Russell Dickerson Joins The CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador Program

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Russell Dickerson. Photo: Spencer Combs

Russell Dickerson has been named as the latest CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador and will help stand up for equitable music education initiatives across the U.S.

In his new ambassador role, Dickerson will take the stage from the Grand Ole Opry on May 8 along with Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser, Chris Lane and Steve Wariner in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, which began May 3. The show will benefit the CMA Foundation, which supports music education across the U.S. and will be livestreamed on Circle TV’s Opry Live and various other platforms. Viewers will be invited to donate to the CMA Foundation by texting TEACHERS to 707070.

The CMA Foundation is programming various other activities featuring Dickerson in the upcoming months as well, including visiting with band students at his former high school, Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee. Growing up with both parents active in the arts—his mom is a music teacher and his dad is a choir director—Dickerson has experienced first-hand the meaningful effects music education has on a young person’s life.

“As a child, Russell was surrounded by family who strongly believed in music education,” says CMA Foundation Executive Director, Tiffany Kerns. “He can speak to how music instills confidence, teamwork and why it positively influences many other areas of life. We thank Russell for joining us to raise our voices in support of equity in music education and helping further drive our mission forward with making sure all students across the U.S. have access to participate in quality music programs.”

“I’ve never not been a student of music, and started out in children’s choir at church” says Dickerson. “My mom was my 4th grade music teacher, and I was in band from 6th grade to senior year. I look back on my school years and get choked up sometimes thinking about some of my incredible teachers. They’re making a huge impact on the lives of their students whether they see it or not. Music education is the foundation and backbone of everything I am today.”

Dickerson joins the CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador collective alongside Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae and Ashley McBryde, who are all advocating for music education in ways that are personal to them.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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