Thirteenth Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum To Honor Bev Paul

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.

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LB Cantrell

LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.

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