Industry Ink: Ashley McBryde, Matthew West, T. Graham Brown, More

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Ashley McBryde Helps Opry Go Pink For Fight Against Breast Cancer

Opry Member Ashley McBryde Flips Switch to Turn Opry Barn Pink. Photo: Chris Hollo

Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop on Oct. 23 for the 16th annual Opry Goes Pink celebration, turning it pink for the night.

Additional performers during the evening included Tasha Layton and Victoria Shaw as well as Opry members T. Graham Brown, Rhonda Vincent and Jon Pardi. The Grand Ole Opry and Susan G. Komen joined together for the night in the fight against breast cancer with Opry Goes Pink, presented by Humana and sponsored by Vanderbilt Health, and $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

 

Matthew West Celebrates Latest Chart-Topper With ‘Don’t Stop Praying’

Pictured (L-R): The Story House Collective’s Ashley Chiappetta, Maggie Laws, Matthew West, Sara Brigman and Grace Becker

Singer-songwriter Matthew West recently celebrated his No. 1 single “Don’t Stop Praying.” West also released his 13th studio album of the same name on Oct. 4.

Featuring 12 tracks all penned by West, the project adds to the over 250 songwriting cuts West has penned across his career. An eight-time author, West has notched 35 No. 1s as an artist and songwriter combined and has received five Grammy nominations and a Primetime Emmy nomination. He’ll embark on his 17-stop “Don’t Stop Praying Tour” this fall and winter.

 

T. Graham Brown Surprised With No. 1 Plaque For From Memphis To Muscle Shoals

Pictured (L-R): Producer/Songwriter Billy Lawson; Opry Associate Producer, Talent Gina Keltner; T. Graham Brown; Sheila Brown; T. Graham Brown’s Manager Cole Johnstone and Opry SVP/Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo

T. Graham Brown was surprised during Opry Goes Pink night with a special presentation commemorating his first No. 1 album, From Memphis to Muscle Shoals.

The album debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Blues Album Chart and entered the Top 10 of the iTunes Country Albums Chart upon its release. It features collaborations with artists such as Bettye LaVette, Sam Moore, Delbert McClinton, Dwight Yoakam, Eddie Floyd, Little Anthony, Randy Houser, Sammy Hagar, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna and Zach Williams. In addition to its chart success, the 14-song collection has garnered over one million on-demand streams.

 

Patsy & Emmy Russell Chat On Got It From My Momma Podcast

Pictured (L-R): Beverly Keel (Change The Conversation), Patsy Russell, Leslie Fram (CTC), Jennifer Vickery Smith (host), Emmy Russell and Tracy Gershon (CTC)

Jennifer Vickery Smith’s Got It From My Momma podcast recorded live earlier this week with Loretta Lynn’s daughter Patsy Russell and her daughter Emmy Russell, who reflected on what it was like growing up with the country icon and her lasting legacy. The free event took place at BMI Nashville.

Just prior to her acoustic performances of “Skinny” and “The House That Built Me,” Emmy revealed that she and her fiancée Tyler are expecting their first child.

 

SongwritingWith:Soldiers Named Wounded Warrior Project Partner

SongwritingWith:Soldiers has been named a community partner by Wounded Warrior Project. Together, WWP along with SongwritingWith:Soldiers and its other partners will provide a broader and more complete range of services to build a trusted network of support to greatly improve the lives of warriors, their families and caregivers.

“War and service take a heavy toll. Coming home shouldn’t be more difficult, but too often it is for those we serve,” shares WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt. “Our community partners form a passionate and impactful network, driving real change. Together, we are not only improving the quality of life for veterans and their loved ones, but we are also saving lives and empowering others to do the same—providing a road home for everyone.”

 

Andrew Ellis Promoted At Bandit Lites

Bandit Lites has promoted Andrew Ellis to Project Manager. Ellis began his live events education early, working as a theater tech with various theatre companies in both high school and college.

Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Show Production from Full Sail University, he met Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites VP of Business and Innovation during an educational outreach event. Tickle hired Ellis as a freelance lighting technician in 2018 before he joined full time in 2021. While at Bandit, Ellis served as a tech and crew chief on several tours including Rob Thomas, Alanis Morrisette, Shinedown, Jason Aldean, Breaking Benjamin, Stick Figure and The Marley Brothers.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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