Music City Walk Of Fame Announces 2024 Inductees
Pictured (L-R, top row): Jimmy Buffett, Bill Cody and Colin Reed; (bottom row): The Fairfield Four
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp have announced the Music City Walk of Fame will induct Jimmy Buffett, gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Colin Reed and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody this fall.
Members of the public are invited to view the ceremony on Oct. 30 at Music City Walk of Fame Park. Reed and Cody will be recognized in tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s upcoming 100th anniversary. Buffett, who passed away last year after a four-year battle with cancer, will be inducted posthumously.
“From Jimmy Buffett’s island-infused melodies to the soulful acapella harmonies of The Fairfield Four, this is an exceptional group,” says Ken Levitan, Chairman of the NCVC Board of Directors and Founder of Vector Management. “We are especially proud to induct two Grand Ole Opry icons. Colin Reed’s contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality industry, including his leadership in reopening the Opry after the 2010 flood, are unparalleled. Bill Cody has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Nashville’s music legacy as a revered Opry host, country music historian and long-time emcee of the Music City Walk of Fame ceremonies.”
The inductees, honored for their work preserving Nashville’s musical heritage, mark the 105th, 106th, 107th and 108th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. Music City Walk of Fame member and former Buffett band member, Mac McAnally, will induct Buffett and BMI Nashville’s Shannon Sanders will induct The Fairfield Four. Additional presenters and an additional inductee will be announced at a later date.
Buffett, with hits such as “Come Monday” and “Margaritaville,” moved to Nashville after college to further his career in country music and release his first album, Down to Earth, in 1970. The Fairfield Four, composed of members Joseph Thompson, Levert Allison, Larrice Byrd and Bobbye Sherrell, have earned three Grammy Awards, two Lifetime Achievement Awards and a spot in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Reed currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board at Ryman Hospitality Properties after serving as CEO since 2001 and Board of Directors Chairman since 2005. Cody is well-known as the voice of the Grand Ole Opry and the host of the Music City Walk of Fame induction ceremonies.
The Music City Walk of Fame, established in 2006, is located on Nashville’s Music Mile and features star-shaped medallions honoring inductees. The project is run by Music City Inc., with support from founding partner Gibson along with BNA, the City of Nashville and Metro Parks. Public nominations are accepted in categories such as Artist, Musician, Songwriter and Producer/Executive, and are reviewed by a selection committee.
