The Oak Ridge Boys, The Browns and guitarist Grady Martin were formally welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame during a gala concert in Nashville last night (Oct. 25). Their magnificent careers were celebrated not only with medallions, but also with loving words from family and friends, as well as memorable renditions of their best-known songs.

After opening remarks from BMI VP of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, the evening got underway in the CMA Theater with a salute to Martin, one of the most versatile guitarists in country music history. Martin, who died in 2001, is not remembered for one particular style of picking; instead he was being honored for his ability to give a song whatever it needed.

Vince Gill played Grady’s licks (and supplied tenor vocals) on a re-working of Marty Robbins’ 1959 classic “El Paso,” performed reverently by Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives. Next up, rock ‘n’ roll guitarist Duane Eddy revived the famous fuzz effect on “Don’t Worry” that made the song a huge hit for Robbins in 1961; chanteuse Mandy Barnett provided the sterling vocals.

And finally, guitarist Pete Wade – considered the heir to Grady’s guitar legacy – brought out the late instrumentalist’s famed “Big Red” Gibson 335 electric guitar to play “Fifteen Years Ago.” Originally a 1970 hit for Conway Twitty, the song enjoyed a terrific rendering by Buddy Miller. Although all of the selections were well-curated, Martin’s work can also be heard on country classics like “The Battle of New Orleans,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Satin Sheets” and “For the Good Times.”

Brenda Lee, who said that she demanded Martin to be booked on all of her hit-making sessions, tearfully remembered her friend while graciously acknowledging his legacy to the Nashville music community. He was inducted in the category of Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980.

“Grady Martin is in the songs we write, and he’s in the records we make, and he’s in the air we breathe,” Lee said. “He’s in the cranes we see around town, building skyscrapers, because people want to live and work here, and they want to make music here. Grady Martin is a big part of the reason why.”

She then introduced Martin’s son, Joshua, to the stage to accept the honor. Although Joshua said that he and his father shared a reluctance for the spotlight, he noted, “I know he’d want to be here, if he was still with us, because this is the highest honor you can achieve in country music. This is it.”

When it came time to recognize The Browns, who were inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category, Williams described them as the smoothest ensemble in country music history. A video montage explained the Arkansas natives’ long road to finding a significant national audience – until “The Three Bells” hit it big in 1959.

Texas swing musician Carolyn Martin and Nashville guitarist Chris Scruggs polished up a fun number, “Looking Back to See,” to honor the sibling trio. The Isaacs, a gospel group known for their family harmony, reprised their beautiful version of “The Three Bells” and received a standing ovation. Dierks Bentley concluded the tribute portion with “Pop a Top,” a 1967 solo hit for Jim Ed Brown after his sisters Maxine and Bonnie retired from the group.

Jim Ed Brown died earlier this year, but he did receive his medallion in his hospital room. Meanwhile, Maxine and Bonnie accepted their medallions from longtime friend, Bobby Bare. Jim Ed Brown’s widow, Becky Brown, was on hand to represent him.

Bonnie pointed out family members in the audience who made the trek to the ceremony, while Maxine told a few off-color jokes to the delight of the crowd. Becky took a thoughtful turn when she said of her husband, “He spent his whole life doing what he wanted to do, with people he loved, and for people he loved. He felt so blessed every day.”

As the final recipient of the night, The Oak Ridge Boys enjoyed a heartfelt version of their 1979-1980 hit, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” from Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna. After that, Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks turned the Oaks’ 1978 No. 1 hit, “I’ll Be True to You,” into a gorgeous duet. The Martin Family Circus (comprised of Oaks member Duane Allen’s daughter, son-in-law and four grandchildren) gave a cute update to “Elvira,” the group’s 1981 smash single.

Kenny Rogers spoke briefly about his close friendship with group members Allen, Richard Sterban, Joe Bonsall and William Lee Golden, then turned the microphone over the Oaks. As inductees in the Modern Era Artist category, they all reminisced at length about their careers.

“The Oak Ridge Boys are family,” said Bonsall. “We’ve always been family. Family is what’s most important. We tried to run our group that way. Trying to do what’s right. Trying to be honest always, like our parents taught us. Treat people right. I really think that’s why we’re here today.”

After the Oaks spoke, the crowd joined all of the performers in the familiar refrain of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” before enjoying a VIP banquet.

Along with Bare, Brooks, Gill and Lee, other Country Music Hall of Fame members in the audience included Harold Bradley, Roy Clark, Ralph Emery, Emmylou Harris, Charlie McCoy, Randy Owen of Alabama, Connie Smith, Ray Walker of The Jordanaires, and E.W. “Bud” Wendell.

BMLG has signed singer-songwriter Tara Thompson to its Valory Music Co. imprint. East Tennessee native Thompson is signed to a joint venture songwriting deal with Big Machine Music and Spoon’s Tunes Publishing.

BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta comments, “Tara has all the ingredients I’ve been looking for in a modern traditional country artist. A blood relative to the one and only Loretta Lynn, her tell-all and attitude-filled songwriting and feisty personality are going to crash through the stereotypes and knock down radio stations and beer joints coast to coast. A Tootsie’s World-Famous Orchid Lounge alum, country girls across the USA are on the eve of getting a new hero. Get ready for Tara Thompson.”

Thompson, who performed during a BMLG showcase weekend at Dollywood in late September, officially joins an artist roster that includes Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, The Mavericks, Eli Young Band, RaeLynn and Levi Hummon.

“I am so grateful to Scott Borchetta for taking a chance on a hillbilly singer from East Tennessee,” adds Tara. “Scott, George Briner, and the Valory/Big Machine staff are the best in the business, and I am thrilled to be a part of such a badass team! This is literally a dream come true!”

For the latest updates, visit taradamnthompson.com.

Jason Aldean Wraps Tour With $615,000 Donation

Jason Aldean donated $615,000 to breast cancer research during his show at the Coral Sky Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Sat., Oct. 24. As part of the 10^th annual “Concert for the Cure,” his donation will benefit Susan G. Komen South Florida.  The concert marked the conclusion of his 2015 Burn It Down Tour.

“I know firsthand how important it is to find a cure for breast cancer,” said Aldean. “So, looking out from stage Saturday night at a sea of pink was a pretty cool way to end the tour. For ten years now the fans have been helping us support Komen and I know we’re going to keep it up until nobody has to fight the disease anymore. 

Sam Hunt’s Street Party Moves to Wednesday Due to Weather

Sam Hunt’s street party in downtown Nashville will now take place on Wed., Oct. 28.

The outdoor event was postponed by a day due to incoming weather conditions.

The free concert, presented by Bose, will take place at 6 p.m. The stage will be on 5^th Ave. South between Demonbreun St. and Korean Veterans Blvd.

Travis Tritt Uncovers His Cabin’s Scary Secrets

Travis Tritt is scheduled to appear on the Lifetime Movie Network’s The Haunting Of… on Thurs., Oct. 29. The one-hour episode will feature Tritt discussing strange occurrences he’s encountered at his lakeside cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In the episode, world-renowned psychic-medium Kim Russo visits the house and uncovers the dark history of the secluded residence.

Haley & Michaels Step Into the Circle

New duo Haley & Michaels made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Sat., Oct. 24. They performed “The Price I Pay,” the first song they ever wrote together. They also sang their current single, “Giving It All (To You).” The single reached No. 11 on SiriusXM’s “The Highway” Hot 45 Countdown. NBC’s Today co-host Hoda Kotb also invited the married duo to perform that song on the show last month.

Music Choice Adds Santos To Lead Pop, Country, and Kids Formats

Nadine Santos has been hired to lead Music Choice’s programming team for its pop, country and kids formats. Santos will report to Mic Fox, Director of Programming & Strategy at Music Choice.

Santos worked at Music Choice from 2011-2013 as lead programmer for Music Choice Play linear network. She most recently served as Assistant Program Director/Music Director at 92.3 AMP Radio in New York City where she was responsible for strategic artist initiatives. She started her career out in radio at Power 105.1 in NY during the inaugural launch at the station and also worked at Atlantic Records.

Current rock programmer Gabby Canella, indie programmer Perry Schwartz and new country programmer Evan Levy will report directly to Santos. Santos can be reached at nsantos@musicchoice.com.

 

Radio Disney Country To Launch Nov. 4

Radio Disney Country, a country music-focused destination for families, will launch on Wednesday, Nov. 4 on the Radio Disney App.

The broadcast will originate from the 49^th Annual CMA Awards. The Radio Disney Country launch will be hosted by its new on-air personality Betsy Spina (Sirius XM’s “The Highway”).

Among the artists to be featured during the Radio Disney Country launch are Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn, The Band Perry, and more.

 

Carrie Underwood Celebrates Album Launch

Carrie Underwood celebrated the release of her Storyteller album in New York on Friday morning with a Citi Concert Series performance in Rockefeller Plaza on NBC’s Today. Her interview and performance are available on the Today website here.

 

Corey Smith Offers Career Wisdom To Students Via CMA EDU

Corey Smith spoke to students at the University of Alabama as part of CMA EDU. The University of Alabama chapter of CMA EDU has more than 30 students interested in pursuing a career in music. Smith spoke of his experience as an artist, life on the road, and took part in a Q&A with students. Before he became a full-time musician, Smith was a high school teacher in Augusta, Ga.