CMHOFM Selects Newest Circle Guard Initiates

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Pictured (L–R): Country Music Hall of Fame members E. W. “Bud” Wendell and Emmylou Harris; Circle Guard members Jody Williams and Jay Orr; Commander General of the Circle Guard and Museum CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has selected Jay Orr and Jody Williams as the newest initiates to the museum’s Circle Guard.

The selection recognizes their significant contributions to the institution. Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris announced the news during an intimate luncheon today (Sept. 25) on the CMA Theater stage.

Orr is a former senior leader, editor and music historian of the museum who served across nearly three decades. Williams is a longtime member of the museum’s Board of Officers & Trustees and is currently Board Chair, in addition to being a music publisher.

The Circle Guard brings together and celebrates individuals whose highest-level contributions of time, talent and treasure to the museum protect the principle of country music and make it accessible to a worldwide audience. The Circle Guard recognition ranks as the grandest distinction afforded to benefactors who exhibit an enduring commitment to the museum and its educational mission. This is the fourth time the Circle Guard’s ranks have expanded since the designation was introduced by Circle Guard Founder Steve Turner in 2018.

Orr retired from the museum in December 2022, after more than 26 years of service. He held a plethora of important leadership positions, most recently serving as Executive Senior Director for Research, Editorial and Content, as well as led the museum’s editorial team, overseeing the development of exhibits, publications and more. Orr also helped grow the museum’s education and public programming initiatives into the varied menu of programs currently offered.

Williams, Founder of Jody Williams Songs, has been serving on the museum’s Board for 17 years. He has been a Trustee since 2011 and chaired the Board’s Development Committee for the past decade, serving as a trusted collaborator and entertainment producer for fundraising initiatives in support of the nonprofit museum’s educational mission. He was named Chair of the museum’s Board of Officers & Trustees earlier this year.

Each year, the Circle Guard members share the life stories in the Hall of Fame Rotunda by leading the “Road to the Hall of Fame: Rite of Remembrance & Salute.” The annual ceremony, open to all museum visitors and occurring daily for two weeks, pays tribute to each of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s yearly classes and their inducted members.

Orr and Williams join other Circle Guard initiates David Conrad, Bill Denny, Ken Levitan, Mary Ann McCready, Mike Milom, Ken Roberts, Seab Tuck, Steve Turner, Jerry B. Williams and Kyle Young.

Madison Hahnen
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