Nashville’s Music Industry Remembers Kenny Rogers

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Kenny Rogers is inducted into CMA’s Country Music Hall of Fame during a news conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late music legend Kenny Rogers, who died Friday (March 20) at his home in Georgia.

After he began recording as part of the band The Scholars in the late 1950s, and later as part of the New Christy Minstrels, Rogers found early radio success in the pop world as part of The First Edition (later renamed Kenny Rogers and The First Edition), with the 1968 hit “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In),” followed by “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town” in 1969. When the group broke up in the mid-’70s, Rogers transitioned to what would become a hugely successful solo career. His breakthrough solo hit “Lucille” came in 1977; he followed with several more hits, including the Dottie West collaborations “Every Time Two Fools Collide” and “Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight,” as well as “She Believed In Me” and the Don Schlitz-penned “The Gambler,” which would become one of Rogers’ signature hits, reach No. 1 on the country charts, earn Rogers a Grammy, and spawn a TV movie and several sequels.

Dolly Parton, who, alongside Rogers, released the Bee Gees-penned song “Islands In The Stream” in 1983, turning it into an iconic hit that topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Country chart, offered an emotional video tribute to her late singing partner.

“I know that we all know Kenny’s in a better place than we are today. But I’m pretty sure he’s going to be talking to God sometime today if he ain’t already,” she said. “And he’s going to be asking him to spread some light onto this darkness going on here.”

The hit duet led to a lifelong friendship between the two entertainers. They toured together, and released a collaborative Christmas album in 1984. In 2013, Rogers released the album You Can’t Make Old Friends, featuring Parton on the title track.

Rogers was a longtime friend and collaborator with Lionel Richie, who penned Rogers’ signature chart-topper “Lady.” When Richie released the country album Tuskegee in 2012, the album included a Richie/Rogers collaboration on the hit song. The two performed together several times throughout their careers, including at Bonnaroo in 2012.

Several others in the music community also offered their words of remembrance and admiration for the legendary star.

“The SESAC family is truly saddened to hear about the passing of Kenny Rogers. In both pop and country, Kenny was a music icon and made countless contributions to the world of entertainment over the decades.  It was an incredible honor to recognize Kenny with the SESAC Legacy Award in 2017, and that’s undeniably how he’ll be remembered—a true legacy and inspiration for so many of us. We’ll miss him greatly.”

-John Josephson, Chairman/CEO, SESAC

We are saddened by the passing of the legendary country and pop superstar Kenny Rogers. Throughout his nearly seven-decade career, Rogers received three GRAMMY Awards and was honored with the Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award in 1986 for the incredible impact he made on the music industry. As one of the first artists to successfully master the country/pop crossover, Rogers touched the lives of millions worldwide and led the way for many notable artists who followed. This is a great loss for the music industry, but his influence and legacy will continue. We’re thinking of his loved ones during this difficult time.
-Harvey Mason Jr., Chair/Interim President and CEO, Recording Academy

“The world has lost a great artist and interpreter of songs. I had the honor of announcing his election to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and was thrilled when I realized how much it meant to him. Even after all the other honors he had won, he was truly excited about this one. His accomplishments will live forever.”
–Bill Anderson

“No one bridged the gap between country and pop more often and better than K R. He will be missed but his music and diverse style of story-telling will live on forever.”
–Billy Ray Cyrus

“Going back to the late 70s and early 80s, we played a lot of dates together. He was one of the first artists to have a stage in the round, in the middle of the arena. He was also an accomplished photographer, and he shot some portraits of Howard and me. We really got to know Kenny through the years and are thankful for the memories. Love and prayers to his family.”
–David Bellamy, Bellamy Brothers 

“I had so much respect for Kenny Rogers – he was from Houston, Texas too. He was a truly unique vocalist and artist who easily transitioned from a group (First Edition), a duo, solo artist and actor. If he did it, it was the best.”
–Gene Watson

“Kenny Rogers was a dear family friend and he was one of the kindest, nicest guys. A true gentleman. I had the privilege sharing the stage with him as well as on screen, in the film Rio Diablo. The Judds were honored to celebrate him a few years ago during his tribute concert. Rest In Peace, Kenny. We love you. ”
–Naomi Judd

“Not just my hero, but my friend. Thank you for your guidance my brother. The world has lost the greatest storyteller.”
–Phil Vassar

“Hearing Kenny Rogers’ magnificent voice singing MY lyrics, my music, to ‘I’m Missing You,’ that was definitely a highlight! When KR sang that song, he OWNED it. What a talent and what a sweet man. Kenny, you certainly made this world a better place. Rest In Peace my friend.”
–Steve Wariner

“What a career, what a talent, what a legacy. Now this world is left with a big shadow, center stage where Kenny Rogers stood. No one else can take his place. Now he’s taken his place amongst the Heavenly stars. It’s a very sad day for all of us. But God is smiling. Rest easy my friend.”
–Tanya Tucker

“Kenny Rogers was one of the greatest, I’ve been thinking about him all day since I heard the sad news. When we went into Hall of Fame together, truth is, I thought he was already in! To be inducted alongside him made it that much more of an honor. ‘The Gamber’ is a great story song, so well written, and Kenny had an ear for really great songs. He had a magic voice, instantly recognizable. I will miss my friend.”
– Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member

“Kenny Rogers was a dear friend of mine. I worked with him back in 1959 in a recording studio in Houston, Texas. He was working with a jazz group known as the Bobby Doyle Trio at the time. A lot of folks didn’t know this, but Kenny played the upright bass on my first song that charted in Houston. I have lost a great friend and the music world has lost what I refer to as a superstar. He became a legend in country music, pop music and movies, as well. Truly a great talent overall. He will definitely be missed by me and all of his fans.”
– Mickey Gilley

“‘I love you. Stay in touch. Take care of yourself. And, if you ever start recording again, I want to be there’—kind words from my longtime friend, Kenny Rogers. He was always near when you needed him, with that infectious smile that lit a room. I had the honor of working with Kenny, numerous times, over the last 35 years—each time I was left a better person. The songs he gave us and the friendships he collected, will keep his all in touch with our brother, our hero, our friend. Rest easy, Kenny…we will record again, and you will be there. I love you, too!”
– Randy Travis, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member

“I am heartsick over the loss of my friend. We had many fun times-on and off stage! He took me around the world with him. Kenny was such a giving person. He taught me more than I could ever express. He invited me into the KR Family for which I am so thankful. Kenny shared everything… his talents, his stage… his family, friends and fans but most of all he shared his heart with me!! RIP Sweet Music Man.”
– Linda Davis

“I am filled with profound sadness with the loss of my friend and fellow artist, Kenny Rogers. God Bless him and his family. He will be greatly missed by all, but his outstanding legacy will live on. Love you, my friend.”
– Jerry Lee Lewis, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member

“Kenny Rogers was a pioneer in the music world. He was a friend of ALABAMA and will be missed by all. Rest in Peace.”
-Jeff Cook, ALABAMA

“Last night we lost a friend and one of the classic voices that easily melted county, rock and pop together in a way no one had done before. We will certainly miss you Kenny.”
-Teddy Gentry, ALABAMA

“With sadness I heard about the passing of a great Hall of Famer. Kenny Rogers was a special treasure to country music and the world. He will be missed by all.”
-Randy Owen, ALABAMA

“Thank you Kenny Rogers for being a part of our lives for so long. Your songs are woven into the fabric of our memories — classics, that will live on in the musical heart of a world that will miss you so much. Rest in peace, Gambler.”
-Charlie Daniels

“Kenny Rogers was truly an artist of the highest caliber. As a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actor, he opened doors and enhanced the careers of many other artists just by recording a song with them. His voice and smooth singing style enabled him to move in and out of different musical genres like walking from one room to the next. But music was not his only creative outlet. He was also an amazing photographer. Rest well my brother, you gave us a lot in this life!”
-Ricky Skaggs

“Kenny was a nice man and a great entertainer who had a way of making a song all his own. He will be missed.”
-Ray Stevens

“I have lost an old friend and the world has lost a consummate entertainer. ‘The Gatlin Boys’ did hundreds of shows with ‘Kenneth’ as we called him. More often than not, I watched from the wings as he masterfully strutted and fretted his hour upon the stage. Last night, ‘the Gambler he broke even.'”
-Larry Gatlin

“Kenny was one of the few that successfully crossed genres. I’ve been a fan from a long time back, and we will all miss his voice and style.”
-John Anderson

“As long as I can remember there has been Kenny Rogers. It began the moment daddy brought home his ‘First Edition’ album with the soon to be hit single ‘Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town.’ That song put daddy on the map as a songwriter, and Kenny Rogers became a legend in the making. And I loved that voice! Many years later as a fledgling entertainer, I got to open for him and watch a true master at work. A dream come true was getting to sing with him. Totally unreal. Another special moment was having Kenny Rogers, the photographer, take one of my favorite portraits of dad and I. Ever. A true renaissance man. Kenny, thank you for a lifetime of music and memories. Sending deepest sympathies to his family.”
-Pam Tillis

“To one of the old guys that taught me so much, God Bless you, Kenny. Keep an eye out for Larry Butler.”
-Doug Gray, The Marshall Tucker Band

“Kenny Rogers was not only my friend, he was my mentor. The void he leaves will be impossible to fill. Countless memories ‘Through the Years’ will never leave the people’s lives he so graciously touched. Rest in peace, dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wanda and his beautiful family.”
-T.G. Sheppard

“Kenny Rogers was a true southern gentleman. He brought sophistication, elegance and class to country music. He broke down many barriers and paved the way for so many artists. He taught me the importance of work ethic. My heart goes out to the entire Rogers family.”
-Billy Dean

“The world has lost a legend and a great man. He was one of a kind and such an amazing talent. Prayers to Kenny’s family from ours.”
-Aaron Tippin

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Kenny Rogers’ passing. I am honored to say that I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Kenny on many occasions. He was always so kind, respectful, and uplifting to me. Being chosen by Kenny to perform at his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction in New York City years ago was one of the great honors of my career. Whenever I asked for his help at a charity event or show, Kenny always said yes. He was a wonderful, kind, loving, human being and a truly amazing artist who transcended all genres for every generation. Kenny will never be forgotten. I’ll forever be grateful and humbled to have known him and shared the stage with him. There will never be another Kenny Rogers. May God be with you, my friend.”
-Collin Raye

“In a time such as the days we are living through, Kenny Rogers embraces a known bright tomorrow. He left the pain in this world and has moved onto the shores of the everlasting. To his family we send our deepest condolences.”
-Marty Raybon, Shenandoah

“Kenny Rogers set the gold standard for the music industry. Restless Heart was honored to tour with him in our early years, and we’ll never forget his kindness and encouragement. We were fortunate to perform with him again in 2013 and he still had the easy going manner, the storytelling magic and the unforgettable voice that made him a global superstar. We were inspired by his artistry and comforted by his humanity. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
-Dave Innis, Restless Heart

“Kenny’s songs, his voice and his style made a huge impact on me. He single-handedly changed the sound of the radio like no one else has since. What a wonderful human being as well. Thank you for your music, Kenny Rogers. You will be missed.”
-Larry Stewart, Restless Heart

“Kenny was always very kind to me. My mother was one of his biggest fans and he was very gracious to her as well. We will surely miss that unmistakable voice.”
-Darryl Worley

“What a super legend. He was always nice to me. God bless the “Sweet Music Man.”
-Sammy Kershaw

“The passing of Kenny Rogers is a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his musical legacy will endure forever.”
-Leroy Van Dyke

“Kenny was in Branson for a time with me. What a great talent and a great legend in our business. He was always so nice to me. I always respected his talents so much.”
-Moe Bandy

“I was deeply saddened by the news of Kenny’s passing. Early on, I was profoundly influenced by his work in ‘The First Edition.’ For me it represented an early country rock musical persona done in precise and ultimately professional style. He went on to stardom of staggering heights and remained gracious through it all. An extremely rare talent!”
-Henry Paul, BlackHawk / The Outlaws

Triple Play Tour With Walker Hayes, Brandon Ratcliff, Teddy Robb Canceled

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Walker Hayes‘ upcoming Triple Play Tour with special guests Brandon Ratcliff and Teddy Robb has been canceled due to recent developments with and concern about COVID-19.

“We are looking forward to getting this tour rescheduled as soon as possible to fill the clubs, bars, and venues that are being shuttered right now, with great music and lots of business.” said Hayes. “Stay tuned for updates. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

A statement from Monument notes that new details will be announced as they keep a close watch on the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials in the coming weeks, and anyone who has already purchased tickets should contact their point of purchase for refunds. Fans who have purchased a Walker Hayes VIP package can reach out to Veeps at support@veeps.com

ASCAP Launches New Coronavirus Resource For Music Creators

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ASCAP has launched “Music Unites Us,” a new resource especially for music creators to help respond to their unique needs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tailored to help songwriters stay healthy, creative, connected and financially stable during this uncertain time, it includes information on how to receive ASCAP royalties through direct deposit, online works registration, available financial assistance programs, and access to free services from ASCAP Wellness Benefit providers such as Aaptiv, BetterHelp and Shine. Information can be found on the site at ascap.com/musicunitesus.

The pandemic has profoundly disrupted life for those in the industry who depend on touring and live shows, as well as those who collaborate on music in person. Based on research from its 2019 U.S. Music Creator Wellness Survey and anticipated effects on music creators from the COVID-19 crisis, ASCAP is working to provide more resources on the page based on real-time wants and needs, and will promote it on social media using #MusicUnitesUs.

ASCAP has also joined a coalition of songwriter organizations urging Congress to provide more relief for music creators in any new stimulus packages.

Gibson Temporarily Closes US Offices, Offers Financial Assistance To Workers

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Guitar maker Gibson has closed its facilities until further notice, in an attempt to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Gibson’s Headquarters Team, based in Nashville, will work remotely for the foreseeable future. The company also took the preventative step to temporarily close their Bozeman, Montana facility as well.

The company will provide all Gibson hourly factory workers with $1,000 in support payments. Gibson’s staff includes nearly 400 factory workers, in addition to more than 100 employees in its custom guitar shop in Nashville.

The closure was announced following Nashville Mayor John Cooper‘s order on Sunday, March 22, that all non-essential businesses should close as part of the 14-day “Safer At Home Order.”
The company noted there have been no reported cases of coronavirus among the Gibson employee base.

“At the early stages of this unfortunate and ever-evolving situation, we took a proactive approach to monitoring and prioritizing the health and safety of our entire team around the world,” states James ‘JC’ Curleigh, CEO of Gibson. “I am proud of the way our teams have responded and we now shift our focus to supporting each other to get through this together.”

Within the past year, the company moved its headquarters to Cummins Station in downtown Nashville. Curleigh joined the company as CEO in 2018, after Gibson reemerged from bankruptcy protection.

BREAKING: ACM Awards Set New Air Date For Sept. 16

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The 55th annual Academy of Country Music Awards has set a new air date, now slated for Wednesday, Sept. 16, airing live on CBS from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. ET. The show will also stream live and on demand on CBS All Access.

As previously announced, Keith Urban, a 15-time ACM Award winner and reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, will host the event.

A venue for the newly-rescheduled awards show, as well as a performer lineup, will be announced soon.

The Academy of Country Music will broadcast the two-hour special ACM Presents: Our Country during the ACM Awards’s original April 5 timeslot at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS. The special will include at-home acoustic performances from top country artists, as well as clips of their favorite ACM Awards moments from previous years.

BREAKING: Kenny Rogers Passes Away At 81

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Kenny Rogers. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Kenny Rogers, a Country Music Hall of Fame member and legendary artist who delivered classic hits as “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” and “She Believes In Me,” passed away on Friday, March 20. He was 81.

Rogers garnered 20 No. 1 country hits between 1977 and 1987, many of which climbed the pop charts. During his lengthy career the international star sold more than 50 million albums in the United States alone. Rogers was a five-time CMA Award-winner and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

Growing up in public housing in Houston, he was exposed to R&B, pop, and jazz as well as country. His first professional group was a late-1950s vocal act called the Scholars, which had local hits in Houston. “That Crazy Feeling,” a 1958 solo hit on Carlton Records, earned him an appearance on “American Bandstand.”

During the early 1960s, Rogers played bass, and occasionally sang, in a Houston jazz trio. Membership in the New Christy Minstrels folk group spurred the founding of the First Edition, in which Rogers and other former Minstrels mixed folk, rock and country sounds. The new group went to No. 5 on the pop chart in 1967 with Mickey Newbury’s psychedelic “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” and gained several additional pop hits on Reprise Records.

After the group’s breakup in 1974, producer/executive Larry Butler signed Rogers to United Artists Records, on which he had modest hits until the stunning success of the mournfully catchy, Grammy-winning “Lucille” in 1977, which reached No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on the pop chart. For the next dozen years Rogers logged hit after hit, including “The Gambler” (1978-79), penned by Don Schlitz, “She Believes in Me” (1979) and “Coward of the County” (1979-80).

In 1980, on Liberty Records, Rogers’ No. 1 hit “Lady,” a romantic ballad written by pop star Lionel Richie, ruled the pop charts for six weeks. Successful duets included “Every Time Two Fools Collide” with Dottie West (1978) and the crossover smash “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” with Kim Carnes (1980). In addition to his five CMA Awards wins, Rogers piled up three Grammys as the country-pop era reached a peak, adding to his stature as one of country’s first artists to sell out arena shows.

Already a veteran TV performer, Rogers gained further exposure through acting in made-for-television movies, including a series of five treatments of “The Gambler.” His hit “Love the World Away” was a theme song in the era-defining 1980 film Urban Cowboy. The 1980s also saw hits on Liberty and RCA, including “Love Will Turn You Around” (1982), the Sheena Easton duet “We’ve Got Tonight” (1983), and the memorable Dolly Parton duet “Islands in the Stream” (1983), all country No. 1 songs that made the pop charts. Rogers appeared front and center in the megastar collaboration “We Are the World” (1985), scoring additional chart-toppers such as “Crazy,” “Real Love,” and the sensual George Martin-produced “Morning Desire.” But the solo hit “Tomb of the Unknown Love” (1986) and the Ronnie Milsap duet “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine” (1986) were Rogers’s last No. 1 country records until “Buy Me a Rose” (1999-2000), recorded with Alison Krauss and Billy Dean.

Later in life, Rogers invested in Branson, Miss., ventures, published several well-received photography books, authored two children’s books, engaged in major philanthropic endeavors, and launched a chain of restaurants. Though his chart success slipped in the late 1980s and 1990s through stints with Giant, Atlantic, Reprise and Magnatone, “Buy Me a Rose” (on Dreamcatcher) gave him a boost at the outset of the 21st century. He continued to tour and released hits collections and albums of new material, the latter including Water & Bridges (Capitol Nashville, 2006), which yielded the Top 20 hit “I Can’t Unlove You.”

Grand Ole Opry Launches Livestream Initiative To Connect Artists, Fans

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The Grand Ole Opry has developed a guide to help fans around the world discover upcoming livestream events as artists turn to the medium to stay connected to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developed with industry partners, the Opry’s guide to livestreams will be updated daily as new information becomes available.

Opry Entertainment Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit said, “With an abundance of livestreamed events happening daily, the Opry is excited to offer this resource to help fans continue to engage with their favorite artists and discover new music during this time where artists and fans are following recommendations to practice social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

View the guide here: opry.com/livestreamguide. Online submissions.to be considered for inclusion can be made at opry.com/livestreamsubmit

Music Companies Petition Congress For Financial Assistance

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Several music organizations and companies came together on Friday (March 20) to send a message to Washington, D.C. More than two dozen companies sent a letter to members of U.S. Congress, seeking financial relief for the greater music community as the coronavirus spread forces numerous venues of all capacities to close down for the foreseeable future, halting tours and concerts both in the U.S. and internationally.

The letter is addressed to Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy and Chuck Schumer, and signed by organizations including ASCAP, Americana Music Association, Country Music Association, Creative Artists Agency, Gospel Music Association, Global Music Rights, Live Nation, International Bluegrass Music Association, Recording Industry Association of America, WME, and more.

Read the letter in full below:
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader McCarthy, and Leader Schumer:

As united representatives of the large and diverse American entertainment community, we offer our sincere gratitude for your immense efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide much needed aid.

We understand the sacrifices our country is making and appreciate our shared responsibility. We will make the necessary adjustments to our lives but, unfortunately, there is no option for many in the entertainment community to work from home. Our home is on the road, on the

studio lot or in the theater, in venues across the country that must close during the pandemic, in front of live audiences or with cast members who cannot gather. For now, those performances – and our jobs – have vanished, along with the costly and personally devastating

investments we can never recover. Without help, we know that many in our community will find themselves homeless, hungry, and unable to tend to their medical needs.

The economic pain cuts even deeper, touching not only performers and musicians, but also managers, producers, promoters, stagehands, drivers, and countless others who are feeling the immediate repercussions of this new reality. This unprecedented economic loss caused by canceled performances and production shutdowns is being played out in bars, nightclubs, theaters, stadiums, concert halls, studios, and festivals in every state, sidelining thousands of workers.

The entertainment community will do what it can to support its members, but this moment calls for the unmatched capabilities of Congress. As you navigate the difficult path to providing necessary aid to distinct sectors of our economy, we ask that you specifically address the unique nature of our work. Payroll tax holidays, paid leave, and other typical assistance may never reach many in the entertainment community; in fact, direct financial aid remains one hopeful – and perhaps best – solution to replacing lost income and offering some semblance of
economic sustainability.

We propose a similar benefit to the Emergency Paid Leave in Division C of HR 6201, along with emergency unemployment insurance access, available to those who cannot work due to a canceled performance or a production shut down. This fund and expanded unemployment insurance access and benefits would ensure that hundreds of thousands of families across the country can continue to pay rent, put food on the table, and care for their children during this public health emergency. In addition, we encourage you to be as inclusive as possible when crafting emergency paid leave, tax credits, and other programs – the unique nature of our industry means rules that require beneficiaries to have had a single, long-term employer will  simplyleave our entire workforce behind.

We all look forward to the end of this crisis. Certainly, entertainment will help us get through it. But we must take care of the many people in the American entertainment community who will help us heal, rebuild, and bring us back together, in public and in spirit. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Actors’ Equity
Alliance for Recorded Music (ARM)
American Association of Independent Music (A2IM)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
Americana Music Association
Artist Rights Alliance (ARA)
ASCAP
The Azoff Company
The Broadway League
California IATSE Council
Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA)
Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA)
Country Music Association (CMA)
Gospel Music Association (GMA)
CreativeFuture
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE)
Digital Media Association (DiMA)
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Entertainment Union Coalition
Full Stop Management
Global Music Rights (GMR)
Gospel Music Association
Independent Music Professionals United (IMPU)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)
Live Nation
Music Artists Coalition (MAC)
Music Business Association (MusicBiz)
Music Managers Forum – US
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA)
Paradigm Talent Agency
Recording Academy
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
SESAC
Songwriters of North America (SONA)
SoundExchange
Southern Gospel Music Guild
United Talent Agency (UTA)
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Writers’ Guild of America, East

The Onsite Foundation’s Triumph Over Tragedy Program Brings Community, Healing To Mass Shooting Survivors

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Laura Hutfless

On Aug. 31, songwriter/producer Shane McAnally will join actress and activist Sophia Bush at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, as hosts for The Onsite Foundation’s Hope Rising gala, which will raise funds to help provide mental and emotional health services to vulnerable communities, particularly veterans and first responders, bereaved parents, and survivors of mass shootings from around the country.

One of the programs that will benefit from the upcoming soiree is The Onsite Foundation’s Triumph Over Tragedy workshop, which launched earlier this week in Nashville as a source of community, education and most importantly, hope for survivors of mass shootings.

As a Partner and co-founder at Nashville-based entertainment agency FlyteVu, Laura Hutfless has worked with many in Nashville’s music industry and fan community, including some who were impacted by the mass shooting that took place at Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Festival in 2017, when a gunman fired on a crowd of concertgoers, killing 58 attendees and injuring more than 500.

Hutfless has seen firsthand the long-term struggles that survivors of mass shootings have to face, ongoing struggles that inspired her to help create an avenue for survivors in need of healing.

“For me, it was being in the music community, and those affected by Route 91, knowing artists and managers who were there, and seeing them really struggle with coming back and going back into what you would consider a normal life, or, what for them is a new normal, and some people struggle with that—for weeks, for months, and even still.”

For Hutfless, the impetus is both professional and personal. Hutfless’ boyfriend Austin Eubanks was a survivor of the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School, in Littleton, Colorado, which left 12 students and one teacher dead. Eubanks, who was 17 at the time of the Columbine shootings, was shot in the hand and the knee, and witnessed the death of his friend.

In the years following. Eubanks struggled with addiction to opioids, due to drugs he had been prescribed to treat physical pain, but did little to help him cope with the emotional pain. The addiction later included alcohol and other drugs. By 2016, Eubanks had celebrated five years of sobriety, and worked as a motivational speaker and leader for the Foundry Treatment Center, openly sharing his story to help others struggling with addiction. Last year, his story took an abrupt turn. Eubanks died of an accidental heroin overdose. He was 37.

“When I met Austin, I learned about his story and saw the struggles he had, even 20 years later,” Hutfless shares. “After he passed away, I received calls from other survivors. They had lost hope and he had been such an advocate for them, such a role model, that they didn’t know where to turn. I looked up places that could help and there weren’t many, so I decided we had to do something.”

Determined to carry on with the work Eubanks had started, Hutfless turned to friends at The Onsite Foundation, to help create the six-day Triumph Over Tragedy workshop, which earlier this week welcomed nearly 60 survivors from across the country to Onsite’s 250-acre campus outside of Nashville. All participants received a full scholarship to attend the program.

“There are so many incidents now, it’s become commonplace,” she says. “And unfortunately, we often forget about the survivors.”

No cell phones or computers are allowed during the program, giving attendees the space to fully focus on education and community. They work with therapists throughout the week and find community in others who have had similar experiences.

To make certain the program would successfully meet the needs of those attending the program, The Onsite Foundation formed a Survivor Advisory Council, a six-person group that includes mass shooting survivors from Columbine, Charleston, Parkland, Thurston, Las Vegas and Aurora. The program address various phases of trauma a survivor goes through, from the acute phase (within three months of an incident), intermediate (within the first year following an incident) and long-term management.

“They learn about fight and flight response, why they have anxiety or nightmares, or hyper-vigilance, all of those things. It’s about education and creating a safe environment,” says Hutfless. “It’s also about community. We know the only way to offload pain is community and so many survivors feel alone. They isolate, they don’t want to talk about what they are going through.”

In situations such as Route 91, attendees who congregated at the music festival then dispersed back to hometowns across the nation to begin the healing process—often returning to communities where they are the only people who have experienced such a tragedy.

“Just being in a room with people who have experienced the same thing is healing in and of itself.”

The program also addressed unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drugs, alcohol, pornography, even the overuse of technology.

“There are so many options to medicate and numb the pain,” Hutfless says. “To quote Austin, he always said his drug of choice was more, more of whatever would numb that pain. So they talk about all of the ways people self-medicate and how that blocks healing from taking place.”

The program has been working to integrate aftercare for those attending the Nashville program, as many survivors go back to small towns where therapy may not be adequate, or even available.
“We’ll have coaches checking in with each person and digital portals where everyone can continue to connect. If they have a therapist when they are coming into the program, we’ll transition them back to their therapist and if they don’t, we’ll work to find one in their community.”

The Onsite Foundation aims to bring other variations of the workshop to additional locations, to service those who are not able to make the trip to Nashville, while Hutfless says she is proud the program is being held in Music City.

“Especially with what Nashville’s music industry and fans went through [during Route 91] that’s part of why we’re so proud to live in this community, because you see this community come together in ways that you don’t in other cities.”

Scotty McCreery Postpones Tour In UK, Ireland Until October

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Scotty McCreery has announced he’s postponing his upcoming May concerts in the U.K. and Ireland out of caution due to the COVID-19 outbreak and rescheduling them for October.

“I’ve really been looking forward to coming over this Spring, but my first priority is the health and safety of my fans, venue owners and staff, and my band and crew,” said McCreery. “It may be a few months later than we had originally planned, but I can’t wait to come over to the U.K. and Ireland in October and see everyone. We will all get through this together.”

All shows except for Bristol, England (originally set for May 19) will be rescheduled to the new dates listed below, and original tickets remain valid. The Bristol show unfortunately could not be rescheduled, so tickets for that date will be refunded, and ticketholders should contact their point of purchase for refund information.

“I’m so sorry Bristol,” said McCreery. “I am very disappointed that I’m not able to perform in your city on the rescheduled tour. I hope to be there on a future U.K. tour, and I hope some of you are able to come to our London show since it is now on a Saturday.”

Rescheduled dates:
10/1/20-Manchester, England-O2 Ritz
10/3/20-London, England-O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
10/5/20-Glasgow, Scotland-Old Fruitmarket
10/6/20-Belfast, Northern Ireland -The Limelight  (Sold Out)
10/7/20-Dublin, Ireland-Academy Dublin