and songwriter catalog and calendar management.

Pederson’s roster includes Jason Blaine and Samara Young, as well as songwriters Tina Parol, Danick Dupelle and Jimmy Thow. The company will continue to offer creative services, including working as Big Machine Music Publishing’s Canadian songplugger and consultant, as well as A&R services such as song sourcing and project management.

“Over the last few years, working with songwriters and artists in a creative capacity has been something that has brought me excitement and purpose”, says Pederson. “Over the last two months of 2019, I really started to think about the ‘2020 Vision’ and how I wanted the next decade to look. I realized what brought me the most joy was creating relationships with creative people, helping to fuel their creative fires and then helping those songs come to life whether that is pitching their material to others or getting their message out into the world. I spent a lot of time thinking of the word “muse” after a client mentioned it to me and so was born this concept and new chapter.”
Pederson can be reached at: [email protected]

Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus To Perform In ‘Old Town Road’ All-Star Medley On Grammys

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The upcoming 62nd Annual Grammy Awards will feature a special segment highlighting the huge success of “Old Town Road.” “Old Town Road All-Stars” will feature current nominees Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus joined by BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey, and other surprise guests. Over the past year, the hit has been the subject of numerous mixes and mashups, which inspired the one-of-a-kind performance filled with special guests.

The show will also feature a special tribute to longtime Grammy executive producer Ken Ehrlich, and to acknowledge the importance of music education in schools to the Recording Academy, Grammy Museum and Ehrlich, artists associated with Ehrlich’s 40-year career will gather to perform “I Sing The Body Electric” from the film Fame. The performance will feature current nominees Camila Cabello, Gary Clark Jr. and John Legend joined by Debbie Allen, Joshua Bell, Common, Misty Copeland, Lang Lang, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Platt, and The War And Treaty.

“To bring high-caliber artists like Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Common, Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, Ben Platt, Gary Clark Jr., Joshua Bell, and Lang Lang together on one stage fulfills a dream of mine,” said Ehrlich, who is completing his 40th and final Grammy Awards as producer. “To be able to do this on the Grammy stage makes it unforgettable for me.”

Previously announced performers include Aerosmith, Camila Cabello, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande, H.E.R., Jonas Brothers, DJ Khaled, John Legend, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, Rosalía, Run-D.M.C., Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Tanya Tucker, Tyler, The Creator, Charlie Wilson, and YG. Hosted by Alicia Keys, the show will air live from STAPLES Center on CBS on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Dolly Parton, Abby Anderson, Lonestar Set To Perform At Gift Of Music Benefit Concert

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Dolly Parton, Lee Greenwood, Lonestar, Collin Raye, T.G. Sheppard, Drew Baldridge, Abby Anderson, Artimus Pyle Band, Eric Lee Beddingfield, Red Mountain Bluegrass Band, Brad and Maisy Stella, Taylon Hope, and Scott Bass are set to perform at the upcoming Dustin J. Wells Foundation’s Gift of Music concert benefiting the W.O. Smith Music School. The event will be held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 30, starting at 7 p.m. CT.

The Dustin J. Wells Foundation honors the memory of Dustin Jack Wells, who was killed in a car accident in 2005. His family set up the foundation in his memory, and funds are used for the purpose of reaching out to others in Dustin’s honor. Tickets for The Gift of Music Concert are available online starting Jan. 24. The event is also the featured entertainment for The Crown Council, a group of dental teams gathering in Nashville for their 25th Annual Event.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s concert will go to the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.

Chris Janson Starts Off 2020 With “Good Vibes,” Celebrating A No. 1 Hit And Gold Single

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Pictured (L-R): Zach Crowell, Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley. Photo: Steve Lowry

“He will be the Entertainer of the Year.”

That was Warner Music Nashville’s CEO John Esposito‘s exclamation during the recent party held for Chris Janson, as the singer-songwriter started off the new decade with very “Good Vibes,” celebrating his third No. 1 single on country radio.

BMI-affiliated writer Janson co-wrote the track with ASCAP-aligned writers Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley. The song marks Gorley’s 45th No. 1 hit (he has since added two more chart-toppers to that tally), and Crowell’s 11th as a writer. Crowell and Janson co-produced the track.

BMI’s David Preston and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad led the festivities, which were held at BMI’s Nashville office, and also included congratulatory remarks from Anthem’s Tim Hunze, Round Hill Music’s Penny Gattis, Spirit Music’s Frank Rogers and Tape Room Music’s Blain Rhodes. Pinnacle Bank and First Horizon Bank were also on hand to celebrate the writers.

During the shindig, Esposito surprised Janson with the news that “Good Vibes” has now been certified Gold by the RIAA.

“I really love this guy,” Espo said. “I wish I had his energy, and I gotta lot of energy, but I gotta tap into some more of that. He’s amazing.”

Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy, Tom Starr, Heather Propper, Tom Martens, Zach Crowell, James Marsh, Chris Janson, Chad Schultz, Ashley Gorley, Matt Signore, Taylor Aretz, Ben Kline, John Esposito. Photo: Steve Lowry

“Good Vibes” was the first single released from Janson’s recent album Real Friends. Appropriately, congratulatory video clips were shown from some of Janson’s real friends, including Kid Rock, Dallas Davidson, Charles Esten, members of The Cadillac Three, Dierks Bentley’s Hot Country Knights, and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris.

Producer-songwriter Crowell was short on words to the crowd, simply saying, “I love everybody. This is all good. Thank you.”

Gorley added, “This song on this day was just Chris top to bottom as far as the vibe and everything—no pun intended, there. Everything just seemed to fit and a a lot of that has to do with Zach coming in with the production and the title and everybody just catching the groove. Without Chris’ energy, the song would not happen and I’m just happy to be part of this album and the previous one, and hopefully we’ll do some more in the future.”

Throughout the evening, attendees thanked Chris but also his wife and manager Kelly Lynn Janson for their teamwork.

“If I’m thanking Chris, I’m thanking Kelly in the same breath,” Gorley said. “And Cris Lacy and Warner because everything is a team effort with Chris [Janson]. He’s very thankful for that inspiration just as a creative person.”

“This has by far been my favorite No. 1 party that I’ve been part of,” Janson told the crowd. Speaking to Espo, Janson said, “The reason I signed with Warner Brothers was because of you and Cris Lacy. One reason we signed is the first person you thanked is my wife. That means everything to us. Thank you for respecting her the way you do. It means a lot…we are a team. We built this together. It’s hard to get a record deal and to get the right record deal—and I’ve been through three, I would know. I finally got one that worked and my ears on songs comes straight from Kelly and Cris. That’s where it starts.

“I’m so humbled to stand in front of a crowd to accept a third No. 1. It was not that long ago that Kelly and I were sitting at home going, ‘If we could just get one No. 1, it would change our life.’ We got one, and then it was like, ‘If we could get two No. 1s…’ and then we got it. Then it’s that pivotal moment of having a third No. 1. It’s so important because you feel like you’re turning a page and putting a key in the lock and it’s finally opening…We wake up every day and we pray over our kids and we pray over our career and we speak these things. We prayed over ‘Good Vibes’ from the [beginning]. She spoke it, she spoke it, we wrote it down. You don’t have to be a Christian or religious to understand or experience the miracles that can happen in the world, but trust me, babies are born, it’s a miracle. Songs going No.1, it’s a different type of miracle. We all did it together.”

He went on to thank several members of his label and management team individually, including Brian Jones (WME), and label execs including James Marsh, Chad Schultz, Taylor Aretz, Tom Martens, Victoria Chaitoff, Wes Vause, Matt Signore, Heather Propper, and Tom Starr (who recently won a battle with cancer over the past year).

“Talk about a ‘good vibe,’” Janson said. “He still worked this record when I know he didn’t feel like it and probably frankly didn’t want to get out of bed. Thank you so much—that’s a whole other level.”

Janson ended by also offering thanks to country radio.

“The one thing that pays the songwriter is country music radio, the one thing I always wanted to be on is country music radio and I am so proud to be on country music radio. This is a No. 1 song because of country music radio, so thank you.”

Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Brian Rhodes (Tape Room), Zach Crowell, Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley, Penny Gattis (Round Hill), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), David Preston (BMI), Frank Rogers (Spirit Music), Tim Hunze (Anthem). Photo: Steve Lowry

Thirteenth Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum To Honor Bev Paul

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Bev Paul

Music executive Bev Paul will be honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 13th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Paul will be interviewed about her career and her insider’s perspective on the important role of independent record labels in advancing American roots music by the museum’s Director of Public Programs, Abi Tapia. The program will feature rare photos, film footage and recordings to illustrate Paul’s work.

“This annual forum, begun in 2007, recognizes industry professionals who continue the legacy of Louise Scruggs, a formidable businesswoman and music industry trailblazer,” said Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Bev Paul, with her astute record-business acumen and passion for music, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her commitment to promoting acoustic musicians and Americana artists and helping them reach new audiences is a reflection of the dedication and spirit Louise Scruggs embodied. Much like Louise, Bev’s legacy continues through the work of those she taught.”

In 1991, Paul joined Sugar Hill Records, the label founded by Barry Poss in 1978 in Durham, North Carolina. As marketing director, Paul brought extensive experience in radio and retail to the groundbreaking independent label, which had a reputation for providing a supportive home for songwriters and masters of acoustic music. Paul worked alongside Poss to expand the label’s roster and promote record releases by artists such as Dolly Parton, Sam Bush, Guy Clark, Nickel Creek, Townes Van Zandt and Doc Watson. Paul became the label’s general manager in 1998, leading a staff consisting primarily of young women. Sugar Hill became a market leader, and the label united with other independent record companies that specialized in roots or folk music to create powerful trade organizations for bluegrass, Americana and folk music.

In addition to her work at Sugar Hill, Paul served as an active member of the board of the International Bluegrass Music Association, and,she participated in the founding of the Americana Music Association. Since retiring from Sugar Hill in 2007, Paul has worked part-time with artist Scott Miller and his record label. Miller will perform as part of the program.

The Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum is supported by Gibson Gives. This program is free and open to the public, and will be live streamed at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.

Team Members For Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney Lead CMA Touring Awards

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CMA Touring Awards winners gather following the industry celebration at Marathon Music Works in Nashville on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Pictured (L-R, back row): Todd Bunch, Tour Manager; Chris Jones, Tour Video Director; David Kells, Venue; Jay Ballinger, Production Manager; Mary Hilliard Harrington, Manager; Wyatt Beard, Touring Musician; Arpad Sayko, Front of House Engineer. (L-R, front row): Chris Reade, Lighting Director; Jill Trunnell, Videographer/Photographer; Jon Pardi, host; Tony Conway, Lifetime Achievement Award; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jay Williams, Talent Agent; Larry Phye, Jr., Coach/Truck Driver; Mary Ann McCready, Business Manager; Bryan “Opie” Baxley, Monitor Engineer. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA

The Country Music Association is well known for its annual CMA Awards, which are coveted by many a country music artist as a symbol of not only commercial success in the music industry, but—as an industry voted award—as a sign of respect among their fellow members in the country music industry.

Last night (Jan. 21), the Country Music Association honored many of the crew members and executives that keep country music’s top artists on the road and playing for fans every night. The eighth annual CMA Touring Awards was held at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, hosted by a witty, energetic Jon Pardi.

CMA CEO Sarah Trahern introduced the awards show, which honored hard working, impactful music industry members in 15 categories.

“We are excited to honor our touring personnel, the folks who get the show on the road and those who literally keep it on the road,” Trahern said, noting that the CMA represents over 7,600 members. “The largest category is artists and second, touring personnel,” she said.

Dierks Bentley was in attendance as several of his team members were honored during the evening.

Red Light Management’s Mary Hilliard Harrington, who counts Bentley, Tucker Beathard, LANCO, Elle King and Caylee Hammack, among her clients, was named Manager of the Year. Harrington was recently named as Board President for the CMA.

“I decided this year, 2020 was my year of gratitude,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing to be able to stand here in front of all you guys tonight and say thank you in such a public way.” Harrington thanked the CMA staff, saying, “It’s amazing that you guys recognize how hard our guys out on the road work and I know they appreciate it. To my touring family, I love you guys so much. I’m also super grateful for the team at Red Light that supports me and our artists, and the artists themselves. The thing about Dierks is he is the most thoughtful, generous, creative, talented artist that any manager could dream to work with, so I’m so grateful to you. I’m so grateful that when I moved here you believed in me first, that even today you are letting me manage Hot Country Knights,” she said to the applause from the crowd. “That’s a gift, so thanks for that.” She also thanked her six-year-old daughter Scarlett, who attended with her. “I get up every day and want to be a good example for her. I love you.”

Powerhouse publicist, The GreenRoom’s Tyne Parrish, was honored as Publicist of the Year. Bentley’s production manager Jay Ballinger was named Production Manager of the Year. Ballinger noted that it was his fellow nominee in the category, Todd Ortmeier, who originally hired Ballinger as a drum tech for Bentley. Chris Reade, another member of Bentley’s touring team, was honored as Lighting Director of the Year.

WME’s Jay Williams, who counts Bentley, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Brothers Osborne and many others among his clients, was named Talent Agent of the Year.

Williams said, “One of the things I love about this town—I was just a dinner, and I look over and Marc [Dennis] and Darin [Murphy] and Aaron [Tannenbaum] are sitting at the table across from us. I consider all of you guys friends, yes competitors, but one of the beautiful things about Nashville is it’s a community where we all find ways to work together and get along. Everyone in this category deserves this award. Everyone on our team is so deserving.” He said to fellow WME agent and category nominee Nate Towne, “You’re a badass. You’re going to get nominated for this award every year for years coming. I wouldn’t have this job without Marc Dennis. He convinced the HR person to take a chance on me 22 years ago when I didn’t really know much about the music business. Thanks to my team at WME. You are family and we are going to have a great year this year.”

“They are the dealmakers that get the job done. That’s what we need, right Dierks?” Pardi joked.

Several artists sent in video congratulations to the nominees, including Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett.

Several members of Chris Stapleton’s road crew were honored during the evening, including Coach/Truck Driver of the Year winner Larry Phye, Jr. and Front of House Engineer of the Year winner Arpad Sayko.

Tour Manager of the Year went to Todd Bunch, who leads tours for Eric Church. Chris Jones, who handles video for Church, was named Tour Video Director of the Year.

Kenny Chesney bandmember Wyatt Beard, who has spent 23 years on the road with the superstar, was named Touring Musician of the Year, while Bryan “Opie” Baxley was named Monitor Engineer of the Year.

“I know where to put the mic, at least,” Baxley quipped. “Thanks to everybody up here. Thank you to the CMA Awards for recognizing us. Thanks to Kenny Chesney and his entire staff. He is the greatest and it trickles down to the very last person. And who lives like we do?” he asked…with other members of the Chesney touring team yelling in response, “We do!”

Chesney’s tour photographer Jill Trunnell won a newly-added honor this year, Tour Videographer/Photographer of the Year.

“I have to thank my touring family. Without them I wouldn’t be a part of this. I have to thank Kenny Chesney who taught me how to use a camera, because he got me one and said, ‘Here, figure this out.’ And he taught me how there’s a good picture and a bad picture,” Trunnell said. “And Dierks let me practice photography on him for a while. Congratulations to everyone in this category because I’m not a big photographer, I’m really not. I’m not professionally trained, I just learned as I went. I totally respect what all of you pull off and I’m very lucky to be part of this. Most of you have been on a Kenny tour and you know how awesome they all are. Everyone in this room deserves to win.”

Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy’s Mary Ann McCready was named Business Manager of the Year.

Messina Touring Group’s Louis Messina, who earned a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 CMA Touring Awards, was honored this year as Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year.

Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena was named Venue of the Year.

Marty Stuart made a surprise appearance to present Tony Conway with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award at the Eighth Annual CMA Touring Awards. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA

The evening concluded with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award going to Tony Conway. Marty Stuart introduced Conway, while Randy Travis and wife Mary Travis were in the audience to show support.

Artists and industry peers including Alabama’s Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen, Terry Calonge, John Huie, Joey Lee, John Michael Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, Ricky Van Shelton, Randy and Mary Travis, and Storme Warren shared video messages congratulating Conway on his achievements.

Conway offered a few humorous stories from his nearly 50-year career in Nashville. Conway moved to Nashville in 1974 and soon joined Buddy Lee Attractions. He recalled that the first artist he brought into the company was a young traditional country upstart named George Strait. In 1985, Conway helped coordinate the first Farm Aid show, and also served as Executive Producer for what was formerly called Fan Fair—and now CMA Fest—for 11 years. During that time, he oversaw the festival’s move from the Nashville Fairgrounds to downtown Nashville.

He was named President of Buddy Lee Attractions in 1987, and promoted to CEO/co-owner in 1998. During his time with the company, Conway repped artists including Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, The Highwaymen, Bill Monroe, the Dixie Chicks, Roy Orbison, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Ronnie Milsap, Emmylou Harris and more. He then launched Conway Entertainment Group/Entourage Management.

“You know, sometimes when I talk about who I used to represent or who I do represent, they think I’m making all this up because it just sounds like a dream, and it is. It’s true,” Conway said. “I want to thank everybody in this room for what they do on the road. Like everybody says, we are one big family, and it takes professionals and people that love the business as much as I do to pull it off.”

“The beauty of Tony is, his handshake is better than a pile of contracts,” said Stuart. “And that’s the truth. If Tony gives you his word on something, it’s done.”

Tony Conway, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Mary Travis and Randy Travis at the 2020 CMA Touring Awards. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA