Country Music Journalist & Author Vernell Hackett Passes

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Vernell Hackett

Vernell Hackett, a beloved journalist and author, passed away on Aug. 14 after going into cardiac arrest at the Chicago airport en route to Mexico for vacation. She was 77.

Hackett’s legacy as a country music writer included time as editor of Country News, Country Rhythms and American Songwriter magazines. She was a founder of American Songwriter, and helmed the publication as editor-in-chief for more than a decade. Hackett also freelanced for many other publications and syndicators throughout her career, and mentored many young reporters.

A native of Riesel, Texas, Hackett has originally planned to be a crime reporter, inspired by her brother Bubba, a Houston police office. After college, she and her husband Ken moved to Buffalo, New York before relocating to Nashville, where her career as a music journalist began. Hackett took a job at Top Billing International, working for legendary booking agent Tandy Rice, who represented Dolly Parton, Jim Ed Brown, Jerry Clower, Porter Wagoner, Jeannie C. Riley, Tom T. Hall and more. She later worked in the communications department at the Country Music Association.

Hackett also spent time in public relations, representing artists such as country star Chris LeDoux, award-winning bluegrass artist Dale Ann Bradley, singer-songwriter Ryan Murphey, western singer-songwriter Joni Harms, Americana duo Jesse & Noah, John McEuen and cowboy singer-songwriter/rancher Randy Huston.

As an author, Hackett wrote Ghosts, Gangsters and Gamblers of Las Vegas with longtime friends Liz Cavanaugh and Michelle Honick. She also wrote a biography of Carrie Underwood.

Hackett was known as a gifted writer whose integrity earned the trust of country music’s elite, and a noted philanthropist who was particularly passionate about animal rights. She worked with animal rescues and was a major supporter of the Robyn’s Nest shelter

Hackett is survived by her nephew Glen Boswank of Nashville and niece Katy Prewitt of Kaufman, Texas.

A celebration of life will be held for for Hackett on Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

LB Cantrell
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