SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame Inducts Six More ‘Women Behind The Music’

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Lori Badgett, Pam Russell, Kay West, Gina Keltner and Mary Self; (L-R, bottom row): Co-Host Kelly Sutton, Cheryl Harris and Co-Host Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments by Moser

SOURCE Nashville hosted its annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards last night at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inside Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium, gathering industry insiders, songwriters, artists, producers, family and friends for the beloved event.

Six “women behind the music” were inducted into the prestigious hall: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West. They were honored throughout the sold-out evening, hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and radio/TV personality Kelly Sutton.

This year’s ceremony carried a reverent tone following the recent passing of longtime host and past inductee Jeannie Seely. Seely, along with co-host Brenda Lee—unable to attend this year—had long been a cornerstone of the event. Their warmth, humor and enduring friendship were remembered fondly, with Barnett and Sutton stepping in to lead the night with grace.

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is Nashville’s longest-running organization for women in the music industry, dedicated to fostering relationships, education, networking and community service. The SOURCE Awards, created by Kay Smith in 2003, honor the “women behind the music” who have shaped Nashville’s music business.

Each August, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the women whose work built and continues to sustain Music Row—and this year was no exception.

After welcoming remarks from SOURCE Awards chair Erica Rosa and dinner, SOURCE President Kari Barnhart introduced the hosts, who thanked sponsors and guests before beginning the presentations—starting with Cheryl Harris.

Harris, a fixture at Music Row business management firm O’Neil Hagaman, was celebrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The superstar couple praised her steadiness and kindness through pivotal career and personal moments. Harris spoke about her deep relationships in the business, and told stories about building O-Neil Hagaman with Kerry O’Neil and Al Hagaman.

“For someone who loves being behind the scenes, I’m overwhelmed standing here in front of you,” Harris said. “God has truly guided me through my entire life, bringing so many special people and unexpected opportunities my way.”

Next up was longtime publicist and journalist Kay West. West was honored with a video message from George Strait, who she worked with for a long time. He thanked her for her hard work, saying she had the tricky task of coming up with a lot of ways to say no to the media.

West reflected on her journey from a New York editor to Nashville publicist to writer once again. She shared humorous stories from her career but also spoke earnestly about mentorship from industry legends like Frances Preston.

“Frances, from our very first meeting, started putting me on committees and boards and things like that that really shaped my life. I emulated everything she did. I tried to be like her,” West said. “It is our privilege to pay that forward to other women. SOURCE has been doing that now since it was founded.”

Grand Ole Opry booker Gina Keltner followed, honored by a video from Opry executive Dan Rogers and the Opry staff decked out in Elvis costumes. Rogers spoke about her commitment to both the Opry and her family.

“One of my very first memories as a child was sitting in the back of my family car and watching my dad turn the radio dial. His ears perked up when music came through the speakers, and I can still hear him saying, ‘that’s the Grand Ole Opry coming all the way from Nashville, Tennessee,’” Keltner shared. “That little girl has been blessed to work at the Opry for 26 years.”

Pam Russell, a celebrated sales executive, received a video tribute from Reba McEntire, who congratulated her and the other honorees. Russell recalled years of working with artists and buyers, from backstage at George Strait shows to industry gatherings at Reba’s home during Fan Fair.

“My job over the years took me to a lot of places. Amarillo, Texas, Bentonville, Arkansas and Minneapolis—in the dead of winter,” Russell said. “Countless concerts and endless in-stores. It gave me moments I will never forget.”

ASCAP’s Mary Self was honored next, with ASCAP President Paul Williams praising her decades of dedication to songwriters and her generosity of spirit. Self will mark 40 years with the PRO in January.

“I’ve been fortunate to work at ASCAP for four decades. I’ve worked in three different buildings and have had five bosses, all of which I’ve learned something from,” Self said. “An essential part of my journey have been the friendships I’ve made along the way. I’ve worked with some incredible people who have become much more than co-workers.”

The evening concluded with City National Bank’s Lori Badgett, honored by country legend Gene Watson, who has known her since childhood through her late father, Ed Stone.

Badgett reflected on her path in entertainment banking and expressed gratitude to her partner Diane Pearson, the CNB team and her family.

“There’s so much love and history in this room. I hope you feel the love and support from City National Bank. We want to take good care of you,” she said. “Thank you for my SOURCE Award. I’m so honored.”

LB Cantrell
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