Michael Gray Rises To VP, Museum Services At Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

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Michael Gray

Longtime Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum historian and editor Michael Gray has been promoted to Vice President of Museum Services. Brenda Colladay, who joined the organization as Vice President of Museum Services in 2018, is stepping down from the role. She will remain on staff through mid-January to assist with the transition.

In his new role, Gray will be responsible for the care and management of the museum’s extensive artifact and archival collections, including stage wear, instruments, films, photographs, recordings and more. He will also oversee all planning, design and installation of exhibits in the museum’s gallery spaces, as well as the museum’s online exhibits and digital archive.

Gray most recently served as Executive Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation, leading the editorial team and directing major exhibits and other special initiatives. During his more than 20 years at the museum, he has curated or co-curated a variety of significant exhibits, from the award-winning “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues, 1945-1970” and the current “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” to biographical exhibits on Ray Charles, Sam Phillips and Kacey Musgraves.

Gray won a Grammy for Best Historical Album as co-producer of the companion album to the “Night Train to Nashville” exhibit, and also received the 2021 Fletch Coke Award from the Metropolitan Nashville Historical Commission in recognition for his research and preservation work related to the R&B scene in Nashville.

“Michael is not only an astute music historian and innovative storyteller, but also a well-respected leader within our institution and music community,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “His extensive knowledge, relationships and skillset are perfectly suited to continue the museum’s high level of commitment to preserving and interpreting country music and American history.”

“I have had the good fortune to spend the past two decades at the museum surrounded by a world-class collection, steeped in the educational and public programs we offer, and bolstered by collaborative, talented colleagues who are dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of this diverse and significant artform,” notes Gray. “I look forward to building on the exceptional work of my predecessor, Brenda Colladay, who set a high standard in elevating the museum and its educational mission.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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