Willie Jones Visits Nashville Middle School As Part Of CMA Foundation Initiative

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Willie Jones visits Margaret Allen Middle School in Nashville, TN on Monday, Feb. 14 to speak with students as a part of the school’s Black History Month programming. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Willie Jones, a member of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2022, enjoyed a special Valentine’s Day this year, meeting with students from Margaret Allen Middle School in Nashville on Feb. 14 as a part of the school’s Black History Month programming. The visit happened through a partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and the CMA Foundation.

During the visit, the Sony Music Nashville/The Penthouse artist participated in a Q&A session discussing his path to country music, offering students insight and inspiration regarding the business. He also performed his new song, “Get Low, Get High,” which delivers a lesson in navigating life’s ups and downs.

Willie Jones (middle) with Dr. Monica Bryant, Principal (left) and Dr. Rhonda Bledsoe, Assistant Principal (right) during his visit to Margaret Allen Middle School in Nashville, TN on Monday, Feb. 14 to speak with students as a part of the school’s Black History Month programming. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The visit is the result of the CMA Foundation’s effort to support larger initiatives aimed at providing a pipeline for individuals and students to learn about and get involved in the music industry.

“We want to use our platform, resources and information as a portal for people, especially students, looking to make their way in the music business,” says Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation and CMA Vice President, Community Outreach. “By providing equitable opportunities to educate, guide and equip young people with the tools and information they need to be successful in this business, we can invest in the future of our industry and our students. Willie’s school visit is a great example of these efforts, and we are thankful for his voice, offering insight into his own path in the music industry, and sharing the life changing and healing power of music.”

“Music is a universal language that everybody speaks,” adds Jones. “It’s so complex but easy to understand. I think it’s one of the most important tools that anybody (including kids) can have.”

Since its inception in 2011, the CMA Foundation has been committed to improving and sustaining music programs throughout the U.S. so all students have equitable opportunities to participate in music education. The CMA Foundation has invested $27 million to support these efforts over the last 10 years.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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