Industry Ink: Pat McLaughlin, Toby Keith, Music Community Foundation, CMHOFM

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Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Features Pat McLaughlin In Poets and Prophets Program

Pictured (L-R): Allison Moorer, Pat McLaughlin and Kyle Young. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a program with Pat McLaughlin for its in-depth interview series Poets and Prophets. The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music in a conversation moderated by museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer.

McLaughlin arrived in Nashville in 1977 and earned his first chart-topper with Steve Wariner’s “Lynda.” He has earned additional notable cuts with Tanya Tucker and Delbert McClinton’s “Tell Me About It,” Josh Turner’s “Firecracker,” Gary Allan’s “Songs About Rain” and John Anderson’s “Years,” among others.

 

OU Student-Athlete Center To Be Named In Toby Keith’s Honor


A new student-athlete center at Oklahoma University will be named the Toby Keith Family Performance Center following a significant philanthropic commitment. Construction is set to begin in the coming months and completion is expected in 2028.

“Naming this performance center in [Keith’s] honor is something that truly reflects his impact, and his legacy will continue to live on,” says OU Head Baseball Coach Skip Johnson. “Toby changed so many lives, and this player development facility will further change the lives of future student-athletes that step foot into the building.”

“We’re proud to support Skip, this program and these student-athletes, and to carry forward something Toby cared so deeply about,” says Keith’s widow, Tricia Covel on behalf of the family. “I know he would have loved being a part of it. We’re honored to help shape this next chapter and excited to see what the future holds for Oklahoma Baseball.”

 

Music Community Foundation Celebrates Official Launch

Photo: Courtesy of Music Community Foundation

Last week, industry members gathered to celebrate the launch of Music Community Foundation, an organization designed to help artist-led philanthropy initiatives.

“This night has been a long time coming, and there was something incredibly special about having so much of the MCF family together in one room to celebrate,” shares Rondal Richardson, Executive Director of Music Community Foundation. “We’ve seen firsthand the collective impact that happens when artists lead with their hearts and trust us to be a partner in their giving journey. Last week was a celebration of everything this community has already accomplished together, but even more importantly, of what we can build together in the years ahead.”

MCF builds on three decades of philanthropic work through CFMT, providing artists, managers and industry partners with the infrastructure, expertise and tools to create and sustain charitable initiatives. Since its beginnings, the program has generated more than $300 million in charitable impact, including $213 million in new gifts since 2018. Artist-led initiatives have also generated more than $90 million in philanthropic support to nonprofits, with impact reaching communities in all 50 states and beyond.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosted ‘The Endless Road’ Film Screening

Jon Freeman, Jeremy Dylan, Tommy Emmanuel and Brian Penix. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a film screening of the new documentary, The Endless Road, which tells the story of guitar ace Tommy Emmanuel. Following the screening, Museum Writer-Editor Jon Freeman led a discussion with Emmanuel, director Jeremy Dylan, and producer Brian Penix about the making of the documentary.

The documentary follows Emmanuel’s family struggles and battle overcoming addiction while developing into one of the most admired guitar players in the world. Additionally, it highlights Emmanuel’s relationship Chet Atkins, who bestowed upon Emmanuel the title of Certified Guitar Player, or CGP.

Lauryn Sink
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